Chapter Ten
“…significant damage… Your insurance will cover it.”
Aleck nodded, absorbing Colin’s words even as he kept one eye on the deputy interviewing Delonna.
They’d been lucky as hell. If it had happened thirty seconds sooner he might’ve been hit by gunfire, or at the very least hit by the shattering glass.
Someone had shot up his pub. Had deliberately fired several rounds of a semi-automatic into the front window of his pub. The flimsy drapes had been pulled shut at closing—so no one would’ve seen what kind of trouble he and Delonna were up to.
But Aleck wasn’t the slightest bit convinced the incident was random. He couldn’t believe it was a couple of teenagers or drunks out having fun. He suspected the person who’d shot up the pub was the same man who’d gone after Delonna earlier in the week.
As if sensing his gaze on her, she glanced up and met his stare. A look of torment flashed in her eyes, before she looked away and resumed answering the deputy’s questions. Aleck had finished being questioned not moments earlier.
“She all right?”
Aleck glanced at his brother who’d spoken.
“Delonna? Aye, I think so. She was a bit more shaken up than I was, though, when it happened.”
“Mmm. I can imagine. Quite late for you both to still have been here, aye?”
There was no denying the speculation in Colin’s tone, or the knowing look in his eyes.
“We were talking.” And by talking he meant shagging.
“Ah, right. Of course you were.” Amusement danced momentarily in Colin’s otherwise grim gaze.
Shite, they’d gotten dressed in record time after Aleck had placed a call to the police. Delonna had been in the midst of disinfecting the pool table when the police had arrived.
Colin had of course been texted and informed, in what must have been some sort of silent code in the law enforcement community. When it came to family, you got notified immediately.
“I don’t like the looks of this,” Colin admitted. “I think whoever did this is after Delonna and is likely the same bloke who attacked her at her home.”
Aleck gave a short nod. “Agreed. Have they learned anything about the first attack? Any suspects?”
“Unfortunately, no. And no leads on locating the ex-boyfriend either.”
Aleck swore softly. “All this violence and these threats have fallen on her, and she’d nothing to do with her ex’s quandaries.”
“Aye, the poor lass.” Colin gave him a considering look. “You seem quite a bit concerned with Delonna, and a bit less so about your pub.”
“Don’t be daft.” Aleck glowered at his brother. “I’m bloody livid that my pub was on the receiving end of this bastart.”
They both glanced over at someone who was collecting the shell casings. More officers were outside checking to see if any evidence was left behind.
“But I’m worried for Delonna,” Colin admitted, lowering his voice. “Whoever this bloke is, his ‘warnings’ are just escalating in danger. You’re lucky neither of you was injured, or even killed, tonight.”
“I know.” His jaw clenched as he struggled to control his anger and fear for Delonna’s safety.
“She’ll remain at your house?”
“Aye, of course.” He shook his head. “I’m not sure it’s enough anymore, though.”
“What are you thinking?”
Aleck pulled his gaze away from the bar counter. He was thinking that bloody deputy was going to dismantle the counter trying to get a bullet out of it.
“I’m not quite certain,” he muttered, “but I’ll let you know when I am.”
With that, he strode off to tell the deputy to go easy on his pub.
*
“Where are you off to?”
Delonna flinched and halted in her attempts to quickly escape to the spare bedroom.
“I was going to head to bed. I’m not really up for watching a movie tonight,” she murmured, trying not to meet his gaze.
“Aye, I’m quite tired too and sleeping sounds amazing after the night we’ve had. But you’re going the wrong way, luv. My room’s at the other end of the hall.”
Now she did lift her gaze, unable to hide the skepticism in it. “You want me to sleep in your room?”
“Aye. You did last night, and I quite like the idea of having you in my bed again.” He paused, appearing a little chagrined as a sexy smile crossed his face. “Just a bit of cuddling, of course. I think we’re both too tired for much more.”
He was right on that last part.
“Last night I pretty much forced myself into your room because of the storm. You don’t need to feel obligated—”
“It’s no obligation, Lana.” He moved slowly toward her, until they were just inches apart, and he reached down to take her hand. “It’s me enjoying the feel of having you in my arms. Knowing you’re safe.”
His voice cracked just the tiniest bit on that last word, and her heart quickened. He cared about her. He wasn’t saying it, but she could see it in his eyes and in the not-quite-hidden emotion in his voice.
“All right.” Before she could second-guess herself, she nodded.
Only some minutes later, when they were buried under the covers with their bodies spooned together, did she start to wonder if this had been smart.
A needy part inside her had jumped at his unspoken offer of support—just the opportunity to be held. How long had it been since she’d had that? Not with James. If she let herself admit it, he hadn’t really been more than good sex, and the occasional concert and dinner out.
Aleck was different. Everything about the way she was with him was different. And what she’d thought was good sex with James had turned out to be just decent. Sex was amazing with Aleck.
With her body tucked up against his, a protective muscled arm around her waist and her head tucked beneath his chin, she couldn’t deny the possibility that she was falling for him a little.
No man had ever made her feel this safe and protected before. Feel so at peace, even when her world was chaos. And for this moment, she’d take that mental escape from all the bad crap going on.
A pang of guilt hit that her troubles had now spilled over into Aleck’s world.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly.
“You’re supposed to be asleep.”
“I know. I’m halfway there.” And she was. Being held like this relaxed her to the point that sleep just meant closing her eyes for a few minutes and trying to turn off her mind.
“You can stop apologizing. You did so both in the pub and the drive home. This isn’t your fault, and you can stop blaming yourself.”
“Maybe not intentionally my fault, but I dated the asshole who turned out to have some really awful acquaintances.”
“Again, not your fault. It could’ve happened to anyone, Lana.” He kissed the top of her head. “Forget about it for now and get some sleep.”
She closed her eyes, trying to stop the barrage of thoughts in her mind. It worked for the most part, but one scene from the night began to flicker through her memory. Sex on the pool table. The whole thing had been so sensual and so naughty. And she’d loved every minute of it. Something he’d said during had stuck in her head.
And now, she couldn’t help saying softly, “My flirting wasn’t completely harmless by the way.”
“Hmm?” His reply was a drowsy murmur.
“When we were in the middle of sex, you brought up my flirting. I meant it to come off as flippant and harmless when I would flirt with you in the last few years.” She hesitated. “But there was a part of me that meant it. A part of me that was so completely drawn to you, even though I was with someone else.”
The arm around her waist tightened, and she wished they were face-to-face so she could see his expression.
“Well,” he finally murmured, “clearly I should’ve seduced you earlier.”
A tired laugh escaped her. “Clearly. Though if you remember, I started this all.”
“Mmm, and I’ll finish it.”
Before she’d realized his intent, he’d shifted and eased her onto her back. Her breath caught as he braced himself on one elbow beside her and kissed her belly.
“Again?” Her eyes widened. “I thought you were tired.”
“Apparently I’m never too tired for you.”
He kissed lower and lower, until she was still and waiting for his mouth to reach its target destination.
Her pulse was going a mile a minute as she parted her thighs for him. He immediately repositioned his body so he was lying between her legs, and a moment later his mouth found what it sought.
The touch of his tongue on her most sensitive spot had her hips rising and her reaching blindly to grip his hair. Unlike the hard frenzied sex from earlier, this was gentle yet equally sensual.
After just minutes of his steady exploration of her body with his tongue, she was falling apart with a soft cry of pleasure. A moment later he had on a condom and eased inside her. His strokes just as gentle and unhurried as his mouth has been.
It was that stage of being equally exhausted and aroused, and she felt almost meditative in the way her body accepted the thick length of him. They found a languid rhythm, and she knew he was just as close to release as she was. When they both reached their peaks it was nearly simultaneously.
Afterward her heartbeat returned to normal and they were a tangle of limbs beneath the covers. She pressed a kiss to his shoulder, loving the weight of his body—so potently hard and male—on hers.
“Sleep now?” she murmured.
“Sleep now,” he agreed, and moved off her. He took a second to toss the condom into the garbage, before he returned and they were once again cuddling.
Delonna frowned slightly. Already there was an ease between them that was more akin to a couple who’d been together for years. Not two people who’d only just become lovers.
As her mind drifted off to sleep, she again had to accept the knowledge that she’d let him inside her heart, and much too fast. She needed to figure out a way to stop it. But it was hard to hit the brakes on a runaway train.
*
“I hope you haven’t any plans, because we’re having dinner at Sarah and Ian’s place.”
At the excuse me look on Delonna’s face, Aleck realized he might’ve phrased that a bit better.
“I mean, if you’d like to join us, we’d appreciate your presence,” he corrected, with a lazy grin.
“From an inarguable command, to an all-kinds-of-proper invite,” she drawled.
She paused in the midst of folding laundry—which was still a bit odd to him, having a female besides his ma sorting through his underwear, but she’d insisted on being useful if she stayed here.
He’d arranged their schedules to be aligned so he could both keep her safe, if need be, and they could carpool together. At least that’s what he’d told her. He quite fancied sharing his free time with her.
It was certainly convenient when he had the itch to stop everything and drag her off to the bedroom to shag. Or the couch. Or even in the kitchen. They’d broken in all those places since he’d brought her here to stay.
“Aren’t these dinners a family thing?” she asked, arching a brow as she folded a pair of his jeans.
“Aye, but you’ve become a significant presence in our little group.” And now that they were sleeping together, maybe even a bit more.
She shook her head, and her ponytail swung adorably. Shite, everything was adorable about her right now. The pink plaid flannel pajama bottoms, and the tight gray top that hugged her lovely breasts.
“Aleck…” She sighed. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay with me twenty-four seven. That you feel obligated to bring me to family events.”
He closed the distance between them, catching her wrist and tugging her to him. She dropped the jeans in her grasp and slid into his arms.
“I want you to come tonight.” He pressed a soft kiss to her equally soft lips. “Everyone there already loves you and will be more put out if you’re not there.”
She grimaced. “You’re not just saying this—”
“I swear I’m not.” He kissed her longer this time. “I want you near me.” A deeper kiss now, and she seemed to melt into him. “To make sure you’re protected.”
She seemed to stiffen at that last comment and pulled away slightly.
“To keep me protected,” she said softly. “Of course.”
Something about the way she said it made him frown slightly.
“What time is dinner?” she asked, turning back to the laundry.
“Five thirty.”
“Well then I’d better get the day started. I want to go running before then.”
“I’ll come.”
“No.” She shook her head and averted her gaze. “Really, it’s my alone time. Almost meditative and gives me moments to gather my thoughts.”
He wouldn’t force it, but he did hate the idea of her out there alone with all that had happened. “You know,” he said quickly, “I have a fantastic treadmill in the garage that would—”
“Thanks, but I’m an outside runner.” She grabbed the laundry basket and moved past him. “I’ll be done and ready by four though.”
He watched her leave, adorable rounded ass swishing, and bit back a groan. Too bad he couldn’t talk her into another, more sensual form of exercise.
*
“How are the steaks coming?”
Aleck stepped into the kitchen where his brothers were taking their once-a-month turn at preparing dinner.
“Brilliantly. They should be done shortly,” Colin replied, as he leaned back against the counter.
Ian grinned. “Aye, trust you to show up when all the work has already been done.”
“I’m here now.” Aleck tossed a bag of lettuce on the table. “And I’ve brought the requested salad.”
Colin’s brows drew together. “You’ve brought a bag of leaves.”
“That counts as a salad. I’m not wrong.”
Ian snorted and shook his head. “Such a pretty face, and yet the man can’t even make a proper salad. Fortunately Sarah has trained me well.”
Ian made his way to the fridge and pulled out several bottles of dressing, and several other toppings.
“Did you convince Delonna to come tonight?” Colin asked, as he ripped open the bag of lettuce and dumped it in a bowl.
“Aye. She’s out playing with Ian’s children. I gave her no choice on coming, really. I wasn’t about to leave her alone.”
“And you shouldn’t.” Ian rinsed a container of cherry tomatoes in the sink and dumped them on top of the lettuce. “The whole situation has slipped from dodgy to downright dangerous.”
“It has,” Aleck agreed. “It’s not safe for her here. I’m not even sure I can keep her protected.”
“You’ve a gun though, right?” Ian asked, sprinkling some feta cheese onto the salad now.
“Aye,” he admitted grimly. “And I’ll use it if need be.” And right now, it was looking more likely.
“I could speak with some folks at the department and arrange a safe place for her, Aleck,” Colin said. “This is getting a bit intense.”
“No.” He didn’t care for the idea of anyone else watching over Delonna. Not a bit. “She’s under my protection.”
“Quite gallant of you really. And for someone who’s just an employee of yours, aye?” Ian’s lips twisted. “Maybe a friend too.”
Knowing where this was going, Aleck kept his own mouth closed and refused to take the bait.
“Friend with benefits,” Colin murmured.
Ian gave a short guffaw and returned to the salad with a bag of candied pecans.
“If you’re trying to wind me up, it’s not working,” Aleck drawled.
“Is it not?” Ian asked.
Well, maybe it was. Realizing he was clenching his fists at his sides, Aleck relaxed his grip.
“Before you arrived,” Ian continued, “we were making wagers on how long you and Delonna lasted—when she came to stay with you—before you started shagging.”
“That is none of your fookin’ business,” Aleck roared as he lost his attempt to appear unfazed. “Ah, you bloody wankers.”
His brothers laughed, as Aleck strode to the fridge to grab a beer.
“He’s not so good taking it as he is in dishing it out,” Colin murmured to his twin.
“No, can’t say that he is.” Ian grinned. “You’re right, we’re just winding you up. We quite like Delonna, and are happy to see you dating—”
“We’re not dating.” He popped off the cap on the beer and took a swig.
They were sleeping together. Two very different things. There were no romantic dinners out. No strolls on the beach holding hands. It was sex with a friend. So, aye, Colin was right in a way. Friends with benefits. Still, he wasn’t about to confirm it aloud.
The silence from his brothers had him glancing up from his own brooding thoughts and meeting the twins’ equally matched contemplative stares.
Aleck took another sip. “What?”
“It’s not such a bad thing to seek out a relationship,” Colin said cautiously.
“For another man, no, likely not. For someone like me? Aye, it would be.” His fingers clenched around the bottle. “I’m not interested in that sort of thing.”
“You truly don’t want a wife someday? Children?” Ian asked, visibly confounded.
There was the familiar, invisible punch in the stomach if he let his mind go there. For a moment he was sixteen again, running through the wynds of Edinburgh, stealing kisses with a gorgeous brunette. Just as quickly as they came, he reeled the memories back in. Eased that wall back up around his heart.
“It’s not my cup of tea.”
“I thought it might just be a phase.” Colin went to check on the steaks. “Seeing you with Delonna gave us all a bit of hope. You’re different with her.”
“Aye, well it’s hard to send her home afterward, when she’s staying with me,” Aleck said tersely.
Only a handful of seconds went by before the woman they were discussing strode into the room.
“Hey guys,” Delonna said, turning her bright smile on all three of them. “Mind if I grab a beer?”
“Not at all. Help yourself.” Ian gestured to the fridge.
“Thanks.”
If Delonna had overheard any of the conversation about her, she didn’t give any indication.
“Smells amazing in here. Thanks for letting me come tonight.” She easily removed the beer cap and took a drink.
Shite, but his mind was in the gutter. Just that sentence and the way her lips wrapped around the bottle head had Aleck’s blood heating. He wouldn’t mind helping her come later as well.
Her gaze met his for a moment, and there was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, before she finished her long pull on the beer.
“You’re always welcome here, Delonna,” Ian said with a warm smile. “And I hope you never doubt that.”
Her attention shifted to Ian and her tone quieted. “I really appreciate that. Appreciate everything you’ve all done.”
“How could we not? You’re like family,” Colin added. “We care about you.”
Aleck was aware of Colin turning a pointed look at him, but he chose to ignore it. He kept his attention completely on Delonna. It was hard to see her as he once did. A cute, flirty bartender who worked for him. After last night every part of him reacted to her on a primal, possessive level.
He wanted to pick her up and carry her off and away from his family. Then strip her out of that sweater dress and boots and shag her silly.
While his brothers might have romantic ideals about him and Delonna, he wasn’t so naïve. Lust came easily. Love was much harder. And right now he was completely over his head in lust with Delonna. Likely would be until they’d shagged for a few weeks and took the edge off.
As if sensing his thoughts, she glanced his way again. Her eyes widened and he watched her breasts rise slightly as she drew in a quick breath.
She touched her neck, almost self-consciously, and lowered her gaze.
“Anyway, I should get back to the ladies.” She turned to hurry from the room, calling out, “Which, by the way, Ian, you and Sarah make adorable children.”
“Thank you,” Ian murmured as she left, then turned to Aleck. “She’s a special girl. I certainly hope we can keep her from being hurt.”
Aleck grunted. “I’ve already told you I’m going to do everything I can to ensure her safety.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Ian grabbed the salad and headed toward the dining room, saying grimly as he passed, “But I actually meant being hurt by you.”