Dragon's Heart [Dragon Love 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  At first, it seemed like Grant and Walken would argue with Hank. Instead, they let it slide then walked back into the crowd of people.

  “Let’s take a walk.” Hank took her hand and pulled her away from the others.

  She felt special, attractive, desired as some of the other women’s jealous looks followed them. Although she considered herself an independent woman who didn’t need a man, she couldn’t help but enjoy having a strong man like Hank next to her.

  And at other times, Grant and Walken, too.

  Somehow the worst day of her life had led to the best day of her life. She’d found out about her heart and found three incredible men. Although the doctor had said her heart was weak, she suddenly felt as though it was a lot stronger.

  He led her to a path that would take them toward the house. “I’ve wanted to tell you something ever since you rammed into our car.”

  That I’m your woman?

  Had Grant meant what he’d said? Did Hank and Walken want her, too? The thrill racing through her said they did. “What? Do you want me to take a driving course? Maybe it would be easier if you took a defensive driving course so you could avoid road maniacs like me.”

  “Yeah, funny. I wasn’t driving, by the way. But no, that’s not it.” He turned right, taking her into a small area where a covered swing built for two sat.

  She took her place on the swing, a hitch catching in her throat. Together, they rocked gently.

  “So what is it you want to tell me?”

  Hank shifted toward her and took her by the chin. “I want to tell you how disappointed I was.”

  Shock swallowed her. Was he disappointed in the way she looked? Last year? Or now that she’d gained even more weight?

  “I, uh, better get back to the house in case they’re moving my things.” She tried to stand, but he stopped her.

  “Damn it, Cinda. Don’t let your insecurities control how you think.”

  She jerked her chin out of his hold and dropped her gaze to her lap. “I don’t know what you mean. But I just remembered I’ve got some loose ends to tie up before I can start work tomorrow.”

  “Bullshit.” Again, he forced her to look at him. “You think you’re ugly. I told you how beautiful you are that day at the gym, and it’s still true. Hell, you’re more beautiful today than you were then.”

  “I don’t think I’m ugly. Not really. I think I have an okay face.” She wasn’t ugly. Unless being overweight made her ugly. In a lot of people’s eyes, it did.

  “Okay, so you don’t think you’re the wart-growing-off-the-end-of-your-nose kind of ugly, but you still have crappy self-esteem. I can see it in the way you react at times. Everyone can see it. Which makes me crazy because you’re so damn fucking hot.”

  Hurt and irritation had her fighting back. “Is that what you wanted to tell me? That my thinking sucks? Because if this is the way it’s going to be on the ranch, I’d just as soon quit right now.”

  “Damn, babe, hang on a minute. We’re getting way off track.”

  She glared, putting all her anger into the look. “Can we get this over with?” How had she misread them so much? Once he got whatever he wanted to say out of his system, she’d get in her rental car and get the hell out of there. Hopefully, she could still keep her apartment and her old job.

  He gritted his teeth, the muscle in his jaw flinching. “What I’m trying to get through your head is this. I was disappointed that day in the gym because you said you were married. If you hadn’t been married, everything would’ve turned out a whole lot differently. A hell of a lot better.”

  “Oh.” Was he lying? But he wasn’t. She could see the truth written on his face. “Well, that just blows.”

  “Yeah. We wasted a year. But you’re not married now, right?”

  “No.” She was never happier to admit she was single. “I never was married.”

  “But you said you were.”

  She shrugged. “I lied.”

  He appeared even more confused. “Why?”

  “Because I felt like I was married. I was committed to Todd, my fiancé, at the time. We were married in every way except for the paperwork.”

  “So you were involved?”

  “Yes.” She laughed a sarcastic sound. “But we broke up a few days later.”

  She yelped as his hand cupped the back of her neck and tugged her closer.

  “Do you remember our kiss?”

  Remember it? She’d dreamed about it. “Yes.”

  “Do you think I’d kiss an unattractive girl?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I told you then, and I’m telling you now. You’re beautiful. Why can’t you believe me?”

  “Because—” She stalled. Was he trying to help her? Or drag her through an emotional mine field. Just because she’d accepted her body and loved it didn’t mean she thought anyone else ever could. “Because I’m fat.”

  He laughed, searing embarrassment into anger.

  “This isn’t funny.” Although she gripped his hand and tried to get away, he held on.

  “You’re not fat. You’re curvy.”

  Now it was her turn to grit her teeth. “I hate being called curvy or fluffy or any of the other stupid euphemisms. I’m fat. Just call it as it really is.”

  “Fine. I will. You’re beautiful. And sexy as hell.” His gaze seared into her. Red dots broke through the silver.

  She swallowed, trying to hold back the tears. “Fat is not sexy.”

  “Babe, you’ve got it all wrong. What does weight have to do with being sexy? Some of the skinniest women in the world are the ugliest. And some of the biggest women in the world make men’s blood run hot.”

  With all her heart, she wanted to believe him. If only she could.

  “Sexy is in here.” He pointed to his head. “And in here.” His hand went over his heart. “It’s a woman’s spunk, a woman’s courage, and a woman’s compassion that makes her sexy. It’s also a woman’s confidence that draws men to her. The confidence part is the only part you’re missing.”

  Her attention slid to his lips. Watching him speak made her pulse pound. A memory of his mouth doing other things to her came with a flash, bringing a rush of lust along with it.

  “But you’ll have it in no time now that you’re with us.”

  She bit her lower lip as she tried to listen to him, but listening wasn’t on her mind. She placed her palm on his oh-so-hard chest. “If you say so.”

  His chuckle rumbled underneath her hand. “I say so.”

  “Prove to me that you’re right.”

  “You want me to prove you’re going to be confident?”

  “Yes.” She lifted her gaze to see the emotions stirring inside her showing on his face. He frowned then gave her a soft smile.

  “Fine.”

  A growl rolled out of him as he jerked her toward him. His mouth crushed against hers, hungry, demanding, assertive. She kissed him back, but he was in command. His tongue probed her mouth as his hand fondled her breast. His hold on the back of her head hurt, but she welcomed the pain, welcomed the force.

  She fought back, pushing her tongue into his mouth. She would’ve sworn his teeth felt sharper. Pointed.

  With a moan that slid into her, he lifted her as easily as though she weighed nothing more than a rag doll. Settling her on his lap, he kept the kiss going. He nibbled, he sucked, he nibbled again. She moaned as the bulge in his jeans met the vee between her legs. His heat swelled into hers. A layer of hot air formed around her body like a heat wave flowing over a pasture.

  Unbuttoning her blouse, he shoved the material aside. His mouth found her nipple through the thin fabric of her bra. Grasping her by the shoulder blades, he kept her secure as she leaned back, forcing her tit harder against his mouth. She rocked her hips back and forth, rubbing against him as though she could rub straight through the denim.

  She’d hungered for him from the first day she’d met him. After being with all three men, she’d realized the
need she’d felt for him that day paled in comparison. She wanted him, but she wanted Grant and Walken just as much.

  He freed her breast from its confines and sucked her nipple into his mouth. Capturing it with his teeth, she once again wondered how his teeth could be so sharp. Perspiration stuck her blouse to her spine, but she didn’t care if the sweat made her shirt see-through. If he wanted to strip her naked, she would’ve cried for joy.

  “Please, Hank. I need to have you inside me.”

  He made the strange growling sound. Yet, instead of frightening her, it sent a rush of passion barreling into her pussy. She wept, tears stinging her eyes as her juices moistened her crotch.

  “Walken. Grant.”

  He wanted to wait for them to join them? But couldn’t they have time alone, too? “Call them.”

  “Let’s go inside.” He kissed his way from one breast to the other. “We need to be together.”

  Instead, he sucked on her other nipple. Pushing his way under the waistband of her jeans, he vowed, “I’m going to fuck your ass.” His fingers dug into her meaty flesh, yet she wasn’t embarrassed by her weight.

  “Tell me, Hank. Tell me again.”

  He knew what she meant and gave it to her. “You’re beautiful. You’re a big, beautiful woman, and you’re all ours.”

  Reaching up, he clutched a hunk of her hair and jerked her head back. His strange red-flecked gaze met hers. “Do you understand? You’re ours now. You belong to us.”

  All at once, he changed, going from a strong, yet tender, man to a demanding, primal kind of man. He worked his jaw back and forth with his lust for her. His expression was hard, almost frightening, yet filled with a raw sexuality that released a small climax.

  She would’ve gladly sworn her servitude to him forever but couldn’t even nod to answer.

  “Um, I’m sure as hell sorry to interrupt you…”

  Pop.

  Hank reacted before she could. He pulled her against him, her chin against his shoulder. “Damn it, man. Can’t you see we’re busy?”

  “Sure I can, and like I said, I hate to interrupt you, but we’ve got a problem.”

  Her breasts were smashed against Hank’s chest, not helping her to calm down. She kept looking over Hank’s shoulder, unwilling to turn around until the older man was gone.

  “Get Grant or Walken to handle it.”

  “Both of them are busy.”

  She couldn’t help it. The situation was just too funny not to laugh. Soon, she felt Hank’s grip ease up and a chuckle roll out of him.

  “Fine. What is it?”

  “We’ve got a situation in the barn. Jumper climbed into the loft and jumped into the hay.”

  “So? The hay’s soft enough.”

  “Yeah, I know. But now he’s climbing onto the roof again. A couple of the guys are going after him while the rest of us are moving hay and whatever else soft we can find to put out on the ground. The boy’s not right in the head.”

  “He’s not a mental case, for God’s sake. He’s just a kid.”

  “A kid only one of you three can talk any sense into. Are you coming or not?” demanded Pop.

  “Yeah. I’m coming.”

  “Good. Hurry it up.”

  Hank pulled her back and planted a quick but forceful kiss on her lips. “Get to the house. Once I take care of Jumper, I’ll grab Walken and Grant and meet you in your room. It’s the big one to the right at the top of the stairs.”

  He stood, taking her with him then setting her on the swing again. “See you soon, babe.”

  Pulling her clothes together, she pressed a finger to her plumped lips and smiled. Soon wouldn’t be soon enough.

  * * * *

  Several hours later, Cinda was sure Hank had lied to her.

  Crossing to the huge window overlooking the back of the house, she stared into the night. The moon was high and bright, drowning out the stars. A blue haze layered the bottom of the darker section of the sky.

  What had gone wrong? Hank had obviously been turned on. She’d felt his arousal. Doing as he’d told her, she’d gone to the enormous bedroom and had waited for the three most important men in her life to show up.

  The bed could’ve fit five people with plenty of room. It had to have been custom-made just like the rest of the large furnishings. Plantation shutters adorned seven windows, and a huge rectangular rug filled with blues and greens was perfect against the dark wooden floor. A fireplace, empty for now, held up a wide mantel that matched the floor. Paintings depicting ranch life hung from the walls, but there wasn’t one photograph of a personal nature. No family photos adorned the walls.

  She leaned against the windowpane and studied the night sky. Had she said something wrong? Had she misheard Hank and gotten either the wrong day or the wrong bedroom? When she’d found her suitcase and the four boxes of personal items in the bedroom, she’d naturally assumed she had the correct room.

  “Damn it. Where are they?”

  Something in the air caught her attention. She squinted, trying to make out the strange shimmers. Was it the moonlight reflecting in an unusual way? It reminded her of the heat rising off hot black pavement or the ripple of air traveling behind an airplane.

  She peered harder at it. More shimmers joined the first one.

  For a moment, she imagined she saw an outline against the dark sky. Yet what she saw was impossible. She shoved open the window and leaned out over the sill.

  What the hell is that?

  Suddenly, a wave of nausea and dizziness hit her. She lurched away from the window, fearful of falling. Forgetting the strange shimmers, she stumbled backward and dropped into the nearby rocking chair.

  Great. Just great.

  The doctor had warned her about getting dizzy, both from the medication and from overexertion. She closed her eyes, willing her stomach to be calm. Gripping the arms of the chair, she forgot about the shimmers in the sky.

  Chapter Eight

  Grant fell in step beside Cinda. She’d been waiting all day for one of the men to do so. After they hadn’t shown up last night, she’d been shaken. Had they changed their minds about her? Or had Hank only been saying what he thought she’d wanted to hear?

  “Hey, darlin’, how’s your first day on the job going?”

  “Good.” Last night stunk, though.

  “If you have any questions, just ask. Everyone’s more than happy to help you.”

  “Pop and Mildred have been wonderful. Even Bertram answered a couple of questions without snarling at me.”

  “Wow, he must really like you.”

  She found it impossible not to smile back. Still, she wouldn’t ask about last night. She had too much pride. “Talk about being well liked. Everyone raves about you and your friends.”

  “Aren’t they your friends now?”

  She’d been hoping the men were more than friends. More than friends-with-benefits, too. “Yes, they are. Or, at least, I thought they were.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Look”—she checked around them, making sure no one was within hearing distance—“maybe Hank didn’t say anything to you yesterday so you can’t be blamed, but after what happened in the office, I kind of assumed…” The old saying flashed through her mind.

  When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.

  Was she making an ass out of herself?

  “I know what he said, and Walken and I were on board. Before we could get there, a few problems came up.”

  “Do you mean Jumper?”

  “Jumper was the easy one. The other problem was a horse having trouble delivering her foal. The boys and I stayed with her until the early morning hours. By then we figured you weren’t awake any longer.”

  “Oh.”

  “Not that I’m asking your forgiveness or anything—after all, a man has to do what a man has to do and his woman should understand—but…you’ll let it slide this time, right?”

  What else could she do? His explanation was eno
ugh.

  Grant slung his arm around her waist. “Don’t you think it’s time you took a break?”

  “Why? I already ate lunch.”

  “I’m not talking about lunch, darlin’.”

  Excitement rushed through her, speeding her pulse and making her wet between her legs. “I promised Penny I’d play a game with her.”

  He made a show of looking around them. “She’s not here. In fact, she might be at the doctor’s today. She’s still recovering from her last spell.”

  Concern flooded her. “Spell? From what I heard, she passed out. That’s not just a ‘spell.’”

  “And I know that. She likes calling them spells. It makes the experience seem less dangerous and more mysterious to her. Like something out of a fairy tale. Trust me. We don’t take her condition lightly.”

  She bowed her head, suddenly ashamed of herself.

  “Now that that’s settled, how about joining the boys and me in your bedroom?”

  How could she turn him down? Even if she still had questions, she ached for them. Every second without their hands on her was pure torture. “If it’s okay with the boss, sure.”

  “Yeah. I think the boss will let you take the time off. We wouldn’t want to work you too hard on your first day.”

  Laughing, she let him drag her along to the house. Fortunately, everyone else was around the front of the house near the corrals and stables. If anyone had seen how fast they hurried to the house, they would’ve guessed what they were up to.

  Grant patted her on the bottom. “Upstairs, darlin’. They’re waiting for us.”

  So they’d had it planned? What if she’d said no?

  Yeah. Like I would’ve turned them down. Not likely. Hell, never likely.

  She hurried up the stairs with Grant landing spank after spank on her butt. Did he like the tie-me-up-and-tickle kind of sex? She’d never experienced anything like it before, but the idea was appealing. Could she ask them? Or should she wait for them to mention it? She decided she’d better be the confidant woman they wanted her to be and do the asking. Yet, when Grant pushed opened the French doors leading into her bedroom, she forgot everything except the two men standing by the bed.