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

  “Uh, no, but as soon as I see her, I’ll tell her you’re looking for her. Give me a minute, okay? I’ll be right with you.”

  Walken pointed toward another door leading out of the room. Grant, Hank, and Cinda hurried for it. Just as she was closing the door, she saw Walken pulling up his zipper. After a quick check of his crotch—probably to make sure the bulge wasn’t there any longer—he opened the office door.

  “Hi, kid. How about we go look for Miss Cinda outside?” Walken turned toward her and winked. “I’m sure we’ll find her soon enough.”

  Cinda turned to find herself alone. Grant and Walken had already slipped out the back way. She could see them heading away from the house.

  So that’s it? Just a hold-me-down thing to get me off and now they have too much to do to stick around?

  A waft of disappointment filled her, even as the tingle from their touches still sang across her skin. Would she be with them again? Or was it a one-time thing? Or, worse, a pity-sex session?

  * * * *

  Grant lifted his head, pulling himself out of his depressed thoughts to see his friend coming toward him.

  “We have to do something.” Walken strode into the small clearing under the tall trees where Hank leaned against a huge rock, his hands shoved into his jeans’ pockets.

  They used the area whenever they wanted to get away from everyone else. It was their space, a safe spot where they could talk without any of the employees or clients overhearing them. No one was allowed off the main grounds of the ranch.

  “But what?” Grant had already racked his brain, trying to come up with a solution. “We can’t change her. If we could, being a dragon would heal her heart.”

  “We can’t let her die.” Hank kept his head down, his pain obvious in the slump of his body.

  “So we find our mate, only to lose her again?” asked Walken.

  “We don’t know how long she has. It could be weeks or months. Maybe even years.” He hoped so, yet from the way she’d looked when telling them about her condition, he wouldn’t bet on a long-term future.

  “Then the first thing is to find out more about her condition. We need to know the details.”

  Walken was the practical one. Sometimes Grant wished he was more like his friend. Then again, maybe it was better not to take on the weight of the world as Walken tried to do. “How? Her doctor’s not going to hand over her confidential medical files because we asked him nicely.” He arched an eyebrow at Hank. “Unless, of course, someone on the hospital’s board.”

  “I won’t use my position that way.” Hank’s voice was low, stern.

  Walken dragged a hand through his hair. Usually, it was difficult to tell when he was upset. He always seemed to maintain his cool. But his worry was easy to see now. “Still, we have to know exactly what we’re fighting before we can figure out how to defeat it.”

  “This isn’t a war,” grumbled Hank. “It’s not like we can burn her heart and make it whole.”

  “No, we can’t fight it that way.” Grant had to hang on to hope. Without it, what would they do? “But it is a war. It’s just a different one than we’ve experienced in the past. We fight this problem, and we get her to fight just as hard.”

  Walken pointed at him. “Grant’s right. That’s the first thing we have to do. We have to get her to want to live. Right now, it’s all too fresh, but we’ve helped clients find their will to fight, and we’ll do the same for her.”

  “She’s not a client.” Hank pushed away from the rock and strode to the other side of the clearing. He kept his back to them and stared into the woods.

  “No, she’s our mate, which gives her an even better chance of surviving.” Grant caught on to Walken’s hope. Without hope, what was there?

  “There has to be something we can do. Surgery to repair whatever’s wrong? Maybe a heart transplant?” As was his way whenever trying to find a solution to a problem, Walken started pacing. “I’ll start checking around. If either of those two are options, she’ll have to try them. We’ll make her try them.”

  How could this have happened? How could they, after centuries of waiting, finally find the perfect woman to be their mate and then lose her all-too soon? Grant rubbed his chest, fighting the tightness.

  “If only we could change her.” As a dragon, she’d be able to heal herself. But dragons were born, not made.

  “But we can’t.” Hank whirled to confront them, agony filling his features. “Stop talking about it like we can. We have to face the facts. She’s going to die. It’s just a question of when.”

  Walken stopped pacing and rested against the same rock Hank had used. “We’re all going to die sooner or later, including us. Once she accepts us as her mates, we’ll start aging in both our human and dragon bodies.”

  Grant couldn’t help but feel cheated. “This sucks. I’m not going to lose her. I can’t.”

  Surprisingly, it was Hank who said it best. “Okay, then. We make the best of whatever time we have left with her. I’d rather spend one day with her as our mate than to never have her at all.”

  “I couldn’t have said it better.” They hadn’t solved the problem and might not ever solve it, but at least they had agreed that she was the one for them. In fact, they hadn’t had to discuss whether or not she was the right one for them. They’d simply known it.

  “Maybe we should take it easy with her.” He hated to suggest it, but he had to, for her sake. “No more sex. Not until we find out if it might…” He couldn’t say the words. By the look on his friends’ faces, he didn’t have to.

  “Agreed. Let’s get back to the ranch house and to her. First things first. We talk her into taking the job and move to the ranch. I want to be around her as much as I can, even if we have to keep our distance. We can’t let her face this alone and living away from us.” Walken led the way. “But I’m still going to find out what I can from her doctor.”

  Grant waited a moment, letting his friends go ahead of him. His chest rose and fell as he dragged in hard-won breaths. What if they couldn’t get her help? What if Cinda was gone tomorrow?

  Hank paused, turning back to him. “Are you coming?”

  “Yeah.” Whatever the future held for them, he’d face it head-on and be there for Cinda. He’d make sure she’d have everything she needed. They’d cherish every moment with her. Once she was gone, he’d have nothing.

  Chapter Seven

  Cinda tried her best not to keep glancing at the men, but it had been three days since she’d had any alone time with them. Sure, they’d gotten together around the ranch and had shared meals, but not alone. Never alone. It was almost as though they wanted to be with her but were afraid to be alone with her. Had she frightened them away with the truth? Now that they’d had time to think about her failing health, did they want nothing more to do with her? She wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t want to take on her burden.

  Was she making a mistake by accepting Pop’s invitation and coming to the barbecue? Kids and their parents, as well as many of the adult clients, mingled around the huge bonfire situated not far from the men’s house. Everyone was having a great time. Everyone except her. Why hadn’t they talked to her yet? Aside from Walken greeting her when she’d arrived in her rental car, with many of her possessions packed in the trunk, they hadn’t paid much attention to her. At least, not the attention she yearned for. Sure, they were busy attending to the others, but didn’t she warrant a better, more intimate reception?

  She’d returned to her apartment the day after they’d gotten together and had taken the next day to think. After changing her mind several times, she’d finally made her decision. But it had taken a lot of soul-searching, and still she’d ended up with more questions than answers.

  Could she work with them if what had happened in the office was a one-time thing? Had it been nothing more than a quick fling with a chubby chick? Or could they want more? They’d called several times but had said nothing personal other than to ask how she was f
eeling.

  After doing a pro and con list, she’d come to the conclusion that taking their job and moving to the ranch was too great a risk. She had to think rationally and do what was best for her. Even though their insurance—judging from the information Pop had given her—covered more of her medical expenses than the policy she’d purchased a year earlier, would she be able to treat them as her employers and not the men she so desperately wanted?

  Still, she’d changed her mind and had taken them up on their offer. Telling herself that she wanted a job where she could make a difference in a child’s life was true, but it wasn’t the whole truth. She’d accepted the job to be close to them, too.

  Had she made a mistake? Why were they still treating her as though she was just any other person?

  “They’re busy, is all.”

  She jolted as Pop took a seat on the log next to her. “I’m sorry?”

  “They’re very busy tonight. The annual barbecue is a big deal and a lot of work.” Pop’s gaze searched hers. “That’s why they haven’t been over to talk to you.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t thinking—” She stopped as soon as she saw Pop’s expression. “It’s that obvious?”

  “Yeah, but it’s also very understandable.” His attention shifted, going to Bertram, who stood at one of the five grills. “When you fall in love, you kind of get obsessed.”

  “In love? Me? No. I mean I just met them.”

  “You met Hank last year.”

  Hadn’t she had the same thought? “Well, yes, but only briefly. And it was a year ago.”

  “How long you know a person doesn’t always count for a lot. Look at all the people who spend years together, only to get married and find out they don’t really know each other after all.”

  “I’m here to take them up on their job offer.” She had to change the subject before Pop’s intuition got the better of her.

  “I heard about the job, and I’m glad to hear you’re taking it, but that’s not really why you’re here.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “It’s okay, you know. Sometimes it happens faster than anyone would ever believe. You see someone and you just know. All the other stuff like learning about their likes and dislikes, hell, even their background, can take second place to an instant connection.”

  “Was that how it was for you and Bertram?”

  He gave her a sly look, telling her he understood she was trying to divert the discussion away from her. “Yeah, it was. At least, for me.”

  “You just knew he was the one, huh?”

  “Yeah, I did. As for Bertie, nothing’s simple for him.”

  She gave him the same look he’d given her, telling him she knew he’d sidestepped her question. Still, if he’d let her get away with doing so, then she could do the same. “What do you mean?”

  “I worked here for six months before I could get him to give me more than the time of day. Hell, I’d almost given up when, suddenly, he says he’s been watching me and liked what he saw.”

  “And then what?”

  “And then we were together. He moved into my little house down the road, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Now, if only I could get the old fart to make an honest man of me, I’d have everything I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Have you asked him to marry you? I mean, really asked him?” She followed Bertram as he jerked her attention away every time he glanced at Pop.

  “More times than I can count. I’ve even gotten down on one knee. I’d like to have the formality of it, not to mention the legal issues it would put to rest. But even if we never get hitched, we’re still married as far as I’m concerned.”

  “That’s so wonderful.” She sighed, caught up in the romance of it all.

  “Which brings me back to you and the guys. You’re in love with them, even if you won’t admit it.”

  She opened her mouth to deny his claim then closed it. Could he be right? She was definitely crushing on them, but was it love? Maybe with Hank. After all, she’d spent a year thinking about him as “the one who’d gotten away.” But what about Grant and Walken? In her eyes, they were the same as Hank. She couldn’t deny she wanted them just as much.

  Pop patted her on the knee. “Think about it. They’re three of the best men I’ve ever known. And trust me, I’ve known a lot of people in my long life. Welcome to the Bright Futures family, Cinda.”

  “Thanks.”

  He sauntered away, heading straight for Bertram. As much as Bertram tried to act as though he didn’t care, his face lit up as Pop came to his side and started helping him cook.

  She’d dreamed of having a loving relationship like theirs. Now, according to Pop, she could have it. The flickering flames of the bonfire danced over her and drew her mind elsewhere. She was transported to a future time in a home filled with laughter and children of her own. Hank, Grant, and Walken were in the large living room of their home, surrounded by several children. Suddenly, the fantasy splintered apart as the woman in the middle of the family clutched a hand to her chest and crumpled to the floor.

  Cinda shook herself back to reality. Tears sprang to her eyes as the truth of her situation hit her very core. The doctor had made it clear. Even if she lived more than a few years, she’d never be able to do what others could.

  The doctor had warned her. Her heart wasn’t strong enough to survive giving birth.

  “Hey, babe, how’s it going?”

  Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of Hank’s baritone voice. The sound was a mix of hot chocolate and silky smoothness. How could something so cool make her hot so fast?

  Hank took Pop’s place on the log, with Grant claiming the other spot on her left. Walken crouched in front of them, his back to the fire. As though they’d stolen an ember from the bonfire and placed it inside her, she lit up, heat soaring to life inside her.

  “You look great.”

  Walken’s flattery warmed her more than a fire ever could. “Thanks.”

  “You’re here so you must’ve gotten our invitation.”

  She blinked at Grant. “Yours? But Pop’s the one who invited me.”

  “Because we asked him to.” Grant’s silver eyes sparkled in the firelight, giving them a metallic sheen. “I’m sorry we haven’t been around as much as we’d like to. The way we’d like to.”

  “It’s okay.” Yet it wasn’t.

  Trouble took away the sparkle in his eyes. “Penny had a setback. Turned out it was a minor one, but we had to concentrate on her.”

  She searched the camp, but couldn’t find her young friend. “Is she all right? Why didn’t anyone call me?”

  “She’s at home recuperating.” Grant sidestepped the question.

  They didn’t want to upset me.

  Walken’s hand on her leg reminded her of how she’d felt in the office. As if she could’ve ever forgotten. “She’ll be back tomorrow. The girl’s one hell of a fighter.”

  “She’s another person we love that we can’t change.”

  She wasn’t sure Grant had meant for her to hear him. He looked down, sadness filling his features. “I don’t understand. How would you change her?”

  “Never mind him.” Walken readjusted his position to bend on one knee.

  For one brief deliriously happy moment, it seemed as though he had gone down on his knee to ask her to marry him.

  Stop being stupid.

  “Does this mean you’re going to accept the job?”

  Those weren’t the words she’d expected to come from Walken, but it was what she should’ve known he’d ask. “Yes. If you still want me.”

  “Hell yeah, we do.”

  She searched Walken’s face. Did he mean the job? Or more?

  “Still, you have to understand. Because of my condition”—she checked to make sure no one else could overhear—“there will be days when I won’t have the stamina or energy to work. You’ve hired a sick person, and it isn’t fair to you.”

  “We understand. Stop worrying about it.” Hank took her hand then
started to lean toward her.

  She was certain he was about to kiss her when he backed away again. As much as she loved the children, at that moment, she wished they were somewhere else.

  “Let us decide what’s fair and what’s not,” added Walken. “As long as you do your best, the rest doesn’t matter.”

  “We want to be here for you, babe.”

  The tears she’d fought back before threatened to come again. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” Walken stood, bringing the other two men to their feet as well. “When do you want to start?”

  She took the hand Hank offered her and let him help her to her feet. “How about tomorrow?” Judging from their happy expressions, they were pleased. “In fact, I brought a few box loads of things in my car. I was hoping it wasn’t too soon to move in, especially since I already gave notice to my landlord and my boss.”

  “Darlin’, you just made my day.” Grant slapped his hands together. “We’ll get a couple of the hands to move your stuff into your room in the main house. Hey, wait. Damn it, darlin’, you shouldn’t be hauling boxes around.”

  “I didn’t. A neighbor carried them to my car. But still, I don’t want anyone, even you three, telling me what I can and can’t do. I get to manage my health, not you. Understood?”

  “We’ll see how it goes,” answered Walken. “Just take it easy, okay?”

  “Okay.” She didn’t really want to ask but had to. “Won’t the other employees get suspicious with me living in the main house instead of the other house?”

  “If they ask, we’ll tell them the truth,” answered Walken.

  “And what is the truth?” Her nerves came alive.

  “That you’re our woman.” Grant leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. “Come on, Walken, let’s see to everyone else. Darlin’, you’ll have to excuse us until later.”

  She was still frozen in surprise when Walken placed his own sweet kiss on her other cheek. “Relax. We’ll take care of everything. You stay and have some fun. Get to know the others.”

  “I’m sticking to her.”