Bones Of Contention: The McKinnon Legends - The American Men Book 3 (26 page)

That was going to cost him, Jacob mused.

“Now you are running on emotions, Josh. Back it down before you do something to further complicate and erode our diplomatic position. I did not say I would not help. I just won’t call my powers to do it.” Jacob stood bringing his full authority to bear. He heard, as well as sensed, Josh backing down. Good, he thought. “Josh, my friend, come to the Majinique Islands. Be my honored guest and bring Jamie with you. We can help to protect her. She will be a royal guest as the daughter of the Fae king. Humor me, my friend. It will look good on the résumé,” he said jokingly.

Josh softly laughed at the joke. Yet, he also understood if the Fae king knew the Maji willfully aided in his daughter’s protection, it might help with diplomacy if things came down to taking sides. It could not hurt, he supposed. Jacob was not the Maji king for being dense, Josh acknowledged, but he also understood the invitation was heartfelt. The added benefit of diplomacy was just that, a bonus.

Josh acknowledged they needed to sit and talk.

Jacob expressed his need for time to think this over and speak to his advisors on the Council of Elders. There were other allies to consider, and rash action could truly exacerbate the situation to all out war on both sides of the portal, something none of them needed.

Josh looked out the window again just in time to see Trey lean down to kiss Jamie.

“Damn it,” he mumbled. He thought he could handle this part of it. He was having serious doubts now that Trey was actually here and with her while he was up in her room contemplating how to maneuver back into her good graces. Maybe getting her away from Trey would be the smartest thing for both of them.

“All right, but be prepared, Jacob. Jamie is not speaking to me at the moment. And I’m not sure what she is going to say once she figures out I’m in Miami calling from her hotel room.”

“Then it should be a quiet flight.”

“I wouldn’t place bets, Jake. She has a way of yelling at me without saying a single word,” he sighed heavily, something he was doing a lot of lately between Jamie and Jesse.

Jacob’s laugh was ironic, full of understanding. Having a household full of females had taught him much about the fairer sex. Sara, his youngest daughter, by the age of two, had totally mastered the art of the cold shoulder accompanied by the most pathetic little pout. She had seven other masterful role models to emulate.

“Come as soon as you can make the arrangements. I’ll add reinforcements, but I really think she will be safe here.”

The Fae had absolutely no dominion on the rightful lands of the Maji. He had seen to it the islands were east of the Prime Meridian, forbidden territory by the treaty. To enter their boundaries would be considered an open act of aggression, placing the Maji on the side of righteousness. Would VanDarious and his group consider this? Probably not, but it might slow him down.

During his conversation with Josh, his assistant placed a box marked urgent on the corner of his desk, then quietly closed his office doors.

Slicing the box open, Jacob was faced with the doll of his youngest daughter, pulled into pieces and covered in red paint to signify blood. It was a very clear message to Jacob’s mind.

“Stay out of this fight.”

It did not get the desired response.

“Do I even stand a chance?” Trey asked as they walked in comfortable silence down the beach with the bodyguard discreetly tagging behind.

She stopped for a moment and listened to the surf before answering. “Trey, you are a great friend and I do care for you,” she said never looking up only watching the water squish up out of the sand between her toes.

“I hear a but in there somewhere,” he interrupted bringing her eye to meet his, brushing aside the blond strands blowing across her face in the morning breeze.

She hesitated, looked away and then back again. He was her friend and she loved him dearly. She really wanted to give him the answer he wanted to hear. Yet, it was not fair to give him false hope. He would be a great companion for her. He was gentle, mature, understanding. He could take care of her in all aspects save the one that mattered the most.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but no. Not like that.”

She watched the emotion play across his face. “Then why are you here with me? Why call me? You could have gone anywhere in the world.”

She could hear the frustration in his voice, and she did not blame him for his anger.

“Maybe, I needed a friend, Trey. Someone to be with who just let me be me.”

He watched her face for a moment seeing that was what she really did need from him. He was here to serve her, and if that was all he could have then he would take what he could get.

“Fair enough.” Trey turned again to continue their walk. “So,” he asked after a moment, “what is exactly going on between the two of you?”

She let the question hang, giving thought to his query before answering. “He doesn’t want me in his life, and I’m not going to stay where I’m not wanted. Not much more to tell,” she shrugged.

“Ahh. So, I suppose the bodyguard the sheriff still sees fit to supply is all because he wants to keep tabs on your vacationing habits?”

That comment made her laugh softly. Trey was such good company.

“His mind is not that inquiring, Trey. He’s under contract is more like it.”

It was easier for her to accept it was professional rather than he really still cared. If she let herself be hopeful and it turned out to be purely professional, as she really suspected, then the remaining pieces of her heart hanging on by the tattered shreds of her dignity would turn completely loose.

Trey had stopped again. Her back was to the hotel which was still within sight, but now off in the distance.

“Jamie, you are young and beautiful, brilliant yet naive. I am going to do something and I want you to just play along. Consider this an audition for a Broadway play. Go with the part, play it to the fullest,” he gestured flamboyantly.

“All right,” she agreed puzzled, but compliant to his request. She trusted him.

Trey stepped in, pulling her arms around his neck, and held her closely. She knew he was going to kiss her. She did not resist. He kissed her softly at first. Then deepening his kiss, Jamie felt his love for her and she let out a small cry of grief. What was wrong with her? Why could she not love him? She tried to will herself to love him and poured herself into that kiss. If only she tried hard enough, she thought, perhaps she could feel the same about him as he felt for her.

Breaking away, Trey’s face hardened. “The man is a fool.” She saw him looking over her shoulder. “I would love you and accept you, Jamie, no matter that I know you do not love me as deeply. You could be happy with me. That I can promise, but you must choose and do so quickly,” he demanded placing his forehead to hers then placing a small kiss there.

“Trey, there is no choice to be made here. I care deeply for you, but I won’t live a lie. And Josh has made his feelings very clear.” She placed her head on his chest. He was a comfort to her torn and bleeding emotions.

“Turn around, Jamie.” He took her gently by the shoulders and half turned her body. “Now, tell me, what do you see?”

“Josh?” she cried his name softly. Then quickly she looked back at Trey for direction. “Get me out of here. Now!”

“No. You must face this, Jamie. You are being a coward.” He forced her to stand her ground. Trey understood Josh was not angry with her. Josh was angry with himself and probably with him about now as well. She was seeing something completely different.

“He detests me. Just look at his expression, Trey. And I refuse to be his punching bag.”

Trey snorted at such an absurd notion.

“Oh, my sweet, sweet Jamie. No way is that the face of a man who is looking for a fight, at least not with you. That is a man who still cares. And were I to bet, you could ask the world of him and he would lay down his life to deliver.”

She looked at Trey and then back over her shoulder at Josh, then back to Trey.

“It is your choice. I will support you whatever your decision. You can stand and fight, or run and wonder the remainder of your life.” He still held her shoulders.

“I do not deserve you,” she whispered, throwing her arms around his neck while her tears streamed silently down her cheeks.

“No, neither one of us deserves you, my princess. You deserve so, so, much more than a mere mortal past his prime or the warrior about to find his.” He kissed her again softly not caring at that particular moment if Josh drove his teeth straight down his throat.

“Don’t leave me, please, Trey. I cannot do this alone,” she begged softly. She had never been a quitter, but Josh had taken the fight right out of her yesterday, and still feeling a little sick from her hangover, she just did not have the strength to take him on alone.

Josh stopped several yards away with his posse of men not far behind. He could not hear the exchange of words, for the breeze took them off in the other direction, but the body language was telling. If he were the bigger man, he would turn and walk away leaving her with a large security detail for protection and Trey for a mate.

Clearly Trey was in love with her, and he would take good care of her, but right now Josh wasn’t the bigger man. He was going to fight for her, but he would fight fair. It was the only right way to play this out. Trey deserved a fair fight; otherwise, Jamie would end up the only true casualty.

Trey knew where he stood, but she needed him and he would be there for her however he could help. Who knew? The fight was not over until the final curtain dropped. He held her face between his hands brushing the hair out of her face. “You have to face him sometime, Jamie. He is here and we cannot just ignore him.”

“Or maybe, I can,” she smiled putting on her Broadway face. Trey by her side, strolling back to the hotel as if there were never a care in her world, she took his hand for support. They casually walked past Josh without so much as a single glance in his direction chatting merrily about her upcoming job at the museum and the exciting exhibit she was to investigate.

Trey and Josh met eye to eye as the two walked past. It was a clear message for Josh to back off for the moment and give her space.

Josh knew when to fold and when to call a bluff. Now, was not the time to play the strong hand. His time would come, just not this instant and it was rankling him to the core to watch her walk past him as if he were a ghost. Guessing he deserved it; he turned following this time at a not so discreet distance until she reentered the hotel.

Now, the inevitable was upon him. Maybe, he needed Trey after all.

“Jackson? A word with you, please?” Josh stepped aside just inside the lobby doors.

Jamie gave him a scathing look.

“I promise not to cause a scene, Doc.” He knew he could keep that promise.

Trey patted her arm reassuringly and gave her a wink. He knew he was safe at least for the moment.

Jamie could see the two talking as they stepped back through the sliding doors.

Trey waited for the younger man to speak.

“I have had Jamie moved into a set of suites on a much higher floor with adjoining rooms for her protection. She is going to go ballistic. Can you help me out here?”

“I can because, I agree. The higher floor is a smart move, but I have my stipulations as well. When she and I are together in her room, the adjoining room door will be closed, the door will be locked on her side, and I want no interference from you or your men. She is a grown woman and can make her own decisions about a great many things, Sheriff. You should know by now I am no threat to her life. I want a fair fight.”

“I can’t agree to your terms,” Josh was very definite.

“Can’t or won’t, Josh. There’s a big difference.” Trey looked skeptically at him. Josh guessed he could see where that question was coming from.

“Can’t. I anticipated her mood and the door is gone. But I wouldn’t even if I hadn’t had the door removed.”

“Touché. And I respect your honesty, but I would advise you not to bar her from my suite, and I should not have to tell you that you have no legal rights to my space.”

“Touché, as you say,” Josh had to agree there, but he knew this could be an issue. He informed Trey he moved their reservation right next door to his. Walls were thin even in nice hotels. If Trey touched her he would know, and there was never a lock he had found he could not open if the need arose. A badge worked wonders if a hundred dollar bill failed.

“Were you a Boy Scout, Sheriff?” Trey was almost impressed.

“Eagle.”

“Obviously. She is deeply hurt and will come out fighting, you know.”

“I know and I’m sorry.”

I just bet you are, Trey thought to himself. “I hope you are prepared for what is coming next.”

Josh got the impression Trey was enjoying what was probably coming next. “As set as I’ll ever be,” Josh said in all honesty.

Maybe it would not be as bad as he feared. She was not feeling well and maybe that was just the break he needed.

“Very well,” Trey said with a sense of finality. “Follow my lead. You might accidentally come away with your head still attached.”

VanDarious was livid.

“You idiots! We had her right there with only one puny guard and an old man. Why did you not grab her before the other five showed up? Do you realize how hard it will be now? Be grateful I do not kill you myself.”

The group watched the magic shimmer and fade as his anger poked holes in the glamour that made him appear beautiful. Small gasps erupted as his true form emerged for a moment before he regained his composure.

“It was the others around, too,” the small group protested. Murmurs rippled through the ranks.

“The runners, the beach combers, the kite flyer, they were all part of the security team. You cannot tell us they were not there for her protection as well as the guard.” One brave soul dared to defend their decision to retreat.

“No, you imbecile.” VanDarious struck him knocking him to the ground and then placing a foot on his neck, snapped it killing him instantly. “They are typical scenery for an early morning here on the beach. There was nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, except your yellow belly to keep you from grabbing her and bringing her to me. Leave me! I need to think.”