Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series) (24 page)

Her hate washes over me like a
scalding wave, making me cry out softly and almost drop to my knees. I’m not sure what she’s done to cause this effect, but it’s about three seconds’ worth of unbearable. I said her hate because I know in that moment she does—hate me.

“How dare she!” Maryanne exclaims. “Are you okay?” Her concern shows in her expression.

I swallow, unable to answer, and peer across the room toward Lucas. He has the redheaded witch by the shoulders, and it looks as if he’s reading her the riot act. He steps back and says something else to her. Her face is turned down, and I see her mouth move as she answers. People turn to watch, but Lucas seems oblivious. I guess he really
doesn’t
care what they think. He turns away from her, and she glances up, catching my eye. I shudder at the evil I glimpse.

Another woman near us asks if I’m oka
y and can she get me something. I notice several other concerned looks from peo
ple nearby.

“A glass of water, please, Betty,” Maryanne requests.

I have my arms wrapped protectively across my front, and I’m shaking as Lucas joins us. His regard is intense as he cups my face, searching my eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“I think so. What was that, what she did?” I ask.

“I’m sorry, my sweet. It won’t ever happen again.”

Maryanne makes a “humph” sound as she hands me a glass of water. “She won’t be pulling another stunt like that
here
.”

Lucas holds my coat for me to slip into. “You’re sure you’re okay?” His voice is soft, and his warm breath brushes my ear.

“Yes.” I shiver slightly.

I turn, and he gives me his slow, sexy smile that causes me to forget to breathe. My whole equilibrium is off because of the red witch’s attack. His laugh is low as he places his arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. He bends his head and kisses my temple as he did earlier. As before, people stop in the middle of their conversations to watch us. “I’m sorry, Sofie, that happened to you.”

“I just want to know what
that
is, so I can avoid it from this day forward.”

“Walter,” Lucas says, amused as the elder Pent joins us, “thank you for a pleasant evening.” He shakes Walter’s hand. “I’ll speak with you tomorrow. Maryanne, you behave yourself,” he teases. He reaches over and takes her hand for a moment. They walk with us to the door, and several people wish us goodnight.

I tell them both I enjoyed myself. Maryanne responds by taking my hand. “Good night, Calam—”

We stare at each other in shock as the same current of heat I’d felt with Nick the first time I touched his hand pours through our connection.
What the hell?
I try to pull my hand from hers, but she holds on, a look of wonder on her face.

“Sofie!” she whispers. Her eyes are wide with surprise, searching mine.

“Maryanne?” Lucas watches the exchange.

Walter steps forward, placing his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Maryanne, dear, what is it?”

She breaks our bond as she releases my hand, looking at her father, then back to me, shaking her head gently. “Call me... the next time... you come to town,” she finally responds, giving me a smile. Her eyes are alight with curiosity.

Okay. This is too weird.
I return her smile. “I will.”

Lucas looks from me to Maryanne and back. “Ready?” he asks. He ushers me out the door, glancing back at Maryanne. The cold air feels like a slap in the face after the warm house.

“What happened in there?” Lucas takes my arm to bring me closer, and he pulls my coat up around my neck.

“I... honestly don’t know.” And I don’t.

He stares at me for a moment before he sweeps me up into his arms. I yelp in surprise as he strides toward the car. He ignores me when I insist he let me down, laughs when I punch and push against his chest. Arriving at the car, I’m surprised to see Max and—Fisher, I think, sitting in the Hummer, behind the Camaro.

Lucas deposits me in my seat in the Camaro, telling me to “Buckle up,” before closing the door and moving off toward the Hummer. I twist around to watch him and wonder what’s going on. After a few moments, he slides into the Camaro, and we head for Sweetwater with an escort.

“Why is Max here?” I watch his face.

“He was in town on an errand.” He keeps his eyes on the road.

“But why is he
here?
” Lucas glances at me and smiles. I huff in irritation. Okay. Obviously, he doesn’t trust me.

I become quiet, thinking over the night’s events.

Lucas picks up my hand. “I had a good time tonight,” he says. I give a strangled laugh. “What?” He looks at me, bemused.

“This has got to be one of the strangest nights, Lucas.”

“What?” He sounds mildly surprised, and I glance over to see him smiling. I shake my head and look out my window. “You didn’t enjoy yourself tonight?” A peculiar tone enters his voice and I look at him.

“No... I mean, yes, I enjoyed myself.” He smiles, his white teeth gleaming. “Except for that... girlfriend of yours.”

“Girlfriend?” A frown mars his forehead.

“The red witch.”

Lucas laughs out loud, squeezing my hand. He eases the car to a stop at a red light and turns to look at me fully. “Sofie, she does not belong to me.” He watches me, his eyes intent as his thumb strokes the back of my hand. The idea of belonging to him and what exactly that means fills me with longing. I turn away from him. The light changes, and Lucas hesitates before accelerating the car through the intersection. “Besides—she’s only part witch,” he adds.

I glance at him quickly.
Part witch?
I didn’t mean it literally, but if the broom fits… “Well, if she ever tries that crap on me again, I’ll probably... have to shoot her.”

It’s his turn to look at me quickly. “Don’t you think that’s a little—extreme?” I think I’ve surprised him.

“What would you do if someone stuck a hot poker to every inch of your body, and they tried to do it a second time?” Lucas’ perusal is a little longer this time, eyebrows raised in surprise, but there’s no censure in his expression. “That’s what I thought,” I say, smugly.

We’re quiet again, and I become drowsy from the heat blasting out from under the dashboard. I remember thinking I want to ask Lucas about Ed Smith and Lars Aasen. The next thing I’m aware of is Lucas saying my name.

“Sofie, my sweet,” his voice is husky.

I grumble under my breath.

“Would you like me to carry you into the house?” he murmurs.

That comment opens my eyes, and I sit up straight. Lucas chuckles. He opens his door, getting out, and I notice Cal come out of the shadows. Lucas speaks to him before opening my door and helping me out.

“Miss Sofie,” Cal greets me politely.

“Hi, Cal.”

Lucas takes my house key and unlocks the door, letting us into the warm house. Jake isn’t home. He’s probably still with Diane. All I want to do is crawl into my warm bed. Lucas looks down the hall.

“I’m sorry your men are out in this cold,” I say.

His eyes cut back to mine. “I have to leave. I won’t be able to stay. I have—something I need to take care of. You’ll be safe, Cal and Rob are outside… and Wolf.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper, realizing I don’t want him to go.

He steps closer and pulls me into his arms. I lay my head against his chest, hearing his heart.
He smells good
.

“You looked beautiful tonight in your pretty white dress.” His voice is warm and intimate. “And you are very desirable right now with your tousled hair and sleepy eyes.” He buries his nose in my hair and inhales deeply. I snuggle against him, and he laughs softly. “Now she wants to cuddle,” he whispers. He tips my chin up, gazing down into my eyes. A lock of black hair falls across his brow. “I do have to go, and you need to get some rest.” He presses his lips against my forehead. “Soon, my sweet.” And he leaves.

Chapter Fifteen

I
stumble back to my bedroom, half-asleep. I take my cell phone out of my bag to p
lug it in and notice I have missed calls. Three calls and two texts from Reenie. The texts consist of one word, *
call*
, and she’s left no messages.
This can’t be good.

I try calling her back several times, but the call goes straight to voice mail. I can’t go to sleep now, worrying about her. I know not to call her house. Her dad would have a fit over someone calling at this time of morning. I pace around my room before deciding Reenie is either at home or at Calvin’s. I’ll drive by her house, and if her car isn’t there, I’ll drive on to the Stewarts’.

I change into my warmest sweat pants and hoodie and head out the door, grabbing my heavy coat on the way. Wolf sits outside on the porch.

“Hey, boy.” I scratch behind his ear and start for the car with Wolf at my heels. When I open the car door, Wolf hops right in. “Wolf! What are you doing?” Thinking about it, I decide it might not be such a bad idea to take him with me.

When I drive by Reenie’s house, her car isn’t there. The Stewarts’ place is farther from town than the Adams’s home, and I drive on. I pull off the gravel road in front of their driveway at about two in the morning. I see Reenie’s car parked by Calvin’s pickup.

Lights are on at the back of the house, I notice as I maneuver to the door. Their yard, strewn with junk, accommodates a riding lawn mower in the middle of the path that serves as a walkway to the porch. Auto parts are scattered about, and a toilet sits beside an old icebox which has its door removed. I have to be careful walking to the door. The dogs out back have picked up my scent, and they make a ruckus.

“Sofie?”

I just about jump out of my skin. I look across the porch and see Reenie huddled in the corner. “Reenie?” I whisper back.

She hurries over to me. I wrap my arm around her shoulders. She has n
o coat, and she’s shivering.
What the hell?

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Can I go home with you?” she asks in a small voice.

“Of course you can.” I glance around. “Let’s go. I’ve got a warm coat in my car.” We pick our way down the steps. I can find out what is going on when we get out of here.

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” Calvin Stewart steps in front of us, blocking the path.

Aw... crap!

I hear Wolf growl as he comes from behind the Jeep. Calvin glances nervously in his direction.

“No, Wolf,” I order sternly. “Stay.” I act as if I have some control over his actions. “Calvin, you need to step aside and let us pass.” I’m proud that my voice is firm and not shaking. I never admit it to anyone, but Calvin’s ugliness scares me.

“I don’t think so,” he sneers. “She’s not going anywhere with you, and you’re trespassin’.” He makes a move toward us, and Wolf leaps in front of Calvin, growling and baring his teeth.

“Call that son of a bitch off, or I’ll shoot ’im!” He yells for his sister. Linda comes so quickly to the door, I know she’s been listening.

“What’s goin’ on?” she asks, peering out. “Who’s that?” She turns on a light and steps out onto the porch.

“Git my shotgun!” Calvin shouts at her.

Reenie presses against me, burying her face in my shoulder. I keep my eyes on Calvin. When you have a snake in front of you, it’s best to keep him in your sights.

“Linda! It’s Sofie Reece. Please call Sawyer for me.”

“Shut up!” Calvin hisses, causing Wolf to take a few steps toward him, growling.

“Sofie?” Linda asks.

“Please, Linda, call Sawyer!” I plead again. I’d bet anything she knows his number.

“Git my gun, Linda! Now!” Calvin bellows. Reenie flinches and I squeeze her shoulder.

“Okay, hold your horses,” she says, disappearing into the house.

“Calvin, you’re not going to shoot us, so let us pass.” I pray he won’t shoot us.

“I ain’t gonna shoot you, but I am that wolf,” he says with mean relish in his voice.

“Run, Wolf! Run!” I yell at him, causing Wolf to get more excited. He lets out one long, bloodcurdling howl.

Linda comes back out on to the porch. Thank goodness she doesn’t have a shotgun with her.

“Damn you, Linda!” Calvin yells at her.

“I can’t find it, Calvin. It’s not where you leave it.” She wrings her hands.

What happens next is a blur. Calvin is standing, and an instant later, he’s lying on the ground with Lucas standing over him. When I glance up from Calvin, Sawyer’s standing by Linda, and Sam is pulling Reenie from me. He carries her toward the Jeep.

“Sofie, are you okay?” Jake asks, turning me toward him, searching my face.

The dogs finally stop their incessant barking. Max bends over Calvin, slings the unconscious lout up over his shoulder, and carries him to the porch.

“Where you want him?” Sawyer asks Linda.

“I’ll show you,” she replies and holds the door open for Max.

It all happens within seconds, leaving me stunned. Lucas stands, glaring at me. I feel a thread of unease at his stance.

“Did I not see you safely into your house no more than an hour ago?” He uses that cool, ominous voice of his as his eyes flash silver. I’m not sure if he actually wants an answer. He gives an exasperated sigh and looks over at Jake. “Has she always been this way?” he asks, with a note of laughter in his voice.

I frown at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I demand.

“It means—” He is suddenly in front of me, and I back up. A wry smile touches his lips, but he doesn’t advance further. “You can get into more trouble, more—predicaments than anyone I know.” He raises one black eyebrow as if daring me to deny his words.

“It’s... not always my fault,” I say, keeping a rein on my temper.

His lips twitch. “No, I’m sure it’s not. But trouble does seem to find you, Miss Reece.” He grins and walks over to speak with Max, who has returned from dumping Calvin.

I look over at Jake and Sawyer standing with grins on their faces.

“Shut up!” I tell them.

Evidently, when Linda called Sawyer, the guys were already out looking for me. Cal had contacted Lucas as soon as I backed out of the driveway. The fact that I not only have a guard, but they also monitor my comings and goings pisses me off royally. Lucas and I will have a little talk about this fact, and I tell him so. He bends down and murmurs in my ear that he looks forward to any conversation I wish to have with him.

I want to kick him so bad—I can taste it.

I settle Reenie in my bedroom, and she’s soon asleep. Linda told us Calvin had a meltdown about Reenie working at Murphy’s around all
the men. He had fits like this often, and in general was just downright mean to Reenie. Linda told us he took Reenie’s car keys and locked the vehicles before locking Reenie out of the house. When Linda tried to sneak her back inside, Calvin slapped his sister. Linda called me from Reenie’s phone. I feel more kindly toward her, her wanting to help Reenie as she did.

Jake is madder than a wet hornet. The temperature is below freezing and with the goings-on in the area… He says he is going to kick Calvin’s ass. I sit with Jake and Sawyer at the kitchen table, debating if there’s any reason to go to bed since it’s nearly sunrise.

“How were you all together tonight?” I ask. I see them exchange looks.

“Uh—we were at a party out by Rader,” Sawyer answers.

What?
Mr. High-and-Mighty Lucas Santiago and his remark about me staying put after our date while
he
went off to a party!

“Lucas and Max, too?” Again with the cryptic looks. So Lucas was there with another woman. I can’t believe how much this hurts my heart.

“We were checking on a tip Sam received about a group out that way working with the Kihn,” Jake informs me. “Max and Lucas had just arrived when Cal called.”

I’m irritated with myself for feeling the relief I feel. “What did you find out?”

“A guy in Springfield is recruiting some of the local yokels. Offering money—”

“A good amount of money,” Sawyer inserts.

“—to anyone interested
in doing some work for him,” Jake continues. “However no one seems to know what kind of work that entails.”

“There’s a recruiting party in Lebanon on Wednesday night,” Sawyer confides.

“Are you going?”

“Too many people know us. Lucas mentioned Taylor’s due back, and he’ll send him,” Jake says.

I yawn. “Well, I’m going to bed. Sawyer, you staying?”

“Yeah, if I go home, Mom’s gonna try to roll me out in a couple of hours for church.”

“It’d do you good,” I say, laughing as he grabs at me. “Goodnight and I love you both. Thanks for helping me with Reenie.”

I wash my face, slip on my PJs, and snuggle under the covers, careful not to wake Reenie. My thoughts go immediately to the night’s events. Lucas looked so good. I wonder why he didn’t kiss me. On the verge of slipping into oblivion, I remember he told me I was beautiful. I’ve never liked people telling me that because of my dad, I guess. But with Lucas—it’s different.

Reenie is already gone when I wake Sunday around noon. She calls later to apologize and thank me. I want to tell her she can thank me by dumping Calvin, but
I don’t. Instead, I tell her I’ll help her any time she needs me.

Diane, Emma Rae, and I decide to exercise with a dance workout that afternoon. In the apartment complex where Mom and I lived in California, the woman next door started a belly dancing class. The neighbor knew I didn’t get out much, so she insisted I join her and her friends. We decide to try some moves I picked up, and Emma Rae is thrilled to learn what she calls a
foreign dance of seduction
. We have an afternoon of some good fun.

Lucy texts me late afternoon to invite the three of us to supper. I get home from Lucy’s by seven and I’m in bed by eight.

Mondays at Murphy’s are usually busy, and this one is no exception. I fix lasagna served with a salad, garlic bread, and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

When I give Emma Rae a hand with serving, I overhear some guys, talking about going to the meeting that Jake and Sawyer mentioned. I take my time clearing the table behind them. One of the guys catches me listening and gives me a questioning look. I apologize and say I didn’t mean to listen in on their private conversation, but I wonder if this job opportunity is open to anyone. I’ve never seen these guys before and I’m hoping they don’t know anything about me. They’re certain I should attend the meeting and tell me the address. They are real friendly and ask if I need a ride. I decline since I’ll be going with a couple of girlfriends and I leave them with the impression we might be seeing them there.

When I get back to the kitchen, I have a plan to think over. After the lunch rush, I tell Emma Rae what I have in mind. It just stands to good reason that three young women might possibly overhear more than Taylor can.

On the way to training that evening, we fill Diane in on our plan. She’s a little skeptical, but we assure her it will be a good thing, a good way for us to be involved behind the scenes. Although, I’m not naïve enough to think the men won’t stop us if they know what we’re up to. As it works out, I don’t have to worry about Lucas suspecting anything and putting the ixnay on our good intentions because he doesn’t give an appearance that evening. Max and, as far as I can tell, all of the Guard is present. So where is Lucas? The notion he might be with someone else leaves me feeling anxious.

The next day at work is crazy for a Tuesday. Emma Rae is in an ornery mood and she keeps teasing and laughing with the customers. She left with Andy after our training class the night before and spends all morning telling me about the fun they had at Impulse.

Curious, I have to ask, “Did you see Lucas?”

“Yeah, for a bit.” She starts to say more, but I tell her I don’t want to hear it. She gives me a funny look. “Sofe, he came in, spoke to the owner, and left.”

I start organizing her prep area. “Did you speak to him?”

She watches and reaches over to right an item I’ve dropped in the wrong spot. “Yeah, he came by our table to say hi on his way out.”

“Oh.”

She smiles. “He was alone.”

“Okay.” I shrug. She grins at me.

Later, I deliver a lunch plate to the high school principal and his wife in the busy dining room. On my way back to the kitchen, I stop to help Emma Rae clean a table.

“Sofie, you need to go sometime.” I know she means the bar. “The way you dance… I still can’t believe you never told us you can belly dance.”

Now, have I said, Emma Rae has a voice that carries? The girl does not know the meaning of
whisper
. I shush her immediately. I look up and every male eye in that dining room is on us. Time stands still, with forks and glasses poised in midair. All conversations cease.

I glance about the room, feeling my face turn red. “She’s kidding!” I insist, louder than I need to. “She’s kidding.” I grab Emma Rae’s hand and pull her out of the dining room. “Emma Rae!” I hiss.

“Aw, Sofie, they all already fantasize about you, honey. This only gives them a little somethin’ extra to crank their tractors.”

I give her a dirty look, which makes her laugh. “Emma Rae—I so do not
want
to crank their tractors!”

She laughs again.

That night at training, Lucas is still absent. When I leave with Diane and Emma Rae, I glance at his house. Most of the lights are off and his Hummer is gone. I have no experience in
the feelings I have for him, so I am at a total loss over the sadness I feel at his absence.

While most of us sleep that night, the Kihn raid three farms. They butcher two steers in the field and make off with old Mr. Hadley’s prize Hereford bull.

Murphy’s is abuzz with the news the next morning. Bobbi works the grocery side and keeps giving me the stink eye. Murphy isn’t here, so she thinks she’s safe in causing me grief. He’s warned her, and I had hoped she’d take his advice.
I can take her dirty looks as long as she doesn’t cause another scene.

Deputy Jem Porter comes in, and I serve him a piece of pecan pie with his coffee. I know he’s here to hear the gossip, and plenty of that is flying around. He asks how things are going over at my place, and I’m afraid he’s going to start questioning me. I’m relieved when he doesn’t. Maybe he’s come to realize how ridiculous it is to suspect Jake and Sawyer.

I finish out my day and head home to fix a light supper for Jake and me. Diane, Emma Rae, and I have plans to leave for Lebanon right after training, which should be over by eight. I plan to make the recruiting party before nine.

Finding the house in Lebanon—easy. Finding a parking place—not so easy.

I suggest to Diane and Emma Rae that if no other women are present, we won’t stay since it’ll make us too noticeable.

There are plenty of women. We discover that a couple of men spoke to the crowd earlier in the evening, and now it’s pretty much just a party. The talk focuses on how cool it would be to get a position with this new rancher moving into the area. He is some hot shot who runs a similar operation overseas. As to the nature of that operation, no one can give us much information.