A shadowy expression traversed Gage’s face but he held the stick anyway. “Yeah…it is a very fascinating piece. Where were you digging?”
“In the southwest corner, the least likely place to receive attention. The area also has ultimate conditions for thriving crops.”
“Out of over a hundred acres you couldn’t find anywhere else to plant?” Gage shifted his weight nervously and his voice rose a little. “Shye’s family had a private cemetery back there. This farm has been in her family for generations that go back too far to trace. Who knows how many of her ancestors were put to rest in that burial site.”
“What is it with you people and Indian burial sites?” Pike stomped past him. “The seeds are planted. We’ve been working sunrise to sunset every day to get the crops going. You want it moved, you do the work.”
“Here, take this.” Gage shoved the stick at him. “I’m a lawyer not a field worker. You wanted land and financing, I provided it. I want no part of disturbing a family burial ground.”
Pike whipped around. “Don’t forget how much profit you stand to make by your part in all of this. You’re the one who convinced Carter to front the startup cash and it was your idea to trick the little Indian chick out of her land so we’d have a better place to operate.” He gripped the spiny branch while leaning on it. “Speaking of which, there’s something strange about that woman.”
“Like what?”
“I saw her that day…” His thoughts drifted. “Never mind…ya know this old piece of crafted cactus would make a nice walking stick. If I didn’t think it was worth a mint, I’d keep it for myself.”
“What do you know about Shye?” Gage persisted.
Pike studied him for a minute then smirked. “That she’s got it bad for her rebel biker boyfriend. You better have some damn good tricks up your sleeve to bring that woman under control. She’s a wild one.”
“I have an edge. Shye is more loyal to her aging parents than some passing fancy. She won’t choose Trip Viper over her own family. And her seven day grace period ends tomorrow.”
He shook the stick at him in a mocking gesture. “Let’s hope you bring her in before the ghosts come a calling.” He let out a sardonic laugh. “Maybe we should gather around the fire after dinner and do a little rain dance. We sure as hell need the rain. What do ya think, Gage…think this rain stick carries some of that Indian magic?”
Gage took a couple steps back. Apprehension filled his eyes. “How do you know that’s a rain stick?”
“Aiden seemed to know all about it. He damn near gave me a history lesson before the wuss bolted. He’s afraid of losing his soul to some
Rain Riders
,” he replied with another cynical laugh. “We’re better off without the two girlies who are afraid of a little piece of wood.”
“
Rain Riders
?” Gage repeated.
“Eh, some nonsense Aiden babbled about before he left.” He cocked one brow and gave a hard stare. “Don’t tell me you believe all that bullshit, too?”
“I’ve heard of them. Most Native Americans in these parts are well aware of the legend behind them.”
“What? Are you getting cold feet, too?”
“No. I’m counting on Shye to join us and the land belongs to me. Just get rid of that thing. I don’t want her thinking I had anything to do with violating her family’s resting place.”
“I don’t need you going soft on me.” Pike wrinkled his mouth in a frown. “I plan on selling this thing anyway so relax…Shye will never know.”
“I’m surprised you’re taking this so lightly. Wasn’t your father a Native American?”
“And your point is?”
Gage backed off. “Nothing…just thought you’d give a little more weight to matters such as this.”
“Weak legends.” Pike scoffed. “I have no tolerance for weak fools.” He took his prize and walked inside.
The others were already gathered around the table eating sandwiches and cold potato salad. He wished the little Indian woman Shye would agree to join them so they’d have decent hot meals and maybe something more. She’d refused his first invitation in a rather hostile manner.
Perhaps Gage will have better luck,
he thought.
He was glad he hadn’t revealed what he’d seen—that Shye had seemingly walked through a solid brick wall then vanished without a trace the day Carter went down for robbing the bank. For reasons that eluded him, Pike had chosen to remain secretive about her peculiar activities. As if by keeping her secrets, or perhaps knowing something Gage did not, made him feel closer to her. Or maybe knowing a dark secret about little Miss Shye would give
him
an edge that Gage lacked or that his discretion would gain her favor once the competition had been eliminated.
He couldn’t deny his fierce attraction to the raven-haired seductress. Every day that passed found her consuming more of his thoughts. The urge to lay her down was overwhelming at times. Though he knew he was a scoundrel he’d never force himself on a woman. He’d never had trouble luring them into his bed. Shye, however, was a different story—fiery and a fighter.
That woman has shadows in her eyes! I must uncover her secrets and have her as my own.
From the first day she’d gazed up at him with those big black eyes he’d wanted her. And the way she’d fought turned him on.
No fear!
He admired her strength in the midst of chaos. Weak people sickened him. His parents had been weak. Carter was pathetic and Gage bordered on something in between. If he didn’t need the land, he’d have found a way to remove the uptight attorney from the equation.
Gage didn’t pose a threat to his chances with Shye though—everyone around knew that Gage wanted Shye, but the stunning hot-bodied vixen didn’t want him. Pike also respected that in her.
The woman shows no fear and knows what she wants. My kind of woman…if only Trip Viper hadn’t rolled onto the scene. That prick has been a pain in my ass for too long now.
After grabbing a plate of food he wandered back outside to sit on the porch and eat alone. Slivers of moonlight skittered across the wood planks and a light breeze ushered away some of the intense late July heat.
Visions of Shye flooded his mind. Wild, feisty, and gorgeous with a long mane of black hair and a killer body, she exemplified everything he wanted in a woman. He visualized her long naturally tan legs wrapped around him but stopped there.
No use torturing myself again.
He sighed.
Once Gage brings her on board I’ll make my move. Then Viper will be the last one in the way.
A fight he knew would be vicious as his old nemesis was a tough opponent, but a battle well worth taking to win the Indian woman.
Enjoy her now, Viper, the storm is about to come and you’re way outnumbered this time.
Chapter Two
Shye leaned back on bent elbows, watching Trip as he took one last swim for the day in the lake behind Dax Remle’s cabin. He swam toward her using broad strokes over the shimmering water with his powerful arms. She smiled and knew her eyes had to be dancing with delight as her gaze remained fixed on him. He rose from the water slowly as he came ashore. Moonlight cast an ethereal glow on his glistening body—muscular and tanned. His appearance stole her breath.
From the soaked strands of long black hair that fell wickedly over eyes like midnight and a ruggedly handsome face to his sexy lean legs, he was without a doubt the most alluring man she’d ever laid eyes on. She sighed and let her gaze drift over the broad chest and rippling six-pack abs. Then her eyes dipped lower to an impressive package of masculinity positioned nicely between his softly haired thighs. Not an ounce of flab on his fabulous body. His biceps flexed as he toweled dry, drawing her focus toward his magnificent arms.
“You’re tan has become much darker over the past weeks.” She gazed dreamily at him and sighed again.
An easy smile swept over his face. “Now perhaps my skin tone will match yours.” He stretched out on the grass beside her. They were both still naked from their moonlight swim.
“Be careful,” she cautioned with a teasing wink. “People may begin thinking you’re Native American.”
“I’ve no problem with that. At least your mother would not have reason to cuss at me.” He laughed.
Shye held back a laugh. “Ah yes,
Ina
, she does not like the
wasicu
…I’m sorry she gave you a hard time.”
“Don’t be.” He brushed her cheek with the back of one hand. “She has a right to be angry with the white men after what they did. I’ve been called worse.”
“They really liked you by the time we left.”
“I know, babe, and I like them too. Soon, we will give them the greatest gift. We will give their land back to them.” His hungry gaze swept over her naked body, making her tingle.
“I hope so,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed this past week so much, spending time up here with you and Remle. He is a pretty cool dude.”
“He’s the best friend I’ve ever had,” Trip said. “And he respects the hell out of you or he wouldn’t have shared his secret arsenal with us.”
“He has some really impressive weaponry. But we still have not come up with a plan on how to deal with Gage. Tomorrow will mark a week since he issued the ultimatum. He’ll be expecting my return to town with an answer to his proposal.”
“Remember I said let them come and we’ll be waiting.”
“Yes, but I don’t like the idea of leading them here to Remle’s private hideaway.”
Trip’s expression intensified as his eyes searched hers. “We are better prepared here than riding onto the farm. Believe me…if Gage drags his crew up here none of them will be leaving to give away the location.”
“A firefight?” Her stomach tightened over the ramifications of such a fight.
“I’ve been waiting for Pike to slip up just once.” His jaw muscles twitched. “He’s such an evasive bastard that I’ve not been able to catch him in the clear. Gage won’t ride up here alone. He’ll want his muscle along and that’s when we’ll take them down.”
“I take it you’ve been thinking about this without telling me.”
His expression softened. “I’m sorry, but yeah. I didn’t want to ruin the week of peace we had together by talking about them.”
“I understand.” She gave him a soft, relenting smile. “This has been the best week of my life thus far. I am concerned about one aspect of your plan though.”
“What’s that, babe?” He let one finger trail downward between her breasts and over her bare stomach.
She drew a longing breath and did her best to remain focused. “If Gage is killed in the fight how will I get the deed to my family’s farm back?”
Trip stared at her for a few minutes then replied. “Remle and I have that covered. We agreed that Gage should stay and help us clear up some legal matters at hand.”
“You want to hold him hostage?” Her eyes opened wide.
“Nah, I’d never break the law.” He gave her a wink that sent shivers through her. “We’ll make him our guest. I feel pretty confident that once Gage’s thugs are out of commission, the man will be in a more negotiating mood. He is a lawyer after all. I imagine he’s fairly intelligent.”
“You
have
been devising a plan all this time.”
“Would you expect any less from an ex-Marine?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m impressed. Actually I’m a little embarrassed. With my strong military background I shouldn’t have been lazing around when we have pressing matters to attend.”
“No worries, love.” Kind reassurance laced his voice. “Your skills will be needed soon enough. I wanted you to let down before we face them so your mind is clear.”
“You’re a wise leader.”
“Ah…just looking out for my woman. I’m not overly thrilled about you even taking part in this fight.”
“But…you know we need the extra firepower,” she added. “And my training as a weapons specialist is a definite edge over our enemy.”
“You read my mind but I did not plan on getting into this until later. For now, enjoy this night with me.” He brushed his lips over hers.
She gazed into the depths of his decadently seductive eyes. He stared back, penetrating her soul with just a look. An ache of desire that had been building now welled inside. Sliding both hands into the satiny black locks hanging down on either side of her face, she pulled him close to feel those oh-so-kissable lips touch hers again.
A deep sigh escaped him as he sunk into the kiss, filling her mouth with his tongue. He tasted good—fresh and masculine like he always did. A few moments into the kiss he slid strong arms beneath her back and pulled her into an intimate embrace. Lying on the cool dew-misted grass beneath a beguiling moon, the aura surrounding them was nothing less than enchanting.
She’d reached a greater level of comfort with him since the first time they’d made love. No longer shy over being naked with him, she realized he’d gently stripped her inhibitions away to engage in an entire conversation while completely unclothed. His easy, natural manner set her at ease. The outside world simply melted away while in his arms.
His breathing became heavier as gentle hands moved over her, making every inch of her body spark to life at his deft touch.
Lifting his head just far enough so their eyes met, he stared down through half-closed eyes and sensually parted lips. Strands of unruly hair fell over his eyes. “I need you, angel. I’m aching to feel all of you,” he purred soft and low.