Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5) Read online

  Dropping his phone back into his pocket, he crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance, demanding that his body take a chill because if he wanted sex, he’d have to visit Melissa as he’d done several months ago. It looked like he’d have to go another several months without holding a woman. He chalked up his overactive libido to that simple fact, he hadn’t been laid in too long. Three months equaled three years when it came to his Cade libido. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d yanked his own dick to ease the tension and self-pleasure certainly wasn’t a substitution for making love. Why didn’t he just turn around and walk, no run, to Melissa. After all, she was offering herself up like a delicious buffet and he knew he’d enjoy himself. He always did. So then why wasn’t he moving? His feet were plastered to the floor. If he wasn’t careful Melissa would stop offering since he’d turned her down the last three times. It wasn’t everyday a man found a woman that agreed to his terms—no strings and no bling. Finding someone in a small town who wasn’t looking for forever was a difficult task.

  Everyone in Wyoming knew the Cade family. Women tended to enjoy their company, that was until his brothers all got hitched and were eyeball deep in pleasing their wives. He was the lone single Cade brother and he was determined to stay free and easy. However, that didn’t solve his itty-bitty—or rather large—problem of the moment. He looked down at his stretched zipper and sighed. He was misbehaving badly.

  It was time to stop staring.

  “Monica?”

  ****

  Monica realized cleaning was a very traditional thing and some people might think her ridiculous, but she enjoyed scrubbing, the smell of bleach and taking care of a home. She’d spent most of the day scouring an already nearly spotless home and found it to be relaxing, and energizing. Every scrub here and polish there took her mind off her troubles and boy did she have a lot to clean away.

  She also found that she liked to cook.

  Searching through a recipe box, she’d found one for lasagna and, although she doubted it would taste as good as Beatrice’s who was an award-winning cook, it did smell amazing as it baked in the oven. She also made a cookie pizza made with fresh fruit, even blueberries picked that morning from the patches. Preparing something delicious was the least she could do for the family who had been so kind to her.

  Turning to reach the spot in the corner, she saw a shadow and she jumped. Lifting her chin, she met the beautiful gaze of the man who’d paid her dreams a naughty visit last night. Weakened by his presence, she took a staggered step back, dropped the mop as her foot slipped on a wet spot.

  A squeal slipped from her clenched lips as she felt both feet sliding out from underneath her. Flailing her arms frantically, she waited to hit floor, but in the next instant, a pair of strong, comforting arms were holding her as she looked up into that mesmerizing gaze. Cull had saved her from falling and now had her tucked closely against his broad chest. He smiled and her world lit up from the inside out. She felt as if she’d been graced with a gift. Seconds ticked by and neither made a move to peel their bodies away from one another.

  “Sorry, I think I dirtied up your nice clean floor,” he said in a husky voice that made her nipples tighten.

  My goodness, the man had the nicest, sweetest smile she’d ever laid eyes upon. All she could focus on was the masculine curve of his mouth, plump lips and those dimples that she could bathe in. Her axis tilted slightly, and she wanted to follow that mysterious draw to those amazing lips knowing she’d find joy in kissing him. She heard a soft sigh and realized it had come from her.

  But there would be no kissing going on in the Cade kitchen that afternoon and the only heat came from the oven. He mumbled a curse and set her down, but he wasn’t in any hurry to release his hands from her. Did he sense that her knees were weak? Could he hear the pounding of her heart? She stared up at him, stumbling for something to say that wouldn’t be “Kiss me” or “You have the most amazing eyes”.

  Knowing that he expected her to say something, anything, she had a hard time moving past the brain fog. Time slowed down to a crawl as she lost herself—truly lost herself. He looked so handsome in a white, dusty Stetson, a T-shirt that was a tad dirty too, but looked soft enough to cuddle in. Moving down the length of his worn jeans with the fist-sized hole below the left pocket, she could see the line of his thick thighs. Lord, he was the dictionary definition for stud.

  As she continued to stare dumbly, she imagined what it would be like to know him well enough to drag that shirt right off his body and play with his ripped and sculpted abs. Sure, she’d never seen him naked, but her X-ray thoughts told her she wouldn’t be disappointed in what she’d find. He reminded her of one of those heroes she used to read in comic books.

  Whoa! I read comic books?

  Working her bottom lip, she hoped more memories would float into her brain, but they didn’t come, as always.

  Finally, she broke through the mindless bubble. “You saved me from hitting my head again.”

  A chuckle rang from him and before she knew it, she was smiling too. How did he do that? Make her happy. Make her delightfully off kilter.

  “What are you doing?” He finally removed his hands from her and she instantly felt a rush of cold.

  “I-I was mopping,” she muttered. “You’ve seen a mop before I hope.”

  “Yes, I know you were mopping. But why?”

  “I’m helping your mother. It’s the least I could do. I find it to be very—”

  “Dirty?”

  “Relaxing. And I’ve made dinner. I know it’ll be nothing like your mother’s, but I did follow the recipe closely.”

  There was that smile again, but this time it packed the punch of a heavy weight boxer, but she remained on her feet. He stepped over to the fridge, opened the door and dipped his head in. Her eyes were hung up on how his Wranglers fit his firm bottom. When he pulled himself out of the fridge she jerked her eyes up and their gazes clashed. The fireworks went off in her pink parts. The man was potent, and she couldn’t get enough.

  He popped the lid to the pop can and brought it to his mouth, sipping, but his eyes remained on her.

  Clearing her throat, she picked up the mop and busied with rinsing it out in the bucket of water. “So, do you like lasagna?” She hoped he did. Somehow that meant something to her.

  “One thing you’ll learn, there isn’t one of us Cades who is particular. You could serve us potted meat and we’d scarf it down.” He winked and it did something to her insides—something that made her want more.

  Yet she wasn’t sure if she could take his response as a positive or negative.

  Pouring the water down the drain when she turned and swiped the back of her hand across her forehead, she realized he was watching her. She must look a mess. Suddenly self-conscious, she looked at the floor. “I should run and take a shower.” She set the bucket and mop down, then pulled off her bulky yellow cleaning gloves. He was still staring.

  “You have a little smudge of dirt.” He swiped one finger down her cheek.

  A little gasp slipped from her, much like it would if she experienced the beginning of an orgasm. Her whole body trembled. Nervous, she took a step back, hitting the edge of the counter. “Oops. I-I better get back to the apartment. I have twenty minutes before the timer goes off.” She backed her way to the door.

  By the time she’d made it outside, she was sweating profusely and ready to melt into a puddle.

  What she didn’t know was that Cull was standing at the window watching her with a smile on his face.

  Chapter 7

  THE TINMAN KEPT a keen eye on the cars that passed until the black Escalade with the tinted windows pulled up and the back door opened. Out stepped a tall, beautiful blonde draped in fur and diamonds. She wore wide sunglasses although the sun was setting.

  He tossed his toothpick onto the grass and felt a twinge in his leg. The bullet wound still smarted, but he’d done a damn good job of treating it himself.

>   The woman finally dragged off her sunglasses as she approached, followed by her driver, a.k.a bodyguard. He was as big as a house and looked like his face had been run over by a truck. What Tinman couldn’t understand was why the rich chick didn’t have her watchdog bodyguard take care of the job?

  “I can’t believe you asked me to come here. This neighborhood isn’t fit for rats to live in,” she growled.

  With a sniff, Tinman slid from his perch on the table and slowly lowered his shoes to the ground. He squinted at the pain in his body but gritted his teeth against the need to sit back down. “Should I have come to that fancy neighborhood of yours?”

  With a half-hearted shrug, she dropped the glasses into her glitzy purse. “She’s not dead.”

  One thing he liked about the rich broad, she didn’t waste time with small talk. “News travels fast.”

  “I’m glad you can take this so calmly, but because you’ve seemed to forget something, I’ll remind you.” She took a small step closer that brought her within several inches of him. He caught her scent—rich bitch perfume. “Ten grand and ten thousand reasons why I thought you could handle the job.” Her crimson lip curled in disgust.

  “My capabilities haven’t changed.” He inhaled deeply. What was it about uppity broads and their incredible scent? His cock hardened and he grinned, glad that his tool still worked. It had been a while since he’d been turned on.

  “Really?” she snapped. “Then why is that fucking whore still a pain in my ass instead of six feet under? Did you think my people wouldn’t find out that you botched the job?”

  “We have a little problem,” he swiped his hand down his whiskered jaw. “Little being the operative word.”

  “I’m sure little is a word used in reference to you quite often,” she slurred, glancing to his zipper. “I was told you were smart and skilled.”

  “She’s under the protection of a lawman,” he growled. He hated when any job didn’t go full circle, but he also had patience.

  “I don’t care whose wing she’s under. She must be eliminated. Now,” she insisted. “If you can’t handle the bitch, then step aside and let me find someone who can. While you’re at it say goodbye to the wad of cash you were promised.”

  “Did I say I couldn’t handle it?”

  “No, you didn’t, but you’ve fucked up. You said she’d be worm bait in two days.”

  “If you could have found someone else to do the job with my skill set you would have. Hell, why didn’t ask your goon?” Tinman pointed at the bodyguard then took out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket, lit one, and took a long drag before he said, “I’ll get the cunt. I always follow through.”

  “Yeah? When?”

  “Soon. It’s best we back off some and allow her to think she’s safe—allow the lawman to make a mistake. I know that I can do this without being sloppy.”

  “Take them both out!” she hissed.

  He chuckled. “Trust me, Cull Cade isn’t an easy target. I take the woman out and he’ll be pissed. I take a Cade out and I’ll have his siblings and every fucking badge after me in Wyoming. No thank you.”

  “You’re missing something. The longer she’s alive the more chance that half-wit will spill what she knows. It has to be soon,” she slurred, probably already dipped into her cocktail.

  “Look, sweetheart, leave the heavy work to the professional. I’ll get my chance to take care of her and when I do, if it makes you feel better, I’ll cut her tongue out and place it in a gift box for you. Sound good?” He couldn’t hide his loss of patience. “As long as I get that money, I’ll even deliver the bitch and let you do the dirty deed.”

  “I’m losing my tolerance, and when I start to lose it…”

  “Are you threatening me?” the Tinman said quietly, grinning.

  “Oh, but I never threaten. I say it just how it is. I’ve dealt with…” she rolled the word around her tongue, “bigger issues and see where that got me? I get what I want, when I want it.”

  “Don’t get your panties in a twist. When I decide the time is right…” She opened her mouth, ready to say something that he really didn’t care to hear and he placed his finger over her lips, “Just listen. Got it? When the time is right I’ll make sure no one will ever find her body. There won’t be another fire or a fucked-up ending. I know what I’m doing.”

  “There are no second chances. Fuck this up again and there will be no forgiveness. Right, Jonesy?”

  The large bodyguard grunted. The brute could scare some men, but some didn’t scare easily, and that was Tinman.

  He leaned in and sniffed loudly. “I can smell your fear. Feel the election slipping?”

  She drew back and slapped him hard on the cheek. The crack echoed through the deserted park. “Remember who you’re talking to.”

  He felt the burning in his face, then he laughed while his cock grew. For the first time since he’d met her he realized just how hot she was despite her spoiled airiness. She wasn’t fat and had nice, big tits—fake, but nice. What the hell did he care? He’d still like to squeeze them. He’d also like to stick his dick in her and see if rich pussy was tighter than those whores he visited until his cock stopped showing up for the party. Maybe business would be finished soon and he could show her what a real man could do. He’d like to have one more fuck before…he swallowed hard. “Give me time.” He ran his fingertips down her cheek and she slapped his hand away, which only made him laugh harder.

  “Fine! We’ll play this your way…for the moment. But don’t let that bitch out of your sight. Got it?”

  “Loud and clear. In the meantime, you get your cash ready, sweetheart. My payday is coming.”

  “Good. We’re done here.”

  The man stubbed out his cigarette under his shoe. “Always nice seeing you,” he said.

  With a huff, she retraced her steps back to the car. He watched the taillights disappear in the falling darkness and he reached for another cigarette, lit it and drew in deeply. He blew out a smoke ring and smiled. His way. The only thing he wanted, and needed, was the cash he was still owed and possibly a good blow.

  The chick, Warren, didn’t have a chance in a million of getting away from her fate, not this next time. He’d dealt with slippery mother fuckers before, and every time he made sure he took care of business, even if it got a little messy.

  For now, he’d wait in the shadows, watching and waiting for the opportune time when he could pounce. She’d get more than a hit over the head this next time or a few bullets whizzing by her head. He’d see that there was no saving her. He had a lot more patience than the boss lady.

  He resituated his hard cock and stepped back into the shadows of the park. Soon, very, very soon…

  ****

  “I’ll get that.”

  At the sound of Monica’s voice, he swiveled. Cull’s heart skipped a beat as he roved his gaze over her. Her hair was damp and brushed out around her shoulders. She’d changed clothes and now wore a fitting T-shirt with the words, “I like my coffee how I like you. Tall, sweet, and hot.” Her nipples were swollen under the cotton and she shyly brought her gaze up to meet his. Her eyes were bright green surrounded by thick, long eyelashes. There was a magnificent pull between them and he warned himself that he’d have to be on his toes.

  “Would you like me to do that?” She stepped into the kitchen.

  He waved the spatula that he was using to dish out the lasagna. “Believe it or not, I’m capable of serving myself. I have lived alone.”

  “Yes, of course.” Her bottom lip slightly trembled. Was she nervous? “Only two plates? Where are your parents?”

  “They called to say they’re held up. So that means it’s just you and me.” He went back to dishing out the pasta onto his mother’s finest bone china. Seeing her worried expression, he asked, “Are you okay?”

  “Sure. I made salad too. I’ll get it out of the fridge.”

  He watched her bend over inside the refrigerator and his gaze naturall
y skimmed over the tight-fitting jeans. They looked amazing on and showed off her hips. All he could manage was a silent thank you that his sister left those jeans at the house.

  Clearing his throat, he turned back to his task and tried to concentrate on scooping another slice of lasagna onto the plate, but it toppled over the side and landed upside down on the counter. Shit. He’d made a mess. He hurried to hide the evidence of the disaster in the trash can. He had, after all, bragged to her that he was capable. When she was near he suddenly felt incompetent.

  When he turned, she was standing in the middle of the kitchen, her hands clasped while she worked her bottom lip. That poor lip got a lot of action. “Have a seat,” he offered.

  “I can take a plate back to the apartment.”

  “Don’t be silly. Come sit with me. Growing up with a house full has made me spoiled. I like conversation while I eat.” It wasn’t a lie. After placing the plates on the table, he hurried around to pull out a chair for her. Although he seemed to lose his head when she was around, he didn’t forget his manners.

  “Thank you,” she offered with a faint smile.

  As he took his own seat he jabbed a noodle with his fork and jammed it into his mouth, catching her looking at him. Damn. Why was he so nervous? He couldn’t remember ever feeling so upside down. Problem was, he wasn’t used to eating in front of a woman and caring what she thought, but there was something about Monica that made him want to at least appear like he was raised to be a gentleman.

  Spreading a napkin over his lap, he dove into his lasagna with less zeal this time.

  When she wasn’t eating, he set his fork down on the side of his plate. “Is there something wrong?” He lifted a brow. Had he already offended her barely five minutes into the meal?

  “Nothing. I was only waiting to see if you liked it or not,” she admitted.

  He felt some relief. “It’s delicious. Try for yourself.” He pointed at her plate.