Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
“You okay, baby? None of that was too much?”
She sighed sadly. “Where did you come from, Tanner Malone?”
He laughed. “A strange place called Haven.”
“Really? That’s the name of the town?”
“Yep. And it lives up to its name. It really is a haven for the majority of the people that live there.”
“You too?” she asked.
He ran his hand up and down her back. “In a way, it was for my family too. My oldest brother had to get us out of a dangerous situation. We moved to Haven, where he bought a ranch. I still live and work on the Ranch along with some of my brothers.”
“How many do you have?”
“Too many. So many, I lose track.”
She snorted. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Tell me about them.”
“Why would you want to know about my brothers? You’ve got the best Malone in your bed right now.”
“Good Lord,” she muttered. “Are they . . . are they good men?”
An odd question, but he figured she just wanted to know more about him. Or perhaps she was thinking that one day she might meet them.
Which she would, because they were going to be her brothers.
“They are. I mean, some of them are dicks. Like West.”
“How is he a dick?”
“Eh, he’s a grumpy ass. Thought he might get better after meeting Flick, but he’s still a dick.”
“He’s a dick to Flick?”
“What? No! Fuck, no. We’d all kick his ass if he was mean to her. Nah, he’s a big teddy bear for his girl. It’s the rest of us that have to suffer his less-than-stellar personality.”
“You said your oldest brother had to get you out of a bad situation?”
“Hmm. Probably a story for another day.”
“So, moving to Haven was good for you?” she asked.
“Yep. Best move ever. Haven is a special place. You’d like it.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because women are taken care of there. We protect them. Look after them.”
“It sounds . . . different. I’ve never heard of a place like that.”
“Yeah. Well, it’s not just about keeping women safe. It’s about having a place where people can be themselves. We have lots of different sorts of relationships.”
“Like what?”
“Hmm, well, two of my brothers share a woman.”
“What?”
“Yeah. And no one bats an eye because they’re not the only ones in a relationship like that. We have an active BDSM community with our own BDSM club in Haven.”
“Are you a Dom?”
“No. But when I find someone special, I will look after her just like my brothers look after their women. She’ll be taken care of, safe, healthy, and happy. I’ll make sure of it.” He yawned. “I’m beat. Someone wore me out.”
“Who was that?” she asked with mock-innocence.
“Brat.” He tickled her sides.
5
The following morning, Tanner woke up to find the bed empty. Thinking that Lilac had to be in the bathroom, he lay there for a while.
Then he realized that the hotel room was too quiet. Getting out of bed, he rushed to the bathroom.
What the hell?
Where had she gone?
Grabbing his phone, relief filled him as he saw a message from her.
Lilac: Sorry to run out on you. I had an appointment I couldn’t miss. And you looked so peaceful sleeping.
Tanner: Next time, wake me.
He waited but there was no reply. After showering, he made sure he had everything and headed out. The rodeo was finished, but he’d decided he was going to stay on for a while.
Because of Lilac.
His phone beeped.
Lilac: You looked tired. I thought you needed your sleep. Can I see you tonight?
Disappointment filled him. He’d thought they were going to spend the day together.
Tanner: Yeah. Where should I meet you?
Lilac: At the bar at eight. I have something I need to talk to you about.
Worry filled him. What could she possibly have to tell him?
Tanner: You could tell me now.
Lilac: I would rather do it in person. See you at eight.
Tanner walked into the bar just before eight and looked around for her. There were a couple of other waitresses working tonight.
He sat down at the bar and ordered a beer.
Getting out his phone, he sent Lilac a text. She didn’t reply, but he didn’t let it get to him.
Not until half an hour passed.
Where was she? Fuck. What if something had happened to her?
He tried to call her, but it went straight to voicemail.
Where was she?
“Hey!” he called out to the Harry, the bartender.
“Yeah? You want another one?”
“No. Do you know where Lilac lives?”
The guy frowned down at him. “What’s it to you where Lilac lives?”
“I’m her friend.”
“Yeah? You’d think her friend would already know where she lives.”
He sighed. Fucking asshole. Although he did understand.
“Look, I get you’re trying to protect her. But I was supposed to meet her here tonight at eight; however, she’s not here and she’s not answering her phone.”
“Sounds like she stood you up.”
“She wouldn’t do that. Haven’t you seen her with me lately?”