Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Seduce Their Woman [Wyoming Warriors 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) (22 page)

Jack’s muscles began to smooth out, his adrenaline working off as he sweated through a familiar routine. But where it usually took an hour or so to get rid of the majority of their extra adrenaline and change from warrior to their regular persona, he and Sahale worked for three hours before their movements began to slow.

Mitch patted them each on the shoulder. “Enough. It’s hell when you lose that control and then can’t use the excess energy. The pain coming off is rough. I’ve been there once or twice.”

“Thanks, boss. I was disgusted at myself for not being more in control.”

“There are a few times we’re most vulnerable,” Mitch said. “When an innocent person is threatened, and especially when that person is our mate. I was glad to hear what you said to the old bastard.”

“You got his words?”

“Clear as a bell. Daren has put the two million in his account. We’ll follow the chain of the money to the rest of them. I do wish he’d have admitted to the rest of his nefarious dealings.”

“We’re heading home tomorrow?” Jack checked.

“As planned. You have the cocktail party tonight. All our people will be wearing their receivers to pick up any additional information, and then we fly away in the morning.”

“Ellen will be glad.”

“Tell her she did a good job. Let’s go to the kitchen. You two need to eat.”

They ate but watched the clock. Jack didn’t want them to get back before they’d rid themselves of all the aftereffects of their change. Ellen was too perceptive. He didn’t mind answering her questions, but later, at home. Still, they didn’t have much time. They couldn’t be late.

She was pacing the floor when they got back just in time to dress for the cocktail party. “Your meeting went longer than you expected.”

“It did. We need to get ready now. We’ll join you shortly,” Jack said and smiled.

After they’d closed the door, Sahale stopped Jack on the way to the shower. “You aren’t going to tell her of the threat?”

“No.”

“She deserves to know. Otherwise she might not be as careful.”

“You may be right. But not tonight, when she has to socialize with them. When we get her to the ranch safe and sound, you can tell her.”

Sahale nodded. Jack headed to the bath. They had less than an hour before the first guests arrived.

* * * *

Ellen sensed Jack and Sahale were keeping information from her. She’d find out after the party. Jumpy nerves kept her moving around the room checking and rechecking everything. The hors d’oeuvres looked delicious.

Two waiters would move around the crowd with trays of drinks and tidbits to eat. Muted music played in the background. She opened the curtains and sliding doors to the veranda. Stars twinkled in the twilight and lights began to come on around the city. A cool breeze ruffled her hair as she stood at the waist-high wall.

Tonight she had chosen a cocktail dress of emerald green. The material fit snugly from her breasts to just above her knees. Light, see-through material made an overskirt that bellowed around her. Her matching high heels gained her two inches.

Ann had left Ellen’s long hair hanging loose with the sides held back by diamond hairpins. Diamonds sparkled around her neck, on her wrist and fingers. When she’d stared at herself in the mirror her confidence had grown. She wasn’t the same woman who’d left here, or even the woman who fled to the ranch. Thanks to Sahale and Jack, she was discovering layers of herself she’d never suspected existed. Or if she did, she’d buried them deep.

“Whatever you’re thinking about must be serious,” Sahale whispered in her ear, then kissed her neck. “You look beautiful and smell delicious.”

Ellen glanced around him. “Someone may see us.”

“No guests have arrived yet. I have good news. We fly home tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“We thought so.”

“I’m glad I came and faced them. It’s helped me close a lot of doors and answered some questions.”

“Ready to start a new life?”

“No fair asking right this moment.”

“You’re right.” He took her hand and walked her inside. The doorbell rang. He let go of her hand. “Do me a favor. Stay off the veranda tonight.”

She started to ask why, but he turned and walked across the room to stand near Jack. They weren’t giving her all the information because it wasn’t good. Ellen glanced back at the veranda, where she’d just enjoyed a few minutes of solitude. Where the shadows had been comforting before, now they looked forbidding.

“Darlin’,” Jack called to her. She hurried to his side. Surrounded by him and Sahale, she was safe.

Ellen remembered why she’d never cared for these types of parties. She and Jack welcomed the guests with their artificial smiles and fake hugs.

“Oh, my dear, you look lovely in that dress,” one woman she’d never met before gushed at her. Another gave her a steely glance, but fawned all over Jack. Voices raised as the evening went on and the drinks were circulated around. After all, they didn’t have to worry about driving. These people all had chauffeurs.

You’re being catty, Ellen
. She scolded herself. But she was surprised how happy she was to be returning to Wyoming tomorrow. Glancing around, she saw Jack talking with a group of men that included her ex-husband and his father.

A soft hand on her arm brought her attention around to the small woman standing beside her. “Pat, how are you?”

“Fine, thank you. You’ve managed to have a lovely party in spite of it being in a hotel.”

“The best part is they do all the work.”
I like Pat.
She’d tried to be angry at her, but she couldn’t. Pat had actually done her a favor. Ellen just hadn’t realized it at the time.

They walked across the room to two chairs placed against the wall. “Shall we sit? You look lovely but a bit tired.”

“I didn’t sleep well last night.” Pat glanced anxiously around the room. “I need to speak privately with you, but not here.”

Pat kept a smile on her face. Still, Ellen saw the concern, the worry.

“I’m not sure when we could meet. I think we may leave Washington soon.” She decided not to say exactly when.

“How about tea at my house, say about ten in the morning. Everyone will be at work or school. We’ll have the house to ourselves. Don’t even tell your husband or anyone. It’s important no one knows we’re meeting.” Pat looked down.

Ellen noticed Pat’s hands clamped tightly together. Pat’s gown had long sleeves, but one had moved up just a bit and Ellen saw the hint of a bruise. Looking closer at Pat’s face, she noticed her makeup was heavier than the other night.

“Does he beat you?”

“What?” Pat definitely looked scared.

“Your husband, Brian, he abuses you.”

Pat laughed, a hollow sound. “Of course not. Whatever gave you that idea? I must circulate.” She stood, but before she walked off she gave Ellen a piece of paper. “My address. See you at ten. Please come alone. I don’t want even your chauffeur to know we’re meeting.” She hurried off and joined a crowd of women standing nearby.

Ellen slipped into the small sitting room off her bedroom and put the slip of paper on a table, then joined the party again. Her smile felt strained. Whatever they hadn’t told her was directly tied to this invitation. She was sure.

Chapter Sixteen

Finally they had all left. Empty glasses and small plates littered the room. The smell of too much perfume left an unpleasant odor, and someone had spilled red wine on the carpet, reminding Ellen of blood.

She’d been unable to shake her uneasiness. Jack came to her side.

“You look tired and unhappy.”

“The man wins the prize for most astute.”

“Ah, a touch of sarcasm. You’re mad at me?”

“Don’t feel alone. I’m not happy with either of you.”

Jack’s eyes darkened. “Are you going to tell us or play games?” His tone was sharper than usual.

Sahale had walked up and glanced from one to the other. “What’s going on?”

Ellen turned and walked into their private sitting room.

“Tell me what you are hiding from me.” She handed them the note. “I’ve been invited to meet with Mrs. Pat Garraloga tomorrow at ten, for tea. But I’m to come alone, and Pat looked ready to cry. She also had bruises she’d tried to conceal.”

“Damn,” Jack swore. “Sorry, but you’re right. We should have told you already. Sahale wanted to tell you. I wanted to wait until we were gone from here.”

“This might be a good time to enlighten me.”

Jack grinned. “I love her sarcasm and the use of big words when she’s mad at us.”

She started to pound on his shoulders, but Jack grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. His warm mouth covered hers. She pushed to put distance between them. “No. You aren’t going to make me forget my question.” She stepped back, because he let go.

“Sit,” Sahale directed. He guided her to a chair, then sat in front of her, leaving the one beside her for Jack.

Jack told her about the meeting. He told her of the threat he’d made back to them after their demands.

“My guess is they think they’re smarter and tougher,” Sahale said. “Tomorrow is a trap. They’re relying on their own perceptions. They think you won’t tell us, as she requested. But they’ll be watching. Let’s call Mitch. They’ve just given us the best opportunity to find out more,” Sahale said. “Tomorrow, the kingpins go down. Mitch had wanted to wait until the money began to circulate, but this is too good.” He flipped his phone open and walked into the bedroom.

“Can you do this last job?” Jack asked.

“I can’t wait to see them in handcuffs. I’ll do anything to be part of their downfall. On top of everything else, they abuse the women who had their children and stood by their sides whenever needed. They are the lowest form of scum.”

“Remind me not to get you too angry at me. You have fire in those beautiful eyes,” Jack said.

“You and Sahale need to know I’ll never kowtow to any man, no matter how much I may love him. I’m always going to be my own woman.”

Sahale had reentered the room and overheard her statement. “I don’t believe Jack nor I ever said we wanted that type of woman. You don’t know us very well if you think we’d want or expect our wife to act that way toward us.” He turned to Jack. “Mitch and the men will be here shortly. We’ll organize our plan tonight.” He glanced at Ellen. “You might as well go to bed and get some sleep. It’s late, and tomorrow morning will be here soon.”

Ellen saw anger and hurt in his gorgeous aquamarine eyes. Jack didn’t look happy, either. She shrugged, pretending their reaction didn’t worry her. She walked into the second bedroom, hers, but she’d never used it. They’d slept together each night. Once she shut her door, she let the tears go. The salty tears slid down her cheeks into her mouth. Her body and heart ached. She took off her dress, removed her makeup, and took a quick, warm shower. But it didn’t relax her. She lay alone and awake through the early morning hours.

* * * *

Ellen dressed in a two-piece yellow-and-white suit with moderate heels. Ann did her makeup and hair and had just finished when Jack came into the bedroom. He looked as tired as she felt.

“We’re all set. Sahale and I will leave twenty minutes before you, giving the impression we’ve left you alone. You’ll go out and look for a taxi. One of our men will drive up in a yellow cab. He’ll say your real name. Get in and he’ll drop you off at the house.” He stopped talking and leaned closer. “Are you sick?”