Her Guys [Blessed 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (10 page)

Lunn and Katarina walked into the living room and waited anxiously to hear the news.

“Katarina, this is Joe Martinez. He’s the detective working on your case.”

“Hi.” She smiled and reached out her hand.

Joe took her hand and gave it a quick shake. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you, Katarina.”

Lunn shook Joe’s hand and then pumped him for information. “Did you find anything out?”

“No. The criminal didn’t leave any DNA behind at either crime scene,” Joe answered.

“Could it have been Devon and Lizzann?” Katarina asked.

“Maybe. When we got to their residence, they escaped out the back. We tried to follow, but they got away. Devon must have had an escape plan because they totally lost us in the time it took us to get in our vehicle and start it up. It was like they vanished. Upon inspecting the residence, we found that they had taken all of their identification. We didn’t find evidence of them committing any crimes. But they ran for some reason. We’ll keep looking for them. Eventually they’ll show up,” Joe said confidently.

Lunn put his arm around Katarina and squeezed her shoulder. “If they are committing some crime, I’m sure they’ll mess up and get caught.”

Joe tapped a file he had in his hand. “Gaven, can we talk somewhere private? I need to ask you something.”

“You can use my office,” Lunn offered.

“Thanks,” Gaven said and then ushered Joe to the office. As soon as the door was shut Gaven asked, “How’s your wife?”

“She left me two months ago,” Joe replied sadly.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” He really was sad to hear that. It was just more proof that men like him didn’t stand a chance when it came to having a happy family. Even though he wasn’t an officer anymore, he still had enemies from his past life and ghosts that haunted him.

“Me, too. It’s all right, though. Karen’s moved on to greener pastures, and I’ve learned that I don’t have what it takes to be married. Few of us do.”

Karen had been Joe’s third wife. Gaven never wanted to have a string of disappointed women leaving him. Hell, he didn’t even want to disappoint one. Katarina’s smiling eyes danced into his mind. He never wanted to hurt her. He’d have to make sure she understood that he wasn’t the marrying type.

Joe opened the file, and Gaven grimaced at the sight of a woman strangled to death. His friend placed four pictures on the desk. All four were of women with their necks twisted, broken, and bruised, their eyes devoid of life’s gleam.

“Does Katarina have any dolls?” Joe asked.

Gaven thought of the one doll and two stuffed bears that sat on a shelf in her room. “Yes,” he answered warily.

“That’s a shame because that gives her a second common thread to these women. All of them had their houses broken into a few weeks before they were murdered. They all had doll collections. How many dolls does she have?” Joe asked.

“Just one and two stuffed animals.”

“The other women had between ten to sixty dolls. Are you sure she doesn’t have a bigger collection somewhere else?”

“Not that I know of. Why?” he asked, not liking where this could be going.

“Because we think the killer could be a doll seller or delivery guy who sees the women buying the dolls and attacks them for reasons yet unknown.”

“I’ll ask her. I don’t think she does, though. Did the woman have their dolls on display?” Gaven asked.

“Yes. Two of the women had theirs in glass display cases, and the other two had theirs neatly placed on shelves. The creepy thing is that the killer picked between one to three dolls at each house and twisted the heads off of them. Much like he twisted the necks of the victims. Katarina could be a target of his. She’s single like the others, her place has been broken into, and she has a doll placed on a shelf.” Joe clearly and slowly pronounced each word in his next sentence. “Keep her under lock and key.”

Gaven looked through all the pictures in the file. Sure enough, the twisted fucker had mangled the dolls just like the women. He couldn’t let that happen to Katarina.

“Have you done a detailed profile on the women yet? They have to have a common bond other than dolls that draws his attention. If they don’t, and he’s a random killer of any woman with a doll, it’s going to be hell catching this bastard.”

“That’s where I need your help. Our guy looked them over but couldn’t find anything doll related. We need your help. We need a fresh set of eyes. You’re one of the best when it comes to putting the puzzle pieces together. Will you help me out on this case, Gaven?”

He looked at the pictures of the women and knew he couldn’t refuse. Their glassed-over eyes tore at his heart.

“Yes. Bring me all you have on them.”

Joe’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thanks. I’ve got the boxes in my car. I’ll go get them.”

Gaven raised a brow. “You sure were confident I’d help.”

Shaking his head, Joe replied, “No, just desperately hopeful.”

Going outside, he helped Joe bring the boxes in and stayed in Lunn’s office for several hours working the case while Lunn and Katarina watched movies.

He stopped to see what time it was about an hour after the two had stopped by to tell him goodnight.
Damn, it’s one in the morning
. No wonder his eyes were burning. He closed the files and headed to his bed.

Ghosts haunted his dreams. He could feel himself tossing, turning, and groaning, but he couldn’t stop himself. Horror and sorrow pulled at him from all sides.

A small warm body slid in next to his. A soothing voice crooned softly, and a gentle hand rubbed his shoulder. Peace blanketed him. He tiredly opened his eyes.

Katarina looked at him with concern stamped on her pretty face.

Lunn yawned as he walked into the room. “What’s wrong?”

“Gaven was having a nightmare,” Katarina responded in a hushed tone.

“Oh. Scoot over. I’m beat.”

She scooted over closer to him, and Lunn slid into bed on the other side of Katarina, sandwiching her between them.

He sighed and snuggled closer to Katarina’s soft heat and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Lunn picked up the copper wire he was using and snipped off a section. The back door opened and out came Gaven and Katarina. “I see you two have finished your sundaes.”

“Oh yeah, they were great. Nothing like eating a sundae on a lazy Sunday.” She rubbed her stomach contentedly.

“Too bad they’re not your thing.” Gaven pointed to the tree Lunn was working on. “That’s looking good.”

Carefully, Lunn moved a branch and wired it into place. He trimmed a few leaves and stood back to look at his creation.

“It’s beautiful, Lunn.” She took a step closer and closely examined the showpiece. “The passion displayed is amazing. I’ve never seen any other bonsai trees shaped like lovers. You wrap the branches so perfectly. Even her legs look real circling his waist.”

“I like the way her head is thrown back as he nibbles at her breast. I bet some of the other artists would have a fit if they saw your work.” Gaven took in the two other trees that were also couples locked in passion’s embrace.

“Yes, but deep down they’ve have to admit his work is beautiful.”

“True,” Gaven agreed.

Lunn was thrilled that they were defending his art. “Thanks.” He put his tools up and plopped down on a chaise lounge. “I don’t really care what the other growers would think. I love doing it. Bonsai is a Japanese art form that can be traced to China. The Chinese call it penjing. It has been around for over a thousand years. That it has been around for so long inspires me. Many people like to examine a tree and guess what the grower will do to it next. Other people just enjoy seeing what the grower has created.” Gaven and Katarina dropped down onto the soft lounges next to him. He looked at her and said, “Taking something wild and controlling it gives me great pleasure.”

A blush darkened Katarina’s cheeks. He couldn’t help but picture this wild beauty totally under his ardent domination. Forever.

“You said that right. You are one of the most controlling people I know. Bonsai is the perfect hobby for you,” Gaven stated with a nod of his head.

“I think you both like to be in charge,” she added.

“Me?” Gaven pointed at himself.

“Yes, you. If I recall correctly, you own Gaven’s Sports Pub. A person who owns a business usually likes to be in charge or they have trust issues,” she retorted.

A guilty look ghosted Gaven’s face for a split second. She had just unknowingly touched down on Gaven’s weak spot. The man didn’t trust others to stay with him, and he didn’t trust in himself when it came to relationships. If he had his way, Lunn was going to change Gaven’s mindset. A glance down at Katarina, and he knew the three of them needed to stick together.

“I may like to be in charge, a little,” Gaven replied.

“Women like strong, decisive men.”

“Does that include you?” Lunn asked, although he was pretty sure it did. He watched as she took a bolstering breath. Damn she was cute when she was trying to be brave.

“Yes.” The word was softly spoken, and she nipped at her lip the second the word left her mouth.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he replied. An image of her tied to his bondage table had his cock stirring.

Gaven shot him a
don’t scare her
look, and then he patted Katarina on the leg. “Do you see the pistol those clouds have created?” He pointed to the sky.

“No. I see a doll. What about you, Lunn?” she asked.

“I see a bonsai tree that needs some help.”

“You would.” Gaven directed their attention toward a group of clouds that were moving in. “Check out that sword. Any Viking would have been proud to own one that size.”

“Does Viking blood run through your veins?” she asked.

“My family claims it does.”

“That would explain your love of weapons. Your relatives would be proud of you for keeping a gun in your office, another one behind the bar, and a knife on you at all times,” she replied, then gestured to a dark cloud. “I see a pig. He’s so cute.”

“I could slay him with my sword, and we could eat BLTs for supper.”

“You most certainly will not. Unless we are starving, of course.”

Gaven laughed and then smiled at her. “I’m glad you’re willing to compromise.”

A wistful look glazed her lovely eyes. “Always.”

Lunn was more sure than ever that she was just what they both needed. With time, he hoped Gaven would trust her love to be strong enough to survive all obstacles.

Lightening the mood, he said, “I see a huge sucker in a tiny ceramic pot. If I could, I’d replant it.”

“That has promise. A woman licking a lollipop is hot.”

Katarina suddenly squealed. As he looked over at her, a fat raindrop hit him between the eyes.

Gaven leapt up and helped Katarina to her feet. The sky opened, and before they could make it inside, rain soaked their clothes.

Katarina shivered, and her nipples stood at attention. He longed to caress them, but he knew the time wasn’t right yet. “Looks like it’s hot shower time.”

“Yeah. That darn rain spoiled our fun. I’d just found a pillow for my pig to sleep on.” She headed for the stairs, and they followed her up.

The thought of having pillow talk with her sparked a new longing within Lunn. “We’ll do it again soon.”

“Sounds good to me. See you two later,” Gaven said then dashed into his room.

Katarina slipped into her room and closed the door.

One day, he planned on them soaking in his huge tub together and enjoying each other’s company for hours on end. The thought lightened his heart.

* * * *

“I need you to remove all of the condoms from the house. They’ll be mating soon. The men’s essence in her body will trigger a bond between them that will never disappear.” Concetta’s voice sounded firmly in Volker’s mind.

“Like a bad rash or an STD?” He couldn’t stop the words from coming out. One side of him wished he wasn’t so sarcastic, but the other, stronger side of him loved his sharp tongue.

“I see you haven’t gotten that wild tongue under control yet. You’re lucky I like your sardonic wit. Because of others, though, you need to work on keeping it at bay.” Concetta paused to let her words sink in, and then she continued. “None of them have STDs. I hope that appeases your twisted curiosity. Their bond will be a special one. It will guide and strengthen them. Now get to your task. Time is running out.”

“I’m not psychic. I don’t know where all his hiding holes are.” A bolt of light came out of nowhere and stuck his ass. “Son of a bitch.” Fire shot through his tail. The warrior in him snarled and longed for his enhanced human body. Most beings didn’t mess with him when he was in that form.

“Mind your manners. Your sharp tongue is why you’re a cat. I’ve made it so you can find all of the condoms.” Pealing laughter floated around him.

A rumbling noise filled his head. When it died down he sniffed the air, and his whiskers twitched. He ran from the room and saw that all the doors were open. He sprinted into Lunn’s bedroom and found the nightstand drawer opened. As he approached, his mouth watered and a purr vibrated through his chest.

Catnip.

The scent was driving him crazy. When he looked in the drawer he didn’t see catnip, but he saw a box of condoms. Damn witch was paying him back. On impulse, he jumped into the drawer and rolled around on the box. His mind screamed no, but his body just kept rubbing against the box. It smelled delicious. Giving in, he rubbed the top of his head against the box and purred loudly. The warrior in him was glad it was a box of unused condoms. Otherwise he’d be mentally scarred for life. Pawing at the box had a new rush of endorphins pulsing through his system.
God it feels good
.

Vaguely, he felt like someone was calling him, but he was enjoying the condom box too much to care. A zap of fire on the tip of his tail brought him back to reality. The scent of catnip quickly lured his attention back to the box, though.

“Volker.”

With whiskers twitching, he hissed, “What the fuck do you want? I’m busy.”