Fire Within: Mendocino Series Book One

By Donetta Marie

Lily Larsen refuses to hide anymore.

After a vicious assault left her emotionally and physically scarred, the strong-willed interior decorator has been living in fear that her attacker will find her and finish the job he set out to do over two years ago. But no more. Lily has returned home to Mendocino, California to begin a new chapter in her life and reclaim her independence. She knows danger still stalks her, but with the support of her family and friends—and a hot former Navy SEAL next door—she feels as safe as she’s ever been.

Ben Worthington comes from a long line of rich, successful men. He has everything he’s ever wanted, except for the right woman—one who won’t question his past and who can fulfill his need for a sexual submissive. Ben decides he must have the feisty, beautiful Lily, but on his own terms—as her protector in the daylight and her dominant in the bedroom.

Lily can’t resist the sexy and secretive Ben. But is she trading one kind of danger for another? As Ben and Lily collide in an erotic dance of dominance and submission, demons from their past come back to haunt them. Will their newfound feelings for each other survive Ben’s secrets and the violent shadows from Lily’s past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donetta Marie
• Release date: Feb 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463753859

Donetta Marie

Donetta Marie grew up in Paradise, a small town in Northern California, in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. You may know it as the Campfire that destroyed 90% of the town from a wildfire caused by PG&Es faulty powerlines. She currently reside in Washington, DC. She graduated with Honors from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her main passion of studies is anything related to Geography.When Donetta is not writing, she loves to read, watch movies, swim, shop at framers markets, and travel (including a book in one hand and rum drink in the other). And she enjoys good food, coffee, wine, conversation with close friends, and snuggling next to someone special by a warm fire.

Book preview

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my eldest brother, Mark. He read Fire Within, and gave me two thumbs up with a lifted brow. Unfortunately, Fire Within is the only book he ever read. He was murdered at his home on August 22, 2017, a bullet through his heart. I miss his phone calls, quirky jokes, boisterous laugh, and big bear hugs. My heart is still hurting with his tragic loss. I miss you, big brother!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my critique partners for their insightful thoughts and support, which helped make my story even better.

To my beta readers, you are awesome!

I would like to thank my copy editor and proofreader, Joyce Mochrie. You took my voice and made it even stronger. I couldn’t have finished without you.

I would also like thank my fabulous graphic designer, Steve Novak. You took the vision in my head and brought it to life for the cover of my first book. You rock, Steve!

Prologue

It was well past one in the morning, and she couldn’t sleep. Lily watched the lightning storm from her bedroom window. The hard, pelting rain tapped against the window, making it difficult to see through. Purple lightning crackled and flashed across the midnight sky, followed by a loud boom of thunder that shook her house, making her jump. The electricity flickered, and then, utter darkness.

She sighed, remembering another storm like the one she watched when a Naval Officer arrived at the family-owned Sweet Alyssa’s B & B, informing her and her siblings that their brother Alex had been killed in the line of duty. She quickly wiped a tear from her cheek. It had been a devastating blow, especially with the tragic loss of their parents a few years before when a drunk driver killed them in a car accident. Her heart clenched tight from those horrible memories.

Now, she had the custody of Alex’s children, Mason and Cindy, and with the power out they would be scared of the dark. Frantic whispers down the hall proved her point and had her running to soothe her niece and nephew. She headed toward the childrens’ bedroom and, for a moment, thought she saw a shadow move into her older brother’s bedroom. Her heart jumped into her throat as she pressed her back against the wall. A slither of panic raced through her blood, but she told herself she was being stupid because he couldn’t find her—her tormentor, her stalker, who wouldn’t leave her alone.

She took a deep breath and shrugged it off, thinking it was the storm’s flickering light playing havoc along the walls, making shadows when there weren’t any. She needed to check on the children. After she reassured Mason and Cindy everything was okay, she would return with a candle. With a careful step down the stairs, Lily’s fingers skimmed along the smooth wall to help guide her through the dark, until she stepped in a puddle. Weird. Why was there water along the wood steps under her bare feet? There must be a leak in the roof. Great. Lightning flashed through the living room windows, illuminating the path through her home.

Creeping into the kitchen, she felt more wet spots along the cool, tiled floor. The distinct sound of water dripping echoed around her. She would talk to her older brothers about the leaks. Once in the pantry where she stored the candles, she rummaged around the shelves for what she needed. A loud, banging noise came from upstairs, making her heart jump. Oh God, let it be her brothers. Where the hell were they anyway? Lily found what she was looking for. She paused at the kitchen counter to light a candle.

A moment later, the candlelight’s blaze shimmered around her. Once Lily’s eyes adjusted to the soft glow, she noticed the white linen curtains from the French doors furling in the air. Every hair follicle on Lily’s body stood straight up. The French doors were cracked open, creaking back and forth from the wind blowing from the storm. Icy chills wrapped its clutches around her spine, locking her knees in place. Frantic, her heart pounded in her throat. That’s not possible. Her brothers checked all the locks on the doors and windows in the townhouse. It was a mandatory ritual every night.

Her hand tightened around the lit candle like it was her only lifeline. She crept toward the French doors and stepped on broken glass, cutting her foot. Shit, that hurt. As she pulled a glass shard out of her foot, she noticed muddy boot tracks on the kitchen tile floor. Lily’s breath caught in her throat as cold goose bumps raced along the back of her neck.

Oh God. Someone was in her house.

Lily’s breath became more sporadic with each passing second as she followed the mud tracks through the kitchen to the bottom of the stairs. A shiver of dread shot through her body. Her heartbeat stuttered. The muddy boot prints led up the stairs. The candle flickered in tempo with her shaking hand. What was she going to do? Terrified, she barely noticed the burning sting on her hand from the dripping, hot wax.

The bottom pit of her soul quivered as all the warmth drained from her face when she realized . . . he was in her house.

The cut on her foot forgotten, she was climbing the stairs when she heard Cindy’s ear-splitting scream. The children. No. She dropped the candle into a puddle, extinguishing her only light. Driven by shuddering fear, she ran to the kids’ bedroom.

Pulse racing, Lily stopped at the kids’ doorway, shaking in utter terror. In the dark, she could make out her nephew’s shadow, standing in front of Cindy in a protective stance. Lightning flashed through the bedroom window, revealing a large man dressed all in black with his back to her, holding a knife in his right hand, the steel blade glinting in the dark with blood dripping from its tip. Stricken into silence, her throat was so tight, she couldn’t scream. Oh God, how did he find her? Where were her brothers? Were they hurt? Were they dead? No. She couldn’t think that.

Stay calm. Think, think, think, Lily! Terror held her in a vise-like grip. A sob escaped from her lips.

Slowly, he faced her, evil intent glittering in his black eyes. Hello, Lily. I’ve been looking for you.

Her hand fisted before her heart, wishing she were clutching a weapon to protect the children and herself.

He pointed the knife in her direction, his deep, scratching voice grating along her tense, frightened nerves. You’ve been hiding from me.

Her mouth turned as dry as the Sahara Desert. Lily swallowed past her tightened throat muscles. What are you doing in my house?

He smiled, full of malevolence. To be with you, of course, my love.

Lily shook her head and whimpered, I’m not your love.

His smile disappeared, lips pinched together in a cruel twist. "Don’t say that. You’re teasing me—again."

She prayed the bastard wouldn’t hear her desperation. No. Please leave. You’re scaring the children.

He sneered at her. The children. They don’t belong here with you! I can give you as many children as you want.

He took a determined step toward her and screamed, And those two men need to go as well. I will not have you living with other men. You’re mine.

They’re my brothers. Get out of my house now, or I’ll call the police.

He laughed menacingly at her. Oh Lily, those men won’t bother us tonight. I’m not going anywhere. No more playing games. I’m here to be with you—now.

The way he said now was ominous and final.

He shook his head, clucking his tongue as if he were explaining himself to an errant child. "Don’t you see? Tonight, I will make you fully mine again. You know, this is your fault. If you would just stop running and hiding from me, I wouldn’t have to hurt anyone. We were once good together, until you faked your death. Why? Why did you do it?"

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not who you think I am.

You want to keep playing pretend, then I’ll play along.

She choked on her words. I’m not who you think I am.

You were once mine and loved me. I’ll make you love me again.

Cold dread shook Lily to the core. Her eyes were unfocused as she took a deep breath, coming to terms with what she had to do to protect her niece and nephew. Her eyes refocused, looking directly into his black, crazed eyes. Determination straightened her spine. Lily ground her teeth together and spit out, You want me?

He hissed, Yes, you know I do.

Lily shrieked at him, Never! I hate you!

His eyes went wide with a fanatic look that scared the hell out of her. He stalked toward her. Lily ran down the hall to her bedroom, hoping to lead him away from the kids. He followed her.

She stopped and turned as he entered her bedroom, backing away to the bathroom. Lightning flashed outside, briefly showing he still held a knife. Thunder rattled her bedroom windows. Behind him, she saw Mason and Cindy slip quietly out of their bedroom and tiptoe down the stairs. Thank God! They were able to escape, but where were her brothers?

Don’t be afraid. Stop running from me! I promise it’ll be good between us.

The bastard was insane.

Please put the knife down. It scares me.

He stopped, staring at her with a frown, marring his face. He growled at her, Take your nightgown off—now.

Please don’t do this, she pleaded. Down the hallway, Lily saw movement in the dim shadows but couldn’t see who it was.

He slowly approached, dangerously closer to her. His grated voice demanded, I said, take your nightgown off now. His death-like eyes glazed over, cold as ice.

Lily prayed to God it was one of her brothers moving toward them. Taking a deep breath, looking him straight in the eye, she said, No.

He launched toward her.

She ran to her bathroom, but he caught the back of her hair and yanked her hard against his body. She screamed—fighting for her very life—kicking, hitting, and scratching his face deep enough to draw blood.

Shit. Stop it right now and do as you’re told. Stop it. he yelled.

"If you want me, you’ll have to do it yourself. And know this: it’ll be rape! I don’t want you. I have never wanted you. I hate you. You’re crazy," she yelled back.

You’re refusing to give yourself to me?

She didn’t answer him. There was no point having a rational conversation with a lunatic.

With menace laced in his voice, he whispered in her ear, So be it.

He knocked her down onto the floor. Lily continued struggling to get away from him. He pushed her nightgown to her waist. She screamed, No.

In a split second, the fanatic passion on his face changed to lethal hate. His lips pulled back from his teeth, and he growled at her. He slapped her hard across the face, stunning her by the force of his strength, sending black spots through her vision. Everything seemed to slow down as if she were watching a movie in slow motion. She panted through the pain, and tried to catch her breath, looking at him in a daze as he hovered over her. Gathering her courage and strength to hit him between his legs with her knee, she saw him raise his arm high into the air.

The glint of a knife in his hand flashed in the shadows. A burst of lightning came through the bedroom window, illuminating his arm as it swung down and plunged the knife deep into her torso. She screamed in utter, paralyzing fear, No! Lily choked on the piercing, agonizing, burning pain as it vibrated through her body.

The excruciating torture of the blade’s sting sliced through her one more time as she shrieked, No!

As a fuzzy film covered her eyesight, drifting into unconsciousness, in the distance she saw two blurry figures approaching behind Casey as he was preparing to stab her a third time. Lily reached out to the dimmed figures with a shaking, bloodied hand and opened her mouth to yell for help. But she could only muster a pathetic croak as she fought the abyss threatening to engulf her. Her last thought was of the children as she gave in to the darkness and slipped into a painless slumber.

Chapter 1

(Two Years Later)

Ben leaned against the railing on the back porch with an ice-cold bottle of Sierra Nevada beer hanging from his hand. His tired gaze looked over at the beautiful orange and purple sunset in the distance. Today was a good day. He bought a wild, untamed black stallion, and it had a lot of promise for future breeding and racing. These were the kind of days he loved—hard work and self-accomplishment. If only there were someone to share them with.

Ben loved this time of year: springtime in early April in Mendocino, California. Everything came alive, from the flowers blooming to birds chirping during the warm day, but cool at night. Nice sleeping weather with the windows cracked open to let the cool breeze flow through the bedroom. A perfect scenario to snuggle up with a beautiful woman in your arms under the blankets in bed, in the barn, on the porch; fuck, just about anywhere would be heaven right about now. He needed a woman—soon. It’d been too long, and he really wanted to get rid of the edginess he’d been feeling of late. It drove him crazy.

Strands of hair kept falling over his forehead, teasing his cheekbones. He could never tame his hair. He didn’t even know why he bothered. Maybe he should chop it off like when he was in the Navy SEALs. He thought of little Shelby playing with his hair and telling Amy he was going to chop it off. It was almost comical, considering Amy and Shelby’s response. He chuckled. Picking at the label on his beer bottle, he thought over how Amy had been horrified he would contemplate something so sacrilegious, and Shelby had started to cry, No, Uncle Benny, you cannot chop your hair off. I won’t be able to play with it anymore. No, no you cannot.

Shelby was such a sweetie. Boy, was she going to give Rick, his friend, a run for his money when she became a teenager! Ben couldn’t wait to see that play out. Okay, so he won’t cut his unruly black hair if it would keep Shelby happy. When did she wrap him around her little pinkie finger? Probably the day she was born. He was a sucker for her blonde pigtails and big, bright, innocent blue eyes.

Shit. Was it even possible to find someone like Amy, who loved her husband unconditionally? Ben was envious how happy Amy and Rick were together, how she doted on her family. Could he find something even close to what Rick and Amy had? It sure as hell felt like he wouldn’t—and not for lack of effort. Maybe it was not in the cards for him. His last relationship proved most women were just after his money. How disheartening.

In the distance, his new stallion ran and bucked his way around the corral, agitated from being confined. He felt the same way. He’d been restless of late, like something was missing in his life. This was fucking frustrating. Maybe a hand job and a cold shower would help ease the edge tonight. He sighed. Had he sunk that low? If anyone had told him over five years ago he’d be reduced to hand jobs while he waited for the right woman, Ben would have laughed in their faces.

There was an emptiness in the pit of his stomach that wouldn’t go away, and times when he wanted to crawl out of his skin. A sense of unease settled heavily upon his chest, a dark, hollow void in his shattered heart. Gripping the beer bottle tighter to the point of cracking it against the balustrade, he so desperately wanted these feelings to go away. The anxiety of something coming, which he couldn’t put his finger on made him nauseous. It had to be the reason why he was so tense of late. Dammit.

Something had to change, no—needed to change in his life.

He should leave town for a few days and check on his property and sailboat in St. Lucia and blow off some steam while he’s there. Yeah. A beautiful, Caribbean woman in his bed for a few days would do him some good. Rum flowing in his veins and some sunshine would do a world of wonders to end this tension, which kept creeping in on him.

Ben stood on the back patio a few more minutes, remembering he promised his friend Rick he would stop by and check on his mare, which was due to foal within the next week. He’d have to take a bag of red licorice ropes for Shelby and Nick. After he ran his errands in town, and cleared his schedule to travel to St. Lucia, he’d visit Rick and Amy before leaving.

Ben’s estate manager, Stan, stepped out from the stables and headed toward him. He took another sip of his beer while he waited.

Ben asked, What’s up?

We need some new rope and a few more supplies from the hardware store. I want to be sure the ropes are strong enough to hold that beauty of a stallion you purchased when I start working with it, Stan explained.

All right. I was already thinking about heading into Napa Valley tomorrow to take care of a few business items. I’ll stop by the hardware store while I’m there.

Stan said, I’ll leave the list on the kitchen counter for you.

Ben nodded in agreement. Stan, I’m thinking about heading out of town for a week or two to St. Lucia. I have a few things I need to look into there. If I do leave it will be in about two weeks. You okay with taking on that stallion without my being here?

Stan nodded. No problem. I’ll have some of the men help me out, and hopefully by the time you return, that stallion will have been broken in.

Excellent. I’ll keep you posted on when I’m leaving.

Have you thought of a name yet for the stallion?

Nope. I think you should name him. After all, you’re the one who’s going to break him in.

Stan’s smile grew. All right, I’ll think on it tonight and let you know what I come up with in the morning.

Ben chuckled. Okay, but don’t think too hard on it.

Stan chuckled back. Don’t worry. I promise not to hurt my brain too much thinking up a good name for it. Have a good night.

You, too.

Ben looked over his ranch one more time and heard what sounded like the retort of a shot being fired, causing him to jump. Ben sucked in a deep breath as a haunting memory flashed through his mind. His sight narrowed as a muzzle pointed out in front of him and flashed with a rat-tat-tat. Ice slithered down his heated skin, turning him numb. Ben yelled, Alex, no.

Alex looked back at him, screaming in agony. Ben.

The honk of a horn jerked him back to reality. The slam of a tailgate closing sounded like another gunshot, making him flinch. Ben watched as some of his ranch hands piled into their trucks, heading out for a night on the town. His hands tensed along the balustrade, knuckles white. Ben shook off the gripping recollection of Alex shot dead that fateful night on the beach in Cartagena. Ben took several calming, deep breaths but couldn’t shake the horrible memory. There wasn’t a goddamn thing he could have done to help Alex. It was something he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

It was getting dark. The stars were starting to shine in the twilight’s sky. He pushed off the balustrade, turned his back from the twinkling night, and went inside with Alex’s screams of agony lingering in his heart.

~

The kids and Lily were unpacked in their rooms. Rick was adamant they live in the main house for their own protection. Sheesh, he was overreacting just a bit. Tiara will soon leave for Chile, a contracted job she landed with NOAA—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—for the next year. Her college friends Aiden and Braden MacKenzie were temporarily staying in the guesthouse until her old childhood friend Tiara left. Then they would move into the apartment above the garage.

After enjoying a simple dinner, Amy’s two children, seven-year-old Nick and three-year-old Shelby, were sharing the large, L-shaped, brown leather sofa with Mason and Cindy watching Disney’s Hercules. The adults moved out onto the back patio to chat and star gaze with a bottle of wine.

She took a sip of her wine, closed her eyes and savored the earthy flavors of red currants and lavender across her palate. Her head tilted back on the lounge chair, and she took a deep breath of the clean Pacific air, savoring the hints of Redwoods, Spruce, and Eucalyptus trees mixed with many acres of grapevines spread throughout Amy and Rick’s property, the Belmont Vineyards. But most importantly, she taps Amy’s prized Maple trees for homemade maple syrup. Hmmm. She couldn’t wait for some good home-cooked buttermilk pancakes smothered with Amy’s maple syrup.

I take it everything went okay through customs and immigration? Rick asked Aiden.

Rick’s question brought her back to the issue at hand.

Aiden answered, No problems.

Good.

Lily, Amy and I were thinking after a few days of adjusting here Mason should go to school. We know it’s early April, but we think it might be good for him to make new friends before summer break starts. This should help the process of him being a nine-year-old. He is way too protective of Cindy at such a young age—which is commendable—but he needs the opportunity to be a kid, Rick said.

I agree. I’m worried about Mason with his overprotectiveness and trust issues. I know it stems from losing his parents and then being traumatized months later by witnessing what happened to me and their uncles in Chicago, said Lily.

Are you saying Mason doesn’t trust you? Rick asked.

Yes, there are some trust issues between Mason, Cindy, and myself. Can you blame them? I had a psycho after me, and I couldn’t protect them. Her voice rose just thinking about that night. For Christ’s sake, she had been in hiding for two years in Scotland, staying at the MacKenzie’s while renovating their home. Her eyes flickered over Aiden and Braden MacKenzie, thankful for their support and friendship during a difficult time in her life.

Lily, calm down. I’m not trying to upset you. I had no idea this was going on. You’re surrounded with close friends and family now, and we’ll all help out. I can tell Mason is very wary of any man, except to Aiden and Braden here, Rick dryly said, glancing toward them.

Aiden raised his brow at Rick, while Braden gave him the middle finger. Those Scottish rogues were looking for trouble.

That’s because Mason has been around us for the past two years, having had time to get to know us. Also, he helped us in the stables. We’ve earned his trust. You’d be surprised how much he knows about horses, cattle, and sheep. Braden chuckled and continued, "Just take your time with him. Be honest and talk to him man-to-man, not man-to-child. You’ll earn his trust faster that way."

Braden faced Lily. Lily, I don’t think the kids have trust issues with ye. I think they are guarding their hearts in case they end up losing you, too, just like their parents. Honestly, they almost did lose ye, so they are scared.

Wow. So many words coming out of Braden’s mouth; unbelievable. Braden, you really scare me sometimes when you say something so perceptive. It makes my heart flutter. She grinned at him.

Ha. And I thought it was for my good looks and Scottish charm, he said, deepening his Scottish brogue.

Everyone had a good laugh. How quickly the mood changed when Braden wielded his wonderful charm. Girls in town don’t stand a chance against his sexy appeal and humor.

Amy, why don’t we take Mason into town on Wednesday, show him the school, and pick up any paperwork I need to fill out. Is there a pre-school in town for Cindy to go to? asked Lily.

Yes, I take Shelby there three days a week. It’s small, with only twelve children attending. I think Cindy will like it. Shelby will be ecstatic to show Cindy off to her friends, Amy smiled. We can go by there on Wednesday before stopping at the elementary school.

Lily nodded. Great! That’s settled then.

Tiara joined them on the back patio and sat next to Lily with a glass of wine in hand.

Oh, by the way, Amy said, turning to Lily. Rick and I are having one of our famous BBQ parties a month from now. It should be fun. You’ll be able to see some old friends.

Oh no, not yet. She groaned at Amy, Are you kidding me? Why so soon?

Amy’s jubilant smile disappeared. Oh, I thought a month would be enough time to settle in. I assumed you’d like to see some old friends from the high school days. But the party is for Tiara before she leaves town, a celebration for landing that contract with NOAA. I can cancel if you want.

Yes, Lily. If you’re not ready for a lot of company, we can celebrate when I come back. Tiara shrugged her shoulders. It’s no big deal.

Now she felt guilty. No, don’t cancel. It’ll be nice to see some old friends. You just caught me off guard. I was hoping for some time to ease into things here. We should celebrate Tiara’s trip to Chile. It’s okay, Amy.

Amy’s bright smile was back.

I think it’s time to put the young ones to bed. You ladies stay and enjoy your wine. Rick smirked at Aiden and Braden.

Up yours, dimwit, Aiden joked, while Braden gave him the middle finger again.

It was late at night and Amy, Tiara, and Lily were still sitting outside sharing a third bottle of wine, gazing at the stars and catching up on old high school times.

Lily, I’m so glad you’re here, Tiara said.

Me, too.

I’m happy you and the kids will keep Amy busy. There are too many men living on this vineyard. She would just go crazy if she didn’t have female companionship, Tiara giggled.

Amy rolled her eyes at her, but was smiling.

Lily smiled back. I’m really happy to be back on familiar turf. I feel like it’s been a long journey to arrive here.

You have been on a long journey to get here, just not the kind you thought it would be. In fact, all of us thought you were well-settled and established in Chicago for good, Amy said.

After a short, silent pause, Amy asked, Are you still having nightmares?

For a while there, in the beginning, I couldn’t sleep through the night without having one. For over a year, the bad dreams came and went, usually when there was a thunder and lightning storm. Counseling helped. Once I was settled and started feeling safe again, the nightmares became fewer and fewer. Now, they sneak up on me once in a while.

Amy grabbed her hand and squeezed it. We are here to help in anyway.

I know, Lily sighed. Truly, I don’t know if they will ever go away, unless I know for sure that psycho bastard is finally locked up or dead. Maybe then I could be rid of the nightmares for good.

Tiara and Amy shared a look.

Amy explained, Lily, you know you’re safe here, right? There are Rick’s employees who live on the vineyard, and they are aware to keep an eye out for any outsider Rick and I have not approved of. Our nextdoor neighbor, Ben, is a really good friend of Rick’s from the Navy SEAL days. His ranch has a lot of workers as well who could keep an eye out for any outsiders.

Ben? Do I know him? Lily asked.

No, I don’t believe you’ve met him. He bought old George’s ranch about three years ago and has turned it around. The stables are full of prime horseflesh. Ben spends about six to seven months at the ranch and then travels to check on other properties and businesses. The man has the Midas touch—like your brother Ken. I believe he’s a partner with some oil company as well. But you know me, I really don’t pay attention to that stuff. I just know he’s one of Rick’s really close friends, would do anything for Rick and me, and the kids love him. Amy smiled at Lily. Actually, he’s good looking, too.

Tiara snorted. Good looking? Ben looks like a Greek God, for heaven’s sake, Amy! The man is gorgeous and chiseled in all the right places. Lily, I warn you now. He is mouthwatering.

Wow, all of this coming from Tiara, who’s always cynical about men.

But watch yourself. He’s a known womanizer. Ah, Tiara showing her true colors.

Amy admonished, Tiara! You don’t know that.

Then why hasn’t he settled down with a woman?

Amy shrugged her shoulders. Maybe Ben is waiting for the right woman to come along. Just because he ended things with the wicked witch, Heather, five years ago and hasn’t had a long-term relationship since, doesn’t make him a womanizer.

Tiara tapped her finger on her chin, but her eyes twinkled with mischief. Yeah. There’s something not right about that, either. What hot man, like Ben, chooses not to be in a relationship with a woman after no more than a few dates? It’s not normal, I tell you.

Tiara, you don’t know if he’s sleeping with a woman or not, unless you have something to share you’ve been keeping from me? Amy asked.

Hell no! The man is hot, but he’s not my type.

Amy surmised. Maybe Ben is secretly dating someone and you don’t know about it.

I have seen Ben with a different woman every other week. Hence, the comment he’s a womanizer.

Exasperated, Amy flung her hands up into the air.

Tiara smirked. Maybe he’s decided he’s gay and doesn’t have the nerve to come out of the closet. Tiara shook her head, and continued, That would be a shame if that’s the case.

Tiara. Ben is not gay. Amy exclaimed.

Lily couldn’t help it. Whether it was the wine or not, she giggled at Amy and Tiara’s banter. They both looked at her as if she lost her mind. Lily said, Oh, it is so good to be here. I’ve missed you both very much. This is just like old times, you bantering about the pros and cons of a hot man.

They were giggling when the sound of a car’s engine came down the driveway and then stopped. Amy rushed over to the end of the patio to see who it was.

Tiara asked, Who is it?

Running back with a huge smile on her face, Amy said, Speaking of the devil, his ears must have been burning. It’s Ben.

Tiara shared a look with Amy and then set her sights on Lily with a playful grin.

Lily wagged her finger. Oh no you don’t. No matchmaking.

Tiara kept on smiling. We’ll see, we’ll see.

Ben was heading toward them when Rick shouted out from the front of the house. Ben disappeared in the other direction, but not before Lily got a good glimpse of him. Tiara was right: a Greek God, indeed! Her pussy quivered between her legs, which had never happened before. What the hell?

But what was most unsettling was when Ben had looked over at her, stopped for a moment, and held her gaze. Even in the darkness with only a few candles lit on the patio coffee table, his eyes had zeroed in on her, pinning her where she sat. She held her breath as his predatory smile set her alarms off. Run. An electrical current singed through her blood and found its way to her core, causing it to clench. Oh. She had never experienced anything like it. It was hot, erotic, and intimidating—very intimidating.

As Rick and Ben walked toward the stables, Lily placed her hand over her erratic heartbeat. Someone cleared their throat, bringing her back to her surroundings. Looking over at her friends, her cheeks burned with embarrassment. They caught her ogling Ben’s tight ass.

Tiara taunted, Do I even need to say it?

That I told you so? Lily asked.

Yep, that would be it.

No, you don’t. But nothing is going to happen between Ben and myself, so leave it.

Like I said earlier, we’ll see.

After another hour of girly talk, Amy sat her empty wine glass down on the coffee table. I’m off to bed, ladies. I’ll see you in the morning.

Well, I guess that ends our girly talk. I’m feeling a little tipsy myself. I’ll head off to bed now, said Lily.

Hey, Lily? Tiara asked.

Yeah?

I’m really glad you’re here. I’ve been so worried about you, Tiara whispered. They hugged.

I’m sorry you’ve been worried. I’ll admit I have been really scared. Being here is a great relief. I know Rick and all the guys here will do everything in their power to protect the kids and me. And I’m really glad you were able to hold off on your trip so we can spend some time together. I’ve missed you and Amy, and I’ll miss you while you’re off to Chile having a grand adventure! They both smiled at each other and hugged once more.

Sleep well, Lily.

Lily whispered, I’ll try. Good night, Tiara.

As Lily walked toward the stairs to her bedroom balcony door, a cold, prickling sensation trickled down her skin, snatching the air from her lungs. Her hand tightened on the railing, and she stood frozen, looking over her shoulder. Her frantic eyes searched the darkness, but with little light with which to see, she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, except for the hairs standing straight on her arms. A shudder raced through her as Casey’s grating voice echoed in her mind: I found you once. I’ll find you again. And then . . . you’re mine.

~

Lily sat on a lounge chair wrapped in her favorite blue and white quilt, and watched the sunrise from her bedroom balcony. She woke before five in the morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. It was a restless night in a new, strange bed, plus she was still suffering from jet lag.

Traveling from Scotland to Mendocino had been a long trip.

She sipped on a hot, very large cup of Café Latte and thought over her last day in Scotland and smiled.

The MacKenzie boys—Colin, Aiden, Braden, Gavin, Ian, and Logan—were lingering outside the stables with Mason and Cindy. When the kids saw her walking toward the stables, they began jumping up and down, clapping their hands in excitement. She’s here! She’s here!

The MacKenzie boys looked on with amusement.

"Good morning, everyone," she said. Mason and Cindy threw themselves at her.

"We all have a surprise for you, Aunt Lily!" Mason squealed with delight.

"Really? She raised her eyebrow at the MacKenzie boys. So, what’s the surprise you’re so excited about?"

"Can we go get the surprise, Aiden?" Mason asked.

"Aye, go with Braden. He’ll help ye bring Lily’s gift out," Aiden replied. The corners of his lips twitched upwards, shaking his head as the kids ran inside the stables, Braden trailing behind them.

Lily folded her arms in front of her. What are you all up to? You guys have been secretive this past week.

"Secretive? Women are secretive. Men are mysterious! It’s what makes women drop at our feet," Aiden arrogantly scoffed.

Colin snorted over their banter.

Lily rolled her eyes at them.

The ever-watchful Colin kept his arms folded across his chest, not taking his eyes off her, like he was making a decision. She didn’t like it when he looked at her like that. It usually meant a decision was already made concerning her with her brother Ryan’s full agreement. It sometimes sucks being a woman surrounded by so much testosterone. Growing up was difficult for her sister Hailie and herself against five brothers - Ryan, Shane, Alex, Ken, and Nate.

For the past two years, it had been the six MacKenzie brothers’ testosterone she had to contend with. Once they realized what happened to her in Chicago, the MacKenzies and her brothers became co-conspirators regarding