Dream Lover (Denim and Spurs Book 2) (14 page)

“Not much. What do you need from me? Has there been any change?”

He cut his gaze to her. The doctor had left the room. “No, I need a bag. I came right here from the ranch. And my phone.”

“I’ll call there and have Karis bring it. Anything else?”

He paced again. “I want to know who found her and who’s investigating the incident.”

“On it. Give me a bit, I’m at the bank, but I’ll have it to you as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be here.” He replaced the handset in the cradle and bit off another curse. He continually drifted back to her side, wanting to hold her and yet scared merely touching her could exacerbate her injuries.

“Fuck,” he uttered, wheeling away and returning to the window.

“Sir,” a woman said from behind him.

He turned to find a nurse there. “What?”

“Visiting hours are over.”

“Okay.” He faced the window again.

“You have to leave, sir.”

His harsh chuckle was as inviting as barbed wire. “I ain’t leaving her. You may as well accept it.” He walked to the bed and stared down at the woman there, the one who’d wrapped him around her finger and had inserted herself into his life and soul.

“Sir.” A man this time.

Judd angled his head to find a security guard there. He recognized him from seeing him at Denim & Spurs. “Danny Isola.”

“Judd Travers, good to see you.”

“I’m not leaving her.”

Danny moved further into the room. “What happened?”

“I think someone is trying to kill her and until she wakes up, I’m staying right here.”

“Kill her? Shit, isn’t that Laciee Dupree?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll let them know you’re here all night.”

“You do that.”

Judd didn’t give a damn whether he did or not, but he would definitely appreciate the lack of intrusions. So long as the staff left him alone he would be fine. From his periphery he observed Danny as the man departed the room. Judd dragged the chair to the side of the bed and sat. He lowered his chin to rest it on his interlocked fingers as he focused on Laciee, wishing more than anything she would open her eyes and look at him.

He stayed all night, only stirring when the night nurse came in to check on her. The next person he saw was Karis, when she pushed into the room, carrying a bag for him.

“Any change?” Her thick drawl, laced with concern, wrapped around him.

“No.” He pushed up and reached for the bag. “Thank you.”

“The stuff Wyatt found out is in there as well.”

“I want to clean up.”

“Take your time, I know there’s a shower in there. I’ll be with her.” Karis walked to the bed, brushed some of Laciee’s hair back from her face, and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Whatever she muttered was too low for him to understand.

Although reluctant, he went to the bathroom and stepped under the spray. He’d planned on rushing but the heated water felt so good, he slowed down, content if something happened, Karis would pound on the door. About twenty minutes later, he stepped from the room. He’d not shaved but at least he was no longer covered with sweat and dirt. His heart kicked a few beats when he heard two voices out there, Karis and Laciee.

“This is my fault.”

Karis’ statement halted him. It wasn’t often where he showed compassion to others but he did care greatly for Karis and this sounded like a private conversation.

“No, you can’t blame yourself, Karis.” Laciee’s voice was rough but he didn’t care. She was alive and awake.

“I can and I do. I not only pressured you to come for the wedding but forced you into staying.”

“You didn’t force me.”

“God, I just wanted you to come home and I thought maybe Judd would be a reason you stayed.”

He held his breath, awaiting her reply.

“If ever a reason, Judd would be it, but we both know, Karis, this place isn’t for me.”

“It can be. This,
here,
is your home, Laciee. Not NYC.”

“Recent evidence proves to the contrary. It’s better for the daughter of Branchwater’s whore to stay away. Even Bolton thinks he can elicit favors from me. The man propositioned me right in Marley’s over a piece of pie.”

“That low down—”

“Let it go, Karis.”

Judd saw red. He began to step from the bathroom.
I’m going to kill that bastard.

“He’s not the first to say such things to me nor do I doubt he’ll be the last. They see me in Lola’s light.”

“You’re nothing like her!” Karis spat.

“Sure, only now, I’m Judd’s whore. What do want from me, Karis?”

Judd scowled at her words.
How can she believe such a thing?

“You are not. You’re important to him, like you are to me.”

“I’m tired, Karis. I need to rest.”

In the smallest voice he’d ever heard from Karis, she replied, “You know I love you, Laciee.”

“I know and I love you, too. Go home to your husband. I’m not going anywhere for a while.”

Judd left the bathroom in time to see Karis wipe away tears before she walked by him. Her eyes overflowed with the torment hitting her.

“Keep her safe, Judd,” she said before departing the room.

He turned to Laciee who lay there, anger, defiance, and fear in her gaze. At his stare the uncertainty grew in her eyes. He ignored the purplish bruise around one eye and strode to the bed.

“My whore?”

The words vibrated with danger. He’d not meant to start anything, but they slipped free.

“Hello to you too.”

“What do you mean? I have never—”

“It’s what they’re saying, Judd. I never said you called me that.”

Tension fluctuated along his entire being. “I’ve been here since I heard. And you…” He whirled away only to spin back. “What the fuck happened?”

“I wrecked.”

“Why does Karis get full sentences and I get this bullshit short answer.”

“Because.” Her gaze narrowed.

He crossed his arms and glared down at her. “Because? Well, isn’t that just so helpful.”

“Because, dammit, she’s my sister!” Laciee’s eyes widened with shock at her own announcement. Then she closed them and turned her head away. He blinked as he tried to make sense of what she’d just broken to him.

Chapter Fourteen

God damn it! I can’t believe I let that slip.
Laciee wished the bed would swallow her. Aside from Vic, she’d never told anyone about her relation to Karis.

“Closed eyes or not, you owe me more of an explanation after that outburst.”

“I’m injured, leave me alone.”

The mattress depressed on either side of her. “Look at me, darlin’.”

God, his voice…it would take her legs from her were she not already lying in the bed.

“I’m sleeping.”

His warm breath fanned over her skin, and she cracked open her eyes. His chiseled jaw, covered by the daily growth, beckoned to her.

“Look at me or I’m joining you in bed.”

“Do what you must.”
Wouldn’t do for me to say that’s what I want—to be in his arms.

“Laciee.”

“Sleeping.”

“Have it your way.”

She didn’t think he would but when the bed dipped, her eyes flew open all the way. “What are you doing?”

“Getting into bed with you. You tell me if this hurts you.”

The caring in his voice nearly brought her to tears. When he settled, she burrowed her face into his chest, confident she was safe now.

“You are the most stubborn, obstinate—” His words fell off as she spread her fingers of her broken arm over his shirt.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you with my words, Judd. I didn’t mean to. I was just speaking the truth.”

“Whoever said that is full of shit. You’re deserving of so much more, darlin’. I don’t understand why you don’t see that.”

“Hey, you can’t be in bed with her,” a nurse barked.

“Leave us,” he commanded.

The woman glared, then backed away.

“You’re making enemies,” Laciee said.

“I’m not here for a popularity contest.”

“I’m beginning to think you like people scared of you.”

His warmth surrounding her did more good than any meds could.

“I’m a rancher. As long as my men work hard and people don’t screw me over, I’m good. This…what happened to you, is not making me happy.”

Didn’t much make me happy either.
“Hate to break it to you but the cat’s out of the proverbial bag. Jolene knows you’re not a grinch.”

“If you want to talk, tell me about you and Karis being related.”

She wanted to close her eyes and go somewhere else. “What’s to tell,” she muttered. “You met my mother, surely you can piece together how that happened.”

“I get the concept,” he uttered in her ear, his tongue trailed along the whorl of her ear. “When you’re better, maybe we can do a hands on lesson to ensure I understand.”

Despite the pain, she chuckled.

“How come you didn’t grow up with Karis?”

“Really? You see Mrs. Raines allowing a little ni—black kid in her house? A constant reminder of her husband’s infidelity. With Karis, it’s easier to pass off, me, it wouldn’t be.”

“Wait a second. Karis isn’t her biological daughter either?”

“No, she’s the offspring of some truck stop waitress in Alabama.”

“I never knew.”

“No one does.” She yawned and struggled not to tug on the tubes in her nose. “Like no one knows about me.” More of her bitterness slipped into her tone.

“What about Mr. Raines?”

“Does what every good dad does and ignores the unwanted kid. I tried to get his attention. I
tried
to be his daughter and part of his life, their lives, only to be stonewalled at every turn. I was barely allowed in the house and then only through the back door as if never to sully their entryway.” Tears pricked her eyes and only served to piss her off all over again.
Damn it, I’ve gotten past this. I’m no longer needing a daddy in my life.

He brushed his callused fingertips lightly along her chin. “You gave up.”

The statement wasn’t done in an accusing way, merely a factual one.

“A kid can only take so much rejection. I quit trying around the fifth grade. Only because Karis is so damn annoying and persistent did we remain friends. I would have washed my hands of them all.”

“She loves you.”

“I know.” The first of her tears leaked over. She never attempted to dash them away, just kept them closed and leaned on him to soak up his strength.

* * * *

When she woke, she may have been alone in the bed but she wasn’t in the room. Karis stood at the foot with the doctor. Judd was nowhere to be found while Sam was on her right. It was the woman on her left who had more tears flowing. Her best friend, Vic. The one who’d allowed her to have a family up in New York City. They’d been close since she moved up there, treating her as one of the Carracci family members. She even spoke Italian with them at family dinners.

Vic was there, black motorcycle jacket on over what Laciee recognized as her blush ponte dress along with her black high-heeled boots.
She always did have killer legs.

“We’ll kill them,” she uttered in Italian, her tone hard and unforgiving. Vic leaned close and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You could have just asked me to come out,” she said, in English. “The promise of hot cowboys would have been enough. This way seems a bit over the top, even for you.”

“You came.”

“Of course, you’re my best friend and you need me. You’re too damn nice. That’s where I come in.”

Vic’s New York accent stood out even more since Laciee had been surrounded by the deep Texas twang. The doctor scribbled on her chart and walked out.

“We,” Vic said gesturing around to the other women. “Want to know what’s happened. I don’t want to read the police report. I want your version.” She unzipped her jacket. “Why am I still waiting?”

“Because I’m injured with fucking tubes coming out of my nose.”

“Hardly an excuse. I don’t like waiting. Do I have to call my brothers? Hell, even my sisters?” She tapped her foot. “Ma and Pa need an update on you. I told them I’d send one, asap.” She leveled a pointed look at Laciee. “It was the only way I could keep all them from descending on you and this town. Talk fast, they won’t wait forever.”

Laciee gestured for her to raise the bed and began to fill them in. Their expressions grew murderous as she continued.

“That’s it,” she concluded, accepting the water from Sam and taking small sips through the straw.

“Who did it?” Vic’s question wasn’t a shock to Laciee, but it was to the other women, given their expressions.

“You think someone did this?” Karis asked.

“You don’t?” Vic retorted.

“Why would anyone want to hurt Laciee?” Karis glanced to Samantha.

Sam shrugged. “Makes me suspicious, especially given the fiasco with her hotel room then the grave.”

“Grave? What the fuck happened while I was on my honeymoon?” Karis had lost her pulled together look as she jerked to her feet and crossed her arms. “Fill me in, damn it.”

Sam listened and told her. Karis was muttering words Laciee was positive Wyatt didn’t believe she knew.

A knock on the door had them falling silent and gazing over to find Randall Bolton in the doorway.

“Sheriff,” Karis said. Sam didn’t speak.

“I need a few moments,” he said entering. “A few questions is all, Laciee.”

Laciee witnessed the look on Vic’s face and understood there wasn’t anything she could do to stop what was about to happen next. Not even if she’d not been confined to a hospital bed.

Vic spun toward Randall and walked to him. As expected his eyes ran over Vic with lust and hunger. Before he could speak, she’d kneed him in the groin, doubling him over.

“What the hell?” he gasped, face mottled red as he fought to breathe. “I could have you arrested for assaulting an officer.”

“I don’t see an officer, all I see is the fucking scum who thinks they can make untoward propositions to my friend without repercussions.”

Randall stood upright, glaring.

Vic matched him, her intensity surpassing Bolton’s. Randall gazed around at those gathered. Laciee knew none of them would help him. He took a step toward Vic who immediately narrowed her eyes at him but never backed down.

“Is this the room housing Laciee Dupree?” A rich, masculine voice filtered through the increasing tension.

“I’m Sheriff Bolton, who are you?”

The man stepped into view and Laciee bit her lip to hide her smile. He was tall, broad shouldered, and fit. Brown eyes ran over the occupants of the room before returning to the cop.

“You can call me SSA Carracci, FBI.” He looked in her direction again. “Ms. Dupree?”

She nodded solemnly. He strode forward, purely alpha, taking over the room with a single tick of time.

“You can leave, Sheriff. I will be by your office later to peruse your files on this case. And shut the door behind you.”

Randall left and Laciee recognized he wasn’t pleased with the situation playing out in his town.

Brown eyes focused on her, once the door was closed. “Christ of a mother fucker, Laciee, you look like shit.”

“You sweet talker you,” she said, finally allowing the smile to crack free. “Always so smooth with the words.”

“Only to you. I see my sister has been wielding her lethal knees again.” He peered at Karis and Samantha. “I’m Gianfranco, that one’s sister. But, please call me Gian. Or whatever you like.”

“Married, Gian,” Laciee said.

“Both?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He groaned playfully then kissed Laciee’s cheek after they finished introductions. Settling on the chair closest to her, he shook his head. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”

Her nod was slight, but there. “Thank you.” He held her fingers, thumb moving over her nails as he looked to the others. “Catch me up. As many details as you can so I can catch the fucker trying to kill my Laciee.”

She drifted off to sleep surrounded by those she trusted talking about what had happened and catching Gian up to speed. Still, she wanted to know where Judd had gotten himself to.

Next time she woke, the room was mostly bathed in shadows. Gian sat at her side, their fingers still linked. That hadn’t woken her. No, the intense gaze of the man at the foot of her hospital bed, did. Judd stood there with a scowl on his face as he stared at her and Gian.

“Hey,” she said.

“Who’s the sleeper?” His voice was low and rife with danger.

“Someone who’s wide awake, cowboy. What do you want here this time of night?”

Judd held her gaze and she realized this situation could go south very fast.

“I’d like you to keep your hands off my woman.”

Gian squeezed her fingers. “I like holding her hand. What makes you think she’s your woman?”

“Gian,” she warned.

Judd stepped in his direction and Gian chuckled. “Just a head’s up, cowpoke. I’m a federal agent.” Gian moved his long sleeve shirt to the side, allowing his badge to be seen.

“Don’t give a damn.”

“Good.” Gian rose. “Just didn’t want you to claim you weren’t aware.”

“Judd,” Laciee said, not liking where this was going.

He immediately focused on her before coming to her side. He sat on the bed, cupping her face. “Are you feeling better?”

“Almost enough to go home.”

His gaze shuttered. “I see. Can I get you anything?”

“No. How are things on the ranch?”

“Well enough.”

“Any more incidents?”

“Focus on you, not the ranch.”

She loved how he continued to touch her.

“I’d rather think about something else.”

“I’ll give you plenty.” His words were laced with such promise. “Sleep now.”

“Will you stay?”

He brushed their lips together. “Can’t get rid of me that easy, darlin’.”

Judd waited until he knew she’d succumbed to the exhaustion riding her healing body. Then he focused on the man—still holding her hand—and found the dark gaze on him.

“What are you doing here?” Judd’s question came out in a less than hospitable manner. He didn’t care.

“Visiting a friend of mine, one I care deeply about. Then I’m taking her home.” His brows narrowed a fraction. “Obviously she’s not well protected around here.”

Judd bristled but didn’t verbally respond to the jab. All he did was lean in and press himself along her slumbering body. The thought of her leaving left a sour taste in his gut.

“She can make up her own mind.”

“She already has,” Gian said. “You just don’t know it yet.”

He despised the level of confidence the man had. Lips to Laciee’s forehead he closed his eyes and they slept there. Too soon, he woke when the door opened to admit a long-legged black woman, dressed to kill. She narrowed her eyes at him before a slow grin lifted her full lips.

“You must be the handsome cowboy who knocked her socks off. Judd, I believe she said.” This woman walked straight up to him and hugged him. “I’m Vic.”