Edge of the Enforcer

Chapter Twenty-One

The next morning, Lindsey sat beside Zander’s hospital bed. The nurse had pushed the chair next to the bed so Lindsey could reassure herself of his survival by holding his hand. His warm, warm hand.

God. She’d come too close to losing him. By the time the ambulance had arrived, his tanned face had been gray-white and his skin terrifyingly cold.

All because he’d had to be a darned hero. Virgil said Zander hadn’t waited, had busted open the door and jumped through. And, sheesh, instead of aiming at Morales, who had a gun, Zander had shot Parnell because his knife had threatened her.

Dammit. Morales’s bullet had almost killed him. “Stubborn, bullheaded idiot,” she whispered to him. She attempted to smile as she remembered how he’d told the detective “mine” in that possessive tone of voice.

She really was his—and wouldn’t want to belong to anyone else. As her eyes filled, she glanced upward, where her father undoubtedly leaned on heaven’s fence, one boot up on a rail, watching the goings-on of his children. Hey, Daddy, are you there? I have a man you’d be proud to call son.

She could swear she saw his approving nod.

Blinking happily, she toyed with Zander’s fingers. Scars on the knuckles, calluses on the palm and fingers. Short, broken fingernails. A man’s hand—the Enforcer’s hand. Able to deal out punishment as well as pleasure. Someone she could lean on, and in turn, her love would make him stronger.

From the hallway, Dixon’s raised voice drew her attention. After a minute of listening, she giggled. Were Dixon’s flirtations finally going to come to an end? Feeling unrepentantly snoopy, she pushed her chair a few inches over so she could watch the show through the partially open door.

“Listen, sweet cheeks, you don’t have any say over me,” Dixon was saying. Hands on hips, he glared up at Stan.

Stan’s low voice was very direct. “Wrong, boy. We’re going to explore this—all the way.” He curled his hand around Dixon’s neck and pulled him closer. “I’ve been looking for someone like you.”

“Someone to fuck…” The bitterness in Dixon’s voice made Lindsey’s heart hurt. And worried her. He’d been burned enough times he was getting cynical. On the other hand, Stan seemed pretty special. C’mon, Dix, take the leap.

“Do I look like a man who has trouble finding fuck-buddies? Seriously?”

Lindsey half grinned. A real-life agent, drop-dead handsome, tall, and built. Right—Stan probably got more offers than Zander.

As realization dawned in Dixon’s face, he shook his head. “Then what do you want?”

Stan gave a low laugh. “I want a submissive. With a big heart. And loyalty. I hadn’t expected courage, but damn, you have that to spare.”

Dixon stared up into Stan’s face as if he’d found a hero—and he had. Even better, he’d found a Dominant who would appreciate him for who he was. Would give him the control he wanted. Would take care of him.

As Dixon wrapped his arms around Stan, Lindsey let out a happy sigh.

The fingers she was clasping moved. Zander opened his eyes and tilted his chin toward the hallway. “I’m drowning in bleeding hearts. Can you close the door?”

As she rose, the stitches in her stomach protested. Ow, ow, ow. Her jeans were only half-zipped and still felt as if the waist was rubbing open her wounds.

Zander’s gaze darkened. “Babe.” When he reached for her, she evaded him and walked across the room.

As she closed the door, Dixon lifted his head from Stan’s shoulder and smiled at her, his eyes filled with joy.

Stan winked at her.

She returned to her chair and settled carefully.

“When was your last pain med?” Zander asked.

She laughed lightly. “I’m supposed to ask you that.”

“Hurts like fuck, but I’m alive.” He held his hand out. “How about you?”

“Same.” Nothing felt as good as having his hand around hers. “I love you.”

“I know.” His lips twitched when she glared.

“That’s not how you’re supposed to answer.” A tap on the door prevented her from smothering him with his own pillows. “Come in!” One painful trip across the room was enough for a while.

Dixon and Stan entered, followed by Virgil with his wife, Summer. Jake maneuvered in, using crutches.

Right behind him was Kallie, swearing under her breath at his stubbornness. She winked at Lindsey. “Hey, we heard this was where we were supposed to store the cripples.”

“Somebody fetch me a quirt,” Jake muttered, frowning at her.

“This is the place. Got a spot for you, Jake.” Lindsey pointed to the other chair in the room and said to Kallie, “I hope he didn’t punish you too badly for helping find the road.”

“Hell, no.” Kallie wrinkled her nose at her husband as he lowered himself into the chair. “He moves like a moose on stilts; he’s sure not going to catch me.”

“My mobility, sprite”—he swatted her butt—“will change. And be warned, I’m counting your insults.”

Somehow she didn’t look very worried.

Simon and Rona came in, followed by Becca and Logan, who held his son in one arm. Ansel saw all the people and gave a baby squeal, kicking to show his approval.

Lindsey’s heart lifted. “He doesn’t look any the worse for wear. I need cuddles from him, please?” Her attempt to hold her arms up for the baby was abruptly halted by the pull on her stomach. She winced. “Never mind.”

Beside her, Zander made a low growling noise. Logan’s eyes turned a steely blue, and Simon’s jaw tightened.

Doms. “Jeez, guys, lighten up. It’s only a few cuts.” Lindsey looked to the women for support.

Instead, Rona enfolded her in a gentle hug. “You… Crom, girlfriend, don’t you ever…” Unable to finish, Rona huffed out a breath and kissed Lindsey’s cheek, before returning to Simon and pushing her face against his shoulder.

Becca’s eyes were filled with tears.

Lindsey heaved a sigh. The women were as bad as the men, and they were going to make her cry. “Get a grip, y’all. Everybody survived, mostly intact. And I’ll make Zander hold me if I have nightmares.”

The tightness eased from Logan’s face. “It helps to have someone.” He wrapped an arm around his wife and nuzzled her temple.

Lindsey smiled at him before glancing at Simon. “I want to thank y’all for your extremely bossy behavior in making me talk about Victor’s death. Parnell figured I’d never reveal being wanted for murder, so he didn’t expect anyone to come looking for me.” But they had. God. She blinked hard and looked around the room. “And thank you all for the rescue.”

“Ah, speaking of which, I almost forgot your toy.” Stan dug in his pocket and handed over her knife in a new sheath. “This is yours, right?”

“Hey, thanks.” Lindsey checked it, slipped it into her own pocket, then squeezed Zander’s arm. She’d told him how it had saved her and Becca and Ansel.

His eyes darkened with memories, but after a second, his dimple appeared. “Every cowgirl should have a knife.”

“Lindsey.” Stan’s voice was serious. “Time for less enjoyable topics.”

Her heart sank despite the fact that she’d known what was coming. “I need to go back to Texas, right?”

“You do. Immediately. I doubt you’ll end up being charged once all is said and done. All the same, you have warrants stacked up that must be cleared.”

“Will I have to go to jail?”

A shadow darkened his face. “It’s not my decision or jurisdiction, and—”

“No. You won’t,” Simon said firmly. “As it happens, Xavier was quite annoyed at being left out of the fighting.” His lips quirked. “So he and Abby are flying to San Antonio today. They—and your new lawyer—will meet you at the airport when you arrive. Your lawyer doesn’t think you’ll need bail; nonetheless, you’re covered if it’s necessary. No jail, Lindsey.”

“Xavier can’t up and simply leave.” She stared at him. “He has a business and—”

“And a very bossy wife who loves you like a sister,” Rona said.

Zander squeezed Lindsey’s fingers. “Thank Xavier for us both. I didn’t want her there alone, but the doctor won’t discharge me for a couple of days.”

As relief relaxed her muscles, Lindsey sagged in her chair. She wouldn’t have to spend Christmas in jail.

She was going home. To Texas.

***

On Christmas Eve, Lindsey settled down with her niece in front of the fireplace. How many hours as a little girl had she spent on this hearth, watching the fire and daydreaming about her future?

The path to her future sure had gotten derailed, hadn’t it?

She shook her head, enjoying the piney fragrance from the massive Christmas tree in the corner. Angels lined the mantel, a knee-high Santa Claus at the door held umbrellas, and the antique nativity scene was set up in the dining room. All so familiar.

It was reassuring to return and see Melissa continuing the old traditions. Since only Melissa had an interest in ranching, she’d taken the central ranch and her two sisters the outer areas.

Her mouth twisted. If Mandy had drawn the high card, she’d have gotten the border property, and Victor would have gone after her. Thank God that hadn’t happened.

Clattering noises came from the kitchen where Mama and Mandy were preparing a stew. Rather than cooking, Lindsey had been assigned the Emily-sitting chore—which wasn’t a hardship in the least. She nuzzled the baby’s soft blonde curls. “Did you know you’re my favorite niece?”

Lindsey looked up as Melissa came in. “Hey.”

“Hey, sissie.”

As Melissa hung up her coat, Lindsey returned her attention to Emily. “You are definitely the smartest baby in the whole world.” Big brown eyes looked up as Lindsey nodded solemnly. “And the bravest. And prettiest.”

“And going to be the most conceited,” Melissa added in a wry voice. She came over to kiss her daughter’s head and give Lindsey a gentle hug before dropping into a chair. “You’re spoiling her, you know.”

“Yep. I can’t help it if you and Gary created a superior child.” As she made a buzzing noise against the little arm, Emily giggled.

“Her daddy totally agrees with you.” Melissa held her palms out to the fire. “Lordy, I hate mucking out stalls.” At Lindsey’s raised eyebrows, she muttered, “We gave the hands some holiday time.”

“Soft touch.” Lindsey pointed her finger at her sister. “Mama warned you ranching was a twenty-four/seven job.”

“I should have listened. She’s usually right…as long as she isn’t talking about sex.” Melissa rolled her eyes. “Remember when she told me I could get pregnant from kissing? How old was I? Seven?”

Lindsey snickered. “Well, sheesh, what kind of a tramp were you, smooching with Danny in first grade?”

“He gave me a Pokémon card,” Melissa said with dignity. “Of course, I kissed him.”

“Those were the days. You know, when I started dating Peter, she delivered the never-let-a-guy-past-first-base lecture.”

“Did I hear that spiel? Oh wait, I remember—you can’t get him excited because blue balls can be fatal.”

“Yep, that’s it. So then Peter gropes my boobs, and I worry all damn night if I should have told his mother—you know, in case she needed to call an ambulance.”

Melissa let out of scream of laughter.

“It’s not funny.” She scowled. “I thought I’d killed the poor boy with my slutty behavior.”

“Lordy, I’ve missed you.” Dragging in a breath, Melissa wiped her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re back. Have you been here all afternoon?”

The last few days had been hectic, and although her mother and sisters had come to San Antonio for a quick welcome home, Lindsey hadn’t had any time to talk. “Nah, only for an hour or so.” She grinned at her niece. “Enough time to get acquainted with your little flirt.”

“Ma-ma-da-da-aaa,” Emily responded happily and yanked Lindsey’s hair.

Melissa frowned. “Do you have to go back to San Antonio?”

The sound of Amanda gossiping about school came from the kitchen, and the scent of venison stew filled the air. Lindsey felt wrapped in the sounds and smells of home. “Nope. All the briefing stuff is done. I might have to testify at Ricks’s trial, but Stanfeld thought he’ll try to cut a deal instead.” She remembered the best news. “They located the Mexican boy who escaped. He was at a Catholic mission, and the priest figured out who he was. Juan backed up what I said, and he’ll be back with his family this week.”

“Excellent.” Melissa sipped her drink and frowned. “Seriously, though, are you safe now? Will Ricks come after you?”

“Agent Bonner says doubtful. The judge denied bail, and they’ve impounded all his criminal gains. Since he’s a cop, he’ll be occupied with trying to survive prison.”

“Oh. Right. You know, I don’t have a problem at all with him having to fight for his life.”

Her sister’s voice was too grim. Needing to change the subject, Lindsey nodded at the side window, where a low table displayed a wealth of African violet plants. “Thank you for rescuing my babies, by the way.”

“My pleasure. Nonetheless you owe me twenty dollars for bribing the housekeeper to fetch them out. Mandy is tending the snake and spider plants from your ranch house.” Melissa rolled her eyes. “She talks to them the same way you did. ‘And how are my snakes and spiders today?’ You two really are warped.”

“Hey, plants are sensitive,” Lindsey said in a self-righteous tone. “You have to be nice to them.”

“Did I hear Melissa come in?” Their mother appeared in the doorway. Her perfectly colored hair was clipped on top of her head, and she wore a trim slacks-and-sweater outfit.

Lindsey smiled as love surged through her. All Southern gentility and fussiness, and yet there wasn’t a sweeter woman in the world.

“Dinner will be in another hour. Lindsey, honey, I made you a margarita.” Her mother set the drink down on the coffee table. “Where’s Gary?”

“He’d started feeding the stock when I came in.” Melissa glanced at the darkening front windows. “He should be done soon.”

“Good timing. Mandy ran upstairs to have a quick shower.” Their mother beamed around the room. “It’s nice to have my babies all in one house again.” She patted Melissa’s head. “And even nicer someone else is stuck cleaning this monstrosity.”

It had all worked out wonderfully too. When their mother took a place in town, Melissa and Gary had chosen to live in the Rayburn house instead of his adjoining ranch. There was nothing like marrying the boy next door and merging ranches. And even though her sister had fallen for Gary way back in high school, their love had lasted.

Lindsey felt her pleasure waver. She hadn’t heard from Zander after leaving him at the hospital three days ago. Nothing. Of course, he couldn’t call her, since her cell phone was in a ditch somewhere on a snowy mountain. The problem was that the times she’d tried to reach him, he hadn’t answered his phone. Everything went to voice mail.

The hospital said they’d discharged him yesterday.

Maybe he’d managed to get the number here, though. “Did you check your messages today?”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “I started, but I can’t tolerate those: ’ This is so-and-so from the such-and-such paper.’ They filled my voice mail.”

“Right. Sorry. Give it another week, and I’ll be old news.” Tonight she’d listen to the messages.

The anxiety had her squeezing Emily so tightly her little niece giggled. Maybe Zander wasn’t interested any longer. No, that was silly. He’d almost died for her. Jeez, girl, stop being so vulnerable. There was an explanation why he didn’t answer his phone. Probably the battery’d died or something.

And hey, if he didn’t want her, he’d face her and tell her it was over.

The thought made her feel as if her heart had been trampled under a cattle stampede. Had been ripped and flattened.

No. That wasn’t it. They had something between them. It hadn’t disappeared because a half-a-continent and a few days separated them. She sighed. God, she’d be happy when her emotions weren’t bouncing around like grasshoppers on drugs.

Outside, the two ranch dogs set up a clamor. Melissa tilted her head. “Guess Gary finished already.”

A tap sounded on the door.

“He must have his hands full. Did you ask him to gather eggs, Mama?” Melissa opened the front door. “Hey, did you— Um, hi. Can I help you?”

Uneasy at the alarm in her sister’s tone, Lindsey handed Emily to her mother and hurried over. What if there were still bad cops around?

“Is Lindsey here?” The voice held more gravel than the road out front. Deep. Hard. Raw. Zander was here.

Oh my effing God. The shock was followed by such surging joy she felt the air around her sparkle. She flew the last few feet.

And there he was. Standing politely on the porch, waiting for Melissa’s answer. He saw Lindsey, and his expression lightened. Heated. “Seems she is.”

Melissa turned far enough to look at Lindsey. Her eyes narrowed. “And seems there’s a tale or two someone missed telling.”

Uh-oh.

When Melissa glanced at Zander, uneasiness filled her face, but she moved away.

Lindsey managed a step forward before Zander’s steady gray-green gaze made her hesitate. She stalled, unable to more. “You’re here.” Her words were only a whisper. “You came.”

Satisfaction filled his gaze; nonetheless, he hesitated. “Maybe this isn’t a good time…”

She threw herself at him.

He caught her easily, only a grunt betraying his injuries.

“Oh shit.” She froze and started to step back. “I’m sorry—I forgot about your ribs.”

“Fuck my ribs,” he muttered and yanked her closer, holding her carefully enough he didn’t hurt her stomach—and so firmly she knew she’d never escape. Thank you, God.

Each breath she took was filled with his clean masculine scent, and when he buried his face in the curve of her shoulder, she burrowed even closer. “I missed you so, so much.”

“You might not feel so friendly”—the voice was that of Dark Haven’s sadistic Enforcer—“after I whip your ass for disappearing.” Then he sighed and added, “I missed you too.” He kissed her, slowly and thoroughly, before looking over her head. And stiffening.

Lindsey glanced back and smiled at her stunned mother and sisters. Mandy stood behind Melissa.

Zander cleared his throat. “I’m Zander deVries.” He studied her family for a moment and accurately pegged them. “Mrs. Rayburn. Melissa.” He turned to her littlest sister. “And Amanda?”

“You and your damn search programs,” Lindsey muttered. “That’s right.”

“It’s good to meet you, Zander.” Melissa gave Lindsey another of the sisters-who-hold-out-on-the-good-stuff-get-hurt stares. “Obviously, you know more than we do. I’m not sure why Lindsey hasn’t told us anything about you.”

He raised an eyebrow, and Lindsey flushed. “I didn’t because—” She smacked him hard on his uninjured shoulder. “You bastard. I’ve been calling you. Why aren’t you returning my calls?”

One corner of his lips tipped up. “Busted my cell diving into a hunting cabin. I called you; you’re not answering your phone. Left messages here you didn’t return.”

“Oh jeez.” She leaned her forehead against his chest. “The ranch voice mail is full of reporters. And my phone is in a snowbank somewhere down the road from Serenity. Morales didn’t want the GPS around.”

He snorted and lifted her chin. “I see we still have a bit of a trust issue here.”

“I…was worried. A little.” A lot. Her lips curved. “And you weren’t?”

“Hell, yeah. Difference is I know I’m not letting you go.”

“Doms,” she said under her breath.

***

Little Tex had a crazy family, deVries thought a few hours later as they sat in the great room and chatted. They’d been cautious around him at first…until after supper. While the women were cleaning up, Lindsey had dumped the baby girl into his lap. Almost scared the piss out of him. Melissa had started over to fetch her child—although her husband, Gary, hadn’t made a move.

But Emily had chortled, grabbed his T-shirt, and pulled herself to her feet so she could pat his face and explore his mouth and beard stubble with her tiny fingers. And laugh. The kid had Lindsey’s infectious laugh in a baby-size portion.

Fucking adorable.

Melissa had resumed her work.

Lindsey had winked at him. Yeah, he was going to beat on her for that one.

The evening was getting late; however, no one seemed to care—probably because they’d all shared a pitcher of margaritas, the Rayburn household drink. Melissa was regaling everyone with tales of Lindsey’s younger days—his Tex had been a hellion—and stories of sisterly catfights.

Catfights. Be a hell of a thing to watch. He and Gary grinned at each other.

“Well, I need to retire for the night.” Tammy rose and kissed her daughters. “Y’all go ahead and party.”

“I should be going,” deVries said, wondering how to get out from under the sleeping baby on his lap.

With a snort, Gary claimed his child. “She needs to be put to bed anyway, but I thought you were staying.”

“He is.” Melissa gave him a happy smile. “Mom and I made you up a room upstairs.”

“Yes, we put you next to Lindsey’s bedroom.” Tammy frowned at her daughter. “However, don’t you get him…excited. We don’t need any fatalities on Christmas Eve.”

Fatalities? DeVries gave the woman a puzzled look before hilarity burst out from the three sisters.

Lindsey was giggling so hard her face had turned purple. She was wearing the fuzzy hoodie he’d bought her, and the teddy bear ears were bouncing up and down. Damn, some women couldn’t handle alcohol well at all.

With a grin, he scooped her off the floor and settled her onto his lap.

Fucking A, this was where she belonged. He rubbed his chin on her hair, feeling her giggles like tiny vibrations against his chest.

“I almost forgot. We’re going to need more milk, honeybunches,” Tammy said to Lindsey. “Can you make a quick trip to the store in the morning?”

“Sure, Mama,” Lindsey wheezed. “I can—”

“Not without me,” deVries said.

“What?” Laughter slowing, she frowned up at him. “Agent Bonner said I should be safe now. And—”

“No.” The thought of her in danger again sent an icy dagger into his gut. “Bonner can’t guarantee they got everyone. Could be a cop or two—or anyone—who might resent your involvement.”

“But—”

“Argue all you want. You don’t go anywhere alone. Not in Texas.”

Gary winked at his wife before nodding at deVries. “You’ll do, partner. You’ll do.”

“That could be argued,” Lindsey muttered grumpily. But she huffed a laugh, leaned in, and whispered, “Stubborn Dom,” before kissing his cheek.

He hugged her closer, feeling that odd warmth in the center of his chest. My woman.

Was she? It was damned well time to nail her down and find out where they stood. As Mandy and Melissa argued about a Cowboys’ play, deVries leaned back and repositioned Lindsey so she straddled his legs. So he could see her face.

She wrinkled her nose at him. “You look awfully serious.”

“Yeah.” He stroked his knuckles over her cheek and watched her brown eyes go soft. “Now things are settled here, are you staying in Texas or coming back to San Francisco?”

LINDSEY HAD BEEN listening to her sisters bickering, and Zander’s question came as a surprise. She blinked and stared at him. “Um.”

His jaw was tight, and the lines fanning out from the corners of his eyes had deepened. “Gotta do better than um.”

He had a point. Everything had been too unstable for the past few months to make real decisions about her future. Still, she’d had dreams and longings. Wanting to come home. And building castles in the air around a life with Zander.

Her brows drew together. “What would you do if I said Texas?”

“Find a job down here.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Really? B-but you love San Francisco. You told me that.”

“Babe, I didn’t even like being a couple of miles from you. I might miss California, but I’m sure as hell not going to live all the way across the country from you.”

“Oh,” she said, the word almost a sigh. He’d let her decide. She could stay here where her family was. Where she’d grown up. Texas was her home. Isn’t it?

Yet Mandy would be going off to college. And, no matter how much she loved Melissa, she didn’t want to live on a ranch. Or work in a small town. The kind of career she wanted was more suited to a city. She bit her lip.

Silently, Zander curled his hands around her hips, holding her steady…and letting her think.

What was her other choice? She could return to San Francisco, where her two best friends lived—ones who would drop everything to support her.

Return to where she had an awesome job and a fantastic boss.

Return to where she had a club to play in and a duplex she loved. And where she could watch the ongoing saga of Dixon and Stan. Her lips curled up. How could she resist?

“Isn’t this strange? I’ve wanted to come back to Texas and take up my life again, and somehow, without realizing it, I made a new life. New friends. New family.”

His hands tightened painfully on her hips. “Go on,” he said softly.

“I want to live in San Francisco. With you.” She put her hand on her chest, feeling breathless. God, she was insane—nonetheless, it was true.

He nodded as if he hadn’t cared one way or the other; slowly his fingers relaxed.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You really were willing to live here in Texas?”

“Yeah. I came close to buying the farm last week—but I wasn’t fucking about to leave you. I figure you dragged me back to the living.” He curled his hand around her nape. His grip hadn’t changed a bit—unbreakable and determined—just like his words. “I go where you go, Tex.”

“Same here.”

Whatever he saw in her face made him smile. He drew closer, rubbed his cheek against hers, then took her lips in a kiss so deep and wet that she heard her sisters cheering—before the roaring in her ears washed them away.

No, home wasn’t a state—not California or Texas. Instead, her home was one damn big Dom. Rough-hewn, and deadly when crossed. Blunt, grumpy at times, dominating and possessive.

Yep, right here, wrapped in the Enforcer’s arms, was where she belonged.