Chapter Eighteen

 

Laurel Rose sat in a comfortable chair on the back porch, bathed in the glow of the lights from the kitchen, and shucked peas as she watched Stefan work. The steady rhythm of the familiar chore relaxed her. After their explosive night of lovemaking in the yard, they’d fallen into a strange routine of sorts.

Stefan would disappear before dawn each morning, only to reappear at dusk. The first time, he’d driven up the dirt road leading to her home. She’d been more than impressed with his big black truck when he’d shown it to her, explaining how he’d had it customized to suit his needs. He’d parked it in a shady spot in the woods just behind her home, and it was there that he retired every morning before the sun rose.

She’d been tempted, more than tempted really, to take a peek at him while he slept during the day. But he’d warned her that he would appear as if he were dead, and although she accepted what he was, she wasn’t quite sure she was ready to see that just yet. She planned to ask him if there was some way to fix her room, maybe with shutters or heavy drapes, so that he could stay there with her, and not have to run off with each dawn. She didn’t know how he’d react to such a suggestion, but she at least wanted to make the offer.

Each night he’d appear as soon as the sun had set, heading straight to her bathroom to shower and change his clothing. Then he’d start another chore around her home. So far, he’d mended fences and helped her paint her porch, and tonight he was chopping and stacking wood for her to use over the winter. The steady chop of the axe filled the air as he split the thick logs with just one stroke. His strength continued to astound her, and she would readily admit that she loved watching him work without his shirt on.

He’d surprised her a few nights ago when he’d shown up wearing a pair of faded blue jeans and a white T-shirt that stretched across his impossibly wide shoulders. After seeing him in nothing but black, it had been startling to say the least. First she’d stared. Then she’d laughed. He’d cocked an eyebrow at her and one corner of his mouth had kicked up as he watched her. When she finally stopped laughing, she’d teasingly asked him if he wasn’t breaking some kind of sacred vampire rule by not wearing black.

He’d stared at her for a moment and then he laughed too. It was more of a rough bark than a laugh, but it pleased her. He’d looked almost as surprised as she by the unexpected sound and she knew then that it had been a long time since he’d shared a laugh with anyone.

It felt strangely intimate to work alongside Stefan in the evenings. As if by some unspoken agreement, neither of them had broached the subject of the future or of the many problems facing them. It was as if they’d both decided to just spend time together, getting to know each other better before dealing with reality. It was a time out of time and she had been enjoying it to the fullest. She’d been alone for so long that she’d forgotten what it felt like to have someone else in the house with her. And not just anyone, but a strong, handsome man. Just being around him made her very aware of herself as a woman.

Every night, Stefan made love to her slowly and at length, his great strength always tempered by incredible gentleness. Laurel Rose sensed he was holding himself back, trying not to push her or frighten her in any way, especially after the intensity of their first night together. That was fine for a couple of nights, but she didn’t like the fact that he felt he had to be in constant control.

She did enjoy the way Stefan curled up behind her after they made love, tucking her back against his chest and holding her securely in his arms while they talked. She found great pleasure in listening to his deep, rumbling voice as he told her stories about his brothers and their wives, sensing the genuine love and affection he had for his family.

His brother Lucian and his wife lived in New Orleans. What surprised her was that Stefan had a house right next door. She wondered if she’d ever see it. And his oldest brother did indeed live in a castle with his wife. Stefan hadn’t been kidding about the family castle in Transylvania. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what living in one was like.

She’d shared more of her life with him than she had with any other person. Ever. At first, she hadn’t wanted to talk about herself, but Stefan was persistent and seemed genuinely interested. He’d laughed at the stories of her childhood that were filled with adventure and fun. She’d told him all about her grandpa and how he’d taught her to hunt and fish and how he’d encouraged her to accept her psychic gifts.

Stefan’s arms had tightened around her when she’d shared her pain over her grandpa’s death and how her mother—a quiet, weak woman—had quickly remarried, needing a man around the house. Silas Warner had been a cruel man who’d hid his true colors until after the wedding. Her stepfather had assumed he’d own the land once he married her mother. But her grandpa had not been a fool. His will had left everything in trust to Laurel Rose and Silas couldn’t touch it.

Enraged, Silas had turned vicious. It was after their last visit to the lawyer’s office, when Silas had finally accepted he’d never have a penny from the McCaffey land, that he’d lashed out. Practically foaming at the mouth, he’d screamed obscenities at her and her mother. Laurel Rose shivered just remembering the venom he’d spewed. It hadn’t helped that he’d had a few drinks before they’d left town.

Driving at breakneck speed, he’d been cursing her mother when the deer had jumped into the middle of the road. Laurel Rose had screamed at him to slow down. Silas swerved, but it was too late. Clipping the deer, he’d driven the truck off the road and over the side of a cliff. Laurel Rose had been the only one wearing a seat belt. Her leg had been shattered, but she’d survived long enough for a passerby to notice the wounded deer lying by the side of the road and the skid marks going over the side. Her mother and Silas had not been as lucky. Both had been thrown from the truck, dying instantly.

Laurel Rose had marked her eighteenth birthday in the hospital, and when she’d finally been released, she’d headed back home. Alone. She’d lived there by herself ever since.

“Everything all right?” Stefan’s voice, low and filled with concern, startled her back to the present. She hadn’t realized he’d come to stand next to her while she’d been lost in the memories of the past. Shaking off her melancholy memories, she put aside the bowl of peas and stood.

“I’m fine.”

“You sure?” He continued to study her intently, his green eyes practically peering into her soul.

Reaching out, she stroked the side of his face, loving the slightly rough feel of his skin against her palm. “I’m sure.”

He gave her one last, long look before leaning down and dropping a quick kiss on her lips, then heading back to the woodpile. His jeans were well worn and cupped his ass perfectly. Laurel Rose paused to admire the view before carrying the bowl of peas inside and placing it on the counter.

Wandering back outside, she leaned against the porch railing and watched Stefan work. With each stroke of the axe, the muscles in his back and arms rippled. Sighing, she pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face. She could stand here and watch him work all night long, except it was almost too dark to work for much longer—at least for her—and the light from the house was not strong enough to penetrate the gloom. It wasn’t quite pitch black yet, but it would be within a matter of minutes. Laurel Rose was contemplating turning on the porch lights when she heard the rumbling sound of a vehicle coming up the dirt road to her house.

The sound of chopping ceased, but she kept her eyes on the road. She forced herself to relax, but it wasn’t easy. She rarely had visitors. When she did, it usually wasn’t anything good.

She glanced over at the rifle propped up next to the chair she’d just vacated, but she made no move to get it. Whoever was coming to visit certainly wasn’t trying to sneak up on her, but she was wary nonetheless. But this time she wasn’t alone. Stefan was with her, out there in the yard concealed by the darkness, and that made her feel safe.

She relaxed slightly when a new luxury sedan turned the corner and drove into the yard. Must be some lost tourist. She’d just started down the porch steps when both front doors opened. She recognized Cyril Jenkins immediately as he climbed out of the passenger side, but she didn’t know the other man at all.

“Evening, Laurel Rose.” Cyril waved as he called out his hearty greeting.

“Evening, Cyril. What brings you out my way?” She had to admit she was curious. The mayor had never paid her a personal visit before.

“I was just showing Mr. Webster around the area and thought I’d introduce you.”

Good manners forced her to walk forward to welcome the two men, who were now standing in front of the car. The other man offered his hand in greeting. “Richard Webster, ma’am. Pleased to meet you.” His suit looked expensive and that, along with the fancy car, immediately marked him as a visitor and not a local.

Laurel Rose shook his hand, eyeing him questioningly. “Good to meet you, Mr. Webster, but I still don’t understand why you’re here.”

“Please call me Richard.” He glanced over at Cyril, but the mayor was looking down at his shoes. “I represent RW Hotels, and as you probably already know, we’re considering building a resort and spa in the area. I understood that you might be interested in selling some of your land.”

Laurel Rose stiffened immediately, withdrew her hand, and crossed her arms over her chest. “You heard wrong, Mr. Webster. I have absolutely no plans to sell my land.” She glared at Cyril.

Mr. Webster looked confused. “I’m terribly sorry, Ms. McCaffey, but I was under the impression that you’d reconsidered selling.”

“Now, Laurel Rose,” Cyril interrupted before she could speak. “I know you’ve been having all kinds of trouble lately. You know it’s not safe for a woman to be out here all alone, especially since you’ve got a handicap and all.” Laurel Rose almost choked at the false sincerity in his voice. “It might not hurt to listen to what Mr. Webster has to say. Their offer is more than fair and”—he paused for effect—“you just don’t know what could happen to a woman living all by herself.”

The whir of the axe spinning through the air split the night. The deadly blade flashed as it flew straight between the two men and imbedded itself in the large oak tree just behind them. Both men jumped, their faces paling. They were no longer looking at her but staring behind her. Stefan stalked over to stand by her side, pure menace rolling off him.

“Sorry about that.” Stefan crossed his massive arms over his bare chest and studied the intruders. “It slipped.”

“You,” Cyril sputtered. “You could have killed us.”

“Yes, I could have,” Stefan calmly replied. “If that was my intention.”

Richard Webster recovered himself and looked at Stefan with growing respect in his eyes. “Then what was your intention, Mr. . . .” He trailed off, leaving his question hanging.

“Dalakis. Stefan Dalakis.” He took a step forward and slightly in front of her. “Laurel Rose is not alone and her property is not for sale.”

Mr. Webster nodded slowly. “It appears that I was misinformed and I apologize to the lady.” Laurel Rose was amused. Mr. Webster might have been apologizing to her, but he hadn’t taken his eyes off Stefan.

Stefan nodded and sauntered forward. Cyril jumped out of his way, but Richard Webster stood his ground, a watchful look in his eyes. The blade of the axe was buried deep in the trunk of the tree, but Stefan gripped the handle with one hand and yanked it out with one tug. Webster let out a soundless whistle of appreciation while Cyril’s face paled considerably more.

Laurel Rose shook her head at all the male posturing going on. The air was so thick with testosterone she could hardly breathe. For God’s sake, why didn’t Stefan just piss on the tree to mark his territory? He’d made it plain to both men that she was under his protection. She cleared her throat. “Is there anything else?”

Cyril shook his head and glanced nervously at Stefan. “I’ll talk to you another time, Laurel Rose.” He tugged open the car door, jumped inside, and slammed it shut behind him.

Richard Webster surprised her by offering his hand to Stefan. “Sorry for the mix-up. I hope my coming here didn’t unduly upset anyone.”

Stefan transferred the axe to his other hand before accepting the man’s hand. “That’s fine, as long as it doesn’t happen again.” The implied threat was obvious. Next time, someone would pay.

The corner of Webster’s mouth turned up in a reluctant smile of respect. “I can assure you that I never make the same mistake twice.”

“Then there’s no problem.” Stefan released the man’s hand and stepped back by her side. They watched as he climbed back into his car, backed up, and started down the dirt road. She could see Cyril talking and gesturing, but the other man seemed to be ignoring him.

“Has Cyril given you problems before?”

“Hmm,” she answered, not really paying any attention to Stefan as she tried to figure out why Cyril had brought the other man to her home. He knew she wasn’t interested in selling her land. Obviously he hadn’t accepted that fact.

Stefan gripped her shoulders and whirled her around to face him. “Answer me, Laurel Rose.” His fingers dug into her shoulders as he shook her lightly, and she absently noted that he’d propped the axe against the porch.

“Oh, no, I’ve really had no problem with Cyril before. I expect he thought he was just doing his civic duty. He’s the mayor and he’s big on civic duty.” Poor Stefan was more upset by this than she was. “You can put me down now.”

Stefan swore as he lowered her back to the ground. She could tell from his expression that he hadn’t even realized he’d plucked her clear off her feet. She rubbed her upper arms lightly and he frowned. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, I’m fine. Really,” she added when he still looked concerned. “Let it go, Stefan. It doesn’t matter.” He didn’t appear to be convinced, but he reluctantly nodded. “Now, I’m going up to get a bath before bed.”

Stefan nodded again. “You go on. I’ll be up in a bit. I just want to finish out here and take one last look around.”

She couldn’t quite figure out his mood but decided not to worry about it. A hot bath was exactly what she needed. Stefan wouldn’t be too far behind her.

 

• • •

 

The door slammed behind her, jolting Stefan from his thoughts. Laurel Rose might not take the threats from Cyril seriously, but he did. Picking up the axe, he carried it to the shed and put it away for the night. He made sure the shed door was locked before he walked back to the house.

Laurel Rose was already upstairs when he let himself into the kitchen. He could hear the sound of water running and the low tone of her voice as she hummed to herself. Good, she was occupied. He’d much prefer to make this call outside, but his cell phone didn’t work well surrounded by the trees and the mountains, and he wasn’t willing to leave her alone long enough to go somewhere that he could get reception.

Picking up the receiver to her landline, he quickly dialed a familiar number. “I need your help,” he barked as soon as it was picked up.

“Anything.”

A wave of relief went through him at his brother’s familiar voice. “I found her.” He felt a sudden need to share with his brother.

He sensed Lucian’s immediate tension on the other end of the line, but all his brother said was, “Tell me.”

“Her name is Laurel Rose McCaffey.” Just saying her name aloud made his heart pound in his chest. “And she’s absolutely perfect.”

“I’m happy for you, my brother.” There was no doubting the sincerity in Lucian’s voice. “Delight’s been very worried about you.” Stefan smiled, but it died as his brother quietly added, “And so have I.”

“There is no need to worry. We haven’t worked everything out yet, but we have time. But that brings me to my problem.” In succinct terms, he filled Lucian in on everything that had happened, including the threats to Laurel Rose from unknown persons.

“You want me to check out RW Hotels?” Stefan could hear his brother scribbling down notes as he spoke.

“Yes. I don’t think the threat is coming from there, but I want to be sure. Perhaps it is better to remove the threat altogether.”

Lucian laughed, easily following Stefan’s train of logic. “Cristofor and Johanna arrived yesterday to deal with some business matters, so I’ll set Johanna to work on this immediately. I’ve always wanted to own a company that operates fancy hotels.”

Stefan pictured Cristofor’s wife, Johanna, and smiled. The woman was a shark when it came to business and had taken over the incredible amount of work necessary to manage the bulk of the Dalakis fortune. “We just need a controlling interest in the firm, and if we can’t get that, then we need some leverage to use against them. Cristofor can handle that if necessary.”

“Do you want us to come to you? And where exactly are you?” Lucian’s offer made him smile. He’d been away from his family for too long.

“Salvation, North Carolina.” Stefan laughed at the irony of it. “But no, there is no need for you to come. I can handle the threat to Laurel Rose.”

“If you need us . . .” Lucian’s offer hung in the air.

“I know all I have to do is ask.” They chatted for a few more minutes and Stefan gave him Laurel Rose’s phone number.

“You’ll hear from me soon,” Lucian promised just before he disconnected.

Stefan stared at the receiver in his hand and smiled as he hung it back up. “I’m sure I will,” he chuckled. Confident now that the threat to Laurel Rose would soon be taken care of, Stefan’s mind turned to more pleasant thoughts.

Explaining the situation to his brother had taken longer than he’d anticipated. Still, he’d managed to keep track of Laurel Rose’s movements while he’d talked. She had already finished her bath. He was damn sorry he’d missed it. Watching her relax in the tub had quickly become one of his favorite pastimes. Even better, he loved to join her. But that would have to wait for another night.

He could hear her rattling around up in her bedroom while she waited for him to join her. Turning off the lights behind him, he hurried up the stairs, eager to claim his woman once again.