Claimed in Canada Page 3

  Oh boy, here we go, total set up. Even though I knew this was their plan the entire night, for some reason I wasn’t expecting them to leave me here.

  “That would be fine,” I say, as neutrally as I can. I don’t want to seem ungrateful for their hospitality, but I’m a little apprehensive about being left here with Damon, no matter how gorgeous he is. Something in those cold blue eyes strikes me as dangerous, and while I’m intrigued by his dominating personality, I’m nervous about where being alone with him might lead.

  “Thank you both so very much for such a delicious dinner.”

  Janelle says, “It was our pleasure, sweetie.” They are both so warm and kind, which makes my nerves ease up a little. They’ve made us all feel so welcome in their magnificent lodge; the least I can do is sit here enjoying the music and drinks with their sexy nephew.

  After saying our goodbyes, I head to the bathroom. As I weave my way through the standing-room-only crowd, trying to find the restroom I saw from the bar, I’m once again snared by Luke’s gaze. Damn that man is so fine, how is it that he has this wild effect on me?

  He studies me again, his features set in a stern expression. He is still a good fifteen feet away and makes no attempt to come forward from the wall that he and his buddy, who shockingly rivals him in size, are leaning against.

  I can’t help but feel disappointed that he doesn’t approach me, but at least I still have the elegant Damon to keep me company.

  After touching up my gloss, I head out from the ladies room, purposefully avoiding Luke’s stare. I have every right to be in this bar talking to anyone that I please, and for all I know Luke could be a married man.

  Damon pins me with a sultry gaze as I make my way back to him. “There you are, Violet. Sit down with me. What would you like to drink, another vodka tonic?”

  I’m pleased he remembers my drink and although I’m already a bit tipsy, I decide what the heck, I’m not driving tonight. “One more cocktail then I’m switching to water. Let’s go with a Belvedere and tonic.”

  “You’ve got it, sweetheart.”

  In a light tone I ask, “So, Damon, do you come back to the Yukon often?”

  He smiles and leans into me, moving in close to speak into my ear over the music. “Once a year, I get six weeks off and spend about half the time here with my aunt and uncle and half the time traveling. It’s not a bad deal. And I hear that you have a very unique job, Violet. I’d like to hear all about it.”

  He speaks in a sophisticated way that puts me at ease. I feel him run his warm hand lightly down my bare back, which immediately sends a shiver of delight straight to my pussy.

  I could get used to this, I think to myself. Men in this part of the world certainly know how to put the moves on a lady.

  Abruptly he removes his hand and turns to look up in annoyance at someone standing directly behind us.

  “Luke.” It’s said in a way that shows how he feels about subject—cold and meaningless, as if Luke is mere trash.

  As I follow Damon’s gaze, I hear Luke’s loud voice grind out, “She’s not for you Damon.”

  What?

  What in the world did that mean? I hold my body stock still because Luke is downright menacing when he’s angry. He looks as toned as a tiger and primed to fight.

  Damon lets out an arrogant laugh as he stands, shoulders pushed back, posturing to Luke but falling at least two inches short of Luke’s considerable height.

  “See, that’s where you’ve got it all wrong, Luke. As you can see, right now Violet is enjoying my company and I will be taking her home tonight. So stop making a scene and back away now.”

  My mouth falls open in shock as he finishes with a dismissive hand flip, as if Luke is simply an insect buzzing too close.

  Like a lightning strike, Luke grabs the front of Damon’s sweater in a massive fist and drags him within inches of his furious face.

  “I’m not going to say it again, fucker. You’ll forget she exists from this moment forward, get it?” His accent is notably amplified when he’s enraged, making his voice sound almost guttural.

  I’m immediately scared and want to get the hell out of here. Most girls would be thrilled to have two handsome men fighting over them, but it makes me uneasy, especially since we are in a bar. I cast a furtive glance around and notice that we are attracting attention.

  Damon actually looks a bit frightened as the music pounds on. Luckily, the sound is on his side. Only those most near us are aware of what’s going on.

  I decide that I’ve had more than enough for one evening and am now determined to find my own way back to the lodge. I really don’t want to see a vicious brawl break out between these two men; it wouldn’t be pretty. Besides, I don’t belong to either one of them so I’m not entirely sure what has caused this scene, unless there is something else going on between them?

  Before Damon can respond to Luke, I stand and grab my coat off my stool and say, “Damon, very nice to meet you and Luke, well, what can I say except that it’s always memorable.”

  I turn to make my way through the crowd, leaving both men gaping in surprise.

  Let them fight it out if they want to. It’s obvious that whatever is between them has zero to do with me, and there’s nothing that I could do to stop them regardless. At least I won’t have to witness it.

  I freeze as I hear Luke shout from behind me, “I’m driving you back, Violet.”

  No nonsense there.

  I slowly turn and put my hands on my hips as I shout, “So nice of you to ask, but no, you’re most certainly not driving me anywhere. Both of you are acting like jerks. I’m finding my own way back to the lodge tonight.”

  Whoa! The vodka has made me flawlessly sassy. Appropriate for the crazy scene going down tonight.

  I watch in fascination as he takes a long deep breath through his nose, as if willing himself to calm down.

  “Listen, Violet, let’s step outside and talk about it, all right?”

  “No Luke, like I already told you, I’m going home on my own, thanks. I’m here to work first and foremost and trouble is not something I want any part of, got it?”

  Uh-oh.

  I can see that the threadbare calm is dissipating fast as he leans in and grinds out through his gleaming white teeth, “Baby, you’re in a bar full of horny working class men and you have no idea the fucking trouble you can get into tonight with those damn looks of yours. Therefore you are getting in my fucking truck now and I am driving your sweet ass back to the Holdens’ lodge, I assume that’s where you’re staying, right?”

  For some reason his words send a thrill through my body. Before I can even respond to the question he grabs my upper arm and leads me effortlessly through the crowd, out the back door and into the freezing night air.

  “Here, put your coat on.” As he holds it out for me I notice that my parka looks tiny in his huge hands.

  “Fine.” I stab my arms into the warmth as he possessively takes my hand and leads me to a giant black truck. It’s massive and dark, just like its owner. He opens the passenger door to help me up, but I turn to stop him. “You need to tell me why I should go anywhere with you, Luke … God, I don’t even know your last name!”

  Complex dark eyes lock with mine, grimly serious.

  “It’s Benoit and I can assure you that you’re far safer with me than that fucking animal back there. Now get in the truck, baby.”

  I would refer to Damon as many things, but an animal? Hardly. But the way he says it brooks no argument.

  “You are so … so domineering!” I blurt out in frustration.

  He looks down at me without a hint of surprise, as if I have just told him Your truck is black and replies, “Oh you have no idea baby. Now hop up.”

  * * *

  We’re both quiet on the drive out of town and up the mountain. I’m thankful for the heater and realize that I’m just one drink shy of smashed. Even though it’s the weekend, I feel guilty. I’m here to work, not waste my time dri
nking with impulsive, enigmatic men. I don’t have time for this. But I’m curious about the scene at the bar and there’s no harm in a little light conversation.

  “So what’s the feud with Damon all about?”

  His grip tightens on the steering wheel as he grunts out, “Another time. We’re here.”

  I’m not satisfied with his answer but he’s already pulling into the dark, snowy circular drive of the lodge. Before I can move, he hops out and comes around to my side of the truck to help me down. His warm hands stay latched onto my hips, for some reason making me feel small and protected. I’m relieved when I turn and can see through the glass of the timber-framed doors that the lobby is empty.

  “Come on, let’s get you inside.”

  I swiftly scan upward and realize that I only come to his mid-chest. I crane my neck back and quietly say, “Thank you for getting me back safely. Now goodnight.”

  His hold on my hips stays strong as he gazes down at me with those mysterious eyes. His long lashes are rapidly collecting the falling snowflakes and he looks nothing short of gorgeous. I imagine his lips on mine and how passionate his kisses would be, if his gruff demeanor was any indication.

  He leans down a bit closer and I can smell his rich male scent. It’s clean with a hint of spice. Pinning me with his hungry eyes, dark as onyx, he whispers, “You look like a living angel with the snow falling all around you like this.”

  Before I can register my surprise at his unexpected compliment, I’m released from his strong hands as he takes a long step back from me and says, “Expecting snow ahead of that storm on the mountain late tomorrow, so you need to stay off it. You could lose your way too easily. Get inside now.” His head tilts toward the lobby.

  Well, that was the last thing I expected to come out of his mouth. I’m still shaken by his praise, which was so powerful in its purity, and then he has to ruin it by ordering me around like I’m a little girl in trouble.

  How can one man be so complex?

  With an exasperated head shake I turn and make a beeline for the front door, wondering how I ever got myself into this mess.

  I hear him call loudly to me through the blustery night air, “Violet, be careful. I’m serious.”

  * * *

  After washing my face and putting on my strappy aqua nightie—a fitted little number that makes me feel incredibly sexy, if only for my own benefit—I snuggle into the warmth of the down comforter to check my email on my laptop. A light knock on the door makes me jerk in surprise.

  It’s eleven at night. It has to be Damon.

  After verifying my hunch through the peephole, I swing the wooden door open to find him leaning on the doorframe. His look of mild concern instantly changes to one of distinct male interest as he takes in my attire, which I’ve done nothing to hide. Let him look and see what his rude behavior at the bar has prevented him from having.

  With an attractive smirk he looks down and says, “Nice toes.”

  I glance down at my OPI “Royal Flush Blush” pink tootsies and smile, while stepping aside. Something about his casual demeanor, no longer so threatening, sets me at ease. “Come on in.”

  He looks beyond pleased as he enters my room. “I wanted to be sure that you made it back all right and weren’t kidnapped by a logger or anything. You know my uncle has a hound dog named Gus. We would’ve been hot on the trail after you.”

  The idea of him hunting down my kidnapper with a hound is really hot. I imagine him wearing tight jeans and hiking boots, beads of sweat rolling down his toned chest as he tries to avenge me. I shiver and reach for the gray cardigan hanging off of the bed post, shrugging it over my shoulders as I reply, “No, I made it back fine. He was just being, well, you know Luke I guess. How do you two know each other?”

  With a tight wince, he sets down a framed photo of my university pals that sits on the bedside table.

  “Long story that goes too far back to be relevant. Let’s talk about something more uplifting, like how can I pleasantly distract you, my lovely, while you aren’t studying your mysterious wolves.”

  I blush at his flirtatious comment. I’m not accustomed to beautiful men hitting on me like this and I can’t help but feel a little out of my element, especially so late at night in my bedroom of all places.

  Avoiding his comment I ask, “Would you like a bottled water? This place is five stars, you know. It even has a mini fridge.”

  “Sure, babe.” I watch as he casually flops his tall body back onto my queen-sized bed like he’s been there a thousand times before. I realize he probably has, since his aunt and uncle own the place.

  He reaches for my laptop and pats the bed beside him. “Come here, gorgeous, and let’s see what your taste in music is.”

  I lean back against the pillows with him as he scrolls through my iPod and chooses Breathe Carolina “Blackout.” The sexy techno beats strum through the room as he wraps his arm around my waist and murmurs, “C’mere baby.”

  I shudder in delight as he pulls me against his toned body, engulfing me in a kiss full of brutal passion. There’s no messing around with this guy as his tongue claims dominance over mine. I sink into his arms and indulge myself in his aggressive touch.

  His free hand skirts up my back and clamps down almost painfully on my hair. The sensation causes me to arch my full breasts against his chest as I gasp in pleasure. Without a bra there’s no way I can hide the swift hardening of my nipples. I whimper in need as he continues to plunder my lips and tongue with his sensual kisses.

  We’re both breathing hard as I reach down to encircle his thick wrist just as it begins to glide up my bare thigh, reaching under my nightie.

  Down boy.

  If I allow him to go there, things could get too involved far too quickly, and I don’t feel comfortable jumping into bed with a man I just met a few hours earlier. I feel more in control just kissing, but I know he won’t be satisfied with that for long.

  He stops but pins me with a lusty look.

  “You sure, baby? I can’t keep my hands off of your body. You’re so damn fine, Violet. I know a million ways to make you beg for more, I promise you.”

  “Ahhh, I believe you Damon and you’re a ten yourself, handsome, but as much as I’m lusting after your touch I think that this girl has had enough excitement for one evening. Besides, I have to work early tomorrow morning. We are planning on getting the last of the two cameras online before that storm that everybody is talking about rolls in.”

  He cocks his head and gives me an unhappy look so I try to appease him by saying, “Hey, you just got here. We’ll hang out again soon. I promise you.” And I mean it. His hot hands on my body have left me aching for him to continue, but now just isn’t a good time.

  He pulls himself up off my bed and crosses the room in four long strides as I open the door for him. Before stepping out of my room, he buries his fist once again in my hair as he murmurs in a sexy rumble, “I really like your lips all swollen and red from my kisses. baby. I think I’ll take one more for the road.”

  Oh my.

  He bends low and nips my bottom lip gently with his teeth as his wet tongue glides back in, twirling slowly with mine. I sway against him and begin to rethink my earlier choice to make him leave.

  He pulls away to stare deeply into my eyes and says, “Be good, Violet. See you soon.”

  I offer in a whisper, “Night Damon, see you around.”

  Releasing my hair, he turns to stalk down the dimly lit hallway as I hear him rumble, “You can count on it.”

  * * *

  I’ve just finished checking my email and selecting my clothing for tomorrow morning when yet another knock comes at the door. What the heck? I call out, “Who is it?”

  “Hey, lady, it’s me, Gabe.”

  Swinging the door open, I say, “Get in here. You wouldn’t believe the trouble I’ve gotten myself into tonight.”

  “Ha! Bring on the details. I wanted to make sure you made it back from town all right. So what’s
up?”

  We take a seat at the end of my bed and I tell him in vivid detail all about my night, including the impromptu visit from Damon.

  “So did you think that I was him just now, coming back for round two?”

  “Gabe!” I give him a mock-annoyed look.

  “Man, I need to visit this Buck Bar for some distraction. I just got off the phone with Kreshmir. You remember the exchange student from Croatia I hung out with last year, right?”

  “Oh yeah, he was fine.”

  “I’m planning a trip over there in June to travel around a bit. We’ll see where it goes. We had a terrific connection.”

  Images of the dark, brooding young man flood my mind. He was beautiful, a perfect match for Gabe. “That’s wonderful, Gabe. I’ve heard that Dubrovnik is a stunning city, rich with culture.”

  “Yeah, he’s about ten minutes from the city.”

  “That’s cool. So how is everything at home? The Skype session go okay?”

  “Oh, yeah. They’re all geared up to have us together in Minnesota this year for Christmas.” Gabe smiled broadly. “You should come home with me this year.”

  I glance down and trace the stitching on the white down comforter. “That’s a sweet offer, Gabe, but I’m good, really.”

  He takes my restless hand in his. “Violet, I know it must be hard, you being on your own and all. I would really love for you to come to Minnesota. My older brother Zane is single. He would freak if he saw what a hot research partner I have!”

  I blurt out laughing. “Gabe, you’re awesome, and I really appreciate the offer but I’ll have to think about it, if that’s all right? I usually work straight through the holidays. It helps keep me distracted.”

  “Have you ever tried to look your parents up?”

  My eyes fly to his. “Gabe, they gave me up when I was only six months old. They didn’t want me then, why would they want to talk to a grown woman about their guilt?”

  “Violet, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. I just don’t like the thought of you being so alone in the world. You know that I’m always here for you, right?”