Page 3

Dana

T onight was turning surreal, I decided as I gazed at the family from hell. Why Rage and the old ladies were standing up for me, I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to call them on their lies. Lindsey and everyone were being so kind, even if they were exaggerating.

Taylor grinned again, and his behaviour slightly puzzled me, but he winked and offered Patrick a venomous glare.

“Hey, what’s happening?” a voice I recognised inquired.

“Is someone giving my girl grief?” demanded another person, laden with warning.

And I wondered when God had decided he loved me as I saw Dylan and Senator Antony Parker-Jones. Patrick’s and Mom’s eyes widened as they took in the famous and good-looking senator and the stunning example of a man that Dylan was.

“Hey,” Antony said, doing that one-armed guy hug with Ezra.

Antony winked as Ezra pulled me from his grip to kiss me on the cheek.

“Hey, beautiful, your asshole still keeping you tight to his side?”

Ezra grunted and dragged me back to his chest, re-wrapping his arms around me.

“You’re going to let me hug the gorgeous Dana one day,” Antony told Ezra. “Anyways, I came to ask if Dana’s working Monday. There’s a minor issue she can help with.”

Antony smiled gently. Of course, Antony knew I was only a receptionist, just an office girl. He was being so nice, playing along, making out I was more important than I was.

“Heard Phoe bitching over there.” Dylan tilted his head, and I realised she’d finagled this. “Those fucking shoes. Dude, they were Dana’s bonus.”

Dylan glared at Ezra before turning to Antony. “You need to schedule an appointment with Dana? Check her calendar. I’ll get the receptionist to do it.” Dylan winked, and I laughed at the sheer audacity.

Dylan knew what I’d suffered, and I guessed he would go balls to the wall to protect me from any further harm. Seriously, Dylan, as a boss, was amazing.

“Dana wants two pairs of Blahniks. They’re just under a thousand each. That means you’ve spent the same in two pairs as if you bought the others,” Summer said, popping up and giving Dylan a smile.

As always, Irish was Summer’s silent shadow, and judging by the glower Irish was handing my family, I was glad I wasn’t them. Irish, Summer, and Slick had a weird relationship, but it worked. Summer glowed, whereas Irish was her usual dour self. Still, I felt close to Irish as I’d risked everything to save her. Irish was grateful and was showing her support now.

Dylan shook his head.

Slick appeared from nowhere and dragged his women into his arms. Irish immediately shrugged free and sent Slick a mock glare.

Slick grinned and wrapped Summer in his embrace as Summer snuggled against his chest.

“Hey, hero,” Slick announced with a hand outreached, touching my cheek.

“Not so,” I muttered.

“Did you save Irish’s life? That makes you a hero,” Slick argued.

“Hey, lady, we agreed one pair a month?” Ezra interrupted, dipping his head to recapture my attention from Slick.

I smiled slightly, and Ezra’s eyes zoned in on my mouth.

“So fuckin’ cute. Dana can have them,” Ezra said to Dylan, “but you stop at shoes, no other shit. I buy that, and definitely no more fucking Tiffany bracelets!”

Shania’s gaze narrowed even further and dropped to my wrist, where I wore a tennis diamond bracelet indeed made by Tiffany and one Dylan had bought me as a bonus.

“Got that fundraising at my house later this month. Am I going to see all of Rage and Hawthorne’s there?” Antony asked. “Perhaps dance with Dana this time?”

Ezra snarled in warning, and Antony chuckled.

It was true I had accompanied Dylan as his plus one once, but I didn’t like dancing in public.

Mom gasped in disbelief.

“Of course, man,” Ezra said. They did that guy clasp thing, and Antony snagged me for another hug and laughed again as Ezra dragged me back.

Antony walked off with a couple of Rage brothers.

Patrick’s gaze followed him, and it returned to me with contemplation. Something in Patrick’s eyes made me shudder.

“If Phoenix drags me to one more fucking fundraiser, I’m gonna throttle her. Damn Antony,” Drake announced, appearing and grinning.

Drake was lying. He attended as many fundraisers as he could with Phoe, despite the fact he hated them. Drake leaned forward, gazing into my eyes, making sure I was okay, and chucked me under the chin.

“Phoenix?” Shania drawled in stunned awe.

“As in the Phoenix Trust Phoenix?” Patrick asked, staring.

“A true sister,” I replied softly.

Phoenix rounded the guys, stopped, stared, and finally dragged me into her arms.

I assumed for a horrible moment Phoe was going to deny what I’d said and out me.

“You’re mine, too! A real sister, love you so much, Dana!” Phoe exclaimed, and Drake and Ezra groaned.

“You know this means more shopping trips?” Drake grumbled.

Ezra nodded.

“Dana’s just got those Louboutins; fuck, I’m gonna hide my damn card. Dana’s hitting Dylan for those Blahniks she wanted.”

I smiled, so appreciative of what Rage had done. Instead of making me look a loser, they’d made me appear like a winner. Gratefully, I took Ezra’s hand in mine and squeezed.

“Of course, baby girl, if you give me wild and hot tonight, I’d buy you them,” Ezra said.

“Four thousand dollars on shoes?” Shania breathed jealousy in every line of her body.

“Dana, you know Phoenix and Senator Parker-Jones and work for Hawthorne?” Mom asked, stunned.

Aunt Joan grinned and offered a wink. She was my cousin Dusky’s mom, and I always loved Aunt Joan.

“Yeah? What, you assumed I’d lock myself up in a single room? To bemoan the fact, I guess, that I’d scraped off a guy who was an unfaithful bastard. An asshole with no morals and no consideration for anyone but himself? Wow, you all thought I was grieving the loss of Patrick? Those two did me a favour.” I tilted my head in the direction of Patrick and Shania. “If I’d stayed with Patrick, I’d have wasted my life. Ezra gives me everything I could ask for.”

Happily, I smiled as Ezra squeezed tighter. False as it might be, it was nice pretending to be special.

“Fuckers, you had your scene. It didn’t work out like you thought. Thought you’d get to gloat and rub Dana’s face in shit. Instead, you see Dana has a successful job with a boss who buys Blahniks as a bonus, and she has important friends. Dana’s also got real sisters and a family who actually give a fuck. And has a guy who is fuckin’ tired of seeing you. Now get out of my bar,” Ezra ordered.

Wow, Ezra seemed to barely be holding on to his temper. Anger coated his words.

“Piss off, you can’t order me to leave,” Patrick sneered, but his eyes studied me curiously.

“Piss off? Grow some balls. Try fuck off. Dude, I own the fucking bar. The name of which is Hell’s Rage, so that should give you an inkling, doofus. I can do what I fuckin’ want. Which means get the fuck out!” Ezra replied.

Mom took a long stare at Ezra. Yeah, see the goodness of him, I thought to myself. Ezra was clearly comfortable with himself despite not having Patrick’s polish. Still, Patrick would never stand up for anyone like Ezra was.

“Problems?” Mac asked with Gunner close by.

“Remove them. They’re pieces of shit, and Rage has standards.”

Patrick sneered.

Ezra pointed a finger. “Whose place, buddy, is a senator and congressman drinking in?”

I followed Ezra’s motion and saw Andrew Wainwright with Antony. Andrew caught our looks and waved.

Mom’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened in shock. She went to say something, but Rage began appearing from nowhere and then started forcing my family and their friends out of the bar. Aunt Joan and Taylor slipped past them and came towards me, and Ezra stepped in front to protect me.

“Ezra, Aunt Joan is okay. She’s Dusky’s mom, the only person who stood by me,” I said, and Aunt Joan folded me into her arms.

“Precious girl, that was freaking amazing! Young man! I could kiss you.”

Ezra offered her a chin lift and peered at Aunt Joan.

“Dana, it’s about time someone put that self-important asshole and bitch in their place. Shania’s friends will be all over that shit on their social media. Nice to see you finally got a good one,” Taylor explained. “But watch your back. Patrick is fast-tracking his career. This ain’t over yet.”

“Why are you warning us?” Ezra asked.

“Truthfully? Ever since Patrick got involved with Dana’s family, he changed. Patrick was a decent guy once, not now.”

Taylor smiled as he looked at Ezra and gave me a kiss on the cheek. And then he sauntered away with Aunt Joan tucked under his arm.

“Thank you,” I whispered to Ezra and everyone standing close. “For keeping my dignity intact.”

Ezra dragged me away from the group that was forming around us and looked down at me. “Dana, I’m done chasing you. Saw you years ago and decided I wanted you. You gave me a merry chase. No more. Sweetheart, I’m claiming you. I’m deadly serious. You light up like that for me with a kiss; it makes me wonder what we’d be like in bed. And hot isn’t the word I’d use. I’m keeping you.”

“Oh,” I replied, flabbergasted.

Ezra touched a fingertip to my nose. “Get your head around it, woman; you are mine. ”

“Ezra,” I murmured, stunned.

This handsome god wanted me?

“Mine, starting tonight. We gonna drink, chill, and have fun. I’m going to get you drunk so you can get the assholes out of your mind, and then tomorrow we’re going to talk. You try running, and I’ll track you down, spank you, and fuck you stupid, so you can’t run again.”

My lady bits quivered. Spank me?

“I’m seeing you like that idea,” Ezra muttered, and his mouth descended on mine.

When Ezra lifted his head, I decided I was putty in his hands. It was a good thing to be.

◆◆◆

The next day, I paced in my cosy lounge area, wearing a hole in my rug. Ezra had dropped me off last night, totally drunk, as he’d promised. I’d soundly declared my love for Dylan, Antony, Andrew, and all things Rage, including my newly found sisters. Ezra had listened indulgently as I confessed in his truck about my love of the club.

Rambling, I had also told Ezra several times how freaking amazing he’d been. A knight on a white charger, except he wore well-fitting faded jeans and a Henley top and rode a Harley. The Harley, I’d mused, made as much noise as a horse galloping, so I decided Ezra could indeed be my hero.

Ezra had grinned the whole time as I waxed lyrical about the club and what men they were and then how he’d slapped my family in the face. Truly, I thought that was really heroic, considering the weight of their disapproval they’d tried slapping us with. It’d been hysterical when Shania put herself out there—only to be met with Ezra’s sneer.

Ezra’s grin faded a bit when I’d told him how beautiful Shania was and how she hadn’t lied about stealing every man I’d ever been interested in.

Ezra had listened, helped me out of the truck, and put me to bed, and I’d crashed before he even left the room.

This morning, I’d woken up with my hair all over the place and still in my little black dress from the previous night. My shoes were placed neatly on the floor, and on my dressing table was a couple of aspirin and a glass of water.

It was Saturday, so I was off work, and I’d spent the day puttering around the house, tidying up and cleaning. Last night’s events brought a huge blush to my cheeks and gave me some pride. I hadn’t caved under their disapproval, and I’d managed to keep my dignity and self-respect.

Ezra had said that he’d be over for dinner, so I’d put in a rack of lamb and was roasting potatoes. I’d broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and corn on the stove and parsnips cooking merrily. I’d hand made my own stuffing and Yorkshire puddings and was now pacing as they cooked.

My gram had been from England, and she’d taught me how to cook. Dad, however, had been born in South Dakota. They didn’t have time for Gram since she was a content housewife without ambitions. The truth was, I’d spent more time with Gram than at home. Gram’s door was always open. I’d never been happier than when I was in her kitchen learning to cook and bake or sat on the porch making things.

Gram spent lots of time with me, and on weekends, and Dusky would sometimes join us. She even taught me how to sew and knit and crochet. They were old skills, but I knew Lindsey from Rage had made a career out of them. I preferred to do it for myself or friends as I had no family.

My parents had been furious when Gram passed, and they discovered the will. It came as a huge surprise. Grandpa was wealthy from being a doctor and had invested it well. He died when I was a baby, and Gram naturally inherited everything. Gram had apparently carried on investing and playing with it. My mother and father knew Gram had money, but not exactly how much. It’d come as a shock when I had been left eight million dollars and Dusky five. Aunt Joan got another five, and my parents and Shania received nothing.

Gram guessed they would contest the will, so she had ensured it was tied up tight. The lawyer had been amazing. They’d been powerless to intervene.

Gram died when I was twenty, which meant Patrick had learned about the inheritance. It was the only time I’d stood up to him. Against Patrick’s advice, I’d squirrelled the money away until my twenty-fifth birthday and made sure nobody could access it.

Patrick had insisted that he invest it, and I’d said no. I knew what Gram wanted me to do with it, and it wasn’t to give it to Patrick. My parents had tried to insist I share half with Shania. That had been one of the rare occasions when I’d outright declined to do as they wished.

Instead, I told a little white lie and informed my parents, Shania, and Patrick, that I’d locked the money away until I turned thirty. So, no, I could not give them one-third each. No, I couldn’t offer Shania half. I knew exactly why my Gram had left them nothing, and that was because they had no time for her. Hell, even I hadn’t known Gram’s true worth. The figures had been a shock.

When I ran from them in Spearfish, I’d gone straight to Rapid City. I loved the Black Hills and hadn’t wanted to leave them, so Rapid City had been ideal for me to lose myself in. The wedding had been booked for two weeks after my twenty-third birthday, not so great timing for me. But I was able to access some of the money, and I found a three-bedroom home in a quiet neighbourhood that had elderly people and young families.

Unlike my parents, I hadn’t wanted to live in a busy area, so this little street with my house set back from the road was perfect. It was at the end of the street and backing onto the start of the Black Hills’ treeline. There were also a couple of acres with it. The previous people had bought the land before the developer could buy it and ruin their view. I was happy and content. The house was cute.

White picket fence—obviously—plus an arch covered in honeysuckle set in the middle of the fence, led to a path that meandered to my home. There were huge English-style bay windows downstairs and panelled ones upstairs. A wraparound porch and a garden room had been added just before I bought the house, too. Trees grew in the front and back yard, and I’d discovered they produced peaches, pears, cooking apples, and eating apples.

The back yard was big and had blackberry and gooseberry bushes, a vegetable patch, which I adored working on, and flower beds everywhere. There was a patio area set up under trees, and randomly dotted around the huge back garden were benches, loveseats, and statues.

I’d also began an herb garden, which was cute, and I loved it. Gram had taught me how to garden, so it was something I liked doing a lot. It made me feel closer to her.

It was a square house with a sunken lounge leading up a couple of steps into a large, stylish, country-style kitchen slash dining area. A small study, and downstairs cloak, and a final room I had turned into my winter space. It had French doors leading out onto the porch and then down them and into the woods. A real wood-burning stone fireplace that worked, a few big armchairs, and a slouchy couch with thick rugs on the floor.

On facing the French door, a large bay window sat to my left, while the other two walls showcased shelves. On them were random ornaments which I had picked up and books. I loved my summer/winter room.

Upstairs were three medium-sized bedrooms and my big master with a bath. I had a four-poster bed with voile drapes tied back. It was high off the floor, and it was king-size. I had to run and jump on it, and the damn thing swamped me, but I adored it. I had done the room in an old-fashioned country style, so white wicker furniture, duck egg patterned wallpaper on two walls, and off-white wooden floorboards on the floor.

As I watered the indoor plants, I heard a car engine and looked out of my blinds and saw a new black SUV parking on the street. Thinking it was Ezra, I darted back from the window and began deep breathing. I looked down at myself and bit my lip. I wore faded tight jeans, thick wool socks with the jeans tucked into them, and a peach tank top with a cream and pastel plaid shirt over it. My hair was tied up in a ponytail, and I wore minimal make-up.

These were my at-home and comfy clothes. It was four o’clock, and I was sure Ezra had told me five, but maybe he’d got off work early. Excited, I walked to my door as the old-fashioned bell rang and opened it with a grin that soon died.

“What do you want?” I snapped at Patrick, who stood on my porch.

Patrick was looking around, and judging by his expression, he was impressed.

“Came to chat,” Patrick replied, giving me the smile that in the past had made me melt.

Now, I saw it for what it was: snide and smarmy.

“Nothing to talk about. Leave,” I said and went to shut my door.

Patrick put a hand up and stopped me from shutting it. My mouth dropped open at his audacity, and Patrick smiled as he pushed his way in.

Angry, I whipped my phone from my pocket and, hitting messages, I sent one to Ezra. ‘Help! Ex! Need your big foot up his ass.’

Patrick strolled down the hallway, and he opened doors, looking inside various rooms. I couldn’t believe what he was doing. He found the door leading to my lounge and walked through it. Furiously, I chased after Patrick and discovered him standing by the fireplace, impressed.

“Get the hell out of my house,” I hissed, crossing my arms and standing by the doorframe.

“Dana, please, let’s talk.”

“There’s nothing to discuss. You fucked my sister the whole five years we were together, and then you married Shania the day after I caught you cheating! I think that sums it up.”

“Dana, I never loved Shania,” Patrick denied, and my mouth dropped open a second time.

What on earth? I looked at him and wondered how I had ever fallen for his shit. Patrick was around six feet, three inches smaller than Ezra. His hair was combed back and slicked with product. Patrick preferred being clean-shaven, and he had pale blue eyes. Sure, Patrick was good-looking in the boy next door style, but he wasn’t close to Ezra’s hotness.

“Should I call Rage, or will you leave?” I asked, tapping a foot.

Patrick looked at me and smirked. “Baby, we know that you’re better than that.”

Patrick’s words caused my gaze to widen.

“Than what?”

“A grease monkey biker. Did you see what he was wearing? You really expect me to believe you, you , are with him!” Patrick grinned, smug in his confidence.

In disbelief, I shook my head.

“You will never reach the level of manliness that Ezra possesses. He’d never cheat or lie to me or about me. He’ll always look after me. Ezra would never let me down, and he most certainly won’t fuck Shania!” I hissed.

I thought I heard a chuckle, but I concentrated on Patrick and getting him out of my house before Ezra turned up.

“Baby, you were frigid. Maybe I should have spent some time warming you up, but you were so shy,” Patrick sneered.

It hit me that that’s all Patrick did, sneer. Patrick looked down upon everyone. How the hell had I been in love with this douche?

“Ezra will arrive soon, so I want you to leave. Say what you need to and go.”

Patrick took the stance that he thought showed him to be a sexy man and instead made him look a twit. With effort, I managed to stop myself from laughing.

“Baby, I was under stress at work.”

I rolled my eyes as Patrick placed the blame elsewhere.

“Dana, I was worried about how you would manage being my wife in the public eye so much. Shit, I didn’t love Shania; that was just sex. Dana, I thought if I tried to show you how I liked sex, you’d run in fear, and I loved you too much for that.”

“Uh-huh,” I muttered.

Patrick took a step forward, and I retreated.

“The truth is, I never stopped loving you. When I saw you last night, it hurt to look at you, and honey, you are beautiful, not superficial like Shania. Listen, I’m going to divorce her, and I want to sort this mess out with you and me. You’ve changed a lot. You look better, and you’re more assertive. You would fit into my life now,” Patrick stated.

Damn, Patrick was so confident that he was all that. I laughed. I couldn’t help myself.

“One, you fucked Shania for the whole five years we were together. It was not a one-night stand. That was a long-term relationship. It wasn’t something that just happened; it was pre-meditated. Two, you were only with me for the money. I’m not stupid.

“Three, why on earth do you think I would start a relationship with you? You’re used goods. You have fucked anything and everything in a skirt. If you believe you’re putting your diseased dick anywhere near me again, you’re seriously mistaken.”

Irritated, I leaned forward, intent on making a point.

“Four, I fit into your life? Patrick, I don’t want your damn life. I like mine. Mine is freaking fantastic. Shit, I shouldn’t have to change myself to fit into a man’s life. He should love and accept me as I am. Finally, number five, I have a man who means the world to me.”

I mentally crossed my fingers and continued, “Ezra makes me laugh and smile. He does things for me without me asking. I don’t even have to ask Ezra to have my back. Ezra just has it; he’s there without a word. Shit, Patrick, Ezra treats me like a princess.”

“Honey, you can’t seriously believe he’s the one for you? He’s nothing! Christ, I know your friends were messing around. As if that loser could buy you a pair of two-thousand-dollar shoes. The asshole had grease under his nails, for God’s sake. And after your money? You said it was tied up until you were thirty.” Patrick’s eyes narrowed.

With impeccable timing, Ezra strolled into the lounge, sweeping me up and laying one on me. When Ezra released me, he stroked my cheek and gave me a smile before handing me a bag. I peered inside and nearly bunny-hopped around. It was the shoes!

I’d seen them over two months ago but couldn’t forgive wasting so much money on them. Ignoring Patrick and letting out a squeal, I pulled them out of the box, yanked my socks off, and shoved them on.

I was admiring them on my feet when Ezra’s vibes hit me.

Patrick glared, and Ezra glowered back. Patrick was standing with his hands on hips and puffed up chest, while Ezra leaned against my door jamb, ankles crossed and arms folded. He had nothing on Ezra.

“Dinner smells great, honey,” Ezra muttered, still giving Patrick the stink eye.

I gulped and nodded.

“What are you doing here?” Ezra snarled.

“Talking to Dana, she can do better than you,” Patrick sneered.

“Don’t see you giving my woman a pair of two-thousand-dollar shoes. Do see my lady wearing a pair I am giving her,” Ezra drawled, looking smug.

“You’re a grease monkey with no future! I’m in finance!” Patrick puffed up his chest further.

Ezra’s eyes widened in mock surprise.

“Well, fuck me. Asshole here is in finance, honey. I’m still driving a fifty thousand customised Harley, and all the while, his BMW looks to be around forty k. I think my pickup trumps it at fifty. Guess I’m just a grease monkey. If the douche is so hot, why doesn’t he know how much Rage is worth?” Ezra grinned.

Stunned, I stared at him. Ezra really drove two vehicles worth that much? Wowza.

“You probably bought them with drug money,” Patrick sneered.

Ezra was across the room in seconds. He picked Patrick up by his sweater and lifted him.

“You got grief with Rage?” Ezra snarled into Patrick’s face.

Patrick glanced at the floor, then at Ezra. Despite his workouts, Patrick couldn’t move Ezra, let alone lift him.

“No!” Patrick finally bit out as Ezra just kept holding him there.

Ezra dropped Patrick and then gave him a shove.

“My woman has repeatedly told you to leave. Leave now, or I’ll put you out!” Ezra ordered.

Patrick gathered his dignity and strode towards the door. He stopped there and proved he was simply stupid. “I’ll let you fuck this out of your system. Tomorrow, I will be serving papers to Shania. When you’re done with your flit with a bad boy, I’ll be waiting, but not for long, Dana. Get this fling finished quickly.”

Lost for words at his arrogance, I glanced at Patrick and then at Ezra, just like last night, and my lip curled up before I snickered.

“Think I’m fine where I am.”

Ezra moved towards him.

Patrick fled.