Dana Marie Bell
She was startled when she found the receiver snatched out of her hands. “Never mind, the lady won’t need that ride.” He hung up the phone and stared at her, daring her to say something.
She licked her lips and, for just a second, saw his eyes heat up. “Leo, you don’t need to be worrying about me right now.” She put her hand on his arm, gazing up at him in concern. “You need to worry about your family. I can see myself home.”
“I’ve made arrangements for a limo to stop off and pick us both up. We’ll stop at my place first, I’ll pack, and then we’ll head to your place. Our plane leaves in four hours.”
Her mouth opened but nothing came out. He reached up and pushed her jaw shut with one finger, his expression filled with ruthless determination. “Leo. What do you mean, ‘our’ plane?” She was proud of the fact that her voice wasn’t shaking.
“You’re going with me to Nebraska.”
“I’m going home to my apartment, changing clothes and doing laundry. You’re going to Nebraska.”
“Don’t fight me on this, Ruby.” His voice matched his face, hard and uncompromising.
“You can’t just up and take me to Nebraska, Leo! A, it’s a federal crime to kidnap somebody, because I said no. B, it doesn’t matter, because I said no. Besides, what about Cliona?” Her hands went to her hips, her toe tapping on the thick, soft carpet. Sort of like it wanted to tap on his thick, soft head.
“Taken care of. Mandy’s agreed to watch out for her.”
Ruby’s jaw dropped again, this time in anger. “What?”
“Your bags should be packed by the time we get there. Megan has been very helpful.”
“You had no right!” He’d rearranged her life without even consulting her. Well, at least I don’t have to call my boss and tell him I won’t be in tomorrow.
He didn’t pretend not to understand her. “I had every right.”
“Leo—” she protested, only to be cut off when he put his fingers over her mouth.
His jaw clenched, pain leaking through the determination on his face. “I need you with me. Don’t ask me any more questions than that. I can’t explain it yet. Just… I need you to trust me. Please. I need you. ”
And that, she knew, was what had done it. Strong, arrogant Leo Dunne had practically begged for her support. So here she was, winging her way to Nebraska, of all places, to stand by Leo’s side and help him through this.
I’m an idiot. An idiot on a plane.
His head was back against the seat, his eyes closed, but she knew from the way his fingers were clamped around her hand that he was far from asleep. His thumb occasionally stroked hers. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to soothe her or himself. She could feel from the tension in his body that he was far from calm, and wondered why it was that he wanted her with him so badly. She sighed deeply, squeezed his hand, and turned back towards the window, hoping she would be able to be what he needed.
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Dare to Believe
Leo stroked Ruby’s hand and tried desperately to stay calm despite the fear eating a hole in his stomach.
He couldn’t believe she’d agreed to come, but was eternally grateful he hadn’t had to force the issue.
If necessary he would have used his magic to get her on board this plane, and damn the consequences.
To hell with the office. To hell with protocol. He needed her with him. He’d explain everything once they were on the farm.
No way was he letting her out of his sight. Thanks to him and the Claiming, she was in danger and didn’t even know it.
His brother might be the victim, but he had the feeling he was the ransom.
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35
Chapter Four
Ruby was once again staring out a window, but this time it was the window of the Lincoln Navigator Leo had picked up at the airport. “Have your parents heard anything from the kidnappers yet?”
Leo glanced at her, then turned his attention back to the road. “No, not yet. Other than the initial phone call letting them know he’d been taken, they haven’t heard a thing.”
“Do they know why he was taken?”
“It could be a number of reasons. First, they might know he’s my brother, and I’d pay anything to get him back.” His hands tightened on the wheel. “It could also have to do with Mom’s family. There are those who still haven’t accepted their marriage.”
She stared at him, stunned. “You’re kidding me. After all these years?”
His smile was sour. “Let’s just say they have long memories.”
She whistled, not surprised when he turned his attention back to his driving. He was silent the entire way to the farm, his hands occasionally clenching the steering wheel. From the expression on his face she’d bet anything he was picturing his brother’s kidnappers.
She stayed silent for the rest of the ride, eventually nodding off with her head against the window.