Nate felt himself bristle, but Taz’s words drifted into his mind. He is honoring a promise he made to Koi’s brother. And you know Kyle always keeps his promises.

  Sensing Nate’s opposition, Kyle’s expression softened as he added, “Koi has always been intensely protective of his sister. From what I remember, their parents were less than thrilled when she came along and they were more than happy to leave her care to her ten-year-old brother. He’ll only relinquish that role to a man, or men, he’s sure are in it for the long haul.”

  The underlying message wasn’t lost on Nate. Nodding his understanding, Nate watched Kyle walk from the room, his stride intent and filled with purpose.

  “Don’t worry. I’m going along to make sure he doesn’t scare her. He’s anxious to start the party. When business stalls pleasure, it fucks with his usually bright and charming personality.”

  For the first time since they’d been pulled into Sage’s office for this sit-rep, Nate felt himself smile. As Kent followed his brother out, Nate sent up a silent prayer to the heavens asking for the wisdom to handle the coming confrontation with Kodi with patience and wisdom.

  “You know, I’m damned impressed with our woman. That book is fucking hot and well written to boot. If she wrote it as a fantasy about the two of us, we’ve been given a peek into her deepest, darkest desires. Hell, most Doms would kill for this kind of insight”

  A peek? Hell, it’s a detailed road map. “True. And I for one do not intend to ignore perfectly good intel.” Nate couldn’t hold back his laughter. He hadn’t realized how much he missed their silent connection until it had been restored.

  “Oh, shit. I’ve seen that look before.” The pretty blonde’s whispered words made the woman next to her giggle.

  “I’m sure you have, Tobi. That’s your Master’s I’m going to get to the bottom of this look.”

  “And it usually involves my bottom.”

  Kodi had just been introduced to Tobi and Gracie a few minutes ago, but she already liked them. They’d chatted about the shops at Mountain Mastery, and Kodi was fascinated when she learned about the updates the two women were planning. Their ideas were fresh and innovative, and Kodi was sure the changes would be well received by the club’s members.

  “Kodi, a word please?” Startled from her thoughts, Kodi realized the man Tobi and Gracie had been talking about was standing beside her. Looking up, she was shocked by the intensity of his gaze and almost overcome by the urge to run.

  “Brother, you really need to work on your people skills.”

  Kodi blinked in surprise as another man moved to stand beside the one who’d just spoken to her. Holy shit, they look exactly alike. Kodi felt a blush warm her cheeks when she realized she hadn’t responded.

  The second man grinned. “We get that look a lot, darlin’. I’m Kent West, and this is my ugly brother, Kyle.” He nodded to the side where the other man stood scowling at him. “We’ve heard from your brother and would like to talk to you about it if you have a minute.”

  Kodi was on her feet before he’d even finished speaking. She didn’t know these men, but if they’d talked to Koi, she didn’t want to miss the chance to hear what they had to say. “Is he okay?” She’d tried to hold back her rising panic, but it was easy to hear in her voice.

  “He’s fine, sweetie.” The man who’d just introduced himself as Kent answered as he held out his hand to her. He smiled when she placed her hand in his, accepting his help maneuvering around the living room’s furniture. Flashing a triumphant smile at his brother, Kent gloated, “See? You talk sweet and the ladies are much more cooperative. You treat them like soldiers and they launch directly into fight or flight mode, and then you have to chase them down. This is much easier.”

  Kodi wasn’t sure, but she could have sworn she heard the other man snarl behind them.

  Stepping into a long room filled with feminine furnishings and décor, Kodi found herself focused on the wall of windows facing the mountains. Everything about the room drew her in, from the soft yellow and blue colors of the pillows to the pictures of small girls decorating the walls. This was the private space of a wife and mother who needed time alone, but who would always surround herself with reminders of what was important. The large picture at the end of the long room caught her attention.

  Kodi found herself standing in front of what appeared to be a wedding portrait…but the bride was surrounded by five men. She recognized the one standing directly behind the bride as Sage Morgan, he’d greeted them when they’d first arrived. She’d seen a couple of the others at the club, but the other two were strangers. Their affection for the woman standing inside their semi-circle made Kodi long for that kind of support.

  “It’s a great picture, isn’t it? And I can tell you it shows how all five Morgan brothers feel about Sage’s wife, Coral. She was the first to marry into their family, and she still holds a special place in all their hearts. You’ll meet Coral and the other Morgan wives in a few minutes.”

  Kodi turned and smiled up at Kent. He’d stepped up beside her to look at the picture she’d been admiring. “Come on. Let’s talk so we can get back to the others. I’m anxious to play with the little trouble magnet you were sitting across from in the living room.”

  Kodi let him lead her back to where his brother stood waiting patiently. They spent the next few minutes recounting the messages they’d gotten from Koi and his concerns about her safety. They inquired about where she was staying and seemed relieved to learn she was living in the Ledek’s secure apartment. Kyle was all business. His questions were direct, and there was no doubt he was studying her closely for any sign of deception. His abruptness didn’t bother her now that she recognized the behavior for what it was—his years as a SEAL team leader had definitely left their mark on him.

  She watched as Kyle seemed to relax, and when she saw him smile for the first time, she was startled by how much it changed his entire appearance. Neither of them missed her quick inhalation of surprise. “See, Kyle, this is what I’ve been preaching to you forever. You’re such a hard ass people are actually shocked when you finally lighten up.”

  “But why would I give up seeing the surprise in their expressions? I live for that moment when subs realize I’m human.” The sarcasm in Kyle’s tone matched the teasing in Kent’s, and Kodi couldn’t hold back her laughter.

  She’d barely stepped over the threshold before Nate and Taz surrounded her. “Come with us, Ayasha. We want to hear about your conversation with Kent and Kyle before we join the party.” They led her to a small sun-drenched patio. Even though the small space was outside, it was sheltered and still warm despite the fading sunlight.

  “Are you alright, baby?” Taz’s question surprised her. Kodi had expected them to quiz her about what the West brothers had said to her.

  “Yes, I’m fine. They were both very polite, though Kyle was a little intimidating at first. I appreciate that they were following up on my brother’s request…at least he hasn’t completely forgotten about me.” She hadn’t intended to say the last part aloud, but her brain evidently forgot to turn off the sound.

  Taz pulled her into a crushing hug and kissed the top of her head. “Baby, he hasn’t forgotten about you. Missions are messy sometimes, and often communication is possible, but too dangerous. Your brother felt safe communicating with the Kyle and Kent because he knows their phones and servers are secured.”

  Kodi mulled over his reassuring words and agreed it was certainly something her brother would consider. The problem was she’d made so many attempts to contact him. Had she compromised his safety or her own with her insistent messages and requests for help?

  Jarring her out of her introspection, Nate turned her so she faced him. “Now, Ayasha. We have something else we’d like to mention before we rejoin the others.”

  “I’d advise you to think very carefully about your answers, baby. And keep in mind we were just in a meeting with two of the best hackers in the country.” Taz’s words might have sounded light hearted, but she’d heard the steel laced warning in them. Letting her gaze flicker between them, Kodi felt her heart accelerate as her over-active imagination kicked into high gear. What had she done now?

  I swear to all things holy I could get into trouble sitting all alone in church.

  Taz stood behind Kodi, pulling her back against his chest and enjoying the feel of her softness contrasting with his strength. He’d never relished his ability to protect a woman more than he did with Kodi. There was something about her that brought his inner Tarzan roaring to the surface stronger than it ever had before. He wrapped his arm around her, pressing against the bottom swell of her breasts, lifting them and letting the fabric of her dress outline her peaked nipples.

  She was frantically trying to remember what she’d done wrong. He listened to her fragmented thoughts, pleased she didn’t consider the book she’d written to be a problem. They assumed from the publication date it had been written while she’d been away from the club. Knowing she’d been thinking about them gave him a ridiculous sense of satisfaction. Damn, if only his gift was as simple as plugging directly into someone’s thoughts. He’d learned drawing conclusions when the information wasn’t complete was a recipe for disaster.

  Nate was using silence to unsettle her. It would make her reaction to his question more difficult to mask. Her heart was racing. Hell, it was beating so hard he could feel it thumping wildly against his arm. Once her respiration kicked up, his brother would continue.

  The shuddering breath Kodi took was followed by an almost heartbreaking wave of resignation. What the hell? She thinks we’ve changed our minds—that we don’t want to participate in the party and you’re trying to figure out a way to break the news gently.

  Nate met Taz’s gaze over her shoulder, trying to gauge whether or not he’d heard him correctly. Nate’s gift wasn’t as strong, and he’d never been able to receive information as easily.

  Taz gave him a quick nod and watched as his regret was reflected in his brother’s eyes. “Kodi, I want you to look at me.” Taz felt a tear splash against his arm and had to fight the urge to turn her around and assure her nothing between them was going to change. Using his fingers to tilt her face up, Nate leaned down, kissed the tear tracks, and shook his head. “We aren’t walking away from you, Ayasha. I’m not sure where you got that idea, but you can put it right out of your mind.”

  A cautious sense of relief swept through her, and some of the tension moved out of her muscles…at least, she’d relaxed a bit before Nate spoke again. “Have you ever heard of a book called Sealed Twice written by a very talented author by the name of Keme Meadows?”

  For a split second, Kodi went completely limp in his arms. Thank Goddess he’d already been holding her securely or she’d have collapsed at their feet. Before Taz could pick her up, she recovered and started struggling to get out of his hold.

  He held her tight and gave her ass a sharp swat with his free hand. “Baby, stop fighting me. You’re going to hurt yourself, and that’s going to spoil the rest of the evening for all three of us.” She went completely still as understanding dawned. He was pleased she’d figured out what he’d been trying to convey; her answer wasn’t going to change their feelings for her.

  The deep breath she took was filled with resignation, but not hopelessness. Taz was counting it as a win. “Yes, Sir. I’ve read the book, and I’m familiar with the author…as I’m sure you’re already aware.” The last part had barely been a whisper, but neither Taz nor Nate had missed it.

  “Ayasha, did you think we’d be angry?”

  Oh, indeed she had. She’d evidently been living in fear of discovery since she’d returned to Montana. Suddenly, the courage it had taken her to come back took on a whole new meaning. She’d risked a lot to come back to Mountain Mastery. Hell, she hadn’t even known if she could get her job back since their policy was to not rehire anyone leaving without giving proper notice.

  “Yes. I’m sorry. It wasn’t meant to be disrespectful. I…well, I was lonely and bored. My brother was spending hours and hours in all kinds of physical therapy, and I was stuck in waiting rooms, twiddling my thumbs. Then the stories he’d told me over the years started rolling around in my head, and the next thing I knew I’d spun it all together.” She finally took a breath, and Taz grinned at Nate. How the hell had she spit all that out without pausing for air?

  “Nobody was more surprised than I was when a publisher took it or when it was so popular. I’m anxious for my brother to fix the little problem I’m having with the publisher skimming my royalties, but you don’t want to hear about that mess.”

  “What makes you think so, Ayasha? I thought Taz and I had been very clear about what we expect from you.” Nate’s voice was eerily quiet, and Kodi didn’t miss the change.

  “Oh, well, since…well, since this all happened before…” She waved her hand between them, but didn’t continue.

  “Ah, you have so much to learn, baby. No problem is too big or too small to bring to us. Even if all we do is act as your sounding board, I think you’ll find it useful. But in this case, we have connections who will be more than happy to help.” Taz had spoken close to her ear, letting the warmth of his breath waft over the sensitive spot before pressing a kiss against her smooth skin.

  “Let’s move to the playroom. I’m anxious to give our little author a preview of how worthwhile it will be to put herself in our hands. Hopefully, she’ll begin to understand how important she is.”

  Taz was still shaking his head as they walked back into the Morgan’s enormous home. Why she’d thought they’d be angry was a mystery to him. Maybe one of the other subs at the party could impart a few words of wisdom. He learned a long time ago a woman’s mind was a wonderfully complex thing and often only understood by another woman. Taz wasn’t afraid to ask for assistance if it would help him understand her better. Anything that strengthened the bond between them was worth pursuing. And speaking of binding—the significance of what they’d planned for this evening had just been ramped up exponentially.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Brinn was relieved to see her friend Keri sitting at the reception desk. Before she and Koi reached the front door of the club, she placed her hand on his forearm, stopping his progress. “Hang on. I want to check something…just to be on the safe side.” He raised a brow in question, but nodded as she stepped up to the desk. “Keri, I know you can’t tell me what’s in this gentleman’s file. But please look at it and tell me if you think it’s safe for me to go to dinner with him.”

  She heard him chuckle behind her, but he stepped forward and handed his driver’s license to Keri. “Well done, Brinn.” Directing his attention to Keri, he added, “Just a reminder, Keri, you aren’t at liberty to divulge anything in my file. You are only being asked to assess the information and state your opinion. Do you feel Brinn will be safe in my care for dinner?” Brinn heard the warning in his voice and wondered what Keri was going to see that he didn’t want her to share.

  Keri was already busy typing, but nodded her understanding. Brinn watched as her friend seemed to be skimming the information on the screen. Keri’s job as a legal aid for a prominent local attorney had given her plenty of experience looking over material and drawing conclusions quickly. Brinn also knew her friend was one of the most honest people she’d ever met. When she saw Keri’s eyes widen and then a small grin spread over her face, Brinn breathed a sigh of relief.

  Turning back to them, Keri handed Koi’s license to him before turning to her. “You’ll be in good hands, Brinn. Enjoy your dinner.”

  In good hands? What an odd thing to say. Shrugging off her confusion over the weird phrasing, Brinn thanked Keri and let Koi help her with her coat. Waving good bye to her friend, Brinn took Koi’s offered arm and walked out of the club.

  Koi couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so amused watching an exchange between two women. He’d bet his interest in hell the woman manning the front desk had burst out laughing the minute she’d been sure they were out of earshot. His reminder about confidentiality had troubled her at first, but he’d seen her pupils dilate while reading and knew exactly what she’d seen. The little brunette had just thrown her friend to the Big Bad Wolf. Without even asking, Koi was convinced the woman Brinn called Keri was the one she’d mentioned being in the locker room with her when she’d been rude to Kodi.

  He wasn’t a fool. He understood Brinn far better than she thought he did. She’d sized up his cock and his clothing with an equally critical eye. He’d wager she’d ordinarily gathered the details of a man’s financial status long before agreeing to have dinner with him. He wasn’t judging her, but he wasn’t fooled by her, either. What he wanted was information from someone who had their ear to the ground in the club. By the end of dinner, he’d have learned all there was to know about Mountain Mastery. He’d also find out if there were any new members who were strangers to her.

  Koi didn’t know whether she’d decided to ride with him or drive herself. He suspected she was waiting to see what he was driving before making her decision. Seeing her eyes widen when she spotted the black Mercedes-AMG GT he’d borrowed from a friend in Billings confirmed his suspicions. No mystery why the Ledeks hadn’t taken the bait this woman was casting.

  It was no surprise when Brinn directed him to what was very likely the most expensive eating establishment in the area. Koi laughed to himself at her undisguised effort to test him. He’d been a Special Forces operative and “company” agent far too long to miss her subtle inquiries about his economic and social position. From questions about his job—not tell you anything about that, sweet cheeks, not one single thing—to her comments about how expensive the car was—Yes, it is, but it doesn’t belong to me. I’d never drive anything this pretentious—he missed nothing.