Dallas at Midnight [Midnight in Montana 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  Chapter 4

  Dallas had a fitful night. Memories of that awful night haunted her dreams and she relived the whole incident over and over.

  She had thought Ed Powell was a lovely man. He had been kind and attentive and couldn’t do enough for her. She hadn’t realized how controlling he was, though. She gave up her job in the music shop in town because he claimed it was taking her away from him too much, and besides, he told her, with all his money she didn’t need to work for a living. She enjoyed that job. Music was everything to her, and she was really good at what she did. She could advise anyone about what albums to buy, as she’d listened to just about everyone in the shop. It was country music and she loved it. In the evenings she would go back to her little apartment and practice playing the guitar. She’d been told she had a good voice and hoped to be a singer one day. That was, until Eddie persuaded her to give up her apartment and move in with him. After all, he reasoned, with her out of work he was paying rent on her apartment which was a total waste of money when he had plenty of room in his massive house for her to move into.

  It was after she moved in with him that things really hit the rocks, though she couldn’t see it at the time. He had the idea that she would make a great model and even got photographers around to take pictures of her. After she’d had her hair and make-up done, and posed as they’d instructed, she had to admit she did look good. But she had never wanted to be a model. The clothes she had to wear made her look cheap, becoming skimpier each time. And all those hours fussing with her looks were a total drag. She told Eddie that she just wanted to be a singer. After a couple of months he conceded and got some sessions set up with record producers. Although, in actual fact, they weren’t musical sessions. The slimy men he had put her in touch with were more interested in the casting couch than hearing her sing. When she told Eddie he went berserk. Not with the slime balls who had tried to maul her though—he was mad with her. He called her ungrateful and naive, and told her she would ruin his reputation if she wasn’t nice to his contacts. She apologized to him—what choice did she have now that she was living under his roof and totally dependent on him for money?

  When he announced the following night that he had invited some contacts around to the house and they could help with her career, she had to smile and promise to be hospitable to them. One claimed to have been a photographer, interested in her as a model, and even brought all his gear, which he set up in the lounge. Another was a record producer, who said he wanted to see her in lots of different outfits so he could promote her—he wasn’t interested in her voice at all, he just kept saying that if Ed Powell said she could sing then he was sure she could sing. She wasn’t sure what the third man was there for, just that he seemed to have loads of money. All were middle aged and as slimy as a slug in olive oil.

  She had tried really hard to be nice to them, but they had their hands all over her! Ed just laughed it off, telling her she should be flattered. When the evening wore on, and the booze had been flowing for a few hours, it all got really nasty. Ed told her that they were going to make a film and she had to get undressed. She then noticed that there weren’t just ordinary cameras set up, there were also video cameras, and they seemed mostly focused on the large sofa which had somehow been draped in a fur throw. When the penny finally dropped, and she realized it was a porn movie they were planning to make, she grabbed a set of keys and bolted for the door.

  She knew they tried to follow her, but they had all been drinking too much and she sped off out of town as quick as she could. Luckily, there were some of her spare clothes in the trunk, so she was able to change into something more comfortable than the cocktail dress and heels she had been wearing. She was also hoping that the change of outfit would help disguise her a little, and she let her hair down too. Knowing that the first thing Ed would do would be to call his friends at the police department, she abandoned his car not far from the train station and hopped on the first train she saw. When she was eventually asked for her ticket she claimed that she had bought it and put it in her purse, but someone must have taken her purse when she’d fallen asleep. She had to get off at the next station, but she had gotten a good way and not having bought a ticket meant that there was no paper trail for Ed and his contacts to follow.

  After that she had walked for miles until she was picked up by a trucker heading north. He dropped her off at Sheridan, but then he had to rest up for the night so she walked another couple of miles before being picked up by another trucker. The rain was pouring down by this time and she could hardly see where she was walking. He was a real nice guy, and offered her his flask of coffee, as she was shivering by the time she got into his cab. It had been warm in there and she had actually fallen asleep for a while. She was amazed when he woke her to announce that they had arrived near Billings, Montana where he had work to do. He had offered to let her stay in his cab for a while until the rain eased up, but she was eager to keep moving so he had pointed her in the direction of Midnight County.

  She was sure Ed Powell would have called the police and told them that she had stolen his car—as if he’d miss one of them, jeez he had eight different vehicles—and it wouldn’t have taken them long to find his precious SUV. With its personalized plates it would have been hard to disguise. Besides that, she was pretty sure he had tracking devices attached to all his cars so they’d have found it right away. Her biggest worry was Ed finding her! She knew he’d be mad as hell that she had shown him up in front of his seedy friends and he’d want his revenge. One thing she had learned about Ed Powell was that he always got his revenge!

  She tossed and turned as she dreamt of what he might do to her once he’d caught up with her. Gone was the Eddie Powell she had fallen for, the kind, funny, loving man. Instead here was Ed Powell, powerful businessman, ruthless, devious and vengeful. His angry face tormented her and his smarmy voice haunted her dreams. She could feel his hands on her, grabbing her, mauling her, shaking her in his fury.

  She heard a scream, not realizing at first that it was her own. Firm hands held her tightly and she fought to get them off her. A voice was talking to her, not shouting, just speaking calmly, saying her name, muttering something about being safe. Safe. How could she be safe with Ed Powell after her? With a jolt she opened her eyes, wincing as the lamplight assaulted them.

  “No!” she heard herself yelling.

  “It’s all right, Dallas. It’s me, Shane. Open your eyes, darlin’.”

  She opened her mouth to scream, but realized just in time that it wasn’t Ed Powell in front of her, it was Shane Patrick. She put a hand in front of her face to quieten herself and he soothed her gently.

  “It’s just a nightmare, sweetheart. You’re safe now. No one’s going to hurt you.”

  She stared into his deep blue eyes in disbelief. Her heart pounded against her ribs and she was panting hard.

  “It’s all right now,” he kept saying, “you’re safe.”

  His words went round and round in her head, like a mantra.

  “Sh–Shane,” she whispered.

  Obviously satisfied that she knew where she was, he put his arms gently around her and held her tight. Dallas wasn’t sure whether she was crying or not, but held onto him like he was a lifeline. Her fingers dug into the flesh of his bare back and she buried her head in the hairs of his rugged chest. Surrounded by his naked flesh she just sat as he gently rocked her, still whispering to her words of comfort. She daren’t close her eyes for fear of seeing Ed Powell again, so she just stared into nothingness as her thoughts slowly unscrambled.

  Dallas wasn’t sure how long she had sat there like that, but after a while she felt Shane’s muscles ripple under her. He was still holding her as he shifted around to lie on the cover beside her, and her head flopped lazily onto his chest. She wrapped an arm around his waist and was sure she felt him kiss the top of her head.

  “Shush,” he whispered to her and she felt herself begin to relax as his heaving chest rose and fell under
her cheek. His steady heartbeat thumped out a soothing rhythm and Dallas felt herself drifting away with wonderful thoughts of him which outshone all the dark terrors of her previous sleep.

  * * * *

  Shane awoke as the early morning sun began to streak through the window, which still had the curtains pulled back. The lamp on the nightstand, which he had left on for Dallas, afforded a dim glow as the shadows of the night gradually dissipated. He looked down at the beautiful girl who was sleeping in his arms, and smiled. He felt content waking up with her by his side, and his cock suddenly twitched. He was wearing just his shorts, and hoped she wouldn’t notice his morning wood when she woke up, but, for now, he didn’t want to move. Shane was hoping she wouldn’t wake up for a while so he could enjoy this private time just looking at her and feeling her soft skin next to his.

  Her body felt hot and he wondered if she was getting a fever. He knew she was unwell and had been worried as hell last night when she announced that she wanted to leave. No way could he allow her to go anywhere just yet. He still didn’t know anything about her, but one thing was for sure—this girl was in a whole heap of trouble.

  He had been gazing at her sleeping peacefully in his arms for some time before she finally stirred. He watched her big, green eyes slowly open and a huge smile covered her face when she saw him. He felt something lurch within his heart and he smiled back. She looked so serene, such a change from last night.

  “Good morning, beautiful.” Shane felt his cock twitch and he shifted uncomfortably.

  Dallas sat up. “Good morning.”

  She looked flushed and he wasn’t sure if it was the fever or not. She still appeared a little drowsy, and she sneezed as soon as she was upright.

  “Sorry,” she said, pulling his handkerchief from under her pillow.

  “I think you should stay in bed again today,” Shane said, hoping not to upset her.

  “It’s just a cold. I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

  “Well, at least stay there until the doc gets here. We’ll let him decide,” he told her kindly, hoping he was being tactful.

  Dallas finished with the handkerchief and nodded. “What time’s he coming?”

  “I’m not sure,” he said slowly, expecting her to say that she needed to leave soon. “I’ll get us some breakfast.” He didn’t really want to move away from her, but was afraid that his erection might catch her attention and didn’t want to frighten her. He swiftly kissed her on the top of the head and then made his way to the door before she could argue.

  He put some eggs to boil and then took a quick, cold shower. It was no good, this dang thing wasn’t going down any time soon. Afraid that they would end up with hard-boiled eggs if he waited any longer, he decided the only way out of here was to yank himself off. It didn’t take long. He closed his eyes and thought of the beauty in his bed. With one arm leaning against the tiles and the other hand on his cock he pumped for dear life and was soon spurting his burning seed up the tiles of the shower. His breath was heavy as relief and ecstasy coursed through his body in equal measures. Eliciting every last drop of his cream, he embraced the cold water splashing over his sated body. He quickly cleaned up and pulled on his Levis and a blue T-shirt before heading back to the kitchen, wondering if it was possible to burn boiled eggs.

  Chapter 5

  The eggs were boiling profusely so he switched off the gas and set about making toast and pouring coffee. He piled up the tray with fruit and a couple of bagels and headed back into the guest room.

  He was surprised to see Dallas fidgeting uncomfortably in the bed. She was sitting up, obviously waiting eagerly for him to return. Putting the breakfast tray on the night stand, he grinned at her.

  “Need the bathroom?”

  “Yes please,” she replied gratefully.

  Shane was pleased she hadn’t tried to go without him this time, and pulled back the covers. Again, the robe had ridden up her leg and he got a good eyeful of her naked thigh before she quickly pulled the towelling back down. He instinctively licked his lips, before noticing her staring at him. She didn’t look shocked, she was just blushing slightly. His arms went around her before she spoke.

  “I think I can walk, if I can just hold onto you.”

  Reluctantly he backed off a little and helped her out of the bed. He’d been looking forward to lifting her into his arms again.

  “If you’re sure,” he conceded.

  She nodded and climbed out. She automatically put an arm around his waist as she slowly walked over to the bathroom. He held her close, steadying her. He was almost disappointed at how well she was doing.

  “I’ll call when I need you,” she promised as she entered the small room, and he waited outside the door.

  After a couple of minutes he heard the sound of running water and guessed she’d finished. He was about to open the door, when she opened it for him.

  “You wouldn’t have a spare toothbrush, would you?” she asked.

  “Here.” He squeezed past her and took a new packet from the cabinet, and a tube of toothpaste.

  “Thanks.” She smiled. “Maybe I could take a shower later, too?”

  “Let’s get breakfast first,” he suggested as she cleaned her teeth.

  They enjoyed a leisurely meal. Dallas wasn’t half as shaky today and managed to feed herself. Shane was a little disgruntled that she was coping so well today, as he had enjoyed having her depend on him a little, but told himself that he was being selfish. After all, he did really want her to feel better.

  “Do you have to work on the ranch today?” she asked as they stacked the dishes onto the tray after finishing.

  Shane ran a hand through his hair. He knew there were plenty of jobs that needed his attention but he would much rather stay here with her. “No, the hands can manage just fine for a while,” he assured her.

  She grinned. “Not skiving are you?” she teased, a little coyly.

  He loved that look on her face. She had more color today and looked lovelier than ever.

  “Me?” he gasped in mock horror. “Whatever makes you think that?”

  She laughed. It was a lovely tinkling sound, like sleigh bells. He beamed at her, wishing he could hear it more often.

  “Let me get rid of these dishes and I’ll help you with that shower.” He winked as he took the tray.

  Shane quickly loaded the dishwasher and wiped over the kitchen counters. He had felt his cock twitch at the sound of her laughter—the effects of his efforts in the shower were wearing off already!

  She was waiting patiently for him when he returned to the bedroom. Her smile when she saw him lit up her face and he couldn’t help returning it.

  He noticed the lamp still on so he put his hand to the switch. Dallas must have noticed at the same time as her hand was already there. As his covered hers he felt a warm, fuzzy feeling in his stomach and butterflies awoke and began to dance there. His hand enveloped her soft fingers as they pressed the switch together, and she let out a shy giggle. Shane didn’t remove his hand at first. He looked down at her face. She was blushing slightly as she stared up at him, her eyes wide as she took in deep breaths. He sat on the edge of the bed.

  He couldn’t resist leaning in and brushing his lips against hers. He watched as she closed her eyes and her mouth opened slightly. His tongue licked all around her lips and he nibbled at the edges of her mouth tentatively. He felt her breathing become more rapid and he gently allowed his tongue to delve in, carefully exploring her hot cavern as he sucked on her soft lips. She moaned quietly as he put his hands on either side of her head and slowly kissed her, feeling the butterflies having a ball inside him as she gently kissed him back.

  As his cock reminded him once again of its presence, he steadily pulled back. Her big green eyes looked darker as she gradually opened them and he smiled into her flushed face.

  “Time for that shower.”

  She nodded, looking down, appearing a little embarrassed.

  “Let me get it ru
nning first, it needs to heat up a little before you climb in. Will you be all right in there on your own?”

  He watched her face flush even hotter, and cursed himself for being so blatant. “I–I mean, I don’t want you to keel over or anything.” He sounded flustered even to his own ears. Thinking quickly he added, “Maybe I’ll put a stool in there. Then you can sit down if you need to.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered as he hurriedly got up.

  Shane was surprised to find his own legs felt a little wobbly. Must’ve been that kiss! He managed to make it to the en suite bathroom and switched on the shower without thinking. Damn! Cold water rained down on him, soaking his T-shirt in one easy move. He shrieked like a girl and then cursed himself again.

  “Are you OK?” Dallas’s big eyes looked concerned as he emerged from the bathroom like a drowned rat. She must have caught sight of him as she burst out laughing. It was a real belly-laugh and Shane had never heard anything so delightful.

  “I’m sorry.” She giggled as she caught his eye.

  He looked down at himself. His T-shirt stuck to him and his jeans were splashed and uncomfortable, too. He was just glad he hadn’t put his boots on.

  “Are you laughing at me?” He cocked his eyebrow as he grinned at her teasingly.

  “No, not at all.” She laughed, squirming further across the bed as he strode over to her.

  “Well, I think it’s your turn to get all wet, darlin’,” he told her as he reached over and scooped her up in his arms.

  She squealed. “No. Put me down!” She laughed.

  Carrying her over to the bathroom he reached the shower in one easy stride and held her tight with one hand as he tested the temperature of the water. It was warm. Satisfied, he held her with both hands as he took one step into the shower, which poured down on both of them.

  Dallas squealed as the water soaked them and their clothes. She had automatically wrapped her arms around his neck when he lifted her, and she clung on tight as the water splashed onto their bodies. He loved the feeling of her touching him and when she buried her head in his chest he couldn’t stop the groan which escaped his throat.