“What’s that?” I ask at once.
“Our ranch is made of ex-military, some are ex mercs, and others are men who needed a new life and a place that didn’t judge them for their past.”
“Ex mercs?” I question.
“Mercenaries. Ex-soldiers who get paid to do things that might be illegal but need done.”
“Oh,” I murmur, not sure what else to say.
“I can promise you, they only accepted jobs to help save innocent people,” he assures me. I nod my acceptance. For some reason, I believe him. “Each person at the ranch is completely vetted, Olivia. I promise you’d be safe there.”
“I wouldn’t feel right living there and not contributing somehow. That’s not me, and I don’t think I have it in me to be a bodyguard—or whatever you guys are labeled as.”
He laughs. “I really need a secretary,” he answers. “We also have a clinic at the ranch. If you’re interested in a CNA position or whatever. I know from talking with Winnie that you were your father’s primary caretaker. I’m sure that type of position is available too. You would get the standard pay, and if that’s what you want, you can pay rent for the cabin you will live in on the territory.”
“It kind of sounds too good to be true, Mr. Wells.”
“Carson,” he corrects at once.
“Carson,” I agree.
“I tell you what, Olivia. What if you and Winnie come to visit next weekend? Spend time there and let me show you around. You can tour the ranch and the cabins. It will give you a feel for the place and the available jobs. What do you say?”
“I’d have to check with Winnie to see if she’d be free.”
“Good, you two discuss it and I’ll call her tomorrow evening and see what you’ve decided,” he answers.
“Mr. Wells,” I begin, and he gives me a look that’s accompanied with a grunt. For some reason, that makes me smile. “Carson,” I respond with a smile. I really do feel at ease around him. “Can I ask why you’re doing so much to try to help me?”
“Because, Olivia, you’ve endured hell. You deserve the chance and opportunity to begin again, without looking over your shoulder every single second, minute, and hour of the day,” he answers, and his words are like a gut check. He’s describing exactly what I do each day just to make it through. It’s exhausting.
“I’ll talk to Winnie,” I finally tell him as he stands, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“Good. I hope you’ll come, Olivia. Even if Winnie can’t make it, you should still consider coming. You can stay with me and Lisa. She’ll take you under her wing. I promise you’d be good. If something happens and I’m wrong, then I’ll bring you back immediately.”
I nod, liking Carson Wells more and more. I watch as he gets back in his truck with an easy wave, and then backs out of the driveway. It kind of feels like this is my chance to start over, and for the first time ever, that’s something I would really like.
15 ARWEN
If you asked me how we made it from the sofa to Blade’s bed, I couldn’t tell you. The same could be said for how we’re both naked. It all happened while I got drunk on his kisses. The electricity from his touch seemed to zing through my body, and I felt alive for the first time in years. I could lie and say it has been a long dry spell, because it has, but that’s not why I’m doing this—even though I shouldn’t.
The simple truth is I want this man, even when common sense is telling me I shouldn’t. Thoughts of Olivia and sisterhood are out the window. I just want Blade. I want him so deep inside of me I’ll never forget how he feels. I need it more than I need my next breath.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Blade asks, his eyes raking over me—sending more of those electric currents through me. I’ve never felt this desire with anyone else. I didn’t even know it was possible.
I let my gaze slide over him, drinking him in. I pause as I look at his cock. I’m not even sure you could call it a cock. It’s a weapon so massive that I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk once he gets done with me.
Holy hell.
I clear my throat. “Do they even make condoms that will fit you?” I watch as his lips slide into a sexy half-smile. How a man can be as cocky as he is and I still want him more than my next breath is beyond me.
“Yeah, Arwen. They do, and I have plenty, don’t worry.”
“Are these sheets clean?” I ask, looking around the bed, suddenly imagining him in here with his secretary.
He frowns, looking at me. “I have maid service, so yes. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“Your secretary,” I answer. “Maybe it’d be better if I go home.”
