MySugarDaddy Page 5

  “What the hell are you two doing here? Does Dad know?” Daniel growled and his mother turned pointing her finger at him.

  “Don’t you get all snippy with me, and yes, your father is here too. Do you really think we wouldn’t be after we heard about the other plane? Plus it gives me time to meet this woman you two are so protective of.” She grabbed a tray of sandwiches while his sister Tracy grabbed the coffee and cups.

  “Move out of the way. I’m sure those two girls are famished after all they went through.” His mother bumped into his hip and pushed him out of the way.

  “Mom…” He turned to watch his mother and sister make their way up the aisle toward Laura.

  “Don’t worry, your mother knows what she is doing. Now come. Grant is waiting for us below.” His father slapped him on his back. “The rest of the family will meet us at the house in Maine. They’re also readying a room for the child.”

  He sighed and nodded as he followed his father down the stairs where Grant and about fifteen of their men were seated around the table. At first glance he knew his brother was no happier than he was about having their family here. It meant worrying not only about Laura, Max and Alex, but now their family.

  “Team three needs to be called in and the bunker house needs to be readied.” Grant ordered.

  He flipped his phone open before he even sat down. Now was the time to prepare for full-scale battle.

  * * * * *

  Furious was the only thing she could think of to describe how she felt right now. Not only had she and her friend been exposed to danger, but now she had to deal with his mom and sister?

  “Thank you for the food and coffee. You two really didn’t have to do this. Daniel or Grant never mentioned you were here.” She looked to Alex, who looked as if she was ready to kill someone.

  “They didn’t know, and of course we’d come. Our sons’ private plane was bombed. We are a very close family and when one of us is under attack, we all are. Now please tell me about yourself. Are your parents from Ohio?” Daniel and Grant’s mother Nadine quizzed Laura.

  Her best friend leaned over and squeezed her hand. “Laura’s mother died a year ago today from cancer, and she never knew her father.” Alex’s gaze never left hers as she smiled. “I suppose she left you a sign too?”

  She laughed so hard her side hurt. “You do know my mom. Yes, as a matter of fact, she visited both Grant and Daniel earlier. Mom has already approved them.” Laura looked out the window, hoping to see the red-tail hawk, but it was gone.

  “My mom had a way with animals and plants. She was very in tune with everything around her, so when we found out she had cancer—well, it was a big surprise.” Laura looked at Nadine, who crouched next to her.

  “I’m so sorry. Your mother was a witch or pagan? Is that what they are called now?” She looked up at her daughter Tracy who nodded.

  “One of my brothers practices himself so we have some experience with this. I am truly sorry about your mother though. It seems as if the big C has encroached in everyone’s life at least once. My mom lost her grandmother to breast cancer when I was six.” She nodded to the seat on the other side of Max’s car seat. “May I?”

  “Please.” Laura patted the seat next to her for Nadine to sit. “My mom didn’t suffer long. By the time we found out she had it, it had already spread throughout her body. She lived about two months longer, but she didn’t let a minute go by without doing all she could.”

  “I don’t mean to change the subject, but where is the father of your son?” Nadine asked, peeking into the car seat and smiling down at Max.

  “I don’t mind. I appreciate your forwardness. Max’s father doesn’t want anything to do with him. He’s signed over total custody and rights to me. Let’s just say his father was a total ass and leave it at that.” She took a bit of the sandwich and moaned. “This is fantastic. What is it?”

  Nadine smiled and patted her leg. “It’s like a Reuben, but with a twist. It has everything a Reuben does, but I add goat cheese to it.”

  “Wow.” Alex took another bite and moaned. “Why do I have a feeling we’re going to gain six hundred pounds being around this family?” She stuffed another bite into her mouth.

  Tracy laughed and patted her round stomach.

  “Believe me, I know. I’ve been working out for the past three months trying to get rid of this gut, but every time I turn around Mom is cooking up something or trying something new. It doesn’t help that she runs one of the best catering gigs in New York.”

  Her friend laughed and almost choked on the food in her mouth. “I’m sorry, but this is too good. You couldn’t ask for a better family, Laura, I mean really—a catering business and a wizard to boot? What about Grant and Daniel? Can they do anything different?” Alex shook her head and took another bite of her sandwich.

  “Alex!” She kicked her friend’s leg. “Sorry. Alex gets ahead of herself.”

  “What? You have both men drooling all over you. Do you really believe they’re going to let you go? Not going to happen, sister. I’ve seen those looks on their faces when they watch you.”

  Her face heated and she turned to their mother, who was smiling. “She’s right. I saw the way both of my sons were, and not to worry. I’ve known my sons share their women for a while, but then again so does half of our family. It’s the first time in a long time Grant has been interested in anything other than his last call of duty. I can almost see the old Grant and the sparkle in his eyes he had before he left. You brought him out of his shell, and for that I will always thank you. Now tell me, do you like to cook?”

  “Mom, she’s supposed to be resting, not answering all your questions,” Grant said, leaning down and picking her up, almost spilling her coffee.

  “Grant, I’m fine, and your mom’s food well makes up for the questions. If you didn’t want her talking to me, then you should have stayed. You both took off fast enough.” She slapped his arm and turned back to his mom as soon as he settled in the seat with her on his lap.

  “Yes, I love to cook. Mom and I used to cook up a storm. We used to grow all our own herbs and stuff too. I miss that.” She sipped her coffee.

  “You have to make some more lavender soap and lotion. I’m almost out and I love that stuff.” Alex took a sip of her coffee. “But then again, I never did try your cranberry soap.”

  “What? You make all these?” Nadine asked as she and Tracy both stood and moved out into the aisle. Daniel and some other man came toward them.

  “It’s been awhile. The last bunch Mom and I made right before she died, but yes, we used to make our own shampoo, soap and lotion. Where is my bag?”

  She looked around for it as Daniel handed it to her. She dug down in the bottom and pulled out one of the small bottles of lotion. “Here, try this. I have three of them with me.” Laura placed the bag onto the floor as Daniel sat down next to them.

  “Laura, this is my father, Richard.” Grant nodded to the man who swept his arm around Nadine, who opened the small bottle and smelled.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I just wish it were under better terms,” Laura said and placed her hand in his father’s.

  He leaned down and kissed her knuckles. “I can see why my sons are quite taken with you. You are beautiful.”

  Nadine rolled her eyes and elbowed him out of the way. “Cool it, Casanova. Laura, this stuff is amazing. We will be talking later, young lady, and you two?” She gestured to Grant and Daniel. “Don’t mess this up. She’s a keeper.” At that, their dad shuffled her down the plane to sit three seats behind them.

  “Sorry. We had no idea they would fly up here with the plane.” Grant kissed the side of her neck and placed her in the seat between him and Daniel. “We’re about to take off. Buckle up.” He reached over and pulled the strap across his lap but stopped before he latched the seatbelt.

  “This isn't going to rub any sore spots, is it?” He tried to lift the shirt she wore but Laura held it down.

  “No
, they are up closer to my breast. And stop. You don’t need me to flash everyone.”

  She nodded to Rafe, who had just picked up her squawking friend Alex.

  “I don’t care who sees. Your health is more important than a free shot. Now move your hands, Laura, and let me check,” Grant demanded, his gaze holding hers.

  “Fine.” She put her hands at her side as he lifted the shirt, checking to make sure the seatbelt didn’t rub against her wounds. Satisfied, Grant lowered the top, covering her back up before buckling the belt.

  “I told you,” she mumbled and tried to pull the shirt down further.

  Taking two of his fingers, Grant lifted her chin ‘til she stared into his gaze. “When it comes to your health or safety, nothing matters more. If it makes you uncomfortable I’m sorry, but I will not risk hurting you. We’ve put you in enough danger, and we’ll be making it up to you for a long time to come.” Leaning down, he covered her lips with his.

  He traced his tongue along the seam of her lips, then slid inside and caressed her tongue in a slow seduction. She moaned and leaned into the kiss wanting more, but he broke the kiss.

  “Umm, what were we talking about?” She grinned.

  “I wanted to talk to you about your apartment. I have a team there packing it up. I don’t know how long we’ll be here and I want you to be comfortable with your own things.” Grant took her coffee from her before she dropped it.

  “You moved my whole apartment?” She squeaked a little, but all of a sudden things were moving just too fast.

  Chapter Eight

  Two hours on the plane and it was the quietest he’d seen Laura. Only talking when she needed to and seeing to her son’s needs. Ever since his brother had mentioned Laura’s belongings were being packed up, she hadn’t said much.

  Even when Grant told her they were getting ready to land, she just nodded. Daniel watched as she changed Max, getting him ready to leave the plane. It was a little cooler at Eagle Lake but it was well worth it.

  She stood, looked down at her attire and frowned.

  “I have this for you. It should cover all of you.” Daniel held up a long coat and she smiled at him.

  “Thank you. I need to apologize to your brother. I overreacted earlier. It just feels as if I don’t belong anywhere. At least with my apartment, it was my own. I don’t know where I stand with you two and it’s a little scary.” She looked down at her feet and laughed. “Umm, do you by any chance have boots?”

  Looking down, he laughed. “Not to worry. I’ll carry you to the car. Tomorrow we’ll go into town and get anything else we need.” He kissed the top of her head. “And sweetie, we're not going anywhere. Who knows, maybe we’ll stay out here for a while. We can work anywhere.” He scooped her up as Seth grabbed Max’s carrier.

  Everyone had departed the plane and she watched for Grant. Daniel had been right—there was a chill in the air. “Seth, will you make sure that blanket is tight around Max? It’s a little colder than I realized.” She smiled back at him and noticed Grant taking up the rear. He never once looked toward her.

  “Daniel, are you sure Grant’s not mad at me?” Daniel bent down and she slid into the car with him climbing in right next to her.

  “Yes, I’m sure. He has to meet our supervisor, so he’ll be taking another car and meeting us at the house.” He kissed the top of her head and slid his arm around her while she hooked her son into the seat.

  Curling up next to Daniel, Laura took in the breathtaking scene. From what Daniel had told her, they had sixty miles to go yet. All along the road he pointed things out, telling her stories about his family visits.

  Even though the house was theirs it was kept in a trust's name, which kept anyone from knowing who owned the property. It was their personal getaway and one of the top safe houses used by their team, he told her.

  After stopping for a few items, Seth drove the car around the grand circular drive and Laura sat there stunned. When he had told her they would be staying at the small house, she thought it would a two- or three-bedroom house—not a six-bedroom log mansion.

  “You call this small?” she asked, getting out and moving in a circle, taking in all she could. Laura didn’t even care if her feet were a little cold.

  About three hundred yards away to the left stood the larger dwelling and he hadn’t been kidding. Three stories, six wings from what he told her. The estate itself was over two hundred acres. According to Daniel, his twin cousins managed the ranch when no one was around. They raised draft horses, buffalo and pigs on the property.

  “If we stay for the summer, there is a large place over by the smaller barn where you could plant anything you like.” Daniel said, once more carefully picking her up and walking into the house. “Tomorrow we’ll get you and Alex some boots and winter clothes, since your things won’t be here for a few days.”

  Setting her down in the family room, Laura once more twirled around and smiled. “Wow!” She and Alex spoke at the same time as Rafe brought her in.

  “Look at this place. My apartment could fit in this room alone.” Alex ran her hand along the stone fireplace. “They have three sofas. Can you believe that?”

  Laura took the car seat from Seth and sat on one of the couches. “Come here, little guy. I bet you’re sick of that seat, aren’t you?”

  She picked up a smiling Max, who was babbling up a storm as he took in the place. “Daniel, would you spread the blanket on the floor? We’ll let him roll around for a few minutes.”

  “Let’s put it on this rug.” Daniel picked up a coffee table and moved it out of the way before spreading out the blanket. “This way if he rolls over, the hard floor he won’t hurt his head.” He took Max out of her arms and placed him in the middle of the blanket while she tossed his toys around the blanket.

  “Rafe, why don’t you take Alex downstairs and show her where she’ll be staying?” As they left, Daniel sat down on one of the couches and pulled Laura in between his legs. “Alone at last. Open the shirt, Laura. I want to see the extent of your injuries and then I’m going to show you to our room, where I want you to take a nice hot bath. I’ll watch Max for you.”

  She cocked her head to the side and studied him as she opened the large dress shirt. Even sitting, he was a big man with broad shoulders. He was muscular but not overly so. He had a tattoo running down the side of his neck and under his t-shirt. Just the way he carried himself impressed her.

  As he opened her shirt, he sat up and traced lightly over every scratch and cut. “I know we haven’t known each other long but when that plane blew… We’re lucky we weren’t closer.” He leaned in and kissed each cut, each scratch. “Even cut up, you are gorgeous.” He slid his hands up her stomach and cupped her breasts, lifting them to his mouth.

  “So big. Even your nipples are large. I need a taste.” She held onto his shoulders. He sucked her right nipple into his mouth, while his other hand tweaked and rolled her other nipple.

  “Daniel…you have to stop. Anyone could walk in.” Laura tried to step back, but he held her tight.

  One little nip and he lifted his head to look up at her. “We are in my house and all our men know the rules. They knock before coming in.” He released her and stood but not before giving her butt a little tap.

  “Hey.” She laughed and jumped away from him.

  Ignoring her yelp, he reached down and picked up Max, moving to the hallway. “Come on. Your bags and the things we ordered for you should be in the room.”

  Following behind him, Laura held the shirt closed as they moved up the winding staircase and down the hall.

  “The first two rooms are guest rooms and a bath for them. This room here is where I thought we could set up a nursery.” He opened the door and she gasped.

  A crib with bumper pads was set up in the middle of the room, and there were blankets, diapers, lotion—everything she would need. The walls were a pale blue and there was even a brand-new baby monitor.

  “You’ve done too much, Daniel
. This stuff is expensive.” She teared up when she saw the bouncy thing she had wanted to buy for Max but hadn’t been able to afford.

  His arm came around her and he squeezed. “Laura, nothing is too much for you two. Our room is connected, so it will be easy to get up in the night to check on him.” He opened the door and she was surprised again.

  The bed was the largest she’d ever seen and the room featured a balcony with a hot tub on it off to one side. A fireplace beckoned from one corner and two walk-in closets had plenty of room to stow her clothes. But what had her jaw dropping was the small alcove.

  On one wall was an assortment of paddles, canes and whips, while on the other sat dildos, butt plugs, oils and other different toys she didn’t even recognize. On the far wall was something she knew had to be a St. Andrew's Cross. But the thing that had her stomach flipping was the doctor-like table with stirrups in the middle of the room.

  “Like that table, do you? The walls in this alcove have been insulated. No sounds will be heard in Max’s room.” He gently coaxed her out of the room and pushed a button on his key ring. “Both Grant and I have keys to this room, but no one else does. We’ve never brought anyone to this room. Everything is brand new, as is the bedroom. We’ve been waiting a very long time for you, Laura.” She watched as a panel slid out and shut off the alcove.

  It was as if the niche wasn’t even there by the time the wall was in place. “It’s also a safe room. There is a small staircase hidden in the floor, which we’ll show you tomorrow. Go on now. The bath is through that door there and everything should be set out for you.” He patted her butt and guided her toward the one door she hadn’t peeked into yet.

  “When you’re done, come downstairs. The folks are bringing out the grills and we’re cooking outside tonight.”

  He turned to leave but she placed her hand on his back. “Daniel?”