Wilde Love (The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 6)

Jessie sensed the edge of anger on his lips, but still she continued. “Merging you five into one man would result in disaster and someone I couldn’t love. I want each of you for different reasons.”

He commanded, “Tell me what they are.”

“The reasons? Sure. Jackson can be so funny and spontaneous, and yet when necessary can be serious and focused. He makes me laugh and helps me to relax. Phoenix is like a brave knight from a fairy tale, even though he wears a cowboy hat. He makes me feel adored and beautiful, like a princess. Dallas is the most open of all you Wilde brothers. He’s charming and so very giving. When he says I’m gorgeous, I know he means it to his very soul. Denver is powerful and protective. I feel so safe and loved with him.”

“And what about me, pet?” he asked in a low tone.

She took a deep breath, and then answered, “You’re possessive and intense. You’re mysterious and often closed off. You’re demanding and impatient.”

“Sounds like you’ve made your choice, Jessie.” He nodded, and she sensed resignation inside him.

“Let me finish, Austin. It’s like you can read my mind and know what I need exactly when I need it. With you, I can honestly relax. I don’t have to put on a performance. I can just be.”

His eyes opened, and he smiled. “And?”

“And I’m completely in love with you.”

Austin left the bed, standing up in front of her. He looked like a mountain, and she felt so tiny next to him. He put one hand behind her head and the other under her chin. Then he leaned down and kissed her. His lips pressed to hers, and his hand moved to stroke the soft spot behind her back, causing her knees to buckle. Without releasing her mouth, Austin secured her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders, and the other at the small of her back. She melted into him, and her entire body became limp.

Time spun slowly as the kiss went on and on. Please understand and don’t leave your brothers and me, Austin.

When her mouth was released, Austin sat back on the bed. He looked pale. “I guess the drug the little bastard shot me with is still in my system. Either that or your lips are laced.”

Filled with concern, Jessie sat beside him and put her hand on his forehead. His skin felt cool but clammy. “Let me get a nurse.”

He turned to her and grinned. “What shall I call you now? Miss Nightingale? What other tricks do you have up your sleeves, sweetheart? Don’t call the nurse. I’m fine.”

“Will you at least lie down?”

“If it will make you happy, I will”

“Good.” Jessie stood up, walked to the head of the bed, and fluffed his pillow.

Austin swung his muscular legs back on the bed, and stretched out his tall frame on the mattress. “The doc says I will get released later today.”

Jessie was thrilled to hear that, and the nightmare she’d just endured seemed to fade away fast. “That’s great news.”

“I’m not making any promises, pet, but I’m willing to meet with my brothers about you.”

Hope jumped for joy inside her. “You mean it?”

“Silly girl, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”

Jessie bent down and kissed him. Then remembering how pale he’d become after their last kiss, she stepped back and gazed down at the eldest Wilde brother. “Thank you, Master.”

“Jessie Greene, you should be an attorney instead of my little brother. Your arguments were so convincing, but remember, sweetheart, I’m not promising anything. I still don’t really believe this will work, but I’m willing to talk.”

That Austin was open enough to at least give the future she dreamed of a chance was enough to make her believe in miracles. And if one miracle was possible, more of them had to be, too. “Thank you.”

“You may not be so thankful for long, pet. First, to the business at hand.” Austin sat up, his demeanor turning strong and hard. He turned to the door. “Denver!”

The door opened, and the next eldest Wilde brother rushed in, scanning the room for intruders. “What?”

“Jessie needs to go now. She’s seen me in this ridiculous state far too long.”

Denver pulled her to his side. “I agree.” He turned and gazed at her, clearly concerned about what had transpired in the room while he was on the other side of the door. “You okay, sweetheart?”

“I really am.”