Austin continued, “This sub is a handful, Denver. Take her to the club, and keep her in my office. Call the cousins, too.”
“Good idea, bro.”
Even on a hospital bed, Austin didn’t seem the slightest indisposed to Jessie. She sensed his strength returning like a growing volcano. “Whoever is still gunning for her won’t suspect us taking her to The Masters’ Chambers since it’s so public. My office is at the end of the hallway with only one way to get to it.”
Denver nodded. “I like this plan.”
“Do I get a say in this?” Jessie asked, though she was actually happy to leave the logistics of her safety to them.
“Not about this, pet. You’re way too reckless, and without us around, would get yourself killed.”
“You can say that again, bro.” Denver nodded. “If somehow the fucker figures out where we’ve taken her, we’ll be more than ready with the best man power Wilde has to offer.”
She loved the two brothers’ take-charge and kick-butt manner. It made her feel like she was secure in an impregnable fortress of manliness.
Austin continued, “And with the help of the cousins and the trusted angels there, we can blast the son of a bitch to kingdom come.”
Jessie couldn’t believe her ears. Austin and Denver were putting together an army of cowboys to protect her. And when all of her five men were in one room, she would make her case to Austin and the others. Whatever boundary she had to push or nerve she had to touch to win the future she desired, that was exactly what she would do.
* * * *
Austin looked from his brothers to Jessie and knew they were all headed for a train wreck of epic proportions. His office nearly vibrated from all the verbal bombs being lobbed by him and Denver, standing like gladiators about to fight to the death. None of his brothers had a complete picture of what she needed. He did. She needed him.
“Austin, what the fuck!” Denver shouted. “We deserve to know why you are dead set against a plural marriage. It’s our way. It’s what we know. For generations, our family has done this and made wonderful lives together. Our childhood was amazing with three dads and one mom. What the hell have we done for you to reject everything we know?”
“You guys grew up with the silver markets going up. The town loves the Wildes when that happens. Me? I remember what can happen when silver is down and the mine has to reduce jobs to the absolute minimum. That sucks for a kid.”
Jackson’s eyebrows shot up. “Does this have anything to do with what happened at the tree with Paul and the others all those years ago?”
“That and so much more you don’t know.”
“Is that the only reason you are rejecting this life, Austin?” Phoenix asked.
“No, but it’s all you need to know now. It’s enough.”
“Bullshit.” Denver pounded his fists on the desk. “This is our future with Jessie we’re talking about. We all deserve to know. She deserves to know.”
“She already does, Denver.” Austin looked at Jessie. She sat on his couch between Jackson and Phoenix. His eyes met hers, and she trembled. He turned back to Denver. “So convince me that she needs you all, too.”
Dallas stopped his incessant pacing. “Isn’t that what we’ve been trying to do for the last forty minutes, Austin?”
“If so, you’re doing a poor job, bro.” Austin walked around his desk and sat in his chair. He knew the act put him, psychologically at least, back in the power seat. “Show me what you give her that I can’t. She’s done a much better job arguing your case than you have. Make me believe that she needs you, too.”
“Now?” Phoenix asked.
Jessie’s skin flushed a bright red, which made Austin’s cock engorge to the max. “Now.”
“There’s still a killer on the loose, bro.” Denver’s tone held an edge but was lower. “Don’t you think this can wait?”
“Sure. But she’s in no danger. Our cousins will be here in an hour. Tank and four other angels are on every entrance. The club is closed. We’re here. I’ve got a gun in my desk, should we need it.”
Phoenix turned to Jessie and cupped her chin gently.
Austin wished he had it in him to treat her that way, too. But he never could.
“Beautiful, what do you think about showing him?” Phoenix asked with not even a hint of demand.
“I think it’s a good idea.” H