Running Wilde (The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 3)

Denver ate a piece of bacon. “So what’s the emergency you called us about, Dallas?”

“I told Jessie the truth.”

Phoenix slammed the table. “Damn it. I knew you were going to do that.”

“I’m glad he did.” Jackson nodded. “With all the cards on the table, she’s bound to warm up to the idea.”

“There’s more.” Dallas looked at Phoenix. “She was freaked when we left Austin’s tree and realized she wasn’t with you. She screamed her safe word before I could even get her in my house.”

Denver whipped his head around. “Not good, bro.”

“I know.”

“Damn.” Phoenix closed his eyes. “I should’ve known not to push her so hard.”

“It wasn’t you. I was the one doing the pushing. I thought I was a big bad Dom. Turns out I’m a fuckup. It won’t happen again. We even did a little light round at my place, and I kept checking in with her almost minute by minute to make sure I wasn’t pushing too hard.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Denver picked up another piece of bacon from his plate. “You’ve only been at this domination business for a year. I know you’ve got good instincts. I’ve seen you in action at the club.”

“Normally, I do. Yes. But with Jessie, all bets are off. I was able to calm her down after I ’fessed up. Though floored by the idea, she eventually seemed a bit intrigued. I’m telling you, we’ve got to go slow with her or we will lose her.”

“Losing her is not an option,” Jackson growled.

“I agree. She’s the only woman for me.”

Phoenix smiled. “Dallas, you’re lost to her, just like Jackson and me?”

“Yes, I am.”

Denver finished off his last piece of bacon and then asked calmly, “How did she react to the truth about our family?”

“Actually, I didn’t tell her everything. You might even say I misled her.”

Jackson frowned. “That doesn’t sound like you.”

“Didn’t feel right either, lil’ bro. I feel really guilty about it.”

Phoenix asked, “So what did you tell her?”

“That you, Jackson, and I were looking for a wife.”

“That’s true though, bro.” Denver sipped his coffee.

“Yes, but I didn’t say a word about you or that we were trying to get her ready for Austin. She knows nothing about the requirement about inheriting the mine. I also didn’t tell her that we’d learned that her brakes had been cut.”

Samantha walked over with a pot of coffee. “You cowboys need a warm-up?”

“I’m fine, Sam.” Denver covered his cup with his hand.

Jackson shook his head. “Me, too.”

The saucy girl pursed her lips. “What about you, Phoenix? More soda?”

“I’m good.”

She asked, “Dallas, you need a menu?”

“No. I know what I want. I’d like two sausage, egg, and cheese burritos and two OJs to go.”