Running Wilde (The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 3)

Samantha put her hand on her hip. “Well, I’m so thrilled to know that.”

“Know what?” Dallas asked.

“The Wilde brothers have finally found their future wife.” The nineteen-year-old smiled broadly. “I’m so happy for you.”

Denver glared at her. “Samantha, don’t bullshit us. What do you know?”

“Mmm. Putting on the Dom here at my mom’s. Boy, I’d love to play sub to you, Denver Wilde.”

Denver’s eyes narrowed. “I. Said. What. Do. You. Know?”

Samantha trembled, and the pot of coffee shook in her hand. “Okay. Okay. Don’t get mad. It’s not what I know—it’s what the whole town knows. You guys having been spending a lot of time with Ms. Greene. Well, all but Austin.”

“Fuck.” Jackson gripped his fork like a weapon.

“I’m sorry, guys.” Samantha shook her head. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I really am happy for you and hope it works out.”

“Seriously?” Phoenix asked. “You expect Jackson and me to believe that?”

Dallas recalled how nervous and uneasy a few years ago his two younger brothers had been around Samantha. Even underage, she’d tried to get them to go to bed with her. It never would’ve happened. His brothers weren’t that stupid. It took Dallas and Denver talking with Norma, her mother, to get Samantha to finally back off.

“I’m not that little girl anymore, Phoenix. Call it a crush. I’m grown up now. I’ve changed. I wish you could see that.”

Norma walked up next to Samantha. “Hey, boys. You’re enjoying your breakfast?”

“Yes, ma’am,” they all answered in unison.

“I’m glad. How’s your mom?”

Denver answered, “She’s great.”

“That’s wonderful. Well, I hope you don’t mind, but I need Samantha to fix the computer. She’s such a wiz at it. We even use it for our phone, now. What’s it called, kiddo?”

“Skype.”

“That’s it. Now, get back there and fix our computer so that the orders don’t back up. I’ll take care of these boys.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Samantha shrugged then headed back to the diner’s kitchen.

When she was out of earshot, Norma leaned down. “Guys, your new girl needs some friends in Wilde. Samantha is a good girl and would be able to help her navigate our crazy town.”

“I guess everyone does know our business.” Jackson shook his head.

“P

retty much. But Ms. Greene needs some friends in Wilde. Everyone isn’t really thrilled for the real reason she’s here in town.”

“Like who?” Dallas asked.

“I don’t know. Almost everyone. Even your brother Austin. If she shuts the mine down nobody gets paid. That doesn’t set well with folks.”

“She’ll do the right thing. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“I know you don’t. Just don’t be quick to push someone away like Samantha who could actually befriend your new woman.”

After Norma left, Dallas said, “We’re fucked. How the hell can we protect Jessie when nearly everyone is gunning for her? Who could’ve been behind cutting her brake lines?”

Jackson answered, “Our eldest brother, for one.”