“It’s nice and warm in here,” she said.
“Sure is,” said the man with the gun. “You come here often?”
“When I feel like having a little fun. The men in town are too boring for my taste. What about you two? I haven’t seen either of you before, and I’m sure I’d remember if I did.” She pretended to flirt, and was shocked when they actually seemed to believe the lies coming out of her mouth.
What she needed to do was stall. To give Caleb enough time to save them all. He had a plan to make things right, but he needed a distraction and as much time as she could give him.
She just didn’t want him to take too long. What if one of these pigs expected her to follow through on her promises? The thought of either of them touching her made her want to retch, but she’d do whatever it took if it meant saving Damon’s life.
“You weren’t supposed to be here,” said Damon through gritted teeth. He definitely didn’t want her there.
“Well, I decided to visit earlier. You should be happy.”
“Damn straight you should be happy,” said the big man. “Hell, I thought you was gay.”
“Three’s a crowd,” said Damon, looking over at the two men.
The big man shook his head. “That’s not up to you, is it? I think our guest is more than happy to see us.”
“It is kind of exciting,” said Opal. “I like all the attention.”
The older man with the gut stepped closer, and she had to stop herself from moving backwards. “You’re a pretty one. What’s your name, gorgeous?”
“Rose,” she lied.
“Can we be your friends too, Rose?”
Opal walked around the room, trying to take in the weapons and get a handle on the situation. Damon wasn’t tied up, so he could act if necessary. She’d rather him sit in his chair than risk getting shot.
“If you be good boys like Damon.” She leaned over and kissed Damon on the lips. Then whispered in his ear. “Caleb’s outside. Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Shit, don’t compare us to him. You’re in for the time of your life. A big girl needs a capable man.” From the corner of her eye, so noticed the closer man set his rifle on the dinette table. The butt of a gun peeked out from the waistband on the big man near the door. She had to be careful.
Last month she was working her minimum wage job, falling asleep alone in her shitty little apartment. She’d been one swipe of a blade away from ending it all.
Now she had so much to live for.
Everything became clear. Thrust into this life-and-death situation put everything into perspective. She belonged with Damon and Caleb. They healed each other, broken pieces brought together to make a whole.
Thinking she could lose Damon or Caleb gave her the realization that she wasn’t just in lust with the men, but in love. They’d changed everything, gave her hope, love, and a new reality. Damon and Caleb were the first men, no, first people, to make her feel she had value. They made her feel special when she’d been drilled with negativity her entire life. The brothers were her treasure, and she couldn’t afford to lose them.
They spoke about family, and an heir they could raise with the same homestead lifestyle. She wanted the same thing. Opal never imagined herself as a mother, but they’d put that idea in her head, and there wasn’t anything she wanted more than to give the brothers the baby they dreamed of having. She’d give their son or daughter the love she’d never been shown. Opal would love it unconditionally.
“You want a drink, honey?”
Opal bit her lip. She wasn’t a drinker, but the woman she was playing probably was. “Sure. It’ll help warm me up.”
“Hey, Huckleberry, where you keep your stash?”
Damon frowned. “We don’t drink.”
“Ah hell,” said the big man. “Go get me the moonshine from the sled.”
The other man grumbled as he zipped up his overcoat and headed to the door. She liked the odds now … if only guns weren’t involved.
Opal shrugged off her coat when the man started looking suspicious. She didn’t need to plump up her cleavage when her cups were always overflowing. He stared at her tits and licked his lips.
“What are you doing?” asked Damon.
“You shut up,” the man shouted. “She’s done with you.”
Caleb needed more time. She ran her hands through her hair, sashaying around the room. “If Caleb gets back, there’ll be four of you and one of me.” She bit her lip provocatively.
“Thems good odds,” he said. The old bastard was practically drooling. “Come over here.”
She swallowed hard and walked toward him, glancing to where his gun was kept. “What is it?”
“How about a little kiss?”
“What about my drink?”
“It’s coming. Don’t you worry about that. Trust me, you don’t need liquor to warm you up.” His twisted smile made her shudder. He reached for her, hooking his arm around her waist to pull her closer. She leaned back, desperate to keep away from him. His body odor was overpowering and she felt alone and helpless.