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Chapter Nine
Kyle West lookedaround the kitchen and nodded to several members of his team. They’d been standing along the edge of the room, and Miami seemed genuinely surprised when they melted back into the shadows.
“Let’s table our discussions about everything not related to packing out until we are back at Prairie Winds. Now that your security system is fully functional, we know the property will be well protected.”
“Kyle, in a few minutes, Cruz and company will be so busy covering their asses, this place will be the last of their concerns.” Cameron grabbed her elbow and began leading her from the room.
Miami could have sworn she heard Giles snarl as they passed.
“Hands off, Barnes.” Essex scowled at Cam as he pulled her away from the other man.
“Asshat.” Giles moved to her other side, making certain Cameron was pushed behind them as they moved down the hall.
“Wait, I need to pack.”
“Already done.” Essex tightened his hold on her and continued to the door.
“We’ll be happy to buy anything that was missed. The Forum Shops should have any personal care items you need.” Giles’s grin would have sent up red flags even if she hadn’t already heard about the stores Tobi and her friend Gracie started behind the kink club. Thinking about what they might buy for her in the specialty shops sent a shiver up her spine. She wasn’t sure if she’d spoken out loud or he’d read her mind, but the knowing look in his eyes was enough to convince her he knew what she’d been thinking.
Miami sucked in a breath when she saw several vehicles parked close to the back door. “How did you get everything organized so quickly?”
“You’ll soon discover the Wests are magicians, and Cam is a sorcerer when it comes to putting together a plan,” Giles whispered as he opened the back door of a sleek, black SUV.
“You make them sound like the A-Team.” They didn’t respond, but their soft chuckles spoke volumes. She’d spent many hours backstage during her father’s tours. Usually, someone from the band’s management team found a quiet room on-site for her to watch television. Armed with enough snacks for a battalion of hungry soldiers, Miami had watched old comedies because it was the only thing her dad allowed. Pushing the memory aside, her stomach growled loud enough to draw the attention of every man in the car. “If we are driving to Austin, can we hit a drive-thru? I’m starving.”
“What’s with the Prairie Winds women tonight?” From the driver’s seat, Kyle shook his head and laughed. “Jen sent a text a few minutes ago asking that we bring tamales and fried green tomatoes. Before I could ask if she was expecting, she informed me she’s simply hungry and notknocked up.”
“I swear you’d never know she was a former member of the diplomatic corps. That woman is a wild card.” Cam’s laughter didn’t disguise his affection for the woman they were talking about.
“Then Tobi texted and asked for lasagna and cheese rolls.” Looking over his shoulder at her, Kyle grinned. “Tobi’s request is her way of telling me she knows we’re on our way home. She wasn’t pleased when we wouldn’t let her deliver the clothes to you. Bringing home one of her favorite foods will go a long way to put me back in her good graces.”
Miami grinned to herself as she remembered what a force of nature Tobi West had been in Belize. Miami had felt an immediate connection with Tobi and Lilly and genuinely liked both women. More importantly, she’d admired them. Having them on her dive trip marked a turning point for Miami. She’d been on the verge of returning to Galveston when she’d gotten the call about her mom not feeling well.
Miami still had a picture of Tobi’s business card stored on her phone. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d scrolled to the shot and debated contacting the other woman. Tobi made her promise she’d call if she ever needed anything—now it looked as if Miami was going to have the opportunity to collect. Letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, Miami willed her muscles to release some of the tension she could feel moving up her spine. If she didn’t do something quickly, she’d end up with a migraine likely to level her for at least a day.
“What’s wrong, Miami?” She hadn’t realized Essex had moved until his large hands bracketed the sides of her face, the look of concern filling his gaze.
“I’m trying to relax my back and neck muscles to ward off the headache threatening to level me.”
“You haven’t eaten much today.” Giles massaged the base of her skull, his strong fingers firm but not harsh enough to bruise. “Does low blood sugar trigger headaches, or is it the fact you’ve been through hell the past few days?”
His concern made the backs of her eyes burn with unwelcome tears. Blinking furiously, Miami took a deep breath to shove back a sudden wave of loneliness.
“Things have been overwhelming for months, but I’m usually able to use meditation and stretching to stop the slow slide.” Turning her head enough to make eye contact with Giles, “Thank you, I appreciate your help.” He smiled and pressed his lips against hers in a chaste kiss before his magic fingers pressed on a tender spot making her gasp.
“And there it is. The pressure point that’s holding all the tension.” She wasn’t sure he was speaking to her or himself, but the increasing pressure in her head made it impossible to sort out.
Overhead, the streetlights were beginning to have the warning halo she dreaded. Miami hated the realization her vision was narrowing. The distant murmur of voices seemed to be drifting on an imaginary breeze… until she heard the wordorgasm.
“It’s true. CeCe uses them to ward off headaches all the time. Of course, it’s possible she abuses the privilege, but we’re not willing to test the theory. It’s mutually beneficial, so we’re always happy to accommodate her.”
Cam’s voice was light, but even in her compromised state, Miami heard the unspokenbut.Wait. Did he saywe? Damn, I forgot all these people have nontraditional relationships.
“You have five minutes, Essex.” When she opened her mouth to protest, Cam turned, drilling her with a look that brooked no argument. “We are all Doms, Miami. You do not have anything we haven’t seen, nor can you do anything that will shock us. We’d never do anything to embarrass you. Be a good girl and let them help.”
Giles turned her until the warmth of his embrace sent a rush of arousal to her sex. Essex unfastened her shorts and slid them to her knees. The sound of fabric ripping barely registered before she felt her silk panties float to the floor.
“No more panties, Miami. You are going to learn quickly how much we despise them.” Giles’s softly whispered words brought on a lightening clap of desire.
