Colters' Woman (Colters' Legacy #1)(20)

“Where is Ryan?”

Adam stiffened slightly but continued to rub his hand up and down her back.

“He went to his room,” he said quietly.

“Why?”

Adam leaned back on his pillow, taking her with him so her head was cushioned on his arm. He stared up at the ceiling.

“He doesn’t sleep well. He has nightmares, and he doesn’t want us to hear.”

Holly frowned. She knew she’d seen torment in Ryan’s eyes, but what could be so bad that even his sleep would be haunted?

“Ryan got back from Iraq a little less than a year ago. He was Special Forces, got captured behind enemy lines. He was a POW for several weeks before our men got in to rescue him. He hasn’t been the same since.”

“What happened?” she asked in horror, afraid to know what he might have endured.

Adam sighed. “I wish I knew. He won’t talk about it.”

“Will you two shut up so I can sleep?” Ethan complained, his voice muffled by his pillow.

She grinned and elbowed him in the side.

How natural it felt to be in bed with these two men, comfortable, easy, no awkwardness.

Ethan rolled over and slid his hand up over her breast.

“I’m glad to see we didn’t kill you.”

She smiled. “But what a way to go.”

“Come snuggle me. Adam’s gotten you the entire night,” Ethan groused.

She giggled but curled into his arms and laid her head on his chest.

“Now shut up and go back to sleep,” he muttered.

She closed her eyes, marveling at how truly happy she felt.

* * *

When Holly woke again, sunlight streamed through the window, nearly blinding her as she cracked her eyes open. She was alone in the bed, a fact she found disappointing.

A quick glance at the bedside clock told her why she was alone. It was nearly nine.

She stretched, testing the limits of her body. She felt sore, but unbelievably content. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, groaning a little when her muscles protested.

She started to grab the sheet to cover herself then laughed at the absurdity of that notion. Instead, she padded nude across the floor to the bathroom. The idea of a long, hot bath sounded like heaven.

She started the water running, and soon steam filled the large bathroom. When there were several inches of water in the bottom, she stepped in, sighing as the hot water lapped over her.

She leaned back in the tub and closed her eyes, allowing the water to rise around her. Images from the previous night filled her mind. Her body tingled, her thighs clenched, her ni**les tightened in response.

It was the single most fantastic experience of her life. If she didn’t remain with the brothers, what could she possibly look forward to in the sex department? It wasn’t as if she’d find someone else to satisfy her as they had.

And there was the fact that she had no desire to leave. She was tired of running, tired of living in fear, but could she trust that she would be safe here? What if she brought Mason to their doorstep?

Her conversation with Ethan the day before wavered in her mind. The truth was, she could see herself falling in love with them too. Maybe she wasn’t yet. Maybe she was on her way much like Ethan had said.

She sighed. She should be happy. Instead, she was filled with dread.

She shook her head, not wanting to get mired down in the muck of her reality. Reaching for the soap, she lathered her body and quickly rinsed. When she was done, she stepped from the water and wrapped a towel around her.

She went in search of her clothes, unsure of where Ryan and Ethan had put them after their shopping trip yesterday. Her stomach clenched. Had it only been yesterday that she had seen Mason in town?

Sweat broke out on her brow as sudden realization hit her. He was but a few miles away.

She sank onto the bed, her breath coming in painful wheezes. It was a full-scale panic attack.

“Holly? What’s wrong?”

She looked up to see Ethan standing in the doorway, a look of concern marring his face.

He hurried over and knelt in front of her. He gently pried her hands apart and curled his fingers around hers.

“What is it, doll?”

“Mason’s here,” she croaked. “He’ll find me.”

He cupped her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him. “Get dressed and come into the living room. We’ll tell you what we’ve come up with.”

She stared at him, daring to hope that maybe they could keep her safe and that she wouldn’t be the cause of their death.

He stood and kissed the top of her head. “Your clothes are in the top drawer.”

He walked out, leaving her alone to dress.

She rummaged through the drawer and pulled out a shirt and a pair of jeans. To her surprise, she found a package of white cotton underwear and two bras in her size. Ryan must have picked them up at the western store when he was choosing her boots.

She hurriedly dressed and headed for the living room. She paused at the doorway enjoying the sight of the three men. Ryan was sprawled on the couch, beer in hand. Ethan sat at the computer, aimlessly clicking the mouse. Adam stood by the fire, his stance one of impatience.

Adam looked up and saw her, his eyes smoldering much like the flames in the hearth.

Her confidence deserted her. She had the insane urge to turn tail and run back into the bedroom where it was safe. She took one step back, crossing her arms protectively over her chest.