Shephard (Mountain Men of Danger Falls #1)

Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

D enise

“Then you’re going to have one sore bottom.”

“Remember, big boy,” I said as I strutted closer. “I do have you on a short leash.” I couldn’t help myself, sliding my hands up his chest very slowly. I wanted to feel all his gorgeous muscles tingling underneath my fingertips.

He said nothing, but his ragged breathing did. The last week had been such a whirlwind and this was the last difficult action that needed to be taken.

Hopefully for a long time.

The tourists continued to flock into Danger Falls, the ugly reports leaked to the press about a brutal killer having the opposite effect than what I’d worried about.

The town was all the rage, the towners, as I’d heard them called, telling tall tales that had little to do with anyone’s truth. But if that helped their businesses, who was I to judge?

Greg was in the process of hiring not one but three park rangers, two in addition to replacing Cane. He’d disappeared, which was likely in his best interest since his ‘family’ member had been killed playing soldier for Boris. But there were others, no doubt chomping at the bit to cut the guy down. At least there would be additional help in our department, which was the least that could be done given we’d helped catch an international criminal.

Something the sheriff had claimed as his own accolade. Life was too short to be pissed. Besides, he had the target on his back, not us.

Thankfully most of the Fox boys’ pasts remained in the shadows. No one was the wiser that three of the most dangerous men in the world were living in festive cabins near them.

My cabin had been repainted a lovely shade of coral. I’d splurged and purchased a new couch and coffee table just because I was in the mood.

Life was good.

Even better since I had one hot man by my side. But grandchildren? Not a chance in hell.

“Nice dress,” he breathed.

“Don’t get used to it. This tight thing belongs to Maggie.”

“I think we need to change that.”

“I’m a jeans and ponytail girl. Don’t forget that.”

“You really do like playing with fire. Don’t you, sweetheart?” He wrapped his arms around me, ensuring I knew he was just as excited as he always was when I came around.

“Why yes, yes, I do. So what?”

“Hmmm… Okay. So what. Let me think.” He was more playful than he’d been before, although I still called him Mr. Grumpy. But I should have known he was up to something. When he easily managed to toss me over the edge of his desk, I instantly forced myself to bite back a cry.

The last thing I wanted was for one of his employees to come running in or God forbid his brothers. That would not make my day.

“What are you doing?” I demanded in my usual rather nasty tone.

“Giving you what you deserve. What do you think?” Shephard yanked up my dress until my bottom was revealed. I had a matching red thong with my butt already exposed, but he dragged the soft lace down to my knees.

I tried to fight him as I always did, but he was having none of my antics, keeping me pinned to the desk with one of his massive palms.

“Ouch. Not fair. We have a lunch to go to.”

He laughed in his deep, husky tone, the one that drove me to complete heated overload. “Then as you sit through the experience, you’ll remember who you belong to.”

“Not a chance, buster.” My arrogance only resulted in receiving eight brutal swats of his hand in rapid succession. He moved from side to side and I could tell he was having fun delivering the spanking.

Damn him.

I kicked out my legs, doing my best to wiggle and shift. I was hoping to leave a nice big wet spot on his expensive desk. He wasn’t kidding with the round of discipline, removing and folding his belt.

“Two minutes. We have work to do.” I thrust my ass out as he brought his belt down again and again, my charged moans following each ringing snap. The pain was fierce, but the wetness between my legs reminded me how crazed I was about the man. It would seem the man wouldn’t be content until my bottom matched my dress.

Mr. Grumpy.

As he finished the spanking, I wiggled again. He wasn’t a traditional Prince Charming to say the least, but he fit me perfectly.

“Now, you’re going to be a good girl and follow my rules. Right?” He dared ask the question after righting my clothes and pulling me to a standing position.

I tapped him on the nose with my index finger before backing away. “Nope.”

“I think I’ll get a cage before we go home tonight.”

“Ha!” Home. It was the first time he’d used the word. It didn’t matter which house we went to. Just being together was all that mattered. “Don’t forget the file.”

I blew him a kiss before throwing open the door. Flushed and wet wasn’t the best way to go into a lunch meeting of this type, but I had no other choice.

Thanks to the mean mountain man.

He joined me, his smile having faded. As soon as we were in the elevator all alone, I was certain the man was going to devour me.

“One bad girl. I’ll take care of that later,” he told me.

“I thought you just did.”

His smile returned and he took a deep whiff of my perfume. I had to admit I did look pretty hot. “My bad girl.”

The moment we walked into the lobby, there wasn’t a single person that wasn’t watching us as we headed to the outdoor café. It was usually less busy this time of day, the perfect spot for engaging in a ruse. It was necessary, but even the big man seemed to hate the objective.

I’d spent a little time double checking the facts, learning the reason behind the theft. I had a little sympathy, but it was still a crime.

And I was still deputized.

But sometimes law enforcement also meant following the heart, not the rules in their entirety. That’s what I had planned.

Shephard had taken on the role of resort owner in several ways, including updating his wardrobe to classier attire. On this day, he looked like a million bucks even if I preferred him without clothes.

He pulled out my chair, the table in one of the most beautiful locations in the resort in my opinion. The views of the mountains and a lovely terrace with a huge fountain were peaceful and inviting.

A bottle of wine was presented only seconds after I placed my napkin in my lap.

“Middle of the day?” I asked.

“Why not?”

“Good point.” I noticed he hadn’t placed the file on the table and sighed.

“I also took the liberty of ordering a special meal. Complete with a visit from the chef.”

“Ah. Clever.”

“Always, sweetheart. You’ll learn that,” he said, chuckling after.

“I already have. Did you send me the media file?”

“I did.”

“I’ll cue it up. The video should be all we need.”

Sighing, he looked away. “Well, maybe fresh blood is what the resort needs.”

“Worked with you.” I pulled out my phone, searching for his email. I received notifications of happenings in the news worldwide, one crossing my screen as I was searching.

I read it once, then again. Then again. I shifted my attention to finding as much as I could, holding my breath as I did so.

When I lifted my head, I could tell he was the one responsible.

“You did this,” I said quietly so as to not draw any attention.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Leaning over the table, I showed him the screen I’d found depicting Jameson and his father being arrested. “Grand larceny. Extortion. Blackmail. Arson? You sent the information I had on Jameson to the Feds. Didn’t you?”

“Well, I have a buddy in the CIA and he was very helpful.”

I tossed my napkin at him just as the wine arrived. “You are bad.”

“Let’s just say he won’t be bothering you any longer.” His grin was entirely too mischievous.

“I should be angry with you.”

“But you’re not.”

“I don’t know. We’ll see later.” I was floored that he’d go to that extreme, but inside, the butterflies were ready to burst into song.

Sometimes the grumpiest people were the best ones of all.

I’d even ventured out to visit my father, trying to make amends. I’d also made arrangements for him to come stay at a nice little cabin not too far from mine. At least I could watch out for him.

The late lunch was served only moments later, the food incredible but missing something. Verve. Maybe fresh blood would help. Change was often good.

I knew that very well.

“Can you ask Chef Dubois to come to our table?” Shephard asked the waitress.

“Absolutely, sir.” The girl moved away and the two of us looked at each other.

This was still tough no matter how you played it.

It was five minutes before the even grumpier looking older man came to the table. The man had a wary look on his face as if he already knew what was coming.

“Mr. Fox. How was lunch?” His French accent was slight, but still there even after living in the States for so many years.

“Excellent, Pierre. But that’s not why we wanted to talk with you. This is Denise Parker, a park ranger who is also deputized.”

Now the Frenchman was sweating.

Pierre paled. “Nice to meet you.”

I honestly didn’t want to draw this out. This wasn’t about embarrassing him. The man had experienced a tough time over the last year and a half. I pulled up my phone, allowing him to see the entire video I’d taken. There were others along with my findings from using my ex-partner to search his bank accounts.

“What do you have to say, Pierre?” Shephard asked. At least his tone of voice wasn’t harsh.

“There is nothing I can say. I’m certain you’re here to arrest me,” he said with such sadness in his voice. He was a broken man.

“Not necessarily, Pierre,” I piped in. “Yes, I have all the evidence in the world to do so. However, I know the reason you took the money.”

He looked at me and I could see even more how broken he was.

“She’s the love of my life,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything for her. I’ve tried so hard but the money wasn’t there.”

“Because of the piss-poor insurance here?” Shephard asked.

“Not that,” he said. “She needs special care that I can’t provide and insurance companies don’t care.”

His wife had developed dementia, her condition rapidly deteriorating. He’d tried his best to keep her at home, which had been all he could afford. But his work schedule had been an issue. She’d found a way out of the house twice, almost dying from exposure the last time. I’d learned that from Poppy after a quick visit that morning. I couldn’t imagine what he’d gone through.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Fox. I just… I had no other choice.”

I glanced at the man I adored and he nodded.

“Here’s what’s going to happen, Pierre. You’re going to resign and accept a wonderful position in Baltimore that has already been secured for you. You’ll be the chef of a five-star French restaurant and it’s only three blocks away from the best long-term care facility on the East Coast. Eventually, you’re going to pay back what you took, but there is no time limit. All your moving expenses will be paid and you have a lovely little house also close to both locations that’s been rented for you by Mr. Fox and his brothers.”

“We trust that you’ll do the right thing,” Shephard added. “You’ll have a solid start at least.”

Pierre was shocked.

“Why would you do that?” he asked, his lower lip quivering.

Shephard took a deep breath, thinking about his answer. “Because my father taught me that sometimes, people need extra help and have no way of knowing how to ask for it. I will appreciate if you’ll remain for the two weeks until we can try and secure someone else. No one will learn of this. Do you understand?”

Pierre’s face almost melted. “Thank you. Both of you. I can never repay you.”

“You already have,” Shephard added.

He stood for another few seconds and in that short period of time, I noticed hope.

There were times when words weren’t needed and only gestures would do. When I slid my hand over the table, wrapping my fingers around Shephard’s, his features softened.

“You’re a good man, Mr. Grumpy.”

“No, I’m not, but maybe it will take a few years for you to figure that out.”

“So does that mean you want me around for a few years?”

He leaned closer in and in an act of affection I didn’t think he had in him, he kissed me passionately on the lips, tenderly darting his tongue inside. It was the kind of kiss that could make any girl swoon.

And I did.

When he pulled away, he brushed the tips of his fingers down my cheek. “Only if you’re a good girl.”

“Good luck with that.”

Danger Falls. I’d moved here to get away from an abusive man, hoping the small town would provide me with what I needed to heal. Who knew that it would take a trained killer with a heart of gold and a body built for sin to do so?

Yeah, I was a lucky girl.

The End