Claiming Charity Read online

  “So you’re Charity?” Dev asked as he took a seat at the dining table.

  “Yes,” Charity smiled and it was a smile designed to easily bring a man to his knees with untold promises dripping from his tongue. And man was it working. He wanted to drop and place the world at her feet.

  “Nice to meet you,” Doug interrupted drawing her attention his way. She was such a visual treat, a virtual feast for the eyes.

  “Wish I could say the same,” she murmured just loud enough for them to hear as she headed towards the low slung couch by where Doug was dropping their stuff.

  “Not happy to see us,” Dev laughed standing once more, Doug suspected so that he wouldn’t lose sight of her. “That’s a first. Most women are more than happy to see us coming.”

  The pun was definitely intended if he knew his brother. And the wicked gleam in Dev’s eye suggested as much. But it was Charity’s eyes that caught his attention and it was a look that wiped the humour out of Dev’s eyes as well. They fairly breathed fire when she looked up and replied.

  “I’m sure under the right circumstances I’d be just as happy to see you both coming,” she jabbed back at them, accepting the pun and throwing it right back. “But most women are a little tense when it comes to being confronted with their jailors. Or at least I assume so.” She brought her legs up onto the couch and bent them up beside her. “This is my first term as a prisoner so excuse me if I don’t act accordingly.”

  Doug joined her on the couch sitting to the right of her legs so that his knee just nudged her feet. “Prisoner huh?” he queried. “I thought we were just watching over you to make sure that you stayed safe. No man wants to see his bride unable to walk down the aisle on that special day.”

  “Unable?” She laughed out loud but there didn’t seem to be any humour in the sound. “Try unwilling. And then explain that to me. Why would any man want such an unwilling bride?” She seemed genuinely confused at such a thought.

  “Unwilling?” Dev joined them on the couch taking up the other side of her, his thigh touching her folded knees. “Are you saying that you’re being forced into this?”

  “Forced, coerced, pushed, blackmailed…the list could go on and on,” she replied with the same bitter laugh. Her eyes glanced towards the window and there was a yearning in them. “Three days until I walk down the aisle and marry a man I don’t love, could never love, was never even given a chance to know. Three days until I become a pretty possession. Three days,” she sighed the last and it was all Doug could do not to grab her and pull her into his arms.

  Dev had no such reservations. He reached out and tilted her face up to his. “You say that as if your life is over in three days. Can it really be so bad?”

  “It will be,” she stated matter-of-factly, not even a whisper of doubt in her voice.

  “Marriage can be the beginning of something great,” Dev tried to assure her, ever the hopeless romantic. “Two people becoming one and starting a whole new part of their lives.”

  “With love,” Charity said. “With love or hell, even with a healthy lust it could be a beginning. But for me that possibility doesn’t even exist.”

  “Can he really be that bad, that unredeemable?” Doug found himself repeating his brother’s earlier words. But when she turned her face towards him and he was confronted for the first time with the full scope of her sorrow he couldn’t stop his own hand from reaching out to cup her chin.

  “You’ve met him. What do you think?” She whispered as she seemed to melt into his touch.

  Doug was confused for a moment. The only person that he and Dev had met was a much older man, very over-weight and bald with a very nasty temper. He glanced over at his brother in horror as the truth hit him like a ton of bricks.

  “He’s your fiancé?” he couldn’t keep the incredulous disgust from his voice. “How in the world did that happen?’

  “My father,” she stated and glanced back out the window. “Three more days of freedom,” she sighed. “Or as much freedom as this cabin allows.”

  “What would you like to do? What would be your wish on how to spend these last three days of freedom?” Doug asked and Dev looked at him with surprise. Doug was the level headed one, the thinker, the analyzer. Dev was the fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants twin.

  She smiled and it was the saddest smile either man had ever seen. “I’d go to the shore. Just for a few days.” She closed her eyes and breathed deep as if she were smelling something that only she could. “Just to breathe the gulf air, to feel the sand beneath my toes and the lap of the water on my feet. Just to taste a moment of freedom for once in my entire life. No father, no sisters, no fiancé. Just me. For once in my life I just want to be me.”

  Doug stood up from the couch and reached down to tug on Charity’s hand until she dropped her feet to the floor and joined him. “Then pack a bag sweetheart because your wish is ours to grant.”

  “What? You’re supposed to be guarding me,” she stated, hopeful but unwilling to believe that he actually meant to take her away from here.

  “And we will,” he assured her. “We’ll be your shadows the entire few days.”

  “Are you serious?” she queried and he could see the desperate hope in her blue eyes.

  “Absolutely,” he said.

  “But your job?” she asked a part of her not wanting to get these two men in trouble, not even if it gave her the opportunity to escape.

  “I’ll be doing my job. We were hired to watch you, protect you. We were told to meet you here. But no one said that we had to stay here.” Doug wasn’t quite prepared when she launched herself at him and squeezed him tight. The feel of her body pressed so tightly to his had his dick flexing in his pants and his hands automatically bracing on her hips just along the curve of her ass. It was lush and ripe and he’d give anything to bend her over the dining table at this point.

  “Please be serious,” she implored and when he nodded she jumped a little rubbing her breasts along his chest and her belly along his hardened cock. He could feel the stab of her nipples and he was sure that she had to know he was rock hard for her.

  “Two days of freedom,” she breathed gazing up at him. “How will I ever repay you for this?”

  “Us,” Dev said as he came to stand just behind her trapping her body between them. Doug could feel the shiver run through her slender frame and hoped it was one of pleasure. Dev flashed his lethal grin and cupped her turned face in his hands. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

  “I’m sure I will,” she agreed and with one more wiggle and bounce she shifted out from between them and raced across the room towards another door, one Doug presumed belonged to the bedroom.

  She came back out almost immediately carrying a duffel bag very similar to theirs. “Well, what are you waiting for?” she fairly strummed with excitement. “Grab your gear and let’s get going. We can be at the shore by afternoon. I know exactly where we can stay. But let’s stop at the shore first. I want to see the shore.”

  Doug grinned. Dev laughed. They both grabbed the gear they’d just lugged in from the floor and followed her out the door. She had a spring in her step and a laugh on her lips. She jumped in the back of the Jeep and leaned up between the seats while they stowed gear and then climbed in to join her.

  “If you get me to the beach early enough to take a swim I’ll be very appreciative later,” she promised in a sultry voice.

  “Very appreciative, huh?” Dev asked with a twinkle in his eyes. “I’m sure Doug can manage that.”

  Doug started the car already planning the quickest route to the coast. But he couldn’t help thinking how wrong it was to be lusting after the bride of a man who had hired them to watch over her. Some sins were just made to be committed was all that he could think. Because he had no doubt that Charity would be naked and writhing in ecstasy between him and Dev before the night was over. He had never prayed so hard for the end of daylight.

  Chapter Two

  Charity lov
ed the feel of the air washing over her skin, blowing through her hair as they drove closer towards the gulf coast. She could already feel the sand beneath her toes, the water lapping at her as she walked along the shore. And her two escorts. What was she to think about them? They were giving her exactly what she’d hoped for. It had been in her head to play on their emotions, their chivalry and get them to take her away from the cabin, from the future that awaited if she remained there. Instead she had thrown caution to the wind and actually opened up and shared herself. And they had given her everything, the entire world. At least for a few days. And tonight, when she got them to the secluded house she knew her father had once visited so often… Well she had every intention of repaying them for their help.

  She was out of the car before it came to a complete stop and heading down to the waterline at a rush. She wanted to dive right in but held back as she heard the approach of the men behind her. They were very quick in catching up to her. She laughed out loud. Were they taking their job seriously or was there perhaps another reason for their rush? Were they as hungry for what the night might hold as she was?

  “We shouldn’t stay out here too long.” It was Dev who spoke first as they closed her in between them. “It’s too public. Anyone could see us here and report back.”

  “Who in the world would report back when you’re both here with me?” Charity asked with another carefree laugh. The air was already working on relaxing her and she couldn’t wait to dive beneath the cool water.

  “Charity, we came to the shore first just as you requested but don’t be foolish.” Doug stepped in front of her, blocking her view and demanding her attention. “Just because we’re with you doesn’t meant that your fiancé didn’t hire more people to watch over you.”

  She glanced around her now trying to take in anything or anyone out of place. Was he serious about there being someone else possibly watching her? Would her fiancé really go that far? Would her father? “Do you think that we were followed?”

  “Not that I’m aware of,” Dev stated assuredly. “But I’d rather not take unnecessary chances. Is there someplace a little less open that we can go to instead? The place you spoke of earlier?” He gestured around them as he asked.

  Charity felt a cold chill chase down her spine. She didn’t know if she sensed something or if it was just the fear returning. Of course they would go as far as they needed to ensure this bride, this daughter, would make the walk down the aisle. She could not lose this time. She had to get Dev and Doug to the cabin and the private cove. In two days she must convince them to take her away from here for good. It was the only chance that she had of escaping a future that she both feared and reviled.

  “Yes, I know exactly where we can go. My dad used to visit a small cabin just up the road a bit. It’s off the beaten path and I’m fairly sure that no one will find us there.” Charity turned and headed back to the Jeep with Doug and Dev on her heels.

  “Your dad’s? The man who arranged this marriage of yours?” The doubt was ripe in Dev’s voice. “You sure about going there? No place else you can think of for us to go for a few days.”

  “I’m sure we could find some place to hide out for the few days that we’ll be here,” Doug added.

  “Yes,” she assured them both as they climbed back into the car. “He hasn’t used it in years. It was a private get-away for him and my mother. I doubt they ever shared its exact location with anyone else.”

  “Point the way then. Is there a place there for you to get your swim in?” Doug asked as he started the vehicle and pulled out. “I hate for you to miss anything that brings that spark to your eyes. Just the mere thought of being in the water lights you up like a Christmas tree.”

  “Oh, yes,” her laugh was back and ripe with anticipation. “I was just a girl when I went there last. I hope that it is still the same. There was this small cove set apart from the rest of the beach, private and beautiful. The water is so deep and refreshing that my sisters and I spent the entire day there.” She laughed, caught up in memories of much happier times, times when her mother was still alive. “My dad had to drag us away with threats of no dinner or bedtime story.” She sighed wistfully. “We still didn’t want to leave but we all knew that mama would be waiting at the cabin with dinner ready. So we grumbled our way back dad following every step of the way. And sure enough Mom had dinner on the table. She was standing in the door cradling Destiny in her arms. I’ll never forget the way she looked that day, the way the sun glinted on her hair. The gentleness and love that showed on her face and the pure the joy that lit her eyes when we all trooped in. It was a moment that I will treasure all my life.” She sighed wistfully longing for the peace and joy that had once filled her childhood.

  “Sounds like you had a happy childhood at least,” Doug commented then looked over her to catch his brother’s eyes and exchange some private word. That must be one of the perks of being identical twins. Charity envied them that connection. Although she was close to her sisters, their bond wasn’t anything like what she was witnessing between these two.

  Luckily, they followed her directions to the letter and let the silence reign. She wondered if they were as lost in thoughts of the past as she was. They’d all lost their mothers as children and she couldn’t imagine a greater loss for a child. When they finally pulled off onto the path that led from the main road to the cabin Doug said that he was glad of the Jeep. It didn’t really appear that very many] other vehicles would be able to get through here. The path was choked with weeds and vines and a myriad of things that had overgrown and encroached on what had once been a well kept path according to Charity.

  “Are you sure this is the way?” Dev asked taking in the area around them as they bounced and jarred over the terrain. If there had been a road it couldn’t have been much of one and time had certainly worked its magic to obscure any remnants.

  “Yes,” Charity assured them for what felt like the hundredth time. “Slow down, there’s going to be a turn off soon.” She watched and watched and finally shouted, “There!” Her finger pointed to the left but neither man could see a path of any kind.

  “Trust me,” she told them insisting that they head the way she pointed.

  This one was even worse and they had to duck several times to keep from getting their heads bumped by low hanging tree limbs. But sure enough about a mile further and there was a cabin coming into view.

  “You weren’t kidding about it being a while since anyone has been here. Good grief!” Dev exclaimed as another limb tried to knock him out.

  Doug pulled the jeep to a stop and turned it off. The cabin was just a few feet away.

  “This Jeep isn’t going any further. This path, if you really want to call it that, is too over-run. We can walk from here.” Doug looked around and groaned. “Hell, as it is I don’t know how long it will take us to back out of here.”

  “Back out?” Charity asked with surprise.

  “Do you see a place to turn around at?” Doug asked and then laughed when she wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “It will be all right Charity. I’ll get us out of here.”

  “Maybe I want to stay,” she murmured under her breath as she grabbed her bag and jumped out. But both men heard her and shared another look that spoke louder than words on how they felt about that. No woman should be forced to marry someone she didn’t want to, especially in this day and age.

  “So do we have to worry about some psycho killer hiding out here?” Dev asked trying to make things light again. “Hell, it sure looks like one of the places in those movies where the weirdo in whatever mask of choice comes calling with his knife or chainsaw or machete.” He pulled Charity close to him as they continued towards the cabin.

  “Making me what?” Charity queried. “The stupid blonde? I don’t think so. And what are you hanging on me for?” She laughed and batted him away from her. “You think that I am going to save your sorry ass from the big bad? Some bodyguard you’re turning out to be.”
r />   He tugged her back to him and swept her up and over his shoulder. “Never fear. I’ll take care of you and we’ll leave Doug to take care of the big bad. He’s so much meaner than me anyway.”

  She laughed again and swatted him playfully on the butt which was what she had the best view of in her upside down position. “Then maybe I should align myself with him and leave you to the big bad,” she teased.

  “Why don’t we all just head into the cabin and see where we’re going to be staying for the next few days.” He shook his head and tried to hide the grin that tugged on his lips. “Hopefully it’s in much better shape than the path we took to get here.”

  Charity entered the cabin and almost choked on the stale air and layers of dust that covered everything. Lord she had to get some of the windows open and fresh air inside as soon as possible. First she wanted to check the bedroom and see what sort of surprises she might find there.

  Nothing good. She groaned as she took in the bare mattress and the mouse holes in it. It looked like someone, she shuddered, or something had been using the cabin. She pulled the door shut and backed out. She just hoped that they had confined themselves to the bedroom and not taken over the rest of the cabin. She didn’t fear them but that didn’t mean that she wanted to wake up next to them either. She laughed. Of course that pretty much explained why she was running from her fiancé and impending wedding.

  “The bedroom is a no go,” she informed them loving the fact that Dev was already opening windows while Doug inspected the sparse furnishings in the main room of the cabin. “We’ll have to sleep out here. Hope you guys brought an extra sleeping bag.” When they both looked at her with twin grins she couldn’t help but tack on, “or don’t mind sharing.” Their grins definitely took a sexual turn and she added one more thing, “with each other.” Both faces fell, mouths falling open at her words and she let the laughter bubble out of her and fill the room. It seemed like so long since she had laughed this much.