Killer Thoughts

Chapter Eight

“So what’s it like?” Ian asked as he stirred sugar into his iced tea. “I mean, being that large must be terrific when it comes to getting people to do what you want.”

Tim raised a brow. “Really? Because you don’t seem that impressed.”

“I’m the exception. Most people with a normal brain respond to brute tactics.”

Tim chuckled. They sat outside on the deck, overlooking the beautiful Cascade Mountains. Reuben had cleared the area out back, and unless someone planned on firebombing the house, they were clear of sniper attack. A good thing, because Ian had lost his patience for sitting still an hour after Owen had departed two days ago.

He sighed again. “I’m bored.”

“How can that be? I caught you breaking into Owen’s vault twice and found you rummaging through his locked office just this morning.”

They stared at the lunch on the table in front of them. Bless Bev and her killer nachos.

Before Ian could speak, Dolly joined them. “Boy, I need a break.” She glared over her shoulder, and Ian bit back a grin. Reuben stared at the three of them at the table, nodded to Tim, then went back inside the house.

Through the glass walls, Ian watched the large man disappear, probably back to doing his rounds around the place. So mundane, but the Knox brothers seemed to revel in dull activities.

“He bugging you, Dolly? Want me to talk to him?” Ian offered, curious about Owen’s security.

He’d checked into the Knoxes’ records the night before, the open and classified government documents. Decorated Special Forces types who’d separated from the service years before retirement, they’d been hired as mercenaries and “conflict consultants” prior to joining up with Owen a few years ago. Since then, they had a spotless record of keeping him safe when he’d traveled abroad.

Tim too passed the bar. Not that Ian didn’t think Owen could handle his own with investigating his employees, but, well, there was Harry Barker, after all.

“So what really happened with Harry?” Ian asked, wondering if Dolly or Tim would say anything. Owen had that uncanny ability to instill the utmost loyalty in his people. Hell, even Ian wanted to take care of the guy, and Owen could more than afford to hire the best. It just seemed like Owen tried to take care of everyone else and put himself last. So weird for a guy of the rich-and-privileged set.

Dolly’s mouth thinned. “That con artist wormed his way into Owen’s good graces. He was polite, funny, even a snappy dresser. We all liked him, at least until he had the nerve to sell Owen out. Tim saved his life.” She nodded. “Reuben and Joe almost had him, but the men he let into the house to kill Owen took him with them when they left.”

Kill Owen? His mouth grew dry. “When did this happen?” Ian asked, intrigued. Jack hadn’t said anything about an altercation here. Nor had anyone else. Then again, Jack didn’t often confer with Ian, which was why Ian had to spy on his boss. For Jack’s own good, of course.

“I don’t know that Owen would want us to share,” Tim hedged.

“He wouldn’t mind a bit,” Dolly refuted before Ian could. “Do you know, Ian, that you’re the only date Owen’s ever brought here?”

Tim colored. “I don’t think Ian’s his date, Dolly.”

“No. He told me I’m his new boyfriend.” Ian beamed. He’d been practicing tossing the word around, wondering at the seeming meaning Owen attached to it. He’d been pretty emphatic about them not being casual. All that mine crap. Ian got a secret thrill out of the thought of belonging. Owen was hot, rich, but more importantly, he genuinely seemed to like Ian. Unlike Ian’s other friends, who grew annoyed with him at the drop of a hat, Owen laughed off his teasing and encouraged Ian’s dry wit. To Tim, who still looked uncomfortable, Ian said, “You did know he’s gay, right?”

Dolly laughed with Ian when Tim’s blush intensified.

“We shouldn’t be talking about him like this,” Tim said weakly.

“Why not?” Ian shrugged and took a sip of tea. “You’re family, right? I mean, this is his personal oasis, his safe spot away from the press and everyone trying to get a piece of him.” Ian had wondered about Owen’s life, and from what Bev and Dolly had confided the past two days, Owen only seemed to relax here.

His insights into his new boyfriend made him realize Owen had a much harder life than he’d once thought. Hundreds of thousands of people relied on him for their livelihood. His millions made jobs possible, while his connection to Jack ensured even Ian had legitimate work.

“Family?” Tim asked. “Uh, I work for him.”

“Family,” Dolly said firmly and nodded. “Owen is a wonderful man. He helped my mother when she got sick. I never asked, either. He volunteered to get her treated and paid the tab. He keeps trying to get Bev to write a cookbook, because she’s always wanted to but is afraid to fail. But with Owen’s backing, it’ll go far. He’s a true gentleman. Unlike some people,” she muttered and looked over her shoulder in the general direction where Reuben had disappeared.

Ian smothered a grin and asked again, “Want me to talk to him?”

Tim balked. “You leave Reuben alone. He’ll eat you alive. I don’t think he has a sense of humor.”

“You got that right,” Dolly agreed. “He’s been on my case about sticking close, staying clear of the main windows, and any other thing he can pick on me about. Do I look like I have a death wish?”

Ian studied her. For a forty-three-year-old woman, she looked pretty damn good. Not that forty-three was old, but the woman smiled a lot and had an earthy prettiness he could appreciate, even as a gay man. He’d love to draw her like that, smiling and laughing. She and Bev seemed close. Joe and Reuben were brothers, but here, in this place, everyone seemed to come together. Even Tim’s bashfulness fit in with the women who tried to take care of him.

A real family. One who’d taken to him as well, according to Dolly. He didn’t know how he felt about that. Because growing too enthused about the idea would lead to hurt when Owen inevitably ended things.

“Ian? You’re going to leave Reuben alone, right?” Tim asked.

It hadn’t escaped Ian’s notice that Tim had been sticking to him like glue. “Why? Afraid you’ll have to fight him to save my gorgeous face from being mauled?” Ian sighed. “I know you’re my babysitter while the boss is away. Controlling bastard.”

“Hey, I pretty much let you do whatever you want.”

“Within reason. And I wasn’t talking about you. I meant Owen’s controlling.”

Just then, Joe Knox poked his head out. He joined their small group and sat with them. “This is nice.”

A breeze wafted past, bringing the sweet scent of lavender with it. Owen had a magnificent back garden. The place was a paradise but not overwhelming. Ian found himself surprised to feel so at home here.

Tim nodded. To Ian’s sharp gaze, he seemed edgy. Tim normally didn’t budge unless he wanted to. Like a friggin’ mountain Ian prodded and pushed to do anything resembling fun. For two days he’d been finding ways to make Tim laugh. Television could only entertain him so much. The board games had been excruciating, because he’d crushed Tim at cards and Scrabble. Dolly, at least, had given him a run for his money at rummy.

“Ian wanted to come outside,” Tim offered.

Joe nodded. His gaze seemed to linger on Tim’s mouth a split second longer than it should have.

Ian noticed patterns. Flirting, or a lack thereof. Eye contact. A pounding pulse. Lingering stares. Just as Dolly and Reuben seemed to be on the verge of coming together, so too were Joe and Tim. Very interesting.

Joe’s eyes narrowed at Ian. “Something wrong?”

Tim studied him as well. “What?”

Ian smiled at the pair. “Not a thing.” No wonder he’d felt so at ease here. None of the I’m-a-hetero-he-man chest beating from two guys who looked like they ate rocks for breakfast. He hated bias of any kind, but Ian preferred being around his friends or women and gay men, because they didn’t seem to judge him for being who he was.

“I guess I should get back to work,” Dolly lamented.

“Why? The house is spotless,” Ian argued. “Besides, you were telling me about Harry Barker.” Now he had Joe’s interest too. “I don’t know if Owen has told you much about me, but I’m really handy with computers. I could make Harry’s life a nightmare, you know.”

Joe’s lips quirked. “Is that so?”

“Yep. I figure a guy that would turn on his boss and friends like that deserves his own dose of karma, you know?”

Now Tim smiled. “Ian, that’s the first rational thing you’ve said all day.”

Ian rolled his eyes. “Please, Tim. I’m more than just beauty. I have a brain too.”

Dolly and Tim chuckled, but Joe looked a bit put out at Tim’s attention.

I am so hooking these two up together. Pleased at the thought of playing matchmaker to men he actually liked, Ian chatted them up about Harry, seeking information he could use to wreak havoc on Harrison Barker’s pitiful life. Screw with Ian’s new boyfriend, hmm? Time to clean out the man’s bank account, for sure.

As the conversation ended and Joe and Dolly went back inside to work, Ian remained with Tim, enjoying himself. He couldn’t have said why, but he liked the fact that Owen’s people seemed to appreciate his company. Though Ian loved working with the PowerUp! guys, they always acted as if he was this huge burden. So okay, he had a habit of making things interesting. Life was for living. If they wanted boring, they should have chosen another career.

Tim pulled out his phone and stared at it. It must have buzzed in his pocket, because Ian hadn’t heard it ring. Tim answered in one- and two-word sentences. Then he mentioned how pleasant and funny Ian had been, that they were just fine, and he looked forward to their return.

Ian hadn’t wanted to admit it, even to himself, but he’d been tense, waiting for word of Owen. “So, everything good?” he asked as casually as possible before taking another sip of tea. He watched the clouds passing, feeling as though he sat in a heavenly oasis missing just one piece—Owen.

“Fine. Boss is heading back. He’ll be in later tonight.” Tim’s voice was light, but he didn’t smile.

Ian sat up straight. “What happened? Is he okay?”

Tim paused.

“Tim.”

Tim groaned. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but it’s not as if you won’t see him for yourself. Owen’s fine, just a bit banged up.”

“What does that mean?” Ian snapped.

For all that Tim outweighed him by at least a hundred pounds, the guy seemed leery of confronting Ian’s anger. “He was shot in the leg. Bullet passed through, so according to Caleb, he’s fine. But he’s a little out of it. Pain meds interfering with his faculties, I think. We’ll need to keep a close eye on him.”

Ian’s heartbeat settled. He could take care of Owen. Not that he’d had a lot of practice caring for others during his life, but he could handle one injured millionaire.

Unfortunately, news that Owen had been hurt put a shadow over his forced vacation. He felt little joy in sneaking into Owen’s sanctuary anymore. Stealing from his lover was only a challenge when Owen was at his peak and able to meet Ian halfway. So I’ll have to get him back to top speed, then harangue the man.

Another thought struck. “Tim, we’re going to have to make sure he doesn’t overexert himself. And with Kerr out there gunning for him, Owen needs to be at his strongest.”

Tim grimaced. “I know. You keep him busy; I’ll talk to Joe and Reuben to reinforce our guards. We’ll talk to your team too. Maybe get more backup than we currently have.”

“Jack will want to protect Heather first.”

“So will Owen.” Tim pursed his lips. “But the boss needs to deal. We’re sitting ducks here, even if Kerr intends to make the fight personal.” He gave Ian a look.

“What? What does that mean?”

“Well, what better way to get at someone’s vulnerabilities than take away that which matters most?”

Ian frowned. “Heather’s got Jack.”

“No, you.”

Ian scoffed. “Hey, I know I’m the flavor of the month. No need to rub it in with sarcasm.”

“Ian, Owen never brings anyone here. Even before I joined on, I knew that this place was off-limits for everyone not in his private circle. Ask the guys. You’re the first new person, other than Jack, Keegan, and James, to visit. And that’s only because the guys are with Heather or Rory, Owen’s relatives. Sorry, dude, you’re the real deal.” Tim leaned closer, his gaze serious. “Don’t fuck with him, because he’s not fucking with you.”

“Sure he is,” Ian tried to joke, but Tim shook his head.

“No. I watched him this past month, working next to you. He’s different with you, and you know it.”

“Bullshit. The man is Midas rich. He can have anyone he wants. I’m just entertainment while he’s slumming in Bend.” Ian waited for Tim to confirm the truth.

Instead, Tim surprised him by laughing. “Yeah, you keep thinking that. Tell you what, fifty bucks says you’re living here full-time by October.”

In a month and a half, Ian would be back in his condo overlooking the Deschutes River and dreaming of ways to scheme a path to his nest egg. Once he had enough, then he might decide to move on. Maybe. “Make it five hundred. Why not? Every little bit helps.”

They shook hands, and Ian tried to ignore Tim’s amusement. “Who knew you big guys were so funny?”

Tim chuckled. “Whatever, shorty. Come on. I need to get back inside, and that means you need to head in.” His smile faded. “I have to talk to Joe and Reuben about the boss.”

Ian didn’t argue, even though he’d prefer to sit outside. He decided to ready Owen’s room for his return, trying not to think about Owen’s injuries. Instead, he dwelled on how best to blow Owen’s mind with the games they’d play. Yeah. It would be all about Owen’s pleasure. And then once the bossy man regained his own two feet, the gloves would come off, and Ian would do his best to fleece his lover but good.

Later that evening, the car pulled up, and Dolly, Bev, Joe, Reuben, Tim, and Ian waited anxiously by the large bay window in the living room.

When the door opened, Dalton exited the driver side. He didn’t look too beaten up. A few bruises, but no limps or disfigurement that Ian could see. Too bad about that. The guy could have used a swift kick in the ass. Then he helped Owen out of the car.

“Holy shit,” Reuben swore. “Er, I mean, shoot.” He cast a side look at Dolly and Bev.

Bev had tears in her eyes. “Oh my. I’ll go get his favorite sticky buns all warmed up for him.”

Dolly nodded. “I’ll check the room one more time. Ian, keep him busy for a few minutes, would you? I just want to make sure everything’s all tidied for him.”

“Sure, Dolly.”

Tim frowned. “He looks drugged. Why is Caleb not propping him up better?” Tim swore under his breath and hustled out of the living room and down the hall.

Ian heard the door open but forced himself to remain standing there, not wanting to appear too eager to see his lover—his boyfriend—again.

Joe and Reuben turned as one when Dalton preceded Tim, who was helping Owen into the living room.

“Hey, guys. We’re back,” Dalton announced. “I have some things to talk to you about. Didn’t want to go over it until we were in person.”

“No problem,” Reuben agreed. “Why don’t we get you something to eat while Joe heads back to security? I’ll fill you in,” he said to his brother.

“No. I want to talk to both of you together.” Dalton frowned. He saw Ian, and his frown lessened. “Hey, keep Mr. Nosy occupied, would you?”

“Right here, asshole,” Owen slurred from under Tim’s long arm.

“Yeah, I get that,” Dalton snorted. But his gaze said something else to Ian. He glared at Owen again. “Look, I don’t have time to hold your hand with this.”

“Hey, back off,” Ian growled. “He’s hurt.”

“You’d think so, with the way he’s limping and all,” Dalton drawled, “but he won’t stop issuing orders. I can handle the security with the Knoxes. Ian, if you could deal with Owen? Hey, Tim, put him in bed, would you?”

“Dick.” Owen yawned.

He looked bruised, tired, and incredibly appealing. Ian had never seen Owen appear anything less than perfect. Even first thing in the morning, he had a dewy-eyed sexuality that screamed “lovemaking at its finest.” Yet now he seemed vulnerable, and Ian finally felt on equal footing with the larger-than-life playboy.

“Yeah, Tim. Could you carry His Highness into the bedroom? I want to talk to you, Owen.” He tried to pretend to be a little mean, but inside he quavered. God, the guy is half falling down, and I want him. I want to…hold him. Too weird. Yet Ian felt the rightness of that closeness. A scary pattern that followed what his fellow PowerUp! team members seemed to feel for their significant others.

He wondered as he followed Tim and Owen to the master bedroom if that meant he was falling in love with Owen. “You might want to carry him up the stairs,” Ian suggested.

Tim immediately, carefully, lifted Owen into his arms.

“For God’s sake, Tim. You don’t have to carry me.”

“Yes, sir.” Tim continued to carry Owen up the stairs, his pace slow so as not to open the bandaged wound on Owen’s upper thigh.

Good man. In Tim’s strong arms, Owen almost looked helpless. Almost. The glare he shot Ian over Tim’s shoulder indicated the man was far from powerless.

“Put him in bed, Tim,” Ian directed once they entered the room.

Dolly had put fresh flowers and silky sheets on the bed. The room smelled wonderfully like Owen’s scent, and Ian made a note to tell her how much Owen had appreciated her efforts.

“Tim, I’m fine,” Owen protested.

“Yes, sir.”

Tim continued to yes him to death while following Ian’s orders. Ian loved it. “Awesome. Can you shut the door on your way out?”

Tim nodded. He winked at Ian before nodding to Owen. “Good to have you back, sir.”

Owen blew out a frustrated breath, and Tim grinned. Then Tim turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Ian and Owen stared at each other in silence until Owen shook his head.

“Damn, you’re fine. Even when you’re bossing Tim around.”

Ian laughed, but inside he worried over the glazed look in Owen’s eyes. “Hey, you said I was in charge while you were gone. Everyone’s safe, the place is a fortress—a clean fortress, thanks to Dolly—and everything’s good.” He approached and carefully sat by Owen’s side. “How did things go?”

Owen frowned. He leaned against the pillows stacked behind him. “Okay.”

Ian had a million questions, but he wanted to ease Owen first. The man looked too tired for anything sexual, but perhaps Ian could help him relax. He moved some pillows out of the way and scooted behind Owen, so that Owen rested against him.

“What are you doing?” came out slurred.

Ian shushed him. “Shut up and relax.”

Owen chuckled, then moaned when Ian began massaging his stiff shoulders. Ian told him all that had happened in his absence, to include the various art pieces Ian planned to copy and sell that he’d found in Owen’s supposedly secure vault. Dolly and Reuben’s growing love, the attraction Tim fought having for Joe. Bev’s traitorous falling into Ian’s camp, because Ian was so much prettier than Owen.

All the while, he continued to work through the tight muscles in Owen’s shoulders and back. His neck, his scalp. Before long, Owen’s head lolled against Ian’s chest.

“Missed you,” Owen murmured before his breathing evened.

Ian slowly withdrew from his place and settled Owen down onto his pillows. He didn’t want to jostle him, so he found a blanket in the chest at the foot of the bed and covered his tired, sexy lover.

As he watched Owen’s lips part and his chest rise and fall in even motion, Ian’s own chest felt surprisingly tight. What would it be like to truly be here with Owen all the time? To be a real boyfriend, one who spent quality time with his lover, surrounded by their friends and their people? A family where it counted, spun off the love two men shared for each other?

When Owen frowned and shook his head, Ian joined him on the bed and stroked his hair. “Shh. It’s okay, Owen. I’m right here. Right here with you.”

Owen’s soft sigh made everything right in the world, and Ian wondered who was suckering whom. Because what sane person would believe a hot multimillionaire would ever fall for a con man from the wrong side of the tracks, one who was falling in love for the first time in his short but eventful life?