Lance Read online

  JANICE M. WHITEAKER

  Lance, Book 3 of the BIG series

  Copyright 2018 by Janice M. Whiteaker.

  www.janicemwhiteaker.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owner except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  First printing, 2018

  Cover design by Robin Harper at Wicked by Design.

  Editing by Laura Seroka.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  Also By Janice M. Whiteaker

  Sneak peek at book 4, Jerrik.

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  Further Reading: Jerrik

  Less good there lies

  than most believe

  in ale for mortal men;

  For the more he drinks

  the less does man

  of his mind the mastery hold.

  – the Hovamol

  1

  “I mean it’s all the freaking time.” Rhea rolled her eyes at Christine as she swirled the last bit of whiskey left in her tumbler. “Not that I’m complaining, but a girl’s got to sleep sometime.”

  Christine relaxed in her seat, resting against the metal ladder back of the barstool. “They are active that’s for sure.” Christine held up her pointer finger and lifted her dark brows. “In his defense Magni refused to touch me for a week after my surgery.” She dropped the finger and a slow smile crept across her lips. “He’s making up for it now though.”

  “You guys want anything else?” Kari forced a smile she wasn’t feeling as she thumbed over her shoulder. “I need to go check on the guys at the other end of the bar.”

  Rhea looked up, her dark eyes studying Kari in a way that could only mean one thing.

  Her brother’s wife wilted a little on the other side of the bar. “I’m sorry Kari.” The redhead quickly recovered and sat up straight, leaning her forearms on the scarred wood of the bar between them. “I have a feeling you’ll be happily complaining along with us soon.” She gave Kari a wink.

  Yeah. Probably not. Kari’s forced smile tightened. “Absolutely.”

  Not.

  Kari nodded to the other end of the bar. “I’ll be back.”

  The scrappy group of men occupying the far end of the bar was more like the old crowd of hunters. The ones that came year after year, raising hell and taking names, positive they would be the men to finally find the beast and go down in history. The kind who visited Greenlea before Chauncey’s documentary put the town on a whole new demographic’s radar.

  Kari sided up to the group. “How’s it going down here boys?”

  The smallest one sized her up for the fifth time this afternoon. It was exactly the same number of times she’d been down to their end of Greenlea’s only watering hole. His dark, beady-eyed gaze raked over her body in a way that made Kari want to go straight home and rip off the shirt and shorts she wore and burn them.

  Except they were new and she really liked the lace top.

  “It’s goin’ real nice now that you’re back sweet cheeks.” The guy who was starting to remind her of an oversexed garden gnome leaned against the bar, his cheeks and nose flushed red from too much alcohol.

  Maybe she’d just burn him instead.

  “I’m not sweet.” Kari smiled at him, tipping her head to one side. “And I’m cutting you off.”

  “What?” Gnomeo puffed his chest up as he shoved out of his seat. He was even shorter standing on the floor. “It’s only two in the afternoon.” His blurry eyes bugged out from under the spidery swipes of his dark brows.

  “Then you have plenty of time to go walk it off in the woods doing what you came here for.” Kari looked down the row of rough-looking men and regretted telling her brothers she didn’t need daytime help. Now would be a nice time to have some backup. “Vitamin D is good for you.” She gave them one last smile before turning and walking back toward her friends. Hearing about their unending happiness was better than dealing with that mess.

  But not by much.

  Rhea and Christine were watching her with wide eyes as Kari sauntered back their way.

  “What?”

  Rhea leaned in. “You are such a badass.”

  Kari shrugged the compliment off. “They aren’t as tough as they try to look.” She chanced a glance at the group. “Maybe the little guy is.”

  The small guys were almost always difficult. Maybe it was because she knew how to deal with big men with big egos and big attitudes. She’d done it her whole life.

  The little ones though. They were a wild card.

  Like the one that knifed Magni.

  “Should we call one of the boys?” Christine shot the group of scroungy-looking men a concerned glance. “I can see where Magni and Hagen are. Maybe they can stop by. Just to keep things in line.”

  Kari almost laughed. “They will do everything except keep things in line.”

  It had been weeks since those boys had a good fight and more than likely her brother and uncle would jump on the opportunity to stir shit.

  And leave her to clean up the mess.

  Kari slipped her phone from her pocket and sent a quick text before taking Rhea’s empty glass and placing it in the washer under the counter. “Sometimes I think they just do it to piss me off.”

  “Oh they definitely like to do that.” Rhea was watching the other end of the bar. “But...”

  Kari knew what her sister-in-law was going to say. As the resident bartender she’d developed her own sixth sense.

  And it was twitching.

  Kari stepped into Rhea’s line of sight, blocking her view of the men about to become very difficult. “It will be just fine.” She gave her friend a smile. “I’ve handled worse than this.”

  That was only half-true. She’d handled plenty of fights in her time at the bar but usually with backup close by. Lately Kari was on her own, especially during the day. That meant she’d had to start expanding her skill set. God she hoped she didn’t have to use it today.

  The door to the bar opened and Kari let out a long breath. Her reinforcement had arrived.

  “There’s all my girls.”

  Her mom smiled and gave her a wink.

  Gail was a force to be reckoned with. One all the visitors to Greenlea knew.

  Feeling a little more confident in the balance of power in the bar Kari sauntered back toward the men at the other end of the bar. “Anyone want a beverage?”

  One of the lanky men at the end glared at her. “You said we was cut off.”

  Kari shook her head. “No.” She tipped her head at Gnomeo. “I said he was cut off.”

  “What the fuck?” She could almost see the steam coming of his shaggy head as his eyes narrowed. “Why just me?”

  “Because you’re the only one acting out.” Kari stood tall, letting him know he didn’t intimidate her. This wasn’t a job for the faint of heart. Special or not, she was still a Wolffsen.

  “So does that mean you’re going to spank me?”

  Gross. Now he sounded pissed and turned on.

  Kari poin
ted to the door. “Out.”

  Gnomeo snorted. “I ain't leavin’ till I’m done.”

  Kari lowered her brows. “You’re done and you’re leaving.”

  “Or what?” He leaned to one side and looked at the three women standing at the other end of the bar. “You and your bitches are going to kick us out?” His gaze dropped to her chest and stayed there. “I might like that.” He licked his lips. “Me and you can wrestle around a little bit.”

  Kari took a deep breath before she said something she shouldn’t. Like threatening appendage removal.

  When she knew the first thing out of her mouth wouldn’t be threatening to cut his dick off she smiled. “No. My bitches and I won’t be wrestling around with you.” Kari saw her mother coming out of the corner of her eye. “We will however, be kicking your asses out. But...” She paused and looked at the rest of the men. “If you leave now I’ll let you come back when you promise to be nice respectful gentlemen.”

  The lanky guy at the end stood up. “I’m leavin’.”

  He walked past Gail and gave her a nod as he made for the door. Two other guys followed him out. That only left two. Kari trained her gaze on the remaining men. “You boys leaving with your friends?”

  Gnomeo settled back in his seat. “Nah. I wanna watch you make me go.” He smirked at her. “I’m hopin’ those pretty hands of yours will be all over me.” He reached down between his legs and Kari could only guess what he was grabbing under the bar. “You might even like it.”

  “That’s it.” Gail rushed around the end of the bar and before either man could jump away, she had them by the backs of their shirts, dragging them off their stools.

  “Oh hell mom.” Kari ran to the break in the bar and scrambled to help her mother. “I didn’t expect you to come and start roughing up the customers.”

  “Well they’re being idiots.” Gail grunted as she struggled with the two flailing men. “Jesus this one’s wiggly.”

  Gail was a strong woman. Had to be. She raised two big-ass boys who liked to be difficult. But the little guy was giving her more hell than Hagen and Jerrik ever did. Combined.

  Kari didn’t want to have to do it but she couldn’t leave her mom to deal with Gnomeo. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and yanked him across the floor, cringing as she did.

  He was probably going to jack off to this later.

  “I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands off me sweetheart.” The squat little man reached for her tit and Kari head butted him right between the eyes. No way was he messing this shirt up with his grubby little paws.

  “Fuck!” He stumbled back and dropped to his ass, grabbing his nose with both hands as blood started to gush from his nostrils. “Fucking cow.”

  “Oh that’s it.” Kari went back after him. She’d take just about any name these drunks could dish out but cow? That was crossing the line. “I’m just tall.” Kari rushed the small man and almost had him, until an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back.

  A few minutes ago she wanted her brothers here. Not anymore.

  Now all she wanted was to get her hands on that little bastard.

  Kari struggled to free herself from the arm holding her in place. “Let me go.”

  “No freaking way. I don’t want you to kill anyone.”

  That voice.

  That wasn’t either of her brothers. Or Magni. Or even Joel or Craig.

  Shit.

  Lance stepped around Kari, shoving her behind his back as he stepped forward and grabbed Gnomeo off the ground and hefted him to his feet. He started dragging the comparatively minuscule man to the door, snagging his scrawny friend from Gail as he passed. Lance dipped his head to whisper in Gnomeo’s ear as he maneuvered both men through the bar. Kari strained to hear what he said.

  Judging by the look on Gnomeo’s face it wasn’t a compliment. All color drained from the little man’s complexion and he started moving his feet, rushing to get out the door. Lance let go of the skinny guy and swung open the door, shoving both men out into the street before stepping out after them.

  The door shut and the bar went silent. It was just Rhea, Christine and Gail left. And all three of them were staring at her.

  Kari smoothed down the delicate white crocheted lace of her top and straightened her shoulders. “I think I’m closing for the afternoon.”

  She needed to get that damn door locked fast and get the hell home before—

  The door banged open.

  Well fuck.

  Kari planted her feet and straightened to every bit of her five feet ten inches. She narrowed her eyes at the man standing in the doorway, looking at her like she should be thanking him. Dropping to her knees and praising his manliness. “You.”

  The smile on Lance’s face barely drooped. “Miss me?”

  “Get out.” Kari started to walk toward him then thought better of it. The last thing she needed was to be reminded the bastard smelled like cedar and spice and whatever other stupid sexy things they put in cologne to make women lose their minds over arrogant, pompous, domineering men. Kari pointed to the door. “Get out now.”

  She knew he was in town and after a week of not seeing hide nor hair of him, Kari thought maybe Lance knew better than to show his face in her bar.

  But he could have at least tried.

  Lance looked toward Rhea and Christine. He tipped his head in greeting. “Ladies.”

  Christine and Rhea were already spun in their seats facing the door and from where Kari stood it looked a whole lot like her friends might be giving Lance a nice, long, appreciative stare. Jesus Christ that was the last thing that man needed. His head was big enough as it was.

  Women only want me because I’m beautiful.

  I have to beat women off with a stick because I’m so rich.

  I simply can’t find a woman who isn’t interested in fucking me.

  Maybe not his exact words to her the last time he was in town but close enough. Poor Lance had it so hard. Too handsome. Too rich.

  Too everything for his own good.

  And for hers.

  That’s why he had to get out. Now.

  Because last time he was here Kari thought there was something happening between them.

  And then he fucking left.

  Maybe it was better that way anyway.

  Lance continued to ignore her, keeping his attention on Rhea and Christine. “I think I saw a pickup coming down the mountain as I walked over.”

  Rhea slid off her seat. “I suppose I should go see how it went then.” She turned to Christine. “We should probably check out how the new girl is holding up at the gallery anyway.”

  Christine smiled sweetly. “That is true.” She walked behind Rhea and past Lance.

  His gaze moved to rest uncomfortably on Kari as her friends walked to the front of the bar. Both women paused at the door and turned behind his back to wave at Kari.

  Traitors.

  Her mother was less interested in abandoning her. Not for Kari’s sake but because she loved having boys to take care of, and since Craig and Joel moved out of the B&B and into Christine’s old house Lance was the only surrogate son available for Gail to fawn over.

  And he came complete with a surrogate grand baby. That made him a twofer as far as her mother was concerned.

  “Are you and Vanessa coming down for dinner tonight?” Gail straightened the apron she almost always wore, evening out the straps around her neck.

  Lance slowly drug his blue eyes off Kari and onto Gail. He smiled sweetly. “I was planning on it if that’s okay with you.”

  The tone of his voice was so sweet, so smooth, so rich.

  It made her want to scream.

  Her mother patted him on his broad chest. “Well good.” She turned to Kari. “Why don’t you join us honey?”

  That look of innocence on Gail’s face might fool other people but not Kari. Kari knew what it really meant.

  Her mother was the biggest traitor of them all.


  “I don’t think so.” Kari rested one hand on her stomach. “I feel a little sick.” She looked right at Lance as she said it.

  “You should come anyway. I’ll make soup. It will settle your stomach.” Her mother turned as she reached the door. “I’ll see you then daughter.” And then she rushed out of the bar.

  Leaving Kari alone with Lance.

  “I told you to leave.”

  “What makes you think you tell me what to do?” Lance took a step toward her and Kari’s heart skipped a beat.

  “It’s my bar.” Kari forced her feet to stay where they were instead of running as fast as she could in the opposite direction. “My bar, my rules.”

  Lance continued closing the distance between them and it took every ounce of resolve inside her for Kari to keep her boots from turning tail. That man made her feel more things than she’d ever imagined.

  None of them good.

  If she was smart, Kari would take off and never look back.

  But from the look on Lance’s face, he would find her.

  Better to just get this out of the way now. Lay down the law and make him stick to it. A law that included no more late night talks that consisted of Kari pouring out moonshine and Lance pouring out his soul. She didn’t want to hear how tough his life was. How lonely he felt, even in a sea of people. How much he loved his daughter but that she was the only girl he’d ever truly loved.

  That every woman he’d ever been with left him.

  Well there was a reason for that. And it was the same reason Kari was kicking him out of her bar and her life right now.

  Because Lance had a way of making a woman feel special.

  Even when it was clear she wasn’t.

  Not to him.

  Not to anyone.

  “I’m not leaving until we have a talk Kari.” Lance’s voice was a low rumble between them. He was so close. Closer than she wanted to let him get.

  Close enough the familiar scent of him eased across the few inches left between them, reminding her of the way he made her feel the last time he was here.

  But it wasn’t real.

  She was just another one of the countless women who couldn’t help but fall all over themselves over poor Lance. Poor undeniably desirable Lance.

  Kari was a fool to think he wanted more from her.