The Senator's Daughter (Heritage Series Book 3) Read online

  Copyright 2019 Ciana Stone

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, places, events, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2019 Ciana Stone

  Cover by Syneca Featherstone

  All rights reserved.

  The Senator’s Daughter

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  The Senator’s Daughter Copyright © 2019Ciana Stone

  Cover art by Syneca

  This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Original Syn.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  DEDICATION

  For my honeyman – always and forever.

  Special thanks

  Special thanks to the wonderful group of readers

  Who take time from their busy lives to read over my first

  drafts, point out my "oops" and share their enthusiasm for

  the stories and the people who populate them. You are all

  so dear to me and I thank you with all my heart.

  Previously in

  The Fire You Hold

  Holy smokes, you'd think with all the clout and money the Walker family has, their lives would be a cake walk, right? No such luck.

  Robert Walker's murder did more than take a husband, father and grandfather from them. It put Cici in a position where she had to choose between loyalty to family and the man she loves. Kal Burton, the only man she's ever been in love with, is accused of murdering her grandfather and she has to take a stand. Either she supports Kal or she walks away from him and sides with the circumstantial evidence against him.

  Cici stands with Kal, and for a while it seems that might end up splitting the family apart. They're lucky Naomie is there because she's the only one who seems to be able to get through to Russell, and convince him that if he can't speak in support of Kal, he can at least hold to the notion that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

  Naomie is convinced Kal is innocent and not just because she wants him to be for Cici's sake. Things just don't add up in her mind. She convinces Russell to hire a forensic expert, someone who can not only recreate the scene and look at it objectively, but who can look at all the evidence and the autopsy reports and see if the evidence really does point to Kal.

  As luck would have it, Naomie's expert is a good friend, Harley Lawson, who just happens to also be a rodeo champion, and a woman who catches Nash's attention from the first hello. And it's a mutual attraction. Not that she allows it to interfere with her job, but she also doesn't let her job interfere with her spending time with a man who lights a fire inside her.

  Speaking of fires, things really heated up between Mace and Bailey. The man risked his life to save her little girl Minnie and Nash's son, Rusty, from a mountain lion and nearly died. Had it not been for Naomie he would have died, and her saving him brought her and Russell even closer. Seeing as how he is determined to keep his distance from her, that is both a curse and a blessing.

  With help from Harley Lawson, Kal is found innocent, the charges against him are dropped and he and Cici are married, right on the lawn of Heritage. It was as close to perfect as can be, until Russell comes face to face with his daughter Delaney's date, Aleksei Petrov, the man who once kidnapped and abused Naomie. Russell wants to kill him and damn sure doesn't want his daughter to have anything to do with the man, but she won't listen to him or anyone else and so when Russell orders Petrov off his land, Delaney goes with him.

  Naomie decides someone has to do something about Petrov once and for all, and she talks to Amber Walker about it. No one knows that Naomie and Amber knew one another before Naomie met Russell, but they have history and most of it the kind they want to hide.

  Oh, and did I mention that Russell and Naomie have finally come right out and confessed their love for one another? Yes indeed.

  Isn't that the part where the hero and the heroine are supposed to ride off into the sunset, into their happily-ever-after?

  Perhaps, but in this tale, there are more foes to be vanquished, more lies to be uncovered, truths to be revealed and devotion to be proven.

  So, let's jump in and see what kind of trouble the Walkers face now.

  Chapter One

  Heritage Ranch – Texas

  Lights twinkled in the boughs of the trees, becoming more apparent in the growing darkness as people laughed, talked, danced, and celebrated the happy occasion. The lawn of Heritage had once more been transformed and now appeared to be a scene from a fairytale, with flowers and ribbons draped from the trees, globes that gleamed with golden lights on tables covered with white lace and a dancefloor where guests laughed and chatted as they twirled around.

  Occasionally, distant clouds would illuminate with heat lightning, and over the last hour, a breeze had picked up. That, combined with the gathering of clouds above them promised a possibility of rain, not something anyone would appreciate during the reception but something that would be of great benefit to crops and streams thanks to near-drought conditions that had resulted in an appreciable decrease in water levels of streams, lakes and rivers.

  Russell felt a smile take shape on his face as he leaned against the trunk of the old tree, watching and thinking how much his father would have loved to have been there to see Mace marry Bailey. For a couple of months, there was concern about Mace making a complete recovery from the injuries he sustained in his fight with a cougar to save Bailey's little girl, Minnie, and Nash's son, Rusty.

  Mace had certainly shown his true mark, not merely as a man, but the kind of human being who would risk his life for those kids without a moment's hesitation. Russell couldn't be prouder of Mace but secretly was grateful he hadn't been there to have witnessed the event. From the account he received of it from those present, it was a nightmare none would soon forget. Just seeing the aftermath was something that still gave him nightmares.

  But his prayers and that of the rest of the family were answered. Thanks to Mace's dogged determination and the help of Naomie and Bailey, he was as strong as ever and tonight, one of the happiest men Russell had ever seen. Mace and Bailey hadn't stopped smiling or glowing since the moment they exchanged vows.

  Their smiles could light the night, and it touched something inside Russell to see the happiness on their faces. At present they were dancing with Minnie held between them while Kal and Cici did the same with Russell's new grandson, Robert Kalvin, or Robby as he was called, held securely in his mother's arms.

  He smelled her a moment before he heard her voice. Naomie's smell was as exotic and sensual as the woman, herself. Sweet, with a hint of spice, a scent that always made him want to bury his face in her hair or the crook of her neck and just brea
the.

  "Penny for your thoughts, handsome."

  He smiled as Naomie walked from behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist to lean in against him.

  "It was a beautiful wedding. You and Mama did a good job."

  "Thank you, but don't forget Cici. I swear that girl can move mountains," Naomie smiled up at him. "She reminds me of her father."

  "Is that so?"

  "It is. Oh, and also credit goes to Netta and Nellie Mae. They did an amazing job with the flowers and that cake Netta made is incredible."

  "I'm surprised she and Nellie Mae came. It's a bit of a drive from Cotton Creek."

  "Well, you know they couldn't have stayed away. Bailey and Minnie started going with me over to Lula's for girls’ night, and before you know it, all the gals took them right under their wings, especially Netta and Nellie Mae. They're crazy about that sweet little Minnie.

  "And now they're like family. I hope that's okay? You know I love those ladies, and they're starting to be pretty good friends with DeLyn. Personally, I can't think of anything better for her than having friends, but I don't want to step on toes."

  "Not a chance. I'm happy Mama is making new friends, and she sure comes home from her get-togethers with them with a smile on her face and laughs to share. Are they staying the night?"

  "Oh, no. They rode with Dillon and Josie. You know Netta and Nellie Mae were a Godsend to Josie those first few weeks after Daisy was born, and she was going through that bout of colic. They took turns going over and staying at Dillon and Josie's and walking the floor with the baby, so Josie could get some sleep."

  "They're kind women."

  "They're wonderful, and we're lucky to have them in our lives. Oh, and in case you speak with her, Netta's feeling very proud right now. Her grandson, John, got assigned some high-level case and she's been grinning from ear-to-ear with pride."

  "What does he do?"

  "He's with the FBI, in DC. He started out with the DIA and made the switch about five years ago. And apparently, he's a rising star. Netta raised him. Did you know that? His Mama skipped out, and Netta stepped up. She's a hell of a woman."

  "She must be very proud."

  "She is indeed. As soon as she picks a time, I'm buying her a ticket to fly up for a weekend so she can visit John.

  "Always thinking about someone besides yourself, aren't you?"

  "No. And enough about me. Back to you and what you were thinking about."

  "Besides how incredible you smell?" He nuzzled his face against her hair for a moment.

  "I do?"

  "Good enough to eat."

  "There you go, teasing a girl."

  "I'll nibble on you once the party dies down."

  "Is that a promise?"

  "Indeed."

  "Hmm, looks like I'm the one getting lucky tonight, but once again, back to what's on your mind as you stand out here alone in the dark."

  "Oh, a conversation Rich and I had. I think he may have spoken with you when you were there last. He and Sharon have been trying to convince Amber to leave her job, and she's having no part of it."

  "Nor should she, but I refrained from giving my opinion on the matter when asked."

  "Why?"

  "Because it's not my business."

  "Yet you disagree with them? They're just concerned for her safety."

  "I understand that, but badgering or bullying Amber won't work, nor will bribing her. You've known her a lot longer than I, so surely you understand she's an independent woman who won't let anyone make decisions for her. And she's also the kind of woman to gage a situation before she gets involved. If she thought the risk was too great, she'd say no. But she won't let anyone force her into making that decision."

  "I do know that, but in this instance, I'm leaning toward siding with Rich. With all the shit that's rained down on this family the last year, it might be smart for her to stick closer to home."

  "Or get as far away from it as possible," Naomie argued. "And don't look at me like that. You have to admit that when it comes to trouble, the epicenter seems to be here, so that being the case, I'd think she'd actually be safer anywhere but here or even Washington if the ill winds start to blow in the way of another Walker.

  "You know Petrov will try and get even with you and Kal not selling to him. He's a petty man and one who doesn't take no with grace. If he decides to retaliate, I think he may turn his wrath on Richard, who has a lot to lose, politically speaking."

  "You make sense," he gave her a one-armed squeeze, then added. "And I'd still like the chance to put that bastard in the ground."

  "But you won't because we're going to find a way to completely destroy him."

  "We are?"

  "We are."

  "I'll be honest. As crazy as I am about you, you do scare me a little."

  "You're a wise man, Russell Walker."

  He smiled and shook his head. "Smartass. Rich also mentioned that you might be staying with Amber again for a few weeks?"

  Naomie looked up at him. "You know I have that consulting gig with the Pentagon."

  "Yes, but I thought you were done with that? You've been in Washington as much the last six months as you've been here."

  "I know, and again, I apologize if I've caused any inconvenience. We're on track with the breeding program and–"

  "I wasn't criticizing, Naomie. You always make sure everything is taken care of. I just hate it when you're not here. Why do you need to go back now?"

  "I don't like being away from you. And it's just a project. I haven't said yes. I wanted to talk to you first. If I do say yes, I'd need to spend a few weeks there, and Amber said I could stay with her."

  "I'd sure hate for you to be gone. I'd hoped when you got back from the last trip that would be it for a while."

  "I miss you when I'm away too, but I won't lie and say I didn't enjoy being with Amber. She's smart and interesting, and I'm intrigued by what she does. Nevertheless, I'll curtail some of the additional time I spend with her. She's not home that much anyway. As for the project, I think I need to say yes to it but if you're dead set against it..."

  "I'd never ask that, Naomie. You know where I stand, and that's not going to change, so if you tell me you're coming back to me, that's all I need to hear."

  "I'll always come back to you."

  "But you won't move into the main house with me."

  "No, that I won't do."

  "Look, I know we've gone back and forth over this for months, but you have to know by now I love you."

  "It's not about that, and you know it."

  "Then what's it about?"

  "It's about me needing to feel comfortable sleeping in that bed."

  "You want me to buy a new one?"

  She laughed. "No, I'm sure it's fine, but it says something if I move in, and it sets up expectations. Not just between us, but for your whole family. And color me old-fashioned in this one respect, but before I put my shoes under your bed, I need you to meet my parents."

  "Then let's go meet them."

  "Okay, when?"

  "Is now too soon?"

  "Just a bit," she smiled. "Right now, I want to dance under the stars with the man I love and celebrate the marriage of two people who are dear to me."

  "You're pretty dear to them, and can I say that the rest of the family and I are all aware that without you this wouldn't be happening for Mace. You risked your life to save him when that cat had him down, and that took more courage than most people can muster. But you dove right in without a thought for your own safety.

  "And then you saved him again in the helicopter, refusing to give up on the CPR and making those medics kept at it with the paddles. You saved my son, Naomie. If you hadn't been there, my boy would be in the ground, and I don't know if I could have survived that. No amount of thanks will ever be enough."

  "No thanks were ever needed, silly man," she turned to face him and put her hand on the side of his face. "I hate to throw a wet blanket on things, but has
anyone spoken with Delaney?"

  "Mama did. She begged Delaney to come to the wedding, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. I don't know what kind of hold Petrov has on her, but she's clinging mighty damn tight to him."

  "I told you he can be charming, but I do fear for her, Russell. Another reason we have to take care of him."

  "But, as you said, not today."

  "No, this is Mace and Bailey's day. And my night, just in case you think I'd forgotten. So, how about that dance?"

  Russell held out his hand, palm up. "Give me your hand, beautiful and let's get to it."

  Naomie smiled, put her hand in his and together they rejoined the rest of the people gathered to celebrate life and love.

  Chapter Two

  Washington, D.C

  She didn't twitch, or so much as bat an eye as the deep gong of the grandfather clock in the library alerted her to the lateness of the hour. Had there been anyone present in the dark room, she might have appeared to be nothing more than one of the many works of art scattered throughout the apartment. Standing motionless in front of the window, she peered through the eyepiece of the telescope, her attention completely focused on the view afforded her by the ocular device.

  The man had no idea he was being watched. Sitting on a deck chair on the small balcony, with his feet propped on the iron railing, his attention was on the small leather-bound journal in his hand.

  She admired him from her lofty perch. Despite his continued efforts to brush his dark brown hair back from his strong forehead, it persisted in falling forward toward thick, elegant eyebrows and piercing near-black eyes. His was a face of strength. Not handsome in the classic sense, he had a vaguely hawkish appearance. There was something of the predator in his eyes. Something that excited her.

  He opened the book and settled back in his seat. The change in position drew her gaze to the long, lean lines of his shirtless torso and bare arms. It was apparent he took care of his body. She knew that came from the physical activity he devoted himself to. He was an avid swimmer, runner, and biker, he played an aggressive game of basketball and enjoyed occasional games of weekend rugby.