COME WHEN CALLED #6, The Punishment (Billionaire & Biker MMF Menage Romance Serial) by Piper Trace

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER ONE

     
     
    WITH THEIR FORD out on a date, Evie and Charley ate pizza in her bed and watched TV, something Ford would never have done. That little rebellion made Evie feel a smidge better about being left at home while Ford was out on the town with another woman.
    Charley entertained her with inane observations on everything from fashion to plot twists. Evie couldn’t remember a time she’d laughed so much. Charley was in a great mood, nearly walking on air after Ford asked him to move in, though he’d given Evie an extended, arms-crossed lecture when he found out about her hiding the picture from him and Ford. When he pointed his finger at her she’d finally cut him off.
    Craving an after-dinner treat, Evie went to the kitchen to find something for the two of them to share. Going into the walk-in fridge by herself always gave her the creeps, but she was rewarded for her bravery when she found a cheese platter arranged with five different types of luscious cheeses. After locating crackers and a sharp knife she grabbed two wine glasses and a bottle of zinfandel. She studied the label for a minute and then shrugged. It could have been a $15 bottle or a $1500 bottle. Either way, she decided Ford wouldn’t miss it. Balancing the glasses on the platter and tucking the wine under her arm, she headed back to her room.
    The route back to the stairway led her past the library that doubled as Ford’s office, and when she heard his voice she pulled up so short she nearly sent the wine glasses tumbling. She thought he’d already left for dinner.
    Ford’s biting voice sounded angry. Curiosity overcame her and she slowed her steps, realizing he was on the phone. She wanted to keep walking so as not to eavesdrop, but Ford sounded so angry, and she’d never heard him lose his cool. Fear gripped her stomach at the sound. Whatever he was talking about, or whomever he was talking to, was really upsetting him.
    “No I got your message and I’m calling to tell you that you will not step foot near my house, ever.
    “No, no need. I will take care of it tomorrow, and after I do, I expect you will cease all contact immediately. And hear me on this—I better never hear your name again.” Ford’s words seethed with hatred. She heard the phone clatter to the desk and then his angry footsteps neared the door. Ducking into the darkened doorway of a nearby room, she held her breath. He was so livid that she didn’t want him to know she’d overheard him.
    His footsteps disappeared down the hallway and she heard the front door open and slam. Soon after the tires of his sleek, black Aston Martin Vantage peeled out of the driveway.
    Damn . She took a deep breath, trying to slow her heartbeat, and crept into the hallway and back toward her room again. She didn’t know Ford could get that rattled. She wondered if she should tell Charley, but Charley was Ford’s bodyguard. Surely he knew if Ford had gotten a threatening phone call. And if he didn’t…Evie didn’t want to get in the middle of that. If Charley didn’t know about the call, there was clearly a reason Ford didn’t want him to know.
    She remained quiet through the rest of the movie they’d rented. Charley stage whispered through the entire climax of the film but Evie didn’t mind—she was too preoccupied to pay attention anyway. Her thoughts didn’t wander far from the phone call she’d overheard. Could it have been John?
    She volunteered to return the snack to the fridge, hoping to run into Ford again, but this time all was quiet in the mansion’s wide, dim halls. Still troubled, she made her way back to her room to find the lights dimmed and Charley under her covers and naked, as far as she could tell from her quick inventory of men’s clothing strewn by the bed. “Should I take it you’re looking for dessert?” she asked wryly.
    “What?” He affected offense. “I just want to cuddle!” He threw back the covers on her side to