Soldiers of Pearl 1: Invasion of Hearts (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  “Did that guy just tap your ass?” As he said the words and slowly stood up, she could see that look in his eyes. He was angry, pissed off, and about to do something crazy.

  She put herself in front of him. “Brock, it’s okay.”

  “Fuck, that ain’t okay,” Smith said, standing up and walking over to the table.

  “Hey, buddy, did you just touch that young lady and tap her ass?” Smith asked.

  Brock was walking over, too, now despite Arabella’s insistence that it wasn’t a big deal. Brock stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders, just watching over her and Smith.

  “What if I did?” the one big guy asked and then Brock and Smith took a step forward.

  “Well, don’t do it again. She’s working her ass off and doesn’t need some shit-faced guy touching what isn’t his.”

  “What are you, her fucking boyfriends?” the other guy asked.

  She swallowed hard. “Smith, forget it. Just leave it alone.”

  Smith looked at her and Brock squeezed her shoulders gently as he pressed his hard, thick body against hers. Instantly she found herself leaning against him.

  “She’s a very good friend of ours. Keep your hands to yourself,” Smith warned the guy. They all looked up toward Smith and Brock and must have seen that look in their eyes because they backed down.

  “Sorry, honey. It won’t happen again,” the guy told her and winked, but he looked her body over, letting his eyes linger on her breasts.

  She turned and Brock kept a hand on her shoulder then released her, keeping one at the small of her back before they reached the table.

  “You didn’t have to do that.” She adjusted her apron. She was shocked at how much of a loss she felt not having Brock and Smith so close to her, never mind touching her. She forgot what it was like to have a man to lean on, or even just feel the strong embrace of. Brock and Smith were well built. She could get lost in their embrace.

  She felt Smith touch her cheek. When she focused on him, he gave a small smile but he didn’t lose that angry, dark look he had. “You okay, sweetheart?”

  She nodded and then snapped out of the spell these two were pulling her under.

  She stepped back. “I need to get back to work.” She quickly turned around and went back to the table of men who gave their drink orders, apologized again, and then watched her as she headed to the bar. One of the guys turned to look at Brock. He didn’t like the feeling he got one bit.

  * * * *

  It was getting late and Smith and Brock were still at Rocky’s when she finished her shift. They’d paid their bill an hour ago and gave her a huge tip. She walked over before she left.

  “I just wanted to say thank you. For the generous tip.”

  Brock licked his lips and looked her body over. “Honey, you deserved it. You work hard. It was really busy here tonight for a Wednesday.”

  “It’s busy almost every night, but I can’t get more than three nights right now. There have been waitresses here for years.” She looked around as Irene passed by, gave her a wink, and then said good night.

  “Well, see ya around,” she said, but Brock and Smith stood up. Both men were so tall. If she had to guess, she would say they were at least six foot two.

  “We’ll walk you out,” Smith told her and Brock moved ahead and Smith took position behind her. When his hand moved to the small of her back, she had that warm exciting feeling just like she did when Brock held her there. It was so crazy. She just needed to get to her car and get to Pearl.

  As they headed out and walked her to her car, she spotted the guys from earlier leaning against it. So did Smith and Brock. “What the fuck?” Smith said aloud.

  “Oh God,” she whispered, her heart racing. Those men were waiting for her. Hadn’t they seen Brock and Smith remained in the bar all night? What the hell would have happened if I headed out here alone?

  They continued to walk and Smith placed his hand on her hip and pulled her closer to his side.

  “Is there something you guys needed?” Brock asked.

  “Nope. Just waiting on Bella to talk with her.”

  “She has nothing to say to you,” Smith stated firmly.

  “Well, we waited all night to talk with her, and then you guys, her friends, show up. You can leave her with us. We’ve been planning to have a nice little chat with her and make some plans,” one of them said as he eyed her over and again stared at her chest.

  “What plans?” she asked. Smith gripped her hip firmly then began to move her behind him. Brock caressed her arm as if reassuring her that this was going to be okay.

  “Honey, we’ve had our eye on you for weeks. Since you’re single and we’re available, we thought we’d welcome you properly. You know, teach you all about how men around here share their women. You got enough tits and ass for all four of us and then some.” Before the guy could chuckle with his friends about his statement, Smith punched him right in the nose. The guy went down and was out like a light.

  “Now you have two choices. The three of you can stick around and get what he just got, or you can pick his ass up, haul your asses out of here, and never come back here to bother this woman again,” Smith stated.

  Brock was holding her, his arm snug around her waist as she watched the three men gather up their buddy, struggle to pick him up as they apologized, and drag him to another truck nearby. Smith just stood there watching until all he could see were the taillights of the truck they left in. When he turned around to look at her, she could tell he was still steaming mad.

  Smith looked at Bella and her shocked expression. He wasn’t sure if she realized she was holding on to Brock and that Brock was inhaling against her hair and pulling her against his front. Smith stepped forward and gently took her face between his hands.

  “You could have been hurt. They were waiting for you.”

  He could feel her shaking. She was upset about what happened.

  “Damn, baby, that just really pissed me off.”

  “I could tell. That was a hell of a punch,” she whispered.

  He smiled. “You deserve better than this. You’re working hard, trying to support your family, and you don’t need to come out to this type of situation.”

  “Smith, it’s okay.”

  “No,” he said firmly. She froze and stared at him. He shook his head.

  “You’re a beautiful young woman, and men like that can’t get away with doing this kind of stuff. We’re going to protect you, Bella. Brock, Reno, Rex, and I are going to watch over you and your family.”

  He leaned forward and softly pressed his lips to hers. She panicked immediately but he released her quickly.

  Brock turned her around and rubbed his thumb along her bottom lip. “We’ll follow you home.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek.

  She turned around, feeling almost numb as she unlocked her car and got into it.

  What in God’s name just happened?

  Chapter 8

  Mary stood by the park bench as Cora spoke to another mother with children the same ages as Liam and Julia. Liam was clinging to Cora’s leg while Julia played with the other little girl. Cora had woken up in a cold sweat twice during the night, and when Arabella had finally arrived home from her shift at the bar, she was asleep no more than an hour before the tossing and turning started and then her muffled cry. Her daughters were reliving the nightmare over and over again and there wasn’t a damn thing that Mary could do about it.

  She looked over toward the cottage knowing Arabella was showering and getting ready to join them. Mary worried about what they would do next. This town was so beautiful and the people incredibly nice. She took notice of the way the two deputies looked at Arabella, and she hoped her daughter wouldn’t continue to push away the opportunity for happiness.

  Things were done a little differently around this town. Men shared their women, but they were committed to them. She’d spent the last several days asking questions and talking with Millie and Lena. Those wom
en were a lot like Arabella. They were fighters.

  Mary heard the footsteps and turned around to see the two deputies Rex and Reno approaching. They tilted their hats toward her and said good afternoon.

  “Hello, deputies.”

  “You can call us by our first names, ma’am,” the one named Reno told her and she smiled.

  “It’s a beautiful day out,” Rex said then took a seat on the bench next to her and leaned back. He watched the children and smiled.

  “Deputy Reno, can you push me on the swing?” a little boy named Michael asked. Reno smiled.

  “You betcha, Michael. How is that cut on your knee healing?” Reno asked as he started to give the little boy a few big pushes.

  “It’s healing up good. Mama said I can probably take the bandage off soon.”

  “That’s good to hear. Where’s your mama now?” Reno asked.

  “She’s doing those fighting lessons with Dalton, Hank, Smith, and Brock and the rest of the class.”

  “Oh, you mean the self-defense training?” Reno asked and smiled.

  “It’s fighting. My mama can use the help. She doesn’t fight back.” He got quiet.

  “Well, she didn’t fight back but then we left. Her boyfriend was a jerk. If you or Deputy Rex were around, you’d stop him from hurting me and my mama right?” Michael asked.

  “We sure would, Michael. But you’re safe here,” Reno told him and rubbed the red mop of hair on Michael’s head.

  Mary was caught listening to the conversation and she was almost glad that Liam and Julia were too little to really understand what had happened. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath then felt a hand squeeze hers.

  She glanced to the left and Rex was there with a sympathetic, yet firm expression.

  “They’re safe now, Mary. We’ll all make sure you and your family are safe.”

  Tears filled her eyes as she looked over her shoulder toward the cottage. She knew her daughter was attracted to these men and their friends. She mentioned that two of them walked her out last night and how some thugs were waiting there to bother her.

  “Arabella is tired, Rex. She’s pushing herself to be so strong and to continue on. All she does is work and worry. She hardly eats. Didn’t have a bite last night when she got home from work, and nothing this morning.”

  Rex patted her hand. “We’ll talk with her. Maybe walk her around here and check out the recreation center and then suggest going into town for a bite to eat. That’s her real name? Arabella.”

  * * * *

  Reno looked up as he walked closer to the bench where Mary sat, hearing Rex say that Bella’s real name was Arabella. It sounded so beautiful. He looked to the right and immediately caught sight of Bella, heading their way. She looked gorgeous, and was wearing a pair of black shorts and a T-shirt instead of that pale yellow dress again. Millie said that Bella only chose four outfits when they offered her clothing. She told them it was more than enough and that someone else might need them more. Meanwhile, she had nothing. Who could need the clothing more than her? It had shocked Millie, made her shed a tear as she described Bella’s selflessness.

  Reno tilted his hat as he touched the rim and greeted her. “Morning, Arabella.”

  She started to say good morning and paused. She looked at her mother. “Mom, what have you been talking about?” she asked, on the defensive.

  Mary swallowed hard and then looked at Reno and Rex and smiled. “Just enjoying the nice day and friendly conversation with Rex and Reno. They stopped by to check in on us. They’re going over to the recreation center. The groups are running today, including a self-defense training class.”

  Bella crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared at Reno and Rex.

  She held Reno’s gaze and he didn’t take his eyes off of her. She was that incredibly beautiful. So badly, like the rest of his team, he wanted to take the fear out of her eyes and surround her with protection and affection. She was tough, and getting past the walls she’d built up was not going to be easy.

  “Arabella!” Julia chimed in, saying her real name and hugging her. Arabella lifted her up into her arms and hugged her tight with her eyes closed.

  “Good morning, princess. Did you sleep well?”

  Julia nodded her head and smiled.

  “What did you dream about last night?” Arabella asked her, smiling.

  “Puppies,” she blurted out and Arabella chuckled.

  “Oh, how wonderful. I bet that might have had something to do with the litter of puppies that were born on the Cantrells’ ranch yesterday, huh?”

  Julia nodded. She hugged Arabella again and then looked at her sadly. “Mama didn’t dream about puppies.”

  “No?” Arabella asked.

  “She was crying just like you.”

  Reno saw Arabella’s eyes well up with tears, and then quickly she pulled herself together so the child couldn’t see. It was all amazing, and heart-wrenching to watch. Arabella and her family were suffering from nightmares. Another indication that whatever happened in their lives was traumatic. Reno didn’t have to glance over at Rex to see that he heard the same thing, but Arabella tried to console her niece.

  “Well, don’t you worry. Soon enough Mama will be dreaming about puppies and having happy thoughts just like you and Liam.”

  “Okay. I go back to play now.”

  Arabella set her down and watched her run toward the other kids and go on the swing set. She rubbed her mouth and chin and caught Cora’s gaze. Her sister’s eyes were red and swollen. She looked so sad as she held Liam’s hand while he pulled her toward the swing.

  “Want to take a walk around and check out the rec center with us?” Reno asked, not waiting for a reply by taking her hand and guiding her around the bench.

  “Oh, I don’t think so. I have some things I need to do.”

  “Don’t be silly. Just relax a little. Heard you worked real late last night. You could use some relaxation time,” Rex said and joined them. They had her walking in between them, a place he hoped she would get real comfortable with.

  * * * *

  Arabella was shaking. Being this close to these men made her nervous, aroused, just like with Smith and Brock. She knew that Smith and Brock were in the rec center. She had heard the women talking about them, and how kind they were, and very disciplinary in their instruction. She could just imagine their firm expressions and huge muscles as they taught self-defense moves. The young women probably drooled over them.

  She ignored the pull in her gut. The feel of Reno’s hand at the dip in her back brought her attention completely to him and Rex. She shouldn’t be this close to them. She shouldn’t give in to the comfort she felt surrounded by any of the four men. They called themselves a team. It was a rude reminder that they were military, specifically Special Forces, and that was what Kever was.

  “I think I should go back and help Cora with the kids,” she said and paused. Immediately Reno’s hand was on her waist, guiding her further. He smiled down at her. That was another thing. These men had more than a foot advantage in height on her, and especially with these little tennis shoes she wore.

  “Cora and the kids are fine. They’re enjoying the park with the other moms and kids. We really want to spend some time with you,” Reno told her.

  She glanced up at him and stopped. Both men looked at her, expressions soft and caring. She wouldn’t be fooled by that. She couldn’t risk feeling any more pain, and more importantly, she couldn’t risk placing them in danger. Thoughts of Anthony being released soon ruled her mind. He would come looking for Cora and his kids, despite the fact he had lost complete custody once the assault charges were pressed and then he was caught and arrested. Thank God that judge in Chicago was a real hard-ass. He saw what Cora looked like all battered and bruised, had heard part of the threats Kever made toward Cora and Arabella, thanks to Arabella recording it all on her cell phone, and he was swift to grant full custody to Cora, and no visitation rights to Anthony. Especially a
fter Anthony carried on in the courtroom about taking his children and killing them to make Cora suffer.

  Arabella knew that was what really gave Cora the nightmares. The detective had told them what happened in court when they were already on the road and checked in. Arabella’s nightmares stemmed from the past, witnessing the almost murder of that man Sotoro, and being touched, fondled, held by knifepoint, and cut by Kever. Add in the constant threats he made months prior to the attack and how he claimed her as his woman and she was scared out of her mind. She swallowed hard.

  “Arabella?” Rex reached down and cupped her cheek. She stepped back, only to bump into Reno, who immediately placed his hands on her shoulders.

  “It’s okay. You’re safe with us.”

  “There’s no such place. I don’t want you this close to me. Please, just leave me alone,” she whispered. They heard the door to the rec center open and Millie walked out. Her eyes widened and a huge smile formed on Millie’s face.

  “Bella! How are you? Hi, Reno, Rex,” she said and then joined them.

  “How was work last night? Did you get home real late?” Millie asked.

  “Not too late. It was okay,” she said although it wasn’t okay. Those jerky guys were waiting outside for her. What would have happened if Smith and Brock weren’t there?

  “Well, I’m going to go check on lunch. Did you have anything to eat yet?”

  “A little something. I’ll be fine for a while.”

  Millie nodded and then headed off. Rex turned her around by her hips as Reno stood by the door. He looked down into her eyes and held her gaze with a firm expression. Add in the uniform, gun, and badge and she was feeling intimidated and turned on by him. He smelled so good. Like a man should smell. Like she would want a boyfriend to smell so she could lean closer and nuzzle against him just inhaling all the manliness.