Dare to Trust Read online

  Danny and Jack turned around but not before Danny locked gazes with Marlena’s friend Adele. He nodded at her and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and looked at her friends. They had to have heard the whole episode. They would probably tell Marlena. He realized that he didn’t care. She was going to find out sooner or later that they planned on making her their woman. Why not through the grapevine, first?

  * * * *

  Marlena changed the bandage on her stomach and ribs. She applied some ointment in hopes that it wouldn’t scar. It was bad enough she had the scar on her hipbone from the fire back in Connecticut.

  She pulled the tank top back into place and adjusted her breasts in the cups of her bra. She needed to go shopping for more clothes. What she had was getting dingy-looking. She had saved enough working at the diner, but she wished she had the forty thousand dollars that was in her savings account back in Connecticut. She couldn’t contact anyone there. There was no one to trust to help her close out the account and have the money transferred to an account here. Besides, she didn’t want to give Peter the chance to find her and come after her again.

  Like Detective Morgan had explained to her, no evidence was found to prove that Peter started the fire. He had an alibi, another woman who swore that he was with her. There was nothing she could do. She knew that Peter lied. She knew the other woman lied for him because Peter was a manipulative bastard with money. Marlena had nothing. No family, no one to trust, not even Detective Morgan, who told her to disappear, and that it was the best thing she could do because he couldn’t find any evidence to stick to Peter. When Marlena suggested that she leave town, he didn’t try to stop her. In fact, he agreed that it would be a good idea. He promised to keep the investigation open and push for more evidence, and she believed him. It was that or wait for Peter to strike again and next time be successful in killing her.

  She shivered from the thought as she slipped her feet into her flip-flops and headed toward the small porch. This was a nice little cottage. She rented it from Rita Spencer’s brother, who owned a large piece of land by a lake. His house was a good distance from the cottage, so she had lots of privacy.

  She let the screen door slam closed behind her and inhaled the later morning air. It was a beautiful Sunday, and so different from Connecticut. She’d lived in an apartment, where people came and went saying hello and have a nice day, but not much more. She made a few friends, but when she met Peter he took full control of her social schedule. The only time she was at peace was at work in the accounting office where she worked as a CPA. She was moving up in the firm, enjoying making good money, dressing nicely, and being able to establish a career and a future. She never thought that accepting a date with the wealthy entrepreneur, Peter Jones, would have changed her destiny entirely.

  She took a deep breath and released it as she walked down the steps taking a leisurely stroll through the backyard and toward the lake. There was a nice bench and some picnic tables there that Rita’s brother and family used years ago. His kids were all grown up now and living elsewhere. Two in town and one in North Carolina.

  She loved how calm and peaceful it was out here. She remembered showing up, not knowing anything about Chance except for its name. She figured it meant something. Perhaps to take a chance and stay in the town, find a job, and settle down for a while, putting the past behind her. She figured it was fate that first day she started looking for work and met Rita Spencer. She was so kind, and they hit it off immediately. She had a real motherly way about her. She was envious of her sons. She wondered if Mike, Danny, and Jack knew just how good they had it having parents to love them. Heck, they even had two dads. That was shocking at first, but soon became so interesting and natural. She learned fast about the ménage relationships and about the commitment. It was pretty magical to watch.

  She thought about the look of the town. Not old or rundown, very clean, well maintained, and freshly painted, and it all coordinated. There was just about every kind of store she would need and even some she didn’t. Like the hardware store, the lingerie store, and the cigar store. She smiled. She could spend the day just walking the two blocks of stores, saying hello to other local people and discussing the weather, the change of the seasons, or how rabbits and deer repeatedly destroyed Mrs. Ulster’s gardens.

  She smiled. It was all so normal. Like a different world than what she came from.

  She got to the bench and took a seat. Her belly ached a little but she ignored it and watched the water. This was peaceful. This was where nothing else mattered and everything was simple. She embraced it.

  She closed her eyes after a while, feeling pretty tired from the long workweek. As she was just about to doze off, she thought she heard her name. She ignored it. The pull to take a little catnap under the large tree was too inviting. But then she heard it again, and this time she recognized the voice. Danny Spencer. Oh shit.

  She sat up too quickly and cringed from the ache. Danny was at her side a moment later and kneeling by the bench.

  “Whoa, slow down, Marlena. Are you still sore from the burn?” he asked, placing his hand on her bare knee.

  She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked up at him.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  “Checking on our girl. What do you think?” he asked and caressed her knee. He looked her over, let his eyes roam over her chest and then to her lips.

  “You look relaxed, and a lot different than the uniform our mom has you wear.”

  “Yeah well it’s hard to keep a white button-down blouse clean, and these flip flops wouldn’t work so well with all the walking I do at work. My feet would be covered with blisters by the end of the day.”

  She sat up straighter and Danny stood up then took a seat next to her.

  “God, it’s so beautiful out here. It hasn’t changed much at all,” he said, looking out at the water.

  She watched him. Danny was very attractive, and had lighter hair than Mike. Jack’s was almost blond where Danny’s was a light brown. Mike’s was dark brown, but the three of them shared the same gorgeous blue eyes.

  He wore a pair of blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a tight-fitting light blue shirt. She could smell his cologne. It was something simple and not fancy or overwhelming. It made her want to inhale to get a better scent of it. She crossed her legs and then placed her hands on her lap. They both stared out at the water.

  “My brothers, cousins, and I had a lot of good times out here.”

  “Really? You swam in that lake? It’s safe?” she asked. He chuckled as he looked at her. God, he’s so handsome. She had to turn away. She felt the warning signs creep up and down her spine. Men couldn’t be trusted. Men wanted to hurt, to manipulate and control a woman. Even the ones who seemed so nice.

  “It’s safe, darling. There’s even a natural spring that runs through there. But don’t go in there by yourself,” he warned.

  “Why not?” she asked, feeling concerned.

  “It’s pretty deep in the center. It’s not smart to swim alone.”

  “I would only go in to my waist. I don’t know how to swim,” she said then stood up from the bench.

  “Then definitely not alone. I could teach you how to swim,” he said, standing up and placing his hand on her hips.

  She shook her head and stepped back. “That’s okay. No need to learn. I won’t go in,” she said and walked around the bench to try and put some distance between them. If felt good to have his hands on her waist. To have him act as though he cared and wanted to teach her to swim. But she knew what he was after. She wasn’t interested.

  “Marlena, do my brothers and I scare you?” he asked her. She was shocked as she looked up and locked gazes with him.

  “Scare me? Why would you ask that?” she asked. He remained where he was standing. The light from the sun cascaded around him, making him appear almost spiritual, like some savior. Her savior? She shook the thoughts from her head.

  “Darling, you
get this look sometimes that clearly displays an emotion of fear. It concerns my brothers and me. What could we do to show you that we can be trusted?”

  She ran her hand along the top of the bench and looked away from him.

  “I’m sorry, Danny. I think you should go. It’s my day off and I’d like to relax and be alone.”

  “Marlena, I’ll do as you wish. I came by to check on that burn and make sure it was healing okay.”

  “It’s fine. I even changed the bandage,” she replied.

  “Good. You take care of that and make sure it doesn’t get worse. You’re not working tomorrow, are you?”

  “Of course I am.”

  He stepped closer to her.

  “You should be resting. That burn is going to ache a bunch working all day the way you do.”

  “I have to work. I wouldn’t leave your mom and dads hanging, Danny. There are no replacements, yet,” she said.

  “You’re not replaceable, Marlena. You’re perfect,” he said, and she felt her cheeks warm. She lowered her eyes and a moment later Danny was next to her. He touched her hand, bringing it to his lips.

  “You enjoy your day off. Maybe after this week, you’ll accept my offer to teach you how to swim. I’m sure Mike and Jack would love to teach you, too.” He kissed her knuckles, winked, and then released her hand and walked away. She followed him with her eyes as he headed own the path and to the side of her house. She saw the red pickup truck. Different than that Escalade he and Jack always drove.

  She released a long breath and closed her eyes.

  He was just as handsome and likable as Mike and Jack. But she just couldn’t risk getting fooled again. She couldn’t. Besides, Peter would always be a concern she’d have. He had to screw up somewhere. He would get busted for the crimes he committed, and for what he tried to do to her. He had to, or she would never truly rest or settle down anywhere. The fear would be overwhelming.

  Chapter 3

  “So what are you going to do?” Alicia asked Marlena as Adele and Mercedes grabbed wine glasses and a bottle of wine.

  They had all come over to Marlena’s house for Sunday dinner and to enjoy some time together. Plus Alicia was dying to talk to Marlena about Mike, Danny, and Jack and what she missed by not going to Spencer’s.

  “I’m not going to do anything. I told you guys. I’m not getting involved with any men. I’m not ready,” she told them as she tucked her feet under her as Mercedes handed her a glass of Chardonnay.

  “You are out of your mind. Deputy Spencer is so hot. The women go crazy over him. But then again, this sheriff’s department, from the man himself down to ranks in his command, is gorgeous. They’re also experienced and tough. Most of them were in the service. That in itself is sexy,” Mercedes said.

  “That’s not what I need right now. These guys can get any woman they want. They more than likely have had their share of women, and might I point out are much older than I am. The last thing I need are three men trying to command my life and then lose it on me,” Marlena said and then took a sip of wine.

  “Marlena, I know I’m the last person to stand here and give you a pep-talk about trusting men. I’ve declined offers of dates out of fear of getting hurt again. We’ve all had similar experiences from our pasts where we got hurt, or were even betrayed.” Adel swallowed hard and looked at the others then back at Marlena.

  “But I have to tell you, the way Danny and Jack looked the other night, the way they talked about you and stood up for you when Vicky was spewing venom, wasn’t any bullshit. They like you. They care about you,” Adele told her.

  “Hell, Mike spent more than his allotted lunchtime at the diner taking care of you when you got burned. He was late for a meeting with Sheriff Gordon, and that just doesn’t happen. But when he got back to the department and told him what happened, the sheriff was pissed off, too. Called me into his office to ask me to keep him posted on your healing,” Mercedes told her.

  “Sheriff Gordon? Why would he do that?” Marlena asked.

  “Because that’s how this town works,” Alicia whispered in her normal shy tone, appearing timid despite being here amongst friends. She was lacking in self-confidence despite how smart and beautiful she was, all because of a man.

  “You know we’re being watched over by all the men in town. It’s for our protection. Don’t you feel it? The way whenever something seems to go wrong someone is around to help. There had to be a crowd of men wanting to help you at the diner when Vicky knocked that hot coffee onto you,” Alicia said.

  Marlena nodded her head and laid her hand gently over her belly.

  “It hurt so badly. I wanted to rip my blouse from my body but I felt someone undo my apron as I bent forward trying to pull the material from my skin. Danny, Mike, and Jack were around me but it wasn’t them. Now that I think about it, in all that chaos there were mostly men in the diner and a few women. It hurt so badly. I’m not really sure,” Marlena said and then looked at Mercedes, who smiled.

  “Chance is different than any other town. We each found it, and found one another because it’s so special here. If you’re not ready to open up your heart to Mike, Danny, and Jack, because you’re not attracted to them, then so be it. But if it’s just because you’re scared of getting hurt, then it’s wrong. It’s not fair. What that guy did to you to hurt you back in Connecticut is in the past and you can’t let him ruin your future. I’ve seen how Jack, Danny, and Mike look at you. They care. They want to protect you, hell, they could already love you,” Mercedes told her.

  “Me?” Marlena asked and the tears filled her eyes. They could all see it.

  “Who couldn’t love you? You’re smart, beautiful, strong, and a great friend. Besides, if for some strange reason we’re all wrong and they do hurt you, the three of us will kick their asses,” Adele stated firmly. Alicia covered her mouth and laughed.

  Mercedes made a fist. “Hell yeah.”

  Adele reached over and covered Marlena’s knee. “You take your time, and you be sure. This type of relationship is way different then the norm. It’s intense, it’s heavy, and involves a major commitment on all ends.”

  “Great, just scare the crap out of her, Adele,” Mercedes stated and took a sip of wine.

  “What? It’s not like I mentioned the sex and having three men as lovers means all holes are open game for cock.”

  “Adele!”

  Alicia gasped and gave Adele’s leg a slap.

  They all started laughing.

  “Oh God, I don’t think I could ever do any of that,” Marlena said softly.

  “Honey, with men like that who adore you, who want to protect you, care for you, and be your everything, the fear won’t matter. In a ménage relationship, the men cater to the woman’s every need. It ensures she is never alone or uncared for, and always protected and cherished. Haven’t you noticed the expressions of love, of satisfaction and contentedness on people’s faces around here who are involved in ménage relationships? The women are simply glowing and the men very possessive and caring. It’s magical,” Mercedes whispered then took a sip of wine.

  “Sounds like you want that, too,” Alicia whispered.

  “I think we all could use some catering to. Some men to take care of us, love us, and obsess over us after all we’ve gone through in our pasts. Will it happen? Will we each meet the perfect men and maybe fall in love? Who the hell knows? But if you asked me right now, if you dared me to take a shot at the possibility of finding true love in multiple men together, hell yeah I’d take that dare. I’d give this love thing a shot, and if it’s wrong, if I get hurt, then so be it. Life is way too short to not take chances. Besides, I’m not getting any younger,” Adele stated.

  They all nodded their heads and Mercedes raised her wine glass.

  “To finding true love, ménage style in Chance.”

  They all clinked glasses.

  “God help us. I just don’t want to feel pain, feel heartache ever again,” Marlena said and they all mumb
led in agreement and sat back enjoying their wine, their friendship, and the hope that Chance brought them happiness once and for all.

  Chapter 4

  Peter Jones sat in the van overlooking the water. His hands were shaking. Looking down, he saw the swollen knuckles, the scrapes and the blood. He was losing his mind. He was obsessed with her.

  He reached across the seat and pulled the picture and frame in front of him. He leaned it on the steering wheel and stared into her green eyes. The eyes of innocence. That was until he got a hold of her. Marlena had become his everything, yet he made her feel worthless one minute and placed her on a pedestal the next.

  He had always been indecisive. To point that it drove his father crazy. And his mother suffered. But unlike Marlena, his mother was mouthy and obnoxious and his father gave it to her good.

  Peter tightened the hold on the frame. He stared at the picture of him and Marlena on the boat. She looked angelic, pure, sweet. That was why he had sex with other women, smacked them around and tied them up, because his Marlena was too good for that.

  He wanted to keep her pure. To keep her as his woman. He thought she would accept his needs and desires without explanation.

  That same night as the boat ride, he embarrassed her. Made her cry and feel worthless and then he made her stay with him and pleasure him. He created her. He turned her into the woman he needed her to be in order for him to keep control of his real emotions and to hide what he was really like. A monster of sorts. A man living two separate lives. A womanizer, a batterer, a man who needed constant control of life and death. His violent behavior was getting worse. He enjoyed destroying things, burning things, and breaking things. Especially finding the weakness within them. He went too far with the fire. He was caught up in a phrase, an idea in his head that told him if he burned her to death then she would no longer have a hold of his heart. She would perish and so would the connections he had with her. But she lived. She fought and survived and he failed.