The Battlefield Series 7: Disguising the Truth (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  “I’ll get you another one, but this one is pretty damn cold,” Chloe said and then went to the cooler and grabbed a cold bottle of Coors from the bottom. She pulled it out. It was very cold.

  “Don’t hurt yourself on this one,” she said and placed it down. She gave Tessa a nudge. “Go take care of the people down that end.”

  Tessa nodded. When Chloe looked up she was surprised to see Tobias and a group of men. Two of them stared at Tessa but Tobias and another guy stared right at her and eyed her over.

  Tobias gave her a smile and a wink. “Hi, Chloe. How’s it going?”

  “Good. How about you? Can I get you anything to drink?” she asked.

  “Two Buds, please. This is my brother Wallace. Wallace, meet Chloe,” Tobias said and Wallace smiled then reached out and shook her hand. She was stunned when she felt that spark of attraction like she felt for Tobias. This was not good at all.

  “These are friends of ours. Wolf, Monk, Lazer, and Turk. You know Coastal I think, from the department.”

  “Hello, gentlemen. Nice to meet you and welcome to the Filling Station,” she said to them and they all said hello and reached over the bar to shake her hand. She couldn’t believe how built and good-looking all these men were. As she released the last guy’s hand, she caught Wallace watching her.

  “What can I get you guys?” she asked as she placed the Budweisers in front of Wallace and then Tobias. They told her what they each wanted and then she grabbed the cold bottles out of the bin. She went about filling drink orders and noticed the guys from earlier who were bothering Tessa were at it again. She had seen these guys in the Station before, and if she remembered correctly they tended to get a little rowdy as the night went on. She looked toward the front where the bouncers were and then she saw Cesar approaching along with his brothers Damon, Fox, and Gino. They were probably meeting Antonia here. Chloe listened as Cesar and his brothers joined Tobias and the others at the bar, greeting them, genuinely excited about seeing them there. She listened to them talking about the last time they saw Cesar and something about Fox and Gino getting drunk and it being the best night they all had in a long time. She loved hearing the obvious camaraderie among all the men.

  Another guy squeezed in between the men to order a drink and she had to lean over the bar to hear his order. She nodded and then made the two mixed drinks and grabbed a bottle of Miller beer. When she placed the drinks onto the bar the guy paid her and told her to keep the change. When she walked away Wallace started talking to her.

  “So how long have you worked here?” he asked her.

  “About six months,” she replied.

  “You just move here?” he asked.

  “Almost a year ago. How about you? Never seen you in here before. You active duty?” she asked. She wasn’t going to let him ask her a bunch of questions. She didn’t like the way this conversation was going. Questions led to answers that would be lies and keeping up with lies would mean trouble.

  “What makes you think I’m military and active duty?” he asked her.

  She looked at him and tilted her head slightly as she stared at his crew cut hair trimmed to perfection and the way his shirt was wrinkle free and buttoned high. It was crisp, new and she could tell by his firm, muscular jaw the man was in incredible physical condition.

  “Oh, I don’t know, maybe the haircut, the way your shirt is tucked into your dress pants, and how you look like you’d fit right in at a military academy. Is that where you work?” she asked him and he squinted his eyes and smirked slightly.

  “Pretty good, Chloe. I do work for the military base a few towns from here. I am not actually active duty but still do jobs for the government.”

  “Very cool. How do you like that?” she asked him.

  “It’s okay,” he said and took a slug of his beer but kept his eyes locked with hers. Wallace was definitely an attractive man, and a bit older than her. Not that it bothered her at all. She always seemed to be attracted to older men. That thought made her think of the case, and of course Copias and Scallone. She looked away.

  “So you like working here?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation going. She knew it was smarter to blow him off, but she never was very good at being a bitch. She heard Tessa gasp and then drop a bottle of beer.

  “Excuse me,” she said and walked away.

  “I can’t believe I did that. Those two jerks have me so on edge,” she said to Chloe. Chloe gave a dirty look to the two guys who were now laughing.

  “Idiots,” she said and then placed her hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “Listen, you can’t let those types of guys get to you. You need to be tough. If they act like assholes, just kill them with kindness. They get touchy, call the bouncers. Aqua and the others live for that kind of stuff.”

  She heard someone speaking. “If you have a problem with Tessa then you can deal with us.” Chloe turned to look who spoke. She saw it was Tobias’s friend Coastal and standing beside him was Coastal’s brother Wolf.

  “Yeah, yeah, we’re just messing around. Take a hike,” the one jerk said and turned away from Coastal and Wolf. Then Cesar was there and Chloe sent Tessa back down to the other end of the bar. The problem dispersed but she didn’t like the look on the guy’s face as he continued to eye her and Tessa for the rest of the night.

  * * * *

  Wallace couldn’t believe how he was feeling. All night he remained in one place, his eyes glued to the gorgeous young bartender Chloe. Although her hair was pulled back up off her shoulders he could tell it was long and had a curl to it. She had a fantastic figure, too. Shapely hips, very well endowed, toned arms and thighs. He could tell because her jeans looked painted on and he could see the definition in her thighs. She definitely was fit.

  “She’s beautiful, don’t you think so?” Tobias whispered to him.

  Wallace was shocked. His brother was attracted to her, too. His mind jumped ahead to reacting.

  “You interested in her?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t really know her and I need to be careful in my position.”

  “What do you mean? Cesar staked a claim to Antonia right away.”

  “With his brothers. I know and it was a huge step.”

  Wallace looked at him and then back at Chloe. Was Tobias considering keeping Chloe for himself or would he discuss the idea of a ménage with him? They were all pretty damn busy right now. Neither of them had seen Scottie or Stephan. The camping trip was coming up and he wondered if his brothers would cancel.

  “You know what popped into my head, almost instantly?” Tobias asked him then took a slug from his beer bottle. He looked around them. Everyone was talking and having a good time.

  “What?” Wallace asked.

  Tobias looked at Chloe and then back at Wallace.

  “I was thinking about a few years back. When we were all close. When we said we wouldn’t let the military, the jobs, and big money get between us and hanging out, or the idea of sharing a woman together.”

  “Shit, Tobias, that was years ago, and back when we were all feeling like we couldn’t give a woman what she needed and deserved twenty-four seven. We were all suffering with a touch of PTSD, and were vulnerable, emotional, and on edge.”

  “So you’re saying that isn’t a possibility anymore? That you, Stephan, and Scottie wouldn’t be interested?”

  “I’m not saying that. To be honest, I haven’t had more than five minutes alone with either of them. Stephan disappeared for almost a year. We’re not close like we used to be. All our schedules suck right now.”

  “That’ll be over soon.”

  “Until the next big job or case.”

  “So you don’t think it would work out?” Tobias asked.

  “I just don’t know. I don’t know why we’re talking about this though. The woman is a bartender here in Repose. If you’re thinking about sleeping with her you may want to think that through. She lives here. If it turns to shit it can be embarrassing for all involved.”

&n
bsp; “I know what you’re saying. I don’t know her well at all. I was just wondering if you felt the attraction, too, that’s all.”

  Wallace exhaled.

  “I felt it, but a ménage? I’m not too sure. Scottie and Stephan being interested, too? Pretty far-fetched. They barely talk when they are around, and for women? I don’t even know what they do or where they go. For all we know they could be involved with someone and we wouldn’t know it. That’s the problem with this town. You find a woman attractive around here and suddenly it’s guardianship and pretty much wedding bells,” Wallace said and took a slug of his beer.

  “I don’t think Scottie and Stephan have time for women, and if they did it’s nothing but one night stands. Like you said, they don’t talk much,” Tobias said.

  “Some women like the silent brooding types. What do you know about her anyway?” Wallace wanted to know.

  “Not much.”

  “Seriously? The way Cesar runs this town and now you, too, assistant chief of police?” Wallace said and smirked.

  Tobias rolled his eyes. “Look at me. Do I look like a person who can decide who should be guardians for someone? That’s Cesar’s job, not mine. I deal with the complicated shit.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like investigating anyone who is suspicious and on the down-low.”

  “Well, maybe you should investigate Chloe and see what she is really all about. You don’t find it strange that neither you nor Cesar know anything about her?”

  “We know she was involved with business in New York. Made some money and was looking for a change of pace and scenery. She doesn’t act suspicious. Hasn’t shown any signs that she isn’t who she says she is. In fact, she keeps to herself, but when she does talk to people, she’s verbal and very nice. A lot of people like her. Antonia, Lori, Brooklyn, Cali—everyone she meets likes her.”

  “Well, if you’re interested in getting to know her better, then feel her out. Maybe see if she wants to hang out.”

  “What about you, Wallace? Not interested in getting to know Chloe with me?”

  “Like I said, this town has rules and by the way things go down, it’s serious stuff to even indicate an attraction.”

  “Need another round, guys?” Chloe asked, interrupting their conversation.

  Wallace and Tobias smiled. “Yes, thank you,” Tobias replied.

  When she came back over to put down the beers Wallace decided he might as well see what he could find out about her.

  “You work out, or have any hobbies?” Wallace asked.

  She squinted her eyes at him.

  “I mean, you look toned and in great physical condition, you must work out, but I haven’t seen you running or biking around town,” he said to her.

  “I do work out. I have a home gym, but I also enjoy hiking and canoeing.”

  “Really? We like that stuff, too. We go to Morgan’s Lake. Ever been up there, or to Lake Freeman?” Wallace asked.

  “I go to Morgan’s Lake sometimes. I’ve been meaning to go to Freeman Lake. I heard there are great trails and the water is awesome. There’s some kind of well-known swimming hole. Wait, isn’t that where Cali was when some kids shot at her?” she asked.

  “Yeah, but it’s safe and the park police patrol a lot. It can be tricky up there. If you go you should have someone with you, or at minimum stop into the park ranger’s office and let them know your route. There are about a dozen different routes, some more difficult than others,” Tobias said to her.

  “I’ll check it out next weekend. So you found out who shot at her?”

  “No, but we’re pretty sure of the culprits and Cesar put a good scare into them,” Tobias told her.

  “Maybe we could get a few people together and go up sometime? We have canoes and there’s a nice campsite. We can even set up a few tents and make a weekend out of it,” Wallace said without even thinking it through.

  He saw the change in her expression and then she recovered from looking shocked to smirking.

  “I don’t think so. I like to do activities like that alone, but I’m certain some other young woman would love to go camping with you and the assistant chief.” She turned around and walked away.

  Tobias stared at her but Wallace felt a mix of emotions. He’d never been shot down by any woman before—especially not like this. He also suddenly didn’t want to take her disinterest as final.

  “Well, that didn’t go too well. Wonder why she isn’t biting? You did mention asking other people so it didn’t sound like we wanted to get her alone,” Tobias said to him.

  “Maybe she’s just shy,” Wallace said and watched her.

  “She turned you down like a woman used to turning men down. Why is she resistant to befriending men?”

  “Oh brother, it sounds like you’re in your investigative mode.”

  “Well, Wallace, it is my job to learn about all residents of Repose, even the fairly new ones.”

  Wallace chuckled. “You’re looking at this as a challenge now, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t show interest in any women ever. In the past when I met someone, I took care of what I needed, and felt no need to continue a relationship afterward. This woman gets under my skin. Hell, she’s the first woman ever to make me think about all this shit and now even contemplate investigating her—or at minimum, pushing to get to know her better. Maybe she’s playing hard to get?”

  “Maybe, but be careful, you wouldn’t want her to claim you’re stalking her.”

  “Well, if I don’t make any progress in the next week, then we’ll find out if she’s headed to Lake Freeman or Lake Morgan the next time she has off, and we’ll just so happen to be up there, too.”

  Wallace laughed, but he couldn’t help but feel a hint of excitement. There was something about Chloe that drew his attention. He and his brothers had similar tastes, but over the years and due to their professions, they wanted more in a woman. Well, at least he wanted more than just sex. It wasn’t about the good looks and incredible bodies. Sure, initially it was, but then he found himself asking questions and testing to see if a woman could hold a conversation, had similar interests and beliefs or understood where they came from and their own experiences. Now he had more questions, so maybe he would be helping Tobias out after all.

  * * * *

  “I want to go check out that place Delia’s in Turbank. Have you heard of it?” Tessa asked Chloe on their way out of the bar. It was late and they finished up together and headed toward their cars.

  “Is that the place Cali and Antonia went to a few weeks ago and Antonia got that pretty pale blue dress?”

  “Yes!” Tessa exclaimed and Chloe smiled.

  “That was gorgeous and it had all the tiny delicate beading along the bodice.”

  “It was even down the back where the overlay that covered the zipper was. I love finishing touches like that,” Tessa stated.

  “About time you got outta there, girl. We’ve been waiting.”

  Chloe immediately saw the two guys from the bar that had been bothering Tessa all night. She grabbed Tessa’s arm and stepped in front of her.

  “What do you want?” Chloe asked. She looked to the side to see if anyone else was in the parking lot and how far they were from the entrance of the bar. This wasn’t good.

  “We want to talk to her, but damn, we must be lucky to have both of you coming out together.” He reached out and stroked Chloe’s shoulder. She slapped his hand away.

  “Take a hike. We’re not interested,” Chloe said and then Tessa screamed as the other guy grabbed her arm and yanked her against his chest. He kissed her hard on the mouth as Chloe reached for his arm. She heard the click of the gun from the other guy and froze in place.

  “Now you listen here. The two of you are gonna come keep us company tonight. Our truck is right over there,” he said and Chloe knew what she needed to do. Her police and agent training combined were superior but she had to worry about Tessa.

  “I don’t think so. Ne
ither of us are interested, and her boyfriend, he’s a badass,” Chloe said as the guy who kissed Tessa pulled from her mouth and then held her upper arm. Tessa was shaking and crying.

  The guy with the gun licked his lips as he looked over Chloe. “Then I guess you’ll be keeping us company then.”

  He reached out to grab her top and pull her close. She pretended to be scared and when her chest hit his she drew her knee up hard and fast, then thrust her palm up under his chin, sending his head back. She kicked the gun from his hand and as his buddy released Tessa Chloe countered his strike to her upper arm and went to town on him.

  “Get help, Tessa,” she screamed. When the other guy slowly started getting up and came at her she fought them off. The second guy fell next to the gun and she got it away from him and then drew the gun on them.

  “Freeze, assholes, or meet your maker,” she told them.

  The one guy chuckled and started heading toward her. “You ain’t gonna shoot shit. Probably don’t know how to.”

  She shot the gun close by his foot, and he screamed out.

  “Now get on the ground. Palms flat, legs spread.”

  She heard the commotion and Aqua and the guys including Zeke who was still there with Jack, and other police officers from town, hurried over. Jack was calling it in and she lowered the gun and then emptied the bullets and took the final one out of the barrel of the gun then handed it all to Zeke.

  “What the hell happened?” Zeke asked and Tessa began to explain as a small crowd gathered around.

  “It was no big deal. We’re safe and that’s what matters,” Chloe said and felt the ache in her arm. She knew it would leave a bruise, but at least Tessa was safe.

  As the police arrived, Damon showed up with Leif and Coastal. It was a total mess and there were a lot of questions to be asked. Chloe downplayed the entire thing and hoped that Tessa didn’t explain in great detail about Chloe’s moves. Tessa pressed charges and Chloe immediately noticed Coastal touching her chin and looking at her swollen lips. She was still shaking.