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

  “What?” Marco, Millie, Reno, and Rex all asked at the same time.

  “Yeah, some shithead tried pulling some crap on her and in a flash she had him face-first on the table in an arm bar. It was impressive,” Brock told them.

  “Why was she speaking with you, honey?” Marco asked Millie. Smith felt his chest tighten at the way Millie lowered her eyes and then licked her lips.

  “Millie?” Marco repeated.

  “I think she’s in trouble. I won’t say more but I hope she comes back. I tried so hard to make her feel safe. She saw the surveillance cameras, even the ones we thought were so well hidden.”

  “Well, I’m sure you did your best to help her. Maybe she’ll ponder over it some more and then return,” Marco said.

  Smith felt his gut clench. He had a terrible feeling in the pit of it. If she were in some kind of trouble and considering getting help from Second Chances, he hoped he just didn’t scare her off entirely.

  Fuck. This is why I suck at being a civilian. Soldiers don’t give a fuck who they rub the wrong way. They just worry about surviving.

  Chapter 3

  Arabella was trying to concentrate on work, but before she’d left the trailer, the people behind them were having another party. She didn’t like the riffraff hanging around, and the past two nights there were some guys hanging out who saw her come home late. She was on guard, ready for whatever shit they might start, but she worried about Cora, her mom, and the babies. Now, as the evening rolled on and got pretty damn busy, she caught sight of the two men who were here last week. The ones from Pearl.

  Damn, the two of them were so big and sexy. She had to do all she could not to talk to the one guy who called her “legs.” He had such a lost, dark look to his eyes. He also made wearing a pair of blue jeans look sexy as damn hell. But his eyes were what snagged her complete attention. It made her think for a moment that he could feel lost like her. She of course shook her head and denied feeling any attraction. What the hell was the sense when she could never entertain it? She even thought about him at night in bed along with the other guy who had stared at her from afar with questions and an interrogation-type of expression on his face. She instantly was intimidated. Men like that she couldn’t defend herself against physically. She chose her battles wisely.

  There was intensity about the two men. Add in the tattoos on their arms and the defined muscles she noticed while they wore their sleeves rolled up. This entire state seemed to be filled with gorgeous men and women. But Pearl, hell, that was a fantasy town. From the moment she entered the town, greeted by brick and stone pillars, that gorgeous bold welcoming sign, and the abundance of flowers and greenery, she felt different. There was an instant charm, a feeling of safety and love, and it scared her.

  Then of course there were the abundant number of military and police both on patrol as well as wearing civilian clothing. She heard that there were new housing developments going in, and a program offering newly retired military families starter homes or ranches. That town sure seemed special. It was like some fantasy town in a novel. People were friendly, the town safe, and it offered so much. She wondered what the town center looked like and what stores were in there. But then again, it would only make her wish she had more money, a real life, and an ability to shop in any store instead of yard sales and Goodwill.

  Her thoughts focused back on the men again. They were gorgeous, sexy, intimidating, and she feared them despite the attraction in her belly from two specific men she had crossed paths with.

  She shook her head. Why did she always think that all men hit, abused, and neglected women? She dated a little years ago before the shit hit the fan with her sister and Anthony. She was contemplating giving up her virginity to the next best guy who came along. But it never happened. Three years later around all these sexy men, she was seriously considering a one-night stand. She should just get it over with. Maybe it would relieve some stress? Plus, no-strings-attached sex might be her only option with a scar like the one she had on her groin. Men would be turned off by that. She felt her heart sink. She felt like used goods, yet she hadn’t even had sex. She felt unimportant except as a working machine to give Liam and Julia a chance at a better, safer life.

  She gulped as her next thought was the information revealed about Pearl and a few towns past it. Ménage relationships. Completely acceptable, absolutely not taboo, and as she looked at the two men, their asses toward her and wide, muscular shoulders, she felt her nipples tighten.

  Holy fuck. Why now? Why when I don’t know my ass from my elbow and what to do about Cora, Mom, and the kids. I liked that shelter. I liked Millie. But no cameras were going to keep trouble from coming after us. No fucking way.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Irene asked, and she immediately nodded.

  “Sorry, I zoned out there a moment. All good now.” She adjusted the short apron around her waist. Her boobs were pouring from the tank top but the tips were piling high.

  “Those two are gorgeous, but very scary.” Irene told her about the two men from Pearl.

  “What do you mean scary?”

  “Well, did you look into their eyes? When you go over there to serve them drinks, check out their eyes. Those are the eyes of killers. Damn fucking sexy. Makes me want to jump their bones and let them infiltrate this body. I would be putty in their hands, they’re so fucking hot. God, listen to me. I sound so lustful.” Irene licked her lips.

  Arabella was completely on edge.

  Killers? Of course because they were soldiers or are soldiers. God, why can’t I get away from men like that?

  She had a job to do so she took a deep breath and headed over toward them. She tapped the one big guy on the shoulder. Pen and pad in hand, he turned around and smiled.

  “Would you like to place an order or are you staying by the bar?” she asked all business like. Yes, keep it all business, and don’t converse with them.

  “Hey, legs,” the other one said and looked her over. She felt so self-conscious about this damn uniform. She wished she could tell them that she didn’t like it at all but needed the money from the tips. But she didn’t. She just looked him over. Dark hair, dark eyes, and he looked ready to kill. Yikes.

  “Can I get you something or are you sitting at the bar?” she asked him this time. The other one licked his lip and then the second one looked her over in a way that made her nipples instantly harden.

  “We’ll order from you. What’s the name, sweetheart?” he asked.

  “Bella. What would you like?”

  They both ordered Buds and then watched her walk away.

  Okay, that wasn’t too bad. I survived the first round. Hopefully they aren’t planning on closing down the joint.

  When she came back the second time, both men gave her their full attention.

  “I’m Brock and this is Smith,” the one with the dark hair, tattoos along his arms, and muscles galore said. He looked like he could kill someone with his bare hands they were so big. Her belly quivered.

  “You’ve been working here long, Bella?” Smith, the one who kept referring to her as legs, asked.

  “Not too long. Can I get you two another round?”

  “Sure, and can we take up that table right there? You’ll still be our server?” Brock asked.

  “Sure, go ahead,” she told them and then headed to the bar. By the time she came back over, they were ready for the other beers.

  “Where you from?” Brock asked her.

  She shot him a look. “Listen, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m really not into sharing personal information with strange men. Just call me over if you need another round.”

  “Hey, we’re just being friendly,” Brock said.

  “Be friendly with some other woman.” Just then she heard someone yell out their names, and she turned to see another group of men. Four others including two deputies she saw in town last week. They were joining Brock and Smith.

  Each of the men looked her over, smiling. Two of the men wa
lked over to the bar and shook hands with some other people over there.

  “Bella, meet Reno and Rex,” Brock introduced the men and she turned toward them. Rex held out his hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Bella.” She hesitated a moment before shaking his hand. Rex had short brown hair, green eyes, and was very tan. He held her gaze and it was intense to say the least. Through her peripheral vision, she noticed Reno, the one with blond hair and blue eyes look her over. He was standing pretty close to her. She remembered him from Pearl by the shelter with the other deputy. She could smell their cologne and felt the manliness so close to her. It was appealing. Their hands touched, and damn it, she felt the attraction immediately. What were the chances? She quickly pulled away and asked what they were drinking.

  “Buds all around. I’ll be right back,” she said and hurried away.

  As the bartender got the drinks ready, she watched the four men. She couldn’t help but to admire their muscles, their tight jeans, their military-style haircuts, and of course how big and intimidating they appeared. What woman wouldn’t be attracted to such types? She was glad she hadn’t totally lost her desire for the male species. She started to feel like Irene as her mind drifted into some pretty wild thoughts about the sexy men. Hard muscles, naked bodies, and the fact that she was attracted to four men at the same time. She must be losing it. Reality didn’t allow such relationships for people like her. Men couldn’t be trusted, and especially not soldiers and cops. One day maybe she could let go even if just for a little while and feel what it was like to be held by such a big, strong man. She would get lost in arms like his. Like theirs.

  She swallowed hard. Never gonna happen.

  She trudged on, continuing to work, and tried to limit her conversations with the four men. But each time she went over there they drew her into their conversation and had her chuckling in no time. They were actually charismatic and outgoing. Well, at least Reno and Rex were. Brock and Smith clammed up and just seemed to watch her. She got the impression that Brock was some kind of leader or boss to the other men. He gave off vibes of superiority and power. Then she heard Reno refer to him as “lieutenant.” Maybe they served together and Brock had been their leader?

  That thought made her imagine them in uniform and all the possibilities of crazy missions they took. That was sexy, but she knew the other side to men like this. So easily the aggression, the power could be used against women. She had to stay focused and keep her distance.

  She felt like she was under some sort of microscope by the way they watched her so intently and with serious expressions. A few times Smith or Rex touched her side or her hand but briefly, not in an aggressive manner. That stirred up some serious vibes in her. She was definitely not so blind to the attraction she felt toward these men. She just knew she could never let her guard down to entertain that attraction.

  Finally they headed out, waving good-bye and telling her they would be back again soon. Initially their words brought on a surge of fear. They would ask more questions. They might try to flirt more. Then came the feelings of desire and need. She felt like crying. God, how amazing it would be to get lost in one of their embraces. She instantly thought about what she’d learned about Pearl, and about Keanter and Turbank, one town before Pearl. Ménage relationships ran rampant.

  Women snagged two or more men at a time.

  God, she actually felt her virgin pussy spasm from the thought. She was just horny, lonely, and sick of struggling, fighting to survive and help her family live. With those men around it actually made her feel a little less on guard. Like they were watching her back. Like they were here because they cared. She swallowed that need to feel loved herself. It wasn’t going to happen. Not any time soon enough and maybe not even in this lifetime. She closed her heart off. It was easier, safer this way.

  She thought about the dangers by the trailer. The loud parties, the men who were gathered there night after night and how poorly lit it was. She needed to keep on her toes. A few guys had heard her and saw her come in late a couple of times. They whistled at her. Asked her if she wanted to have some drinks. She swallowed hard.

  Arabella needed to be on guard. Always on guard, always watching, evaluating her surroundings, and protecting her family. The kids couldn’t even go walking outside. Hell, they didn’t even have a working stroller, nor was Cora or her mother confident enough to let the kids outside to play. Their fears ruled their lives. Arabella was the only one to take some time to bring Julia and Liam outside of the trailer to play a little bit. Cora sat on the steps to the trailer and wouldn’t even join in to play and walk with the kids. Those poor kids needed to socialize with other children but that would lead to Cora and them socializing, too. People asked questions and hiding the truth was difficult.

  “Hey, honey, are you okay?” Irene asked her, placing her hand on Arabella’s shoulder. Arabella immediately tensed up and stepped to the side. She saw Irene’s eyes widen and quickly Arabella acted like she needed to hurry up and get a drink order in.

  “I’m good. Just nearly fell asleep standing. Is it quitting time yet?” She looked around at the nearly cleared-out bar.

  “Almost. Why don’t you call it a night? I’ll close up with the guys.”

  “I’m good,” Arabella said, trying to act tough, but truth was, she was exhausted and she hadn’t eaten anything. Irene looked over Arabella’s shoulder and nibbled her lower lip. Arabella glanced that way and saw Rocky watching her.

  Great, now all she needed was to piss her boss off.

  “Bella,” he called out.

  She turned to look at her boss and he waved her over. She glanced at Irene. Irene raised her eyebrows up at her. “His bark is bigger than his bite. Just remember that, and also, you’ve worked your ass off every night. He can’t have a complaint.” Irene winked and walked away while Arabella turned and headed toward her boss.

  He motioned for her to go into his office. Her stomach churned. If her boss turned out to be some pervert, she was really going to lose it. Not tonight. Tonight she was feeling vulnerable and exhausted. Her stomach growled and ached. One meal a day, if that, just wasn’t cutting it.

  She walked into his office and there at the table was a tray covered with a silver cover. She inhaled, immediately smelling the food.

  “You’ve been working all night. You haven’t eaten a damn thing. I don’t need my waitresses passing out in my place. The sink is over there for you to wash up and then sit down and eat.” He practically barked the orders at her. But she felt the emotion hit her eyes. She glanced at him. His hands in his pockets, his button-down shirt stretched to capacity over his thick belly.

  “Well, move, shorty.”

  She went to wash her hands. Then she hesitated as she dried them and he stood there watching her. She couldn’t help but think his giving gesture had something attached to it. What did he want from her for this?

  “Bella, I’m not trying to trick you. I see how hard you work. You’re looking thinner and thinner by the day. You need to eat or you won’t be able to work and support your family.”

  Her eyes widened. How did he know about her family?

  He raised a hand up. “Listen. I know a lot of people. I also try my hardest to watch out for my girls. Well, at least the good ones. You’re a hard worker and the guys all like you, for many reasons. Eat up and then punch out. I can give you that double shift on Saturday if you’re still interested.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you so much.”

  He raised his eyebrow at her and then smirked. “Sir, huh? I like the sound of that. Eat up, doll.”

  He walked out of the room and Arabella felt her heart soar with appreciation for the man. This was a side of Rocky many people probably didn’t even know existed. She uncovered the dish and her heart pounded inside of her chest as her belly ached with hunger.

  A porterhouse steak, creamy mashed potatoes, asparagus, bread, butter? Oh God, Rocky. Thank you so much. I haven’t eaten a steak in years.

  I
t was cooked to perfection. It reminded her of the time she worked in an upscale restaurant in Chicago. God, those were the days. She was a lot healthier looking then. She ate three meals a day. She worked out at the dojo she helped train at, and she had friends, a life, happiness. Now, just being able to eat brought her a little peace of mind for the time being. She cut into the steak and looked at the pink color and the juices flowing as the aroma of spices hit her nostrils. She closed her eyes and took the first bite. Tears hit her eyes again.

  Heaven. God, I wish I could feed my family this.

  She saw the fresh-baked dinner rolls in the basket to the side and she wrapped them into a napkin then stuffed them into her apron along with the fresh baked cookies that were dessert.

  Thank you, Rocky. Thank you.

  * * * *

  “What did you think?” Smith asked Rex and Reno as he, Brock, and the others headed out to their trucks.

  “She’s gorgeous, sweet, and definitely on guard. But Reno here finally had her chuckling.” Rex gave his buddy a shove into his shoulder.

  Reno chuckled. “I got the touch. The rest of you were staring at her body and trying to read her mind.” Reno took out his keys.

  “Well, how could we not stare at her body? She’s voluptuous. I really hate that fucking uniform,” Brock said, and they all mumbled agreement.

  “At least she stopped looking at Rex and I as if we would arrest her. I didn’t like the feeling I had. Like maybe she is in some kind of trouble, or had been at one time,” Reno said.

  “Like with the law? You think she’s running from the police?” Smith asked, sounding all concerned. Brock never saw Smith like this. Hell, nothing had brought his team together like this since a mission in the military.

  “She’s running from something. It’s been nearly a week since she was in Pearl. This Saturday will make it a week exactly,” Reno added.

  “She looks thinner than last week. Did you guys notice?” Smith asked and then turned back toward the bar. It was beginning to clear out.