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

  “Why is that?” Wyatt asked.

  “So we can see if there’s anything we can do to help her. What happened? Who is she running from? Who assaulted her?” Rex asked.

  “Slow down, Rex. Let me get this straight first. Are you two telling me that Smith, Brock, and both of you want to take responsibility for watching over Bella and her family?”

  “Her family? She has kids?” Reno asked.

  “Her sister does. It seems that Bella has been taking care of her sister, two young kids, and their mother. Millie thinks that they’ve been on the run from someone.”

  “The same guy who assaulted her in Keanter?” Reno asked, gripping the arms of the chair.

  Wyatt shook his head. “Two assholes who apparently were hitting on her night after night decided they didn’t want to take no for an answer last night. They attacked her.”

  “Assholes. Are they locked up?”

  “Kyle took care of it, but Bella did a number on them. Unfortunately they set the trailer her and her family were renting on fire. They lost everything except for the money in Bella’s pocket from working the double shift at Rocky’s and the clothes on their backs.”

  “We heard she was assaulted,” Rex said softly.

  “She was hit by one of the guys who attacked her. Kyle said she got them back good. Both have broken noses, busted up lips, and one has a sprained wrist. I was going to head over there in a little while to talk with Bella and see if I can earn her trust.”

  “Why don’t you let us do that?” Reno said and stood up. Rex followed.

  Wyatt stood up, too, and looked them over.

  “She’s been through hell. We know nothing about what they’re running from. Are you really staking a claim to her this early without knowing her story, or are you looking to land a sexy little thing with a body that blows whistles for a roll in the hay?”

  “You know us better than that, Wyatt. I don’t think we need to ask Smith and Brock first. Our team wants to help her. You call it staking a claim. We call it taking the responsibility of looking out for her and her family. She’s officially under our protection if you give the okay. We’re going to protect her and the family, and find out what she’s running from. That’s how it’s done here in Pearl, isn’t it?”

  “And before some other men come along and ask you first,” Rex said and smirked.

  “I hope you know what you’re doing. I won’t stand by and let any of you hurt her. Are you sure Smith is into this? He’s been the lone shark of you four and was talking about leaving a couple of weeks back. Brock, well, he’s just downright ornery and bossy all the time. Some of the locals find him hard to handle.”

  “Not since they met Bella which was before all this happened. There’s something here, Wyatt. We’re ready to make the commitment to her and her family as guardians,” Reno said.

  Wyatt studied them for a few moments and then nodded his head.

  “Take the report from Kyle with you. It’s not necessary for Bella to press charges. She apparently refused to give any contact information anyway. Kyle knew her from Rocky’s.”

  Rex reached out and took the paper.

  “She still going to be working there?” Reno asked.

  “I guess that’s something you’ll find out as her appointed guardians. Just don’t be surprised if she resists your appointment to her. Millie says she hasn’t spoken a word about what happened. But her sister and mom have. She’s been taking care of all of them for more than three years.”

  “On the run for three years?” Reno asked, squinting his eyes. Wyatt nodded.

  “Shit. That doesn’t sound too good at all,” Rex added.

  “We’ll go now. Marco, Kenny, Gray, and Carson are on patrol and can cover for us,” Reno told him.

  “Good. Keep me updated.”

  * * * *

  Arabella was holding Liam, rocking him to sleep on the back porch of the small house they now stayed in. A toddler now, getting bigger every day, he always seemed to cling to her whenever Arabella was around. He loved taking naps on her lap and she loved being able to provide the comfort and security she felt knowing he was safe in her arms. Liam and Julia were getting bigger, and she prayed that they had bright, safe futures ahead of them.

  It was a beautiful place, clean, new, and everyone was very friendly. Cora was over by the small children’s park with Julia, Mom, and Millie.

  Millie seemed really nice and definitely sincere in all that she offered. Arabella had nearly cried when Stacy, Anna, and a woman named Abigail showed up with clothing, food, and even a stroller and some toys for the kids. They’d gotten clothing for Arabella, Cora, and their mom, too. Right now Arabella was wearing a light sundress in a pretty pale yellow color. She was barefoot and rocking the baby when she saw two large men walking down the main pathway. Sage was with them, waving and smiling, and as they got closer Arabella recognized the two men. Reno and Rex. Two deputies from town and friends of Smith and Brock.

  She swallowed hard but continued to hold on to the baby.

  “Hi, Bella, how is everything going?” she asked.

  “Fine. Thank you,” Arabella said but eyed the two men who were looking at her and half smiling until she fully turned toward them.

  “Jesus, Bella, did you have Doc look at that cheek?” Reno asked. He was the one with the blond hair and blue eyes. He towered over her and so did Rex. He had brown hair and very nice green eyes. Both were filled with muscles.

  Liam stirred in her arms and she said “shh” before walking into the cottage. She stopped by the door when they seemed like they would follow. “Stay here. Please,” she said, and they seemed to get the message. She laid Liam down in the pack and play, and then closed the door slightly. She could hear him from the open bedroom window. She wiped her hands on her dress and came back outside.

  “There’s enough room for everyone here in the cottage? Anything else you need just let me know okay?” Sage offered, and Arabella nodded.

  “You know Reno and Rex?” Sage asked.

  “Sort of. What can I do for you?” she asked.

  Reno stepped forward, reached out, and gently took her chin in his hand. He turned her face and winced. “Have you been icing that, honey?” he asked her. She lowered her head and turned from him taking a few steps back.

  “I’m fine. What do you want?” she asked. She knew her tone was abrupt, but she didn’t trust easily and definitely not military men, never mind police. She walked closer to the door as if ready to run inside and lock herself in with Liam. The men took notice and so did Sage.

  “It’s okay. They’re not here to hurt you, Bella. They’re here to help. You see, the sheriff always assigns an officer to a family when they come here.”

  “I didn’t know that. No one said anything about that to me.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. She noticed Rex’s eyes scan over her chest, and she dropped her arms when she realized she was showing a lot of cleavage. The thing that bothered her most right now was the fact she felt aroused by his glance, not alarmed. She pushed that aside. She wasn’t talking to anyone. She even swore her sister and mother to keep their mouths closed about their pasts and why they were on the run.

  “I don’t need to be assigned anyone. Millie said that this place helps women and families get back on their feet again. We lost our place in a fire. I still have my job at Rocky’s. I just needed clothes, food, and shelter for the kids, my sister, and mom. We won’t be staying long,” she said.

  “No one is rushing you out of here, Bella. Julia is having a lot of fun making friends and playing in the park,” Sage told her.

  Bella looked that way. She could see Julia playing with the other children. Cora and her mom sat on the bench with another woman talking. It seemed so normal and the way it was supposed to be.

  “We’re assigned to you and your family, Bella. We just want to talk, get to know you, and see what more we can do to help,” Rex said.

  She turned to look at him. The man was big, t
all, and muscular, and he held an expression of intensity and authority that law enforcement officers sure did have. She was trying to be polite. They really did seem like they wanted to help.

  “If there’s something you feel uncomfortable about just tell them, Bella, and they will stop asking. Really, they’re here to help you, too.”

  Bella sat down in the chair and looked away from them. “I don’t think there’s any more help I need.”

  Reno walked closer and sat down right next to her. In uniform the man was to die for. His blue eyes held hers. The material from his uniform pants stretched against his solid, muscular thighs. His knee touched hers and sent a wave of heat from her kneecap to her thigh and then straight to her pussy. She was shocked as she moved a little to the side.

  “Rex and I have some questions. We want you to feel comfortable with us, and know that we’re a phone call away. We’re going to check in on you and your family a few times a week, maybe more so that they feel comfortable with us, too.”

  She locked gazes with his blue eyes and let his calm voice wash over her skin.

  He represented so much she feared. Hell, he was the epitome of any woman’s fantasy man, but for her, he, Reno and their friends represented something she associated with violence and abuse. Military soldiers. They just couldn’t be trusted. They were too resourceful, too strong, and better trained than her if it came down to a physical confrontation. By the looks of the size of these two men, she wouldn’t stand a chance. She shook her head.

  “I don’t feel comfortable. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude or to insult you. I understand the rules. I’ll leave if need be. But my family can stay and get the help they need.” She went to stand up but Reno placed his hand on her knee. She gasped and locked gazes with him.

  “Don’t leave. Don’t be afraid. We have plenty of time to get to know you and for you to get to know us.” He stood up.

  “I think we’ll head out now. Maybe tomorrow we’ll get a chance to meet the rest of your family, Bella,” Reno said. Rex just stared at her. He seemed annoyed or as if he really didn’t want to leave. Heck, she was feeling the same way now that Reno wasn’t so close to her. He smelled incredible. His cologne was masculine and sexy just like him and Rex.

  “We’ll talk maybe later, Bella?” Sage suggested.

  “I have work tonight. Tomorrow I’ll be bringing my mom into town to see Doc again for a full physical.”

  “We’ll see you then,” Rex said and tipped his Stetson toward her. Both men walked away, saying good-bye to Sage. Sage stood there and waited.

  “They’re good men, Bella. I know that you’re scared and trust doesn’t come so easy. I get it, believe me, I’ve been where you are.”

  “Listen, Sage, I appreciate the advice. This place, Millie, you, Anna, and Stacy have been a miracle we needed when I didn’t know where else to turn.” Bella looked away, feeling the tears reach her eyes. She had heard from the other women that Lena lived on the streets for years in Detroit and she had some gang banger going after her. But she met Kenny, one of the deputies, Blake, Quinn, and even their brother Bryant who was a Marine, and they fell in love with her and saved her. Quinn even went back to Detroit to save Sage.

  She’d found love with four men. Something like that could never happen for Bella. Not with all the burdens on her shoulders or Kever and Anthony out there looking for them.

  “It doesn’t end here, Bella. We can help you get back on your feet again. Help your sister, the kids, and your mom. You’ll be able to have a normal life again. All you need to do is accept our help. Accept Rex and Reno’s help. They’re retired Special Forces. They know what they’re doing.

  Bella widened her eyes and gripped the chair tight. She shook her head side to side. “Don’t let them come back here. Don’t let them ask us questions.”

  “Bella, it’s okay. They’re the good guys.”

  Bella shook her head and stood up. “I don’t want them here. Never again. I don’t trust them. Soldiers cannot be trusted.” She walked into the cottage and closed the door.

  * * * *

  “So it sounds like she freaked out about us being Special Forces. I wonder why?” Reno asked as he stood in Wyatt’s office. Lena was just on the phone with Kenny.

  “Lena said she really looked scared. She thinks that the person or people they’re running from are military men. Most likely Special Forces because that’s what set her off,” Kenny told them.

  “Shit,” Rex said and turned to Wyatt. “What do we do?”

  “Well, we have to give them time to adjust. We have a lot of security around the shelter, plus the patrols. You two make it a habit of visiting her and her family often, both in uniform and out. Don’t push for answers. Kenny can get Lena to do that on his end and I’ll talk with Millie and Anna.”

  “Okay. We’ll also let Brock and Smith know. If she’s that scared of the title of Special Forces itself, she won’t take a liking to Brock and Smith’s demanding, hard attitudes,” Rex said.

  “She sure won’t,” Wyatt replied and then chuckled.

  “This ought to be interesting.” Kenny laughed, too, but Reno and Rex were concerned. If some soldier hurt her and her family, then he and his team would ensure their safety with or without her consent.

  Chapter 7

  “I don’t think we should be here,” Smith told Brock as they sat down at one of the high tables in Rocky’s that Bella usually was the waitress for.

  “I think it’s a great idea. If what Reno and Rex said is true and she fears soldiers, Special Forces specifically, then she needs to get used to us. We have to make her see that we can be friends.”

  “Hell, Brock. I think maybe we need to back off,” he said. Then Bella approached and he saw her cheek. His mouth dropped and she looked annoyed.

  “What can I get you?” she asked, avoiding their stares.

  “Bella?” Brock said. She slowly looked at him. He reached out and held her chin then turned her face so he could see the bruising. “That’s a hell of a shot you took. But I heard through the grapevine the two guys look a lot worse off.”

  She went to step back but he stepped down off the stool, and looked a little closer at her bruise.

  “Did you let Doc check this out?”

  “Yeah, honey,” Smith added. “I can see the swelling and bruising. It looks pretty bad.”

  She glanced at him and reached up to push Brock’s wrist down, but when she touched his wrist, she jerked back and they both just stared at one another. Brock gently caressed her chin.

  “I think you should see Doc, or at minimum ice it a lot.”

  “I have been icing it, Brock. It’s only been like four days since it happened. I’ll be fine. Now what can I get you to drink?”

  Brock sat back down and Smith watched her carefully. She looked thinner, tired.

  “Two Buds and a couple orders of wings if you don’t mind,” Brock said.

  “Sounds good. I’ll be back shortly with your beers and I’ll place the order for the wings.”

  She walked away and Brock released a long sigh. His hands were in fists, the white of his knuckles showing.

  “That just fucking pisses me off to no end. She’s too beautiful to have a fucking bruise like that on her face. Fucking assholes,” he said.

  “What happened to being cool and calm and making her feel comfortable?” Smith asked him.

  “I was cool and calm. Taking every opportunity to touch her will let her get used to us. I don’t pussyfoot around anyone, Smith, and neither do you. She’ll learn that quickly. She’s street smart, and she’ll follow her gut and learn we are the good guys.”

  * * * *

  “Oh my God, how do you know them?” Irene asked Arabella about Smith and Brock.

  “I don’t really know them. They’ve been in here before.”

  “Not before you started working here. They like you. Where are the other two hotties who’re usually with them?” Irene asked as she looked around and typed an or
der into the computer.

  “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

  “Yeah right. Honey, those two are the sexiest men I think I’ve ever laid eyes on. I mean look at their muscles, those sexy, serious eyes. Damn, if a man looked at me like that, I would be in heaven. But throw in two or more and I wouldn’t be here serving drinks. I’d be in their bed serving them.”

  Arabella smirked and shook her head as she looked at Smith and Brock. Every time a woman passed by them to flirt the two men turned their heads and blatantly ignored them, or eyed them over as if they wouldn’t give them the time of day. It made her think about her life a few years back. She had been considering having sex. She’d wanted to and looking at Brock and Smith, even thinking about Rex and Reno the past few days, she knew if she met them before all this, in a different life maybe, that she would jump on that opportunity.

  But she didn’t have that freedom. She knew better than to trust a soldier, never mind four as big, intimidating, and capable as those guys.

  “Orders up,” Clarence said. She walked into the kitchen, grabbed the platters of wings that smelled incredible, and headed toward their table. She was hungry, but every time she thought of eating food she had a burning sensation in her stomach. She approached the table, feeling her own heart race at how large and attractive these two men were. They were already finished with their second round of beers.

  “Here you go, guys. These smell incredible.” She placed the large platters down onto the table. “Can I get you another round of beers?”

  “Sure, honey. Maybe you can take a little break and join us for some wings?” Brock asked her.

  “Sorry, as tempting as that sounds, I need to keep moving.”

  Just then some guy from a table over was standing behind her. He came from the men’s room and pressed up against her back. His hand went to her hip and then she felt his warm breath against her ear.

  “Honey, when you have a minute, grab us another round.” He gave her ass a light tap and headed to his table. He looked over his shoulder at her and gave her a wink. The guy was tall and rough looking. She swallowed hard and turned to walk away when Brock stopped her by holding her wrist. His huge, warm hand wrapped around her wrist gently and he leaned toward her.