The American Soldier Collection 8: She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  “Agreed. We give him more time. Besides, my money is on us growing old with no woman than finding one who can put up with the three of your bullshit,” Mace told them.

  “Our bullshit?” Seno asked, sounding insulted.

  “Sure. Justice is a fucking control freak who has to be in charge and tell everyone what their purpose and job is. You’re a fucking anal perfectionist who analyzes criminals to profile them for the government so your mind is never able to focus on relaxing and just giving your all to the moment. Hunter has a piss-poor attitude, and he takes out his anger training hand-to-hand combat and conducting computer analysis for hours and hours at a time. I’m the most normal of all of you,” Mace stated.

  “Normal? You call yourself fucking normal?” Seno asked.

  “Your infatuation with everything John Wayne is fucking weird,” Justice teased.

  “Hey, John Wayne was a fucking cool guy. There’s nothing weird about being a collector,” Mace replied in defense.

  “You paid five thousand dollars for one of his autographed pictures,” Seno replied.

  “You also collect those damn swords and knives. Your entire room looks like a vault for weaponry,” Justice added.

  “Hey, I like to collect certain things. I think John Wayne was awesome. I also like knives, and swords mean a lot to me after the years I spent training in sword fighting.”

  Seno and Justice chuckled as Mace went on defending himself while they headed out to work. They always teased one another. It was part of the close bond they all shared. The only difference was that now it seemed Hunter participated less and less and seemed to isolate himself more and more. Justice was at his wit’s end. If he could have one wish granted in life it would be that his brother Hunter could feel whole again, and like a real man instead of an invalid, the way he seemed to really feel deep inside.

  * * * *

  Ellie waited to park her silver 1970 Corvette Stingray in a front spot that opened up in front of Ray Ray’s bar. She eased it into the spot as she noticed a couple of guys checking out the car. It was an eye-catcher and a classic, left to her by her uncle Brian in his will. She loved the car, and Uncle Brian knew that since they shared a lot of Sunday afternoons together riding around. She turned off the ignition and looked at the front of Ray Ray’s. It was an older bar frequented by lots of people in the police department as well as retirees. Her uncle Brian had hung out there often along with Uncle Reggie, whom everyone called Unc.

  Unc wasn’t her real uncle, but had taken on the responsibility of one, or at least the closest thing she had to an uncle besides Brian. They were best friends and had been partners in the police department for years. When Uncle Brian died in the store robbery, Ellie had taken it hard. So hard that she couldn’t even function. It had been the worst thing to happen to her or so she thought until Paul came along.

  Ellie sighed. Paul Lewis was a correctional officer. Fresh out of college and eyes wide open at the prospects a good-paying position could give her, she fell right into Paul’s more mature and experienced personality. He was gorgeous, came from a wealthy family, very tough and demanding. He was also into some things she hadn’t realized until it had nearly been too late.

  She closed her eyes and pushed away the fearful thoughts. That was a year and a half ago. At least now when she saw Paul, she didn’t have a panic attack. What he had done to her ruined any chances of her being with another man. At least she didn’t think she could be intimate with someone any time soon.

  She gathered her purse, and looked in the mirror to check her makeup. She could only stop to visit Unc for a little while. She had plans of going out with her roommates tonight, and she definitely wanted to change out of the business attire.

  After getting out of the car and locking the doors, she headed inside. It was pretty crowded already for happy hour. She clutched her bag tightly against her belly as she saw the multiple eyes turn to look at her. She scanned the room for Unc and immediately saw Ray.

  “Ellie, come on in, doll.” He greeted her with a hug and then kisses to her cheek.

  “Hello, Ray. How are you?”

  “Doing well, how are you? Feeling okay? How is work?” he asked as he led her over toward the back of the room where Unc sat talking to some guy. He didn’t look too happy but then Unc looked up and his face lit up. He was a great man, and a faithful friend to Uncle Brian. Unc had basically taken over Uncle Brian’s role.

  “Hey, Ellie, you made it. I thought you might not,” Unc said as he stood up, dismissing the man who was sitting with him as the man walked away. Unc pulled her into his arms.

  “I told you that I would make it.”

  Unc was tall, about six feet, with dark hair and only a bit of gray showing here and there. He was in his fifties, and in great physical condition, just like her uncle Brian had been.

  “Come and sit down, join me for a while.” He pulled out the chair and she sat down, smiling at him. She felt better having someone whom she thought of as family to sit down with and talk to. Although she had her three roommates, Moira, Donella and Jessie, too, this was different. Unc was like a father figure, and she felt lucky to have him.

  “So, work must be pretty busy. You had to cancel lunch a few times.” He leaned back and took a sip of his soda. Ray brought over a glass of club soda with lemon and winked as he placed it down in front of her before heading back to the bar.

  She stirred the straw and looked at Unc. She didn’t want to worry him about her business meeting tomorrow with Renaldo. Unc had been very protective of her along with Uncle Brian after Paul had assaulted her. She didn’t dare tell him about Paul sending her a text message the other day trying to act as if he were forgiven.

  “Something is bothering you. What’s wrong? Tell me.”

  “It’s nothing. It’s just the same old problem I think I’ll always have.”

  He looked concerned. “Has someone asked you out?”

  She shook her head and his concern softened.

  “Well, what then?”

  “It’s nothing really. I’m just still so paranoid about men, I guess. I’m wondering when I’ll get over these feelings.”

  “You’ll get over them when you meet someone perfect. Someone who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.”

  She snorted in disbelief. “I wonder if there is any such person out there. And if there is, how will I know? I can’t even trust myself, and my reaction to even an innocent conversation with a man. It’s just not fair. Maybe Kate is right, and it’s time to give dating a chance.”

  “You’re still seeing her? I thought the therapy sessions were finished.”

  “They are, but she said I can call her whenever I needed to talk. In fact, I saw her last week while I was jogging down by the park.”

  He took another sip of his soda.

  “I don’t think there’s any reason to rush into dating. If you meet someone and you’re attracted to them, then make the decision to get to know them. But don’t go out tonight with your friends with intentions of finding a guy. That can only lead to disaster.”

  “I’m not Donella. What she did a few weeks ago was stupid. She didn’t know that guy. He said all the right things and made her feel special. She forgot the rules and about taking precautions. Who would have known the guy slipped her some ecstasy?”

  “You knew. You had to get her away from that guy and then call me. She was out of it, and it was pretty damn scary.”

  “Yeah well, I just hope that guy, Leo, doesn’t show up anywhere around these parts again. We couldn’t prove that he put the drug in her drink, but I know Donella, and she was out of it. Some other unsuspecting female could become his next prey.”

  “I doubt it. There was no sign of him anywhere, and the police never located him. But still, you young ladies need to take precautions.”

  “I know, Unc. That was enough to scare all my friends.”

  She looked down at her lap and thought about the text from Paul. It made her fee
l guilty and also worried about not telling anyone about that. Although Paul worked as a corrections officer in a jail an hour out of town, he still frequented the area, and he still had anger issues from what she’d heard.

  “Okay, spit it out. What are you not telling me?”

  She locked gazes with Unc. “It’s not a big deal. I shouldn’t let it bother me.”

  “What is it?” He leaned forward and held her gaze. Unc had that look. A very hard, determined look that seemed to be able to tell if a person were lying or something. It must have to do with his law enforcement background.

  “Well, yesterday, around lunchtime, I received a text message. I really don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but—”

  “From Paul?” he asked, his voice changing to a deeper yet calmer tone. She locked gazes with him and saw the concern.

  “Yes.”

  He released an annoyed sigh.

  “What did the text message say?”

  “‘How are you? I miss you. Hope all is going well.’”

  “You didn’t reply, did you?”

  “Of course not. I ignored the text.”

  “Did he text again?”

  “No.”

  “Good. You let me know if he calls you, or if you see him when you’re out. I don’t trust that guy, for obvious reasons, but I also don’t trust his friends. He had help getting those charges dropped.”

  “I had to drop the charges, Unc. Uncle Brian was killed in the robbery, I was so depressed and felt abandoned and weak.”

  “I was there for you to lean on. You should have shared your concerns with me.”

  “Unc, I’m sorry. It was just easier to let the assault charges stick than to pursue the entire other charge, drag me through a trial, testifying in front of strangers and everything else that would come from that. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to fight that battle. Besides, like the lawyer said, we were dating, proving rape would be almost impossible even with the assault charges, and the recorded injuries I sustained. I couldn’t handle it physically or emotionally. Not when mourning Uncle Brian. Why the hell are we having this conversation again, anyway?” she asked, feeling frustrated.

  “Because Paul contacted you and I know what he did to you that night. He got away with all of it. He even got to keep his job.”

  “Well, family ties with politics helps a lot, now doesn’t it? Us lowly servants to the system need to pay our dues and work our asses off. Ya know, the old-fashioned way.”

  He shook his head and stared at her.

  “Becoming cynical now, too?”

  “You must be rubbing off on me.”

  “I’m not cynical. I just believe that justice should be served. That little asshole will get his one day. He can’t keep out of trouble.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, and I really don’t care either way. Well, I’d better get a move on it. I need to head home, shower, and change and then meet up with the girls.”

  “You be careful. Make sure they lock up before they leave that place of yours. Remember when I stopped by a few weeks ago and Donella’s window was unlocked. With her room in the front of the house by the garage, anyone could break in and take her. None of you would hear a thing.”

  “I know. I got on her for that and so did Moira and Jessie. I guess I’ll see you next week. Hopefully we can do lunch.”

  “I expect that to happen. Family is important, friends come and go.” He stood up and pulled her into a hug.

  “Thanks, Unc. Talk to you soon.”

  She exited the bar waving a good-bye to some of the regulars as well as to Ray. As she got into her car, she pulled out her cell phone to check it before she started driving. When she saw the multiple texts from her friends, she smiled, but then she saw the one from Paul.

  You can’t ignore me. What we had was special. I’ll see you soon.

  The tears filled her eyes, and that feeling of uncertainty and fear gripped her chest. Was he messing with her to scare her on purpose, or did he really think that she would forgive him for assaulting her both physically and sexually?

  Her therapist’s words popped into her head. “He’s only as strong as you allow him to be. You’re different now. You’re a fighter, a survivor.”

  Maybe taking Moira up on her offer to attend those private self-defense clinics should become a priority?

  Chapter 2

  Ellie was locking up and checking all the windows and doors in their house before they left for the night.

  They were dressed pretty sexy, except for Ellie. On their insistence she wore a dress even though she wanted to wear pants. She wore dresses and skirts every day for work. But Moira, Donella, and Jessie were fashion gurus. They knew what the latest styles were down to their Jimmy Choo shoes. Tonight in particular, Donella was sporting a black designer dress that hugged her curves, and she sure did have curves, the trim lining the bottom of the dress where the material bounced against her upper thighs was hot pink. She wore black stilettos that matched with hot pink along the bottoms, and on the strap.

  Moira wore her signature green and black. The color matched her eyes and brought out the natural Irish glow of her skin. Then there was Jessie. A Texan through and through, she wore a pretty tight red dress with sequins along her bust line that accentuated her deep cleavage. Wearing her custom-made, designer red-sequined cowgirl boots with high heels made her shapely calves and thighs look amazing.

  “Damn, Ellie, that dress fits you like a glove. How come you’ve never worn it before?” Jessie asked her as she joined her in the living room.

  “I forgot about it. But Donella was in my closet and just so happened to place it on the bed as a hint.”

  “Well, she did good. You have got the perfect figure, for a petite little thing,” Jessie stated, giving her the once-over with a smile.

  “Plus she has the boobs to hold up that strapless dress. Never mind the muscular legs to wear those Louis Vuitton heels. Those are so sexy with the strands of beads hanging in the back over the high heel. The colors match the sequins along the trim at the top of the dress,” Moira stated.

  “Told you. Now are we ready to go have a great time or what?” Donella asked.

  “Maybe I should take my own car. I mean if you’re planning an all-nighter, I have to meet that client tomorrow afternoon, early evening,” Ellie stated.

  “Nonsense. We’re going there together. Now let’s get moving.”

  * * * *

  Ellie was laughing so hard at the story Sam was telling her and Moira. A Texas Ranger, retired from the military, the man had such an ability to tell a story he should be onstage. He was very attractive, and Moira was definitely interested in him and his three brothers. It just didn’t seem fair for other women that one woman could snag three or even four sexy men at a time. But being in Casper’s where a lot of retired military men hung out, there were ménage relationships all around them. It actually gave Ellie a sense of calmness and safety. Maybe because she figured most of the men were taken, and others that seemed to be single weren’t acting like jerks.

  “You are so funny. Isn’t he, Ellie?” Moira asked her as Moira grabbed on to Sam’s arm and hugged it.

  Sam’s eyes lit up, and anyone with any clue could see the desire in them. Moira just might get her wish after all.

  Ellie took a sip from her drink and looked around the bar. She could see Donella doing some shots with a few guys, and Jessie was talking to another set of people by the juke box.

  As Ellie glanced to the right, she spotted one man limping slightly as he walked toward her direction. She wasn’t certain why, but instantly her senses kicked in. He was tall, at least six foot two, with shoulder-length blond hair that looked untamed and wild just like the expression on his face. He appeared angry, determined, almost mysterious.

  She felt the nudge against her arm, and Moira whispered, “That’s Hunter Lawson. He’s a friend of my brother Caprio. He and his brothers, the three guys coming in behind him, are big shots. They d
on’t usually hang out here. They’re probably here for the party in the back.”

  Ellie immediately turned away as Hunter locked gazes with her and seemed pissed off.

  As she thought about what Moira told her, she thought about Moira’s brother, Caprio. He was a really nice guy, hard around the edges but totally gorgeous. He’d served in the military up until two years ago when he was injured and lost his leg in combat. Her brother had a hard time dealing with his injury but pulled through last year with the help of some of the guys around the town who were also retired military. Ellie had even attended some sports competitions Caprio and other amputees were part of. In fact, there was a running event next week they were going to attend to see if Caprio made it to the sections championship. If he did, he would head to the state championship next.

  “Hey, Justice!” Sam yelled out over Ellie’s shoulder, waving someone over.

  Before Ellie turned, she sensed the large figure behind her. On instinct she moved to the left and bumped into someone.

  “Hey.” The abrupt tone had her standing still and frozen in place.

  To the right was the huge man with shoulder-length blond hair and deep green eyes, and next to him, the one she’d bumped into, was just as fierce looking. He had wavy blond hair, scruff on his face, and very blue eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” She quickly turned back toward Moira. Moira eyed over both men with interest and then smiled.

  “Moira, Ellie, meet some good friends of mine. This is Justice, his brother Hunter, and over there are their other brothers Seno and Mace. They’re on their way over now.”

  Both men looked at her and Moira, and then Justice and Hunter stared at Ellie. She could sense their eyes on her even as she turned to look away. There was a strange sense of awareness. Where she had met other men, even tonight, and shared a few casual glances, none had made her body react or her skin feel their presence. Out of a combination of anxiety, and a bit of fear, she remained looking toward Sam and Moira.