“Okay. I’ll call her.”
Melissa and Willie walked through the back room. Diane hung the last dress on the rack and then began to try and break down the box.
Mark walked closer to assist her, and when his arm brushed against her side, she nearly jumped out of the way. The attraction to the man was instant.
“I asked you a few questions, Diane. I’d like to know more about this trip you’re taking alone.” He was so close she could smell his cologne, and the manly appealing scent that was all Mark. He was six feet three, muscular like a football running back, with dark black crew cut hair, and bold brown eyes.
She turned to look up toward him, and even though she was five feet seven, she still had to look way up to lock gazes with him. She could tell by the way he stood there, he wasn’t happy.
“It’s not a big deal, Mark. I’ll be gone for five days. I’m staying at the Dallas Sheraton hotel in the city. I’ll be with Elvira Monte from Keanter. We’re helping with a fashion show, and then I’ll be heading back here by Sunday afternoon.”
She lifted the box and moved it to the side out of the way. Diane walked closer to the counter, when Mark touched her hand to stop her. She immediately pulled away and stared at him in shock. Oh God, he’s so sexy. I can’t stand it. I need to get away from him.
“You’re a beautiful young woman. You need to take precautions, especially when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings.” He stared down at her intensely. She swallowed hard. Was he being a disciplinarian to her again?
“Listen, I appreciate your neighborly concern and all, but I’ll be fine, and I’ll keep aware of my surroundings.”
She quickly placed some distance between them by moving around the counter toward the box of new designer jewelry that Millie had made. The shop couldn’t keep these items on the shelf either.
* * * *
Mark felt his heart racing. Just being this close to Diane made him feel this way. Knowing that she was leaving for five days to travel to Dallas on her own just made him feel concerned and jealous. He liked having her here in Pearl. Hell, with everything going on with Brenda missing, the old case being reevaluated, and having to travel out to Wyoming, he was on edge. For some strange reason he felt concerned about Diane’s trip.
“Can I help you find something today?” she asked him, interrupting his thoughts and also trying to change the subject. Diane was good at that.
He needed to play this cool and remain calm. He couldn’t panic thinking about the possibility that she may meet some other guy or guys and that he, Drake, and Lucas would lose their opportunity to let her know how they felt about her. She was so damn quiet, gentle, and sweet, while he and his brothers were hard, recalcitrant, and downright unbearable. Their need to be in charge, controlling everything and everyone around them, even made them mean sometimes. Their personalities alone would scare Diane away. Their ideas, their fantasies about what they’d like to do to her in their bedroom would shock the poor, young woman.
He pretended to look around the store at some of the items. It was the same thing every week. He would ask her what she liked out of three items he chose, and she would tell him and he’d buy it. He had a closet filled with lingerie. Lingerie he envisioned Diane wearing and no one else. Hadn’t she realized that he always picked the same size, her size every time? Hadn’t she noticed the way he watched her, when she described the pieces he chose? Today had to be different. Today he needed to send her off to her trip to Dallas with him and his brothers on her mind.
Just then the cuckoo clock began to chime.
She turned toward it and smiled. She watched and waited for the small bird to come out the front door on the clock and make its sound. He wondered if she even knew that his brothers Drake and Lucas signed the inside of the clock they hand made for her. Inside it said, Ours until the end of time.
“You like that clock, huh?” he asked, absorbing the way her long brown hair was pulled back into some fancy braid.
“Oh God, I love that clock. I love most everything your brothers make. I wish they would consider letting me speak to some people in Croton about their work. I’m certain they could easily set up a storefront there or perhaps sell them on consignment in some of the upscale stores in Turbank, Croton, or even Keanter.”
“They enjoy making them, but they’ve been asked to sell them with some high-end stores even in Dallas and Houston but they refuse. Right now every piece they make has a part of them in it. They just can’t seem to give them up to just anyone. I think they like custom designing them, too. The custom orders that have been coming in are pretty great.”
“That’s fantastic.” She gently touched the clock before she came back around the counter.
“So, we just got these in on Monday, but after I go to Keanter and Dallas this week, I’m sure I’ll have some new items for you to look at, Mark.”
He pulled a pretty little red lace two-piece set from the rack of more risqué items and one in a pale cream color with tiny pearls at the center of the bodice. There was also a little pink bow. He could imagine Diane in both.
“What do you think about these two?” he asked her.
She swallowed hard and walked closer. She looked at them and then looked at him.
“I think they’re both lovely. Are they for the same person?” she asked.
He held her gaze and looked over the cleavage of her breasts. The blouse she wore today looked silky and soft. The bodice underneath it was damn sexy and he’d love to see her in only that.
“It’s for the same person,” he told her as he held her gaze. He saw the flash of something in her eyes. Was she curious, turned on, jealous?
“Well, they are both very nice, and very sexy. I suppose it will depend on your woman’s personality.”
He looked at the two items and then back at her. “Let me see.” He placed the cream-colored two-piece against Diane.
She widened her eyes and looked a bit like a deer caught in headlights. He hid his chuckle. She was so fucking sweet his tooth ached.
“Well, she’s shy, very sexy, yet sophisticated, and shows all her emotions right in her eyes. I can always tell when she’s nervous, worried, or even turned on.” He saw her blue eyes sparkle and her luscious lips part. How badly he’d love to kiss her right now. He pulled down the cream-colored one and laid the red one against her chest. He looked at her sideways.
“She also has a little wild side. She hides it well, but I know it’s there. It just takes some manipulating, and coaxing, but I know I can bring it out in her,” he said, speaking slowly as he imagined caressing her large breasts as she moaned and asked to be spanked again for being naughty.
“Oh,” she said softly, yet it came out almost like a moan. He couldn’t resist. Not with them alone like this and not with his dick so fucking hard he might come in his pants. He reached up and caressed her chin.
“You’re so sexy, and beautiful. I think you would look stunning in both of these. My brothers and I would love to see you in them.”
She closed her eyes, and then opened them, as if his words just registered. His heart was racing, yet he felt so strongly about his emotions, his attraction to Diane.
“What did you say?” she asked. He stepped closer and smoothed his hand along her cheek as he absorbed the deep cleavage of her breasts, the swell of each mound, and the tiny silver heart necklace that fell inches above the deep crevice.
Looking down into her eyes, her chest lifted up and down and he could practically hear her heart racing. He thought of all the suave things he could say, should say right now, but he failed. Her beauty, her innocence, and expression caused him to lose his voice. He lowered closer. Just a soft kiss to get his intentions across.
The back door slam closed and Melissa’s voice came fast and loud. “I’m back.”
Diane stepped away from Mark, and Mark smiled.
“Enjoy lunch with your men, Melissa?” he asked as he brought the two items toward the counter. He was so fucking di
sappointed he wanted to hit something, but he showed no emotion. He wanted Diane so badly it burned inside, and now he was getting ready to leave for a few days, too. He needed to let her know that he and his brothers were interested in getting to know her. It suddenly became necessary to get their intentions across now, not days or a week later.
Diane had already headed up to the register to ring him up. She looked so beautiful with her rosy cheeks. He winked at her.
“You’ll wrap these up for me, doll?” he asked.
“Of course.” Her voice was shaking. She was affected by him. She felt the attraction, it was a positive sign.
“You can head to lunch now, Diane, and I’ll take over.”
“I’m headed over to Francine’s to meet Lucas and Drake. Why don’t you join us?” he asked.
“Oh, no, that’s okay. I think I have to go pack and make some arrangements for while I’m away.”
“Oh, I called Amanda and she can cover for you so there’s no need to call her.”
“Oh, I was going to do that before.”
Melissa smiled as she looked from Mark to her sister. “I see why you forgot. Go ahead and go to lunch. Paul should be by in a little while,” Melissa said as she helped to finish up wrapping the lingerie. Diane accepted the credit card from Mark and then returned the card to him after she ran it through the register. When their fingers touched again, he smiled and winked at her.
Melissa was a huge help as she ushered Diane out the door along with Mark.
“Wait, I need my purse and money,” Diane said, and Melissa tossed her the tiny bag.
“You don’t need money, baby, it’s my treat.” He placed his arm around her waist and guided her out the door and across the street. He kept his hand at the center of her back as they continued to walk through town. This was one of his dreams. To walk with Diane, as a couple down Main Street letting everyone know that she belonged to the Santos brothers.
“I don’t know what you’re up to, Mark, but I suggest if this is some kind of joke that you stop right now. I’m not in the mood. I have a lot on my mind and things to do to get ready for Dallas,” she told him.
“Don’t talk about Dallas right now. Just relax and enjoy lunch. I’m not asking for anything more. Right this second,” he added, and the poor thing looked so flustered. Her cheeks were nearly red, she almost lost her footing on the walkway, but that gave him the opportunity to pull her close. He loved the scent of her perfume, the shampoo she used, and how her long brown hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders. He wanted to undo the braid so he could see the locks flow around her. She was a knockout.
As soon as they made it to Francine’s and opened up the door, he noticed the smiles and of course his two brothers in the back corner of the restaurant, away from the people and the crowds.
Their eyes gave away their emotions, as he pressed his hand against Diane’s back and could feel her hesitate and then tighten up. She was scared of them. He prayed that his brothers didn’t bite her head off.
* * * *
Lucas Santos was hardcore. Out of the service for sixteen months and he still wasn’t used to civilian life. His brother Drake had been out for two years now and he seemed none the better. He hated crowds, he disliked questions, and he always felt on edge. It was part of his PTSS. He especially suffered at night. He needed to talk with Doc again and get his sleep aid medication changed. He didn’t like how it made him feel groggy until almost lunchtime. He could feel how irritable he was even now. There was so much work to get done, and making the clocks with his brother helped to keep his mind clear from the flashbacks.
“When the hell is he going to get here?” Lucas asked as he looked around the restaurant and then outside. He didn’t like hanging out in public and having to talk to people. He did better alone, in the safety of his workshop or even the house on the ranch. This setting made him nervous and extra sensitive.
“He’s probably at the boutique trying to buy something else,” Drake said as he looked at the specials menu.
“I’m getting impatient about seeing her in those things he’s purchased, yet the thought of trying to converse with her and being fearful of saying something stupid is making me feel sick. It really pissed me off to see those guys hovering around her the other day. She’s a beautiful woman. I hope we haven’t lost the opportunity to come clean with her. Plus, she needs looking after. Look what happened the other night with her car. What if Mark wasn’t coming home from one of his jobs and it was someone else?” Lucas said and Drake just mumbled.
Drake was a quiet guy who liked to keep to himself, too, until he met Diane. Lucas on the other hand had a lot of anger and sadness inside of him, and sometimes Lucas wondered if that was why he preferred staying on the ranch and never venturing into town. But then again, since seeing Diane and hanging out with a few of their friends, Drake seemed to come out of that phase, while Lucas had been resistant to coming out for lunch. Lucas was the one who nearly backed out entirely. He wasn’t sure if he was right for Diane. He was hard. He knew that, and wasn’t certain that he could be gentle, never mind provide her with the same love and desire his brothers could.
“Oh shit,” Drake said, and Lucas looked up to where his brother was looking. Sure enough, he felt his own chest tighten and similar words fill his head. Diane and Mark. “How the hell did he get her to go anywhere with him?”
* * * *
Diane was in a complete panic. The entire walk over here to Francine’s she wondered what it would be like to be Mark’s woman. When she thought of him, she immediately thought about Drake and Lucas. But it was hard to focus on her thoughts, never mind walking without losing her balance with Mark’s warm, large hand pressed possessively against her lower back. She felt it clear through to her skin and wished she could feel his hand move lower. The thought made her imagine it against her ass. She was aroused and feeling so damn attracted to him she thought she might start hyperventilating. How the heck was she going to have lunch with him and his brothers?
She tried not to focus on his words, and what he said back at the boutique. Could he really have bought those items for her to wear, and not some other woman? It just didn’t seem possible. It didn’t make sense. She never saw them with other women. Mark was the only Santos to frequent town. He had to between helping Wyatt and Matt with security. He went away often, doing special jobs for the government. At least that was what Sage had told her. Then of course there was that conversation Mark had with Willie about not doing his job protecting her. Could Mark and his brothers simply be trying to act like guardians? Oh God, I feel like such a loser.
As they walked deeper into the restaurant, she stopped short. People waved hello and she waved back trying to focus on them, but her eyes, her body immediately located Drake and Lucas in the restaurant. It was crazy, but she felt their presence.
Drake with his serious demeanor, black crew cut hair, his deep blue eyes that matched Lucas’s, and a body that was perfection. All three men had perfect physiques. She heard they had their own gym at their house on the ranch and they continued to train like active-duty military men. The thought made her heart race faster.
Just as she looked to Lucas, she saw that mean, don’t-fuck-with-me expression he was known for and she gulped. Intimidation was too weak of a word to use to describe Lucas’s expression. Hell, complicated, mean, unapproachable, quiet, scary, all didn’t seem to totally fit either. The man made her stomach quiver.
“There they are, in the corner,” Mark whispered as he placed his hands on her shoulders and walked behind her. She jumped, turning away from Lucas and Drake a moment. Her nipples hardened instantly. She felt as if his touch sent shocks of desire and heat throughout her entire body. Never in her life had she felt anything so strong and so instant, and it frightened her. She felt too much. The thick, long strength of his fingers as they clutched her shoulders and the way the front of his jeans pressed against her ass. She was certain that wasn’t the belt buckle she felt ta
p her spine.
She glanced up toward him and swallowed hard. His expression was firm. He almost looked upset, and when she turned to look up, she locked gazes with Drake. The man looked lethal because of his short-sleeve black shirt, bulging muscles, and the long, deep scar on his arm. He’d hidden the scar his first winter and fall in Pearl but couldn’t in the hot summer months. He also had a slight scar by his eye, but she tried not to stare.
“Diane is joining us for lunch today. I just so happened to be shopping at the boutique, and convinced her to come along.”
“Hello, Diane. It’s nice to see you,” Drake said as he stood up and offered her the seat in the corner. She would be trapped if she sat there. She wanted an escape route if this got too intense or if she felt like she was making a fool of herself.
“Can I sit here? I really can’t stay long but I don’t want to rush you guys,” she added as their expressions changed. Lucas seemed angry but just as quickly as that expression appeared, it disappeared. She quickly sat down.
“Yes, Diane has a busy afternoon and evening ahead of her. She’s leaving for a trip to Keanter and Dallas tomorrow,” Mark stated as he took the seat to the right of her. Now Lucas was on her left and Drake was across from her.
“For how long?” Drake asked in a very low, raspy voice that did a number to her insides. She held his gaze and swallowed hard. The man was gorgeous, scary, sexy, wild. Oh God, help me. What the hell did he just ask?
Drake crossed his arms in front of his wide, thick muscular chest. She could see the chain to his dog tags that were beneath the T-shirt.
“How long are you going for? Why are you going? Who is accompanying you?” Drake asked her. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and looked at Lucas and Mark who seemed to share the same expression of concern right now.
“I’m going with Elvira, a woman we work with in Keanter who supplies storefronts and boutiques like ours with merchandise. She’s part of a nationally broadcasted fashion show they are doing in Dallas and she needs help backstage. I’ll be gone for about five days. Sunday afternoon, I’m returning.”
Diane [The Town of Pearl 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 4