The Battlefield Series 2: Scars Run Deep (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Well, you’re probably worrying for nothing. He isn’t coming to look for you. Wouldn’t he have done that by now?”

  Antonia stared right at Carina. “He’s a planner, Carina. He doesn’t just react. He thinks, strategizes, and looks at everything as a game, where he’s superior.”

  “He sounds a lot like Collin. I think he was the one to manipulate Steven and get him interested in sharing me. Like I told you before, things had been perfect between Steven and me. Collin wasn’t necessary. He was jealous and envious, and he always watched me when Steven wasn’t looking. I believed Steven when he said he would protect me and treasure me. Something changed in Steven a month before that night. He acted differently, and Collin seemed to have control over Steven’s every move. It never sat right, and I was going to confront him when Steven and Colin approached me at that party. That kind of betrayal can’t be forgiven, no matter what.”

  “Will you still consider confiding in the chief? Perhaps there are precautions he can suggest and maybe assist in ensuring Steven and Collin don’t find you.”

  “Have you discussed your fears of Ray coming to get you or exactly what he did to you that night?” Carina asked.

  “Not exactly, but I’m going to.”

  “Well, I’m not ready or trusting enough, especially with cops and soldiers. Steven and Collin are both. Sometimes individuals like that stick together. No thank you. Now enough about me. Tell me about their gift they gave you. When are you planning on going?”

  Antonia smiled. “In just a few days. I’m a little nervous though.”

  “Why? It sounds like a day of relaxation and total pampering.”

  “I…did I mention the waxing they paid for?” Antonia asked.

  Carina widened her eyes and then opened her mouth to say something but then let out a long whistle. “Holy shit.”

  “My thoughts exactly. I’ve had that done before. Ray was always making sure I was in perfect condition at all times. In fact, I would have to get manicures and pedicures once a week, sometimes more if they chipped. One chip and he would flip out. I know the guys wanted me to relax and to have the massage because of my muscles aching with the new workouts. I think the trimming thing was them flirting with me and the fact that I would be their woman. It feels different to even think about the spa.”

  Carina smiled. “Then that’s a good thing. You want to be smooth and accessible if you’re going to let them share you. Doesn’t that freak you out?” Carina asked. The thought of more than one man even close to her set her off, never mind two kissing her or touching her. She hid her discomfort from Antonia.

  “Yes and no. When I was with them last night, it felt incredible. I got to the point where I wouldn’t have cared what they did to me just as long as I could feel what they made me feel. I thought I knew what an orgasm was. Let me tell you. I didn’t until them.”

  “Holy crap. This is serious.”

  Antonia smiled. “I hope so because there’s no turning back now.”

  “No there certainly isn’t, but if they make you happy and you feel safe and cared for, then who’s to say it won’t last forever?”

  Antonia smiled. “So, what about you? What happened at my birthday party with you and the Cortland brothers? I saw Nevin speaking with you and Jesse, too. Then Ledger’s brother Kye came over and looked like he was flirting.”

  “No, definitely not flirting. Kye, Ledger and his brothers are interested in Amber. Kye had helped me with installing a new alternator belt in my car. I had used the last spare one and forgot to replace it. Luckily he had something to fix it temporarily until we got to Larry’s shop. We were talking about that.”

  “Well, I think Milton and his brothers were jealous. Milton had his eyes on you and seemed angry the entire time Kye and you were talking. After that, you were hanging out with Tobias and Wallace.”

  “I don’t know why they would be jealous. I hardly even talk to them. Even at the gym I mostly ask Damon for help.”

  “I think they like you and want to get to know you.”

  Carina stood up. “And you and I have been over this before. It isn’t going to happen. It’s going to take a long time to get over these fears I have, and just thinking about a guy flirting, or being close, puts me on edge.”

  “I understand. When you’re ready, you’ll know it. So what do you say to running back?”

  “I have a mile and a half less of a run back than you do. Do you want to stop at my house, and I’ll drive you the rest of the way?” Carina asked.

  Antonia got up and stretched as she chuckled. “No way. I’m getting better and better at this six-mile thing. Let’s do it.”

  Carina laughed. “Okay, let’s do it.” They gave one another a high-five and then off they ran through the park and onto main street.

  Carina thought about what Antonia had said about Milton and his brothers seeming jealous. It made her feel nervous and concerned. She didn’t want to be in another relationship with a man, never mind a ménage relationship with four. Especially those four. She hoped they didn’t push the issue or ask her out. If so, she could have to leave Repose sooner than later. That thought saddened her. She liked it here, and Repose seemed like miles and miles away from her troubled past. Hopefully it remained that way.

  * * * *

  Antonia had just finished showering and had put on her robe when she heard her doorbell ring. She made her way through the living room, running her fingers through her hair she had just blow dried. She peeked through the peephole and saw it was Cesar in uniform. She smiled and then opened the door.

  “Hey, beautiful. How was your run?” he asked.

  She stepped back, and he entered, closing the door and locking it.

  “It was good. I thought I saw you in town on my way through.”

  He pulled off his Stetson and placed it on the table. She moved back a few steps, and he kept approaching. She took in the sight of him, that determined expression, well-trimmed beard, damn sexy eyes. She bit her lower lip.

  “I saw you, too, looking too damn sexy in those running shorts. Plus that tank top you wore was a little too revealing for my taste.”

  “What?” she asked, stopping and placing her hands on her waist. That was her mistake, as he snagged her around the waist and hoisted her up against his chest.

  “Cesar,” she scolded, and he chuckled and then nuzzled against her neck.

  “You looked downright sexy, woman, and all I kept thinking about was coming here and having you for a little afternoon snack.” He nibbled on her neck, and she giggled and swatted at him. He lifted her up and carried her into the bedroom, depositing her onto the bed. She fell back on her elbows and forearms, and her robe gaped open, revealing her nudity as he began to undress.

  “Goddamn, woman, I’m supposed to be on duty, but I can’t wait to make love to you.” He unclipped his gun and utility belt, placing them onto her desk. He removed his clothing quickly, and she watched him, enjoying every piece of clothing removed to reveal more of his muscles, his tanned skin, and sexy body.

  “Spread those thighs, woman, and show me you want me.”

  She undid her robe and widened her thighs. He moved over her and kissed her as he wrapped her in his arms. “You’re addicting, woman. Downright addicting.”

  He kissed her on the mouth and then trailed those kisses lower. He took his time savoring each breast, tugging on one nipple before moving to the next breast and doing the same thing. She exhaled and tilted her pelvis up. She wanted his lips lower. She yearned for the sensations of his tongue swirling around her clit and then thrusting into her channel.

  “Cesar,” she moaned his name. His hands gripped her hips tighter and his lips trailed lower and lower until his mouth collided with her pussy. She moaned and held his head as he ate at her cream and used fingers and tongue to stimulate her further.

  Then she thought of his brothers. Would they be angry or jealous that they weren’t here, too? Was this okay for Cesar to make love to her a
lone without them?

  “Cesar? Cesar?” she said to him. He mumbled with his mouth over her clit and she tilted her pelvis up.

  “Is this okay? That Gino, Damon, and Fox aren’t here with us? They won’t get angry with me?”

  He lifted his mouth from her cunt and looked at her, seeming surprised and concerned about her statement. His eyebrows scrunched together before a wicked smile curled form his lips. She suddenly felt uneasy. She didn’t want them to get angry with her. They were big, strong men, and she knew she would be scared.

  He caressed her cheek and gave her a smile.

  “Baby, there is no jealousy in this type of relationship. We all want to love you, be with you, make this connection deeper and deeper. We all work, have busy schedules just like you do. So when one of us, or more of us together, can be with you, we’ll do it. It’s one of the perks of a ménage. That you’ll never feel alone, unloved, unappreciated and uncared for. You’re our woman.”

  “Seriously, that works? Are you sure?”

  “Oh, baby, I am more than sure. Don’t be surprised if you’ll get another house call in an hour when Gino and Fox finish up some work at home.” He gave her a wink, and she felt her cheeks warm. She gave a small smile.

  “Now can I get me my snack please? I’ve been more than patient.” She was panting and felt so needy for him to be inside of her that she gripped his hair and tugged as he moved his mouth over her pussy and began to feast on her again. Using his finger and tongue, he brought out such desire in her. She was already thinking about that surprise visit from Gino and Fox and then Damon’s visit as soon as he got off work today.

  “Cesar, please. Please,” she begged.

  “Fuck,” he hissed and then spread her thighs, lifted up, and thrust into her pussy in one quick stroke.

  She grabbed onto his shoulders, tilted her head back, and panted for more. His mouth was on her neck. His fingers dug into her ass cheeks as he stroked and thrust faster and deeper. She felt that itching need, that burning sensation deep in her core as he thrust and thrust faster.

  “Antonia, you feel so good, baby. So tight and warm. I’m almost there. Goddamn, you drive me wild.”

  He stroked again and again, and she felt her pussy tighten, and then she cried out her release, and he joined her, coming inside of her at the same time.

  They were panting and then caressing one another’s skin. “You’re a negative influence on me, woman. I’ve never duffed out on work like this.”

  She giggled. “Does that mean I’m in trouble?”

  His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Baby, tonight you’ll get your punishment for distracting me from work.”

  “Oh, yeah? What type of punishment?” she asked him as she traced his lower lip with her finger.

  He lifted up and turned her onto her belly. Smack. He spanked her ass.

  “How about a nice pink ass?”

  She reached back and wiggled to get free. “Cesar.”

  He chuckled then lowered down and nipped at her ass cheeks before scattering kisses up her back to her neck. He lay partially over her, his size and weight reminding her of how big and strong her chief of police was.

  “I’m sorry. I basically mauled you, baby. I’ve never felt like this before. It’s new to me.”

  She turned onto her side and saw how serious he suddenly was. She cupped his cheek and gave him a smile. “I loved every second of it. In fact, it was so good and so macho of you, I may have to get used to spankings.”

  His cheeks turned red, and he smiled wide. “You are going to be the death of me, woman.”

  He started tickling her, and she laughed and smiled, thinking nothing had ever felt so perfect or right than being here like this with Cesar. The only thing missing were his brothers.

  Chapter 8

  Antonia was looking over the orders for the restaurant so she could head out and come back later tonight for the dinner crowd. The main phone line by the bar rang, and Ledger was down at the other side. She waved to him, indicating that she would answer it.

  “The Filling Station, how may I help you?”

  “Hello, I’m looking for Brooklyn Hopewell or her sister, Antonia?” the male voice said. She’d been writing things down and lost hold of the binder she had, almost dropping it. She grabbed it before it fell, an uneasy feeling hit her gut, but she dismissed it as her being silly and she paid attention to the call.

  “This is Antonia.”

  “Antonia Hopewell?” he asked. She got a bad feeling in her gut.

  “Who is this?”

  “I heard about your place and was interested in doing an article about it. When are you not too busy to sit and answer some questions?” he asked, still not identifying himself.

  “What’s your name and what newspaper or magazine are you from?” she thought to ask, but her hands were shaking and her gut clenched.

  “You know what, I have another call coming in. I’ll just stop in and introduce myself in a few days. Thank you, Antonia Hopewell.”

  She heard the phone click off, and she felt that uneasy, panicked feeling. She slowly hung up the phone and looked around her. Ledger was still talking to a customer, and the place was starting to slow down from lunch.

  She had turned around and closed up the binder when Brooklyn appeared.

  “Hey, I know you’re leaving in a few minutes. Could you drop these letters off at the post office on your way?”

  She handed her several envelopes. Antonia smiled softly, trying to pretend as though she wasn’t freaking out over a phone call.

  Brooklyn noticed her expression. “What?”

  Antonia pushed her hair behind her ear. She looked at the envelopes Brooklyn gave her and then back up at Brooklyn, giving a small smile.

  “Nothing. I’ll take care of these. What time should I come back? We have a few parties right off the bat for back patio seating.”

  “That’s right. How is four thirty? Too early?”

  “No, of course not. I’ll be here. I’ll probably go home and rest a little. I’ll see you later.”

  Brooklyn smiled. “Thanks so much.” Brooklyn hurried out from behind the bar and through the hallway to her office.

  Antonia knew her sister was feeling a little extra stressed today. She didn’t want to worry Brooklyn unnecessarily because she was being paranoid. That thought had her gut clenching again. It wasn’t anything to worry about. They’d had received a few calls over the last several weeks about interviews and placing the Filling Station on covers of food and bar magazines. Some big company from South Carolina was interested, too. That call had been nothing. They knew two sisters owned the place. Brooklyn made a point of saying they were partners in the local newspaper reviews as well.

  She headed to the door, waving good-bye to Ledger and a few others. The moment she got outside the warm air hit her face. It was hot out, so she took off her light sweater she wore inside the restaurant and then got into her car.

  Once she parked in town, she got out and started walking down the street. It was busy today so she had to walk more than a block to the post office. As she did, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise instantly, making her feel as though someone was watching her. She stopped and looked around but didn’t notice anyone out of the ordinary or anyone staring. Turning around, she spotted Jack Cortland in uniform. He gave her a wave as he approached, bending down to kiss her cheek hello. She smiled wide.

  “What’s going on?” he asked her.

  “Just dropping things off at the post office. Why is it so busy around town today? It seems more crowded than usual.”

  He looked around them and then back at her.

  “I think it’s all the setting up for the parade Saturday. It always gets like this the week of the event. Some of the storefronts run special promos, and people come into town to sign up to get the deals. They then come to the parade and go shopping. People remain in town until late in the evening. You guys will probably start booking up on reservations soon.
”

  “Oh, we already are. Even later today we’re pretty booked for parties in both dining rooms. Brooklyn had mentioned this happening last year to her.”

  “Well, she was damn busy, but the place was smaller. Now with the new addition and space, the Filling Station will be rocking Saturday night.”

  “That’s great. So I should probably take a little time right now to check out the deals in the shops if they’re that good.”

  “They’re really good.” He looked over her shoulder and gave a nod, and then she felt the strong arm wrap around her waist from behind.

  She gasped and then felt warm, firm lips against her neck.

  “Hey, gorgeous, what are you doing in town all by yourself?” Damon asked her.

  Jack smiled.

  “She wasn’t all alone. I was keeping an eye on her while you finished up in the station.”

  “I appreciate that, Jack.”

  “I’ll see you two later, probably at the Filling Station.”

  “Definitely,” Damon replied and then moved in front of Antonia and looked her over.

  “You look real pretty today, Antonia.”

  She felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you,” she replied, taking in the sight of him in his Texas Ranger attire. White-collared shirt, gold star on his chest, the gun, handcuffs, and other items on his waist all made him look authoritative and prepared. His black Stetson hung low over his eyes, and he looked breathtaking.

  “What are you up to?” he asked.

  “Just dropping off some letters and then heading home for a bit. I need to get back at four thirty for some parties.”

  “You all should be booked up the entire weekend. I bet people are calling or should be real soon,” he said and him mentioning the word call had her thinking about the phone call from before. She looked away and rubbed her hand along her neck and shoulder. Damon pulled her closer to him.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing her unrest.