by Grady, D. R.
The vines from the underworld snaked out to entwine him.
“Yeah, but we’ve got him now,” one of the forward soldiers said. His eyes gleamed with an evil light that bespoke of the enjoyment of killing. Howling pierced his ears. Greg recognized Hades calling him but he ignored it because he wasn’t returning there. He balanced on the balls of his feet. It was time to finish this last job. He was starting to enjoy himself.
Before the men could stalk closer, women, of all ages, sizes, and shapes, but the same family, intercepted the space between him and the Temite’s army. They surrounded him, facing his enemies. The howling ceased, the vines hesitated.
From Janine and her mother, sisters, and aunts, to her cousins and the many Morrison spouses to his sister. The women stood shoulder to shoulder, a resolute expression on each face. Janine’s eyes burned with a fire he had seen once before – when she took out those ten men. Her face still sported her injuries and only made her look fiercer. She faced down the men who wanted him. “You touch this man and we’ll find you,” she promised in a deadly voice that brought goosebumps to his skin. Greg enjoyed the sunlight on his face as the vines retracted.
“We’ll find you and we’ll break you,” General Emma added, her voice no less serious. The same promise echoed in her voice. The tiniest woman there, but he guessed she was one of the most dangerous. And she was here for him. The netherworld curled up as though in pain.
Each woman, from the left to the right took a step, not away from the men, but toward them. He saw the females’ determination to protect him and something tightened his throat. He’d always been KC’s protector, but this time she protected him, and brought the reinforcement of her family. Who apparently wanted to add him to their ranks. Despite all he’d done, they wanted him.
His enemies faltered, but then Sam Welby dropped from out of nowhere. The huge man straightened in a powerful display of muscle and coordination. Greg grinned to himself at the show of intimidation. Welby stood behind his wife, Shelby. Who stood between Emma and Janine. Ben Morrison followed, also with an impressive show of intimidation and landed behind his wife. Admiral O’Riley filled in the spot behind Emma while Max Morrison, and Mitch Monahan halted behind their wives, their arms crossed, the same militant expressions on their faces their woman wore. In moments each woman had her man behind her.
SEALs and Marines filed into rows behind the women’s husbands, tightening the circle around him. Their very control and the skills each man obviously possessed furthered the intimidation. One word from O’Riley and things could turn deadly. Greg didn’t doubt all of them were armed. He paced through the ranks until he stood directly behind Janine. He kept his eyes on the Temite brothers.
O’Riley said, “We’ll find you and anyone who comes after this man or any other person standing with me today. I have the entire United States military behind me.” His voice was quiet, powerful, intense. His very being emanated a supremacy none of these cowards could challenge.
“You’re not welcome here,” Janine said, the island cadence in her voice and the power emanating from her body making her almost eerie in the new sunlight. Greg smiled. From the wariness in the Temite’s eyes, he figured it wasn’t a nice smile.
“Don’t come ‘round here again,” KC added, her voice hard and unyielding. Max squeezed her shoulder.
“We protect our own. You’re not welcome here,” General Emma stated, and the same authority Janine projected wove through the admiral’s wife. The women’s fierce body language, followed by their men, followed by the SEALs and Marines all communicated something Greg had never experienced before. Solidarity. These people would protect him to the last man, to the last woman. He’d almost rather wrangle with one of the SEALs than one of these women.
Family. The knot tightened in his throat, as the netherworld screamed when it lost its hold on him forever. These people wanted to protect him. He had once pledged his life to preserve his nation. This family had just pledged their lives to preserve his.
Chapter 32
“How do you like them apples, boys?” O’Riley asked the losers as the police shoved both Temites and their army into squad cars.
Neither of the Temites commented, but Greg didn’t doubt that every one of their mercenary soldiers would sing as soon as the police got them alone.
“You called the police?” Greg raised a brow at his former boss.
“Sure. What do you think took me so long?”
“Plus he needed time to notify the men he had on standby.” General Emma breezed up to them and she placed an arm through her husband’s.
“I thought you had perfect timing, Admiral,” Janine said.
“Yes, I’m noted for it,” he answered with a grin that caused the rest of them to chuckle.
“So, what exactly did the Temites want with you?” Janine’s clear amber eyes shone with honesty and interest. O’Riley moved closer so he could hear.
“Same thing as Buxwell, except they supplied the arms and drugs. I thwarted their shipment. They’ve been after me, Gilmore, for twenty years. I also ruined their plans nearly a year ago when I blew those terrorists up.”
“It’s too bad you’re such a slippery son of a gun.” O’Riley clapped him on the back.
“Right.”
“They wanted you because you snagged those papers? They saw you?” Janine asked.
“Yep, even shot at me,” Greg answered. At least now he knew. He had all the pieces. Now maybe the nightmare would stop haunting him. The ghosts could be put to rest, which should finally set him free. The Morris family had the answers they needed and he could concentrate on life as Greg Gilmore.
Speaking of...
He turned to Janine. “Think we could have breakfast now?”
“KC said she invited you over to her house.”
“Yes, she did. But as you can see, she didn’t follow through.”
“Right. By all means, follow me. You can show me your technique.” The light in her eyes changed and Greg couldn’t resist. He tugged her into his arms and kissed her.
Like he meant it. Which he did.
Never before had a woman compelled him, enticed him, bewitched him like this one. Janine Morris was probably the only woman on earth who could live with him.
“Maybe we could talk about our future as normal citizens,” he said when they parted for air. He draped an arm around her shoulders.
O’Riley, who apparently overheard his comment, snorted. “When pigs fly,” he muttered under his breath.
Janine laughed. “This is a process, Uncle Rich. It takes time.”
“Could take years,” Greg reminded his former boss solemnly. He paused before he stared at the sun. “I also need to buy some sunscreen.”
O’Riley rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched. “My wife bought you a bottle.”
Greg nodded to his former boss and started to whistle as he walked with Janine to her house. He made nice, safe civilian plans for his immediate present all the way into the distant future.
Chapter 33
Janine steadied herself as he rolled over beside her. The boat rocked with his movements and she grasped him.
“Are you sure you’re okay with me moving in?” Greg asked as he folded her close.
“You’re my husband, right?” Her voice sounded dry but also very happy.
“Yes.” They both glanced at their left hands where matching wedding bands encircled their fingers.
“It’d be kind of odd if we maintained separate residences, wouldn’t it?” She looped her arms around his neck and pressed closer. He grinned and gave her the kiss she sought.
“It would be. Except we’re both loners.”
“Yes, so long as we’re respectful of the other’s space, I think we’ll do well. Oh, and so long as we take vacations here,” she said suggestively and wiggled her brows at him. He loved when she did that.
“I think we can arrange that,” he purred. “In between my art showings and your emergency room shifts.�
��
She smiled. “Good.”
He caressed her face. “I love you.” Every chance he got he told her that.
“I love you, too.” Her luminous amber eyes showed that love clearly.
He kissed her again.
“So the way to keep our marriage happy and alive is to respect each other’s space—”
“Kiss often—” She leaned forward to do so.
Once he caught his breath he said, “And take frequent vacations on our houseboat—”
“If we have to avoid the really big family functions, we can do that...” She bit her lip.
Greg’s eyes gleamed as he hugged her. “We just have to decide what’s best for us.” He ran a loving finger down her nose, so happy he was humbled by the sheer joy.
“Yes. Do you know what’s best for you right now?” Her voice was husky.
He shook his head, but he liked the promise in her eyes.
His wife leaned forward and whispered in his ear. Greg, with a grin, complied. He decided he liked being a regular citizen. Especially a regular Morrison citizen.
About the Author
D.R. Grady lives with her husband near Hershey, PA. She loves gadgets, books, plants, shoes and writing stories that resonate with others. You can generally find her in her “office”, a chair in the living room, hopefully writing, but sometimes playing Angry Birds or reading.
Visit her website for more information.
http://www.drgradybooks.com
—Coming Soon—
The final installment of The Me Series.
Love Me
Book 5 – The Me Series
A nerd falls for a (mini) Amazon.
Detective TJ McCully would love to forget all about Fredren Savage, computer guru. But since her partner is on his honeymoon, she’s stuck with his odious best friend. Fred’s just trying to help – and driving her crazy in the process. Will Fred and T.J. fall in love ...or maim each other before discovering the identity of the top man of the illegal drug manufacturer, the Organization? Can the nerd persevere and win the woman or will this Amazon destroy him and her both?
Love Me
Chapter 1
TJ McCully had no idea what to do with Fredren Savage. He was irritating, exasperating, and annoying yet when he sent her hot looks, exactly as he was doing now, her temperature rose and her heart beat far too fast. If she asked, he’d cool it, but she had no idea how to ask.
They were supposed to be planning her detective partner and first cousin, Owen O’Malley’s, wedding to Dr. Jenna Fields. Having been paired with O’Malley was a lucky break for her since they thought alike and sort of looked alike. But then she took him to a family picnic where they discovered they were first cousins. The DNA tests came back with the final proof. He changed his name from O’Maley, which his aunt had changed so the family wouldn’t find him, to his father’s spelling of O’Malley. He’d been adamant his name be changed before the wedding, and Mark Matthews, an Assistant DA and friend helped with the legal issues. Now, she, Jenna, O’Malley, and Fred, who just happened to be O’s closest friend, gathered to discuss the final details of the Fields-O’Malley wedding.
The pair had only given them a little over two months to plan the entire event, something TJ was still miffed about. However, she swallowed her protests and put her wedding abilities to practice. She had married off her brothers and numerous cousins. She could do this. Except she hadn’t reckoned on Fred Savage. Nothing in life, including surviving three brothers, had prepared her for what she should do with all that masculinity.
“I still don’t know about our attendants,” Jenna said, a frown between her brows. Even frowning, Jenna was quite beautiful. She had shiny dark hair and bright blue eyes, with a tall, slender body. TJ suppressed a sigh. Well, not all women could look like models. So she was short, with red hair and freckles. Definitely not model material. So what in the world would Fred want with her then? If he was playing with her... her ire rose and she turned burning eyes on him, which he either ignored or didn’t notice.
He did however, manage to swipe her chocolate cupcake and a bit of brownie, and her coffee had also mysteriously disappeared. Just for fun she glared at him again before turning her attention to the task at hand. TJ could ignore him just like she ignored the eyes that seemed to watch her all the time now. Not that Fred had ever given her a creepy feeling. Never in their association had she felt anything but safe with him, but that sense of security was definitely shattered of late when she was alone.
She hadn’t told O’Malley only because she had no evidence. The only problem so far was a niggle that something wasn’t quite right. A nebulous feeling that her world wasn’t quite the same today as it had been last week. Whether that warning stemmed from whatever feelings Fred had unearthed or was totally unrelated she so far couldn’t tell.
With utter willpower, TJ forced her thoughts away from the uncertainties to an activity she totally understood. She took a deep breath and said, “Okay, Jenna, you want Damon and Emmy,” her brother and his wife, “to stand for you. O’Malley wants me and the nerdboy,” she said, jerking a thumb at Fred.
“Yes, and that’s two men, and two women,” Jenna said, and TJ saw she fretted the way brides do. Her cousin, Julia, had married and now lived in Sandovia, near France. The two discussed Julia being a part of the wedding party, but Julia demurred because it would be difficult with her in another country.
“Take a deep breath. Here’s my idea,” TJ instructed. Jenna nodded, although she still looked worried.
“Emmy is your maid of honor, so naturally she’ll come down the aisle before you. The problem you have right now is logistics. Damon can’t be in the room with the ladies, and I can’t be with the men. But, there’s a fairly easy solution.”
“Okay,” Jenna said, and nodded again, but she didn’t look convinced.
“How about if Fred and Damon come out with O’Malley and take their respective places. Then Emmy and I can walk down the aisle together. Emmy goes to your side, I go to O’Malley’s side,” she said, and watched Jenna’s face brighten as she comprehended. Smart lady, Jenna Fields.
“Oh, yes, that would work. The men come out together and you and Emmy could certainly walk down the aisle together. Arm in arm. That would look spectacular. But what about your gowns?”
“Easy. Emmy and Damon in green, like you want, and Fred and me in blue.”
“I’m not wearing a blue gown,” Fred stated emphatically. That caused him and O’Malley to guffaw into their coffee. Or, in Fred’s case, what was left of her coffee.
“I can see it now, a nice one with those little straps to show off your shoulders,” O’Malley said with a huge grin.
“Ignore the hecklers,” TJ directed Jenna, but she was heartened to see that at least their actions managed to semi-relax the nervous bride-to-be.
“I’m fairly certain Damon won’t wear a green gown with spaghetti straps either,” Jenna said with a sweet smile she sent to Fred. He grinned. Darn him, why did his white teeth have to flash against his brown skin like that and why did the corners of his amazingly blue eyes have to crinkle so engagingly behind the dark frames of his glasses? She suppressed a growl but whether it was at him or herself she didn’t know.
When she thought she had herself under control, he sent her a very private, very unwelcome look that shattered all her efforts at self-control. She was certain she didn’t welcome that bold, masculine gaze he swept over her. Certain. Yes, of course. Absolutely she didn’t want this man’s attentions.
Who’d want a man anyway? They were stinky and controlling and usually not very smart.
Not that those characteristics applied to this man, however. TJ resisted the urge to look at him. She chose to ignore the hidden message in that stare. That, I-know-you’d-like-to-be-alone-with-me look that sent skitters of something she refused to identify down her back.
She curled up the left side of her lip at him, rolled her eyes and turned back to Jenna. She would be p
rofessional about this. Fred Savage was not going to wriggle his way under her skin.
“Yes, I like that idea. Then the two couples can walk back down the aisle after Owen and me,” Jenna said, using his first name, which sounded odd to her. Since they were detectives, she called him O’Malley. And he called her McCully. Very appropriate.
Fred leaned in and whispered, “That means you and I get to walk down the aisle together, Teresa Jayne.”
Unwelcome images burst into her brain and she narrowed her eyes at him, and fought to quell the sudden pounding of her heart.
“Enjoy it while it lasts,” she advised. Then she turned back to him, “And my name is TJ.” She made extra certain to enunciate.
“Teresa Jayne?” O’Malley turned laughing eyes on his friend. “I haven’t heard that one yet.”
Jenna frowned. “I thought your name was just TJ.”
“It is. Nerdboy here hasn’t caught on yet.” He had also tried out Tonya Jean. She thought he rather liked that one, and suspected a new version anytime soon.
“We’ll get to walk down the aisle together twice,” Fred said, as though he didn’t hear her.
She hated the traitorous flip of her heart. No, no, no. Maybe she could figure out some way to arrest him.
“Twice?” O’Malley asked with raised eyebrows.
“Yeah, there’s a rehearsal, right?”
“Rehearsal, oh yes, and the rehearsal dinner.” Jenna fretted, flipping frantically through the papers scattered across the coffee table in front of her.
“Relax. I’ve got lasagna the moms already made for the dinner in the freezer,” TJ soothed. She cocked her head at Jenna. “Emmy’s bringing the bread, salad, and dessert, so that’s covered. You don’t have to worry about the rehearsal meal.”
“Bless you,” Jenna intoned.
“I didn’t sneeze,” TJ answered guilelessly and O’Malley reached out a large hand and wrapped it around the nape of her neck. He hauled her into his side and tried to give her a noogie. She escaped with little effort.