Her Soldier (That Girl #3)

by H. J. Bellus

  I lay major emphasis on Danielle hoping he’ll get my point. I don’t want to worry her with this mess, but Beau doesn’t give a shit.

  “Perfect, we need to talk. Follow me.” Beau gestures with his arm. Hopping from the truck, I’m quick to follow the two men back into my apartment.

  Chapter 7

  Beau doesn’t go into my apartment. He leads us around the back side to a window. It only takes me moments to realize we are standing at the window to my bedroom. I feel physically ill when I see the pry marks around the screen. The son of a bitch broke into my house. Part of me is relieved I’m not going crazy. I knew I had locked that door and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I never gave Maxton a key.

  “This is a problem.” Beau points to the broken windowsill.

  “Unbelievable.”

  “What type of security system are you running?”

  Al remains mystified as he stares at the window. “We don’t.”

  “Are you kidding me? It’s the fucking twenty-first century and you don’t have any type of security?”

  “Well, it’s never been a problem before, and this neighborhood is quite nice.”

  “Well, you have a problem now.”

  Beau walks back around the front, and the two of us follow him. He marches straight into my bedroom. Remnants of the red lipstick still linger on the mirror. He throws back the comforter on the bed, revealing huge puddles of dried blood. I gasp in horror, falling to the ground and covering my chest. Beau picks me up and guides me to the bathroom, forcing me to face the mirror. Another message left behind by Maxton.

  I’ll slit your throat and watch you bleed out.

  I turn my head quickly, unable to look at the words any longer. He forces my chin back in the direction of the mirror.

  “Do you think I’m overreacting now, Jenni?”

  I understand the point he’s making, but I refuse to look. I rip from his hands and barrel my way out to his truck. Al and Beau emerge from the apartment moments later, and I watch as they exchange words. To my shock, Beau looks surprisingly calm. His hands are animated and Al soaks up everything he says. I watch as Beau returns to the truck and climbs in on the driver’s side. He roars the engine to life and drives away as if nothing ever happened.

  “You know he’s going to call my aunt, right? Then shit will really hit the fan.”

  “No, he won’t.”

  Beau’s focus remains on the road ahead of him, and his voice is oddly calm and confident. How in the world does this man think Al won’t call Danielle? I guarantee he is already on the phone to her, and she’s dialing up the second line to the local police office.

  “How can you be so damn arrogant?” A stray piece of thread from my jeans catches my attention and I twirl it as the words leave my mouth.

  “I pointed out several safety violations to Al. One being your window not up to code, and also about ten other things. I told him if he didn’t want the inspectors closing down his apartments, then he’d keep his mouth shut. He agreed.”

  “You blackmailed him?” My eyes are now intently staring down Beau.

  “If that’s what you want to call it.” He flips on his blinker and pulls into his apartment building. “I assured him I’ll deal with Maxton.”

  “Don’t, Beau.”

  The truck halts abruptly and I have to use my hands to stop myself from being propelled into the dashboard.

  “Don’t?” he roars in my direction. “Don’t deal with him and let him taunt you forever and eventually make good on his promises? Are you fucking serious?”

  “I just don’t want…” Tears invade my words and make it hard to speak. “I just don’t want to lose you. What if he hurts you? What if you get in trouble?”

  His strong hands grab me by the waist and easily propel me over next to him. I’m too ashamed to make eye contact, so I keep my eyes down toward the floorboard.

  “You have no idea what I’m capable of, Jenni. There’s no need to worry about me. I promise you I won’t get caught. There’s not even a chance.”

  I begin to ask what he means and then realize I don’t want to know. My phone rings, and I almost jump out of my skin. Beau reaches for it and reads the name on the screen.

  “Jazzy.”

  “Oh, shit.” Snatching the phone from his hands, I slide across the green icon and answer. “Hello.”

  Jazzy’s voice is unmistakable and very loud. You can tell she’s in the mall with a chorus of voices and light music in the background. “Where are you? We’ve been waiting on you.”

  The look on Beau’s face scares me as his pissed off look goes to an all-time high. I wasn’t supposed to leave the apartment while he was gone, and clearly I was just busted in my little scheme.

  “Um, well, I kind of got sidetracked.”

  “What, did you get attacked by a can of glitter or stub your toe in that shit-hole place of yours?”

  “Just a sec, Jazzy.”

  Using my trembling hand, I cover the speaker of the phone and whisper to Beau. “I was supposed to meet my friends at the mall, and I thought it was a good idea to get my mind off of things. Don’t be mad.”

  My hand shakes so badly I’m unable to hold the phone and drop it in my lap. Beau picks it up and nods.

  “Um, Jazzy, I’ll be there in fifteen. I’ll meet you guys at the food court.”

  Hanging up the phone, my hands continue to tremble as my heart beats in an unsteady counterpoint.

  “Jenni, what’s wrong?”

  “I know I’ve pissed you off. I wasn’t supposed to go anywhere. I’ve ruined your day. I’m just…I’m just…”

  His hands cover mine, and I feel them twitch beneath his warm skin.

  “Jenni, stop. I’m not pissed at you. Frustrated by your actions, yes, but not pissed. This is out of your control. I just want you to be protected. That is all.” I focus in on his hands, unable to speak or look up at him. “You know that thing you keep telling me? You know that falling into something?”

  I nod, knowing exactly what he is referring to. He’s trying to say “falling in love with you.”

  “Well, Jenni, I’m falling, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop.”

  His words warm my heart. I know it’s all I’ll ever get from him and don’t dare ask him to say it word for word. I can take what he gives me as long as he’s always willing to give.

  “Do you want me to take you to the mall, Jenni?”

  “Yes, please.” My words are spoken into his red flannel shirt as I lose myself in him. Beau drives us in silence over to the mall. A strange sense of peace washes over me during the ride. I believe in his words 100 percent. I know he will protect me from Maxton, and deep down I know he’s falling for me. I’ve already fallen head over heels for him.

  His temper scares me though. What if he goes too far? What if he can’t stop and kills Maxton? Will I be able to live with that? Will I be able to let his strong hands love me and roam my skin knowing they were the same ones that have killed?

  “I’ll wait out here.”

  His voice snaps me from my thoughts, and I realize we are outside the food court entry to the mall. Beau has parked in the very first space right next to the door. I only have a few steps to cross the road and enter the mall. Parts of me don’t dare move and want to stay here securely in Beau’s hands, but the other part of me knows I have to live again, and living in fear doesn’t count.

  “Thank you, Beau.” My lips find his.

  I feel his hands reach around my back, groping my ass and pulling me to him. He deepens the kiss with a mingled sense of urgency and lust. It scares me for the simple fact if Maxton had been waiting in that apartment I’d never be experiencing this moment with Beau. I never want to live a day without feeling these lips on mine.

  “Have fun, Jenni. I’ll be waiting here.”

  I force myself to leave the truck and walk into the mall. Jazzy and Lynlee are waiting for me at the entryway, their faces covered in all kinds of questio
ns. So, I assume they were watching from the front door. My stomach growls loudly as the aroma of the food court hits my nostrils.

  “Let’s eat.” I don’t give them the option to refuse. Instead I walk straight over to one of the counters and order my food. Jenny and Lynlee both order an iced tea, and I just have them throw it on my ticket.

  A chilidog, large order of fries, and three drinks fill the black tray as we wind our way through the maze of tables until we find one that looks half decent with no crumbs left behind. My stomach is screaming to me; I had no idea I was so incredibly hungry. I dig in, starting with the chilidog. After bite four or five I look up to find my two friends staring at me.

  “What?” I ask around a mouthful of food.

  “What’s going on with you?” Lynlee leans on the table.

  “Nothing, I’m hungry.”

  “I’ve tried texting you over and over.” Lynlee holds up her phone as proof. “Not until today do you answer when Jazzy calls you.”

  I try to shrug the question off as I continue to inhale my food. A thick tension settles between us, and I know in my gut Lynlee isn’t ready to leave this topic alone.

  “Who was the guy in the truck?” She motions to the front doors.

  “Beau.”

  Jazzy’s eyebrows shoot up. “Who is Beau?”

  “He’s my new friend.”

  “New friend who you kiss.” Jazzy whops Lynlee in the shoulder.

  “Lynlee, stop it,” Jazzy says.

  “It’s fine,” I offer. “I met Beau at your wedding, Jazzy, and we’ve hit it off.”

  “Are you fucking serious?” Lynlee yells.

  Everyone around us is now staring, thanks to her. She doesn’t drop the F bomb that often, so I know I’ve struck a chord with her.

  “Why would you care, Lynlee? You didn’t even realize I had left. Also, your grand gesture of texting didn’t go unnoticed. You didn’t reach out until days afterward.”

  “Stop,” Jazzy hisses. “Stop fighting now, both of you. What’s done is done.”

  “That’s right. What’s done is done.” I stuff a golden French fry in my mouth and lean back in my chair. I’m shocked when the tears and anger don’t come. I sit there and stare right back at Lynlee.

  Jazzy jumps in and takes the conversation in a completely different direction. “We had another ultrasound when we came back from the honeymoon.” She swirls a fry in the ketchup as she talks. “Well, it’s still a boy and he’s huge.”

  “Congrats, Jazzy,” I pipe up. “How was your honeymoon in Aspen?”

  “Well, I’m a bit sore, I must admit.” Her cheeks flush crimson. Them Wilks boys are known as go-getters, especially Levi.

  Jazzy turns to Lynlee. “Have you decided if you guys are going to find out the sex of your little peanut?”

  “No, we both decided we want to be surprised.” She throws a napkin at Jazzy. “And plus, Lincoln said he couldn’t take it if we have a girl and he’s continually harassed by Levi.”

  We all laugh at that comment because it is so true. Lincoln and Levi Wilks are the poster boys for competiveness. Neither of them is ever willing to give in or give up. Levi’s team recently won the Super Bowl, and of course they played Lincoln’s team, so Linc was pretty damn quiet and humbled around the time of the wedding.

  Jazzy and Levi made the wedding party wear Dallas gear to the rehearsal dinner, and Lynlee and Linc played along. However, if the tables were turned I know damn well Levi never would have been such a good sport. It’s the cocky side of him that everyone is attracted to.

  “C’mon, girls, I want a new outfit for tonight.” Jazzy stands from the table with her belly protruding well past her feet. She’s absolutely gorgeous pregnant, glowing and all that other shit. Lynlee stands as well, and within the few short weeks we’ve been apart, her belly, too, has grown and there’s no doubt she’s expecting.

  “Great, we’re going to Maternityhood?” I link arms with Lynlee and begin walking.

  “The way you were making out in that truck, are you sure you’re not with child?” Jazzy asks.

  I grab her arm and link it with mine too, so I’m sandwiched in between the girls.

  “Oh, honey, that was nothing,” I joke back.

  I don’t miss Lynlee’s warning glance. Leaning in on her side, I whisper into her ear, “Please, trust me on this, Lynlee. He’s a good guy. Actually a great guy. I may have found my Lincoln. Please, just trust me.”

  She doesn’t respond as we enter Maternityhood and I silently gag at all the clothes. I let the two browse the racks and I mentally make a note to never get knocked up. Digging through my purse, I find my pack of birth control and double-check the dates. Watching woman after woman with swollen ankles waddle around, and some even chasing little hellions, is enough to convince me to get sterilized.

  “Wipe that look off your face.”

  Looking up, I see Jazzy holding up two outfits.

  “What?”

  “I can see that pregnant woman disgust all over your face.”

  “That obvious?”

  “Slightly. But which one do you like?”

  In one hand she has a little black dress I’d bet she couldn’t even get her ass in, and in the other a pair of very loose pattern pants with a petite matching tank top.

  “The dress because I’d love to see you squeeze into it.”

  “Asshole.”

  I laugh as she walks away and puts the pants and tank back on the rack, keeping the tiny dress. Lynlee has her items already purchased and walks toward me. I didn’t even notice what she was buying between all my staring and Jazzy.

  “What did you get?” I ask, peeking in her bag.

  She holds my arm and slides up my long sleeve, exposing one of the remaining bruises on my body, and instantly looks up at me.

  “What is this?”

  “A bruise. I ate shit the other day.”

  “My ass, Jenni, that’s a hand mark. A perfect one, in fact. What in the hell is going on?”

  “Lynlee.” I make her look in my eyes instead of at the glaring bruise. “Please trust me when I say Beau had nothing to do with this. He has…”

  “How in the hell am I supposed to believe you when I’m seeing all these signs?”

  “What signs?” I step away, jerking my arm back to my body.

  “You go missing. He has to drive you to the mall, and this bruise, but you want me to believe he’s a good guy.”

  “You have no freaking idea what is going on!”

  “Then tell me. I’m begging you.”

  “You wouldn’t believe me or understand anyway. See you guys tonight.”

  I turn and leave as soon as Jazzy walks out of the store. I hear her asking all sorts of questions and even hollers out my name. I turn slightly and wave to her. Lynlee has her mind made up, and there seems to be no way of getting the idea through her thick skull. I want to tell her it was Maxton and not have to reveal all the nasty details. The second I tell her, I know it will be on like Donkey Kong with police reports, my Aunt Danielle involved, and the Wilks boys after Maxton.

  I push the door to the mall open forcefully and wonder if it was really so bad that I want to forget everything from that night. Beau’s truck is the first thing I see. He’s still in the truck staring at the entry of the mall. His gaze perks up when he sees me. Quickening my pace, I jog toward him and yearn to feel that inner peace again. I know it’s a sick desire and wrong in all the wrong ways, but it’s what I want.

  He steps from the truck and I fly into his arms, burying my face in the crook of his neck.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  “They don’t understand. They just don’t get me. I’ve never seen it until today.” I grip onto the back of his shirt and hold on tight. “I feel hollow with them and didn’t realize how bad it was until I met you. I just want to be with you.”

  “Okay. Okay. Calm down. I think you may be overreacting.”

  His words piss me off instantly. Stepping away,
I throw my hand back and slap his chest.

  “Not you too. I don’t need anyone else judging me right now.”

  Beau holds both hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry, Jenni, I’m sorry.”

  “No, I’m sorry. Jesus, it’s like I’m going crazy.”

  He holds the door of the truck open and I climb in through his side and settle in the middle. Beau climbs in after me and rests his hand on my leg.

  “Want to talk about it?” he offers.

  “They assumed the worst. Actually, Lynlee did. It’s just all messed up.”

  “Can’t be that bad?”

  “It is.”

  “You’re sitting next to me. How bad could it be?”

  I giggle at his joke and then realize he’s right. I’m going to push through all this shit and start living for me. I can’t worry if Lynlee won’t listen to me or who doesn’t approve of Beau as long as I’m happy. That’s all that matters.

  Laying my head on Beau’s shoulder, I say, “You’re right, I guess.”

  “You just need to decide what you want in life, Jenni, and what’s really important and worth fighting for. Set your mind on it and don’t give in. And don’t worry who the fuck likes it or not.”

  It’s as if he read my mind. Are my thoughts that clear on my face? I want to ask, but he stops me before I can get a word out.

  “The little I know about you and from what you’ve shared with me, I can tell you are a people pleaser and tend to worry about everyone else and what they’re thinking. You need to stop and find your spot in this big world.”

  “What if I think that spot is with you?”

  “Jenni, that’s not a fair question. Things are so complicated that I can’t…”

  My heart can’t bear to hear the next words that are sure to come from his mouth, so I stop him before he has the chance to deliver any blows.

  “Let’s just go.”

  No more words are exchanged as he drives us through town. I lay my head back down and close my eyes, trying to erase all the memories of today. My apartment, the writing on the mirrors, my room destroyed, the scent of urine, and Lynlee’s face when she saw the bruise on my arm. I just want it all to disappear, or for a re-do button to show up. I focus on the scent of Beau while all the memories of today begin to become blurry as sleep invades my thoughts, eventually winning the battle.