Two Serve And Protect_A Reverse Harem Romance

by Valerie O'Day

  Table of Contents

  Two Serve and Protect, a Reverse Harem Romance

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Two Serve and Protect,

  a Reverse Harem Romance

  By: Valerie O'Day

  Two Serve and Protect

  © July 2017 – All rights reserved

  By Faye Saunders,

  Published by Passionate Publishing Inc.

  This is a work of fiction. All names and characters in this novel are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events is entirely coincidental.

  This book is for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher.

  Warning

  This book is intended for adult readers, 18+ years old. Please close this e-book if you are not comfortable reading adult content.

  Chapter One

  The early morning sun shone through the kitchen window, highlighting Lisa Henderson's tired face. Still dressed in a robe, with her messy blond hair piled on top of her head, Lisa hurried to make some version of breakfast for her sons: today, microwave bacon and pancakes.

  She could hear them arguing upstairs. That was par for the course. Since they were so close in age, everything was a war. They seemed to argue over the simplest things, including bathroom space. Who knew boys cared so much about double sinks and mirrors? Of course, that argument was a recent development. At thirteen and fourteen, their appearances had begun to matter.

  Lisa did what she could to handle two adolescent males in a home lacking a father. She and Thomas had divorced recently, but the separation had come two years ago. For their boys', Jack and Sean, sake they had tried to make their marriage work. It was not meant to be. They had married far too young and without much in common; it was simply what you did after

  accidentally becoming pregnant at seventeen. As the boys grew and Thomas's business began to build, their differences became more apparent. Eventually, it was just too much to overcome. The constant upheaval had to end for the sake of everyone involved. The boys had been angry and rebellious when their dad moved out, and Lisa was left with the brunt of it. As primary caretaker, she was forced to deal with the angst. Thank goodness,

  Thomas paid for counseling. It had helped relieve the pressure.

  Running feet pounded on the stairs. The boys swept into the kitchen like a tornado. They each grabbed a pancake, stuffed it with bacon, and headed for the door.

  “Come on, Mom! There's an assembly in the gym today. We don't want to be late.”

  “I'm not dressed!” she shouted as the door slammed. Looking at the mess on the counter, she sighed. Why did she bother making breakfast? She could just as well toss granola bars on the table and call it good. She doubted anyone would notice the difference. However, taking care of her family was the only job she had. The house, the boys, and their activities were all that kept her from going insane from boredom.

  The honking of the car horn reminded her she needed to hurry. She took the stairs two at a time. She slid her legs into a faded pair of jeans and her arms into an old t-shirt. She was counting on her coat to cover the less-than-fabulous outfit. She took the clip from her hair and combed her fingers through the thick waves. Without makeup and dressed so casually, she could have passed for a senior in high school. Her blue eyes were still bright

  and inquisitive. Her long lashes were the envy of all her friends. Lisa's body was slender, but curved in all the right places. Too bad it was wasted. Sometimes, she imagined the feel of large, rough hands caressing her. Her ex-husband's were soft and manicured. He was an accountant, not built for hard labor. At this stage in her life, Lisa wanted to experience a more sensual relationship. She desired passion and a take-charge attitude. She was thirty-two and divorced, not dead.

  Lisa dropped the boys off at school just in time. They had gotten on her last nerve, begging her to drive faster. She knew they were going to be disappointed in the assembly that they were in such a hurry to get to. At the PTA meeting the previous week, the parents had discussed holding a Christmas carnival. It was the students' idea, and they were all excited over the prospect. Due to money shortages, the carnival had been downgraded to a dance in the gym. The announcement would be made during the assembly. She could visualize the sad faces and imagine the groans that would follow. She had to admit, a carnival would be more fun. But, Thanksgiving was already behind them and Christmas was too close to raise the necessary funds.

  Lisa's cell phone was ringing. She glanced at the caller ID and rolled her eyes. Her mother was calling, again. She probably wanted to remind Lisa that she should have a life outside of the children and the PTA, as if she didn't already know that. Reluctantly, she activated the speaker.

  “Good morning, Mother. Isn't it a little early for you to give me a lecture?”

  “That's not funny,” her mother replied. “Sarcasm is unbecoming, and you shouldn't be rude to me. I'm only trying to be a good mother. You should appreciate my advice.”

  Marsha Howard was a force to be reckoned with. At sixty, she remained slim and curvy. Her hair was still blond, though it possibly was due to expensive hairstylists. She was intelligent, sassy, pushy, and opinionated. A Boston socialite to the core, she expected her daughter to reach for the stars now that she was free from her forced marriage.

  “We're having dinner with the Charlestons tomorrow evening,” Marsha stated. “It's a pre-holiday gathering. Only twenty or so guests. Their oldest son will be in attendance.

  “I've seen photos. He's very handsome. He's also a lawyer and soon to be given a partnership. The family is thrilled he finally got rid of the cheap floozy he was so attached to. They know all about you and can't wait for the pair of you to meet. Get a sitter and go buy a dinner dress, something clingy and festive. Your father and I will pick you up at 6:45. Cocktails are promptly at seven.”

  “I'm not interested,” Lisa declared. “You've got to stop pushing me on your friends and looking for a man to replace Thomas. I'll find someone when I'm ready. Sometimes, you make me feel like you're trying to sell me to the highest bidder. I'm a person with feelings, not property. I have children to consider. For your information, I've met the Charleston's son. Yes, he's handsome, but he's also a womanizing ass. He tried to get me to join him in his hotel room once, while I was married. I can't believe you don't remember it — I was two months pregnant, and you dragged us to a party at a fancy hotel. I was so sick and kept running off to the bathroom. I told you he cornered me in the hallway. I'm sure he rented the room in hopes of finding a willing body to join him.”

  “You're right; I remember now. I do believe that's where he met the floozy. Shame on me for suggesting him, but don't worry. I'll make up an excuse for you not coming to dinner. I'll keep looking. There has to be someone suitable,” Marsha continued.

  “No more, please,” Lisa begged. It was too late. Her mother had already ended the call. Frustrated and in dire need of fortification, Lisa drove through Starbucks and ordered t
he biggest latte possible. At the window, she added a pastry to her selection. Who needed a perfect body when there was no one to see it?

  The house was too quiet without the presence of teenagers. It was depressing and lonely. Lisa needed a distraction. She had laundry to do and a kitchen that was a mess from her breakfast efforts. Those weren't enough to take her mind off of her solitary world, though. Perhaps Christmas shopping would cheer her up. The electronic games on her sons' wish list were hard to find, so the sooner she started looking for them, the better chance she had of fulfilling the wishes.

  Her phone rang again as she stepped into the shower. Whoever it was would have to wait; the hot water was calling louder. She stood under its soothing caress until it lost its warmth. She relished her time in the shower,

  because water was the only thing that had caressed her in ages. Her skin ached for a man's touch. If she had kept her mouth shut and gone to the dinner party with her parents, she could have used the Charleston's son as a booty call. No, that would have been a mistake. The man liked to brag, and the last thing she needed was gossip reaching her family. It was far easier to pleasure herself and skip the complications.

  Lisa's phone had two messages. She wrapped herself in a towel and, dripping on the wood floor, sat at the desk in her room. The first message was from her ex. It was deleted without being heard. For some reason, he kept calling to ask her for a talk. He swore it wasn't about Jack and Sean, so she ignored his pleas.

  The second was from the PTA president, asking for help with the Christmas dance. Would she help find some cheap decorations? Absolutely! She had a mission. It fit perfectly into her shopping plans and would keep her away from home. It also gave her an excuse for ignoring Thomas's calls.

  Lisa needed to get in holiday shopping mode. She pulled on her tightest skinny jeans, with a bright red hip-length sweater to honor the season. Black knee-high boots would keep her warm, and silver hoops on her ears and wrists lifted her spirits. Allowing her hair to fall in shining waves to her waist, she added a spritz of the expensive perfume her dad had given her last Christmas. Her face was pale and didn't match the cheery outfit. She carefully applied makeup to her flawless skin, making it appear that the pink cheeks and rosy lips were natural. Her blue eyes popped with just a dab of mascara on the lashes.

  For the first time since the divorce, Lisa felt a spark of the fun person she had once been. She smiled at the woman looking back at her from the mirror and whispered, “It's good to see you again.”

  Chapter Two

  Cheap decorations that could be destroyed by wild dancers without anyone getting upset meant a trip to the dollar store. There, Lisa bought yards and yards of red and green crepe paper, silver garland, and fairy lights. Table covers, plastic ware, and even a punchbowl went into the cart. With a mischievous grin, she picked up some plastic "trophies." If they couldn't have a carnival, they might as well have contests. At least the guys would appreciate something other than dancing. Twelve and thirteen were awkward ages for guys to ask girls for a slow dance. The contests might help break the ice.

  Lisa was really getting into this PTA thing. It broke up her usual routine and put her mind on someone other than herself. At the checkout counter, the attendant offered to wrap her in tinsel, promising her a good time. It was going to be a fun season.

  There was an electronic game store in the same shopping center as the dollar store. She would check to see if they carried the games the boys wanted. She threw her purchases in the back of the car and walked the short distance to the game store. There was an odd prickling at her neck, almost as if she was being watched. Looking behind her, she didn't notice anyone out of place, just shoppers like herself. The uneasy feeling stayed with her as she continued shopping.

  As long as she was dressed and out, Lisa decided she should treat herself to some lunch. She sat down in a sidewalk café, making sure she was in the sunlight to stay warm. She ordered a salad and a glass of wine to calm her nerves. There was certainly no reason for anyone to be following her. She was an ordinary housewife with no enemies. Besides, that kind of thing only happened in books and movies.

  The wine gave her the expected results. She relaxed and had a good laugh over her silliness. Being alone had made her paranoid. Next time, she would ask a friend to go shopping with her.

  Her cell phone interrupted her thoughts. Once more, it was her mother. Why couldn't she mind her own business?

  “No, I haven't changed my mind,” Lisa answered instead of hello. “Whatever argument the Charlestons gave you, I'm still not coming to dinner. I'm too busy.”

  “I'm glad to hear you've got something to do, but I'm not calling about the dinner party. I was just going to let you know that I'm chairman of the planning committee for this year's Police Charity Ball. It's going to be deliciously fun. We're auctioning off policemen to raise money. Some even come in pairs! I've reserved a ticket for you.”

  “I told you to quit doing this! What horrible man are you expecting to send me as a date? Find him someone else. I'm busy that night,” Lisa declared.

  “I didn't tell you what night it is,” Marsha stated, catching the lie. “Don't be such a child. There's no date. It's a single ticket at the front table. There will be wonderful food and lots of women vying for the chance to win a handsome policeman for one evening. It's holiday fun without commitment. I'll be hosting. You can sit back and enjoy the festivities, no pressure, I promise.”

  Lisa considered it. She could dress up, spend an evening with adults, share the Christmas spirit, and a charity would benefit. There was no evident downside. So, for once, she said yes to her mother's offer.

  The boys were excited to see packages in the car when she went to pick them up. Lisa had to bribe them with the promise of pizza for supper to keep them from digging through and finding their Christmas presents. They jabbered away about their disappointment in the carnival turning into a dance, until Lisa told them she planned to have contests to jazz up the night.

  The prickling to the back of her neck returned as they climbed from the car in front of the house. Jack and Sean grabbed their backpacks and rushed inside, fighting over what pizza toppings to order. Lisa searched up and down the street for spying eyes, but saw no one.

  She shivered, loaded her arms with bags, and hurried inside to lock the door. Only with the deadbolt in place was she able to breathe normally.

  Lisa put on a fake, confident smile for her sons and listened as they told her about their day. She had learned how to hide her true feelings from them during the terrible times after her separation. She praised them for the good grades on their tests and the excellent way they participated in their classes. They were wonderful boys who had been through a rough patch. She knew her relationship with them was better than most parents of teenagers, yet it was difficult to be the sole disciplinarian. Thomas refused to be the bad guy, giving in to their every wish. Jack and Sean loved her despite the hard line she sometimes was forced to take. They were growing up so fast. Soon they wouldn't need her as much. What would she do then? Lisa realized she needed a life of her own. If an opportunity arose, she would reach out and take it, before she became a hermit or the type of hovering, controlling mother she despised.

  With the pizza eaten and homework finished, the boys asked to go to their rooms and play video games. Lisa cleaned the kitchen she had left so messy all day and started a load of laundry. The mundane chores were done on automatic pilot. She could let her mind wander as her hands worked of their own accord. The Police Charity Ball idea was growing on her. There was a small tingle of excitement in her veins. It was something to look forward to in an otherwise lonely season for singles. She would buy a new dress, maybe a sexy one for a change. A pair of sparkly, high heels would be a nice touch. Her hair needed trimming and a professional conditioning. She would make the appointment in the morning. With the holiday ahead, her stylist would be inundated with patrons.

  On the way to her own room and a good book, Lisa
stopped to make sure the doors were bolted. She peered through the long, narrow window beside the front door. For a moment, she thought she saw a movement in the darkness across the street. She shoved the eerie feeling it gave her out of her brain by telling herself it was the shadow of a windblown tree. However, she set the house alarm, which was a task she often neglected.

  Why she was suddenly so jumpy, she couldn't fathom. The house was in a safe neighborhood and the people who lived there were friends or at least acquaintances. She was allowing her imagination to run wild, seeing a predator on every corner. She would remedy that, beginning with the Charity Ball. If she handled it well, there was a chance she might find a date for New Year’s and some hot sex as well. It was an interesting concept.

  Lisa dressed in silky, soft pajamas and settled into bed. On the nightstand there were two novels she had picked up during her shopping excursion. According to the lady at the bookstore, they were the must-reads of the year. One was a mystery and the other was a romance. She figured, since she was already nervous and had been all day, the mystery was a bad choice. She chose the romance.

  The cover was a rugged, shirtless fireman. How appropriate to get her in the mood for the ball. Five pages in, she was hooked. She was so deeply immersed in the story that the tune playing on her cell phone made her jump. It was her ex's ring tone. She laid the book face down beside her on the bed and answered.

  “What do you want, Thomas? You've been harassing me all day. If it's not about the boys, I have nothing to say to you.”

  “If you bothered to read your texts, you would know it's important for us to talk. I have some issues at work, and I need your help,” Thomas explained.

  “You've got to be kidding me! Don't waste my time with your problems. The boys are all we have left in common. Ask your girlfriend for help and leave me alone.” She pushed the “end” button. The phone rang again. She put it on mute and returned to the novel. It had lost its appeal. Hearing Thomas's voice had brought back their painful ending. Any leftover love they had once shared was erased the minute Lisa discovered his new home contained a woman. As their marriage had grown apart, his relationship with his secretary had evolved into a sexual nature. She had been waiting for him to follow through on his plans to leave his family. Lisa should have seen it coming. The woman always had a smug, condescending smile on her face when Lisa came to the office, and she dressed like a hooker.