Her Wilde Marines [Wilde, Nevada 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Chloe Lang

  “And we best not forget Gregory Grant, Adam.” Emma remembered how wonderful it had been to hold her two daughters for the first time and was certain the new mothers were feeling the same for their babies. “Gregory with his coal-black hair and Grace with her blonde hair.”

  As if on cue, Maude, Greg, and Grant Strong walked into the diner.

  Maude spotted them. “There you are, Emma.” The trio headed to their table.

  Emma had known the Strongs her whole life. They were so happy together. “Congratulations. How does it feel to be grandparents to the cutest baby boy on the planet?”

  “Feels amazing,” Greg answered.

  Grant nodded. “Congratulations, fellas. Your niece is so precious.”

  “Those two darling bundles stole the show, didn’t they, Emma?” Maude sat down across from them.

  “They sure did.”

  Maude’s charisma was endearing. “I don’t want to interrupt, but I wanted to ask you something. Is it true that you’re looking for a place to live?”

  “Yes. I’m moving back here, and I want a place for my girls and me.”

  Maude reached across the table and grabbed her hands. “That makes me so happy. I love my new hotel and hope you are enjoying your stay, but you need something more permanent. I have a rental house that I think would be perfect for you. Three bedrooms and two baths. It even has a garage. It’s on Windfall Street just a block away from the middle school.”

  “Maude that would be fantastic. When can I see it?”

  “Anytime, sweetie.”

  “Would this evening be okay? I need some sleep.”

  Maude nodded. “I think we all do. Let’s say about five.”

  “Perfect.” She loved how everyone in this town took care of each other.

  “I miss Norma so much. She was such a great friend to me. She would be thrilled that you are moving back.” Maude squeezed her hands. “Wilde is your home. You belong here.”

  “Honey, let’s get our breakfast.” Greg winked. “I think these three might need more time alone.”

  Emma shook her head. “We’re about to leave, Mr. Strong. This was only breakfast with friends.”

  “Uh-huh.” The new grandpa smiled and sent her another wink.

  Adam stood and held out his hand. “After we take you to look at the house, Em, we really need your help to find a present for the most perfect little niece in the world.”

  Bane’s smile gave her a little tingle. “And don’t forget we need presents for little Gregory and his mom and Shelby, too.”

  Maude grinned. “Sounds like you three will have to spend a lot of time together. Shopping can be quite a chore.”

  “We are just two old Marines, Maude. We need Emma’s help.” Adam’s warm gaze unhinged her. “What do you say, Em? Will you help us out?”

  How can I refuse them? “Okay. Shopping after I look at Maude’s rental house. As friends.”

  “Uh-huh,” Bane and Adam said in unison, but she knew by the looks on their faces they were hoping for more.

  The Strongs went to another booth to order their breakfast.

  Feeling the fatigue of staying up all night, Emma yawned. “I’m sorry.”

  “Nothing to be sorry about, Em. Time to get you back to your room.” Clearly, Adam meant to walk her to the hotel.

  Bane yawned. “Your yawning is contagious. I think we all could use a few hours of shut-eye.”

  “We’re on the same page.” Adam yawned. “It’s really contagious. Let’s go before we all fall asleep right here.”

  She walked between Adam and Bane to the new Hotel Cactus. The old one had been destroyed in a fire. They entered the lobby, which was even more grand than the former one had been. As they headed up the stairs to her room, she felt her heart start to race. Why? They were only acting in a gentlemanly manner walking her to her door. Nothing more. She was being silly.

  When they got to her room, she turned to them. “Thank you for breakfast and escorting me back here. What time will you pick me up?”

  “A quarter to five.” Bane leaned in and kissed her gently.

  “Don’t forget, shopping after we look at Maude’s house, Em.” Adam tenderly pressed his lips to hers.

  Her legs were weak. Is it from their kisses or from being so tired? But she knew it was from their kisses. “Good night. Wait. It’s morning. Let me say until later.” She opened her door.

  Bane hugged her. “Later for sure, Em.”

  “Bye, sweetheart.” Adam touched her cheek.

  Then the two Marines turned and headed down the stairs.

  She went into her room and shut the door.

  She stripped off her clothes and leaned back on the bed.

  Her eyes were heavy because she was feeling so relaxed at all the wonderful prospects in front of her. Things were looking up for her and her girls.

  She was about to drift off when her cell buzzed.

  “Damn. I just want some sleep.” She slid her finger across the screen. “Hello?”

  “You thought you could get away from us by going back to Wilde, Emma, darlin’.”

  Lily?

  Every inch of her body stiffened. “Lily, is that really you?”

  Instead of Lily answering her, Samantha’s voice came through the speaker. “You were wrong, Em. We’re still coming for you.”

  “Sam? Why are you doing this to me?”

  The line went dead.

  Trembling, she tossed the phone to the floor. The voices were back.

  How is this happening? Lily and Samantha are dead.

  Gathering her wits, she grabbed her cell and looked at the screen to see where the call originated. What she saw filled her with dread. Unknown.

  Was that an actual call or am I going crazy? There was no way she would be able to sleep now. She hoped a hot bath would relax her, but she doubted it would work. She couldn’t stop thinking about the phone call. There has to be an answer to why this is happening to me.

  Chapter Five

  Adam parked his truck in front of the Hotel Cactus. “We’re here.”

  “Right on time, too.” Bane jumped out of the cab, clearly as anxious as he was to get back to Emma.

  He felt refreshed, in part from the few hours of sleep they’d been able to get, but mostly from anticipation of seeing Emma again.

  They entered the lobby and saw her sitting on one of the plush sofa’s gazing at her cell phone.

  “God, isn’t she the most gorgeous woman you’ve ever seen, Bane?”

  “Damn right, she is. And her beauty isn’t just on the outside, bro. It runs through all of her.” Bane was absolutely right about Emma.

  They were both thrilled to be spending time with such an amazing woman.

  “Bane, she’s not even aware we are here, is she?”

  “She doesn’t seem to be. Obviously, she’s lost in thought about something.”

  As they got closer, they could see her beautiful eyes had tears starting to overflow. Realizing she was upset about something concerned him. Though they’d only just met, he had a strong urge to hold and comfort her.

  He and Bane rushed to Emma.

  They glanced at her cell and saw the pictures of her dead sisters on her screen. She had suffered so many losses and was obviously struggling with her grief.

  Emma looked up at them, quickly wiping her eyes. “You’re here already.”

  He sat down on one side of her and took her hand. Bane moved to the other side, putting his arm around her shoulders.

  “We understand that you’re sad, Em.” He squeezed her delicate hand.

  Bane jumped in. “Would you like to get a drink before we leave?”

  Believing she needed to open up to heal, he added, “Or we could go somewhere private to talk if you like.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’d rather just go if you don’t mind.” She stood and shoved her cell into her purse.

  He realized she wasn’t ready to talk about what was troubling her. “Emma, whate
ver you need is what we’ll do.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t want to be late. Maude is expecting me.”

  * * * *

  As they turned onto Windfall, Emma saw Maude’s truck parked in front of the cutest house on the block. The outside was so eye catching with its large trees and beautiful landscaping. She could tell it had been very well taken care of. “I hope the inside is as nice as the outside.”

  “Knowing Maude, I’m sure it is.” Adam parked his truck next to Maude’s.

  Bane got out from the back and opened her door. “Ready to take a look at your new place, Em?”

  She nodded.

  The three of them walked up to the pretty porch that wrapped around the entire front and sides. The door opened, revealing Maude.

  “I heard you drive up. Come on inside, Emma. I think you will love this place.”

  She walked inside and realized how perfect this home would be for her and her girls. It was gorgeous. “Maude, this is amazing. I love the open floor plan, and the kitchen with all the stainless steel appliances is a dream. I’m just not sure I can afford something this elaborate.”

  Maude smiled. “You’ve only taken a single step into the house, Em. Let’s go see the rest of it. Okay?”

  She turned to Bane and Adam. “Would you mind looking at the place with me guys? I would appreciate your opinion.” Why did I say that?

  Bane nodded.

  “Absolutely,” Adam answered.

  She’d been on her own for years, handling everything herself. Still, it was nice to have these two Marines by her side to at least ask their advice.

  They walked around the home that was perfect in every way. Andrea and Autumn would have their own rooms, which were each double the size of the one they shared in North Dakota. The Master had a sitting room and a giant en suite with separate shower and garden tub.

  Maude turned to her after showing her the backyard, which was lined with stunning red rose bushes. “So, Em? What do you think? Will this work for you?”

  “Maude, it’s amazing. I wouldn’t change anything. It’s my style in every way. The colors. The layout. Everything. It’s just not going to fit my budget. Maybe later. But for now I should probably get an apartment at Wilde Oaks.”

  “I always wait for the right person to rent my houses to, Em. I want someone I know I can trust. When I first found out that you needed a home, I knew that would be you.” Maude reached in her purse and pulled out some paperwork and a set of keys. “Money doesn’t concern me one bit, young lady. Here’s the lease. Will this fit your budget?”

  Emma looked at the agreement. Maude had already typed in her name and a price that was about the same as she was paying for the two-bedroom apartment in North Dakota. “Maude, this is too low. I just couldn’t.”

  “Oh yes you can. Now sign.” Maude pulled out a pen and handed it to her. “I know you love it.”

  Adam put his arm around her shoulders. “I think you’ve been overruled, Em.”

  She signed the lease and hugged Maude. “I don’t know what to say, but thank you so much.”

  “No. I’m thanking you. I can sleep at night knowing my house is well taken care of. Who knows, you might want to buy it someday for you and the girls.” Maude grinned and looked over at Bane and Adam. “It’s big enough for an entire family, you know.”

  Emma loved the dear woman, but she made her blush.

  Maude turned back to her. “Here are the keys. I’ve got to get back to my grandson and my daughter-in-law. Doc is releasing them in an hour and I want to be there.”

  Emma took the keys. “The lease doesn’t start until the first of next month.”

  “Don’t start with me, young lady. It’s yours. Lock up when you leave.” Maude addressed Bane and Adam. “Take good care of my renter, boys. Bye.”

  After her sweet landlady walked out the door, Emma turned to Bane and Adam. “I’ve just got to walk around this house one more time, guys. Do you mind? I just can’t believe this is mine.” She felt better than she had all day. Things were looking up again.

  As they walked around with her, she told them how she would decorate each room. “My mother’s buffet would look wonderful on this wall. I’m just so excited. I can’t wait to get my girls here and start our new life. Are you guys hungry? Do you mind if we grab a bite before we go shopping?”

  “My sentiments exactly,” Bane said. “We haven’t eaten since breakfast.”

  “How about we go to the steakhouse?” Adam asked.

  “I didn’t know there was a steakhouse in Wilde.”

  “We’ve all been away too long, Em.” Bane pulled her in close. “But Shelby told us the food at Reno Steakhouse is mouthwatering. It’s on the highway five miles north of The Masters’ Chambers.”

  * * * *

  “I can’t remember when I had so much fun.” Bane held Emma’s hand as they walked into the Hotel Cactus.

  “Me either,” she said. “I love spending someone else’s money.”

  “I never cared for shopping before, but you made it fun, Em.” Adam laughed. “I especially liked the onesie you tried on for Shelby.”

  Emma smiled. “She’s going to love the selfie we took of the three of us in pajamas.”

  “How many stores did you run us through?” Bane wiped his brow, overemphasizing his fatigue. “You wore us out.”

  She shrugged. “How many stores are in the county?”

  “We saw them all.” Bane wanted to spend more time with this amazing woman. Much more time. He grinned. “It’s going to take a week to work out these knots in my calves.”

  “And you call yourself Marines? You should see me around Christmastime. This was just a little sprint compared to that marathon.”

  “Haven’t you ever heard of online shopping?” Adam shook his head and slumped into one of the sofas in the lobby. “If you ever want to try out basic training, sweetheart, I’m sure you would pass with flying colors.”

  “Most mothers of two teenagers would.” Emma laughed, a sound he wanted to hear again and again and again. She landed next to Adam on the sofa.

  Looking at her and his brother, something profound hit Bane square in the face. She was the one they’d been searching the world for, the one who would change everything for the better for them, the one they would build a life and a future together with.

  I want her. She’s the one for us.

  “Oh God. I have to stop laughing, guys. I’m still so full from our dinner.”

  “Shelby was right about the steaks at Reno.” Adam put his arm around Emma. “Our meal was so delicious and satisfying.”

  She nodded. “Thank you. I needed this evening more than you know.”

  Bane sat down next to her, placing her between him and Adam, right where she belonged. “Baby, you’re the real reason it was a perfect night.”

  Her green eyes sparkled. “I could say the same about you and Adam.”

  He leaned in and kissed her, tasting the sweetness of her lips. Every possessive cell inside him came alive as he deepened their kiss sending his tongue into her delicious mouth. He inhaled her breaths, claiming even them as his own. His heart thudded like a hammer in his chest.

  When he released Emma, her face was beautifully flushed.

  Her lips parted, but before she could say anything, Adam kissed her. She placed her delicate hands on his brother’s shoulder. When Adam ended their kiss, Emma’s breathing was labored, causing her breasts to heave.

  As their kissing intensified, his own hunger burned for satiation. He needed to keep control, but something dangerous and famished had been unleashed inside him. His need to possess and to conquer thundered inside him.

  He stroked her hair. “I think I should go get us a bottle of wine and we take this to your room, if that’s okay with you, Em?”

  “I don’t want this evening to end yet, and I’m not ready to be alone. So, yes. I think it’s a very good idea.”

  Her words were music to his ears. “Why don’t you walk her u
p to her room, Adam, and I’ll be there just as soon as I get the wine.”

  His brother stood. “My pleasure, bro.”

  “Red or white, Em?”

  “White.”

  Adam grabbed her hand to help her stand.

  Bane smiled, watching them as they headed up the stairs. He walked to the bar. The bartender gave him a bottle of the best white wine they had in stock and three wine glasses. He bolted up to the second floor. Like Em, he was not ready for the evening to end.

  We might even watch the sun rise together.

  He walked into her hotel room, which was quite lavish by most standards. Not surprising since all the rooms in the Cactus were palatial. When Maude had rebuilt the hotel, she’d spared no expense.

  He sat the bottle on the table. “I forgot to ask for an opener. Damn.”

  Emma smiled. “No worries. There’s one by the ice bucket. This room seems to have everything you would ever need. There’s even a ton of movies on Blu-ray. Would you guys like to watch one?”

  Adam put his arm around her. “Maybe later, but for now let’s just enjoy our wine and talk.”

  Bane completely agreed with his brother. He wanted to get to know Emma even more.

  She nodded. “That sounds perfect to me.”

  He opened the bottle and poured each of them a glass. “Here you go, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you.” She took it and brought it up to her lush lips.

  After lots of conversation and laughter and finishing off their drinks, Bane saw her cheeks were a bright red, indicating she was warm and having a good time.

  Adam downed the last drop of the wine. “All gone. Should I head down to the bar for another bottle, Em?”

  “No thank you.” She smiled. “I’m fine. Actually more than fine.”

  God, I love the sound of that. Bane looked at his watch. “It’s oh-two hundred.”

  “Two in the morning? It’s still early.” She clearly wasn’t ready to be alone. “Any ideas of what we can do next? Do you like games? I saw a deck of cards in one of the drawers of the dresser. How about poker?”

  Adam raised one eyebrow. “What are the stakes, Em?”