The American Soldier Collection 5: The Greatest Fight of All (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  She nodded her head. He looked mean, pissed off, cold as ice, yet his thick build and big muscles made every feminine instinct react.

  When she felt the hand grab her hand, she turned toward Regan. “Buckey won’t bother you with my brothers around. Brody, meet Amelia,” Regan said and Brody, the one Amelia knew was called Ice, and for obvious reasons, widened his eyes as if surprised by her name.

  She reached out to shake his hand and when their fingers met, she felt a shock of awareness and looked back up into his eyes. Something changed in the deep tone of them. They were dark blue, but almost too dark.

  She pulled away and looked back at Regan.

  Regan smiled then grabbed her arm and pulled her close.

  “I told you that my brothers are big men.”

  “Big? Holy crap,” Amelia whispered. Then she heard someone clear his throat and there was a friend of Galen’s.

  “I’m Michael. Galen told me you were looking for a dance partner. Care to dance?”

  “Hi, Michael. Sorry, but I’m not quite ready to venture onto the dance floor and do the two-step. It’s been years,” she said to the good-looking cowboy. He seemed sweet and completely opposite to the two Haas brothers. Remnants of their dark good looks still lingered in her mind. Michael was not dark, mysterious, or what her body felt as lethal. He was cute. Blond hair, a dimple in his chin, and light green eyes. Why she was comparing, she didn’t know, but she did acknowledge the fact that there wasn’t an instant spark with Michael like there had been with Murphy and Brody.

  “We can go out there together,” Regan suggested. She looked up behind Amelia, but before Amelia could turn to see what the exchange was about, Regan smiled.

  “Michael, you take it easy on her. Amelia’s out of practice.”

  Michael took Amelia’s hand and smiled down at her. “No worries, darling, slow and easy. The way I like it.” He placed a hand on her waist and ushered her toward the large crowded dance floor.

  She felt the blush hit her cheeks and realized that cowboys sure knew how to flirt and use their Texas accents. Now hopefully, she wouldn’t fall flat on her face and make a complete ass out of herself. This Yankee was going to show them that she could do the two-step like a pro.

  A quick glance over her shoulder and she saw the four men staring at her. She nearly tripped on the small step that brought them up to the dance floor but Michael grabbed her tight.

  “Don’t be nervous, sweetheart, I’m right here with you.” He turned her backward and off they went. She looked up, uncertain why her eyes zeroed in on the Haas brothers one more time. Mad Dog and Ice looked lethal, and the other two, whom she hadn’t met, were just as fierce looking. One had his Stetson real low and he kind of looked familiar. It was hard to see. As Michael began showing her the two-step, she caught sight of the men again. Her heart nearly stopped as she realized that the one brother with bruises on his cheek and near his eye was the same guy from the airport. She swallowed hard as Michael pulled her closer.

  * * * *

  “That’s Amelia?” Ricky asked then took a slug of beer and watched her just like his brothers were. He heard Sniper whistle.

  “Wow,” he said, staring at the woman. His brother appeared as if he knew what she looked like or something, but Brody knew Sniper had never met Amelia.

  “Tell me about it. The first time I met her today, she was wearing a bikini,” Mad Dog stated, and his three brothers looked at him. Ricky felt his insides clench up. He didn’t know why.

  “You met her today?” Ricky asked.

  Mad Dog didn’t take his eyes off the dance floor or Amelia. A quick glance in that direction and Ricky could see Michael trying to help Amelia do the two-step. His hand was on her lower back, way lower than it had to be.

  They didn’t say another word, but as Ricky looked at his brothers, their expressions grew darker and they seemed pissed off.

  “So it looks like Regan and Galen are an item,” Ricky said to his brothers. They made some annoyed sounds.

  “I don’t like it,” Sniper stated.

  “I don’t like it either, Waylon, but she’s a grown woman and she can date whomever she wants to. I tried speaking to her when I stopped by her condo,” Mad Dog said.

  “That’s when you saw Amelia in a bikini?” Ricky couldn’t help but ask.

  “It wasn’t a sight to forget, Scar.” Mad Dog looked back at the dance floor.

  Ricky looked, too, and now another cowboy was stepping in to dance with Amelia.

  “She seems to know the two-step just fine,” Brody said in an annoyed voice, and then they were silent.

  * * * *

  Amelia was getting tired. She had been out here dancing in this circle and dodging roaming hands and flirtatious comments. As the one cowboy, Tucker, spun her around then pressed his chest hard against her, plastering his hand over her ass, she grew annoyed.

  She didn’t want to make a scene considering that she seemed to have drawn quite the amount of attention from curious onlookers.

  “I think I’ve had it, Tucker. I need a break.” She tried to pry his hands from their locked position behind her back.

  “Darlin’, we’re just getting started. I waited a good twenty minutes to get my shot dancing with you.”

  She didn’t care for his tone one bit. The other cowboys she’d danced with were very friendly and respectful. None of them acted like Tucker.

  “I suggest you release me right now.” Her New York accent came on real thick as he stared down at her. He was built. Just like most of the men she’d danced with. But there was something creepy about his expression.

  “Why don’t we head outta here, and go somewhere more private, doll.”

  His statement wasn’t a question at all. He basically was telling her that was his plan, but she wasn’t interested.

  She didn’t want to cause a scene or become overly concerned with Tucker’s behavior, but as he practically dragged her off the dance floor, she knew she needed to stop him.

  She spotted the tray of beer as the waitress stood by the dance floor on the bar side.

  “Wait, I said I needed a drink.”

  Tucker paused as he looked down at her cleavage. “You stalling?”

  “I’m not going with you. I don’t know you and to be honest, I don’t like your attitude.”

  He pulled her hard against him. “You’re coming with me and we’re going to continue this party.” He pressed her hard against the bar and she gasped at his move.

  She looked up at Tucker, recognizing the anger in his eyes, and then she saw Mad Dog standing behind Tucker. The man towered over Tucker. Her eyes probably looked like saucers as Mad Dog tapped on Tucker’s shoulder and Tucker turned.

  “I don’t think the lady wants to leave with you.”

  “It’s none of your business, Murphy. The little lady and me were getting associated on the dance floor. Now she’s leaving with me.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  Mad Dog gave her a mean-looking expression.

  Tucker turned and looked her over. “You’re my piece of ass tonight. If Murphy’s interested, he can have my seconds.”

  “What?” she exclaimed, insulted and so damn angry she let her temper flare. She looked around her and to the guys standing next to her. Pulling a beer from one of their hands she took one of the mugs of beer and threw the contents into Tucker’s face, also hitting Mad Dog in the process.

  Then she stomped forward and pointed her finger in Tucker’s chest.

  “You listen here, cowboy Casanova, I’m not interested in leaving here with you or any other cowboy. The nerve of you to think that you could actually come up in my face and say the things you’re saying and order me to just go along with you.” She gave him the once-over then turned around to walk away until he grabbed a hold of her. That was when things turned ugly.

  * * * *

  Murphy was fuming. He hesitated knocking Tucker’s lights out for what he’d said to Amelia, but then she told Tucker
off, threw a whole beer at Tucker, hitting Murphy in the process. Now he was really pissed. Because he hesitated, shocked at the guts or maybe stupidity the little woman had as she stuck her finger into Tucker’s chest and yelled at him. But the moment Tucker grabbed Amelia from behind, he lost the ability to take things easy.

  Gripping Tucker by the back of his shirt collar as Amelia screamed, Tucker came flying backward.

  Tucker took a swing at Murphy, but Murphy ducked and took one shot straight to Tucker’s nose, knocking him onto the ground. He looked up to see the shocked expression on Amelia’s face, then what looked like fear before she turned to take off.

  Instead, she ran smack into Ricky.

  * * * *

  “Are you okay, honey? He didn’t hurt you did he?” Ricky asked as Amelia stared up into his eyes looking like a doe caught in headlights.

  He caressed her arms, loving the feel of her softness as he inhaled her heavenly scent. Damn did the woman smell edible.

  “I’m Regan’s brother, Ricky. Come on, let’s go sit down.”

  “What’s going on? Did that asshole try something, Amelia?” Regan asked.

  Amelia nodded her head.

  “I think your brother Murphy is pissed. I kind of threw beer at him,” Amelia said and Regan chuckled.

  “It was a good shot and mostly landed in Tucker’s face,” Ricky offered, placing his arm over her shoulder and leading her and Regan toward the bar.

  She sidestepped, causing him to move his arm. The woman had a bit of a chip on her shoulder for such a petite little thing. A second glance revealed what appeared like fear. Was she afraid of him? That thought didn’t sit right with Ricky. He knew he was a big man and had a hard look about him, just like his brothers. War did that to men and women. He decided to ignore that nagging thought that she was scared of him.

  As they arrived, Ricky introduced her to their friends and to Sniper.

  “This is Waylon.”

  Ricky watched Amelia look at the bruises on Waylon’s face then turn away from him and toward Regan. Then she looked back at Sniper.

  * * * *

  “The guy from the airport,” she whispered.

  Waylon gave her a look that made her thighs quiver, and her pussy stand up at attention. Oh God, why do these men have to be Regan’s brothers? Why this one from the airport?

  He reached his hand out to shake hers.

  “Nice to meet you officially, Amelia.”

  Their hands touched, and Lord have mercy, did she feel the attraction. Regan’s brothers were lethal.

  He stepped closer and she had to tilt her head all the way back to maintain eye contact with the hunk of a man. Despite the bruises and her inner conscience telling her to run for the hills, she licked her lower lip in appreciation for the man. His eyes zeroed in on her mouth, and then he spoke.

  “Seems you nearly got yourself into a situation, darling. You like living on the wild side?” he asked with that damn sexy Texas twang that was making her feel like some stupid bimbo with only sex and lustful thoughts ruling her mind. If she released a sigh right now, that would be the icing on the cake.

  She sensed Regan behind her, then felt her hand on her shoulder.

  Regan whispered to her. “This is the guy from the airport?”

  Amelia rolled her eyes as embarrassment hit her. She’d carried on about the hunk of a man from the airport last night and how she considered him her first introduction to the type of men in Houston. Now she felt embarrassed. This was Regan’s brother.

  After glancing over her shoulder and stepping away from Waylon, Regan looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. Her shit-eating grin warned Amelia that ideas were swarming around in Regan’s head.

  “You were right, Regan, some cowboys can be such idiots,” Amelia said then shook her head in frustration.

  * * * *

  Ricky absorbed her petite frame and long black hair. The woman stood out like a goddess. Her skin was tan and her body had curves in all the right places. His brothers noticed, too. Sniper was in a dead stare at her right now. So his brother met Amelia at the airport? Coincidence? Or was it more?

  “Maybe you shouldn’t have been accepting all those dances with men you don’t know,” Sniper stated, and Ricky looked toward a shocked Amelia. Regan placed her hands on her hips.

  “This wasn’t Amelia’s fault, Sniper. Tucker is an asshole and you know it.”

  Sniper looked at Regan and gave her the once-over.

  “Should be more careful accepting invitations and letting men you don’t know feel you up on the dance floor.” Sniper took a slug of beer. Amelia and Regan were shocked. Ricky stood by Sniper and looked at Amelia.

  “Or how about refusing help from strangers in airports?” she replied sarcastically.

  “He’s right. You should watch who you flirt with.”

  “What? Are you kidding me?” Amelia began to say when Regan stopped her.

  “Forget it, Amelia. My brothers are idiots sometimes, too. Just ignore them.” Regan grabbed Amelia’s arm and they walked away but not before sexy, little Amelia gave Ricky and Sniper a dirty look.

  “She. Is. Gorgeous,” Ricky whispered, taking a seat next to his brother before swallowing a slug of beer.

  “Mad Dog okay?” Sniper asked, never taking his eyes off of Amelia. She and Regan met up with other friends and started talking.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s time to call it a night.”

  Ricky watched as their friend Captain and a few guys approached Amelia and Regan. Their sister started laughing and Amelia shyly looked away. Ricky wondered what kind of woman she really was. Considering that she was Regan’s best friend in college, Regan didn’t share too much about Amelia or her family. Ricky didn’t even know if she had a family. Then he wondered why he even cared. It wasn’t like he was interested in getting to know her better. Ricky looked up to where Amelia stood talking. The longer he watched, the more he realized that she interested him.

  He gave Sniper a nudge in the arm when he noticed Sniper watching Amelia, too.

  “She’s a good-looking woman. Hard to not watch her.”

  “She’s got an attitude that can get her in trouble. She was lucky Mad Dog was there to help her.”

  “I think we should keep an eye on her whenever we can. She’s Regan’s friend and she’s new around here.”

  Sniper turned toward Ricky and Ricky kept a straight face. He basically was saying that he was interested in getting to know Amelia better and hoping that Sniper was, too.

  “Good luck with that.” Sniper placed his empty beer bottle down on the bar then walked away. Ricky watched him as he shook hands with his brothers and some of their friends. That was Sniper. Always keeping his distance, his emotions and feelings hidden. But, he didn’t hide his interest in Amelia from Ricky. Ricky never saw his brothers react to any woman, never mind to the same woman.

  Looking back to where Amelia stood, he caught her watching Sniper, and then her eyes landed on Ricky’s. Ricky winked but kept his expression firm. If there was a chance that he could get close to Amelia, she would learn fast that he was a boss and expected to be in control. He wouldn’t be manipulated with jealousy and games. It was why he remained single even now. He hadn’t met a sincere woman yet that he was attracted to. But as he watched her and absorbed her sexy, curvy body and sweet smile, he wondered if she were just playing games. He was too old for games.

  Chapter 4

  “God, Regan, it’s so beautiful here. It’s amazing,” Amelia said as they sat on a swinging bench that looked out over the swimming hole. She could hear the birds singing and felt the gentle caress of the breeze against her shoulders. The bright June sun warmed her skin.

  “How do you stay living in the city and not remain out here all the time?”

  “And commute? Are you insane? I like being on my own and having my privacy.”

  Amelia looked at Regan. Her best friend was beautiful. She had golden blonde
hair that cascaded over her shoulders, big bright blue eyes, and a dimple in her left cheek. She was very attractive and fun, carefree, but also typical country girl. Aside from her desire to act like she was worldly and ready for action, Regan was a kind soul, and cautious.

  Amelia gave her a little bump with her shoulder. “I guess it’s tough having brothers around to know your every move.”

  “Oh God, you have no idea.”

  Amelia took a deep breath and stared out across the water. She could see the two cowboys slowly riding toward the swimming hole and then watched as the horses lowered their heads toward the water to take a drink. They looked so big and the horses looked small. Not that Amelia knew much about horses, but it appeared as if the cowboys riding them were extra large. She couldn’t help but wonder if one of them were one of Regan’s brothers. Any of them would be great to see.

  “They make me crazy sometimes. Plus my brothers are especially hard and critical. They’re ex-military you know. Special Forces, Green Berets, and stuff. Each of them is their own arsenal.” Regan gave a small laugh. When Amelia turned to look at her, Regan was raising each of her eyebrows in a silly manner as if hinting at Amelia’s obvious attraction to them.

  Amelia gave Regan a little shove.

  “Cut it out. I’m not interested and they’re your brothers. I wouldn’t want to cause another fight around them. God knows how Mad Dog or even Sniper, would react,” Amelia said sarcastically.

  Regan laughed. “They each are a force to reckon with. That’s brothers, I guess,” Regan said then smiled.

  “I wouldn’t know. Even when my brothers were alive, life was hard and they were indifferent. You’re lucky, you know? To have four brothers who care, and of course three dads, and a mom. God, I can’t even get over that still. It’s so cool.” Amelia leaned back and watched the cowboys. As soon as the horses had their fill, the cowboys headed up toward the area where Amelia and Regan sat. It would take them some time to get up the hill at their slow pace.