Soldiers of Pearl 1: Invasion of Hearts (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “But he wasn’t successful. Did she explain what happened?”

  Brock shook his head. “She mentioned that his partner, the guy who apparently was Cora’s boyfriend and the kids’ father, called the guy down for something.”

  “You know you’ll need to really take your time with her intimately. Surviving an attempted rape, fearing soldiers, Special Forces no less, could prove to be a real problem with trust.”

  “She’s never been with a man before, Mark. Despite all that crap and God only knows what other dangers, she held on to her virginity.”

  “Well, that’s a sacred thing and the fact that she shared that with you, too, makes me think she is definitely going to share more with you about her life. Where is she now?”

  “Shopping with Diane for the party she’s catering at your place.”

  “Oh yeah, that worked out well. Hopefully Arabella will get some more jobs.”

  “I think once people taste her cooking, they’ll be lining up, and hopefully she can quit working at Rocky’s. I can’t stand that fucking uniform.”

  Mark chuckled. “Well, when you have more information, call me. I want to help any way I can.”

  “She hasn’t said much, but Rex and Reno are off today and heading over to spend some time with her and the family when she returns from food shopping. Perhaps that will make her feel more comfortable and trusting.”

  “Sounds like a great start. I’m sure she’ll come around and realize that you’re the good guys. It pisses me off to think some cops hit the wrong side of the tracks and hurt Arabella.”

  “It sounded like her sister and the kids were on the receiving end, too.”

  “Shit. I hope she comes around fast. We’ll need to be careful. You know better than anyone how resourceful Special Forces guys are.”

  “The more I think about that the sicker I feel and worry. If I could keep her at our place, I would. But obviously that’s not an option. I want to know the details, yet I feel like when I know about everything, I’m going to lose it. You know I’m not exactly a patient and calm person.”

  Mark chuckled. “Brock, you and Smith are intense. Let’s just leave it at that.”

  Brock smirked. “I think that’s what scares Arabella, too. She flinches and sometimes stares at our tattoos like they’re badges of dishonor and evilness.”

  “You’ll help her work through it. All of you will.”

  “I hope so. This is a first for all of us. It’s something we always wanted, and really only thought was possible after moving here to Pearl, and seeing the love and bond between Dale, Virgo, Matt, Quaid, and Sage, and of course you, your brothers, and Diane. We want that. She needs protection, happiness, and to stop running.”

  “Then make her see it’s real. Get her alone as often as you can and open up to her. She’ll come around and accept all four of you.”

  “I sure as shit hope you’re right. If we fuck this up, none of us will ever be the same. We’ve never felt this connected before. Even in missions, there was always a little emptiness, a separation.”

  “Wait until you make love to her together. That bond, that intensity is life altering. Believe me, nothing will ever compare.”

  Brock thought about that as Mark said good-bye and headed out. He wanted that. He needed that closeness, that connection. Arabella was the missing piece to a life filled with happiness. He had to get her to trust them and tell her story. She needed them as much as they needed her.

  * * * *

  Cora watched Reno and Rex as they spoke with Arabella and placed her between them as they walked. She could sense her sister’s resistance to them, but she could also see her interest when they weren’t looking. She was falling in love with Rex, Reno, Smith, and Brock. Despite the way Brock and Smith seemed so hard, unapproachable, and commanding, Cora still saw the desire in their eyes when they spoke with Arabella. She wasn’t the only one either.

  “Does she still want to leave?” Mary asked Cora.

  “She does, but I’m not so sure that I want us to.”

  “She’s trying to do the best she can for us, but running, keeping the kids from making friends, socializing isn’t fair to them.”

  “I know, Mom. I’ve been talking to Camille a lot, and weighing out some options. I also spoke with Anna this morning.”

  “With Anna? About what?”

  Cora looked at her sister as Reno and Rex walked her further down the sidewalk toward the small lake and gazebo there. It was a lovely spot, and very private and quiet.

  She turned to her mother, tears in her eyes, a pain in her chest from thinking so hard the last week.

  “I spoke to her about talking to Wyatt. I’ve heard some stories about how the local law enforcement and government agents in Pearl have helped a lot of the women who passed through here. From what I shared in confidentiality with Camille, she thinks that Wyatt and his men can help us.

  “Mom, Arabella has given up so much for the babies and me. I caused her nothing but heartache and pain by getting involved with Anthony and letting Kever near her. If Kever were to find her, he would succeed in raping her, maybe even killing her for helping us. She did that job to protect me and save me and I still don’t know what went down, just that afterward Kever was even pushier and attempted to rape her. That’s my fault.”

  “No, Cora, Kever is even more evil than Anthony. If the roles were changed, I’m certain that you would have done the same thing.”

  A tear rolled down Cora’s cheek. “No, Mom, I wouldn’t have because I’m not as strong as Arabella. I never have been. I’ve ruined her life. Your life, too, and could get my own children killed. I have to do something. Arabella has worked so hard, and placed herself repeatedly in danger to get us money, to care for my babies, for you and I, and she’s changed. She’s distrusting, scared of Kever, and is always putting us first and herself last. I can’t stand by and watch her self-destruct and lose that chance at happiness that those four men can give her.”

  “She’ll be angry if you go behind her back. What if things go wrong and Anthony and Kever find all of us, then what?”

  “Mom, she will never let anyone help us. She would continue to work in the bars, fight off the drunks and the perverts that want to intimidate her, and even mow lawns, paint people’s houses, place herself in danger just to make some money to feed us and care for the babies. She still isn’t eating three meals a day. She cries every night in her sleep and wakes up scared even when she’s exhausted from work. I’ve done nothing to help her. I didn’t even try to work or make some money. Now that I’m here, in therapy and feeling safe with all the police around, it’s time to take back my life, your life, and give Arabella her life back. And my kids’. God, my kids didn’t even know how to play with other kids three weeks ago, now look at them. They don’t want to leave. I don’t want to. I can work and finish my degree. My decision is made. Don’t tell Arabella anything.”

  “She’s going to be angry, especially because she’s not ready to talk about what happened. She’ll need to tell Wyatt everything. Whatever she did that night with Kever changed her. That’s what also gives her nightmares.”

  “I’ll handle her anger with me. Anthony and Kever need to be stopped. He was released almost a week ago. If anyone can track us down, it would be Anthony. I have to do this for her and for us. She needs happiness. Taking all this weight off her shoulders and getting help is important.”

  * * * *

  Reno took Arabella’s hand and turned her around to face him. She looked up, surprised by his move but he couldn’t resist touching her. When he and Rex arrived, he’d wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. Especially after what they all shared at the house yesterday.

  Rex placed his palm against her cheek and stared down into her bold blue eyes. “I missed you.” Rex leaned down and kissed her. That kiss grew deeper, stronger rather quickly. When he released her lips, Reno was there to take his turn.

  “Arabella.”

  Rex watched R
eno kiss her tenderly then press her cheek against his chest. She hugged Reno and Reno smiled toward Rex.

  Arabella turned away and looked out toward the pond.

  “Are you okay?” Reno asked her.

  She didn’t look at them. She kept her eyes forward. “You both make things seem so simple. You make me forget why I’m here at Second Chances.”

  Reno wrapped his arms around her from behind. He held her snugly.

  “That’s a good thing. Don’t make it sound like a crime.”

  “But it feels like one. It feels like I’m being inconsiderate, and foolish letting my guard down. But your kisses…”

  Reno pressed butterfly kisses against her skin by her neck and shoulder.

  “They’re soothing, and help you feel safe. Can’t you see that’s all the four of us want for you? Safety, security, and hopefully a relationship.”

  “I told you I can’t offer you any such thing right now.”

  She stepped away only for Reno to pull her back, this time facing him. “You said slow. I can definitely do slow.” He caressed her cheek while he used his other hand to roam over her hip back toward her ass squeezing it before he pulled slowly toward her outer thigh. Then he kissed her.

  When he released her lips, Arabella kept her eyes closed and exhaled.

  “You are making this so difficult for me.”

  “Good,” Rex chimed in and Reno chuckled but Arabella looked right at him and his intense stare.

  “So, are you all set for tomorrow and the party at Diane’s?” Reno asked her.

  She pulled back from Reno’s embrace and looked at Rex. “We took care of everything. I have to get to their house by twelve. It’s an evening party and I’m a bit nervous, but also excited.”

  Reno and Rex both smiled.

  “You’re going to be perfect,” Rex told her as he softly ran his knuckles against her cheek. “I’ve never tasted such delicious food before.”

  She looked away from them a moment and Reno wondered what she was thinking. He was actually surprised by her behavior. She was acting a little less resistant and that was a good sign.

  “Do you honestly think more jobs could come from this event tonight?”

  “Hell yeah. Why? Does that scare you?” he asked, and Rex took her hand. They were both touching her and that made Reno very aroused. He could only imagine what it would be like when she finally accepted them in their bed, and they took her together, making her see how well cared for and protected she would be with them as her lovers.

  “Not scared. Perhaps a little unsure, maybe lacking in self-confidence. I don’t want to screw this up, yet I’m worried that it could lead to more work and a greater desire to stay right here in Pearl. I just don’t think it’s a smart idea.”

  Rex pulled her toward him. “Staying in Pearl is the best decision you can make for you and your family. We’ve told you this before. We can protect you here. Out there, on the run, always looking over your shoulder is not a healthy life, the right life for you or for Cora, your mom, or the kids.”

  She stared at him, and he could see the emotion in her eyes.

  “But if they’re out there, hunting us down, they find us here, and more people could get hurt. You, Reno, Smith, and Brock, maybe even Millie or Anna. No, Rex, you just don’t seem to understand me when I say that these men will not stop until they have us. The children’s father threatened to kill them. Kill them, his own kids. I saw him shove them out of the way to get to Cora. No.” She pulled away and stopped talking. Reno grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace while Rex looked at the shocked expression on Reno’s face. He knew his showed the same thing.

  “This guy did that? He threatened to kill his kids and to hurt Cora?” Reno asked.

  “Please. I’ve said too much.”

  Rex brushed her hair from her cheek and she looked at him.

  “You need to tell us everything so we can protect you.”

  “There are things, Rex. Things that happened that I’m just not ready to relive. They haunt me at night, when I’m alone in bed. I’m twenty-six years old and I’m afraid of the damn dark.” She wrapped her arms around herself and Reno was there to stop her by gently placing his hand on her forearm.

  “Look at me,” he whispered.

  “Have you talked to any of the counselors here at the shelter? Perhaps they can give you some pointers in getting through this?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t trust easily. I won’t talk to them,” she replied.

  Reno pulled her into his embrace and caressed her arms until they were limp by her sides. He reached up and cupped her cheeks in his hands feeling her femininity and how delicate she was. “Perhaps you might consider coming home with us tonight and sleeping in our bed, surrounded by us as protection. We’re pretty powerful against nightmares.” Her cheeks turned a nice shade of red and she released a half sigh, half smile.

  “If only it could be so easy. Anyway, how is that an indication of going slow?” she asked.

  He hugged her to him and caressed her ass, giving it a squeeze.

  “We’d go very slow, darling. I promise you.” He kissed her neck and then Rex pressed up against her and gripped her hips.

  He whispered against her ear, “We want you, baby. We hate not being around you all the time. Maybe after the dinner party we could bring you back to our place and we can explore these feelings.”

  She closed her eyes, and Reno felt her body react to their combined touches and kisses.

  “So badly I would love to just give in and let go, but when I think of being intimate with you it makes me feel too vulnerable. If I let go as you say, it could weaken me to the point of where I won’t be able to protect the ones I love. I’m so damn tired. I’m tired of running, of having to be strong.”

  Reno caressed her hair and squeezed her tighter as Rex kissed her cheek and then her head.

  “That’s why we’re here,” Reno said. “You can lean on us. Why not start right now by expanding on what you told us a few minutes ago about Cora’s boyfriend? What did he do to her and them? What got you to leave home and run?”

  She was quiet a few moments and then she spoke.

  “Her boyfriend, Anthony, was released from prison nearly a week ago. He beat Cora up and hurt the babies. I fought him off. She pressed charges and the judge gave her full custody of the kids with no visiting rights to Anthony. In court he vowed to kill the kids and her so the judge gave him the largest sentence he could. Plus he was caught in the middle of an illegal business deal. He served three years. That’s how long we’ve been running.”

  “Damn, baby, no wonder you’re so protective over Cora and the kids.”

  “What about your mom? Did he hurt your mom?” Rex asked.

  “He would have, or one of his partners, but she came with us.”

  “Listen, I think this is something that we can definitely handle and protect you and your family from.”

  She stepped back. “No. I don’t want you involved.”

  Rex shook his head. “Baby, we’re already involved.” He leaned forward and kissed her gingerly on the lips. When he pulled back, he smiled at her. “Just tell us what happened and we can help you.”

  “There are things I had to do, stuff that happened that I’m just not ready to talk about. Don’t push me like this. I’m not ready.” She started to pull from him.

  Reno reached down and took her hand. “Why don’t we sit down and you can ask us anything you want about us?”

  That seemed to set her mind at ease as they walked over toward the bench.

  * * * *

  Arabella sat between them. She’d said so much already and the truth was it made her feel a little better. Perhaps they were right and sharing what happened in her life to them might ease her mind and help with the nightmares. But her fear was stronger right now. Especially knowing that she did something illegal to stop Anthony from hurting Cora and the kids. She thought about what they said and she did have questions for them. L
ike how long were they in the military? Why did they join up? Did they have any family? How did they wind up in Pearl?

  She started to ask them and they told her all about serving for twelve years and that Smith and Brock served for fifteen. They were all about nineteen when they entered the military.

  “It was a hard life, but we never knew anything other than serving our country. Each day seemed to roll into the next, the same for each mission,” Rex told her.

  “Do you regret it?” she asked them.

  “Absolutely not,” Rex replied. “We’d do it again. We love our country and the things we did. The missions we went on saved many lives.”

  “We lost a lot of good men over the years, too,” Reno said, looking out toward the pond.

  She looked at him and saw the sadness there and the regret. She swallowed hard and then reached over to caress his hand. He didn’t look back at her, he just entwined their fingers.

  “We came out here to Pearl about a year or so after retiring. We attended Dale, Virgo, Matt, Quaid, and Sage’s wedding. Then we saw that Mark, Lucas, and Drake were here settling down and courting Diane, and we fell in love with the place. Smith and Brock started buying up land after meeting with the town board and determining how much land they were willing to allow to be developed. We talked about housing for retired military and their families. It’s been a great success,” Rex said.

  “Yes, and with the increase in population and the various events that bring in tourists and visitors there was a need to increase security, something we all take very seriously,” Reno added.

  “I noticed that about the shelter. There were even hidden cameras as well,” she said.

  Rex reached down and held her other hand. “That’s set up as safety precautions for all the women. This town has seen their share of bad things, too, and men coming in here trying to go after women. When we first arrived, there was an abduction, but the women weren’t citizens of Pearl, they were just passing through. The need for more deputies arose, so Reno and I spoke with Wyatt after Dale and the guys introduced us and we were offered positions here.”