Hearts on Fire 4: Kisses Sweeter Than Pie (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “So, any new leads on those small fires in Fairway and near town?” Ice asked Trent, who was the arson investigator for the county. It included Treasure Town and Fairway, a town adjacent to theirs.

  “So far no one has seen a soul around that seemed suspicious. I can tell you that they’re amateur, though. There’s nothing complicated or clever about their setups or accelerants.”

  “But they’re getting brazen. My concern is how far they’ll go for the attention they’re starting to get with the media,” Buddy added.

  “Yeah, that’s all we need is for this person or people to start hitting occupied buildings,” Trent replied, looking angry.

  “Oh no, we definitely don’t want that. Have the neighborhood watch programs started yet or is the town board still holding up the process?” Bull asked.

  “You know how they are over there in Fairway. They think the moment the signs go up that say ‘Neighborhood Watch’ the neighborhood will lose its upscale name. They fear people won’t want to buy in the new condominiums going up along the causeway,” Johnny Landers told them. They all agreed.

  “Well, they should focus on how secure it will appear with those signs posted. To me it states that the townspeople are looking out for one another and aren’t afraid to report crime if any occur. It’s a good thing,” Bull said.

  “We have that here in Treasure Town. I just don’t see what the big deal is,” Ice said.

  “I don’t know either. I’m supposed to meet with Charles Walters from the board. I have our board here in Treasure Town making themselves available for any questions or concerns they might have so we can get things moving on the neighborhood watch. Buddy talked with the sheriff and Jake is on board with having a few extra patrols circling the area at night especially. That seems to be when our little arsonist is most busy,” Trent said.

  “Well, good. Spreading the word is important. But people also have to be aware of what’s going on around their neighborhoods. This is their home and arson isn’t something to take lightly,” Ice said, and they all agreed.

  “Well, wish me luck for tomorrow. This ought to be pretty darn interesting,” Trent said. They chuckled, even though they were all concerned about stopping this criminal before things got out of hand.

  * * * *

  Once the guys left and it was just Trent, Buddy, and Johnny, Trent thought about what their cousins said. Trent and his brothers hadn’t been serious in a relationship ever. They hadn’t even met anyone lately that interested them. Trent had the hardest time being intimate with a woman. He tended to go for the no-strings-attached thing, and he knew why. He was self-conscious about the burns on his body. He went through a stage where he didn’t feel good enough for a pretty woman. Especially with his brothers and him wanting to share. Finding someone who fit all their personalities and who they each found attractive was difficult.

  “What’s that expression for?” Buddy asked Trent. Johnny looked up, and although no words were exchanged, Trent felt as if Johnny’s mind was on the same thing.

  “I was just thinking about the prospects here tonight,” he lied and glanced around the bar. It was the same people. He even noticed a few women he’d hooked up with over the last year. His stomach churned. Neither were relationship material and as pompous and as much of a double standard that it was, he didn’t want to settle down with leftovers. Those women probably slept with plenty of men over the years. He was getting older, pickier about women, and he was feeling like settling down wasn’t going to happen.

  “There’s nothing different, nothing that snags my attention. Besides, aren’t you guys getting tired of this shit?” Buddy asked, and then took a slug of beer from the bottle he held.

  “Don’t start, Buddy,” Trent ordered.

  Buddy sat forward, looked around then at Johnny and back toward Trent.

  “Why the fuck not? If we are serious about settling down and putting the single life behind us, then we need to be on the same page while we’re looking.”

  “You don’t set out looking for a partner, a wife. It will lead to trouble and heartache. There may not be anyone out there who’s right for the three of us. Just accept it, Buddy. I have,” Trent said.

  “I disagree. I think she’s out there and we just need to keep our eyes open.”

  “Johnny, you’re a dreamer. Listen to your oldest brother. I’ve got years on you, kid. Women come and women go. They can use guys just like guys use women. Don’t go falling for any traps. You’re feeling horny, go over to see Jessica. She’ll take you home and make you a happy man for the night and not even expect a call or even an acknowledgment afterward.”

  “Fuck, Trent, why do you have to be such a coldhearted asshole sometimes? I mean, what the fuck,” Johnny said loudly and ran his hand through his hair before banging his fist on the table.

  “Trent, he’s right. What’s your problem?” Buddy asked.

  “Me? I don’t have a problem. I get it, that’s all.” He refused to get into a deep conversation with them on the subject.

  “Trent, it’s okay to be self-conscious about—”

  “Shut the fuck up, Buddy. Don’t. I’m not fucking having this conversation with you. Just order another round or we’ll head out. It’s over.”

  Trent looked away from his brothers with a heavy heart and an emptiness that reached his gut. He wanted what his cousins had, what their friends had. He, Johnny, and Buddy wanted to be in a serious relationship with a wonderful woman and share her, take care of her, make her a real part of them. They wanted a family, a completion in their lives. But with all their individual heavy baggage, it wasn’t looking achievable. Every woman they met so far didn’t give them the sensations they knew were necessary for a committed relationship. He couldn’t help but wonder if their woman, the right woman, was even out there for them.

  I’m thirty-four years old, a workaholic, and will probably end up alone. No beautiful, perfect woman is going to want such an imperfect bastard like me. Scars and all. Fuck it.

  Trent got up while Buddy and Johnny were still trying to talk to him and he walked out of the Station. He just couldn’t bear the feelings of inadequacy. Not tonight. Not every night of his life.

  Chapter 2

  “This whole place smells incredible. Where the heck did you learn how to bake like that, Nina?” Cindy asked.

  Nina smiled. She had gotten her first order for three apple pies for a party Cindy’s parents were throwing. Nina had handed out a bunch of fliers and was planning on baking a dozen or so pies and giving out samples to a few of the restaurants and cafés on and near the boardwalk. She was so nervous because this apartment she was renting was super small. The oven was shit, but she just needed to watch it carefully to not burn her crusts.

  “I’m self-taught, and I love it. I really would enjoy owning my own little bakery someday, but I need to get my pies out there first.”

  “Honey, if your apple pies taste as delicious as the one you baked for my parents to sample, you’ll be getting orders in no time.”

  Nina smiled as she went about making the pies.

  She looked at Cindy, who was texting some guy she liked. Cindy wanted Nina to go out, but Nina wasn’t ready for that. Her focus was on making some money, establishing a following for her pies so she could start a small business. It wasn’t going to be easy, especially as she tried to hide her past, her real last name, and work without proper identification. She should have remembered to grab her driver’s license. But then again she didn’t own a car, couldn’t afford one anyway, and if she used her ID anywhere where it was processed through a computer, then Rico could find her.

  She swallowed that sick sensation she felt instantly as she thought of Rico.

  Thank goodness she met Fannie. She was working for Fannie Higgins, a nice lady who offered her a part-time job at her little boutique called Angel’s Wings.

  It had been six months since she left California with only two bags of clothing and three thousand dollars. She was very c
areful about how she spent the money, using more to sleep in a motel instead of on the streets somewhere if the neighborhoods seemed worse than others. She was grateful to be in the small apartment despite it being above a liquor store.

  She remembered finding this place. Treasure Town. Even the name had a mystical appeal laced with new beginnings and fantasies come true. She wanted her happy ever after, goddamn it! She giggled to herself. What was she thinking? She was a realist now. Cynical even to a fault, after what life threw at her. Her inability to trust held her back from sharing anything about herself or her past. When she thought about Rico, she shook with fear. She didn’t need the added stress. Her evenings in bed filled with nightmares, panic attacks, and cold sweats were enough anxiety to live with.

  “So, are you working at Fannie’s tomorrow?”

  “Yes. She’s trying to give me some more hours, but the store really runs itself. People browse around looking, reading all the spiritual sayings and things. You really can’t bother them or ask to assist them.”

  “I didn’t think of that. Are you still looking for other work? I can ask Florence if she needs another waitress at Sullivan’s.”

  “I’ll let you know. Maybe she needs some fresh-baked pies to sell there?”

  “I can ask her. They order in from the city and get deliveries. But it would be great to advertise a local girl’s homemade pies.” Cindy smiled and winked.

  Nina placed the last two pies onto the counter.

  “I’m not a local girl, remember? But I like the concept.”

  “Who cares that you weren’t born here. You live here now. Your pies are ‘delish,’ and you’re gorgeous. What more could make someone stand up and notice you?”

  “I don’t know, but if you think of anything, let me know please. I’m getting desperate. Oh, and I’m not gorgeous.” She shyly looked down and wiped her flower-sprinkled hands on her apron. She didn’t like to receive that kind of attention from anyone. She knew her eyes stood out more than most. It was her one asset that she was blessed with. People had referred to them as spirited eyes, magical, entrancing, and some other words she really didn’t bother to overthink.

  “You really don’t think you’re beautiful, do you, Nina?” Cindy asked as she put her phone away, stood up straight, and placed her hands on her hips.

  “I know we haven’t known one another long at all, but girl, your eyes alone are a knockout. I mean, I’ve never seen such mocha-colored eyes, and they practically glow around the edges. You have that olive complexion, the whole Italian–Sicilian thing going on, and your body? I think I’m going to take up walking. Cause your form of transportation has you sporting a killer ass and toned thighs, too. You’re gorgeous, woman. Don’t ever let anyone ever tell you otherwise,” Cindy told her.

  Nina was shocked at Cindy’s description of her. She didn’t like to think of herself as beautiful. Especially with the faint scars along her forearms and the ones on her ass. Rico really hit her hard with his belt that day. If she hadn’t been on the run for so long, she would have used some money to get some ointment to prevent scarring. But that wasn’t the case. She was on the run, and he was going to hunt her down unless she disappeared.

  “Hey, what’s that look for?” Cindy asked, touching her hand. When she did, Nina immediately pulled away. She tried to step around the small space but Cindy stopped her.

  “Nina, I know we haven’t known one another long, but I care about you. You’re a lot like I was a few years back. Living on my own, no family, trying to make ends meet and get through this life. But sometimes you just have this far-off look, and I can’t help to think that you’re afraid of something. I don’t know what it is. I know your life and your past is none of my business. Hell, I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you need a friend, I’m here for you.”

  Nina felt her chest tighten. How much she wanted to accept that friendship and admit some of her fears to Cindy but she couldn’t. It was easier, wiser, she knew from experience, to just stay hollow inside and alone.

  “I appreciate that. I’ve never had a close friend before. Thanks.” She turned around and placed the pies into a large cardboard box. She placed three apple pies into another box for Cindy.

  “So let me know what your mom and her friends think, okay?”

  “Will do.” Cindy closed her eyes and inhaled.

  “If these pies make it to the house. Damn, girl, these smell so good.” Nina smiled at the compliment and then opened the door for Cindy, who headed out.

  As Nina closed the door, she leaned back against it, feeling that tightness in her chest.

  Will I ever be able to have a friend? Will I ever feel strong enough and safe enough to get close to anyone? God, life is going to be lonely. All I have is my baking abilities. Please God. Please let these people love my pies and place some orders. Please.

  Chapter 3

  “That answer isn’t good enough, Alex. Nina has been gone for six months, six fucking months. How the hell could she be surviving out there on her own without me?”

  “I don’t know, Rico. Obviously she’s more capable and resourceful than we all gave her credit for,” he replied.

  “Bullshit!” Rico slammed his fist down on the table. He stared at Cougar.

  “What’s your take on this? Any leads at all?”

  Cougar shook his head. “None. She’s gone, Rico. Can’t you just forget about her? You have a dozen others who can replace her,” Alex added.

  Rico stared at him and then stared at the picture of Nina on his desk.

  Her eyes were a shade of mocha so incredible that it was as if they glowed around the edges. She was submissive, controllable, until he pushed too hard, too far.

  “She is too special. She is perfect, and I pushed her to the edge.”

  “How can you say that? You gave her so much. You got what you wanted from her, her innocence, her virginity,” Cougar countered.

  Rico shot a look at him. “It was more than that. By taking her first, by possessing her fully, she became mine. No one takes what is mine. She belongs to me and always will. I will stop at nothing to find her. Do you hear me, Alex? I will stop at nothing. I want more people on this. When we have her back, things will change. The club is running itself. Cougar, you could stay on as manager while I take Nina away for a while. You know, to get her used to her permanent position by my side. I will teach her to obey me, and do whatever I ask of her.”

  “And what about what Martino and his brother Miguel want?” Cougar asked. “They were waiting on you to share her with them and that was supposed to happen the night she took off.”

  Rico bit the inside of his cheek. “I said I wouldn’t share her despite the proposition they offered.”

  “They offered a great deal, a partnership across the Caribbean. Is she really worth all this? Is it worth it to make her return to appease your obsession, only for you to be forced to share her with Miguel and Martino?” Cougar asked.

  Rico stared at Cougar. He had been with him for the last seven years. He was more than just his head of security and guard. He was family.

  “I need to do what I must. I’ll face that decision of sharing her when the time comes. All I ask of you two right now is to keep digging. She’s out there. She’s alive, and I will not stop looking until I find her and have her in my arms. I’ll never give up looking. Never.”

  * * * *

  Nina was feeling a bit frustrated from not receiving any orders after Cindy’s mom’s party the other day. Fannie Higgins let her place flyers on the counter by the register at Angel’s Wings, but no bites yet.

  She was using Cindy’s cell phone number and e-mail because she couldn’t afford a phone for herself, nor was she willing to risk setting up an e-mail account, giving Rico a way to track her down.

  The store was quiet today, and it was getting close to closing time as Nina picked up one of the little cards on the rack that caught her eye. It had a picture of a small blueberry pie at the top. “Life is as sweet
as the ingredients you put into it. A dash of spice, a little bit of sugar, a lot of love, and sweet results.”

  She chuckled and then placed the card back down. The store was filled with so many cool things and not all the sayings were spiritual. Some were just intuitive and witty phrases.

  There were all different sections catering to all emotions and life events. There were cards suitable to give someone in mourning, congratulations, best wishes, get well soon, inspiration. She walked over to the wind chimes that appeared so mystical and sounded pretty. They had some seashells and other little things that she loved to hear when they connected and chimed. If she had a house with a front porch, she’d buy one. But right now her cramped one-bedroom apartment above the small liquor store was not exactly home. It was hers for now and what she could afford for the next few months. Then it might be back to the parks and other areas where it was safe to sleep outdoors. She swallowed hard.

  “You could get going, Nina. I don’t expect many more customers in the last twenty minutes,” Fannie said.

  “Are you sure? Do you need anything else done?” she asked, heading back toward the counter.

  “Nope, we’re good. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Nina said and took her purse from behind the counter.

  “Be careful walking, there are some crazy drivers around here at night.”

  “I will. Thank you,” Nina said and headed outside. The air was still nice and warm. The sun had set already and darkness began to overtake the town. She walked past the sign that said “Welcome to Treasure Town” on her way toward the apartment. It wasn’t far from here at all.

  As she rounded the corner, noticing a few people walking and holding hands or heading toward the beach for a night walk, she caught sight of a flicker of red and orange. Someone was lighting a match or something, and they looked to be a teenager.

  She figured they were lighting a cigarette so she continued walking. As she got closer, she noticed the blond hair that stuck out from the Yankee’s baseball hat he wore, and then she saw his face.