Just One Kiss: A Holiday Story [The Town of Pearl 8] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Are you certain you like the larger window?” Lucia asked.

  “Oh yes, and that stained glass that Carol Anne handmade is stunning. She has such a talent. I asked her if she would be willing to make a few things that I could sell as specialty items on my web shop. She was thrilled. I already placed a picture of one item and there’s a bidding war going on over it. It’s all so exciting,” Mary said as she clasped her hands together, smiling. She felt so happy.

  “We’re so glad that you like it. Just wait until you see all the finishing touches. Oh, and you and I need to finalize the furniture so that it can be delivered next week. There will be a bit of a delay with Thanksgiving and all, but that happens everywhere for the most part,” Lucia told her.

  “Lucia Monroe, you have outdone yourself here. And downstairs in the smaller bedroom, you’ve outdone yourself. You can start your own interior decorating company. Maybe you can call it Designs by Lucia Monroe?” she said as Lucifer chuckled and squeezed Lucia’s shoulder. Mary saw the color drain from Lucia’s face. She looked down and then rubbed her hand over her mouth.

  “Lucia? What’s wrong?” she asked, which immediately grabbed Lucifer’s attention, and Salvatore’s as he stood by the doorway.

  “You know how I held back a lot of information from my past? I explained a lot to Lucifer, Salvatore, and their brothers, but I failed to give any of you my real name.”

  “You mean it’s not Lucia?” Salvatore asked, and he sounded so upset.

  “It’s Lucia. But my last name isn’t Monroe. I made that up so no one would be able to find me, plus I didn’t want anyone to treat me any differently when I first came to Pearl.”

  “Honey. What’s your real last name?” Lucifer asked her.

  “Monte. Lucia Elizabeth Monte, of the Xavier Montes of South Carolina.”

  Mary covered her mouth, and her eyes widened. She was shocked. She knew of that family. Anyone who was anyone in the South knew the Monte family.

  “I’m not getting it. Are you like royalty or something?” Salvatore teased. Lucia chuckled.

  “More like filthy rich and way beyond dysfunctional.”

  “Lucia, your parents were the ones who agreed to that contract with that man that hurt you?” Mary asked her. She wondered who the family was. She knew a lot of wealthy people from down south, including a few relatives in Georgia and Virginia.

  “Yes, as I had mentioned weeks ago, my mom admitted to having me for the purpose of an arranged marriage to tie the Monte’s with…”

  “With who?” Mary asked.

  “The McMillians.”

  “Franklin McMillian? The attorney?” she asked.

  “His brother’s son, his nephew Derek,” she said and then grabbed Lucifer’s hand. Mary felt shocked and angry.

  “I know Franklin McMillian and he would never stand for any such thing. I even know his two sons that work for their large firm, Franklin, Jr., and William. I never really knew Franklin’s brother Daryl. He was sort of the black sheep of the family but did very well in corporate law. Now that I think of it, there was something that happened years ago when Daryl’s son, Derek, you said his name was, when he was in college. I remember I was attending a large fundraiser in South Carolina at the time. He did something bad, because Daryl and Elaine were out of there quickly, and there was some talk of a scandal. But nothing more was said. Whatever it was, it blew over.”

  “They paid someone off,” Lucia said and then took a deep breath and released it.

  “What do you mean?” Salvatore asked her.

  “I heard from my friends that Derek had raped some girl in college and that his dad got it covered up by paying off the girl’s family. When I told my mom that Derek had drugged me and raped me, she told me that I was confused and that it didn’t matter anyway, that I was meant to be with Derek and be his wife. I told her what I had heard from my friends about him and about the cover-ups, and she told me that some men like it rough and that I needed to be tougher.”

  “I hate your mother,” Lucifer stated, and Lucia chuckled.

  “Not as much as I do.”

  “Well, this explains a lot. Knowing who both families are, I’m surprised they haven’t hired a private detective to track you down. They are money hungry,” Mary said.

  “So far it seems they’ve given up. It’s been nearly eight months,” Lucia stated.

  “Well, there’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. You’ll be with your new family and a town filled with people who adore you, Lucia. I can’t wait until Thanksgiving at the Main Street Inn, and then of course, Christmas Eve, here in my house with all of you, the family, and our friends,” Mary said.

  “Which is our cue to get moving. Lunch in thirty minutes, Lucia. We’ll head into town?” Lucifer asked.

  “I can’t. I made plans with Sage and Diane for lunch. Plus, I’m supposed to go over some ideas for redecorating jobs in their homes. Did you forget, Lucifer?”

  “Of course he didn’t. They just don’t want you out of their sights for a moment. Why don’t I drive Lucia into town so she can help me pick those final paint colors for the bedroom downstairs?” Mary suggested.

  “Okay, we’ll text Gabriele and he’ll meet you in town later,” Lucifer told them, and then leaned down and kissed her. Salvatore kissed her next before they went back to work.

  Mary smiled. They were falling in love with Lucia, and Lucia was falling in love with the Walters men. So why hadn’t she moved in with them yet, and why was Mary feeling like trouble was brewing? She never did like the McMillians or the Montes. She met Margie and Clarence Monte several times over the years, and they thought very highly of who they were. But it was so odd. Margie’s father was such a kind old soul, but it seemed that his daughter let the money and power go to her head.

  Poor Lucia. She needed a new start, and she was so glad she wound up in Pearl. She just hoped that Derek McMillian left her alone for good and moved on. That man was nothing but evil. To know what he did to Lucia and what he planned on doing in forcing her to marry him made her feel sick. She wondered if there was some way she could help Lucia stay safe. Maybe there was someone she could trust to make certain Derek never found Lucia at all.

  * * * *

  “So what are you not telling me, Mark, Fisher? Is someone in my town in trouble?” Wyatt asked Mark Santos and Texas Ranger Fisher Lent as they stood in his office. Fisher took a deep breath and released it.

  “The problem is, we’re not sure. All we know is that Marshal Mick O’Rourke recognized this character Gerry Levant as a lowlife who’s not from Texas, but South Carolina. He was taking pictures, and when he saw Marshal O’Rourke, he took off,” Fisher told Wyatt.

  “Yeah, and then Deputy Kenny Jones finds a car abandoned and finds out it’s registered to a private investigator in Georgia by the name of Roscoe Levine. Roscoe Levine has ties to this Gerry Levant, and those ties aren’t pretty,” Mark Santos added.

  “You said South Carolina, correct?” Wyatt asked.

  “Sure did,” Fisher replied.

  “Do you know who was around where he took pictures?” Wyatt asked.

  “There were a lot of people around. I couldn’t be sure.”

  “Lucia is from South Carolina. I don’t know the details about why she left there, but I’m sure that Maxwell and his brothers know.”

  “She could be the one in potential trouble. I’d say call Maxwell in and see what we can find out,” Fisher stated.

  “I think that’s a good idea. If she is in trouble, we need to know what kind and why men like this were looking for her and taking pictures. If it turns out to not be her then we’re back to square one,” Mark said.

  “I’ll call Maxwell. He should be heading home from Keanter about now. We’ll get this taken care of.”

  * * * *

  Maxwell received a call from Lucifer telling him about Lucia’s real last name and the wealthy family she came from. He was shocked, yet part of him wasn’t surprised by the info
rmation. She was very well mannered, classy, and proper. To learn that her family basically arranged her marriage from conception, to the asshole that raped her, just made him feel angry. He couldn’t wait to see her, hold her in his arms, and know that she was theirs and she was safe.

  As he headed into town his cell phone rang again, and he saw that it was Wyatt. He asked him to meet him at the department, and he knew something was up. Since the hikers were still on the loose, and only three more captured in Dallas, he thought maybe the meeting had something to do with getting good news.

  As he parked the truck outside the department, he knew it would be a little longer before he got to see Lucia. His chest tightened. He hoped this meeting didn’t take long at all.

  After greeting some friends in the department and making his way to Wyatt’s main office, he caught sight of Mark Santos and Fisher Lent. By their expressions, they looked concerned. He wondered what was going on as he shook their hands hello, and then Wyatt closed the door behind him.

  As they explained the situation, he felt sick.

  “Wait a minute, Lucia’s last name isn’t Monroe, it’s Monte, and Lucifer just told me that Lucia said Derek McMillian was the man who raped her. It was their families who have been trying to force an arranged marriage since Lucia was of age.”

  “Jesus. What the hell kind of sick people are these?” Fisher asked.

  “So damn wealthy they think that no rules apply to them. God, Maxwell, I know this is hard on you, but your woman is in serious trouble,” Mark said.

  “They obviously haven’t given up on finding her and making this marriage take place despite Lucia taking off. She’s one brave woman, but men like this Roscoe guy and Gerry Levant aren’t exactly the kind she can handle alone,” Wyatt said.

  “She’s not handling anything alone. My brothers and I will protect her. We’re more than her guardians now, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that man and these people away from her,” Maxwell said.

  “We need more information in order to protect her. I know Thanksgiving is a few days away, but do you think she’d be willing to talk with the three of us so we can help her?” Mark asked.

  “She doesn’t have a choice here. This guy hired these men to find her and they were taking pictures of her here in Pearl. They know where she is. She’s going to panic, and the only way to keep her from running is to show her that we can keep her safe. I’ll talk to my brothers and we’ll work it out with Lucia. Can you give me tonight?” Maxwell asked.

  “We’re around, so we’ll plan to meet here tomorrow morning at eleven, okay?” Fisher asked.

  “Okay. We’ll be here,” Maxwell said then shook their hands.

  He didn’t know how he was going to explain all this to Lucia and make her feel safe. She was going to panic, and when she did, he hoped she trusted them all enough to protect her from such evil people. He couldn’t lose her, and he sure wasn’t letting the man who hurt her get his hands on her ever again.

  Chapter 13

  There was a severe thunder and lightning storm going on as Gabriele and Lucia ran from the truck to the front door. She was soaked. They headed inside, surprised at how dark it was there. Lucia could hear Brutas crying. It was more like a whimper, and one look at Gabriele and he appeared concerned. He flicked on lights, and they called out to Salvatore. Brutas was outside the door to Salvatore’s bedroom.

  “What’s wrong, buddy?” Gabriele asked as Lucia pet the dog and he opened the door. The bedroom was pitch dark, and Salvatore was sitting in the corner on the rug, his hands covering his ears.

  Brutas approached slowly, and Gabriele whispered as he put his hand up for Lucia to remain where she was. She had never seen Salvatore like this. She wondered if he was crying or in pain as he sat there looking so upset.

  “Salvatore, what’s going on, buddy?” Gabriele asked.

  “Leave me alone,” he mumbled, and Brutas crawled closer, but Salvatore yelled at the dog.

  Lucia placed her hand over her chest and gasped. His tone, his demeanor was all wrong. Something was seriously bothering him.

  “We’re not going to leave you,” Gabriele told him.

  “Salvatore?” She said his name, and he yelled at them to get out. She jumped from his tone.

  “Lucia, leave the room. Go call Maxwell and Lucifer.”

  She shook her head. She remembered what Salvatore had shared with her a while back. He nearly hurt a woman once when he was so lost in a nightmare and he feared he could hurt her. He confided in her, and explained what had happened and how he lost control. The lightning struck and the thunder rolled. It was fierce. He yelled at them to leave.

  “No, Salvatore. I’m not leaving you.” She approached, and the moment she was within reach, he grabbed her and was on top of her on the rug. His eyes looked fierce, and his hold on her wrists hurt as he straddled her waist and breathed heavily. It was like he was out of his body, and fighting something only he could see and feel.

  “Salvatore, release her. You don’t want to do this,” Gabriele yelled.

  “No, Gabriele, he’s not going to hurt me. Are you, Salvatore? You said that you loved me and that you’d protect me always. You’re my soldier, my lover, and best friend. Let it go, Salvatore. Listen to my voice and feel my body. Feel that it’s me and not those demons,” she said, and he growled and hung his head.

  “Please, baby, open your eyes and look at me,” she begged as Brutas nudged his hand with his snout. Salvatore looked from the dog to Lucia.

  The thunder and lightning struck again, and instantly Salvatore lifted her up and pressed her to the bed. She hugged him tight and rocked him as he growled and cursed about almost hurting her.

  She ran her fingers through his hair as he knelt between her legs where she sat on the bed. She continued to caress him, and he hugged her, his face against her chest, his arms wrapped tight around her.

  “You just needed me to hug you and hold you because a good snuggle takes all those demons away,” she teased as she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders and squeezed him tight.

  Salvatore grunted. “Soldiers don’t snuggle, Lucia, haven’t you been listening to me?” he asked.

  They locked gazes, and she held his face between her hands.

  “Does that mean you’re not going to make love to me right now?” she asked.

  “Come on, Brutas, all’s well, let’s give these two some space,” Gabriele said as he led the dog from the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

  They were in the dark. Only the lightning illuminated the room.

  “You’re all wet,” he told her as he pulled back and reached for the buttons on her blouse.

  “It’s raining,” she whispered, feeling breathless.

  “Really?” he asked teasingly. He undid the buttons and then her bra. Salvatore cupped her breasts and then leaned forward to lick her nipples. “I’m sorry, baby. I haven’t had an episode in months,” he told her then nipped her nipple.

  “I love you, Salvatore. I’ll always be here for you.”

  He looked at her and leaned closer to her lips. “To snuggle, right?” he asked, and her heart leaped with admiration for this man. He was so amazing. A soldier who gave up so much for his country and now suffered from the memories of dangerous, violent times.

  He kissed her lips, and she ran her fingers through his hair as he deepened the kiss. A moment later it seemed that neither of them could get enough of one another. They stripped one another of their clothing, then kissed and hugged again. Salvatore lifted her up and fell with her to the bed, his cock instantly aligned with her wet, aroused cunt.

  “I love you too,” he whispered as he shifted up and then slowly slid his cock into her pussy. She felt him stretch her inner muscles inch by inch, her heart exploding with love and desire.

  “You’re mine and you’re perfect, Lucia Monte.” He said her real name then kissed her as he began to make love to her, thrusting, stroking in a slow, tortuous rhyth
m.

  He clasped their fingers together above her head and lifted up as he rubbed against her pubic bone, his cock so hard and deep in her cunt. Their eyes held one another, the love and the connection so deep, so unbreakable she knew she would never, ever be the same woman again and would never leave him or his brothers. This is how she felt with all of them. Well loved, protected, and complete.

  “Hold on baby, going slow is over.” He lifted her thighs higher and began a fast, deep pace into her pussy. The bed squeaked, the headboard tapped against the wall, and they both cried out together as their orgasms hit them. They continued to rock, moan, and then kiss as the aftereffects of their lovemaking filled the room around them.

  “Lay here with me for a while, will ya?” he asked.

  “Only if you admit that you love to snuggle,” she teased.

  He pulled from her body and adjusted them on the bed, wrapping her in his arms and hugging her close.

  “With you and only you, Lucia, I’ll admit that I love to snuggle.”

  She chuckled as she laid her cheek against his chest and absorbed the scent of his cologne and the power the feel of his muscles had over her.

  “I know you do, soldier. But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

  He ran his hand over her ass and squeezed her tighter. “Who would have thought a little sexy thing like you could scare away those big old demons of mine. I think I’ll keep you by my side forever.” He kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger a little longer than necessary. His obvious vulnerability was a sure sign that he trusted her and loved her just as much as she trusted and loved him.

  * * * *

  “Holy fuck, someone was in town taking pictures of her, of us together?” Lucifer asked as he and Gabriele sat in the kitchen with Maxwell. Maxwell looked pissed off. Gabriele could tell he was upset the moment he arrived home. Gabriele had been telling them about Salvatore and how Lucia intervened and calmed him. Now it seemed that her past, the asshole who drugged her and raped her, was not giving up on finding her. In fact, he now knew exactly where she was.