The American Soldier Collection 6: Their Masquerade (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Ya done pissed her off real good.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Cool it, you two,” L.T. said and then rubbed a hand over his mouth and chin. He looked toward the closed door.

  “Let’s go. You’ll straighten things out with her tomorrow.”

  Quentin gave L.T. a mean expression and then stormed off the porch toward his truck. The back porch door slammed closed behind him. He was fuming. He didn’t want to straighten things out with her. He wanted her. Plain and simple. How the fuck was he going to stand around and watch her date someone else? Maybe even sleep with them? He’d felt her ass. He’d tasted her lips, and his nostrils filled with her feminine scent that was all Mariah. How did this go so wrong? The woman makes me crazy. I can’t even think straight. I’ve never felt like this before.

  He slammed his fist down on the hood of the truck until he felt the hand on his shoulder. Instinctually he swung around and found Deacon there who ducked in the nick of time before the right hook almost hit him square in the face.

  “Calm down, Quentin. It’s me.”

  “Shit. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting anyone to come up behind me.”

  “I know. I’ll drive. You tell me about today, and what happened with Mariah.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  “I think you need to. Some changes need to be made, and you’re not the only one who needs to make them.”

  Chapter 6

  “Okay, so let us get this straight. Someone told you to back off with your inquiries?” L.T. asked Jax and Jameson as they sat in study in their house. Axel, Quentin, and Deacon were there, too.

  Jax looked pissed off.

  “Yes. Both Jameson and I were told that there is some kind of investigation going on, and that our enquiries could jeopardize it,” Jax added.

  “Shit,” Axel replied with his hands on his hips, appearing frustrated.

  “No, maybe this is a good thing. You guys said that another undercover agent went missing. Maybe whoever is conducting the investigation is onto something,” Deacon added.

  “Yeah, was that recent missing cop in the same department or task force as Michael?” Quentin asked.

  Jameson nodded his head. “I guess we should just lay low for a while and see where this leads.”

  “I just wish we could get a look at this guy. I want to know what the fucker looks like,” L.T. stated. They all made comments about wanting the same thing.

  Quentin glanced at his watch.

  “So, how did the dinner thing go last night? Make any progress with Mariah?” Jax asked.

  L.T. looked at Quentin, and the others looked down too.

  “She sure is beautiful. Mariana met her for breakfast this morning,” Jameson told them and they all looked at him.

  “Yeah, Mariana said that they were going to drive into Houston and do some shopping but that Mariah had a lunch date with some guy,” Jax told them.

  “What guy?” Axel asked, before the others could.

  Jameson looked at Jax and then Jax picked up his cell phone. He scanned the text messages from Mariana.

  “A cop, I think. A friend of Michael’s, Mariana said.”

  “Probably that fucking guy, Randy,” Axel stated as he stood up and looked angry. L.T. felt his own gut clench, and a bit of jealousy hit him. Why was it becoming so difficult to ignore the attraction to her? Just this morning Axel and Quentin went at it over something stupid. L.T. knew it stemmed from last night and the fact that Quentin had kissed her twice.

  “I guess this guy isn’t afraid of insulting his dead friend,” Jameson stated.

  “What?” L.T. asked.

  “Like you guys. You won’t make a move on that woman because you think Michael would be pissed. I bet he would be thrilled. If a guy’s friend is going to go after his sister, then he’d want it to be friends he trusted,” Jameson said.

  “Friends he could trust his life with. You guys need to make a move. She made quite the impression at Casper’s,” Jax stated.

  “It isn’t that easy. She’s been like a little sister,” L.T. told them.

  “Little sister, my ass. Even when Michael died, Mariah was in her twenties and in college. She adores the four of you,” Jameson told them.

  “If you’re smart, you won’t go pissing her off by calling her a little sister. Women want to feel sexy and attractive,” Jax stated.

  “Who the fuck are you, the guru of romance?” Quentin asked.

  They all chuckled.

  “I know that when we met Mariana, she had a tough life and was untrusting. But the moment we were around her, our lives changed. Our relationship together changed and for the better. This guy didn’t even want to attend board meetings or bother trying to date. Nothing was satisfying,” Jax said, teasing Jameson.

  “Yeah, and then we met Mariana. When it hits you, it hits you fucking hard,” Jameson replied.

  “She’s Michael’s little sister. We can’t protect her if we’re thinking with the wrong heads. As long as Michael’s killer is out there and now that Jeb was threatened, we need to remain focused. Starting something that could destroy our friendship, never mind Mariah isn’t an option right now,” L.T. stated, and the room remained silent. He was the leader, the lieutenant of the team. Their top priority was keeping Mariah safe.

  * * * *

  Mariah glanced at herself in the mirror at the small clothing boutique in town. She was supposed to meet Randy at Carmichael’s by 12:30 and it was nearly that time. A quick perusal of her attire, the designer Italian black-heeled boots, dark stockings under the slim fitting brown and black designer dress, and she knew she looked hot. As she’d gone through her wardrobe this morning, still in a huff over Quentin and the others, she decided that since Randy was so interested in her, she might as well have a good time. Perhaps he was someone she could trust, and maybe feel safe and comfortable with. God knows, she was done trying to figure out L.T., Quentin, Axel, and Deacon. They had to be the most complicated men, besides the fact that they couldn’t see her as she wanted them to, as a sexual, grown up woman, ready to play all their very naughty sex games in bed.

  She felt the rush of heat come over her. They did that to her. Just thinking about them made her throw her inhibitions to the wind, despite the fact that the emotions and desire weren’t reciprocated. They probably never would be.

  She took a deep breath and headed outside and down the street.

  As she walked, she got a funny feeling in her belly. It was as if someone was watching her. It was so strange, but powerful enough to make her turn around and take in the small main streets of town. People were coming and going, the air was warm and typical for an October day. She tried to figure out why she felt this way, and where to look. As if she could find the one watching her amongst all the people?

  I’m just nervous about this date.

  “Mariah?”

  Mariah heard her name and turned around to see a gorgeous looking Randy standing there. He looked really good, and more mature than she remembered. As he smiled and stepped toward her, she noticed the lines by his eyes and near his smile. He was even more attractive than she remembered.

  As he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a not so quick hug, she felt absolutely nothing. Not like she did in Quentin’s arms. Not like she knew she would feel in Axel’s, Deacon’s, or oh Lordy, L.T.’s.

  “It’s so good to see you, Randy. You look great,” she said, as he pulled back, but kept his hands on her arms. She felt and noticed the gun and holster on his hip. He did mention being on duty but taking a couple of hours to meet with her.

  She smiled at him.

  He stared down into her eyes.

  “My God, Mariah, you look amazing. I mean, you were always beautiful, but damn, you’re gorgeous.”

  She felt her cheeks warm as she shyly looked down and he cleared his throat. He released her arms and took her hand.

  “I’m sorry. I’m gawking over you as if I’m a kid with a cr
ush. Come on. Let’s grab a table inside. I want to hear all about Italy and your plans now that you’re back home.”

  She walked along with him, but right before she entered the restaurant, she got that feeling again, as if someone was watching her.

  Mariah waved at a few people she knew in the café, and the waitress, Debbi, who Mariah went to high school with, sat them at a corner table near the window in the back. She took their drink orders and then Randy scooted his chair closer to her.

  When his dark eyes locked on hers, every feminine instinct kicked on, and she knew that he found her attractive. She’d be out of her mind to not find Randy attractive, too, but that damn uneasy, guilty feeling ate at her gut. Had she preconditioned herself over all these years to only have eyes for four Marines? Had she been so sure of herself, so in tune to the connection they had that she’d set herself up for this horrible destruction? She felt about to cry, and Randy didn’t miss a beat.

  “Hey, are you all right?” he asked, taking her hand into his. He caressed the top of it, and the heat from simply his manly hand pulled at her feminine strings. What woman didn’t like the feel of a man’s big, strong hands, caressing, holding her more delicate hand?

  “I’m fine. Just fine. I guess I just drifted away for a moment.”

  “Has it been tough? Coming back here and dealing with the memories?”

  She knew he was talking about Michael. The truth was that she wasn’t having too hard of a time because of L.T., Axel, Deacon, and Quentin. They reminded her of her brother, and of the great soldier and man he had been. Seeing Randy kind of made her think about the career path Michael had chosen and the results of his decision.

  “It’s been okay, Randy. How about you? Do you get to come into town a lot or have you avoided some of the old familiar places?”

  He looked out toward the window and then back at her again.

  “There are positive things about this town, and this area.”

  “Like what?” she asked.

  “Like you,” he said, just as Debbi approached with their drinks.

  “Okay, I have a club soda with lemon and a root beer for you,” Debbi said and then placed the drinks down onto the table. There was an odd feeling in the air. As confused and uncertain as Mariah felt, she also sensed desperation. She hadn’t gotten involved with anyone in Italy. Not even Gustavo who continued to call her. She only had eyes for Quentin, Axel, Deacon, and L.T., but after last night, she was beginning to think that they would never let down their guard and let her in. Maybe the attraction beyond the physical wasn’t there for them like it was for her? That just made her see red and sent crazy thoughts through her head. Her temper flared. I can’t go on like this. I just can’t.

  She looked at Randy. He was definitely a good-looking man. The gun, the badge was a definite appeal. She would worry about him though, if he were her boyfriend. Could they just be lovers? Maybe she trusted him enough to give up her virginity. After Quentin’s kissing and fondling, she felt about ready to pop, anyway. She took a deep breath and released it.

  They got me all fucked up. I’m desperate to do something drastic. Calm down. I need to calm down.

  Randy was talking to her about the department, and a new case he was working on. He was enthusiastic about it. His smile reached his eyes. She liked that. The other guys’ smiles never reached their eyes. She always thought it was because they were never really happy. Forget about them. They aren’t interested. They aren’t right for me.

  Could she really date someone like Randy? Could he make her forget about the guys?

  “Are you two about ready to order? I can tell you about the specials?”

  “Sure. What are they?” Mariah asked, pulling her hand from Randy’s. Even while Debbi told them the specials, Randy kept his eyes on her. She locked gazes with him and smiled, as Debbi stood there waiting.

  “I’ll have the grilled chicken over salad with the balsamic vinaigrette, please,” Mariah stated.

  “I’ll have the same, but could you throw in some breadsticks on the side?”

  “Sure thing. I’ll get that out to you both in no time,” Debbi said and then walked away.

  Mariah reached for her glass of club soda.

  “What was your favorite part about Italy?” he asked her.

  “Oh, I loved it there. The scenery was gorgeous, the people amazing, and the food and wine sensational. I spent a lot of time at my friend’s villa. It helped to keep me focused and not get distracted by the busier cities and towns.”

  “You’re doing well then, with work and all?”

  “Yes. Definitely.”

  “I wasn’t sure if things were working out there for you because of the move back here.”

  “Well, I was offered a few positions in Italy, but also in New York and in Texas. I have some interviews coming up.”

  “Sounds like you don’t know if you’re planning on sticking around here.”

  “I don’t know if I want to,” she said as she lowered her eyes.

  “Is it too hard after losing Michael?” he asked, and then took her hand into his again. She looked up at him. The truth was that Texas, anywhere around here, made her think of things she could never have.

  “It would be so much easier to start over.”

  “Start over and leave your good friends and Jeb behind?”

  “I was gone for two years. It didn’t seem to upset anyone.”

  He squeezed her hand and then caressed his thumb along the top of it.

  “I missed you. As soon as I heard that you were coming back to town I couldn’t wait to see you, Mariah.” She smiled at him.

  “That’s real sweet of you, Randy.”

  “I didn’t mean to come across as sweet. I like you. Always have. Is there another reason why you wouldn’t want to move back to Texas?” She heard someone yell out Axel’s name and, of course, she immediately turned around to look. She spotted him right away, and he looked right at her.

  She looked back at Randy, and Randy didn’t seem too pleased to see Axel. Apparently neither man liked one another. But she wondered why. As far as she knew, they’d only met at Michael’s wake.

  “What is he, like a chaperone?” Randy asked.

  She was surprised by his attitude.

  She squinted her eyes at him.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, it seems like he followed you here. Him and his buddies were the reason why it was so difficult to set this lunch date up. You were busy with them.”

  “Randy, I have a full week here at home. I have interviews and appointments plus, yes, time spent with Uncle Jeb and the guys.”

  “Well, maybe you should let them know that you’re busy. I’d like to take you out for dinner this week, and maybe watch a movie at my place or something?” he said as he pulled her hand up toward his mouth and kissed the top of her hand.

  “I thought I saw you over here, Mariah.” Axel approached from behind, making Mariah pull her hand from Randy’s grasp and become immediately stiff as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

  The feel of his big, hard hands, gently massaging her tense muscles, was unexpected. What was he trying to do?

  “Hi, Axel, Nice to see you again,” Randy said, and stood up to shake Axel’s hand.

  Axel released one shoulder to shake Randy’s hand and he must have squeezed it hard because Randy seemed surprised a moment and then pulled his hand away. When Axel placed his hand on Mariah’s shoulders again, he squeezed a little harder. She gripped his hand.

  “Axel, what are you up to?” she asked him.

  “Just getting ready to meet Deacon and Quentin. They should be here soon.”

  Axel released her shoulder and sat down on the chair next to her, but he scooted it across the floor and brought it up close to her. As his thigh touched hers, she stared at him. He placed his arm over her shoulder, and his cologne, his masculinity did a number on her libido. Her pussy actually clenched with need. How the hell do they do this to me?
How?

  “You look really nice, Mariah. I like that dress on you, and those boots are very stylish.”

  She scrunched her eyebrows at him, wondering what in the world he was up to. Then it hit her. He was trying to get her to feel uncomfortable so she wouldn’t be interested in Randy. He wanted to ruin this date. They all wanted to control her and decide who she could and couldn’t be with. Well, they weren’t going to get away with it. She scooted her chair closer to Randy. Axel showed off one of the meanest expressions she had ever seen.

  “Well, we were just in the middle of a conversation,” she stated.

  “Yes, we were making plans for dinner tomorrow night, and a movie at my place after?” Randy asked, holding her gaze. She’d somehow wound up in the middle of a men’s pissing contest. She swallowed hard and nodded her head.

  “Yes, that sounds perfect.”

  Axel looked toward the door and then he stood up.

  “Well, I’ll leave you two to your lunch. See ya in a little bit, Mariah.” Axel got up to leave, but as he did, he caressed her hair and gave a strand of hair a light tug. A tingling sensation traveled through her scalp, over her neck to her breasts. As her nipples instantly hardened, she shook her head. Her body knew their touch. Her body reacted immediately. Why couldn’t Randy’s touch or some other man’s touch do this to her? It would make her life a hell of a lot easier right now.

  She looked up at Axel and he winked at her. As she followed him with her eyes, she spotted Deacon and Quentin and gave a quick nod of her head in acknowledgement before she turned toward Randy.

  “They’re taking the whole big brother act a bit too far. You’re a grown woman. You can date who you want. They need to get lives or their own women to dote on.”

  “Randy, they’re good friends, more like family.”

  He scooted his chair closer as he took her hand into his. “You’re a grown woman. Do you really need those men around you? I’ve heard things about them. It concerns me.”

  “Things?” she asked, holding his gaze.

  “They’re into some pretty kinky stuff, and they can be aggressive. Michael wouldn’t want you to be around that.”