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

  “Maybe I don’t want to head into town. Maybe I was looking forward to the fucking steak,” Quentin yelled.

  Axel sat up.

  “What’s your fucking problem?” Axel asked. “You’ve been like this all fucking day.”

  “You. You’re my fucking problem. You’ve been moping around all day, and you had one fucking job to do. Take out the steaks.”

  “Forget about the steaks already. We’ll go out or order in,” Deacon added.

  “We’ve got a potential problem,” L.T. stated as he entered the room.

  “What the fuck now? Like last night’s problem was so important that you grabbed us away from Mariah?” Quentin yelled.

  L.T. turned to him with that lieutenant expression that always let the troops know he was in charge.

  “Last night was important. Sandman got inside information on the main arms manufacturers here in the United States and abroad. You guys can’t let your guard down.”

  “We weren’t letting our guard down. In fact, Mariah was the best protected she had ever been,” Quentin stated.

  “Yeah, right between us. Where she should be right now,” Axel snapped at him.

  L.T. slammed the folder against his thigh.

  “Enough. We can’t give her what she needs. We’ve been over this before,” L.T. said, raising his voice.

  “No, we haven’t. It’s your damn orders. You’re the one that said we can’t pursue her. You said we can’t give her what she needs and deserves,” Quentin said to him. His heart was pounding in his chest. Quentin, Axel, and Deacon had never really sat down and discussed Mariah and why they couldn’t have her in their bed. They all cared about her. At least the three of them wanted her in the most carnal and closest way humanly possible.

  “You want to do this now? Right fucking now?” L.T. asked, moving into the room and appearing as riled up as the rest of them looked.

  “We should. We should get everything out on the table and off our chests.” Deacon spoke calmly.

  “Okay, say what’s on your mind.”

  “I want her,” Quentin stated first.

  “We all do,” Axel added.

  “But we can’t have her. What about Michael? We haven’t been the same since he died. Every time we see Mariah, we think of him, and we remember the team we had and the connection and bond,” L.T. added.

  “That’s not a negative. That’s a positive. Michael never was part of the sharing women thing we did. It was us four who couldn’t handle or face the demons of our pasts. It was our hang-ups about opening up to someone who wasn’t one of us,” Axel stated.

  “It worked because we had one another to keep us afloat, and remind us why we shared women. It kept things in control for us. We need that control. Without it we’re weak and vulnerable,” Deacon said.

  “You’re right. A woman could do that to us. The nightmares, the memories of the horror we experienced could surface at any moment. Having the three of you there while letting go works,” L.T. said.

  “It’s been over a year since we shared a woman,” Deacon added.

  “Maybe you’re all just fucking horny,” L.T. stated.

  “I only have eyes for one woman. That woman is Mariah. I want her. I want to hold her in my arms, make love to her, and taste her. Every fucking inch of her,” Quentin whispered and then ran his fingers through his hair. He felt so desperate and out of control.

  “I want her, too. I think she completes us. I think if anything, she could be the one woman we can let down our guard for.”

  “Really? Well, what if getting involved with her could risk her life even more than it is at risk right now?” L.T. asked.

  “What do you mean?” Deacon asked him.

  “Someone has been searching up information on her. Personal and public records.”

  “Who?” Axel asked, sitting forward.

  “Sandman is trying to find out and so are Jax and Jameson,” L.T. told them.

  “Wait, maybe it’s about the job interviews she has. She does have her degree in finance and she could be interviewing at big companies with a lot of money. That would explain things,” Quentin suggested.

  “We’re trying to narrow down where the searches are coming from. Sandman said that he could say exactly where the enquiries were coming from, but following the blueprint left behind, his computer analysts believe that a person with government clearance, or an organization with government clearance, was investigating her.”

  “Shit, L.T., they could be looking into her because of Michael. It was only recently that Jeb stopped his personal investigation. Mariah spent time in Europe. If the government is truly conducting an inside investigation into Michael’s death as well as the recent incidences of missing undercover officers, then they’re covering their tracks. They’d want to know everything about the families and their day-to-day operations,” Deacon said.

  They were quiet a moment.

  “It makes sense. But it also leaves us with a dilemma. We should keep her safe, but we also need to keep our distance. We have to allow her time to establish her career. She’s young and impressionable, and we’re older, experienced, and that just might be a fantasy to her. She’s known us for years. We’re familiar. The whole sharing thing may be hype to her, but knowing how sweet and traditional she is, she could wind up hating us. How would we feel if she caused a wedge between the four of us, or we caused a wedge? Is it a risk we’re willing to take?” L.T. asked.

  “I think you’re right. I think we need to remain at a distance for now while all this is going on, and hopefully we’ll have some answers and some closure soon,” Deacon added.

  “Keeping her safe and giving her the opportunity to make her own choices is priority. Can Sandman let us in on any inside information with the investigation?” Axel asked.

  “He said that something is brewing. I don’t know what. But until all threats are gone, we need to think with our heads and not with our dicks.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You didn’t kiss her,” Quentin stated.

  “He’s got a point. One kiss and you’d be a goner, too,” Axel added.

  “Try tasting her cream, and imagining her scent everywhere you go. Then come back and tell me about keeping my distance and we’ll see if you can do it, L.T.,” Deacon added and gave him a very serious and challenging look. The others chuckled.

  “Remain focused. Maybe going out this weekend will help clear your heads. We leave for the diner in ten minutes,” L.T. said and then walked out of the room.

  * * * *

  Randy watched her all night. He couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t what he’d expected. He had kept his distance and gave her the time she needed to accept him and his advances. Mariah leaving for Italy had nearly killed his resolve. But he was patient. He really liked her. He had learned so much about her from Michael, it was kind of strange. Michael wanted her protected and cared for. He sure wouldn’t want her involved with L.T., Quentin, Axel, or Deacon. They were all fucked up in the head and they shared women. Who the fuck shared a woman as beautiful and perfect as Mariah?

  Now, it seemed like she’d gotten herself into another situation. Manchenso was a man of many faces. Although Michael had failed to prove that Manchenso had something to do with the sale of illegal arms, Manchenso was considered a small fish in a big ocean. There were others to catch. Others to frame for the bigger exchanges. It was all part of the undercover operation. Randy took a deep breath and sighed. How did Manchenso find out about Mariah? Why was she interviewing for a job with the company? Randy had lots of questions. But considering he was standing near his commander, waiting for the opportunity to drag her in for questioning, hindered what he really wanted to do.

  “Hey, do you think this is a good idea? You know, using Michael’s sister to wean out the bad guys?” Randy whispered to the government agent. He just looked at him.

  “No one has been able to infiltrate that corporation. No jobs are ever advertised for or open to the public. Manchens
o invited Miss Langcaster to apply for a position. Is it a setup or is it fate, a chance to capture cop killers and traitors? We’ll soon find out.”

  “She’s not involved with them. You don’t even know if she’s taking the job.”

  “She’ll take it.”

  Randy stared at him. The agent was pompous. They all were. They thought nothing of losing cops.

  “She won’t help you,” he added.

  “She will. That’s why you’re here. You’re going to explain to her about how her brother was killed and that Manchenso might have had a hand in it.”

  “You can’t prove that he did.”

  “Not yet, but with the help of Miss Langcaster, we’re hoping to finally put an end to some major counts of treason.”

  Fuck. Why, Mariah? Why out of all the people to get picked for a job with Manchester did it have to be you?

  * * * *

  Mariah laughed as Manchenso kissed her hand and begged her another time to take the job he offered.

  “It’s a lot to think about. I have other interviews, and to be honest, I still don’t understand my full position,” she said as Armando wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her gently against his side. Manchenso raised an eyebrow, and she felt embarrassed.

  They stood in the main entrance to a five-star restaurant. The evening had gone wonderfully, and Armando had made it clear that he wanted her.

  “Well, hopefully Armando can persuade you to become part of our team. Take all the time you need. The position is yours if you want it. I had a wonderful evening, but must head out. Armando, I will speak to you later.”

  “Of course,” Armando said as Manchenso walked away and toward an awaiting limo.

  As she watched Manchenso get into the car, she felt Armando take her hand and lead her toward the side and away from the crowd. In a flash, as soon as they were behind the large, thick column, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss grew wild, and in no time, she contemplated going home with him tonight. But a little voice inside her head told her that it would be disastrous. Armando’s secretary already looked at her today as if she were Armando’s latest fuck toy. To start at a new company and already have made a bad or improper impression was not good. Besides, she was feeling so sexually aroused because of her inexperience. One hot and heavy kiss following Deacon’s mouth on her pussy and she was ready to fuck her future boss. Not smart at all.

  She reluctantly began pulling back and Armando slowly released her. He wasn’t happy about it as he pressed her back against the building. He stared down into her eyes. He was breathing heavy, totally turned on by her. She needed to slow things down.

  “I’m sorry, Armando. This is going too fast.”

  He gave her a squeeze as he clenched his teeth. “I know what I want. It’s you, tonight, in my bed. You feel it. You want me, too.”

  “Yes, I do, but I don’t make it a habit of jumping into bed with men with whom I’ve just met. Nor with a potential boss,” she said and then held his gaze. He stared at her as if contemplating her words.

  “You are perfect to a fault.”

  “Excuse me?” she asked, feeling a bit insulted.

  “I mean, you are too good to be true. How I found you, and just knew that you were the right one is unnerving. God, Mariah. How will I sleep tonight without you in my arms?”

  She chuckled as she pressed her hands against his chest and eased away from the wall.

  “Somehow, Mr. Secca, I believe you will survive.”

  He squeezed her against him again. “I won’t.”

  She smiled, and then pushed up onto the balls of her feet and kissed him on the chin. She whispered against his skin, a smile on her face. “You will.” Then she kissed him gently on the lips and pulled away. He held on to her hand and let her go.

  “One evening very soon, you’ll say yes to me.” She gave a wave to the man by the curb that the restaurant had to hail cabs.

  “I’m sure that you are right, Armando. But it is not tonight. Thank you for a wonderful evening, and a very informative tour of Armor Con.” He winked at her.

  “My pleasure. Have a safe ride home. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  She nodded her head and then got into the cab that had just pulled up to the curb. She watched him through the window and he stared at her, the look in his eyes of a man who had never been told no before, and would surely expect a yes the next time.

  * * * *

  “Say that again,” Manchenso stated into his cell phone as he rode the elevator up to the penthouse.

  His eyes widened and he immediately felt the anger run through his veins.

  “We need to eliminate the situation. The deal is set to take place next week. I have plans for the upcoming weekend, and don’t expect to be disturbed. Keep me updated on the situation.” Manchenso disconnected the call.

  He would have to speak with Armando and the others. The stakes were getting higher. There was so much to be accomplished in the lab and their contact in the government was suddenly being evasive. What exactly was going on?

  He needed to call Armando. He would get to the bottom of this, and hopefully before their plans for the weekend.

  * * * *

  Mariah had given the cab driver the directions to the hotel. Tomorrow she would head back home and then return for the masquerade this weekend. She had a lot to think about. Perhaps taking Armando up on his offer of spending the night with him would have been the better decision than leaving now. She could forget about the masquerade and just give in to the need to lose her virginity and her desire for Quentin, Axel, Deacon, and L.T. along with it.

  She was off daydreaming when she realized that the cab driver was heading the wrong way.

  “Hey, where are you going? The hotel is in the other direction.”

  He ignored her as his radio went off and he spoke into the black receiver.

  “Package is secured and being delivered in thirty seconds.”

  Package secured? Delivered in thirty seconds. What the hell?

  “Hey, stop the cab. Stop the damn cab now,” she yelled.

  “Miss Langcaster, please remain calm. I’m one of the good guys. The agents will explain everything to you.”

  “The agents?”

  He pulled the cab down a side street and right next to an awaiting black SUV with tinted windows. He got out, opened her door, as the driver to the other vehicle opened the door.

  “I want to know what’s going on. I’m not getting in there,” she stated firmly. Then she saw someone move forward so that she could see their face.

  “Randy?”

  “Please cooperate, Mariah. I’ll explain everything. Just get into the vehicle,” he said.

  She swallowed hard, glanced at the cab driver, who was armed, and got into the SUV.

  Immediately the three other men, all dressed in dark suits, sat around the custom designed backseat. She took the only empty seat, the one next to Randy.

  “What’s going on?” she asked as the door closed and the vehicle began to move.

  “There’s so much to explain,” Randy stated.

  “Miss Langcaster, my name is Special Agent Morris. This is Agent Clinton and Agent Sanders. We work for the Federal government in a special operations unit.”

  “And?” she asked him.

  “Miss Langcaster, we believe that the man you were with this evening is part of an illegal arms operation, aiding and abetting terrorists throughout the Middle East.”

  “What? You mean Manchenso?”

  “And Secca, along with a few others.”

  She felt her heart racing, and then she looked at Randy.

  “How are you involved with this?” she asked.

  “I’ve been working with the agents for the last three years. After Michael was killed, and then a series of other law enforcement officers and agents went missing, I was approached by this team. Agents Morris, Clinton, and Sanders.”

  “What does this have to do with Michael?” she asked
as she felt the tears burning behind her eyes.

  They were all silent a moment and then Randy interrupted Agent Morris.

  “The men who are part of this operation are believed to have been the ones to kill Michael and the others.”

  “What?” she asked, not believing that this was happening. Her head was spinning, and she was filled with a mix of emotions. She was scared. She was angry and confused.

  “Wait, I thought some guy named Eduardo DeLacruz was the leader and the one who killed Michael?”

  “He was. This is part of an intricate operation. We believe that Manchenso’s company has been the main resource for DeLacruz’s operation. DeLacruz is so devious and smart, that he has remained unidentifiable for all this time. We have no idea whom he is, just that these other individuals have dealt with him and continue to supply DeLacruz’s organization with the weapons they need to commit terrorist acts,” Morris told her.

  “Holy crap. I don’t believe this. So Manchenso and Armando are culprits in this?”

  “Yes. And the reason why we’ve spoken to you about this situation is because we understand that Manchenso and Secca have offered you a position in this firm. We have not been able to get anyone on the inside at all. They hire from within, and Secca and Manchenso handpick their employees,” the agent named Clinton added.

  “How can I be of assistance? I’m not a trained agent. They will kill me in a heartbeat if they find out I was there to get information,” she said, and she immediately thought about her attraction to Armando. How stupid and naive she had been to fall for his charms. Maybe he just wanted to sleep with her.

  “We aren’t asking you to actually do anything. We just want you to be the eyes and ears we have been unable to place. Secca has a thing for you. You can use that to remain by his side and Manchenso’s wherever they go,” Clinton stated.

  “I haven’t decided about taking the job. The requirements haven’t been explained exactly. If it involves being involved with financing, how do I not incriminate myself or get involved with something criminal? What if they want me to handle the financial aspect of these illegal deals, then what?”