The Battlefield Series 5: Breaking Through the Pain (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3

  When she entered the kitchen smiling, she stared at Shimmy, who was holding on to the counter with his head hung as if he were in pain or discomfort. By the way she saw his eyes closed and his lips firm, she was concerned. She continued walking, but was looking at him, and slammed right into Caplin.

  He grabbed on to her arms and she gasped and pulled back, but he didn’t release her.

  “Hey, Cali, are you okay?” he asked and Shimmy shot his head up to look. He scowled as he seemed to adjust to a shot of pain, but then gave her the evilest look ever.

  She shoved Caplin’s hands from her arms and then rubbed her arms as if he had some sort of disease.

  “I’m fine. Sorry, I was rushing in here and not looking.” She chuckled then went to walk away, but Caplin grabbed her wrist to stop her and whispered down into her ear.

  “You can bump into me any time, baby,” he said, and the way he looked at her creeped her out.

  She was shocked at her reaction. She immediately froze, stared at him and thought about the men who had taken her. There was one Cuban guy who would sniff her hair, lick her skin, and tell her all the things he planned on doing to her when he got the order. It wasn’t until she heard Dominick’s deep voice and felt Caplin being pushed away from her that she snapped out of it.

  “Lay a hand on her ever again and I promise you, you’ll be damn sorry,” Dominick reprimanded Caplin, who raised his hands up in defense and then looked her over, licking his lower lip, giving her the heebie-jeebies as he walked away.

  Dominick reached out and cupped her cheek, tilting her head up toward him as he placed his other hand on her hip.

  She locked gazes with his dark eyes, those similarly dark eyebrows and firm, dominant expression.

  “You okay?” he whispered.

  She blinked several times and the realization that she’d had some sort of out-of-body experience seemed to kick in. Her eyes glazed over, her lips parted, but she knew if she spoke it wouldn’t come out right at all.

  She nodded her head and he caressed her lower lip with his thumb.

  “Cali?” he repeated.

  She shook her head and released a short, uneasy breath.

  “I’m sorry. I’m okay. Just tired. Sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I should go now.” She pulled away from him and immediately felt the loss of his touch. She glanced over her shoulder as she hurried from the kitchen and she saw their expressions. Dominick’s concerned, odd look with his hands on his hips while looking over her body did something to her. A glance at Shimmy, who exchanged a look with Dominick, left her feeling exposed.

  What the hell just happened back there? I lost it. I completely lost it the moment I was faced with an uncomfortable feeling. A man grabbing me, flirting with me, and I fucking lost it. Holy God, what do I do?

  * * * *

  Dominick got into the truck with Shimmy. His brother was in pain. That was obvious. His behavior today was so different, and especially around Cali.

  “Maybe you should take one of those hot baths in the Jacuzzi tub? It could help,” he suggested to Shimmy. Shimmy mumbled. “I can tell you’re in pain. It was a long day and we were extra busy.”

  “Yup.”

  Dominick exhaled.

  “Cali was on fire today. She did really good.”

  Shimmy didn’t say anything.

  “I don’t know what was up with Caplin. I don’t really care for that guy, and especially the way he acts toward Cali. She’s sweet, young, and inexperienced. Caplin is a player, way more experienced than her. He should know better.”

  Shimmy just stared out the window, looking pissed off at the world.

  “Did you see her reaction though? She zoned out completely. It was like she was in another place, and had that scared, almost terrified expression. Did you see it?”

  “No.”

  Dominick exhaled. “Bullshit. I know you did. You’re fucking watching her all the time.”

  Shimmy looked at Dominick with a scowl on his face. “Because she’s always screwing up. She’s like some airhead teenager.”

  “She’s no teenager. Doesn’t take a man to notice that.”

  “You interested in screwing her or something, Dominick? Who’s the one watching her all the time?” he snapped at him.

  Dominick felt his blood pressure rise. Shimmy was filled with a piss-poor attitude. He hated the world, but at least he was working. Dominick knew better than to let his nastiness have an effect on him. However, this felt different. The way Cali looked at Dominick, the way it felt touching her. When he stared down into her big brown eyes, and those plump full lips, he imagined kissing her. It just came out of nowhere, shocking him. Especially when his initial thought at seeing Caplin grab her arm and whisper to her sent him into a protective mode. He felt responsible for the girls, and for Brooklyn.

  “She’s a sweet, young woman, and I watch out for all the girls.”

  “Well, isn’t that so fatherly of you.”

  “I’m not old enough to be any of their fathers,” he replied.

  “They’re young and got no idea about life, about fear and violence. They act shy and innocent, but are clueless.”

  “That’s your description and analysis of the women who work at the Station?”

  “It’s women in general, old and young. No clue. They want a magazine man, a romance novel man, not the real thing. Not a man with battle wounds, with scars and experiences that just talking about would give those little girls nightmares. Jesus, why the fuck are we talking about this shit? Just get me home. I need a shower, then bed,” Shimmy stated in annoyance.

  “We’re talking about this because of Cali. Something is up with her. She’s acting different.”

  “A couple of weeks of actually doing her job and acting like a responsible adult and you think there’s something going on with her? She’s growing up, finally taking responsibility for herself and her actions. She’s a kid on the verge of womanhood.”

  “She’s no kid, I can tell you that much.”

  “You’re thirty-six years old and you want to screw a twenty year old.”

  “I didn’t say anything about screwing her, and we don’t know how old she is.”

  “Whatever. I don’t give a shit what you do.”

  Dominick sighed and gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Years. Years of patience, understanding, and tough skin had gotten him through dealing with his brothers and their piss-poor attitudes. Would it be so crazy, so out of this world to think that maybe they would one day come around and act semi-normal? It’s like they surround themselves with trouble, with darkness, and it looms over them day in and day out. It’s like none of them can function on happiness and peacefulness, or just sit still and appreciate life. They were alive and living together, surviving together, so why couldn’t they just act more human?

  Dominick pulled up to the ranch and saw Culhane and Warren. They were dressed in fatigues, pulling their guns and duffel bags out from the back of the truck. Smith and Wesson, their two German shepherds they rescued as military service dogs, sat at attention. They were out late. They must have gone up near Lake Freeman. Culhane, covered in tattoos like some biker dude, looked at Shimmy as Shimmy slid from the truck and then slowly walked toward the house.

  “You okay?” he asked with concern.

  Shimmy nodded and kept walking. Smith followed him and Shimmy reached down and patted the dog’s head. Smith then sat on the front step, keeping watch. Wesson greeted Dominick. He petted the dog and then Wesson took position near Warren and Culhane.

  Warren placed a hand on the truck and watched Shimmy until he went into the house.

  “I don’t know why he insists on working. We got a shitload of money, and don’t have to,” Warren stated.

  “He needs to keep busy,” Dominick told them.

  “He comes home aching. What the hell good will that do him?” Warren added.

  “He’ll be too exhausted to have nightmares,” Culhane said straight-faced
and then headed into the house with Smith and Wesson on his heels.

  Warren looked at Dominick.

  “I guess it’s better that he’s working around people. Being anti-social and sitting in the house all day could make even a sane man go crazy.”

  “He’s sane, Warren. He’s just like the rest of us soldiers. He’s trying to transition to civilian life.”

  “It isn’t easy. I know that. Hell, I’m grateful that at least he’s here with us and we can help him if needed. The worrying about him out on his own, not making it, or worse…” Dominick said and then felt the twinge of fear hit his chest. So many soldiers took their lives after getting out of the military. It wasn’t right. There weren’t enough services and help available to them after all their sacrifice. He could have lost his brother. Could have lost any of them, and still could. This worry wasn’t easy, but it was the way of life for a military family.

  “Listen, he’s here with us now. We’re all doing what we can.”

  “How did the dogs do today?” Dominick asked and they started to head toward the house.

  “They did good. They needed to get rid of the excess energy. They’ve come a long way since serving and are adapting well. It will take more training, but I think they’ll do just fine,” Warren told him.

  They climbed the stairs and headed into the house.

  * * * *

  “Okay, Cali, this is a Glock. I want you to get a feel for it. Hold it, point it, see if you’re comfortable with it. If not, I have a Beretta 92 A1. You may be able to work the slide easier. Your choice,” Wayde told her.

  She swallowed hard and stared at the gun a moment. Was she really ready for this? She started to feel anxious, nervous, and scared. Yes, scared, because numerous times the men who held her captive pressed a similar looking gun against her head, against her chest, and ordered her compliance.

  He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “If you’re not ready…”

  She shook her head. She looked at the gun and took it from him. She remembered the moment she grabbed for the gun after being shot. She just kept firing at them, watching each man go down as she ran for the door to escape. She closed her eyes and refocused.

  “I need to be ready,” she whispered and felt the cool, heavy object in her hands. Everything changed in that instant. Her hands always shook, and more so when she thought about the events that had taken place. Wayde covered her hand with his.

  “You’ll need to gain control of those shakes you have or you could get hurt, or worse, hurt someone else. My plan is to bring you out to Lake Freeman tomorrow. It’s a great spot and a few other people use this makeshift shooting range up there.”

  She turned the gun and really absorbed the feel of it in her hands. It was heavy, cold, yet made her feel different.

  “It’s a weapon, Cali. A powerful weapon that could take a life. It isn’t something to take lightly. That power you feel, that empowerment could turn ugly if you don’t remember why you want to be capable of shooting it. It’s because you want to protect yourself. You don’t want to be a victim, and you want to feel a measure of control. Never point it at anything or anyone you’re not ready to shoot. Before you pull that trigger, know that. Accidents happen and the last thing you’ll want to do is hurt, maim, or kill a friend or an innocent person. We’re going to practice a lot. First on how to shoot that gun and become a pro at it, and then how to clean that gun and care for it. It’s your friend, Cali. Your backup in a dangerous, scary situation when it comes to who lives and who dies that day. You or the asshole who chose to fuck with ya.”

  She looked up into his eyes and he gave her a wink. She nodded.

  “How does it feel?”

  “Heavy.”

  “You’ll get used to it, and after you shoot it today, you’ll be a little sore, too. It will work out though. Plus, going to the dojo and starting those classes today will help build that arm strength. Mateo and Fox will be a great help,” he told her.

  She looked at him in surprise. “Mateo and Fox? You told them about me?”

  “No. Not entirely, anyway. I told them that something bad happened to you and you’re looking to gain some training and empowerment. You’re close with Antonia and they are her men, so I know you’ll be in good hands.”

  Cali was sick to her stomach. She really didn’t want a soul to know what happened to her. Not even a little bit of information. As she thought about them finding out, she put the gun down and tried to calm her breathing. Again, Wayde placed his hand on her shoulder. She closed her eyes.

  “I can’t do this yet,” she said to him.

  “You can do this. You want to do this.”

  “I can’t yet. I can’t get the images out of my head. I wake at night to the sound of gunfire, and me being shot. I don’t know how I’ll react when the gun fires. When I smell the scent of it afterward…”

  “You don’t have to shoot it today. That’s the PTSD. It’s going to take time, Cali, and it can’t be forced. You haven’t shared any of what happened to you with anyone. You’re holding it all inside, so maybe if you—”

  She shook her head and stepped back.

  “I think I should start with the self-defense training. I don’t think I’m ready for this after all. I’m sorry, Wayde. What I want and what I’m capable of right now are apparently two different things. I’m sorry.”

  * * * *

  Milton, Leif, Fox, and Mateo stood in the front office discussing the last class. They heard the bell chime at the front door and Fox smiled at Cali.

  “Hey, Cali, glad you made it,” he said and greeted her with a kiss to her cheek.

  She looked uneasy, and he felt a little uneasy, or maybe just concerned. Wayde’s call was vague and the information limited. They all just saw Cali as shy, young, and inexperienced.

  “I’ve been looking forward to checking these classes out.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’ll enjoy them,” Mateo said to her and she said hello to him next.

  “Let’s go into the other room and get started,” Fox told her. As she followed him, he made light conversation.

  “Any plans for your day off tomorrow?” he asked, knowing it was Sunday and the Station was closed.

  “Not really, just hanging out,” she whispered as they entered the room. He paused when he saw Culhane stretching out on the mats. He wore no shirt, his tattoos exposed as well as his scars from being a soldier.

  Cali stopped short.

  “Shit, I thought you left already. Sorry, Culhane,” Fox said to him.

  “I’m finishing up,” he said and his eyes landed on Cali. Fox saw her stare at Culhane and then step back and out of the room.

  “It’s okay, Cali. This is Culhane, Dominick and Shimmy’s brother,” Fox introduced them.

  “Hey, Fox, sorry to interrupt. I know you’re getting started with Cali soon, but this guy is on the phone saying he talked to you about a session in an hour. I don’t have that down and you’re booked up until five,” Mateo told him.

  “Damn, let me take it. Cali, I’ll be right back. Why don’t you get started with some stretching, and then when I return we can get right into it.”

  * * * *

  Cali was frozen in place as Fox and Mateo walked down the hallway and she was stuck in a square room with one very huge ass, tattoo covered man she’d never met before. She knew that Dominick and Shimmy had two other brothers, but they were always out of town. She looked at him and could see a little bit of a resemblance to Dominick, but then looked away. She put her bag down as he continued to stretch.

  “I’ll be out of here in a minute,” he mumbled in some deep, hard voice that gave her body shivers.

  “No problem,” she whispered.

  He looked at her and she went over to the far off corner to stretch. She wasn’t really sure what to do.

  “You starting self-defense, or Tae Kwon Do?” he asked her.

  “Just starting some basic things to see if I like it.”

  He
looked her over.

  “Well, be sure to stretch first so you don’t pull anything,” he told her. She nodded. When he stood up, she saw how tall and big he was. Wide shoulders, glorified, colored tattoos all over his body. He was a work of art, and not only because of the tattoos, but because of all those muscles upon muscles. She’d never seen anyone in that type of physical condition.

  “Sorry about that,” Fox said, joining them, and Culhane bent down to reach for his bag.

  “Okay, Cali, so let’s begin with a few basics in self-defense, and then we can head into the kickboxing room and use a few of the techniques. We’ll go as quickly as you feel comfortable with, okay?” Fox asked.

  “Sounds fine. Thank you.”

  “See you later, Fox,” Culhane said to him, but then looked at Cali.

  “Nice meeting you,” she blurted out, trying to hide her intimidation from the man.

  He just nodded at her and then looked at Fox, then back at her. It was the oddest thing.

  * * * *

  Culhane headed out of the dojo and to his truck. He’d had a great sparring class with Mateo and Lief. As he unlocked his door and placed his bag into the backseat, he thought about Cali. He heard Dominick mention her before when he spoke about the Filling Station. She was shy and really pretty. There was something he saw in her eyes, though, that tugged at his gut. He was a good judge of people and always seemed to know if something was up. He wondered why she was taking a self-defense class, and alone, instead of with her friends.

  “Hey, Culhane.” He heard his name and saw the chief of police, Cesar Cortland.

  “Hey, Chief,” he said and shook his hand.

  “How’s everything going?” Cesar asked.

  “Ah, pretty good. Nothing new going on, though.”

  “You don’t have Smith or Wesson with ya?”

  “No, they’re staying with Warren.”

  “How is Warren doing?”

  “He’s doing well,” Culhane replied and gave Cesar the once over. He had a lot of respect for the man. He ran a safe, tight town and always took the time to talk to them.