The American Soldier Collection: Escape from Obsession (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 7

  She couldn’t move a muscle. Her pussy clenched, her nipples hardened. She must have lost her mind or something. How could two men touching her at once cause such internal emotion and desire? Immediately she thought about Wes. Oh, God, I like Wes, too. I’m attracted to all three of them. How can this be normal?

  The band ended their performance, snapping her out of her lost thoughts momentarily as she wondered how she missed the entire thing.

  They all stood and began clapping as the players took the field for the second half.

  She felt the loss of their touch, but still sensed the warmth of the connection and contact. Was this normal? Obviously she was very misguided when she had met and thought she had fallen in love with Antonio. It was almost too late when she learned his true personality. She had small flashbacks about the different things that occurred in the days leading up to that near fateful night.

  The way Antonio talked about how important his partner was. How they shared everything and were in business and personal affairs together. Valdere Valencio was a womanizer and playboy. He loved women. He enjoyed having a few around him at all times, except when he visited Antonio’s home. In her mind, she recalled thinking that he came alone because he wanted her, but she had pushed those thoughts aside and focused on Antonio and pleasing his desires. She didn’t want to follow her gut instincts and see Antonio for what he really was. She had been foolish and it could have cost her.

  She remembered one particular party where days before, Antonio had suggested without coming straight out and telling her that he wanted her to allow Valdere to touch her. He had said if his partner wanted to hold her hand, caress her body, which belonged solely to Antonio, she was to allow it. They had gotten into a fight about it. She’d begged him to not ask such things of her, but he did. He even went as far as to say that it would please him if she accepted Valdere’s touch.

  Sitting here now, as the players prepared for the kickoff, she remembered Antonio’s words as Valdere stood in front of her, staring at her body in the evening gown.

  The party was going on downstairs. She just wanted to get back to the party and the safety of the crowds. This was the beginning of the end of her relationship with Antonio.

  She remembered feeling Antonio caress his knuckles against her cheek lightly as he whispered, “She is quite lovely, is she not, Valdere?”

  She shivered as she remembered the way Valdere looked at her and how Antonio began to run his fingers through her hair, across her bare shoulders, and to her waist.

  “May I?” Valdere asked and she recalled the intensity of his eyes. She knew he wanted to touch her and she knew that Antonio gave the permission. She had feared the results of defying Antonio or Valdere. Around the same time this situation happened, she had begun to wisen up to their business tactics and the fact that they killed to get money and destroyed people’s lives to achieve their filthy-rich standings.

  How could I even consider getting romantically involved with three men? Three men who are way bigger and fully trained ex-soldiers to boot? Deanna mentioned them being commandoes. But now as they touch me so gently and caringly, do they wipe out the remnants of Antonio? Is this different?

  * * * *

  Teddy was so proud of his son Dale. He’d just scored the touchdown that placed them ahead in the game. He took a glance over his shoulder at Gia, who was smiling now after a few moments of looking upset. He knew those looks. She was remembering her life in New York. Although she hadn’t really told him and Deanna everything, he was certain that he knew enough, that she feared men, and now with the McCallister men interested in her, she wouldn’t stand a chance. She was attracted to the three of them, but she was still healing. He would have to maybe mention taking it slow with her to the guys. He liked them and had known them for years. They didn’t date and he had never seen them so interested in a woman.

  Garrett was a hard man that rarely smiled. He kept to himself and Teddy knew he had issues from the war. But today, he smiled often at Gia. His cousin had that effect on people.

  Simultaneously, the sound of multiple cell phones going off filled the air around them. It was the call he and the guys had been waiting on. Their suspects in the case they were working were spotted. He and three of the guys looked at the phones. Teddy turned to Gia.

  “Honey, I have to go to work. I got that call I was waiting on. We have to get there quickly,” he said as the other three guys stood up and began saying good-bye. He watched his cousin wave at them.

  “I should leave with you now to get a ride.”

  “Shit! I can’t drop you off. I have to head right to the department,” he told her.

  “Don’t worry about it, Gia. We’ll take you home,” Gunner said then shook Teddy’s hand and then Teddy shook Garrett’s.

  “Are you okay with this?” he asked Gia and she looked so unsure.

  “I trust them with you. They won’t hurt you or try anything.” She nodded her head and he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

  “Do me a favor and text me updates on Dale and the game.”

  “You got it,” she whispered as she knotted her fingers together on her lap.

  He hoped that she would be okay, but he really needed to get going.

  * * * *

  The Bulls won the game with an ending score of 21-19. Gia walked with Garrett and Gunner toward Gunner’s truck. They had an hour drive ahead of them and that’s when she remembered about Dale.

  “Oh God, we were supposed to pick Dale up at the school after he returns. Maybe you could drop me off at home and I can get my car and go pick him up?” she suggested as they took their time walking. Garrett seemed a bit uncomfortable as she watched him limp a little.

  “Don’t worry, darling, we’ll swing by the school to get him. We want to congratulate Wes,” Gunner told her and she turned to look at Garrett, who looked angry.

  “Are you okay?” she asked and he mumbled something.

  She looked at Gunner and he had a sad expression on his face. Her heart instantly ached. He was concerned over Garrett.

  “Did you do something to your leg?” she asked as she slowed down to walk with him.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m just stiff from the bleachers.” He kind of snapped at her. She placed her hand over her belly to stop the sensation of intimidation. He was pissed off.

  “Yeah, bleachers are never comfortable. We should bring some of those padded seats with us. My butt always hurts after sitting in bleachers for a long time,” she blurted out as Gunner opened the truck door. She was trying to figure out how the heck she was going to climb into the truck. She turned to grab on to the door and lifted her foot to place on the side rail.

  “Your butt looks perfect to me,” Gunner whispered then lifted her by her waist up into the front seat.

  She felt her cheeks blush as she scooted into the center of the seat. He made it obvious that he didn’t want her to climb into the back seat so she remained in the middle.

  Garrett took a few seconds to stretch his legs.

  “We can wait a little if you need some more time. The football players haven’t even gotten out of the locker rooms yet,” she suggested.

  “No. I’m fine,” he said firmly and she clasped her hands on her lap.

  Gunner looked at her and winked as he slowly ran the palm of his hand across her belly as he reached for the seat belt. Their gazes locked and his lips were mere inches from her own.

  Right before he buckled her in, he whispered, “I’d really like to kiss you right now.” She swallowed hard. She would like that, too, but dared not verbalize the stupid decision. This could only lead to more pain. Men hurt and she was a poor judgment of character.

  She lowered her eyes and stared at her lap.

  “Gunner, I’m not ready for—” she began to say when his fingertips moved under her chin and raised her face toward him.

  “I’m not going to hurt you. I don’t know why you’re so scared of me and my brothers, but the three o
f us are fixin’ to change your mind and make you see that we want you.” She was shocked at his proclamation, but then his lips gently touched hers and on cue her eyes closed as she absorbed their first kiss, the scent of his cologne, the feel of his large hand on her waist, and his fingers moved away from her chin and toward her neck. He cupped her head and deepened the kiss as she reached up and held his muscular forearms. The man knew how to kiss, and dammit, her panties were soaked.

  As he softly released her lips he smiled at her.

  “Very nice, and sweeter than I imagined. You ready now, darling?” he asked her as she touched her fingertips to her lips and nodded her head. That was some kiss. A kiss she would surely remember for some time.

  As Gunner started the truck and headed out of the parking lot, Garrett moved his hand over her knee and kept it there.

  Gia thought that she was going to faint from the sexual tension in the air. In this close proximity, practically wedged between two very big men, she felt so petite, feminine, and of course fragile. That feeling of fragility was playing havoc on her thoughts until they started talking. Before long, they were sharing some information about their lives and she shared very little about her life in New York and was sure to not say anything about Antonio. It was at that moment that she realized how embarrassed she was for getting involved with such a man to begin with. She had been lonely and had met one jerk after the next at work in the agency in New York.

  “So you handle the actual art designs? That’s really cool,” Gunner said.

  “Do you do it all with computer software or actually freehand the artwork first?” Garrett asked and she was glad for the comfortable topic. She explained about her love of art and hope to one day be able to focus on working on her paintings and mosaics.

  “Hey, you didn’t do that scene in Julia’s nursery, did you?” Gunner asked and she smiled.

  “I did. When did you see that?”

  “Oh, just a few weeks ago when we hung out watching football on Sunday. That is amazing work, Gia.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How come you don’t show your paintings in a gallery or something? There are some awesome ones in the city and of course in Dallas, too,” Garrett said.

  “My heart really isn’t into it,” she admitted.

  “Why is that, darling?” Garrett asked and she turned to look at him. She already felt that special sensation deep inside for Garrett. He was likable but also seemed sad and alone. She had an overwhelming feeling of need to help him somehow. But how could she? She had her own deep sadness and fears.

  “I had some bad times in my life, that’s all. I moved out here to clear my head.”

  “You sound like this is temporary. You planning on moving back to New York?” Gunner asked, and she almost said maybe in an attempt to slow things down between them, but she didn’t. She shook her head and lowered her eyes to her clasped hands.

  “I’m never going back there. Houston is my home now, with Teddy, Deanna, Julia, and Dale. I’ve made some new friends and everyone is very hospitable and nice.”

  “That’s good to know. Then we can work on scheduling some dates,” Gunner stated.

  “Dates?” she asked, not getting it. Garrett moved his hand off her knee and took her hand. He brought it up to his lips as he stared down at her.

  “Dates, baby, so we can get to know each other. We’re fixin’ to make you our woman.” She gasped as he kissed her fingers and held her gaze.

  She had to take a few unsteady breaths. These men were so mature and experienced. She wasn’t.

  “I told you, I’m not ready for—”

  He placed his fingers over her lips gently. “We’ll take it real slow, darling. My brothers and I can handle slow and easy,” he said and she couldn’t help but think his comment was laced with sexual innuendo. She took a deep breath then turned to look out the window. How the hell am I going to handle this?

  Chapter 6

  Teddy pulled up to the fundraising event outside of the gym and dojo. The parking lot was taped off and huge tents were set up providing food, drinks, and blow-up slides and jumping castles for the kids. He had worked an all-nighter and only had about thirty minutes to spare. The case he was working on was just about over.

  As he met up with Deanna, Dale, Julia, and Jim, he kissed them hello and asked how it was going.

  “You have to go check out Gia. She’s helping to run some workout sessions and teaching martial arts moves with some of the kids. It’s so cool,” Dale said as he walked into the dojo.

  “That cool, huh?”

  Deanna moved closer to Teddy. “Your cousin has gained the interest of many single men around here. They’re vying for her attention.” Teddy narrowed his eyes and was immediately concerned. Gia didn’t like that. She would totally freak out.

  “Shit, did you do anything to help her, Jim?”

  Jim smiled.

  “I didn’t have to. Wes is in there with Gunny. They seem to be spreading the word that she belongs to the McCallisters.” Jim laughed, but Teddy was still concerned.

  “Shit. I should have known something was up when she didn’t answer my call last night about the ride home from the game.”

  “She rode in the truck with them alone?” Deanna asked and Teddy nodded.

  “All three McCallisters?” Jim asked, now concerned, too.

  “No, just Gunny and Garrett. They were getting along really well at the game. I’d better go check on her.”

  Just as he was about to enter, the crowd of parents and kids was exiting the dojo.

  He waited and then made his way inside. He immediately caught sight of Garrett and Gunny, who were standing by the wall with their arms crossed and mean expressions on their faces. He heard Gia laughing along with a few guys who had their backs toward them. He recognized the one really big guy as Duke. He missed him playing with the kids. That would have been funny. Duke was nearly seven feet tall and a total crazy SWAT guy.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” Teddy asked Garrett and Gunny as he shook their hands.

  “Just watching the show. Your cousin is pretty good at teaching karate. How long has she been doing it?” Gunny asked.

  “About five months or so.”

  They seemed surprised.

  “She took to it quickly,” Teddy added, knowing that she had needed to. Her fears that Antonio would find her remained in the back of her head. His gut clenched. He would do what was necessary to protect her.

  She turned and yelled his name. “Teddy! I didn’t think that you would make it.”

  He excused himself and headed over there toward her. She hugged him hello and then looked up at Duke, who said hello then shook his hand. The man was beyond extra-large. He was monster sized.

  “Yeah, I didn’t think so either. I can’t stay long. I haven’t even been home yet.”

  “Did you see Dale, Jim, and Deanna outside?”

  “Yes. I wanted to check in with you.”

  Duke wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Your cousin is amazing. She has so much patience with kids, too. I thought I was going to lose it.”

  Gia chuckled and casually pulled away from Duke’s embrace but not before looking over toward Gunner and Garrett. Teddy peeked at them and saw their pissed-off expressions then them walking over.

  “She sure does have a lot of patience. This is a great event. There’s quite a crowd outside.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to go check it out now,” Duke said then gave Gia a light tap on her arm in a flirty, teasing manner and she chuckled then shook her head.

  “He is gigantic. Holy crap, I bet the bad guys see him coming and just give up on the spot,” she whispered to Teddy.

  “Hey, Gia, that was great. It looked like you were having a lot of fun,” Garrett said as he joined them. He immediately placed a kiss on Gia’s cheek and Gunny followed doing the same. Gia blushed and Teddy decided that maybe she did like them and was considering trying to date again.

 
; “Gia, can you come help with the cotton candy machine? It’s running amuck,” Lee said as he stood in the doorway.

  “Excuse me, guys,” she said then hurried toward the door and Lee. He was smiling as he placed his arm over her shoulder. Gunny and Garrett made a noise.

  “Hey, I wanted to talk with you two.”

  “What’s up?” Gunner asked in his very serious and abrupt manner. He was hardheaded and strong willed. All the McCallisters were.

  “It’s about Gia.”

  “Is everything okay?” Garrett asked.

  He eyed them over. He didn’t quite feel comfortable getting involved with this, but he took it as his role. Gia had called him months ago about her situation. She was in danger and dire need and she reached out to him, her only family. Having been through so much, she needed him, the older cousin, to guide her and assist her. She was worth any uncomfortable feelings he might have.

  “Well, to be blunt, what are your intentions with my cousin? I mean I know you two and Wes like her. That’s damn obvious by the daggers you send to every guy that’s next to her.”

  Garrett looked very serious.

  “If she would accept an invite for a date we’d have a better answer for you. I mean we are definitely attracted to her and like her. The three of us have never liked the same woman before.”

  “Well, is this something that you’ve considered in the past? A ménage relationship?” Teddy asked, feeling more uncomfortable. His cousin was “hot,” as his son Dale and his friends referred to her. But she wasn’t stuck up or a bad person. She was fearful still.

  “We have. We’ve discussed the possibility amongst ourselves. We want her and we’re interested,” Gunny said very firmly and as if Teddy didn’t have the right to ask any further questions.

  “Listen, Gunny, I know you’re older than I am, but I’m her only family. When she needed help, she called me. I feel responsible for her. I just wanted to know your intentions and tell you to take things slow. She went through some shit in New York. That’s all I’m saying on the subject. She’s a good woman and a kind woman that has had a lot of struggles in her life. Don’t hurt her, or I’m coming for you,” he said. Enough of the uncomfortable feelings.