She felt badly. How did he think that she was taking this lightly or maybe not committed? “It definitely isn’t a fling to me, Blade. I don’t make it a habit of sleeping with four brothers. My first ménage ever,” she added.

  “You’re last and only fucking ménage,” he stated, and pressed his mouth to hers.

  She felt his palm squeeze her ass and a finger stroke the crack. She wanted to go back inside, to play hooky from work and just get lost with them, and focus on only them. When he released her lips and suckled against her neck, she exhaled.

  “I want this to work. Perhaps going slow, having these trips and times apart are a good thing to make sure we don’t move too fast.”

  He shook his head. “No, being apart for too long, too many times, won’t be a positive thing no matter how we try to look at it.”

  “Your brothers and you are mad about New York, about the Caribbean.”

  “We just don’t like being apart from you, and honestly, us being injured, feeling weak and not at a hundred percent, doesn’t help.”

  “What would make you feel better?”

  “Having you with us.”

  She smiled. “You could always come along,” she said without thinking.

  He squinted. “To New York?”

  “To the Caribbean. That gives you guys more time to heal up, and could be a mini vacation from the aches and pains. Maybe in a few weeks when the trip comes, you’ll all feel stronger and more capable again. I don’t know. I mean if it’s too much too soon, too serious of an offer, I’ll—”

  He pressed his lips to hers and squeezed her against his body. That kiss grew wild quickly and she wanted to go back inside and make love to him and his brothers again and again and again.

  He pulled back. “Fuck, this is going to be tough. I’ll talk to my brothers. If you want us to come, we can see about pulling it off.”

  “Really?” she asked, feeling excited about the prospect.

  He cupped her cheek and neck. “Really. I’ll talk it over with them and see.”

  “Great.” She pressed her lips to his. “I’d better get going. I’m going to be late as is.”

  He released her, gave her ass a tap, and she got in her car and headed home. Now she didn’t feel so badly. She had something to look forward to, the possibility of them coming to the Caribbean with her. It would be a huge step, and she would be telling all that she was taken and in a relationship with four special, capable soldiers. Suddenly, she felt enthusiastic and energized about the weeks ahead. Them coming with her would be her focus. It would get her through New York, and being apart from them.

  * * * *

  Seriously, she asked us to go with her?” Trek asked.

  “Sure did,” Blade told them.

  “That’s awesome. It would be great. Like a mini vacation, and with Melina in a bikini on the beach. Fuck, I love the idea,” Vetter said.

  “I hope my leg is better in three weeks. I may still need the crutches,” Morris said, and then his cell phone buzzed. He looked at it.

  “Who is it?” Trek asked.

  “The commander checking in.”

  “They want us healed up and ready to get back into the shit. Then it will be Melina worried about us leaving for a mission, and it isn’t like she can come with us,” Trek said to them.

  Vetter could tell they were all feeling the loss of her presence and the intensity of this relationship they started with Melina.

  “We’ll work it out. Don’t worry,” Blade said to them.

  “I do worry. I don’t want her to be alone. To not have us protecting her and being there as a man, as men should be for their woman. She leaves Monday for New York. Anything could happen,” Trek said.

  “You just feel more protective of her because of the bond we share,” Vetter said.

  “Because of the sensations, the connection when we make love to her. You know this is more than just sex, than lust and attraction? I want it all with her. Everything,” Trek said, and they were all silent.

  “You don’t think we do, too?” Morris asked.

  “I don’t know, we haven’t discussed it,” Trek replied.

  “Let’s discuss it right now,” Vetter said.

  “We want her as our woman, permanently,” Blade stated.

  “Agreed,” Vetter said.

  “Agreed,” Trek said.

  “We need to be sure. There’s no turning back. We have to make a huge effort and accept her independence, her professional career that will take her away from us more often than not,” Morris said to them.

  “We can handle it, and even accompany her when she asks,” Vetter said.

  “Okay then. The trip to the Caribbean will be perfect. We just need to get through not being with her in New York,” Morris said.

  “Torture, but the reunion when she gets back here to Mercy will be worth the wait,” Trek said and winked.

  Vetter smiled. They never thought they would settle down, or meet a woman they all wanted to share and to love. Could they love her already? Could they learn to show her that love together as a team, a family? He hoped so, because they were pretty hardcore soldiers, and letting out their emotions and exposing themselves to such a weakness was not going to be easy for men like them. It could ultimately put a wedge between them and Melina. They had a lot to work on, but she was worth it. She was already becoming the center of their world, his brothers just didn’t realize it just yet.

  * * * *

  Detective Walker Patterson of the Danbury Connecticut police department was looking over the findings in the overdose case of Priscilla Bane. Upon doing a thorough investigation into Miss Bane, his gut clenched with concern that her overdose may have been a setup. As he conducted the findings by the forensics’ team and homicide investigators analysis, he wasn’t the only one finding it hard to believe this successful, young businesswoman would take so many different drugs at once. She was an advocate against drug use, having a cousin, who was a soldier overdose from drugs, and recently went for a physical exam, and blood work that showed no signs of drug use. It was only two weeks before her business trip to Connecticut with the company she worked for called Slader Corp.

  Further investigation by the medical examiner indicated a series of needle pricks to her neck, as well as both arms, which showed no previous markings, as would be the case for an addict. He doubted the woman just decided to drug herself up in several different ways to commit suicide to get high faster. No, there were way too many mistakes, too many administered needles for this to not be suspicious. On top of all that, there was bruising on the vaginal area, an indication of her washing up, but not showering. A rape test was administered and findings indicated she had had sex prior to slipping and hitting her head.

  As he looked at the report from the medical examiner, the M.E. indicated that her injuries were inconsistent with the theory that she slipped and fell by the tub, hitting not only her cheek and her head, but also finger mark bruising found on her hips and thighs that were new, not old.

  “This was not an overdose. I think this is rape and murder. The killer almost got away with this. Holy fuck,” he said aloud to the other detectives working the case.

  They were looking over the photographs of the crime scene, information on Pricilla’s life, and her daily routines and work situation. The detectives were digging and digging.

  “I got something,” Detective Rosters said as he typed away on the computer.

  “What’s that?”

  “Well first, two other unsolved murders, both indicating an overdose, and both women from South Carolina, plus they worked for or had a connection to Slader Corp.”

  Detective Patterson clenched his teeth. “Dig deeper. Our killer could work there as well, or have a connection. Get me what you have on those other cases,” he said, and then looked at his partner Frank. “We could have missed this. This individual went to great lengths to make it look like an overdose. If those other homicides show similar findings, we may have ourselves a serial killer.”

  “Scum bag. We’ll find him, before he strikes again.”

  “Not sure about that. This is going to take time, and before we go to South Carolina and began questioning people in that company, we need to dig and gather potential suspects, then narrow it down and keep watch. No mistakes. These poor women deserve their friends and families to know the truth, and to find closure.”

  “We’ll do it. We’ll find the one responsible, Walker.”

  Chapter 7

  “You look so happy. I can’t believe this. You and my brothers,” Jo said, and hugged Melina’s arm.

  Melina laughed. “I know, it’s crazy, but God, I feel so happy.”

  “You look happy,” Amber said.

  Jo saw Amber look at Corona and his brothers as they laughed with Morris and them.

  “Maybe my other brothers will get their heads out of their asses and make a move soon, Amber,” Jo said.

  Amber gasped. “What?”

  “Don’t what me. We know you like them, and they have their eyes on you.”

  “No they don’t.”

  “Yes they do.”

  “No, they don’t. I saw them at Gordon’s last week, and two blondes were definitely gaining their attention, and I believe they left with her.”

  “No way,” Melina said.

  “Yes way,” Amber replied.

  “Well then now isn’t the right time. When it’s right, and if it’s meant to be, it will happen when you least expect it. Believe me,” Melina told them, and Jo and Amber laughed.

  Francesca and London joined them.

  “Who are the six hotties in the corner with Cavanaugh and Knight?” Francesca asked Jo.

  “Oh, I just met them yesterday. They’re friends of theirs from the military. I think they’re moving to Mercy and retiring from the Corp. Not sure.”

  “They are fire,” Francesca said, and licked her lips.

  Jo chuckled. “They’re also like fifteen years older than you, and crazy wild from my understanding. They like to jump out of planes for fun and do daredevil activities. They’re wild, Francesca,” Jo told her.

  “Oh, by the way, I’ll be skydiving next week. I finally got all the certifications and hours in.”

  “You are nuts,” Amber told her, and she laughed.

  “So are you ready for your trip to New York?” Amber asked Melina, and Jo gave her a sad expression.

  “As far as work-related ready, yes. Personally ready? No. I hate to leave the guys right now when things just got started,” she admitted.

  “Awe, that’s so cute. You’re going to miss them,” Francesca said, and winked.

  “Totally going to be hell. But, I’m trying to talk them into going to the Caribbean with me on the business trip in three weeks.”

  “Wow, that is serious stuff,” Jo said. “How was their reaction to that?” Amber asked.

  “They are considering it. I think they’re hoping to feel better and more healed up. Being less than a hundred percent right now is aggravating them. Plus, earlier Blade said they were upset because they couldn’t come with me to New York, and worried about my safety.”

  “That’s so sweet. They’re going to be very protective of you Melina, and I don’t blame them. You’re so beautiful and professional. Men want you on their arm to show off. They’ll be jealous just thinking about the businessmen hitting on you,” Francesca said.

  “What is this about businessmen hitting on someone?” Trek asked, joining them. They all laughed.

  “Nothing, Trek, how is it going?” Jo asked him.

  He pulled Melina into his arms and hugged her as he kissed her neck.

  “Better now that I got my woman in my arms,” he said, and Melina smiled, and so did Jo.

  Her brother looked happy and so did her best friend. Now if she could just get Corona, Danny, Briar, Cliff, and Ace to get their heads out of their asses and ask Amber out, things could be even better around here. She smiled and then shook her head as Francesca eyed over her brothers’ friends, and two of the six caught her eye. These parties she threw were turning into love connections. She needed to throw one for London, so she could meet a man. Jo chuckled to herself and headed back over to her men. This was what family was all about.

  * * * *

  “Are you sure about this?” Jovani asked Mark.

  “Yes, sir, she is definitely seeing at least one of these men.”

  “Fuck.”

  “I know, what do you want to do?”

  “Keep watch. She leaves for New York today. Maybe that’s just a fling. She’s very independent.”

  “Okay. I’ll keep watch.”

  He ended the call and looked at Allen. “She’s fucking four men. This is your fault. You screwed up.”

  “Four men?” he asked, and sat forward in the chair.

  “Yes. God damn it. I can’t have her on my arm as a trophy wife if she’s been fucking multiple men. This screws things up.”

  “Leave her alone then. She’s a slut,” Allen said, and then stood up.

  “No, I want her. Want to sink my cock into her and own that ass. You didn’t see her the other day. She’s incredible, and men want her either way. Hell, I fucked plenty of women. When she’s mine, they’ll be no other men.”

  “I’m going to go to New York with you.”

  “What?”

  “We start to lay the groundwork of seduction. You’ll assist.”

  “No, I won’t.”

  “Yes, you fucking will or one phone call, Allen. One and your life is over. You’ll spend the rest of it behind bars for rape and murder. Now do as I say. We have our work cut out for us, but we’ll succeed.”

  * * * *

  “How is New York?” Morris asked her over the phone.

  “New York is beautiful in the fall. A little reprieve with the cooler temperatures from South Carolina.”

  “How about the first day’s events?” he asked, and she felt guilty for not telling him and his brothers about Allen and his father being here as well with their company and a few employees. Of course, her boss and staff were enjoying connecting with the employees and anticipating the trip to the Caribbean. She could get through this. Even with the other businessmen who were hitting on her and asking to join them for drinks.

  “Your silence is an indicator that something is wrong. Talk to me,” he said to her.

  She exhaled. “It’s nothing. I just miss you guys that’s all.”

  “Melina.” He said her name in that commanding and knowing tone that was all military.

  “I don’t want you to worry.”

  “What is it?” he asked, and she explained about Jovani and Allen being here. About it being Slader Corp that her boss signed a contract with for the Caribbean deal, and how other men were asking to join her for drinks and she was going to punch someone soon. She rambled on like she usually did when she was nervous or angry, and trusting Morris made it come out more.

  “You should have told us about this before New York.” He raised his voice.

  “I didn’t want you to worry or think that I couldn’t handle it.”

  “You sound like you’re affected by them in a negative way.”

  “Of course I am. I can’t stand them, and I have to work with them on this trip.”

  “Is that why you invited us to come along?” he asked, putting her on speaker so his brothers heard everything. Of course they were cursing, and Blade told her she was in for it when she got home in two days.

  “No, I just blurted that out because I want you guys with me all the time. I know it’s probably too soon to feel so serious, and I don’t want to seem clingy—”

  “Melina, we feel it, too. Now, knowing that those two dicks are there, and other men want what is ours, really pisses us off,” Blade said to her.

  “Don’t be angry. It’s only two more days. I overheard some people talking from Slader Corp, and they said Allen was leaving this morning. He’s probably already gone.” She thought, as she remembered how Alan approached her several times during the event, trying to hit on her and she blew him off. Dirt bag.

  “That still leaves his father there, and the other men,” Vetter said.

  “Listen, I’ve handled men hitting on me in business and out of business for quite some time. You do know that I’ve taken self-defense training, and will use it if provoked,” she said.

  “Fuck!” Trek exclaimed, and they carried on about how she shouldn’t have to do that and it wasn’t right, and that they should be there to protect her.

  “Well, maybe I can hire you guys as personal bodyguards for me. I make enough money I’m sure I can afford your salaries. How much would you charge?” she teased.

  “Oh baby, you did not go there,” Morris said, and she laughed and brought the intensity of the conversation to a more arousing level.

  She glanced at the clock. “I have to get ready to go back.”

  “I’ll call you later?”

  “Yes, maybe about eight, that way I can get out of the dinner party event, and maybe spend the rest of the night talking dirty to you guys over the phone before bed.”

  “How is that a good idea?” Vetter asked.

  “It could be fun,” she teased.

  “You are going to have one sore ass when you get back home,” Blade warned, and she giggled and felt her face flush. She was turned on by the idea.

  “I don’t know how I feel about that, Blade,” she said to him.

  “Oh, I know your pussy is very wet right now just thinking about my hard hand slapping that sexy ass,” he replied.

  “Holy shit, do we really have to go there right now? She’s thousands of miles away and for another two nights,” Trek said, and the others moaned.

  “I miss you guys, too, and I accept whatever punishments you decide for me teasing you. In fact, I think I’m looking forward to them.”

  “You think?” Morris asked.

  “I know,” she said, and then they talked a little more before she ended the call and then exhaled, laying on the bed in her dress. Maybe she could surprise them and head back home early? She thought about it, and then wondered if she could. There wasn’t much more for her to do. She accomplished what she’d needed to. Tomorrow was a waste really. She called Meredith.