GUARDIANS: Mission To Rescue Innocence (Beauty 0f Life Book 7)

by Laura Acton

  A blonde woman with long flowing hair approached the group, batting eyes at Winds. The man caught her attention when he sang … terribly, but his handsome, suave French features and those amber eyes attracted her to him. She leaned in close, making her intentions known.

  Winds turned and smiled at the attractive lady, but stopped dead in his tracks when Blondie said, “Don’t forget to check for an Adam’s apple.”

  Blaze and Jim burst out laughing as Winds gaped at Blondie. “That’s it. Your turn to sing.”

  Relaxed and reveling in the sense of brotherhood, Dan laughed and retorted, “Anything except one-eyed purple people eaters.”

  That caused Jim and Blaze to renew their chortling and Bram to lean into Jon and say, “Must be some interesting stories there.”

  Nodding, Jon suggested, “Perhaps after a few more beers, we can wheedle the details out of them.”

  Winds stood and wrapped his arm around the woman’s shoulder. “Ignore my friends. I’m Winds. Who are you?”

  A deeper than expected voice said, “Stella.”

  Eyes darting to her neck, Winds relaxed when he found no obvious lump. “Well, Stella, help me figure out a song for Sinner.”

  Loki whipped to Dan. “You have to tell us about the Sinner nickname.”

  Smirking and rolling his eyes, Dan shook his head.

  While Winds headed to the signup area, a wicked thought popped into his head. One he wouldn’t have executed if he had seen Lexa enter the bar. He selected a tune he knew Blondie would let loose with … thanks to beers they shared at the International bar after Blondie and Blaze returned from Oshar.

  Though the kid didn’t drink due to doctor’s orders, Brody got sloshed after finding out Blondie nearly had his throat slit open. With a little prompting, Brody finally told them about Sinner and Saint. Both nicknames fit. Women swarmed Blondie that night, and he enjoyed the company of a couple of women in the two weeks they were down as Blaze and Ripsaw recovered.

  Ten minutes later, dragged to the stage, Dan’s wow smile graced his face as the catchy beat of ‘Mambo No. 5’ by Lou Bega started, and his smooth voice belted out the jazzy song. Several women jumped up on the platform and started dancing around him. Dan played it up as he sang, completely cutting loose as he had in Halifax with Brody. His body swayed to the beat as the women grinded close to him and ran their hands over him.

  Jon’s, Bram’s, and Loki’s jaws all dropped hearing Dan’s voice and watching him cut loose … none ever saw this side of him. The name Sinner began to make a lot of sense now, and so did Ray’s presumption Dan could have any woman he wanted and probably never slept alone.

  Bram said, “Wish Boss, Ray, and Lexa were here to see this. They’re not going to believe us.”

  “I’ll get proof.” Loki pulled out his phone.

  Jon grabbed the phone. “No breaking the bro code unless you want us to return the favor. I’ll make you sing, ‘I’m a Barbie Girl’ again and video you.”

  Turning five shades of red, Loki lifted his glass and sipped his beer. He was having the time of his life … he had never been to a bachelor party. “Okay. No videos. But I might start calling him Sinner.”

  While Alpha Team members were talking, Blaze whispered to Winds, “Excellent choice.”

  Winds spoke under his breath, “I’m glad Mason called us while Blondie showered. The kid needs to relax and enjoy life.”

  Jim stared at Dan … unsure if it was the cumulative effect of beers, but he swore a golden light surrounded Dan as he sang. It warmed his heart thinking Brody must surely be Dan’s guardian angel. A thought he would keep to himself since Dan didn’t believe … yet.

  Laughing, slightly buzzed, Heather sat at the table with her girlfriends. They decided to head to Muerte por Chiles when Clare said they had a marvelous karaoke selection. A perfect place to celebrate and ring in the new year too. When a jazzy tune started her eyes popped open, and she pointed to the stage. “OMG, Dantastic sings!”

  Lexa’s head whipped in the direction. His voice enthralled her, and she smiled … until women jumped up and started rubbing themselves all over him. Jealousy surged, and she wanted to yank them off Dan. But she couldn’t react. If Dan was here, that meant so were Jon, Bram, and Loki. When her mixed drink arrived, she sucked down a goodly portion.

  “Whoa! Slow down, Lexa,” Kellie said as she bounced in time to the music. “Boy, can he sing.” She chuckled and added, “But he still can’t dance.”

  Jennifer nodded in agreement. “When he lets go, he really lets go. Though, I believe alcohol has a lot to do with this … diminishes restraint. You should have seen Jon the night of Colten’s bachelor party. When Bram brought him home and helped me drag his loud, off-key, warbling, drunk butt up the stairs, we laughed so hard we almost woke Kent and Joey.”

  Lexa relaxed as she realized Dan didn’t call the girls up there. A smile returned to her face, happy he was enjoying himself. He had too much hurt in his life, and if anyone deserved to have fun, it was him. Another thought entered her head … they might be able to kiss at the stroke of midnight.

  Dan ended to a rousing round of clapping. He blushed and hurried off stage, back to the group and slugged Winds in the bicep. “Remember, revenge is best served cold.”

  “Hey, wait, that was my payback for the Adam’s apple crack. We’re even.”

  Conversation halted as Heather and her ladies sauntered over. Heather beamed at Jim, her eyes alight with joy. “We’re crashing your party.”

  “Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride the night before the wedding?” Zander blurted out.

  Rounding the table, Jim drew Heather into an embrace and kissed her solidly. Coming up for air, his expression openly displayed his love for her. “I’m not superstitious. If my lovely lady wants to join us, then she joins us.”

  A few minutes of dragging over stools from their tables, everyone was cozily bunched together with introductions taking place among those next to each other if they didn’t know one another. Secretly Bram and Jon were happy their wives were here, anticipating a midnight kiss to celebrate the new year.

  Lexa managed to squeeze in between Dan and Loki, rubbing arms with both. She set the cocktail Heather insisted she try on the tabletop. Turning to Dan, her tone became teasing, “Wow, talk about hidden talents.”

  Realizing Lexa witnessed him up there with all those ladies, he worried what she might think. Trying to figure out how to respond, he lifted his beer only to find it empty. Without that as a distraction, he said, “Used to sing with Brody, he had an excellent voice.”

  Noticing Dan’s discomfiture as he fiddled with the empty bottle, Lexa pushed her beverage to him. “Here, try this.”

  Dan eyed the fufu drink and shook his head. “Nah, I’ll wait until the waitress comes by again.”

  “Too girly for you?” Loki teased.

  Lexa’s brow shot up. Loki was well into his cups. That also made her happy. Loki had been a bit out of sorts lately, and she couldn’t discern why.

  “What is it?” Dan asked when he failed to flag the barmaid down.

  “A desert sunset. To get the full effect, Heather says you’re supposed to move the straw down or up as you drink, so you savor the flavor of each layer. Go on. It isn’t bad.” Lexa encouraged.

  Dan lifted the highball glass and did as instructed. He tasted vodka mixed with pineapple and orange juice and was about to swallow and comment the cocktail was alright, but the grenadine syrup hit his taste buds. His body reacted reflexively to the cherry flavoring, causing him to spit out the offensive liquid, which splashed on Lexa’s dress and the tabletop. Gagging he reached for Blaze’s beer and took several swigs as everyone stared at him.

  “Not cool!” Loki exclaimed as he handed Lexa several napkins and she dabbed at her outfit.

  Blaze shifted to face the kid. “Blondie?”

  Patch turned his attention to Dan upon Blaze’s concerned tone.

  Clearing the flavor of cherry and vodka from his pall
et, Dan apologized to Lexa. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spray you.”

  “It’s okay.”

  Blaze prompted again. “Blondie.”

  Unable to say much, Dan chose his words carefully. “Vodka with cherry syrup tastes too much like Visinata.”

  Comprehension lit Blaze’s, Jim’s, and Winds’ faces, but Bram inquired, “What is Visinata?”

  Jim explained with a half-truth, “Vodka with fermented sour cherries. Dan ended up with food poisoning after consuming some. The combination, well,” he waved to Lexa, “doesn’t sit well with him.”

  “Sorry, Lexa.” Dan offered her more napkins.

  She laid a hand on his bicep, the electricity thrumming through her. “It’s alright. No harm. This will wash out. But, now you will have to sing a duet with me as penance. My choice.”

  Dan grinned. “Sure.”

  The mixed group enjoyed the night as various pairings and groups sang a variety of songs. Loki, Dan, Bram, and Jon did a rousing rendition of ‘Born to be Wild’ while Heather, Lexa, Jen, Kellie, and Clare belted out ‘Findin’ a Good Man.’ Jim, Trey, Dan, Loki, Blaze, and Winds sang ‘Walk Like an Egyptian,’ complete with the movements.

  The last call for karaoke, before the new year, found Lexa and Dan on the low-rise platform. Dan wondered what tune Lexa would subject him to as repayment for spitting alcohol all over her. He caught sight of Clare and Blaze pulling Heather and Jim to the raised area as the rest of the partiers gathered in a semi-circle behind them. When Jim stared at him with a questioning expression, Dan only shrugged, as clueless as the others.

  Taking the mike, Lexa smiled at the happy couple in front of her. “This one is dedicated to two wonderful friends. Jim and Heather. Tomorrow they are tying the knot.” She turned to Dan and spoke quietly, “Ham it up, let’s have fun.” A bright smile caused the golden flecks in her eyes to dance.

  Dan flashed a wow grin as ‘You’re The One That I Want’ began, the lively ditty from Grease when wholesome Sandy morphs into Sexy Sandy, causing Danny to freak. He assumed a Travolta pose, running his fingers his through hair slicking it back as Lexa said in a sultry voice, “Tell me about it, stud.”

  This was one movie he watched too many times with Brody. His brother loved the simple fun and could recite all the dialog. So he knew exactly how to play his part. He let loose, enjoying every second of acting out the scene with Lexa as the electric energy surged each time she touched him.

  Again Bram, Jon, and Loki gaped, but so did Blaze, Winds, and Jim. This was not the stiff, stoic soldier who typically inhabited Dan’s body.

  As the track ended the countdown to midnight began, in the flurry of activity Dan hauled Lexa behind a partition, out of sight of the others. When everyone shouted Happy New Year, Dan’s arm wrapped around Lexa’s waist, drawing her to him as his head dipped down.

  Anticipation grew as Lexa willingly molded her body to his when he pulled her in. Tilting her chin up, her lips parted of their own accord. I want this. I shouldn’t take the risk …. All resistance left as their lips touched, lightly at first, Lexa’s arms went around Dan’s neck pulling him down to her.

  Dan wanted to kiss her ever since she sat next to him tonight. He smelled the jasmine of Lexa’s shampoo as he inhaled when she drew him closer. His free hand ran through her hair as he applied more pressure, deepening their kiss. Oh, how I missed kissing her.

  When Dan’s tongue sought entrance, Lexa instinctively opened her mouth as her tongue demanded to dance with his. Passion built and she became breathless. Cheering, clapping, and sounds of cheap noisemakers blaring as the crowd rang in the new year brought Lexa back to her senses. Oh, crud, what am I doing?

  Trying to pull back, Dan’s lips remained firmly attached as he moved with her and held her securely to him. His kissing became more ardent as he lost himself to desire. Lexa breathed out between locked lips, “Dan.”

  Lexa realized she must stop Dan before he did something they both would regret. Dan appeared lost in the kiss, which gave her an odd sense of control, one she needed. Wrenching away, Lexa spun around, leaving Dan as she scoped out Loki, who appeared forlorn as everyone around him paired up for a new year’s kiss. Bounding off the short dais she swung her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips, then brightly said, “Happy New Year.”

  Shock lit Loki’s face as he smooched with Lexa. When they broke apart, he laughed. “Happy New Year to you. Um … eeew … I kissed my sister.”

  Giggling, Lexa turned him towards one of Heather’s single friends. “She’s not your sister. Kiss Leann.” As Loki moved forward to Leann, his inhibitions lessened with alcohol, Lexa glanced back to check on Dan.

  Dan gave Lexa a lopsided grin and nodded his thanks for saving them from being discovered. His desire for her almost ruined everything. He leaned on the speaker feeling more alive than ever.

  Brody floated next to Dan, beaming at the night’s events. His brothers truly enjoyed themselves, and he hoped the next year would be full of happiness for them. He swung his arm over Dan’s shoulder. “Happy New Year, brother.”

  Glancing up, Dan murmured, “Happy New Year, Brody.” Stepping off the stage, he joined everyone crooning Auld Lang Syne.

  New Beginnings

  73

  January 1

  Dan’s Apartment – 11:30 a.m.

  Blaze rolled over and fell off Blondie’s couch on to Winds, causing his best friend to grunt and yell, “Dammit, Blaze. I’m not a pillow. That is the fifth time you landed on me. I get the couch next time.” The loud sound echoed in both their heads, causing both to groan.

  Dan shuffled out of his room, squinting in the light. “Shut it you two. You’re giving me a headache,” he amended, “a worse one.” Flicking on his coffeemaker, Dan stared at the pot waiting for the brew to appear. When it didn’t after five minutes, he realized the damned thing was empty and set about filling the water tank and putting grounds in the filter.

  Winds pushed up to his knees after Blaze hauled his ass off him. His head pounded. He decided standing was not such a smart idea and ended up on his rear with his back against the sofa. “I want the number of the semi that ran me over.”

  Making it to his makeshift bed again, Blaze plopped down. “Got any beer, Blondie?”

  Winds screwed up his face. “What the hell do you want with more beer?”

  Running his hand over the back of his neck, Blaze replied, “Dad’s famous hangover cure … a bit of the hair of the dog that bit me.”

  Patch wandered out of Dan’s room, his mouth all cottony. “Tastes like I’ve been chewing dog hair.” He made it to the swivel chair, but as he went to sit, the chair turned on him, and he landed on the ground.

  While Patch fought with the misbehaving chair to gain a seat, his three brother’s laughter echoed in the room along with interspersed groans.

  All four, thoroughly hungover, looked and felt like something the cat dragged in, chewed on, and hacked up … twice.

  Unable to wait for the entire pot to brew, Dan stuck his mug under the dripping liquid until it filled. After replacing the carafe, he reached up to the top shelf of a cabinet and pulled down a bottle of aspirin. He shook out a dose and downed it with a scalding sip of coffee before wandering to his desk chair.

  He tossed the bottle to Jim. “Take some or Heather’s not gonna enjoy her honeymoon.”

  Jim dry swallowed two tablets before tossing the container to Winds. But his aim was off, and Winds’ eyes happened to be closed, so the aspirin bottle bounced off his forehead.

  “Hell’s bells! Is it beat on Winds day and nobody told me?” Winds grabbed the little white bottle and took two pills before handing it to Blaze who dosed the same as the others.

  Slowly over the course of the next ten minutes, Winds, Blaze, and Jim made the trip to the kitchen to pour a cup of much-needed coffee. They sat in silence as the analgesic and caffeine worked its way into their systems.

  Dan was the first to speak. “What time do we need to be at
Crystal Hall?”

  “Three. We have a changing room so we won’t dress here.” Jim focused on Dan and smiled. “Thanks for letting us all crash here. With Heather’s parents staying at our apartment, and her mother insisting we not see each other until the wedding, well, …”

  Winds glanced up at Blaze. “Next wedding we’re renting a hotel room.”

  “Who’s next? Blondie or Mason?” Blaze asked.

  Chuckling Winds declared, “My money is on Blondie after last night’s rendition of the Grease song … and the kiss afterward.”

  Dan’s jaw dropped. “You saw?” Dread started to build, worried Bram, Jon, or Loki might’ve witnessed him lip-locking with Lexa.

  “Relax. I was in a different part of the bar with Stella. No one out front of the stage could spot you two.” Then he teased, “Though, I wonder with the way she kissed Loki if you have competition.”

  Blaze grinned as Blondie laughed. The sound was music to his ears. He pulled out his phone. “You guys up for pizza?” After getting nods of agreement, he asked Blondie for the number of his favorite delivery place and ordered lunch in, since none was in any condition to venture out yet.

  Two hours later, fed, showered, and feeling mostly normal, they were about to leave for the wedding venue, when Winds stopped Jim, and his grin widened as he snickered. “I almost forgot to give you your wedding gift.”

  Jim unwrapped the small box Winds shoved into his hands and stared at the package of condoms.

  Dan shook his head. “Trojans is a stupid name for a condom. It’s basically named after a woody thing that penetrated a stronghold, then broke open, and thousands of little guys poured out and fucked everyone’s day up.”

  The guys burst out in laughter as they left Blondie’s place. Jim appeared chagrinned as Blaze said, “Well, Jim, I guess it is an appropriate gift. Whether or not you’re looking to start a family,” and kept chuckling.