Saving Olivia (Team Cereberus Book 1)

by Melissa Kay Clarke

  The smile on Olivia's face faltered. "One day, Auntie brought me home from a visit and Jay wasn't there. Auntie asked Momma what happened, and she said he had left her. She wouldn't say why and after a while, I learned to stop asking. I think his leaving broke her. She had finally found something worth living for, and he disappeared. Auntie said within a week she was back with her old pimp, Sly, and back on the drugs again. She was so out of it, she went into labor with Jayden and didn't even know it. A cop delivered him in the back seat of his squad car. She was seven months pregnant, high and still turning tricks."

  "Cripes," Bruiser swore. "That's screwed up."

  "Yeah, it is. Auntie tried to get custody of both of us, but Momma took off. We lived in homeless shelters, women's shelters, on the streets, wherever she could find for a night or even a few hours. I remember once staying in a house with a lot of people for a few days. I think it was a crack house. It smelled bad, and the people were lying around not doing anything. She would get busted for something or another, and we'd go live with Auntie. She'd get out, clean up her act, get us, and start the cycle over."

  Bruiser never, in his entire life, felt as much rage as he did at this moment. The life that Olivia described shouldn't have happened to a child. For any mother to allow her children to be repeatedly put in harm's way should be locked away. He fought against the anger, dampening it down. Having been abandoned as a baby and raised in group homes or with foster parents, he understood a little of the feelings of not having a stable home. However, it was no excuse for shoddy parenting. A mother should always put her children first.

  Swallowing the bile that rose in his throat, he nudged her. "Go ahead, sweetheart. It'll do you good to let it out."

  Olivia's arms tightened around Bruiser's neck, and her voice dropped to a whisper. He held her tightly against his chest as she worked her way through her story. After a few moments, she continued. "Sly was always watching me. He kept asking Momma to let him have me, but she refused. I used to think it was because of Jayden. You see, because of all the drugs she did while pregnant with him, he was born with a lot of health issues. She needed me to take care of him, so she wouldn't have to. Momma hated Jayden. Maybe it was because he wasn't as independent like me, but I think she just couldn't stand to see how much he favored Jay. He reminded her too much of his father. But, when it came to Sly's attention, I think she was jealous. Momma didn't care about my safety and well-being. She often told me to get my own money on the street, but wouldn't ever let Sly near me. I think maybe she was afraid of being replaced. Sly liked young girls. He found her on the streets when she was only fifteen. Now she was in her thirties, and her shelf life was expiring." Olivia shuddered. "He tried to get his hands on me many times, but Momma always stopped him. Until the last time."

  Her eyes took on a faraway look as she lost herself in the past. Gently, Bruiser stroked her hair while she trembled in his lap. He hated how vulnerable she was at this moment, how much pain her mother had inflicted on her. He let her take her time, working through things in her mind.

  "I haven't talked about this part much. Only the police and my therapist knows what happened," she whispered against his shoulder. "Even Aunty doesn't know everything."

  Bruiser had a feeling he was not going to like what she had to say. Like it or not, she needed to get it out, so he held her and forced himself to remain calm. When she continued, her voice was muffled against his neck.

  "It was so hot that week. We were living in a little house in Chula Vista with no running water and no electricity. There were holes in the walls and rotten places in the floor. The rats were huge, and we had to protect everything we had by putting it in plastic boxes. They would eat food, clothes - really anything they could get their teeth on. I asked Momma once if we were squatting there and she got mad at me. She said we should be grateful to have a roof over our heads. I was fifteen at the time, and Jayden was only ten. That night, it was too warm, and I couldn't sleep, so I opened the window to let in some air. We weren't supposed to do that because the neighborhood was so horrible, but it was stifling in the house. Momma was out working like she did most nights. I guess Sly had enough of Momma denying him because he crawled in the window and..." She stopped again.

  Bruiser muttered a string of curses under his breath. "He..." He swallowed and tried again. "Did he?"

  She gave the barest shake of her head. "He tried. I was screaming and begging him to leave me alone. Jayden was crying, terrified. Sly didn't care. He groped me, pulled at my clothes. He was saying the vilest, most awful things to me. He was obviously drunk, high or both and had one thing on his mind. I tried to fight him off, but he was so much bigger and stronger. I guess Momma must have come home then because the next thing I knew she was screaming at him to get away from me. She pulled and hit at him until he went after her. He started beating her. Fists flying. Blood. She cried and begged him to stop but he wouldn't. I was so terrified. I pulled Jayden out of the house through the window. We ran as fast as we could. I could hear Momma begging for her life until we got too far away. We ran into a convenience store and begged the clerk to call the police. By the time they got to the house, it was too late. Sly had beat Momma to death. They picked him up a few blocks away; he still had her blood all over his hands. Now he's doing a life sentence in Corcoran, and we moved in with Auntie. Our lives are much better but the stain of that night is still in my soul."

  Bruiser curled his arms around her protectively. "It's not your fault, honey."

  She pushed away from him and stood. "Yes, it is. If I hadn't opened the window, he wouldn't have gotten in and attacked me. Momma would still be alive."

  He stood and took her hands. "That's not true. You said he was determined to get to you. He would have found a way inside. Your mother's death is all on him, sweetheart."

  "But..."

  "No buts."

  "If you say so," she replied sounding not at all convinced.

  He watched as a change came over her. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly. "So, I do know how it feels. However, if what you said is true and it's not my fault what happened to Momma, then what you went through isn't your fault either. Bruiser, I don't know what happened, but I do know one thing with certainty. You are a protector, so much so your nick comes from protecting others. Whatever happened that day, whatever you did, I know you did it because you felt you needed to. Hick is a grown man, a trained SEAL. He went into this knowing he could be hurt, could even end up dead, just like you and the other members of your team. Just like I knew when I signed up for my service. Every man and woman that puts on a uniform to protect this country know it. It's a price we are all willing to pay."

  She was right. Bruiser did what he had to do, and if put into the same circumstance, he would do it again. Madison was in the wrong. If anyone is to blame for the FUBAR of that mission, it was that prick.

  "The review board..."

  She took his hand and held it. "The review board will take into consideration everything that happened. I know the other guys are going to have your back on this. When this is over, you will see you were worried for nothing. In the meantime, you and the team get a little R&R. When is the review?"

  "Tuesday. "

  She nodded. "Then Tuesday night, you'll come over to the house, and we'll have a big celebration meal."

  He grinned at her and raised an eyebrow. "Think we can get Auntie Nat to make her enchilada casserole?"

  She stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt good there. Perfect, really, and he knew he was falling hard. He ran his hand over her back to the dip just above the swell of her rear. Caressing her there, he pulled her tightly against him.

  "Probably," she finally broke the silence. "But if I don't get home soon, she may go on strike. Cowboy dropped me off so you think you can take me home?"

  "Sure. Let me get my keys."

  He stopped and lifted her face. Leaning in, he kissed her tenderly with a whisper pass of his lips br
ushing hers. Her eyes closed as she drank in his offering then returned it with her own. He cupped her neck, caressing her jaw with one thumb as they became lost in the moment. When they came up for air, she licked her lips and opened her eyes. The grin on her pink, swollen lips made him groan. He wanted her, and he could tell she wanted him. Dropping another kiss on her lips, he stepped back.

  "You know, you're going to be one hell of a trauma therapist one day. You've got a natural flair for it."

  She lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. "Better get your free sessions in while you can. Once I'm certified, my rates go up."

  He laughed, feeling lighter than he had since the mission. Olivia was good for him. Everything about her was perfect. It was as if she were created just for him. Taking her hand, they left his apartment together. He made a promise to himself. No matter what happened at the review, he would do his best to be worthy of her faith. He owed it to her, and he owed it to himself.

  Chapter 9

  "Are you sure this is enough?" Olivia carefully climbed out of Bruiser's SUV with the bowl of broccoli salad in her arms. "Maybe we should get some chips or something."

  Bruiser chuckled. Opening the back window, he lifted out a cooler, placed it on the ground and locked the hatch. Picking it up, he joined her in front of the vehicle. "You're fine, sweetheart. I told you that's all you are supposed to bring. Be careful and don't trip on the sand."

  They walked to the large tent erected on the sandy beach. As they approached, Bruiser's fellow teammates waved in greeting. She placed the side dish on the already overloaded table and relaxed. Apparently, he had been right. They would have plenty of food.

  "Olivia, you've met all of the guys except for Toad." He pointed to a man lounging in a chair with a beautiful blonde wearing a string bikini draped over his body. The man lifted a hand in greeting.

  "This is Rachel," Toad said. Poking the woman in the rib he murmured, "Baby, say hi to Olivia,"

  "Hi, Olivia," she giggled then curled up against him again.

  "Nice to see you again, Olivia," Cowboy stood up. He motioned toward a brunette wearing a one piece bathing suit sitting beside him. "This is Cassedy. Over there with Railroad is Arnetta. Finch is bacheloring it today, and Hick should be here anytime now. He went to pick up his date."

  Bruiser pointed toward the parking lot. "Speak of the devil."

  Olivia glanced behind her and saw Hick approaching them carrying several grocery bags in his good hand with the other secured in a sling. Beside him walked a shorter woman with flaming red hair shoved under a wide brim hat and wearing a bright green tankini under a white gauzy sarong. The woman had some serious curves and wasn't afraid to show them off.

  Dropping the bags on the table, Hick took what looked like an apple pie from the woman's hands and placed it carefully on top. Clutching the woman by her elbow, he quickly introduced her as Annabeth Switcher. Once he finished, she dropped into a chair, pulled her hat off and started to fan herself. "Lord, it's warmer than my granny's girdle in August. Ya'll have to excuse me; I have too much insulation for this hot California weather."

  Chuckles sounded out around the area as Hick pressed a cold bottle of water into her hands. "Can't have you melting away, just yet." He smiled at her. He touched her face with his fingertips before turning away, leaving a glistening trail of condensation in their wake.

  She shook her head, "Then you best behave. You're enough to make me melt into a puddle right here, Levi."

  "You know it, babes," he smirked.

  "Shouldn't you bunch be out saving the world instead of stuffing your faces?" A new voice called out from the direction of the parking lot.

  "River! When did you get into town?" Toad grinned and waved.

  The men all hurried over and did the whole manly handshake and fist bump routine with the newcomer.

  "We've been here a couple of days taking care of some things before the convention starts. Guys, you remember my wife, Joselyn?"

  Cowboy piped up, "Good to see you again, Joselyn." Each man gave her a gentle hug. Once again introductions were made, and things settled down. River stood near the grill, talking with his former team members as the women gathered to get better acquainted.

  "You look familiar," Cassedy said to Joselyn. "Have we met before?"

  Joselyn took a drink of her water and shook her head. "I'm from New Orleans. I haven't been to California before. We are here for the writer's convention."

  "Wait. You're Joselyn Chambers!" Cassedy squealed. "I can't believe it."

  Joselyn blushed, and beside her, Annabeth chuckled. "See, I told you."

  "Yeah, yeah, Annabeth, you're awesome." Joselyn turned back to the woman who was obviously fangirling over the famous author. "Please, call me Jos."

  "Can I get a picture with you? My sister will never believe me," Cassedy told her. "We are both big fans."

  "Sure." She moved over to sit beside the woman and smiled as Annabeth took the picture with Cassedy's cell phone.

  As they finished, her husband handed her a small woven bag with The Deidre Files in bold letters across the side. "I brought one with us one just in case," River said with love showing in his piercing blue eyes.

  She smiled at him gratefully and pulled out a couple of copies of a book. "What's your sister's name?"

  "Cheryl."

  Joselyn autographed the books and handed them to the brunette who clutched them to her chest protectively. "Thank you," she gushed.

  "You're welcome. Arnetta, would you or Rachel like one?" Joselyn asked. Arnetta agreed while Rachel gave her a blank stare. Something told Olivia, she wasn't much of a reader.

  Olivia was impressed at how Joselyn carried herself. She took the women's fawning in stride and didn't seem to let it phase her.

  When the impromptu autograph session was over, River took the bag from his wife, and placed it underneath the table, out of the way. "You want to tell them the news or should I?" he asked cryptically.

  "Are you pregnant?" Toad burst out loudly. "River, my man with the super swimmers! Congrats!"

  "Oh my Lord, no. At least not yet," Jos finished with a blush. She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "I got an offer to make 'Murder With A Side of Mayhem' into a movie." She grinned. "We signed the deal yesterday."

  There was silence a moment as everyone absorbed the news before Cowboy jumped up and hugged her. "Congratulations!"

  Hick grinned. "You need a male lead? I happen to know someone who would be perfect."

  Joselyn laughed as he struck a pose, flexing his uninjured arm like a body builder. "That's not up to me," she quipped. "I think they may have someone in mind. I know they are going to use Demma St. John for Deidre. I met her yesterday."

  Railroad whistled appreciatively. "She's an A-lister for sure. Are you doing the screenplay?"

  River curled his arms around his wife tenderly before speaking. "They offered, but she turned them down."

  "I'm working on a book that's a little emotionally wearing on me. It's based on my own..." Joselyn hesitated a moment before finishing. "Experiences."

  "Ouch," Railroad said quietly.

  "I'm still a little pissed you didn't tell us what was going on," Bruiser glared at River. "You know we would have come help."

  "And that's why I didn't call. Uncle Sam still owns you. I wasn't going to pull you away from duty. I had it all under control."

  Hick snorted. "Yeah, sure, under control. You almost died, bro."

  River pointed toward Hick's sling. "You're one to talk. How's the shoulder?"

  Hick shrugged and winced. "It'll be alright. Doc has me on medical leave for now. He said three weeks, but I'll go nuts before then. There's no way I'll wait that long to get back out on the mountain bike trails. I've got a new ride I'm itching to try out."

  Beside him, Annabeth shook her head with a disapproving glare. "Boys and their toys," she muttered. "Adrenaline junkies, all of you. You're nuts; you know that right?"

  The guys all laughed with
Toad throwing in a "hell yeah" for good measure.

  When the laughter died down, Arnetta asked Hick. "You were hurt?"

  He dropped his chin in a nod. "Yeah, it's just a little knife wound. I'm alright now. The team had my back, not like Riv. He should have called us. Once a SEAL always a SEAL."

  Cowboy smacked River on the back of his head. "Don't do it again, old man," he exclaimed only partially joking.

  Olivia watched the interaction with the same amount of confusion as was currently displayed on the faces of Rachel, Arnetta, and Cassedy. Only Annabeth seemed to be in the know. Leaning over, she whispered conspiratorially, "Jos had a stalker last year; a nut job serial murderer, no less. River almost died saving her life. He did lose a kidney in the process," Annabeth supplied with a nonchalant shrug. "She's writing a fictionalized version of the whole thing now."

  Arnetta gaped. "Wow. I had no idea."

  Joselyn coughed. "Yeah. The life of a writer - who knew?"

  Seeing the look of discomfort on Joselyn's face, Olivia steered the conversation into another direction. "I'm a little warm. How about a dip in the ocean?"

  The women agreed and soon yells, and splashing ensued. After a bit, several of the men joined them with only Hick standing on the sideline with Annabeth tucked into his side, egging them on. They made the cutest couple ever. "Thank you," Joselyn whispered to Olivia when the others weren't looking. Olivia simply winked.