“They’ve got it bad,” Beck said and kissed her neck, then her shoulder. She exhaled and pressed back against him.
“You think so?” she asked, smiling as she watched Ford reach out for the additional stack of plastic bags as he pressed a hand to Lois’s waist. They towered over her sister, each one of them bigger and more mysterious than the next, and the most mysterious was nowhere to be seen. With a name like Ghost, there was no wonder why.
“Come on, we can have a little make-out session while the kids are sleeping and our cousins are helping Lois.”
Beck pulled her backward and she giggled as she let him guide her to the back porch. Jace was there to cup her cheeks and then lean forward and kiss her. He explored her mouth, plunged his tongue in deeply, and then cupped her breasts. She moaned into his mouth as Beck ran his hands up her skirt and brushed his fingers along her panties. She pressed them away and pulled from Beck’s mouth.
“Oh, God, stop that in case they come out here,” she reprimanded. Beck and Jace chuckled and Beck lifted her up and brought her over to the love seat. Jace took the seat next to Beck and pulled her legs into his lap. Immediately he ran his hand up her calves and under her skirt.
She smiled and he winked at her. She looked at Beck, her heart heavy with worry for Lois.
“Tell me about your cousins,” she said to Beck. He took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Now, when we’re about to make you come in our arms?” he teased and nuzzled her neck, suckling a sensitive cord there and making her moan. At the same time, Jace gripped the string on her panties and pressed them aside. She gasped as his fingers stroked her pussy lips. Beck cupped her breast and stroked her nipple through the blouse she wore.
She was on fire. She loved these men so much. She felt safe, desirable, and loved, and she wanted the same thing for Lois.
She reached down and gripped Jace’s hand, stopping him from continuing.
“Are they really interested in Lois? Is Ghost, too? Will they hurt her?” she asked Beck and felt Jace’s fingers smooth down her thighs and out from under her skirt.
“Baby, our cousins are good men. They know what a commitment in a ménage relationship means.”
“They know what the responsibility of claiming guardianship means, too. Lois will be well taken care of.”
“Do they know about what happened to her? Did you tell them all of it?” she asked.
Jace looked at Beck. “No. It isn’t our place to tell them what happened to her. When she’s ready and she feels like she trusts them, then she should be the one to tell them,” Beck said.
“What if she can’t? She’s so scared to let them close. She thinks she can’t be intimate.”
“They’ll help her through it. They’ll take their time. She needs to be honest with them and let them know her fears,” Jace said.
“They seem to be working through the whole touching thing. They’re using every opportunity to caress her hips, touch her skin, and be close to her. We just saw them in the kitchen. They’ll work it out and she’ll get more comfortable with them. You’ll see,” Beck said to her.
“I’m worried,” she whispered and felt the tears hit her eyes.
“Worried about what?” Sparrow asked, joining them on the porch. He leaned down and kissed her lips and she smiled at him.
“I want her to have this. I want her safe and sound and well cared for and loved. They can’t make demands of her and be aggressive,” she said with concern.
“They’re her guardians. They staked claim to Lois. They won’t hurt her. You’ll see. Plus, think of it this way—Ford is the sheriff. It’s his responsibility to make sure every woman is protected and cared for. He’ll make sure your sister is safe because she’ll be his,” Sparrow said and she snuggled against Beck and closed her eyes to relish in this time with her men. She prayed that Lois could find peace and safety in the arms of Laverty, Ford, Ghost, and Evan. Her sister deserved happiness and ultimately to be loved and cherished to feel special.
* * * *
“Oh, my God, the whole place smells like cookies!” Lois exclaimed as she finished cleaning up and then put down the apron she wore. She felt an arm come around her waist and then Laverty inhaled against her hair.
“You smell like cookies, too. Pretty delicious,” he said and kissed her neck.
She grabbed on to his arms and was shocked by his move but also by her reaction. She eased back against him and looked right at Ford and Evan.
Both of them stood still and waited to see her response. She couldn’t help but to feel like they were giving her time to adjust. Laverty continued to inhale against her neck and kiss her softly. He gently turned her in his arms to face him.
“Nice and slow. Don’t be scared, baby. Please, don’t be scared,” he whispered and then took his time cupping her cheeks as he stared down into her eyes. Laverty and his hazel eyes, his firm expression, towered over her. He was so big and filled with muscles. She could feel the dips and ridges against her breasts and belly. He pressed closer and now she felt the island against her back as he inched his lips closer. She should stop him before he kissed her and the panic set in.
“Stay still, beauty. I’ve waited all night to taste your lips,” he said, shocking her as his lips touched hers.
It was soft, sweet, and then sensual all in one. His firm lips took their time pressing closer and then, as she didn’t push him away, he deepened the kiss and pressed his tongue between her lips. She moaned into his mouth and felt his solid body press against her front. She shivered from their difference in size and then the thought of this Green Beret’s capabilities.
He must have sensed her need to stop, as he slowly released her lips and then didn’t give her the opportunity to deny what happened, to question it or to say a word. Instead, Laverty pulled her against his chest and held her tight.
“We’ll go real slow for you, Lois. As slow as you need.”
* * * *
It was hard to not pull Lois into his arms next, but Ford knew she needed time. Someone had hurt her badly. It didn’t take years of experience in law enforcement to realize that. There seemed to be more to the story. They’d heard about Kenny’s dad and friend breaking into the apartment and attacking them. They knew that Valentina shot and killed the two men in order to save her nephew and sister. Obviously Lois showed signs of being abused. It really pissed Ford off to know a man, a soldier no less, took his anger out on a beautiful young woman like Lois and that she still suffered from the psychological effects.
He watched her now, as she shyly went to join her sister and the others on the porch, Laverty holding her hand all the while. Ford caught sight of Sparrow, Jace, Ridge, Beck, and Valentina looking at their joined hands. Sparrow nodded like he approved, but Valentina looked concerned.
“All finished?” Valentina asked.
“For tonight. I think I’m going to have to come up with a better plan to make so many. That is, if they actually sell at the farm,” Lois said and then reached back to massage her neck. Ford took the opportunity to press up behind her and massage her shoulders.
“Let me,” he whispered. He felt her tighten up, but then Laverty brought her knuckles to his lips and kissed them.
“I think you’ll be fine and will sell out quickly. They’re so good,” Laverty told her.
“You also mentioned making a few different kinds of cookies. I think that will be great, too. People will try the chocolate chip and then want to try the others,” Evan said.
“I think we need a bigger kitchen and some more baking pans for that. Let’s see what this weekend brings in regards to sales,” Lois said.
“We have a big industrial kitchen at our place plus two double ovens. That should save on time and also provide the additional space you’ll need,” Laverty offered.
“Oh, that’s okay. I wouldn’t impose like that. I can deal with our kitchen just fine,” Lois said and looked at Valentina.
“I think that sounds like a great idea. You
’ll have plenty of space to work there, and our cousins seem more than willing to help you bag the cookies.” Sparrow said and winked.
“I don’t know,” Lois said.
Laverty brought her knuckles to his lips again and kissed them. “Think about it, okay?” he asked.
She worried her bottom lip and all Ford could think about was getting the opportunity to kiss her, to taste her lips and hold her in his arms.
“Okay.” Laverty smiled.
“Well, we should call it a night. It’s pretty late and tomorrow is a big day at the farm. We expect a lot of people to come through,” Evan said. Laverty stood up and Ford released Lois.
“See you tomorrow. You did real good. It will be successful. You’ll see,” Ford told her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
He watched Evan do the same and then Laverty kissed her on the lips.
“See you tomorrow, beauty.” They said good night to Valentina and the guys and headed to their house across the side lawn.
* * * *
Lois watched them head to their house and she couldn’t believe how the night had gone.
“What are you thinking right now?” Valentina asked her.
“That I’m out of my mind. That I don’t know how to handle any man, never mind men like them,” she said aloud and then remembered that Valentina’s men were there and they were cousins with the men she was referring to.
“You like them and they like you. The chemistry and attraction are there, and they will take their time with you, Lois. They can sense your fear,” Sparrow said to her. She was shocked and wasn’t sure she felt quite comfortable having this conversation with him, his brothers, and Valentina. As she thought about that, she realized she trusted them and knew they wouldn’t steer her wrong. They knew the whole story about what Caden had done to her, how he had raped her. She felt the tears fill her eyes. She looked at them and her nose filled up, her heart grew heavy, and her vision blurred from the tears.
“They’re so perfect, and I’m so…broken.”
Valentina stood up and pulled Lois into her arms.
“You’re not broken. You’re scared, you’re being cautious, and you’re questioning things the way you should. You need to feel safe. You need to know they’re trustworthy and that they won’t do what Caden did to you and what he did to Kenny. Follow your heart, Lois, and everything will work out just fine.”
Lois held her sister tight and locked gazes with Sparrow. He gave a nod and a smile.
“They’re good men, just be honest with them and ask them to be honest with you. We’re here for you and we aren’t going anywhere.”
She smiled as she pulled back from Valentina’s arms and wiped her eyes.
“I appreciate your support, and I trust you, too. Why don’t you go spend some time with your men tonight, Valentina? I’ll take care of the kids. We can head over to the farm late morning,” she said and Beck lifted Valentina up and placed her over his shoulder.
“Have a good night, sis,” he said to Lois as he hopped off the porch with Valentina over his shoulder, reprimanding him as his brothers followed. “Good night. See you in the morning,” Sparrow said and kissed her cheek. Ridge and Jace did the same and smiled as they quickly caught up with Beck.
Lois watched as Beck pressed her up against the side of the house by the front steps and kissed her deeply. She smiled widely and was so happy for her sister—and envious, too. Could she ever let go and just let love lead the way, or would she always have the fears of being hurt by the scars that ran deep in her soul?
Chapter 5
“Say that again?” Lois asked Dora. Dora smiled widely.
“They sold out. All of them,” Dora told her.
Lois covered her mouth with her hand and felt the tears fill her eyes and then she felt the hand on her shoulder and Valentina giving her a hug.
“That’s awesome, Lois. Congratulations,” Val said and Dora handed Lois a piece of paper.
“This is how much you made, and this is a list of private orders.”
Lois took the sheet of paper and widened her eyes. “Oh, my God, really? Wait, what about you guys? You get a cut for allowing me to sell them here.”
“Not this first round. That was just a trial run. We’ll talk numbers later on with my husbands. In the meantime, I suggest you get going on those private orders and start preparing more cookies to restock this display. You got yourself your own business making cookies.”
Valentina hugged Lois and then the kids joined in, too. She spotted Beck talking to Evan. They were both smiling and Beck gave her the thumbs-up.
“I have to thank Evan, Ford, and Laverty. They helped so much,” she said to Dora and Valentina, who smiled.
“They’re going to have to help you more. That’s a lot of cookies to make plus the orders, too,” Dora said to her.
“Hey, beauty. So, are you shocked?” Evan asked.
She shook her head and tears filled her eyes. He reached up and cupped her cheek.
“I told you that your cookies were delicious.”
“Thank you, Evan, for all your help with everything.”
He stepped closer and pressed his lips gently to hers. She was shocked, but she didn’t pull away.
“It was my pleasure.”
“So what are you going to do now? You have all those cookies to make,” Dora said.
Lois stepped back and pressed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“I’ll need to figure out something,” she said and thought about the small kitchen and how she would be taking it over to bake all the cookies and how long it would take to get it all done. Then Evan placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, we said we would help you, and you can use our kitchen. I bet you need to buy some supplies and things. We can get the fresh eggs from here and then go get whatever other ingredients you need,” Evan told her and winked.
She looked at his mom, who smiled and nodded her head, and then at Val, who winked and nodded. Kenny grabbed on to her leg. “I help, too, Mommy,” he said and she smiled.
“You sure can, buddy. Want to come with us to go shopping? You can ride in my truck,” Evan told him and he cheered and then reached for Kenny to give him a high five as Evan knelt on the ground.
“Let’s go, little man,” Evan said, standing up. Kenny took his hand and then took Lois’s hand.
“I guess we’re going shopping,” she said and headed out of the store with Evan and Kenny.
* * * *
Ghost walked into the kitchen and was shocked at his reaction. The smell of cookies, the amount of pans with cookies that were cooling, and the additional cookies waiting for their turn in the oven was wild. He instantly remembered when he was a child and his mom would make homemade cookies or bake a cake for a special occasion, or just on some random day to make them something special. It was a time in his life when he was so innocent and unknowing of the cruelties of the world and the danger he would face as a Green Beret.
He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed in front of his chest and watched Lois bend over to pull one tray after the next form the oven. He was surprised that she was wearing shorts, and as she bent, he took in the sight of her perfectly round ass. He was aroused by the sight, by all of it, including the smell of baked cookies and the fact that she was in their kitchen.
“Don’t just stand there. Wash up and help us package these cookies,” Evan said, catching him gawking from the doorway.
“I don’t bag cookies,” he said firmly as Lois turned around after placing the uncooked trays of cookies into the double ovens.
He spotted Kenny looking at him. The kid’s eyes were wide as saucers as he stared at him like he was a monster. It put Ghost on edge.
“We’re good. You don’t need to help,” she said and held his gaze.
He eyed her over and she shyly looked away from him. Lois always turned away from his gaze. He intimidated her that much. He never really cared if he pissed someone off or made them no
t want to look him in the eyes, but for some reason, the fact that Lois and her son looked scared and acted scared whenever he was around bothered him.
He looked at Kenny, who watched him closely but also remained next to Evan. It seemed to Ghost that Evan had gained the kid’s trust. He felt a little jealous, and for all sorts of reasons. Ghost nodded at the kid.
“Are you helping your momma?” he asked Kenny.
Kenny looked timid, his eyes wide and unsure. Ghost knew he had a deep voice, and he also didn’t mean to sound so abrupt, but that was his way. He wasn’t going to change for anyone.
Kenny nodded his head.
“Good boy,” he told him and then walked closer.
Kenny wiggled on the seat and appeared like he would move and Ghost shook his head, indicating he not move. Kenny remained still. There was one small spot to sit next to him and Ghost took it and then brought his eyes back to Lois. She stood to the right of Kenny, placing more dough onto the large baking sheets. Evan and Laverty were bagging the cookies and Kenny was placing the labels on them. Kenny kept looking up, watching Ghost. He could see him in his peripheral vision, but Ghost’s eyes were locked on Lois.
She looked good. The fitted T-shirt she wore showed off toned arms. She was thin, though, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she was eating right or if that worried, scared expression she held most of the time kept her from taking care of herself. The thought upset him. It was just an instinctual guess. Then, as she bent down, he caught sight of the deep cleavage of her breasts. She was well-endowed for such a little thing. She had a narrow waist and long, shapely legs. The shorts she wore weren’t too short, left a lot for the imagination, and definitely weren’t the kind of shorts most young women wore.
He didn’t know why her conservative style made him have more questions, but it did. Ghost pulled his attention from her sexy body to the kid as he saw Kenny’s arm wrap around his mom’s waist as he slid off the chair. Ghost was shocked when Kenny pressed his mom away from him. It bothered him that the kid was frightened by him, too, and seemed to think he could hurt Lois. What had the kid seen in the past? Had he witnessed his father abuse Lois? His cousins didn’t give them many details, except that Kenny was present during the attack and was held down by his father’s friend. Sure, that would be traumatic, but the look in Kenny’s eyes said there was more fear there, and especially with men around his mom.
The American Soldier Collection 17: Love a Woman Right (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 6
