Hearts on Fire 4: Kisses Sweeter Than Pie (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  He knew he was going to have to do some smooth talking. Hell, he might have to still allow Miguel and Martino to share Nina with him to save face. It would suck, but who the fuck knew where the bitch had hidden out all these months and who she’d fucked. The thought enraged him even more.

  She had become an asset and maybe even a liability. It all depended on where she was, who she had been with, and what trouble it could cause for Rico. She was very appealing, to the point of being unable to blend in. Her eyes alone were mesmerizing. It was ironic that once again Nina would be a grand prize to a sweet deal.

  The door to the room opened and Cougar was there.

  “Boss, their car pulled up outside.”

  “Start the music, get the women ready, and bring them up, Cougar. Remember, we need to appease their every demand or it could fuck up a multimillion-dollar deal.”

  “You got it. Good luck.”

  I’m going to need a hell of a lot more than that. I’m going to need Nina.

  * * * *

  Nina didn’t know what was going on, but Cindy had blindfolded her and then helped her get into Michaela’s SUV. Tasha, Serefina, Florence, Cindy, Tasha’s cousin Melanie, and their friends Catalina and Mel were all in the SUV. They were giggling and talking about going to the Station tomorrow night and about some guy band. Mel was describing one of the members, a firefighter and a guitarist.

  “He is gorgeous and has a kick-ass body. He plays the guitar like a pro and, most importantly, he is single.”

  They laughed and cheered, encouraging Mel to make a move Friday night, and Nina just sat there feeling foolish with her blindfold.

  “How come I’m the only one wearing a blindfold?” she asked.

  “Because this is your surprise,” Serefina said and then the SUV slowed down. Nina realized that they weren’t very far from the boardwalk, and if she weren’t mistaken, they were in the business district that had small shops and little places to eat, have drinks, buy specialty gifts and things. She liked it down here, and it was not as noisy and crowded as the boardwalk a couple of blocks up.

  Michaela parked the truck and Nina could hear the women getting all excited as they climbed out and then Nina’s door opened. Cindy helped her out, then walked a few steps.

  “Okay. Now, we’re going to take off the blindfold and I want you to not focus instantly on first impressions but more so on potential.”

  She didn’t know what that meant, but then the blindfold was undone. As her eyes adjusted to the sunlight, she saw the small old-fashioned house. It looked like it was about to fall down. Around it were nicer stores, but this one was bigger and needed a lot of work.

  She looked at all their expectant faces, not quite understanding what was happening.

  “She doesn’t get it,” Florence said.

  “She hasn’t a clue,” Tasha added, crossing her arms and smiling.

  “What is it? What am I supposed to see?” Nina asked.

  “You’re supposed to see the potential. This is going to be Nina’s Homemade Pies and Bakery, or whatever you want to call it. I bought it cheap, and we’re going to fix it up and get you your own store right here in the center of the busiest businesses in town,” Michaela stated.

  Nina felt a lump form in her throat. She had a million questions flying through her head. How was she going to pay for this? What money would she use to fix this up? She couldn’t do something like this alone with no help.

  “I think she’s going to pass out,” Melanie said. Michaela grabbed her and held her by her side.

  “Nina, you’re not alone in this. Trust me. Trust us, your friends, to help you. We’ve been working it all out and trying to come up with a way to help you establish your business and make your dreams come true.”

  “Yes, we’re all chipping in. Cindy and Melanie need jobs and they know how to bake and cook. Florence offered her assistance when needed, and Mel, well, she’s great at customer service and greeting people,” Michaela told her.

  “I’m able to redo this whole place,” Michaela told her. “I mean renovate it so it looks welcoming, comfortable, and appealing to the eye. It will stand out more than any other place, and we can put in industrial ovens, all the things you need as a professional baker. I got the place cheap because it really does need a lot of work.”

  “Oh, my neighbor Ike Mason is also looking for side work, so he can be our delivery guy. Between all the people we know in Treasure Town, we’ll have this place up and running in months. You’ll be right there helping along the way and designing things like you dreamed of,” Michaela added.

  Nina felt the tears fill her eyes and then she lost it.

  “I don’t know what to say. No one has ever done anything so amazing for me before. I’ll never be able to pay you all back,” she said.

  Cindy pulled her into a hug as a couple of cars pulled up behind Michaela’s SUV. “Sure you will, by being our friend and knowing we’re always here for you, and you can always be here for all of us.”

  “How did she take it?” Jake asked as he, Buddy, Trent, and Johnny arrived, smiling. The other vehicle had two men in it Nina didn’t know.

  “Meet Billy and Hal, Jake’s brothers and my men,” Michaela said with a wink as the big guy, Billy, pulled her into a hug and smiled at Nina.

  “Welcome to Treasure Town, doll,” he said.

  Nina felt Trent’s arms move around her waist as he hugged her from behind.

  “You’ve made quite the impression on everyone, Nina. Accept all our help and let us make your dreams come true.”

  She smiled wide as the tears still flowed. “Thank you. I’ll never forget this day, this moment, and what you’ve all done.”

  “We need to get back to work. How about we celebrate at the Station tomorrow night?” Jake suggested. They all cheered.

  Nina stood there a moment and stared at the building.

  Her very own storefront. She could practically see it now. The large front porch where people could sit and enjoy the goodies she made and even a gourmet coffee from the coffee bar. There would be seats inside, all the pies on display, and a kitchen where she could make at least a dozen pies at a time. She smiled at she looked at Cindy and pulled her next to her. “You’ll really help me? I mean work with me here?”

  “If you’ll hire me, boss,” she teased.

  “Thank you so much, Cindy. Thank you.” She hugged Cindy and then the girls started talking about all the different possibilities until Trent, Johnny, and Buddy pulled her between them and took turns kissing her.

  “We’ll see you later tonight?”

  “You betcha,” she said and watched them leave.

  She looked around the streets at all the little places so perfectly done up and brand new. Her place was going to look beautiful when they were finished. This was going to be the beginning of a new life, a fresh start, and her future here in Treasure Town.

  * * * *

  Rye Hawkins sat in Jake’s office waiting for Buddy and Trent to arrive. Jake didn’t like what Rye had told him so far about the men working for Rico who might be looking for her.

  “So they’re pretty serious about this woman?” Rye asked Jake.

  “I’d say so. I’m happy for them. The three of them deserve to finally meet someone special and settle down.”

  “Yeah, I hear she’s easy on the eyes and bakes a mean apple pie.”

  Jake chuckled.

  Just then Buddy and Trent arrived, entered Jake’s office, then shook hands with Rye. Jake walked over and closed the door.

  He then leaned against his desk and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Okay, Rye, tell us what you found out,” Jake said.

  Rye took a deep breath and began. “Well, as you know, the state police are initially the ones who investigate illegal gambling across the state and its borders. This guy Rico, who is currently out in California, gained the attention of not only the state police and their investigation into illegal gambling, but also the feds. Looks like more
recently he started joining forces, doing business with two men who are high-profile smugglers.”

  “High-profile smugglers?” Jake asked.

  “Amongst other things. From what my buddy explained to me, these two men are being monitored and have been for quite some time by both the state police and the federal government. They have been really pushing this construction agenda in Puerto Rico and the feds believe it to be a front for more illegal gambling. Through their initial investigation, wire taps, surveillance, and inside agents, they know these two men and Rico are partnering up.”

  “Wow, does this mean that the feds and the state police are preparing to bust them soon?” Buddy asked.

  “They’re looking for a big hit. They don’t want the petty stuff, but actual big shipments of drugs, all their locations where gambling occur, and whatever else they can pull together in one nice neat bow. Problem is, as many undercover guys the feds and state police have in there, there are more working in the departments blowing the whistle before the cops can get close and take them out. Rico is really more of a loan shark, a guy who flips the bill and gets paid double. He works it out and has his crew of shit that rough up the nonpaying gamblers. You know the deal. You’ve had to deal with this shit around here for years.”

  “That we have. It’s a vicious cycle. As soon as we think we’ve cleared out the trash, we wind up finding more popping up around the county,” Jake said.

  “These men, the ones who work for Rico and do his dirty work, are they the ones who he would send to look for her?” Trent asked. Buddy crossed his arms in front of his chest and stood there in a protective stance.

  “That’s the thing. My guy is trying to find out if your woman’s name has even been tossed around among the feds or troopers as someone to speak to. You know, like an informant or witness to Rico’s crimes.”

  “God, I didn’t even think of that. Nina said that he never spoke about his businesses,” Buddy added.

  “Well, no need to worry about that right now, he hasn’t heard a thing about her. Hopefully the federal and state investigation will erupt and this guy Rico will go to jail for life. Then Nina won’t have to worry ever again,” Rye said.

  “But if he doesn’t, and they don’t move on this, she’ll always worry and so will we,” Trent replied.

  They were quiet for a few seconds and then Jake changed the subject. “I got the damn media all over my ass now about this arsonist. Someone leaked the info that it may be a teenager.”

  “Shit, the kid already attacked one witness, if he thinks someone else ratted him out or could identify him, he may become violent again,” Trent said.

  “I think we need to look at some of these kids from all the local high schools. I’ve got a list of twelve who were brought in by some law enforcement agency or reported by their school principals for starting fires or burning things. It’s a better start than any,” Buddy said.

  “We could split them up and each go question these kids,” Trent suggested.

  “Sounds good to me,” Jake said.

  Buddy turned toward Rye. “We appreciate everything you’re doing to help us protect Nina. She’s terrified by this man. So if you hear about his arrest or anything, please let us know.”

  “You got it. I’ll keep you posted,” Rye said. Then he stood up and shook Jake’s hand before heading out of the room.

  “She’ll be okay, guys. We’re going to stay on top of this and not let our guard down,” Jake told them.

  “We’re definitely not taking any chances,” Trent said before he looked at Jake, then his brother, and walked out of the office.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Trent like this,” Jake told Buddy as they walked to the door.

  “That’s because he’s never been in love before. You know the deal. Now he just needs to admit it and tell Nina.”

  Jake’s eyes widened and an “oh” left his lips. “Yeah, I can see that being a tough one for him. But honesty is the best policy. Eventually he’ll come clean and tell her.”

  Buddy chuckled. “Is that how it was with Michaela?”

  “Hell, Michaela was and still is a piece of work. When she gets something in her mind, there’s no stopping her.”

  “What she’s doing for Nina is really awesome. She never would have accepted anything like that from Trent, Johnny, and me.”

  “No, she wouldn’t have. But could you blame her, Buddy? I mean this guy really did a fucking number on her. It’s surprising she even let you guys this close.”

  Buddy released a sigh as he looked out the door toward the main office in the sheriff’s department and spotted Trent talking with Rye Hawkins and Rye’s brother, Deputy Turbo Hawkins.

  “I think Trent and her have a lot of the same fears when it comes to trust and showing scars. That common ground brought us all together.”

  “I believe it. She’s got a new home here, and already a bunch of new friends. We’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her safe.”

  “I appreciate that, Jake. We’ll see you tonight at the Station?”

  “I’ll be there,” Jake said, and Buddy smiled, looking forward to bringing Nina to the Station and showing her off as their woman.

  * * * *

  Nina stared at herself in the mirror. Who would have thought that a thrift store could have such beautiful clothing? The pale-pink dress hugged her hips and accentuated her large breasts. She hoped that Buddy, Johnny, and Trent liked it and didn’t think it was too sexy. The pale-pink color was sweet and pretty, and it was a designer dress, tags and all, for $10.00.

  She slipped into the high-heel sandals, also from the thrift shop, hardly used and a perfect fit. She brushed her long brown locks into a makeshift pony on the side of her head and let it flow over her shoulder. Her hair partially covered her cleavage.

  She stared at her bare neck and wished for a moment she had something to wear. Some kind of locket or jewelry that belonged only to her. But those thoughts had been long gone for months. She wondered why she even cared about something like that now.

  “Nina, we’re going to be late. Just put something casual on. You’ll look beautiful in anything,” Johnny yelled from the living room. She chuckled. That was Johnny, her sweet, compassionate paramedic. He was always so thoughtful and caring. She bet his patients, the people he needed to help and sometimes even save, adored him instantly.

  She took a deep breath and grabbed the small purse, also from the thrift shop. Her lips looked pretty with the soft pink lip gloss Serefina insisted she grab, but nothing else. No makeup. She didn’t really even like the stuff.

  She took a deep breath and walked out of her bedroom.

  Johnny whistled. Buddy stood up from the couch, appearing shocked. And Trent? Well, Trent looked angry. She pulled her lip between her teeth then stopped herself because of the lip gloss she wore.

  “Okay, let’s go,” she said, trying to avoid their criticism, disapproval, or dislike of the outfit. Whatever reason they stared at her for, it made her want to run for the door. Before she made it there, Johnny snagged her around the waist and pulled her close. “Damn, baby, you look so gorgeous. Wow.” He kissed her neck.

  Buddy walked closer and stared down into her eyes. “Where did you get this?”

  “A place the girls and I went shopping last week.” She still wondered what he was thinking and then he reached out to trail a finger down the bodice.

  “It’s kind of low cut, isn’t it?” he asked. She looked down and shook her head just as he cupped her breast, reached for her cheek, and held her face.

  “You’re one sexy lady, Nina. I love this on you, and I’m going to be keeping you real close.” He leaned forward and kissed her. She closed her eyes, was lost in his gentle kiss and his possessive words, which warmed her body through.

  “Let me take a look,” Trent interrupted.

  Buddy released her lips and stepped to the side. There stood Trent, hands on his hips as he evaluated her attire. God, the man was so fucking gorgeo
us. His brown eyes bore into hers, and she swallowed hard. She would never want to be on their wrong side. They were that intimidating.

  He reached down to take her hand and slowly brought it up to his lips. He kissed the top of it and smiled.

  “You need to dress like this for us more often, doll. You’re stunning.”

  “Thank you. I guess we should go, huh?” she asked, feeling nervous and very horny. She would love to skip this night and get right to bed with her three men. The thought of calling them that aroused her even more.

  “I don’t know what you’re thinking right now, but if it’s what I’m thinking, which is stay here and have my way with your body, I’m in,” Trent said.

  “We can’t do that. We promised we would show up. Everyone is going to be there and I can’t wait to finally see this place everyone raves about,” Nina told him.

  “Well, then let’s go, but we’re not staying late. I want to get back here so we can explore what’s hiding underneath that dress,” Johnny said. Nina walked ahead of him between Buddy and Trent, who chuckled.

  “Oh, that’s easy. Nothing.” She sashayed out the door and down the steps. He stopped her by the truck, pulled her into his arms, and held her firmly with his eyebrows scrunched up.

  “Did you say that you’re not wearing any undergarments?” Johnny asked.

  Trent and Buddy watched and waited.

  “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.” Before Johnny could reach under her dress to check, she swatted his hand and got into the truck right in the front between Trent and Buddy.

  “You are very naughty, Nina. You know what I do when my woman’s naughty?” Johnny asked, leaning forward from the backseat. She tilted her head back, exposing her breasts to his view. He inched his fingers over her shoulder straight to her cleavage. He stuck his hand inside and his eyes widened. Now he knew she wore no bra.

  “A spanking. You’re going to get a spanking. And if you aren’t wearing any panties, I may just have a little taste of you right back here in the truck on the way home.” He squeezed her breast again and she nearly moaned.