The Battlefield Series 6: The Ties That Bind Us (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  She felt her phone vibrate on her hip.

  “Excuse me a moment, guys,” she said and walked to the side, passing Ledger. She lifted the phone and saw the text. Her sister begging her to call her back.

  Ledger touched her shoulder.

  “Are you okay? Who is it?” he asked. Her men had everyone on board watching over her. Ledger knew what happened as well as Brooklyn and Antonia and all their men. The majority of men around Repose were friends and helped one another out.

  “It’s my sister again.” She shook her head and sighed, then placed the phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

  “It’s got to be tough. Are you sure you want to ignore her? Your men can accompany you to her place to check up on her,” Ledger suggested.

  “I know they would, but no,” she said and looked up at the bar to see Kyran standing there. He locked gazes with her, appeared concerned, and walked toward the end of the bar where the entrance was. The man was going to come behind the bar while she was working?

  “Don’t,” she said, and he stopped. He stared at her and looked pissed off. That wasn’t her intention. God, it was like she was suddenly walking on pins and needles around everyone. She hurried toward him. She lifted the door and stopped in front of him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong.”

  “You don’t look like nothing is wrong. Spit it the fuck out,” he hissed at her, and she was shocked. She had to remind herself that Leif and his brothers more than likely had started investigating Pylo and the family. She didn’t like feeling this way. Like some sort of criminal. She needed to calm him down. She was on edge, emotional, and Kyran was ready to fight. He was always on edge, prepared for whatever was going to happen. It was his personality and probably had something to do with being Special Forces.

  She stepped closer, stood on tiptoes, and kissed him. He pulled her into his arms and immediately ran his palm over her ass in a possessive manner and squeezed her to him. She inhaled his cologne and whispered into his ear.

  “I’m fine. My sister just texted me again. I don’t need the public display right now and you coming behind the bar.” She pulled back, and he held her hips in place. Looking into her eyes, he squinted at her.

  “I know you’re working, but I see your expression, and you appeared upset. My instincts are to get to you and comfort you.”

  She smiled at him, reached up and caressed his cheek.

  “That’s one of many reasons I love you. Now let me get back to work.” She pulled away, and he pulled her close again.

  “Kyran.”

  “One more kiss,” he whispered, and she exhaled as if annoyed, but really she needed that extra kiss, too. She pressed her lips to his, and then he gave her rear a tap, and she went back behind the bar, closed the door, and pointed at him.

  “Do not cross this line,” she said.

  Ledger chuckled.

  “Ledger, you better warn her about challenging me. You know as well as most that when I set my sights on something I want, I go get it, and whatever is in the way better watch out,” Kyran said.

  “Isn’t that the truth? I do recall one night you were drunk off your ass and in desperate need of ice cream. The doors to Carol’s creamery were locked, it was three o’clock in the morning, and you broke into the place, sat there eating ice cream until Cesar and Marco arrived, cleaned up the mess, fixed the door lock you broke, and dragged your ass home.”

  “You didn’t?” Lori asked, shocked at the story.

  “I don’t drink tequila anymore. Enough said. The point is when I want something, nothing stands in the way of me getting it. Got it?” he said and winked, looking her body over.

  The story led to other stories, and Lori was grateful for the distraction as her shift continued.

  Chapter 7

  Mateo looked across the room at Lori standing there talking to her friends. She looked beautiful tonight in a slim-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves and showed off her muscular figure. The back was completely open and dipped to nearly the top of her ass. He was glad the bruising there was gone, and even the bruises on her jaw were difficult to see. It had been another great event, and he took first place, which meant he was going to finals.

  That thought made him think of Bragan, and the information he, his brothers and friends were finding out about his family and Lori’s. She was having a hard time staying out of contact with her sister. They suggested going with her to see Evilly and check on her, but she was adamant.

  This party tonight that they attended celebrated the promotion to assistant chief of police for Tobias Copeland. He would be a major asset to Repose and the police department with a background in military and government operations and law enforcement training. He and his brothers Wallace, Stephan, and Scottie had helped out with many situations over the last several years. They ran a private securities and investigative firm and were very successful.

  He spotted Lori excusing herself from the conversation with her friends and heading toward the hallway where the lounge area and bathrooms were.

  He glanced toward Marco, who had also seen her go, and Mateo nodded and started walking, indicating he would follow her. They were so on edge, not wanting to leave her side or have her out of their sights. Their friends were being super helpful, too.

  He caught her looking at her phone and leaning against the wall by the window. When he came up behind her and placed his arm around her waist, she gasped, turned to look up at him with tears in her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She showed him the text as if she couldn’t speak or didn’t want to chance it and get emotional.

  He held her hand and the phone and read the text.

  It’s bad. I need you, Lori. Cara is crying so much. She asks for you. Please come see me. Please, you’re all I have.

  He turned her in his arms and hugged her to him. He ran his hand down her bare back to her ass and then looked into her eyes. They were glossy and filled with unshed tears.

  “We can go see her together. That way if her boyfriend is there we know we can keep you, her, and Cara safe.”

  She shook her head.

  “Why not? This is killing you. You’re not eating, you’re not smiling. It’s your sister, and you love her despite everything.”

  “I’m embarrassed. I… I don’t want you to go with me and see a woman battered, bruised up, and pregnant living in a pigsty. I know she isn’t cleaning the place. Cara is probably not eating well at all.”

  He cupped her cheek and held her against him with his other hand at her ass and lower back.

  “We’ll take you to see them tomorrow.”

  She sniffled. He gave her a small smile.

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said, and she leaned up and kissed him. He hugged her tight and let his hand glide up and down her bare back to her rear. He just couldn’t get enough of her body.

  “Are you ready to go home?” he asked.

  She looked up at him. “We can’t leave yet,” she whispered.

  “Sure we can, because watching you in this dress, feeling your sexy curves is driving me crazy. I want to get you home, strip you, and fuck this ass deep and slow.” He squeezed her ass cheek hard.

  Her lips parted. “I would like that very much,” she told him and caressed her palms up and down his dress shirt.

  “What’s going on?” Marco asked, joining them.

  “We’re leaving. Tell the others to meet us outside by the truck.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Nothing is wrong. Lori just needs something,” Mateo stated and squeezed her ass and ran a finger along the crack.

  “Mateo,” she whispered.

  “What do you need?” Marco asked.

  “Her men to fill her up,” Mateo said and he gave her ass a smack, and one look at Marco, and he could see his brother was on board.

  “That’s interesting, because I was thinking the
same thing,” Marco said to her and reached down and ran his hand along her ass, too. He then lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. When he released her lips, Mateo could see the desire in both of their eyes.

  “Let’s go,” Marco ordered.

  * * * *

  Lori looked out the truck window. She sat between Mateo and Marco. Kyran and Leif were in the backseat. Mateo had his hand on her thigh and seemed to love touching her all the time. They were all very possessive and caring. They took every opportunity to show their love and care for her. Last night they were fierce in their demands making love, and she was fierce in her need to be dominated by them, claimed by them, and possessed by them. If she could constantly have that feeling she had when one of them or three of them were deep inside her, she would love it. It was when she felt most safe and secure, and perfect.

  They were silent for most of the hour drive, knowing how on edge she was. She also probably overdid it on the groceries she’d bought, but she hadn’t seen her sister in three weeks. When they finally got there, she was relieved to not see Pylo’s truck.

  “He isn’t home,” she said, and Mateo squeezed her knee.

  “It would be fine if he was,” he said very calmly.

  They helped her grab the groceries, and she made her way to the stairs. Before she even knocked on the screen door, she heard Cara crying. A look to the right and she saw Evilly sitting at the kitchen table just staring straight ahead.

  “Evilly.” Lori had said her name a few times before finally Evilly turned to look at her. Her eyes appeared dull, her face pale, and a new bruise marked her cheek and eye.

  Lori swallowed hard and opened the screen door.

  Her sister seemed relieved and then shocked at the sight of the four large men coming in behind Lori.

  “These are friends of mine from Repose,” Lori told her calmly, not wanting to freak her out by saying they were her lovers. That would come out soon enough.

  The baby was wailing now, and Lori called over her shoulder.

  “Meet Mateo, Leif, Marco, and Kyran. This is my sister, Evilly.”

  Lori bit the inside of her cheek when she saw Cara in the playpen, her diaper falling off her, filled and dirty. She was filthy, too, and Lori realized in that moment that things were getting worse.

  “Hey, baby girl. How’s my favorite niece?” she asked and went to lift her up as Cara smiled and hiccupped.

  “Jesus, is she okay?” Leif asked and placed a hand on Lori’s shoulder.

  She looked at him with tears in her eyes and gulped down the lump of emotion in her throat. His angry, yet sympathetic expression as he pursed his lips and gave her a squeeze was comforting, but she had to be strong. She carried Cara into the room.

  Evilly was fixing her hair and straightening her dress. The men were unpacking the groceries and trying to act like the sight wasn’t horribly upsetting. She loved them for it.

  “You can’t let her lay around in a dirty diaper, Evilly. She’ll get a bad rash again. Plus, her sheets need changing.”

  “I did them the other day. I’m behind right now. Just resting,” she said solemnly. “What are you doing here? I thought you were never coming back,” Evilly asked her with tears in her eyes.

  Lori reached out and caressed her cheek. She looked at the bruise and damned Pylo, the bastard.

  “You’re my sister.”

  The tears rolled down Evilly’s cheeks, and Lori hid her emotions the best she could.

  “Did you ice that?” she asked Evilly as she rocked Cara and walked toward Mateo, who held the gallon of milk. She rinsed the bottle in the sink and then placed it down. When she went to fill it, Mateo did it for her and gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Where is he now?” she asked Evilly.

  “Work,” she replied.

  “Well, why don’t I get Cara all washed up,” she said, and then Marco started washing the dishes in the sink and cleaning it out while Lori looked for baby wash and a clean towel to dry her. “We’ll do this. You get her some clean clothes.”

  When Evilly got up, she was walking funny and looked pale and weak. As soon as she was out of the room, Lori grabbed the counter, lowered her head, and took unsteady breaths, trying to remain calm.

  “I’m sorry you have to see this,” she whispered.

  “Maybe we can get her to come back with us,” Leif said, shocking her, but then Evilly walked back into the room.

  * * * *

  Leif watched Lori taking care of Cara and talking to her sister in a positive, upbeat manner. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He hoped Pylo got here while they were still at the house. He might not be able to get Evilly to press charges, but he would surely shake some fear into the bastard.

  He was proud of Lori and saw how strong she was, hiding her emotions and caring for Cara and her sister. She even gave the baby a bath in the kitchen sink so they would all remain together.

  The baby responded so well to Lori. She was smiling and grabbing on to her to hug her. It would be hell if Lori had to leave this child once again in such an unstable and negative environment.

  Lori sat in the chair by the table and fed the baby a bottle, which she guzzled down quickly.

  “Have you been feeding her right? She’s starving.”

  “I try, but he’s been gone a lot, and I can’t get to the store.”

  “You need to demand that he get food and milk and the things you need for Cara and for you. Are you taking the vitamins and eating?”

  He sister didn’t answer. Cara was out cold in minutes and obviously feeling comfortable in Lori’s arms. Leif watched the two women walk out of the room toward the small bedroom.

  “This is insane. We need to take Evilly and Cara with us and get them out of here,” Kyran stated with his hands on his hips and his eyes squinting in anger.

  “We can’t force her. She isn’t going to press charges or want to leave. Lori has tried,” Marco said.

  “This isn’t right. It’s worse than Lori explained, and especially knowing what we know about Pylo and his possible dealings with drug dealers. We can’t even confirm yet if he’s still even working with Lori’s family or her ex anymore,” Leif whispered.

  “Let’s help as much as we can,” Marco said.

  * * * *

  “Which one are you dating?” Evilly asked Lori.

  Lori set Cara down into the crib.

  “All four of them,” she replied and then started picking up dirty clothes on the floor.

  “What?” Evilly asked.

  “All four.”

  “How could you? That’s not even normal.”

  “Really? You know what normal is? Getting knocked around by your boyfriend constantly and even while pregnant is normal?” she asked, teeth clenched as she tried not to raise her voice.

  “It’s the sex, then? You’re into having an orgy?”

  “No, they love me, and I love them. They’re committed to me and would never lay a hand on me or hurt me. Did you take notice of their behavior out here? They were legitimately upset at seeing the filth you’re living in, and that bruise on your cheek and how pale and frail you look. Why are you walking funny anyway?” she asked.

  “It’s nothing.” She turned to look at Cara in the crib, and when her strap on her dress came off her shoulder, Lori saw a scratch. She reached out and looked.

  “What is that?”

  “Nothing,” her sister said, and tears filled her eyes.

  Lori took a deep breath.

  “I love you. I’m here for you. What did he do now?” she asked.

  “It was my fault. I was in pain when we were making love. It hurt, and Cara was crying. He was hungover. He told me I was worthless and that I should just get rid of the baby so I could satisfy him in bed.”

  Lori felt sick with hatred.

  “Let me see,” she whispered. Evilly shook her head. “Let. Me. See,” she stated and gently turned Evilly around. Lori’s hands shook as she pulled back on the elastic waistband o
n her sister’s dress and saw the deep red marks. Her skin was split.

  “What the hell?”

  “Belt,” she whispered, and Lori covered her mouth, then pulled her sister into her arms, being careful not to touch the damaged skin.

  “Lori?”

  Lori couldn’t speak yet. She was furious. So damn angry and disgusted.

  She pulled back and looked at her sister. She cupped Evilly’s cheeks and held her firmly.

  “You are coming home with me today. You and Cara are not staying here. This is over. I cannot, will not leave you in an environment where that man can leave you for dead, or hurt or kill Cara.”

  Evilly went to speak, and Lori raised her voice.

  “No, I don’t want to hear the excuses, the irrational reasoning you’ve conditioned yourself to believe. There are no reasonable explanations for accepting his continued abuse and neglect. You are not staying with him. If it’s because you’re afraid, that’s the power he has forced upon you. You’re scared and a victim. He has broken you down to nothing. To someone who can’t make the right decision to save her own life and her daughter’s life. Well, I’m making the decision for you. I’m taking you and Cara out of here, and you will never speak with that fucking asshole again.”

  * * * *

  “How is she?” Marco asked Lori when she walked out of the bedroom at Lori’s cottage.

  “Resting. I’m glad she saw Nevin, and that he could give her something for the pain.” She shook her head.

  Marco knew how upset Lori had been. When she came out of the bedroom at Evilly’s house, she’d started giving orders and grabbing things. It was a whirlwind, plus the ride home was disconcerting. Evilly cried the entire time, swearing that Pylo was going to find her and beat the hell out of her.

  Lori was strong and firm. She kept repeating to her sister how bad and how un-normal the situation was. They argued about Lori being in a ménage relationship, and Lori countered with the positives of their relationship and how respectful and trusting people in a ménage needed to be.