Their Battle for Love (The American Soldier Collection 15)

“You’ll help me, Nalia? With the dress, with the planning, and with whatever it takes to show Nicolai and everyone else that I’m strong, I’m capable, and I’m ready to take control of my life and my future?”

“You bet I will be there, but mark my words. You won’t need me. There’s a passionate, creative, strong-minded woman inside of you just waiting to break free. They are not going to expect anything. Let’s get this party started.”

Malayna smiled wide. She was going to knock their socks off.

* * * *

“Nicolai, this is quite the party. I’m certain Malayna is thrilled,” Karlicov said to him as they stood by the large formal living room waiting for Malayna to make her entrance. She had yet to show up for her own gathering and more people were arriving. He glanced around the room and noticed Star and his team. They looked uncomfortable in their tuxedos, but it was a black tie affair and an opportunity for him to have Daren Mulicheck visit and possibly take some time to go over some business later on. His lovely wife Soyva stood between Daren and Star as they talked and mingled with other guests.

“Oh my,” Karlicov whispered and at the same time Nicolai heard some gasps of excitement and then people turn to look toward the small gathering of people coming from that direction. Nicolai spotted Malayna immediately and the tears hit his eyes, his chest tightened with pride, with concern, with protectiveness and love all in an instant at the sight.

Malayna looked like an angel.

Nalia was right by her side, along with Aspen. The three women were stunning in their attire and allowed Malayna to walk ahead of them as Aspen’s men and Nalia’s men began the introductions.

“She looks gorgeous, Nicolai. You’d better keep her security guards close-by.”

Nicolai turned to Karlicov with his eyes squinted. “Or you could let nature take its course and allow the Mulicheck men to claim guardianship of her. It seems to me they’re very interested.”

Nicolai watched from afar as various men and women introduced themselves to Malayna. She smiled and held herself well, shoulders back, an air of confidence yet sweetness about her. It was the sight of Pierre Lafranchess bending down to kiss her hand as he took it, and the daggers from Star, Krane, Lucca, and Border as they watched Malayna receive all the attention. That was when Daren Mulicheck caught his eye and gave him a nod.

* * * *

Star watched in shock as Malayna entered the party looking like an absolute goddess. Her dress showed off a perfect, curvy figure in a white mermaid gown that was off the shoulder, leaving the opposite side encased in a sheer beaded material. It wasn’t until she was a few feet before him that he noticed that one whole side was sheer from under her arm, down her ribs and upper thigh before gathering in a sheer piece filled with beading as well. It was sexy. Way too sexy for the sweet young woman he forced himself to believe she was. This was a different side of Malayna. A woman who looked confident, classy, capable of anything, including making a man like him get aroused and want her in every way.

As some guy bent down to take her hand and kiss the top of it he saw Malayna smile and then blush at something he said. Then the guy stepped closer, placed a hand on her hip, and whispered next to her ear. Whatever he said had her nodding and giving a thank you before another set of men introduced themselves to her.

He didn’t like the jealous possessive feelings he was having or the jab to his sides from his brothers as they verbalized their similar emotions.

“My god, she looks gorgeous. What has she been doing the last two weeks? Working out with weights? Her arms are toned and Jesus, that slit is so fucking high,” Krane said to him.

“It’s completely see through, and from here it doesn’t appear that she’s wearing any panties,” Lucca said to them.

“Shut up. I don’t need to think of that, too, right now,” Border snapped at him.

It was then that their father and mother were introduced to Malayna by Nicolai.

“Let’s go. It may be our only opportunity to wish her a happy birthday,” Star said.

“Not if I can help it,” Lucca stated.

* * * *

Malayna felt so beautiful and confident in this dress. It was more than she could have hoped for except now her father was whispering into her ear.

“This is quite the dress, Malayna. I hope you succeed in capturing the attention of those you intended,” he said knowingly and she felt her cheeks warm. Busted by her father. Interesting.

“I doubt it, Nicolai. Many believe I am still a child, or even incapable of being successful on my own. I intend to prove those skeptics wrong.”

He smiled and winked. “I don’t doubt that. You’re my daughter after all, and look so much like Mya. It touches my heart deeply. Happy birthday, Malayna,” he said to her and kissed her cheek.

She hugged him tight and felt the tears fill her eyes. She whispered into his ear. “Thank you, Father,” she said, calling him that for the first time. When she pulled back she saw the hint of emotion in his eyes and then he cleared his throat and went back to his calm, intense demeanor as some people approached.

“Malayna, I would like you to meet Daren and Soyva Mulicheck.”

She processed the name immediately and was glad that Nalia and Aspen had schooled her on the important people and the names to listen for and to acknowledge with great respect. These were two of them and they were also Star and Border’s parents.

“It is such a pleasure to meet you. Happy birthday, Malayna,” Daren said and kissed the top of her hand.