Their Battle for Love (The American Soldier Collection 15)

Krane punched in the code to the penthouse suite once they got into the elevator. On this floor security remained and no one could get to the penthouse suite by any other means so Dubkova and Murin remained there in the small seating area where they had a TV and fully stocked bar and refrigerator.

Krane stared at Malayna’s bare back and saw the scratches and cuts caused from Border tackling her to the ground and them covering her as a shield from the bullets. When the doors opened and they stepped inside, Malayna pulled from Border.

“This is your place?” she asked them and Border took her hand and led her closer to the main living area and kitchen.

“Yes,” Border said.

Krane placed a hand on her shoulder. “You have some cuts and scratches on your back. Let me get the first aid kit,” Krane said and then went to retrieve it. Border turned her around by the island in the kitchen. Krane opened one of the cabinets and pulled out the first aid kit then walked over toward them. He placed it down, opened it up, and then stepped next to Border. Border caressed her skin and leaned forward to kiss her shoulder.

“I’m sure it’s fine, Krane. Don’t worry about it,” she said and went to turn but Border placed his hand on her shoulder and kept her there. He looked at his brother and saw the desire in his eyes as well as the anger and maybe the fear Krane felt right now, too. They could have lost her. One of them could have been shot and killed.

Border continued to kiss one shoulder and down her back and Krane stepped closer and kissed her on her shoulder. They both covered her hands and wrist with one hand, caging her against the counter as they explored her skin with their mouths. The fact that she didn’t resist them turned them on and made them want things they thought they couldn’t have. Like Malayna.

“You’re shaking, baby. You still scared?” Krane asked her and she nodded her head. They both released their hold on her wrists and Krane turned her toward them, cupped her hair and head then leaned down and kissed her. The feel of her hands immediately gripping on to him and her mouth opening up for a deeper kiss made him want to cheer.

“You’re safe with us, baby. No one can get up here without the code. We’re the only ones that have it,” Border said to her as Krane released her lips and smiled at her. “Incredible.”

Border touched her cheek and she turned to look up into his eyes before Border pulled her close and kissed her next. She melded against his chest and Krane watched Border kiss her then run his hand along her bare back and right to her ass. He kneaded her flesh and ran his finger down the crack of her ass then up her bare back again. When he pulled his mouth from hers they were both panting.

Malayna gasped when the sound of the elevator doors opening alerted them that someone else had arrived.

Border turned her around but kept an arm around her waist as a very fierce looking Star and Lucca approached.

“Any news?” Krane asked.

“The problem was eliminated,” Star said and then stepped in front of Malayna and cupped her cheeks. He stared down into her eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked firmly. She nodded.

“Good, because it could have been a lot different. We aren’t going to be babysitting you while you flirt and go on dates with rich art assholes looking to take you to bed. Forget about other plans with them. That’s done,” he commanded.

Border felt Malayna tighten up.

“I don’t think so. I do have plans with them this week.”

“No you don’t,” he said, releasing her.

“Yes, I do.”

He stomped back toward her and she took a retreating step back against Border.

“You want them? You want to be their little sex toy, spread your legs so they put your artwork in their galleries? Men like that are looking at you as a piece of ass and as an ability to gain power and respect because of your father.”

She looked shocked. “Star, what the hell?” Krane said to him, shocked at his tone and the way he was acting. He never saw him like this before.

“Is that what you think? Is that why you’re afraid to be with me? Because you think people will think you want to expand and connect two powerful families?”

“Fuck no,” Krane yelled out.

“Then why this dress, showing off your sexy body for them?” Star raised his voice at her.

She stepped away from them and placed her hands on her hips. The tears filled her eyes and Krane ran his hands along his jaw, wondering what she was going to say. Hoping that she didn’t say she wanted to go home with Ellington and Pierre and be their lover.

“I wore this dress for you. For your brothers, too, just like I wore that dress for my birthday party for you, and just as I will continue to try and gain your love and have you want me as much as I want you, you idiot!” she shouted at him and they were shocked by her words.

Star squinted at her and looked her body over and as she went to turn he grabbed her hips, pulled her against his body, and kissed her hard.

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