Their Masquerade (The American Soldier Collection 6)

Jeb shook his head.

“She’s flying back. Mariah is coming home.”

“When?” Deacon asked, taking a step forward toward the bed. Axel stared at his eyes. He could see the desire, the excitement in them. They all lusted for her. They’d tried unsuccessfully to get her out of their heads for the past two years. No other woman would ever do or could compare.

“I don’t know. She just said that she had business here in the states. She said that she would be staying in Dallas with friends. I said that I would visit her, but she was insistent upon coming back to the house here. Now that I know Eduardo knows about her, I’m worried. I believe his threats. Hell, I’ve experienced his power and abilities. I was told that he wouldn’t hurt her if I stopped my investigation.”

“You know that’s a lie,” Quentin stated.

“He could go after her. If he somehow has his eyes on her, then she won’t stand a chance,” Deacon said.

“Then we must protect her. You have to put her in touch with us. We’ll need to let her in on this,” L.T. told them.

“You four have to protect her from harm. I know that you care about her.”

“We do care. She’s Michael’s sister. We promised—”

“No. I mean, I know that you really care for her. Now, I don’t want to get into the circumstances of the kinds of things that you four are into, but Michael told me that he trusted you with Mariah. He said that he hoped the four of you would build up enough courage to follow your hearts and tell her how you really feel,” Jeb stated to them.

“I don’t think you know what you’re taking about. Michael wouldn’t have said that,” L.T. said.

“Why do you think he planned those multiple camping trips out here and while Mariah was home from college? I think he was going to ask you that weekend about your feelings for her. He never got his chance,” Jeb said and then closed his eyes.

Axel looked at the others. No one said a word, but he knew they were all thinking the same thing. But none of them were about ready to admit it yet. Including Axel.

“I think you should rest. We’ll be back to check on you tomorrow,” L.T. said and then turned around and walked out of the room. Everyone said good-bye and then exited. Axel was the last to leave.

“Axel?” Jeb said his name and Axel stopped by the door.

“I know that you’re all so damn tough and determined to count on no one but each other. Mariah doesn’t have anyone she can trust. But she trusts the four of you. Please, Axel, don’t let Eduardo get his hands on her. Please.”

Chapter 3

He loved the fear that he saw on his victims’ faces. Another betrayer, another Federal agent trying to destroy him. Never.

The lights flickered, as his main interrogator gave the agent another shot of electricity. Out here, in the middle of nowhere, his cries couldn’t be heard except from those who were closest to Eduardo. They learned quickly that betraying him would bring them death. A long, brutal, and painful death. Like this guy.

Eduardo paced slowly in front of the agent.

“Are there others?” he demanded to know. The agent was crying, his nose running, his face dirty, and he was bleeding from so many wounds that Eduardo knew he had very little time left. The agent shook his head.

“Please. There’s no one else. No one.”

He gripped the man’s throat and squeezed it tight as his eyes locked gazes with his. The agent’s eyes were wide and filled with fear. Eduardo stared at him, increasing the pressure, feeling so powerful, righteous, and unstoppable. He had the power and capability to rule the world, to take a life, and to place the fear of death into the heart and soul of all those he took.

“I take your life, because you attempted to take mine. No one can stop me. No one is as powerful as Eduardo DeLacruz.”

The gurgling sound fed his ego as he squeezed and he clenched his teeth. He saw the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty in the agent’s eyes, as his body shook and life left him. Eduardo released his hold. He felt so empowered and unstoppable. He turned toward the others as he reached for his dress shirt and pulled it on.

“Get rid of him. Make it so that they never find his body. You two screwed up with the others. Perhaps this will send a message to the US government to stay out of my business. They’ll never find me. They’ll never destroy me. I’m unstoppable.”

* * * *

The music was so beautiful as the small group of musicians played on a makeshift stage on the veranda. Gustavo had finally taken a reprieve to seek out the friend he wanted her to meet so badly. Mariah looked out toward the ni

ght sky, the stars as bright as could be, and the air a little crisp. She felt the chill run over her skin and then she felt someone place their hands on her shoulders. Before she could turn she looked up behind her and into Gustavo’s eyes.

“Are you cold, precious?” he asked her, his large, warm hands instantly heating her skin. She shivered again, and his eyebrows furrowed. Let’s head inside where it is warmer. Armando is ready for us.”