Badge of Honor (The Town of Pearl 9)

“She’s marked for death. That’s more than just a heap of trouble. We’ve looked into this gang. They locate her and...”

Mace reached down and grabbed the large duffel bag of firearms he’d just loaded up.

“We’ve got some things to discuss. But before this goes any further, we’re claiming guardianship of her around Pearl. I’ve already spoken with Wyatt. Tonight, after Lauren heads to bed, we’re going to make a final decision and commitment to what exactly we want here,” Galvin said and grabbed the other bag. Orin and Harper followed.

“I want to make Lauren ours. But if we’re not all on board with this, and willing to share her and make this commitment, then I’m going to ask that the person or people step down and stay clear. She’s been hurt enough and has gone through a traumatic time. She doesn’t need her heart broken, too,” Harper told them and they all agreed as they packed up the truck and headed back to the ranch.

Chapter 12

Lauren hadn’t said a word to any of the men. Just small talk since the other day on the obstacle course. They all exchanged a few gentle touches, some quick kisses on the cheek, and even a seductive kiss to her neck by Mace as he greeted her before her run. She wanted to resist the pull to entertain the attractio

n she felt. But each time she pulled back her heart seemed to tug from deep within.

Throw in all the emotions and turmoil she felt about her job, the danger she was in, and the fact that she might die, Lauren was a total mess and hiding it.

She started stretching out and thinking about the men, and how much she enjoyed their displays of affection. It was funny how Galvin and Mace held back the most, yet it was Mace who kissed her neck so tenderly and gently this morning. It shocked her and made her let her guard down a little further. If they were trying to break her resolve slowly they were succeeding. They left her feeling needy for more. Perhaps they were trying to ease her into considering the ménage relationship. But every time she thought that, and then considered just letting go, the fear gripped her tight. She had a hit out on her. She was being hunted. She was most likely going to die.

“I’ll be going with you today.” She jerked around, so deep in thought she hadn’t even heard Gus approach. Gus held her gaze and immediately looked concerned. He must have read her expression. She quickly looked away and he began stretching and eyeing her over. She shrugged her shoulders.

“Okay, if you must.”

“How about because I want to spend time with you?”

“Gus.”

He held his hand up for her to go no further.

“Just forget I’m even there and do your thing. I’ll keep up,” he teased and winked.

She gave a small smile then took a deep breath and began to jog toward the woods.

She jogged ahead of Gus and he gave her space at first. But as they went over rougher terrain and she nearly slipped, he pulled up closer and even grabbed a hold of her to keep her from falling a few times.

“So were you seeing anyone in New York?” Gus asked her as they jogged along the path.

“No. How about you? You guys date a lot?” she countered and wondered why the idea of them being with other women upset her. She felt that bit of sting to her chest and turmoil in her belly. Had she already become so attracted to them that she was jealous?”

“We don’t really date. I had a girlfriend for a while but things didn’t work out,” he shared with her and she sensed the upset in his tone.

“She hurt you?” she asked as she slowed down and looked over to her side at him. They were keeping a decent pace and were now on flat terrain.

“I guess you could say that.”

“So tell me about it. Is it why this whole ménage thing interests you? Or is that just a fantasy for you guys?” she asked him.

“A ménage relationship isn’t something to take lightly. It has deep meaning in this town and with the people who truly understand this type of relationship,” he replied on the defensive.

“I’m sorry. I guess the idea puts me on edge. I’m not putting it down. It’s just that I don’t know much about these types of relationships. I had one friend back in New York who is involved with two men. She seems very happy.”

“You never considered it?”

She chuckled.

“Me? Shit, relationships never seemed to last with me. I kind of gave up on meeting someone.”

“Really? Why is that?”

She stopped jogging and looked at him.