She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (The American Soldier Collection 8)

“Well, things were going great, and I was learning some moves, and they seemed impressed with my abilities to evade being attacked from behind.”

“But?”

“But then they changed the scenario, and Hunter came at me with a knife.”

“Oh shit. Damn, Ellie, are you okay? Did you have nightmares last night?”

Ellie walked toward the window and looked out at the parking lot. It was a rainy day and rather gloomy. Usually these days made her feel down, but today she felt optimistic. It was because of the men.

“Actually, I did have a rough night, but every time I felt trapped, and as if I couldn’t escape, I imagined one of the guys. Hunter, Justice, Mace, and Seno would pop into my head. It’s wild, Moira, but I really like them. I think they’re good men that I can trust.”

“That’s fantastic. The best news I’ve heard in a long time. Which brings me to the other issue. What about Paul?”

“I filled out the paperwork for the order of protection. The problem is that his threats were not recorded on my cell phone, just text messages which do not incriminate him at all. He asked what was up, how are you, nice things. The phone conversation is my word against his word.”

“But what about what he did to you? He served time for that.”

“Moira, he was in jail for a week before his lawyers got him out and the judge ordered for him to receive counseling for anger management and to do community service. His record as a corrections officer and the fact he was a hero during the riot beat out what he did to me.”

“So what are you going to do now? Have you told the men about this?”

“I’m just going to live my life and just keep looking over my shoulder. What else can I do? As far as Justice and his brothers are concerned, I’m not going to get them involved. As is, last night Seno and Hunter followed me home because I told them about what Paul did to me.”

“You told them everything?”

“Of course not. I told them enough for them to get the gist of it. I don’t need to relive the details.”

“You can trust them. They like you a lot. They’re worth the risk, you know?”

“I like them a lot, too. But liking four men, dating them, sleeping with them, is truly freaking me out.”

“Of course it is. A ménage relationship is very different and powerful. It’s not something to jump into blindly. You have a lot of legitimate concerns that you need to share with them. I say just see where it leads. If it feels good, and you feel safe, take the chance. You deserve to be loved.”

“Thanks, Moira. I’d better go. I need to finish up a few things before I head out to meet Unc for lunch.”

“Oh great. Tell him I said hello. Oh crap. You didn’t tell him about them yet did you?”

“Of course not. I was planning on telling him today. He’s been a rock for me. Uncle Brian would be so happy to know that Unc is watching over me.”

“Well, they were best friends and he treats you like his family. Good luck with telling him that you may be engaging in sexual activity with four very large, dominant men who are retired soldiers and involved in law enforcement.”

“Thanks a lot. I think I’ll leave out the sex part.”

Moira chuckled. “Unc is a very attractive older man, I am certain he will question whether his favorite girl is able to handle such a relationship.”

“Well, I won’t be able to answer that question for him.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not certain of the answer. Wish me luck and I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Good luck,” Moira said and then chuckled before she disconnected the call.

As she started putting files away, and then sent out a few e-mails, she heard the knock at her door. Looking up, she was surprised to see her boss. “Hi,” she stated, and he smiled.

“Are you avoiding getting together for meetings with our client, Mr. Sentinel?”

She was shocked at his question but recovered quickly as she stood up from the seat. “I cannot get work done at his penthouse nor do I think it professional either.”