Seeking Love in Salvation (The American Soldier Collection 16)

“Damn, you were serious about making us feel safe, weren’t you?”

Helena chuckled. “I know you carry a gun and can handle security yourself, but when you’re working, and to give Lois and Kenny with peace of mind, it’s good to know you have both law enforcement and military men surrounding your house.”

“Military men?” Lois asked, tears filling her eyes.

Helena reached out and placed a hand on Lois’s arm.

“Good military men. Trustworthy ones who always put a woman first.”

“Oh, God,” she replied and closed her eyes. Valentina went around the island and placed her arm around her sister’s shoulders.

“Helena would never steer us wrong,” she said to her, and Helena watched, feeling her gut clench. Lois was still in victim mode and would need time to recover and feel confident. Helena didn’t know all the details about who her ex was, but perhaps he had some military affiliation. She would need to ask Val later.

“Listen, the sheriff is trustworthy and a good man. He was in the military for years, Special Forces, and then was in the police department working under Sheriff Morgan. When the town voted on a new sheriff, he came out on top. What you both need to know is that they make sure that all the women in town are looked after and supported.”

Now Valentina looked taken aback.

“Excuse me?”

“Listen, it’s not like you have no rights. Basically, no matter what your situation, profession, or position in life is, the men of Salvation watch over you. In fact, they usually assign guardians.”

“I do not need guardians,” Valentina snapped at her.

Helena raised her hands up. “I understand that, and so will Ford, but this is the way things are done. They assign guardians to help you, guide you, and protect you, if needed. I’m certain that Ford will see that you’re more than capable of handling things your own, Val, but you need to know the rules in case Ford decides to assign you guardians. Any questions you may have would go through them. It’s like a support network.”

Helena saw Lois look at Valentina.

“Don’t worry, we don’t need that. I’m taking care of you guys and can handle things,” Val told her sister.

“I know it’s a lot to adjust to, but it’s set up as precaution. It’s not a big deal and I doubt they’ll even assign anyone to you guys, especially since you’re law enforcement.”

“Do your cousins know that? On both sides?” Val asked.

“No. I didn’t tell them. But I’m certain they’ll find out quickly,” Helena said and smiled.

“Why is that?”

“Oh, I just have the feeling that my cousins, and any other guys you meet, will be asking me all about you in no time.”

“Helena, I’m not interested in meeting any guys.”

“That’s when it happens, though. Don’t worry. It’s just an observation on my part. You’re a beautiful, attractive, single woman under thirty. You carry a gun, know how to use it, and are friendly, likable, and well-rounded. They’ll be coming around in packs.”

“Oh, really, and what about you? How come you’re not seeing anyone?”

“Who said I wasn’t?” Helena asked.

Val widened her eyes and gasped. She gave her a shove and then walked around the island.

“You didn’t share it with me? That’s frigged up.”

“No, it’s just complicated.”

“Complicated? Hell, Lois and I do complicated real well, don’t we, sis?” she said to Lois, but Lois looked about ready to cry. She got up and walked out of the room.

Val now looked emotional.

Helena covered Val’s hand with hers and held her gaze.