Chapter 1
Missy Ann sat on the back porch swing with Eliza Grace. They were holding one another close and watching their family and friends enjoy the barbecue. It had been her father’s suggestion after all that happened and he wanted to thank everyone for saving Eliza and Missy Ann. All their friends were there, including the Connelly men, Salvatore and Finn.
“So, what’s going on with Salvatore, Finn and you? They come visit at least once a week and check on you,” Eliza asked.
Missy Ann got awfully quiet. She didn’t want to read into their attention. She knew they felt responsible for her in a way. They had saved her that day. Stopped those men from victimizing her further.
“It’s strange. They seem to really have been affected when they found me that day when those men tried to rape me. I was screaming so loudly and fighting them as best as I could but it was useless. When they arrived, they killed those two men and then they got to me quickly. They never left my side except in the hospital when the doctor needed to check over my wounds.”
“So that’s a good thing. They like you and they care.”
She shook her head. “They’re just feeling obligated and responsible.”
“No way. Remember who you’re talking to. I thought the same thing about the Hayes brothers, and that they felt responsible for me. Like I was a little sister, and an obligation.”
“It’s different. I’m different,” she said as she looked out toward the woods and then leaned her head on Eliza Grace’s shoulder.
“I know it seems like the fear, the anxiety won’t ever go away, but it will. I’ve been there twice, but with the Hayes brothers around me and my father, our friends, it makes it easier.”
Missy
Ann knew she was a victim. She was having a hard time dealing with the after effects of her ordeal despite speaking with a counselor at the hospital. But it had only been two weeks. It would take some time to truly recover. She knew that and she was holding on, taking one day at a time and trying to build up her confidence again.
“Listen, there’s no need to think about anything but recovering and getting back to normal. I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know that, Eliza Grace. I’m glad they didn’t kill you and that your men got to you in time.”
Eliza Grace smiled and then she looked toward the yard and saw her men talking to the Connelly men as well as her father. Missy Ann wasn’t the least bit surprised when Eliza Grace moved into their place immediately. In fact, they hadn’t given her much choice and while she recovered from bruised ribs and other injuries at their home, they moved all her stuff from the apartment and paid the remainder months’ rent. One of them was always nearby and they constantly told her that they loved her and how powerful this love between them truly was.
And she believed it. Missy Ann was envious but her fears were strong.
“They love you so much. They’re always keeping their eyes on you. Does it make you feel nervous, or uneasy?” Missy Ann asked her.
Eliza Grace gave her a little nudge and smiled.
“Nervous? No way. Aroused, excited, happy, loved, I definitely feel. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve learned first-hand how powerful a ménage relationship can be. I was so foolish to push them away. I wanted to kick myself in the rear for ever questioning their love for me, and pondering over the difference in age and maturity. They love me for who I am, just as I love them for who they are, Special Ops, military men who are capable of moving mountains, chartering military planes and using all their connections to rescue me, rescue the two of us, and bring us back home.”
The tears filled her eyes and Missy Ann felt her own eyes fill up.
“I’ll never question their love for me again, and I will show them exactly how much I love them every day for the rest of my life.”
Missy Ann stared out at the men. Her chest tightened and that fear she had been trying to destroy still lingered deeply. The counselor, Alana, told her it would take time. That she couldn’t rush getting better and feeling safe. It didn’t help that she still had bruises and cuts against her belly and breasts she hoped wouldn’t scar.
Finn turned around at that moment and looked at her. His concern, his serious expression all the time was intimidating. He checked on her often, but mostly it was Salvatore that talked to her. He wasn’t any better at communicating, but he didn’t need to say much. His presence was a force just like his brother’s, and they both had a way of making her feel protected.
Finn was super big. He was tall, over six feet three and filled with rippling muscles. His firm chiseled jaw and muscular features were enticing and intimidating. He had a little gruff on his face and it made him look like some undercover tough guy. He boxed a lot and did martial arts. He had even talked to her about learning some defense moves, teaching her things, and helping to build up her confidence.