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Gia made a sad face as she hugged Cassidy’s arm and began walking with her and away from her men. They didn’t seem to mind as they talked among one another.
“Maybe you might reconsider. You know, re-evaluate your concerns and your plans. I can tell you that when I first came here I was running from my past. I had some bad stuff happen to me in New York. My ex wanted to share me with his partner, a gangster who wound up coming here looking for me. I was assaulted by a coworker looking to force himself on me. It was one big mess after the next. Thank God I had my cousin Teddy and, of course, Garrett, Gunner, Wes, and the crew they know. I would have wound up dead. So take it from me, if there are some concerns or danger hanging over your head, Tranquility is the place to be. Those men, Coast, Orlando, Memphis, Cash, and Stryker are all good men you can trust. Maybe give them a chance. Who knows? They may be your happily ever after.”
Cassidy couldn’t believe what Gia was telling her or how much confidence she had in Cash and his team. She was also curious about Gia’s past.
“You said you had an ex-boyfriend after you and some gangster? How did you resolve everything?” she asked.
Gia explained about what happened to her in New York, about her calling Teddy and then changing her name. Cassidy had thought about doing that, too, but she wasn’t willing to change her name or remain in one place to document everything. She went on to describe the sexual harassment at work and then trying to hide everything from Teddy, Garrett, Wes, and Gunner. It had nearly cost her her life.
“Gia, could I trust you with something? Would you promise to keep it a secret? I think you’ll understand, and maybe that’s what I need right now,” Cassidy said, wanting to take this chance with Gia.
She seemed so kind and honest, and she’d had similar experiences. Cassidy was following her gut. She really didn’t want to leave this town or these people. She liked it here. She could see herself living here forever. Maybe with Coast and the guys? She gulped the lump of emotion from her throat as her heart pounded inside of her chest, and Gia
promised to help her as best she could.
Cassidy explained about meeting Blaze and having a relationship and then what had happened.
“Cassidy, it’s not your fault. He wasn’t even a patient of yours or a client, and you should know better than anyone that a lot of soldiers are resistant to accepting they have a problem. Not going to the police to file a restraining order and document his actions because you’re a Marine and didn’t want to look weak is crazy. Marine or not, you’re a woman, a human being, and you felt, feel, in danger because of this man.” She leaned closer and held Cassidy’s arm.
“For crying out loud, he held a gun to your throat and told you he would kill you. He needs help.”
“I know that. I tried getting him that help, and it backfired. It didn’t help that his friends cover for him and protect him. I had to quit that great job in Houston and leave my best friend, Lynn, all because he started threatening her too and getting more intense with me.”
“But you came here, and now you have me as a new friend, Deanna, and then of, course, Cash, Coast, Orlando, Stryker, and Memphis too. You would not have met them and perhaps found real men to learn to love if you hadn’t left Houston.”
“I guess that’s a way to look at it. But I can’t accept their advances. I can’t think about getting involved with multiple men when I have this situation weighing on my shoulders. I won’t put them in harm’s way. It’s not their battle. It’s mine.”
Gia touched Cassidy’s hand.
“Honey, that’s what these men do. Do you know how unique, how strong a ménage relationship really is?”
Cassidy hadn’t a clue. She knew about the little things. The relationships she’d witnessed in Houston. Like with Lynn, Chris, and Jim. How they cared for her and took care of her. The way their eyes lit up when she entered a room and how Lynn doted on them with respect, love, and compassion.
“I know what I’ve seen. I can tell it’s unique. It’s like the men all take part and share in caring for the woman and making sure she’s safe and loved.”
“Exactly. It’s even more unique, and maybe even extra important, when the men served in combat together. They did everything as one team, one unit, one family, and then they open their hearts, let down their guards for one very special woman.”
Cassidy felt the tears reach her eyes. She quickly looked away, and Gia squeezed her shoulders.
“See, honey. You get it. You’re fighting taking the chance at that with Coast, Cash, and the team because you’re trying to be so tough with your own situation. But think of the chance they’re taking. Think about how protective they are of one another and of Stryker. He’s the loose cannon. He’s the one who feels he isn’t good enough for anyone. You could be the key, the one woman they could all let their guard down with and love. Wouldn’t that be worth fighting for?”
“Oh God, Gia, but how do I know? How do I know if this is right? How do I know that they won’t hurt me or toss me to the side, maybe even hate me when they learn about my problem? A man wants to kill me. He will stop at nothing to find me. I know that, and my focus has been on running and keeping out of his reach. I can’t expose these men, your friends, to something so bad and dangerous.”
“They’re Marines, Cassidy. They’re soldiers through and through, and if they like you the way I think they do, none of the problems, or your fears, will stop them from making you theirs. Can’t you take a chance and see what happens? Can’t you trust them enough to let go, to follow your heart and see where it leads?”
“And if they hurt me too?”
“Love is all about chances. You served your country. You’ve seen your share of violence, death, and all that goes along with being a Marine, a trauma nurse, and a woman in the field. You can’t tell me this is scarier than all of that?”
Cassidy chuckled and looked at her hands then back to Gia.
“Stryker is pretty damn scary.”
Gia laughed. “He’s pissed off at the world. You’ll get through to him.”
“Our first encounter didn’t go so well. I pissed him off, and he pissed me off.”
This time Gia chuckled. “Sounds like the making for something magical to occur.”
