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“Ahh. We will discuss that with everyone, but the quick answer is that you were not the only person kidnapped. We don’t know how many women were taken, but some women were from other states.”
“Oh, how horrible.” Her trembles increased. The weather was comfortable, so she couldn’t even blame it on cool air. She was afraid to be outside.
“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get this over with so you can take a nap.”
“But I don’t need—” Carter cut the rest of her sentence off as they guided her forward in one movement.
Kaden and Carter stayed at her rear as they walked, flanked by the other two men. The light from the entryway shone through the doorway and lightened some of the gloom of the day. Another man, not as tall as Monroe but with equally defined muscles, stood in the entrance with an air of position and power. This must be Jac.
Next to him was a beautiful but intense woman. She was probably his wife, Sharlee. Next to her was one of the other women.
Carter said behind her, “The dark one is Mark and Jessie, his wife next to him.”
Mark leaned down and whispered something in his wife’s ear. She gave him such a look of irritation that Mallory half expected her to say something, but Mark laid his hand on her back and slid it down to her backside. Mallory watched the fight seemed to leave Jessie’s body. She turned and left from the entrance.
Kaden, from behind her, said in a sotto voce, “She knows better than to put herself at risk right now. Standing in the doorway bold as brass and twice as hard-headed.”
Carter rushed his words because they were almost at the top of the steps. “Mark’s woman, Mark’s job.”
“Thank goodness,” said Kaden. “Ivy is enough for me.” In a louder voice, “Make way, guys.”
The entry cleared, and the door closed hard behind them.
So did these men take care of each other’s girlfriends and spouses, too? She didn’t quite understand the concept here. She’d read the book Forever the Brotherhood and seen enough episodes of those with Military Special Forces, and she had read more than her share of alpha romances, but this was real life. It never dawned on her to ask before now, but were his teammates all like Monroe? It seemed a bit too perfect and a load of surrealism.
“Were you followed?” asked Jac.
“No. And thank God for that,” said Garrett as they entered the grand foyer. “It would have been a feeding frenzy if Mal had gone out the front door.”
Jac gave a slight nod. “Ms. Sasse, I’m Jac Reynaud, senior partner of the Reynaud and Associates Securities. I’m happy to finally meet you. Monroe speaks highly of you.”
“I would assume that’s because he doesn’t yet know the irritating habits that I have. Nice to meet you as well, and please call me Mallory or, as Monroe calls me, Mal. Is this your lovely wife?”
“Yes, I’m Sharlee. So glad they found you quickly, but sorry it wasn’t sooner.”
“Thank you for helping Monroe look. I was fortunate to have been able to get out.”
The darker man reached out his hand. “I’m Mark, and my more adventuresome half, whom you might have seen briefly, is Jessie. She’s in the kitchen pouting that I wouldn’t let her stand in the doorway to greet you. It is a matter of precaution, nothing against you. So you’ll meet her in a few moments at lunch.”
Jac took over the conversation again. “I suggest we go into the den, where we can finish the introductions. Then, after lunch, we can hit the ground running on the plan to keep you safe.”
Without waiting for an answer, Jac continued to lead the way into the den. All but Monroe had peeled off into different parts of the room. Carter and Kaden headed for two women who were making room for their men. There was another man in the room, and he must be Levi, the newest member of the team.
The team’s inner workings still confused Mallory, but she understood that the men in this room were one team. Jac looked at Monroe, and they exchanged a few head movements, a few facial expressions, and then Monroe gave a final nod before bringing her down with him onto an oversized love seat that was the perfect size for the two of them.
Glancing around, Mallory noticed all the furniture was large that occupied the equally expansive den. There were several spacious lounging and conversation areas, but with the men fitting the room and the furniture, Mallory had a hard time not thinking she had discovered the land of the giants.
“Listen up. This impressive young woman standing with Monroe is Mallory Sasse. Yes, it is her real name.” Jac looked down to grin at Mallory before becoming serious again. “We are going to have lunch, then talk about what we’ll do to keep our Mallory safe.” Jac lifted his head and spoke to the group. “This is Monroe’s lady friend, and they are exclusive. She is the focus of a safety issue which we will discuss in detail soon; therefore, one of us will always be with her. And if you see Mallory alone, call Monroe or me. If you can’t get him, then stick with her until Monroe returns.”
Jac looked at Mallory. “Mallory will do her best to stay in someone’s company.” Jac didn’t appear to need confirmation from her, and all Mallory could do was drop her eyes to her twisting fingers in her lap.
Jac looked at Monroe as he stepped back to yield the floor. Monroe took a step away from Mallory, and the panic welled up. “Until this mess with Mallory has concluded, she is staying here or with me at all times. I haven’t told her more than that, but this afternoon, when we discuss things, it will become clear to everyone.” He stopped and touched Mallory’s cheek before continuing. “Mallory is mine, so I’d appreciate it if you protected her like you do your own women. Thanks. Let’s eat.”
The group immediately got up to head back in the direction that Mallory had just come. None of them appeared disturbed or annoyed at the sudden change to their schedules and responsibilities. This was an odd group, and yet, Mallory instinctively knew these men were protectors. Defending those who needed it was not only their livelihood but their way of life. On the right, Jac was following a woman she remembered was Sharlee, his wife. Mallory looked around for their son and didn’t see him. Sharlee was perceptive.
“He’s outside with Finley, his nanny.”
“I think Monroe mentioned Finley. She is an ex-marine, right?”
