Enlisting Her Heart (6 page)

A banging on the door had them both jumping for cover. Violet grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around her, unsure whether to answer or not. “Stay here. After everything that’s happened, I’ll answer it. Who knows if they sent more of those son-of-a-bitches after us.” His face went hard as he shucked on his jeans, grabbing his pistol. In one fluid motion he had a round chambered and ready as he unlocked the door

Hulk had hoped he’d get a moment alone with Violet before dinner. It had taken him twenty minutes to gather up the courage to go to her hut, but as he approached, he heard noises. At first he thought she might be on the phone, but when he neared the door, there was no denying what was going on. His dick strained against his jeans, aching at the idea of her pleasuring herself behind those walls.

Her soft moans rendered him paralyzed, forced in place to stand the agonizing bliss of imagining her. Her face flushed, her hand between her thighs as she petted herself to release…would she be thinking of him? As the sounds died down, he couldn’t fight it any longer. He knocked on the door, his imagination hoping she’d invite him in where he could take her even higher. His heart jumped at the sound of the lock scraping against the wood as if time slowed.

Kodiak opened the door, his shoulders visibly dropping in relief. “Hey, man, sorry this shit has me on high alert.” Hulk glanced at the pistol he held and back to meet his stare. Rage shook through him. He fought the urge to bust in the door and forced himself to step backwards.

“How could you…” he grumbled, the realization of what he had just heard stabbing straight through his heart.

Kodiak’s eyebrows furrowed. “What? Me and Violet? Oh hell, as if you didn’t see it coming. Hell, I wondered which one of us would get to her first. Looks like I won this round, bro.” He cocked a snarky grin.

“You son-of-a-bitch!” Before Kodiak knew what was going on, Hulk charged him, landing his fist against his cheek in a blow so hard, Kodiak stumbled backwards into the room. Violet heard and went running, entering just in time to see Kodiak and Hulk go at it in a full out brawl.

“What the fuck, man!” Kodiak yelled in surprise, his face aching. Hulk didn’t falter. He charged again, his fists swinging and landing in rapid blows. Kodiak retaliated, punching Hulk’s right eye before splitting his bottom lip. They wrestled to the ground, flipping over and over, the fight matched equally blow for blow. Both men were highly trained, and both accurate, which created one hell of a violent show. Violet screamed.

“Stop!” She knew getting in the middle of it was the wrong thing to do given they’d smash her but she couldn’t sit idly by and watch the two men she cared for beat the living hell out of one another. Wearing only a robe she had tossed on, Violet jumped between them. Her hands fought to pull them apart. An elbow brushed by her face, missing her by a hair. Violet tugged at whatever body part she could grab but it was no use. It was like pushing and tugging on a brick wall. They rolled and took her with them, her body thrown off balance. She fell and landed on top of them and they halted. “Fucking stop!” Tears rushed down her cheeks. Both men looked to her and froze. Hulk met her gaze and her stomach turned. Pain swam in the depths of his eyes turning them a green so dark they appeared black. He stared at her, speechless, and shook his head. Hulk didn’t say a word. He stood and backed away, retreating out the door. The look in his eyes would haunt her forever.

“Leave,” Violet gasped. Kodiak rolled to his feet and stood in shock.

“What… Why?” He knew fighting with Hulk was probably not the most entertaining part of their night, but surely she didn’t want him to leave? Not after everything they had just shared…

“Just go.” Violet’s heart was stuck, thumping over and over in an emotional turmoil. Her body shook in despair as the tears blurred her vision. Kodiak walked toward her, needing to comfort her. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel guilty or regret.

“Violet, listen, babe, he’s just pissed he didn’t get you first. He’ll come around.” He tried to wrap his arms around her but she pushed him away, running into the bathroom and shutting the door. “Come on, baby, he’s a big boy. Serves the asshole right if you ask me… He needs to quit acting like a fuckwad.” His words only seemed to make her cry harder. He tried to open the door but found it locked. “Fuck. Violet, open the door.” He leaned his forehead against it, half tempted to break the fucker off its hinges. His fingers traced the grain in the wood, wanting nothing more than to tangle in her hair while he kissed the pain from her.

“Get out!” she yelled in the middle of a cry, her voice shrilling. Kodiak groaned, his fist hitting the door.
How had things
gone
from oh so good to this shit
? Hulk needed the fuck beat out of him until some common sense rattled loose in his big fat head.

“Fine.” She listened as he grabbed his stuff and the front door slammed, shaking the walls. How was she going to fix this?

“God, I’m so stupid! I’ve ruined everything.” She covered her face with her hands, unable to erase the horrible image of Hulk’s expression. He needed her, and she’d failed him.

Hulk laid back against the sand, staring at the full night sky. Halfway through a bottle of whiskey and he still couldn’t shake the anger that raged through him. Why should he care? Hell, Kodiak wanted her. If he’d have had an opportunity, he’d have slept with Violet too. In the back of his mind he knew that when it came down to it, he’d probably have to share her with Kodiak. He just didn’t think it’d feel like this… The moment he realized it was Kodiak who had made her cry out in pleasure and not him, had him seeing red. He was the one who was supposed to make her scream.

He turned up the bottle, chugging the amber liquid. The burn ran down his throat, making some of the memories fade. Damn she was beautiful. Her hair was roughed up, her features flushed. Even as she tried to stop them from fighting, her eyes sought his, looking straight to his heart. He knew she cared for him. So why the hell hadn’t he made a move sooner? Was he afraid of losing her to Kodiak? Hell, it wasn’t like they both couldn’t have the kind of relationship that Rock and Maverick shared with Alaina, but how would that work? He wanted to be all she needed. He wanted all her love. He wanted to be the only thing she thought about. But deep down, he knew he never would. Venus’s bloody face floated through his mind, churning his stomach. He’d failed his brother when he needed it most, so how the fuck could he be anything for Violet? “Damn, I’m a selfish bastard,” he groaned, swallowing another swig of whiskey. He fought to clear his mind, turning over to the bottle for refuge. “She’s better off with him,” he whispered on the warm sea breeze, the ashes of what was left of his heart floating away. The more he drank the more his temper waned and his demons faded until he welcomed the darkness that took him.

Kodiak had tried to talk to Violet three more times after she had kicked him out to no avail. Finally he gave up, knowing she needed time but hating that he couldn’t fix it right then and there. After a few drinks at the bar, he headed back to the room to try to smooth things over with Hulk. He knew the big guy was falling for her, and once he explained that he was too, everything would be fine. Maverick and Rock were a prime example that two men could love one woman and things could work. He hadn’t given it much thought until those three, and now understood why it was better in a lot of ways, especially in their line of work. The more love they could give her the better in his opinion. Now if he could make Shrek see that.

When he got back to the room and found Hulk nowhere to be seen, he took off to look for him. Kodiak knew Hulk was fighting with enough shit and it worried him knowing he was unstable. Did he think it would affect him on the battlefield? No. Did he think something like this might be able to push him over the edge? He couldn’t answer that, and that’s what bugged him. There were a handful of bars along the beach within walking distance. If he had to guess, that’s where the jackass would be. It’s where he planned to go…again.

Three hours and seven drinks later, Kodiak gave up. Wherever Hulk was, he obviously didn’t want to be found. What was it with people wanting to stew on shit? When a problem arose, Kodiak wanted to fix it and move the hell on. How did people want to wallow in their problems? It never had made sense. Everyone always joked at how happy and easygoing he was, but that’s why. It was because he chose to be. Life was too damn short not to be. So how come Violet and Hulk couldn’t see that? Hell, he could be snuggled on one side of her and Hulk on the other right now if they could just get over it and move on. Instead, here he was, nursing yet another drink and walking along the beach. Alone.

Three sheets to the wind, Kodiak tripped over something. He went down in a huff, unable to catch his balance. “Shit!” He landed with a thud.

“What the fuck?” a voice called out.

“Aaaah!” Kodiak yelped, scrambling to his feet. “What the hell!” He rolled backwards, attempting to take a defensive pose.

“Kodiak?” the voice asked in a half chuckle.

“Hulk? What the fuck, man! Why you out here trying to scare the shit out of people?”

Hulk laughed. “I was laying here minding my own damn business until your big ass tripped and fell on me. You need to watch where the hell you walk, man!”

Kodiak moved to sit by him, his head swimming and the ocean doing nothing to aid in gaining his bearings. “It’s dark. Why are you out here anyway?”

“Why are you?” Hulk shot back.

Kodiak grunted. “Touché.” He wobbled some, trying to sit and pull his knees up. He was too drunk to have a deep conversation on life and love right now, so he stared out at the rolling waves. The stars were bright in the midnight sky, the moon being the centerpiece to a work of pure art.

After a few moments, Hulk nudged his shoulder. “Here.” He handed over the bottle of whiskey, watching as Kodiak took a huge pull off it before handing it back. He nodded in understanding, drinking before setting it back down beside him. “She pissed?”

“Yep. Crying,” Kodiak responded.

“Fuck. ‘Cus of us?” he asked.

Kodiak wanted to smart something off, but couldn’t think of anything witty in his inebriated state and nodded. “Yep.”

“Fuck.”

“Yep.” Their two-word conversation said it all. Even drunk off their ass, they both knew their mistakes and how to fix it.

“Nothin’ we can do tonight. Here.” Hulk handed back the bottle, and the two sat passing it back and forth in silence until they passed out…on the beach—together.

The sun rose too damn soon the next morning. Hulk and Kodiak groaned as the rays beat down on them. “Fuck, I’m still drunk,” Hulk slurred.

“Me too,” Kodiak grumbled, fighting to get up. “Bed. Dark. Air conditioning.”

Hulk grunted, following. The caveman-like dialog wasn’t far from the previous night’s intellect but was all that was needed. Both men arose and hobbled to their room, collapsing on their bed for the rest of the afternoon.

Violet hadn’t slept for shit all night. She wanted to go talk to them both, together, but didn’t have the courage to. “Chicken shit much?” she mocked herself in the mirror, doing her best to cover up the dark circles under her eyes. Finally she gave up and threw on a sundress, calling it done. There was only one person who could make her feel better right now, and she just hoped said person wasn’t busy heaving into the toilet and could lend some advice.

Alaina answered the door, her hair all in a mess with a lazy grin. “Hey, girl! Come on in.” She held the door open.

Violet peeked in, hoping there weren’t two half naked men inside before entering when Alaina giggled. “They aren’t here. I sent them with a list of things the baby wants for breakfast.” She patted her stomach, giggling when it growled.

“I see pregnancy hasn’t slowed you down any. I think it’s more you needing to replace calories from the wild monkey sex than the baby craving a buffet for breakfast,” Violet teased.

“Could be…then again, at least I’m not packing on the pounds yet.” Alaina smiled. She stepped closer, tracing a finger under Violet’s eye. “What’s wrong? You look like you haven’t slept in a week, honey.” She sat on the sofa, patting the cushion next to her. “Spill it.”

“Last night…shit. I don’t know where to start. So, you know I have a thing for Hulk…and Kodiak.” Red crept up her neck and cheeks. Alaina giggled.

“Duh.” Alaina rolled her eyes.

“Well, Kodiak came to my room last night.” Violet sat, unsure what all to tell her.

“Oh my God, it’s about time! Was Hulk there too? Tell me everything. So, was it good?” Alaina bounced beside her.

“No and yes. No, Hulk wasn’t there. Yes it was…freaking amazing.” She giggled. “But after, Hulk came to the door and Kodiak answered. They fought—like literally slugged the shit out of each other. I stepped in to stop it and Hulk looked at me. God, Alaina…the look in his eyes…it broke my heart. He looked like I’d ripped his soul out. So when he stormed off, I made Kodiak leave. I know he wanted to just make me feel better, but I felt guilty. I wanted to run to them both and couldn’t. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to fix this.”

Alaina wrapped her arm around Violet’s shoulders and hugged her. “Oh, honey, they are just being men. They’ll come around. Hell, Maverick and Rock didn’t want to share me either, and look at us now. Let them have time to think on it. Both of them need a good dose of the cold shoulder to get their head out of their ass. Kodiak should have talked to him ahead of time. He wasn’t innocent in all this, Vi.”

“I know. I had kinda assumed they had when Kodiak came to me last night. I mean, I know they’ve had a pissing match going on, but I just figured that for him to take it to the next level they would have a plan or something. Hell, I still don’t know how it’s supposed to work. I just know I love them both.” Her hands flew over her mouth. “Shit. I mean, I care for them a lot. I can’t love them. We’ve been friends for a long time, but things just started changing to more of a romance. Ugh.” She covered her face.

Alaina smiled, despite the confusion her best friend was in. “Oh, honey, yes you can, and you do. I was exactly where you are not long ago. It’ll all work out, okay?”

Violet sniffled, wiping the stray tear that had escaped off. “Ugh. Why does everything have to be so dang complicated? We are on vacation for shit’s sake. I imagined soaking up the sun, a drink in my hand, and two hot bodies beside me… Not this.”

Alaina’s face lit up. “So, that’s exactly what you are going to do.”

“What? Yeah, maybe if I tie them up and hold them at gun point.” Violet looked down, wringing her hands together. “But, okay there’s more. You can’t say a word. Have you noticed Hulk acting different?” She felt like she was betraying him for exposing his condition, but worry won out.

“Yeah. The guys said he’s having PTSD. They’ve been trying to let him come to terms with it himself, but if he hasn’t asked for help by the time we get back, they are calling the doc. It’s been killing them knowing he is going through it. I offered to go talk to him but they told me not to. If he’s confronted with it before he is willing to accept it, it’ll only make things worse. Guys don’t like to talk, much less about feelings and stuff…and Hulk is the worse than them all.” Violet nodded. Maybe it would take an intervention of sorts.

“You knew? I’ve been trying to help him, but I think that’s one reason he’s held back from me. That, and I just don’t think he is open to Kodiak being in the mix. But, I can’t choose. I think he doesn’t feel like he deserves happiness or isn’t good enough. I don’t know. I could be reading him all wrong.” She sighed.

“Violet, love, don’t read too much into it. I think he’s confused and messed up, love. Give it time. Yeah, the idea of sharing a woman is hard to come to terms with, but after he sees the benefits, he’ll be jumping on it.” Alaina giggled. “Believe me, you’ll appreciate the piss fights in the beginning. Two men trying to show each other up? Yes please.”

“You’re horrible!” Violet giggled.

“I know. But I promise you I have more orgasms in a night than you’ve had in your life,” she cackled.

“What’s so funny?” Maverick asked as he walked in carrying enough food to feed a small country.

“Just how awesome it is having two hot hunks of man meat in bed with me each night.” Her eyes fluttered flirtatiously and he groaned.

“Is someone wanting round three already this morning?” He laughed.

“Humm. If you’re not up to it, I can call Rock. I’m sure he won’t mind putting up with my raging hormones.” Her little smirk said it all. Violet had to swallow a laugh at her friend’s antics. When Maverick turned around to set the food down, Alaina shot her a wink. “Works like a charm.”

“You’re evil.” Violet shook her head. “I think that’s my cue to leave.”

“No no. This momma has to get some food first before anything goes on. Come on, there’s plenty.” Alaina giggled. “I think he got everything on the menu.”

Maverick turned around and laughed. “Actually, I did. Come on, Vi, she can’t eat this much…yet.” Alaina smacked him on the arm playfully, handing her a plate. While Violet forked some sausage links and scooped a heap of cheesy eggs on her plate, she had an idea.

“Maybe, when we get back, I can help give Zane a little incentive to get some help with it.”

Alaina grinned at Violet. “I like your way of thinking. Who says we have to wait until you get home? I’ve got a plan.”

“Incentive for what?” Maverick’s brows shot up inquisitively.

“Just girl talk, baby. You worry about rounding up some orange juice. Oh! And milk. God, I’m craving milk right now.” Alaina heaped a bite of food into her mouth, hardly able to close her lips. Violet giggled. She looked at Maverick who stood staring at her like she was the sun and the moon.

“Anything for the most beautiful woman in the world, baby.” Maverick beamed at his glowing bride, all of the love pouring from him.

“She is pretty damn hot with her mouth stuffed full,” Violet teased. Maverick’s eyes narrowed, a cocky smirk spreading across his face.

“You have no idea.” He winked. Violet snorted, barely saving the mouthful of sausage from flying from her mouth. “Orange juice okay with you, Vi?”

“Yeah, thank you.” He blew a kiss at Alaina and left to do his wife’s bidding, whistling a cheerful tune.

“God, you all are sickening sweet.” She shook her head, leaning her chin in her palm.

“Yeah, I know. Just wait. You’ll be the one making everyone’s nose wrinkle up once you rope those two meat heads.” Alaina smiled, wanting her best friend to have all the love she received every single day from her two husbands.

“I hope so.” Violet wasn’t sure if things would ever work out. There were a lot of odds against them, and only time would tell her future.

Hulk and Kodiak walked out to the beach where the others were enjoying the sun. The kids were running around playing while the adults relaxed on the comfy chase lounges. Even Alaina sat under an umbrella sporting a bikini, her baby bump barely starting to show. They greeted everyone politely as they approached, trying to dodge conversation as much as possible along the way, both hunting the same target—Violet. When they spotted her, both men let out a growl. Violet laid on her stomach, her white bikini top untied as she sunbathed on her stomach…between Romeo and Juju. Both men looked up and waved, grinning like hyenas.

“Hey, guys, grab a beer.” Romeo reached down in the cooler and pulled two out, handing them to Kodiak. It took all Kodiak had not to rip his damn arm off when he took them.

“What the hell are you doing?” He grumbled, hoping Violet didn’t hear him. She still hadn’t looked up to greet them. It was both upsetting and relieving. If she sat up, there was a chance her top would slip and the guys would get a view of
his
woman. Still, he couldn’t remember her ever not offering one of her million dollar smiles.

“Enjoying the view.” Romeo wagged his eyebrows. When Hulk stepped toward him, Vice’s head popped up and smiled.

“Bout time you two joined us. Grab a chair.” She pointed to two on the other side of Dom with a grin. Dom arched a brow, watching them. Kodiak’s nostrils flared, but he took a seat instead of making a scene. Hulk was a little slower to follow, so Kodiak shot him a look. He muttered something under his breath but sat, glaring at Romeo and Juju.

“I swear if they touch her…” he whispered.

“They won’t. I know good damn and well she wouldn’t give them the time of day. They’re fucking with us. Just relax and play along.”

Hulk looked at him unsure but nodded. At this point, he had no clue what to think.

A couple hours passed, and Kodiak sat back down trying to catch his breath. He had been buried in the sand twice, made three sand castles, and chased the kids up and down the beach until he thought he’d die. “Damn, where do they get their energy?” he gasped, holding his chest.

“It’s good for you.” Vice laughed. She took off after Lizzy, scooping her up and headed off to the water. Dom laughed.

“Can you tell she is hinting around about wanting to start a family?” he joked.

“Nah. Not at all. So, are you gonna start trying?” Hulk asked, lifting his shades.

“Yeah. I’ve been ‘accidently’ forgetting to gear up. She got off birth control here a few weeks ago complaining it was making her gain weight.” He laughed. “As if she has an ounce of fat on her body. So, instead of making her come out and ask, I’m playing along. Sometimes with women, you gotta beat them at their own game.” He darted his eyes over at Juju and Romeo and back to him. Hulk grinned, getting the message loud and clear. He didn’t want to piss her off more by ogling another woman in retaliation, so he decided to beat her at her own game. He casually reached down and grabbed the sunblock. “Hey, Juju, catch!” He tossed the tube to him and nodded to Violet. “She looks like she’s getting too much sun.” He got up and walked off to go get a drink from the bar, turning to watch only after he was out of sight. Juju looked at Romeo and shrugged, unsure what to do. He looked like she would bite him, easing his hand over to her back. The second he touched her she jumped, glaring at him.

“What are you doing?” The look she gave was priceless. Kodiak laughed, taking another swig off his beer.

“You’re gonna burn.” Before he could lather her up, she sat up, fixed her top, and ran over to Alaina, having her lube her back and shoulders. When she returned, she looked to Kodiak confused. He smiled, turning his attention away from her and back to Dom, talking about sports.

Violet’s face dropped into a pout. Why were they acting so damn coy? She had thought them seeing her laying between the two biggest horn dogs in the troop would be enough to have them begging at her heels. Yet it seemed to be backfiring. She had no doubt that Romeo and Juju would treat her like a sister as they always had. But the way Hulk and Kodiak had been going at each other, she hoped it would make them work together to get her back in their good graces and away from these two. So far none of that happened.

Romeo met her eyes and grinned, winking. He hadn’t been filled in on the total plan just what his part entailed, eagerly willing to help. The whole team had been sitting by idly, watching Kodiak and Hulk dance around Violet, and they were just about tired of watching the pathetic show. It was obvious the way Kodiak and Hulk went on about her, without even realizing how they cared for her, and it wasn’t just for a roll in the sack. Why they wanted all the commitment and shit, Romeo had no idea. He damn sure didn’t plan to ever settle down. But, if the big lugs were gonna, it was time they quit acting like little pussies and do it already. Watching the two love struck suckers was killing him.

Romeo leaned over, whispering in Violet’s ear, “Giggle like I just said something totally charming and hilarious, like every time I talk,” he laughed. Violet’s eyes went wide for a split second before she caught on, but she did, watching Kodiak out of the corner of her eye. Romeo’s little move worked. Kodiak’s eyes narrowed, shooting daggers in Romeo’s direction. He leaned in again, whispering, “See? He knows Big Romeo can charm the pants off a nun. Guys get territorial and jealous. It’s in our nature.” He grinned, sitting back with a huge smile spreading across his face.

“When do you want to go?” Violet asked him, hoping he’d still play along.

“Hell, baby, we can go now.” He jumped up, overenthusiastically, nudging Juju. “Hey, bro, wanna have some fun?” Juju looked at Violet and back to him, shrugging.

“I’m game. What’d you have in mind, sexy?” Juju said as he stood.

Shit. She wanted to insinuate without having to lie but her mind was blank. How the hell was she going to sell this? Thankfully, Romeo moved in to save the day.

“Violet needs a riding lesson. Come on, lets go show her how it’s done, bro.” Before Juju asked any questions, he walked away, his hand brushing against the small of Violet’s back as he led her in front of him. Juju still looked confused but shrugged it off, his normal wild self ready for anything.

Violet glanced back once, watching Kodiak’s jaw hit the ground. Hopefully, this didn’t come back to haunt her.

They passed Hulk as they walked by the bar, staring in disbelief. Violet plastered on her best innocent smile and waved, choking down a laugh as he mouthed the words, ‘what the fuck’. Yep. This should get a rise out of them.

He returned to where the others sat and threw his hands up in the air, his expression almost animated.

“Man, do you have a lot to learn about women.” Vince shook his head, distracted as a group of bronzed muscles walked by.

“Huh?” Kodiak asked, tearing his attention away from the man feast on the beach.

After an overdramatic eye roll and sigh, he sat up and turned to face Hulk and Kodiak. “You both have a thing for our little flower, correct?” Both men looked at each other uncomfortably, suddenly finding the sand at their feet interesting.

“God, this is gonna be harder than I thought. Okay, when a woman is proving a point, it’s usually for a good reason. I assume you two meat heads have showed your ass fighting over her.” Vince looked between the two, getting only a faint nod from each. Both Hulk and Kodiak didn’t make eye contact, acting like two kids sent to the principal’s office. “I’ll take that as a yes. So, you both think you should make her choose, right? Play out some absurd version of
Twilight
?” When they looked up, he fought back a laugh. “You know what was the most fucked up part of that movie? Bella having to choose. Think about it…if Edward and Jacob would have agreed to share her and make a trio relationship, that movie could have went in a totally different direction.” Vince sat back, crossing his fingers across his chest.

“And? What are you getting at without the glitter references and shit?” Hulk asked, confused.

“Yeah, I liked that movie series. I’m not catching what you’re getting at,” Kodiak added.

Vince blew a raspberry and rubbed his hand over his face, trying to tap into patience he didn’t have. “What I’m saying is, why risk losing her or making her unhappy when you both can have it all.”

Kodiak scratched his head, still not seeing his reference as helpful. “But what about the little girl? Jacob wasn’t in love with Bella. He just thought he was. It was the daughter he imprinted on.”

“Lord, no wonder you two are clueless. I was just proving that if two men are head over heels in love with one woman, and she loves them both, no one needs to get their heart broken. Look at Alaina. Geeze, I swear when God handed out brains, you two got the leftovers.” Vince’s expression went from his normal sunshine to unimpressed.

“What do you suggest?” Hulk’s cockiness was short lived.