Necklace of Shame

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Necklace of Shame ISBN 9781419910623 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Necklace of Shame Copyright © 2008 Carol Lynne Edited by Briana St. James. Cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication June 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

NECKLACE OF SHAME

Carol Lynne

Acknowledgment Thank you, Chris. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Author Note The following story is a work of fiction. Police procedures described may not follow individual precinct, town and state procedures.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Honda: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Lexus: Toyota Motor Corporation

Necklace of Shame

Chapter One Ten years ago

Brody Dunberg hated nights like this. Hours of driving around the small town of Gorge City, Colorado, with no calls coming in meant a very long twelve-hour shift. After graduating from the police academy at the age of twenty-two, Brody and his best friend Callum McCloud chose to return to their hometown and get jobs with the local police department. That was almost five years ago and he’d never regretted returning to the easy life of a small town. Well, almost never. Tonight he was beginning to have second thoughts. Brody was turning the corner onto Winter Street, when his radio came to life. “Brody, we just received a 911 regarding a domestic disturbance at 612 Locust. Sheila Harris called. She believes Gerald Jenkins might have beaten Annabel. Sheila said she heard Annabel screaming just before Gerald left the house and took off in his pickup.” Brody pressed down on the accelerator and headed for Locust Street. “I’m heading over to there now, Betty. Do me a favor and see if you can get Annabel on the phone. No sense scaring her more than she already is.” “I’ll try that number right now, Brody.” The thought of someone hurting Bel made Brody’s blood boil. She was such a nice girl. Bel had worked for his dad after school in the clinic attached to the house for the past couple months and Brody had gotten to know her pretty well. Brody pulled up in front of Sheila’s house as the elderly woman came out onto the porch wearing an old blue and white bathrobe. Getting out of the car, Brody approached the Jenkins house. He held up his hand to stop Sheila when she started to cross the yard. Sheila stopped in her tracks. “I’ve heard a lot of things from that house over the years, but nothing like I did tonight. Gerald was screaming at that little girl so loud I

5

Carol Lynne

could hear him through the open window. I started to call you all, but everything quieted down.” Brody nodded and walked toward the front door. “Thanks, Sheila. I can take it from here. There’ll probably be another officer on the scene to speak with you in a few minutes.” “Gerald’s not in there,” Sheila added. “He left soon after the noise stopped. That’s when I called the police.” The radio attached to Brody’s belt squawked and Betty told him there was no answer. It was days like this that he hated working in a town where he knew everyone personally. Brody knocked. “Bel? It’s Brody. Bel, I’m coming in.” When no one answered, Brody tried the knob. It was unlocked. Opening the door enough to stick his head in, Brody called out again. “Bel, are you all right?” Nothing. Brody walked into the house with his hand on his sidearm. With Gerald gone, he saw no reason to draw his weapon and take the chance of scaring the poor girl even more. “Bel?” He walked down the hall toward the bedrooms. “It’s Brody from the Gorge City Police Department, can you hear me?” As he made his way down the dark hall, the hairs on his neck began to prickle. He knew the continued silence wasn’t a matter of fear anymore. He quickly moved to the first bedroom door and flung it open, flipping on the light as he opened the door. He quickly went back down the hall and to the next room. As he opened the door and turned on the light, he heard a noise coming from the other side of the bed. Brody quickly crossed the room. He turned on the bedside lamp so he could better determine her injuries. Her naked body was covered in blood and from the looks of it most of it was coming from a neck wound. His training took over and he grabbed the seldom-used radio off the side of his duty belt. “Betty, this is Brody. Call my dad and send him over here immediately and 6

Necklace of Shame

put a call into Colorado Springs General Hospital. We’re going to need a helicopter here as soon as possible, and send one of the deputies to secure the crime scene until we can get someone from the county down here.” He wanted to add they’d need a rape kit, but didn’t know how many people around town owned a police scanner. Bel would be gossiped about enough without adding in the possibility of rape. Surely his dad would have one. “I’m on it. Anything else?” Betty asked. “Pray.” Brody ran to the bathroom and retrieved a towel before kneeling beside the small, bloody body of sixteen-year-old Bel Jenkins. Even though he’d been trained in first aid, he wasn’t sure what to do in this instance. Should he apply pressure to the open neck wound? If he did, would he do more damage than good? He finally covered the open wound with the towel. Brody gently took her wrist and felt for a pulse. He knew she was alive because he could hear every gurgling breath, but he needed to know how strong her heart was beating. He was surprised to find it weak, but steady, despite the presence of so much blood. Brody grabbed his radio once more. “Betty, what’s my dad’s ETA?” Betty’s voice sounded distressed as she answered his call. “Joe said it would take him five minutes to gather his bag and get there. The air ambulance is on the way, but I need to tell them what to expect and where to land.” Closing his eyes, Brody shook his head. “Bel’s had her throat slashed, but from her pulse, my guess is he didn’t do a very good job of it. Tell the helicopter to set down at the end of Locust in Rainey’s field. I’ll have Dad help me get her there if we can. Tell them if we’re not there when they land to bring the gurney eight houses down the street on the north side of the road.” Brody signed off and he turned back to Bel. He wanted to pick the small girl up and cradle her in his arms, but knew that would be a serious no-no. Instead he lay on the

7

Carol Lynne

floor next to Bel and tried his best to soothe her. It suddenly hit him that he wasn’t trying to soothe Bel, he was trying to soothe himself. He’d grown up in this town. How could something so vile happen here? Brody had known Annabel since she was just a kid. When her mom died two years ago in a car accident, he’d attended the funeral. Annabel, or Bel as she preferred to be called, had seemed like a happy person. She was always laughing and smiling whenever Brody saw her. What had gone on in this house tonight? Brody heard the front door open and automatically reached for his gun. Pulling it out of the holster on his hip, he tried to cover Bel’s body with his own. When he heard his dad shouting his name, he exhaled and lowered his weapon. “In the second bedroom, Dad.” Joe Dunberg opened the door and immediately unbuckled his black leather bag. He motioned for Brody to get out of the way as he knelt beside Bel. As his father assessed her condition, Brody looked around the bedroom for the first time. He saw a pile of clothes in the corner and stepped closer to investigate. Not wanting to contaminate evidence, he took his pen out of his shirt pocket and held up one of the articles of clothing. Brody bit the inside of his cheek. He dangled a girl’s blouse that from the looks of it had been ripped from her body. The rest of the clothes in the pile were in the same tattered condition. He looked over at the bed and could see signs of a struggle. Upon closer examination, Brody’s original fears were confirmed. From the looks of the small stains of seminal fluid and blood, Gerald Jenkins had forcibly taken his own daughter’s virginity. Brody picked up his radio once more. “Any word on Gerald?” “No. They’re still looking,” Betty replied. “Let me know when they find him,” Brody said. “Will do. I’ve already called Chief Dylan and he’s down with the flu, but I’m keeping him updated.” 8

Necklace of Shame

“I’ll tell you more when I can get to a phone. I don’t want to say too much over the radio.” Brody signed off and went back to where his dad was working on Bel. “I don’t suppose you have a rape kit in that bag of yours, do you?” Brody asked his dad. Joe shook his head. “Nope, but we’ll tell the helicopter guys and they can do a rape test on her when she gets to the hospital.” Squatting down beside his dad, he looked at Bel “How is she?” Joe Dunberg looked over at Brody from his kneeling position beside Bel. “If the helicopter gets here fast enough, she should make it. It’s a damn good thing whoever did this didn’t know what the hell he was doing. They somehow managed to miss the major arteries.” He made eye contact with Joe. They both knew beyond a doubt who’d done it. “Can we move her to the field at the end of the road? That’s where the helicopter will be setting down.” Joe looked at Bel’s neck once more and nodded. “Run into the bathroom and get a clean towel. As long as we keep some pressure on the wound, she should be able to make it there.” Brody disappeared into the bathroom and found a sunny yellow towel. He pulled it off the rack and returned to the bedroom. As he walked toward his dad, he heard muffled cries coming from Bel. “She’s awake?” Joe took the towel and gently wound it around Bel’s neck, careful not to press too hard. “She’s waking up, but it would be better if she didn’t. If you can pick her up and carry her, I’ll walk beside you and keep pressure on it.” Brody nodded and took a deep breath before gathering the naked Bel into his arms. He looked at Joe and swung his head toward the closet. “See if there’s a blanket or sheet in the linen closet.” Joe left the room and returned with an old sheet, draping it over Bel.

9

Carol Lynne

Brody carried her down the street as fast as he could while his father tried to apply pressure to the neck wound. At one point Bel attempted to raise her head. Brody squeezed her closer to him. “Shh, it’s all right, Bel. You’re gonna be fine.” She opened her eyes and looked at Brody. He could see the questions in her big hazel eyes. “I’m taking you to a helicopter that will fly you to the hospital in Colorado Springs. They’ll take good care of you.” Brody knew he should ask about Gerald. “Bel, do you know who did this and where we might be able to find him?” A frightened look flashed across her face. “I want to find him and put him away so he can never hurt you again,” Brody said. “Dad,” she said with tears in her eyes. “W…Wal…Wally’s,” Bel managed to croak. She put her head back down on Brody’s chest and started to cry. “Oh, punkin, please don’t cry. It’s okay now. We’ll take care of you.” Brody did something totally unprofessional and kissed the top of her head. He met the hospital technicians at the edge of the field. He gently placed Bel onto the stretcher and stepped back. He turned to his dad. “I’m going to look for Gerald over in Sullivan at Wally’s Bar. You go to the hospital and I’ll meet you there as soon as I find the bastard and get him locked up.” Joe nodded and slapped his son on the back. “Be careful. If Gerald can do that to his own daughter I’d say he’s capable of just about anything.” Brody nodded and ran back to his cruiser just as the helicopter took off. He picked up the car radio. “Hey, Callum, you out there?” The radio crackled briefly. “I’m here.” “I’m headed over to Sullivan. Bel thinks her father can be found at Wally’s Bar. Want to meet me there?” Brody started the car and headed the four miles to the even smaller town of Sullivan.

10

Necklace of Shame

“I’ll be there. I’ll also give the county a call. It’s technically their jurisdiction, not ours, but I’ll try to explain the circumstances. I should be at Wally’s in about ten minutes,” Callum replied.

***** Brody pulled into Wally’s parking lot seven minutes later. He spotted Gerald’s old green pickup parked in front. Brody took a deep breath and picked up his radio. “Betty, be advised that I’m in the parking lot of Wally’s Bar in Sullivan. Gerald Jenkins’ truck is parked out front. I’ll take him back to the station for questioning.” Brody’s free hand gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. “Don’t you think you should wait for backup?” Betty asked. Brody actually smiled. God bless small towns and motherly dispatchers. “Callum’s meeting me here.” Brody signed off and headed to the front door. He’d try to wait, but if Gerald made a move before Callum got there, he’d have no choice but to stop him on his own. No way would he let an animal like that get away with this. As he walked back and forth beside Gerald’s truck, Callum finally pulled up. He waved him over. “He’s in there, all right.” Brody continued pacing. He’d been trying for the last five minutes to get his anger under control, but so far nothing was working. He motioned his head toward Gerald old truck. “This is his truck right here and the hood’s still warm.” Callum must have picked up on Brody’s rage, because he put a hand on his arm. “Calm down. You won’t do this case any good if you go in there as mad as you are.” Callum looked into Brody’s eyes. “He’ll pay for what he did to Bel. Our job is to take him in. Hopefully they’ll place him under arrest and turn him over to the courts.” Brody nodded. He took a deep breath and headed toward the bar. He opened the door to a blast of cigarette smoke and loud country music. He waited a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Looking toward the bar, Brody spotted Gerald laughing with the bartender. Brody’s jaw clenched in anger. How 11

Carol Lynne

could a father rape and try to kill his own daughter and sit, not even thirty minutes later, laughing and drinking? Crossing the length of the room, Brody stepped up behind Gerald and pulled out his handcuffs. “Gerald Jenkins, I’m taking you in for questioning regarding the rape and attempted murder of your daughter.” Gerald had little chance to react before he was cuffed and standing in front of Brody. “What the hell’s goin’ on here? I’m sittin’ here minding my own business.” Brody pinched Gerald’s trapezius muscle and leaned into his face. “I just put your daughter on a helicopter to be airlifted to Colorado Springs. I held her naked, bleeding body in my arms. Don’t you dare stand there and try to deny what you’ve done.” Gerald spat in Brody’s face. “Did you get hard holding her while she was naked? She’s nothin’ but a fuckin’ whore. Just like her momma was. But she’s got a damn fine body on her.” Brody’s vision went red. The next thing he knew, Callum grabbed his arm. Brody shook his head to clear the haze that still surrounded him. He looked at his fists and back down to Gerald, who obviously had a broken nose. Brody jerked his head toward Callum. Callum looked Brody in the eye. “Go out to your car. I’ll take it from here.”

12

Necklace of Shame

Chapter Two Six years later

“Can you help me pin this on?” Bel handed her black graduation cap to Holly Mills, her best friend since elementary school. Holly smiled. “I can’t believe you’re officially going to be an RN in an hour.” She hugged her friend. “I’m so proud of you.” Holly’s eyes started to water as she placed the square cap on top of Bel’s head. “I’ve always envied you for these perfect blonde curls.” Holly put the last bobby pin in and ran her hands down the length of Bel’s hair. “Please, it’s my only real attribute. Allow me something, would you? It’s not like I have your beauty.” She looked in the mirror at her boring hazel eyes and short stature. Nope, no beauty queen. Holly laughed and swatted at Bel. “What about your boobs? There’s nothing average about the size of those cantaloupes.” Bel shrugged her shoulders and stepped into her slingback heels. “Lot of good they do me. I haven’t had a date in four months.” “That’s because you’re too picky.” When Bel started to object, Holly held up her hand. “This is me, Bel. I’ve been your best friend forever. You have to stop comparing every man who asks you out to Brody. There just aren’t enough six-foot-three, tall, dark and handsome men around anymore.” Bel bit her bottom lip in shame. Holly knew her too well. “I can’t help it. And if I remember correctly, we’ve both had crushes on him and Callum since we were barely teenagers.”

13

Carol Lynne

Holly put her arm around Bel. “Crushes, yes, but somewhere in the past six years you fell in love with a man who barely gives you the time of day. He didn’t even come to our high school graduation, for Christ’s sake. Is he coming today?” Bel pulled away and gathered her purse and keys off her small dorm room desk. “He sent a card.” Bel turned away from Holly, not wanting her friend to see the hurt. “He’ll just never be able to forgive me for costing him his job six years ago.” Holly grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Stop right there. You didn’t cost him his job. His own temper took care of ending his career. As I remember, you were on your way to the hospital when he broke Gerald’s nose. That was his doing. Not yours.” “Why can’t he stand to be around me, then? I mean, I see him almost every week at Joe’s and he’s very polite, but I feel like he’s put some kind of wall up around himself. Joe says he feels ashamed of the way he beat my father that night, but I can’t help thinking there’s something more.” She thought of Callum and the close relationship he shared with Brody. Bel had witnessed things on several occasions that made her wonder if they were closer than anyone in town knew. Bel opened the door to her room. “Come on, we’re gonna be late. I told Joe I’d meet him out front five minutes ago.” Bel went down to meet the man who’d raised her since the night of her attack.

***** Bel barely heard a word of her college graduation ceremony. She was thrust back in time to her high school graduation. Brody hadn’t bothered coming to that one, either, but he’d shown up at her party later that night. The party was in full swing in Joe’s backyard when Brody stepped out the back door to the patio. Bel remembered her first sight of him. He was gorgeous in a pair of faded jeans and a red polo shirt. His long black hair blew in the evening breeze and Bel thought he hung the moon.

14

Necklace of Shame

She noticed the way his muscles strained the seams of the sleeves on his shirt. So powerfully built, he’d taken a construction job after resigning from the police department and a couple years after that he actually bought the company. But she could tell he still did his fair share of the physical work. Bel was sure he could take on the world and win. Brody looked around the backyard at all her friends before spotting her. His silvereyed glare zeroed in as he walked over to where she was standing. As Brody drew closer, her breathing became more erratic. “I just wanted to stop in and tell you congratulations. Can’t stay long. I’m meeting Doodle down at the bar.” Brody stopped a mere foot away from her. “Why do you always call Callum Doodle? I mean, it seems like kind of a baby name for such a big man.” Looking down at his feet, Brody stuck his hands in his pockets and walked Bel toward the back of the yard while he talked. “When we were kids, Callum’s momma used to call him Doodle. She died of a brain aneurism when Callum was eleven.” Bel remembered her own mother’s death, and how much her life changed after the funeral. She turned her attention back to Brody as he ran a hand through his hair. “I remember going to his house after the funeral. He looked so lost and alone. His dad had never been much of a father. As a matter of fact, his old man barely stuck around long enough to see Callum turn eighteen before he took off to parts unknown.” So that’s why Callum always seemed to be with Brody. Maybe Brody and Joe were the only family Callum had left, just like her. Brody shook his head. “Anyway, I went to Callum’s after the funeral and found him in his tree house. I didn’t say anything for a long time and then I put my arm around him and called him Doodle. Callum broke down and thanked me. He said it made him feel better just to hear that name. I guess it just became a habit after that.”

15

Carol Lynne

Brody seemed to realize he’d said too much. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m gonna take off.” Hating that look on his face and not wanting him to leave yet, Bel jumped in to stop him. “Did you see my graduation present from Joe?” Bel chewed on her bottom lip and shifted from one foot to the other. “It’s in the driveway. Can I show you?” Brody seemed to think about it for a few seconds. “Sure. Dad told me he found a good car for you, but I haven’t had a chance to see it up close.” Bel led him around the side of the house to the driveway. She never thought in a million years she would have a car of her own until she bought it herself. She couldn’t keep the pride out of her voice. “Ta-da…my first car. Isn’t it absolutely beautiful?” Bel looked at the red, four -year-old Honda sedan. “It’s gonna come in so handy when I go away to college.” “It’s a great car. I’m happy for you.” Brody seemed to study Bel for a few seconds. “Dad told me you’re planning to study nursing. I think that’s terrific. You’ve always been such a help to him at the clinic.” Brody took a step back like he was ready to leave. Bel reached out and touched his arm. “Please don’t go yet.” Bel knew she had to take the opportunity to tell him some of what she felt. She let her hands slide up his biceps. She leaned in enough that her chest rested against his. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long. Can I please have a little one before you leave?” Brody inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Bel could swear his pupils were even more dilated. He had a look of hunger on his face as he took her head between his enormous hands and leaned in. What happened next would later confused her. Brody’s kiss started innocently enough, but a second after their lips met, he gasped and he pulled her forcefully against him. He devoured her mouth with a steaming, tongue-thrusting kiss and then just as suddenly pushed her away.

16

Necklace of Shame

She was still reeling as Brody looked at her and shook his head. “Go back to your party, Bel. You need to play with people your own age.” He turned on his heels and strode back out of her life. Bel stood in the driveway next to her shiny red car and cried until Holly came to find her. She knew she’d never be good enough for Brody, so why did she continue to torture herself?

***** The people around her stood and Bel was jerked back to her graduation ceremony. She wiped the tears from her eyes and followed the rest of her graduation class to the front of the stage. As she stood with the other nursing students waiting for her RN pin, she looked out into the crowd. She spotted Joe and Holly easily. Joe Dunberg had become her surrogate father at the age of sixteen and she loved him with all her heart. She wished she could have known his wife better, but Nora Dunberg had died of breast cancer only six months before Bel had come to live with Joe. Joe and Holly were standing and cheering her on. Holly held on to Joe’s arm as she jumped up and down, her long black hair flying around them. Joe always kept his hair so neat in a tidy single braid down the center of his back. As she continued to look over the crowd, she could have sworn she spotted Brody. She was trying to zero in on him when it came her turn. After the pinning, she looked back to where she’d thought she’d seen Brody, but she couldn’t find him. Bel mentally kicked herself for getting her own hopes up. She knew Brody wouldn’t come. She was glad she’d taken the job offer at Colorado Springs General now. She needed to start a new life for herself and leave Brody Dunberg in her past.

17

Carol Lynne

Chapter Three Present day

The minute Bel walked into her small, one-bedroom apartment, she kicked off her shoes. “God, I hate those,” she said aloud as she threw them onto her bedroom floor. She undressed and put her uniform into the dirty clothes hamper. Turning on the shower, she unbraided her hair and climbed into the warming spray. As she washed her hair, Bel thought about the sixteen-hour shift she’d just finished. Overtime was good for her bank account, but lousy for her mood. Tonight all she wanted was a glass of wine and a full ten hours of sleep. After drying off and wrapping her hair, Bel donned the red satin robe Holly had given her for Christmas the previous year. Minutes later, she stood in her small kitchen, poured a glass of wine and made her way to her one indulgence. Her brown suede couch took up half of her tiny living room, but it was well worth it. Holly was forever nagging Bel to find a bigger apartment now that she was making good money, but Bel saw no need for it. It wasn’t like she had a lot of guests. Although she’d dated occasionally throughout the four years she’d been in Colorado Springs, she had no use for a full-time boyfriend. Bel had learned the hard way to keep her heart to herself. She picked up the television remote just as the security buzzer sounded. That had been her only requirement in a place to live. She rose from the couch and walked to the intercom. “Hello.” “Bel, it’s Brody. Can I come up?”

18

Necklace of Shame

Bel braced both hands on the wall. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling dizzy. Why in the hell was Brody here? She didn’t even know how he’d found where she lived unless… “Is there something wrong with Joe?” “No. Dad’s fine. I need to speak with you about something else. It’s important.” Bel blew out a breath. “Let me talk to the security guard.” She told the night guard it was okay to send Brody up to her third-floor apartment, then pulled the towel off and ran her fingers through the drying mass of curls. It wasn’t until the knock at her door that she realized she wore only a short satin robe. “Shit.” She wrapped the slick material around her body and retied the sash, then opened the door to the only man she’d ever loved. Damn, he still looked good. Bel stepped back and allowed him into the living room. “It’s good to see you again, Bel.” Brody looked around the small living room. He gestured toward the couch. “Mind if I sit?” Taking another deep breath, Bel affixed a bright smile onto her face. “Please do.” She followed Brody over to the sofa and sat on the opposite end. “What can I do for you?” Bel asked. Brody rubbed his jaw. Bel couldn’t help but to be mesmerized by the move. She’d always been a sucker for heavily veined hands and arms. His long perfectly shaped fingers had played a big part in her fantasies for years. “I, um…I have some bad news. Gerald is being released from prison in three days. They called Joe’s house to inform you. I told Dad I’d come up and tell you in person.” Bel jumped up from the sofa. “What do you mean he’ll be out in three days? He was sentenced to fifteen years. It’s only been nine and a half since he was convicted.”

19

Carol Lynne

Brody stood and took Bel’s hands. “Believe it or not, it seems Gerald’s been a model prisoner. He’s getting out early for good behavior. They said they notified you that there would be a hearing, but you didn’t show up.” Her throat seized and Bel could say nothing more. Tears ran down her cheeks as she tried to understand her state’s prison system. She shook her head. “I got a letter about another hearing, but I thought it was to lower the level of his confinement again. I’ve already been to two of those over the years and nothing I said seemed to do any good. When I got the most recent letter, I decided not to put myself through that again.” She looked at Brody. Oh no, how was she going to handle knowing her father was out? “It’s my fault. If I’d have taken the time to read that damn form letter more carefully, I could’ve done something.” Brody pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I’m so sorry, punkin.” He rubbed his hands across her back, trying to soothe her. “Joe and I want you to come back to Gorge City where we can help keep an eye out for him. I thought you could stay up on the hill with me.” Bel’s body stiffened as she stepped out of Brody’s embrace. She knew there was no way she could go back to Gorge City, let alone stay with Brody and not make a complete fool of herself again. Even being this close to him, her nipples peaked and her pussy tingled. “I’m not going back to Gorge City,” she finally said. “Be reasonable about this. You’re a single woman living alone. How are you going to protect yourself when Gerald finds you?” Brody asked. Bel unconsciously fingered the scar across her neck. “For my mental well-being, I need to stay here. I can’t go back to Gorge City with you.” When Brody tried pulling her back into his embrace, she stopped him with a hand to his chest. “No. You won’t change my mind about this. I’ve barely seen you for the past four years. I’ve been on my own since then and I’ve done just fine. I don’t need or want you to protect me. I’m a twenty-six-year-old woman with a home and career of 20

Necklace of Shame

my own. I refuse to give them both up because my sorry excuse for a father is getting out of prison.” Bel turned and opened the front door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get to bed. I have to be back at the hospital in less than nine hours.” Brody walked toward the open door. He looked down at Bel as he passed. “Please call if you need me. I just want to keep you safe.” Bel felt tears gathering. She looked into Brody’s silvery gray eyes. “You gave up that right the night of my high school graduation.” Bel closed the door on his droppedjaw expression. She slid down the closed door, sobbing. At a time when I should be worried about my father, how is it that Brody’s touch still has the ability to excite me?

21

Carol Lynne

Chapter Four Brody drove the eighty miles back to Gorge City in a daze. How in the hell could he protect the woman he loved if she wouldn’t let him near her? He slammed his fist against the dash. “Dammit.” He’d fallen in love with Bel the night he’d carried her to the waiting helicopter. Brody had tried covering his feelings for her own good. He was way too old for her— both then and now. Instead, he’d buried himself in work. After a forced resignation from the police department, he had gone to work for a local construction company. The owner of the company decided to retire and Joe had helped Brody buy it. He’d built the company up by getting large commercial contracts in the rapidly growing surrounding areas. He was now a thirty-seven-year-old millionaire, and no one but Joe, Callum and his banker knew it. Brody had given up on ever finding another woman to replace Bel in his heart. For so long he’d wanted her, craved her. It had caused some friction between him and Callum over the years, but his lover had finally learned to accept what he couldn’t change. In the beginning, of course, Bel had been too young, and then everyone thought of her as his sister. Brody was always conscious of the age difference between them. Ten years was a lot when you’re talking about an eighteen- or nineteen-year-old girl. The night of her high school graduation, he’d told himself to stay away, but he just couldn’t let the day pass without seeing her. He’d made the mistake of holding Bel in his arms again and had felt his whole body come alive. He’d been twenty-eight years old and so in love he thought he’d die if he didn’t kiss her.

22

Necklace of Shame

Brody had thrust her away that night for her own good. She deserved to go out and discover life beyond Gorge City and the memories of Gerald Jenkins. Brody had no idea at the time she would make him pay for that one act for the next eight years. As he drove toward Gorge City thinking about Bel, Brody felt a stirring in his jeans. He shook his head. Damn, just thinking about her had his cock hardening. It was nothing new. The fresh citrus smell of her perfume had always elicited an erection. He looked down at his growing arousal and smiled. He took one hand off the wheel and unzipped his jeans. Wrapping his fingers around his cock as it sprang free of its confines, Brody set a steady stroking rhythm. About thirty miles outside Colorado Springs, he had to pull over to the side of the road and finish himself off. Running his thumb over the weeping slit at the top of his cock, he gathered the moisture and used it as lubricant to ease his ministrations. He pinched his nipple with the other hand and thought of Bel, his sexy, beautiful Bel. Brody pictured her hand fisting his cock instead of his own. Better yet, he pictured shoving his cock between her large luscious breasts as Callum fucked her from behind. He thrust up into his hand and shot his seed. Although it was strange to most people, Brody longed to share Bel with his best friend and lover. After retrieving a tissue from the center console, he cleaned himself up and tucked his still half-hard cock back into his jeans. Letting his head fall back to the headrest, Brody wondered how he could keep Bel safe without her cooperation. Maybe he should have told her how he felt? Would it have made any difference to her? Putting the truck into gear, he headed to Gorge City to talk to his dad. Maybe Joe would have some ideas. He was glad Callum already expected him to stop by after his trip to see Bel.

*****

23

Carol Lynne

Brody knocked at the front door before letting himself in to his boyhood home. He called for his dad and found him in the kitchen, fixing a late-night snack. “Hey, Dad. What ya makin’?” Joe’s mouth turned up into a smile. “Nachos. My favorite. You want some?” Brody smiled, flashing his ever-present dimples at his dad. “Sounds great.” He walked over to the fridge. “You got any beer to go with them?” He opened the door and found what he was looking for in the back corner. He looked up at his dad. “You only have one. Would you like to split it with me?” Joe chuckled and put another plate of nachos into the microwave. “I’m sticking to tea tonight, but you go ahead. Knock yourself out.” They took their snacks into the living room and sat on the couch. Joe looked over at him. “So are you going to tell me how it went with Annie? I assume that’s why you stopped by.” Licking cheese off his fingers, Brody nodded. His dad had always called Bel Annie. “She won’t come back to Gorge City. She said she refuses to give up her career and her home just because Gerald is getting out.” Brody set the plate on the coffee table and ran his hands through his long hair. He stood and paced over to the window. “She won’t let me protect her. What am I supposed to do?” In a soft voice, he finally admitted his feelings. “I love her, Dad. I always have.” Joe placed his plate next to Brody’s and walked over to him. He put a hand on Brody’s shoulder and squeezed. “You should have told her years ago. I always suspected it was the case. I’m afraid it won’t do you much good now. Annie doesn’t seem to have much use for men, according to Holly. I’ve watched her date less and less over the past six or seven years. I know you kissed her the night of her graduation party. Holly told me that too. She also told me Annie was devastated when you pushed her away.”

24

Necklace of Shame

Brody spun around and glared at his dad. “She was too damn young for what I felt. I’d have swallowed her whole. She deserved a chance to experience life.” “Huh…some damn life. I know from Holly that she never allows a man more than a couple of dates. Holly told me no one can compare to you in her eyes. She thought of you as the perfect man, but the fact that you’ve avoided her for the past eight years has left her wanting no one.” Brody felt the words down to his soul. “What can I do?” Joe shrugged. “Try calling her every day, just to check on her. She may act like you’re annoying her, but underneath she’ll welcome the attention.”

***** The next morning, Brody decided to pay Callum a visit. By the time he’d reached Callum’s house the previous night, he’d been too tired to talk about anything. He’d fallen into bed, pulled his lover into his arms and drifted off to sleep. Callum had kissed him before heading off to work earlier that morning, but they still hadn’t had a chance to talk. He walked into the police station and waved at Betty. “Hey there, pretty lady. How’re you doing today?” Betty cackled and waved him on down the hall. “I’m good, you charmer. Callum’s in his office.” Brody strode down the hall. He couldn’t believe Callum was now the town’s police chief. The door was open, so he just leaned against the threshold until Callum got off the phone. Callum caught sight of Brody and waved him in. “All right, George, I’ll look into it. Okay. Talk to you later.” Callum hung up and rolled his eyes. “George Keating called to complain about the neighborhood kids playing ball in his field again.”

25

Carol Lynne

Brody laughed and sat in the chair in front of Callum’s desk. “He’s been complaining about that since we were kids. If he doesn’t want anyone in the field, why doesn’t he do something with it?” Callum’s lips twitched. “Because then he wouldn’t have anything to bitch about. Speaking of bitchin’, what can I do for you?” “You know what you can do for me,” Brody answered with a wink. Callum grinned. He stared at the bulge pressed against the zipper of Brody’s jeans, and began rubbing himself. As much as Brody wanted to play, he had more important business on his mind. “Better keep your mind out of my jeans for now, Doodle. What I need is for you to get the prison system to keep Gerald Jenkins locked up,” Brody said, but damn, Callum’s package looked good in those pants. Callum shook his head. “Sorry, I’ve tried everything, but the parole board doesn’t want to listen to a small-town police chief.” Callum reached forward and took a butterscotch disk out of the bowl on his desk. Unwrapping the candy, he looked back toward Brody. “Have you talked to Bel?” Brody watched Callum pop the candy into his mouth. “I tried, but she wouldn’t come back with me.” Callum rolled the hard candy around in his mouth. “Sorry. I know you love her. As a policeman, I can’t help you much if she stays in Colorado Springs, but as the man who loves you, I’ll always be here if you need me.” Brody stood and extended his hand. He kept physical contact a little longer than he should in the middle of the police station. “I know. You’ve always been there for me, no matter how big an ass I make of myself.”

***** Three nights later, Brody called Bel for the first time since his trip to her apartment. “Hello,” Bel answered. 26

Necklace of Shame

“Hi. I was just calling to make sure you were all right.” Brody heard her sigh into the phone. “I’m fine. I told you before that I’m a big girl, and can take care of myself. Now if that’s all you needed, I’m in the middle of cooking dinner.” Brody wanted to crawl through the phone and shake her. “I know you don’t want me to call, but you’d better get used to it, because I’m not going to stop worrying about you.” “Goodbye, Brody.” Brody held the phone away from his ear and tapped it to his forehead as he heard Bel hang up on him. The fact that Gerald had gotten out of prison made him too nervous to relax at home for the evening. He grabbed his keys and his jacket and headed toward his pickup. Maybe he could do some snooping around. He went to every bar in the area he knew Gerald used to frequent, but came up with nothing. The closest he got was a woman in Wally’s who said she wrote to him from time to time, but she hadn’t seen him since he’d been released. Something about that struck Brody as odd. If Gerald had taken up a sort of pen-pal relationship with the woman, why hadn’t he gone to see her? Gerald hadn’t had a woman in ten years. Brody figured that would be the first thing on his list of priorities. Unless… Brody pulled out his cell phone and called Bel. “Hello,” she answered after the fifth ring. “Sorry to call so late, but I’ve been checking out Gerald’s old haunts and haven’t found him anywhere around here. I was thinking that he might already have gotten word where you lived, and I just wanted to make sure you kept your eyes open at all times.”

27

Carol Lynne

Bel groaned in his ear. “Have you thought about the fact that maybe my father’s not even looking for me?” He heard what sounded like sheets rustling in the background before Bel spoke again. “Listen, I really appreciate your concern, but I’m fine, and yes, I’ll keep both eyes open for my father.” “Do me one more favor. You have a cell phone, right?” Brody rubbed his tired eyes as he waited for her response. “Sure, I have one. Why?” she asked. “I want you to program my number into your speed dial, just in case.” “That’s really not necessary,” Bel started to argue. “Dammit, Bel, just do it. It’ll make me feel a hell of a lot better if I know you can get in touch with me with the push of a button.” He knew his tone of voice wasn’t helping matters any, but damn, the woman was stubborn. “Fine,” she answered curtly. He could hear her shifting the covers and getting out of bed. He tried his best to block out the images that simple action brought forth. “All right. I’m holding my cell phone. Tell me your number so I can go back to sleep.” Brody smiled at her grumpiness. He gave her the number and apologized for waking her. After he hung up, he looked down at his swollen cock and sighed. She did it to him every time. Guess it was time to make a trip to Callum’s.

***** Brody was glad to see the porch light still on when he pulled up behind Callum’s truck. He adjusted himself as he climbed the steps and knocked on the door before walking right in. Callum was stretched out on the couch in his boxer briefs, looking sexier than anyone had a right to. Brody licked his lips and started undressing. 28

Necklace of Shame

He knelt beside the couch as he rid himself of his jeans and underwear. “Need you,” he said, nuzzling the hard package trapped behind the black cloth of Callum’s underwear. Callum’s fingers threaded through his hair. “You know I’ll always be here.” Brody stopped in the process of ridding Callum of his briefs. “Why? No matter what I’ve done, you’ve always been there for me. Sometimes I don’t think I deserve your loyalty.” Callum pulled on Brody’s arm until he was lying on top of his lover. “I love you. Isn’t that reason enough?” When he started to answer, Callum shut him up with a kiss. “I know how much Bel means to you. She’s a beautiful person and you deserve her, but I worry that I’ll be replaced.” Brody started to shake his head, but Callum stopped him once again. “I came to terms with my own fears years ago. Now I live each day with you like it’s my last. That’s why I don’t sweat the small stuff. Loving you has been a true gift.” Brody felt his eyes begin to burn. He didn’t know Callum had it in him to be so romantic. “I love you too, Doodle. I wish I could have both of you. It’s what I dream about. It’s why I had my house designed with three people in mind.” “You can’t expect a sweet girl like Bel to agree to a threesome relationship, Brody. I bet she doesn’t even know we’re lovers.” Sitting up, Brody rested his ass over Callum’s cock. Looking down, he wondered what he’d feel like if the positions were reversed. Callum had dated several women over the years, but Brody had always known Callum wouldn’t allow himself to get serious about any of them. But what if he had? “Maybe we can ease Bel into it.” Brody rolled his eyes. “At this point, it may be a moot point. She won’t even let me protect her.”

29

Carol Lynne

He saw the concern in Callum’s eyes as his man started to move under him. “She’ll come around, she loves you. I can see it when she looks at you. Bel’s just mad, but she’ll get over it. And in the meantime, I get you for a while longer.” Brody reached over and opened the drawer on the end table, taking out a condom and small bottle of lube. He realized at that moment, like Callum, he needed to live for the moment while they were together. After sheathing Callum’s long, thick cock, Brody prepared his own hole while his lover groaned. “You want me?” he asked as he hovered above Callum’s cock. “You know I do,” Callum answered and gripped Brody’s hips, lowering him onto his shaft. The tight burn of Callum’s cock buried inside his body was always a pleasure. Tonight though, it took on even more meaning to Brody. As he rode Callum, he tried to convey his love. “You’re the only man I’ve ever been with, Doodle, the only man I’ve ever wanted.” Callum nodded and thrust up to meet Brody’s hole in a punishing rhythm. Talk wasn’t possible as his lover fucked him to completion. Brody’s cock erupted, painting Callum’s stomach and chest with strings of thick white cum. When he ran his finger through the sticky mess and held it to Callum’s lips, his lover tipped over the edge with a growl. Brody fell forward and kissed Callum. “It’ll work out,” he whispered.

30

Necklace of Shame

Chapter Five The next day Bel worked another twelve-hour shift. She had dinner plans with Holly, so she raced home to change. She got off the elevator and walked to her apartment. As she neared her door, the tiny hairs on the back of her neck began to stand up. She cautiously walked to her door, keeping both eyes open. As she went to insert the key, she noticed it wasn’t even locked. Bel backed up slowly and ran to the elevator. She thanked God when the door immediately opened. Bel pushed the button to the lobby and held her breath. Her chest felt tight and she could swear the scar on her neck burned. When the doors finally opened, she dashed across the lobby to the security desk. Bel felt relieved when she spotted Harry, the ex-military watchman. “I think someone’s either in my apartment or has been in there. My door is unlocked.” Harry gave her a guilty look. “I’m sorry to have worried you, Ms. Jenkins. You had a delivery earlier today and I took the items up personally, but I’m positive that I locked the door behind me. I’ve never made a mistake like that.” Harry rubbed his hand through his graying crew cut. “Would it make you feel better if I went up with you and checked your apartment out, just in case?” A sense of relief overcame Bel. “I would appreciate that very much, Harry.” They headed for the elevator. Bel stopped suddenly and turned to Harry. “What kind of delivery did I receive? I haven’t ordered anything.” Harry ushered her into the open elevator. “Dry cleaning. It came from O’Connell’s just down the street. I hung it up on your coat hook just inside the door. I’m sorry if I’ve acted inappropriately.” The elevator doors opened onto the fifth floor. “No, you didn’t. It’s just that I can’t remember taking anything in to have it cleaned, but I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.” 31

Carol Lynne

They walked to her door and Harry motioned for her to let him go first. He stepped into the apartment and turned on the light. Bel waited in the doorway as Harry walked from room to room, turning on lights and looking into her closet. He came back to the entry with a sheepish smile on his face. “The apartment’s safe. Sorry again for not locking the door like I thought I did.” Bel smiled and winked at him. “We can’t all be perfect. Thanks for coming up with me.” “It’s no problem. Just call if you need anything else.” Harry left and Bel turned toward the dry cleaning bag hanging on the hook just inside her door. She lifted the garments and carried them to her closet. When she took the plastic off she discovered the clothes weren’t hers. As a matter of fact the two dresses looked almost brand new. The black dress was a little dowdy for her taste while the red dress a little flashy. She looked closer and realized they were both her size. “That’s weird,” she whispered. Bel pushed aside the niggling feeling that started to creep over her. Surely it was just a coincidence. She shrugged her shoulders and rewrapped the dresses. She started work later tomorrow so she’d just take them back to the cleaners before her noon shift. Pulling off her work clothes, she selected a simple emerald green sweater and her comfortable pair of jeans. She was dressed and back out the door in ten minutes. Bel walked down the block to Sergio’s to meet Holly.

***** Pushing her plate away, Bel sat back in her chair and patted her flat stomach. “No more. I feel like I’m going to explode.” Holly laughed, “Yeah, right. You barely ate a third of your dinner.” She lifted her wineglass and took a sip. “I talked to Joe today.” Sitting up straighter, Bel looked at her friend and grinned. “Why would you talk to Joe? Did you tell him that you’re madly in love with him?” 32

Necklace of Shame

Holly put her wineglass back on the table and took Bel’s hand. “He called me. He’s worried about you. Why didn’t you tell me Gerald had gotten out of prison?” Bel shrugged her shoulders. She felt like the entire world was talking about her behind her back. “Because I knew you’d be as paranoid as Brody. Believe me when I say I cannot take another guard in my life right now.” Holly lifted an eyebrow. “You say it like it’s a bad thing. You can pretend to yourself all you want, but I happen to know you still love the man. So why does it bother you so much that he wants to protect you?” Bel pulled her hand away from Holly, almost upsetting her glass in the process. “What good has loving Brody ever done me? He’s just feeling sorry for me like everyone else, and I won’t have it.” A smile crossed Holly’s lips. “No one feels sorry for you anymore. You happen to have a lot of people who love you and we’re just worried, that’s all. Besides, Joe told me that Brody is driving himself and everyone else crazy over this Gerald business. I happen to think he’s in this a little deeper than you’ve ever realized.” Bel slumped back in her chair and placed her napkin back on the red-and-whitechecked tablecloth. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I guess I’m just a little on edge these days. Joe must be wrong, though, because I think Brody and Callum have been having sex for years. Besides, the two of them are way out of my league.” Holly held up her hand. “Don’t make me smack you. You are every bit as good as anyone else and don’t you forget it.” Holly tossed her hair behind her shoulder and continued. “Anyway, maybe Brody’s bisexual. It’s not a big deal. You love him and you need to get laid.” “I do perfectly fine with my trusty handheld friend, thank you very much. He’s always there when I need him and the only thing he asks of me is a fresh supply of batteries every now and then.” Bel could feel her cheeks heating just thinking about it. Maybe that’s just what she needed tonight, although the thought of Brody and Callum did more to fuel her fantasies than anything else. 33

Carol Lynne

Holly paid the dinner bill and slipped her purse over her shoulder. “A vibrator can’t wrap its arms around you at night either, Ms. Jenkins.” Bel looked at Holly. “You’re a fine one to talk. And don’t think I didn’t notice that you never answered my question about being in love with Joe. You’re still crazy about him, aren’t you?” Walking through the restaurant, Holly looked over her shoulder at Bel. “He still thinks of me as a teenager. He has no idea I’ve named my vibrator after him.” Holly winked and opened the door. As they left the restaurant, Holly pointed toward her Lexus. “Come on. I’ll give you a lift home.” Bel rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. “I only live two blocks from here.” Holly took hold of her arm and walked her toward the car. “Yeah, and you happen to have a lunatic father who’d like nothing better than to see you dead. Get in the car, Bel.” “Fine.”

***** Bel stretched after turning off her alarm clock. Every muscle in her body protested the action. She’d given herself quite a workout last night with her vibrator. She giggled to herself. Both her ass and her pussy were pleasantly stretched and slightly sore. Shame on me. She kicked the covers off and padded toward the bathroom. As she showered, Bel couldn’t believe after all these years she still saw Brody’s face every time she brought herself to orgasm. She’d tried imagining other men, even movie stars, but nothing could do it for her like the image of Brody, and on occasion Callum, but only at the same time. She always pictured him above her or behind her with his long hair hanging free, the bronze color of his skin contrasting with the paleness of her own. She turned off the 34

Necklace of Shame

shower and dried herself. Releasing her hair from the makeshift bun on top of her head, she walked into the bedroom. Last night she’d used both her vibrators, one for each hole. Just the thought of Brody and Callum both filling her at the same time had given her multiple orgasms. Geez, if just fantasizing about being with the two of them did that, she knew she’d probably never live through the real thing. Dressing in her nurses’ uniform, she ate a quick breakfast and grabbed the dry cleaning she needed to return. She only had an hour before her shift started. Usually when she worked this split shift, she rose much earlier and got a lot of things done, but after her workout last night, she allowed herself a morning in bed. Dropping off the garments at the dry cleaners was not as easy as she’d thought. They insisted they didn’t know where the garments came from and refused to take them back. Throwing them in the back of her late-model Honda SUV, she drove to the hospital. Could her day possibly get any worse?

***** Bel’s shift ended at midnight and she hoped she’d be able to drive home without falling asleep. Her workday had been crazy and all she wanted was a nice hot shower and a warm bed. She made her way to the employee parking lot and began digging in her purse for her keys. She finally snagged them just as she made it to her car. Before she could press the button to unlock her door, something hit her from behind and she fell to the ground. Bel felt the pavement bite into her hands as she landed and looked behind her. Gerald stood towering over her with a wicked grin plastered to his ugly face. “Surprised to see me, baby girl?” Bel quickly looked around for her keys. She spotted them just under the car. Before she could reach for them, a fist slammed against her jaw. Falling sideways, Bel tried to crawl away from her father. She opened her mouth and screamed for help. 35

Carol Lynne

Another fist slammed into her face. “Shut the fuck up, you stupid whore. I spent ten years in prison because of you. It’s payback time. I’m gonna finish you off this time and disappear before they even come lookin’ for me.” Bel didn’t have time to react before Gerald was on her. He plunged the shinylooking blade deep into her stomach. Pulling it out, he plunged it in twice more. Trying her best to roll away from him, Bel managed to reach her keys. She stretched out and hooked the keys on one of her fingers. She fumbled with the wireless entry until she finally hit the panic button. Her car horn began a very annoying beeping sound. Gerald quickly stood and looked around. He looked down at Bel and spat on her. “I’ve done too much damage this time, bitch. You’ll never survive.” With those parting words, he aimed a well-placed kick into her ribs and ran off. Bel could feel the sticky wetness spreading across her torso. She reached for her purse as darkness threatened to overtake her. She fumbled with the snaps, and by some miracle, was able to get her cell phone out. Unable to lift her head off the pavement, she slowly brought the phone to her face and hit memory number four. She couldn’t keep her eyes open as she waited. “Hello?” Brody answered. “Help me,” she barely croaked out. “Need you at hos…hospital.” Bel’s world went black.

36

Necklace of Shame

Chapter Six “Bel…Bel?” Brody swung his legs over the side of the bed. Still holding the phone to his ear, he could hear the constant wail of a car alarm in the background and shouting voices. He continued to scream Bel’s name into the phone as he pulled on a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt. At last someone’s voice came over the line. “Hello?” Brody stooped over to pick up his work boots as the strange voice answered Bel’s phone. “This is Brody Dunberg. What the hell happened to Bel?” “She’s…she’s been beaten and stabbed in the parking lot of the hospital. I’m sorry, sir, but I’ve got to go.” The line went dead. “Fuck.” Brody jammed his feet into his boots and ran out the door. He called Joe and Callum on the way to Colorado Springs. When he raced into the hospital parking lot, his mouth went completely dry. The parking lot to the side of the hospital was lit up with flashing lights and milling policemen. Brody jumped out of his truck and sprinted toward the emergency room entrance. He ran up to the information desk out of breath. “Bel…uh…Annabel Jenkins…she called me.” The elderly woman at the information desk shot him with a suspicious look. She typed something into her computer before looking back up at Brody. “She’s is in surgery. I didn’t get your name, sir.” “Brody Dunberg,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’d like to talk to someone who knows Bel’s condition.”

37

Carol Lynne

“It says here they’ve been trying to get in touch with a Joe Dunberg. Annabel listed him as next of kin on her medical card. I really can’t give out any information to anyone but him.” Brody ran his hand over his eyes. “Joe’s my father. He should be on his way here.” A small concerned smile crossed the woman’s face. “I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t give you any more information until your father arrives.” Brody knew his dad would be at the hospital within ten minutes, so instead of beating a dead horse, he decided to wait for his dad outside the emergency entrance. He walked out the automatic doors and reached into his pocket for his cigarettes. Damn, he’d quit almost six years ago. Maybe he should start again? All he knew was he could sure use something right now to calm his nerves. Joe ran toward the door as he contemplated the location of the closest store. When he spotted Joe, he forgot all about the cigarettes. “They won’t tell me anything except that she’s in surgery. They’ve been waiting for you.” Brody followed his dad back inside. Joe ran up to the information desk. “I’m Joe Dunberg. Tell me about Annabel Jenkins.” The elderly information clerk picked up the phone and spoke to someone on the other end. “A nurse will be with you in a few minutes, Dr. Dunberg.” She looked at his dad with so much tenderness. “May I say that this is all quite a shock to us here at the hospital. We’re all quite fond of her.” “Thank you for saying so, ma’am.” Joe searched the area looking for the nurse. When he spotted a woman dressed in pink hospital scrubs walking toward them, he ran to meet her. “I’m Joe Dunberg. How’s my Annie?” At the nurse’s confused look, Brody broke in. “My dad calls Bel Annie.”

38

Necklace of Shame

The middle-aged nurse gestured to a private waiting room. “Let’s talk in here.” As the three of them sat down in the private room the nurse began. “I’m Susan Blunt, a friend of Bel’s here at the hospital. She’s not good, Dr. Dunberg.” “Joe, you can call me Joe,” his dad said. “Can you tell me what happened?” Joe leaned forward with his arms on his knees. Brody’s jaw was clenched so tightly it was a wonder his teeth didn’t turn to powder under the assault. “A couple of my colleagues and I were just getting off shift. We walked out the side entrance and heard a car alarm. We looked around the parking lot for the car making the noise. I saw a man running away and then spotted Bel on the ground beside her car. We ran over to her…” Brody felt like someone had punched him in the gut. Susan wiped the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Dr…Joe, but there was so much blood. You’d think I’d be immune to such a sight. I’ve worked in the emergency department for thirteen years, but what I saw nearly dropped me to my knees. Peter rushed back into the building and within a couple of minutes we had her loaded on a gurney and into the emergency room.” Brody interrupted the long-winded story. “Can you tell us exactly what the nature of her injuries is?” All he could think about was Bel facing Gerald alone, again. He braced his arm on the wall, knowing if Bel didn’t make it, a part of him wouldn’t either. “It appeared that Bel had been hit in the face several times and had sustained at least three stab wounds to her abdomen. Several lacerations on her hands proved that she did her best to defend herself. She’s in surgery now and probably will be for at least another couple of hours. I’m not sure yet what the internal injuries might be, so I can’t give you a prognosis, but as soon as I hear more, I’ll come and find you.” Brody’s hands clenched into fists as Susan stood to leave. “In the meantime, if you’d like to go down the hall, there’s a surgery waiting room where you’ll need to

39

Carol Lynne

check in. If you leave that room, you’ll need to tell the clerk where you can be found. The cafeteria is—” Joe stopped the nurse. “We know where the cafeteria is. We’ve been through this before with Annie.” The nurse looked thoughtful. “Her neck?” Brody’s body tensed even further. His dad must have noticed because he put a hand on his shoulder. “Yes, ma’am, ten years ago. Annie’s father was responsible for that attack, and I believe this one as well.” The nurse gave them a sympathetic look before walking off. Joe released Brody’s shoulder. “I’d like to talk with someone from the police department while I wait.” Brody stopped his dad with a hand. “I’ll go out to the parking lot right now and see if I can find the detective in charge.” At Joe’s raised eyebrow he continued, “It’ll give me something constructive to do while we wait for word on Bel.” At Joe’s understanding hug, Brody went back out the emergency doors and walked to the employee parking lot. It was still teeming with policemen. It took all his patience to stand at the yellow tape barrier and wait for one of the officers to come over to him. He explained what he wanted and after a short time was able to talk to the man in charge of the investigation. Thirty minutes later, Brody sat down beside his dad and offered him a steaming cup of coffee. He’d been tense for so long, he felt like he hadn’t slept in days. “I spoke with a Detective Marshall and filled him in on Gerald Jenkins. I also called Callum and he’s going to send some of his officers out to Gerald’s old haunts.” Brody took a sip of his own coffee. “Any word yet?” Joe shook his head. “Nothing. I called Holly and she should be here anytime.” Brody nodded and settled in for what he knew was going to be a long wait. Holly arrived and hugged both men. Joe filled her in and the three of them waited another two hours before Susan came to speak with them.

40

Necklace of Shame

“She’s out of surgery and will be moved to ICU within the hour. I’ll wait for the surgeon to give you a specific list of her injuries, but I can tell you that she’s in critical condition. At least she was strong enough to make it through the surgery.” Brody sent up a silent prayer of thanks. They waited another fifteen minutes for the surgeon to arrive. He ushered them into yet another private conference room. “I’m Dr. Mark Bishop.” After they were all seated, Dr. Bishop turned toward Joe. “Annabel is in the recovery room. She made it through surgery. Getting the bleeding stopped was our primary concern. I had to remove her spleen, and her liver was nicked, but I think the repair I made will suffice. One of the stab wounds was fairly shallow and did no major damage. I stitched her hands and a small cut on her cheek.” As Brody listened to Dr. Bishop run down the list of Bel’s injuries, he couldn’t get the picture of her small body out of his mind. She’d already suffered so much. Now she’d have even more scars. He knew they would never bother him, but he also knew Bel had always been ashamed of the one on her neck. How would she feel about herself with the added list of injuries? “I’ve done all I can for now unless we have complications. We’ll just have to wait and see. Her vitals are good, but we’re going to keep her sedated. Right now her body needs rest and time to heal. If you’re a believer, you might want to go to the hospital chapel and say a prayer.” Dr. Bishop stood and shook hands with Joe, Brody and Holly. “We’re doing everything we can to help her pull through this. I’ll be checking in on her again before I leave tonight, but I’ll be back in a couple hours.” They thanked the doctor and turned toward each other as he walked out the door. Joe held Holly as she cried. He looked over Holly’s head at Brody. “I’ll take Holly and go on down to the chapel.”

41

Carol Lynne

Chapter Seven It wasn’t until the next afternoon that the hospital let anyone beside Joe in to see Bel. Thirty-six hours after the surgery, Bel was stable enough to receive visitors, though she was still heavily sedated. Holly went into the curtained-off room first. When she came out, she collapsed into Joe’s arms. “She doesn’t even look like Bel.” Holly turned to Brody. Brody could see the pain in Holly’s eyes. “She needs you, Brody. She’s still asleep, but if you’ve ever felt anything for her, she needs to hear it now,” Holly said, choking on a sob. Brody nodded and slipped into the room. He sat down in the chair beside Bel. He drew in a deep breath and finally looked at her. Her face was so swollen. Holly had been right, it didn’t look like Bel. He lifted his hand and let it hover over her face. He wanted to touch her, but didn’t want to hurt her. He spotted a small area along her jaw that was unblemished. Brody traced small circles along her milky white skin with his thumb. He wiped the tears from his face with his shirtsleeve and whispered in her ear. “Can you hear me?” He pulled back and looked for some kind of recognition in her face. Nothing. He leaned in again. “You have to get better, punkin. I want you in my life. I know we have a lot of things to talk about, but I’ve stayed away from you long enough. I need you with me.” Brody leaned closer and brushed his lips across her jaw. “I love you, Bel. I always have. I thought I was doing the right thing by staying away from you all these years, but I know now I was wrong. When you’re better, I’m going to do everything in my power to win your heart again.”

42

Necklace of Shame

***** The next morning Brody was roused from a rough sleep by a strong tanned hand on his shoulder. Brody sat up in the chair he’d been sleeping in and looked into Callum’s face. “Hey, Doodle. Did you find Gerald?” Brody yawned and stretched his back and arms. Callum shook his head and sat down beside Brody. “Nothing, yet. Sorry.” Callum took Brody’s hand and gave him a quick kiss. “How’s Bel doing?” “She’s still in ICU, but her vitals are steady. She woke up for a few minutes last night, but I think she was too sedated to understand where she was or what had happened to her.” Brody threaded his fingers through Callum’s. “It’s too early for visiting hours, but I can buy you a cup of coffee. I’m sorry to say it, but you look like hell,” Callum said, flashing his devilish grin at Brody. “Yeah, I feel like hell too.” Brody stood and stretched again. “My back will never be the same after two nights in that damn chair.” Brody walked along beside Callum to the basement cafeteria. They bought two large cups of coffee and a couple of doughnuts. Finding a table in the back of the cafeteria, Callum sat next to Brody instead of across from him. “Talk to me.” Brody looked at his best friend and shook his head. “I don’t know how it will work between us, but I’m not letting Bel out of my life again. I love her.” Callum took a drink of his coffee and covered Brody’s hand with his own. “Of course you do. What’s not to love?” He saw the hurt in Callum’s eyes. “Are you saying you love her too?” Callum shook his head. “Not like you do, but I could if I let myself.” “Do you know when I fantasize about either of you, the other is always there? I don’t know what it means, but I’m determined to find out.”

43

Carol Lynne

Brody finished his doughnut and wiped his hands on his napkin. “Who’s to say you shouldn’t fall in love with Bel? I guarantee if you’re around her for any length of time, you will.” “You’re right, but falling in love with Bel isn’t the real problem. She only has eyes for you. I’ve tried to catch her attention a time or two over the years, but she’ll barely look at me. How do you suppose she’s going to get close enough to me to fall in love? Maybe she wouldn’t even consider a ménage relationship.” Checking his watch, Brody stood and held out his hand. He was suddenly filled with hope. He was on a mission and he wouldn’t stop until they were one big happy family. “If she spends time with you, she’ll fall just like I have. Now let’s go see her.”

***** Opening her eyes for the first time that morning, Bel noticed she was in the ICU. She tried to turn her head, but the pain was too much. Finding the call button with her hand, she pushed it. Her nurse, Sheila, came bustling into the room. “Good morning, Bel. I’m glad to see you’re awake so early.” “What happened?” Bel barely managed to ask. Her throat felt so dry she was afraid it would split open if she didn’t have something to drink. “Water.” Sheila smiled and started taking her vitals. “I’ll get you some ice chips. You’re at General because you were attacked in the parking lot two nights ago.” Her father. Bel’s breath caught in her chest. Oh god, he’d done it again. Bel closed her eyes as Sheila continued to work around her. Sheila must’ve thought Bel was drifting off to sleep. “Nope, no sleeping until I finish up here and get you those ice chips. There’s been a dreamy hunk of a man here ever since you were brought in. He’s been camping out in the lobby for the past two nights. You must be awfully special to him, because those chairs aren’t comfortable enough to sit on for long, let alone sleep in.” 44

Necklace of Shame

Sheila smiled and winked. “I’ll be right back with your ice chips.” Bel watched her leave through the curtain. The longer she was awake, the more she began to remember. Gerald attacked her right after work. He said he was going to finish her off and then disappeared. She wondered if the police had found him yet. Her eyes moved around the tiny cubicle of the ICU. She remembered finding her cell and calling Brody for help. Is that who’s been here for two days? Why would Brody do that? Still pondering her questions, the man himself walked into her room holding a cup. “Brody?” Bel could only recall seeing that particular look on Brody’s face once before. It was the night she opened her eyes while he was carrying her. Was he here out of pity? She continued to watch him as he pulled up a chair and sat beside her bed. She could tell by the tightness of her skin that her face was swollen. You’d never know it though by Brody’s reaction. He didn’t appear disgusted by her appearance like she thought most men would be. He took a couple of the chips and fed her with a spoon. “Here, punkin.” Opening, Bel took the cool ice into her mouth. Oh yes. That was what she needed. She sighed as they melted. The cool liquid ran down to help coat her dry throat. “More.” She opened her mouth for another. After several spoonfuls, she felt eighty percent better. She tried to sit up, but the pain that shot through her abdomen stopped her immediately. Her hand went to her stomach. What had he done, oh god, what had her father done to her? Running his hands down over her hair, Brody tried to soothe her. “You’ve had major surgery. You need to keep as still as you can until everything starts to heal.” “What did he do?” she asked.

45

Carol Lynne

Brody gave her a rundown of her injuries. She could tell by the tone of his voice he was downplaying the severity of her condition. Bel decided not to question him further. She knew she’d get the detailed report later from the doctor. Bel looked at Brody again. “Why are you here?” “Because you’re here. Do you remember calling me?” Brody sat back down in the chair beside her bed once he saw she wouldn’t try to get up again. Licking her lips, Bel eyed the cup of chips on the tray table. Brody took the hint and gave her another spoonful. After finishing the ice, she answered Brody’s question. “I remember calling. But why are you still here? I’ve been so nasty to you lately. You must hate me more than you ever have.” Brody put the spoon back in the cup and touched her hand and leaned in close. “I never hated you. I stayed away because I felt too much and you were too young.” “Have I aged that much since I’ve been in the hospital?” Bel could feel her temper starting to rise. “No, you haven’t aged, but maybe I’ve finally grown up. I just wanted you to experience life. Why would you have wanted to be tied down to a man ten years older when you were eighteen? Think of all the things you would have missed out on. Because once I have you, you’ll be mine. I couldn’t do that to someone who’d yet to live life as a single woman. I wanted you to experience life before committing to me.” Chewing her lips in frustration, Bel looked at the open and honest face of the man she’d loved for ten years. “I didn’t have you, and you know what I still missed out on? I never went to a school dance. I’ve never made love in the rain. Hell, who am I kidding? I’ve never made love, period.” At the confused look on Brody’s face, she lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. She’d waited years for the chance to talk to Brody like this. For the first time she felt like he would listen to her as a woman and not a child, and she planned on taking full advantage of the situation.

46

Necklace of Shame

“You’re the only person I’ve ever loved. You’re who I wanted to experience all those things with. And because you acted like you didn’t want anything to do with me, I just never did them. I didn’t want second best. I only wanted you.” There, she’d said it, and to her astonishment, Brody didn’t look like he was getting ready to run. Bel saw tears form in Brody’s eyes. He took her hand and kissed her palm. “Give me another chance. I’ll make it all up to you. I love you,” Brody said. Closing her eyes against the joy of Brody’s words, Bel began to cry. Brody mistook her tears of joy for tears of sadness. “Don’t. I’ll do whatever I have to. Just tell me how I can make it up to you.” “You can start by finding a place on my face that isn’t sore and kissing me, you big jerk.” Bel tried her best to smile at Brody who looked dumbstruck. A devilish grin broke across his face as he stood. He looked around her battered and swollen face. “I think your sweet, plump lips look pretty okay.” Brody leaned down and gave her a kiss for the first time in eight years. She could tell he was trying not to hurt her. She took the decision out of his hands by parting her lips. Brody pushed his tongue into her warm mouth. The kiss went deeper and deeper until the sound of a throat being cleared came from behind Brody.

He hesitantly withdrew his tongue and looked into her eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered. Turning around, he spotted his dad standing just inside the curtain. Joe looked as happy as Brody felt. He flashed his dad a big cheesy smile. “Hey, Dad.” Brody looked at Bel one more time and stepped away from the bed so Joe could see her. “Well, well, well. What have we got here? Could it be that the two of you have stopped playing games and decided you’re perfect for each other?”

47

Carol Lynne

Brody watched as Bel’s face softened even more. It was obvious how much Bel loved his dad. Joe walked over to the bed and gave Bel a quick fatherly kiss. “How’s my girl this morning?” “Not your girl any longer,” Brody mumbled from behind Joe. Joe looked over his shoulder at Brody. “She’ll always be my Annie girl and don’t you forget it, smart-ass.” He sat in the chair Brody had vacated and took Bel’s hand. “So tell me how you’re feeling.” “Hungry and sore, but otherwise I feel great, fantastic as a matter of fact.” Bel glanced over Joe’s shoulder to make eye contact with Brody. “Mmm hmm. I remember that feeling. If you can stay awake a little while longer, your doctor will be in to see you. Maybe he’ll put you in a private room so my knuckleheaded son won’t have to sleep in the lobby anymore.” Joe turned his head and looked at Brody. “As a matter of fact, you’re starting to stink. Maybe you should go home and clean up.” “I’m not going to be away from Bel that long and you know it. It would take me over three hours to get there and back. I might get a hotel room though and clean up.” Brody ran his hand over his scruffy face. “There’s no need for you to get a hotel room. Just go to my apartment and shower. I can call Harry and tell him to let you in.” She looked around the room. “Where’s my purse?” Brody retrieved it from the cabinet beside her bed. “What do you need?” “Get my keys and my cell phone. That way, once I call Harry, you can just come and go as you please.” Bel yawned and eyed the glass of ice chips again. “Joe, can you get me another spoon of ice?” Brody dug out her key ring as Joe spooned more chips into her mouth. “Here are the keys, but you can’t turn a cell phone on in here.”

48

Necklace of Shame

He reached for the room phone. “Give me the number and I’ll dial it for you.” Brody tapped in the number and rested the headpiece against her ear. As Bel talked to the man on the other end of the phone, Brody’s thoughts went to Callum. Now that he and Bel had finally professed their love, would Bel be able to open her heart and mind to Callum? He decided to make sure Callum visited the hospital often. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out. “I’m done,” Bel said, snapping him out of his daydream. “Harry said he’d greet you at the door.” Bel smiled and chuckled. “You’ll like him. He’s as tough as you are and very protective of the women that live in the building.” At Brody’s jealous scowl, Bel giggled. “Relax. Harry’s old enough to be my grandfather.” Brody leaned down and kissed her again. Aware that his dad was sitting right beside Bel, he gave her only a chaste kiss. “I’m glad, because I’d have hated to scare one of your suitors away.” “You’re the only suitor I ever wanted and you know that, Brody Dunberg.” Brody left, crossing his fingers she’d find room for one more.

***** Brody let himself into Bel’s apartment and looked around the small room. The place was tiny, but neat as a pin. He made his way to the bedroom carrying the bag of clothes his dad had thought to bring with him. Setting the bag on the bed, Brody undressed and showered quickly. He hated being away from Bel and their newly acknowledged love. Walking back into the bedroom, he pulled a clean pair of jeans and a black T-shirt out of the duffel. After dressing, he dug around for a pair of socks and came out with not only socks but his cologne. Dad must have figured he needed all the help he could get winning Bel over. He splashed some on and set the bottle down on the nearest piece of furniture.

49

Carol Lynne

Standing at the dresser, Brody noticed the heart locket he’d given Bel for her high school graduation. Picking up the delicate gold chain, he kissed the heart, just as he’d done before he’d wrapped it and given it to her. He was pleased that it held a prominent place in her bedroom. He glanced around. He wouldn’t open drawers, but he was curious about the woman Bel had become. He walked over to the bed again and looked down. Bel had always been a simple girl when it came to decorating, perfectly crisp white sheets with a deep blue plain comforter. He spotted something through the partially open bedside drawer and couldn’t resist. Lord, he hoped he wouldn’t go to hell for snooping. He opened the drawer a little more and almost swallowed his tongue. It seems Bel had been taking care of her own needs if the butt plug, vibrator and lube gave any indication. Brody sat on the bed and pulled out Bel’s toys. Smaller than either him or Callum, they were still pretty good size for such a small woman. Closing his eyes, he fell back and unzipped his jeans. Since he’d made it a practice to go without underwear unless he wore slacks, Brody’s cock sprang into his hand as soon as he was unzipped. Wrapping his fingers around his aching cock, Brody imagined Bel filling her sweet ass with the plug. God, she must have felt so lonely. Brody knew he was lucky to have had Callum over the years, but poor Bel had no one. Pulling his T-shirt up out of the way, Brody pumped his cock while rubbing and squeezing his nipples. He couldn’t wait to bury himself in Bel’s pussy while Callum entered her from behind. The images were so real, it didn’t take long before he was calling Bel’s name as his seed shot onto his stomach and chest. “Soon, punkin,” Brody whispered as he fell asleep. The ringing of his cell phone woke him thirty minutes later. He dug through his discarded jeans and flipped it open. Noticing Callum’s name on the caller ID, he smiled. “Hey.” “What’s going on? Where did you disappear to?”

50

Necklace of Shame

Brody ran his hand back over his still-naked cock as Callum’s deep voice started to bring it back to life. “Just needed a shower. I’m at Bel’s apartment. Found a few interesting toys beside the bed and I had to take a little break. I was sound asleep when you called. Glad you did, though. I need to get back to the hospital.” “Mmm. And just what kind of break did you take after finding Bel’s toys?” “The stroking off to the thought of me buried in her pussy while you take her ass kind of break. I still have my cock in my hand, as a matter of fact. Anything new on Gerald?” “Nope, sorry. I’ve got most of my guys on it and we’re working with the CSPD, but nothing so far.” Brody gave his cock a few strokes. As much as he’d like to go hunt Gerald down, he knew Bel needed him now. “Bel let me kiss her today. I told her I loved her.” Callum groaned. “I’m happy for you. Too bad I’m already headed back to Gorge City or I’d have to stop by Bel’s and help you with your problem. Joe said they were going to move her to a private room. I’m going to be busy the next couple of days trying to track down Gerald, but call me whenever you get a chance to get out of the hospital.” Brody was working his cock at lightning speed by now so words were a little difficult. He grunted a goodbye into the phone. Callum chuckled. “Hey, Brody, do one more thing for me?” When Brody still didn’t answer, Callum must’ve known he was close. In his deepest most sensual voice he whispered, “Come for me.”

***** Two weeks later, Brody sat arguing with a stubborn Bel when Callum walked into the room. “What’s going on in here?” Bel smiled as Callum walked in. He’d been in to see her every few days for the last two weeks. She never realized how funny the good-looking man could be. She’d quickly found out that Callum was able to smooth Brody’s feathers like no one else. 51

Carol Lynne

Yep, she could definitely see why Brody loved him, and she no longer had any doubt that he did. They hadn’t had a chance to talk about Brody’s relationship with Callum, but she knew it was coming. “Hi, Cal. Would you tell your best friend that it’s not safe for me to live with him. Nor is it safe to live with Holly or Joe. Gerald knows those would be the first places I’d run to. When he finds out he once again failed to kill me, I’ve no doubt he’ll try again, and I won’t put the people I care about in danger.” She’d been over it a thousand times and still couldn’t figure out why her own father hated her so much. The thoughts were worse when she was younger, but after seeing the kind of father Joe was, she was still bitter. Callum looked from Bel to Brody. “If you don’t plan on staying with one of them, what are you suggesting? That we just let you go back to your apartment alone?” Brody interrupted before Bel could talk. “She says she going away somewhere by herself.” “I’ve got money saved. It’s not like I have to go to some fleabag motel or anything.” Bel fired a dirty look toward Brody. Holding up his hands, Callum stepped between the two of them. “Hold on a minute. Why don’t we just make this easy and have Bel come stay at my place? It’s just down the mountain from Brody’s, and where would be safer than the local police chief’s house?” Bel looked at Callum and chewed her lip. “I couldn’t ask you to do that. Who knows how long it’s going to take to find Gerald again. I could be living in your house for months. I know we’re friends, but friendship only extends so far.” What she didn’t say was that she didn’t want to grow attached to the man standing in front of her. If it weren’t for Brody, she could easily fall in love with Callum. Callum sat on the edge of Bel’s hospital bed. He took her hand and squeezed. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want you safe in my home, squirt. It’s the best solution

52

Necklace of Shame

and you both know it. When I have to be at work, Brody can stay with you. When are they releasing you, anyway?” Bel looked back to Brody. “Tomorrow. I’ve asked Brody to pack a couple bags for me and bring them to the hospital, but he’s refused.” Callum looked at Brody. “What? You refused to pack up her clothes?” Brody pointed toward Bel. “If she gets her clothes, she’ll take off somewhere on her own. I can’t let that happen.” Rolling his eyes, Callum cleared his throat. “I feel like I’m refereeing a fight between two children.” He turned back to Bel. “If Brody packs your clothes, will you agree to stay at my house?” Seeing no way out of it, she gave a reluctant nod. Callum turned to Brody. “Will you please pack Bel’s clothes so she can come and stay with me?” “Yeah,” Brody agreed with a smile. Bel noticed a glint in Brody’s eyes as he looked from her to Callum. Callum clapped his hands together. “Good. All settled.” Why did she suddenly feel like she’d made a decision there would be no turning back from?

53

Carol Lynne

Chapter Eight Pulling up to Callum’s small ranch, Bel felt nervous. Callum was every bit as tall as Brody, but although Brody had a very nice, well-muscled body, Callum had the type of bulging biceps most women swoon over. His wide chest tapered down to a firmlooking butt with big heavily muscled thighs. Before the attack ten years ago, Bel and Holly had been hot for both Brody and Callum, but after he’d saved her, Brody naturally became the object of her affection. Now, sitting next to the black-haired man she’d fantasized about over the years, Bel’s hands began to sweat. Callum shut off the engine and turned toward her. “This is it. Nothing fancy, but I like my little piece of the mountain.” He opened his door. “Wait there and I’ll help you out.” Bel rolled her eyes and opened her door. “I’m fine. The stitches are almost completely healed and I’ve been up walking around the hospital for days.” Callum shook his head. “Nope. Brody would never forgive me if you hurt yourself on my watch.” Callum climbed down from the police vehicle and went around to Bel’s open door. She turned in her seat and put her hands on his shoulders as he slid his arms under her legs and lifted her out of the seat. When he didn’t release her right away, she looked up into his dark brown eyes. “Thank you for letting me stay with you, Callum.” Shaking his head as if to bring himself back to the present, Callum set her down and smiled. “You’re welcome.”

54

Necklace of Shame

He opened the back passenger door and retrieved two large suitcases. “Let me carry these in, and I’ll be back to help you up the steps.” Callum quickly ran the luggage up and unlocked the front door. Stowing the bags just inside the entry, he turned back to help Bel. Wrapping an arm around her, Callum helped her up the porch steps to the log home. He opened the door and ushered her through to the simple, but spacious, room. “It’s nothing fancy, but I like it.” Bel looked around the high-ceilinged room. Bare beams crisscrossed overhead as an antlered chandelier cast a soft glow over the shiny hardwood floor. The furnishings were indeed simple, but perfect for the room. A deep dark brown leather sofa sat in front of the fireplace, while two oversized plaid chairs sat toward the corner of the room in front of a big entertainment center. Ochre-tinted rugs were scattered around the room. “It’s perfect,” Bel whispered. “It feels like a home.” “Thank you. Brody’s company built it for me. I just told him what kind of house I was looking for and he had one of his architects draw it up.” Bel looked at Callum and shook her head. “It’s not just the house itself, but the way it’s furnished. Warm. Your color choices are absolutely perfect. You should be very proud of your home.” Blushing, Callum nodded and picked up Bel’s luggage. “My spare bedroom is over here.” He carried the bags into a room just off the great room, and set them on the handmade bench at the foot of the bed. “I’ll let you relax a bit. I imagine the trip tired you some. I’ll be in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for supper. If you need anything, holler.” “I’d like to take a shower, if you don’t mind. Spit baths are fine once in a while, but two weeks’ worth have left me feeling pretty gross.” “Are you sure you’ve been released for that?”

55

Carol Lynne

Shaking her head, Bel giggled. “I’ve been released for everything except running the Boston Marathon. The only reason they kept me in the hospital so long was to make sure I didn’t have any permanent damage to my liver. Now stop worrying. You’ll grow old before your time.” Callum’s cheeks tinted a sweet shade of pink. “I only have one bathroom, but it’s a nice one. Get what you need and I’ll show it to you.” He waited as Bel opened her suitcase and pulled out a pair of soft jersey-style shorts, T-shirt and underwear. She retrieved her makeup case and looked toward Callum. “I think that’s it,” she said. He nodded and walked back into the great room. On the other side were two doors. Callum glanced at the clothes in her hand. “Comfortable clothes are always a good bet. I usually wear sweats around the house.” Pointing toward the first door, he said, “That’s my room.” He opened the next door and stepped inside the spacious bathroom. Reaching into the linen closet, he took out a big fluffy rust-colored towel. “That other door leads to my bedroom, so if you’re in here, it would be best to lock that door in case I don’t hear you.” Bel set her clothes down on the vanity and reached for the towel. Her fingers brushed his and she felt Callum’s breath on her cheek. Their eyes locked momentarily and what she saw surprised her. What shocked her even more was the overwhelming desire she had to lean in and kiss him. Coming to her senses, she took the towel and stepped back. “Thanks,” she said, hoping her feelings hadn’t been as apparent as Callum’s. “And by the way, I don’t need anything special for dinner. I’m pretty used to frozen dinners or sandwiches at home. I’ve even been known to eat cold cereal for dinner.” At Callum’s grin, she shrugged her shoulders. “Not much sense in cooking for one.”

56

Necklace of Shame

“You’re right about that. I’ll probably make sandwiches then, for tonight, but I’ll run to the store tomorrow and stock up. If there’s going to be the two of us living here, we might as well cook, don’t you think?” “Yeah. It might be fun.” Bel smiled as he left the room and shut the door. She started undressing and turned on the shower. As she washed her hair, she couldn’t help thinking about Callum. It was strange, but she felt even closer to him after being in his house for barely fifteen minutes. Thoughts of Callum had her feeling guilty in no time. What the hell was wrong with her? She’d loved Brody for years and she finally had him, so how could she be attracted to another man? Especially, when that man was Callum. She groaned. I need to call Brody. Just thinking about Brody had goose bumps breaking out over her skin. They’d shared several hot and heavy make-out sessions while she was in the hospital. Hopefully, before long, Brody would make love to her. She was sure that would erase any improper thoughts of Callum. If not, she knew she’d have to tell Brody about her improper thoughts. Her pussy started to tingle just thinking about making love to Brody, but she refused to masturbate in Callum’s shower on her first day as a houseguest. She finished rinsing her body and turned off the water. After drying off, she ran a pick through her long curls and put on her T-shirt. She’d become accustomed to going without a bra for the past two weeks and she liked the freedom she felt without it. She was thankful that her breasts, although large, were still firm. She eyed herself in the mirror. Other than the fact that her nipples protruded, she couldn’t tell the difference. She quickly slipped on her thong and comfy shorts. Digging through her makeup bag, she pulled out her mascara. After applying a light coat, she was finished. Bel cleaned up her mess, hanging the wet towel on the back of the bathroom door next to Callum’s.

57

Carol Lynne

She went through the great room and put her makeup bag on the dresser and her dirty clothes next to her suitcases. She thought about unpacking, but decided to do it later. Walking into the kitchen, she spotted Brody standing next to Callum at the counter. They had their heads down so she couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it must have been pretty intense because Callum was shaking his head vehemently. “No!” Callum shouted and pushed Brody away from him. “Either you do something about it or I will,” Callum said between clenched teeth. Bel stopped in her tracks. She’d never heard Callum raise his voice to Brody. Shit, were they arguing over her? She decided to break the tension in the room, hoping like hell Callum hadn’t told Brody about the situation earlier in the bathroom. She walked up behind Brody and wrapped her arms around him from behind. Brody jumped and immediately stopped talking, bringing her hands around him even more. “Hey, punkin. Have a good shower?” He released his hold and turned around to gather her in his arms. Bel knew Brody was trying to sidetrack her from what she’d walked in on, but she wasn’t about to let him get away with it. Narrowing her eyes, she pulled back a little. “What are you two in here arguing about? Because if it’s me, I can always find somewhere else to stay. I won’t come between two friends.” Bel looked from Brody to Callum. Reaching over to cup her cheek, Callum leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You’re not going anywhere. If Brody and I have a problem, we’ll deal with it on our own. We’ve been close for years and neither of us will let a simple disagreement damage our friendship. You just worry about getting better.” Brody leaned in for another kiss. This time the kiss was long and deep as Brody slipped his hands under her T-shirt to fondle her breasts. When they finally came up for air, Bel glanced over at Callum, who had a strange look on his face. 58

Necklace of Shame

Bel suddenly felt bad. “I’m sorry if we made you uncomfortable, but when Brody kisses me, I forget where I am.” Callum grinned and looked down at his tented sweats. “I’m not that kind of uncomfortable, so don’t apologize for kissing Brody.” Bel’s eyes followed Callum’s and she gasped at the size and hardness of his cock. She unconsciously licked her lips at the sight. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly looked up into Brody’s face. She felt ashamed for wanting another man while wrapped in Brody’s embrace. “I’m going to take a short nap. I can make my own sandwich when I wake up.” Before she could pull out of Brody’s arms, he kissed her again. “Don’t be embarrassed. Callum’s a damn good-looking man. It’s only natural to notice his, um…attributes.” Brody released her enough to walk her out of the kitchen and into the great room. “Can I take a nap with you?” Bel snuggled against his side as they entered her bedroom and shut the door. She was still mortified that she’d been caught staring at Callum’s more than generous cock. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Brody pulled Bel so that she stood between his spread legs. “First, let me tell you how much I enjoy seeing you in this tight shirt without a bra. In fact, I like it so much I’m gonna have to have a taste.” Peeling her shirt up over her breasts, Brody leaned forward and captured a hardened pink nipple in his mouth. Swirling his tongue around the extended nub, he latched on and began to suckle eagerly. Never having had a lover before, Bel was overwhelmed at the intense sensation of Brody’s ministrations. Her body automatically arched, thrusting even more of her chest toward him. Brody ran his hands up her bare legs and under the hem of her shorts. Bel moaned as he rubbed her pussy through her thong. Her pelvis instinctively pressed against his hand as she moaned again.

59

Carol Lynne

Releasing her nipple, Brody looked into her eyes. “Let’s get naked. I need to feel and see all of you.” She knew it was silly, but she hated for Brody to see the still-red knife wounds. He’d seen them while she was in the hospital, but it was different now. This was her first time and she wanted to feel sexy. “Can we pull the drapes?” she asked, taking a step back. Brody’s head tilted to the side. “What’s wrong?” Knowing he wouldn’t understand, she gestured to her abdomen. “I’d just feel better if you didn’t have to look at me in the light.” “I like looking at you.” As if reading her mind, Brody continued. “You know they don’t detract from your beauty.” She saw the truth of his words in his eyes. She gave him a tentative nod and stepped forward. Brody finished pulling her shirt up and off before pushing her shorts and thong down her legs. She did a little shimmy until they landed at her feet. Before she knew it, Bel was standing before Brody completely naked. She should have felt embarrassed, never having been in this situation before, but she felt nothing but free. When Brody’s hands and mouth started wandering over her skin, she tapped him on the shoulder. “No fair. You have to get naked too, or you’ll have all the fun without me.” Laughing, Brody took off his dark gray t-shirt. “Oh, punkin, I’ve got so much to teach you.” Brody toed off his boots. “You wanna help me with my jeans?” Bel didn’t need to be asked twice. She’d waited too many years for this moment and she wanted to enjoy every aspect of it. Kneeling between Brody’s thighs, she went to work on his jeans. As she lowered his zipper, she noticed he was holding his breath. She stopped and looked up. “What’s wrong?” Brody stroked her still-drying hair and chuckled. “Just be careful. I’m not wearing any underwear.”

60

Necklace of Shame

Bel held her hands up and sat back on her heels. “You do it. I don’t want to hurt you.” She watched as he carefully slid the zipper down. Standing, Brody lowered his jeans and his gorgeous cock sprang free. Bel’s eyes must have shown her surprise at his size. “Wow.” Pulling her up into his arms, Brody kissed her. “I’ll fit. You were made for me, after all. God wouldn’t be that cruel to two people in love.” He turned and pulled down the comforter, holding the sheet up as Bel got into bed. When he slid in next to her, she was once again wrapped in his embrace. “Mmm. This feels like I’ve died and gone to heaven.” Brody ran his hand down her back to her ass. He took one cheek into his big hand and squeezed. Bel slid her leg up Brody’s thigh to nudge his cock. “You feel wonderful. I’ve dreamt of this day for ten years.” She still couldn’t believe she was finally in his arms. Closing her eyes, she thought of all the nights she’d lain alone in her bed thinking about what it would be like to make love to Brody. Inside, she felt like a giggling schoolgirl. She wanted to be the sophisticated woman she knew Brody thought she was, but what she really wanted was to jump up and down on the bed with her arms thrown in the air doing a victory dance. A noise from the other room brought her back down to earth. Somewhere in the house was Callum. She wondered if he was jealous that Brody was with her and not him. Suddenly feeling bold, she ran her palm up the long length of his erection. “What were you and Callum arguing about in the kitchen?” Brody covered Bel’s hand and taught her how tightly he liked to be squeezed and how fast he wanted to be stroked. Brody’s was the first non-silicone cock that she’d touched. She was amazed by how soft the skin felt.

61

Carol Lynne

A moan erupted from Brody. Ooh, she liked this. Knowing she had the power in one hand to bring him so much pleasure. Soon, Brody released her hand and she took over on her own. He let his fingers wander down the crevice of her ass to dip inside her wet pussy. Oh, hello. She liked that even better. Bel realized Brody had never answered her question. “Brody? Are you going to tell me?” she managed to ask as Brody pumped his fingers in and out of her pussy. “Something we’ll eventually need to talk about. But right now I just want to be inside you.” He lay flat on the bed and pulled her astride him. “This will be a better position for you. You can have the control, and I won’t have to worry about hurting you.” Bel sat up and slid her butt down his torso until she felt his cock slide through her pussy lips. When his length came into contact with her clit, she moaned. Her vibrator never made her feel this good. Brody reached down with one hand and began rubbing her clit. He used the other to pinch her nipples. “Feel good?” Brody asked. “Mmm.” The feel of Brody’s cock was unbelievable. She bit her lip and looked at him. “I want you inside me, but I’m not on any kind of birth control.” Bel continued to move her body back and forth over his cock. Brody looked at her for a second and reached over to the bedside table. He searched through the drawer before turning back, holding up a foil package. “The only problem is this is all that’s in that drawer, and unless Callum’s got some in his room this is it.” At Bel’s obvious disappointment, Brody smiled. “I can always make a run into town.” Brody tore open the package and rolled the condom down his shaft. “There’s two ways we can do this. I can fuck your pussy or I can fuck your ass.” He lightly pinched her clit. “You decide.”

62

Necklace of Shame

Bel had always loved fucking herself in the ass, but she wanted Brody to take what she’d always saved for him. Looking down at him, she brushed her hair behind her shoulders. “Even though physically I’m no longer a virgin, I’ve never been with anyone before. I think I’d like you to make love to me.” Brody pulled her down for a kiss. “No matter how or when I touch you, it’ll always be making love, punkin.” Those words made her feel warm all over as she reached between them and slowly impaled herself on Brody’s shaft. “Yes.” She nipped Brody’s chest before sitting up again. Brody wrapped his hands around her hips and lifted her slightly as he thrust up into her. “Damn, you feel good.” Moving her feet up against Brody’s hips, she lifted herself into a squatting position. Brody smiled and thrust deep and fast in and out of her. “You’re a quick study,” he panted. When Bel reached down to rub her own clit, Brody groaned. “Fuck, that’s sexy.” She’d never in her life thought of herself that way, but she realized at that moment that she did indeed feel sexy. With the combination of Brody’s cock and her fingers, she climaxed in moments. Brody gave a loud grunt as she watched the tendons in his neck stand out in stark relief. Wow, so that’s what a man looks like when he comes. Embarrassed by her own lack of knowledge, she collapsed on Brody’s chest, gasping for breath. Brody pulled her higher and took her mouth in an all-consuming kiss. Breaking the contact, he rimmed her lips with his tongue. “I love you.” Bel snuggled against his chest. “I love you.” She inhaled their combined scents as she lay peacefully with the man she loved. She licked and kissed Brody’s neck and jaw, feeling more content than she had ever been in her life. A high-security apartment was nothing compared to the safety she felt in Brody’s arms. They continue to kiss and touch for several more minutes.

63

Carol Lynne

“Let me get up for a second. I’ll run and get rid of this condom and get a warm washcloth.” Brody swung his legs over the bed. “Stay right there.” When he went out the door with nothing on, she was surprised. It was one thing for Callum to know what they were doing, but quite another to come face-to-face with it. Coming back a few minutes later, Brody quickly cleaned between Bel’s legs before throwing the cloth on the floor. He grinned when he caught her looking at his ass and crawled back into bed. “I can’t believe you went out there without any clothes on. What would you have done if Callum had seen you?” Bel asked uneasily as Brody pressed her against his body. Playing with Bel’s curls, Brody took a deep breath. “You want the honest answer or the easiest one?” Turning her head up to look into his eyes, Bel faltered. Was she really ready for this? She’d been bracing herself for this talk for two weeks. Yeah, she realized she needed to know all of it. “The-the truth, Brody. There’s been enough hiding between us.” Letting her hair go, Brody ran his finger down the side of his face. “Even if it changes the way you look at me?” “I love you. Talk to me.” Bel could tell Brody was nervous, so she snuggled back against his chest and put her head down. As she waited for him to begin, her finger seemed to naturally rim circles around his dark brown nipple. She probably should have made it easier for him by confessing that she knew he and Callum had been lovers, but her curiosity at how he would explain it got the better of her. “Callum and I…” Brody stopped talking and ran his hand over his face. “Callum and I have been lovers for years, since we were in high school, as a matter of fact. That’s one of the reasons we stayed in the city after graduating. We moved back home once we figured out that although we were in love, it just wasn’t enough.” Brody stopped talking, obviously waiting for her reaction. 64

Necklace of Shame

Bel didn’t give him one right away. Although she’d seen the way they looked at each other and knew deep in her heart that the two men were in love, it was different hearing it. This was the man she loved. So why wasn’t she angry that he’d just confessed to also loving someone else? “What do you mean, it wasn’t enough?” “That’s your question? Not why were you lovers?” Rising up on her elbow to look at him, she nodded. “To be honest, I already knew the two of you were having sex. My question is, why isn’t that enough for the two of you?” Licking his lips, Brody sighed. “Because we both liked women too. We decided we wanted a wife and children. I haven’t been with anyone but him since the night I carried you in my arms. I’ve always had Callum, but I needed more. I needed you.” “What night did you carry me?” she whispered, more to herself than to Brody. Her eyes rounded. “You fell in love with me the night of my attack?” She was so confused. How could he have loved her for so long and she hadn’t known? She looked at Brody and saw his face fall. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that. I’ve always been ashamed to even admit it to myself.” Brody looked toward the window. After a few seconds, Bel turned his face toward her. “Is that why you really stayed away from me for so long? Because you fell in love with me that night?” “Because I fell in love with a sixteen-year-old who had just had her beautiful body violated by her father,” he spat out. No wonder he stayed away. It was obvious he was ashamed of his feelings, but why? Did he think loving someone so young made him a pervert? “When I picked you up and carried you to that helicopter…” Brody swallowed and took a deep breath. “You opened your eyes and looked up at me and I knew. This may be unbelievable, but it wasn’t lust, it was love. I knew at that moment that I wanted you

65

Carol Lynne

in my life. For two years I told myself it was a brotherly sort of love, but when I held you the night of your graduation, I knew the truth.” Bel leaned in and kissed him. “I don’t care how or when you fell in love with me. Just that you did. I’m sorry your conscience kept us away from each other for so long.” She kissed him again, pushing her tongue into his mouth. Moaning, Brody pulled her closer and took the kiss deeper. When they broke apart he whispered against her lips. “I love you. Now and forever.” “What about Callum? Is that what the two of you were arguing about in the kitchen?” The last thing she wanted was to hurt either of them. “He told me when I got here that he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off you for long. Callum asked if I’d talk to you about being with both of us and I told him you weren’t ready yet.” Brody released Bel and sat up on the edge of the bed. So Callum had indeed felt the undeniable attraction between the two of them. Did she dare tell Brody she’d felt it too? Would he think less of her? Honesty went both ways, she realized. Bel sat up and pressed her body against Brody’s back. “What do you think of the idea? Doesn’t it make you jealous?” She ran her hands down Brody’s chest from behind. “Jealous? No. Maybe it should, but it doesn’t. I love you both. I’ll be honest and tell you I’ve dreamt of having a family made up of the three of us. But I won’t lose you because of it. If there’s a chance of that, I’ll never sleep with Callum again.” Brody lifted Bel’s hands off his chest and brought them to his mouth. He kissed each palm and pressed them to his heart. Her heart filled to overflowing. As much as Brody loved Callum, he was willing to give him up for her. But what would it do to him over time? If he gave up that side of himself, would he come to resent her in the future? And what about Callum? Bel closed her eyes. There were too many questions, too few answers. “How would something like that work?”

66

Necklace of Shame

Brody pulled her around to sit on his lap. “You mean like the mechanics of a threesome?” Bel smiled and slapped his chest. “No, smart-ass. I mean just the everyday aspect of a threesome.” Brody narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side. “You mean, can you touch him like you do me?” “Yeah. I mean, can I kiss him if I want to without you going all jealous boyfriend on me?” Flashing Bel his white teeth, he smiled. “Sure. I can touch you when I want. I can touch Callum when I want. You can touch. He can touch. We’d all have to be equal or a relationship would never work.” “And you don’t think we’ll ever get jealous of one another?” She seriously doubted that. Brody seemed to think about it for a second. “I guess if two partners pair up in secret, or more often, it could cause some bad feelings. We’d have to work to make sure that didn’t happen, and if one partner felt left out, they spoke up before it became a real problem.” Biting her lip, Bel pondered what Brody had said. “What if he and I have a fight or something?” She needed to work through all possible scenarios before she agreed to anything. “Then it’s between the two of you. You’ll have to work it out like any other couple would. Don’t misunderstand me, Bel. A relationship between the three of us won’t always be a bed of roses. We’ll have fights. But if we all love each other enough, they’ll work out.” He smacked Bel on the ass when his stomach growled. “Get up, punkin, let’s go find something around here for dinner.”

67

Carol Lynne

Laughing, Bel stood and reached for her clothes. She started to put her underwear on but a hand to her arm stopped her. “Leave them off for me.” Bel blushed and nodded her head. Could she really be considering this? She was honest enough with herself to admit that she’d had her own share of fantasies over the years, but could she really go through with it? She slipped her shorts and T-shirt on and stood beside the door. She watched as Brody slipped his jeans back on, but left his shirt off. “Feeling pretty bold, are you?” Walking toward her, Brody leaned in and nipped her neck. “No sense in putting a shirt on around you or Callum. You’ve both seen everything I have.” Brody opened the door and led her by the hand to the kitchen. The room was empty. “Where’s Callum?” Bel opened the fridge and pulled out some lunchmeat, cheese and mustard as Brody found the bread. Brody looked out the big kitchen window. “He’s probably in the barn feeding the horses.” Bel’s eyes lit up. “He has horses?” She practically pressed her nose against the window. “I love horses.” Wrapping his arms around her, Brody kissed her neck. “Two. A chestnut gelding named Barney and a buckskin mare named Pebbles.” Brody ran his hands up under her T-shirt and began fondling her breasts. Leaning back against him, Bel arched into his hands and moaned. Her stomach growled as Brody pinched her nipples. Stilling his hands, he nipped her neck. “Time to feed you. You’ve gotta keep up your strength.” He removed his hands and went to the kitchen counter to prepare the sandwiches as Bel continued to watch out the window. She could picture Callum’s strong arms brushing down the horses. Bel wondered if the barn was hot enough for him to sweat. She was surprised when she felt her pussy twitch by the thought of Callum wet with perspiration.

68

Necklace of Shame

“Do you think he’ll let me ride?” Bel looked at Brody over her shoulder and grinned. “The horses, I mean.” Even though she’d clarified, her pussy seemed to go into overdrive at the prospect of riding the sweaty man in the barn. Maybe she was more ready for this new relationship than she’d realized. Brody sat two plates on the table. “I reckon Callum will let you do about anything you want as long as he thinks its safe. Now come on over and eat.” Brody looked into the fridge. “You want milk, juice, tea or pop?” “Tea, please.” Bel took a seat at the table. Brody poured two glasses and sat beside her. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” he said with a quick kiss. They dug into their sandwiches with gusto. Bel wiped her mouth as she finished. She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her toned stomach. Although still red, the wounds were almost healed on the surface. Her doctor told her the internal tissue would take a little while longer. “I’m full.” Brody finished his second sandwich as he watched her rub her stomach. Bel stood and gathered their plates. As she was taking them to the sink, the kitchen door opened and Callum walked in. “Hey,” Callum called out. “Hey, Doodle, Bel wants to ride one of your horses,” Brody said. Bel watched the two men reflected in the kitchen window. She saw Brody gesturing to her and giving Callum the okay signal with his fingers. She smiled to herself but didn’t turn away from the sink. It was obvious they didn’t know she could see them. “Ain’t that right, Bel?” Brody asked. Bel put the last glass on the drainboard and turned around as she dried her hands. “Yeah. I love horses. If I’d known you had them, I’d have been out here a long time ago.” Grabbing a can of pop out of the fridge, Callum pulled out a kitchen chair and sat down. “We’ll have to see how things go for a few days. I don’t want to take a chance of

69

Carol Lynne

Gerald spotting you. You’d have to get the okay from your doctor too. You can tell him that Barney’s gait is as smooth as silk and we’ll be walking them on trails instead of cross-country. That might make a difference.” He took a big gulp of his pop and set it on the table. Bel continued to dry her hands, trying to work up the nerve to go to Callum. How did you initiate a threesome? It was all new to her. He must’ve picked up on her dilemma because he reached out to her. “Come here, Bel,” Callum said and patted his knee. Glancing over at Brody, she saw him nod and smile at her. Easing her way over, she sat on Callum’s lap. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little new to all this. You’ll have to be patient with me.” Cupping her face in his hands, Callum pulled her toward him. “Just relax, darlin’.” He captured her lips with his own and her whole world tilted once again. Bel moaned as Callum’s tongue dueled with hers. Breaking the kiss, she looked into Callum’s dark brown eyes. “That was nice.” She wiggled around on his lap, trying to get comfortable. Callum groaned and surprised her by sliding his hand under her shirt, tweaking her engorged nipples. “I’ve wanted to get my hands on these for years.” He pulled the shirt up as Bel repositioned and straddled his lap. It was another new experience, making out with another man in front of your boyfriend. If she were honest with herself, she’d have to say it was a bigger turn-on than she’d ever thought possible. She held the back of his head as he bent to take a nipple into his mouth. Callum started moving her back and forth on his cock as he rubbed her pussy through her tight shorts. Bel moaned with pleasure and Callum released her nipple and kissed her. “So sweet,” he whispered against her lips. Hearing a groan from across the room, both of their heads turned toward Brody. She’d wondered what Brody’s reaction would truly be after seeing her with Callum. 70

Necklace of Shame

What she saw shocked and thrilled her as she looked back at Callum. Brody had his jeans unzipped and his cock already in his hand. “Ready to go relax in the great room for a while?” Callum asked. “I thought we could pull out the hide-a-bed and watch a movie. As much as I want to make love to both of you, I think it would be better to take things slowly. Let Bel get used to the idea.” Brody nodded his agreement and stood, still holding his cock. “Bel?” Bel was mesmerized by Brody’s cock. She nodded her agreement. Standing, Callum carried her into the great room. As Brody unfolded the hide-abed sofa, she was pleased to see there was already a sheet on the mattress as Callum laid her in the center. “I’ll be right back with some pillows and a blanket.” Callum disappeared into his bedroom. Crawling onto the bed, Brody kissed her. “You sure about this? I won’t take a chance of losing you. Not for anything or anyone.” He hovered over her. “Nothing short of death will keep me away from you,” she said and pulled him down for another kiss. They heard Callum coming back in the room and broke apart. Getting off the bed, Brody walked over to the entertainment center. “What sorts of movies do you like, Bel?” Brody started flipping through the DVDs as Callum spread the blanket over Bel and the bed. He placed a pillow under her head and threw one to each side of her. “I like just about anything. Horror movies are my favorite.” She looked at the men sheepishly. “They’ve always made my life seem so tame.” She watched as both men stiffened at her words. With two Alphas in the house, she would have to watch what she said. “Anything. It doesn’t have to be horror. As long as I have you two beside me, I’ll watch anything.”

71

Carol Lynne

Brody selected a movie and put it in the DVD player. He walked back toward the sofa bed, but veered off toward Callum’s room. “Callum has the right idea with the sweats. I’m going to change into a pair if that’s okay, Doodle?” Snuggling up to Bel’s side, Callum sighed. “Whatever you want. Bring the box of condoms and lube from my bathroom, would ya?” Brody disappeared into the bedroom and Callum ran his fingers over Bel’s face. “You’re so beautiful.” Snorting, Bel shook her head. “No, I’m not. My ass is too big and my nose is covered in freckles. And unlike your pretty eyes, mine are basic hazel.” Bel felt her skin tingle as Callum ran his hand down her face to her neck. “Your freckles are cute as hell. Your eyes aren’t just hazel. They’re green with flecks of gold and blue. This close, they almost look like a kaleidoscope.” Callum ran his hand from her neck all the way down to her ass. “And this is enough to inspire fantasies. I know, because I’ve had them. It’s not all skinny and bony like some women’s. It’s what I’d call a firm handful.” Callum squeezed one of her cheeks. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Opening her mouth wide, Bel took everything Callum gave her. Soon the kiss heated and they began rubbing and moaning. His hand found its way back up to her breast as he insinuated his long, strong leg between her thighs. The bed dipped and Bel felt another pair of hands roaming her body. It was the first time she got the feeling at what it would be like being with two men at the same time. She smiled to herself, thinking of the old saying, double the pleasure, double the fun. Breaking the kiss, she looked over her shoulder at Brody. “Movie?” Picking up the remote, Brody hit play. “How do you feel about sharks?”

They plumped their pillows and began watching the movie. Lazy kisses were shared between all of them as hands wandered, never really trying to excite the other partner, just touching and exploring.

72

Necklace of Shame

Brody wrapped himself around Bel and began sucking her distended nipples through her shirt. She looked away from the movie and down to Brody. His mouth had made her light pink shirt transparent where he’d licked, but that wasn’t what really excited her. When she looked down, she could see that not only was Brody torturing her, but Callum as well. Brody had his hand inside Callum’s sweats and was slowly stroking the other man’s cock. Callum, with his arm thrown over Bel, was returning the favor. Deciding to join in, Bel reached down and dipped her hands into each man’s pants. As the men stroked each other, Bel pressed her thumb against the heads of each man’s cock. When her thumbs were covered with pre-cum, she withdrew them and sucked them into her mouth. Brody bit her nipple as he looked into her eyes. “Damn, that was sexy.” Smiling, she went back for more. “You both taste wonderful.” “Scoot up, punkin,” Brody said. “It’s my turn to taste you. But first I think we’re all wearing too many clothes.” The threesome broke apart long enough to strip. Positioning Bel just where he wanted her, Brody spread her thighs and made room for the width of his shoulders. Brody ran his fingertips over Bel’s closely cropped pussy hair. “Looks good.” Lowering his head, he ran his tongue up her dripping slit. He delved deep into her channel and lapped like a dog. “Oh,” Bel moaned when Callum’s mouth joined in and suckled at her clit. Unconsciously, she thrust her pussy against their faces. Brody removed his mouth and thrust three fingers deep inside her. Bel squirmed under the sensation. She leaned up on her elbows so she could see what they were doing. Brody had his lips wrapped around Callum’s cock as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of her pussy.

73

Carol Lynne

Damn, that’s hot. She was pleasantly surprised that the sight of Brody giving Callum a blowjob only added to her sexual arousal. Callum’s groans of pleasure sent deep vibrations to her clit. Between the dual sensations to her pussy and the sight of Brody sucking on Callum’s very generous cock, she came in a rush of feeling. Falling back to the bed, her whole body tensed and quivered with the strength of her orgasm. She opened her eyes as Callum kissed her. Breaking the kiss, she giggled. “You taste like me.” “And you taste like peaches.” Callum kissed her again. “Mmm. Yeah. Definitely peaches.” Callum tapped Brody on the top of the head. “Don’t make me come. I’m saving that.” Callum reached beside the bed for the tube of lube and condoms Brody had brought in earlier. “I want inside you, Bel,” he said, tossing a foil package to Brody. He punctuated his statement by thrusting three fingers into Bel’s already sensitive pussy. He gathered her juices and moved farther down to her tightly puckered rosette. “Are you comfortable with this?” Callum asked as he pushed the tip of one finger into her back entrance. Bel pushed against his finger, driving the entire length inside her. “Yes,” she shouted, “more.” Callum smiled and added another cum-soaked finger. “Bel’s our kind of woman, Brody.” When her body accepted the second finger so readily, he added the third. Leaning in, Brody kissed Callum and then Bel. “Bel’s not our kind of woman. She’s our woman. Period.” Brody slipped two of his fingers into Bel’s pussy. “How do you want to do this, Bel? We can be on our sides or you can ride me as Callum rides you from behind.”

74

Necklace of Shame

“As long as you’re both inside me, it doesn’t matter.” Her body hummed with pleasure. She knew this was every girl’s dream, two hot men begging to please her. Lying down flat on the bed, Brody pulled Bel over him. “I think this way will be easier for now.” Brody kissed Bel’s nose. After sheathing himself, Callum squirted lube onto his hand and stroked his cock. “She’s ready.” Callum swatted her on the ass. “Someone’s used to taking something up the ass.” She blushed a bright crimson and looked at Brody. “I, uh…” Pulling her down for a kiss, Brody stopped her words. “Don’t apologize for making yourself feel good.” He reached down and separated the globes of her ass as he drove his cock inside her pussy. “Oh yes.” Bel closed her eyes at the sensation. She’d needed Brody for so long, hungered for him, loved him. She arched her body enough to stick her ass as high as she could while still holding Brody’s cock in her pussy. She felt Callum’s cock as he touched it against her hole. Relaxing was the hard part, but she knew it was necessary as he slowly pushed inside. Once the giant crown slipped through her ring of muscles, he eased in the rest of his length. When Bel felt the slap of his sac against her ass, she knew he was buried as deeply as he could get. The overwhelming sensation of being too full quickly dissipated and Bel began to squirm. “Now.” The two men moved in a counterthrust rhythm. One pulling out as the other pushed in so she was never left empty. Panting, Bel dug her nails into Brody’s shoulders. Shivers raced down her spine as she felt her imminent climax. When the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, she knew she was seconds away. “Ooh. Oh. Come with me.” Her vision became spotty as the rush of pleasure coursed through her body. Bel’s climax was so intense that she barely heard the cries of pleasure issuing from both Brody and Callum. Falling onto Brody’s chest, she fell asleep almost immediately. 75

Carol Lynne

Brody rolled to the side and pulled out of Bel. “Would you get a warm washcloth so we can clean her? I think we wore her out.” Brody turned to give Callum a kiss as he removed the condom and tied it off. With a big smile plastered on his face, Callum climbed out of bed. Brody watched Callum’s perfectly shaped ass as he went into the bathroom. Damn, how did I get so lucky? Brody loved them both and they were finally all together. The thought of Gerald getting another chance to take Bel away from them made him see red. Brody went from happily sated to agitated and angry in the time it took for Callum to come back to bed. Callum must have noticed the change in Brody. “What’s going on? When I left, you were smiling like the cat that ate the cream. Now you look like you’d like to kill someone.” Callum started gently cleaning Bel. Brody noticed how careful Callum was not to wake her. Brody took the cloth from Callum and quickly wiped off his shaft. He threw the rag beside the sofa bed on the floor. “I was fine until I started thinking about Gerald.” He looked at Callum. “I’m afraid if I catch him, I’ll do more than beat the shit out of him this time.” Pulling Brody into his arms, Callum kissed him. “Luckily you’re sleeping with a police chief. I’ve got a force of officers that can help prevent Gerald from ever getting close to Bel again.” Brody felt Callum’s shaft rubbing against his. He was more than a little surprised when his cock began to harden with the delicious friction. As sexy as Callum had always been to him, he seemed even more so, now that he’d watched Callum fill Bel. His feelings even seemed to go deeper. Maybe he’d held a part of himself back in the past? “We can protect her this time. She’s finally accepted our help. It won’t be like before,” Callum said as Brody slid down and took his lover’s hardening shaft into his mouth. 76

Necklace of Shame

Brody spread Callum’s legs, and devoured the hardening cock. Callum started pumping up into his mouth, and Brody let him take the lead. When Brody introduced a dry finger to his ass, Callum lost it and came down his throat. They heard a moan and looked over at a wide-eyed Bel. “That was hot,” she whispered, her blonde hair covering one of her breasts. Brody pulled off Callum’s shaft, and moved up to until he was stretched out on the other side of Bel. Licking his lips, Brody looked at her and Callum. He leaned in and kissed them both. “I love you both so much.” Bel looked into Brody’s eyes. “You’re so beautiful. Your gray eyes seem to glow when you’re excited. Like moonlight.” Bel played with his shoulder-length black hair. “I like it this length.” She smiled, “More of it to hold on to.” Brody looked over at Callum. His lover had dark brown eyes and short black wavy hair. “Have you ever thought of letting your hair grow out?” Shaking his head, Callum smiled. “If I let mine grow out, Mayor Jeffries would have my ass for breakfast. It’s not straight like yours. Mine’s as curly as Bel’s.” Brody and Bel both yawned at the same time. “Come on, you two. Let’s go to bed,” Callum said, leading them to his bedroom.

77

Carol Lynne

Chapter Nine When Brody led Holly into the kitchen a couple of days later, Callum just happened to have Bel arched back over the island suckling and biting her exposed breasts. Bel was aware that Brody had come into the room and expected him to join in. Instead, she heard Holly gasp, “Oh god.” Bel immediately tried to push Callum back. Laughing, Brody cleared his throat. “Hey, guys, we’ve got company. Holly decided to drop by.” At the mention of Holly’s name, Callum finally released Bel’s nipple and quickly pulled down her T-shirt. “Sorry, Holly. We didn’t hear the door,” Callum said, and helped Bel off the island before going back to finish the pancakes like nothing happened. Bel looked at her best friend and cringed. She wondered how much Holly had seen and heard. Callum loved to talk dirty when the two of them were alone. When she’d questioned him about it, he’d told her he thought she needed the extra stimulation without Brody being involved. She’d tried to tell him that he was enough stimulation for any woman, but he continued anyway. She looked from Brody back to Holly. Brody’s grin told her Holly had seen enough. Uncovering her eyes, Holly looked between the three other people in the room. “Well, I came over to talk to Callum about something, but I think I need to talk to my girlfriend first.” Holly walked over and took Bel by the hand. Being led into the great room, Bel bit her lip. She hoped that her best friend wouldn’t be disgusted with her for being with two men. Bel sat down on the sofa and blushed at everything she’d been exposed to in the last twenty-four hours. “Okay, spill.” Holly turned to sit sideways on the sofa and glared at Bel. 78

Necklace of Shame

Shrugging her shoulders, Bel felt like a little girl caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “I don’t know what to say.” She looked up from her clenched hands and looked at Holly. “Well, you know how much I love Brody, but I’m falling for Callum too.” She continued to chew on her lip. “Oh, that is so unfair. No way can you get two of the best-looking studs in town all to yourself.” Holly grinned and playfully slapped Bel’s arm, letting her know she wasn’t disgusted. “So what do they say? I mean, how’s it possible?” With a confused look on her face, Bel puzzled through the question. “Brody loves me. He tells me every chance he gets. Callum and I haven’t exactly gotten around to the topic yet, but by the way he looks at me, I think he’s falling.” “And?” “And so far it’s working. I just happen to have two boyfriends and they have a boyfriend and a girlfriend.” Bel finished off the sentence with a big grin. “And the sex is fantastic. Boy, I didn’t know what I’d been missing.” Holly started moving her finger back and forth. “So they’re, um…” Bel captured Holly’s hand. “Yes. They have been for years.” “Well, I still say it’s not fair, but if anyone deserves the love of two hot men, it’s you.” Holly stood and pulled Bel from the sofa into her arms for a hug. “I need to talk to Callum. Come on.” Holly dragged Bel back into the kitchen. This time when they entered the kitchen, Holly and Bel caught Callum and Brody in a lip-lock. Bel giggled and the two men broke apart. Callum set the platter of pancakes on the table. “Breakfast anyone?” Bel continued to grin. Callum was so smooth. “You staying for breakfast?” Bel bumped Holly with her hip. “Sure, why not.” Holly took a seat at the table while Brody pulled another plate out of the cabinet.

79

Carol Lynne

Setting the juice and scrambled eggs mixed with bacon on the table, Brody took a seat. Loading eggs onto his plate, Brody spread his thighs as Bel let her foot travel up his leg and began to massage his cock under the table. “So what brings you all the way to Gorge City this morning, Holly?” Brody asked. Holly grinned at her. Bel knew Holly was perfectly aware of what was going on under the table. “I came to talk to the Callum actually. I heard someone moving around outside my house last night. I called the police and they came over, but didn’t see anyone. They took a couple of pictures of some footprints, but that’s it.” Bel felt her chest tighten. No, Holly had already been through enough in her life. She wouldn’t let Gerald get near her. Both Brody and Callum immediately stiffened at Holly’s words. Callum looked right at Holly. “We all know who it was, Holly. You’re not safe there anymore. You’ll have to come stay here.” “No way.” Holly shook her head and crossed her arms. “I will not stay and be the fourth wheel. Think of something else.” Bel quickly racked her brain to come up with a solution. It was her responsibility to make sure her best friend was safe. Knowing that Holly had a secret crush on Joe, Bel piped up. “Why doesn’t she stay with Joe? That way they’d both have someone to wash—I mean, watch—their backs.” She grinned as Holly’s face turned red. “That’s a great idea.” Callum reached out and retrieved his cell phone from the counter. Bel grabbed it out of his hand. “I’ll ask,” she said and called Joe. “Hello?” “Hey, Joe. I need a favor.” She briefly worried she would now be putting Joe in danger, but she knew her surrogate father. If he found out Holly was in trouble and hadn’t been asked to help, he would never forgive them. “Anything for you. How’re you feeling?” Joe asked.

80

Necklace of Shame

“Never better.” She looked at her two men. “I’m glad. You deserve it.” She wondered what Joe would say if he knew about Callum. Deciding to gear the call in the right direction, she got down to the real business at hand. “Holly had a visitor outside her house last night. Could she stay with you until they catch Gerald?” Bel looked at Brody. They’d talked briefly the night before about Joe always asking about Holly and how she was doing. They thought it was cute that a man of fifty-four had a crush on any woman. The fact that the crush was aimed at her best friend was even better. Although Joe would never in a million years admit it. “Oh my god. Is she all right?” The worry in Joe’s voice sounded genuine and Bel smiled. “She’s fine. She called the police and they came out and either scared Gerald away or he left on his own. He was probably looking for me. You need to know that Gerald might come there looking for her or me,” Bel warned. “Don’t you worry, Annie. I’ll take care of things here. Tell Holly she’s welcome to stay as long as she needs.” “I will. You’re a sweetheart, Joe. Talk to you later.” Bel closed the phone and set it on the table. “Joe said you’re welcome to stay as long as you need to. Did you bring any clothes with you?” “No. I didn’t plan on staying.” Holly bit her lip. “I’m not sure if I can take off work. I’ll have to call my boss.” “If it’ll make it easier, I can call him for you. It might seem more important that you get out of town if a police chief calls him,” Callum added as Bel’s bare foot slid up Callum’s leg to nuzzle his cock through his sweats. She heard a soft growl coming from Callum. Bel giggled as he took a bite of pancake to cover the noise that escaped.

81

Carol Lynne

“Mmm.” Callum’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as Bel’s foot pulled down the elastic of his sweats to the bare cock underneath. She ran her big toe over the top of his crown. Callum gripped the table like he was holding on for dear life. Brody must have noticed Callum’s obvious distress. “Hey, Holly. Why don’t I go with you to pick up your clothes?” Holly looked from Bel to Callum and nodded. “Yeah. I think that would be a good idea.” Holly wiped her mouth on her paper napkin and stood. Leaning over, she gave Bel a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll talk to you later.” Looking at Callum, Holly shook her head and leaned over to Brody. “I’d say goodbye to Callum, but I don’t think he’d hear me anyway.” Laughing, Brody gave Bel a quick kiss. She’d never spent longer than a couple of minutes alone with Callum. Despite her love for Brody, she was looking forward to bonding with her other man. Brody walked over and bent to give Callum a kiss. His hand disappeared below the table as he obviously gave Callum’s shaft a quick rub. “See you in a few hours.” Ushering Holly out of the room, the pair left the house.

Callum was on Bel as soon as Holly left the kitchen. He picked her up out of her chair and carried her to the center island. “Let’s get you out of these shorts.” Bel nodded. She loved it when Callum went all Alpha male. There was just something about a man who knew how to take charge one minute and be loving and nurturing the next. Within seconds, Bel was completely naked and open to his eyes. He pushed his own sweats down and retrieved a condom from the cabinet where they’d decided they needed a supply. “I don’t know what it is with you and Brody, but you both love kitchens,” Bel laughed, wrapping her legs around his waist as he slipped the condom on.

82

Necklace of Shame

Condom in place, Callum thrust into Bel’s pussy to the hilt. “We need to get you to the doctor. I wanna feel you against my cock without anything between us.” Callum pulled out and surged back in. “And this island is the perfect height for fucking. It’s why I had it designed this way.” Bel covered his mouth with her hand. “Less talking. More action.” Callum raised an eyebrow. “You asked for it.” He wrapped his hands around Bel’s ankles and spread her legs into a V. She could tell he held back so as not to jar her stillhealing body. His thrusts were smooth and deep until his hips began hitting against not only Bel’s ass, but the wood of the island as well. “Rub your clit.” Reaching between them, Bel began to rub and pluck at her swollen button. “I can feel you squeezing my cock,” Callum panted as she arched her back and came. “Uh. Uh,” she howled. Callum released her ankles and covered her body with his as his cock emptied into the condom. “Yeah, we’re definitely going to have to get you on the Pill if you don’t want kids.” Running her fingers through Callum’s short black hair, she nipped his lip. “Who said I don’t want children?” “I just figured…you mean you do? With Brody and me?” Callum stood and helped Bel until she was sitting up. “Not right this second, but one man or two, I plan to have children. Why? You don’t want any?” Bel was suddenly worried. Callum smiled and kissed her. “I love children. Brody loves them too. I guess we just figured you wouldn’t want them with the two of us. It might be kinda hard to explain when they get older.” He was right, they would need to figure out what to tell children if—no, when— they had them. She knew any child would be lucky to be surrounded by so much love.

83

Carol Lynne

Callum ran his hands up her naked back. “Would you want both of us to father children or just the one you’ll eventually marry?” Bel grinned. “You two have really talked about this, haven’t you? Of all the things to talk about with a threesome, I’d figure marriage and children would be last on the list.” He cupped Bel’s cheeks. “I’m quickly falling in love with you. Usually marriage and children come up when you love someone.” Bel felt her heart skip a beat. Even though she’d suspected Callum’s feelings were growing deeper, she hadn’t expected him to say the words so soon. She felt like she was floating. Wanting to say the words back, she held off. She didn’t want Callum to think she was telling him that she loved him just because he had. No, he deserved better than that. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she kissed him. “Carry me to the shower. We can talk babies and marriage later.”

***** After dropping off Holly at his dad’s, Brody decided to stop by the construction office and get his laptop and some of his files so he could work from Callum’s house for the next couple of days. As soon as he walked into the office, his assistant Lauri flagged him down. “Brody, you have a stack of messages. I’ve put them in order of importance.” Lauri handed Brody the small slips of pink paper. “Did Jerry find your house all right?” With his head jerking around, Brody looked at Lauri through narrowed eyes. “Jerry who?” He didn’t even notice that he’d crumbled the pink phone messages into his tight fist as he asked the question. “He didn’t give his last name. I’m sorry, Brody. He told me you had agreed to meet him this morning at your house, but he’d lost the directions.”

84

Necklace of Shame

Lauri put her hand to her mouth. “Oh my god. I gave a stranger your address and directions to your house. Oh, I’m so sorry. He sounded like such a nice man.” Brody stuffed the messages in his pocket and retrieved his laptop and files as fast as he could. “Don’t worry. I know you didn’t mean any harm. I’ll be out of the office for several days. If anything really important comes up, you can reach me on my cell.” Leaving the office, Brody drove as fast as the speed limit would allow. He called Callum’s place, but the phone rang until the answering machine clicked on. Callum’s cell went unanswered as well. Once he passed the city limits, he pushed his foot on the gas and drove to Callum’s. Pulling up to the house, Brody jumped out and ran up the porch steps. He opened the door and searched the house. “Fuck.” Looking out the kitchen window, he closed his eyes. “Please don’t let them be horseback riding.” Brody ran out the back door and toward the barn. The saddles and horses were gone. “Shit.” Brody pulled out his phone and called Callum’s cell. When he heard the out of service area recording, he shut the phone and stuck it back in his pocket. Running back to his pickup, Brody hopped in and sped toward his house up the mountain. He’d need a four-wheeler in this terrain if he was going to find them before Gerald did. Brody drove to his front door and went inside for his shotgun. Coming back out, stuffing shells into the pockets of his jeans, he met resistance from the wad of pink papers. He threw the wad of papers onto the ground and stuffed the rest of the shells in, then opened the door to his shed. He checked the gas gauge on the four-wheeler. It was almost full, so he pushed it outside and started it up. Going off-road with the shotgun strapped to the handlebars, Brody followed the horse trail he and Callum used whenever they went riding. He rode a lot faster than was safe, but he couldn’t get the idea of Gerald coming upon Callum and Bel out of his head. He rounded a boulder and almost ran into Pebbles and Barney. He stopped the 85

Carol Lynne

four-wheeler and jumped off. Checking the horses for any sign of injury, he determined they were both unharmed. Brody stood looking at the horses. He wasn’t sure whether to try to take them with him or leave them. If he found Bel and Callum they’d need a way back to the ranch, but if he took the horses he’d have to drive slowly. Finally deciding to just leave them and hope they’d find their own way home, Brody climbed back on the four-wheeler and followed the horse trail as well as he could. Frustrated and tired, Brody continued to search. The sun was beginning to set and he knew he’d never find them in the dark. He hated to give his position away more than he already had, but time was running out. Brody held his breath and started beeping the horn as he rode over the trails. About twenty minutes later, he heard something and stopped. Hearing shouts coming from just over the hill, Brody gunned the engine and took off. He topped the rise and was met by a waving, screaming sight for sore eyes. He pulled the four-wheeler up alongside Bel. “Where’s Callum?” he shouted over the noise of the engine as Bel climbed on the seat behind him. “He’s over there. He’s sprained his ankle pretty badly and can’t walk. The horses got spooked by a snake and threw him. I got off Barney to help and both horses took off.” She pointed the way to Callum as Brody drove as fast as he dared. They found Callum sitting with his leg perched up on a rock. Brody stopped the four-wheeler and shut it down. Jumping off the seat, he rushed over. “Hey, Doodle. Run into some trouble?” Callum was gritting his teeth from the pain. “Just get me home. You can make fun of my horsemanship later.” Brody helped him stand and he and Bel got Callum to the four-wheeler. They sat him on the seat and Brody turned to Bel. “You’re going to have to drive him out of here. There’s only enough room for one more on this thing. Do you know your way back?” Bel wrapped her arms around Brody’s waist. “I can’t leave you here.” 86

Necklace of Shame

Brody gave her a hug and kissed her forehead. “It’ll be too dangerous to ride with three people. I’ll be fine. We’re only about three miles from the house. I can jog it, but you need to get Callum home. Just stay on the trail and take it as slow as you need to.” Brody looked over at Callum and handed him the shotgun. “Gerald called my office today and Lauri inadvertently gave him my address. Take this and use it if you spot him.” Callum looked at Brody and finally nodded. “You run as fast as you can. I’ll be waiting by the back door with the shotgun in my hands.” Brody leaned in and kissed him. “Love you.” He turned to Bel and gave her a kiss. “Love you too. Get our man home.” He helped Bel onto the four-wheeler and watched as she drove away. Brody ran his fingers through his hair. God, he was glad they were okay. He took off at a pretty good jog, knowing he had to get home before the sun set. When he finally reached the back door of the house, Bel and Callum were both there waiting. Callum had his foot elevated and a bag of ice wrapped around his ankle with an elastic bandage. The sight of the two people he loved most in the world safe and sound almost had him breaking down. He’d prayed every time he topped a rise that he wouldn’t see them in a heap at the bottom. Bel jumped into his arms as soon as he shut and locked the door. “Thank god you made it. I was so worried.” She sprinkled his face and neck with kisses. Love was a funny thing. She didn’t even seem to mind his strong body odor or the sweat running down his face. Maybe they were as worried about him as he was over them? Brody turned to Callum. “Is everything locked up?” At Callum’s nod, he set Bel away from him. “Give me ten minutes to wash the stink off. Then I’m all yours.” “Hey. What about me?” Callum looked a little pouty.

87

Carol Lynne

Rolling his eyes, Brody went over and gave Callum a quick kiss. “I’m yours too.” He held up his fingers as he left the room. “Ten minutes. Be on the hide-a-bed with some popcorn and sodas.”

***** It was actually a little more than ten minutes by the time Brody emerged from the bathroom. He’d found several nasty-looking cuts on his arms and legs from the brush he’d run through on his way home that needed to be cleaned and dressed. He walked into the great room yawing. It was only eight o’clock, but it felt much later. Walking up to the sofa bed Brody stopped and looked at his lovers. They were curled into one another, sound asleep. Brody sat on the edge of the bed and reached for a soda. The icy cold liquid actually burned his throat as he gulped it down. Setting the empty can back on the table, he crawled under the cover and snuggled against Bel’s back. Maybe they all needed a little nap. Closing his eyes, the sandman took him under.

***** The ringing in his head woke Brody the next morning. He rolled away from Bel and put his hand over his eyes. It was then that he realized the ringing was coming from the phone and not his head. He jumped off the bed and tried to find his cell. The ringing stopped just as he made his way to the bathroom door. Picking up his jeans, Brody flipped open his phone and looked at the missed calls. Hitting speed dial, he waited for his dad to answer. “Brody?” “Yeah, Dad. What’s going on?” Brody wiped the sleep out of his eyes. “I saw Gerald in town this morning when I went to get bagels for Holly. I called Callum several times, but got his voicemail, so I went ahead and called the police station.”

88

Necklace of Shame

Walking back into the great room, Brody nudged Callum awake. His first thought was Bel, but he knew she had been surrounded by him and Callum all night. His second thought was for the safety of his dad and Holly. “Where exactly did you see Gerald?” “He was coming out of the little mini-mart there on the corner across from the bakery. I was inside standing in line, so I don’t think he spotted me. But I wanted you and Callum to know about it. I’m keeping Holly inside with me. I’ve already rescheduled my appointments for the next couple days, so I’ll have plenty of time to keep an eye on her in case Gerald tries something.” Despite everything that was going on, Brody had to smile at his dad. He was so damn cute with Holly. Brody hadn’t thought Joe would ever be interested in another woman after his mother died. And for that someone to be Holly was even stranger. She was damn near thirty years younger than his dad. “Good thinking, Dad. I’ll get Callum awake and have him call the station. He’s taken vacation the last few days, but he may need to make a trip into town. He twisted his ankle last night getting thrown from Pebbles, so he’s not going to be much good for a few more days. Hopefully the horses made it back on their own this morning so we won’t have to go after them. They know the trails well enough. They’re probably out grazing in the pasture as we speak.” “Have Callum stop by if he decides he wants his ankle looked at,” Joe said. “I will. Take care of yourself and Holly. No more going out for bagels until Gerald’s caught, okay?” Callum was starting to wake up. Brody ran his fingers through his short black hair as he finished the call with his dad and Callum began stroking Brody’s morning erection. “Gotta go.” “All right. Talk to you later,” Joe said and hung up.

89

Carol Lynne

Callum took Brody’s length into his mouth. Brody put the phone on the end table and held on to Callum’s head. He thrust back and forth into Callum’s hot mouth. “Yeah. Suck that cock.” Picking up his pace, Brody put one foot on the bed, opening himself even further. He glanced down at Bel, who was staring at the two men while licking her lips. “Suck Callum off, punkin. He’s being a very good boy this morning.” Bel giggled and pulled the covers off Callum. Brody watched her eagerly take Callum’s shaft into her mouth. The sight was absolutely breathtaking. She may be new to sucking cock, but she worked Callum like she’d been doing it for years. He thrust harder into Callum’s mouth at the sight of his woman giving his man such pleasure. When Brody watched as Bel licked her finger and thrust it deep inside Callum’s hole, he lost it and shot his cum down Callum’s willing throat. Callum sucked him dry and Brody fell to his knees. He leaned in and shared his own flavor in a deep cumtasting kiss. Callum groaned and shook as he came down Bel’s throat. Brody broke the kiss when he could tell Callum needed the extra oxygen. He waited for Bel to pull off Callum’s cock and kissed her, thrusting his tongue deep. He wanted more than anything to just crawl back in bed with his loves, but other pressing matters required their attention. He looked at Callum. “Where’s your phone?” Staring at Brody like he was crazy, Callum pulled Bel up against his chest, being careful of his still-sore ankle. “Why do you want my phone?” Brody reached over and pinched Bel’s extended nipple. “Because I imagine you have several messages on it from the station. Dad just called to say he spotted Gerald in town this morning. He tried to call you, but your phone was off, so he reported it to the station.” Bel sat up in bed and looked at Brody. Her long blonde curls fanned seductively over her bare breasts. She looked so damn beautiful in the mornings, so warm and soft. 90

Necklace of Shame

A lifetime of waking with Bel in his bed would never be long enough. He leaned over and kissed her. Sighing, he broke the kiss and stood. He looked at Callum. “I’ll get your phone if you hurry up and tell me where it is.” “In my bedroom. On the nightstand.” Brody left. When he stepped back into the room, he stopped to watch Callum and Bel snuggling against each other on the bed. Callum rubbed his hand across the scar on Bel’s neck. “He won’t get to you. He’ll never hurt you again.” When Callum’s hand moved down to fondle Bel’s breast, Brody saw Bel run her hand over the scar on her throat. He felt a lump form in his throat at the sadness in her facial expression. She was obviously thinking about Gerald and that night so many years ago. “Did I ever tell you that I’ve always referred to this as my necklace of shame?” she whispered. Callum stopped stroking her breast. “Why would you call it that? It’s not your shame. It’s Gerald’s.” Bel looked down and shrugged her shoulders. “When I went back to school after the attack, all the kids whispered whenever they saw me coming. I know I should’ve been used to it. My whole life to that point I’d been known as white trash. I’d listen to kids whisper about my cheating mother and alcoholic father.” Brody’s mouth went dry. He’d heard those things about Bel and her family. It hadn’t mattered that she was ten years younger. A small town was a small town. He just never realized how much the gossiping had affected her. “When I got back to school after the attack, though, it was worse. I felt ashamed, and I knew I’d never be good enough. To this day, most people I try to have a conversation with stare more at this scar than they do my face. I’ve been giving plastic surgery a lot of thought lately.”

91

Carol Lynne

Callum pulled Bel into his arms, making eye contact with Brody. Knowing they both needed him, Brody joined them on the bed and wrapped them in his embrace. Brody kissed Bel’s neck. “What you call your necklace of shame, I call your badge of survival. Do you have any idea how lucky you are to be alive, punkin? Twice now you fought for survival, and twice you’ve won. I don’t think people look at that scar and wonder what you did wrong to get it. I think they see that scar and wonder how in the hell someone could survive it. You’re a fighter, Bel. That’s what made me fall in love with you the night of the attack. When I carried you in my arms, bleeding…” The thought of that night still had the power to turn him inside out. Brody wiped the tears from his eyes as he took a deep breath. “You had the guts and the strength to tell me where to find Gerald. It was you who did that. The sixteenyear-old girl who’d just been raped and had her throat slit by her own father. That’s the kind of fighter you are. And you’ll keep on fighting until Gerald is put away for good.” Bel wiped the tears from Brody’s cheeks as she sniffled. “You were my hero that night. I’d had a crush on you and Callum for years, but that night I opened my eyes to see your strong worried face. You were my knight in shining armor. You went to the bar and tried to slay the dragon for me. I’ve always felt guilty about that, but now I realize I’d have done the same for you.” Callum wiped the tears from his own eyes. “Would you two stop already? I need to call the station and I can’t do that and cry at the same damn time. What would my men think?” Brody and Bel turned toward Callum. Bel fingered Callum’s messy hair. “I love you.” Brody watched Callum’s Adam’s apple bob up and down several times before he pulled Bel and Brody tighter against him. “I’d die to keep either of you safe. You’re my world now. I never knew how empty I was until you both came into my life.” He closed his eyes, knowing Callum meant every word. For the first time in their relationship, Brody was worried about what Callum did for a living. He guessed it was because he’d never had so much to lose before. If he thought he’d get anywhere, he 92

Necklace of Shame

would try to talk Callum into resigning and coming to work for him. But Callum loved police work and Brody knew he was damn good at it. In the end, he decided all he could do was to love Callum every day and let him know it before he walked out the door each morning. Leaning in, they shared a threeway kiss. “Call the station.” Bel smiled and kissed him again. “The sooner you catch Gerald, the sooner we can get on with our lives.”

***** An hour later, after checking to make sure the horses had made it home, they loaded into Callum’s truck. Brody didn’t feel right about driving a police car anymore, so he’d insisted they take the truck. His four-door pickup was plenty big for the three of them, but it also had a console between the bucket seats in front, and he didn’t want either Callum or Bel stuck in the back by themselves. He’d called his dad earlier to see if it would be okay if they dropped Bel off at his house while he took Callum into the station. His dad had blustered on and on about Brody never having to ask if Bel could come over. As Callum shut the passenger door, Brody put the truck into gear and headed toward town. Bel was busy talking to Callum about something and Brody couldn’t get over the expanse of skin she was showing. Brody ran his hand up Bel’s naked thigh. Both he and Callum had insisted on her wearing a skirt today with no underwear. He smiled to himself as Bel’s legs started to automatically close before relaxing again to let him explore. He caught Callum watching as he continued to engage in conversation with Bel. As he drove, Brody worked his way farther up Bel’s skirt. When he got to her naked pussy he slipped two fingers inside. The warm, wet depths of her channel made him wish they had never left the house. “We need to stop off at the pharmacy and get some more condoms.”

93

Carol Lynne

Brody looked over at Callum. “We’ve been going through the damn things like crazy,” he said, defending his statement. Bel gripped Brody’s thigh as his fingers continued to dance inside her. He knew he’d be lucky if he didn’t come in his jeans before they reached town. “Or we could just go without,” she said in a small voice. Slamming on the brakes, Brody pulled the pickup to the side of the country road letting his fingers slip free of their warm home. “What? Are you saying you want to start a family? With us?” He couldn’t wrap his mind around this new development. He and Callum had talked a lot about it lately, but they knew they needed to give Bel more time. To find out she’d been thinking the same thing made his heart soar. “Well, yeah, with you two. I don’t want anyone else.” Bel looked from Callum to Brody. “Is that a problem? Because I was under the—” God, he loved this woman. He cut off her words with the mother of all kisses. Taking a breath, he looked into her eyes. He suddenly wondered what their children would look like. Bel looked back at him like she was waiting for him to say something. “No. There’s absolutely no problem. But are you ready to have children?” he asked. He had to be sure before he got any more ahead of himself. Bel smoothed her hair behind her ears. “All that talk this morning got me to thinking that every second should be lived to its fullest. No one knows how much time they have left. Me more than most. I don’t want to wait to live my dreams. I want to grab on to life and move forward. That involves loving the two of you and having children.” Brody felt like pumping his arms into the air in a show of victory. He’d get children and the two people he loved most.

94

Necklace of Shame

Callum turned Bel’s face toward him and kissed her. “Thank you. We want that too.” Callum made eye contact with Brody and smiled. Bel straightened and looked out the windshield. “Well then, it’s settled. You two have one less errand to run today.”

***** Brody escorted her to Joe’s front door. He pulled her into his arms and gave her a deep, tongue-twining kiss. She broke the kiss and giggled as Callum honked the horn. Waving his hand at Callum, Brody turned back to her. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world. And I can’t wait until later when I can show you just how happy.” He pulled her close for another kiss just as the door opened. Bel could tell by the cleared throat it was Joe. She suddenly felt like a schoolgirl getting caught kissing a boy after a date. Brody didn’t let her go, though. He finished their kiss and then turned toward the door. “Hi, Dad.” “Son.” “I’m going to hang out with Callum at the station while Bel visits with you and Holly.” The older version of Brody smiled and nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” Joe held his hand out to Bel. “Come on in, Annie.” Smiling at his son, Joe closed the door. Bel laughed and slapped Joe on the arm. “Oh, that was just rude.” Smiling, Joe escorted Bel into the kitchen. “He had it coming. Kissing you like that right in front of me. Where’re that boy’s manners?” They entered the kitchen and Bel spotted Holly at the stove. She walked over to her best friend and gave her a hug. “Hey. Whatcha cookin’?” Bel peered over Holly’s shoulder. 95

Carol Lynne

Holly bumped her with her hip and winked. “Joe asked if I’d mind making some potato soup. I found some ham in the fridge, so I added that. Want some? It’s almost done.” Rubbing her tummy, Bel nodded. “I love your potato soup. Count me in.” Bel went to the dish cupboard and pulled down three large soup bowls. Pulling out the silverware drawer, she smiled to herself. No matter what, this house would always feel like home. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t come to live with Joe until she was sixteen. Bel barely remembered the house she’d grown up in. To her, this was where she’d been raised. This was the home where she’d witnessed real love for the first time. She put the bowls and silverware on the table. And Joe was the one who showed her what a real father could be. He’d taken care of her when she was sick and scolded instead of beaten her when she was bad. Bel looked at Joe as he sat reading the paper. He had his cute little reading glasses perched on the end of his nose. Bel looked at him as a man instead of a doctor or a dad for the first time. She could easily imagine what Holly saw in him. Despite his age, Joe was a damn good-looking man. He’d cut his hair recently and it seemed to enhance his facial structure. His former thick black braid was now a closely cropped head of silver and black hair. His dark brown eyes squinted just a little as he read. Brody had definitely gotten his body shape from his father. Joe was still broad in the chest. Bel knew that he worked out in his home gym every morning and ran almost every evening. Yep. She could definitely see why Holly thought he was hot. But then Holly had always like older men. Joe was just older than her normal boyfriends. Joe caught Bel looking at him when he looked up from his paper. “Something wrong, Annie?” Joe asked. Walking toward him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Nope. Just thinking about how much I love you and how glad I am you

96

Necklace of Shame

let me come live here after what happened when I was younger. I wouldn’t have turned out the same person if you hadn’t been there to help guide me.” Joe put his arm around her waist and hugged her from the side. “I love you too. I’ve always been glad you came to live with me. After Brody moved out, this old house felt kinda lonely until you came.” He set his paper to the side and tilted his head as if in appraisal. “Happy looks good on you, Annie.” Bel smiled. “Thank you. Happy feels pretty good on me too.” “Soup’s ready.” Holly put a trivet on the table and set the big soup pot down. She dug shredded cheese and sweet relish out of the fridge. When Bel looked at the relish and shook her head, Holly put her hands on her hips. “What? I like relish in my soup, so sue me.” Holly set a pitcher of iced tea on the table. “Tea okay for you, Joe?” Joe put his paper on the floor and smiled at Holly. “It’s good for me. Why don’t you stop fretting and sit down now.” It was like watching a romance novel come to life, Bel thought. She wondered what it would take for these two people to get it together and admit they liked each other. Holly brought Bel out of her musing by setting a glass in front of her, giving her the evil eye. Ooh. Bel knew that look. Holly had been giving people that same look since they’d been kids. It meant “I know what you’re thinking and don’t go there with me”. Bel smiled sweetly at Holly. “Looks good.”

***** Driving back to the ranch, Bel smiled at Brody. It had been a perfect afternoon with Joe and Holly, but she was ready to be home. “Someday I want to see your house.” Looking over at Callum, Brody cleared his throat. “Yeah, we need to discuss that. Figure out where the three of us want to live.” He looked over at Callum again. “Callum needs to decide whether he wants to live with us or not.” “Why wouldn’t you live with us?” Bel spun her head toward Callum. 97

Carol Lynne

Callum reached out and pulled her head toward his for a kiss. “I’m not sure what the good folks of this town would think if their police chief shacked up with you.” She should have known. She let herself believe for once in her life that she was good enough. That these two wonderful men would see beyond her upbringing to what she had become. Bel felt the tears coming and her mind automatically went into protective mode, shutting her emotions down to the outside world. It was a trick she’d learned at a very young age whenever her mother or father told her she wasn’t as good as the other kids she’d try to befriend. She pulled away and nodded her head, refusing to listen to any more from either of them. She reached over and turned up the radio. Callum tried to hold her hand several times, but Bel refused to be placated. She just needed to hold on for a little longer until they were home. Then she could retreat and pull herself back together. As soon as Brody stopped the pickup, she pushed him out the driver’s side and got out. Bel stood by the front door until Brody helped Callum to the porch. He pulled out the keys and unlocked the door. Callum tried once again to talk to her, but by then she knew she was holding on to her emotions by a thread. As soon as she was in the house, she went to the bathroom and locked the door. Reaching for a scrunchy on the side of the sink, Bel put her hair up on top of her head. She turned around and started running herself a hot bath. She vaguely heard Brody talking to her through the door, but she suddenly felt so numb. Stripping her clothes, Bel climbed into the hot bathwater. She slid down to her neck, covering her scar under the steaming water. The bite of pain felt good to her right now. She needed to feel something, even if it was hot water on her pale flesh. As the heat seeped into her pores, it began to bring her out of the near catatonic state she’d worked herself into. With the loss of numbness came the tears. At first, a few trickled down her face and before long Bel was openly sobbing. She’d been so naïve, so

98

Necklace of Shame

stupid to believe men like Brody and Callum would openly love her. She’d grown up white trash and she still… Bel’s thoughts came to an abrupt halt when the bathroom door splintered on its hinges. Brody came barreling into the room, red-faced, only instead of seeing the man she loved, she saw her father. The bile rose in her throat as she folded herself into a ball in the corner of the tub. She waved her arms in front of her, trying to ward off any blows from her father’s cruel fists. “Bel!” she heard Gerald shout. She’d never understood why her father seemed to enjoy hurting her. No, wait. Bel shook her head. Joe was her father and she wasn’t a little girl anymore. Bel blinked a few times, trying to bring herself out of the past. It was something her therapist had taught her to do. When she realized it was Brody kneeling beside the bathtub, she broke down. “Oh god, I’m so sorry,” she cried. “I thought you were…” Unable to go on, she looked pleadingly at Brody, hoping he’d forgive her. Brody leaned over and scooped her out of the steaming water. “It’s okay. I’ve got you now. You’re safe.” Brody grabbed a towel on his way out of the bathroom as she continued to cry. Bel curled herself up against his chest and fisted his shirt in her hands. What had she done? Brody carried her to the spare bedroom and sat on the bed. He took the towel and dried her off before pulling back the covers and setting her in the center of the bed. She was so drained, her body was as limp as a rag doll. He undressed quickly and crawled in beside her. Wrapping her in his arms, he rocked her back and forth. “Shhh. That’s enough now, punkin.” Bel couldn’t help herself. She continued to cry, not fully understanding why. She’d never in her life cried like this. Maybe she’d finally gone crazy? The more she tried to reason it out, the harder she sobbed, until she thought she might puke. “I’m…gonna…be…sick.” 99

Carol Lynne

Brody jumped out of bed and picked her up again. He hurried back to the bathroom and set her on the floor in front of the toilet. He lifted the lid and held the few wisps of hair that had escaped from her haphazard bun. Brody crooned to her the entire time she threw up. He told her how much he loved her and how he wasn’t going to let her get away from him. The words meant more to her than she’d ever be able to express to him. She may have acted like a crazy woman, but at least he still seemed to love her. When Bel had thrown up everything in her stomach, Brody was there with a wet washcloth and a toothbrush. A few remaining tears trickled down her face at his thoughtful ministrations. He began mumbling about getting too damn upset and hot baths. Bel couldn’t follow his conversation. She felt too exhausted to even keep her eyes open. Brody lifted her into his arms once again and carried her to bed. “Don’t leave me,” she whispered. “Not ever gonna happen, punkin,” he said, setting her back down between the cool sheets. Bel fell fast asleep cradled in Brody’s loving arms.

***** Cold feet pressing against hers woke Bel several hours later. She looked toward the window only to see that it was dark. Raising her head above the owner of the cold feet, Bel looked at the clock. She’d been asleep for almost four hours. “You okay?” Brody ran a hand down her nude back. “No. But I’m better.” Bel snuggled against Brody’s chest. He’d taken such good care of her earlier. She just couldn’t stay mad at him. After all, Brody didn’t really do anything wrong in the first place. “Care to talk about it? I’m a pretty good listener.” Brody kissed her forehead and worked his way down the side of her face.

100

Necklace of Shame

“I’m not sure why I reacted like that. I think it was a combination of what Callum made me feel like and a lifetime with Gerald as a father.” Turning her head slightly, Bel let Brody take her lips in a deep, loving kiss. Brody looked into her eyes and Bel could tell he wanted to say something. “What?” she finally asked. “I feel like an ass, but what happened earlier in the bathroom, I think we need to talk about that.” Bel tried to turn away, but Brody stopped her. She was too embarrassed to look at him, but she let him hold her in place. “It was the look on your face when you broke the door in. It threw me back in time to life with Gerald.” She was damaged goods and she knew it. Years of therapy had only helped her deal with the episodes, not eliminate them. “But you know I’d never hit you, right?” Brody asked in a soft voice. “Yeah, I know, but when it happens, I don’t always have control over it right away. I saw you as Gerald, not Brody.” “How do you get control over it?” “It’s different each time. With this one, I just reminded myself that Gerald wasn’t my father, that Joe was. That kind of led me to realize I wasn’t a child anymore.” Bel shrugged. “I don’t know, it works for me, remembering that I’m in the here and now, not in the past.” They silently held each other for a few minutes before Brody cleared his throat. “Bel? Why do you think Gerald is trying to kill you?” She could tell by the way his voice dipped that he hadn’t wanted to ask. Strange, she never really talked about the relationship she’d had with her father other than with her therapist. “Who really knows for sure? I’m not even positive he knows.” Brody hugged her closer. “He didn’t say anything that night?”

101

Carol Lynne

“Yeah,” she admitted. “He caught me talking to Holly on the phone.” They had been giggling about Brody and Callum, but Bel knew if she told Brody that, he’d feel guilty. “We were talking about boys.” She shook her head. “I don’t know if something I said reminded him of my mom or what, but he just went kind of crazy. He waited until I hung up and then…raped me.” She wasn’t about to go into details with Brody. She knew he’d probably heard it all during the trial, anyway. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut, but before he left, I told him I was going to call the cops. That’s when he pulled out his little pocketknife and held me by my hair as he sliced my throat.” Brody said nothing for a long time. She wondered if he was remembering finding her in her bedroom. Several years ago, Joe mentioned that Brody had occasional nightmares. Bel looked up at Brody. “I’m here and it’s now.” She repeated the words she often said to herself after a nightmare. “He wants to finish me off because I sent him to prison.” “We won’t let him,” Brody said, kissing her forehead. They continued to hold each other as they both worked out in their minds what had gone on.

Eventually, Brody pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Callum’s just sick about what he said. After you locked yourself in the bathroom, he took down a bottle of whiskey and damn near drank the whole thing. He’s passed out in his bed right now.” When Bel said nothing, Brody continued. “He didn’t mean it the way it sounded.” Just because she’d forgiven Brody didn’t mean Callum’s thoughtless words were forgotten. “Really? Because it sounded an awful lot like he was ashamed of me. You two seem to forget that I have my own home and career in Colorado Springs. I’m

102

Necklace of Shame

expected to leave all that for the two of you, but Callum isn’t even sure he wants to risk his job enough to live with me? Tell me I’m wrong.” Bel looked into Brody’s eyes. Her temper was escalating and she didn’t feel like doing a damn thing about it. Closing his eyes, Brody sighed. After a few seconds, he opened them and looked at her. “I think what really has Callum worried is he’s afraid he’ll risk his job only to discover you’ve changed your mind about him.” What? Why would he think she’d do that to him? “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since you’ve been asleep, and I believe Callum’s the one you should marry,” Brody said. Bel jerked back. “You don’t want to marry me?” “Oh, Bel,” he said, running his hands through her hair. “I love you so much. But if you love us both, it won’t matter to any of us which two are legally wed. But I think it will matter not only to Callum, but the rest of the town as well.” Brody smoothed his hand down Bel’s cheek. “Don’t you see? Callum knows how much you love me, but his eyes aren’t letting him see the same love directed his way. He’s scared.” She kicked herself for not telling Callum over and over how much she’d fallen in love with him. Of all people, she knew what it was like to feel that someone thought less of you. Surely she hadn’t given Callum the impression that she loved Brody more. Bel chewed on her lip as she thought about what Brody had told her. “So he’s not ashamed of me?” “Never. He loves you.” Brody kissed her. “Why don’t we go in and try to rouse the drunk guy in the other room? But,” he emphasized, “only if you’re not still mad at him. I love you, but I love Callum too, and I don’t want to ever see him like he was earlier when you locked yourself in that bathroom.”

103

Carol Lynne

Tears began to trickle down Bel’s face. “I’m sorry. It was all the past pain and selfloathing that finally caught up with me.” She leaned in and kissed him. “Now let’s go rouse my future husband.”

Once they were on either side of Callum, Bel and Brody began kissing and stroking him. Bel could see the anguish still written on Callum’s face. She knew she’d done this with the way she’d overreacted to what he’d said in the truck. She cupped his cheek in her palm and kissed his slack lips. “I love you.” She kissed him again. “I’ll always love you, Callum, always.” Callum opened his eyes, but just barely. Bel kissed his lips again, this time she let the tip of her tongue slide out to lick over them. “I’m sorry,” she whispered to him. Please, let him forgive her. Wrapping his arms around her, Callum buried his head in Bel’s neck. “No. I’m the one that’s sorry. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. The last thing in the world I want is to hurt you. I love you so much.” It seemed they would both need to work on their communications skills. Running her fingers through Callum’s hair, she kissed the top of his head. “I know a way you can make it up to me.” “Anything. I’d do anything to erase what I said.” “Look at me.” When Callum brought his head back up to look at her, Bel continued. “You can make an honest woman out of me and marry me. If you can do that, we’ll pretend the conversation this afternoon never happened.” Callum wiped his face on the pillowcase, then looked at Bel again. “Me? You want to marry me? I thought Brody was your favorite.” She felt tears in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Brody was right, Callum was feeling undervalued.

104

Necklace of Shame

Bel tried to smile. Callum looked like a little boy. In that second, she understood why Brody still called him Doodle. “I don’t have a favorite. I have two men who I love equally. I’ve just loved one a little longer, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you just as much. Now, yes or no. Will. You. Marry. Me?” Callum began kissing her all over the face. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” He punctuated each yes with another kiss. “I’ll marry you. I’m the luckiest man on the face of the planet.” Bel giggled at Callum’s enthusiasm. She could never have asked for a more excited husband-to-be. Brody finally broke into their love-fest. “Don’t forget about me, guys.” Callum turned onto his back and pulled both Bel and Brody to his chest. “We’re going to make a great team.” He turned his head and kissed Brody. “I love you.” Bel watched as Brody ran his hand down Callum’s chest. He stopped to circle his nipples with a light touch of his fingertips before moving on down to his hardened shaft. He smiled as he encountered Bel’s hand already there. “I love you, Doodle.” Squirming under their caresses, Callum moaned. “So good. Thought I’d lost you, Bel.” Bel moved to lean over the top of him. She kissed him long and hard, thrusting her tongue deep into his mouth. “Never.” She ran her hand up and down his shaft. “Make love to me.” She knew it would mean even more to her after what had happened. They’d truly forged a bond by working through this misunderstanding. Despite his still-sore ankle, Callum flipped her over flat onto her back and grabbed a condom from the bedside table, which they’d all decided to continue to use until things were more stable. He covered her body with his own and delved his tongue deep into her mouth as Brody took the condom out of Callum’s hand and rolled it down the length of Callum’s shaft. Insinuating himself between Bel’s legs, Callum wasted no time surging deep into her channel.

105

Carol Lynne

Callum put her legs over his shoulders and began a slow pace in and out of her wet pussy. Yes, this was so much more, she thought. Bel watched Callum’s face while he made love to her. Even after such a short time, she could already read him like a book. When a new expression crossed his features, Bel paused. It wasn’t until she spotted Brody kneeling behind Callum that she understood. “Make love to our Callum, Brody.” Brody nodded and reached for another condom and the tube of lube in the bedside drawer. After sheathing himself, Brody squirted a generous amount of lube onto his fingers and began to stretch Callum’s puckered hole. Callum bucked and groaned at the dual sensations. When Brody finally entered him, Callum’s eyes went wide. “Damn, you feel good.” The look of ecstasy on Callum’s face as he continued to plunge in and out of her almost did her in. She reached back as far as she could and felt Brody’s cock buried inside Callum. Brody grunted as Bel continued to rub her fingers across his cock every time he withdrew. “So hot,” she moaned. The words seemed to ignite new passion in Callum. He began pumping his long, thick cock in and out of her pussy as Brody drove into him from behind. It was all too much and she was the first to fall off the cliff into pleasure. “Uh. Uh.” Her body quivered as her muscles tightened in release. Brody chuckled even as he continued to pound his cock into Callum. “Bel says that every time she comes.” Brody reached down and inserted Bel’s finger inside Callum’s tight hole alongside his cock. “And what do you say when you come?” Brody asked Callum. Bel smiled and then gritted her teeth as Callum’s orgasm tightened his body around her finger. Brody tried to pull out and push back in one more time, but Callum’s body

106

Necklace of Shame

wasn’t allowing it. Instead, she felt him push in and release his seed deep inside Callum. She’d never felt anything so erotic in her life, as both her men flew high with their mutual orgasms. When Brody was done shaking, they pulled out of Callum’s ass. Brody fell to the bed on one side of her, as Callum fell to the other side. The threesome didn’t even have the strength to clean up. They just fell into a deep slumber where they landed.

107

Carol Lynne

Chapter Ten Bel felt welcoming hands land on her hips as she checked to see whether her pork chops were brown enough to turn. She put the fork down and leaned into Callum’s embrace. “Hey. How was work today?” Callum kissed Bel’s neck. “Frustrating. We’ve had about three good leads on Gerald. So far, none of them have panned out.” Bel was beginning to think Gerald would never be caught. He’d hover around just to torment her. It was nice when, for even a couple of hours at a time, she could forget that her own father wanted her dead. Callum moved his neck from side to side, trying to get rid of some of the tension of the day. He pulled her over to the kitchen chair and sat her on his lap. “How was your day?” “Boring. Brody was either on his laptop or on the phone all day and I’ve never gotten into afternoon television.” Bel motioned toward the stove. “But it’s a good thing for you, because I’ve made homemade rolls, pork chops, mashed potatoes and I’m going to make some pork chop milk gravy. In other words, loosen your belt, you’re in for a humdinger of a dinner.” Bel winked and wiggled her bottom against Callum’s hardening cock. “I remember my momma making that very same dinner. It was always my favorite. I’d ask her to make it every year for my special birthday meal.” Callum smiled and Bel could tell he was thinking about his mom more than the dinner. Compared to Gerald, her mom had been quite the nurturer. Of course, that wasn’t saying much. Although she thought her mom loved her, Bel could never remember hearing the words. Usually, if her mom was home, she was either fighting with Gerald or on her way out. 108

Necklace of Shame

But this dinner was about Callum. Hearing him talk about his mother made her sad for the little boy that had been left when she’d died. “Brody told me it was your favorite. Who else would I go to so much trouble for? I’m trying to please my fiancé.” Reaching his hand under her shirt, Callum brushed her nipple with his thumb. “You please me every day, wife-to-be. But I would like to thank you for making me pork chops.” He pinched her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Bel turned in his lap so she was straddling him. Rubbing her pussy against Callum’s hard length, she kissed him and sighed. “As much as I’d like to play, I have a dinner to finish. I haven’t worked all day to let it burn now.” She climbed off his lap and kissed him again. “Now be a good boy and run and find Brody to play with while I finish up in here. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

Brody smiled when Callum walked out the French doors. “You get a lot done today?” Callum asked. Brody quickly saved his work and shut the laptop. He set it beside him on the table and held out his arms. “Some. You?” Callum got situated between Brody’s spread thighs, and leaned back against his chest. “That last lead I told you about didn’t come to fruition. When the hell did Gerald become so damn good at hiding? Hell, the night he raped Bel, we found him sitting at his favorite watering hole. It’s amazing what the prison system is teaching would-be murderers these days. I wonder if they have a class on how to succeed if you really try?” Brody kissed the top of his lover’s head. “You didn’t find out anything from that woman at the bar I told you about? You know, the one who wrote Gerald in prison?”

109

Carol Lynne

“Nope,” Callum said. “Ivy, the woman at the bar, said she was madder than a wet hen about Gerald. According to her, she wasted all those years writing to him and he gets out and screws her once before disappearing again. Ivy told me she should have saved the postage because the screw she got wasn’t worth it.” “So what do you think?” Brody asked. “I don’t know,” Callum replied. “I wish to hell I did. I’ve been in constant contact with the detective in Colorado Springs and they can’t come up with anything either. I just feel so damn useless.” “Never,” Brody replied, hugging Callum tighter. “Maybe he’s finally gone? I doubt it, but it’s definitely a possibility.” Callum brought Brody’s hand to his mouth and placed a kiss on his palm. “Wishful thinking, but we both know he’s still out there waiting. He’ll eventually make his move.” “Well then, we’ll just have to make sure we’re there to stop him,” Brody said.

***** Brody caught Bel yawning the next afternoon. “What’s the matter? You can’t keep up with us old guys?” he asked. Bel shook her head and covered her mouth as she yawned again. “I guess not, although to be fair, I was double-teamed all night.” Brody grinned at the memories they’d made the previous evening. “Yeah, it was something, wasn’t it?” He pulled Bel up from the couch and led her to bed. “Take a nap, punkin,” Brody said and started undressing her. Even after licking every square inch of Bel’s beautiful body, he couldn’t get enough of looking at it. Her yawn brought him back to the task at hand. Pulling down the covers, he smiled at her. “In you go.” Bel crawled in bed and pulled the covers up to her chin, snuggling into her pillow. Brody leaned over and gave her a kiss. “I’ll be out in the barn when you wake up.” 110

Necklace of Shame

“Okay,” she mumbled as she started to drift off. Grinning, Brody closed the bedroom door and walked into the great room. Pulling out his phone, he called Callum. “Where you at?” “On the road. How’s our girl?” “Asleep. I’m headed out to the barn. Thought I’d go ahead and finish up that wiring we started a couple months ago.” Callum chuckled. “Just don’t screw anything up.” “Who’s the contractor of the family?” Brody asked. He smiled to himself because Callum had cause to be worried. “Hammering and wiring are two different things and we both know it. If you get stuck, leave it until I get home.” “Yes, sir,” Brody said with a chuckle as he hung up. He knew Callum didn’t know any more about wiring than he did, but it was an ongoing competition of sorts. There was no sense telling Callum all he really planned to do was cut the holes in the braces so he could run the wire through. Better to let him worry about it. He smiled to himself and walked out the back door toward the barn.

***** Something brushing her cheek woke her. Bel stretched and smiled. “Brody, you’re supposed to let me sle…” That was all she got out before she opened her eyes to the sight of her father. She blinked several times, wondering if she were having another flashback or nightmare. A blow landed to the side of her face. Oh shit, it was real. She quickly looked around the room. Where was Brody? The knife in Gerald’s hand lowered toward her face. I’m gonna die. I’ve just found happiness for the first time in my life and I’m going to die. “And don’t bother wondering where your boyfriend is. He’s out in the barn high atop a ladder,” Gerald said, licking his lips as he stared at her exposed breasts. 111

Carol Lynne

Bel tried to pull the sheet up, but Gerald stopped her. “Miss me, baby girl? I know I haven’t done right by you. Why, I should have killed you the first time, or the second, for that matter.” Gerald brushed the skin of her cheek with the point of his knife. “But don’t you worry. Daddy won’t make the same mistake this time.” Please don’t call me that. Bel wanted to scream. I was never your baby girl. Blood from the scratch on her cheek began to trickle down toward her hairline. Gerald started unzipping his cotton pants. “But before I kill you, I’m gonna get another taste. You had a nice set of tits when you were sixteen, but damn, baby girl, you’ve grown up some.” He uncovered her fully with one hand as he held the knife to her throat with the other. She could feel herself slipping. I’m here, it’s now, Gerald can’t win, she repeated over and over in her head. Bel felt the knife nick her throat every time she tried to move. All she could think about was throwing up at the thought of her father raping her again. As he squeezed her breast to the point of pain, she bit her lip. It would serve the bastard right if she threw up all over him. Gerald insinuated himself between her thighs. Oh God, no, please, not again. He rubbed his hardened shaft against her and bit her breast so hard it felt like he was biting into her soul. Bel screamed and lurched at the pain to her breast as the knife sliced into her skin. Gerald pulled back and looked into Bel’s face and then down at the bite mark on her breast. He looked more evil to Bel than he ever had before. With fresh blood around his mouth where he’d bitten into her flesh and the feral look in his eyes, Bel knew her father had gone completely insane. She’d always suspected his actions were due to the alcohol he’d consumed, but looking at him now, Bel knew he was just plain crazy. It somehow comforted her to

112

Necklace of Shame

realize that. Maybe it hadn’t been her that had made Gerald do all those horrible things to her. It could have been anyone who’d been handy. Knowing her death was imminent, Bel prayed that Brody would look after Callum and vice versa.

***** Covered in dust and cobwebs, Brody reached into his pocket for his ringing phone. “Hello,” he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “Hey, I just got a call from Joe,” Callum said. “What?” Brody’s heart skipped a beat as he climbed down from the ladder. “Is he okay?” “Holly saw someone looking in the window. They’re both fine. Joe assured me he’d stay inside. I’ve called for backup.” Brody looked toward the house. “Call me as soon as you know something. I’m going to clean up my mess real quick and check on Bel.” “I’m pulling up now. Give me a few minutes.” Brody hung up and went to the sink. His thoughts swung from Callum’s safety to his dad and Holly. After a good scrub, he put the ladder away and shut the door of the barn. Gerald was crazy, but would he try to take on Callum? His phone rang, just as he started heading toward the house. “It wasn’t Gerald,” Callum shouted. “Have you checked on Bel?” Brody’s chest tightened as he started to run to the house. “Who was it?” “Don’t know yet. One of my guys is taking him back to the station.” Brody reached the back porch stairs when he heard Bel’s scream. Brody’s police training kicked in automatically. “Bel just screamed. I’m going in.” “I’m on my way. Keep the line open. Can you tell which part of the house the scream came from?”

113

Carol Lynne

Brody eased the back door open when what he really wanted to do was break the damn thing down. “Bedroom,” he said as he crept toward the living room. “Don’t say anything else. I’m putting the phone in my shirt pocket so I can have both hands free.” He heard the siren in the background shut off as he slipped the phone into his pocket. Callum was a damn good driver and Brody had no doubt he’d be pulling up within minutes, but no way in hell was he waiting. That was his woman in there.

***** “Mmm. You taste good. Sorry about the blood on your nice white sheets, but there will be plenty more of it by the time I’m finished with you.” Gerald rose to his knees. He began pushing his pants down just as Brody stepped into the room. Bel looked from Brody back to Gerald. Her first thoughts were for Brody’s safety. “Please don’t hurt him,” she begged Gerald. “The police are on their way,” Brody said, holding up his hands as he eased toward the bed. He looked toward Bel with a question in his eyes. She tried to communicate that she wasn’t seriously injured. The last thing she needed was for Brody to lose his head right now. Gerald could kill her with one thrust of the knife still being held to her throat. As Brody tried to engage Gerald in a conversation, she felt the tip of the knife pierce the skin. “You can’t get away this time,” Brody told Gerald. “Better to go back to prison for attempted murder than for murder. Think about it, Gerald. Why would killing your daughter be worth spending the rest of your life behind bars?” “She ruined my life,” Gerald spat out. She closed her eyes. She’d always known her father felt that way, but to actually hear him say it caused tears to burn her eyes.

114

Necklace of Shame

“After her momma had her, she didn’t have time for me anymore. Always complaining she needed a break from the house. That lying slut went out, all right. She went out and fucked every man in town.” Bel hated hearing those things about her mom. She knew her mom wasn’t the best mother in the world, but even after all these years, Bel had still been able to hold on to a few good memories. “Then as Miss Priss here started getting older, she thought of nothing but boys and what they had between their legs,” Gerald said and ground his knee against her pelvic bone. The pain was intense, but she couldn’t let it show. She knew Brody would be on Gerald in a flash, and the knife piercing her skin would be driven into her neck. “I decided to show her exactly what a real man had between his legs. Then she had to go and threaten me.” Gerald looked down on her and spit in her face. She looked at Brody. No, Gerald wasn’t even in the same species as the other men in her life. She tried to tell Brody with her facial expressions that she loved him. If she could have, she would have shouted it from the rooftop. “I thought I took care of you that night, but like a roach, you proved hard to kill. I swore while sitting in that stinking prison I’d get even for everything you’d cost me. Well, baby girl, it’s payday.” Brody lurched forward just as the window beside the bed exploded in a rain of shattered glass. Gerald fell facedown onto Bel with a bullet to the head. As he collapsed, the pressure on the knife decreased. Bel instinctively turned her head away from her dead father, dislodging the knife from her throat. Brody rushed to the bed and shoved Gerald onto the floor and off Bel as he gathered her in his arms. Bel looked toward the window. She was numb and elated at the same time. It was over. A lifetime of abuse had finally ended. She heard footsteps running against the hardwood floor seconds before Callum rushed into the bedroom, gun still in hand.

115

Carol Lynne

She had two knights now. The tears began as Callum looked at her and Brody to make sure they were safe. He squatted down and checked Gerald’s pulse. Standing, he came over and wrapped himself around her and Brody. Before she could say anything, she heard more footsteps running their way. Her body automatically tensed. Looking over his shoulder, Brody screamed at the deputies. “Go wait outside and call an ambulance.” Brody wrapped himself tighter around her.

“Shhh. You’re safe now. Gerald will never hurt you again.” Brody looked over to Callum, who was checking out the knife wound. “How bad is it?” he asked. Shaking his head, Callum studied the wound. “It’s okay,” Bel whispered. “They’re just scratches where he held the knife to my throat. My breast hurts, though.” Bel looked down at her bloody breast. “Fuck. I didn’t even see that, punkin. I thought it was Gerald’s blood on your body,” Brody said, examining her skin. As she looked down at her own body, she cringed. Gerald had probably left her a permanent reminder of his cruelty. The bite to her breast was a bad one. What looked like sixteen puncture wounds bitten into her skin. Brody ran and got a washcloth. Coming back to sit on the bed, he tried to dab away some of the blood. “Sick fucker,” Brody yelled. He ran back and rinsed the cloth again, bringing back a bottle of peroxide. As Brody poured the medicine over the wound, Callum whispered words of love to her. She knew she should be talking back to them, but for some reason, she was having trouble getting her thoughts in order. The looks on her men’s faces told her it was imperative she get her shit together. “I’m okay,” she said again, hoping it would help put Brody and Callum at ease.

116

Necklace of Shame

Brody shook his head as he continued to fuss with the bite mark. “You need to get to the hospital. I don’t know if they’ll want to stitch this, but who knows what germs lurked in that vile fuck’s mouth.” For some reason, she found that statement funny. Maybe it was the fact that her father was dead or that she was still alive, but Bel started laughing. Brody and Callum looked at each other, then back down at her. “I’m not crazy,” she giggled. “Just incredibly happy to still be here with my men.” She pulled them each down for a quick kiss. “As long as the two of you stay with me, I can handle anything.” Bel took both of their hands. She turned to Brody, “Better call Joe and Holly. Let them know the danger is over.” Brody shook his head and pulled out his cell phone. “You’ll never change. You’ve just been through hell and you’re worried about my dad and Holly.” He leaned down and kissed her. “But that’s one of the things I love about you.”

117

Carol Lynne

Chapter Eleven Two months later

Holly helped Bel out of her wedding dress and veil. “It’s a shame you have to take this off. You’re the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen.” Holly hung the ivory satin wedding gown on the hanger. “Yeah, well, you can blame Brody for that. He’s the one who insisted our reception be an outdoor barbecue.” Bel chuckled, “I think he planned more of our wedding than me and Callum combined. He really took the best man thing to heart.” “I had my doubts when you told me you were getting married in Brody’s front yard, but it turned out to be a beautiful ceremony,” Holly said. Bel reached for the pale pink sundress that Brody had given her to wear. Of course, because Brody had bought it, it was backless and low-cut. Bel wondered what Callum would have chosen for his bride to wear. Luckily, everyone invited to the wedding knew of and approved of their three-way relationship. Though they’d all three lost a few friends, they kept the ones that were dearest to their hearts. Which reminded her. “So you never told me what happened between you and Joe?” Holly stiffened and held up her hand to ward off the question. “Don’t even get me started on that stubborn SOB. Things really started to heat up those last few days I stayed with him, but then suddenly, poof. He says it just wouldn’t work out between the two of us. Bunch of bullshit as far as I’m concerned.” Bel put her arm around Holly and walked her toward the door. “He’ll come around. Just look at Brody. Those Dunberg men take a while to admit their feelings, but watch out when they finally do.” She winked at Holly as they left the bedroom. 118

Necklace of Shame

Not wanting to be surrounded by memories of the attack, they’d decided to make their home up the mountain in Brody’s log and glass house. The first time Bel had seen the inside, she was shocked. This was not the house of a poor man. Although the home didn’t look huge from the outside, it had four different levels inside. The back of the house was built on the downward slope of the mountain. The bottom level actually held an indoor swimming pool. When Bel saw it for the first time, she looked at Brody, puzzled. Brody shrugged his shoulders. “Didn’t I tell you the construction business had been very good to me? There are four bedrooms, including one very large master. Plenty of room for a growing family.” Bel had blushed and ran her hand over her flat stomach. “From your lips to God’s ears.” Brody had pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “It’ll happen when the time’s right. Until then, we have plenty of practicing to do.” Now, as she walked with Holly out the front door, the reception was in full swing. “Hey, there you are.” Callum took the steps two at a time until he was by her side. He gave her a kiss as he stroked her bare back. “As much as I loved your wedding dress, this lets me touch more skin.” Callum ran his hand down the inside of the back of her dress and dipped a finger across the top of her crack. “No fair hogging the bride,” Brody yelled from the barbecue. “Get on down here and have a glass of champagne.” By the time Bel reached Brody, she’d been hugged and congratulated by most of the friends in attendance, one of which, had snagged Callum for an in-depth conversation of some kind. Bel wrapped her arms around Brody and kissed him. “We have wonderful friends.” Reaching down, Brody patted her butt. “That we do. You ready for your honeymoon?”

119

Carol Lynne

Bel reared back and looked into Brody’s face. “What are you talking about? We decided against a honeymoon. Callum’s already missed too much work, and I start working for Joe on Tuesday.” Brody winked and pinched her ass. “Didn’t say we were going away for a honeymoon. I just asked if you were ready for the honeymoon.” Standing on tiptoes, Bel pulled Brody’s head down so she could whisper in his ear. “If you’re asking whether I’m ready to be fucked silly by the two of you, the answer is always gonna be yes.” “That’s what I wanted to hear.” Brody looked over at Callum, who was just finishing a conversation with Deputy Langley. He motioned him over and took a kiss from him. “What did Shane have to say?” Callum kissed him back and leaned over to kiss Bel again. “Just that he was happy for us. And that he still hasn’t pieced together who the peeping Tom was. According to the suspect, he didn’t even know Gerald, but Shane doesn’t buy his story. Seems he did some time at the same prison Gerald was in. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold him, so we gave him a fine for peeping and trespassing and had to let him go.” “Enough Gerald talk. This is our wedding day. You’re not supposed to talk about anything except how beautiful the bride is.” She winked and bumped Callum’s hip with her own. The last thing she wanted to think about was a lunatic lurking around town, especially when that person had ties to Gerald. She agreed with Shane that Gerald had the guy spying on Holly and Joe for some reason. She just prayed the guy would leave town now that Gerald was dead. Patting her ass, Callum whispered in her ear. “I think this just might have to be the shortest reception on record. I can’t wait around all day knowing you’re not wearing panties under that dress.” With Callum’s back to the crowd, it was easy for Brody to reach down and run his hand across Callum’s fly. “He’s right. The man seems ready to fuck.”

120

Necklace of Shame

Bel licked her lips and looked at the two men. “Hurry and get those steaks cooked, Brody. The sooner we feed these people, the sooner they’ll leave.” Being close to Brody and Callum always had a way of making her wet, today was no exception. Since the attack, they’d both been so attentive to her every need she was afraid of getting spoiled. Well, maybe not too afraid, she smiled to herself. She winked at her men and walked away when Joe called to her.

***** Taking her third favorite man a beer, she headed toward Joe, who was sitting in one of the lounge chairs under a tree. He smiled as she walked toward him. Bel realized Joe always seemed to smile when she came around. It made her feel warm inside to know this man truly did love her like a daughter. She held up a beer. “That for me, Annie?” “No one else.” Bel handed Joe the bottle. “Care if I have a seat?” She motioned toward the foot of the lounger. Pulling his feet up, Joe shook his head. “Not at all. I was just sittin’ here thinking how nice it is to see you so happy. You are, aren’t you, Annie?” A smile spread across Bel’s face as a picture of her two men came to mind. “More than you’ll ever know. I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.” She chuckled, “Another whole person more.” She thought she detected a slight shadow pass over Joe’s face. She hadn’t really talked to him one on one about her decision to marry another man. Bel took Joe’s hand. “Does it bother you that I married Callum instead of Brody?” Squeezing Bel’s hand, Joe shook his head. “A little, but you’ll still be my Annie. I understand the reasoning behind it. Brody was right. It’s better for Callum’s public image and it’s better for Callum. He’s always seemed like such a lost boy since his momma died. I’m glad to see him so happy. Besides, I know how much you love both men.” 121

Carol Lynne

She hoped he truly meant that. The last thing in the world she wanted was to hurt Joe. Maybe it wasn’t her marriage to Callum that was bothering him after all. “Speaking of love. How are you and Holly getting along?” Bel stretched her legs out and slid out of her shoes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Holly’s young enough to be my daughter. Why would a pretty young lady like that want an old man?” Joe took a long pull off his bottle of beer, but Bel could hear the pain in his voice. He looked so sad and lonely in that moment. Bel leaned over and gave him a hug. Despite the age difference, Joe and Holly were perfect for each other. Although Joe may be fifty-four, he was the sexiest fifty-four-year-old Bel had ever known. She thought Joe was afraid of rejection. “You’re never too old to love. If you love her, though, you’re going to have to tell her.” Bel patted his knee. “Can’t. She deserves a good life with a young husband. Someone who can give her children. I’m too old to start another family.” Bel started laughing. Years of listening to Holly downplaying her need for children came to mind. She’d always suspected it had more to do with her upbringing than anything else. Although she and Holly had always been close, they both had their secrets. “Maybe you don’t know Holly as well as you think you do. She doesn’t want children, Joe. She never has. All Holly wants is a good man to love her for whom she is, not just what she looks like.” Joe actually grinned. “I can’t tell you that I haven’t noticed how beautiful she is, but that’s not why I have feelings for her. Holly’s been through hell just like you have, yet she’s still warm and funny.” Bel remembered growing up with Holly. They were the two outcasts of the town who came together to offer each other friendship and love.

122

Necklace of Shame

“Why do you think she’s been my best friend for so many years? We identify on so many levels, it’s like we’re sisters.” Bel leaned toward Joe. “She’s in love with you. That’s never happened to Holly before. And if you break her heart, it may never happen again.” Bel stood and gave Joe a kiss on the cheek. “Think about it.”

***** After the last of the guests left, Bel started cleaning up the mess left behind. She carried a mile-high stack of paper plates to the trash, shaking her head. “Why can’t men actually throw their own plates away? I don’t think a single one of these came from a woman.” Bel tossed them into the can and turned around to find Callum watching her. “What?” He crooked his finger. “Time for your honeymoon, Mrs. McCloud.” Bel walked into his embrace. “Where’s our best man?” “He’s taking care of a few last-minute details.” Callum bent and pressed his lips to hers. “Mmm. You taste like wedding cake.” He explored the depths of her mouth again. “And champagne.” He led her by the hand toward the house. “Come on. We’d better get inside before Brody throws a fit.” Callum led her into the house and to the top of the stairs. He picked up two small overnight bags from the floor and handed her one. At her questioning look, Callum smiled. “We’ve planned a mini-honeymoon. Just wait and see.” He led her down two flights of stairs to the pool room. She loved the wall of glass at the back of the house, especially down here, but what she saw in front of her looked nothing like the room she was used to seeing. Artificial palm trees had been brought in along with a corner of sand. Brody sat under a heat lamp, wearing nothing but a smile. Bel’s eyebrows rose as she looked at Callum. “We’re honeymooning at the beach?” 123

Carol Lynne

“Yep. Brody thought of everything. He’s been working on it for the last month, trying to get everything organized so the gals from the party place could decorate today while you were busy with the wedding and reception.” Callum unbuttoned the closure holding up Bel’s sundress. The straps fell down and her breasts were exposed. Callum reached around and fondled her nipples for a few seconds before undoing the two buttons at her waist. Bel felt her pussy tighten at the soft caresses. Once the dress was at her feet, Bel stepped out of her shoes and turned to Callum. “You’re next. I have a feeling Brody’s not going to be patient much longer.” Bel pointed over to Brody with her thumb. Callum turned around and looked at Brody as Bel smiled. Brody was completely spread-eagled on the big beach blanket, stroking his cock and pulling at his sac. As Callum began to undress, they watched the show Brody was putting on. Damn, that man was hot. Brody thrust up into his own hand and Callum moaned. “Fuck, that’s sexy. You better go distract him before he comes.” Bel gladly skipped over to Brody. She stood over him, straddling his torso. She knew her pussy lips were already wet with passion. “Whatcha doing, Brody?” Brody opened his eyes and smiled, wiping a hand down his face. “Just clearing a spot for you. Have a seat.” Bel looked down at the hand still fisting his cock. She narrowed her eyes and turned around to straddle him the opposite way. Lowering her body over his, Bel landed on her knees with her pussy right above Brody’s mouth. The first lick to her already wet pussy sent sparks of pleasure up her spine. Brody licked again and tunneled deep into her channel with his probing tongue. Bel closed her eyes and fell forward. She took Brody’s hand off his cock and replaced it with her lips. Sucking the big, dark cock into her mouth, Bel moaned as Brody captured her clit with his teeth. He bit down just enough to deliver quite an orgasm. She quickly pulled off his cock. “Uh. Uh.” 124

Necklace of Shame

Brody couldn’t help laughing as he heard Bel come. “Get over here, Doodle. I think the lady needs a double dose of lovin’.”

Brody and Callum helped Bel roll over onto her back. She was still a little dazed from her recent climax, so they decided to give her a minute’s rest in between orgasms. For which she was very grateful. Bel turned her head to the side and watched as Callum ran his hand down Brody’s chest to circle his cock. Brody thrust into Callum’s hand. “You need to fuck your wife and I need to fuck you. But this first go-round, I say we double-team the little Mrs.” Wife, she loved that word. She wouldn’t be surprised if she was glowing. Callum slid down enough to lick Brody’s balls. He took each one into his mouth and sucked. Moving his way up Brody’s shaft, Callum swirled his tongue along the crown. He gathered a big drop of pre-cum and crawled back up Brody’s body. Bel knew what was coming next. They’d discovered how much it turned her on when they tasted each other. Although as Callum crawled up Brody’s body, she began to wonder if her loving to watch was just a happy bonus for them. It was clear they’d been lovers for years. They moved as one, always knowing what the other desired. Callum held his tongue out in invitation, and Brody quickly accepted. Brody sucked Callum’s tongue into his mouth. Bel knew he tasted her essence along with the sweet taste of Callum. “Mmm. Yeah.” Brody ran his hand down Callum’s muscular body. He followed each dip and rise of muscle as he made his way to Callum’s heavy cock. Watching Brody’s strong muscular hands map out Callum’s body never got old. He was such a gentle lover at times. She’d always thought two men fucking each other would be rough. Although she’d seen the two of them go at it like the Alpha males they were, they also seemed to love the tender moments.

125

Carol Lynne

Callum moaned and tossed his head from side to side. “Yeah.” Bel cleared her throat. Her men were just too sexy to sit back and watch. “Hello? Bride here looking for some action. Anyone interested?” Both men were on her in a split second. Callum looked over at Brody. “Lube?” Brody’s eyes bugged. “Fuck.” “Are you telling me you managed to plan all of this and forgot the lube? That’s like the most important prop.” Callum shook his head in apparent disgust. Brody held up a finger. “Wait. Don’t get all bent out of shape.” He dug around in the sand beside the blanket and came up with a bottle of suntan oil. “Ta-da.” Already on his side, Callum turned Bel to face him. He lifted her leg and plunged into her pussy without further warning. As he slowly rocked in and out of her, Brody got behind them and began to prepare Bel’s hole. This was one of her favorite parts. Having one of them buried inside her as the other took the time to make sure she was well ready spoke volumes to her. “I’m glad it’s not my cock that’s going to smell like a coconut,” Callum chuckled. Bel slapped Callum’s chest. “Hush, you.” She looked over her shoulder at Brody. “Continue what you’re doing. I don’t mind you smelling like a coconut if it means you being inside me that much faster.” Brody rubbed some more of the oil onto his cock and put his crown against Bel’s well-stretched hole. Looking over her shoulder at Callum, he nodded. “Ready or not, here I come.” He pushed the head of his shaft slowly into Bel. Bel’s breathing picked up as he entered her completely. Every time she experienced this, she wondered how two men could fit inside her. When both men were in to the hilt, she groaned. “Full.”

126

Necklace of Shame

She was grateful they gave her a few minutes to adjust to the invasion. In sync, they both began moving in and out of Bel’s body. Instead of counterthrusting, they both entered her at the same time and pulled out together. Oh god, it was so good. Bel moaned as they picked up their pace. She knew she wouldn’t last much longer. She felt Brody reach across her and opened her eyes. He wrapped his hand around Callum’s hip as Callum reached between them and rubbed Bel’s clit. Brody rested his head against Bel’s back. “I can feel every ridge of your cock, Callum. I can’t hold on.” Good, she was glad she wasn’t the only one. Callum began to rub her clit even faster. Her muscles contracted as she climaxed.

Like always, with Bel’s climax came the tightening of her muscles. Brody leaned over Bel’s shoulder and kissed Callum. “Come for me.” Both men erupted. Brody felt like the head of his cock had just exploded in Bel’s ass. As soon as they were finished, they immediately collapsed back on the blanket. “Damn,” Brody panted as the three of them fell like dominos with Callum on the bottom of the pile. Kissing and nibbling, they cuddled while trying to recover. Brody nipped Bel’s shoulder as he ground his spent cock against her butt. It just got better and better. Bel was the first to regain her breath. She turned to Brody and started to giggle. “I think I have sand in the crack of my ass.” Brody began to laugh behind her. Without warning, he scooped her up and walked toward the pool. One thing he loved most about Bel was that she loved to laugh. He was more than happy to play. “Time to get into the water, then,” he said, and tossed Bel through the air into the pool. He jumped in after her and was dunked as soon as he rose to the surface.

127

Carol Lynne

Brody came back up and waved his arms in the air. “Help. Lifeguard.” Callum ran and dove into the pool. Brody looked at Callum when he surfaced. “Show-off.” Callum pulled Brody into his arms. “I’m just tryin’ to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. That’s what you called me for, wasn’t it?” Callum captured his lips. The longer they kissed, the hotter the kiss became. Breaking apart, Callum pulled Bel into a three-way hug. “You need saving, punkin?” “Nope,” she said, taking a quick kiss. “The two of you have already saved me.”

128

About the Author I’ve been a reading fanatic for years and finally at the age of 40 decided to try my hand at writing. I’ve always loved romance novels that are just a little bit naughty so naturally my books tend to go just a little further. It’s my fantasy world after all. When I’m not being a mother to a five-year-old and a six-year-old, you can usually find me in my deep leather chair with either a book in my hand or my laptop.

Carol welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Carol Lynne Feels So Right Finnegan’s Promise Gio’s Dream Men in Love 1: Branded by Gold Men in Love 2: Ben’s Wildflower Men in Love 3: Open to Possibilities Men in Love 4: Completing the Circle Men in Love 5: Going Against Orders Men in Love 6: Tortured Souls Riding the Wolf Sex With Lex

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com