Toy Soldiers

Toy Soldiers By Dahlia Rose Copyright © December 2010, Dahlia Rose Cover art by Jordyn Tracey © December 2010 ISBN 978-1-936668-03-8 This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. Sugar and Spice Press North Carolina, USA www.sugarnspicepress.com

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Chapter One The holiday music that played from the speakers in the mall was cheery and bright. Clear lights reflected off the red, white, and blue balls of the huge Christmas Tree that stood in the middle of the Macy’s home store in New York City. Captain Caine McIntosh took it all in while he stood at attention by the big box also painted in red, white, and blue. It was a promotion that Macy’s put together with the brass at Fort Hamilton in Staten Island, toys for the kids who had lost a parent in theatre in a Middle Eastern county that now hosted the United States Military. It was also to salute the boys that just came back from Iraq for the last time. He was one of them, and Caine certainly didn’t mind standing in his full dress blues saluting each person who came up with a new gift. Standing under crystal snowflakes that hung from the high roof of the department store and enjoying the Christmas cheer around him was so much better than the smell of gunpowder in his nose while carrying gear packs that could break his back, or riding in humvees for days patrolling a place that was harsh and deadly to any soldier caught unaware. He had the burn scar in his helmet where a bullet had barely missed his head and the scars on his back from an IED that exploded next to his humvee sending hot metal shards through his Kevlar and into his skin. No, this was better, and slowly he was becoming accustomed to not fighting for his life everyday and getting back to normal. He had a transfer pending to become a sniper instructor back in his hometown. Until then he welcomed the busy pace of New York. He embraced the kindness of each person who came up to him in the store, even if it was just to chat. The next song that came up spoke of a toy soldier who stood alone with his drum at his side. A toy man in uniform standing tall and proud and true for the little boy who got him as a gift for Christmas. The lyrics were so poignant that it reminded him of the friends he had lost in two tours each in Iraq and Afghanistan. These were men whose names he couldn’t even say without choking up. Some of them left wives and children, and that was worst of all. Their fathers died bravely, and they 1

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

were left to pick up the pieces. It was one of the things that made Caine long for his home in Texas. Maybe sitting by the lake behind his ranch home he would be able to find some tranquility of mind. While the words played and the artist crooned, their faces flashed before his eyes, smiling, laughing, and carefree even in the midst of war. He was a man who believed in heaven, and he knew in his heart they all found peace from this life to the next. He spied a woman coming into the store. He didn’t know why she caught his eyes. Maybe it was the bright yellow scarf she was wearing or the small boy with curly hair who held a toy in his hand. But as they came closer, he could see the wariness in her soft brown eyes. Her gentle smile was filled with love when she spoke to her son. She was gorgeous. Even hidden under the thick winter clothing to fight against the winter chill of the city, he could see her beauty. She had wide almond-shaped eyes and a full mouth, and a cute little nose in the middle of her face, with chocolate brown skin. Cute little nose, Caine chided himself ruefully. You’re getting soft, my man. She stood off to one side while the boy trotted up to him and pulled on the cloth of his pants to gain his attention. “You’re a solider right?” the little boy asked. Caine crouched low so they could be eye to eye. “Yup, that’s me. I’m Captain Caine.” “Captain Caine, my name is Joshua Lionel. That my mom.” Joshua pointed to his mother who smiled at him. “I brought a toy for the kids, and I can’t reach to put it in.” “I can put it in for you,” Caine offered. Joshua shook his head stubbornly, and Caine couldn’t help but grin. “Nope. I need to do it myself.” “How about I lift you high enough so you can reach it?” The boy nodded eagerly. “That will work.” “Ok, before you do it, you need to go ask your mom if I can lift you,” Caine explained.

2

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Joshua nodded, and he watched him run on short legs over to his mother who listened calmly and spoke to her son. She looked at Caine and nodded her consent while her son ran back over excitedly. “She said you could lift me.” Joshua raised his arms. “Be careful. I’m almost thirty-five pounds. My doctor said so.” Caine grinned. “Ok, I’ll make sure to lift with my knees.” He loved the direct innocence of the boy, and he lifted him easily so he could drop his toy into the bin. “There,” Caine said when he set him back down on the floor. He stood and gave a sharp salute. “That’s for helping out, Joshua.” “I gotta favor to ask you, Captain Caine.” Joshua called him down with a crook of a finger. Caine crouched low again. “How can I help you, buddy?” “I know you’re a soldier, and I saw Santa on the news with a bunch of soldiers last night, so I know you guys must talk to Santa, right?” Joshua said. “I might know a direct way to contact the big guy.” The young boy’s face lit up, and he pulled a piece of crumpled paper out of his pocked and put it into Caine’s hand. “Great. Can you give him this letter for me? I want him to get me a dad for Christmas so he can protect me and my mom.” Caine was instantly aware. “Is someone hurting you or your mom, Joshua?” He shook his head. “No, but we live in a not so nice place, and my mom is scared all the time. She works hard to get us stuff and keep us safe, but I can tell she is real scared sometimes. I figured if I had a dad we could live with him, and Mommy won’t have to worry so much. I would protect us, but I’m still too little.” Caine looked up and met her questioning stare. She frowned and walked over quickly. “I’ll see what I can do, buddy,” Caine promised before she came to stand beside her son. “I’m sorry, sir. He tends to get chatty,” she apologized. 3

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Her voice was husky and soft and flowed over him like molasses. It made him think of cool nights and warm brandy sitting outside on his deck with the fire pit burning to keep them warm. Ok, buddy, you need to curb those thoughts. You don’t even know this woman. But for some reason just looking at her Caine admitted to himself that knowing her might not be so bad. “That’s ok. We were talking about Santa Claus.” He winked at the boy who smiled wide. “Mommy, he knows Santa Claus, and he’ll give him my letter!” Joshua said excitedly. “You don’t have to do that,” she said so her son couldn’t hear. “Thanks for humoring him.” “It’s no problem. I’ll put the letter in the make a wish box,” Caine replied. He held out his hand to her. “I’m Caine McIntosh.” “Danika Lionel,” she replied before turning to her son. “We’ve got to go, Joshie. We have errands to run before we go home. Say good-bye.” “You don’t have to leave right now. You know there’s a little play area for the kids to see Santa,” Caine said impulsively. “Maybe we could get some coffee.” “You’re asking me out…for coffee?” Danika gave him a shy smile. “Thanks for the offer, but we really have to be going.” “Well how about you offer me your number, and we can discuss another time when we can get coffee, hot cocoa, a glass of wine, or dinner and dancing.” Caine grinned and winked. She laughed, and he loved the sound. “You are straight to the point. I’m a girl who believes in fate. So if I see you again, I will count it as fate saying I should give you my number.” “I’ll take that deal,” he replied. “See you around, soldier.” Danika took Joshua’s hand and turned to leave. “Bye, Captain Caine,” Joshua called as his mom took his hand and began to walk away.

4

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

He stared after them until they went out the door. Then he opened the crumpled paper to see a drawing in crayon. It was the drawing of a child, but he could still make out a man who held the hand of a boy and his mother. Caine smiled, and the picture gave him a rush of something protective for the young man. On the top of the paper he drew on was his mother’s name and address in letterhead. She did freelance web design, and obviously little Joshua used her letterhead as drawing paper. It seemed like fate was on his side. Good boy, he thought with a grin while he formulated a plan. **** Danika hung the last few streamers on the wall of her small apartment, turned on the lights she hung, and plugged in the Christmas tree. She looked around to make sure everything was perfect. A week before Christmas and everything had to be wonderful for Joshua. She was all he had, both mother and father to a boy who deserved the world. He certainly didn’t ask to be born, but from the first moment she held him in her arms, she knew she would do anything for her son. They lived in a small apartment off Eighty-Eighth Street in Far Rockaway. It was almost the last stop on the A train across the river where you could see ice forming on the surface. The neighborhood was not the best, but it was better than the projects in the Bronx. She had to pick the lesser evil by taking this place, but she was still scared to go outside at night. With her meager income she took what she could afford. “Mommy, can I come out, please!” Her son’s small excited voice called from the bedroom they shared. She straightened the star on the tree before calling out. “Ok, come on, sweetie!” The door opened, and Joshua’s eyes were bright with excitement as he looked around. “Oh, Mommy this is awesome!” “You really like it, Joshie?”

5

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

He threw his arms around her neck while she lifted him from the floor. “I love it, Mommy, tons and tons.” She felt tears burn her eyes as she held her son tight. She made a promise to herself that next year she and her son would be in a safer, better place even if she had to move out of New York State to get it. “Mommy, how will Santa get my presents here if we have no chimney?” Joshua asked. She sat on the sofa with Josh on her lap. “Well he has super special magic for kids who don’t have chimneys that makes him like the wind. I’ll leave the window cracked just a bit, and he’ll get inside.” “Great. I hope he brings my remote control truck.” Joshua laid his head against her shoulder, and Danika smiled while she rubbed his back. “I wish we had some place I could make it jump.” “We’ll try it at the park when springtime comes,” Danika promised. She thought about the truck her son had seen on TV that cost almost one hundred dollars. That would cut into her funds a lot, along with the other presents she had bought him. After Christmas would be tight. She hoped she could get more work to help cover the cost. If not she would be avoiding the landlord until she made the money for rent. She didn’t care as long as Joshua didn’t have to look at an empty tree for Christmas. She would find away to make up the difference. The problem was the other money she paid for protection to make sure nothing happened to her apartment when she was gone. That was the money even her landlord had to pay, and no one was late on the payments. One day soon we’re going to be out of here. “Is dinner ready? I’m kinda hungry.” Joshua looked up at her. “You’re hungry? I wouldn’t think it,” Danika teased and began to tickle his belly. Joshua squealed and laughed. “You’ll get dinner after the tickle monster has his dinner.” The doorbell rang, and Danika froze. Wariness flooded her body. She didn’t have friends, not in this neighborhood. No family would be coming by that’s for sure, and there were never any play dates for her son. Who

6

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

could be knocking at her door at this time of the evening? The doorbell rang again, and she took her cell phone and handed it to Joshua. “Do like I taught you, honey. Wait in the bedroom until I tell you,” Danika commanded. “It’s alright.” “Mommy, let me stay. I can help protect you,” Joshua said bravely. His simple words caused tears to threaten again. “No, honey. Mommy has to protect you for a long time.” The doorbell rang again. “Go, sweetie, go.” Danika closed the door to the bedroom after making sure that Joshua was secure. She went to the door and, picking up a bat from the corner, called out. “Who is it?” “Danika, it’s um Captain Caine McIn…” Danika threw open the door and dragged him inside looking around making sure no one was watching before slamming the door and locking it tight. “Are you crazy coming here? Did anyone see you come up?” His eyes zeroed in on the bat in her hand. “No one saw me come up. It’s cold as hell out there. Danika, what the hell is going on? Why do you have a bat?” “This isn’t the safest neighborhood, Captain,” she bit out, not caring if her words were harsh. “We don’t all get to grow up in the suburbs with a white picket fence. I have to protect my son.” “You don’t know where I grew up. Please don’t make assumptions,” Caine replied. “If this neighborhood so bad, why do you stay here?” “Oh let me go to my wall safe and pull out a few wads of cash and move to a penthouse,” Danika snapped. “Why would anyone stay here, you dolt? I can’t afford anywhere else right now.” “Ok, we’re getting off on the wrong foot.” Caine sighed and gave her a bright smile. “Hi, Danika, you said if fate led you to meet again I’d get your number, and instead he sent me your address.” Danika stared at him in astonishment. “Are you kidding me?” “Nope. I like you, so I came to find you.” He was still wearing his uniform which meant he came directly from the store where he was standing guard. Danika had to admit the man was 7

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

handsome with blue eyes that reminded her of a turquoise gem. And she should see the hint of dark hair under his uniform hat. He had a chiseled jaw, clean shaven, and she wondered how his skin would feel against hers. Oh yes, he was sexy as hell. She thought that from the time she saw him crouch down to talk to Joshua. Joshua, oh shit! She forgot her son was standing guard in the bedroom. If she didn’t get to him after one hundred Mississippi’s two times he would press the number four speed dial which she had set up for nine-one-one. She rushed to open the door. “Superman!” Joshua ran out and threw himself into her arms. “Mommy, I almost got to one hundred the second time. I was getting scared.” “It’s ok, baby. Look who came to see us,” Danika soothed hoping it would take his mind off being afraid. “Captain Caine!” Joshua rushed over to the man in uniform. Caine got to his knees. “Hey, buddy, I think you grew since I saw you.” Joshua giggled. “Don’t be silly. No, I didn’t. Mommy, we had nothing to worry about because it’s Captain Caine.” Before she could stop him Joshua turned back to Caine and begun to talk. “Mommy’s scared because of the bad men who ask for money. That’s why she has the bat. I am her back up, so I go into the bedroom and stay very quiet. I count a lot, and if she doesn’t come and say Superman to let me know it’s ok, I call the police.” “Well you are certainly one brave guy. I wish I had you with me when I am on duty far away from here,” Caine said. He met her gaze, and she could see the worry in his eyes and the questions. Some she did not want to answer. “Can Captain Caine stay for dinner?” Joshua barreled on only like a child could. “My mom makes the best dinners ever!” “I’m sure he has a bunch of important stuff to do.” Danika tried to give him leeway to wiggle out of eating dinner, but to her chagrin he deftly sidestepped her obvious ploy.

8

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“No, I’m actually off duty, so I can stay. I would love to taste your mom’s dinner. I’m starved.” Caine grinned. “What can I do to help?” “You have to sit here with me and watch cartoons while Mommy gets dinner on the table. That’s the rule,” Joshua said solemnly. “I can do that.” Caine tucked his hat under his arm as Joshua took his other hand and led him to the sofa. “I love that Sponge Bob guy.” “Me too!” Joshua said and began to chatter on. Seeing she was definitely overruled, Danika went into the small kitchen to finish preparing dinner. She put the chicken casserole on the table and looked over at the two heads bent together watching cartoons. Joshua’s curly head bobbed as he giggled, and Caine threw his head back to laugh at some of the cartoonish antics on TV. It would be so easy to get accustomed… No, Danika, don’t think like that. This was something she couldn’t have. It was her and Joshua no one else. His father had proven how dependable men could be. “Dinner is ready,” she called out with more cheer than she felt. It bothered her to no end that Caine had made a friend in her son so easily, and she could feel herself liking him as well. The irritation was more at herself for not being able to dislike him more. “It smells wonderful.” His baritone voice was so smooth, and she met his searching gaze. “Thanks,” she replied and made sure Joshua was seated with his napkin in place. Caine grabbed his fork, and Joshua did too. Danika slapped both their hands. “Grace before meals.” She made sure both of them bowed their heads and then said a quick prayer before they ate. She wanted to teach her son all the right things, and this was one of them. The quick smile Caine gave her before he dug into his dinner with relish told her he approved, and they ate together while Joshua chatted on between bites. They talked about everything from Transformers to going to preschool. Danika said little, but she learned from listening to his conversation with Joshua that he was from Texas, which made her son’s eyes widen to know one could be a cowboy and a solder all at the same time. She should’ve 9

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

known from the sexy drawl in his voice. By the end of dinner, he’d promised to teach Joshua to ride a horse and more, things she knew her son would look forward to and things she could not provide. By her son urging, Caine didn’t leave right after dinner. He played board games with the young boy, and in that time, his jacket came off and was thrown over a chair next to the table. She finally got Joshua to bed, and she was suddenly quite alone with the sexy Captain. “You shouldn’t promise him things. We don’t know you like that,” she said taking the defensive. “If you knew me like that would it make a difference? I get this lone wolf kind of thing coming off you. You think I’m invading your space,” Caine pointed out. “Well you charge in here and next thing you know you’re eating dinner and promising horsey rides, things I can’t possibly give him right now,” Danika retorted. “How do you think that makes me feel?” “Honestly, do you think him knowing how to call nine one one in case the bad guys come is much better?” Caine asked. “That’s so much better than promising a ride on a ranch.” Danika’s temper rose. “What kind of mother would I be to want this for my son! How dare you come in here and try to bring me down as a mother? I do everything for him. I send him in there for his protection. I would die for him in an instant.” “Calm down, Danika. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean you are a bad mother.” He pulled her to him, and she struggled in vain as tears wet her cheeks. The torrent of emotions that she held onto so tightly escaped, and she sobbed. “I live her so scared all the time. I hardly get a good night’s sleep. So, yes, I feel a certain way when someone who obviously is so put together like yourself comes into my home and makes the world I am trying to build for him feel like less. I am working my way out of this. By God, I will!” “Shhhh, honey. Shhhh,” he whispered and pulled her against his chest. Danika was unable to resist. “It’s ok. Please don’t cry. I’m sorry.”

10

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“It’s not you, well not all you.” She sniffled against his chest. “It’s just too hard sometimes, trying to create a perfect world for Joshie in a place like this.” “You’ve done a great job, Danika. Please don’t feel like you haven’t,” Caine replied. He pulled her from his chest and wiped the tears from her face with the pads of his thumbs. “Anyone can tell you’re a great momma.” She gave him a watery smile. “Thanks, I guess.” “Don’t guess, know you are,” he said. She stared up at him. His blue eyes held so much tenderness. Danika felt as if she could drown in that deep blue gaze, and she saw something spark in his eyes. His fingers traced her lips before his head slowly descended to her and their mouths met. The kiss was whisper soft. His lips rubbed against her so gently she thought of butterfly wings. She couldn’t help the sigh that rose to her lips before he took the kiss deeper and pulled her against him with a groan. Oh hell, kissing like this should be illegal. The thought flashed through her head when his tongue slipped into her mouth. He invited hers to play twining and tasting until she took his silent lead. Her tongue smoothed across his bottom lip before she delved inside his mouth. With a loud groan Caine buried his hand in her hair and devoured her in a frenzied kiss that left her gasping. “Stop, Caine. Oh wow, we’ve got to stop,” she said as his lips traveled down her neck. “Oh, Jesus, I swear you taste like chocolate. Is that crazy? God, your skin tastes like it looks.” He took her lips again, and she was swept up in the throes of desire. She tried to regain her composure. “Caine, Joshua is sleeping in there. We have only one bedroom. I can’t have my son seeing this.” That brought him back to reality, and Caine stepped away swallowing thickly. “Ok, you’re right.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “Let’s run away and get married.” His statement made her giggle. “You’re silly when the blood rushes from your brain, huh?” 11

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“Is that a remark about my appendage?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. She winked at him. “Maybe.” “Ok, before marriage, how about dating me?” She didn’t resist when he took another kiss. “I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “Joshie is the most important thing in my life. I don’t have men coming and going in our lives, and I can’t have a broken relationship affecting him.” “Who says this is going to be broken?” Caine teased but then said with kindness, “I promise I won’t hurt either of you. Just give me a chance.” She waged an internal war with herself wondering if it could be seen on her face. She was a woman who was accustomed being alone, fighting her own battles. Asking for something that would seem so simple to some was to her a process where everything had to be weighed. She looked at him, and he gave her an endearing smile, mouthing the word ‘please.’ Danika could feel herself wavering toward the enigmatic soldier in front of her. He winked at her, and she shook her head chuckling softly under her breath. “I’m not making any promises. Let’s see how it goes,” Danika said. “Ok, it’s not soldier like to dance around in happiness, so I’m going to go, but I really hate leaving you here like this. I don’t think if these guys want to get in, a bat is going to stop them,” Caine said. “I don’t want anything to happen to you and Joshie.” “We’ll be fine. I promise.” “I’ll be back tomorrow around seven,” he said. “Don’t say ‘no don’t’ because I think you know we’ve gone past that already. Me not coming to see you is like trying to stop the A train from running.” She smiled at his words. “I know.” Caine got his jacket and shrugged into it before putting his hat on his head. “So tomorrow then.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her once more before slipping out the door after those words. She locked the barrier behind him and leaned against it before expelling the breath she was holding. Holy shit, this was something she 12

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

never expected to happen. Did she really want it to happen? Protect your heart. Protect your son’s heart. She knew they were both fragile. She got into bed and looked over at her son in his car bed sleeping soundly. Love flooded her heart, and she recalled Caine used her son’s nickname she so lovingly gave him, Joshie.

13

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Two Apaches flew overhead with a clear destination in mind, and when the first rockets hit, he felt the tremor beneath his feet even though it was miles away. They were moving quickly toward the encampment settled deep in the rocks. The platoon was not in the best positioning. The insurgents had the advantage of more cover from rocks that surrounded the tents and poorly built shacks. Bullets whizzed by as the unit tried to keep low. The radio crackled with static, orders flying through and constant updates from air support. It all blended together to make a chaotic mess, the smells, the acrid scent of burning things, sweat and dirt, blood, when one of the guys got hit. Screams rent the air because the pain was unimaginable when you tried to staunch the flow of blood and save their lives. Prayers went up, begging God to let them see home and family again… Caine woke up with the sheets tangled around him in the midst of dreams that came too frequently, and the urge to hit something in response always followed. The damage he’d seen and the horrors he’d witnessed was something he couldn’t erase from his memories. He’d seen the kindness of strangers and shared grief with people whose language he couldn’t speak. Who knew when he turned eighteen and he signed those papers giving his life and blood over to the Marines that so much would happen. He thought he would end up in Okinawa serving some place exotic, and for a time his career showed him the world. But every soldier probably thought when they were deployed, What the hell did I sign up for? In his housing unit he looked out onto the cold morning through his window. Fort Hamilton faced the waters off Staten Island. Just gazing out at it sent cold straight to his bones. He missed Texas still after being stationed here for three years. He couldn’t wait for those papers to tell him he was going back. He missed the wide open area that surrounded his ranch home. His horses were being lovingly taken care of by his uncle until he got back, and the ranch he ran was by no means the biggest in the 14

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

state, but he did well enough that when he retired he would be set for life. People often asked why he joined the military to leave all that. He wanted to defend his country the right and honorable way. He was a good rancher and a damn fine soldier. Both gave him reason to be proud. He visited anytime he could get a few weeks leave to ride and reconnect with the land he loved. But being away for this extended period of time was somehow worse. He knew it was because of his last tour to Afghanistan. Instead of stepping off a bus to dusty streets, he got off a plane at JHK airport. The crowds, the city, the constant underlying hum bothered him. The only good thing about it was now he met Danika and little Joshua. He could see them both in Texas with him. But he knew there were a bunch of hurdles to jump. That woman had been hurt and hurt bad. Now she lived in fear. He might have to take it slow with her, but his main concern was getting her and her son out of the situation where she lived. How could she learn to trust him if she had to live in fear? He was on leave for the rest of the holiday season, and by the first day of the New Year, he would know if someone had been picked to take his place. He pulled on his civilian clothes, basic jeans and a long-sleeved fleece top, then a coat over it before he ran out to brave the biting cold. He headed to one of the closest department stores and picked up everything he needed, things that he doubted he would use if it wasn’t for Danika and Joshua. He bought a lighted tree and as many decorations that two carts could carry. He bought sheets, blankets, and so much more to fill a house that he barely lived in. He hadn’t thought he needed more than a fork to eat from a Chinese food box over the sink in the kitchen. He had a few towels and the same sheets and blanket he threw into the washer once a week. What was the point of making base housing homey because what mattered was where his heart was. Now he had to at least pick it up if he was going to invite Danika and Joshua there for the holidays. While he worked to set up the house just right, he made a mental note to buy groceries when he was done. There was only a gallon of milk with a questionable date on the top shelf. He was so busy on his task he 15

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

didn’t hear the knock on the door until he heard the voice behind him as he stood on the ladder. “Holy holiday, your house threw up Christmas.” Caine looked behind him to see one of the guys from his unit and a close friend. “You don’t yell when a guy’s on a ladder, Dave.” “I came over to let you know the boys will be here by six for the college bowl,” Dave reminded him. “It’s Saturday, and you have the biggest TV.” “That’s going to be a no on that. I have other plans,” Caine replied. “Is this all for a chick? She must be something,” Dave commented looking around. “This place is usually so depressing.” “She’s not just some chick. Her name is Danika, and she has a fouryear-old son named Joshua.” “Well cool, I guess. If the numbers keep dwindling down with guys from this unit hooking up, it’s going to be only me for Saturday football,” Dave said nonchalantly. “You were one of the greats, right up there with me and Don Juan. Now look at you, felled by a woman.” Caine grinned. “Don Juan, huh? Get out, Dave. Don’t come back till New Year’s or at least until I call ya.” Dave lifted his head high and gave him a grin. “I know when I’m not wanted. Good-bye.” “You’re not wanted, that’s why you’re always here!” Caine called out to the closing door. By the time he got into his car to head across the Verrazano Bridge to Queens, he was quite proud of himself. He was constantly amazed at the view across the river toward Manhattan, New York did have a light show. The skyline across the river looking toward Manhattan was something he would never get used to. Now some of the buildings carried the red and green colors of the holiday making it more festive. Caine had to admit he was excited when he pulled up to her apartment. The owner had turned a small three story house into three small apartments. The paint needed to be redone, and he worried about the metal stairs on the outside of the building. They led to her apartment which happened to be the final level of 16

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

the house. They seemed rickety in his opinion, and he wondered about the fastenings that moored them. Remembering last night’s episode and how scared she was, before getting out, Caine scanned the surrounding area. He saw a few guys standing outside the corner store watching his car. Caine was not in the least interested in a few guys. Even if they were carrying a weapon, he was trained to disarm anyone quite effectively. On the top of the stairs he saw the guys were gone, and he knocked on the door. Danika opened the door, and his mouth went dry. Even though she was dressed in simple jeans, a pair of boot, and a sweater, the way everything hugged her body he wanted to howl at the moon in response. Joshua broke his reverie by yelling his name and jumping into his arms before Danika could get the door closed. “Hey, buddy, how was your day?” Caine asked. Joshua began a long spell on crayons and a Tonka truck that broke into his fort of cushions and a blanket. His mom made his fort in the afternoon so he could pretend he was a soldier too. Caine heard every word, but his eyes were on Danika, and their kiss flashed through his mind. He turned his attention back to Joshua who he still held. “Your day was way more amazing than mine,” Caine said solemnly. “I was just getting a surprise together for you and your mom.” Joshua’s eyes lit up. “What is it?” “How about you go play for a few minutes while I talk to your momma about it.” He winked at the boy before putting him down. He watched the little legs tear off into the room and close the door. Then he turned and pulled Danika into his arms for a kiss. She wrapped her arms around him, and he almost forgot why he came. Caine pulled away but took a few more nibbles of her lips and stepped back to put a little distance between them. He took her hand and walked over to the little loveseat to sit her down to face him. “What’s this surprise?” “I want you and Joshua to come and spend Christmas with me,” Caine explained.

17

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“That sounds nice, but Christmas day is five days away. You can come pick us up…” Caine shook his head. “Honey, I want you to pack a bag for you and Joshua and come spend the rest of the holiday on Staten Island on base with me.” This time Danika refused. “I can’t do that, Caine. We hardly know you, and we can’t just leave our home for the holidays.” “Listen, I set up my extra bedroom for you and Joshua to stay in, no pressure. This isn’t about dating you right now. Well it is but also because I want to spend the holidays with the both of you. Not one thing will happen that you don’t want to happen, Danika.” Caine took her hand in his. “I know we’ve only known each other for less than two days, but this feels co completely amazing that yeah I want you both with me. I don’t want you guys here. I hardly slept last night worrying. What’s safer than a base full of soldiers? Joshua will love it. I promise. Say yes, baby, and there are no strings attached.” She sighed and with just a small amount of pondering Danika nodded. Caine pulled her into a huge embrace while happiness filled him to the core. He would have them for the holidays, and by the end, he hoped they would be with him longer. “I’ll go tell Joshua and get our things together.” Danika smiled and went to the bedroom door. “Great. I left dinner cooking, so when we get there, it will be nice and warm,” he said with a grin. “Go, hurry and get packed.” With another quick smile she went inside, and he heard Joshua’s yell of delight. Caine took it on himself to make sure all her windows were secured while she and her son packed. He wanted so much to tell her just bring everything with her and she would never have to come back to his place again. That would of course be pushing her too fast, and he could see she was one who didn’t take to pushing her in a direction she was not sure she wanted to go. He would have to play it very cool and court her with great care. My mama did raise a gentleman.

18

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

The door opened soon after, and Joshua came flying out and stopped right in front of Joshua. “Mommy said we’re going to the soldier base and spend Christmas there with you!” “Yup, that’s right. There is a parade there for Christmas too that we get to watch,” Caine replied. “That’s so cool!” Joshua exclaimed. “It is.” Caine smiled at him and then up at Danika. “I say we get out of here and go enjoy the holidays.” While Danika got Joshua into his winter coat to keep him warm, Caine took the two bags she had packed and waited by the door. They were both outside when she handed him the keys, and he locked it up tight. They were downstairs, and while he put the bags in the back of his SUV, Danika got Joshua belted into the back seat. “Hey, Danika Lionel, where you going to?” The male voice stopped him cold, and he hurried to close the hatch of the SUV and went to her side. Two guys stood next to the passenger door blocking her from getting in. “We’re heading out for the holidays,” Danika informed them coolly. Caine stepped next to her saying nothing. He knew he had to wait for them to make the first move. He was trained to kill, and if he touched them without provocation, he would be the one paying the consequences. “I think you forgot to pay us for watching your place. We don’t want anything to happen to it while you’re gone.” The man laughed. “I’m Caine, nice to meet you.” Caine’s voice was like ice when he stepped in front of her. “I think her place will be fine while she’s gone.” “You don’t understand, man.” The man’s ugly face made the tan skin contort cruelly. It was meant to instill fear, but Caine was not fazed. “Things happen, like break-ins. Her shit might get trashed. You know the kind of stuff that might be important.” “I’ll just pay…” Danika went for her purse, but Caine stopped her. “You don’t know how this works in this neighborhood, white boy. She pays or things happen.”

19

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“And if things happen, I know who to come looking for.” Caine’s voice had become deadly. “You better warn your new boyfriend.” The men came closer. “Warn me of what? That you are bullying an entire neighborhood?” Caine asked casually. “We’re going to leave here, and when we come back—if anything and I do mean anything—is wrong with where she lives, you’ll answer to me.” The man swung at Caine who dodged it easily. He expected as much, and the thing about street thugs was that they had no finesse. Caine caught him by the forearm, and while he swung him around, he elbowed the other man who was coming up behind in the nose. When the new assailant grabbed his face Caine easily kicked him in the gut and sent him to the ground. He turned his attention back to the talker. He was the one with the threats and the street swagger. He easily planted him face first on the top of his SUV. With his hand pinned high in his back, Caine could easily break the man’s arm or even wrench it from the socket. Instead he used it to make a point. “Now I know you’re accustomed to running things, but I’m not scared of you,” Caine said mildly and pulled the hand he held higher. It wrenched a cry from the man who he held pinned. “What’s your name, son?” “Juan Diego,” the guy said through gritted teeth. “Hello, Juan,” he said with deadly intent. “Now if I’m not making sense you let me know. Nothing happens to her stuff or me and a bunch of soldiers are going to rain down wrath on you. Is that understood? Juan, is that clear?” “Yeah, it’s clear, man. It’s clear.” “Good.” Caine threw him to the sidewalk. “Merry Christmas.” He opened the door and helped Danika inside the warmth of the SUV before climbing behind the wheel. “Mommy, I told you he would protect us. Santa sent him early!” Joshua cried out as Caine pulled away from the curb. That’s right, Joshie. I’ll protect you always, Caine thought. He threw a quick grin to the boy in the back seat before he took Danika’s hand and headed away from Queens. 20

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

21

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Three Oh, Jesus, what just happened? What did he do? Danika thought as they took the drive to Staten Island. It was so amazing to see him put those thugs in their place. In all the months she’d been paying them money, she never knew a name. They liked it that way, so there was no one specific person that could be reported to the cops. Plus a different guy came every week. But reality set in quickly. When the holidays were over, she would have to live there again, and if Caine was nowhere around the repercussions for what he did would come down on her and Joshua. What should I do? Fear made her want to scream at him to turn the car around so she go pay the money and more if necessary to keep her home safe. But in her heart, she knew she couldn’t do that forever. What she had in her purse was specifically to pay for Joshie’s big Christmas gift from Santa. As if sensing her thoughts, Caine squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be ok.” Danika voiced her fears. “I barely know you, Caine. If this doesn’t work out, hell, right after Christmas I’ll be back there with Joshua. We won’t be safe.” “Listen to me. I don’t care what happens between us. I would never leave you in a situation where you and Joshua aren’t safe.” Caine was concentrating on the road, but she could hear the intensity in his voice. “Trust me, please.” She squeezed his big warm hand in return. “Ok, I trust you.” Danika heard Joshua gasp as he saw the lights when they passed over the bridge. It made her smile. He’d never been out late enough to see anything like this, and it must be a treat for him to be on an exciting adventure. By the time they got to Fort Hamilton and drove onto the base, he was literally bouncing in his seat. Danika had to admit that she had the same excited jitters in her tummy because even though the base had buildings set up like apartments, there were houses as well for families. They were decorated with lights, and even a big blown up snowman sat behind a small fenced in area. With each new sight, Joshua’s thrilled 22

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

squeal and excited chatter filled the car. Even so she was keenly aware of the man who held her hand, how he caressed her knuckles with an idle thumb. He pulled into a parking space in front on a townhouse style home. Looking around she could see in that part of the base, all the housing was an exact replica of each other. He grabbed their bags while she got Joshua down from the tall seat. Caine walked in front of them and unlocked the door. He stepped back so they could go in first. When both her and Joshua saw what he had done with his home, she was astonished that he got all of it completed so quickly. Icicle lights had been hung from the roof and draped down the banister. A Massive Christmas tree sat in the corner near the big windows, so huge that when Joshua ran over to stand close he looked small next to the lush green branches. “This is spectacular. Caine, did you do all this for us?” She turned to face the smiling solder that stood watching from the door. “I thought if we are going to have Christmas we should do it right,” Caine replied. She looked at her son, running around in delight then getting to his knees to touch the toy soldiers who stood guard in rows of two next to the Christmas tree. It melted her heart to know that he put so much thought and care into every detail of the house. She laughed out loud at the flat screen playing a scene of a cracking fireplace. She was not accustomed to such kindness even from her own family. She walked and took each bag from him and placed them on the floor. She wrapped her arms around him tight. “Thank you,” she whispered looking up at him. She felt tears threaten to fall and rested her head against his broad chest. “Both of you have made this perfect for me. I should be thanking you.” Caine’s deep voice rumbled in her ear. “I’ll show you where you guys will sleep.” “Come on, Joshua,” she called out, and he came running to take her hand. The room was also set up for their comfort, Danika noted. Caine had spread a thick burnt orange comforter on the bed, and the bedside table 23

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

had a Santa lamp that gave the room a dim but cheery glow. Everything was perfect, and Danika was glad she said yes to spend Christmas with Caine. She watched as he helped Joshua bounce on the bed. The light in his eyes said enough. He had already formed a fondness for Caine, and in only a day or two, she had to admit she did as well. She could feel herself opening up to the soldier who blatantly asked for her number in the store. Even though she was scared, how could she not take the path and see where it went. “Let’s go get some dinner. I made my mama’s chicken and dumplings,” Caine said with a grin. “Where is your mommy?” Joshua asked with childlike innocence as they walked out of the room. Danika noted a hint of sadness in his eyes before he smiled down at Joshua. “She and my dad are in heaven. They went there a long time ago, and my uncle raised me and helps take care of my ranch now.” “I hope I get to see your uncle and your ranch. Remember you said you would teach me to ride a horse,” Joshua said as they settled in the kitchen. His eyes met hers, and she all of a sudden she felt breathless under his gaze. “I hope so too, buddy.” They ate with the constant chatter of Joshua in the background. It was a wonderful atmosphere, and Danika found herself laughing more than once. After dinner they went back to the living room where Joshua began to play with the soldiers, and by nine while they talked she noticed his droopy lids. She winked at Caine and pointed in the direction of Joshua before getting up and lifting him in her arms. Her son didn’t protest when she walked back to the bed room with him. “Mommy, this is the best time ever, isn’t it?” he asked sleepily while she dressed him in his pajamas. “Yes, it is,” she agreed gently with a smile and tucked him into bed with a kiss on his warm soft cheek. “Now go to sleep, angel. Sweet dreams.”

24

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

He was asleep before she even left the room, a small bundled mass beneath thick blankets in the middle of the bed. She walked back out into the living room with a sense of nervousness that settled into her belly. She was now completely alone with Caine. Joshua had been the cute barrier that kept them from being alone and intimate, but now with him sleeping soundly she felt exposed. She sat next to Caine on the sofa while he flicked channels casually, going from the laughter of a sitcom to the news. “You don’t have to sit there like I’m going to pounce.” He turned to her with a devilish grin. “I won’t bite unless you want me to.” She laughed. “Is it that obvious?” “Honey, it’s rolling off you in waves.” He patted the cushion next to him. “Come over here.” Danika moved beside him, and he wrapped his arm around her pulling her so she was nestled to his side. His deep voice murmured in her ear. “I like holding you.” “I like being held by you,” she admitted honestly. “You make me feel safe. This whole being with a guy thing is new to me. I haven’t even dated since Joshua’s father.” “What went wrong there?” he asked. Danika rested her head in the crook of his shoulder so he wouldn’t see her sad smile. “He turned out to be everything I never thought he would be. I met him on campus where I was taking accounting classes. It was a tossup between that and web design, so I decided to do both. He came from this well to do family who promptly hated me because of course a girl from Brooklyn only wanted his money.” She gave a soft laugh. “Anyway at twenty-five and going back to school they didn’t see me as someone for their son, even though he was thirty and still trying to get a college degree as well. But we didn’t care, or at least so I thought until I ended up pregnant. When I told him he acted like I was this piece of scrap he picked up off the streets. He wanted to pay for an abortion, but being the daughter of a minister my answer was no. I had Joshua and never put his name on the birth certificate. I scraped together the money to get a lawyer. He drew up papers so I could get full parental rights in case he or 25

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

his parents ever demanded a paternity test or wanted custody. For a few months he acted like he wouldn’t sign, but when I threatened to go to the papers, oh he signed real quick.” “That’s a man who I would love to meet one night and teach a lesson or three.” Caine’s voice darkened with anger. “How could anyone look at that gorgeous boy and not want him in their life?” “I thought the same thing when they put him in my arms,” Danika said. “Where was your family in all this?” Caine asked. She could hear the bitterness in her voice when she spoke. Danika thought she was over this a long time ago, but some old wounds never seemed to fully heal. “My family, the righteous Lionels, put me out of their lives when they found out I was pregnant. First off I was pregnant by a white guy when they had me slated for marriage to some guy in the church, a no-no in my father’s book. Then I was offered a choice, still marry this guy when I knew he liked to use his hands to make a point to women and he would pretend the child was his. Or I would be kicked out of the house and the family.” “That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard,” Caine said. “Isn’t it? Seriously warped, and I knew me and Joshua would never be safe, so I refused. Dad told me to leave and never come back, and no one in the family was allowed to speak to me again. They all followed his rule to the letter. My sister sent me one last letter telling me how sorry she was, and they were acting like I was dead. So I did for me and Joshie the best I could, and I always put him first.” “I’m sorry you had no one to lean on, Danika. That was so unfair.” Caine hugged her tight, and that action alone made tears settle in her eyes. “Life’s unfair, but I swore I would protect my son and give him a good life,” Danika said with conviction. “I’ll do anything for him, and I’ll work my ass off to get us out of that neighborhood.” “I know you will. I promise to be here for you too, always.” He took her by the shoulders, and she met his stare. “I promise.” “You don’t have to pity us, Caine. I don’t want pity,” she pleaded. 26

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

He gave an incredulous laugh. “Honey, this isn’t pity. This is me wanting you, wanting to be in your life and Joshua’s. I have never felt like this before. I’ve seen the harshest things that life could throw at me and seen how people can be so callous with each other. I saw men use children as shields….” He broke off his words. “I saw you, and knew this was a road I wanted to travel on. I was meant to take it with both of you.” Danika was moved by his words, unsure of how one man could make her feel so much and wondered if she should trust it. Old wounds could fill her heart with doubts so easily, but it was undeniable what she felt for Caine. Impulsively, she moved in and this time initiated the kiss, one that felt so right. He groaned low in his throat and pulled her onto his lap. This was not just a kiss. Lips fused, melded and merged into one until she could only hold on in the storm of emotion that flooded her. Desire fueled her every touch as she reached for the edge of his shirt and lifted it over his head. The heat of his skin over contoured muscled shoulders caused her to press herself against him wanting to feel more. His fingers found the small pearl buttons of her sweater and deftly undid each one. Caine found the front clasp of her bra, and it opened under his fingertips. He filled his hands with her breasts, and she moaned under his heated touch. Caine’s hands were so big, and she could feel the calluses of a hard-working man. The sensation was electric as he played with her breasts. She wanted more, and Danika felt the wanton lust of a woman who longed to be loved surge within her. “Damn, you feel amazing. Your skin is like satin,” he whispered harshly. He was filled with an intensity that left her breathless. His touch held a hint of roughness that excited her. Unrestrained he would take her hard, and she would be giddy under the onslaught. Caine bent her back so her breasts were in easy reach of his hungry lips. He took the tight nipple between his lips and sucked it deep into his hot mouth. She almost died from the pleasure of it all. He put her away from him suddenly. He sat up on the sofa seat and rose to walk away. Caine put distance between them before he turned his 27

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

heated gaze back to her. Danika could see the desire in his eyes, the way the color deepened to a dark blue. “Go to bed, Danika, please.” His voice was gruff but gentle. “But—but why? I thought you wanted me.” Danika felt a sting to her pride. He soon assuaged her fears. “Danika, honey, if I want you anymore I’m going to explode. In fact if I get any closer to you right now, I’m liable to take you on the couch,” Caine said. “I want you to be ready for this not because you feel like you’re obligated or that this is how things are supposed to go. You’re still so innocent in a way, and I want you to be sure. You’re going to come to me when you’re ready and not before, ok?” She gave him a tentative smile. “But you want to make love to me, right?” “Darling, I’m aching to have you,” Caine admitted. “Now go to bed before I eat you up.” “I don’t think that’s a threat,” Danika teased. “It isn’t,” he replied. “Just one more kiss before I go,” she asked, feeling sexy and powerful knowing that he really wanted her. He strode over to her and pulled her to her feet swooping in for a kiss that left her gasping and wanting more. “Good night, Danika,” he whispered huskily. “Night,” she said in return. Danika literally ran up the stairs and went into the bedroom and closed the door. Leaning against the cool wood, she felt a smile on her face. Tell me something good. Tell me that you like it. The song flashed into her head as she danced her way to the bathroom giggling as she got ready for bed. She’d found someone good, a true blue honorable soldier with a cowboy’s touch. Christmas was going to be perfect.

28

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Four Caine woke up, and it was two days before Christmas. There were no presents under the tree, well not yet anyway, he thought with a grin. He smelled something cooking downstairs, and his stomach rumbled in response. “My girl can cook,” he said with a grin and threw back the blankets on the bed. He put on a T-shirt and headed downstairs to the kitchen. He was amazed that both of them got up and passed his bedroom without him hearing. His sleep patterns were so light a car passing outside would wake him up. He was surprised there hadn’t been any bad dreams that night. Maybe it was because he felt at peace for the first time in a very long time. At the kitchen door he heard her singing the Twelve Days of Christmas and the happy giggles of Joshua. Unable to resist, he pushed the kitchen door open and joined in on the final leg of the song starting with six geese a laying and then on to five golden rings. She gave him a wide smile before their voices blended together and counted down to a partridge in a pear tree. Joshua clapped and cheered in delight. Caine walked over and gave her a kiss before grabbing a cup of coffee. It was a simple, act but it reminded him of the many occasions he had seen his father do it before his parents passed away. It was something he could get used to. “Good morning, would like some breakfast?” Danika asked. “That’s what brought me down here. The smell wafted up the stairs and tempted me from my bed,” Caine said. She went by him on the way to the stove and spoke only for his ears to hear. “I thought that was just me.” “You tempt me lower than my stomach, darlin’,” he murmured, and she winked. “Sit down, and I’ll get you a plate,” she said. Caine sat next to Joshua who was shoveling pancakes into his mouth. He ruffled the brown blond curls and wrinkled his nose at the boy when he smiled up at him with a mouthful of food. Typical boy. I love it. Danika put a plate stacked high with pancakes and a smaller one with bacon in 29

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

front of him. She had even warmed the syrup, and Caine thanked God for the simple pleasures of life. The parade starts at three so I wondered if you wanted to get a little SA-N-T-A shopping in before then,” Caine asked as he dug into his breakfast with zeal. Joshua was smart so Caine picked up that he might want to spell out what he didn’t want the boy to know. Just as he thought, the little cherub face looked between his mother and Caine. “That would be nice, but what about you know who?” she said. “Are you talking about me?” Joshua asked curiously. Danika raised an eyebrow in his direction before she spoke to Joshua. “No, sweetie, we are talking about elves. Eat your pancakes.” “Ok,” he said and went back to eating. Caine grinned. “I think I have someone that can use a few hours of babysitting. After breakfast you get ready, and we’ll go and maybe have some lunch while we’re out.” “Sounds like a plan to me,” she agreed. Caine finished his breakfast and went to make a call. Dave mumbled on the first ring. “Whaddya want? It’s early.” “I want you to come and babysit Joshua for me so I can take Danika Christmas shopping,” Caine asked. “You’re kidding?” Dave mumbled. “Dude, we face down some of the most dangerous people in the world, and we lived on the edge. That’s nothing compared to keeping a kid happy.” “You’re a big kid yourself, and you can do this for me for all the times I’ve been your wing man,” Caine reminded him. ‘Please, this is important.” “Fine since it’s important.” Dave hesitated for a bit. “You really like this girl and her son, don’t you?” “Yes, I really do,” Caine replied simply. “I’ll be there in half an hour.” Dave sighed and hung up. By ten o’clock he was out the door driving away from the base and heading to a popular mall on the island so they could shop for the holidays. For a few hours they bought toys for Joshua, and Danika was 30

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

absolutely thrilled that she found the toy Joshua had asked Santa for. Caine left her browsing the toy store and made sure he got a few gifts for her. He wanted to see her smile on Christmas morning. He made sure that both his purchases were safely hidden in his car before he went back to the toy store to find her. She was at the cash register paying for her things, and the smile she gave him made his heart light. He found what he wanted to get for Joshua himself and paid right behind her. “You don’t have to get him anything you know. You’ve done so much already,” she commented while she waited for him. “I know that, and this is something I want to do,” Caine said mildly. “Now shush, woman, before I give you a spanking.” “Now that sounds like something interesting,” she replied. “You say this now?” “I think you started it, Caine.” He held her hand as they left the store. “I’ll finish it too.” They had time for a quick lunch before heading back to Fort Hamilton. It was one thirty by the time they stepped in the door, and Joshua ran up to them excitedly. “Dave told me you are going to be marching in the parade too!” Joshua said. “That’s right. It’s for all the soldiers that came home from when we were overseas,” Caine explained. “You never told me,” Danika said. “Well I figured you guys would see. You’ll sit in the family area and enjoy the show,” he said. “I need to go get ready, and then I’ll drop you off before I go join the unit.” They bid Dave good-bye. He had to go get dressed himself. Caine put on his dress uniform and stared at his reflection in the mirror before going downstairs. This had been his life for the past fifteen years. The uniform was his home and hearth, but he always wanted something more, like what his parents had. He saw the love that his mother had when his father entered a room. When Joshua clapped in pride and he could see the

31

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

admiration and caring in Danika’s eyes, Caine knew he had found it in her and her son. He was not about to let it go. She stood and straightened his collar. Her hand lingered on his chest over his medals. “You look absolutely amazing. I thought that the first time when you took Joshie’s note.” He kissed her gently, and Joshua’s “Eww” was in the background. He didn’t mind the boy seeing him kiss his mother. Caine knew that if he had his way Joshua would be seeing it a lot. He took both their hands and walked out the door leading the way down to the area where the stands were built for family. He settled them in to the stands making sure that they were high enough that Joshua could see everything before going and joining his unit. “I see you got two people next to my wife and kids,” the Commander said when Caine joined them. “Pretty lady, cute kid.” Caine nodded. “Thank you, sir. They’re going to be family.” The music started up for the parade to begin. The National Anthem came through loud and strong, filling his heart with pride. Caine marched next to the Commander. He was second in authority at the unit, and with ease his feet followed a rhythm that had been imprinted to his memory. It was not the music he followed tune to but the sound of many boots hitting the floor in the same rhythmic step. The crowd cheered as they came into view. There were men, women, and children all yelling with pride and happiness to see their loved ones safe at home. They waited for this moment to have the parade even though they had been home for weeks. Caine grinned at the soldier in front of him who carried the flag and also was wearing a Santa Hat. But nothing compared to when he saw Danika and Joshua standing in the crowd with everyone else, waving at him when they were coming by. He called out the order in a voice that cried down the line. “To the right, salute!” All soldiers turned and faced the stand in full salute as they went by. Danika held her hands against her chest, and she smiled. This is how it felt to be honored and loved. The stands were full with people, but he had eyes only for them. “Eyes front!” They faced straight again 32

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

heading past the stands. All other units followed suit, and at the end Santa came in on his float decorated like a sleigh. The families all got to leave the stands, and he found Danika and Joshua at the big buffet meal that was furnished for the event. “You were so cool!” Joshua exclaimed when Caine picked him up in his arms. He wrapped short arms around Caine’s neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. “He’s right. You were amazing,” Danika confirmed. “Say you’ll move to Texas with me.” The impulsive words were out before he could take them back. He’d planned to move slow and steady, but Afghanistan had taught him time was short and life fleeting at times. It was best to take the bull by the horns and go for it. “W—what?” she stammered. He pulled her off to one corner away from the crowd. “My transfer is going to be coming through to take me back to Texas to command the unit there. I want you and Joshua with me. I want you two to be my family.” “Can we, Mommy? We wouldn’t have to be scared anymore, and he has horses!”Joshua chimed in. “Why Caine? Why would you want us with you?” Her eyes searched his. “Can’t you tell why? Look at me,” Caine said huskily. “I have fallen for you and Joshua completely. Move with me. Be a part of my life.” “I don’t know. I can’t just move there and not work or just depend on you,” Danika admitted. “I’ve always worked and taken care of me and Joshua.” “That doesn’t have to change,” he insisted. “You can work wherever you want. You can start up your business there. It’s a big change I know, but doesn’t it feel right?” She nodded even though he saw uncertainty in her eyes. “Yes, it does.” “Then say yes, love, I’ll move to Texas with you,” Caine said with a grin.

33

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

She nodded again, and her smile made her face glow. “Yes, Caine, we’ll move with you.” He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close to his side kissing her hand while Joshua chortled with glee. “You get your own horse, Joshua. What do you think of that?” Caine asked. He responded by squeezing Caine’s neck all the tighter. The rest of the day passed in a haze of happiness. Caine introduced her to everyone, and Joshua played with other kids while the adults talked. By the time they got home later that night, he was asleep in Caine’s arms. He was the one who undressed the sleepy little boy and got him into his pajamas and tucked into bed with a soft kiss on the forehead. Unrestrained passion was in the kiss he gave Danika before he left the room. He made a promise to take it slow with her, and he meant to keep his word. But he ached for her so much it was almost unbearable. A half an hour later he lay in bed with his eyes closed thinking about her, how her breasts felt in his hands and the satin smoothness of her skin. His cock throbbed in his shorts, and he wondered how long he could last without having her. A knock on his door made his eyes open, and when Danika opened the door a sliver of light crossed the room. Caine sat up and turned on the small lamp next to the bed. It filled the room in a dim glow. “Is something wrong? Is Joshua ok?” he asked instantly on alert. She opened the belt of her robe, and his breath caught in his throat. The material slipped off her shoulder and down to the floor, revealing her dark skin that caught the light and gleamed as if it had been bronzed. She was completely nude, and his eyes traveled along every dip and curve of her luscious body. Danika walked over to the end of the bed. “Everything is fine, Caine. Nothing could be more perfect.” She climbed onto the bed and crawled like a sleek cat along his body. His gaze followed her fingers as they trailed up his bare chest before her lips met his and he was lost. He buried his hands in her hair and devoured her lips, pulling her nakedness against him. He flipped her over easily 34

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

never releasing her lips. Caine molded her to him before getting to his knees and trailing his lips down her torso. He wanted to devour her, to taste every inch of her ebony skin. “Caine,” she moaned, and he tried with all his might to hold onto some semblance of control. His lips reached her lower torso, and he pressed his hand on her shaved mound. Danika raised her hips in anticipation while he spread her legs. Caine inhaled her sweet musk before he ran his tongue up the slit of her pussy. She moaned wantonly, shifting her hips in a silent plea to continue. Caine spread the full lips of her sex and licked at her moist core. He didn’t wait and couldn’t if he tried. He buried his face into the center of her desire and sampled her exotic flavor. Danika cried out and pleaded for more but then pushed him away as the sensation became too intense to bear. “Oh God, Caine, stop. It feels so good, I can’t stand it!” He refused to listen to her entreaty. Caine was not going to be denied what he wanted for so long. He kept her captured as he used his mouth to take her to the edge. Her hips pumped in earnest against his mouth. His tongue penetrated her while she gasped and clutched at the bed. Her response fueled his desire, making him crazy with want. She screamed as she came hard gasping his name. He watched her chest heave and the rise of her breasts. Caine didn’t let it end there. He replaced his mouth with two fingers and slid them deep inside her. Danika’s sexy little moans spurred his movements as he fucked her with his fingers, and her juice covered his fingers. He did not relent until she came again. “Oh God, ” she repeated over and over again. “Caine, I never felt like this in my life.” “Darlin’, you make me want you. I ache so much,” he said before kissing her hard. “More, baby, make me feel everything,” she whispered. Her hands went down his body, and she took his length in her grasp. Caine growled and slid his engorged cock through the fingers wrapped around it. He pulled away from her suddenly and settled between her legs. “I’ll go slow. I promise.” 35

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Caine traced her pussy once more with expert fingers, knowing where to touch to bring her the most excitement, until she was writhing from his ministrations once again. The tip of his cock was against the entrance of her of her pussy, and he slipped inside of her inch by torturous inch, gritting his teeth to handle the pleasure of it. She was so tight. Her body clenched around the new invasion of his cock. He thrust into her slowly. Her moan was in his ear, and her fingers dug into the muscles of his back. Caine bent to take her nipple into his mouth, sucking deep. Danika writhed under the onslaught of his mouth and cock. He almost died from the sheer pleasure. “You feel so good inside me. Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.” Stopping was not an option. The need in him was so great it amazed him he still had control. He moved with slow deliberation until she caught the rhythm, and they were moving in unison. With each thrust he picked up his pace and sank his cock to the hilt each time. He pulled her legs high around his waist and pumped into her faster. “Oh, yes, I’m going to come, Caine!” she cried out and arched beneath him. “That’s right, darlin’, give it all to me!” Caine encouraged. She came trembling beneath him before he followed her with a harsh cry of his own. They flew together in the heights of passion. Their orgasms left them gasping and breathless. They were pliant in the aftermath of their lovemaking, and Danika wrapped her arms around him kissing his chest over and over again. “That was unlike anything I have ever felt in my life,” she said with a laugh. “I’m twenty-nine years old and never had an orgasm.” “Well I can offer as many as you want with pleasure,” he murmured. “I should go back to Joshie. I don’t want him to be scared.” Danika yawned sleepily. “Stay with me, please. Did you think that when I got you into my bed I was going to let you go? Joshua will be fine. Trust me. He’ll get accustomed to being in his own room. He’ll have one in Texas,” Caine

36

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

said. “We’ll sleep with the door open in case he wakes up. You can hear him, and we can go get him.” “Ok, you’re right of course.” She sighed. “It’s hard thinking of it like normal family where mom and dad sleep in the same bed. Our situation was so different.” “Do you think he would ever call me dad?” Caine asked liking the way he said the word. “I don’t think you’ll have a problem with that. You’ve already shown him more love than his father ever has,” she admitted. Caine kissed her soundly before saying what was in his heart. “I love you both, Danika. I love you and your son. I came back a different man than when I left. Things I saw over there can’t be unseen. It left me scarred both physically and mentally.” He gave a laugh. “The army head shrinker said we should be honest about it. PTSD and bad dreams, the usual stuff. But I’m getting through it. You and Joshua make it easier to cope.” She cupped his cheek. “I can speak for both of us when I say we love you too.” Their lips met in a kiss once more, and again they were lost in the haze of passion.

37

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Five There was nothing more blissful than knowing you were in love and watching the man you were in love with fumble with wrapping an oddly shaped present. It was Christmas Eve, and while Joshua slept, they both ate the cookies made for Santa and got his gifts ready. The tank Caine had bought for Joshua wasn’t boxed, so Danika watched in amusement as he tore wrapping paper countless times trying to wrap the tank’s gun extension and get the entire thing covered. “You could help me, you know,” he grumbled good-naturedly. “This is much more amusing. Besides, I’m eating my Santa cookie,” she said serenely. “I also made sure my gifts came in a normal box, so I wouldn’t have that problem.” “You have perfect momma syndrome,” Caine replied. “Maybe but I’m not the one having trouble am I?” His response was to throw a wad of paper in her direction before lunging at her and tackling her on the floor. Danika screamed as he began to nuzzle her neck. The humor soon turned to curls of desire in her belly. “Um, you should finish that gift before you start something else, my love,” she said huskily. He looked at her with smoldering blue eyes. “Say it again.” “My love,” she whispered knowing exactly what he meant. He seemed never to get tired of hearing it over the last few days. He kissed her gently before raising his head. “Thank you. Ok, I better wrap this thing.” “I suddenly feel generous. I’ll help,” she offered, and he snickered in response. Together they finally got the tank wrapped and sat to enjoy a glass of wine in the midst of all the wrapping paper that would need to be cleaned up. The news was on, and the clock on the television set said midnight. It was officially Christmas. Her son was sleeping soundly with dreams of Santa Claus in his head, and she was with the man she loved and who loved her in return. 38

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“Hey.” He tapped her on the shoulder before kissing her gently. When she looked over at him he held a wrapped box in his hand. “Merry Christmas.” “Caine, you didn’t have to get me anything.” Danika couldn’t help but gasp. “I know, but you gave me this gift of having you in my life. I wanted to get you something special.” “I don’t know what to say.” Her voice trembled. “So are you going to stare at it or open it?” he teased. “I don’t know.” “Ok, I guess you don’t want it. I’ll just take it back.” He reached for the long flat box, “Don’t you dare, Captain McIntosh. “I’m just savoring the moment!” “Open the box, Danika, darlin’.” Danika opened the paper with trembling fingers and then the black velvet box. A silver bracelet gleamed inside. It had a charm of a small boy, a heart, a four leaf clover, a horse shoe, and a lady bug.” “I love it. Oh, Caine, I love it so much,” she said, overwhelmed. “It was luck that I found you and love that I feel for you and Joshua,” Caine replied. His words went straight to her heart where the love she felt for him was. She kept her feelings hidden from the world. She held onto the strength that she had to portray everyday for her son, even though half the time she was scared inside. She pulled him in close and held on tight wishing in that instant she had met him long before now. But instead she kissed him with all the passion and love she could pour into one kiss. His hands squeezed and molded her to him. His tongue tasted secrets that her mouth had to offer. She gave them up willingly needing to have his taste just as much. “Let’s go to bed, my love,” Danika whispered. Together they cleaned up the remnants of their gift wrapping and headed up the stairs. In his bedroom her fingers deftly unbuttoned the shirt he was wearing to his waist where it is tucked into his jeans. Caine shrugged out of its 39

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

confines and left it discarded on the floor. The straps of her nightgown were slipped off her shoulders, and it fell in a puddle of silk at her feet. She reveled in the feel of his hands stroking, touching, and making her burn before he pulled her against him in a tight embrace and took her lips. She could feel the hardness of his arousal against her as they fell to the bed. His strength made Danika feel so secure, and she luxuriated in the way his body felt pressing her into the bed. His scent surrounded her, and his kisses were slow and deliberate. Danika gasped because he knew exactly where to excite and how to make her body respond. She couldn’t help but squirm beneath him in delight, and her hands massaged his strong back. Caine placed gentle kisses on her closed eyes and on her parted lips, and then trailed down to her ears and neck. From the time his hand touched her, it consumed her every thought until her head swam. His lips nibbled around the underside of her breast before deeply taking the smooth globe into his mouth. Danika moaned with pleasure as his warm lips enveloped her nipple. Her soft hands slipped between their bodies, and she wrapped her fingers around his cock. It pulsed in her hand. She stroked him with a firm grasp from the tip to the base of his shaft. Danika heard his groan against her ear and felt exhilarated when his body shuddered. She loved the hardness of his erection. He grabbed her hands and held them over her head taking away her touch from his cock as he devoured her lips. “Let me touch you,” she whispered against his lips. “Oh, baby, if you keep that up, I’m going to take you right now, and I want to make this last.” She felt the urgent intensity in their kisses, the way he touched her and with each moan that came from his lip. Caine’s mouth made its way down Danika’s body until his lips reached her moist center. Her body was already slick with arousal when she felt his tongue press against her clit. She cried out, and her body rose up as the pleasure hit like an arrow of pure sexual energy. Caine used his tongue to penetrate her and sink into her pussy tasting her juice. Her body writhed reaching for that place that would make her lose every conscious thought. The pleasure was so sweet 40

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

it seemed almost unbearable, and she strived for release. She succumbed to the pleasure of his mouth on her snatch. Her orgasm left her gasping, and tiny moans escaped her lips. Lying there trying to catch her breath, Danika tried to form cognitive thoughts, but all she could feel, hear and taste was Caine. Her thoughts were lost as little kisses traveled back up her body, and then their lips met once more. She could taste her own juice on his lips. “God, I’m addicted to your taste,” he muttered. She didn’t get a chance to reply because he went back to his exploration of her body. His long fingers took over where his lips left off. Slowly he circled her wet clit with his thumb, and she tried to press against his fingers, wanting to feel them inside her. Suddenly she felt them deep inside her with one smooth stroke. “Caine!” His name was wrenched out of her as she was rocked by pleasure again. Wave after wave of sensations rolled through her body while Caine played between her smooth legs. Before she could come he replaced his fingers with the rock hardness of his cock. “Fuck me hard, Caine.” She whispered words that she had never spoken to any man. He growled deep in his chest, and she felt his control snap. Danika cried out when he unleashed the hold he put on himself and drove deep into her over and over again. Danika held on as sensations assaulted her. Her neck arched with every thrust as he took her higher and higher until she didn’t think it was possible to feel so much. She opened her eyes to find him looking at her. His eyes were set on her and she watch pleasure cross his face. Danika’s body bucked and writhed beneath his and she is thrown into swirls of rapture. She came hard like tumultuous waves cresting to shore in succession, until she could hardly breathe. He said her name and tapered off into a moan when he went to where she lingered, hurtling off into that place of torturous ecstasy. He was amazing to watch at the pinnacle of his release. She looked on breathlessly as his lids became heavy, and his body tensed as he pumped into her. His orgasm heralded an intense moan as he emptied his seed inside her. 41

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Nothing could have prepared her for everything she felt for Caine. He pulled her close to him, and she went willingly into his arms. In the middle of the night, she felt him toss and turn as his dreams were disturbed. He’d told her in a roundabout way about the dreams and what being at war could do to a soldier. She held him and soothed him gently with her voice until he quieted. Danika didn’t let go even when she fell asleep. She held him tight so he knew he was home with her even in his dreams. **** Christmas Day was filled with fun and laughter. The happiness on Joshua’s face when he saw that Santa ate the cookies and the gifts he got made her almost cry. The huge hummer remote control car gleamed and rolled all across the floor. Caine also got her a very wonderful suede coat for their move to Texas and a cowboy hat for Joshua. They watched him until she went to the kitchen to make dinner because Dave was coming over later in the afternoon. Joshua decided to drive his new toy all over the house. He got it under her feet while she was trying to make dinner, and she had to order him out of the kitchen more than once. Caine took pity on her and took him outside to the front lot so he could play while she cooked in peace. Dave came over around three and by that time everyone was famished. She made a ham and a small turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, and a green bean casserole. For dessert she made a three-layered chocolate cake. Everyone laughed and talked around the kitchen table. She watched as Dave and Caine teased each other to no end, and they both doted on Joshua. It was a perfect day, and she could imagine many more like it to come. With dinner done and the men busy watching football on TV, Joshua actually tired himself out to need a nap. She went into the room with him and listened with fondness as he chattered himself all the way to sleep. She stepped out of the bedroom intending to spend time with Caine even if she knew nothing about football. She stopped when she heard the two men talking. 42

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“I don’t believe it, man, you in domestic bliss,” Dave said. “You the road dog of Afghanistan.” “I’m happy, Dave. This has been amazing.” Her heart filled when she heard his words. “I never thought it would be so easy for you to commit. I mean the constant dating, don’t even say you were my wingman. Those girls were wanting you.” “What can I say? It’s the right one that got me.” “What happens when the seven year inch happens, man, or when you miss that adrenaline rush and you head back to the fray,” Dave asked. “I’ve seen it happen, man. It breaks up marriages. After what we’ve been through, we look for the next adrenaline rush. What if yours is Danika?” She didn’t wait to hear a response. She didn’t want to. Her mind was swirling with things she never thought of. What if Dave was right and this was just to fill a void that being in a war left? What would happen if they moved to Texas and one day he looked at her and Joshua a saw them as simply boring? It would break her heart, and Joshua would be devastated. Oh my God, did I make the biggest mistake of my life? She heard his phone ring, and he answered. His footsteps were on the stairs as she rushed into the bathroom. She couldn’t let him see her like this. Danika stared at her own reflection, wide eyes filled with fear and hurt. She knew she could never bear to see that look on Joshua’s face. His knock on the bathroom door made her jump. “Honey, HQ called. I have to go up to the head office for a little bit. I think it’s my transfer papers finally in. I told the guy on duty I wanted them even if it came in on Christmas day. Go figure. I think they did.” “Ok,” she called through the door, not able to face him. “You ok?” he asked. “I’m fine. I’ll see you when you get back.” “Ok, darlin’. I love you,” Caine said. “I love you too.” She felt the tears threaten and choke her words. She knew it was true. She loved him so much. But the possibility that it was 43

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

not the same for him was too much to bear. She couldn’t take the risk. She just couldn’t put everything on the line. When she heard the door close and his SUV pull away, she packed up as much as she could as quickly as she could. She used her cell phone to call a cab to come onto base and get them. Rousting Joshua who complained all the way, she got them ready to leave. She would go back to the place she called home. “Mommy, why are we leaving? Can we take my hummer car? Is Caine going to come get us?” the small voice prodded. “He said it’s not safe there. Why are we going back?” “Because it’s our home,” she said gently. Joshua began to cry. “No, we’re going to Caine’s ranch, and I get a horse. He said so! I don’t want to go!” It broke her heart to see him cry as she bundled him to the cab and their stuff into the trunk. “We’ll get you a horse. I promise, baby. Don’t cry.” She made a promise she knew she couldn’t keep, but she would say anything to make sure he would stop the flow of tears. The cab pulled away, and she felt her heart breaking. She would go back to the only thing she knew. It was better than facing an unknown future. By the time the cab pulled into her neighborhood and put her off in front of her apartment, Joshua had calmed down. The cabbie was kind enough to help them up the stairs with their things, and she sighed as he pulled away. She didn’t expect to be back there on Christmas night no less. “Hey, Danika Lionel, seem you came home to pay.” She heard the voice call from downstairs, and her heart chilled. She unlocked the door with trembling fingers and pushed Joshua inside. He began to cry again, and she tried to smile through her fear. “You stay there, baby, until you hear the code word.” Danika hoped she got to say it as the two men who Caine took down came up the stairs slowly. **** 44

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

Caine was coming back to his parking space when he saw the cab pulling away from the townhouse. He knew without having to leave the car that Danika was gone. His heart felt the slivers of fear knowing full well where she would head. She probably heard Dave and his stupid comments! With a swift turn of the wheel and squealing tires that had Dave holding on for dear life he headed out the gates of the base housing and took the route that would take him to Danika’s neighborhood. He could only hope that he could get there before or a few minutes after her. If anything happened to her or Joshua he would probably go insane. “Where the hell are we going man!” Dave exclaimed. “After Danika. She’s gone,” Caine said grimly. “Shit, man, we didn’t even go into the house. How do you know?” Dave asked. “Because I know. I can feel it, and if you were paying attention you would’ve seen the cab pulling away! She probably heard your idiotic comments about adrenaline and all that crap, got scared and took off.” Caine was practically yelling the words. “Oh goddamn, Caine. I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean anything. You know that.” Dave’s voice held remorse. “I know, but she doesn’t know. She is so skittish sometimes, and the in neighborhood she where she lives, the gangs are making them all pay protection money. I took down one of them before she came over here to stay. I meant that she was never going back there, and she took a cab for God’s sake!” Caine swallowed thickly. “If she gets hurt… God, if Joshua gets hurt…” He couldn’t even continue the words. “Don’t think like that, Caine, man. We will get there in time and fuck anyone up who messes with her or Joshua,” Dave said firmly. Caine could only nod not trusting himself to speak while he weaved in and out of traffic. He hoped the police would pull him over and escort him there. It probably would be only way to stop him from killing someone if he found anything amiss with Danika or Joshua. By the time he pulled onto her street, Caine was ready to move. He saw her standing on the top 45

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

of the steps and the men in her face. He could see the terror on her face as he pressed the brakes of the car. “Caine, aw shit. Caine!” He heard Dave yelling his name, but he was already out the door of the SUV not bothering to close it. Nothing was going to stop him. Rage burned inside him, and he saw red when ran toward the converted house. He took the stars two at a time, and the guy who blocked his way from getting to Danika was thrown aside without a second thought. With a roar he pulled the same Juan who he had fought with from in her face. The thug’s face registered shock then terror, and Caine couldn’t help but feel some enjoyment of the fact. His fist connected with the man’s face once then twice, and he barreled him to the edge of the stairs intending to throw him over the top of the steps even though they were on the third floor. He would protect her, always, and if this guy had to die, so be it. Dave’s voice came to his ears. “Caine, no! Shit, the damn PTSD anger thing. Dude, you cannot throw him off the stairs.” “Why who would care if this scum dies? He was going to hurt Danika in a few more minutes if I hadn’t come.” Caine growled and moved his hands just a bit farther. It took Juan Diego off his feel, and he screamed in terror. “Don’t let him kill me, man. Please, don’t let him kill me!” “Caine, I’m fine. Look at me.” Danika spoke gently. “My love, look at me, please.” Her voice soothed him just a little bit, and he looked over to where she smiled hesitantly. “Put him down, Caine. Hone y, let him go. I’m fine.” They heard sirens as Caine slowly put him on his feet. Police cars swarmed beneath them, and Joshua opened the door rushing out. “Mommy, I didn’t hear the word, so I called the numbers. The nice lady on the phone said to hang up when I heard the police cars.” Caine shoved the man at Dave. Make sure he confesses to everything. If he doesn’t, come and get me, and I’ll make him.” The look on Juan Diego’s face told Caine he had no doubt the man knew he was dead serious. Caine turned his attention away from the melee 46

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

of police and lifted Joshua in his arms. He buried his face against the little boy and breathed a sigh of relief they were safe. “Caine, I…” He didn’t give her a chance to finish. He pulled her into the circle of his arms and held onto them tight. He didn’t want to let go and held them just a little bit longer until he could get control of his emotions. “You have a smart and brave little boy there.” One of the cops came upstairs with a grin. “We heard about the soldier daddy and how his mom was outside trying to protect him.” “Yes, he is.” Caine smiled. “My son is cool.” “Well we’ll need all of you to come down to the station for a statement, but you can do that tomorrow. This guy and his friend are not going anywhere. Trust me. You guys can go home.” “Thanks,” Caine said. “Dave, can you get Joshua settled in the SUV? We have something to discuss before we go.” Dave took Joshua from Caine’s arms and started down the stairs. He held his hand out silently to Danika who took it and followed him inside, and he closed the door. “Caine, I’m sorry. I heard what Dave said, and I didn’t want to be your next adrenaline kick. I thought it would hurt all of us in the long run,” Danika explained. He silenced her with a kiss until they were both breathless. He leaned his head against hers. “Trust me, believe in me, talk to me, but you don’t run back into danger. God, woman, can you not see how crazy I am about you and Joshua? You are my family, and you almost killed me by taking my family away. I love you that much, ok? If that guy had laid one hand on you tonight, he would have be done for.” “I’m so sorry, Caine.” He opened his eyes and saw tears streaming from beneath her closed lids. Caine kissed them away. “You call me your love. Let me love you in return. I’ll never let you down, Danika. I swear. I got my papers to transfer out for January first. You can go to the ranch and build my website, rent out pony rides, change everything. I don’t care as long as I have you.” 47

Toy Soldiers

Dahlia Rose

“Caine, I love you. I won’t let fear run me away again. I promise,” Danika said. “No, you won’t because in one week we’re going to be married, packed up, and heading to Texas.” Caine grinned. “You are never leaving me again.” She smiled up at him in return. ‘I don’t plan on it, my love. We should go down before Joshua calls the police again. I don’t think they will appreciate being out here twice for Christmas day.” He stepped toward her until she was pressed against the door. He pointed to the piece of mistletoe that hung above them. “We’re heading right out after one more holiday kiss.” “I forgot I put that there,” she murmured before his lips met hers. Caine made sure it was a kiss that left them both wanting more. He wanted her to know he was her soldier, for now, for always, and for every Christmas to come. The End

48

 

About the Author Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn,” and her biggest supporter and longtime love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books.

 

 

Sugar and Spice Press Where romance is everything nice. www.SugarNSpicePress.com