Hearts on Fire 4: Kisses Sweeter Than Pie(22)
“Well, Rye is currently trying to speak with an old military buddy of his to find out where they are in the investigation and if there are any updates. It seems the gambling thing is what the feds are really after. Rico runs multiple high-roller games in his club in the back room. Completely illegal of course, and it just so happens that a few people have disappeared after engaging in these illegal games.”
“Someone is killing people?” Trent asked, rubbing his hand along his chin.
“Someone is ensuring that no one finds out about these dead people. But recently, some senator’s son was involved in one of these things, a man with a bad habit, and he lost big. When he did, he didn’t want to pay up and started talking about reporting Rico and the gambling operation, and getting away with the money he owed because of his father. Needless to say, the kid turned up dead that night after he left the club.”
“Holy shit. So that’s the only reason why the FBI are interested. This senator has been making a stink, I bet,” Trent stated, sounding annoyed.
“Whatever, just as long as it puts the pressure on this Rico guy. Maybe they’ll gather some evidence to prove he was part of those murders and he’ll go away for a very long time. Nina would be safe then,” Buddy told them.
“Yeah, well it doesn’t seem like it will go that easy. Was Rye able to find out more from his friend about where they are in the investigation and an arrest?” Trent asked.
“He’s working on it. They didn’t want to snoop too much. Rye’s connection will call in a day or so,” Jake told them.
“Well, there’s not much we can do right now but keep an eye on things around here,” Buddy stated.
“And of course keep an extra eye on your woman, Nina.” Jake smiled as he walked around his desk.
“Our woman?” Trent asked.
“Well, unless you’d like to set the record straight and say she’s available? I can tell you for certain that the majority of the firefighters in Engine 20, never mind a good number around town, are interested in Nina. She’s a gorgeous young woman.”
“What the fuck?” Trent stated aloud and Jake laughed.
“Well, like I said, your woman.”
Buddy took a deep breath and released it then looked at Jake.
“She has to accept us first, Jake. Nothing is concrete, and to tell you the truth, she’s been avoiding us since explaining about her life, and refused to even get together to eat.”
“She’ll get over it, Buddy. It’s your jobs, all three of you, to help her feel safe and know you can be trusted.”
“I’m worried. Johnny said before all this, the other day, she nearly passed out,” Buddy told him.
“Passed out? From what?”
“I thought it was heat stroke. When I saw her at the pizza place on the boardwalk a couple of weeks ago, she seemed overheated,” Trent said.
“Nope. Johnny questioned her. He found out she had a granola bar for dinner the night before and nothing else all day. She needed the bike to go to the store but she also doesn’t eat three meals a day. We think it’s because she couldn’t afford to.”
“Damn, that’s terrible. She really needs you guys,” Jake added.
“Well, whether she wants to accept the help and the caring or not, she has no choice. We’ll gain that trust eventually, but for now, she needs protection and men who can do just that,” Trent said, and Buddy agreed. Jake shook their hands good-bye.
“I’ll keep you posted. Go get her, Trent. Make her see that the Landers brothers are for real.”
* * * *
“So you’re avoiding them?” Cindy asked Nina after she dropped off an order of pies to Sullivan’s.
“Well, it’s easier this way,” Nina said, sitting down and crossing her legs. She looked tired and thinner than just a few days ago.
Cindy reached over and covered her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Nina jerked but didn’t pull away as they locked gazes.
“When was the last time you ate?” she asked her.
Nina’s cheeks turned a nice shade of red. “Just a little while ago?”
Cindy pulled away, feeling annoyed that Nina for lying. She crossed her arms and gave her a mean look. “You’re such a liar.”
“Liar?”
“Yeah, you suck at lying. It’s written all over your face. Why aren’t you eating? You’re making good money, the Landers brothers aren’t even charging you rent. You’re still wearing the same four outfits you’ve been wearing since you got into town. Don’t you think it’s time for a change?”
Nina shrugged her shoulders. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“The three brothers?” Cindy asked. Nina went to speak and Cindy held up her hand. “Please don’t even try it, girl. You like them.”
“What’s not to like? They’re perfect.”
“They like you, so what’s the problem?”
“A lot of things.”
“Like what?”
“Please, Cindy. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“A guy from your past did you wrong and now you think all men are the same?”
Nina shot her head up, eyes wide, mouth gaped open. Cindy nodded.
“I think we can start a club around Treasure Town with other women just like us.”
“This is different.”
“How so?”
“Well, like I said. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Well, you can’t let the past and some asshole ruin your future and your happiness. Take it from me, I know firsthand. My ex was a real piece of work. I had to sneak out of town before he could catch me.”
“What?”
“Well, the fact that I stole five thousand dollars out of his not-so-secret hiding spot in his apartment might be why he probably would like to wring my neck. But, it’s been two years, so I’d say he’s moved on with some bimbo and more than likely not the one I caught him in bed with.”
“Oh no. The same thing sort of happened to me.” Nina started to explain a little bit about her ex and how things went down. Cindy got the gist of it.
“You should meet Tasha and Michaela. They both went through some crazy stuff. Tasha was forced to work under cover for the federal government and date a man who killed her father. She nearly lost Eddie, Lance, and Tyler Martelli.”
“Oh my God, that sounds so intense. Wait, Martelli? Why does that sound familiar?”
“Oh, you probably met their father, the fire chief for Engine 19 when your apartment was on fire. As a matter of fact, Ace and Bull were two of the firefighters there.”
“My, this really is a close-knit town. Everyone seems to know everyone.”
“I told you it’s a great place. I was on the road for a while when I came across Treasure Town. That was two years ago, and I don’t plan on leaving here. Besides, the prospects in the male department are pretty damn awesome.”
Nina looked around them and then stared back at the table. “I don’t think I’ll ever feel confident enough to date anyone or let them get close.”
Cindy touched her hand. “Hey, in time you’ll heal from whatever that ex of yours did to you. You’ll get stronger, especially if you take care of your body and eat well.”
“Okay, I’ll work on that.”
“You’d better.”
“Well, I’d better head back to the apartment before the guys get home from work.”
“Oh, they have you on a curfew or do you have a hot date with them?” Cindy teased.
Nina widened her eyes. “Neither. Of course neither. I just want to get there and be inside before they get home. I told you, avoiding them is easier and safer than facing them right now.”
“You won’t be able to avoid them for long. All three of them are pretty stubborn and bossy men. They’re used to giving orders, organizing investigations, and have amazing reputations. Johnny is probably the most easygoing of the three and he’s so damn adorable. How can you resist those big muscular arms and sexy blue eyes? I could just eat him up.”
Nina looked away and then whispered to Cindy, “If you like him, you can ask him out.”
“Are you out of your mind? He wants you. Gosh, Nina, I don’t think you shared enough information about your ex. I can tell he must have weakened your self-esteem. We need to get that back.”
“Get it back?”
“Yes. I think I have an idea. Can I pick you up tomorrow at noon?”
“Sure. I only have tomorrow off and then I have more orders to bake.”
“Cool. I’ll see you then. Oh, do you need me to call one of the guys to come get you?”
“No,” Nina said and looked at Cindy like she had two heads.
Cindy laughed. “I was just messing with ya. But don’t be surprised if your little trick doesn’t work with avoiding them. They’re detectives after all.”
“Wonderful.”
* * * *
As Nina rode her bike back toward the apartment, she thought about the guys. Cindy was right. Johnny had the most amazing blue eyes and adorable face. He was muscular, yet kind of reminded her of a buffed-out Tom Cruise. She laughed at that. Many probably flirted with him like crazy and especially on calls with work. Damsels in distress. That was something she didn’t want to be to them.