A Soldier For Bella (Love Conquers Life #4) (3 page)

He leans in to kiss me yet again. As our tongues meet, my hands go to the buttons on his shirt, making quick work of them. He unbuttons his sleeves and I slip it off his shoulders, causing it to pool on the floor. My hands roam all over his chiseled chest and body. I love the bumps of his smooth, muscular body.

He kisses his way to my ear, nibbling on my earlobe, and then kisses down my neck. He backs me up to the bed and lowers me down in the middle of it. Climbing on top of me, he looks deep into my eyes and pauses. It’s like he wants to say something, but nothing comes out. He gives me a slight smile and lowers his lips to my neck, setting my skin on fire as he kisses his way down to my breasts. He sucks my nipple into his mouth, rolling his tongue over it as it hardens. He massages my other breast while his mouth continues its assault. All I can do is moan at the pleasure he’s inflicting on my body.

He releases my breast and kisses his way down my stomach. He doesn’t stop until he gets to my fully waxed pussy. He looks up at me with a devilish grin as he lowers his mouth, licking my folds. It’s so much more sensitive with no hair, and he knows it.

Separating my folds with his tongue, he finds my clit and moans as he licks it. “Mm, you taste heavenly.”

He continues lapping up my juices. I’m so wet and turned on for him. I start to grind my hips against his face. His stubble scrapes at my sensitive skin as my hands dive into his hair. I’m pulling at it as he assaults my clit with his warm, wet tongue.

“Derek, that feels so good. You’re going to make me come.”

“Mm, come for me, babe.”

His tongue is deep inside me. He brushes over my clit with his thumb, and it’s enough to send me over the edge. I’m exploding as he laps up my juices. I continue grinding my hips as I ride out my orgasm with my hands in his hair.

I finally let go of him as I lie there, panting from the orgasm that just tore through my body. No man has ever pleased me sexually the way Derek does. His tongue glides over my stomach and back up my body.

“I love how you pull my hair as you come all over my face,” he says.

He lowers to kiss me so I’ll taste my own arousal on his tongue. The combination of the way we taste is amazing.

He makes quick work of the condom and slowly slips the tip of his cock into my pussy. I moan in frustration when he pulls it back out. “Give it to me, Derek.”

“I will. Roll over. I want that ass in the air.” I smile as he sits back on his heels so I can get into position. “I love this ass,” he says as he slaps it and then slams his cock into me.

“Oh God, Derek, you feel amazing.”

He pauses for a moment as he digs his fingers into my hips and starts pounding his cock as deep as he can. I love that he’s not afraid to be rough with me. He continues his pounding as my orgasm builds again, but he senses it and slows for a minute.

“Don’t be a tease,” I say.

He pulls out and slaps me again. “I’m in charge of your orgasm,” he says as he places the tip of his cock at my opening. “You want this?”

“Yes,” I practically scream.

“Then say it.”

“You’re in charge of my orgasm.”

I pant as he slams his cock inside of me. I’m so worked up, it doesn’t take long for my orgasm to once again build. He reaches around with one hand and plays with my clit as I fight my impending orgasm. I’m so close, but I need to hold out for him.

“I can’t hang on much longer,” I whimper.

“Give it to me,” he says as he pinches my clit. The sensation is amazing as my orgasm shatters me. My pussy tightens around his cock as he slams into me one last time, emptying himself deep inside of me.

I collapse flat on my stomach with him lying beside me, panting. “Babe, you never cease to amaze me. That was the perfect ending to my day.” He kisses the top of my head.

“Where are you going?” I ask as he slips out of me and climbs off the bed, but he says nothing as he walks into the bathroom. A minute later he returns with a warm facecloth to clean me up. He then disposes of it and comes back to bed.

My eyes are getting heavy from our sexcapade and lack of sleep. “I need to clean up downstairs.” I moan, not really wanting to move.

“Shh, babe. Rest and I’ll go clean up.”

He runs his fingers through my hair, and in no time I’m out for the night.

Chapter 2

Derek

I walk out of the bathroom freshly showered, shaved, and dressed for work. I pause to behold a beautiful sight. Bella is in my bed, tangled in my sheets and resting quietly. I wanted to wake her this morning and make sweet love to her one more time, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it knowing she hasn’t been sleeping well.

I watch her for a moment, taking her in, and wonder what it’s going to take to get her to live here permanently. She’s been staying with me for a couple of months now with this crazy guy on the loose, but with my private investigator working this I’m hoping to have some answers soon. That means I have to convince her not to run once we find out who her stalker is.

She stirs, stretching in bed. Her eyes flutter open, and she smiles up at me. “Good morning,” she says with a small smile as I sit on the bed next to her.

“Good morning, beautiful. I’m sorry if I woke you.”

She shakes her head. “No. Besides, I’m glad I get to see you for a minute before you leave for work.”

“What are you up to today?” I ask her, brushing my knuckles across the flawless skin of her cheek.

“I’m not really sure yet. I may go by my place to check on things and get some different clothes.”

I lean down to kiss her on the forehead. “Just please take Jordan with you and be careful,” I say gently, knowing it bothers her that she has to be followed everywhere. She has to know I’m doing it because I care for her, but I’m sure it still stings.

She smiles at me. “I will. What are you up to today?”

“I’m on the road. I’m dropping in on two of the local housing centers to ensure they’re running up to standard and see if they need anything to accomplish their mission.”

“You love what you do, don’t you?”

“I do, and I love it even more when being on the road most likely means I’ll be home early to spend time with you.” I finish my statement in barely a whisper as I gently kiss her soft, luscious lips.

“I’ll look forward to it. What should we do?” She bites her bottom lip.

“I’m sure we can think of something. It is a Friday night. Do you want to stay in or go out?”

“Dinner and dancing?” She looks so hopeful there’s no way I can say no.

I grin down at her. “As long as you’re okay with Jordan following, then it’s a date.”

She squeals and nods.

Her excitement makes me laugh. I’m halfway out the door when she shouts, “Don’t forget Patty and Carter are coming over tomorrow night for dinner.”

“I haven’t forgotten, babe. I’ll see you in a few hours,” I respond as I descend the stairs.

As soon as I have the car started, I ensure my phone is connected to the Bluetooth and dial Tobey.

“Hey, man,” he answers. “What’s going on?”

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m on my way to Stuart House to check on the veterans and see what they need.”

“Good. Do you realize that’s the place we’ve had complaints about?”

“I do. Is there anything in particular you want me to look for?”

“No, just do a thorough walk through and let me know how our guys are doing.” There’s a bit of a growl to his voice, which leads me to believe the complaints have something to do with the troops not being treated well. We’re all very passionate about our troops getting the best care possible.

“I read you loud and clear. Don’t stress, Tobey. I’m on it.”

I cut the call. I don’t need him freaking out on me anymore than he already is. I’m only a few minutes away from the place.

As soon as I park my car, I jump out and slowly walk toward the door, checking out the outside as I go. I hand the girl my card and say, “I’m here to meet with Mr. Bentley.”

“Is he expecting you?” she asks in an overly sweet voice.

“No, this is a surprise visit. Please call him from your desk and let him know I’m in the building and wandering around.”

I walk past her desk, and as I do I can hear her pick up the phone to call her boss. I walk down the hall. So far, all looks good.

When I get to the end, I see a hall to the left. I walk down it and see a bunch of rooms. I pick the first one I see and knock on the door. There’s a gentleman lying on a bed, and the room smells horrible. He turns to the door with what appears to be fear in his eyes. I step through the door slowly and cautiously.

“Hello, my name is Sergeant First Class Derek Thompson, retired. I’m here checking in on the service of the center. How’s your stay been?”

He looks down at the bed and just shrugs his shoulders.

“May I have a seat?”

He nods his approval as he continues to look down. Sitting toward the edge of the bed, I ask him, “Can you tell me the last time you’ve gotten a shower?”

He shrugs his shoulders again.

“Mr. Thompson, it’s so nice of you to join us today.”

I look up to see Mr. Bentley at the door, but before I looked up the patient let out a slight gasp. I look back to the patient and he’s shaking as if he fears Mr. Bentley. This really pisses me off, but I need to keep my calm. I don’t want this asshole to realize that I’m on to the fact that he’s not taking care of our soldiers just yet.

“Mr. Jones, has your nurse not come to give you your bath?” He shakes his head slightly. “I will take care of that right away for you.” He pretends to be pissed as he leans out the door and screams for a nurse to get Mr. Jones his shower.

I stand from the bed and as I do, I whisper to him. “I’ll fix this, I promise.”

He doesn’t move or make a sound. I walk through the door and past Mr. Bentley, who instantly follows behind me. I look into the next room. The man appears clean, and he’s sitting in a chair and staring out the window. I don’t stop. I just walk to the next room.

“How are these patients doing, Mr. Bentley?”

“Well, you know how it is. Some are more responsive than others.”

I nod as I continue my stroll down the hall, making notes as I go. I walk into one of the bathrooms to find it acceptably clean. I make note of the areas I’m not happy with and move on.

“I’d like to see the kitchen, please.”

He nods. “Right away, Mr. Thompson. Please follow me.”

He takes the lead, and now I can take a closer look without him stressing over what I’m going to see. We’re outside the doors of the kitchen when I spot cobwebs in the corners, which puts me on alert. The first thing I check in the kitchen is the fridge. I open it to find plenty of food and none of it’s outdated, so he passes there. There are also healthy options, so that’s another good sign. I’m about to bring up the minor cleaning issues when the cook walks in smelling like a smoke shop and starts handling the food without washing his hands. I turn to Mr. Bentley with my brows raised, clearly shocked by what’s happening.

He clears his throat and says, “Hey Roger, aren’t you forgetting to wash your hands?”

He looks over his shoulder. “Oh, my bad.” He puts the food down and ambles toward the sink.

“This is Mr. Thompson from Veterans’ Affairs here to see how we’re doing.” The tone of his voice is clearly warning him.

I stick out my hand. “Nice to meet you. Do you have any concerns?”

“No.” He shrugs his shoulders. “Do you?”

“Well, to be honest, I am concerned that you were just about to handle food without washing your hands. I am especially concerned since you smell like you just had a smoke break. However, let me be clear. It doesn’t matter what type of break you’ve had. You should be washing your hands prior to handling food for these good people.”

“You are most definitely right. I’m sorry, sir. I won’t let it happen again.”

“I should hope not.”

I turn to Mr. Bentley. “Shall we step into your office?”

We both walk to his office, and along the way I tell him that I have a bit of feedback for him. He ushers me into a seat across from his desk and closes the door behind us for some privacy. He looks nervous as takes his seat.

“So Mr. Thompson, what are the recommendations you have for me today?” He looks genuinely concerned, but is he concerned about making this place better or saving his ass? Everything should be about the troops.

“Well, I would like you to improve on the cleanliness of the building. I’ve noticed cobwebs in corners. There was a ton of dust around the kitchen area, and we just can’t have that. Not to mention you need to write Roger up for cooking without washing his hands.”

“I will talk to him and explain the importance of washing his hands. You have my word on that.” He makes a note on his pad. “I will also talk to the janitorial staff about the cleanliness of the building and ensure they take care of it. We recently had someone quit so they are a bit short handed. I’m hoping to hire someone soon.”

“Okay, how’s your nursing staff. Do you have enough?” I ask him.

I will bring the bathing issue to Tobey. He may want to handle this along with any other complaints he’s received himself.

“I believe I do. I can speak with the nurses to see how they’re feeling about it, but to be honest I’m not sure there’s any more room in the budget for another nurse.”

“Fair enough. I’ll give you a few weeks to get things squared away, and I’ll stop back in to check on your progress. In the meantime if you need anything or you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to me.”

I hand him my card as I rise from the chair. I make my way out the door without looking back. I need to call Tobey.

As soon as I pull out of the parking lot, I dial my boss.

“Hey, Derek. How’d it go?”

“The place is a fucking pigsty. I told him he needed to clean up the place. The layers of dust and cobwebs were not acceptable. But get this, I caught the chef touching food without washing his hands and called him out on it. Mr. Bentley is supposed to have a sit down with Roger, the chef, and with the janitorial staff.” I sigh. “My bigger concern is the fear I see in the patient’s faces. I can’t tell if it’s fear from the staff or what they’ve been through. I noticed a few of them had not been bathed in days. Some of the rooms smelled disgusting. When Bentley found me, he pretended to be pissed and ordered a nurse to bathe the soldier immediately.”

“Hmm…how did you leave it with Bentley?”

“Told him I’d be back in a few weeks to check on things.”

“Good. Keep me in the loop.”

He cuts the call, and I continue toward Briar House. Along the way I spot a coffee shop and pull into the drive thru for a coffee and something to eat. The nice thing with these inspections is I have no real timeline because they’re a surprise. However, I’d really like to get home to start my weekend.

About twenty minutes later, I pull up to the Briar House. The outside of this place looks great. There are fresh flowers and shrubs in the front, making the building look warm and inviting. I park my car in a visitor lot, and as I stroll toward the front door I see the outside looks nice. I enter, and there’s an older woman sitting at the desk. She looks really sweet.

“Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?”

I smile down at her and hand her my card. “I’m here for a surprise inspection. Is Ms. Porter available?”

“Well, to be honest, she’s busy right now. She makes rounds at the end of lunch.”

“Perfect. If you’d let her know that I’m in the building, I’d love to see her in action.”

She smiles at me. “I will most certainly do that.”

“Great. Also, please ask her to meet me in the kitchen.”

She nods as I take off down the hall and check things out. I notice a small room that acts as a barber shop. I see one man getting a haircut while another is waiting patiently. This home is set up a bit different than Stuart House. Stuart is more of a psych house, while this one is more for physical disabilities.

I turn the corner to find a physical therapy room. There are a few men working out on their own and other’s with help. I walk in and introduce myself to some of the physical therapists as well as the soldiers who are there.

I ask one of the physical therapists, “Do you feel you have all the equipment you need?”

“It’s always great to have more, but we make due just fine with what we have,” one of them says. I nod, making note of the equipment they do have in the room.

The soldiers appear to be pretty well taken care of. Some grumpier than others depending on how they’re handling their injuries, but that’s to be expected. I ask a few of them if there’s anything the VA can do to help them, but most just shake their head. Some won’t even look at me. A lot of guys are very bitter when they come home injured. They won’t discuss it with their counselor, let alone a stranger, so I move on.

As I walk out of the PT room, Ms. Porter greets me. “Hello, Mr. Thompson. Thank you so much for visiting us today.”

“I like what I see so far. Can we check out the kitchen and dining area?”