The Soldier Next Door by Storm Savage Read Free Book Online

mouth.
    “Let him go, Mason. I’m okay.”
    Just when she thought the situation was under control, flashing lights and sirens filled the air as two police cars rolled into the drive. Four State Troopers jumped out and raced to the men locked in battle. They pulled them apart.
    “We received a call. What’s going on here?” one of the troopers asked her.
    “My ex-husband…” She pointed to Ben. “Showed up and picked a fight with me. My neighbor stopped by at the same time. Ben hit me and Mason came to my defense.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “My ex is not supposed to be here. This is my house. I asked him to leave, but he just went crazy. Mason was only trying to protect me.”
    “Let’s see some ID, guys.”
    Mason pulled out his license and a Military ID card. Ben fumbled for his wallet.
    “Army Staff Sergeant Mason Haller?” The officer looked impressed. “You’re the guy Troy knows.”
    “Yes, sir,” Mason replied. “101st Airborne, Second Brigade Combat Team, Blackhearts Strike Soldier.”
    “You were defending this lady?”
    “Yes, sir. I will never leave a fallen comrade.”
    The trooper seemed to understand the situation. He turned his attention toward her. “Are you all right, miss? Would you like to press assault charges against your ex-husband?”
    She shook her head. “No…I just want him to leave.”
    He gave her a nod. “If he returns, you might want to reconsider.”
    “I will.”
    “Have a good day,” he told her and Mason, then walked away.
    She watched the officers surround Ben. Saw them talking and she detected the serious nature of their warning to her ex. They escorted him to his SUV and waited until he left before they drove away.
    Mason turned to her and immediately wrapped his arms around her waist. She curled her arms around his head as he buried his face in the curve of her neck.
    “Are you okay?” she murmured, stroking his cropped hair.
    “I’m fine.” He eased back so that their eyes met. He touched her cheek ever so lightly. “Has he hit you before?”
    “When we were married, yes. This is the first time I’ve seen him since the divorce was final. Someone around here must’ve been talking as usual. Ben is a jealous maniac. You don’t need this.”
    “Hey…” His voice was soft. “I’m not afraid of him. I have enough baggage to scare anyone away, but you stayed. No cocksucker like him is gonna drive me away. I’ll kill the motherfucker.”
    “I don’t want you going to jail because of me.”
    “That’s not gonna happen. When they see my SSGT rank, they understand.”
    “What are Blackhearts?”
    “My unit. Each unit has an insignia. Ours was a black heart with an eagle talon on it. We were a strike force. Insurgents knew when they saw the Blackhearts that people were gonna die.”
    The violent nature of his past was mind-blowing. She wondered how many people truly grasped the horror of war. Over the past few days, she’d gained much deeper insight to the soldier’s world. None of it scared her in ways it probably should. She embraced this man’s courage and strength and right now simply longed to embrace him for defending her.
    “Thank you for protecting me. I would never ask you to, but I must admit, it felt really great watching him take a beating.”
    Mason gave her a wink. “Anytime. I didn’t mind.”
    “Come inside. I need to put those beautiful flowers in water. Have you eaten yet today?”
    “No. I was busy.”
    “Would you like some lunch?”
    “Sure.”
    She whipped up a couple turkey breast sandwiches and served them with chips. They ate together in strange silence, like the calm after a raging storm. She wondered where his thoughts were now and noticed when he ate meals, he was very serious about eating. He rarely looked up from his plate and consumed his food rather quickly yet with impeccable manners. He made virtually no sound during the meal. He chugged a glass of cola afterward and pushed his plate aside.
    “That