My Broken Soldier (Love Conquers Life Book 2) Read online

  My Broken Soldier

  Love Conquers Life, Book 2

  By Alison Mello

  My Broken Soldier

  Copyright © 2016 by Alison Mello.

  All rights reserved.

  First Print Edition: July 2016

  Limitless Publishing, LLC

  Kailua, HI 96734

  www.limitlesspublishing.com

  Formatting: Limitless Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-1-68058-712-8

  ISBN-10: 1-68058-712-9

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  GET (5) FREE READS EVERY FRIDAY!

  *BONUS* INSTANT ACCESS TO A SECRET CHAPTER!

  5 FREE E-books A Week!

  Sent Directly To Your Inbox…

  Click HERE To Join Now.

  Chapter 1

  Carter

  It’s Saturday morning, and while I’m getting ready to hit the gym, Patty’s off with her mom and Bella for a spa day to get ready for tonight’s event. Neither of us typically enjoy these types of events, but it’s been a long week, so we’re hoping we’ll have a good time.

  As I step onto the elliptical, I think about the crazy week I’ve had at work. More and more soldiers have been coming in who need a lot of help or they’ll lose their homes, and with winter coming, Derek and I can’t have that. Derek told me things always pick up at this time of year because the soldiers manage to swallow their pride so they can keep their families warm.

  Even though it’s been a crazy week, I’ve been able to maintain my workout routine and spend time with Patty. I spend my days meeting with veterans to make sure they’re getting the benefits they deserve, while Patty’s been writing from home and then meeting me at my house almost every night. It’s been nice having someone to come home to. At the end of the day, there’s nothing I want more than to open my door to her beautiful smile.

  As she promised, she’s been cooking dinner with me and helping me learn how to make easy, healthy meals. I wipe the sweat from my face as I step off the elliptical. We’ve become quite close in a short period of time. No woman has ever affected me the way she does.

  About twenty minutes later, I finish practicing martial arts and skip the weights so I can start getting ready for tonight’s event. I’m looking forward to this night out. It’s for a good cause, and I could use some fun with my girl.

  The event is a fundraiser called Feeding the Hungry, and both my parents and Patty’s mom, Sandra, and her step father, Richard, are attending. Although Patty’s parents are divorced, her father, Troy, will be attending the fundraiser as well as her best friend, Bella, who is dating my boss, Derek. This is an event that one of Sandra’s friends is putting on, and Sandra jumped in to help.

  Patty and I were discussing the other night how happy we are to hear that the event has sold out. Half of the money made from selling the tickets will go to buying turkeys, and guests are donating other foods to help complete the Thanksgiving feast for the families in need.

  I can’t wait to see Patty this evening. She told me she is wearing a long, sleek, black gown, and I know she’s going to look stunning. In true Sandra fashion, she has arranged for us to take a limo to the event. Neither of us felt a limo was necessary, but there’s no arguing with Sandra on things like this. The limo will pick Patty up at six and then swing by here to pick me up. Then we will be driven to the event. It’s at a swanky hotel in the city, and all the media will be there. I learned from the last event I attended that the flashes from the camera and the shouting of questions can cause a flashback.

  That’s when I realize I need to inform Patty about the affect the media might have on me when I get into the car because I don’t want her to think I’m keeping anything from her. Plus, if she knows, she can watch out for me. I’m truly hoping we can get through the red carpet pretty quickly.

  My phone chirps, letting me know I’ve gotten a text.

  Patty: Thinking about you. What are you up to?

  Carter: Just finished a workout. About to take a shower.

  Patty: Wish I was there to join you.

  Carter: I wish you were too. I would love to wash that beautiful body of yours the way I did last night.

  Patty: *Blushing* I have to go and get my hair done.

  I grin as I picture her blushing in front of Bella. Bella is probably giving her shit right now.

  I walk into the bathroom and start the shower. When I step behind the door, I see all of Patty’s shower stuff, and my thoughts drift to the romantic evening we had last night. I picture her standing in front of me the way she did last night. I rubbed my hands, which were full of soap, all over her body, massaging her breasts and pinching her nipples. She let out her soft whimper, and my cock twitched.

  I squirt some soap into my hands and slide them over my chest, down my abs, and over my cock. I start stroking it as I think about rubbing Patty’s clit. She was beautiful when she came with my fingers buried deep inside of her, screaming my name. I’m pumping my cock at the memory when suddenly I come all over my hand. I sigh because although it may relieve some pressure, it isn’t the same. I want to feel her body pressed beneath me.

  After washing up, I get out and dry off with my towel wrapped around my waist. I quickly shave, throw on some aftershave, and then slip on my tux and head out into the living room to pick up Patty’s flower from the table. I need to go down as soon as I get the text that she’s on her way. After a minute of pacing the living room, my phone chirps.

  Patty: On my way.

  I lock up my apartment and hurry downstairs to wait. I really like my new apartment building. We have a doorman. His name is Darryl, and when he sees me, he says, “Looking good, Mr. Montgomery.”

  “Thank you, Darryl. Patty and I will be home late, but I’ll see you soon.”

  He nods, and I step outside to wait for the limo. In a matter of minutes, it pulls up to the curb. The limo driver gets out and walks around to open the door for me. I slip inside with Patty’s flower in hand. She’s sitting there looking absolutely amazing.

  “Hey, beautiful,” I say, leaning in to kiss her.

  She breaks the kiss. “You look pretty good yourself.”

  Sticking with my routine of surprising her with a flower, I pull her single red rose out from behind my back and hand it to her.

  “It’s beautiful! Thank you.” She rewards me with her gorgeous smile as she inhales its scent.

  “Nowhere near as beautiful as you.” I lift her chin as she blushes. “How was your spa day?”

  “It was nice. I think my mom is starting to come around about me dating you. She told me she couldn’t wait to see us tonight.”

  “Really? Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

  She
nods, and her smile grows.

  “Listen, I don’t want to forget. At the last event I attended, the flashes from the cameras and the noise from the photographer shouting questions almost sent me into a flashback. I locked up, but my father got us out of there. I bought clear earplugs, hoping it will dull the noise, but I don’t know how I’m going to react to the flashing cameras.”

  “Sshh, I’ll help you through it,” she says as she places her hand on my cheek.

  “Thank you. I’ll try to give you a signal if I need you to get me out of there, like I’ll squeeze your hand or something.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll watch out for you. If you look panicked, I’ll get you out of there, okay?”

  I sigh in relief, glad that she isn’t freaked out or upset. Not that I thought Patty would be, but my flashbacks aren’t an easy thing to deal with. I never know what will set them off.

  We pull up, and there are two limos in front of us unloading guests for the event. Patty looks at me and says, “Take a deep breath. You’ll be fine.”

  I give her a small grin and nod. I don’t want to tell her I’m nervous. The limo driver announces to us that he’s coming around to open our door. I release another breath and put my earplugs in place. When the driver opens the door, I step out and the flashes instantly start. I reach into the car, take Patty’s hand, and help her out. The questions start flowing.

  “Ms. Fitzgerald, is it true that you and Mr. Montgomery are dating?” one of them shouts.

  She looks into my eyes and says, “Yes, Mr. Montgomery and I are officially a couple.”

  We beam at each other. Deciding to give them a little something to talk about, I lean in and give her a soft kiss. The cameras go crazy. We pose for a few pictures and then we go inside, hand in hand, to enjoy our evening. As soon as we’re through the doors, I remove my earplugs and put them in my pocket. The earplugs were a great idea because I could still hear what was going on, but it didn’t feel overwhelming.

  Patty looks up at me with such pride. “You did amazing, I’m so proud of you.”

  “The earplugs seemed to help, but I think having you by my side was really what did it. I was so focused on you and how you handled the media, I couldn’t think of anything else.”

  “That’s great. How are the nightmares?”

  “I haven’t had a nightmare since I came clean to you about them. I’m hoping I’m good for now.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that, but you need to promise to talk to me if they come back.”

  “I promise,” I say as I rub my knuckles across her cheek and give her one more kiss.

  “Look who finally made it. My beautiful daughter is here,” Troy says as he meets us at the entrance. He leans in to kiss each of her cheeks and then shakes my hand.

  “Hi, Daddy. This place looks amazing, doesn’t it?”

  She hooks her hand through my arm, and we walk further in to the room. She points out all the beautiful fall décor the place put out for the event.

  “It sure does,” Troy says. He looks around proudly. “One thing I can say is your mom and her friends certainly now how to throw a fundraiser.”

  We meet up with my parents outside the ball room.

  “Hello, Mia, Jackson,” Patty says, hugging both my parents. The rest of us exchange pleasantries, and then my father offers to buy us a drink.

  As we’re walking over the bar, I notice the boxes. “Patty, look at all the boxes filled with food.”

  “Wow, the guests have done an amazing job of making sure there is plenty to go around.” There are a few boxes around the bar decorated to match the fall theme, and they’re overflowing with nonperishable food.

  “Have you seen my mother?” Patty asks her father when we reach the bar.

  “I haven’t. I assumed you would have done your girlie thing together before the event.”

  “We did, but I wasn’t sure if she was here yet.”

  My father asks me, “Scotch on the rocks, son?”

  “Sure. Thanks, Dad.”

  “What about you, Patty?”

  “I’ll have a glass of white wine, please.” My father talks to the bartender and orders our drinks while Troy tells us he saved us a seat at his table if we want to sit with him.

  “That sounds great.” Patty turns to me. “Is that okay with you?”

  “That’s fine, sweetie.”

  “What’s fine?” Sandra and Richard walk up with Bella and Derek.

  “Hello, Mother,” Patty says, air kissing Sandra’s cheek. “Richard, how are you?” she says to her step father, giving him a hug. “Mother, Dad was telling us that he saved us seats to sit with him and The Montgomery’s tonight.”

  She gives Troy an evil look and says, “She sat with you last time.”

  “Mother, first of all I’m right here, and if you don’t stop I will leave and neither of you will sit with me. I’m an adult, and I decided to sit with him.” Poor Bella and Derek are standing in the background, not knowing what to do about Sandra’s attitude or Patty’s outburst.

  Sandra visibly adjusts her demeanor and says to Patty, “Patricia, if that’s your wish, I’ll catch up with you for a drink later, darling.”

  “Thank you. I will talk to you soon.”

  Patty kisses her, and then Sandra strolls off, pissed, with Richard in tow.

  “Well, that was an interesting start to the night,” Bella says. “Is there room for us at your table because I’m not sure I want to sit with her tonight either.”

  Troy laughs. “Bella, you are always welcome at our table.”

  Derek adds. “Thanks, because we came to have fun tonight.”

  I turn to them. “Derek, I know you met my father, but Bella, have you?”

  “No, I’m sorry. I haven’t had the pleasure,” she says with a smile.

  “This is my mother and father, Mia and Jackson Montgomery.” My mother and father both give her a hug and air kiss her cheek.

  Once we all have our drinks, I tell Patty we should check out the silent auction. Troy shows us to the table. They all have a beautiful fall centerpiece in the middle and assorted fall-colored napkins folded nicely, giving the room a colorful look.

  “We’ll be back,” Patty says. She takes my hand, and we walk to glance at the auction table. Derek and Bella follow, and the four of us place our bids. Patty and I bid on a weekend getaway. Bella bids on a weekend at the spa, and Derek bids on a signed sports jersey. The four of us decide to have one more drink before we go back to our table. Dinner is going to start soon, and we want to make sure we’re seated prior to them serving.

  We get to the table with our drinks. No sooner do we sit then they serve us a salad. My mom starts to ask Bella about her work.

  “Bella, what do you do for a living?”

  She smiles proudly. “I’m a model. I do photo shoots and runway shows.”

  Derek and I start talking about some of the benefits we have for our veterans. Since I’m still new to the office of Veterans Affairs, Derek and I often talk about work.

  “Why don’t you guys do an event like this to raise some money for the veterans?” Bella suggests.

  Derek tells her, “We’ll talk it over with the other directors. We’ll have to see what we would do with the money raised and if agreed upon, maybe plan the event on New Year’s Eve.”

  “That would be so much fun,” Patty says, getting excited.

  The waiters serve our dinner. As usual, the food is delicious. We had salad and soup, and for the main course we had a choice of, chicken, fish or roast beef. Patty and I both chose fish.

  The night is going by quickly. Now that dinner has been cleared, they’re playing live music for dancing. I stand up, take Patty’s hand, and pull her onto the dance floor. I look into her eyes as we start dancing. “Thank you so much for being my date tonight. I normally hate these events, but you make being here so much easier.”

  “I’m not usually a fan of them either, but I’m having a great time tonight. Your parents are
really sweet. Although I haven’t gotten a chance to catch up with Bella, it seems their relationship is progressing nicely.”

  “Derek hasn’t said anything to me, but we’re not as close as you and Bella. We talk at work, but not about personal stuff that much.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll find out. If not, I’m sure they’ll tell us more next weekend, when they come over for dinner.”

  I lean in to give her a chaste kiss, and when I pull away to reply, someone bumps into us. We both look. It’s Ben.

  “Oh, excuse me,” he says rudely as he walks away. He’s dancing with some skanky looking woman. I shake it off and tell Patty to ignore him. As we start dancing again, the song comes to an end. I tell Patty that I’m going to the restroom before I go back to the table.

  “I could use the ladies room as well,” she replies.

  We both walk out to the lobby, hand in hand. I tell her I’ll meet her at the entrance to the room so that we can walk back in together. Upon entering the men’s room, I find it’s completely empty so I step up to the urinal to quickly do my thing. I wash my hands and exit to wait for Patty. Since Ben is here, I don’t want to chance her bumping into him alone again. Only God knows how much he’s had to drink tonight.

  While I’m waiting, this female approaches me and says, “Excuse me, but aren’t you Carter Montgomery?”

  “Yes, but I’m sorry I don’t know you.”

  She smirks at me and says, “But you will. I’m Olivia, and I’ve heard so much about you.” She steps closer. “I adore a man in a well-fitted tux.” She giggles. This girl is a total ditz.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m here with a date.” I take a step backward, but my back hits the wall.

  “I know.” She chuckles. “Patricia Fitzgerald? Oh please.” She rolls her eyes. “I have so much more to offer you than she does.” She leans in and rubs her fingers down the collar of my tux jacket.