Marrying the Marine-epub Read Free Page B

the tall bay windows that exposed a beautiful view of the sun shining down on the river. He fell back on the sofa, then kicked off his shoes. He removed the lid on the container, placing it in his lap.
    Old newspaper clippings were folded inside the rectangular red box. He reached inside, pulled out a clipping, and unfolded it. His heart grappled at the name printed at the top of the obituary—Sugar Summers.
    The woman in the photo had long black hair, soft skin, and was simply beautiful just like Sandella. This has to be Sandella’s mother. He read the obituary in its entirety confirming it was indeed her mother. I wonder how she died?
    He placed the paper on top of the lid sitting in his lap, pulled out another newspaper clipping, then unfolded it. Jesus Christ! His pulse pounded in his neck after reading the title: Family Suspects Marine Killed Woman.
    According to the article an arrest was never made. This explained Sandella’s uneasiness around him, why she felt the way she did toward the Marines in this part of the country. As he stared blankly at the picture of Sandella’s mother, Sugar, he wondered what kind of beast would rape and kill this beautiful woman. A fucking monster got away with this. A damn monster.
    He neatly refolded both articles, stood, then placed the box back on the shelf behind the photo album where he’d found it. With his heart aching for Sandella’s loss, he crossed the room to peer out the window. Knowing a Marine had caused her heartfelt misery, his blood boiled. A man capable of such hideous crimes had no right to be a part of the armed forces. He didn’t deserve to carry the name Marine.
    Braylon grunted. His fingers flexed by his side as he watched a sailboat cruise to the other side of the river. He detested whoever did this cruel act. Not only had he brought Sandella grief, he’d pained her entirely family and all those that loved both her and Sugar. I have to show you that you can trust Marines, Sandella. Not all of us are criminals. I need to speak with you.
    Before he turned to go find her, he spotted Sandella pulling close the kitchen’s back door. Holding Royce’s palm with one hand, she carried a couple of books in the other and began walking along the emerald grass toward the river.
    She wore a soft pink top and a pair of light blue denim jeans that fit perfectly over her round butt. The ends of her hair turned up, making Braylon believe it was windy outside. When she turned to look at Royce, he caught a good glimpse of the smile lighting up her face. Royce smiled back at her. She loves Royce.
    She released Royce’s hand and spread a large plaid blanket on the ground underneath the tree. They both sat simultaneously after she handed him a book. She draped an arm over his shoulder. Apparently she was reading to him, or maybe him to her. Sandella’s faithfulness to his uncle impressed him.
    While Braylon continued to observe her from a distance, he couldn’t help but think she was definitely a woman he’d love to become better acquainted with, like Adam had suggested. Maybe they could get to know one another and become friends. I’d much prefer friends with benefits. Deep down inside he knew it’d only be a matter of time before he tried to get the sweet-looking princess into his bed and make sweet love to her.
    The sight of her was driving him mad with lust. “Oh Sandella. I want you bad, my darling,” he murmured. As he thought about how he’d like to flick his tongue over her black nipple his cock twitched. 
    You deserve a good man in your life. Could I be that man? Not if Drayton is really my son. If he is, I’d have to do the honorable thing, and support his mother, Madison. A rough grumble escaped his lips when Madison came seeping into his brain. While he’d been traveling the country as a CID Agent, rumor had it she’d been unfaithful. And although she’d denied it, he couldn’t help but wonder if the accusations were indeed true.
    After he and Madison