Today I thought I would share a little of Ben. 
This is the first chapter and VERY unedited. If you read Semper Fi: Magnus, you got a peek at Ben. I hope you enjoy it. This is the one in the series I have planned where one person isn’t in the military. All the others, both the guy and girl will be in the military. So, this one’s tone is a little different. Plus, Ben and Mari know each other so there is some friendship there to start. This will still be a suspense story…just wait until you see what I have in store. lol
Thanks for stopping by!
~Jambrea
Chapter One
Maribeth O’Malley paused with her hand on the doorknob.
Something isn’t right.
She cocked her head at a noise coming from the other side. It was times like 
these she wished she’d listened to her brother and had that peephole installed. The rustling sound came again and the knob turned in her hand.
What the hell?
She backed away and looked around to find a weapon. The only thing close was an umbrella so she grabbed it and waited. It seemed like hours, when seconds later, someone stepped through the door, she closed her eyes and swung the umbrella like a bat. It made a nice swooshing sound, then whack when it connected and a thud when the person fell. She opened her eyes and her jaw dropped.
“God damn it, Ben! How many times have I told you to knock!”
“Well shit, Jellybean, if you’d lock your door, I might just knock.” He looked up at her from the floor, rubbing his head.
Mari shook her head and put her hand out to help him to his feet.
“When are you going to realize I’m not a kid anymore and stop calling me by that ridiculous nickname?”
Secretly she liked when he called her Jellybean, but she’d never let him know that. Lusting after her brother’s best friend probably wasn’t the best thing she could do, but she couldn’t help it. She’d been in love with the man for as long as she could remember and he never even noticed she was alive.
Mari thought things might go differently after Mag’s wedding. The dance she’d shared with Ben had been wonderful, but he ran off right after. This was the first time she’d seen him since the reception.
“What did you hit me with?”
Ben still rubbed his head and she chuckled at his hurt expression. She also noticed that he’d ignored her comment about the nickname.
“An umbrella, I couldn’t find anything else.”
“Just wait until I tell Fin.”
“You leave my brother out of this and what are you doing here anyway?”
“I’m taking you out. Go get dressed, Jellybean.”
“Why me? Isn’t Fin home?”
“He’s out on assignment.”
“Shoot, that’s right. I forgot he was delayed. He’s due back any day. Can’t you wait?”
“Nope, I just got my orders; I’m off to Iraq day after tomorrow.”
Shit, it was bad enough when Fin went on assignment, but to have Ben leaving too, ripped her heart out.
“How long?”
“It’s supposed to be a month hitch, but you know how that goes. So go, get dressed so we can paint the town.”
“Just where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I need to know how to dress. And I can’t stay out too late. I have school tomorrow.”
“I thought you were on summer break?”
“I will be, in a couple weeks.”
“You know, when I was in school, our librarian was a troll. I don’t think your students know how lucky they are to have a hot librarian.”
She grinned at him before turning around to go to her room.
“You think I’m hot?” She said over her shoulder.
Ben smacked her ass, “Go get dressed.”
Mari paused for a second to take in this new playful Ben. Maybe tonight would be her chance to show she wanted more from him than friendship. With that thought in mind she went to raid her closet for the right outfit.
Ten minutes later she walked out of her room to find Ben at her bookshelf looking at old pictures of the three of them. Growing up, Ben and Fin did everything together. She always stayed on the side lines. It wasn’t until she went to college that the boys let her into their little group. She didn’t date much and that could be because the two of them ran off any guy interested in her. Mari shook her head at the memories.
“You ready?”
Ben turned and the look on his face was priceless. His eyes widened and he sucked in a breath.
“You aren’t wearing that, are you?”
She looked down at herself, “What’s wrong with what I have on?”
Mari had on a form fitting white tank top that ended at her belly button, showing off the loop she’d gotten pierced there last summer on a dare from one of her friends. Her jeans were black and fit just right and she’d topped it off with a pair of sparkly red heels.
“What is that?” Ben pointed at her belly ring.
“I got my belly button pierced. It isn’t a big deal. Are you ready to go or not?”
“Do you have…ah…anything else pierced or tattooed?”
“That is for me to know and you to find out.” Mari winked at him and headed out her door. She made sure to put a little extra wiggle in her walk. Ben Davies was going down.
Mari waited by Ben’s truck, he didn’t take long to catch up with her. She stood by while he opened the door for her, always the gentleman.
“Now will you tell me where we’re going?” she asked after Ben settled behind the wheel.
“No and I want you to close your eyes. Like I said, it’s a surprise.”
“I’m not big on surprised, Ben.”
“Do I need to blindfold you?”
She shivered thinking he’d be surprised at what she wanted him to do to her.
“Fine, they’re closed.” She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Brat.” He laughed at her.
Mari let her hands full into her lap. No way did she want him to think of her like a kid.
“Will you take a bribe?”
“Who do you think you’re talking to? I’m un-bribable.”
“Not even for—” she paused for dramatic effect. “a kiss.” She ended on a whisper.
The truck swerved, Mari braced herself against the door and opened her eyes.
“Hey, I told you to keep ‘em closed.”
“Try not to kill me and I will.” She closed her eyes again wondering what Ben had in store for her tonight. He always tried to shock her. She really didn’t care, at least they were spending time together. That was all that mattered.
She lost track of time and with all the twist and turns Ben took, she had no idea where they could be.
“Here we are.”
“Can I open my eyes?” she asked when she felt the vehicle stop.
“Not yet. Wait a second.”
She heard the creak as his car door opened then closed. When her door jerked out of her hands, she jumped until Ben’s hands guided her out of the truck.
“Okay, I’m going to open my eyes.”
“Wait! Not yet. You aren’t peeking are you?”
“No, just hurry up.”
Mari didn’t worry about tripping. She trusted Ben with her life. Was that music she heard? Maybe he was taking her to that new bar that opened up.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
She smiled and opened her eyes. Once they adjusted to the dark she looked around and then did a double take. Was that—could it be—no way, Ben had taken her to a strip club. Oh he was in so much trouble. Mari laughed as she imagined Fin’s face because she was telling him all about the evening. Well, maybe not all about, if she could get Ben to see her as something other than a sister. And who took their kid sister to a strip club.
“A strip club? I hate to tell you this, but I’m not shocked and you know I’m going to tell Fin all about this, right?”
“Now, you don’t have to tell Fin everything, plus, he knows you’re here.”
“What! No way would Fin be okay with this.”
“It was his idea.”
“Now you’re pulling my leg.”
Ben laughed, “No, I’m not. Do you remember Private Michaels? He’s going on his first tour so we’re having a night out. Fin suggested bringing you along, well more of a dare. He owes me fifty bucks.”
“He dared you to take me here?”
“Yes. He said there was no way you’d come with me. Plus, it isn’t like there are guys stripping. Are you complaining?”
“Hell no. Do you think they have bubble gum wine here?”
“Bubble gum wine?”
“Yes, you know, something pink.”
“What are we going to do with you? The guys are over at that table in the corner. Why don’t you go over and I’ll bring you a glass of wine.”
“Sir, yes, sir.” She saluted him and turned to the table. She recognized a couple guys from barbeques and parties her brother put together. She spotted Michaels right away. Such a baby face. She shook her head. She’d grown up a military brat and should be used to the horrors of war, but it hit her hard when kids of eighteen were shipped off.
Someone bumped into her and apologized. Mari nodded and continued to the table with a smile on her face. It was time to shine and send Michaels’ off with style.
* * * *
Ben reached the bar and shook his head. Bubble gum wine? He wondered if this was a passing phase. He hated the fact that he and Fin would both be out of touch. Not that Mari couldn’t take care of herself. Both he and Fin made sure of that. But if she kept doing stupid stuff, like leaving her door unlocked, she was going to get into trouble.
He placed his order and waited for his drinks. He looked over his shoulder to see Private Welsh step up.
“Colonel, we didn’t think you’d make it. Who’s the fox you came in with?”
Ben clinched his fist by his side before he decked the man for nothing more than stating the obvious.
“You will show some respect, if you know what’s good for you. That ‘fox’ is Captain O’Malley’s sister.”
“Shit. Sorry, sir, I didn’t know.”
“Just don’t do it again.” He gave the man a short nod and headed to the table his men sat at.
He needed to get his temper under control. He had no claim on Mari. He never had. No matter that she kept him company in his dreams almost nightly. She was off limits. Fin’s little sister.
Ben drew in a breath. Someone made her laugh and the pure joy enveloped him. His cock took notice of the way her head tilted back, her glossy red hair swinging around her long neck. He wanted to kiss her and draw her essence into him.
Bad idea, this was a bad fucking idea. Damn, Fin and his stupid dare.
Two hours tops and he was driving her home, dropping her off and finding the first available woman and fucking his brains out. Anything to drive her out of his head.
“What’s so funny?” He handed Mari her wine, stopping himself from calling her Jellybean. She’d kill him for using that in mixed company. It was a silly nickname, but it helped him to remember she wasn’t for him. A sister to protect.
Mari grinned, “Private Michael’s was sharing a story about a shower mishap.”
“Do I even want to know?”
One of his men sat next Mari and Ben kicked the chair and jerked his head, letting the man know he should move. He caught Mari’s eyebrow rising at the jester. He didn’t care. She was his responsibility tonight.
“Probably not.” Mari chuckled.
Ben noticed how his men had surrounded Mari and put her in the back, away from the action. Maybe having her here was a bad idea. The men were more subdue than normal. Usually there would be hooting and hollering with strippers draped over each man.
He turned to say something to Mari and noticed she had a dollar in her hand, waving it in the air.
What the hell?
Then she whistled. He looked away to see a couple strippers headed their way. This couldn’t be good. What the devil did she have planned?
Ben didn’t have long to wait. She pointed to Michaels’ and then pointed to herself. One of the strippers sat in Michaels’ lap and started to grind. The other had a big grin on her face as she crawled over the marines in her path to get to Mari. His heart stopped with the big breasted blonde settled into Mari’s lap.
Fuck, that is hot.
He groaned, but the music covered his sound. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from the erotic scene. His cock throbbed in his pants, trying to break free. He almost came when Mari licked her lips and winked at him. He couldn’t control his breathing.
She’s Fin’s sister, she’s Fin’s sister. God damnit, fucking, shit. So hot.
When the stripper rubbed her tits in Mari’s face, he kicked his chair back and raced for the rest room. No way could he stay and watch the two women grind against each other. He slammed into the room and headed for the sink hoping some cold water would cool him down. He needed to get laid. He thumped his dick, thinking the pain might help. It did nothing to stop his ragging hard on.
Ben looked at his reflection in the mirror. Idiot. He berated himself until he heard a knock on the door.
“Ben, you okay?” a soft voice inquired.
The tent of his pants had started to go down until her voice wrapped around him. This was almost worse than that dance at Mag’s wedding. He now knew how Mari’s body felt against his. Maybe it was a good thing he got called to go overseas. Space would be good. Give him time to get his head, the big one, back in order. His little head became a lost cause the minute he even heard her name.
It helped to think of the look on Fin’s face the second he found out Ben wanted to fuck his sister. That was the ticket. Think of his friend.
“Don’t make me come in there. What’s wrong?”
“Don’t you dare, Jellybean!” That’s it, put her in her nice unassuming place. Friends, that’s it. “Nothing’s wrong. I’ll be out in a second.”
“Alright. Don’t be too long, or I’ll make good on storming the men’s room.”
He knew she was good on the promise.
“Think of her as your sister.” It sounded wrong saying that out loud. She wasn’t his sister and his body knew it. Wouldn’t let him forget it.
Man up, Davies.
He nodded to himself and walked back into hell. More strippers hovered around the table, but Mari sat by herself. Her face pinched in a worried frown. She kept glancing toward him and biting her lip. He ached to sooth it with his tongue.
Well, that lasted all of two minutes.
Ben hesitated before sitting down beside her.
“Everything, okay?” she reached out to touch his arm and he closed his eyes.
“I’m good.” He picked up the beer he’d left on the table and drained it. “I need another drink. Be right back.”
He didn’t care that he was running away from the problem like a coward. Ben could stare down an enemy with no problem, but one look from Mari and he melted.
“You needing, soldier boy?” a husky voice whispered in his ear and a hand trailed down his body.
“Yes, Ma’am. A Bud Lite would be wonderful.” He moved out of her reach. No matter how much he tried to lie to himself, no one could take Mari’s place.
He was well and truly fucked.
