When They're Exposed: Death's Relentless Dance (A Reverse Harem Romance), #1.5

By AJ Sinclair

The Scarlet Infection is dead. Dr. Indiana Jones and her men survived being trapped inside the quarantine, but now they face an even greater challenge—making their unique romance work in the real world.

With her family dead and her brother missing, Indie struggles to rebuild a normal life with the four men she loves. Their bond was forged in blood and chaos, but how will it stand up against late rent payments and frustrating job interviews?

They think they have all the time in the world to build a solid foundation for their relationship, but barely surviving a killer virus makes them hyperaware of their frail mortality. Is there more to them than sex and fear? And is there a sinister truth hiding in the frightening conspiracy theory Indie discovers?

Warning: Graphic Content, Sexual Situations with MMMMF interaction, For Adults Only

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pickled Shamrock Press
• Release date: Nov 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393117520

Book preview

WHEN THEY’RE EXPOSED

Death’s Relentless Dance 1.5

By

AJ Sinclair

WHEN THEY’RE EXPOSED

Copyright 2019 by AJ Sinclair

eBook License Notes:

You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

Dedication:

For everyone who can’t get enough of Cody, including me.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Deleted Scenes

Books by AJ Sinclair

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Prologue

AUSTIN

July – Location: Classified

Alpha Company had been built from the best of the best. Soldiers fought each other to get in, but Major Austin Tucker accepted only those who fit his demanding criteria. A young sergeant with a questionable track record requested a transfer from a unit that no longer wanted him. On paper, this call looked easy. The choice to reject his request should’ve been automatic, but Austin’s chief warrant officer, Jack Ramsey, recommended the man with vague but high praise. The major considered all options because the holes in Jack’s story begged to be dug in to. Austin had assigned the task to his first lieutenant, Eli Cobb, a man with an uncanny knack for uncovering the truth—often reporting more information than anyone wanted to know. 

Eli strode into Austin’s office without knocking, carrying an iPad he never tore his gaze from. Everything looks in order for the transfer request. You just need to sign to make it official.

Austin tipped his chair back and leveled a stare at Eli, mentally ordering him to make eye contact. Has his commanding officer signed it?

The lieutenant got the message. Before I finished reading Sergeant Taggert’s name. He arched an eyebrow.

Not a good sign. Bring him in. Austin stood behind his desk and squared his shoulders, locking his hands behind his back in a stance that would put any subordinate officer in his place.

Eli had barely gotten to the door when it flew open and smashed him in the face. Ugh. He clamped his hand over his nose and staggered backward while Cody entered the room with too much swagger for a man whose military fate rested in Austin’s hands.

An if-looks-could-kill frown tightened Jack’s face as he stalked in behind Cody, carrying his rifle across his body with his sharpshooter’s glare aimed at the back of Cody’s head. Austin suspected he would kill the man, should the situation escalate.

The three men surrounded Cody, Eli dripping blood from his nose, Jack tightening white knuckles on his weapon, and Austin wondering why the hell he’d allowed this meeting. Hardly a good first impression, Sergeant.

Cody grinned, apparently unimpressed with the glowering soldiers. But one you’re never gonna forget.

Austin rolled his eyes toward Jack, who’d suddenly become way too interested in the laces on his boots.

Eli tapped his tablet, frowning as he scrolled down the screen. I’d recommend reviewing Sergeant Taggert’s background first, especially this Eggplant Emoji Incident. He sniffed, adding an air of disdain to his suggestion.

The what, now? Austin slow-blinked.

Remember the fiasco involving the digital road construction sign? Eli tilted his swelling nose toward Cody without looking at him.

Austin gaped at Cody. "You’re that guy?" He’d heard few details. Hushed whispers about the sketchy message on the hacked sign. Shocked speculation regarding the identity of Cody’s alleged accomplice, the barely legal daughter of a prominent federal government official. Horrified shudders whenever anyone mentioned the dreaded kitchen tongs.

Yes, sir! Cody flexed his fingers as if still feeling some residual effects from the electrocution.

Austin whirled to glare at Jack. Are you fucking serious about this guy?

Jack met the major’s stare with his typical snarl. I’m serious about everything.

Of course. Jack wouldn’t have brought the young man to him if he didn’t have a damn good reason. Getting the truth behind the story would require shifting through a lot of bullshit. What does the eggplant even mean? Austin grumbled at no one in particular.

Eli wiped a finger under his still bleeding nose. When sexting, the eggplant emoji represents a penis.

Thanks. Austin’s mind instantly pictured the worst. A purple eggplant-sized dick, sweet, innocent pussy, and the kitchen tongs being used in ways no decent human would imagine. I’m never going to forget that image.

It’s not what it looks like. Sergeant Taggert blushed and shuffled his boots on the hard tile floor.

Austin narrowed his eyes. How many women had fallen for that act? Countless daughters, no doubt. Their mothers too? Did the congresswoman believe that?

She believed enough. A smile danced around the corners of Cody’s mouth.

Holy shit, he’d seduced the woman. Or tried to. Quit fucking around. Austin marched in the sergeant’s impudent face. Tell me the whole story.

Cody met him eye to eye. I’m not allowed.

Not allowed? Austin dropped back a step, giving them room to breathe.

Congress sealed the official report and forbid me to talk about it. Cody held his ground without blinking.

Jack coughed something unintelligible into his fist.

How deep does the bullshit cover go? Austin ignored Jack’s mutterings and invaded the stubborn sergeant’s personal space again, hoping to intimidate the man. Did you do it? Guilty or not guilty?

Not innocent, Major. Cody’s eyes lit. I was trying to help, but things went horribly wrong. His face paled, and his voice dropped to a hushed whisper. So. Very. Wrong.

The young man’s obvious discomfort convinced Austin he’d had no ill intent. That, I believe.

The official record is sealed. Scrolling again, Eli confirmed Cody’s story. But I found unofficial reports that claim Sergeant Taggert wasn’t solely at fault.

Cody glanced at Eli’s damaged face and winced. Sorry about your nose, Lieutenant.

A drop of blood trickled onto Eli’s lip, but he cracked a rare grin. Fortunately, my head is harder than the door.

You and me both, brother.

Eli acknowledged their kinship with a nod.

Austin brushed the bonding moment aside, cutting through the crap with a sharp question pointed at Cody. Why do you want to join Alpha Company?

No one else wants me. But Cody refused to play for sympathy. He stated the fact as a matter of pride.

Last resort. Great. Austin bristled at the lack of options.

I know I’m not everyone’s shot of tequila. Completely serious, Cody moved to stand before Austin.

Got that right, Jack muttered.

Cody ignored him. But my crazy stunts have taught me one very important lesson.

What’s that? All signs of lunacy faded from Cody’s face, and Austin braced for a tragic conclusion.

Never hop on a pogo stick while naked.

Dear God. Austin fought the urge to run screaming from the room and managed to stand his ground, searching the young man’s face for signs he was joking. Cody’s gaze never wavered.

A strangled noise rose behind them, like air escaping from a balloon. Jack’s stoic mask crumbled, and laughter wheezed from deep in his lungs. Great, heaving gasps doubled the chief over.

Jack never laughed. A derisive snort or a muffled snicker, but nothing like the full-body tremors that nearly had him rolling on the floor. Even Eli’s shoulders were shaking as he wiped tears from the corners of his eyes. Holy shit.

Austin turned back to Cody and caught a sparkle in his dead serious eyes. The questionably crazy bastard knows exactly what he’s doing. Will you follow my commands, no arguments?

Cody snapped to attention. Yes, sir!

A stance that stiff couldn’t be legit. Straight, no bullshit?

Not entirely. Cody’s posture relaxed bit and he shot a crooked glance at Jack, who had barely managed to pull himself together.

An audible sigh drew Austin’s attention to Jack mashing his face into his palm. What the fuck does that mean? He pushed the question aside and fixed his scowl on Cody. "We’ll have no incidents in Alpha Company."

Don’t count on it, sir.

Goddamn it. Well, at least he knew what he was in for. He leveled a don’t-fuck-with-Major-Tucker glare at Cody. Can I trust you?

Cody pressed his hand to his heart. I swear on my Aunt Ruby’s life, I won’t let you down—any of you. He cast an earnest gaze at each man in the room.

An odd oath. Not your mother’s life?

My mother doesn’t deserve such an honor.

Austin sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, casting a sideways glance at his lieutenant, the man he trusted above all others. The briefest nod confirmed his decision, and Austin frowned at the young sergeant standing before him desperately needing his approval but looking for all the world like he didn’t give a shit. Sergeant Taggert would land on his feet no matter what happened here today. Dismissed.

Yes, sir! Cody executed a perfect salute then spun on his heel and marched out the door.

The moment the latch clicked shut, Austin turned the interrogation toward Chief Ramsey. Is he your boyfriend?

No! Jack denied it a little too strongly.

Fuck buddy?

That’s none of your business.

All right, then. The two soldiers were playing in each other’s pants. Austin shrugged. If he means nothing to you, then why the hell should I sign his transfer request?

The stoic chief clenched his jaw and said nothing.

Austin had expected as much. He snatched the tablet from Eli and frowned at the screen. Is Taggert insane?

Eli carefully retrieved his precious device from the major’s hands. He’s never been officially diagnosed.

Unofficially?

Nuttier than Thanksgiving dinner with my Uncle Rupert. Eli shuddered. My momma’s sweet potato pie didn’t deserve that.

Austin jammed his palm heels into his eyes in a futile effort to block the nasty images Eli’s comment had conjured.

There’s a good man underneath all the crazy. Jack pressed his lips together as if he didn’t quite buy that either. Way under. You gotta dig deep. He made a shoveling motion with his hand, emphasizing the point.

Austin snorted. Am I going to regret this?

Most likely. Jack dropped back in the pocket and heaved a Hail Mary pass. All he needs is the right team behind him.

And you think we’re it? No one else had been able to handle the sergeant—or wanted to.

Jack stepped up and clapped his hand on Austin’s shoulder. You are for me.

He’d come to Austin after an incident much darker than Cody’s mischievous pranks. Austin knew nothing about it, but he knew not to ask. Jack would take his deeds to his grave, and rightfully so. He’d followed orders without question his entire career, but under Austin’s command, he could act without regret. All right, he can join our company. Would Sergeant Taggert flourish as well? Austin snarled at Jack. But if he fucks up, I’m taking it out of your hide. He snatched the tablet Eli shoved at him and signed the screen with his fingertip.

Understood, sir. Jack accepted the consequences with unflinching calm.

Dismissed.

The door clicked shut behind the chief, and Austin plunked his ass in his comfortable chair, but his head pounded like Thor’s hammer. He rubbed his temples and groaned. Am I making a huge mistake?

That’s a distinct possibility, but it wouldn’t be your first.

Thanks. I feel so much better.

Glad I could help, sir. Eli’s matter-of-fact delivery grated on Austin’s last nerve. The lieutenant never failed to tell the major exactly what he needed to hear, especially when he didn’t want to hear it.

Our new orders came through. Eli’s abrupt subject change did nothing to improve Austin’s mood as he laid the tablet on the desk. We’re being sent to Denver, Colorado to enforce quarantine.

The glowing screen blurred, and Austin failed to comprehend the words typed on it. Quarantine? For what?

That’s classified, sir.

Austin drummed his fingertips against his skull.

I checked my back channels. Eli lowered his voice. A viral outbreak has infected half the city. No one knows where it came from or how to stop it.

Not even your sources? That fact worried Austin more than all the other details Eli had divulged.

Eli shook his head. We’ve been ordered to keep anyone who might’ve been exposed inside the barricade—by any means necessary.

With the dire command ringing in his ears, Austin pondered his limited options. He’d have to send one of his soldiers to another company to make room for the wayward Sergeant Taggert. His younger brother, Charlie? No, he wanted to keep him close in case things got dicey. He sat back and leveled his gaze at Eli. This is a high-risk assignment.

Yes it is, sir. Eli stood at attention in front of Austin’s desk.

Austin frowned and rubbed his hand from his clenched jaw to his throbbing forehead. One hundred and fifty men tasked with containing a virus. Simple enough—on paper. But experience had taught him never to trust paper.

Are you having second thoughts about the transfer?

Austin snorted. More like one hundred and second.

Eli’s lips twisted as he undoubtedly pondered the situation. Sergeant Taggert’s known for taking risks. He could be the ace in the hole we need to survive this assignment.

Good point. A wildcard like Cody could save their asses.

Or he could get us all killed.

That’s more likely. Fuck it. Austin pushed to his feet, taking command of his nagging doubts. I didn’t join the Army to play it safe.

No, sir, Eli agreed with a smile.

Major Tucker stepped up to his lieutenant. You ready?

Eli snapped a perfect salute. Yes, sir.

Lighten up, Eli. Austin slapped his rigid shoulder. He grabbed his backpack and glanced around his office, possibly for the last time. Whoa, where did that thought come from?

Eli’s sigh drained some of the tension from his posture. I’ve tried, sir. But he’d be deadly serious again with a single command.

You need to get laid. Neither of them had enjoyed a woman’s company since New Year’s Eve