The Bordello Boys

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The Bordello Boys Copyright © 2005 Hollie Davidson ISBN: 1-55410-584-6 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2005 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.extasybooks.com

Dedication: To everyone whose give-a-damn’s busted.

Hollie Davidson

Prologue: Kristy Bloxen and Jake Bordello saw Jake Bordello, I fell TheheadfirstovertimeheelsI ever in love. Daddy had taken us to

the annual watermelon-eating contest one Sunday after Church. Usually after church we went home and rested, since it was sacrilegious to work on the Lord’s Day, but Mama had begged and pleaded to allow us to go. I was even able to wear my Sunday dress and keep my hair down. Daddy said that a young girl had no business wearing her hair down ‘til she was married, and then it was her husband’s decision whether or not she could continue to keep it down. My daddy was very old-fashioned, and still treated my mama like they were courting. Daddy farmed, but he made sure I knew that the Lord provided the rain and the sun so our peaches would grow. Most people in our parts would argue that the best peaches come from Fredericksburg, but the truth is the best, ripest, juiciest peaches come from–Brady, Texas. 1

The Bordello Boys That Sunday, I tied a lavender ribbon on the top of my head to keep my long red hair out of my face. My little brother Andy was always teasing me. “I’d rather be dead then red on the head.” I learned to live with it. In school I was called everything from Carrot Top to Freckles. Mama swore up and down they were angel kisses, but why did them angels have to kiss me so much? The watermelon festival was a popular event in our small Texas town. People came from all over for the one-day event that brought in some much-needed money. I wore the purple checkered dress mama had proudly made me and put some of her fufu juice behind my ear. I didn’t have a boyfriend. Daddy wouldn’t let any boys within a mile of me; he said that I was too young for some long-legged boy to be looking at. As we pulled into the small town, I jumped out of the back of Daddy’s old Ford truck. Andy saw some of his friends and took off running to meet them, not even asking Daddy for permission. I think it’s some unspoken rule that boys are just allowed to be boys, but girls have to follow example and be ladies. I was sixteen. Sweet sixteen and never been kissed, unless you count Ryan Tucker at the Sadie Hawkins dance. He stuck his tongue in my mouth and I ran home crying. Daddy had been furious. Mama grabbed the blanket from the back along with a basket of fried chicken and fixings she had made the night before. Mama’s chicken was the best. She had won three blue ribbons at the First Baptist 2

Hollie Davidson Church’s annual picnic. I was so proud of her and wanted to be just like her. I loved my mama. After we found a comfortable place to spread our blanket out, Daddy left to talk to some of his friends. Mama spied ole Nancy Tucker and they soon began talking about the town gossip. I walked around looking at the different craft tables. They were filled with anything you could pickle. The ladies from the church always got together on Wednesdays to make different craft items to sell. Their specialties were the handmade beaded necklaces. Each bead was a different color, and each color stood for a meaning that represented Christ. There were five other tables filled with desserts for the cakewalk, quilts, handkerchiefs with letters embroidered on them and at the last table, there was painted pictures. They were beautiful, and one in particular caught my eye. I ran my finger over the outline. It was the prettiest picture I’d ever seen. On the mountaintop, standing so tall and proud, was a stallion. In the background, the sun was setting and the light shone in the stallion’s eyes. It was absolutely beautiful. “You gonna buy that or gawk at it all day?” I moved away from the painting. “I didn’t mean to scare you, girl, I just wanted to know if you were going to buy it.” Standing across from me was Jake Bordello. His daddy was so rich he owned dang near half the town. I’d never seen Jake before but I knew who he was. He was so tall and handsome. Little curls stuck out from 3

The Bordello Boys the sides of the straw cowboy hat covering his hair. His eyes were that of a barnyard cat, dark green and mysterious. I never experienced the feelings that I felt at that exact moment. You know, that little fluttering in your stomach, your heart racing so fast you feel as if it will jump out your body. His mouth twitched as he chewed on a piece of straw. “Girl, are you deaf, dumb or mute? Are you going to buy that or not?” “No, I’m not going to buy it. I was just looking at it.” He put the picture back in its place. “Do you know who painted that?” He gave me half a smile and winked. “Why, I did, darling.” He walked away, leaving me there swooning. That was the day I fell in love with Jake Bordello, and the beginning of Daddy’s heartbreak. It was summer, and it was hot. The farmer’s almanac had said it would be one of the hottest summers yet. I had finished my chores of hanging out the laundry, sweeping the house and cleaning my room. Mama had decided to lie down. She’d caught a cold, and summer colds were the worst. Daddy was at Herb Tucker’s farm, helping brand some cows and Andy was at the creek with his friends, fishing. I saddled up old Leroy, then mounted him. I loved to ride. It brought me such pleasure and peace to ride the old dirt roads alone and free. About a mile away from my house, I decided to 4

Hollie Davidson cross the old cornfields to get to the creek quicker. There was nothing like soaking your feet in the creek on a hot summer day away from it all. I was a natural born dreamer. My head was always up in the clouds, dreaming of something. Many a time Daddy would scold me for not listening. It really wasn’t that I was ignoring him, I simply didn’t hear him. Once I got to the creek, I dismounted and tied Old Leroy to a tree. For months I had been coming here, hoping to see Jake Bordello. He was too old for me; he was too sexy for me. He could have his choice of women, and Leah Miller had her eyes on him. It still didn’t stop me from daydreaming of Jake. Leah Miller was the town tramp. I wasn’t sure exactly what a tramp was, but Mama said she was not very Christianly and she would burn in hell for her lustful sins. All the woman of the church talked about Leah. I personally thought she was pretty, but I didn’t want her messing with Jake. “Young lady, do you know this is private property?” I jumped up off the blanket I’d been lying on. It was Joseph Bordello and his only son, Jake. My heart started racing. He was actually in front of me on a beautiful black stallion. His hair was windblown and sweat dripped off his forehead. The man was just too sexy for words. “Do you speak, child?” I could not find my voice. I didn’t want to sound stupid in front of Jake. He just looked down at me. 5

The Bordello Boys “Yes, I speak, sir. You scared me.” Joseph took off his hat and wiped his head with his arm. “Well, what are you doing here?” What was I supposed to tell him? I am here thinking of your son? Just thinking what it would be like for him to kiss me? “I got lost, sir. My horse got tired and I stopped so he could rest.” “What’s your name, child?” I wasn’t a child. I hated for people to call me a child. I was sixteen. Mama had been married at my age, and two years later I was on my way. “My name is Kristy Bloxen.” Joseph frowned at me as if he were trying to think of who I was. “Oh, you’re David’s girl?” I nodded my head “Well, Jake will show you the way back to your house. I have work to do. Now, young Kristy, stay off the property. We have bulls that get out of their pens. I would hate to see what one of them beasts could do to a pretty little girl like you.” He put his hat back on and turned to Jake. “You make sure she gets home safe. She lives off Deeter Road. “Sir, how do you know where I live?” Joseph gave me one of the biggest, brightest smiles. “I sold that farm to your daddy, honey.” He didn’t wait for a response, just rode away. **** 6

Hollie Davidson Jake dismounted and led his horse to the water. She had sat there and lied to his father. He’d seen her here before; not just once, but a few times. She didn’t do anything; she just lay on her blanket and read. She was beautiful, and he loved how the sun brightened her hair. She had the brightest red hair he’d ever seen. Her body was pretty damned hot, too. For a girl of sixteen she had some pretty big breasts, more than a mouthful. His cock stirred in his jeans thinking of her. She was surely a virgin. He’d noticed old man Bloxen eyeing any boy who dared to stare at her. He chuckled to himself, remembering the initials on the tree. A week ago he’d been out here checking fences when he spied her standing by the old oak. After she’d left, he went to see what she’d been doing. The KB heart JB was carved in the tree. Now he knew Kristy Bloxen loved Jake Bordello. So the young girl had a crush on him. “We better get you home, young lady. I’m sure your daddy is wondering where you are.” He watched her fold up her blanket and place it inside the saddlebags, then untie her horse and attempt to climb on. “Do you need some help, there?” “I’m not a baby. I think I can handle getting on a horse by myself, Jake Bordello.” She glared at him, her brown eyes narrowed to slits. Her tone amused him. It was apparent she didn’t like to be called a little girl or a young lady. She finally mounted the horse. “I can find my own way home, thank you.” 7

The Bordello Boys Jake tipped his hat at her. “I had strict orders from my dad to make sure you got home all right, little lady.” “Would you stop calling me little lady? I am not a little girl.” “Well, how old are you? You can’t be more then fourteen.” Her hands tightened on the reins. Jake had to fight to control his laughter. Something about aggravating her fascinated him. “I’m sixteen—closer to seventeen. My mama was sixteen when she married my dad. She was hardly a child, and neither am I.” Jake moved his horse closer to hers. “It’s not your age that makes you a woman, Kristy, it’s how you treat a man.” She twisted in her saddle. He’d definitely struck a nerve. “Have you ever been kissed by a man?” A deep crimson blush crept over her beautifully sculptured face. “Um, yeah, I, um, have kissed a boy. I told you that I’m not a little girl.” Jake reached out and touched the side of her face. ”Did you enjoy it?” “No, I didn’t.” Jake laughed. “Was this the time the Tucker boy stuck his tongue in your mouth?” She took off galloping across the fields. He had definitely embarrassed her. As badly as he wanted to follow her, he knew he had a ton of work to do, so he followed just long enough to make sure she got off 8

Hollie Davidson the property. He was going to see her again, and the sooner the better. **** Jake finished up working hours later. The sun was setting, it was Friday night and Bobby Joe’s nightclub was calling his name. He wanted a cold beer and a nice piece of hot ass. All day he’d been thinking of Kristy Bloxen. It wasn’t often that a girl stayed on his mind like she did. She was young—too damn young—but he wanted her. The dinner bell rang as he unsaddled Magic, his stallion. He walked into the bunkhouse to see what Pappy had cooked up for the hands. Sometimes he ate with the men, other times he had dinner with his dad. After seeing the road kill stew Pappy had concocted, he decided to eat with his father. He cleaned up and changed, then joined his father in the dining room. “Going out tonight, Jake?” “Yeah, I’m heading out to Bobby Joe’s. Want to go have some fun?” Joseph continued to shovel food into his mouth. “No, son, I don’t want the kind of fun you’re looking for.” Jake ate silently but quickly. He didn’t want to get into the whole sex talk with his father. He’d heard it for years. Joseph Bordello wanted to live a quiet life on his ranch and not have any troubles. He didn’t want any bastard Bordellos walking around Brady. 9

The Bordello Boys All the family needed was for people to talk and spread more rumors. Jake wanted the same, but he was going to have fun doing it. **** Kristy I set the table as soon as I got home. Jake Bordello had me so mad, I could barely think. Mama had caught on to my bad mood, but she knew when to just leave me alone. At supper, Daddy was quiet. He’d probably had a bad day too, so it was best to just not to upset him. “Kristy, what did you do today?” I slowly swallowed my roasted chicken. “I went riding.” Andy gulped down his milk, slamming his glass down on the table. “I saw Kristy with Jake Bordello, Dad. They were talking, and she was on the Bordello property.” Daddy stood up, yelling, “What in tarnation were you doing on their property? Kristy Bloxen, you have no business talking to that Jake Bordello. He is trouble, and I will not have my daughter messing with the likes of a Bordello man.” He wouldn’t give me time to speak, to explain. “Go and get my belt.” Mama jumped up from her chair. “David, she is not a child anymore. You cannot whip her. She didn’t do anything wrong.” Daddy took a deep breath, and then stuck his 10

Hollie Davidson finger in my face. “As God is my witness, Kristy, if I ever catch you around the Bordello boy, I will tan your hide. You won’t sit for a week” I hadn’t done anything. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Why was Daddy so mad? The madder he got, the louder he became, and the louder he became the angrier I got. “Jake Bordello is trouble and he’s trash. His daddy is the same way.” I don’t know why or where it came from, but I broke my daddy’s heart that day. “I love him.” His face turned red, he stepped back as if he’d been hit. I heard a glass crash on the floor somewhere nearby. Mama stood, starring at me, her eyes wide in horror. Before I knew it, Daddy grabbed me by the hair and threw me out the front door. I fell to the ground as he began to take off his belt. “Has he touched you? Have you fornicated with him?” “No, Daddy.” I started crying. I’d never seen his eyes so wild or him so angry. It was as if the devil was in him. “Don’t lie to me, Jezebel. Have you bedded with that Bordello boy?” “No, Daddy, I swear. He’s never even touched me.” He raised his hand and I covered my face to protect it against the lashings I was about to receive. He hit me over and over until my skin burned from the beating. I hadn’t done anything wrong. Why was he beating me so? Mama ran out and tried to stop him. He reared back, knocking her to the ground. 11

The Bordello Boys When he realized he’d struck her, he stopped and ran to her side, carrying her in the house. Minutes later he returned with his truck keys. “You are no longer welcome in this house.” Again he pulled me by the hair, this time toward his truck. He opened the tailgate and pushed me inside. I could feel the blood seeping from my wounds under my dress. For the first time in my life, I actually hated my daddy. **** Joseph Bordello was about to lie down when he heard the loud screaming out on the front porch. He looked out his window and saw someone standing in the shadows. He quickly put his robe back on and went out on the porch. “What is going on, Mr. Bloxen? What in God’s name are you doing at my house at this time of the night?” Joseph could swear he saw fire and brimstone burning in the man’s eyes. “David, why are you here?” David Bloxen walked to the back of his truck and pulled someone out of the bed. Joseph couldn’t see who it was until he shoved the young girl on the porch in front of him. “Your son has ruined my daughter. I will not have her being a whore to any man. Your son ruined her, destroyed her future. Now he can have her.” **** 12

Hollie Davidson

Kristy I finally was able to catch my breath. My body hurt and I could feel the welts triple in size. “Daddy, nothing happened. I swear. God knows the truth.” He hit me, smack dab across the face. It stung, but the pain in my heart was far worse. How come he wasn’t listening to me? I hadn’t done anything. Mr. Bordello grabbed my father’s hand. “Jake would not have touched her. She’s a child.” My father just stood there, his veins popping out on his neck. “He did touch her. Now he can have her. Good day, Mr. Bordello, and you and your family can go straight to hell.” When my father turned to leave, I grabbed his leg. “Daddy, I swear I didn’t do anything. Please don’t do this. Please, Daddy, let me come home.” He kicked me away as if I were a dog, then climbed in his truck, leaving me alone, scared and heart broken. And later that night, I learned that nobody is what he or she appears to be. After Daddy left, Joseph Bordello and the stocky cowboy, I soon learned was Tex, helped me inside. Joseph disappeared, then returned with an older lady. She had the kindest face and her smile warmed my broken, battered heart. “Mammy is going to help you change and look at your wounds. You get yourself a good night’s sleep and we’ll talk in the morning.” “Thank you, Mr. Bordello.” 13

The Bordello Boys He didn’t even look back, just continued walking down the hallway. Mammy took me to a guest room, put medicine on my welts and helped me get in a gown. Sleep didn’t come easy. I tossed and turned all night, afraid of what tomorrow would bring, what would be said around town and most of all, I was afraid of facing Jake Bordello. **** Jake pulled into the ranch. The bar had been dead. He hadn’t even gotten a bite that night. Yeah, he could have his pick of any of the barflies, but he wasn’t interested. He kept thinking of the fiery redhead that invaded his thoughts. The lights in the bunkhouse were on, so he decided to see if the hands were having an all night poker game. Tex was sitting on the front porch whittling. “Hey, man, whatcha making now?” Tex stopped what he was doing and lit his pipe. “Just messing around. You know me, I don’t know what it is until I’m done.” Jake sat on the steps. “Where is everyone?” The wind sent a puff of smoke Jake’s way. “Those things are going to kill you, Tex.” Tex laughed while coughing. “Speaking of killing, your father is going to kill you, sonny boy. You won’t believe what happened tonight. Your dad is pissed.” Jake took off his hat and slapped it against his knee. “Well, what in the hell happened now?” Tex pulled the pipe out of his mouth and began 14

Hollie Davidson telling Jake what happened. Jake stood there astonished, not knowing what the hell to say. It took him a few minutes to collect his thoughts. “Whoa, wait a gosh damn minute, Tex. I ain’t ever touched the girl.” “After he hit her right in front of us. I felt sorry for the poor girl. Treated her like a farm animal, kicking her while she was down. Your dad had Mammy tend to her.” “I’m going to see what the hell is going on.” He didn’t know what to think. Why would David have thought they were messing around? He was confused and had to fix what happened. How could a man beat on a child, a woman? Damn, he knew she wasn’t a child. “Leave her be. She’s sleeping.” Jake crept inside the house. He had no idea what was happening but it looked like he’d have to wait until the morning. Once he was in his own room, he stripped down to his skivvies. The thought of her sleeping down the hall made it hard for him to get any rest, but total exhaustion won in the end. **** Kristy My whole body hurt from the previous night and Daddy’s fit of rage. I climbed out of bed, not knowing what I would face that day. I knew Daddy meant everything he’d said and done. I couldn’t blame it on alcohol. Daddy had been sober; Daddy was not a 15

The Bordello Boys drinking man. I heard voices downstairs, so I crept out into the hallway to see if I could find out what would happen to me. From the stairway I could hear Jake speaking with Joseph. Their words were mumbled; I couldn’t make out what was being said, so I moved in closer. “Jake, don’t you sit there and lie to me. I know damn well you touched that girl. I should never have had you take her home. I don’t want any bastard kids running around the ranch.” “Damn it, Dad, would you listen to me. I have not been with that girl. She is just a kid.” I jumped at the sound of a loud bang. “Jake, she is not a child. She is not a little girl. I saw the way you looked at her and I know about the initials on the old oak!” How could he have known about them? Did Jake know, too? I saw the front door. I should have run. If I had half a brain I’d have run out the door and gone as far as I could, but my heart was in this house. My heart belonged to Jake Bordello. Mammy walked in the front door, stopping to stare at me. “Honey, are you okay?” I tried to be strong. I didn’t want to cry, but it couldn’t be stopped. You could hear the two Bordello men screaming at each other over me in the kitchen. Mammy set down the eggs she carried in a basket and stormed into the kitchen. “That is enough out of the both of you. She’s sitting 16

Hollie Davidson right outside this door.” I entered behind her and sat at the table. “He’s telling the truth, Mr. Bordello. We haven’t ever done anything. I tried to tell him, but my daddy wouldn’t listen to me. My brother, Andy, told him that he saw me on your property with Jake and Dad lost his mind and started to beat on me.” Joseph Bordello had the kindest eyes. They touched my soul that day in the kitchen. It was if he could read my thoughts; see what was in my heart. He turned to his son then back to me. “Why would he get so mad at you, child? What was said?” I couldn’t tell him. I couldn’t tell Jake. Surely Jake would laugh at me. “He just said that he didn’t want me near any Bordello boy. He went crazy, sir.” Jake scooted back in his chair. He popped a toothpick in his mouth and chewed on it while staring intently at me. “Did you say anything that would upset him, child?” I couldn’t answer Joseph Bordello. I was scared to tell him the truth, especially in front of Jake. I just stared at the ground. It was as if he knew why I wouldn’t speak. “Jake, I want to talk to Kristy alone. You go ahead and get to work. I’ll be out soon.” Jake silently stood up, grabbed his hat and walked out the swinging door. I was finally alone with Joseph. “He’s gone now, darlin’. What really happened?” Lifting my head, I finally met his eyes. “Daddy was 17

The Bordello Boys talking about how bad he was, and how I was to never be around him. It just came out. I swear I don’t know why it did but it did. It was like the devil himself took over my voice.” “What did you say?” My heart was pounding so hard, I could barely breathe. “I told him I loved Jake.” Joseph silently walked out and left me sitting there alone to think, to wonder if he would tell Jake. Something inside me knew that I could trust him. **** Jake almost dropped his thermos of coffee. She told her father she loved him. No wonder the man went crazy. He wasn’t exactly the catch of the year. Sure, the girls chased him. He was rich, and being an only child ensured him the ranch, the money, the cattle, the bulls, all of it was his. Why in the hell would she tell her father she loved him? He’d never even kissed the girl. How could she love a man she didn’t even know? How could she love him and why in the hell did his heart swell so at the thought of being with her? As the days went by, Jake found himself thinking about her more and more. His dad had hired her on as a helper to Mammy and she wound up staying at the ranch. The hands loved her being around, not just to look at but because she was also a wonderful cook. She never mentioned her father, her mother or her brother. She kept to herself, did her work and at 18

Hollie Davidson night, sat on the front porch reading her bible. She grew up before his very eyes, his heart not able to stand the thought of her being so close, yet so far. Should he tell her that he knew? Should he let her know he felt the same? It had surprised him when Joseph never approached him on the matter. For weeks he lay in bed thinking of her, wanting to hold her, to make love to her. He was determined that by Christmas, she would be his. **** Kristy I missed Mama so badly it hurt, but Mammy became very dear to my heart and she understood my feelings for Jake. I stayed away from him. I didn’t need any reasons for Joseph Bordello to kick me to the curb. He’d allowed me to stay at the ranch as long as I kept my keep. I loved to cook, and the ranch hands were all so nice and respectful. Tex made sure they didn’t mess with me. Tex became like an uncle to me. He protected me, taught me the cowboy way. At nights I would sit on the front porch and read the Bible as Tex whittled his wood. He was very talented and I felt safe around him. Nighttime was the worst. I missed Mama coming in and kissing me goodnight. I missed the smell of jasmine on her skin. I missed way that nothing in the world seemed to matter as long as I knew she was in the next room. I was no longer a little girl. I was a 19

The Bordello Boys young woman on my own, in charge of myself. It was scary, and I leaned on Mammy for her guidance. Mammy had only three words to say about Jake and myself. “In due time.” **** Thanksgiving was only a day away and I was helping prepare the meal. We had three turkeys in the oven and plenty of pies. Joseph was really good to his men. He made sure they were well taken care of. He always said if you don’t take care of your help they won’t take care of you. He was right. It was very apparent the hands liked Joseph Bordello. It was late and I was still preparing the food. I had just sat down for a cup of coffee when the kitchen door opened and Jake came stumbling in. He sat at the table and stared at me. It was the first time we’d been alone. I was different, I felt different then I had when I first arrived. The once little girl was gone. I looked at him like a woman now, though he still ignored me. “Have you been out drinking again?” Jake moaned as he shifted in his chair. “No, I haven’t been out drinking. I was trying to break old Frosty. I think he broke me. He grabbed on to his ribs. “Damn horse. If I’d had my twenty-two I would have put him out.” “Jake Bordello, that’s a mean thing to say.” Jake laughed deep heartedly, a touch-my-heart laugh. “Oh, you care how the horse feels, but not me. I’m 20

Hollie Davidson the one with a broken rib.” I rushed over to his side and knelt down beside him. “Let me see your ribs.” “I’m all right, Kristy.” “Damn it, Jake, take off the shirt or I’ll do it for ya.” “Getting pretty damn frisky, if you ask me.” I know I blushed, he always said things that made me get all giddy inside. “Jake Allen Bordello, take off that shirt now so I can see the damage you have done.” “I will ask Tex to look at it tomorrow.” I shoved his hands away and began to unbutton his shirt. “Tex taught me how to wrap ribs correctly. I’ll have you know I am the one who wrapped up Tommy’s the other day.” Jake grabbed my hands. “I don’t want to hear about you being around Tommy.” I pulled away from his grasp. “I wrapped his ribs after he fell off Combustion. Are you jealous?” Once again he laughed, sending tingles down my spine and causing an ache in my most secret place. “I’m jealous of no man, darlin’. All men are jealous of me.” I ignored his cocky comment. His ribs were bruised and swollen. “I’m going to get the tape and wrap you.” “How are you going to wrap me, baby?” He was so close. I could feel his breath on my skin. He was trying to provoke me. He was flirting. The mere thought of knowing he was flirting completed 21

The Bordello Boys me. “I’m going to get some tape and wrap your ribs, Jake.” As I stood he rose up. He grasped my chin and tilted my head, then crushed his mouth over mine. Finally, at last, he’d done it. He was kissing me. As his tongue entered my mouth, I began to suck on it. A moan escaped his throat and he ground himself against me. I felt his hardened cock bulging against my stomach. It wanted to be set free. I wanted it to be. How I wanted to feel him touching me in all the places I dreamed of. Tighter I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He held me, then suddenly let me go. “Jake, what’s wrong?” He held on to his side. “It hurts.” I went and got the tape and wrapped his ribs. Nothing happened that night. **** When Kristy walked in for dinner the next day, Jake’s heart no longer belonged to him. Her red hair was down and curled. She wore a beautiful red dress that showed off her womanly figure. All the men stared, and Jake’s gut was filled with jealousy. He would never allow let another man touch her. She belonged to him, and by Christmas the world would know. In Texas the snow didn’t come but once every ten years or so, and this year it snowed. The ground was covered with blankets of white clouds and the beauty 22

Hollie Davidson of Christmas was near. Jake loved to come home from a hard day working the ranch and hear Kristy in the kitchen singing. He was head over heels in love with the woman. They spent a lot of time talking. He would sneak in a kiss when he could, but mainly he was a perfect gentleman. He couldn’t ruin his chance with Kristy. She was the one. **** Kristy I loved the smell of Christmas. The tree had to be well over seven feet tall. All of us decorated it with our favorite ornaments. Tex had his whittled animals filling the branches. I’d never seen anything quite so beautiful. Mammy was cooking a ham and I’d made some yams topped with brown sugar. My pies had been picked as the hand’s favorites, so I made four pecan pies, two peach pies, two pumpkin, and some pumpkin bread. We had been invited to Brady’s annual Christmas ball. Mammy sewed me up a beautiful green velvet gown and a matching ribbon for my hair. I proudly accepted when Jake asked me to attend with him. It was a night I would never forget. Jake wore a suit. It had to have belonged to Joseph, for I had never seen him in anything but jeans and button-up shirts. He looked downright handsome, and I felt like a princess as he led me into the room. I stopped dead in my tracks when I ran into Mama and Daddy. It had been four months since the night 23

The Bordello Boys he’d beaten me and dropped me off at the Bordello ranch. Jake simply tipped his hat. “Mr. Bloxen, Mrs. Bloxen.” He then escorted me to the table up front. “Don’t let their presence ruin our date, Kristy.” I smiled, but my heart was breaking. It was like picking an old scab you thought was healed and it bleeds as badly as it did when you scraped it. “I shall not allow it to happen, Jake. Can we dance?” He led me to the dance floor and we waltzed. I could see Mama staring at me. I knew she wanted to talk to me just as badly as I did her, but we as women knew that our man must come first. As the night progressed, I had a wonderful time. The band played waltz after waltz and I enjoyed dancing with Jake, Joseph and even once with Tex. After my dance with Tex I looked around for Jake, but he was nowhere to be found. When I heard my name across the room, my world began to spin. Everyone in the room was watching me as Jake led me to the middle of the floor. He knelt down on one knee and looked up into my eyes. “Kristy, I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” The room was spinning. He’d done it. He had asked me to marry him. All my dreams were coming true. I would be Mrs. Kristy Bordello. “Yes, Jake. I will marry you.” **** 24

Hollie Davidson

The years following our marriage were a mixture of happiness and sadness. Joseph Bordello stayed alive long enough to see his house filled with baby Bordellos. I was always pregnant those first ten years of marriage. There was always a bun in the oven and one hanging on each leg. Jake was the world’s best father and I loved him more then life itself. He showed our boys how to run the ranch, how to put in a good day’s work and how to be a man. Even as our boys grew to be men of their own, I still loved him and needed him. Our boys were the spitting image of him and I looked forward to the day when they would find love of their own.

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The Bordello Boys

Chapter One: Justin Cagle Bordello: First Born or Justin! as his brothers called him, sat on Justin the fence watching the sun go down. A lot had

changed on the ranch. Being the oldest of five brothers was tough, but he was his own man. Growing up, his brothers had been his best friends and only playmates. It had been a long time since he’d been home, but his father’s sudden heart attack sent him flying home from the sunny beaches of California. He never got over the fact he’d broken his mama’s heart when he graduated and decided to leave Brady to attend UCLA. Sure he loved the ranch, he loved the life but he wanted to be something else. It just wasn’t in his blood. After his daddy had the heart attack, he decided to put his life on hold to stay at the ranch and take over his affairs. He was good with numbers and could manage the business side of the ranch. Of course his younger brother and next in line, Troy, didn’t like Justin coming back and taking over. 26

Hollie Davidson Troy had stayed on the ranch after graduation. He didn’t want anything other in life then riding bulls and breaking horses. Troy had been the only one to get pissed off when Justin had left. As hard as it was to go and leave his brother, Justin knew that there were things he wanted to see, more then Brady, Texas could offer. Laughter in the bunkhouse brought Justin back to the present. He remembered as a child sneaking into the bunkhouse and listening to the ranch hands talk. He had admired Tex. Hell, Tex had been his hero. Tex had met his maker not too long after Justin started high school. It had saddened him so to see his hero whither away, but to this day he still kept the whittled horse Tex had made him as a child. A loud crash in the bunkhouse made him jump. Certainly the guys weren’t fighting. He made his way to the bunkhouse just as a man came flying out. He fell to the ground, holding his jaw. “Gosh damn son of a bitch.” Justin stood in the way, blocking the young kid from going back inside. “What the hell is going on? My father is in there sick. He doesn’t need any shit from you guys. Keep it down.” His little brother Troy came out laughing. “Oh, hell, Justin, it was just a little scuffle.” Justin glared at his brother. “You did this?” Troy laughed. “Keith needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.” 27

The Bordello Boys The door opened and out walked the most beautiful woman Justin had ever seen. She had perfect baby-making hips and huge breasts, the type you could just dive into. She wore a white button up shirt and jeans. Around her neck was a bandanna, and she even wore a straw hat. Her eyes were chocolate brown, her hair dark as night. She was just beautiful. “You did that?” She continued to stare at Keith, then turned to Troy. “Who the hell is Pretty Boy?” Troy laughed. “Justin, I want you to meet our ranch veterinarian, and the meanest wench in Texas.” “Fuck you, Troy.” Justin had never seen a woman look so good in Wranglers. “Justin, this is Amelia.” He couldn’t understand what she was looking at. “You still haven’t told me who he is, and why he’s fucking me with his eyes.” Troy smacked her on the ass with his bandana. ”This is my oldest brother, Justin Cagle Bordello. The college boy.” Justin reached his hand out to her. “I’m pleased to meet you.” She didn’t return his gesture. “You’re a Bordello? Hell, even your mama looks more country then you.” Justin didn’t find her funny at all. She was annoying, and too rough for his taste. “Stop the fighting. My father needs his rest, and I don’t need no childish squabble to upset him.” 28

Hollie Davidson Amelia saluted him and teasingly spoke. “Yes, sir, boss man. I will mind my manners.” Keith began to walk past her. “Fucking bitch.” Amelia reared back and kicked him straight in the ass, sending him flying into the side of the bunkhouse. “The only bitch around here, you got hanging and it must kill you that I don’t want your pencil dick.” Troy laughed and hit Justin on the shoulder. “She is one crazy bitch. Stay away from her, big brother. She will chew you up and spit you out.” Amelia pretended like she was going to smack Troy. “Kiss my ass, Troy Bordello.” “No, thanks, Amelia, you ain’t my style.” “Oh, but my cousin is, right?” Troy walked off as Amelia laughed. Justin was going to have to find out the dirt on the cousin. Whoever she was, she had his little brother smitten. He focused back on the hellcat in front of him. ”So, are you going to chill out?” She turned away from him, not speaking. She walked back into the bunkhouse and slammed the door. He couldn’t imagine his father allowing a woman to share the bunkhouse with a bunch of men. He couldn’t imagine a woman wanting to. ****

29

The Bordello Boys Amelia plopped down on the bunk. Who the hell did Justin Cagle think he was and why in the hell did she care? Men were assholes, and the last thing she wanted in her life was some clingy, snot-nosed, daddy’s-boy, rich-snob, stuck-up, needy wannabe in her life. When she first came to the Bordello Ranch, or BR, as the town folks called it, she didn’t think Jake Bordello would hire her on. She was in fact female, and it wasn’t proper to have a woman working a ranch. But that was old-fashioned talk, and she had no need for that shit in her life. She could tend to any animal better then most. She was good at what she did and she didn’t require special bedding. She slept in the bunkhouse. Now, of course, Kristy Bordello insisted that curtains be put up to separate the group of men and herself, but that was all right with her. She’d only wished they’d put up walls. All night they farted, burped and snored. For weeks she had the hardest time sleeping, but soon became accustomed to it. Jake Bordello turned out to be one of the best bosses she’d ever had and when he had his heart attack, she cried all night. She prayed none of the men knew, but she didn’t care. Jake Bordello was like a father to her, and she held him in the highest regards. Hell, she’d been working at BR for almost five years before Jake had his heart attack. She stared up at the ceiling, thinking of Justin Cagle Bordello. The asshole hadn’t even remembered her. 30

Hollie Davidson Justin Cagle Bordello had gone to high school with Amelia. She’d been head over heels in lust with Justin but he didn’t even know she existed. At that time, she was Amelia Strait. She’d been the quiet, fat girl who sat in the corner afraid to say anything because she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. She wasn’t obese, she was just a big girl. Even today, she was stocky. She’d always had big tits, and in high school wore big clothes to try and hide them. It was embarrassing to be the only girl with big breasts, but as she grew older she used them to her advantage, knowing that with those she could get all the men she wanted. Even then, she didn’t want them hairylegged cling-ons. Justin Cagle Bordello had been the most popular boy in school. He’d been the quarterback, ridden in all the rodeos—he rode bulls—he wore tight jeans, he had blonde curly hair and big blue eyes. He was just sexier then all hell. Amelia put notes in his locker but never signed her name, and put yellow roses on his windshield. Well, honestly she didn’t; she’d paid Cletus, the school nerd, to do it. She was never caught and Cletus was too afraid of her to tell anyone. When Justin hooked up with Jennifer, Amelia followed them one night. They’d gone up to the Canes, a popular makeout spot in Brady, and parked. She watched as Justin opened the door to his truck and they walked down the side of the cliff. Justin pulled out a blanket and laid it on the ground. Jennifer didn’t waste any time. She took off her top, revealing her A-cup breasts. The girl was a pirate’s 31

The Bordello Boys dream: a sunken chest. Amelia had to control her laughter, knowing now that Jennifer wore padded bras. Justin pulled her to the ground and they began kissing and groping each other. Amelia wanted to leave, but couldn’t. Oh, how she wanted it to be her with Justin and not the bimbo with the little titties. Jennifer, now naked as the day she was born, began to undress Justin. Once she freed his cock, Amelia gasped at its size. He was just beautiful. The blonde hairs on his chest glistened in the moonlight. His cock was long and wide and perfect in length. Jennifer began to suck on it, her mouth more then wide enough to take him in. He pushed down on the back of her head, moaning as she slurped up his precome. He moaned over and over as her movements became faster. Faster and faster she bobbed her head over his cock; his cries became louder, his body buckled up and then she started gagging, and puked. Amelia grabbed her mouth to control her laughter. She ran back to her car, not able to watch anymore. Jennifer, the town goody-two-shoes, had just gotten a wad shot in her mouth and thrown up. She opened her door and laughed till her sides ached. Poor Justin had jumped up and out of the way. It was just too damn funny. Jennifer and Justin were never seen around school together again. **** Justin walked into the house and sat at the table where his mama was sitting, looking out the back 32

Hollie Davidson window. “Mama, are you okay?” Kristy turned to her oldest son. “Justin, I don’t think your daddy is going to make it.” Justin touched his mom’s aging hands. “Mama, the doctor said Daddy was strong.” How it hurt him so to see her so sad. She had been the woman of his dreams; beautiful, graceful yet nurturing and God-fearing. He loved his mother and would move heaven and earth to make her happy. “Honey, daddy is tired. He held me in his arms last night and told me that I would be okay. But I won’t. I can’t breathe without your daddy by my side. I can’t survive without him.” “But Mama, even if Daddy meets his maker, we will care for you. You will be all right. I will see to it.” He watched the tears fall from her eyes. “I can only pray that someday my boys will find them a good woman and marry. I promised your daddy that I would make sure all our sons were happy before I went to be with him and I will keep my word because I never lied to him.” Justin felt like he was ten years old, when Tex had to shoot old Red. Red had been a good horse, but had gotten old and was suffering. Jake wanted his sons to see that death was a part of life. All five of them had watched as Red fell to the ground lifeless. There hadn’t been a dry eye in the field that day, not even his dad’s. “Justin Cagle Bordello, you are the oldest, and I need for you to get all your brothers home. I want 33

The Bordello Boys them here when your daddy dies. I want him to see all his sons here together one more time before he goes home.” “Mama, how much longer?” She wiped a solitary tear from her cheek. “He said he can hold on ‘til Christmas. Now do as I said. Get your brothers home.” She slowly got up and walked out of the kitchen. A deep sadness filled his heart knowing that she was soon going to lose the man of her dreams, the man she had slept with for over twenty-eight years. The man she loved more then life itself. He would keep his promise; he would bring home his brothers. If he had to go and hog-tie their asses to bring them home, he would.

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Chapter Two: Double Trouble Rory Raye Bordello and Richard Trace Bordello

been born when Justin was Theseven.twinsJustinhadremembered their home coming

because Troy had just turned five and was going to kindergarten. From the time them two boys could walk, they were in to everything. From the time they could talk, they were getting themselves into trouble. From the time they learned what their cocks were for, they were like rabbits. They got more ass as teenage boys then Troy and Justin did. They didn’t care what the hell they were sucking and fucking, as long as it had a warm body and tits. Justin knew where they were. They’d moved to San Antonio to work the bar scene. Rory and Rich, as he liked to be called, were excellent singers and always had a gig. Their band was called The Yee Ha Band, and they were booked months in advance, playing at large places like Cowboys and the Leon Springs Dance Hall. 35

The Bordello Boys Their Mama had bought them both a guitar and Lord, did them boys learn to play. They were picking and a-grinning all the time. Mama loved to hear them play, and being in a band made it easy to get as much ass as they could. It was still early in the morning, but Justin didn’t care. He grabbed his cell phone and dialed Rich’s number. Rich was the more mature of the two. Well, if you could call either of them mature. They were only twenty-three, and in Mama’s book, still finding out who they were. The phone rang and rang then finally he heard a familiar voice with giggles in the background. “Justin, this better be good. I was muff-diving.” Justin couldn’t believe his little brother at times. “Rich, we need to talk. Put your dick in your pants and talk to me. This is serious.” **** Rich looked over at his latest flavor. “Honey, I got to take this. It’s my oldest brother.” She kissed him and got out of bed. God, she had an awesome ass. “What do you want, Justin?” He loved all his brothers. It was funny how Justin had been the oldest, but the most different then the rest. He’d moved away, and Troy hated him for it. There had been a rift since that day. Troy was probably his favorite besides his twin. Justin was too soft and a pretty boy. 36

Hollie Davidson “I’m waiting, Justin, I have a hard on that won’t go away and a pretty little senorita that could suck-start a Harley.” “You need to come home. Both you and Rory need to come home for a while, Rich. Daddy is dying.” “Damn it, Justin, don’t be so dramatic. Daddy is not dying. I saw him a month ago after the heart attack. He was going to be fine, Doc Baker even said so.” Rich hated the sigh at the end of the phone. “Look, you ungrateful little asshole, Mama just came to me and said to get your brothers home. So pack up your shit and bring your honky-tonking ass home.” Rich laughed. “You’ve been in California too long, Justin, you don’t even have the Texan drawl anymore. If Mama wants us home, then we will be there, but not ‘til tomorrow. We have a gig tonight at the Green hall and we cannot cancel. We will be home sometime tomorrow night. We’re coming home because of Mama, not because our big brother decided he should go home.” “Fuck you, Rich.” Rich hung up the phone. “Senorita.” His little Spanish fly walked out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel. She climbed into the bed. Rich pulled her on top of him. “Hey, mamasita, save a horse, ride a cowboy.” She climbed on top of his large cock and lowered her body down on top of him. She swayed her pelvis back and forth as he pulled her hips down harder. 37

The Bordello Boys Their movements quickened. Rich rose up, taking her dark nipples into his mouth one at a time and biting down. Yeah, Rosa liked it rough, and he enjoyed spanking that ass. He rolled her over and stuck his cock inside her tight little asshole. She cried out, but from delight rather then pain. He drove himself inside her, filling her with all he could. She banged backwards against him harder and harder moaning, screaming until his body began to jerk and he filled her with his come. **** The door opened and Rory walked into the hotel room. Rich lay on his stomach, Rosa spread-eagled on the bed. Rosa was a good fuck. She liked it any way she could get it, and seeing that perfect mound of pubic hair made him hard. He wondered if she would be in the mood for a threesome. Rory and Rich had no shame and would double-fuck any woman, any time. They loved sex, and all the women knew it. Rory went and started the shower. He tapped Rosa on the shoulder. She opened her big brown eyes and smiled. He pointed to the shower, and she quickly got up. Once in the bathroom he stripped down then got in the warm water. Rosa bent down and grabbed his cock with her teeth. “Do you want it rough today, Seńor Rory?” He pinned her against the shower wall with his cock. “I want you to suck me dry, baby.” 38

Hollie Davidson Rosa stroked his cock up and down, fast, then slow then fast, then slow. She played with his balls and Rory gasped as she placed one in her mouth, sucking the skin and tonguing it while she tossed it side to side in her cheeks. Her fingers held on to his ass cheeks. Rory spread his legs farther apart while she rubbed the sensitive skin between his asshole and his balls. Rory rested his head against the shower wall. Switching between balls felt wonderful. She had a way with her mouth. All the time she stroked his shaft quicker and harder. Once her mouth took over, he began his moan. His knees felt wobbly, as if he was going to fall. Oh, it felt so good. “Oh, baby, I’m going to come.” Rosa released him and stood up. “Come on, baby, let’s go fuck on the bed.” She led him by his cock to the bed. Rich woke up as the two climbed on the bed. “Fill me with that big dick.” Rory lay down and she mounted him. “Oh, that feels so good.” She grabbed her breasts and squeezed her nipples. “Oh, fuck me, too, Rich.” Rich, already hard, pushed her down and entered her in the ass again. She was good and tight and it felt like heaven against his cock. In rhythmic motions, the two brothers fucked her. She moaned, then as the orgasm begin to build, she screamed. Deeper and deeper, Rich fucked her, causing more friction with her and Rory. 39

The Bordello Boys When they finally busted a nut, she fell on top of Rory. Rich walked to the bathroom. “Damn, Rosa, you are the world’s best fuck.” Rory gently pushed her off him. Rosa had already fallen asleep. Fucking two Bordello boys at once took all she had. **** Justin looked out the window and spied Amelia rubbing sap on a horse’s leg. She wore a pair of Wranglers and a brown T-shirt. She was bent over, her ass sticking out straight at him. His cock twitched. Damn, why was he thinking of her in that way? “You like that ass, big brother?” “Shut up, Troy.” He hadn’t even heard him come in. Troy grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down. “You know, Justin, we can take care of the ranch. You can fly back to California anytime.” “I’m not leaving, Troy. Mama asked me to get a hold of Rory and Rich. They are coming home, supposedly will be here tomorrow night.” Troy leaned back in his chair against the wall. “Now why in the hell would you call them two? They have lives to live, Justin. We have to continue living till Daddy gets well.” “That’s just it, Troy, Daddy ain’t getting better. Mama wants all her sons home.” Troy shot out of the chair and into Justin’s face. “You don’t fucking know our dad. You left, 40

Hollie Davidson remember? I stayed here, I helped work this ranch. I helped Mama and Daddy while you went away to get edumacated.” When Justin had decided to go to Cal Tec, Troy wouldn’t even speak to him. He had to leave. He couldn’t breathe in that small town anymore. He was like a bird that couldn’t be caged, he had to fly and it killed a part of him to leave, but the other part grew and made him the man he was today. “I’m not going to fight with you, Troy. It’s apparent you still have issues with me leaving Brady, but that was my damn business, not yours.” Before he knew it, Troy reared back to punch him. Justin ducked as Troy’s fist hit the wall. “Son of a bitch!” Troy held his hand; it was beginning to swell. “You stupid asshole.” Justin reached for his little brother’s hand. Troy backed away. “Leave me the fuck alone, Justin.” “Let me look at your damn hand, Troy. Stop being such a jerk.” “I don’t need your help, Justin.” Justin walked out the front door and to the barn. “I don’t remember your name, but could you take a look at Troy’s hand?” Amelia turned to face Justin. “What happened to Troy?” “He missed my face and hit the wall.” Amelia laughed. “That temper of his will be the death of him. Yeah, where is he?” 41

The Bordello Boys Justin pointed to the house. “He’s in the kitchen.” Amelia put down a jar of sap and grabbed her bag. Troy had put a towel with some ice in it on his hand. “Damn, Troy, didn’t your mama teach you not to hit walls?” With his good hand, Troy flipped her off. “Fuck you, Amelia.” Amelia sat next to him and pulled the towel away. “No, honey, I don’t think my cousin would like that.” He stood to leave, but Amelia kept pulled him back down. She began feeling around on his hand. “It ain’t broke, but don’t hit any more walls.” “I wasn’t trying to hit a damn wall, Amelia.” Amelia kicked him in the shin. “I don’t go by Amelia, Kerry Troy Bordello.” Justin laughed. Troy had always hated for anyone to call him by his first name. He said it sounded too feminine, but Mama had loved the name. As kids, when they all fought, they were sure to call him Kerry. It would fluster his feathers quicker then anything. “You know, if you weren’t a woman, I’d knock you on your ass.” Amelia picked up her bag. “You could try, Troy, but you would fail. See, little boy, this wall hits back.” She walked out, leaving the brothers alone. “This is your fault, asshole.” Justin stared in shock at his little brother. “You tried to punch me, you shithead. Do you 42

Hollie Davidson think I am going to stand there and let you? Grow the fuck up, Troy. I left and I’m sorry I hurt you, but damn it, this was my life and I needed to leave.” “Yeah, whatever, Justin. You just couldn’t handle the work, the hard work we did on this ranch.” “No, Troy, it was never about the hard work. It was chasing a dream I had. I wanted to see the ocean; I wanted to go to Cal Tech. I wanted to find out who I was. I was tired of being just one of the Bordello Boys. “I am a man now, Troy, not that snot-nosed spoiled asshole that left here. I am going to stay and take care of Mama and Daddy. I know who I am, and I’m proud of my name. You need to get over this.” Both brothers shut up when their mama walked in the kitchen carrying a tray of empty dishes. “What happened to your hand, Troy?” Troy didn’t answer her. “Kerry Troy Bordello, you better tell me now.” “Mom, it’s nothing.” She looked at the hole in the wall. “Well, that nothing better get fixed, and soon. If you two want to act like fools, go for it, but don’t you dare upset your father in any way. He’s not too weak to get out of that bed and kick both your asses.” Justin loved her spunk. That was the type of woman he yearned for; someone that could be a pure lady, but turn around and kick your ass if you messed with her or her man. He wasn’t even going to get into the protection that woman had on her boys. She was worse then a mother lion protecting her cubs. “Mom, you don’t have to get upset. We had a 43

The Bordello Boys difference of opinion.” “You two need to get over it. There is plenty of work that needs done and by the look of it, the only one working besides the hands is Amelia.” The brothers turned to see Amelia back out by the barn tending to the horses. “Why did you call her Amelia?” Troy put the ice back on his hand. “That’s her name, idiot. Amelia Strait. She graduated with you.” Justin couldn’t remember her. The name sounded familiar, but she didn’t look like any girl he had known in high school, and Lord, had he known a lot. “I don’t remember her.” “She was fat in high school, very quiet and man, did she have a crush on you. Her cousin told me a long time ago that Amelia was the one who had been putting the notes in your locker and the roses on your truck.” Justin stared out the window. She had been the one? It amused him, but it had also been a long time ago. He had been in California for eight years. He wasn’t a young boy anymore. Surely she had changed her feelings. She was so beautiful. Why hadn’t he noticed her before? **** Amelia reached into her pocket and pulled out some sugar cubes. “Hey, baby, want some sugar?” Wildfire ate them down hungrily. She loved horses. They had such grace about them. She had always been good with animals and loved them. 44

Hollie Davidson She felt eyes burning into her and slowly turned to see Justin staring at her. What was his problem? She wondered why the brothers had been fighting, especially since Justin had jumped her ass earlier about fighting with Keith. Men were just pompous asses. Why did he still make her heart go thump thump? When he had left Brady, Texas, she cried for days. It was pretty pathetic since she’d never even been with him. She was the type that didn’t like for any man to have control. Men were peons that women could control. If you got control of their dicks, then you could forever control their minds. They had one brain, one feeling and no heart. Men were dicks with legs. Wildfire nudged her, bringing her back to reality. “What’s the matter, girl, you wanna go for a ride?” Amelia saddled up Wildfire, then mounted her. “Come, baby, let’s get some exercise.”

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Chapter Three: Klinton McGraw Bordello was the baby. At the tender age of Klinton twenty-one, he was the one all the young girls in Brady, Texas wanted. He stood about six feet, the shortest of all his brothers, and weighed in around two hundred and twenty pounds. Klinton was the closest to Troy, mainly because they shared the same interests; lifting weights, riding bulls and redheads. He lived at the ranch and would die at the ranch. He was his mama’s boy. His mama could do no wrong, and anyone that dared speak ill words against his mama would get their asses whipped. He was probably the least cocky of the brothers, too. While Rory and Rich thought the women of the world couldn’t survive without their cocks, he knew different. Justin was the oldest, and they were not too close. He admired his brother for leaving and following his dreams, but he still was angered because it had hurt his mama so when her first born left. 46

Hollie Davidson Klinton looked up to Troy. Yeah, he still harassed him so about Christine, Amelia’s cousin, but everyone that really knew Troy understood he was in love with that girl. It was an unspoken love that Troy would not discuss and completely fought from day one. All the Bordello boys had blonde curly hair like their father. Rory and Rich had kept theirs shoulder length. Justin’s was trimmed to the collar, but even his pretty-boy cut couldn’t tame the curls. Troy had decided to let his grow and it hung just a little bit past his shoulders. Klinton liked his long, too, but it hung just below his neck. He and Troy kept it out of their eyes with their hats. Every one of them could also carry a tune. One of his greatest memories was of his mama on the front porch singing to them. She could belt out a Loretta Lynn song like no other, possibly even better then Loretta herself. She sang the old church hymns like God had put an angel in her soul. One of his all-time favorites was In the Garden. Rory and Rich had put together a little local band and once they had grown tired of Brady, they moved to the big city of San Antone to further a good ole boys career. He knew they would never be big, but they had a lot of spunk and a lot of woman hanging on them every night. What was it about women that attracted them to musicians? Rory and Rich and no plans on being tied down, so a good romp in the hay was all they wanted, more than likely promising some young barfly the moon, then giving them the cold shoulder. 47

The Bordello Boys Klinton had his fair share of girls around Brady. He never promised any of them tomorrow. He wasn’t ready to be tied down by anyone. He worked and partied when he wasn’t too tired. His idea of a night out was sitting on the tailgate of his old truck by the lake drinking a six-pack. He looked at his watch. It was time for lunch, so he needed to head back to the house to eat. He’d skipped breakfast, and the rumbling of his stomach reminded him that it had been a bad idea. Back at the ranch he found his two brothers sitting at the table. Troy had a towel wrapped around his hand, and Klinton saw the hole in the wall. He took off his hat and sat down. “I see you’re hitting walls again.” Troy gave his youngest brother a screw-you grin. “Go to hell, Klinton.” Justin got up and went to the kitchen and returned with three plates of food. He set them on the table. “Klint, I called Rory and Rich. They are on their way home. Mama asked for all her sons to be here through Christmas.” Klinton drove his fork into the rice and gravy. “My name is Klinton, not Klint.” Troy almost choked on his food from laughing. “Yeah, Justin, you make him sound like a clit.” “Suck the big one, Troy.” Troy took a bite of his fried chicken. “Klinton, I was just sticking up for you.” Klinton didn’t fall for his ‘who me’ shit. Troy was the master at causing a big stink, then flashing his 48

Hollie Davidson baby blues innocently. He was full of shit. “So, Troy, are you going out to the Strait farm tonight?” “You better shut the hell up,l Klinton. I have no business going out to that place.” Klinton slapped the side of his leg. “Hey, Justin, does it sound like he is lying his ass off to you or what?” “What the hell is at the Strait farm?” Troy continued to eat. Klinton winked at Justin. “Oh, there is a pretty little redhead I’m going to screw. I mean, nobody else likes her, so shit, I like them women with red hair. She has some nice tits. Not as big as her cousin’s, but more then a mouthful is a waste, right?” Troy slammed his fork down on the table. “You stay the fuck away from her, Klinton. I swear if I hear from Amelia that you been out there, I will kick your little ass all over BR.” Klinton began to laugh, a deep chuckle. “I was talking about JoDee. Who were you talking about, Troy?” “You are an asshole, pure asshole, Klinton McGraw Bordello.” “Well, who were you talking about, Troy? It couldn’t have been Christine, was it?” Troy’s face got red and he jumped up. “You know its pretty damn bad that I can’t even eat my damn lunch without one of you asshole brothers of mine pissing me off. Leave me the hell alone.” He stormed out of the room. Klinton kept laughing 49

The Bordello Boys until he felt someone pull on his ear. “Klinton McGraw Bordello, you leave your brother alone.” Klinton hadn’t even seen Amelia walk in. “Aww, Amelia, he knows he likes her.” Amelia sat down. “He doesn’t need you teasing him about it.” Justin felt so out of place. Everyone knew what was going on but him. Why would Troy get so upset over a girl? Hell, there was plenty of them to choose from in Brady. “What is the story with this Christine?” Amelia walked in the kitchen and returned with her own plate of food. “Christine is my cousin, I grew up with her. She is a lot like me. She won’t kiss any man’s ass for nothing. Troy tried to get in her pants and she shot him down quickly. At first he was pissed off and said she was a little tease. Then she was a dike, then she was frigid. Christine caught wind of what he said and at the annual picnic, she slapped the shit out of him. He has been lovestruck ever since.” “A girl slapped Troy?” “Oh, hell yeah, Justin. Troy was freaking out when she hit him. Then she went and danced with Joe Bob Caldon all night. Oh, he was fit to be tied. She won’t have anything to do with him. It’s kind of the joke around here with the ranch hands. They tease him about Christine. Well, actually, they make little comments about seeing her with different guys. She doesn’t, but it’s funny as all hell to see Troy get pissed off. He has a temper.” Justin watched Amelia giggling. She had such soft 50

Hollie Davidson features and the biggest brown eyes. The woman must have been a witch, because somehow she’d cast a spell on him. “What about you, Amelia? Don’t you have a man in your life?” She stopped eating. “Do I look stupid? The last damn thing I need in my life is some hairy-legged asshole trying to convert me into what he thinks I should be. Do you know how to get rid of a headache, Justin?” He just shook his head no so she continued. “You divorce him.” Her laughter was warm and when she snorted, he couldn’t control his own. “Have you ever been married?” “Hell, no.” “Why not?” “Why are you asking me twenty questions? Okay let’s play this game. One. Are you married? If not, why aren’t you married? Girlfriend? Two. Why did you come home? Three. Why did you leave? Four. Are you still as big an asshole as you were in high school? Five. Are you still a male slut?” Justin raised his hands to stop her. “No, I’m not married, and I’m not married because I haven’t found anyone I want to marry. No, I don’t have a girlfriend. Yes, I have dated many women. No, I am not an asshole. I never was. I left to go to College.” “You broke your mama’s heart.” Klinton grabbed his hat. “She wasn’t the only one whose heart was broken.” 51

The Bordello Boys Amelia damn near gasped. “What the fuck does that mean, Klinton?” He picked up his plate and started towards the kitchen. “I, um, meant, um, that there were plenty of girls around Brady whose hearts got broken when my big brother left.” “I think you best be getting back to work, Klinton Bordello.” He tipped his hat at her and winked. “Have a great day, Amelia.” She threw a napkin at him, but missed. “He is such a turd. I swear, I am so happy I never had a little brother.” Justin’s cell phone rang and he excused himself and left to answer it. **** Rory, along with Rich, pulled into the ranch early Sunday morning. The roosters weren’t even awake when Amelia heard a loud crash. She jumped out of bed and ran outside to see what the hell was going on. She recognized the ‘stud mobile’, as they liked to call it. They had hit the dumpster. The door opened and Rory got out, falling to the ground laughing. Rich opened the door on the other side got out and tried to help his brother out. It was apparent both guys were drunker than a cooter brown. Amelia stood near them, hands on her hips. “If I were you two, I would shut up before you wake up your oldest brother. He’ll freak out if he sees you two like this…and driving? Are you two stupid 52

Hollie Davidson or what? You could have killed someone. Damn, you could you have killed yourselves.” Rory looked up at Amelia. “Amelia, how’s it hanging?” “Come on, Rory, let’s get you to bed.” Rory slowly got off the ground. “See, Rich, I told you she wanted me. Ole Amelia has always wanted me.” He reached over and squeezed her tit. “You know, Rich and I could really pleasure you.” Amelia reached down, grabbing herself a handful of Rory’s crotch. “Not with that little thing, honey.” Rich, loud as ever, began to laugh. “Rich, shut up.” Amelia showed them two beds in the bunkhouse. They passed out as soon as they lay down. **** Justin put the plates of bacon and eggs on the table. He’s slept pretty well and the cold shower had done him well. His mind was so preoccupied these days with his father and mother. He’d heard Rich and Rory early this morning. He was pretty damn happy that the two hadn’t awakened his parents. They were pretty damn immature, but they were all so different.

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Chapter Four: Christine Dylan Strait sat on the ground petting Shay, an old Amelia sheep dog. With her free hand, she held on to

the cell phone. “Come on, Christine, answer the damn phone.” Knowing her cousin, she had the radio turned up full blast in the farmhouse. Christine was a little shorter than Amelia. She was not as ‘tell it like it is’ as Amelia was, but she was known to have a mouth on her. Christine had a heart of gold. When her parents died a few years ago she took on the farm and care for her two little sisters, JoDee and Gretchen. JoDee was eighteen and acted like she was older. Christine had been through more hell with that girl then anyone. JoDee had the hots for Klinton, and Amelia would almost swear those two were sexually active. Gretchen was only ten, and the sweetest little girl alive. She was good in school, went to church, did her chores, never gave Christine any hell. The three of them lived out at the farm by themselves. Christine 54

Hollie Davidson had a couple workers that worked the farm for her. She worked the fields herself. It was pretty sad that at twenty-two, she had the life of an old maid. The phone kept ringing. Shay had jumped up on her. “Get down, boy.” Amelia dropped the phone, then quickly picked it up. “Damn, Amelia, what boy are you telling to get down? Couldn’t be that Justin Cagle Bordello, could it?” Amelia shoved the dog away. “Shut the hell up. What took you so long to answer?” Amelia pulled the phone away from her ear when she heard Christine scream. “Damn rooster is after Gretchen again. I hate that bastard.” Amelia could hear Gretchen crying in the background. “Christine, go out and shoot that damn thing.” She could still hear Christine comforting Gretchen. “Are you still listening to me?” “Oh, yeah, Amelia, I’m still here.” Amelia stood up, brushing off her butt with her free hand. “Christine, you need to kill that damn bird. Put that sucker in a stew.” “I can not just go and shoot it. Amelia, that’s mean.” “Christine, the damned old bird attacks your little sister. Screw it. Look, I will be over later to do it for you.” Amelia hung up the phone before Christine could object. Christine needed a man. Sure, she had them old ranch hands, but she needed a man to help her out with that farm. It was too much work for her.” Troy walked out of the barn with Justin following 55

The Bordello Boys behind him. Amelia liked Troy and had a feeling that he was exactly what her cousin needed. “Troy, are you busy tonight?” Troy took off his hat and wiped his forehead with his arm. “Well, damn, Amelia, I hate to hurt you, but you just aren’t my type.” “Shut the hell up. Do I look desperate to you?” “Well, no, but you asked.” Amelia put her cell phone in the clip. “I need some help over at my cousin’s house.” “Ask Klinton. I hear he likes it over there.” Justin smacked Troy on the arm. “I thought you didn’t want him going over there.” Troy slapped his hat against his leg. “What do you need done over there?” Amelia tried not to laugh at his frustration. “Well there is a mean old rooster that is always attacking Gretchen. I want to kill it, and Christine won’t do it.” “So you want me to go over there and shoot the damn bird? Come on, Amelia, that’s all I need is for her to hate for me something else.” “Well, Troy, I’ll ask Klinton. I’m sure he’ll go.” Troy put his hat back on. “I will go. But you are going with me.” Justin winked at Amelia. “Oh, and I’m going, too. I want to see this Christine.” Troy walked off, leaving them alone. **** The sun was hotter then hell. The summer had started off being cooler then it had been in many years, but 56

Hollie Davidson now the sun beat down on Troy’s tanned skin. He poured some of his water down the front of his shirt, hoping it would cool him off. He wasn’t too sure if it was the sun or the thought of seeing Christine that set him on fire. Troy would admit to anyone that he had only wanted to fuck her. When she turned of age, he was waiting like an alley cat to bed Christine. He was sure she would fall for his smooth ways and sexy actions, but she shot him down. He’d taken her to Sizzler for a steak dinner, he’d taken her walking in the park, and pushed her on the swing. Hell, he’d even given her a dozen yellow roses. When he’d kissed her she’d responded, her body clinging, and he was sure she was his. When he began to unbutton her dress, she slapped away his hands. He tried again, but she demanded to go home. He was so pissed, so aggravated and had the worse case of blue balls. He couldn’t believe that a woman had shot him down. Then he started telling his friends not so nice things about her. At the annual picnic, she slapped him so hard he tasted blood. Yeah, it had been a year ago but he still remembered the hurt in her eyes. It didn’t go his way. He was supposed to shake her off and find another piece of ass, but the thing was, he couldn’t stop thinking of her and everyone knew it. He rode the property fence line to make sure all the fences were intact. Most of the property was on the edge of old country roads. He was amazed at how 57

The Bordello Boys many fences were knocked down by drunk teenage boys coming home after a night of driving the drag. The drag had been around longer then he’d been born. It started at the Welcome to Brady Sign and ran all through town. The kids drove the main road back and forth all Friday and Saturday nights honking at girls, racing friends or parking on the drag to talk. He’d fixed many fences due to these stupid kids. As he got to the west end of the property he smiled, looking at the old oak that had his parents’ initials. He could only hope that someday he would find a love like his parents shared. They were just made for each other. He knew about his mom’s side of the family and their abandonment of his mother. He’d even accompanied his mother when her father died. They’d stood in the back of the church and Troy remembered watching his mom as tears fell from her eyes. He remembered seeing his Uncle Andy and how the man just passed up his sister, ignoring her like she was common trash. Even at that young age he remembered wanting to kick his uncle. Kristy had always taught her boys that two wrongs didn’t make a right. Or in the Bible, it says to forgive your brother seventy times seven times or was it seventy times seventy times? He couldn’t remember but he did remember the pain his mother endured because of her family. A bag caught his attention, so he dismounted and walked over to it. Something was inside it, he could 58

Hollie Davidson tell by the movement. He took out his old timer and cut off the strings. What he found sickened him. Three small puppies were inside. Two were dead, but the smallest of the three was barely breathing. What kind of sick fuck would do this to an animal? He took his shovel off his horse and dug a small hole, burying the two dead puppies. After he finished, he mounted his horse and rode back to the ranch. Surely Amelia could help the poor thing. Amelia found a medicine dropper and began putting water in the young pup’s mouth. It was extremely dehydrated. She pulled its skin back and it stayed in place; it was one of the biggest factors telling her it needed fluids. After a few attempts, she gave up and carried it to the barn, where she kept her IV fluid bags. After sticking the needle in its skin, she turned to Justin and Troy. “I need one of you to squeeze the bag. I have got to get some fluids in this little girl or she will die.” Justin began squeezing the water into the long tube while Amelia petted her. “I can not believe that someone did this to her. You said there were two others?” Troy stood by the door leaning against the wall. “Yeah, I think they are just mutts, but still, it was a sick thing to do.” After the bag was empty Amelia checked out its gums. Its stomach was engorged. “This poor baby girl is hungry, too. She needs one on one care or she will die. I gave her sugar water in her IV to help feed her. I 59

The Bordello Boys have some vitamins and some antibiotics, too. I think that Christine will take care of her. She’s an animal lover, big time. So I’m going to take her to Christine unless you want her.” “No, that’s fine, let Christine have her.” **** Gretchen came running in the kitchen. “Christine, Amelia is here.” Christine wiped her hands on her apron. “Don’t go out on that porch, Satan is still running around.” Gretchen stopped at the door. Amelia walked into the kitchen. “Oh, girl, what are you cooking?” Christine turned away from the sink and locked eyes with Troy. “I have some ribs. I made plenty, you’re welcome to stay.” Amelia noticed how her eyes hadn’t left Troy’s. “Why is he here, and who is that?” “Troy came here to help me take care of your problem, and that’s Justin Bordello.” Gretchen ran in carrying a box. “Look what Troy got me, Christine. He got me a puppy.” Amelia stopped the little girl. “Honey, the puppy is really sick. Christine needs to take care of her for a while.” Christine knelt down by the box. “What happened to her?” Amelia winked at her cousin. “Hey, Gretchen, why don’t you go and set the table. Put six settings out, 60

Hollie Davidson okay?” “No, JoDee isn’t here. She is working tonight at Mr. Burgers.” Amelia handed Gretchen five plates. “Go set the table while we finish up dinner. Troy, the little problem is out front if you want to take care of it.” Justin and Troy walked out of the kitchen and outside. “Hot damn, Amelia, he looks good.” Amelia raised her hand up. “Shut up, Christine, he can probably hear you.” “No, he can’t, he’s out choking my chicken.” Amelia started laughing. “Choking your chicken? I doubt any Bordello boy has ever choked his chicken.” “You are just plain gross, Amelia. Now, what happened to the puppy?” Amelia sat at the kitchen nook. “Well, Troy was out checking fences and found her along with two others. The other two were dead. I gave her some fluids and some meds. She needs to be looked after and I knew you would take care of her. Hell, it might give Gretchen something to do.” Christine put the food on the table. “So how long is Justin back?” Amelia followed her cousin into the dining room. “I don’t know and I don’t care.” “Oh, what-the-fuck-ever, Amelia. You still have the hots for that man.” “Oh, Miss Christine, who was staring at Troy.” Christine put the last of the food down. “I was not staring at him.” 61

The Bordello Boys A loud squawk blasted through the house. Gretchen ran to Christine. “What happened?” Amelia popped a biscuit in her mouth. “I think Satan just met his maker.” **** Troy sat down to eat across from Christine. Man she looked so pretty tonight, and that Country Apple body spray she wore drove him crazy. He’d even gone down to Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought a small bottle. He knew it was weird, but he’d spray his pillow with some and dream of her all night. Gretchen grabbed his hand. “We have to say grace.” Troy held her small hand in his. “Grace.” “No, silly, you have to thank God for this food.” “Good God, good meat, good gravy, let’s eat. It’s all we got, let’s eat it while it’s hot. Amen.” Gretchen giggled, but he saw that Christine wasn’t. “Sorry. You say the prayers, Gretchen.” “Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing. God, thank you for everything. Amen.” Christine said Amen, then began making Gretchen’s plate. “Dig in, I don’t serve anyone but my sister.” Amelia grabbed the potato salad, put some on her plate, then handed it to Justin. “This really looks good, Christine. Thanks for letting us eat here.” Christine smiled at Justin. Troy put some potato 62

Hollie Davidson salad on his plate, then handed it to Christine. In passing, his hand touched hers. Her touch sent fire through his veins. She quickly moved away. Maybe she did like him after all. Damn it, how could he find out? The last thing he needed or wanted was her knocking the shit out of him again. Christine could barely eat. Damn Kerry Troy Bordello for affecting her like this. The truth was, she did like him. She’d liked him since high school. The night he took her out, she fought with all her might not to allow him to make love to her. She’d never experienced such passion, such wanting as she did that night. Now he was sitting across from her. She could feel him watching her. Her breasts ached out of need for him to touch them. Her secret haven cried out for him. Why was it that her eighteen-year-old sister was getting some, but she wasn’t? “Christine, can you pass the ribs? Hello, earth to Christine.” Christine grabbed the ribs and handed them to Amelia. “Sorry, I was thinking of someone. I mean, something.” Amelia just smiled. Christine knew that her cousin knew, that’s why she brought him over. Amelia would have killed the rooster herself. She knew how to use a gun and an ax. Amelia could shoot a .22 before she went to school. Christine had been a little to prissy for guns. Sure, she busted her ass off around the farm, but there were certain things she didn’t mess with: guns, snakes and Troy Bordello. 63

The Bordello Boys After dinner she immediately went to the kitchen to start doing the dishes. Gretchen came in behind her. “Christine, it’s my night to do dishes.” “I got them, why don’t you go and do your homework?” “You just don’t want to be around Troy.” Christine gasped. Was it that evident that her tenyear-old sister even knew that this man drove her crazy? “You shut up and go do your homework. I will do the dishes.” Gretchen smiled and winked. “Christine and Troy sitting’ in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love…” Christine popped her with the dishtowel. “Ouch, Christine, that hurt.” She ran from the room carrying the dishtowel. Out on the porch, Justin, Troy and Amelia were eating some homemade peach cobbler. “Damn, your cousin can cook.” Amelia wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Oh, yeah, Aunt Linda taught her to cook as soon as she could stand on a chair by the counter.” Justin finished up his cobbler. “It’s very good.” Gretchen ran out. “Amelia, Christine popped me hard with the towel.” “Well, what do you want me to do about it? I’m not her mama. I’m sure you deserved it anyways. What did you do, Miss Priss?” “I just said sang her a song.” “What did you sing to her, Gretchen?” 64

Hollie Davidson Gretchen began to laugh as she sang. “Christine and Troy sitting in a tree…” Amelia tried to kick her, but she ran out of the way. Justin laughed at the young girl. “Gretchen, you best be doing what she said to do or else she will tear you a new asshole.” “Goodnight, Amelia, goodnight, Justin, and goodnight, lover boy.” She blew kisses to Troy, then ran in the house, slamming the screen door behind her. Justin stood, taking all the empty plates. “You know, I’m sure glad Mama didn’t have any girls.” Troy handed Justin his plate. “You got that right.”

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Chapter Five: JoDee Strait bell rang signaling that someone was at the Thedrive-through window. JoDee checked her

lipstick one last time and went to see what the customer needed. She smiled as she opened the window. “Well, Klinton Bordello, what are you doing out here?” “I want to take you home tonight, JoDee.” She felt her face heat up. “Well, is that my home or yours?” Klinton touched her hand. “We can go anywhere you want, little darlin’.” JoDee saw her manager, Mr. Judd, walk out of the back room. “So you want a double cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake. Would you like pickles on that?” He waved to Mr. Judd. “That will be fine.” JoDee rang up the order. “That will be six dollars and twelve cents.” Klinton pulled out some money from his ashtray. “Keep the change, baby.” 66

Hollie Davidson She winked at him, then shut the window. “Mr. Judd, it’s time to go. I‘ve cleaned up the place and I have Klinton’s order. I’m leaving now.” The old man just ignored her as she flew out the front door with Klinton’s food. JoDee jumped in the truck and slammed the door behind her. “I got your food.” He pulled her closer to him. “Good, because I done worked me up a huge appetite tonight.” They drove out on the back roads towards his ranch. JoDee unbuttoned her blouse and turned to Klinton. “I got your ketchup ready if you want to dip your fries.” She’d emptied some ketchup packets in the middle of her small perky breasts. “Hungry, baby? Well, dive in.” Klinton didn’t even see the fence as he plowed into it. JoDee flew on him in laughter as he began to lick off the ketchup. “I guess Troy will have another fence to fix tomorrow.” A nipple in his mouth muffled Klinton’s laughter. “Oh, baby, you feel so good.” JoDee straddled him, all the while grinding into his hardened cock. “I want you inside me, Klinton.” Klinton kissed her while his hands unleashed his beast. “Oh, baby, suck it for me.” 67

The Bordello Boys JoDee moved down onto the floorboard. She stroked his shaft up and down while licking the tip. “Stop teasing me, JoDee. Take my cock in your mouth and suck me.” Her lips wrapped around his cock and she began to inhale his swollen pride. While she sucked the head of his cock, her hand continued to jerk him off. She looked up and noticed his eyes were closed, he was moaning. Such power a woman had over a man when she had his cock in her mouth. “Take off your panties.” JoDee kept jerking him off, but she removed her panties. Klinton pulled her up to him. “Lay down, baby.” She lay across the seat while he sat up the best he could and leaned down into a fluff of muff. Once his tongue touched her swollen clit, her body began to shake. He inserted two fingers inside her finger fucking her like he’d never done it before. He felt her pussy muscles clamp down against his fingers. “Klinton, you’re going to make me come.” He continued in and out of her in quick movements while he nibbled on her clit. “Klinton, I want you inside me.” He sat up wiped his face and pulled her on top of his engorged cock. “Ride me hard, baby.” Her movements were fast, faster and faster. She leaned her head back as her body began to experience an orgasm. Klinton pulled her harder down on him. His fingers dug into her hips. With one last shudder, he came inside her. She fell forward, wrapping her 68

Hollie Davidson arms around his neck. “Oh, Klinton, I could fuck you all night long.” **** The rooster crowed loudly, telling the world it was time to wake up. Justin pulled the pillow over his head. If he wasn’t so damn tired, he’d walk out there and wring its neck like Troy did to ole Satan. He didn’t want to wake up but today was a busy one. It was only a few more weeks ‘til Christmas. He wanted to go and get a tree today. It was a huge deal to the Bordello family. He would take Daddy with him, because Daddy and Mama always picked out the tree together. As a kid, they had always made a big day of it. Mama made a lunch for everyone and they would take off into the hill country to find the largest tree. Now, they just didn’t take from the earth. For every tree they cut down they planted a new one. There was always a tree for the main house and the bunkhouse. He got out of bed and went to the bathroom. He didn’t feel like shaving today. He’d started growing a light beard. It made him look rugged. He kind of liked the look. After brushing his teeth, he got dressed and went downstairs. Rory, Rich, Klinton and Troy were eating sausage, french toast, fried eggs and gravy. As Justin sat down with his coffee, Amelia came in. “Hey, Amelia, I am thinking of having us all go get the tree today. I want to take Daddy. You think he 69

The Bordello Boys would be okay?” Amelia poured herself some coffee, then sat down. “Yeah, I guess so.” Justin could sense something was wrong with her. “What’s the matter?” She stared out the window. “Old Man Tate and his son both died last night. They were drunk and didn’t make the turn on Cooter Creek road. The doctor said they died upon impact. Christine is all upset. Who is she going to get to help her out on the farm now? You know I wish she would just sell that damn old place. She cannot take care of it by herself. She is already breaking her back to keep the place looking halfway decent. I don’t want some damn stranger coming in and taking over the farm. I have three cousins over there and their females and some man could take advantage of them.” Klinton wiped off the gravy that dribbled down his face. “Somehow I can’t see anyone taking advantage of Christine. You know Joe Bob wants to marry her. Why don’t you talk her into it?” “Why don’t you shut the fuck up?” Justin knew that Klinton was trying to get Troy riled up and by the last comment he knew he’d done just that.” “Hey, Troy, she is not going to wait all her life for you to try again. She is young, pretty and has great tits. Some man is going to snatch her up.” Rory looked up from the paper. “Nice tits? You know, Rich and I could pay her a visit.” Troy shoved his empty plate away from him. “If 70

Hollie Davidson any of you sons-a-bitches go near Christine Strait, you will answer to me.” **** JoDee sat next to Christine on the porch swing. She was quite a little beauty. She had the golden-red hair just like Christine, but she wasn’t as ample on top. Her green eyes were that of a cat, and she lacked in the height department. “We will be okay.” Christine shook her head. “I feel like such a bitch. Here I am crying over my damn farm and what I will do when two men have died. Two families have lost out, a husband, a grandpa, a father. I’m just so tired, JoDee.” “I know, Christine, why don’t you go get some more sleep. I will feed Gretchen when she wakes up.” Christine turned JoDee’s head away from her looking at her neck. “Damn it, JoDee, the last thing I need is for you to get knocked up by Klinton Bordello.” JoDee sighed. “I’m on the pill, Christine.” “Do you have any idea of how many people walking around Brady are pill babies?” “Christine, I’m not going to get knocked up.” Christine got up. “I hope so, JoDee, you have your whole life ahead of you.” JoDee kept swinging as her sister walked inside. She felt badly for Christine. Christine needed a man in her life, and she knew exactly who could fill them 71

The Bordello Boys shoes. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Klinton’s number. He answered on the second ring. “Hey, baby, what’s up?” JoDee looked around to make sure nobody was around. “Hey, what’s going on at the Bordello ranch today?” “Not much. We are going to take Mama and Daddy out to pick out a Christmas tree, but that’s about it.” JoDee knew of their tradition. Klinton had told her a lot about his childhood. “Well, how about I make the lunches and Christine, myself and Gretchen join you all?” “Hey, that’s great. I think we are leaving around noon.” “We’ll be there. Bye, darling.” She hung up. Now all she had to do was get Christine to go. She’d never really believed too much in Cupid and his arrows, but today Cupid was going to work on Christine and Troy.

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Chapter Six: The Christmas Tree hristine hadn’t wanted to go, but JoDee begged and pleaded, informing her that it would do Gretchen some good. Whenever JoDee really wanted something, she used Gretchen as bait. Christine would do anything for the youngest sister. Christine put on some jeans and a black sweater. There was snow on the ground in the hill country, so she made sure she dressed warm. She pulled on her black boots, then went downstairs to see what her younger sisters were doing. Gretchen was feeding the puppy. The puppy, now named Reba after Gretchen’s favorite singer, was getting stronger. Gretchen loved her so much. “Are we ready to go?” JoDee filled the last of the thermoses. “Yeah, we need to hurry up.” They piled into Christine’s old truck and started off towards the Bordello ranch.

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Kristy wrapped the shawl around Jake’s neck. “Are you sure you are warm enough?” The eldest Bordello growled. “Woman, I am just fine, now stop fussing over me.” Justin and the rest of the brothers all started towards their father as soon as he entered into the hallway. He raised his hand to stop them. “Now ya’ll wait a cotton-pickin minute. I don’t need you all squabbling over me. Leave me be. Now if you are going to be tending to me all damn day like a bunch of cackling hens, I will stay in my bed.” Amelia stepped out from behind the brothers. “I’ll keep them off your ass, Mr. Bordello.” The old man smiled at Amelia. “There’s my girl. Where are them pretty little redheaded cousins of yours?” Amelia began to push his wheel chair down the hall and to the front door. “They are on their way. They wanted to come with us today.” Justin opened the door while Troy went to open the door to the truck. Amelia pushed him down the ramp and to the side of the truck. “Do you need help, Mr.—” “Would you stop calling me Mr. Bordello? My name is Jake, Amelia Strait.” “Yes, sir. Would you like some help?” He looked so frail so small in that wheelchair. The once mighty mountain of a man was sick and everyone could tell. 74

Hollie Davidson “Justin, Troy, help me into that truck.” The two of them helped their father in the truck. Kristy got in the back with him and covered him up. “No messing around in the back seat, you two.” Kristy blushed and smacked Troy on the head. “Mind your manners.” A truck pulled in and stopped. “There are my cousins,” said Amelia. Christine got out and helped Gretchen get out of the truck. JoDee grabbed the baskets out of the back. “So who are we riding with?” Klinton took hold of her arm. “You can ride with me. Gretchen, who do you want to ride with?” Gretchen grabbed hold of Troy’s arm. “I want to ride with Troy.” Christine and Gretchen walked over to the four by four that Jake and Kristy were sitting in. “Hi, Mrs. Bordello, Hi, Mr. Bordello.” Christine opened the door. “Get in, Gretchen.” Gretchen didn’t budge. “I want to sit by the door in case I see any deer. Please, Christine.” “Oh, honey, let her sit by the door. Troy doesn’t bite.” Christine scooted in the truck next to Troy. Gretchen jumped in and slammed the door, then put on her seatbelt. “Who are you riding with, Amelia?” Amelia pointed to her own truck. “I guess I’m taking Rich, Rory and Justin. That city slicker car of his won’t make it up in the hill country.” The other three Bordello brothers climbed in Amelia’s truck. Amelia started it up. “I will follow 75

The Bordello Boys you, Troy.” Troy took off, letting the other two follow him. **** The snow on the ground was like blankets of clouds laid out. Being from Texas made snow all the more exciting. Gretchen oohed and ahhed at all the icicles hanging from the trees. She occasionally saw a rabbit jumping through the snow, looking for some food. The hill country was beautiful. “So, Christine, honey, have you gotten yourself a beau yet?” Christine took a deep breath. Kristy Bordello was a beautifully sweet lady, but she didn’t want to get into her love life or lack of one at this time. “I don’t have time, ma’am. I’m too busy on the farm.” “Honey, you are too young to be wasting your life away. You know at your age, I already had Justin and was pregnant with Troy. Don’t you want children?” Jake tapped her knee. “Honey, this is a different time. Woman are educated and don’t need a man to care for them.” Kristy sighed. “Must be very lonesome.” “No, ma’am. I have Gretchen and JoDee to care for. I’m not lonesome at all.” “Well, don’t you do anything for yourself?” “No, ma’am, I don’t. I don’t have time.” Kristy grabbed her husband’s hand. “I don’t know what I would have done without Jake. He is my life.” “I envy what you have, Mrs. Bordello, but I don’t 76

Hollie Davidson ever think I will have that.” “Well, why not, Christine?” Gretchen turned around to face the older Bordellos. “Because she’s too chicken to admit her feelings.” Christine smacked Gretchen on the side of the head. “You talk trash. You don’t even know what you are talking about, young lady. I don’t have feelings for anyone.” Gretchen winked at Kristy. “See, she even has herself fooled.” **** Troy was quiet the whole way to the hill country. He couldn’t get the beauty that sat next to him off his mind. She’d worn his favorite perfume. Her hair smelled like Country Apple, her skin smooth against his own. Every once in a while, he would accidentally on purpose touch her. He wondered if there was any truth to what the young Strait girl had said. Could it be him they were referring to? He watched her look out the window, her eyes so deep green and filled with something he didn’t understand. She looked sad but it was a different kind of sadness, possibly fears of the unknown. He grew tired of the silly unspoken words between them. He couldn’t take much more. He would try one more time and if she didn’t want him then he would look elsewhere. “Son, turn left right there.” 77

The Bordello Boys Troy looked in the rearview mirror at his dad. “Dad, I have been out here a million times with you. I think by now I know where it is.” “Don’t sass me, Kerry Troy Bordello. I may be old but I can still kick your ass.” Kristy pinched him. ‘There is a child in this car.” “Oh, excuse the hell out of me.” Troy noticed Christine giggling. He turned down the small dirt road and his brothers followed closely behind. He pulled over to the side and turned off the engine. “Now make sure everyone is bundled up. Gretchen, don’t you go running off, stay near an adult at all times. The ground is very slippery.” Christine got out and walked to the back of the truck to get one of the baskets. She’d just gotten to the back when she slipped on some snow and fell right in Troy’s arms. “Damn, Amelia, I didn’t know your cousin was so quick.” Troy helped Christine stand back up. “Shut up, Rory, she slipped on the ice.” Justin and Troy went to help Jake out of the truck. Rory set his wheel chair up and locked the breaks while Klinton helped his mama out of the truck. They walked for the longest time looking at the snow-capped trees. The mere beauty of the land was more then words could describe. It was as if it was a monastery to God and if you spoke you would ruin the perfect silence of it all. After a while Kristy looked up and pointed. “There it is.” 78

Hollie Davidson A huge cedar tree stood high in the sky. “That’s the one I want.” Justin, Troy, Klinton, Rory and Rich took out axes and began to chop it down. Christine began to serve lunch. Christine watched as Troy swung the ax over and over, hitting the tree in unison with his brothers. His bulging biceps flexed. After a while, it came crashing down. They dragged it back to Troy’s truck and tied it in while Amelia and Klinton picked out another one for the ranch hands. The weather was really cold and Jake grew tired quickly so they decided to head back sooner then planned. The ride back to the BR was quiet. Even Gretchen had grown tired from running around in the snow. She leaned up against Christine and fell asleep. **** Back at the BR, the brothers untied the trees from the back of the trucks and took them in the house. Rich, Rory and Klinton went outside with JoDee while Amelia and Justin helped Kristy get Jake settled back in bed. Christine noticed Troy standing in front of the tree. She walked over to where he stood. “What’s wrong? You don’t like the tree?” “No, the tree is great. It just occurred to me that this will be the last tree my father ever has.” Christine reached out and touched his shoulder. “I know how you feel, Troy. When Mama and Daddy died, it broke my heart. After the initial shock and 79

The Bordello Boys grief, I realized that death was not a bad thing. Sure, I missed them and I would give anything to have them back here but they are free from pain, free from stress and more then anything they were together.” Troy turned and faced her. “But my mama is still alive. Once Daddy goes, she will leave us too. I know in my heart that Mama breathes because Daddy does. Can you imagine that kind of love and commitment? It blows my mind.” “Troy, your mama loves him more then anything, but she loves you boys, too. She always has and it shows. Sometimes we have to let go.” Tears filled his eyes. “I’m not ready to lose my mama or my dad yet, Christine. They are the only ones who understand me.” Never had she imagined that Troy could have a soft side. Here he was, tears falling down his cheeks, confessing that he needed his parents still. Her heart ached for him. She knew his pain, knew how it felt to lose someone so close. It was pure hell burying her parents but she had to be strong, had to go on and live for her siblings. They needed her and she was bound and determined to be there for them, even though her own heart was breaking. Troy continued staring at the tree. This tall, strong man had tears in his eyes. She reached out to him again and held his hand. “I’m sorry, Troy.” Laughter interrupted their intimate moment. Rory walked in, carrying a box of ornaments. Christine quickly let go of his hand. 80

Hollie Davidson Rory stopped in the middle of the two. “Are we interrupting something?” Troy wiped his eyes. Christine didn’t want him to feel stupid with his brothers standing around. “I accidentally hit him in the eye when I was putting on my coat.” Rich looked at Troy then back at Christine. “You lie, you slapped him again because he tried something. Troy, you are one dirty-ass dog.” Troy took the box from Rory. “Yeah, you know me, always the asshole.” Christine ignored his comment. “I really need to get home.” Troy sat the box down. “I’ll get Gretchen for you.” Troy walked over to the couch and picked up the little girl up off the couch and carried her to Christine’s truck. Christine turned it on to get it warm while Troy buckled her in and covered her up. “Thank you, Troy, I appreciate your help.” Troy winked at her, then walked away. **** All the way home, Christine couldn’t get her mind off Troy. She had gone and done something she didn’t want to do. She liked him. She’d seen a side of him that she never knew existed and Lord, did she like it. That damn wink made her heart skip a beat and she became all giddy inside thinking of his smile. Troy Bordello was one fine specimen. As she turned the corner to approach her farm, her world came 81

The Bordello Boys crashing down. Her home, her house, her everything was on fire. The only two fire trucks Brady had were lined up on her old gravel driveway spraying masses of water on the raging fire, but the flames were too high. She put the truck in park and then couldn’t move. She couldn’t scream, she couldn’t yell, she couldn’t even feel. Her whole life was up in flames, everything she and her sisters owned was ruined. Everything her mother and father had worked for was gone, pictures that could never be replaced, letters, personal items were all forever gone. A light tap on her window brought her back to reality. Cliff Slayton, the town fire chief, opened her door. “I’m so sorry, Christine. We didn’t get here in time. It seems that old man Barnes saw the flames and called us. Luckily nobody was hurt.” Christine got out of the truck and lightly closed the door. She didn’t want to wake Gretchen. The last thing the little girl needed to see was her home gone. She’d been through enough in her young years. “What happened, Cliff?” Cliff spoke but she couldn’t hear him. What the hell was she going to do? Everything was gone. She had nothing but the clothes on her back and about three hundred dollars in the bank. Cliff’s excessive rambling caught her attention. “…So I think it was the space heater, Christine. We have no way of knowing right now. If you want we can get an investigator from San Antonio brought in.” “No, Cliff, it doesn’t matter how the fire started.” 82

Hollie Davidson Christine could see he felt uneasy by the way he kicked at the ground. “The boys just about have it under control.” Christine heard brakes and a door slam. She grabbed JoDee’s arm just as she was about to run past her. JoDee sank to the ground. Christine held her little sister tight while she screamed, “What happened?” Christine began to cry too as her little sister sobbed for her lost things. “I don’t know, honey. All that matters is we are all right and we are all alive.” JoDee pushed away. “My ass, Christine. Everything I owned was in that fucking house. I lost everything.” Christine couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She reared back and slapped her sister across the face. “You selfish little bitch, we all lost something. Why do you always think of yourself?” JoDee held her face, then ran back to her truck and sped away. Christine looked up at Cliff. “She’ll be okay. We will all be okay.” **** Justin, Troy and Amelia were sitting on the front porch when Rory came running out. “Amelia, Cliff Barnes just called Mama. Your cousin’s house is on fire. He said that everyone is okay, but the place is ruined.” Amelia jumped up from the swing. “Oh, dear God, no.” 83

The Bordello Boys Justin reached in his pocket. “I got my keys, come on I will drive us over there.” The four of them climbed in the truck and headed to the farm. Amelia saw Christine as soon as they pulled up. Cliff hadn’t been lying; the place was totaled. The flames were almost out. Christine looked like a lost child, staring at what used to be her home. Amelia walked closer to her cousin. “What happened?” Christine didn’t even turn to her. “They don’t know. But does it matter?” “Did you have insurance?” Her abrupt laughter told Amelia what she feared. “Damn it, Christine, what happened? How could you let the insurance lapse?” Christine finally turned to her cousin in tears. “Feed, food, electricity bills, clothes for Gretchen and JoDee, a mortgage, water bills, phone bills, funeral expenses. Damn it, Amelia, I didn’t have the money. I have been busting my ass to get what we have. I don’t want to fucking hear your self-righteous lectures about screw-ups, okay?” Amelia stepped back as Troy approached them. He took Christine by the hand. “Come on, there isn’t anything you can do here tonight. Let’s get Gretchen back to the BR before she wakes up and sees this mess. This could really upset her.” Christine didn’t speak as he led her to her truck. He opened the door and she climbed inside. “I don’t have anywhere to go, Troy.” He touched the side of her face. “You can come 84

Hollie Davidson home with me. Everything will be okay.” “I wish I was as positive as you, Troy.” The ride back to the BR was quiet. Once in the house, Troy carried Gretchen back inside to a guest room. Kristy was sitting at the kitchen nook with a fresh pot of coffee. “Oh, you poor dear.” She took Christine’s arm and led her to another room. As soon as Kristy shut the door to the guest room Christine broke down in tears. Kristy sat her on the bed and wrapped her arms around her. “Oh, honey, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when I was left with nothing and it seemed like the world was over but, dear, in reality it had just started.” Christine wiped her eyes. “I don’t know what I will do. I slapped JoDee tonight and she took off. I didn’t mean to.” Kristy slowly got up and grabbed a tissue off the dresser, then handed it to Christine. “JoDee is young. Klinton is with her, so she isn’t alone. She will be fine. You go and take a hot bath and try to get some sleep. The problems will still be there tomorrow and you can deal with them then.” Kristy hugged the young girl, then walked out. Christine did exactly as she’d been instructed. The warm water helped relax her. After putting a gown on that Kristy had left her, she crawled into the big feather bed and fell asleep. **** 85

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Justin grabbed a Miller Lite and sat next to Troy in a matching recliner. “Is she okay?” Troy leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “Mom took her to the guest room and she’s sleeping. You ask is she okay? Well, she lost her house and everything she held dear in the world. She is very upset, and I don’t think it has hit her yet.” Troy had been a little angered when his mom swept her away. He’d wanted to comfort her. He’d wanted to hold her and make her feel better. Hell, he was probably the last thing she needed or wanted. The Jack and Coke he’d made himself was helping to relax the pounding headache. He would move heaven and earth to make her happy. “Hey, Troy, are you listening to me?” Troy quickly took a drink and turned to Justin. “Yeah, what do you want?” Justin pointed to the second guest room. “Is that crying I hear?” Troy sat up in the recliner letting his feet hit the ground. He heard faint crying. “It must be Gretchen. She doesn’t know where she is.” He sat his drink down. “Where is Amelia?” “Hell, I don’t know. She probably went to bed. The woman doesn’t talk much to me.” Troy left Justin sitting by the fire. He slowly opened the door. The crying stopped as he walked closer to the bed. “Gretchen, it’s Troy.” He heard her sniffle. “Honey, you’re at my house.” He reached for the lamp and turned it on. Gretchen 86

Hollie Davidson took the covers off. “Where is Christine?” “She’s sleeping, baby, in the other room.” “I wanna go with her.” Troy reached for her. “Come on, I’ll take you.” She wrapped her little arms around his neck and pulled at his heartstrings. How would she feel when she was told all her things were gone? He wanted to keep holding her to protect her. He slowly opened the door that led to Christine’s room. He didn’t know whether to knock or just walk in. He could see her lying on the bed sleeping. Quietly he walked over to the bed and pulled back the covers to put Gretchen in. Christine jerked up. “What are you doing in here?” He pointed to Gretchen lying beside her. “She was crying.” “Oh, I’m sorry, Troy. Thank you for bringing her in here.” He walked to the door and stopped. “I’m not the same man I was when I took you out that time, Christine.” He walked out of the room quickly. Suddenly he’d courage to continue. What in God’s name had made him tell her that? Justin was no longer in the living room. Troy took his empty glass to the kitchen and put it in the sink. He turned off the lights in the house and locked the front door. If he could have kicked himself he would have. She must really think he was a moron now. I’m not the same guy I was when I took you out before. What kind of idiot was he? He stopped outside the door to see if he could hear 87

The Bordello Boys anything. Suddenly he got very tired and began to climb the steps. The door opened and Christine walked out. She looked up at him. “I’m not the same girl I was before either, Troy. I know you’re different. I see it. What your words can’t tell me, your eyes do.” Troy didn’t know what to say. He was in limbo what he wanted to do and what he needed to do. She was so fragile right now, and the last thing she needed was a Bordello boy. “Get some sleep, Christine.” She shut the door behind her. “I can’t sleep.” The glow from the moon swept through the windowsill and left no room for imagination. Right before him stood the woman he dreamt about, the woman he needed and wanted more then anyone else, the woman who was naked under the thin gown, the woman who had so much wanting in her eyes. Was he reading her wrong? Damn it, he needed to just go up the steps and to his own room. No, what he needed was to touch her. When he reached her she wrapped her arms around his neck and their lips met. Softly he kissed her, taking her in, holding her close to him. Her lips parted and his tongue darted in her mouth, twisting about with her own. Suddenly she let go. “Goodnight.” The door shut behind her and he was left standing there, not knowing whether to scream from the painful erection he had or to smile because she had finally opened up to him.

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Chapter Seven: After the Fire Dies up the pieces to her life was extremely Picking hard. Instead of focusing on what she lost, she tried to remember what she had. Her heart was heavy, her mind tired, but her soul was still fighting. Kristy Bordello became a rock in a world of mudslides. Kristy became like a mentor, keeping her mind sharp and her spirit high. Gretchen and Christine were welcomed at the ranch with open arms. Kristy knew how it felt to lose everything, how it felt to know people were staring at you, talking and feeling sorry for you. She didn’t want Christine to feel that way. She was bound and determined to keep the girl happy because she saw the love her son Troy held for this woman. As the days before Christmas approached, the house was filled with the warm scents of Christmas. Pine cones decorated the halls and the fresh smell of the Christmas tree made the aromas even more enticing. Presents filled the room, almost leaving it impossible to gather around the glorious tree. 89

The Bordello Boys Everyone tried to make life easier on those that needed it, but the face of death loomed in the shadows and each of the Bordello boys knew their father day by day grew closer to meeting his maker. But not once did they see Kristy change her beautiful spirit. She still made Christmas seem like they were boys again. Fresh homemade cookies filled the tables, candy canes hung from the tree and the mantle, fruitcakes, pumpkin breads and all the wonderful smells one could imagine were constantly floating throughout the house. Yes, it was Christmas and as hard as Troy tried to be happy, he knew that the time was coming more and more near. The time his father would die. After the night of the fire and the kiss he kept his distance. Not to upset Christine or to push her away, but to give her time to adjust. His mother had made sure she had plenty of clothes. They were both about the same size, although Christine did have her mother beat in the upstairs department. Christine had big beautiful breasts and baby-making hips. The thought of her carrying his child made his heart swell. Imagine a son of Jake Bordello thinking about getting a girl pregnant. He laughed to himself as he rode the fields checking on fences. He looked forward to the day when he could ride back from a long day in the fields to her sitting on the porch waiting for him. For once he almost felt what his dad must feel. Just to have a smidgen of what his parents shared would make his life complete. **** 90

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Troy heard Gretchen in the hallway. “Christine, wake up. Santa came.” He smiled, remembering his brothers and himself on Christmas morning. They had always had big, bountiful Christmases. Footsteps in the hallway brought him back to the present. He pulled on his jeans and flannel shirt then headed downstairs. Everyone was already awake and downstairs. Rory and Richard looked like death warmed over. Both of them had more then likely been drinking too much eggnog with the ranch hands the night before. Christine sat on the floor with Gretchen, who could barely control her excitement. Kristy gave the word and Gretchen was ripping through gifts opening toys, clothes, jewelry and girly things from all the guys. After Gretchen was done, she ran to take her stuff to her new room. Kristy sat next to Jake. “Your father has some things he wants to say to you boys.” Jake’s hands began to shake. This once magnanimous man was sickly and his body shaking. It was hard for his sons to see him this way. “I have special gifts for all of you boys. Things I want you to have, and I don’t want no gosh damn arguing from any of you. I have raised you boys to be the best you can be. This is my will, and my will will be done.” Kristy handed him a small box. “Please let your dad finish before you start bitching.” 91

The Bordello Boys Jake continued. “I’m sick, boys, you know it and trying to pretend it’s not so isn’t practical. I will start from the youngest and go to the oldest. “Klinton, Rory and Richard, here are some things I am leaving you. Take these and use them wisely. You boys are young and full of cum. Excuse my words, ladies, but it’s true.” He handed three large manila envelopes to them. “Justin Cagle, you wanted more then I could give you and when you left I was angry. I’d spent my life building this place and wanted my sons to live here and die here like I did. I’m sorry for that, son. One thing I didn’t give you was your wings, but you grew them on your own and you have turned into a strong, independent man. You are the most like your mama and I love you for that. I have left these for you.” He handed Justin an envelope. Troy got up. “Dad, I don’t want to hear this right now.” Jake grabbed his son’s hand. “Troy, you are the most like me. Stubborn-headed, can’t be told, like a wild horse you can’t be rode. But son, my gift to you is something a younger man should have given you a long time ago.” Kristy got up and walked to the backdoor. She opened up the screen door and two hunting dog puppies ran in. Troy stood up, hugged his father then he left the room before breaking down in front of everyone. He pulled on his boots and jacket and headed towards the barn. 92

Hollie Davidson Christine looked out the window. “Is he going to be all right?” Jake placed Troy’s envelope on the table. “He will, better then all of them. Why don’t you go and check on him.” “I will, Dad.” Jake raised his voice. “No, Klinton, let the little lady go. She is who he needs right now.” Christine put on her jacket and snow boots then headed off after Troy. The barn door flew open and Kristy jumped back as he came out on top of Snowflake, his newest white stallion. “Are you okay?” Christine looked up at him. “Troy, are you okay?” He didn’t speak, just reached down to her. She put her hand in his and he pulled her up on the horse with him. They didn’t speak and he rode off away from the big house. As they reached the frozen pond, Troy stopped the stallion. He gently lowered her to the ground then he dismounted. She quietly followed behind him. “When I was a kid, probably about ten, I begged that man for a pair of hunting dogs. He said that I wasn’t old enough. That taking care of dogs was like taking care of kids. Sure, we had sheep dogs and a bunch of mutts, but a pair of coonhounds were expensive. Now we all know Dad had the money. Shit, he could have bought me a whole litter and it wouldn’t have even hurt his checkbook. “ Troy picked up a rock and threw it at the pond. The ice cracked and the rock fell in. “Damn it, 93

The Bordello Boys Christine, why does he have to die?” Troy fell to his knees. Christine ran to his side. He put his arms around her waist and cried. She softly brushed his hair back. “I don’t know, Troy. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people.” Troy stiffened and rose to his feet. “Why now? Why did he get me them damn coonhounds now? I’m hardly a child.” “Maybe it’s his way of saying he believes you will be okay. Maybe he knows, Troy, that you will be the toughest of all the brothers. Maybe that’s what he means by giving them to you now. Letting you know in his own way that he knows you are now mature enough to handle this.” Troy turned to Christine. “Why are you such a good person?” She shrugged. Troy walked over to where she stood shivering. “You know what I want for Christmas?” “What do you want, Troy?” Leaning down, he kissed her on the nose. “I want to unwrap you.” She looked around then back at him. “Surely you know we would freeze to death.” He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him. “I will keep you warm, baby.” Christine wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him. Troy lowered her to the ground. His cock pressed hard against his jeans, causing a lack of blood flow to his brain. He quickly pulled her up off the ground. “We can’t do this here.” 94

Hollie Davidson Trying to compose her dignity, she wiped the snow off her ass. “Yeah, we better head back.” Troy wrapped his arms around her again. “Oh no baby, I have every intention of fucking your brains out, but I don’t want you to get frost bite on your ass.” “Well if I’m on top, Troy, it ain’t my ass we need to be worried about, now, is it?” The pulsating pain he felt in his jeans became worse. “Damn it, Christine, you are not making this easy on me.” Christine put her hand across the front of his pants feeling his hard cock. “I bet it won’t take that long to get back to the barn, Troy. Or do you know how to ride?” Troy slowly got on the horse, his cock hurting and begging to be freed. Christine noticed him being uncomfortable. After pulling her in front of him she turned to face him, freeing his cock. It sprang to life as her warm hands stroked him harder and harder. He made it back to the barn in record time. Once inside, he lowered her and dismounted. Quickly putting Snowflake back in his stall, Troy pulled her to the back of the barn and lowered her down on the fresh hay. “Now who’s riding who, cowgirl?” Christine removed her jacket and took off her shirt. “I got a couple of doggies that need your attention, cowboy.” Troy dove in, taking turns sucking on each nipple. 95

The Bordello Boys Beneath him she bucked upwards. He knew where she wanted to be touched and was happy to oblige. He lowered her jeans and began kissing her stomach. Her little body was on fire as was his. One touch of her clit set her moaning. Troy was about to burst and couldn’t wait any longer. He removed her jeans and panties, then his own pants. She was so tight as the tip of his cock entered her. Damn, she felt good. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he inched farther and farther inside her. His own moans began and he buried his head between her breasts to soften them. As the passion grew more and more, he began to pick up speed and she cried out. Troy kissed her to quiet her. Faster and faster he pumped his cock inside her until his release came and he collapsed on top of her. She rode out a little longer, rocking against him till her body also relaxed. “My God, Troy.” He rolled off her and lay beside her. “What’s the matter, baby?” She could barely breathe. “You are wonderful.” Troy heard the door first. “Troy, Christine, where are you?” Christine jumped up and began putting her clothes on. Troy got dressed, too. A few seconds later, Rory and Richard appeared with Gretchen. “I was looking for you, Christine. Ms. Bordello said that everyone needs to come in so we can open the rest of the presents. You have a lot of presents under 96

Hollie Davidson the tree.” Rory and Richard stood gawking at Troy. He tried to ignore his pain in the ass little brothers. Rory touched Gretchen’s head. “You know, sweetheart, I think Troy has been opening his own present.” Christine glared at him. “Oh, whatever, shut the hell up.” She walked past the two brothers but Rory stopped her, pulling her hair. Christine smacked at him. “What the hell are you doing?” Richard laughed. “There was a piece of hay.” Christine stormed off with Gretchen. “Shut the fuck up, Rory.” Rory laughed and started towards the house. “Hey, Richard, looks like Troy got him some ho ho ho.” Troy chased after them into the house.

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Chapter Eight: Lights Out risty, wake up.” Kristy turned over and smiled at her husband. “What’s the matter, Jake?” “Remember that time Dad and I found you in the fields? Did you know that the week before I had seen the tree? I had seen that you put our initials on that old tree. I knew you had liked me.” “Oh, you old fool, I knew that. You have told me over and over for years that I chased you and caught you like some old sucker fish.” He laughed. How his eyes still sparkled after all those years. “Jake, I loved you and have loved you forever. You are my white knight, you are my hero, you are my lover, my best friend, and you are my life.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s time, Kristy. How it breaks my heart to leave you here alone.” Tears fell from her eyes. “We will be together again Jake. I must make sure our sons are okay. Then I will

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Hollie Davidson find you and together we will ride the clouds in heaven.” Her sobs overtook her tears. “Jake, I will be okay. I will be all right. You can go and rest in peace but be assured, cowboy, I will find you again.” He touched the side of her face. “You won’t have to find me, my love, for you will never lose me.” She kissed his lips as he took his last breath. Kristy held on to him as long as she could. The man she loved was now gone. The old lantern that hung in their room went out. The light was now gone from her world. Christine was the first to see Kristy as she walked out of the room. Christine knew as soon as she saw the older woman’s face. Christine threw her arms around Kristy. “He’s gone, isn’t he?” Kristy fell into Christine’s arms, sobbing. “Yes, my love, he is gone.” Christine let her cry for a while. Kristy wiped her tears and the two stood up. “We will never speak of my tears again. I will be strong for my sons now. Christine, I need for you to go and tell Troy. He will take it the hardest, and he will need you.” Kristy turned back to her room and walked inside. **** Troy could smell her hair across his chest. “Oh, a secret midnight visit?” He felt the tears on her face and sat up. He quickly turned on the light beside his bed. It was three in the 99

The Bordello Boys morning. “What’s wrong, Christine?” Her tears kept falling from her eyes. “Christine.” “He’s gone, Troy.” Troy jumped up. “Daddy?” “Yes, I just saw your mama. She asked me to come tell you.” Troy pulled on his jeans and ran down the steps to his parent’s bedroom. Before he could enter, the front doors opened and all the brothers came running in. Kristy opened her bedroom door. “Boys, your daddy is gone now. He doesn’t want you to see his body. He wants you to remember him the way he was. So out of respect for my husband, I will not allow anyone but the coroner in here.” Rory, Klinton and Richard all broke out in tears. Justin stared at his mother like a little boy lost. Christine took Troy’s hand. “He gave you the hound dogs. You know what to do.” He did. He knew it was up to him to take over and get things going. They had a funeral to plan, the police needed to be called and Daddy’s body needed to be taken to the funeral home. Two hours later, all the boys stood there watching as a stretcher came out with a black body bag on top. They watched as their daddy took his last ride off the farm. **** Three days later, they all stood by the old tree as Kristy spread his ashes on the ground. After she was finished she looked at her sons. 100

Hollie Davidson “Tears are for the living, boys. We have a ranch to run and lives to live. Daddy is gone, and crying and carrying on won’t bring him back. So get your asses in gear and live your life like it’s the last day. For we never know what tomorrow will bring, or even if we have tomorrow.” Justin helped her on her horse and she rode back to the ranch alone as the others stared at the memorial they’d had made for their father. **** Rory and Richard were the first to leave. They had a life in San Antonio and needed to return. They were not meant to live their lives on the ranch. It wasn’t in their blood, and Kristy accepted that. As hard as it was to see her sons go, she knew in her heart one day when they matured they would return. But they had to live out their lives. She expected Justin to leave, but he stayed on. The longer that he stayed, the more she knew he was home for good. Christine had given Troy space after his daddy died. He buried himself in work trying to be the ‘man’ of the place. In his envelope, he found that his father had placed him in charge of the ranch and those who worked there. It usually would have gone to the oldest, being Justin, but Jake knew ranching was not what Justin wanted. Justin’s love, a secret love, was singing. Put a guitar in that boy’s hand and he could stop a war with his voice. He’d always been good at it 101

The Bordello Boys but never tried to do anything with it. Such a waste. Kristy kept herself busy around the house. She spent a lot of her time with Gretchen. They would spend hours together in the kitchen or in the garden. Gretchen gave her a reason to live. She loved and missed her husband, but her sons still needed her. If she could get the foundation straight then she would be okay to go and be with her husband, but it still needed work. She had to know that Troy would be okay. He was the foundation, and Justin was the rock. They had to be in tune in order to keep the ranch alive.

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Chapter Nine: Time Marches On stretched out on the porch with a cold one Troy in his hand. He was tired. The days seemed to

end sooner and the mornings came even quicker. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. The screen door squeaked and he opened one eye to see who was walking in. Justin sat across from him. “How’s it going, Troy?” “I tell you, Justin, I sure can tell the difference of Klinton being gone. I still can’t believe he left.” “I think a lot of it had to do with JoDee. I mean, she is a good girl, but once a man gets pussy-whipped, he will sell his soul to the devil to guarantee his need for pussy.” “I’m surprised to hear you talk like that Justin. I thought you went out and got edumacated. Women have rights, they are not just pussy anymore.” Justin grabbed a beer out of Troy’s ice chest. “What about you, little brother? Did you just get that piece of ass and leave?” “Stay out of this, Justin. This has nothing to do with you.” 103

The Bordello Boys “Well, Troy, I think it does. See, you walk around here like you have no worries and no concerns, but I see you staring at Christine. I know you are in love with that girl. So what keeps you away?” “I don’t love anyone but myself and my horse.” Justin slammed his beer on the table beside him. “You’re such a lying son of a bitch, Kerry Troy Bordello. Why are you going to risk losing her? She is a damn good woman and the night Daddy died, she held our mom and let her cry in her arms.” “What are you talking about?” “Troy, Mama is only so tough. I hadn’t been able to sleep. I was out on the front porch that night. I heard Mama tell Christine he was gone, then they both cried together. Mama then told Christine not to mention it to anyone. She told her to go and tell you.” Troy opened another beer. “I didn’t know that. But Justin, Christine hasn’t done anything wrong. I just have so much to do.” “Little brother, you don’t have all the time in the world. Like Mama said, we don’t know what we have ‘til it’s gone. Go find her and tell her you love her. Tell her, don’t lose her because you are being so macho and won’t grieve. Did you know that daddy sent her after you on Christmas Day? Daddy knew how you felt about her and you know how I know that? He told me. He told me how you waste your time thinking of her when you should be with her.” Troy’s body began to tense up. He needed a shower. His muscles ached, his body hurt. “Justin, I appreciate your concern, but I’m just living day to 104

Hollie Davidson day, man.” “No, Troy, you aren’t. You are losing days trying to be Dad, trying to fill Jake Bordello’s shoes, but, Troy, you will never be him and that’s okay.” Justin walked inside leaving Troy alone with his beer and aching muscles. The school bus stopped at the end of the long driveway. He saw his mother give Gretchen a hug then they began walking towards the ranch house. He decided to go and take a shower. Maybe the heat would relax him. As he opened up his bedroom door, he heard her singing in the next room. He sat on his bed, listening to her singing a Tanya Tucker song. Her voice touched his heart. He needed her so badly. What the hell was keeping him from her? Was he scared to commit? Was he afraid to love someone so much, then lose them? He wasn’t sure but at the very moment his heart ached for her touch. His door opened and she walked in carrying some towels. Upon seeing him, she dropped them on the floor. She quickly dropped to her knees, picking them up. “I’m sorry Troy, I didn’t know you were back already. I should have knocked.” “It’s okay. I finished early today. I’m not feeling so hot.” “Are you sick?” She had that damn concerned look in her eyes. Why couldn’t it be like before? Why couldn’t she hate him? “I was picking up hay bales. I think I pulled some muscles. My shoulders are on fire and my back feels 105

The Bordello Boys like Snowflake kicked the shit out of me.” Christine put the towels in the bathroom. “Go take a hot bath and I will give you a massage. I have some ointment that will make you feel better. I got to go check on the roast, but I will be back in twenty.” Before she left, she started the water for him. Before he could argue with her, she was gone. He undressed, then got in a tub of hot water, hoping anything would relieve the tension he felt in his neck and shoulders. He didn’t even mind that she had put bubbles in the bath water. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. When he felt her hands on his shoulders, he didn’t even flinch. “My God, Troy, you have more knots then Gretchen’s sneakers. What’s wrong?” “I just have so much to do. I have to make sure the cattle on the west end of the property are ready for slaughter. I have to make sure the hands are doing their jobs, then there is the equipment, the horses...” Christine put her finger to his lips to quiet him. “Troy, you don’t have to do all that alone. Justin is here, let him help.” “If I get dependent on him, I will only screw myself in the long run. Justin will leave any day now.” “He says he’s not leaving. I even heard him telling your mama he is going to move into the property on the south end of the land.” Troy laughed. “That will be the day.” Christine continued to massage his shoulders and neck. “I wish you would open up and let people help 106

Hollie Davidson you.” She rose off the floor and turned to leave. Troy grabbed her hand. “You deserve better, Christine. Remember when you told me I was an asshole and you would never be with me? You should have kept those words. You deserve a man that I can never be.” She looked down into his eyes. “I can’t help who I love, Troy. I have been patient. I have been more than patient because I do love you, but Troy, I can’t continue on like this. You say I deserve more. Then let me go. Let me out of your heart and I will leave.” She pulled her hand out of his. “I talked to a friend in Cross Plains. She offered me a place to stay. Gretchen is going to stay here. I figure your mama needs her, and Gretchen adores Kristy, too. I have tried to get you out of my head, out of my heart, but I can’t, and maybe distance is the only way I can.” Troy got out, dried off and dressed. He hadn’t expected her to say that. Yeah, he said he wanted her to leave but he didn’t mean it. As he walked down the steps towards the kitchen, he heard her soft cries from the kitchen. Amelia was standing next to her by the window. “I don’t know what to tell you, Christine. Troy has always been a wayward soul. After Jake died, he just got worse. Maybe it’s best if you leave. Then you can find someone who will love you like you should. Girl, all your life you have taken care of someone. This is your chance to be free and to live life.” “I know, Amelia, but it still hurts. Damn that Troy Bordello.” 107

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Chapter Ten: To Everything There is a Season roy came home from being out on the fields one day and she was gone. No goodbye, no see you later, she was just gone. He grabbed a beer and headed to his room. Not trying to care, not showing any concern. The voice, the sweet voice that use to fill the halls was now gone. Her room was empty, her scent not lingering in the air. What did he care? He didn’t need some splittail around messing up his thoughts. Yeah, he needed to get back to the way he was before she invaded his thoughts. He was a Bordello, and Bordello men didn’t need a woman. As the days went by, he threw himself into working more and more. He even began sleeping in the bunkhouse again. Every little thing that annoyed him sent him into an uproar, and many fights started due to his temper. The ranch hands had enough and went to Justin to complain. Troy was just an asshole to be around, and

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Hollie Davidson several were threatening to quit if something wasn’t done. **** Troy threw his beer bottle against the side of the barn. “Fuck you, Justin. How dare you tell me shit about this ranch? I am out there every day busting my ass for Dad’s dream. Fuck those pansy-ass helpers, let them go.” “Troy, you have been an insufferable prick since Dad died, and it got worse when Christine left.” Justin didn’t have time to react. He felt the pressure across his face. Justin fell to the ground and Troy followed. The two brothers began punching each other. Both stopped when they heard a gun shot. In front of them stood Kristy Bordello, her face red with anger. “You little assholes wouldn’t act like this when your Daddy was here. He would have kicked the shit out of you. How dare you act like this with me.” Justin rose off the ground. “Mama, put the gun down.” Kristy had tears falling down her cheeks. She dropped the gun as her body began to jerk and then she fell to the ground. **** Troy and Justin sat outside their mama’s door while the doctor examined her. Neither of them said a word 109

The Bordello Boys as Amelia paced the floor. When the door finally opened, the doctor came out shutting the door behind him. “Your mother had a stroke, boys. She is very weak. I have sedated her. It’s too early to tell what her limitations are now. She needs her rest. Under no circumstances is she to have any stress in her life.” He left Amelia instructions and a number to reach him. After he left Troy got up. “I did this to her.” Justin shook his head in disbelief. “No, Troy, she wants to be with Daddy. We just added to her pain.” “Do we call the others?” Justin ran his hands through his hair. “No, let’s see what happens first.” **** Two months after she left the ranch, she came back. Christine had gotten a phone call from Gretchen informing her of Kristy’s stroke. Christine knew she was needed, and she knew she would have to face Troy. But Kristy had been there for her when she needed someone, so she would be there for Kristy. Gretchen met her at the door and jumped in her arms. “She is so sick, Christine.” Christine put her suitcase down by the front door. “Take me to her.” Kristy was sleeping when Christine walked in. The once radiant woman was sickly and pale, the way Jake had been. The doctors could say it was a stroke but the truth was, she needed Jake. Jake was her life 110

Hollie Davidson and without him she didn’t exist. Sure, she fought for a while but when your heart belongs to someone, distance didn’t make it easier. She knew. Christine put her things away, then went to the kitchen to start dinner. She was going to have to face her demon head on when Troy walked in. There was no hiding her bulging stomach. In her belly, she carried a Bordello. Justin and Amelia were the first to arrive for dinner. Christine noticed them staring at her protruding belly, but she pretended nothing was wrong. As she sat the table she heard the screen door slam. He was there. She took a deep breath and continued setting the table. When she was done, she sat down by Gretchen. A few minutes later Troy entered the room smelling of Hero and looking as good as ever. He stopped dead in his tracks. She was here. It wasn’t just a dream she was actually back. “Hey, Christine, what are you doing back?” The table hid Christine’s pregnant belly. “I came back to help Kristy and to watch over Gretchen. I can’t very well expect you all to do it.” He sat down and filled his plate. “You didn’t have to stop what you were doing to come here. We have a nurse that will watch Mama.” “I will watch your mama, Troy, and don’t worry about me stopping what I was doing.” “Well, thank you for thinking of my mom.” “No problem, Troy, Gretchen and Kristy are the 111

The Bordello Boys only reason I’m back.” He filled his plate and began to eat. A crash in the other room sent them running into Kristy’s room. The left side of her body was paralyzed and her face drooped from the paralysis. She had tried to grab a glass to get a drink and it had dropped. As soon was Kristy saw Christine, she smiled. Her words slurred by the inability to speak as well. “You ca…came ba…back.” Christine moved closer to the bed. “Yes, I’m back.” Kristy smiled again. “Gr…gr…an…d b…ba…b…by.” “What is she saying?” Christine turned to Troy. “She is saying grandbaby.” He immediately saw her big belly. Christine turned back to her. “Yes, Kristy, I am having your grandbaby.” **** Troy waited on the swing for her to come out of his mama’s room. When she finally did she walked out to the front porch and sat down. “When I left here, Troy, I didn’t know I was pregnant.” Troy looked in her eyes and knew she was telling the truth. “If you had known, would you have stayed?” “No. Well, maybe. For your mom, I would have. Damn it, Troy. I don’t know what I would have done. I was so hurt when I left here.” 112

Hollie Davidson “And now?” “I’m just numb. I have only known for about three weeks.” “How far are you?” “Well, hell, Troy, do the math. We slept together on Christmas day. So I would say about twenty four weeks.” She removed her shoes and began to rub her feet. “I am about five months. The doctor said I was due in at the end of September or first of October.” “Do they know what it is?” “It’s a baby, and yes, I know what the baby is. I am having a girl.” Troy lowered his head into his hands. Christine put her shoes back on. “I don’t expect anything from you. It was a one-time thing. Stupid me not to have had protection.” She went back inside the house leaving him alone with his thoughts. A father? A girl? He was having a baby girl?

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Chapter Eleven: The Walls Came Tumbling Down risty seemed to be getting better. More and more she began to move around. She wasn’t able to walk, so Christine took her strolling in her new wheelchair. Christine spent many hours with Kristy learning about the romance that she’d shared with Jake. Gretchen was now out for the summer, so she spent her time either with Kristy and Christine or with the ranch hands. She was becoming quite the experienced horse rider. Troy was changing, too. His once heavy heart was light with anticipation. He actually looked forward to going home and seeing Christine on the porch, her feet swollen from the heat, her hair tied up in a clip and her belly sticking out. She was the most beautiful woman ever and he so badly wanted to tell her. He didn’t care if it took eternity, he would show her how much he loved her or die trying. Kristy hadn’t wanted the other sons told about her stroke. She had never been the type to let anyone

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Hollie Davidson dwell upon her. She had five sons, plenty of broken bones and nothing had broken her yet. Well, except the death of Jake. How could she explain to everyone how badly she missed him? You cannot spend more then half your life with someone and just accept their departing. She sprayed his aftershave on his pillow. She talked to him at night. She found it hard to breathe without him being by her side. While she prayed to God to do things as he saw fit, she also prayed to go home and be with her Jake. The only problem was she still had work to do on earth. Troy had been so angry after Jake died, then Christine left sending him off the deep end. He had been an insufferable asshole to so many, including the poor girl. Kristy hadn’t blamed her at all when she left. She hated to see her go but it didn’t matter now. She was back and she was carrying her grandchild. All she wanted was to see her grandchild before she left. She had to make sure her children would be all right. Then she would find Jake and together they would ride the clouds in Heaven. **** Jake took his shower, then headed down the stairs to eat dinner. He heard her singing as he stepped down off the last step. She was singing a lullaby. She would be an incredible mom and she would be his wife. Problem was, she had built that wall again. It didn’t matter; he was a Bordello, and would tear it down. 115

The Bordello Boys As he entered the kitchen, he saw her climbing on the counter reaching for something on a high shelf. “Woman, have you lost your gosh damn mind?” His tone scared her and she began to fall, only to fall into his awaiting arms. “Troy, you scared the shit out of me.” “You shouldn’t be climbing in your condition.” He sat her down, then reached up and grabbed the gravy bowl. “Thank you.” Troy grabbed a mitt and started putting the hot plates on the table. “I am capable of doing that myself, Troy.” Troy set the biscuits down. “So am I.” They both sat and waited for the rest of the crew to join them. After a few minutes, Christine got up. “Where the hell is everyone?” Troy peeked out the window. “Justin’s truck is gone. I think we were meant to have dinner alone.” “Why would they do that?” Troy touched her hand. “I need to talk to you.” “Troy, we really don’t need to talk. We have said enough.” “Christine, we need to discuss.” She stood up. “I don’t want to talk.” “Damn it, Christine, I am sorry.” Christine closed her eyes and as hard as she tried she couldn’t move. “Christine, I love you.” She couldn’t move. She didn’t want to move. Everything inside her told her to run, to leave, to get 116

Hollie Davidson the hell out of Dodge. Everything but her heart. “Why did you hurt me?” Troy scooted his chair away from the table and moved closer to her. “I was so angry inside, Christine. I wasn’t ready for my dad to go. I didn’t want to care about anyone, especially you.” Tears fell down her face as she turned towards him. “Don’t do it again, Kerry Troy Bordello.” He pulled her in his arms. “I won’t ever hurt you, Christine. Marry me.” She scooted away. “I know you didn’t just ask me to marry you without a ring. Give me a break.” Laughing, he got down on one knee. “Christine Lynn Strait, would you be my wife?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an old washer they used on the fences in the south fields. “Will you?” She threw her arms around his neck. “I love you, Troy. I think I always have. Yes, I will.” Troy picked her up and carried her to his room, kissing her all the way. Dinner would have to wait. He softly laid her on the bed. “I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.” Christine pulled him by the shirt down beside her. “Pregnant women have sex everyday, Troy. I’m not going to get hurt.” She began to unbutton his shirt kissing his neck as she prepared him for a night of lovemaking. His jeans came off next and the excitement of seeing his erect cock flooded her body. He tried to sit up. 117

The Bordello Boys “I am going to make love to you. Just lay there like a good little boy.” Her hands moved all over his body, he lay back and close his eyes thoroughly enjoying her small hands milking his shaft, caressing his balls, then when her mouth came down on his cock, he arched up to meet her dancing tongue. She licked the tip of his cock then down the shaft, up and down. Taking him in completely sent his body in an sensation he’d never experienced. This was what it was like to be fucked by a woman he loved. Faster, faster, up and down over and over, she sucked on his cock. His panting became excessive. He needed something to touch and her full breasts felt like heaven as he gently kneaded her nipples. Yes, she needed her own release. As badly as he wanted her to finish sucking him, he wanted to see ecstasy in her eyes as well. He rose up, kissing her, sucking on her nipples, soaking in the female juices between her legs. Her clit was so smooth, so swollen, so wet. She wrapped her legs around his hand as he fingered her ever so slowly, then gained speed. He sucked in her breath as she gasped for air. When she couldn’t take any more, she climbed on top of him, lowering herself ever so slowly on his huge cock. She used his chest as leverage supporting her big belly. Her body seemed to just fit on his. Her pussy clamped down on his shaft, taking him in. Her moans became louder. Troy buckled up as his own cock jerked, twitched, then released inside her. 118

Hollie Davidson “I love you, Christine.”

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Chapter Twelve: The Bordello Boys Come Home he news of the wedding brought all the brothers home; even Klinton and JoDee showed up a week before the wedding, much to everyone’s surprise. Kristy seemed to be in better spirits, though after the attack she was never the same. Troy knew the inevitable was going to happen. He had called it long ago when his father had become sick. His soul was more at ease because now he knew how she felt, what it was like to love someone so much that you wanted to be with them every hour of the day. He couldn’t imagine now having Christine in his life, his bed, his heart and his soul. He would go crazy without her. Troy had finished helping with the dishes while Christine helped Gretchen with her book report. As he was going up the steps, he heard his mother moving around. He tapped on the door then entered. Kristy was wide-awake, staring out the window. “What are you looking at, mama?”

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Hollie Davidson She tapped the side of her bed with her good arm. “Sssit.” Troy sat besides his mother. “What are you looking at?” She pointed to the sky. “Hee wwaaitting ffor mme.” As hard as it was to hear those words from her, he understood. “Daddy’s waiting for you?” She smiled. “Yyaou wwill bbee ookkay.” “Yes, Mom, I will be all right. Christine will make sure of that. I will take care of them brothers of mine, too. I don’t want you to worry about any of them. I promise you they will be alright.” Kristy patted his hand. “Bbabby.” “Yes, Mom, I will take care of my baby, too. This baby will be the BR’s future. I will not let what daddy and granddaddy built die. I swear on that. But promise me one thing, Mama. Wait ‘til you see my child. Can you do that for me?” Tears swelled in her eyes. “I wwawill.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I love you, Mama.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep. **** Troy found Justin drinking his coffee the next morning, looking at the sunrise. “I tell you, Troy, there is nothing like a Texas sunrise.” “Thinking of staying, aren’t you?” 121

The Bordello Boys Justin turned towards his brother. “Amelia and I have been seeing each other. We haven’t told anyone simply because we just didn’t think it was anyone’s business. Daddy left me my choice of houses on the land. I am thinking of setting up shop here and helping with the ranch.” “Justin, you are the oldest, the ranch house is yours.” “No, man, that belongs to you and Christine. It’s what Daddy would have wanted. I know that because he told me before he died. Plus, you are about to get married, have a baby and you, my little brother, will have to help raise Gretchen.” Troy sipped his own coffee, relishing his brother’s words. “Yes, I have a lot on my plate. Justin, what about your dreams? Your music?” “I shouldn’t really say anything, but Rory and Rich are thinking of staying on, too. If they do we have already talked about starting our own band and playing around the honky tonks in Brady and surrounding areas.” “That would be great if that happened. I know Mama would die happier knowing her boys were all here.” Justin nodded in agreement. “So you have finally accepted the fact she is going to leave us and soon?” “Yeah, Justin, I have. After the baby comes, she will leave.” Christine heard the brothers talking by the barn. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but she was bringing Troy the lunch he’d forgotten on the counter as usual. 122

Hollie Davidson It pained her heart to think of Kristy leaving, but at the same time it brought her peace, knowing she would be with Jake. Walking up, she stepped on a twig, causing the brothers to turn around. “What have I told you about coming out like that? Christine, you don’t know what’s crawling around out here this early.” She handed him his lunch. “Yes, Father.” Troy turned to Justin. “I tell you, I am going to have to whip this one into shape.” Justin smiled at Christine. “I think you already did something with that one’s shape, but you didn’t whip her.” Troy laughed as did Justin. “Both of you can kiss my ass.” She turned and started to walk back towards the house. Troy stopped her. “Doesn’t a man get a kiss goodbye?” She walked over to Justin and kissed him on the cheek. “Have a great day, Justin.” Troy smacked her on the ass as she strolled past him. “I will remember that when you want ice cream at three in the morning.” She stopped and put her hands on the hips. “Go ahead, threaten my ice cream. Because I will remember that when you want, well, you know, at three in the morning. The only person getting any tit will be this baby.” Justin cracked up. Christine left them standing there, Justin still laughing and Troy not. 123

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**** The whole town was buzzing about the wedding. A Bordello boy was actually getting married, and Troy, at that. Invitations had been sent out and plans were underway. The wedding was going to be held at the ranch itself. Amelia and Christine had caterers sent in from San Antonio to make sure everything was exactly as Christine wanted it. Local carpenters made arches for the wedding and beautiful decorations down the aisle. Only the biggest and brightest yellow roses would line the aisles and fill her bouquet as well as her bridesmaids. JoDee was a bridemaid, Amelia her maid of honor, Gretchen her flower girl. Each of the brothers would stand at Troy’s side. Yes, everything was ready. Even Kristy longed for the day to arrive. Nothing was left unattended. The cake was four tiers high with yellow rosebuds around the edges. The groom’s cake was shaped like a tuxedo and filled with deep dark chocolate. A band had been hired and floors built to accommodate the huge guest list. What started out to be a simple wedding was now turning into a town event with over a thousand people sending their RSVPS. The night before the wedding Christine stood in front of the mirror in Kristy’s room staring at her gown. “I hate that I am going to be so fat. I know that people think we are only getting married because I am pregnant.” Kristy grimaced at Christine. “Ddoo yayou ffeel 124

Hollie Davidson ththat waway? “Well, of course not. I don’t have a single doubt in my mind that your son doesn’t love me. I just don’t like to think about what others are assuming.” “Ththen dodont.” Christine sat on the side of the bed and hugged Kristy. “Were you this excited when you got married?” “I dadidnt hahave so mmamany ppeople.” Christine remembered Troy telling her that there had been a lot of problems with Kristy’s family. Her family had abandoned her at the ranch thinking she had been having a fling with Jake. “Did you ever regret marrying Jake?” Kristy grabbed a hold of Christine’s hand. “Chchild, I loloved JaJake the ffirst ttime I ssaw hhim.” “I know how you feel. Even when I thought Troy was an asshole I still liked him in the back of my mind. Now you look tired. I am going to go and check on Gretchen. You get some sleep. We have a big day planned for tomorrow and the next day.” **** Troy didn’t know what hit him. Rory and Rich shoved him in the truck and raced down the road. “What the hell are you two punks up to?” Rich pulled out a beer. “Bachelor party, asshole, what else do you think?” Troy took a beer. “Don’t do anything stupid. I 125

The Bordello Boys don’t want anything to fuck up my wedding to Christine.” Rich stopped the truck down the road. “We are going to get shitfaced, then puke as we walk down the aisle tomorrow.” Klinton and Justin pulled up and got in the huge king cab. “So where to, boys?” “Did anyone bother to tell my fiancé that I was being kidnapped tonight?” Klinton laughed. “Well, hell yeah, she knows. JoDee is taking her to get shitfaced.” Troy quickly turned to his little brother. They all started to laugh. “Yes, she is going out, but you know as well as we do that she won’t get shitfaced carrying your baby. Now come on, let’s go have some fun.” The last thing Christine wanted to do was go clubbing with the girls, but she didn’t want to seem like a party pooper either. Amelia, JoDee and a girl Rich and Rory brought names Rosie all convinced her to go. The CNA that sat with Kristy at night volunteered to keep an eye on Gretchen as well so they left. There were three clubs in Brady. The Brady Country Club, the Rustler and the Pitstop. Christine knew damn well that Troy and his brothers were at the Rustler. It was the honky tonk they had all frequented as young bucks. The girls went to the country club for a few drinks. Rosie began to get drunk and wanted to find Rory. So after a few drinks, the girls took off to find the guys, but in reality it was 126

Hollie Davidson pretty easy to find them. Christine walked in just as the stripper began to straddle Troy. Amelia grabbed her cousin. “Let’s go.” Christine walked over to the table. Troy jumped up, knocking the girl to the ground. All the Bordello Boys turned white. Rosie picked up a pitcher of beer and poured it on Rory’s head. Christine busted out laughing as she began to cuss him out in Spanish. “Christine, I…” She put her hand over his mouth. “I really don’t care, Troy. Do you think I am even remotely jealous of that skanky ho?” Rosie ran out the back door with Rory following behind her. “We were just...” “Troy, I don’t care. I’m not mad.” He pulled her in his arms. “So you won’t mind if I come here with my brothers from time to time?” “No, dear, I don’t care, as long as you don’t mind if I go to the Pitstop with my cousins from time to time.” He put his hands in her back pockets. “We will have to discuss that.” “No, we won’t, dear. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” A simple kiss shut her up. Rory came back in a few minutes later. “She started walking back to the ranch.” Christine saw the red mark across his face. “You know, Troy, I think Rosie has Rory by the balls.” 127

The Bordello Boys “Shut up, Christine, no splittail has me.” Troy moved in front of his future wife. “Watch how you talk to her.” “I didn’t mean any disrespect. Damn it, could someone go and get her? She is super pissed at me. What the hell was she drinking, Amelia?” JoDee smiled from ear to ear. “Rich told us to give her tequila.” Rich took off running as Rory followed in hot pursuit. Justin paid for their tab and they all went to protect Rich from Rory. **** Christine stared in the mirror. “You look beautiful, Kristy.” The older lady looked in the mirror; her eyes that once shone were now tired looking. “I--I’m oold.” “You are beautiful, Kristy, you have always been so beautiful.” Christine patted her shoulder then sprayed some more hairspray on Kristy’s hair. “I am so nervous.” Kristy scooted her wheelchair back a little from the vanity. “Ttroy laloves yyou.” “I love him, too. I can’t believe I’m going to be his wife. It still amazes me.” The door opened and Gretchen came running in with a long-stemmed yellow rose. “Troy told me to give this to you.” Christine took a hold of the rose and smelled it. “He is so sweet sometimes, I almost forget about him being a pain in the ass.” 128

Hollie Davidson Kristy laughed. “Gretchen, you need to go and get dressed now. Amelia is going to help you.” Gretchen ran out. Christine sat down at the vanity. “I wish my mama was here. I miss her horribly sometimes.” There was a knock at the door then the hairdresser and make up artist came in to do their work on Christine. She sat back and allowed them to pamper her. It was almost time for her to go take the last walk of freedom.

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The Bordello Boys

Chapter Thirteen: Another Star Over Texas could barely control her crying as she Christine walked arm in arm down the aisle with her new

husband. She was now Christine Lynn Bordello. The reception started off with a bang. Justin sang the newly married couple The One, a slow country ballad by Gary Allan. Troy held on to his new bride and relished her beauty. Her swollen belly only made it more special. He would die for her and their child. That was how much love he consumated in his heart. As the people began to leave and say their goodbyes, Troy loaded his new bride up in a rented limo and they drove off towards a secret destination only known by Troy. In the limo, she rested her head against his chest. “I am so tired, Troy.” He kissed the top of her head. “I know, my love.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep, only to be awakened by him carrying her. “Where are we?” Troy opened the door and carried her into the cabin. “We are alone, and that’s all that matters.” 130

Hollie Davidson He kissed her softly and laid her on the bed. “Go back to sleep, Christine. We have the rest of our lives to make love. You need your sleep.” She drifted off again, secure and happy in love with the man of her dreams, her husband. **** When she awakened the next morning, she heard Troy outside. She pulled the covers away from her and stood up. Troy was out on the back patio fishing. After using the restroom and changing, she went out back to join him. For the rest of the day they spent lounging around the old cabin. Troy seemed distant. Christine put her arms around him as he stood starring at the sun setting on the lake. “What’s wrong, Troy?” “I just had a bad dream last night.” “What did you dream about?” “I heard the birds’ wings?” “What are you talking about?” Troy turned to her, bringing her closer into his arms. “Tex used to tell me that the Indians believed that when you heard the birds’ wings, a death would occur close in your family.” “You’re worried about your mom, aren’t you?” Slowly he nodded his head. “I’m very worried.” Christine pulled away. “Then let’s go home so you can be near her.” “Woman, I love you.” 131

The Bordello Boys Christine winked. “You better.” **** Troy pulled his truck out onto the old dirt road. It was only another hour to the ranch. He needed to check on his mom. Sure he’d had dreams of the birds, but he’d never heard their wings until now. He knew it was coming but he didn’t want to lose his mom. She had to wait to see the baby. She promised she would. With his new wife beside him he turned on the last dirt road to drive the last mile to the ranch. He never even saw the old dump truck. The last thing he heard was Christine screaming, then it all went black. **** Justin paced the hospital corridor with Amelia by his side. Last he’d heard was they would have to take the baby, and with her only being twenty-eight weeks they were not sure about anything. Christine had many bruises, a few cuts and still hadn’t awakened. Troy had been thrown out of the truck and had a broken leg, along with seven broken ribs. He was the least hurt of them all. The door opened and the doctor came out with his hat in his hand. The Bordello brothers all raced to hear what he had to say. “We took the baby.” Amelia and JoDee started to cry. “Now wait, she is alive but she is nowhere near safe. To be honest with you, we don’t know what’s 132

Hollie Davidson going to happen. She is on oxygen. She is jaundiced, so we know there are possible liver problems. She is only two pounds.” Amelia dried her eyes. “And Christine?” “She still hasn’t woken up. We don’t know to what extent the damages are in her cranial area. Now that the baby is out of her, we can do x-rays. I just can’t tell you much yet.” “Doc, can we see the baby?” The doctor shook his head. “Not yet, she is being checked over by Neonatal. She will be in the NICU ward. The next forty-eight hours are going to be either life or death for that little girl. Pray for her.” **** Troy woke up; his head felt as if it had been split open. He was in major pain. He them remembered, the lights, the dump truck. Oh, hell, Christine screaming. He tried to get up, but couldn’t. His screams brought all his brothers into the room. “Troy, you can not get up.” “Where is my wife?” Nobody said a word. “Where is my wife?” Justin moved closer to the bed. “You two were in a horrible accident.” “Damn it, Justin, where is my wife?” Amelia moved closer. Troy began to scream. “All of you get the fuck away from me. Someone tell me where my wife is.” “Troy, she hasn’t woken up. They had to take the 133

The Bordello Boys baby.” Troy felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. He couldn’t breathe. The wings, he’d heard the wings. Oh, dear God, no. He began to cry. The nurse ran in and made everyone leave. “I need to see my wife.” The elderly nurse touched his hand. “You can not see her right now. You have been hurt yourself.” “My baby girl.” “Mr. Bordello, by the grace of God, you all are alive right now. So just pray.” The nurse put some morphine in his IV and it made him drowsy. He soon fell asleep. Christine woke up and immediately felt the emptiness in her gut. Her baby was gone, and her body ached. She began to cry. “Where is my baby? Where is my husband?” The physician’s assistant ran over to the bed. “Mrs. Bordello your husband was hurt but he is alive and in the other room. We had to take the baby because there was so much fetal distress. The baby is in NICU.” “I have to go and see her, I need to see him.” **** The next day, Troy and Christine were reunited. Both were taken to the NICU where they got to see their daughter for the first time. Troy held Christine as she cried. “Oh, God, Troy, she is so little.” They sat by their daughter day in and day out, hoping and praying she would survive. 134

Hollie Davidson The couple was released three days later and returned to the ranch. Kristy was in bed when they arrived home. Troy took a picture in to the room. “This is Kristy Lynn Bordello.” Kristy smiled at her new granddaughter. “Shee wawill bbe ookay.” Troy cried like he was a little boy. “How do you know, Mama?” She patted his head as he laid his head on her stomach and bawled. “Yayour ddaddy ttold mme.” Troy looked up. “What?” Kristy smiled at him. “Shshe is a ffifighter. Shshe wawill llive.” **** The phone rang early in the morning and Troy bumped his head on the headboard trying to get it. “Hello.” “Is this Mr. Bordello?” “Yes, this is Troy.” “Mr. Bordello, this is Dr. Williamson your daughter’s pediatrician. Sir, we are not out of the woods yet, but I must say I am very positive about her recovery.” Troy put the phone down and hugged his wife. They held on to each other crying. When Christine got up to take a shower, Troy walked downstairs to the front patio. Justin was sitting on the swing drinking coffee. “The doctor just called, Kristy Lynn will be okay.” 135

The Bordello Boys “That’s great.” “I guess Tex was wrong about the wings.” “What are you talking about?” “When I was a little boy Tex told me that if you heard the birds’ wings, it meant death in your family. The night we were coming home I had heard the wings. So we were coming home to check on Mama. But I almost lost my family.” Justin sat up straight. “Tex was an old coot. The legend was that an old Indian warrior’s daughter got very ill. Since he was old and had lived his life he prayed to his God that he would die so his daughter could live. The Gods answered his prayers by sending a mighty eagle to gather him in his wings. So that’s why they say if you hear the birds’ wings it means death.” Troy jumped up, dropping his coffee cup to the ground. “Mama!” **** Kristy Bordello was buried next to her husband beneath the old tree. Her funeral was small, just close family. Each of her sons laid yellow roses at the trunk of the tree. She was finally with Jake. A few weeks later Christine carried her daughter out of the patio to where her husband stood looking at the clouds. The rain fell and thunder rang throughout the land. “What are you doing, Troy?” Troy took his daughter in his arms and pointed to the clouds. “Somewhere up there, Grandma and Grandpa are riding the clouds together.” 136

Hollie Davidson Christine put her arms around Troy and looked at the sky. She knew in her heart that it was true.

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About the Author have been living in Texas damn near all my life. I Ilove it. I am a nursing student and full time mom. I adore my true friends and love to meet new ones. Favorite saying: Save the Drama for your mama.