“What happened?” I whispered, almost scared to hear the answer.
“I was ninety-nine percent sure he was abusing his wife and daughter. And when I witnessed it firsthand, I lost it. I nearly killed him and ended up with a bullet in my leg.”
He closed his eyes, and I could see that it pained him. My heart clenched, knowing this was a trigger for him.
“The look in that little girl’s eyes will haunt me for the rest of my life,” he said.
“But you helped her.”
He shook his head. “I only made the situation worse. The ambassador fired us when he discovered what happened. And now, he’s threatening to sue.”
My jaw dropped open. “What? You’re kidding.”
He shook his head. “Nope. So, in addition to putting my friends’ lives in danger, I’ve now become a threat to Cole’s business. Not to mention the fact that the wife and daughter are probably still trapped.”
My heart was racing as I considered the precarious situation they were in. “That’s terrible. Surely…” I swallowed. “Surely, they’ll be okay, right?”
He shook his head. “They might have been able to escape had I not fucked up.”
“Connor.” I cupped his cheek, bringing his attention to me. “You were trying to help them.”
“But I should’ve listened to orders. I should’ve listened, not reacted emotionally.”
“You’re human. And considering your past, it’s completely understandable.”
“My past…” He blew out a breath. “My past is…it’s why I’m not safe to be around.”
I shifted so I was partly lying over him, our legs intertwined. “That’s not true.”
“It is.” His voice was clogged with emotion. “You shouldn’t be with me, but I’m a selfish bastard who can’t seem to stay away.”
I smoothed my finger over his eyebrows, tracing the lines of his face. His eyes were stormy and conflicted, full of emotion as he waged an internal struggle.
“Connor,” I said, determined to bring him some peace. “I’ve felt nothing but safe since I met you. Safe to be myself. Safe to express my opinion. Safe and protected physically.”
When he didn’t respond, I said, “I mean it.”
He nodded. “I know. But you don’t know what I’m capable of. You don’t know what kind of man I really am. A monster, just like my call sign. Just like my father,” he said more softly.
“I don’t believe that for one minute.”
“That’s because you see the good in everyone.”
I leaned down, pressing my lips to his. “It’s not difficult to see the good in you.”
He tucked my hair behind my ear. “You’re too good for me.”
I shook my head, some of my hair coming loose. “If anything, you’re out of my league.”
He barked out a laugh, our foreheads still touching as he cupped the back of my neck. “How do you not see it?”
“See what?” I asked, our breath mingling as the atmosphere shifted.
“One of these days, you’re going to believe me,” he said. “And until then—” He pulled me on top of him, and I gasped when his erection slid between my thighs. “Until then, I’ll just have to remind you how amazing you are.”
He grabbed a condom from the nightstand, and I watched with fascination as he rolled it on. He was… God, he was perfect.
I slid down onto him, smiling and rocking my hips as our bodies joined. I’d never felt so connected to someone else, so in sync. But this was a vacation. A fantasy. Connor would be going home soon. And what would happen then?
Chapter Twelve
Connor
“Do we really have to go?” I groaned, mesmerized by the sway of her ass as she headed for the bathroom.
I scrambled across the bed, grabbing her hand and hauling her back onto the mattress. She giggled, and my dick slid between her thighs, seeking out her heat.
“Yes.” She gave me a quick peck, squirming in my arms, which only made me want her that much more. “I’ve been a terrible tour guide. We spent most of the weekend in bed.”
Somehow, she managed to get free, but she lingered still, her eyes scanning my bare chest greedily. I’d lost count of the number of orgasms I’d given her, and she still wanted more. I knew the feeling. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get my fill of her.
“The best tour guide.” I cupped the back of her neck, pulling her to me for a passionate kiss that left us both breathless. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
“Connor.” She rested her forehead against mine. “You’re torturing me.”
“You’re one to talk.” I gave my hard-on a pointed glance.
“You’re incorrigible.”
“Insatiable,” I corrected with a smirk as I wrapped my arms around her, rolling us so I was on top of her. Her breath came in shallow pants, her pupils dilating as we ground against each other.
“I’m giving a speech, and we can’t be late,” she said, but her protest was weak.
“Then we better be fast.” I flashed her a wicked grin.
She nodded quickly, and I grabbed a condom. I kissed her again, my tongue mimicking the thrusts of my hips. I swallowed her moans as I tried to hold back my own release. She was so fucking beautiful, so… I squeezed my eyes shut. I was torn between needing release and wanting it to last as long as possible.
“Look at me,” she said, and I returned my focus to her. “Be here…with me.”
I nodded, resting my forehead against hers as our bodies moved in sync. Her breasts swaying, my cock throbbing, heart pounding. There was sex, and then there was this. And this was on a whole different level. A different universe. I’d never felt more connected to someone, more in tune with their needs and vice versa.
“You’re so sexy,” I said, tracing her cheek with my hand, threading my fingers through her hair. She cried out, clutching me to her as she chanted my name.
“Fuck. Yes,” I grunted, her walls gripping me as we rode out our release.
I’d barely come down from the high when she hopped out of bed. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to lie in bed all day caressing her skin, but she clearly had other plans. “Get a move on, sailor. We have a work function to attend.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I saluted her and followed her to the bathroom.
Though I’d booked a room for the week, Olivia had convinced me to check out early. We’d swung by the hotel yesterday to grab my bag and ended up having sex before I turned in the key. I smiled to myself, stepping under the spray with her.
I would’ve ravished her again, but I knew this event was important to her. So, after a very quick shower, we sped across town to the hotel where Igloo Books was hosting the Spines for Soldiers panel. Despite the fact that we’d just had another round of epic sex, she seemed on edge during the drive.
“Okay, so…please don’t mention the fact that we’re…” she said when she pulled into the parking spot.
“That we’re…?” I prodded, knowing exactly what she was thinking but wanting to hear the words all the same.
“Connor,” she chided. “This is important. I spearheaded this program, and I don’t want to undermine it by making people think it’s a hookup service or something.”
I barked out a laugh but sobered when I saw her serious expression. I took her hand in mine. “I promise to behave.”
“Good.” She let out a sigh, but the tension remained in her shoulders.
This was a big day. It was a chance to prove how important the Spines for Soldiers program was. To celebrate its success, but also to justify its continued existence. It was no wonder she was stressed. It was her baby. And from what she’d told me about her boss and her upcoming performance review, it was even more important.
“Come on, Goody.” I bopped her on the nose.
“Goody?” She furrowed her brows, and it was fucking adorable.
“Yeah. I think it should be your call sign,” I said over my shoulder as I got out of the car, waiting for her
to join me before striding toward the building.
“As in Goody-two-shoes?” she asked as I held open the door, letting her walk ahead of me.
“Precisely.”
But that wasn’t the real reason why I’d chosen the name for her. Yes, she was a bit of a goody-two-shoes. She liked to follow the rules, and I respected that. But it was more that she was a good person. She had such a kind, giving heart, and she made me want to be a better person.
She shook her head. “No way. That’s so lame.”
“Sorry, Goody.” I shrugged. “You don’t pick ’em. They pick you.”
“Easy for you to say. Your call sign makes you sound like a badass.”
“If the name fits.”
She gave me a playful shove as we entered the elevator. “I’m not a goody-two-shoes.”
“You’re not?” I taunted.
“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest as the doors slid closed behind us, the elevator beginning its ascent to the ballroom.
“Prove it.” I stepped closer, invading her space. I cupped her cheek, sliding my hand over her shoulder and down to cup her breast.
“Connor,” she gasped when I squeezed her nipple through her bra, my lips ghosting over hers. She pressed her palms to my chest, gently pushing even when it felt like she wanted me to stay. “We can’t.”
I stepped away, leaning against the metal wall as I struggled to get my raging hard-on under control. “That’s what I thought.”
“I’m not making out with you in an elevator to prove a point. Do you really want the security guys to see us?” Her cheeks were flushed, eyes a bit wild.
“Goody…” I stalked toward her, caging her in with my arms. “Your body is for my eyes only. And—” I glanced over my shoulder, up at the security camera “—the camera isn’t even on.”
She whipped her head to look at it. “It’s not? How do you know?”
“Former SEAL, remember?”
She bit her lip and then tugged me to her so our bodies were flush. We fit together like puzzle pieces—a perfect match. “Like I could forget it. God, you look so sexy.”
I’d worn a suit for the occasion, and I’d seen the way she looked at me when I’d stepped out of the bathroom. I’d stood a little taller, knowing that she liked it. Now, I definitely liked it when she crushed her lips to mine. I was so lost in her that I barely registered the ding signaling we’d arrived. But when the doors started to slide open, I forced myself to release her. Her eyes went wide, and she hastily stepped away from me, smoothing down her hair.
I chuckled to myself, placing my hand on her lower back. “Come on, Goody. You look beautiful.”
Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. I smiled to myself as we joined the crowd, walking among the guests and making small talk. She introduced me to a number of people, including her boss. And even though she’d said no touching, I couldn’t seem to help myself when it came to her. Especially not when she was wearing a fitted skirt that clung to her shapely ass, emphasizing her narrow waist and wide hips.
I met a few other soldiers, as well as several of her coworkers before everyone was invited to take their seats. Olivia excused herself to join her boss at the front of the room. Based on their body language, they were having a tense conversation. And I wondered if it had something to do with the biography.
He moved to the podium and said a few words about the program before introducing her. I was so damn proud—watching her walk across the stage. Even more so when she began her speech.
“Thank you all for coming.” She cleared her throat, and even though I could tell she was nervous, I doubted anyone else could. She was poised and classy and…fuck. I was pretty sure I was falling for her. Pretty sure I already had before we’d ever met.
“I’m touched by the outpouring of support for Spines for Soldiers, even in the short time it’s been running. My grandfather served in the air force, as have several dear friends.” She sought me out, meeting my eyes in the crowd. “To those of you who serve—thank you. I’ve seen the sacrifices you make, and I’m pleased that Igloo Books can offer you some solace from the harsh realities of your service.”
There was a round of applause before she continued.
“I’ve also had the pleasure of participating, and I’ve loved—” she swallowed, forcing a smile “—every minute of it. Now, let’s hear from some of the other participants before we break into smaller groups.” She glanced down at the podium. “First up, Shane Williams.”
She made a quick introduction, and the audience applauded as a guy in army dress strode toward the stage. He spoke candidly about the struggles he’d been facing and how just knowing someone else was out there, someone who cared, had helped. I couldn’t have agreed more.
When it was my turn, I headed for the stage, flashing Olivia a big smile.
“First of all,” I said, “I’d like everyone to give a big round of applause to Olivia and the team at Igloo for this amazing program.”
She blushed, and all I wanted to do was march across the stage, take her in my arms and kiss her. Instead, I gripped the lectern and focused on my speech. This wasn’t the time or the place. And as much as I wanted her to be mine, she wasn’t.
In fact, I wasn’t sure what the hell had come over me in the elevator. It was as if I’d been staking my claim, telling her she belonged to me when I had no right to. Because in just a few days, I’d be back in Virginia, and she’d still be here.
“I was nominated for the program after injuring my knee. As Olivia will attest, I wasn’t too thrilled about it at first. That’s an understatement. I acted like an asshole.” The audience laughed, as did Olivia.
“I hadn’t picked up a novel in years. It always seemed like a waste of time. But then I started reading the first book, and it gripped me. I had to talk to someone about it.” I laughed, thinking back on our early emails and how much had changed since then.
“I’m so incredibly thankful for this program.” I met her eyes, feeling as if an invisible string tethered us together. Even in a roomful of people, it was just her and me. “And I know it has made a positive impact on my life. Olivia has made an impact on me.”
She dabbed at the corner of her eyes, and there was a pang in my chest. Fuck. If this was difficult, it was going to be damn near impossible to say goodbye.
I made it back to my chair in a daze. There were several other speeches, but I didn’t hear most of what was said. Even as I participated in the panel discussions, my mind was elsewhere—with Olivia. Like my heart.
I was exiting the bathroom at the end of the day when a woman called my name. I glanced over to find a fiery redhead eyeing me up and down, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. I recognized her from the picture on Olivia’s mantel.
“Mm. So you’re the sexy SEAL,” she said, seeming to accept my acknowledgment as confirmation.
I walked over to her. “Alyssa, right?”
She pushed off the wall, and we shook hands. She was petite, but I knew better than to underestimate her. From everything Olivia had told me, Alyssa was a firecracker. I also knew her opinion was important to Olivia, which meant it was important to me.
“That’s right.” She circled me. “Attentive. Good-looking. Smart.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Surely you have some flaw.”
I lifted a shoulder. “No one’s perfect, right?”
“Olivia’s about as close to perfect as they come.” She glanced over to where Olivia was talking with some of the other soldiers.
She was smiling, and I was so damn proud of her. To think that she’d started this program and had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives—military and civilians. It was incredible. She was incredible.
“I can see you think so too,” she said.
I nodded, a smile playing at my lips. “She is pretty amazing.”
She was kind, passionate, giving, hot, and to top it all off—an amazing cook. She was the full package. If I’d been looking for a relati
onship, she was exactly what I’d want in a partner. I could easily imagine coming home to her after a long day or upon returning from a mission. She always seemed to know when to push and when to just listen. And she could brighten the whole room with her smile.
“She’s not as strong as she seems,” Alyssa said, interrupting my thoughts.
I nodded, understanding her unspoken warning. She didn’t want to see her friend get hurt. Neither did I.
“But she’s stronger than she thinks,” I said with conviction.
She clapped me on the shoulder. “You seem like a good man, Connor James. I hope you’ll stick around. You’re good for her.”
My chest puffed with pride but quickly deflated. “I would if I could.”
“Duty calls, eh?”
“Something like that.” I kept my focus trained on Olivia, even as I scanned the room for any threats. I felt this intense need to keep her safe. Even if that meant protecting her from me.
Olivia said her goodbyes to the other soldiers and turned our direction. One of the men checked her out from behind, and I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to claim her. To declare to the room and the world that she was mine. Because she wasn’t—not really.
“I see you two met,” Olivia said, redirecting my attention.
Alyssa grinned. “We did.” She turned to me. “It was nice meeting you, Connor. I’m going to go mingle and try to find my own sexy soldier.”
I laughed. That girl was something else. But it was good to know that someone was looking out for Olivia. That Olivia would have someone after I had to go back to Virginia.
I placed my hand on Olivia’s lower back and leaned in. “You were amazing.” I grazed the shell of her ear with my lips, gratified when she shivered.
“Thank you. And thank you for coming. I had no idea you felt so strongly about the program.”
“Are you kidding?” I asked, coming to stand before her. “I can’t tell you how much this program means to me.” How much you mean to me.
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