by Laura Acton
Eyes ablaze and hands now clenched at her side, Karla fired one last cannon volley. “I believe General Broderick will take even more offense at your repulsive words and actions because you are disparaging his son, Master Corporal Daniel Broderick.”
Julie’s mouth dropped open. Her eyes darted to the open door of the general’s office. Standing in the doorway was General Badass. Cold, deadly, blue eyes bore into her. Julie turned tail and ran out of the room as fast as possible, imagining the devil himself would be coming after her.
General Broderick’s Office – 1340 Hours
William stood stock still at his office threshold not believing what he overheard. Years of training took over. He did not slam the door in a glorious rage as he desired. No, he robotically shut the squeaky hinged door.
Nor did he run after the twit and throttle her for her callousness, though a part of him wanted to do that and more. If she were a man, he might not have restrained himself and slammed his fists into his face repeatedly. Instead, he walked to his chair, slumped down, and buried his head in his hands.
I sent my son on a mission unprepared to perform the necessary tasks. Why do I always screw up so spectacularly with Daniel? “Why?” he yearned to bellow, but it came out as a choked whisper.
The weight of what he did crashed upon his shoulders. Not only did he send Daniel into a situation he would be ill-prepared to handle, but also an entire unit. Dom counted on him to assign the best-equipped men to save his daughters. He may have signed death warrants for Daniel, Dom, Nicolette, Anna-Marie, Mike, Blaze’s unit, and the covert ops woman.
It rarely ever happened but William began to shake as full comprehension of his decision bore down on him. Unable to control the tremors as tears slipped out unabated, he angrily wiped them while he continued to berate himself. I’m so pathetic and weak sometimes.
Needing strength and reassurance, he automatically dialed the number of the one person who would sustain him. When the call answered his voice cracked, “Yvonne, forgive me, please. I’m worried I just killed our son.” The tears started in earnest with ever so quiet sobs.
Yvonne had only been awake for ten minutes. Hearing her phone ring, she smiled seeing her husband’s number displayed. Her smile died at the sound of William’s quiet sobbing and his distressing words. She wished to be close enough to encircle him with her arms and hold him. Half a world away the only thing she could do is listen and let him pour out all his hurts and worries. She would offer comfort as best she could through a phone. “My darling, talk to me. Tell me what happened.”
Incapable of telling her much, William gave her the gist of the problem revealing Julie’s belittling and vile words and the harm it caused their son. He listened to Yvonne as she spoke sweet, comforting words, giving him strength from afar as he held the phone tightly like a lifeline … a tangible link to comfort. Yvonne remained his backbone, the one he relied on when things became overwhelming. The only woman to wholly understand him, she accepted him, flaws and all.
Yvonne listened and wanted to slap Julie. Some women were shallow, careless of a man’s tender sensibilities, and downright cruel. Usually, she did not interfere with her men, but she knew Karla. She met her several times in William’s Ottawa office.
Incredibly proud of what Karla did, she would contact her to find out Julie’s last name. Then she would seek a mother’s revenge. No one hurt her son without some repercussion. Julie needed to learn a lesson in compassion.
Yvonne spoke soothing words to William. He could not have foreseen this complication. Well perhaps he should have, but they were all human, and occasionally they made mistakes. She could see how William would want to send his best unit since it was Dom’s girls in danger.
In her soft, soothing voice, Yvonne said, “You know our son. He will find a way to handle whatever mission you send him on. Danny is resilient, and you said he has his unit with him. They won’t let anything happen to him if they can prevent it. All your soldiers are well trained, which includes Danny. Maintain faith in your men. Trust Danny, my love.”
Regaining control, William concurred with Yvonne. “Daniel is with an elite unit of men who have all proven their mettle. He is intelligent, resourceful, and will utilize his training to succeed regardless of what the nasty wench did.”
He dried his tears, and his tone became firm and steady once again. “Thank you, sweetheart. You are my sun, moon, and stars. Without you, it would be impossible for me to be the man I am. I love you, sweetheart. I will try to come home soon.”
Yvonne smiled as her stalwart husband began to return, able to quiet his doubts, she had shored him up again. She accepted this as her job, one she would always approach with passion. Her soulmate carried the weight of many lives on his shoulders. William needed her optimism, faith, and unconditional love when his burdens became unbearable. “I love you too, dear. You are where you need to be at the moment. I’ll be waiting for you with open arms whenever you can come.”
General Broderick hung up after a few more expressions of love and a short discussion about Becca. His core restored, William would maintain faith in his men and Daniel to do what must be done to save Anna-Marie and Nicolette.
Admiration and Gratitude
14
May 27
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Luxury Suite – Main Room – 1500 Hours
Brody quietly opened the door to Danny’s suite. He slept, but not well, as he worried about the responsibility placed on Dan. His brother would struggle with the burden if they failed to rescue the little girls. The loss of Sara nearly broke him. Fourteen years later, Danny still blamed himself, though a nine-year-old boy could’ve done nothing to save her from a drunk driver.
Unsure what to do to relieve Danny’s load, and fearing all the work they did over the last four months would unravel because of an insensitive bitch, Brody wanted an opportunity to speak with him in private. Before the rest of the guys gathered for the mission briefing in an hour, he needed to find out where Danny’s head was at and discuss strategies which might help him succeed. Brody took a steadying breath to calm the anger wanting to rise within him.
If given half a chance, he might ring Julie’s neck for what she did to Dan. Truthfully, he also wanted to strangle the general. The man sent his son on this mission even though he saw the damage. He should realize these wounds screwed with Dan’s confidence with women. Utterly naive to believe any man would simply bounce back with such extensive scarring.
Dropping his unproductive line of thinking, Brody noted Ripsaw asleep on the couch. He recalled Ripsaw explaining Anastasia’s genius plan to make it easier for Dan to go to sleep. Perhaps she might be an ally, and he could confide in her to help ease Dan’s worries and insecurities in approaching women.
Stealthily Brody padded on the plush carpet to the closed bedroom doors. Ripsaw must be dead tired not to wake up. Usually, they all slept lightly, particularly on a mission, but this one was different. They were not technically behind enemy lines with insurgents ready to kill them, so he understood Ripsaw might sleep sounder.
Brody cracked open the door intending to go in and speak with Dan. Stopping dead in his tracks a huge smile came to his face, and his green eyes brightened. Dan lay sprawled out on the bed sound asleep with Anastasia draped over him, both naked. He saw their clothes strewn around. Then he noticed two open telltale little packages on the floor and one more on the nightstand next to the pain pills.
Well, I’ll be damned. Danny boy got laid after all. Not once but three times. Brody carefully closed the door and strode to the minibar to grab a water bottle before going the window to stare out at the Caspian Sea.
Anastasia tops my list of folks I respect. What she did for Danny will undoubtedly help him in his role as Maks. After several minutes of rolling around thoughts of how to thank Anatastia, he decided not to draw attention to her generous activity. Brody turned and headed for a chair and as he sat, Ripsaw opened his eyes and grinned.
Ripsaw met Brod
y’s eyes. His smile said it all. Both acknowledged what happened in the other room.
“Sleep well?” Brody said with a little smirk.
Sitting up Ripsaw’s eyes darted to the adjoining room door then back at Brody. “Yeah, like a log. World War Three could’ve been going on around me, and I wouldn’t have heard a thing.”
Brody chuckled softly. “Dan won’t buy that.”
“That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. I think I’ll take a cold shower in one of the other rooms. You okay to stay on watch here?”
“Yeah.”
Ripsaw gave the closed door one last glance. Anastasia earned his full trust and esteem with what she did. What he overheard her tell Blondie was heartbreaking, but it appeared fate finally favored their little brother and sent him the one woman who might help heal his hurt.
Anastasia did something for Blondie none of the guys would ever be able to do. She showed him his scars would not matter to the right woman. A rare woman to be sure. Intelligent, compassionate, beautiful inside and out. He now trusted Anastasia to cover Blondie’s six and help him through this mission.
Striding out, Ripsaw wondered if Blondie and Anastasia were kindred souls and if they would hit it off after this assignment ended. As he stepped into the hall Ripsaw allowed his smile to grow as he recalled all the groans and moans of carnal pleasure … not a voyeur but impossible not to hear them go at it three times. Blondie sure has stamina … no wonder the ladies flock to him.
He chuckled. Ripsaw wanted to keep what occurred confidential, but Blaze must be made aware of the potential change. Papa Bear could now dial back his intense worry for the kid. He inserted a keycard for room 1502.
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Luxury Suite – Bedroom – 1530 Hours
Dan woke and found Anastasia still laying on him. A soft smile came to his face as he gently pushed the hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. From their quiet conversation after the second time, he learned many things about her, like she possessed a master’s degree in psychology.
This led him to believe she viewed what she did as a form of therapy for him. One she willingly engaged in to help him overcome his fears. Based on that, he realized there wouldn’t be any sort of ongoing sexual relationship with Anastasia. Friendship, yes, but nothing more.
Forever indebted to her for her willingness to show him his scars were only skin deep, well, at least his physical ones. The fact Anastasia remained a beautiful and caring woman regardless of the tragedy she endured gave him hope he might eventually put most of what happened to him behind him.
Although, some wounds pierced him to the core and still ate at his self-respect. His masks would shield his unrelenting shame and humiliation. Somethings he would never share with anyone, not even Brody. Disturbing memories needed to be buried, locked away, and never allowed a voice. They must be forgotten as if they never happened.
Anastasia’s eyelids rose little by little as sounds filtered in her languid mind. She glimpsed the clock and registered laughter in the other room. Realizing the unit began to congregate for the briefing, she smiled up at Dan. “Sleep well?”
“Yeah, best sleep in months. No nightmares. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Dan caressed the soft, supple skin of her back.
Reaching up, she cupped his cheek. “You are a resilient and kind young man. Remember, the scars on the outside are only reminders you survived impossible odds. You are stronger for what you endured. The right woman will come along, and your scars will be invisible to her. She will embrace the real you. The sweet, kind, courageous, and honorable man inside.”
Focusing on his sapphire eyes, Anastasia’s gaze penetrated to the depths of his soul. “Perhaps that velvety shade of blue should be renamed Honorable Blue. Never change who you are on the inside. You are perfect as you are.” She stood and gathered her clothes. “Mind if I shower first or would you like to join me for round four?”
Her words rolled in his mind as watched the exquisite woman walk confidently with no attempt at covering her scars. “As tempting as your offer is, I’m out of protection.”
“You could scrub my back,” Anastasia teased.
If he joined her in the shower, Dan knew things would go beyond washing her back. They could pleasure each other in ways condoms weren’t necessary, but with the others in the next room, not a smart idea.
Dan sighed. “Perhaps another time. I’ll be out with the guys to give you some privacy.”
A soft chuckle preceded Anastasia’s words as she turned to smile at him. She enjoyed sex with him, a consummate lover who … well, who made her purr as she never had before. Too bad there would be no ongoing romantic relationship between them. “You are so sweet, Dan, but I believe you’ve seen all I have to offer.”
“Yeah, and every inch of you is gorgeous.” Grinning, Dan rolled off the bed and picked up his clothes. He eyed the three empty condom wrappers as he retrieved them from the floor and nightstand to throw away. The second round they took their time exploring each other’s bodies and pleasuring one another in many ways. The third, well, he learned something new from Anastasia, he had never realized that position could bring such pleasure to both of them.
Anastasia helped him become more at ease in his skin. A woman’s touch would no longer consume him with fear of rejection nor cause him to flinch. Also, she completely wiped out his worry regarding the workings of his lower body part … rising to the occasion three times. Now he had no impediment to sleeping with prostitutes to gain intel if required … not that the prospect held any appeal.
Though, Dan remained unsure if Anastasia was right about a woman ever accepting his scarred body. At least not one who lacked first-hand knowledge of what living with disfiguring marks was like. There were likely more Julie’s than Anastasia’s in the world. But for now, he was comfortable enough with them they would not prevent him from doing his job.
Not like he was searching for Mrs. Right anytime soon … or ever. Being in Special Forces and with his father keeping him in the field mission after mission didn’t leave much time for seeking a long-term relationship. In addition, his vow to remain childless to break the Broderick line barred that option. Though the occasional hook up now appeared to be doable.
He tugged on his jeans and started to pull on a t-shirt but stopped. No time like the present to begin getting comfortable in the presence of others without a shirt. Going shirtless in front of my brothers will help if I must do it on this mission. Dan tossed the shirt on the dresser then strode to the door.
Taking a deep breath, Dan prepared himself. He expected his brothers to be merciless in their ribbing. There was no way in hell Ripsaw did not overhear him and Anastasia … neither thought about remaining quiet in the heat of passion. He yanked open the door, closing it behind him to give Anastasia privacy, and entered the common area of the suite.
Anzhi-Qala Resort – Luxury Suite – Main Room – 1545 Hours
All talking ceased as the guys pivoted as one to stare at Blondie. Rounded eyes, raised brows, and gaping mouths greeted him. Dan sauntered over to a side table, picked up an apple from the fruit basket, and took a bite. He chewed and swallowed as the unit continued to gawk. Focusing on Blaze, Dan asked, “So, how did the contact go? Do we know where Maks will be going first?”
Blaze grinned. Blondie is relaxed and not wearing a shirt. This is fantastic! Ripsaw is right. We owe Anastasia an enormous debt of gratitude. Blaze responded in a normal tone as if nothing was out of the ordinary. “Went well. We’ll wait until after you shower to discuss details.”
He nodded and grabbed a water bottle. Sitting in the only open chair, he began to wonder when the teasing would start and found it a little disconcerting it had not already. His gaze landed on Ripsaw. “Sleep well?”
“Yeah, like a log. World War Three could’ve been going on around me, and I wouldn’t have heard a thing.”
Dan snorted. “Unlikely.”
Shrugging, Ripsaw changed the subject. “Blaze
asked about procuring the Corvette you wanted.”
“Yeah, what is the answer?” He flashed a lopsided grin at Brody who stood by the windows.
Brody answered for Blaze. “Just might happen. Won’t that be cool?”
“Did you take your pain pills?” Patch asked.
“Don’t need them.” Dan ached somewhat, especially his feet, but didn’t want to become dependent on painkillers.
Patch arched a brow. “You’ll be taking them whether you think you want them or not. They’re OTC, nothing addicting.”
“Damn, how do you know what I’m thinking, Patch?”
“My secret.” Patch couldn’t help the smile growing on his face.
“Secret my ass. Brody tells you everything.” Dan’s eyes flicked to Brody.
“Hey, not everything. Only what he needs to know.” Brody smiled at Dan, happy he seemed comfortable in his skin. Anastasia is a miracle worker.
“Speaking of which,” Patch said and tossed Dan half a dozen small packets. “As unit medic, I figured your supply needed replenishing. I hear you’re running low and as Maks, you might need these.”
Dan let the packages fall to the ground laughing heartily. Yeah, this is more like my brothers. He felt more normal as the rest joined his laughter.
As the men settled down, Mason picked up the condoms and stuffed them in his pocket. “Your bodyguard will hold these for you, Maks.”
Everyone stilled, becoming silent when the bedroom door opened. They all grinned at Anastasia. She halted at the threshold as everyone stared at her.
They know, hope they aren’t upset with me. Her eyes searched out Ripsaw and relaxed when he winked and inclined his head with a genuine smile. She perceived she gained not only his approval but his admiration and gratitude.
Smiling, she sauntered into the room dressed casually with her wet hair wrapped up in a towel. She walked straight to Dan, and he peered up at her wearing a lopsided grin. Anastasia sat on his lap and kissed his cheek.