SEAL's Spitfire (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Black Eagle Book 1)

by Lynne St. James

  Everything had happened so quickly, and with so much fear and turmoil, maybe she just had that hero complex thing. It would rip him to shreds, but he’d let her go. Her happiness was the only thing that mattered. He’d accepted the fact that he’d be alone, he could get to that place again. As long as Meghan was safe and happy.

  As he pulled into the parking spot, the door of the condo opened. She must have been watching for him and he knew he had a shit eating grin on his face. He got out of the car as she ran outside and jumped into his arms.

  “Whoa, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

  “I don’t care. I missed you so much. I was starting to think you were trying to avoid me.”

  “Never.” He pulled her closer and kissed her. He longed for so much more, but the parking lot was not the place. “I missed you too, Spitfire. I’m glad you don’t look like a grape anymore.” She’d healed well. There were only slight traces of bruising around her right eye. He hoped the rest of her had healed as well.

  “Damn straight. I’m just about back to normal. Now, aren’t you glad I came to Norfolk?”

  “Yes and no. But mostly yes.” Rafe kissed her again and gently stood her on the ground. “Should we go inside and hang out for a bit with Chrissy?”

  “It would be nice, but I think she’ll understand if we don’t stay,” Meghan said and waggled her eyebrows. “We can invite her to come for dinner before I leave.”

  “That works for me. Where’s your bag?”

  “By the front door. I’ll go grab it.”

  “No, you won’t. I’ll get it and you can introduce me to Chrissy.”

  Rafe had heard plenty about Meghan’s best friend and he had formed an idea of what she’d be like. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Chrissy Stillwell was the complete opposite of his spitfire—tall, short blonde hair, and big brown eyes.

  “Rafe, nice to meet you finally,” Chrissy said as she shook his hand.

  “It’s good to meet you as well. Thank you for bringing Meghan to Norfolk.”

  Chrissy laughed. “Like I had a choice. Oh my God, she would have driven me batshit crazy if I hadn’t brought her.” When Rafe glanced at Meghan, her cheeks were tinged pink.

  “What? I haven’t seen you in two months. I didn’t want to wait extra time for you to come and get me at my sister’s. This is so much better.”

  It was better, and to say anything else would make him a hypocrite. “You win. But next time you make me a promise you’d better keep it.”

  “Yes, big bad Navy SEAL, sir,” she answered then stuck her tongue out. Oh yeah, she was going to get it once they were alone.

  Chrissy burst out laughing. “Good luck, Rafe. She’s all yours now. Call if you need me to come to the rescue.”

  “Thanks, but I think we’ll be fine. She’s one little bitty spitfire and I can just pick her up and put her on a shelf if she gets out of hand,” Rafe said with a wink. The expression on Meghan’s face was priceless and he chuckled.

  “Come on, trouble maker. You need to rest. Thank you again, Chrissy.”

  “Anytime.” She hugged Meghan and whispered something in her ear that made her giggle. It was so good to see her laughing and smiling.

  “I don’t have a lot of food in the apartment. Do you want to stop at the store on the way home?”

  “I have a bag of things I picked up with Chrissy yesterday. I think we can wait. I didn’t know if you drank coffee or how you took it if you did, so I bought all of it. I need my coffee in the morning or I’m a bear.”

  Rafe laughed. “A bear huh? I was thinking the same thing before I came to get you. I need my coffee in the morning too. But I wasn’t sure if you drank it.”

  “If I could I’d take it by IV, but I usually add some cream and sugar. How about you?”

  “Black. The stronger the better. Jake warns everyone when I make the coffee at work that it’s strong enough to wake the neighbors.”

  She giggled. “Jake is in charge of your team, right?”

  “Yeah. You’ll probably meet them all sometime this week.”

  “Maybe we can have a small party. Invite your team and Chrissy.”

  “Let’s see how you’re feeling first.”

  “Rafe, I swear. I’m fine. Really. The ribs hardly hurt at all. The worst part was my face and that is better now.”

  “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Yeah. I know I’m rambling. I might just be a tad bit nervous.”

  “Why, sweetheart?”

  “Umm, you, me, it’s been kind of a whirlwind thing. It was hard for me to accept it, I’m too cynical. My whole world is about facts. At least, it was until we met. Then you blew that out of the water.”

  Rafe pulled the car over to the curb. No way was he going to wait until he got her to the apartment to discuss this. “Does that mean you’ve changed your mind about us?

  “No, not only no, but fuck no. Do you think I would have been so excited to see you, or even gotten in the car with you if I had? I just want you to understand that this is a huge leap for me. But I don’t want to take back even one moment, even if there were times, I asked myself ‘what the fuck’.”

  “This isn’t exactly where I wanted to have this conversation, but we’re all about adapt and improvise.” He took her hand and turned it palm up then kissed it. “Meghan, you are it for me. I knew it almost as soon as I looked into your eyes. I will never want anyone else. I was resigned to never finding the right woman, and then there you were.”

  Tears glistened in her eyes. “I feel the same way. I can’t imagine my life without you. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I will be thankful for the rest of my life that we were stuck in that airport.”

  Gently he pulled her close and kissed her with all the pent up emotions he’d held back for so long. Sweeping her mouth with his tongue, learning her taste, her feel. Her low moan reminded him where they were, and he pulled back.

  “I’m sorry. I need to get you home where I can erase any residual doubts you might have. I’ve been dreaming about this for weeks.”

  The worry he’d been holding onto floated away like a feather in the breeze. They were so alike and so different at the same time. But he was no longer concerned that her feelings for him weren’t real. What he’d told her was true, she was everything he’d ever wanted and so much more. He couldn’t wait to get her alone so he could show her.

  “How much further?”

  “Not long. I hope you like it.”

  “I will.”

  “How can you know that?”

  “Because you live there. It’s all that’s important.”

  “I’m going to have to watch out for those words of yours. I keep forgetting you’re a writer.”

  Meghan laughed. “You don’t have to worry. Besides, I’m not sure I’m going back to the paper. I’m trying to decide what to do with my future.”

  “I figured they’d give you a promotion after all you’d been through.”

  “They offered to let me go on assignments and cover hard news instead of the society page. But I’m not sure that’s what I want anymore.”

  From the tone of her voice, he knew there was more going on. But again, the car wasn’t the place to talk about it. They had at least a week together, if he was lucky, and maybe he’d be able to stretch it to two. They’d have time to talk about all the little things they needed to. Just not tonight. Tonight, he had other plans.

  Chapter 20

  After following Rafe into his apartment, Meghan was impressed and more than a little surprised. She’d imagined a bachelor pad, with a huge TV, maybe one or two chairs, and nothing on the walls. But it was the complete opposite, except for the huge TV. But if it hadn’t been there, she’d have been worried, as in ‘where is the real Rafe and what did they do with him’ worried.

  “Nice place and not at all what I expected.”

  “I’m glad you like it. But I’ll be honest, I kind of gave it an overhaul after you agreed to com
e.”

  “You mean it wasn’t always like this?” she asked with a smile. It made more sense now.

  “Not exactly. Let me show you around. The kitchen is through here,” he said as he showed her the kitchen area with a breakfast nook.

  “Perfect for morning coffee.”

  “Exactly. Although I usually have mine as I’m running out the door.” Meghan’s heart skipped a beat when he took her hand and lead her down the hallway. “This is the main bathroom, and closest to the second bedroom. That’s in here.” He stopped and looked at her as he opened the door. It was the first time she could remember him looking at all unsure of himself.

  “You’re welcome to sleep in here, but I’d rather you sleep with me.” His eyes were so intensely focused on her she thought he’d be able to see right into her brain.

  “I’d rather I sleep with you too.” As soon as the words left her lips, her world tilted. He picked her up and carried her down the hall to the last door like he was afraid she would change her mind.

  “Whoa, big guy. Put me down. I am more than capable of moving on my own.”

  “I know, but I love carrying you. Besides, it’s faster this way.”

  Meghan laughed at how gently he placed her on the bed after the way he’d swung her into his arms in the hallway. The thrill of the moment. Then he probably remembered her broken ribs.

  “I’ve waited my whole life to have you in my arms, in my bed, in my heart.”

  She understood the feeling. They’d only known each other for a couple of months, and most of that time had been spent apart, but she’d never felt closer to another human being in her life. He was the missing part of her heart, the reason why no one had ever swept her off her feet. One of these days, she was going to have to send Delta Airlines a thank you for canceling their flight.

  Rafe pulled off his shirt and kicked off his shoes then stretched out next to her on the bed. “When I found you in the compound, I wondered if I’d ever be able to look into your big green eyes again. I thought I’d lost you.” As he spoke, he leaned his forehead against hers and she felt him shudder.

  “When they dragged me out of that jeep in the desert, I thought the same thing. Then when they didn’t bring me to Azfaar and threw me in the cell, I figured my life was over.”

  “Tex had that tracker in your phone so he knew pretty much where you were all the time. And he was able to let us know about where you were. You were smart to keep it with you for as long as you did. It’s what saved his ass for letting you go over there.”

  “I told you…” She didn’t have a chance to tell him for the fifteen millionth time that she’d have gone with or without Tex’s help. He took possession of her mouth. His tongue swept in and stole her words and her breath. Straddling her body, he balanced on his arms hands instead of leaning on her. But that wasn’t close enough. Her need for him was so intense she didn’t care if her ribs cracked all over again.

  Reaching around his waist, she tried to pull him against her, but he resisted, and deepened the kiss until her toes curled. When she was breathless and dazed, he pulled away and gave her the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. If the kiss hadn’t already lit her on fire that grin would have.

  “Is there something you want, my little Spitfire?”

  “Yes, dammit. Are you going to make me beg?”

  “I should after what you did, but I’d be torturing both of us.”

  “So, big guy, what are you waiting for?”

  “Are you sure you want this?”

  “Hell, yes. Now, make love to me. Pretty please.” Batting her eyelashes, she tried to look alluring.

  Rafe didn’t say a word, didn’t have to. He stood up opened the bedside table and pulled out a box of condoms. A whole box. His eyes burned with passion and her body answered. Then he removed his jeans, slowly, so she could get a good look at all of him. She’d dreamed about this moment, imagined what he’d look like, but nothing prepared her for the reality.

  Over six foot of sheer muscle, chiseled to perfection, and multiple scars proving his warrior status. Licking her lips, she tried to speak but her words caught in her throat. But he read her mind.

  “You’ve got way too much on.” Hell yeah she did. Sitting up, she pulled her t-shirt over her head and tossed it onto the floor. For a few heartbeats she was self-conscious about her body, not the curves, she was proud of those, but the bruises that still covered her stomach and chest. She didn’t want those to be a distraction, and it had been another reason she’d asked Chrissy to take her shopping for some sexy lingerie. Seeing his look of appreciation, made it more than worth all the money she’d spent.

  Kneeling, she undid the button and lowered the zipper on her jeans. As she shimmied out of them, she held her breath as she waited for his reaction. It was the first time he’d be able to see the remnants of her captivity, and she was sure he’d noticed her hesitation.

  Climbing back onto the bed he slid down next to her and pulled her into his arms. “You are absolutely the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “But…”

  “No buts. You are the most beautiful woman in the world from the top of your head of black locks to the tiny soles of your feet. I love all of you, every curve, every dimple, and yes, every bruise. Although I hate knowing how you suffered. Never think for one moment that you’re not perfect and always will be, even when we’re old and wrinkly.”

  Once again, he’d made tears glisten in her eyes. What woman wouldn’t want their man to believe they were beautiful? But she was a realist, and knew she was far from it, but that he believed it was all that mattered.

  He brushed his thumb under her eyes and caught a tear before it slipped down her cheek. “No more tears, sweetheart.” Leaning down, he kissed each eyelid, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and then her lips reigniting the fire in both of them.

  “Please, Rafe, I need you.” He didn’t answer but continued to kiss and lick his way down her body. He kissed every bruise and took extra care not to put any pressure on her ribs. Then he spread her legs and the first touch of his tongue on her clit, almost sent her off the bed. Her fingers clenched in the bedding, as she pushed against him, wanting more. When he took her clit into his mouth and sucked, she arched up off the bed and shuddered as the orgasm shook her to her core.

  He didn’t give her a chance to catch her breath. Already licking and sucking up her juices before sliding a finger inside. Slowly he thrust in and out until her muscles tensed and every nerve in her body burned with desire. Then she came apart into a million little pieces of pleasure.

  She’d never experienced anything like the mind-numbing orgasm he’d given her. And she wanted more, but not this way.

  “I need you.”

  “I know, sweetheart.” He grabbed a condom and slid it on. “I’ll go slow. If anything hurts tell me and I’ll stop. Promise.”

  “I promise.” Her breath caught as the tip of his cock rubbed against her clit and then pushed against her opening. It was for her, she knew it, but it was too slow. She needed him inside, to fill her. Grabbing his shoulders, she arched her back, pushing him further inside.

  “Easy, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t. I want all of you.” And she arched again, pulling more of him into her. Clenching her muscles to hold him inside.

  He groaned and buried himself to the hilt. She’d never been so full. He stilled, giving her a chance to get used to his size then pulled most of the way out before pushing back in, faster and harder with each thrust.

  It was too much, but not enough, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Holding him closer, burning brighter and harder until the sun exploded around them as he yelled her name.

  Satiated, unable to move, she felt like a puddle of pure happiness. He dropped his forehead to hers and kissed her before sliding to her side and pulling her against him.

  “That was…”

  “Incredible? Amazing? Mind-blowing?”

  Rafe laugh
ed. “I was going to say what true love must feel like. But they all work too.” He’d done it again, took her breath away, this time with his words.

  “You’re amazing, Rafe. Just when I think I can’t love you anymore you say something like that.”

  “I hope I can always make you feel that way.”

  “I love you with all my heart. You’ve rocked my world in every way possible.”

  “You’ve done the same for me. Given me so much more than I can explain.”

  She cuddled closer and her fingers traced the scars on his chest. Someday she’d ask about them, but not tonight.

  A yawn escaped and she tried to hide it against his side, but his super SEAL powers heard it.

  “You need to rest.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.”

  She didn’t remember falling asleep, but when she opened her eyes again, the sun was shining in through the window. Rafe’s arm was tucked around her and her head was still lying on his chest. Afraid to move, worried that she’d wake him, she stayed where she was and listened to his even breathing and his heartbeat. Strong, just like him.

  Meghan had thought long and hard about what she’d do next with her life, and whether she wanted to go back to the paper and take the promotion, she’d worked so hard to get. But that would mean staying in Washington, DC when Rafe needed to be in Norfolk. She’d talked to Lizzie and Chrissy about it and they told her to follow her instincts.

  Over the last few weeks, she’d made lists of pros and cons, trying to make her decision. Wondering if she gave up her earlier dream if it would come back to haunt her later. But then she reminded herself, she didn’t have to give it up. She could still write, cover stories, just do it on her own, on a blog, or website, or just put out books. As Lizzie kept reminding her, she had a great one to start with. But it wasn’t until Rafe texted that he was coming home and couldn’t wait to see her that she finally made her decision.

  “I’m awake, you don’t have to pretend you’re still sleeping.” His rough and sexy morning voice sent a shiver down her spine. She was sore from last night, but she was still tempted to straddle him and see how he liked morning sex.