Elise

by Angela Rush

  “Deadeye it is always a possibility that her feelings could change over time.” Charlotte begins. “Yes, you are older than her by several years, but that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. I see the way she looks at you. Her feelings are real, but there is never a guarantee when it comes to love. You just have to take the leap and pray that everything works out.” She gives him a big smile.

  “I have to agree with my wife on this one.” Hawk chimes in. “If you care for her, go for it. She is going to need someone to be there for her when the nightmares and flashbacks come. You can ground her and bring her back to the here and now.” Hawk brings Charlotte’s hand to his lips as he places a kiss on the back of her hand. “You know how Charlotte and I were. When you meet the one, you just know.”

  “Deadeye, I am not sure it’s the right thing to do, but it should be a decision you and Elise make together.” Ace interjects. “It doesn’t matter what her parents want or don’t want. This is between you and Elise, end of story.”

  Many of the team nods in agreement: Wallace, Hack, Virus, Straw, and Worm. Mercury is characteristically quite as usual. Tank seems to be contemplating the situation before he comments, and Bull looks completely lost. He’s not going to be any help at all, Deadeye thinks to himself. He is still torn up inside. What should he do now? The room is quiet as everyone is thinking about the situation he is faced with.

  “Deadeye this isn’t something we can decide for you unfortunately.” Mercury says and all eyes turn to him. “However, it’s my opinion that you should let her go home with her parents with the understanding that if she wants to come back to you, she is always welcome. This way she has time to get her head on straight and you will know for sure she wants you for you and not because you saved her from Hell.”

  The room is silent as they take in what Mercury has said. Deadeye nods in agreement. It’s true that he would always wonder if he had unduly influenced her because of his own feelings. He knows what he needs to do, but God it is going to break him to do it. He needs to do what is best for Elise, not himself. He stands and shakes everyone’s hands before heading back to have a talk with Elise.

  She is waiting for him just where he left her a few minutes ago. Her parents are giving their statement to the press and so they are alone in the room. He is struggling to find the right words. He doesn’t want to hurt her, but he knows she needs to make a clear decision about being with him. Her eyes are speaking volumes as she watches him come to her. Deadeye could swear she already knows what he is going to say even though he has no idea what to say.

  “Hey, sweetheart. How are you holding up?” Deadeye asks in an effort to put off the heavy conversation they need to have. He reaches for her and she melts into his embrace. They stand for a long time just holding on to one another.

  “I know what you are going to say, Warren.” Elise whispers quietly. Deadeye chuckles with remorse.

  “I’m glad you know what I am going to say, because I have no idea what to say.” Deadeye answers her. “I want you to know that I want you with me more than anything, but I don’t want to take advantage of you, Elise. You have been through hell and you need time to heal and get your mind in the right place before you make any life changing decisions.” He tightens his hold on her when he feels her stiffen in his arms. “I’m not saying you can’t come live with me, but I want you to be absolutely certain, first.”

  “I get it Warren. I’m too much for you to take on.” Elise straightens her spine and pulls away from him.

  “Dammit, Elise that is not what I am saying. I’m trying to do the right thing, here.” Deadeye growls his frustration. “If I had my way, I would take you to my place right now and never let you leave, but that’s not what’s best for you, sweetheart. I want you forever. I don’t want you to wake up in 6 months or a year and realize I was a mistake you made in reaction to being held hostage.” Deadeye holds her head, so she is forced to look him in the eyes. “Please tell me you understand.”

  “Warren, I do understand where you are coming from, but what I am feeling for you is real. I am thankful to all of you for rescuing me, but I don’t feel this way about Tank or Straw or any of the others.” Elise is willing him to see she is sincere by never losing eye contact. “Please believe me, Warren. We feel something for each other, right?”

  Deadeye nods in agreement and pulls her to him. When she looks up at him, he lowers his head and kisses her like there is no tomorrow. Her arms go around his neck and she pulls him down to her. He has his arms around her waist. They are touching from head to thighs. He knows she can feel his desire for her as it is pushed against her belly. She moans when his tongue enters her mouth and they begin a fierce duel of tongue and teeth. They are lost in each other for several long minutes. Thankfully, he had ended the kiss and was holding her against him when her parents come back into the room.

  Her parents are glaring at him as he holds her close. He knows this is going to be the fight of a lifetime. Even heading to raid a known ISIS compound hasn’t made him this anxious. He is prepared to battle until the bitter end. Whatever it takes to make Elise happy. He still has some reservations, but there is no way he will let her leave her thinking he doesn’t want her.

  “Vickers, what are you doing?” Jackson Sommers growls when they reach the couple. “Elise, this man has brainwashed you into thinking he is your savior. He probably does this with every woman he rescues.”

  “Dad, stop. Warren isn’t like that.” Elise fires back. “I care for him and he cares for me. Please for once in my life, let me make my own decision.”

  “We let you make a decision and you ended up held hostage in a foreign country for a week.” Her father says nastily. “You obviously aren’t capable of making good decisions. He is too old for you, hon. You need to come home with your mother and me. Let us get you some therapy and you will see that we know what we are talking about.”

  “Please don’t do this.” Elise begs. “I need him, can’t you see? He has kept me from falling apart.”

  “Elise it’s because he was the one to save you. Once you have some distance from him you will see we are right.” Mrs. Sommers says. “Edward told us how you were glued to him in Germany. You need some time to figure out what you really want.”

  “I will report you for misconduct if you don’t leave our daughter alone.” Mr. Sommers threatens. “I will ruin your career. I have friends in very high places, Vickers. You need to think about that.”

  “Dad! You wouldn’t!” Elise exclaims, but she sees the determination in her father’s eyes. He would do just that and she knows he has the right connections to make it happen. She can’t let her father ruin Warren’s career. He would never forgive her even if it wasn’t directly her fault. “Alright, I’ll go home with you for now, but don’t think you are going to control my life for much longer. I’m a grown woman who can make her own decisions. It’s past time you stopped treating me like a child.”

  “We are just looking out for your best interest.” Ellen Sommers says. “We love you, honey.”

  “I know you think you are doing the right thing, Mom, but you are just trying to control me like always. I’m only leaving for Warren’s sake. I won’t have you and Dad hurting him and his career that he has worked so hard for all these years.”

  Elise then leans up and kisses Warren deeply. When she pulls back, she whispers in his ear so only he can hear her. “I’ll be back, Warren. This way you and my parents will know what I feel for you is real.” He hugs her close.

  “I’ll be here, sweetheart. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for you.” Deadeye whispers in her ear before placing a kiss on her temple. He sets her away from him then and leaves the room before he lets his instincts take over and beat the shit out of her father. How dare that man threaten his career. It would be worth losing his career to have her in his arms forever. Deadeye can walk away, because he knows that she will return. She meant every word she said, and she will come back to him. />
  Deadeye catches Hawk in the hallway and pulls him aside.

  “Tell me I just did the right thing.” Deadeye looks Hawk in the eyes as he waits for his response. Hawk lays a heavy hand on his shoulder as he thinks about his answer.

  “Yes, I think you did the right thing for her sake. It’s not going to be easy, but I know you will get through this.” Hawk turns to leave when Deadeye stops him.

  “I have a favor to ask.” Deadeye pauses and Hawk nods for him to continue. “See if you can get me any information on the family of the young girl from the refugee camp that was killed the day we rescued Elise.”

  “Of course, Deadeye. I will see what I can find out for you.” Hawk gives him a bro-hand shake before turning away to take his family home.

  Chapter 15

  Deadeye is standing in his kitchen at 4 in the morning waiting for his coffee to brew. It’s been another sleepless night thinking about Elise and worrying about what she is going through. It’s been almost two weeks since he walked away from her. Worst mistake of his life. She has text him every day. Seems Charlotte gave her his number. Damn Charlotte, always meddling, but he was thankful for it. His heart has beat overtime every time his phone pings with an incoming message. He lives for her short little messages, letting him know how her day went. He hasn’t answered her even though he wanted to so badly.

  Hawk had cornered him yesterday at the end of their last meeting of the day. He called him out on not being focused during PT, training classes, and team meetings. Deadeye knew Hawk was right, but it did sting that his commander and friend had to call him out. They sat down and had an intense chat after everyone else had left for the day.

  “Hey man, talk to me. I know you are having a hard time since Elise went home with her parents, but you have got to pull your head out of your ass before you damage your rep with the guys, or worse your career.” Hawk admonishes him with a kind smile.

  “Hell, I know Hawk. I just can’t get her out of my head. She has been texting me every day, but I haven’t answered her. I’m trying to give her some space. Let her think things through. Am I doing the right thing? Maybe she thinks I don’t care, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth. Hell, I care too much. That’s the damn fucking problem.”

  Hawk laughs out loud. Deadeye growls while giving Hawk the stink eye. Once Hawk has gotten himself under control, he advises Deadeye about love. “You can’t care too much, big guy. You are doing what you think is best. She understands.” Hawk pauses then continues. “I probably should have told you before now, but she and Charlotte have been talking every day. You know what Charlotte went through after we rescued her. She wanted to help Elise, be a friend that understands what she went through. She told Charlotte she knew why you weren’t answering her. She wasn’t upset because she knew you were reading every word she wrote. She told us about the threats her father made that day after the press conference. You know I would have defended you. I would never let them ruin your career.”

  “I know, Hawk.” Deadeye says with a heavy heart. “I just didn’t want you getting dragged into my mess. It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time, but I have regretted it every moment since.”

  “Look, I can’t tell you what to do, but here’s my advice. Next time she texts, answer her. Let her know you are here for her and how much you care. Encourage her to stay with her parents for a while longer.” Hawk holds his hands up when Deadeye starts to protest. “That will allow both you and her parents to know that you are both serious about this relationship. While I think her parents should stay out of it, I can understand their concern about her state of mind after what happened. Give it some time and when she is ready, be there for her.”

  “Alright, Hawk. That is actually good advice.” Deadeye smirks at Hawk. “I guess being married to Charlotte has rubbed off on you, huh?” Deadeye laughs at his own joke.

  “Yeah, Smartass. She has been a good influence on me. She showed me I could love and be happy. That I wasn’t doomed to a life of solitude after my devastating first marriage.” Hawk replies reflectively. “She makes me better. I will be forever thankful we were in the right place at the right time to save her.”

  “I’m happy for you, Hawk. She has been good for you and Brian.” Deadeye says with sincerity. “You have been good for her and her children, too. And don’t get me started on the bright light those twins of yours are to all of us. The whole team loves those boys and we can’t wait to find out what Charlotte is carrying this time. How’s she doing?”

  “Tired all the time. I know that’s normal in the beginning. Remember how easily she would fall asleep with the twins, but this seems different.” Hawk sighs. “I worry because of her age and getting pregnant again when the boys were only 6 months old. I’m an ass for knocking her up again so soon, but we thought since she was breast feeding, we would be ok. Even the OB said it should have taken a few more months, but I guess it was just meant to be. Just like us being together.” Hawk smiles then. “That’s enough sappy talk. Go home get some rest and come back tomorrow with your head in the game, alright?”

  “Yeah, Hawk. I’ll get my head in the game.” Deadeye smiles at his friend. “Thank Charlotte for me. I would never have made it this long without her text messages. I would have gone to Maryland and ended up in jail for putting her parents in their place.”

  “I will. We can’t have you going to jail. Now, go text your woman.” Hawk slaps him on the back as he stands to leave. “On second thought, just Facetime her. That way you can see her.”

  “Thanks, Hawk. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Deadeye heads out of the conference room and makes his way to the parking lot to his 2010 Toyota Tacoma. It wasn’t the newest vehicle on the road, but it was a highly reliable piece of transportation. Despite having over 200,000 miles he was never concerned about it not starting or getting him where he needed to go and back.

  The drive to his apartment was short and uneventful. Once inside he ate a light supper before hitting the shower and making his way to his bed. He had a hard time falling asleep. He had so much on his mind and was still uncertain what he was going to do about Elise.

  He had spent a very restless night. Awaking from another dream of Elise at 3:30 am, he got up and showered again. He decided he would just get up and make his coffee before heading to base to begin his day. He was staring at his phone thinking about pulling up her last message when his phone pinged again. It startled him because of the early hour of morning.

  Hope I’m not waking you. I can’t sleep and I was missing you, so I had to reach out to you. I know you can’t respond because of my father’s threats, but I wanted you to know that I still care for you. ~Elise

  I don’t give a shit about your father’s threats. I miss you too, sweetheart. I’m sorry I haven’t been answering you. I just wanted to give you some time to think about everything that happened and figure out how you really feel.” ~Warren

  Warren, I know how I feel and what I want. I wasn’t confused, but I can understand where you are coming from. I know I was in shock part of the time we were first together, but what I felt was the most real emotions I have had about any man.” ~Elise

  “It would not be unreasonable to be confused about me…us. You had been through Hell and I didn’t ever want you to wake up someday and feel that I took advantage of you and your situation. I told you before I will be here when you are ready for more.” ~Warren

  “I’m ready now, but I want you to believe that this is real, too. How long will it take to convince you?” ~ Elise

  “For now, we will text and Facetime until your therapist thinks it’s ok for you to come see me. I would come to you, but I would hate to get shot on US soil after surviving so many dangerous situations overseas. Lol!” ~ Warren

  “I would hate that, too. I need you in my life for a long time. I’ll try not to drive you crazy, but sometimes I just can’t help myself. I need to talk to you.” ~ Elise

  “I need to hear from you, too. I’ll ta
lk to you soon. Be safe. Call or message me anytime. I mean that. If you need me even in the middle of the night when the nightmares come, call me.” ~Warren

  Deadeye was amazed at the relief he felt after answering her messages. He knew he was doing the right thing. He was giving her space that would let everyone know that their attraction is real. He would wait as long as needed for her to be ready for them to move forward. He is surprised at himself. In the past he would never had considered such a thing, but with Elise it’s all he can think about. Smiling to himself as he drinks his coffee, today is going to be a great day. He heads to the bedroom to get ready for his morning training and briefings. Definitely going to be a good day.

  Elise’s heart is about to burst. He has finally responded to her. Charlotte had assured her that he was in agony over not answering her, but she had had her doubts. Thankfully Charlotte was right. She had told her just last night that Hawk had talked to him and encouraged him to stop holding back. It seems he had taken Hawk’s advice. Maybe they would be able to make this work after all.

  Elise hated to admit it, but she was having a hard time getting over her week of captivity. Her parents were even more smothering than before which made her feel like she was being held captive all over again. The nightmares were the worst. She often dreamed of Lakia and her horrible death. So much blood, her lifeless eyes staring at nothing. She has not talked with her parents yet about what happened to her and all that she saw, other than the debriefing they had sat in on. She knew they had questions and wanted to protect her from Warren, but what they didn’t understand was he was the last person she needed to be protected from. Warren is a good man. He proved that by sending her away to give her time to figure out what she wanted and needed. He could have easily encouraged her to stay with him, but he sent her away so that he didn’t influence her decisions. She loved him for that.