The minutes passed and the sound of Sara’s voice rang in my head. I prayed for a sign, a signal, something to bring me to her.
Pop!
Pat cut the engine before I even asked him to. My prayers had been answered. The unmistakable pop of a rifle. Someone was near. Adrenaline spiked through my body. Had those motherfuckers killed Sara? For a mere second I felt the pit of stomach drop so far I thought I could deposit it out of my ass. But the determination I had driving through my veins was a hell of a lot stronger. I shook the thought out of my head.
I signaled to exit the truck and the four of us fanned out across the landscape, with Cuervo leading the pack to our front. I focused my night vision goggles but couldn’t see a damned thing yet. We were too far out. Despite the best image intensification and thermal fusion technology in the world, I couldn’t see shit. I had Pat, the best sniper, on my side. And our secret weapon, Cuervo, would smell these motherfuckers before we could spot them.
The night remained motionless and I still couldn’t detect the origin of the gunshot. But my goggles focused in on a patch of disturbed earth in the distance. I signaled my men and we approached.
There, in a small pile, was fabric from clothes. Sara’s clothes. A sliced piece of a jacket that she had been wearing the last time I’d seen her. And her blonde locks mixed in the dirt.
My hands shook. They were fucking animals. They’d chopped off her hair—what would they do next? I scoured the earth for blood, praying I would find none. Cuervo’s nose must have picked up their scent and he ran in front of Vic. That a boy.
A wave of relief washed over me. “No blood.”
The words echoed in my head. No blood. They had just cut her hair, humiliated her. Images filled my mind—Sara being raped, these vile motherfuckers violating her, grabbing her flesh, forcing their dicks in her mouth, inside her. Since I’d become a SEAL, I’d seen more brutality than I ever wished to recall in my lifetime. But the images of children and women being defiled had always been the hardest ones for me to reconcile. At night, those visuals haunted my nightmares—their screams filled my head. I had been unable to save them.
But not tonight. Tonight’s mission would be a success. I was more certain than I had been about anything in my life. She was the reason I left my career, though I hadn’t known it at the time. Meeting Sara at the bar last summer, seeing her on the USO tour, all of these events had led me to this moment. I was put on this earth to save her. And no motherfucker would stop me.
Stay strong just a little bit longer, baby. We’re breathing the same air.
20
Sara
My tactic had worked. Crazy Eyes and his friend, who had joined him a few minutes after I’d been hit over the head with the rifle, seemed to be even more turned on by my defiance and sudden pleading.
And I’d been right about one thing—I had seen a cave in the distance. But I had thought that the cave would be my refuge. Instead, it was about to be my prison.
The barrel of the gun, now held by the friend, was placed at the back of my neck as Crazy Eyes led me to the cave. I didn’t resist, my ankle was throbbing and the wound on my head made me dizzier than before. At this point, the only way out I could see was going along with whatever these two terrorists wanted, and praying that I was rescued soon. I’d made it farther than I’d anticipated. And Maya had made it out. Maybe I would, too. I looked around for any sign of another vehicle, a backup, but saw none. Or maybe at some point if they both passed out, I could kill them, but that was wishful thinking.
We arrived at the cave, and his friend took out a lighter and lit a lantern, which gave the cave a soft glow. It looked like the inside of a really fucked-up haunted house. Crazy Eyes licked his lips and motioned for me to sit and I complied. He pressed me back against the dirt and I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see his face as he raped me. If it saved me, I’d deal with the aftershock later the best I could. The physical pain would be enough of a reminder for the rest of my life, but maybe, if I could block out the image of being penetrated by this monster, I could someday recover.
A harsh sting flushed across my jaw and the sound and impact of a slap forced my eyes open. Crazy Eyes was now holding his erect pencil thin dick, pointing at it, as if I was supposed to be turned on. A wave of nausea rippled along my throat and threatened to get out.
He motioned for me to lower my pants and I did. His friend stood outside the cave, but instead of pointing his gun toward the land, he kept his eyes locked on me. Sick motherfucker wanted to watch. The way he stared at me like I would be used then discarded of filled me with terror.
I inhaled. I’d been wrong. I wasn’t going to get saved. I was going to be raped and then slaughtered. Kyle hadn’t come for me. None of the SEALs had. I would spend the last minutes of my life in pure agony.
Crazy Eyes leaned into me, closer and closer until our bodies touched. His chapped lips met mine and as much as I wanted to bite his lips and tongue off, I reminded myself that his friend had a gun, and I was already in enough pain. His hand made its way down my body and his finger pressed into my panties. My face contorted. His other hand reached and grabbed my breast, and I held my breath. Just when I thought I was seconds away from being raped he collapsed on me, blood splattering everywhere.
What the fuck?!
I screamed and noticed his friend was slumped over in the entrance of the cave, his head deformed, brains splattered.
I continued to scream, my lungs burning, my voice making sounds I didn’t know I was capable of making. My head spun from side to side, completely unable to comprehend what was happening.
A few seconds later, a dog strapped with military gear bounded up to me. And that’s when I realized what had just happened.
I blinked back through my tears and focused in the distance. Four figures were approaching me.
And before I could blink again, Kyle had me wrapped in his arms, and I exhaled deeply.
“I got you, baby. I’m here. You’re safe now.”
21
Kyle
I held her so tightly in my arms, kissed her forehead despite myself. “Are you okay, baby? Did they hurt you?”
Baby. That word hung heavy on my lips. I shouldn’t have called her that—I had no right to call her baby. She was only a mission, one of many hostages I had saved. She wasn’t my woman. I’d told her I wasn’t looking for anything serious. But holding her in my arms made me forget about all the reasons why I’d convinced myself I didn’t want a relationship. Separation, loneliness, stress. Those factors hadn’t changed. But maybe having Sara to come home to would make the struggle of loving someone while I worked a world away worth it.
She buried her face into my chest. “I’m fine now that you’re here. I hurt my ankle running and I’m bruised but they didn’t hurt me to where I couldn’t handle it. Maya?” Her voice was breathy and hopeful. “Did you find her? Is she okay?”
She looked up at me and I brushed back her newly shorter hair, unable to release her. Always so beautiful. “Yes, babe. She’s fine. Thanks to you. You saved her life. You saved both of your lives.”
She shook her head. “No, I didn’t. You did. You found us.”
On closer observation, I saw her face inflamed, and what appeared to be a damn handprint on her cheek. If I could have killed the bastards again I would have. I kissed her lips, knowing I shouldn’t, knowing I didn’t deserve this kiss. But I would earn the right to kiss her again. And then I’d kiss her any time I wanted. She exhaled when I released her lips. “We only found her because you sacrificed your life. You could’ve died. She told us about Denise.” I spoke of her deceased director so she understood the magnitude of what she’d been through. Then I gave her another kiss, this time on her head, then pulled myself away from her to get back to work.
“Pat, call for air rescue.” Pat grabbed his radio and stepped forward a few feet. I had no idea how long it would be until we were airlifted out of here. If the rest of the Teams were still searc
hing for the other women, our command would not jeopardize their mission to get us. We could be here all night guarding Sara, but it didn’t matter. She would be safe as long as she was with us.
“Baby, I’m gonna carry you back to the truck. We should get word on rescue by then. Come here.” I didn’t wait for her to move. Every time the word “baby” came out my mouth she flashed me a pained look. As if I only used it out of guilt or pity. She was wrong.
I lifted her up and cradled her as she wrapped her arms around my neck. Neither of us said another word as I trekked toward the truck. She was so light and looked frail, but underneath all that she was a fighter. I was carrying her the way a man carried his bride, a thought that flashed through my head when I peered down at her slumbering form. Her eyes remained closed as she nuzzled against me, like if she were home. As if she could see me as her man. And I didn’t know if I deserved that. But we were not on some tropical honeymoon—we were in the middle of a potential war zone. I remained in the middle, the guys and Cuervo surrounding me, and watched my surroundings.
We were almost back to the truck when Pat approached me from behind. “Good news. The other girls were found in different parts of a nearby village. They are all safe. And Maya and the rest of the Team were picked up as well. Transport will be here soon for all of us. Say goodbye to Sara while you still have time, man.”
I stared down at her with such regret. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. I kept her tight in my arms, never wanting to let go. Let her sleep as I savored the brief moments I had left.
Once we arrived at the truck, I gave her some water and Vic checked her for injuries. I knew she said she was able to handle it, but I wasn’t taking any chances. She was dirty, sore, scratched, and bruised, but she was still as beautiful as ever.
Pat motioned to me and I knew I needed to talk to her before the helicopter approached and prevented us from having any sort of meaningful conversation.
“One helicopter will be sent for you and you will be taken to a hospital. Once you are safely aboard, another will come for us. I’m not going to be allowed to go with you to the hospital because I will need to be debriefed and available for another mission. But, Sara, I want you to know how sorry I am. I do want to be with you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I thought I knew best but then I almost lost you, and I’ve been kicking my own ass ever since.” A smirk appeared on her soft lips. “I’m going to get in touch with you as soon as I’m allowed to. It could be a while, but I need you to know that I’ll be thinking about you. And when I get back home to San Diego, I’m coming to find you. If you’ll have me.”
“I’d like that, Kyle. I’ll be waiting for you.”
I knew I shouldn’t be kissing a hostage, but I didn’t care. The air between us was liable to suffocate me if I didn’t kiss her. The rumble of the helicopter shook the earth and told me I only had minutes to say goodbye. My hand grasped the back of her head and I pulled her in for a long kiss. One that would have to last us till we were together again. As our lips met, I was so thankful for the opportunity to kiss her again. She kissed me back, and it felt like the best feeling in the world. She tasted incredible, like sweet freedom. Capturing her bottom lip, I sucked it gently and drew her near, our tongues stroking slow and seductive till her body melted onto mine. It was a crime to release her.
The helicopter hovered over us and I had to say goodbye. Fuck. I reluctantly pulled away and placed her in the arms of the Marine who’d been lowered down to grab her and take her safely inside. She gave a small wave and I winked at her. My baby. As Sara melted into the night, I vowed that I would do everything possible to attempt to start a real relationship with her. My fears be damned. I wanted her more. God brought us together for a reason. God spared her life. She was meant for me and I wasn’t going to squander another chance to be with her.
22
Sara
Six weeks later, San Diego
I stood in the dressing room at the stadium and took a final look in the long mirror. This was my final game of the season, my rookie season. My life had changed so much since the day I had auditioned a little over a year ago. I’d been kidnapped, held hostage in Afghanistan, risked my life, and been brutalized. And I’d survived. Not many could say that. Nothing about the past year had been easy. I was stronger now, more confident, and mostly not afraid of anything. It was strange how almost dying changed your perspective on things.
Our squad mourned the loss of our director. We’d wept at Denise’s funeral, and organized a big fundraiser for her family. I still couldn’t believe what had happened to any of us.
Luckily for me, my ankle had only been sprained and not broken, so after rest and physical therapy, I was dancing again. The organization had provided counseling, which helped a lot. It had done wonders for Maya, who still blamed herself for me getting hurt. Which couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I spritzed some hairspray into my new bob, courtesy of the shearing of my hair at the hands of Crazy Eyes. When I’d come home, I’d considered having new extensions being placed in, but I realized I wasn’t defined by a haircut and decided to proudly rock my short hair. I didn’t want to hide behind my hair anymore. It didn’t make me who I was, or special. I knew what I was worth, and I finally wanted to go after what I wanted.
And what I wanted was Kyle. He was the calming to the storm of emotions I held inside.
He’d done his best to remain in contact with me, but he had been right, communication was hard with deployed SEAL. There were a few broken satellite calls with the sounds of mortars going off in the background. But despite him calling me baby and making promises when he had rescued me, I hadn’t seen him yet, though he had explained to me that he wasn’t allowed to tell me when we would return. Operational security. “Soon” was the best I could get out of him. He had sent a dozen roses to my hospital room in Germany and flowers to my home. But I didn’t want flowers, I wanted him. Until I saw him again, the possibility of a relationship with him wouldn’t seem real to me. Had he just been caught up in the heat of the moment? So thrilled that he had found me? Claimed his prize? Or did he really want a relationship with me? Time would tell.
Insecurity crept up. Maybe he was back stateside and hadn’t bothered to contact me. I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt for a little while longer. There was the distinct possibility he was still deployed. I understood and valued his occupation more than ever now. So I’d give him a chance when he returned. One chance, but that was it. If he’d changed his mind or hid his feelings from me, I was through. I couldn’t keep doing that to myself.
I straightened in front of the mirror. I didn’t have time to stress about him now. Today was Military Appreciation Day, and all the cheerleaders were assigned special uniforms to honor our troops. I’d been assigned Air Force but swapped with Maya and wore the Navy uniform, just in case Kyle was somewhere watching. Old habits were hard to break. And even when I tried not to, he was always heavily on my mind. I missed him.
I pulled up my white boy shorts and tied the top into my bra, heading out to the passageway connecting to the field, poms in hand.
Today we were playing our biggest rival, the Oakland Marauders, which also just happened to be Kyle’s former team. When I closed my eyes, I could feel him next to me. Dropping my poms, I stood in line and held a animated expression until Maya whispered, “Thinking about a certain someone, buttercup?” Kyle, Kyle, Kyle, why was he on my mind so much? I chastised myself, letting out a slow breath, and prepared myself for the real possibility time didn’t in fact heal all things and he had simply moved on. The quiet was deafening. I’d come so far and yet through the silence my feelings hadn’t faded, if anything they had intensified. It was true when people said silence was the most powerful scream.
Jan, our interim director, grabbed the megaphone so she could be heard at the end of the line. “All right, ladies. We’re on Monday Night Football. Millions of people are watching you. Big smiles.”
My m
ood momentarily changed. I was all smiles. I couldn’t believe how blessed I was to be alive. And I couldn’t wait to cheer and celebrate the great men and women who served us. I grabbed my poms off the floor and sashayed out to the field and basked in the warmth of the cheering fans.
We lined the entrance as the players ran out and then took our positions around the field in four separate groups. Poms in the air above my head, I fed off of the crowd, riding their energy. Our rescue had been all over the media and though we had been forbidden by the Wildfire organization to do any interviews, the details of our rescue had somehow been leaked to the press.
I smiled at a “Run, Sara, Run!” sign. And while it was sweet, my short time with Kyle taught me one thing—the reward was saving Maya and myself. Kyle didn’t advertise his job, and he saved people every day. Despite the reputation of recent SEALs bragging about their kills and raids, Kyle was the ultimate silent operator.
Just as the singer finished her last note, we turned toward the sky. I was eager to see the Blue Angels flyover. I stared toward the sun as the six planes flew in precision formation. I’d always loved seeing them, but today witnessing our nation’s military made me so grateful to be an American. The crowd roared in heavy cheering.
“And now, a special treat. The Navy Leapfrogs.”
A helicopter hovered overhead, and for a brief moment I flashed back to being rescued, and Kyle holding me in his arms and handing me off to a Marine. Like angels from the sky, two black and yellow parachutes opened and two men came floating down carrying Navy flags. The audience roared as they executed a perfect landing.
Invaluable (The Trident Code Book 2) Page 9