Survive The Fall (Dark Eagle Book 1)

by Julia Bright

  “That's not true. Yes, I want you. Do you want to buy in on the ranch?”

  He shook his head, trying to figure out a way that would work. “I don't want your pity.”

  “It's not pity if you do the work. You buy in, and you help me. We work the cattle and keep the place up and running.”

  Hope mixed with pain. “I need to do more.”

  “Can this be a start? I mean, I think we would make a good team working this ranch, trying to make something of it.”

  She met his gaze, her eyes begging him to accept her offer. Losing Kelsey would hurt. The only thing keeping him from saying yes to her plan was his pride. His options were to reenlist or take more security gigs with the company in town. He wasn't being paid that much for what they were having him do. If he had his own company, his own security team, he could make more money.

  He couldn't leave Kelsey. That was the one thing he knew beyond any doubts. He had to stay with her. His head buzzed as a plan formed. He wasn't sure how he would make it happen, but somehow they could make this work if they tried hard enough.

  “I don't have much—”

  “The way I see it, you have more than most. Money and things don't matter, heart does.”

  “My heart is yours.” He met her gaze, knowing his plans for asking her on Christmas were being blown away. He wanted her to understand how he felt now. “I was planning on doing this later.”

  Adam stood with her in his arms, then he placed her in the chair they'd just stood from. As he lowered to one knee, her eyes grew wide. His hands shook as he took her hand in his.

  “This is way too soon, but I don't want to wait to make my intentions clear. This is just a simple ring, think of it as a promise. You need to understand how much you mean to me. Maybe I'm doing this all backward, you know since I already moved out here, but I can't think of another person I want to spend my life with. I want us to grow and become more, and I want you to understand that I'll never be with another. I'm yours. If you're good with it, would you wear this ring, knowing every day together is building on the next, so soon, when the time is right, you'll become my wife?”

  Kelsey stared at him and then at the ring before moving. For a split second, he thought she would walk away. This wasn't a marriage proposal, and maybe he shouldn't have done this, but he'd needed her to understand.

  Then she dropped to her knees and cupped his cheeks. “Adam, my sweet warrior, you are the only one for me, and this proves it. We need to grow together, and I can't think of a better way to grow closer than being promised to each other. I'll love you and cherish our time together. You're my everything.”

  His cheeks felt like they would crack from the smile. She moved fast, plastering her mouth against his, her arms wrapped around his back and she held him close.

  Laughter bubbled up inside him, and she laughed too. They dropped to the ground, and he hung over her, going serious at the thought of her being his. As far as he knew, she wasn't pregnant, but he'd been a little afraid to bring it up. He swallowed over his fear, the desire to know pushing him forward.

  “Um, so we haven't talked about it since that night. Are you pregnant?”

  Her lips pressed together. He hung between wanting and not wanting.

  “I don't know. That was the week before Thanksgiving, it's been a few weeks. I'm not sure.”

  He lifted his brow and shook his head. “You don't know?”

  “It's not like my body sends me an email. We've been busy, and the few times we've gone to town, I haven't thought to buy a test.”

  He narrowed his gaze and studied her. She didn't know if she was pregnant. It was a little unbelievable. His phone buzzed, and he pulled it out, checking the screen. It was a text from Jackson. He sat back and swiped over the screen, opening the message.

  “Hey, a buddy of mine, Jackson, is driving through. He needs a place to stay.”

  “How far out is he?”

  “Says he's north of Denver. He’s been sleeping in his truck and was wondering we had a bed.”

  “Call him now. We have bedrooms. Plus, I'd like to meet him.”

  Adam nodded. “He's rough around the edges. He took Jenkin's death hard. Like real hard. You should put up any cash you have out.”

  Kelsey paused. “Is he dangerous?”

  “No, not dangerous. Jackson has just made some dumb mistakes when he got out. War messed him up.”

  “Tell him he's welcome here. I'll make sure to lock Gramps desk.”

  “I'll call him now. And Kelsey, thank you for letting him stay. I think if he had a chance to get his head on straight, he would. You know, when I met you, I was drifting from job to job. Finding you the second time, having you care for me, it made all the difference in the world. Thank you.”

  She moved in close, pressing her lips to his cheek. “I love you, Adam.”

  The phone connected seconds after she said those words. They were shocking and awesome to hear.

  “Hello, Adam, you there.”

  He cleared his throat, a tingle vibrating through him as Kelsey patted him on his chest before turning away.

  “Hey, Jackson, I have a room for you. Kelsey said she wanted you here.”

  “Kelsey?” Jackson asked.

  “Yes, Kelsey. She's the woman I've been seeing. I'm living here now. She wants to meet you.”

  Jackson let out a loud bark of laughter. “I doubt she does. I'm one fucked up idiot.”

  Adam chuckled and shook his head though Jackson couldn't see the movement. “You're no more fucked up than I am. Come out, you'll be surprised how nice living on the ranch can be.”

  “Okay, give me the address.”

  Adam rattled off the information then told Jackson he'd send the location in a text.

  “Give me about two hours,” Jackson said.

  “We'll keep the lights on and be waiting for you.”

  He hung up and found Kelsey standing in the doorway, her brows lifted. He moved to her and noticed the gleam in her eyes.

  “What?” he asked.

  “If we're having company, we should have some hot, loud sex before he shows up.”

  His cock went hard at the suggestion. He scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom where he lost himself in her beauty. He sank into her heat as she captivated him with her touch. She had a way that left him wanting more no matter how much he got.

  Before Kelsey, the beast inside felt like it was growing, now it was tamed. He still had issues with anger, but it wasn’t blown out of proportion. This woman had shown him love and caring when he needed it most. He knew Kelsey would be good for Jackson. And maybe out here in the middle of nowhere, Jackson could find someone who helped to heal his soul.

  After sex, he helped her put together appetizers. They planned on waiting to eat dinner until Jackson arrived. He texted Jackson, telling him they would eat once he got there. About an hour and a half after they'd talked, Adam's phone rang.

  “I'm close, but this road I'm turning down is gravel.”

  He chuckled. “That means you're really close. I'll come down to the gate and lock it behind you.”

  “You don't have to.”

  “It'll make it easier. We have to lock up, anyway.”

  “Fine, I'll see you soon.”

  He hung up and turned to find Kelsey right there. “He's close?”

  “Yeah, I'll head down and let him in.”

  She moved to him and brushed her lips over his. “I'll set the table and make sure everything is warm.”

  “Thank you.”

  Excitement filled him as he took off, heading to the gate. Jackson was a good guy, one of the best. They weren't as close as he and Jenkins had been, but they were friends. Headlights bounced along the road, and his heart sped up. It had been a long time since he'd seen Jackson. The man was a warrior through and through. His dad, a career military man, still stationed at the Pentagon, had been pissed when Jackson had called it quits. That pressure had to be a mind fuck. He'd seen how devastated
Jackson had been, heard it in his voice.

  Adam pulled off the road and waited for Jackson to pull in. Once clear of the gate, Jackson hopped out of his truck and threw his arms wide.

  “My God, Whitney has this gal got you domesticated.”

  He laughed as he pulled Jackson into a backslapping hug. “It's been too long.”

  “It sure as hell has.”

  “What are you doing driving across the country this close to Christmas?”

  “Ugh, I can't get into it right now. I'll tell you soon.”

  “Okay.” Adam pulled back and met Jackson's gaze. “We're brothers. You're good here.”

  “Thanks. I-I can't believe everything that has happened.” Jackson blew out a huge breath. “We'll talk later.”

  “Let me lock this then follow me up to the house. We've got an excellent dinner waiting.”

  “Did your woman cook it?” Jackson asked.

  “Best watch your tongue, she'd a tough one. And I cooked with her. We do a lot together.”

  Jackson's lips twisted. “Well look at you. Is she trying to housebreak you?”

  “She's a good woman.”

  Jackson chuckled. “Whatever you say, boss. I'll follow you to the house.”

  Adam remembered how rough around the edges Jackson could be. The man had a caveman like attitudes towards women. He'd grown up in a house where women were slaves, or close to it, at least that's how it sounded from the stories Jackson told.

  His dad may have been a commander in the Marines, but he was a jerk. The stories Jackson told made even his hair raise.

  Once at the house, he saw Kelsey waiting on the porch for them. The woman was amazing. She had a broad smile on her face and came down the stairs, reaching for Jackson's hand as he stepped out of the truck.

  “I'm Kelsey, it's nice to meet you.”

  “People call me Jackson. I don't use my first name.”

  “Sounds good,” Kelsey said. “Come on in, Jackson. I'll show you to your room, and you can wash up. We have dinner ready. Would you like anything to drink?”

  “Um, I haven't had a drop of alcohol in two weeks. I should stick with tea.”

  “Tea it is,” Kelsey said.

  He watched Jackson shuffle in behind Kelsey, wondering if he'd made a mistake asking his friend here. He didn't want to feel that way or think that way, but Jackson had been putting off a weird vibe. Something terrible had happened, and he wasn't sure he'd like hearing what it was.

  21

  When Kelsey first saw Jackson, she wondered if she'd welcomed a serial killer into her house. The man was more than just a little rough, he looked menacing. Then he transformed as a smile graced his lips. His eyes grew bright. He looked different.

  “I'm Kelsey, it's nice to meet you.” She took his hand liking how his grip wasn't limp like a noodle. That freaked her out when guys limp wristed her.

  “People call me Jackson. I don't use my first name.”

  “Sounds good. Come on in, Jackson. I'll show you to your room, and you can wash if you want. We have dinner ready. Would you like anything to drink?”

  “Um, I haven't had a drop of alcohol in two weeks. I should stick with tea.”

  “Tea it is.” Awkward didn't quite come close to saying how she felt. After showing Jackson to the guest room, she headed to the kitchen, making sure everything was in order.

  Scotch called to her. Should she take a swig? She didn't need it, not really. It was just the pressure of having a stranger here.

  Adam came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you. I know he's rough, but he a good guy.”

  “I'm not good,” Jackson said as he came in.

  “Are too,” Adam said. “Who saved my life more than once?”

  “I would have done it for anyone.”

  Adam shook his head and rolled his eyes. Kelsey didn't want to make Jackson angry. Worry twisted through her. Adam was big, but Jackson was huge. She'd not thought about how big Adam was for a while. He was always so gentle with her. He could pick her up no problem, but he always made sure she was safe.

  “Jackson, you are a nice guy,” Adam said.

  “Not according to my dad.”

  Adam paused. “You've alluded to that a few times already. What do you mean? What happened?”

  Jackson blew out a breath. “It's a long story.”

  “Well, we've got plenty of time. We don't have to set alarms for tomorrow,” Kelsey said.

  “Are you sure you want to hear this gruesome tale?”

  “Yeah, we want to hear,” Adam took a seat and motioned for Jackson to sit.

  They were gathered around the table, and she wondered if she should offer grace, but she wasn't sure if Jackson was religious or not. She didn't want to offend him, not with him already being broody.

  She passed him the platter with meat after she took a piece. “We have a lot of food, eat up.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality. Not everyone is this nice.”

  Adam put food on his plate then hit Jackson with a level stare. “Spill.”

  “I got into an argument with my dad about my brother. Maybe it was stupid, I don't know. Anyway, my brother wanted to go to college for art, but dad decided he was going into the military. My brother tried to throw a fit, but dad's word is law. Dad has him going to the Naval Academy on a special appointment. He's bragging about how he's going to make sure my brother goes to the front lines after graduation. I said things, and he called me a pussy. We yelled and screamed. That was the last time I drank. Okay, maybe I was drinking a little too much, but I wasn't a drunk. I had a few too many beers each night. The fight kept going the next day, and he kicked me out. Cut me off too. I've been living in my truck for the last two weeks. I remembered you saying you were out here and I drove this way. Honestly, I'm not heading to Oregon. I just need a place to stay to get back on my feet.”

  Kelsey stared at this man, thinking about everything he'd said. Maybe it would be a mistake letting him stay. What if his father was still hunting for who had killed Zaeim? Her muscles clenched, and she realized that's why she had almost instantly feared this man. It wasn't him, more like the fear of not knowing if he was here to spy on them.

  “Did your brother try to stand up for you?” Adam asked.

  Jackson snorted. “At first, then he turned on me. He doesn't want to be in the military, but he knows he won't survive for long without dad's support.”

  “Jesus. So the kid wants to be an artist but will spend his life serving in the military? That's ridiculous.”

  “Yeah, it's bad. Dad said I'm a wimp because I joined the Army and not the Marines. He's being an asshole.”

  “I have space here,” Kelsey said.

  Jackson looked at her, his eyes wide. “You really are opening your home for me?”

  “Yes. You can stay. I know it won't help with your dad, but I have room. And we need a ranch hand.”

  Adam reached out. She wove her fingers with his. His smile touched her heart. Jackson was rough, but she was sure with a little help, he'd be someone they could depend on.

  She met Jackson's gaze. “Listen, I don't know what happened to you over there. It has been hard for Adam, and it's not cool at all what your dad is doing. He's unreasonable.”

  “He is. I mean, he served for a long time, but he never saw full action like we did. My dad was a high-ranking officer by the time he served overseas. He didn't serve in the first Gulf War and had no time on the front lines. The man doesn't understand what it's like. And now he's got Ryan hooked in. He's looking for a military hero he can brag about, and I'm afraid that means my brother will end up dead.”

  Adam shook his head. “It was rough out there. Our friends were being blown to bits, and no one back home knew. They wanted to keep it quiet. I get it, but war sucked for many of us. We had to go through so much.”

  “I don't see Ryan doing well,” Jackson said.

  “Have you talked to him?” Adam asked.

  “No.
Dad's got him so tied up around his little finger. I tried to call and talk, but Ryan won't listen. He'll get in trouble. I don't think there's anything I can do.”

  “Someone in his command will take him under their wing and help him along. Maybe he can have a military career and still live his life how he wants.”

  “I hope so. I fear my dad's reputation will proceed Ryan. Everyone will think he's an asshole and try to fuck him over. You know how that shit was in the Rangers. We blacklisted anyone who used their daddy or mommy to get ahead. And here Ryan is, being given special privileges. They'll treat him like shit.”

  “Jesus,” Adam said.

  “I wish there was a way we could help him,” Kelsey said.

  Jackson smiled at her and shrugged. “Having a place to live for a while will help. I've made mistakes. I know I've messed up a bunch and now I have to get my life in order. If you give me a chance to work, I think...well, I think it would help.”

  A whisper of a worry twisted through Kelsey and exploded. What if he found out they'd killed Zaeim? Would Jackson take that information to his father to gain favor?

  Adam met her gaze, and his eyes narrowed. Did he have the same fears? Could they keep this secret from Jackson? It wasn't like they would start some sort of assassins' agency. Zaeim was over and done with. They wouldn't look for more terrorist to kill. They were ranchers now, and that was it.

  “I appreciate you offering to help me.” Jackson looked more relaxed than he had since he arrived.

  She and Adam could keep Zaeim under wraps. They wouldn't talk about him or any of the other work they'd done to track down a terrorist.

  22

  Once they were locked in their room for the night, Adam pulled her close, his lips at her ear. “You okay with this?” He whispered.

  “Yeah, I'm good.”

  “You sure?”

  She nodded. “I'm just worried he'll find out about Zaeim and tell his dad. That's the last thing we need.”

  “I know. Jackson won't do that to us. If he finds out, not that he will, he won't tell anyone.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Trust me, Jackson is solid.”