SEALs of Honor: Shadow

by Dale Mayer

  Shadow had to agree that in theory the stepmother was a good suspect. But did she have the stomach for killing her husband. Then again, she hadn’t killed him, someone else had. And having a killer was a different story.

  “What if the kidnappers contacted someone in the Senate, asking for ransom? And that person took advantage of the moment and turned the deal into something else,” Shadow said slowly. “The only reason we knew who was involved was Arianna’s photo sent to her father’s aide.”

  “Which should in theory clear him of being a participant.”

  “Unless he knew how to contact the kidnappers and then made a deal for himself. Although, with the senator and Arianna dead, the money goes to the stepmother and the boy, and not him.” Mason paused then shrugged. “Unless he can move up in his career from this somehow.”

  “But why Arianna?”

  Everyone turned to look at her. She shrugged. “I have money from my mother’s side of the family, but it’s not much comparatively.”

  The others winced, a few sent side long glances at Shadow who slouched lower in his chair at the news.

  “Your idea of not much isn’t necessarily everyone’s,” he muttered. Of course she had money. Probably tons of the shit. Like why would he fall for a rich woman when someone who lived at the poverty line would suit him as well? He wasn’t into glitz and glamour. Sideways, he took his first look at her clothing. Decent t–shirt, nice warm vest, probably expensive. Her pack had been a popular outdoor brand. A good brand for everyday outdoor people. They carried a die hard line that was hard-wearing and durable. Hers wasn’t that level. Yet she wasn’t carrying a glamor girl pretty version. So there was hope for her yet. Then he caught sight of her pants. And he barely held back his grin. She was wearing his pants still. And not only wearing. She rocked the look.

  So what if she had money. She looked damn good in his underwear.

  Chapter 21

  For all her initial exuberance at finally being on the way home, it was waning quickly. There was also a sense of melancholy. Arianna had been devastated at not saying good-bye to the men before, but now there were going to be plenty ahead of her. More pain. More loss. More to deal with.

  She yawned. They’d boarded the second flight. This time a military flight as Mason had managed to pull his magic and get them onto one. They’d connected up with Markus and Evan at the same time. This type of flight didn’t offer the same frills or extras but was more comforting to her own way of thinking. She leaned her head against Shadow’s shoulder and closed her eyes. “Wake me when we land,” she murmured, knowing that he had little choice but to do so.

  Even though exhausted, she couldn’t sleep. She drifted in and out, hearing the men talk. Bits and pieces of disjointed conversations all in a low monotone. She had hours of flying yet and needed to rest, but her own mind was caught on the problems. Anything to avoid looking at what her life would be like in a few hours. Alone.

  She shifted restlessly.

  “You’re not sleeping,” Shadow murmured for her ears only. “Leg bothering you?”

  “No,” she whispered. “Just life bothering me.”

  He reached across for her hand and grasped it gently in his. “It will work out. Stay positive.”

  With a grin, she answered, “Really? Is that you saying that to me?”

  A deep chuckle rolled out from his mouth. He was so damn sexy.

  “Maybe some of that happy-go-lucky attitude is rubbing off on me.”

  “Oh dear. Your friends won’t recognize you.” She’d love to think some of her normally positive happy outlook on life was brightening up his world too. He was a sweetheart, but so didn’t believe in all the things she wanted for her world. They were darkness and light.

  “I guess we’re opposites, aren’t we?” she asked in a small voice. Was that a good thing or bad?

  “In some ways. But in many no, we’re the same.”

  “Almost home.” She yawned again. “I should go to the hospital. See my stepmother.” She paused. Then added, “And say good-bye to my father.” She’d stomped on that inevitability until later. When she could deal with it.

  He gathered her hand. “Your stepmother, she’s not there. She’s at home resting.” He lowered his voice, and said, “And your dad…well, you can do that tomorrow.”

  Her breath caught in the back of her throat. She shifted so she could look in his eyes. She didn’t have to ask, she could see it. Shadow shook his head. She bit her lip and let him tug her into his arms where he just held her. She already knew inside, yet getting that confirmation, well, that hurt. “He’d appreciate going out in battle. A martyr for his beliefs,” she said in low tones.

  He nodded. “Kevin is lucky to have you,” he whispered.

  “Not really.” Arianna looked at him. “I should have called him before this.”

  “You haven’t had time to do anything, especially to think about others. He’s been told you’re fine. That’s the important part.”

  She offered a wan smile, determined to hold the tears back. There would be time to grieve later. In private where she could honor him the way he’d like to be remembered. She had to get home first. She stuffed the emotions deep inside until later. “Right. The rest is just time to heal and reconnect.” She frowned thinking about all the suppositions they’d thrown out earlier. “Has someone warned my stepmother that she might be next in line to die?”

  Shadow looked down at her. “No idea. Besides, whoever is behind this had a great way to get rid of her already. They let her live. There must be a reason.”

  “Right. More conspiracy theories. Hate them.” She looked down at the lights below. It was late and the city was lit up like a beautiful Christmas tree of lights. She might not like all the nasty theories, but it didn’t change the fact that because of what the one killer said, her world was even more unstable than before. And now her father had died. She knew it, understood it, accepted it and knew she wasn’t even close to dealing with it. The tears rose. Ruthlessly. She shoved them back down until later.

  She had to get through this next couple of hours. Then they’d be gone and she could deal with the loss. So many losses.

  “What time is it?”

  “It’s almost eleven.”

  First she had to get from the airport home. She froze. She was in a military plane heading for a military airport. That meant outside San Diego most likely. The naval base where the team was from. She wasn’t home yet. Newport Beach was at least an hour away. Likely two. And she had no idea how to get from the one to the other. Shit.

  The plane landed with so little ceremony and custom hassles she wished she could fly this way all the time. There were quick good-bye hugs from the men and then there was just Shadow standing beside her.

  Forlornly she stared at the men’s retreating backs. “I’m going to miss them.”

  “You’ll see them again.”

  She laughed. “I hope not if it means getting kidnapped again.”

  “It won’t. Come on.” He led her back outside to a large parking lot and a black Jeep. He unlocked it, threw the two bags into the back. “Get in.”

  Grinning, she hopped in. “Nice Jeep.”

  “Ha. Several of us own them.” He turned it on and reversed out of the parking spot. “Now let’s get you the last leg to your home.”

  *

  He’d seen her worry over how she’d get home. He was hardly going to dump her at the airport. She was injured. He’d considered taking her to his place for the night and driving her home in the morning, but what she’d been through, he thought she’d rest best in her own bed.

  She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  He put on low peaceful music and drove down the highway. He was due some shut eye himself. But not yet. She came first.

  At the outskirts to Newport Beach he brought up her address on his phone. She wasn’t far from where he was idling on the curb. She slept gently. He’d have to wake her soon for the house keys. He hoped after
all she’d been through she still had them. He pulled up in front of a small brownstone complex with wide lazy porches in the front. Nice.

  “Arianna. Is this home?”

  She murmured something unintelligible and opened her eyes. When she saw the building beside her, she cried out in joy. “Oh my God. I’m home.”

  And he realized he’d done the right thing bringing her here. He got out and grabbed her bag from the back then brought her crutches to her. On the sidewalk she looked up and beamed.

  “You know how many times I figured I’d never see this place again?”

  “Just goes to show you that life is full of surprises.” He led her to the stairway then scooped her up, crutches and all and carried her to the porch level. “Have your keys?”

  “I do.” She rummaged around in her pack and triumphantly pulled out a set.

  He took them from her and opened the door. And paused to let her go inside. She hobbled forward, her happy sigh making him smile. “I’m so damn glad to be here,” she whispered. She stared at the stairs in front of her. “But doing those stairs with my leg is going to be a bitch.”

  He laughed and shut the door behind her. Turning, he swept her off her feet again and carried her to the second floor. And her bedroom. She flicked the light switch on flowing the soft colored room with warm light. “Oh my God. Even better, my bed.”

  Still grinning, he laid her down on the covers. She immediately bounced to her feet and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Thank you for seeing I made it home.”

  “I told you I would.” Hating to leave but knowing it was time, and he had a long drive home, he hugged her close then stepped back. “Now get some rest.”

  And he walked to the door.

  He glanced back to see her fighting to hold back tears. “Hey, it’s going to be okay.”

  She shook her head. “If you walk out that door it won’t ever be okay.”

  He froze. He wanted to stay. Of course he did. Any man would. And it would certainly be his desired next step but what about…her reasoning…

  “This can’t be just so you don’t have to say good-bye.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not,” but her voice was low, soft.

  He narrowed his gaze at her. He’d only stay for the right reasons.

  In a low but more confident voice, she said, “Just stay the night, then. You don’t want that long drive back right now. Sleep. Rest.”

  So had he misjudged what she was asking? Damn he hated this.

  He was no good at pussy footing around the issue. Better to know now. “If I stay it won’t be to sleep on the couch downstairs.”

  And her smile was breathtaking. “Then you’d better sleep here.” She stood up slowly and in spite of her best attempts to not show it, winced. And he knew he shouldn’t leave her alone to fend for herself tonight at all. She motioned at the bed. “With me.”

  “Come on. You’re in no shape for anything right now.”

  She shot him a look. “Really? How do you feel about taking a shower with me?”

  And that smile of hers set him on fire. He shouldn’t. She was hurt. But damn he wanted to.

  She hobbled to the bathroom, her shirt tugged over her shoulder and tossed on the floor beside him. He hesitated.

  “I haven’t had a shower in days and I’m covered in blood.” Her bra was tossed outside to land in the middle of the floor. He swallowed hard. Oh shit. There was only so much resistance he could put into place here, and knowing it wasn’t in her best interest was fast waning as an excuse. When his pants and yes her panties were flung out the door, followed by two small socks, he couldn’t think of anything else but her standing with that damn bandage in the shower. Alone.

  When the water turned on he knew he was lost.

  He stripped off his clothes and left them in a pile beside hers. And walked into the bathroom, already heavily aroused. Blood pounded through his body. He needed her. Like now.

  Calm down, Shadow. She needed a careful lover not a fast, take her hard against the shower wall, type of lover. He stood outside the frosted glass doors and watched the water sluice down her slender from. He closed his eyes, willing his body to slow down, reaching for the last bit of control.

  “Are you going to join me or just watch?”

  And she opened the door inviting him in.

  Chapter 22

  She hadn’t wanted him to leave. It was one of those moments where she knew that if she didn’t say what was needed to be said then she’d regret it for the rest of her life. She wanted Shadow forever. If she only got one night then she only got one night. It was more than she was going to have if she didn’t tell him how she felt. Even then it felt stilted, awkward. Partly because he didn’t come rushing over to take her into his arms. Followed by her own realization of how dirty she was. And then she understood what she needed to do.

  Now seeing him standing on the other side of the glass watching her… Oh God. She could be standing in ice water right now and she wouldn’t notice. She needed him and now. She knew her leg was an issue. But she knew they’d find a way. And if she had a little pain to go with the joy, then that was all right too.

  He stepped inside the large shower and picked up the bottle of shampoo. She couldn’t see him clearly through the water in her eyes but when he turned her so he could shampoo her long hair, she could feel him hard and ready, nudging her hip. When his fingers slid through her locks and then dug in lightly to her scalp, she moaned.

  “Feels so good,” she whispered.

  And he massaged her scalp a little more. When he turned her to face him, she leaned her forehead against his chest and accepted the ministrations. She loved the careful way he worked shampoo through her hair. When his fingers worked down to her neck and shoulder muscles she groaned and looped her arms around his back to snuggle up close. Her breasts pressed against his chest, his erection nestled against her belly.

  She didn’t want the moment to end. When those wonderful fingers slid down her spine carefully massaging the bank of muscles on either side, she whimpered in joy.

  “How can I be so sore?” she asked. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “Running and twisting, climbing trees, sitting in the truck for hours in a position not conducive to relaxing and then there were the hours in the store…”

  “Well, if you’re going to put it that way,” she muttered with a small laugh, “I guess all of me is going to be sore.”

  His hands slid down to her hips and dug deep, working the muscles inside. She melted. When they slipped lower to cup her cheeks and pull her up against him, she shivered.

  “Feels so good,” she said.

  “You feel good,” he whispered against her ear, and the heat of his voice sent tingles down her spine. Then he kissed her ear, gently tracing the outside skin with his tongue and dropping kisses behind and below, his mouth tracing down her long neck to the curve of her shoulders. Her arms slipped up his hot wet chest, her fingers sliding into his thick hair. She clung to him as he retraced his steps, dropping kisses on to her chin and over to her mouth. He’d kissed her several times already but when he took her mouth this time it was like nothing she’d experienced ever before. It was heart stoppingly beautiful. And she couldn’t get enough. When he withdrew his head she followed. She needed more. So much more. He kissed her again, tiny gentle kisses across her eyes and temple, all the while hugging her close.

  So tender. So caring. So loving. She could feel his restraint, felt the shudders of thinly held control work their way down his strong body. He was afraid of hurting her. And she couldn’t have cared less. After what she’d been through this…his touch…being here with him…heaven.

  “Love me, Shadow, please love me…”

  He slid his hand into her hair and tugged her head back. Something had shifted. This time when he took her mouth it was deep and dark and possessive. His other hand slid up her sleek wet body to cup her breast. She cried out, but he inhaled the sound looking for
more. She whimpered as he squeezed gently, his finger rubbing the nipple, waking her body. She slid her hand between their bodies and found him. Hot. Hard. Ready. And she squeezed his length, her fingers sliding down then back up as she explored the size of him.

  His groan was heaven to her ears. She slid her hand back down to cup the sacs below, he gasped and pulled her hand away.

  “Too much.”

  “Not enough.”

  He gave a half groan. “Impatient.”

  “With you…yes.”

  His free hand slid down to cup her left cheek, in one scoop he bent, lifted her thigh over his arm and raised her high and using his body, pinned her in place against the tiled back of the shower. She gasped as he nudged up against her center. She wrapped her legs around his waist. So close. And so damn far away.

  “Are you sure?”

  She groaned in laughter. “Never more so.”

  But still he hesitated.

  She dropped tiny kisses on his chin, his neck, her hands frantic on his back and arms. “I’m protected, if that’s the concern.”

  A shudder rippled across his body. “It wasn’t but it should have been,” he said in a midnight dark voice. “You make me forget everything.”

  “Good,” she said rubbing her breasts slowly from side to side against his chest. “It’s only a fraction of what you do to me. And yet, it’s not enough.”

  He kissed her again, his other hand sliding up and down, teasing, tantalizing, stroking her to a fevered pitch and just when she didn’t think she could stand it anymore, he slid his hand down, grabbed her hip.

  And entered her on a deep surge.

  And stilled.

  She gasped in shock and in joy, wanting to weep as emotions poured through her.

  “Did I hurt you?” he muttered, his body shuddering in place.

  “No, never,” she cried. “But if you don’t move, I’m going to hurt you.”

  And with a deep chuckle, he plunged again and again. Pinned against the wall, her feet not even on the floor, she was slammed by his passion, her need rising but her response stymied because she couldn’t move. She was completely helpless. Left to his mercy. And his timing.