The Marine (Seductive Sands Book 3)

by Sammi Franks

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  About Sammi Franks

  The Marine

  Sammi Franks

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  About Sammi Franks

  Copyright © 2018 by Sammi Franks

  1st Edition

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover by Opium House Creatives

  Formatting by: Love Kissed Books

  Created with Vellum

  1

  Hawk

  * * *

  “Nice boat.”

  I’d been watching the guy since he pulled into the marina parking lot with a surfboard on the roof of his SUV. After all, this wasn’t the area for surfing, so he seemed out of place. “Nice surfboard,” I commented with a nod as he began to board the yacht in the slip beside mine.

  The guy smiled and paused. “Thanks.” I had the sense he was trying to get a feel for me, for whether or not I was being a dick.

  Sometimes I was. I couldn’t help it. The Marines made me that way. Being in the toughest branch of the military means that we walk with an earned swagger.

  “Bodhi, get up here!” A man in a suit leaned over the railing of the yacht and snapped at the guy I’d been talking to.

  “You got it, Max.” Bodhi rolled his eyes with a grin. “Hey, do you have a brother?”

  I paused momentarily before shaking my head. Everyone in the Corps was my brother, but I knew he was referring to the more common meaning of the word. “Nope.”

  “Want mine?” He grinned as he boarded the vessel.

  “Pass,” I mumbled as I stretched and decided to get back to work. Pulling my shirt over my head, I started cleaning the boat. This was my house and the place I stored all of my worldly possessions, which at the moment didn’t amount to much. I’d saved every penny while I was enlisted. When I left, I thought I was going to use it to buy my girl a ring, but she’d moved on while I was in Afghanistan, so I bought this boat instead. At least I was living debt-free, even if my nest egg was non-existent.

  The wind was too light today for me to justify going sailing. If I ran out of excuses, I might actually have to go get a job. Apparently, man could not live on bread alone and PB&Js had become a staple on my budget. I’d almost kill for a steak. Not a stretch. I’d been trained to do it. Hell, I’d been forced to do it more times than I cared to admit.

  I started spraying the fiberglass cleaner and grabbed my sponge. Above me, I could hear Bodhi and Max talking. They were mildly amusing. I’d been here for a couple of days and had decided to give it a month before I decided whether or not to move on. I’d already paid my slip fees, and as marinas went, this one was pretty nice.

  “We’re getting closer to opening Brewery on the Bay,” Max announced. “We need to get serious about hiring staff. We should start having people come by. Bartenders need to prove their abilities. Waitstaff needs to pass muster, that kind of thing. Oh, and I have no idea where we’re going to find bouncers.” He sighed. “I don’t suppose you know anyone?”

  “I have some friends…” Bodhi began quietly.

  “I’ve seen your scrawny-ass friends. Nope. Nothing scary about those surfer dude types.” Max chuckled. “Get serious.”

  “So, you’re saying we need someone big and completely badass, huh?” There was a note in Bodhi’s voice that made me pause. I could tell he was leaning over the railing, probably watching me.

  I’d been trained to always be aware of my environment and everyone in it. In the Corps, there was always someone to watch my six. Now, I had to watch my own.

  “Yeah, badass is a general prerequisite,” Max agreed.

  “Then how about that guy?”

  I froze and turned to glance up at the yacht. Sure enough, Bodhi was pointing at me and waving. “You talking about me?” I crossed my arms over my chest, aware that my muscles rippled threateningly as I stood with my feet a good eighteen inches apart.

  “Yeah. Come here. My brother wants to talk to you,” Bodhi urged. Then he looked at his brother. “Seriously, if I ran into this guy in the dark, I’d need new boxers.”

  I snorted. “Let me get a shirt on. I doubt you’re packing extra undies at the moment,” I joked. After I set my crap down on the built-in bench seat and pulled on my black tank, I climbed over the side of the boat, walked the dock separating the slips and almost reluctantly boarded the yacht. The brothers were sitting at a table waiting for me. “I’m Hawk,” I announced as I held out my hand to shake.

  Max shook first. “Hawk? Did you have one of those earthy moms?”

  I chuckled. “No, my name is Logan Hawkins, but everyone calls me Hawk.”

  “He’s hired! He already has a cool, threatening name.” Bodhi clapped his hands together. “Now let’s go to the bar and try out one of our new beers.” He started to push his chair back, but Max held out a hand to stop him.

  “Seriously?” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m entrusting this business to you.” Max turned to me. “Have a seat. Let’s talk about your qualifications.”

  I licked my lips and grinned. “My experience? Why I should be your bouncer?”

  “Yes, precisely.” He reclined in his seat and watched me.

  “Okay, I’ll play.” I chuckled. “I spent eight years in the military.”

  Max nodded. “Which branch?”

  Bodhi jerked his thumb toward my boat. “I’m guessing Navy.”

  I smirked. “Actually…Marines.”

  “Oorah!” Bodhi shouted.

  I grinned. “Right. Oorah.”

  “Okay, so what did you do in the Corps?” Max asked, obviously not even remotely impressed.

  “I started out guarding overseas embassies. Then I was deployed to Afghanistan. There, I was infantry. My sharpshooting abilities really bit me in the ass.” I blew out a breath and looked away. “Then, because I’d survived that, I re-enlisted for another four years. Less action; I was in Japan and finally back here, guarding bases.”

  Max nodded. “I’m impressed. So, you’ve experienced hand-to-hand combat. I’m sure you know how to take care of yourself. Maybe you’ll want to see the place and tell me if my plan for staffing is adequate from a security standpoint.”

  I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  He grinned. “Max will suffice. Sir is for my father, may you never ha
ve to meet him. Oh, and since he’s the one you’ll work with day-to-day, call him Bodhi, even when asshole is more tempting.”

  “He struck me as more of a dick turnip,” I joked.

  Bodhi laughed. “We’re going to get along just fine.”

  2

  Isla

  * * *

  I had a tendency to be late. Ask me about what to write off on your taxes, or the best marketing techniques for your business, and I could write a book. Oh, but ask that I show up on time for anything and I could leave an extra half hour early only to show up fifteen minutes late. I liked to think of it as a talent.

  My brothers? Not so much.

  When Max invited me down to a sleepy little beach town I had never even heard of, because he planned to marry a woman I had also never heard of, my natural inclination was to laugh, until Bodhi, my twin, confirmed the plan. Apparently, my commitment-phobe big brother was taking the plunge and getting married, and for once, he and Bodhi were actually on good terms. Not only that, but Max - Mr. Straitlaced with the desire to please my father just for fun rather than any gain - was planning on renovating some house down there and living there the majority of the time. Which meant he was going to work from home. Which was something I never expected from him.

  This was too much. What was in the water down in Westport? First, I hear Bodhi - the guy who couldn’t settle down with a house plant, let alone an actual job - was planning to run a bar, and now Max needed a coordinator for his wedding?

  I had to check this place out. And I had every intention of showing up to our first meeting regarding that coordinator job - one given to me out of pity, I was sure - especially since it would be my first meeting with Victoria.

  I wanted to be as low-key as possible so I drove my Mustang instead of my Mercedes. I actually liked being on my own, driving down the 5, the wind in my hair. It was nice, considering no one in my family trusted me on my own even though Bodhi and I were the same age. Somehow, Bodhi could be on his own at fourteen while I actually had a bodyguard following me around on my father’s - and Max’s – orders.

  It took me just over two hours to find this place. I could smell the salt in the air and the cool ocean breeze tousled my straight brown hair. It felt...nice. Peaceful. Completely unlike the fast Seattle pace. I always thought I liked fast-paced. Now, though, I was starting to realize it wasn’t all it cracked up to be.

  I saw cute little houses, couples holding hands as they walked down the street. There was no honking, no yelling. The women didn’t look afraid of being harassed if they made eye contact with someone. “Not bad, Max,” I murmured to myself. Really, I should be giving kudos to Bodhi since he was the one who ran off. My father sent Max to go grab him. Looked like the opposite happened.

  I managed to find parking just out front of the bar. It was early May, so I understood why, and apparently the contractor was practically finished. In fact, Max mentioned that he had already scheduled a photographer to take photos of the bar for their website in a couple of weeks. The plan was to open the bar in June, just as tourist season hit. It was actually a smart move, especially considering there were no other bars in Westport.

  I emerged from my car and slid my aviators to rest on the top of my head, looking at the bold red letters of the bar. I crossed my arms over my chest and breathed in the sea air. Already my muscles were easing, the knots working out of my system. It felt...good. I walked up to the doors, ready to head inside, when a man with arm muscles the size of my face sidestepped so I nearly ran into his chest. The monster was a head taller than I was and his chest was as solid as the cement beneath my feet.

  “Uh, excuse me?” I said, squinting because the sun was high in the sky and shining down. I probably should have dropped my aviators down but I forgot I even had them.

  This guy would do that to you. Not only was he tall and broad and muscled, he had an angled, masculine face, crisp sky-blue eyes and blond hair that went to his chin. And those eyes were on me, a questioning look on that chiseled face. He reminded me of perfection, of one of those flawless statues in Rome carved from marble come to life. But just because he was beautiful didn’t mean he could block me from going to my brother’s bar. “Yes,” he said in a deep, gravelly voice. “Excuse you.”

  My eyebrows shot straight up and my mouth dropped open. He did not just say that to me right now. I cleared my throat and tilted my head to the side. I knew I was barely five feet and petite, but I had a stare that could intimidate even the hardest of men. Too bad my father didn’t trust me enough to show it within his business. On account of my having a vagina and all.

  “I’m sorry, who are you?” I asked, locking eyes with him, refusing to back down.

  “Hawk,” he said slowly. I could tell he wasn’t sure how to deal with me.

  “That’s an interesting name,” I said, though I wasn’t polite about it. “Hawk, you’re standing in my way.”

  “The bar is still under construction and won’t open until June twenty-second.”

  It was like he recited it.

  I clenched my teeth before asking, “Are you the bouncer?”

  He nodded. “I am.” Clearly not a man of many words.

  “Do you know who I am?” I asked. “I’m the sister of the men who hired you. So, unless you want them to hear you’re purposefully keeping their sister waiting when I’m already late, I would appreciate you opening the door and letting me in.” I watched as the blood drained from his face and smirked. I always knew how to get my way.

  3

  Hawk

  * * *

  I’ll admit it. I froze for a second. After all, the job I so desperately needed was on the line. My belly was full of amazing food from the caterers. I’d met some people. Living next to a yacht wasn’t going to be nearly as bad as I imagined, unless I somehow blew this job. Then I’d have to move on again, and I had no idea where the fuck I’d go.

  “I’m going to need some identification,” I grumbled, even as I refused to step aside.

  “Are you kidding me right now?” The woman positively shrieked.

  Behind me, I heard a clatter and the door opened. Bodhi peeked around me. “I’d recognize that banshee anywhere. Good afternoon, Isla. We were expecting you hours ago, which means you must be right on time.”

  “I’d have been in there sooner, but this buffoon stopped me.” She huffed, her hands on her hips.

  Bodhi clapped me on my shoulder. “This man was doing his job. Be nice.” Then he turned to me. “She’s not all bad. We shared a womb. I have to have rubbed off on her a little, right?”

  I nodded numbly.

  “Is Max in there?” Isla asked.

  “Yeah. Go on in. I’ll be there in a minute.” Bodhi motioned for her to walk past him, then he came out and let the door shut before talking.

  I braced.

  “Okay, we’re going to work on more wedding stuff because every damn Rogers endeavor is a family affair. I’m going to take a break and drive you back to the marina, but I plan to be in time for the cake tasting because I’m all about some cake.” Bodhi laughed and motioned for me to follow him to the car.

  I was rather introspective on the drive. After all, I wasn’t convinced I was out of the woods yet. There could be some serious trouble once Isla whined to Max. And she definitely struck me as the kind of chick who’d whine to her big brother.

  “You’re worried,” Bodhi guessed.

  I shrugged. “What happens, happens. I did my job.”

  “You did. And I’m guessing my sister didn’t introduce herself before trying to storm past you like she was some damn duchess or something.” Bodhi laughed. “You gotta understand my little sister. My father has held her back from everything she cares about. She loves the business. She understands the business. She might be the female version of my father.” He gave an exaggerated full body shudder.

  “Right.” I had no idea what to say yet. I also had no idea why I had to understand some spoiled little rich girl who was ab
solutely accustomed to getting her own way.

  “Instead of encouraging my sister and offering her a place at the table, my father stuck her on a pedestal and sat me in the spot that should’ve been hers.” Bodhi sighed.

  “So, you were more the pedestal type?” I was trying to joke, but I feared my humor was currently falling flat.

  “Ha. Yeah. No, I was the peace-loving hippie type. I wanted nothing more than to travel, chase the waves, and chillax.” He groaned. “Of course, Daddy dearest threw a wrench into that. Luckily, Max is bailing me out. The bar is a compromise.”

  “And where’s the compromise for Isla?” I wondered.

  “I don’t know. I’ll leave that to Max. He’s great at figuring out stuff.” Bodhi smiled.

  “Don’t sell yourself short, man. You’re pretty good too. After all, you convinced Max to hire me.” I nodded his direction. The car stopped in front of the fence around the marina. I opened the door and stood. It felt nice after being crammed into Bodhi’s car.

  “Keep cool, Hawk. I got your back, bro.” He waved at me as I closed the door.

  For a moment, I stood watching him drive away. This all felt unfinished. I needed some kind of closure. The sun was beating down. I also needed a swim and maybe a nap. I walked the dock until I reached my slip, then I boarded the boat, unlocked the hatch and climbed down the steep ladder to my berth below. There was a bit of sun coming down through the opaque windows above. The humidity was stifling, so I hit the AC and flopped down on the mattress.

  I’m not sure how long I slept, but the sun was still out and I decided to check topside for any sign of Max. The need to apologize for my behavior was strong. When I reached the deck, I heard nothing from the yacht. Peering out into the parking lot, I discovered a familiar Mustang. I swallowed hard. Maybe begging forgiveness should begin at the source. Slowly, I made my way from my sailboat to the yacht. I walked up the gangway and glanced over the side. Isla was on a lounge chair, face down. Obviously, she planned to sunbathe for a while. She had a drink and her earbuds in. So, while it was customary to ask for permission to come aboard, it wasn’t going to do me a bit of good. I’d have to get closer.