The SEAL’s Surprise Mission (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Rache)

by Rachel McNeely

  Her hands reached for him as he put a knee on the bed. Hawke kissed his way from her nipples, down over her stomach, and between her spread legs. He urged her to widen her thighs, making room for him between them. He leaned forward and smelled her sweet aroma. He raised his head. “Just a moment.”

  He reached out to grab a condom out of his bedside drawer. After sliding it on, he again settled himself in the hot cradle of Vi’s gorgeous body.

  His fingers brushed over her most intimate spot, and she sighed. He kissed her inner thighs and along the edge of her sweet spot. Her body stiffened, and he looked up.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, damn it. Will you please hurry?”

  “You don’t handle something so soft and beautiful in a hurry. You touch, and look, and taste.”

  She took him by surprise when she sat up and shoved at his shoulders. He let her roll him to his back. He wanted to see what she had in mind.

  Grinning, she said, “My turn again.”

  She set her knees on either side of his hips and raised her body above him. As if it was the most natural thing in the world, he slid his hard warmth into her. She closed her eyes and sighed.

  “Open your eyes,” he demanded.

  She did, and he stared into her radiant sea-blue eyes. “You have the most expressive eyes.”

  They began to move in unison until his blood pumped furiously throughout his body and he arched toward fulfillment.

  His gaze moved over her body slowly. Her heart jolted and pounded. The very air around them seemed electrified. Vi had waited and longed for this for years. The warmth in his gaze wrapped around her like a physical hug.

  At one point, he flipped her on her back and pounded harder as she tightened around him. When he looked into her eyes, she knew there always had been a tangible thread between them. But neither admitted it until he plunged in hard and held himself tight against her. All coherent thought flew out of her head. She stared into his eyes and knew there would never be another man for her. This time it had to work.

  Afterward, Hawke lay on his side and pulled her close. Gradually, their breathing slowed. She glanced at his face. Leaning forward, he kissed the tip of her nose and brushed her long, black hair away from her face.

  “I’m glad we didn’t get a chance to do this before I left to join the Navy.”

  “Why?”

  “If I had married you, we’d probably be divorced by now. Going into the SEALs, especially at first, is an all-consuming job. Too many married men end up divorced. It puts pressure on a relationship, and when you’re younger you don’t understand your wife, and she can’t help but resent the job.”

  He trailed one hand lazily down her arm and back up again. “Of course, it’s never easy for the wife. My team goes away for long periods on missions, and the family doesn’t even know where we are. I want you to understand what it’s like, and to be certain that’s the type of life you want and can handle.”

  “I’m stronger than I thought. You’re right about when we were younger. It wouldn’t have worked. But I’ve been on my own. I know how to handle the finances, a job, the day-to-day necessities of living.”

  “What about children? Do you want children?”

  “Do you?”

  “I do, but not yet. I’d prefer to start a family when I’m closer to retirement, and then I can be a full-time Dad.”

  “That makes sense, I guess. But by that time I may be too old.”

  “If we decide to marry, it’d be up to you about whether we have children sooner. You’d be the one who has to be Mom and Dad whenever I’m gone.”

  Vi sat up on the side of the bed. “We’re talking about serious developments in a marriage when we haven’t even committed to each other yet.”

  Hawke pushed himself up on one elbow. “Yes, but these are the type of discussions we need before we do something we might regret. I’m going to shower and pack us some snacks and drinks for our walk.”

  Vi took a deep breath when he closed the bathroom door behind him. Her heart hammered against her ribs. They were moving fast from where they’d been a few days ago. It both thrilled and scared her. What if it didn’t work out? The thought of losing Hawke hurt.

  She gave her head a shake and straightened her spine.

  I refuse to dwell on it. Only positive thoughts are allowed. I agreed to take another chance on us, but this is the last one. It must work. She brushed the almost-tears from her eyes just before the bathroom door opened and he strode out, a towel hanging low on his lean hips.

  “That was quick.”

  “I forget to slow down when I’m on leave. It’s always go, go, go.”

  “I’ll get my shower, and then I’m anxious to see the lake you told me about.”

  “Oh, how beautiful.” Vi stood at the edge of the lake, and a light spray of water blew over them. She touched the water’s edge with her toes. “It’s cold.”

  “That’s why I gave you one of my warm shirts. You’ll need it when we get out after swimming.”

  “I think I’ll skip the swim—” Before she could finish, the world spun around as he scooped her up in his arms. Her body sailed through the air and she hit the water. The shock of the cold made her gasp as she went in, then under, and she almost choked.

  “What the hell?”

  She shoved her wet hair out of her eyes to glare at Hawke, who was bent over in laughter.

  “It’s not funny!”

  “It is. You should have seen your face.” He let out another rolling laugh.

  She splashed out of the water and tried to push him in. It was like shoving a marble statue. She growled in frustration. “No fair using your Superman strength to cheat me out of retaliation against you.”

  Hawke tugged her into his arms and kissed her. At first, she struggled. Then the heat of his body and the deepening of his kiss made her forget all about getting back at him.

  She put her arms around his neck just as he moved the top of her swimsuit down. The strength and warmth of his chest had her cuddling closer and spiked her desire.

  The smoldering flames she saw in his eyes deepened her feelings and made her body ache for his touch. “We can’t make love out here,” she whispered, glancing around as if she expected an audience to jump out from behind the bushes.

  “Sure we can,” he coaxed in a seductive tone. “No one’s around, and I brought a large towel for us to lay on.” He used his body to move her back a few steps until her feet touched the towel spread on the ground.

  “You planned this?”

  “I thought we’d both enjoy the beautiful setting and the atmosphere. Don’t tell me you’re too bashful to make love outside.” He tugged her down to the large towel and she quickly went back into his warm arms.

  “I’ve never even considered it.”

  “Oh, my darling, I’ll have so much fun introducing you to being free and loving.”

  She pulled away and faced Hawke. “You’re not into a lot of kinky stuff, are you?”

  His eyes twinkled. “No, just being relaxed and open, like today. I’d never have suggested it if I thought anyone was nearby, my proper miss.” He leaned forward and kissed her.

  Vi glanced around at the thick growth of trees circling the lake. They’d walked along a narrow path to get there. The only sounds were the chirping of birds and the water falling from the rock. Hawke sat silently beside her.

  She threw herself on top of his body. “What are we waiting for?” she said.

  Hawke rolled her under him. “I was letting you make the next move.”

  She raised her upper body to look at his face. “And are you pleased?”

  “You know, sometimes you talk too much, my love.” He slid down her body and kissed her breasts, while his hand moved lower to ease her suit all the way off so he could have free access to her body.

  Her hands moved across his body as he explored hers, and he lost his own swimsuit. Sunlight and a slight breeze blew across them like a gent
le touch.

  When he’d kissed and caressed her all over, Hawke raised his head and stared into her eyes. Then he slid inside her, and she clenched tight around him. An immense feeling of joy rushed through his body and a certainty that he’d almost made a terrible mistake. She was his, as he’d known, but refused to believe over the years. This time he had no intention of letting her go.

  He looked at her face and for a moment time stood still. It was a second of mutual warmth and acceptance of the love they’d both tried to deny.

  Hawke quickened his pace and pounded into her sweet body. His breathing almost stopped when she raised her hips and tightened around him, sending them both over the edge.

  “You may kill me if this gets any better,” Hawke said as he held her close and kissed the top of her head.

  “Are you complaining?” she teased.

  “Not me. I’m tough. I’ll learn to endure the joy.”

  Laughing, he leaned up on his elbows, still intimately connected, and stared at her.

  “What?”

  “Will you live with me when we return home? I want us to be very certain we can adjust to each other’s real life. I love you, but love fades under the stresses of day-in-day-out life.”

  She bit her lip as she thought, her fingers absently toying with the hair at the nape of his neck.

  “I think we’ll deal well with each other, Hawke. I’ve always been a bit of a recluse. I stayed away from my mom and sister because they wanted me to be someone I wasn’t. And I only went around with the girls as little as possible. When I had a moment, I savored the peace. I don’t think your lifestyle will be hard for me to get used to.”

  “Are you going back to work for the same media company?”

  “Yes, but I’ve already talked to my boss. My role is going to change. I’ve accepted that I prefer being behind the scenes. It’s actually pretty exciting. He’s giving me a promotion, and it’ll be a job where I have an office, and no limelight.”

  “Are you certain you won’t miss it?”

  “Very.”

  “I like that idea. No need to put yourself up as a target to crazies who might remember what you did for our country.”

  “Please, I’m not a hero. I was scared to death, but I also knew the information on that USB had to be destroyed before reaching enemy hands.”

  Hawke hugged her. “You are my hero.” He laughed when she blushed. Standing, he held out his hand to pull her to her feet. “Let’s go for a quick swim and then head back to the cottage.” His stomach growled.

  Vi snorted. “You’re hungry, and I’m warm. Swim if you want. I’m putting on my suit, walking shoes and your warm shirt. Then I’ll wait for you to finish your icy dip in the spring.”

  “All that sounds good to me.” He shook out the towel and grabbed their backpacks. “I’m going to eat a protein bar on the way back. Then we’ll see what we have to cook for dinner.”

  Hawke settled his arms around her. “I can’t remember when I’ve laughed this much. You’re good for me. When we come back from a mission, there’s a time when it’s difficult to forget what happened or what you saw. You can’t discuss anything with anyone who’s not a SEAL. But I think being around you will help make that time shorter for me.”

  He kissed the top of Vi’s head. “I like this getting to know each other again.”

  She stared up at him. “When you came over and reintroduced yourself to me, I thought, ‘What?’ But it was a good idea for me, too.”

  Later, they cuddled on the couch in front of the fireplace. “If I live with you, what about Emma?” Vi asked. “I want her to come to San Diego. I think she’ll love it, and it’s about time she stepped outside this town.”

  “Could she not just stay in your apartment? I mean, were you going to let it go?”

  “It’s my condo, and I’ve been making double payments on it whenever I can. I think Emma will like living there. It’s a good idea. She’ll insist on paying me, but teachers probably don’t make as much as I did. It’ll take some doing to get her to pay me a smaller amount. But I have an idea of how to convince her.”

  “Good. Then you’ll move in with me?”

  “Yes, I want us to give this a good try. I have a feeling it’ll work.” She moved up higher against his chest and kissed him. “I’m excited.”

  Hawke picked her up and headed toward the bedroom. “I am, too.” He grinned and set her on the bed. “I’ll be right back after I make sure the fire’s out.”

  Chapter 15

  San Diego

  When the plane landed in San Diego, Vi turned to Hawke, her eyes shining. “I’m so glad we were all able to fly back together.”

  “Yes, even if it did make me rush, it’s nice to be here,” Emma said from the window seat on Vi’s other side. “I’m excited to see more of the city.”

  Hawke, who’d claimed the aisle seat, stood to get down their carry-ons from the overhead luggage bins. He let other passengers ease by him and the trio took their time deplaning. The first person Hawke saw when he got into Arrivals was Captain Buchanan. The officer held up a hand in greeting.

  “Heath had to go to an appointment,” Buchanan explained as Hawke and the women reached him. “I told him I’d fill in.”

  “Thanks, Captain.” Hawke introduced Emma.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Trace. I hope you like our city.”

  “I’ve visited before, but never lived in a place this big. I’m a teacher, and I’m sure the schools will be larger, too. It will take some adapting.”

  “You look like a resourceful lady. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”

  “Thanks for the encouragement.”

  After picking up the rest of their baggage from the luggage conveyor belt, they went out to the parking area and got in the Captain’s SUV. Vi gave him directions to her condo.

  “I’ll stay with them for a while and Vi will drive me home later,” Hawke said to his superior.

  “Okay. I have some business at the courthouse, so that works for me.”

  “When is the trial?” Hawke asked.

  “Another few months. You know how long these things can take. They want to be certain they get all the information needed for a guilty verdict.”

  When they stopped at the condominium building, the Captain turned to Hawke and the others, an expression of discomfort or something very much like it on his face.

  “You’ll hear soon enough. I’ve only told my commanding officer and the team, so I’d prefer this not be repeated.” He glanced at Emma. “I hope you can keep a secret. I believe you can since I know Vivian and I expect you two have much in common.”

  “If you prefer I can get out and wait while you discuss this with them.” She nodded at Hawke and Vi. “I really don’t mind.”

  “It’s not necessary.” He took a deep breath, as though to brace himself, then said, “The man we’ve been looking for was a friend, my roommate in college.”

  “You never expected it to be him, did you?” Vi said in a soft voice.

  “No. I realized the last time we talked that he’d changed, but I didn’t know how much. I didn’t like the person he’d become, but I’d never have guessed he was the one we were looking for until I saw your sketch.”

  “I did think you looked shocked.”

  “I was, and not very good about hiding it.” He smiled grimly. “I went immediately to my Commander and told him about the connection.”

  “Anyway, I wanted to tell you, since it’s bound to come up during the trial.”

  “Captain,” Hawke said, “You know the teams will be by your side.”

  “I do. Thank you. Now let’s get these ladies upstairs.”

  Once they had all the suitcases in the condo and had closed the door, Hawke and Emma looked around.

  “It’s a nice place, and you have a great view,” Hawke said, looking out the living room window at the city’s skyline. “You may not like my house in the suburbs.”

  Vi walked up behind Hawk
e and put her arms around him. “This condo has a view, but it doesn’t have you. So your place will be the best.”

  Hawke turned in her arms and glanced over her head. “I think Emma left us alone.”

  “She’s gone to her room. She had a standing invitation to use my guest room whenever she visited. I’ll stay here for a few days to help her adjust.”

  He leaned down and kissed her. “Call me when you’re ready to make the move. Just don’t make me wait too long. I have an idea. Bring her to Aces Friday night. She can meet the team and the wives at the same time you do. It’ll be fun.”

  “We’ll come. It sounds great.”

  “Don’t worry about driving me to my place. I’m going to get a cab and let you ladies unpack. Call if you need anything.”

  Vi grinned. “What if I need you?”

  “Especially call at those times.” He kissed her hard and strode to the door. “Bye for now.”

  Vi wandered down the hall and found Emma staring out her bedroom window. “Are you all right?”

  “I like the hills and valleys. It’s so different from home.” Emma faced Vi. “You’re sure I won’t be in the way?”

  “Not at all. I’m glad you’ll be using the condo, and it won’t be sitting empty.”

  “I believe you are charging me the same as you would someone renting just a room.”

  “We’ve talked about this. I have the condo almost paid off. I don’t need you to pay me more. You’re my best friend. I love having you closer. Please stop worrying and enjoy your new life.”

  Emma grinned. “I will. I won’t mention it again.” She took a deep breath. “With Mom and Dad being excited for me, it helped me make my decision. It’s like taking a plane and stepping off in a whole new world.”

  “Let’s change and go out to my favorite restaurant for dinner. We have lots to celebrate.”

  Hawke opened his front door and motioned for Vi to enter. She walked through a wide foyer that led off in three directions. Hawke directed her to go left.

  “This is the family room with the kitchen off it.”