Code Name: Nina's Choice (Warrior's Challenge)

by Natasza Waters

  A key in the door jolted Nina from her thoughts. Her nerve endings squeezed shut, and her mouth dried as she shot to her feet. In Berlin, Mace had told her to leave him so many times she lost count. No matter what she said, and she’d said a lot, he remained resolute, denying what was obviously something incredible between them. Since Kayla had gone missing, she’d been trapped in Mace’s apartment by herself and left to climb the walls. Her footprints and doubt were all over them.

  Today would be her last shot at trying to make Mace see some sense. If not, she’d need to find somewhere else to stay, because this was his home, not hers. The Blood Shark was still killing women and dumping them on the base. Now she was on his radar. Yet, she didn’t care about any of that, she only cared that her warrior was home.

  Straighten up. I’ve been fine on my own for years. She and her daughter Gabriella would make a life here in San Diego, regardless. She loved working for Base Command. She’d make friends and a new home for herself and Gabbs.

  The door swung open, and her breath stalled before reaching her lungs. The thump of her beating pulse choked the back of her throat. Tony entered first and held the door for Mace. He gave her a short nod and a sharp glance from beneath his brows. Mace followed him under his own power. White knuckles gripped the handle of a cane as he leaned on it heavily, but he was walking.

  “Hey Nina,” Tony greeted. Tony “Tinman” Bale was Alpha Squad’s Lead Breacher. Like Mace, he was single and a handsome man. She and Tony had gotten to know each other in the last three weeks. At first, she’d thought he was a pain in the ass, always calling her and coming around, until she realized he was as worried about his friend as she was. Mace and Tinman were like bookends. Find one, and the other wasn’t far away. She couldn’t help but wonder whether or not they had played with a woman together. She hadn’t asked because the thought of Mace with another woman rankled.

  Mace and Tony had been swim buddies in BUD/s, and they’d both been assigned to Alpha Squad. At least for now. The life of a SEAL took a crooked path through their careers. They’d do time with teams on both coasts, and assignments as instructors. Training, workups, and deployments. Repeat. From the first moment she stepped foot on the base she’d been sucking everything in like a sponge.

  The U.S. Navy wasn’t all that different from the Canadian Navy, they just had more. Canada had a small, elite team called JTF2 (Joint Task Force) whereas the U.S. had the SEALs and other specialized warfare groups. They watched each other’s backs and stuck together like family.

  She let her breath out slowly when Mace’s gaze stalled on her. No strategist makes a move until she can see three moves ahead, Kayla had always taught her. Keep it light, friendly. “Hey, Mace, it’s good to see you home,” she said breezily.

  He looked at Tinman and then the floor. She couldn’t imagine what he was thinking; his warrior face was cemented on. “It smells good in here,” he said, his gaze softening when he lifted it to look at her again.

  Her insides trembled. It only happened with Mace, and she knew that had to mean something. Either she was about to get ditched by the only guy that made her crazy or….

  “That’s because you haven’t been living here for a few months,” Tinman said, raising a brow at his bud.

  “I’m talking about food, asshole.” He shifted his hips, exchanging the weight to the other foot.

  “I thought I’d make dinner for your homecoming.” She took a brave step, and he kept his gaze pinned on her. “You must be sick of hospital food.”

  “I am kinda hungry.”

  Tinman began backing toward the door. “Well, I’ve gotta…”

  “No,” both she and Mace said at the same time. Oh God, that was embarrassing.

  Tinman’s hands settled on his hips, and a grin formed on his lips. “Ya want a baby sitter or what?” he taunted.

  Mace offered up a sour look. “Funny.”

  “I’ll leave ya with the sexy Nurse Hatchet here. I’ll come by tomorrow to take you to physio.” He dropped Mace’s sea bag on the floor, slapped him on the back and winked at her. “See ya round, kids.”

  “What’s the hurry?” Mace fired back.

  As Tony drew back, he said, “She’s blonde and has great hips. Catch ya later.”

  The proverbial pin dropped with Tony closing the door. Their limited, but passionate past hovered like an elephant in the room, sniffing at an unknown future like a stale peanut. She was about to say, do you need to sit down, but that was wrong. Inferring he was weak was definitely wrong. She swung a look at the timer on the oven. “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. You’ve got time for a shower if you want.” Suddenly she had globs of glue flowing through her tight veins.

  “Any word about Kayla?”

  She chewed the inside of her cheek, then shook her head. “I haven’t seen Captain Austen. He only talks to Captain Redding, and no one wants to talk to Redding these days. He’s being a real bear.”

  Mace nodded, his eyes doing a quick once over his apartment. “You haven’t changed anything.”

  She drew her arms behind her back, and clutched her hands together. “No. I mean it’s your place. I’m just a prisoner here.” Damn it, this wasn’t going well at all. Mace was probably just too kind to say get the hell out.

  “I can bunk with Tinman.”

  Her stomach did a belly flop. It hurt like hell when she hit the bottom of the waterless pool. Guess that was her ‘go’ signal to get out. She cleared her throat and said, “I have my things packed. I’ll be outta here soon.” She wouldn’t bother setting a second plate for dinner. Tonight she could find a cheap motel, and then start looking for a place tomorrow. She’d already circled a couple in the paper somehow knowing it wasn’t going to work with both of them staying here.

  “Come here, Nina,” he said in a commanding voice. Although Mace was known as the humanitarian of the team, he was an alpha like all the rest, and when he showed it, her heart quickened.

  The order put her long legs in motion, although she did it cautiously. His gaze skittered down her body, and back up again. The gauge burst and her blood temperature rose by fifty degrees. Stopping with no more than six inches between them, she concentrated on not flinging her arms around him. She wanted him to smell her. He told her several times, he loved how she smelled. It was only soap; she hated wearing perfume. An hour ago, she’d slathered herself with the brown sugar and vanilla bar in the shower. Where was her Mace, the one full of fire and sensual brimstone? His left hand rose and slid around the back of her neck. A moan crawled up her throat and she cleared it to speak. “I get it, Mace. I mean we barely knew each other before the mission. You have to concentrate on getting back into fighting form, just promise me you’ll call me if you need anything, I—”

  “I’m sorry, Nina. I’m sorry for what I said to you in Berlin. I’m sorry for being an ass.”

  She began to shake her head, but he stopped her by gently squeezing her neck. “Let me say what I need to say before those beautiful lips start talking a mile a minute again.”

  She bit her upper lip and nodded.

  “I’ve got a long way to go before I can return to combat duty.” His expression flickered with doubt. “Lying flat on my back for three weeks gave me a lot of time to think, and I thought about you. True, we only had a few days together before I left, but they were the most intense days I’ve ever had in my life. I can’t forget them, and I can’t forget you. Being around you, I still feel the heat, I just can’t…” He paused, and his gaze darted away. “I can’t show it. I might never be able to show it.”

  “Mace—” With just his eyes he made her stop.

  “Nina, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. It’s like being in my own private hell not able to walk in this door, bind your hands, and make love to you until you’re screaming my name. I can’t ask you to wait.”

  She nudged her body against his. Would she stop even if he asked her to? Her fingers walked up his chest and wrapped around his ne
ck. Now or never, Nina. She kissed the edge of his mouth. His bottom lip disappeared, drawn away by the scraping of his teeth. She chased it, and drew it from distress, desire bowling over every stop sign in her way. He hesitated for a second. The beat of her heart ceased until she sensed a crack in his resolve, then he kissed her like he did the first time on the beach, and every kiss after that, taking her pulse from full stop to engine-bursting limits. Pulling away, but not far enough that he couldn’t kiss her again if he wanted to, she said, “Petty Officer Callahan, you will return to combat duty, and you will make me scream again. It won’t be today or even tomorrow, but I know you won’t give up trying, and I won’t give up—period.”

  He knotted her hair in his fingers, gently tugging her mouth to his. “I’m so sorry, baby. I’m screwed up. I’m fucking angry, and I don’t want to take it out on you.”

  “No,” she shook her head. “I’ll give you all the space you need. I’ll leave if you want me to.”

  Mace swallowed and his eyes filled with regret. She had to be prepared for this, and more moments like this.

  “I can’t let you leave. It’s not safe. I’d go insane if something happened to you.”

  She slowly slid her cheek against his five o’clock shadow. “Then protect me.” A challenge, one he might accept because it was the first step toward his recovery and the prime mandate of any warrior. Mind first, then his body. Both needed to find confidence again, and she had no doubt he would. The heat pooling in her belly squirmed to be given attention. “Remember at the ranch when we showered together?”

  He shook his head. “No, Nina. You don’t understand.”

  “You need my help. Your bathroom sucks. Until you’re steady on your feet, you’re stuck with me.”

  “I can manage.” A small smile twitched on the edge of his lips. “I’ll take a shower and then we’ll eat.”

  She twisted the button on his cammi jacket until it gave way, and then the next, slow but determined. With a shove of her hands, she removed it, giving him a little stability when he had to let go of the cane. His chest expanded with a deep inhale when her hand traced the muscles to his abdomen. “Dinner for two then,” she whispered on his lips as her finger wandered down to the button on his pants.

  He swept an unruly red wisp of hair from her cheek. “I hope with all that’s holy I can be the man I was before the mission.”

  She shook her head. “Mace, you are the same man.” She curled her arm around his waist. “Follow Nurse Hatchet, SEAL.”

  Mace breathed out a loud gust of air. “Please, God,” he said, more to himself. “Make me whole again.”

  Nina set the table while Mace showered. Folding two napkins and tucking them under each fork she remembered the laundry was still in the bedroom. Filling her arms with towels, she opened the bathroom door. “Mace—”

  His palms were pinned against the shower wall. The water splashed down his strong body, magnifying the hollows and swells of his strength. Her breath stuck in her throat seeing the angry wounds. Two long gashes had been stitched down his right thigh, and several across the top of his buttocks. Whatever did this to him had caused severe damage to his hips and groin area.

  She didn’t know what to do. Was he having a problem standing, but too prideful to ask for help? Endurance was not a strong suit for him until his ligaments and muscles healed.

  He crooked his head at her. “I’m all right.”

  His brilliant eyes stared at her filled with restraint and pain. She dropped the towels on the counter and stripped down quickly. Watching him in agony was agony for her.

  “Nina, Jesus, woman.” His gaze started at her feet and climbed her body, stalling on her breasts. “I can’t.” His head dropped back, and he clamped his eyes shut in frustration as the droplets rained down his face.

  “I’m not suggesting that. I just—want to feel you next to me. I need to know all of you came home, and if not I’ll remind you that you are home.”

  Naked. Unsure. She removed another floor tile of distance between them. His head turned, and as long as she lived, she would never forget the look in his eyes. Everyone saw Mace as the heart of the team; the nice guy with an uplifting word. For the first time since she’d known him, the warrior glared at her, and he was angry.

  “Leave me be, Nina.”

  Chapter Two

  Mace struggled to his feet with a tight wince. “Stand by!” he barked when another thump landed on the apartment door.

  “Move faster SEAL, we’re late,” Tony yelled from the other side.

  With only a few feet to go, Nina shot past him and pulled it open.

  “Morning, kids, looks like you survived the night together. No bloodshed. Smiles all around.” Tinman elbowed him in the gut. “Morning, Nurse Hatchet.”

  Nina sauntered into the kitchen and picked up a knapsack leaning against the cabinet. “Ready,” she said, slinging it over her shoulder.

  “Let’s roll.” Tony held the door open.

  “Roll where?” Mace wondered out loud. Tony was going to give him a lift to the physio clinic. Wasn’t he?

  “Need some help, bud?” Tony jibed.

  “No,” he grouched. “Where are you going, Nina?” She said she had the day off, but she hadn’t mentioned coming with him. The last thing he wanted Nina to see was him struggling.

  “Morning run, man,” Tony waved his hand in a hurry-get-the-lead-out motion. Nina waited in the hallway. “She runs like the wind. She can almost kick my ass.”

  “Almost.” Nina snorted.

  Mace shook his head in confusion. “You’re running with the guys?”

  Nina shrugged. “That was the deal. They wouldn’t let me do it by myself with the Shark hiding in corners.”

  “We’re adding another mile today, Nina. Think you can handle it?” Tony leaned against the door, holding it open.

  She cuffed him. “No problem, I was wondering when you were all going to finally step it up so I can break a sweat.”

  Tony broke into a huge smile. “I bet.”

  Mace watched their banter with a heavy weight filling his guts.

  Nina shook her bag and patted the pocket. When she heard the keys jingle, she nodded. “I can’t swim as far, but…”

  Mace cocked his head and gave his buddy a look. “You swim with them too?”

  “I cave around half a mile. I don’t have the strength in my arms to keep up with them.”

  “Huh.”

  Tony burned a grin. “Talkative this morning, aren’t ya?”

  “Back in a couple,” Tony said, leaning over the passenger seat after parking in front of the San Diego Physical Rehabilitation center.

  Nina held the door open, and gave him a faint smile. “Work hard.”

  “Yeah, you too.” She watched him enter the building like a mom making sure her toddler made it inside. How the hell did this happen? He could barely pull his own pants down, while his sexy siren was doing six miles with his squad.

  He’d lain awake half the night on the couch. Nina had argued, but he insisted she take his bed. He should be sleeping with her. If there was a God, she should have begged off running because he’d loved her so hard she couldn’t walk, but instead it was him who couldn’t. Anger started to churn in his belly. Why was Tony so happy all the fucking time? Had they gotten closer while he peed in a bottle?

  “Good morning.”

  Mace looked up to see a beautiful woman standing by the receiving counter. “Hey, Mace Callahan reporting for torture.”

  The brunette grinned at him with warm, friendly eyes. “Just the SEAL I was waiting for. I’m Tricia Harper. Let’s go down to my office, and I’ll explain what we’re going to be doing over the next few weeks. Dr. Seivers will be in later to speak with you and check on our plan of recovery. Follow me.”

  Mace settled in a chair obviously meant for the handicapped. Higher and wider, it made rising and sitting easier. Tricia pulled up a chair in front of him and placed the clipboard with a thick wad of paper atta
ched onto her lap.

  “What’s the failure rate?” he asked, his thoughts still on sizzle thinking about Nina running with his guys and Tony.

  Tricia gave him a long contemplative look. She seemed friendly enough, but those warm, brown eyes also appeared determined. “There is no failure, Mace, only progress. I’m willing to work with you, if you’re willing to do the same. I’m certified in Physical Therapy and Psych Therapy. You’ll need both to reach your goals.”

  “Nothing wrong with my psych, Nurse Tricia. My groin got blown to kingdom come and took ligaments, flesh and…other moving parts with it.”

  “Are you angry about that?”

  “Jump right in there, don’t you?” He stared at the wall, painted in a soothing beige with a few pictures of the beach tacked up.

  “If your answer is yes, then psychological evaluation as you progress is necessary. Trauma for any serving member during combat leaves a residue. No matter how strong or able you are to handle the emotions, they are still present.”

  “Mmph.”

  “Do you have family? A wife?” she asked.

  “I have a huge family. Brothers, sisters, a truckload of nieces and nephews. They’ve already started to badger me.”

  “It’s concern, not badgering. What you went through affects them too. Obviously not in the same way, but their fear can only be resolved knowing you are on the way to recovery.”

  He sighed and lay back in the chair. “I suppose.”

  “What about a wife, children?”

  “No.”

  “A girlfriend?”

  He hesitated. Did he? Nina remained in his apartment for protection until the Shark was found. He stared into his lap. When she came into the bathroom and offered to climb in the shower with him, he’d refused her. She’d covered the hurt in her eyes, quickly swiped her clothes from the floor and backed out. By the time he’d struggled his way to the table, he expected her bags to be at the front door, and he wouldn’t have blamed her. Instead, she’d hustled around the kitchen, served him, smiled at him and brought him up to speed on what had happened around the base as if he hadn’t rebuked her.