SEALs of Honor: Swede

by Mayer, Dale

  “Acting what way?”

  “As if you’re pissed off at the world,” he said. He gently separated her long hair into locks and ran the hairbrush through them easily sorting the tangles out.

  “I’m not pissed off.” But she was and it was a little unnerving to know that he knew. It was also a little unnerving to be so pissed at him. He’d done nothing.

  “It’s nothing. The problem is me.”

  “When a woman says that, it’s usually a man she is mad at.”

  He continued to stroke her hair in long strong strokes that tugged at her heart. It felt so good. She’d been alone a long time and to be pampered like this…well it was too addicting.

  “So tell me, why are you upset? You know I wouldn’t deliberately hurt you, right?”

  She shrugged. “You have a lot more experience with women than I do with men.”

  “And that upsets you? This isn’t about experience, is it?” He frowned at her in the mirror. “Besides, I haven’t had a lot of experience in relationships.”

  “Ha, you have women falling all over you.” She glared back at him. “Just look at the ones downstairs. They melt when you walk into the room.”

  And lo and behold hot color rose up on his neck. She narrowed her gaze at him. “You don’t like that, do you?”

  He shook his head but continued to brush her hair in silence. She continued to watch him and wondered if she hadn’t done him a disservice all these years. “In fact, that bothers you,” she said in surprise.

  “Sometimes. If I want to find a woman then I go to a bar and it’s a hookup where we both understand I won’t be there the next day. But downstairs has more of a meat market feel to it. They don’t want a one night stand. They want weeks and years.”

  “And you don’t?” she asked curiously, seeing a side to him she hadn’t expected or thought to see.

  “I would like to. But I don’t want it to be sexual only.”

  Wow. She didn’t know what to say.

  “If those were men down there, how would you feel?” he asked her.

  She scrunched up her face. “Would hate it. If it was admiration but not thick or overdone, then it’s kind of nice. Everyone likes to be appreciated, but if they were avaricious in their looks, then I wouldn’t like it either.”

  “Good. Then we’re in agreement. Downstairs is not for either of us.”

  She wasn’t sure what just happened, but there was a sense of finality to something. As if they’d reached an agreement, only she’d missed the fine print as to what the agreement was. Feeling settled and yet she felt stupid for not understanding how or why. She took the hairbrush from him, and after gathering up her hair, she put it into a simple twist and clipped the mass with a large butterfly clip.

  It felt strangely intimate with him standing there and watching. When done, she stood up and turned to face him. His gaze stayed locked on her face.

  “Do I look all right?” she asked, frowning. What was in that gaze of his? She could feel her temperature rising inside and now flustered, she motioned to the door. “Shall we?”

  He nodded silently. She gave him an awkward look then brushed past him. At the bottom of the stairs she was surprised to see the two men she’d seen working with the horses standing as if waiting for food themselves. Then why would she be surprised? They needed to eat as well. They’d worked hard today. She smiled at them.

  Only their gazes were a little too warm for her comfort. Likely, only because of Swede’s comment. She hurried past them when her arm was caught and tugged backward. She spun and found herself in Swede’s arms. His head lowered and he whispered, “Earlier you asked if you looked all right. Their looks should be telling you the answer, but just in case you have any doubts and just in case they are getting any ideas…” He kissed her.

  There were kisses, then there was this searing heat that burned her to her soul.

  When he finally lifted his head, she realized there was only one way to describe his actions.

  He’d branded her as his.

  As she tried to collect her very scattered wits, she heard the titters coming from the room and realized Swede had timed his actions carefully. They were standing in front of the large open room where she’d left the ladies sitting earlier and the men, collected at the doors to the outside deck, could see her as well.

  She shot Swede a veiled look. “Are you always so calculating in your actions?” she murmured as they walked inside.

  “Only when it comes to keeping you safe,” he admitted. “That was a little possessive of me, but I wanted them all to know they will have to go through me to get to you.”

  Only it would set the other women up as easier fish to catch. And she couldn’t live with that either. Damn.

  “Besides if we were alone and not having to play this role, I could be me,” he said, his voice still soft, low. His smile was still intimate as it shone down on her.

  “And how different would that be?” She doubted there’d be any damn difference. That man wanted the world to know she was his right now regardless of the truth.

  “Then I would have made you mine for real,” he said and with a hand in the small of her back he nudged her forward. “And you wouldn’t have any doubts that I was yours by the time the morning sun rose again.”

  She quivered. Damn him. He’d turned her bones to jelly by his words alone. What could he do to her if they had all night together?

  *

  She didn’t seem to know how to take that last statement. Well, neither did he. He hadn’t planned it. Hadn’t meant to say anything even close to that. But now that the words were out, he had no intention of taking anything back.

  Why would he? They were the truth and he was all about that. At least with her. Start as you meant to go on and somehow in the last hour or so he’d made the decision to go on – with her.

  He could only hope Hawk would be okay with it.

  Inside the room, he led her to a small settee and sat her down. She looked completely disoriented. Shit. Her vulnerability brought up his protective instincts. That it was due to his words brought up his caveman response. He wanted to drag her a long way from this place of guns and betrayal and show her what a relationship could really be. She might have had other relationships, but she didn’t know her own power. He wanted to show her that. Hell, he wanted to know her that way himself.

  They could have an incredible future ahead and having seen a tiny glimpse of it right now he couldn’t imagine wanting anything else.

  “Sir, would you care for a drink?” Lena stood in front of him, a large tray holding flutes of golden liquid.

  He studied the young girl then shook his head. “No thanks, we’re not drinkers.”

  He squeezed Eva’s hand in warning. Knocking everyone out in this room all at once would make the rebel’s job even easier. He intended to have his full wits about him if and when they attacked.

  Hawk and Mason were back at the rebel camp on the assumption that if an attack was going to happen, then tonight would provide the best window of opportunity. Besides, the commander was coming in tonight. With any luck they could grab him and the rebels and save the women at the same time. A little over the top in terms of goals.

  But over the top was what he and his team did.

  They were SEALs. Nothing too big or too hard for them. They might die trying to make it happen, but at least they’d have done what they could and not given up in the process. SEALs didn’t have a reverse gear.

  Now that there was a chance of having Eva in his future, he wasn’t going to accept any other outcome than the best one.

  As long as he could get Eva to cooperate…then it would be all good.

  Somehow he didn’t think that was going to be quite so easy.

  Chapter 13

  Dinner was finished and everyone sat down on the sprawling deck in various pieces of furniture. Eva walked over to the large single chair that was left only to have Swede snag it first.

  She glared at
him, but he gave her a smug smile and held out his arms.

  Damn, like she needed more heat. But like a moth to a flame, she couldn’t resist and sank onto his lap. It was all a lie and likely a dangerous one at that, but there was one thing she couldn’t ignore.

  It was perfect.

  She leaned back against his broad chest and let the sounds of the calm evening wash over her.

  Isabella was preparing coffee for everyone and that would round out the perfect meal. Eva didn’t know how Isabella lived so well, but she hadn’t chintzed on the meal. The traditional enchiladas matched to a spicy chicken dish and rice had been elegantly prepared and full of flavor. Delicious. And her stomach was seriously happy right now.

  “Are you going to fall asleep on me,” Swede murmured into her ear, his warm breath drifting just inside to tingle and tantalize.

  “Maybe. It’s beautiful outside.” Cool and refreshing yet at the same time warm enough to not need a sweater for the chill. Darkness had fallen, giving a peaceful appearance to the surroundings.

  “Mmmm.”

  She chuckled. “You don’t sound like you’re in any shape to get up and run a marathon either.”

  His laughter rumbled out of his chest like a volcano rumbling up warning signs. “No, no marathons. At least not at the moment.”

  “Good. I’m not going anywhere either.”

  And she closed her eyes, letting her breath ease back and the tension in her shoulders lessen. “See,” she whispered. “It’s all good.”

  He reached up and stroked her back, his big hand running down her spine and back up the sides, gently massaging the ridge of muscles on either side of her spine. His voice low and in warning he said, “No, it’s not. Remember that.”

  She stiffened. He dug his fingers in deeper as a warning.

  She relaxed slightly against him, but she was no longer sleepy and happy. Neither was he. She could sense the readiness in his muscles. The way they bunched up with each slight movement as if anxious to get into full movement. Then he was a warrior. He was born ready.

  And how lucky was she that he was here ready to protect her. He’d be a force to get through, and he’d consistently put himself in the way to keep her safe.

  Sitting here in his arms, it would be too easy to forget. Easy to let reality slide and let life be this dream. He was such a great man, but she knew her brother would have a fit regardless. Then again, he liked Swede, and he hadn’t liked any of her ex-boyfriends.

  Not that Swede would allow Hawk to run him off. Still, they were buds. In a big way. Something she’d never want to come between. The men were brothers in all ways that counted. And a woman in the middle was never good.

  She remembered Hawk laughing about bros and hos at one point in time. She’d appreciated what he meant back then and understood that Swede wouldn’t ever cross the line. She knew her brother would always come first – until Swede found that one special woman who would make him change his ways.

  It could happen.

  It had happened. To her brother. And that was something she couldn’t let go of. Could she be woman enough for Swede? And would that make any difference if he wasn’t ready to settle down? It had to be his decision.

  “Don’t you two look comfy?” Mary said in a mocking voice. “So cute.”

  Swede shifted slightly under her, but she kept her eyes closed and just ignored the bitchiness.

  “Be nice,” April said. “It’s wonderful to see two people so in love like they are.”

  Eva stiffened at the in love comment, but Swede’s huge hands gently rubbed her back up and down in a long soothing stroke, probably adding to the love bird look.

  “If they are so in love, why did they break up?” Mary asked in a resentful tone.

  Eva wondered what her problem was. She opened her eyes and studied the young woman. She had a petulant look that showed her dissatisfaction in life. Still, she was young.

  “Have you ever been in love, Mary?” Eva asked, hoping to take the attention off of her and Swede. Their time tonight was special. Sitting like this was more public display of affection than she was comfortable with, but she was enjoying it too much to change. Because it was all part of the cover. Right?

  “No,” Mary said. “I thought I was a time or two but it didn’t work out.”

  Her mother laughed. “That’s the truth.”

  April grinned. “The older I get the more in love I always think I am.”

  Mary sniggered. “Love has nothing to do with it.”

  Isabella gave a deep throated laugh. “Ah, the joys of youth.”

  Eva grinned and snuggled deeper in Swede’s arms. Arms that held her so close.

  Just as she figured she could snooze, the horses erupted into a cacophony of shrill neighs and trumpets followed by wild running hoofs.

  The group bolted to their feet.

  “Fire,” Isabella shrieked and chaos ensued.

  Eva tried to run toward the horses, but Swede pulled her back out of the way and held her close. “Wait,” he said.

  Holding her hand in his, he walked to the pasture on the left. The others ran past in cries of horror. Eva tried to tug him forward, but he wouldn’t be budged. She turned to glare at him. “What’s wrong with you?”

  He pulled her close, leaning down to whisper, “This is likely a diversion. Do not leave my side.”

  She stilled. Such a tactic hadn’t crossed her mind, yet it made sense. And in the chaos if someone went missing then who’d know. And who’d find the missing person? She could see from where she stood that the horses were racing the perimeter of the pasture in a panic. They weren’t hurt from what she could see, and although there was smoke, she couldn’t see a blaze.

  “Help, the fire is over here,” yelled a farm hand.

  She wanted to run closer. Only she couldn’t hear any crackle. The other three women were already racing in that direction.

  Overhead she could hear sounds of a hawk calling.

  Was that her brother? Had he started a fire? If so, why? Surely he wouldn’t do that. It was dangerous in this dry rough grass, almost impossible to stop. It could rip through this hacienda until there was nothing left.

  Except the hacienda was made out of adobe that was so common to these parts.

  Trying to calm down, she waited for Swede to tell her what to do next.

  “Eva?” April called to her. “Come give me a hand, please.”

  Shit. With an apologetic look at Swede’s hard face, she slipped her hand free and ran to April’s side. “What’s the matter?”

  “I don’t know for sure.” April dropped to her feet.

  And that’s when Eva realized Lena was lying on the ground.

  “Oh,” she cried out softly as she dropped to April’s side. “Is she alive?”

  “Yes, but it looks like she has a head wound. Her breathing is steady but she’s unconscious.” April looked around, but the others were carrying water buckets to put out a small brush fire that had already been contained. “Ask Swede to carry her inside, please.”

  “Sure.” Eva bolted to her feet, looking for him, only he wasn’t immediately visible. Where was he? He’d just been at her side. “I can’t see him.”

  “Well, it’s not like he could have gone far,” April said in exasperation. “Go find him.”

  With a last look at April and her patient, Eva spun around trying to determine what direction Swede would have gone. Had she seen him after hearing the bird cry or April’s call? No, she’d dropped his hand and come running. But he had been right behind her – hadn’t he? Two men milled around the smoke-filled area. She headed in that direction. And quickly realized Swede was nowhere to be found.

  Good Lord, he could move fast. Still, they needed to get the young girl inside. She found the strongest of the men and motioned for him to come and help.

  Returning to the barn, they found the still unconscious Lena – but no April.

  “Damn it. Now where is she?”

  The ma
n only shrugged. Did he even understand English? This was a Spanish speaking area, and they didn’t have many visitors so not much chance to learn. She motioned for him to pick the young woman up and take her inside the house. He obliged and she ran ahead to open the door. Inside she pointed to the couch. She ran to get a glass of water and a wet towel for the woman’s head. Where the hell was April? Or Swede for that matter. Although Swede was less of a concern.

  That man could take care of himself.

  April on the other hand…

  She twisted to look behind her, but she couldn’t see into the living room. Lena was so young. Hopefully the injury was minor.

  Turning back to the sink, she turned off the water and wrung out the cloth. Hearing a sound behind her, she turned with a smile. “I’m just getting water for her—”

  The blow struck her in the temple. The force snapped her head back even as she sagged onto her knees. Her body refused to follow her commands. Her mind already noting that Swede and her brother had been right. Something much deeper, darker was going on here.

  And she’d fallen into the trap.

  Before the darkness took her, she whispered, “I’m sorry, Swede.”

  Then she saw nothing more.

  *

  Swede took one look at the paltry fire and immediately dismissed it. Although if someone had set it, they were taking a chance. The weather had been dry and hot, fire was always a danger but this side of the house was mostly sand and brush. Some grass would catch fire but not much would burn beyond the local spot. So maybe it had been deliberately set. There were more men around suddenly. Middle aged hand workers. Interesting. He’d seen more than he expected at dinner, but now there appeared to be a couple of new faces. Was this the group they’d seen hidden earlier? Were they ordered to stay out of the way? Could their absence be so innocent? He should have found out more about the hacienda and Isabella and her staff. Maybe there was something else going on here. Were they rescuers of a sort too, for humans? As in free room and lodging for work? Was Isabella really a big hearted person? He wanted to believe so, the horses would indicate that, but he couldn’t resolve the situation in his head.