by Peyton Banks
“I’d say the motherfucker has it out for you, Aiden.”
I glared at him.
My brother’s laughter echoed in my earbud.
“Valen, you don’t say.”
Thompson and I had our first disagreement in BUD (basic underwater demolition) training. Our team carried in the raft from the surf. We placed the raft down. Thompson stepped back, crushing my ankle. I shoved him.
“What the fuck, you klutz.”
Thompson pushed me. We rolled around in the sand slamming our fists into each other.
“Break it up!” Instructor Pete ran over and tore us apart.
“That’s enough. I don’t want to see this behavior. Especially from officers. In the surf now!” Instructor Pete roared pointing to the ocean.
Nothing like lying in the ice-cold surf freezing your balls off with a busted ankle. I wanted to slit his fucking throat. Once we became SEALs Thompson, and I continued to butt heads. I caught him running a mini prostitution ring in Pakistan. Turning him in was what I should have done, instead of only destroying the ring. I could have ended his career once and for all.
Now that our paths had crossed again, I’ll destroy him for good this time.
14
Aiden
I slipped the prickly brush I created over my body in the woods. Sweat trickled down my face as I peered through my scope observing my surroundings. My location was to the right of the cabin amongst the trees. I peeked at the front door then focused on the winding access road. To the naked eye my cabin appeared deserted. But to a trained SEAL he’d know it was a trap.
“We’ve got movement two miles out,” Valen confirmed.
“Roger that, Sebastian and I stated.
In an instant, I was back in combat. No time to worry about Nadia. My focus was to protect her and kill every single man approaching.
“Four trucks moving in,” Valen stated.
The nose of my AR fifteen poked out the brush. I held the trigger; bullets penetrated the tires of the first truck. The driver swerved left to right. I pressed the detonator an explosion erupted. Two trucks flipped over. No time to hesitate. I shot the next vehicles front tires. They swerved but rolled to a halt. The smell of tar filled the air. The men fled the remaining trucks taking shelter in the woods.
“Let the hunting games begin,” I said over the walkie.
“Brother, I got your back.” Valen held his position.
I rose, the brush fell from my muscled frame and hit the ground. Running further to my right, I ducked behind a tree. My ears perked up. Their coming.
“Aiden, coming up on your six.”
Peering around the thick tree truck. I aimed at my target and squeezed the trigger. The bullet slammed into his forehead and he hit the ground. Snatching up his weapon, I trekked deeper into the woods. I heard a squirrel scurry up the tree beside me. A target crept toward me in my peripheral. Turning to my left, I smiled and squeezed the trigger, the bullet penetrated his head. I continued. Thompson should have hired a better crew. One by one I shot and killed five men. Standing behind a tree in the center of the woods, I was on my own. I didn’t have eyes to assist. Relying on instinct was what I had to do.
Where would I hide if I were Thompson?
Crouching, I tread, staring through my scope. The sounds of the Cicada surrounded me. His men laid in wait ahead. I grabbed a grenade from my vest and tossed it. Dropping to the ground, I shielded my body.
The explosion shook the earth under my feet. Trudging through the smoke, I attacked. Those injured received a shot to the head. I continued.
“Thompson, I’ve killed your crew. Come out. If you call more men. I’ll blow the gate. No one is coming to your rescue.”
Laughter filled the hot air. “Come and get me.”
A grenade landed at my feet. I dove behind a tree. I glanced down at the stick lodged in my thigh. Through barred teeth, I groaned, clutching my rifle. Scooting on the ground, I leaned against a large tree trunk.
“Aiden, are you hurt?”
“Yes,” I breathed.
“I’m coming.”
“No.” I bit out. “This is my fight. Stay in position, Lt. Commander Wilder. I’ll kill that son of a bitch,” I growled.
“Aiden, I’ll protect her. No one will come into this house.”
Pip, pip.
Rang out through the ear piece.
“These two fuckers are done.”
“Thanks, Caden.”
I snatched the stick out of my thigh. The blood trickled down my leg. Slipping the belt from around my waist, I tied it tight above the wound.
“Shit,” I grunted as I hopped to my feet. Tree sap shot up my nostrils as I peered into the distance. Our eyes met from a far. Thompson darted through the woods. I fired a shot and missed.
“Fuck,” I growled.
Hobbling through the trees, I fired my rifle again. He hit the ground. I bared down, ran, and flew through the air, sacking him. Tossing his weapon aside, I punched him in his gut under his bullet-proof vest.
“Get the fuck off of me. You, big bitch,” he groaned.
I threw my weapon aside. “Fight me like a man, asshole.” He rolled, shoving me off of him.
Jumping to my feet in a fighting stance, I winced, waving him over.
He was about six feet tall, had a permanent scar on his tanned chin from a rowing accident in Navy SEALs training. His muscled frame was thinner than mine, but he could always hold his own. Hunched over, circling, we never broke eye contact. The hatred in his eyes for me was evident.
“Out of all the men I killed you will me my biggest conquest.”
I chuckled. “Take your best shot.”
His fist whisked through the air into my nose. I staggered back and wiped the blood, pooling over my lip.
Smiling, I waved him over. “Is that all you got?”
I slammed my fists under his chin, he flew into a tree. Thompson shook it off and laughed. He lunged forward, knocking me to the ground. He stuck his thumb in my wound. His other hand clutched my throat.
“Ah!” I yelled.
“Die you oversized fuck!”
My fist connected with his jaw.
“No chance. You tried to kill my woman,” I growled through gritted teeth.
His fist slid across my face. “You have a woman?” His eyebrows wrinkled. “I just knew you’d die alone.”
I wrapped my hand around his neck. He elbowed my arm knocking it to the ground. His fist slammed into my face again. “I said die.” He squeezed his large hands around my throat.
I couldn’t break his grip. “Fuck you,” I mustered.
Reaching up, I pushed my thumb into his eye socket, shoving him back. He released me. Falling to the side I hacked, holding my neck. Like an attack dog, he flew on top of me, slamming his fists into my face and gut.
I punched his injured eye. He fell in the dirt. Slipping away, I hobbled to my feet, with each kick I delivered to his stomach I winced. Grabbing a knife from his waist, he stabbed my injured thigh.
“Ah!” I hollered out, staggering back. Slowly, he rose to his feet. He lunged forward. I slipped out of the way. Thompson slammed into the tree.
I wobbled backward. “Come on.”
He swung and missed. I punched him in his face. Thompson lunged into me knocking me to the ground again. He yanked the knife from my thigh aiming for my face. I grabbed his wrists, struggling for the knife.
“You fucking motherfucker!” I winced.
The pain vibrated my entire body.
Rocking over, I pinned him to the ground, hovering the knife over his chest.
“This… is…over,” I grunted, slamming the knife into his chest.
He gasped and blood filled his mouth. His hands fell to his sides. His cold dead eyes stared back at me. My shaky hand lowered his eyelids. I flopped to the ground.
“All…clear,” I groaned.
“Aiden! Aiden!” Valen yelled over the walkie.
NADIA
�
�Nadia! You can come out of the closet. We have the all clear,” Sebastian stated.
I opened the door and stepped out.
He embraced me. “Are you ok?”
“Yes, thanks for protecting me.”
He stepped back. “It was a team effort.” Sebastian smiled.
“Where’s Aiden?”
His smile dropped. “Valen went into the woods to find him. He was hurt. I don’t know how bad.”
My hand flew over my mouth. Tears filled my eyes. “No. I have to see him.”
Sebastian extended his hands. “Wait! There are two dead men in the living room.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“Have a seat. Let me find out what is happening.” He hit his ear piece. “Valen, how is Aiden?”
“I won’t know until I get him inside. I need your help.”
“On my way.” He nodded his head to the side, instructing me to follow him.
He slipped his rifle over his head, leaning it against the door frame.
“Nadia, please hold the front door open. I need to help Valen carry Aiden. I’ll be right back.”
Sebastian ran into the woods. I scanned the property. Trucks were flipped over up the road. Dead bodies were scattered over the grounds.
“Nadia, please step aside,” Valen said.
I blinked twice, trying to wrap my mind around the all-out war that occurred while I was in the closet.
Holding the door open wide, my eyes bulged.
“Aiden!” I cried.
Blood trailed down the steps. His eyes opened and closed. “Nadia.” I ran my hand over his dirty, bloody face.
“Baby.” I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
“We have to get him inside, Nadia,” Sebastian stated.
I nodded and stepped back then followed them into the bedroom.
Sebastian ripped Aiden’s pants leg. Valen ran into the kitchen, returning with the first aid kit.
Sebastian glanced at me. “Nadia, we need several dry and cold wet towels.”
“Ok.”
I retrieved the towels.
“Place a cold compress on his neck and forehead.”
I laid the cold towel across his brow. My fingers glided through Aiden’s hair.
Cleaning his sleeping face, I marveled his sexy features, wondering when he’d wake.
Standing on my knees at his bedside, I sniffled, kissing his ear. “Aiden, they’ll fix you up good as new.”
“All patched up,” Valen exhaled, standing to his full height.
These big burley guys were warriors who kept me safe.
“I can’t thank you guys enough for saving my life.”
Valen’s brown eyes sparkled. “Aiden would do the same for us.”
“Sure would.” Sebastian smiled. “I’ll be right back. I need to call this in.”
“No,” Aiden growled.
We turned, staring at him.
“You’re awake,” I smothered his face with kisses.
“Of course, I am. Can’t get rid of me yet.” He winced.
“Sebastian, I’ll call Admiral Cutner.”
“Ok.” He glanced at Valen. “Let’s give them time alone. We need to assess the damages.”
Valen nodded and followed Sebastian out of the room.
I turned back to Aiden, caressing his face. “You saved my life. How can I ever thank you?”
His eyebrow rose. “Oh, I can think of a few ways.”
I pecked his lips. “I’m sure I am out of a job. It would be my pleasure to come over and take care of you.”
“Move into my house.”
“Aiden, you aren’t thinking clearly. You were nearly blown to smithereens and stabbed.”
“I’ve been through worse. I’m coherent. I want you under my roof so I can see that beautiful face until I ship out.”
My smile rose and fell. “Ok,” I whispered gazing into his beautiful green eyes.
15
Aiden
Admiral Cutner sent a team to clean up the mess. Neighbors reported the disturbance to local authorities. Admiral Cutner informed the sheriff we were on a confidential mission. The sheriff expressed his gratitude that the situation was contained and the neighbors were unharmed.
Nadia stood outside the truck. “Sebastian, I look forward to meeting the ladies soon. And Valen, we need to find you a woman.”
He waved her off. “I’ll manage. You take care of my brother. I’ll see you soon.”
Valen wrapped his big arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. “I love you little brother. You take care of her. Please be safe out there.”
I patted his back. “I will.”
Stepping back, I smiled. “Thanks again, you two.”
“Anytime, Aiden.” Sebastian smiled.
I pulled myself up into the truck and closed the door.
“Buckle up, Aiden. We’re going home.” She smiled bright. The sun set as we drove into the distance.
Nadia’s boss was arrested and charged for conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. Nadia said she’d ask her father to refer a few clients to her since her employer was shut down. I told her she didn’t have to work. Between the income I made from my dental practice and being a Navy SEAL, money wasn’t an issue. She said the local clients would keep her busy.
A month later, Nadia and I were adjusting to living together. I guess I was set in my ways in some aspects. My clothes had to be folded a certain way in the drawers.
Once a week, she helped prepare dinner. She needed to learn how to cook one or two meals. I wanted her to be able to feed herself something other than that microwave garbage she called food. Also, I didn’t want Nadia depending on her mother to cook all her meals while I was away.
Clutching the bottle of wine at my side, I exhaled outside her parent’s front door.
“Aiden, relax. My parents are going to love you.”
I smirked and peeked at Nadia in the pale pink button-down dress which accentuated her breasts. I ripped it open earlier. The thought of how good she rode my cock, made me want to bend her over the kitchen counter the second we returned home.
“Aiden, don’t lick your lips like that at me. My father is coming,” she stated through a framed smile.
I snapped out of the hunger stare.
The door flew open. “Well, hello. Come in,” he smiled.
Nadia strolled into the house and I followed. Stretching my hand out, I smiled bright. “Good evening, sir. Aiden Wilder.”
He shook my hand firmly. “Larry Kerns, nice to meet you, Aiden.”
“Hang on. I’m coming. Couldn’t let the chicken burn,” the woman stated running into the atrium. She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Hello, Aiden. I’ve heard so much about you. My daughter won’t shut up about you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Kerns.”
She stepped back, grinning. “I’ll take the wine and chill it for dinner. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Nadia had her mother’s eyes and pretty smile.
I peered down at her parents. “Thanks for having me over for dinner.”
Mr. Kerns patted my back. “It’s our pleasure. Our daughter has kept to herself since we’ve moved here. We had no idea she’d meet a man living right next door. Let’s sit in the family room. Brenda will call us once dinner is prepared.”
“Mom, I’ll set the table.” Nadia darted into the dining room.
I sat on the long theater sofa next to her father. He grabbed the remote, lowering the volume.
“Aiden, I want to be frank with you…”
“Excuse me, guys.” Mrs. Kerns appeared in the doorway. “Here are two bottles of beer.” She placed them on the table, then scurried off.
“Like I was saying.” His dark brow deepened. “Nadia had her share of problems in the past I think she’s overcome. Did she inform you of her troubled past?”
“Yes, sir. Nadia told me she was hooked on drugs.”
“She’s
only ever brought a few guys over to dinner. They were seeking an education but dabbled in recreational drugs frequently. Nadia was hooked on opiates and occasionally cocaine.”
My heart plummeted. I kept a straight face. Nadia never mentioned what type of drugs she was hooked on. Shit.
“Aiden, you look like you have your head on straight.” He stared me in the eye. “Are you sure she is the woman you want to date?”
Nadia cleared her throat, standing in the doorway. “Dinner is ready. I’ll be in shortly.” Her eyes glassed over.
She tore down the hall.
“Mr. Kerns excuse me please.” I stalked toward Nadia swiping her off her feet and continued into the living room.
Her body shivered in my arms. “Are you going to leave me?” she cried.
I lowered us on the sofa, sitting her beside me. Nadia’s sad eyes stared into mine.
“No, baby. I am not walking away from us.” I palmed her soft hands. “Yes, you should have told me what drugs you abused. I also should have asked.”
She dropped her gaze. I inched her chin up with my index finger until our eyes met.
“You’ve been clean for almost four years. That’s difficult for many people in this world.”
“But if I become pregnant, the doctor would have to deliver our child naturally, because I don’t want narcotics in my system.”
I caressed her face. “That’s a difficult task. I’ll ask your mother to keep an eye on you. If that time ever arises, I’ll also ask my mother to stay with you while you recover, if I am not here. Ok.”
She nodded.
I crushed her lips. “You are most important in my life. Never forget that.”
“I won’t.” She swiped the tears from her eyes. “We can wash our hands then join my parents.”
“Lead the way.”
We washed our hands, and I cleaned Nadia’s face.
“Take a deep breath. We’ll face your parents together.”
She exhaled. “All right.”
Gripping Nadia’s hand, we walked into the dining room, keeping a united front. I glanced into her parents concerned faces as I pulled out the chair for Nadia. Silence choked the air.