Feeling his gaze on her, she glanced over and smiled. A flush spread across her cheeks, and he grinned.
Damn.
Just a look from him seemed to spark her interest. He’d love to know how she’d react if he ever got the chance to slowly undress her and kiss her everywhere. Jackson knew she hadn’t been treated right by her ex-husband, and he’d love the opportunity to show her how a relationship should be.
“I never would’ve thought I’d be in as much danger here as in Afghanistan,” Hailey said, causing Jackson’s gaze to sweep back to her. “And I can’t believe Kim’s been missing for over a month. It’s like a nightmare that just won’t end.”
“Not missing. Kidnapped,” Ethan ground out.
Hailey let out a shaky breath. “I know, I just—I can’t think of it that way. It kills me to know someone might be hurting her, and she’s just over there, helpless….” Her voice trailed off, and Grayson shot Ethan an angry look as he tried to comfort his girlfriend.
Ethan drummed his fingers on the bar, agitated. “It’s taking too fucking long to confirm the intel,” he said in a low voice. “We should be moving in and looking for those women.”
“The insurgents are tricky bastards,” Jackson said. “Don’t forget it took us two trips to nab Sayed,” he said in a low voice, referencing the leader they’d gone after. “We could charge in now, guns blazing, and end up with the two women being killed. We need solid intel to move forward on this mission.”
A loud argument drew their attention, and their group looked over and saw two men pushing and shoving each other. They started to throw punches as they yelled, and Troy stepped in front of the women he was with, blocking them from any harm. Jackson rose and rushed over to Taryn, Ethan and Grayson hurrying to pull the angry men off one another.
Taryn was white as a ghost and trembling when Jackson reached her. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. Wow. Those two guys are scary.”
They were still screaming at one another, Jackson’s teammates holding them back. He saw two bouncers moving through the crowd that had gathered, and he directed Taryn away from the mayhem.
“Are you okay?” Hailey asked. “Your hands are shaking.”
“Yeah. I’m fine. That just scared me.”
She shakily sat down on a bar stool, and Jackson frowned. Although the sudden argument and fight had been surprising, Taryn was the only one who seemed genuinely fearful about what had happened. He could see her trembling, and anger rose within him.
Her ex-husband was the reason she was afraid of loud, angry men. He’d hurt her, and she reacted without thought, assuming other men would, too.
“Would you rather that we leave?” he asked, placing a large hand on her bare shoulder. Her skin was supple and warm, and the soft sweater that she wore clung to her, highlighting her gorgeous breasts. At the moment, he was more worried about her mental state than how attracted he was to her though. Those guys had scared her, and his first instinct was to take Taryn somewhere she felt safe.
“Well, yes, but I know you want to visit with your friends.”
Jackson grumbled to himself. “I see those guys every day. It’s you that I’m worried about. Let’s head out, sweetheart. We’ll go for a walk or just head home.”
He glanced over at Raptor, who’d also noticed Taryn’s reaction. “I’ll get your tab,” Blake said.
Jackson nodded. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
He helped Taryn off the barstool, eager to get her out of there. He knew Raptor would settle up with the bartender, and Jackson would buy his SEAL team leader a couple of beers another time. Right now, his priority was Taryn.
Sirens sounded outside, and she stiffened. He leaned over, his lips at her ear. Her rose scent filled his nostrils, but he kept his gaze on the crowd rather than letting his eyes roam over her. “It’s all right, sweetheart. None of them are your ex-husband.”
“They make me nervous,” she said, her voice wobbling.
Jackson could see that she was trying to hold herself together, and his chest clenched. Although he’d figured the men fighting had scared her, he hadn’t considered they’d be walking out the front door right by the police as they left. She was terrified, and he hated that she felt like she couldn’t trust any police officers just because of her ex-husband.
“I know they do, but I’m right here. Nothing can happen to you.”
He eased his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Grayson frowned as he walked back over, also noticing her fear. Ethan was still standing near the men who’d been fighting, but now that the bouncers had subdued them, he was talking with Troy and his date. A bouncer began yelling at the crowd to clear a path as the manager came over.
“Let’s get out of here,” Jackson said.
Taryn nodded but didn’t move, her eyes wide.
“You’re safe with me, Taryn. Let me take you home.”
“Okay.” Finally, she began moving toward the door, and Jackson kept her tucked protectively against his side. Police cars were pulling up in front of Salty Sunset, and he could see several officers climbing out. “It’s not Austin,” she said softly.
“Negative. None of them are. But I don’t like seeing how scared you are, sweetheart. We’ll go straight to my car and head out.”
“Okay,” she said again.
Jackson nodded at the police officers coming inside but directed Taryn down the block to his SUV. He knew she didn’t want to tell him any details about where she was from or give him Austin’s full name, but after her reaction tonight? After she’d froze in the middle of a crowded bar because she was too frightened to move?
He couldn’t just let that asshole get away with terrifying her. With Taryn looking over her shoulder in fear for the rest of her life.
Jackson wanted Taryn to feel safe, and he’d do whatever was necessary for that to happen. He was going to track that bastard down and turn him in, then tell him in no uncertain terms that if he came near her ever again, Jackson would end him.
***
“Hell, sweetheart,” Jackson said several minutes later as he helped Taryn into his SUV. “I don’t like seeing you so scared.”
“I’m fine,” she assured him. “I know I freaked out for a minute, but I’m okay. It just brought back some bad memories. Are your friends mad that we rushed out like that?”
“Mad? Of course not. They knew you were scared.”
He shut the door and walked around the front of his SUV, climbing into the driver’s seat. His heart caught as Taryn looked over at him. With her dark hair and the navy sweater setting off her fair skin, she looked so damn innocent it almost hurt. The fact that she’d been scared about what happened because of what she’d previously lived through made his gut churn. No woman should have to worry a man would hit her.
He hated that she lived with that fear.
“They just want to make sure you’re okay. We all do.” Jackson glanced down at his cell phone as it buzzed, seeing the text from Raptor.
You good?
He thumbed a quick response.
We’re in my SUV. Everything’s fine.
“That was one of them, wasn’t it?” Taryn asked in surprise as he started the engine.
“Yep. That was Raptor.”
“Wow. It’s kind of amazing how you all watch out for each other.”
“They’re like my brothers. My family. That’s why I was telling you we’d all have your back if you wanted to turn in your ex-husband. He had no right to hit you. To hurt you.”
“Jackson,” she pleaded. “We’ve been over this. I don’t want to turn him in. I know you’re this invincible Navy SEAL who no one would ever bother, so you probably can’t totally understand this, but he scares me. He hurt me. I’m terrified of Austin ever finding me again. It’s not so easy to just bring all those memories back up by going to the police and reporting him. I’d have to relive everything.”
Jackson reached over and took her hand. “You’re the strongest person I
know.”
“I’m not strong,” she protested.
“You are because you survived. It took guts to divorce him and leave, and you did it. Many women don’t. And then to pack a suitcase and move clear across the country when he came after you? Not everyone could do that. I just don’t like seeing you scared, sweetheart. I rushed you out of there because you were so pale, I was worried you’d pass out or something. I want you to feel safe.”
“I thought they were going to hit me. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I heard those angry men yelling and—” She shuddered, cutting herself off.
“Troy was right there. He’d never let some asshole touch you. Neither would I, for that matter.”
She let out a shaky breath, and Jackson let go of her hand to shift out of park. He pulled away from the curb, wishing he knew a way to help Taryn. “I know you don’t want to turn him in, but I could handle things. Tell me his last name, and I’ll find him. I’ll make sure that asshole ends up behind bars and that he never touches you again.”
“I can’t let you get involved like that,” she said softly. “What if you got arrested and ruined your career?”
“The hell with my career. Your safety is the only thing I’m worried about. You don’t have to be involved aside from giving me his name,” he assured her. “I’m sure he’s done plenty of other things wrong during his time as a cop. If he’s locked up, you won’t need to worry and be looking over your shoulder all the time. Just tell me his last name and the town you were living in, and I’ll take care of it.”
“I can’t tell you,” she whispered.
Jackson huffed out a breath. “Why not? He shouldn’t get away with this.”
“He already has gotten away with it. He’s living his life like nothing is wrong, and I’ve got nothing.”
“Then let me fight for you,” Jackson said, clenching his fist. “I’ll help you, but you have to let me in. You have to trust me enough to be here for you.”
She looked out the window as Jackson glanced over, avoiding his gaze. “Hell, Taryn, I just want to take care of you.”
“I know,” she said, her voice sad. “I just can’t risk it right now. I’m sorry.”
Chapter 11
Taryn woke up with a pounding headache the next morning. She’d tossed and turned all night, upset over arguing with Jackson. He’d walked her to her front door after they’d gotten home but hadn’t come inside. Taryn knew he’d wanted to talk things over, but she’d just needed to be alone.
He’d looked almost hurt that she hadn’t given him Austin’s last name. Jackson had been nothing but sweet and attentive to her the past couple of weeks, but his wanting to avenge her wouldn’t solve anything. He could get in trouble for threatening a police officer, and it wasn’t worth Jackson risking his career over it.
When she was ready—if she was ever ready—she could turn Austin in herself.
It was easier said than done, but she did have the option. She could file a police report stating that he hurt and threatened her. And if she ever went to the police, it would be her choice. It wouldn’t be Jackson deciding when things needed to be taken care of; it would fall on her shoulders.
She’d left her ex determined to live her own life, and even if Jackson did have her best interests at heart, she couldn’t let him decide something like this that would impact her entire life. She’d have to relive all of it, and she was finally feeling a bit more settled here. She knew a few people. She’d found a new client. She’d saved a very small amount.
She couldn’t confront her past until she felt stronger. Less raw over everything that had happened to her over the past year. And who knew if that would ever happen.
Tears smarted her eyes as she recalled Jackson’s words on her front porch.
“Give me a chance to protect you, sweetheart—to love you.”
She’d been shocked. Was he already falling in love with her? They’d briefly kissed one time, but otherwise hadn’t shared much physical intimacy. Still, she felt safer with him than anyone. She was attracted to him. They’d had dinner together several times, and he’d been coming by when he could after work. She knew all his friends. She’d even told him about her potential new design work and shown him some of the websites she’d created. Jackson had been nothing but supportive as they’d gotten to know one another, and he’d held her when she cried, but she’d refused to tell him any more details about her past.
And even last night, when she’d been upset, she’d still felt a pull toward him as they stood on her porch. He was muscular and handsome, but it was the look in his eyes that called out to her soul. It was heated and possessive, but she knew he’d always be gentle with her. If she gave her heart to him, she knew he’d never hurt her.
But she hadn’t let him come in.
They’d said goodnight, Jackson trying not to appear too irritated that she was keeping her past to herself, and she’d gone into her house alone, almost in tears.
Sighing, she climbed out of her bed. She couldn’t wallow around in misery all morning. She had some new design work to do, and she knew at some point she and Jackson would talk things over. It wasn’t that they’d truly argued. He’d just been upset she wouldn’t let him further into her life.
Taryn pulled a delicate robe on over her camisole and sleep shorts and walked downstairs to her kitchen. She’d been thrilled to find a few summer items on clearance when she’d stopped by a local big box store. Her one suitcase of clothes had been enough in the beginning, but adding a couple of more items to her wardrobe meant she didn’t need to do laundry as frequently. And it wasn’t like she’d gone out and splurged on designer fashion.
She couldn’t help but wonder what Jackson would think if he ever saw her in any of it. It wasn’t meant to be sexy lingerie, but it was feminine and pretty. Even if it had been inexpensive, she felt comfortable and attractive in it.
Not that she’d be inviting him over to spend the night any time soon.
Her cell phone buzzed as she made a pot of coffee, and she frowned. Jackson had called her on it a few times, but she generally didn’t use it all that much. She knew he’d added more minutes to her plan, because they had talked on a couple of occasions. He wasn’t much for long phone calls though, and she preferred seeing him in person anyway. The phone was fine for a question or making plans, but they didn’t sit around talking for hours every night.
Besides, he was likely on base right now. The men had PT every morning and then spent their days in briefings, drilling, and who knew what else.
She couldn’t imagine anyone else needing to reach her though.
“Hey, it’s me,” Jackson said as she answered.
“Hi. Is everything okay?”
“It is, but I have to head out.”
“Head…out?”
“We’re being sent out on a mission,” he said hurriedly. “I never know how much notice I’ll get ahead of time, but we’re going wheels up in a few hours.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry I won’t get to see you before we leave. I have to prepare with the team right now. I feel awful about how we left things last night. I don’t want you upset with me.”
“It’s all right,” she said quietly.
“It’s not, and it kills me that I can’t come over right now. Taryn, I feel terrible. I know I pushed you for information, but that’s only because I want to make sure you’re safe. Because I care about you.”
“I know.” She sniffled as tears smarted her eyes, and she heard his moan of frustration on the other end of the phone.
“Damn it. I wish I had time to come by and talk to you in person. It kills me that you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset,” she assured him. “I’m just sad that you’re leaving, and I didn’t sleep well—”
“Because you were upset with me,” he finished. “I would’ve come inside to talk last night, but you asked me to leave, and I felt like I had to respect your wishes.”
“I know. I ju
st feel silly about arguing with you now. How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure. I can’t tell you where I’m going or when I’ll be back, but I would never just leave without letting you know.”
“I understand. This is your job. I’ve known all along you’d have to go at some point.” A tear rolled down her cheek anyway, and she knew she was being foolish. This had nothing to do with her disagreement with Jackson last night. This was his career. He’d warned her that he got called out without notice sometimes. Goodness. She’d asked him herself about it since Blake had been home more than usual.
She didn’t know what exactly they did before leaving, but she assumed it involved packing clothes, gear, weapons, and whatever the heck else they used.
“I just found out from my commander,” he said gruffly. “I was hoping to come by and see you tonight. I’m sorry we argued yesterday.”
She sniffled again slightly, hoping he didn’t hear it.
“Hell. Are you crying?” he asked, his voice anguished.
“No. I’m fine.”
“Taryn.”
“I understand that you have to go. It’s your job. Just please be careful, okay?”
“I will. And you have to promise me that you’ll be careful, too. Call Clarissa if you notice anything unusual. She’ll be able to get in touch with my commander or some of the other guys on base.”
“I’ll be okay,” she assured him.
“Shit. I have to go. I hate this, but I’ll talk to you as soon as I get back, sweetheart.”
A beat passed, and she wondered what on earth she should say. There wasn’t time for anything now. He was in a hurry to pack and leave, and she was still feeling unsettled about last night, only to find out he wouldn’t even be here for a while.
“Okay. Please be safe, Jackson.”
“I will. Bye, sweetheart.”
She opened her mouth, but he’d already disconnected the call. “Shit,” she whispered, a few more tears slipping down her cheeks. Why hadn’t she just smoothed things over with him last night? She could’ve invited him in, talked things over, and gotten a restful sleep. Now she was tired, upset, and worried about him.
SEAL's Honor (Alpha SEALs Coronado Book 3) Page 11