Code Name: Kayla's Fire: A Warrior's Challenge series, #2

Prologue

His special lady exited Base Command. The SEALs kept her well-hidden these days. His pulse raced, getting a glimpse of the brunette. Petty Officer Mace Callahan tossed Kayla’s bag into the backseat of his car. They couldn’t see him, sitting in his own vehicle, admiring her through the window of the vehicle parked to his right.

Alpha Squad protected and fawned over the woman. Kayla was a challenge, yet everything he longed for. He wouldn’t rush. When he slowly angled the knife between skin and flesh, she would agree her death was just. When he was done, her body would be a work of art.

His heart skipped, remembering how close he’d come to having her. Because of her defiance, Kayla had slipped through his fingers. If she had listened to Austen and remained in his house, she would have been his to carve at his leisure.

The coolness of the blade against his chest comforted him. Hidden in the special pocket he’d sewn into the interior of his jacket, it remained his most important tool. Like a painter’s brush, it stroked and sliced with beautiful perfection.

Kayla jumped into the passenger seat and drew the seatbelt across her body. So many choices, but his heart had set itself on one extraordinary example of femininity. The Lilith of all women. Kayla wound men around her finger. Tempted men to betray their wives. A shining example of treachery. Her aloof attitude made his blood boil. She needed his discipline. She needed him.

Captain Austen and Lieutenant Manchester spun their wheels, trying to catch him. The Forces had taught him well. He could avoid anyone who wanted to stop his important work. They didn’t understand his mission or the good he was doing on behalf of all of them. Hunting these women was a noble act. When they were in his possession, he showed them their failings, cut the darkness out of them, and each of them bowed before him.

He would take his time with Kayla, far longer than he took with the others. She was special, and he knew she wouldn’t break easily, but he would persevere until she did. As life left her, he would gaze into her defiant eyes and watch the blood drain from her body. He’d collect every precious drop. Kayla would be his prize for all the hard work he had done to rid the base of the women who walked among them with only betrayal in mind. Soon, his fellow combatants would thank him for disciplining these fucking sluts.

Instead of driving Kayla back to the apartment complex, Mace headed for the base’s exit. Mace, with his sharp sniper eyes, noticed him. Kayla leaned forward, and they both waved.

He smiled and waved back. Patience, he murmured to himself.

His mind whirled with frenzied possibilities. So fair. So immoral. He twisted the key and pulled out a few cars behind them to follow. Maybe today would be his lucky day, and Kayla, the lost lamb, would break from her pack. He would be waiting.

Of all the women who’d betrayed him, Kayla needed him the most. Her penance would redeem her, and she would never beguile a man again. He would skin the beauty from her and leave the world with an image of what she truly was: deceitful and evil.

Chapter One

W hat the hell is it with you two, Kayla? Mace griped, taking her bag and tossing it in the backseat. "Every time you and the captain have a fight, he takes it out on us. I ended up being volunteered to the MTS Master Training Specialist on the Grinder today working with a Phase One class, sweating bullets out my ass."

Mace always picked her up, no matter what shift she worked and drove her back to his place, which was ridiculous. He lived on the base and within steps of Base Command, but those were his orders.

If you’re talking about the overbearing egomaniac, we all call Captain Austen, ask him. She jumped in next to Mace, her mood morphing into a healthy case of cranky, knowing she had to face her small cell for the evening, aka Mace’s apartment. Take me home. My home.

Nuuu, Kayla, he said, knowing he’d be swimming to the Mexican border and back if he didn’t follow the captain’s orders.

Then let’s go out for dinner.

You sayin’ something’s wrong with my cooking?

No. It’s my turn to cook tonight.

A pack of starving carb monsters had taken roost in her belly, making cooking the last thing on her mind. She’d been too darn angry to eat after seeing Miss Sweater-too-tight sidling her perfect cosmopolitan figure against Thane.

Carrie Watson, their new admin assistant, had turned up the heat. She could almost smell the sexual vapors coming off the woman. When the Navy fired Karen, Kayla hoped for a sixty-plus, tight-bunned grandmotherly type to replace her. No such luck. Carrie had a silkworm smoothness that made Kayla feel like an old frayed carpet. The woman wore her tight sweaters to show off her voluptuous ‘D’ cups, and she constantly draped them in front of Thane.

Afternoon, sir. Mace waved at someone sitting in one of the parked cars, and she leaned forward, adding her own wave. Driving slowly past the gatehouse at the entrance to the base and giving the guard a nod, Mace turned onto the Strand, headed for the Coronado Bridge. I’ve only got so much finesse in the kitchen, and you’ve had my spaghetti five times already.

Then let’s go to Old Town. I need something hot.

Mace curled a brow, reaching for his phone. Since when?

Don’t you dare call him. Just drive.

Kayla, he’s gonna wig out.

I don’t care what he does—drive.

Of course, Mace called him anyway. With heavy traffic on the Coronado Bridge, they followed a school bus filled with youngsters bouncing in their seats. Since time immemorial, kids waved at passing cars out the back of big yellow buses, and she waved back.

He wants to talk to you, Mace said, holding out his phone.

I don’t want to talk to him. She crossed her arms and stared out the side window, looking out over the bay.

Sir, why am I stuck in the middle of this? Mace asked, changing lanes trying to get away from the fumes of the bus. So, let me get this right. I’m going on a date with your girlfriend. Mace quickly pulled the phone away from his ear.

Give me that. She placed the cell to her ear once the hollering stopped. Are you finished yelling at Mace?

Kayla, just give me thirty minutes, and I’ll take you for dinner. I’m giving...somebody a hand.

Giving who a hand?

Baby, thirty minutes.

Giving who a hand? she pressed, her senses beginning to torque. Thane wasn’t the only one with ESP. He sounded...wrong.

Wind from the ocean whistled through the phone. I’m helping someone with a flat. I’ll be finished in a few minutes.

Who? She knew the damn answer already.

Miss Watson has a flat. I’ll—

The burn of jealousy in her belly flared to ignition like the hot flash on a fighter jet. She slammed the disconnect button and smashed the phone on the dashboard.

Hey, stand down, girlfriend. That’s government property, ya know. Mace snatched it away from her. What the hell is the matter with you these days? You’re like a harpy from hell.

Her gaze whipped to the window. Tears welled, and her guts squeezed so tight she felt like throwing up. The woman probably let the air out of her own tire when she saw Thane.

Mace, just drive me home. It seemed like forever since she’d stepped foot in her condo.

Mace’s phone rang. Commander...sorry, Captain. Kayla wants to go home. He paused. Don’t think that’s going to happen, sir. He paused again, chancing a careful glance at her. Because she’s crying.

She didn’t even think before giving Mace a hard whack on his arm. Not that it would hurt him with muscles rolling off his broad shoulders like Popeye. Swiping a tear away, she grilled him with a look for squealing.

She’s causing me bodily harm, he added. Yes, sir. We’re going to Old Town, which earned him another glare. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Mace said it four more times, and she knew he was getting a mouthful of instructions about how to situate. How to make safe. How to strategize. Mace had been a SEAL for ten years, with a million dollars of training invested in him, along with specializing as a sniper. He didn’t need a preschooler’s version of taking care of a prisoner, which is what she was these days.

Mace rolled his eyes and said, Yes, sir, a final time, then hung up. Kayla, come on, he just wants to keep you safe. He squeezed her shoulder, then swiped a finger against her cheek.

I am safe. You’ve all been treating me like some precious artifact. I hate it.

Mace caught a break coming off the bridge and changed lanes, overtaking several cars trudging their way home.

The Shark still has you in his line of sight. If he finds a breach in the fence, he’ll go for it. Until we find him, you’re under lockdown, Snow White. So give the captain a break—Shit!

Mace’s hand shot out, grabbed the back of her neck, and yanked her toward him. The horrific sound of glass, metal, and good luck shattered as a truck smashed into the passenger side of his car. She heard herself scream. A ripping pain tore down her side, and darkness enveloped her as fate stepped in to make a decision.

She pulled herself from a fuzzy grey depth, hearing Mace call her name.

Don’t move, Kayla.

Before opening her eyes, she shifted, waiting for any extreme damage to make itself known. Reaching to her left, she found Mace’s arm and slid her hand down to his wrist, stopping on his pulse.

Stay still for a second. I’ll get you out of here, Mace ordered, sounding like a SEAL instead of her best friend.

Kayla opened her eyes and blinked. What a mess! Glass and twisted bits of metal sat on her lap and across the crumpled dash. Her door bowed inward, leaving zero room. Mace gently swept the glass from her legs. She turned her head and poked herself on a sharp piece of metal only inches from her temple.

Whoa, close one.

People gathered around the car, and a guy stuck his head in her window.

Back off, Mace growled, leveling his SIG only inches from the guy’s face.

Hey, man, I’m just trying to help, the young guy said. Easy.

Wearing a bright green Maui shirt and sporting a sunburn, the man’s eyes crossed, looking into the end of the barrel. Mace kept the weapon steady until the guy backed off.

Put that away, Mace.

Kayla, are you all right? he asked, stashing the weapon in his waistband.

Think so. What the hell hit us?

Truck.

Where is it?

Gone. He released her seatbelt, then swiped debris from the driver’s seat. Are you sure you’re all right?

Yeah, help me get out of here. She shimmied over the console, and Mace pulled her the rest of the way out.

Standing outside the vehicle, she surveyed the damage. Mace retrieved his phone, spoke for a couple of seconds, then hung up. The wail of police sirens echoed off the buildings. Twisting her neck, she kept the moan inside as the stiffness set in. Ultra-fine pieces of glass stuck to her shirt, glittering under the sun, and she plucked at the fabric, shaking them off. Mace checked her right arm, peppered with bloody nicks, but nothing to worry about, in her opinion.

Where’s the other vehicle, Mace?

Don’t know. Let’s find out. They approached the mob on the street, who stared at them.

A young couple holding hands approached. Are you guys okay? the woman asked.

We’re good, Mace assured them. Did you see it happen?

They both nodded. One of those jacked-up trucks, the gal said. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he aimed for you. He picked up speed going into the intersection.

Can you give me a description? Mace asked.

From behind them, someone said, Think that’s my job.

They turned to see two cops staring at them.

You can hear it at the same time, Mace fired back.

Three cars screeched to a halt twenty feet away. The captain and the rest of the squad vaulted from the vehicles.

Jesus, what happened? Thane roared, giving the car a quick once-over. Two paces brought him front and center, examining every square inch of her with his eyes. Stitch?

Caleb, the squad’s corpsman, touched her arm. I’m fine, Stitch. Of course, he didn’t listen, and worked his way up from her ankles, squeezing and prodding. It wasn’t until he got to her right shoulder that he hit a tender spot.

Where’s the vehicle that hit you, Mace? Thane watched her while the demand poured from his mouth.

Just trying to figure that out, sir, Mace responded quickly.

Alpha Squad circled them. The younger cop surveyed the group. The older cop, maybe in his forties, took an authoritative step forward. How about if everyone backs off for a second so we can investigate?

Thane ignored him. Sweetheart, maybe you should sit down.

She didn’t need to sit down. I’m okay, a little shaken, but good.

A huge intake of breath expanded his broad chest. Being a captain never leaves a man just because he steps off the base. His domineering presence had everyone waiting on his command. Not caring who watched, he dipped his head and kissed her gently on the lips.

Kayla, you need to go to the hospital, Stitch stated.

What? she and Thane said at the same time.

Caleb palmed her right shoulder. I twisted it a little. It’ll be fine.

A spurt of laughter erupted from the corpsman. You know, if we had guys with your pain threshold, we’d be a super race of SEALs. He glanced at the captain and back at her. Kayla, your right shoulder is completely dislocated.

She tilted her head to see, but a sharp jab confirmed Caleb’s diagnosis. Aw, dammit, not again. The shock of the accident had her adrenaline pumping. Her nerve endings came alive with a familiar aching pulse.

Not—again, Thane said, lowering his chin, giving her a stern look.

Her ex had wrenched her arm so many times in his fits of rage, she lost count. She sighed. Fine, put it back in, Caleb.

Caleb shook his head sharply. No, Kayla. You’re going to the hospital for X-rays, then the doc can reset the shoulder.

Nooo, she bleated. You know how to put it back. Do it. Cranky Kayla made an appearance. I’m hungry. I don’t want to go to the hospital. Just knock it back into place.

Caleb shrugged and took a step toward her. Don’t you dare, Thane warned.

We’ll go see the paramedics, she said, inching away. Thane clamped onto her left arm. No, you won’t. Stay here where I can watch you.

Need to go to the hospital, right?

Stay, Thane ordered. The cop eyed him and the rank on his uniform. Give me a SITREP, Mace. What happened?

The cop raised his hand, but Thane ignored him.

Came at us from the right side of the intersection. This woman says she thinks the truck picked up speed instead of braking.

Thane turned his attention to the couple. Ma’am, can you tell us what he looked like?

She approached with her boyfriend in tow. Sorry, the windows were tinted. I couldn’t see the driver.

What about a plate?

Didn’t see it, the boyfriend answered, finding his voice. The driver backed up as soon as he hit them and headed west.

What type of truck, son? the cop asked, joining in versus taking control.

Dodge Ram, the boyfriend said, Black, two-door, short box on the back.

Any previous damage, identifying marks? the cop asked, writing in his pad. Was he alone in the vehicle?

Don’t remember any other marks. I only saw one shadow inside the vehicle, the boyfriend added.

The ambulance attendants strode up, one with a kit in his hand. Ma’am, can I have a look at your arm? he asked, seeing her support her elbow to take the weight off her shoulder.

She didn’t need him yanking on her injured wing. I know it’s dislocated.

Okay, sir, can I get in there? He put a hand on Thane and got a frightening glare in return.

Take her to the hospital. Mace, how’re you doing? Thane asked, giving him a once-over.

Alpha Squad’s sniper shrugged. Going to be sore tomorrow, that’s about it.

Ma’am, it looks like you can walk. Come with me, and we’ll take you to the hospital, the attendant said.

I don’t need to go, she protested, taking a step away from him. She only suggested the paramedics before to get away from Thane so Caleb could reset her shoulder.

Thane gently grasped her hip. Kayla, you’re going to the hospital.

I hate hospitals, she said, raising her voice, since the captain obviously had a hearing problem. Caleb can take care of it, and a couple of painkillers will do the rest.

Thane shook his head. No.

Yes, she barked back.

The cops and paramedics heads ping-ponged between them.

Mace sighed and walked around Thane, putting a hand on her back. They do this all the time. Come on, you stubborn mule. Let’s go.

I’m not going. She rooted her feet to one spot.

The captain leaned over her with his ‘I’m the boss’ look blazing in his eyes. If you don’t get moving, I will give you a spanking right here, right now, in front of everyone. Get in the damn ambulance.

There’s no way he’d do it. She narrowed her eyes to mirror his. This is not a big deal. Stop acting like an overbearing asshat.

Chapter Two

Thane’s fists clenched . It wasn’t frustration, but the delayed reaction, seeing the car destroyed on the passenger side before he saw Kayla. As usual, his mouth took it out on her.

Woman, you’re going to the fucking hospital, he ordered. Kayla’s ears grew longer, and her skin greyed with the mule showing itself.

Why can’t Caleb fix this?

Because we’re not in the middle of the desert. There’s a perfectly good hospital five minutes away.

Caleb, she pleaded.

No way. He raised his hands and stepped back.

Come on, Snow White, Lt. Cobbs said in a gruff voice. Move it. When she didn’t budge, his silver-grey eyes set on her. Now. He didn’t shout, but left no option in his expression or the way he said, Now.

Kayla’s nose twitched, and one stubborn foot became unglued from the pavement. Fine.

Thane watched Mace and Cobbs guide her away. How the hell did Pat do that? His brow curled tight, and he darted a look at Nathan.

Nathan shrugged. Hell if I know.

Caleb smirked. Married, he explained.

Thane scratched his neck. But—

There’s a fine unspoken line, Captain, Caleb added. The lieutenant drew it. Kayla knew it.

Thane shook his head, astounded. He’s going to have to teach me that, he said, watching the three of them reach the ambulance.

Walking into the hospital, Thane slowed his step, seeing Mace and Cobbs halfway down the long row of beds on emergency alley.

The doc had Kayla’s arm in an ‘L’ formation. This is going to hurt. Take a big breath and...

She tilted her head at him. Just do it, would ya.

Mace and Cobbs screwed up their faces with the crunch and snap of bone falling into place.

Kayla’s brow quirked for a second, then she sighed with relief. Thank you. Covering herself with the thin sheet, the doc helped her lay back.

Mace leaned over and gave her a kiss on her cheek. Good girl, he teased.

I can still hit you with my good arm, she warned.

Thane stepped up to the bed and Cobbs gave him a nod.

Hi, Doc, how is she? Thane asked, stepping around the squad’s lieutenant.

Thane, hey man. How goes it? Markus Letterman said, grinning up at him. Keeping our country safe?

He and Markus had done senior year together, both of them on the football team. See any terrorists in your backyard?

Markus laughed. Is she one of yours? Didn’t think they let ladies into the SEALs.

He leaned over her and pursed his lips. Kayla’s expression pinched with irritation. Yup, she’s mine. Aren’t you, sweetheart?

Kiss me, and I promise I will bite you, she hissed under her breath.

He chuckled, raising his head to grin at Markus. Got a cranky pill handy, Doc? The smack on his arm felt like butterfly wings.

Markus crossed his arms and gave him an inquiring tilt of his head. We gave her a good dose of morphine. It hasn’t kicked in yet. To be honest, I’ve never seen this before. She’s got amazing resistance to pain and to the opiates, but it should start working shortly. She’ll be fine.

Good, I’ve kinda gotten used to her being around. Think I’ll keep her, he said, seeing Kayla’s gaze soften.

Think again, Captain Asshat, she answered, laughing at her own joke.

He chuckled and ran his finger across her collarbone. Feeling better, sweetheart?

Uh, Thane, this is a G-rated hospital, Markus said, interrupting his thoughts.

Huh? He looked up, Oh, yeah. He held his hand out. Thanks for taking care of her, Markus. Appreciate it.

Markus finished writing a note on a clipboard, then said, Kayla, remember you need to be diligent with the physio to strengthen the ligaments and muscles, then the shoulder won’t be as easily displaced again.

Thane consciously ignored the reason her shoulder came out of joint so easily. If he lingered on the thought, his temper would spiral. Physio? He ran a comforting stroke across her shoulder. What kind of physio?

Never mind, she cut in, her words moseying out of her mouth.

Sweetheart, can you keep those beautiful lips shut and let me take care of things just once?

Markus grinned. Looks like she’s in good hands. You two should come over for dinner sometime. The wife and I would love to have you.

Thanks, Doc. Thane watched as Markus headed off down the hall.

Mace flapped a mitt full of paper. Got the sheets here, Captain. She’s looking forward to an entire year of strengthening exercises. I’d be glad to torture her.

Not, she grumbled.

Oh, yes, you are. Let’s see those. He took the instructions from Mace.

Can I leave now? she said, her words slurring. I’m hungry, and no one cares.

He gave a jerk of his head so Mace and Cobbs would give them some privacy, then pulled the curtain closed around her bed. I care, he growled into her neck and kissed her pulse. A small purr escaped her. As usual, her reaction quickened his pulse, leaving little room in his pants.

Thane, stop. This is a....

Mm-hmm. He brushed her peaked nipple through the thin gown, giving her the sweet attention she deserved. Lately, she’d been especially short-tempered and wouldn’t let him get this close. He kissed the pillowy edge of her breast, then devoured her full lips, taking advantage of her weakness.

When a sweet, wispy moan erupted from her throat, he backed off by an inch. I’m going to take you home. You can sleep in my arms.

Aren’t you forgetting someone? Her eyes closed briefly, then popped open.

The cops put out an APB for the damaged truck, but I doubt they’ll find it.

Do you think it was the Shark?

No, I don’t. Just an accident. The guy might have been drunk or high. Probably didn’t want a DUI and took off.

Why’d he speed up at the intersection? Doesn’t make sense.

I don’t know. Mace said you had a solid green light. He kissed her forehead. Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Come on, sit up. I’ll help you dress. Instead of sitting up, she nestled into the pillow, her focus wandering. Pain killers are doing their job, huh? Her lids blinked lazily, and she gave him an impish little smile. Sweeping his knuckles across her cheek, he released the fear clogging his heart and sat in the visitor chair next to her. You scared the hell out of me. Again.

Her brow rippled. I’m sorry. Her head flopped to the side. Don’t worry. This isn’t anything. Save the worry for when I die.

Kayla, his guts rolled over. You’re not going to die.

Nothing to fret, you’ve got Miss Sweater-too-tight and aalllll the women you can possibly want. Kayla’s hand wound behind her pillow. She’s such a bitch.

Am I hearing jealousy coming out of your mouth? he asked, threading his fingers through her soft curls.

Their new admin assistant, Carrie Watson, had been transmitting her signals loud and clear. Often in front of Kayla. He knew it bothered her, which meant he’d put an abrupt end to the subtle interrogation tactics he’d been using to get information from Carrie. Kayla had suspected Carrie hadn’t been upfront with her family history, and he trusted her instincts.

She’s beautiful. Her voice softened, and her eyes closed with long, lazy blinks. I hate her. You’ll work late. She’ll stay, and the next thing you know, she’ll be on her knees, unzipping your pants.

The morphine certainly loosed her tongue. Sweetheart. He turned her chin so she’d look at him. You’re the only woman I want in my pants. Carrie doesn’t stand a chance. He grinned.

She nodded once. Yeahhh, she does. Puckering her lips, she blew out a long breath. It makes me sad.

Too adorable. He’d never seen her so sweet and vulnerable, and he really loved it. A woman, docile and beautiful, emerged from behind the wall of smoke and mirrors she hid behind. Does that mean you like me? he asked, not able to keep the grin from his lips.

A little giggle escaped her, something as rare as the Dresden diamond. Have you ever looked at yourself? You think you’re all big and scary, but you’re not. She flipped her hand. God, I love it when you hold me. She released a heavy sigh.

A sublime smile touched her lips, and he wanted to kiss her so badly, but he didn’t want her to stop talking. These were secret thoughts about him, and he hadn’t heard enough. So you kinda like me, hey?

No. She released a deep breath.

Thane gnawed on the corner of his bottom lip. Not the answer he wanted.

I love you more than I ever loved my husband...and that was a lot. Her hand drifted in the air, then halted mid-sway. Do you love Miss Sweater-too-tight? Her hand flopped against his shoulder. She’s so pretty.

The air staggered to a halt in his throat, and his chest squeezed tight. You really do love me, don’t you?

Her lids slipped closed. I’m so lonely when you leave me, and you always leave. Never show...how bad it...hurts.

His throat grew thick. Why?

Cuz, she said, barely above a whisper.

He pulled her hand into his. Why, sweetheart?

Because. She couldn’t focus, the drugs in control. Have to be tough. Don’t want the Shark to hurt you.... Kayla licked her lips. Doesn’t matter. I’m broken, all broken like Humpty Dumpty. She strained to open her eyes. I’m tired...of living.

Her lids closed, and he watched her sleep. His heart thumped with slow, painful beats. Twisting a silky strand of her hair around his index finger, Kayla’s words reverberated through his mind.

Thane, it’s just the drugs. She doesn’t mean that, Patrick said, appearing beside him. Mace stood on the other side of the bed and stroked her hand.

He bit his lip. Yes, she does. Kayla shows us her brave side, but the hidden side gave up long ago. He shook his head to ward off the ache in his heart. She doesn’t believe anything I’ve told her. She doesn’t think she has a reason to live.

Does she? Pat asked quietly.

With her beautiful lips slightly parted, her warm breath caressed his cheek. Kayla, can you hear me?

Uh-huh, she murmured weakly, nodding her head a little.

I love you, sweetheart, I want— Her little snore made him pause. He kissed her forehead. I want to see hope in your eyes again, Kayla. I want to see it when you look at me.

Kayla slept soundly between his legs, her back pressed against his chest as he sat propped against the headboard. He weighed the risk, but brought her home with him. Since leaving the hospital, he hadn’t let go of her. He couldn’t.

Moonlight filtered in the window and illuminated the bed. He stretched to snag a tube of muscle ointment on his bedside table. Rubbing her shoulder in gentle circles, the smell of mint filled the air. Her words swirled around in his thoughts as he worked in the cream. Unlike other women, Kayla never asked him for attention. To find out she felt lonely when he wasn’t with her burned him deeply.

He’d been spending too many hours with the NCIS detective, Manchester, and not enough with her. She didn’t complain. Kayla simply accepted it, and now he had an inkling as to why.

She sighed deeply, and her cheek rubbed against his chest.

Are you awake? he whispered next to her ear.

That feels nice.

He kissed her hair and continued to massage her shoulder. You don’t need an appointment, you know. Just ask, and I’ll do this every night. He paused. After your physio.

Can’t.

Why not? He kissed her bare shoulder and filled his palm with one breast, strumming his thumb back and forth across the tip of her firm nipple. He loved these moments with her. Sedate. Naked. She truly held his heart in her delicate hands. Gently, she caressed his thigh. I wouldn’t say no.

Why am I here?

Because this is where you belong, he answered, hearing the wish in his own words. She rolled onto her side, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her dark curls tickled his abs. Kayla? She turned her sleepy eyes toward him. You know you’re the only woman in my life, right? She tucked her chin down and buried her face. All right, if you don’t want to answer that, how about this? Am I the only man in yours?

A muffled, No, tickled his skin.

His brows popped. Say what?

Her warm breast pressed against his thickening erection. If the woman’s body was anywhere near his cock, he couldn’t help himself.

I’ve got all your SEALs tied to my behind.

He coughed out a laugh. Okay, so that might be true, but you know what I’m talking about.

No.

Kayla, you’re being a brat.

You’re being a pain in my ass, she sing-songed back.

Sliding his palm under the covers, he ran his hand over her soft skin. You have a beautiful ass. His fingers teased the curve of her breast.

She raised her head. Captain, are you seducing me again?

Can’t seem to stop, might as well give in to it. When she turned her face toward him, he traced the curve of her lips with his tongue and kissed away the wetness. How about we both hold up the white flag at the same time? Give in to what we want.

What’s that? she whispered against his mouth.

Each other. He chuckled. And the entire West Coast SEAL teams. She shook her head, but he stopped her movement with a finger to her chin. You might be the most stubborn woman on the planet, but I also know you’re the only woman on earth meant for me. He swept the small white hand towel on the nightstand into his hand and offered it to her. I’m willing to surrender.

A little groan of discomfort escaped her mouth as she pushed herself to her knees and straddled his thighs, facing him. Jesus, to have this woman naked on his lap made his blood sizzle.

Her nose twitched, and she blinked. You have a platinum bachelor’s card.

With a slow hand, he swirled his thumb around her blush areola, and her nipple hardened. The response made his pulse thump with need. He lifted his gaze to memorize the features he wanted to see every day of his life.

I know I promised you I’d find the Shark, and I won’t lie, I’m no closer now than three weeks ago, but I won’t give up.

Kayla leaned forward, brushing a gentle kiss on his lips, making his desire soar, but it came plummeting down with her words.

I want you to stop chasing him. Stop chasing me.

Her expression gave nothing away, benign and beautiful as always. I don’t want to do either. Why would you...?

When she dropped her gaze, he knew Red had been right. She was doing this to protect him. She’d said so in the hospital. Heavily sedated, she wouldn’t remember what he’d told her.

Kayla, look at me. Reluctantly she obeyed. If I die protecting you, it’s a sacrifice I’d gladly make for the only woman I’ve loved.

Her eyes widened, reflecting more shock than he’d ever seen. Disbelief stood protecting the small twinkle of hope that carefully peeked from the corner.

A grin pulled at his lips. I. He planted a kiss on her nose. Love. He brushed another one on her cheek. You. Settling his mouth on hers, he lingered there. Her dainty arms slid over his shoulders, and her hands locked behind his neck, infusing his heart with warmth. Her eyes narrowed a little. Kayla— he warned, sensing her attempt to throw up a diversionary tactic. I know I can be the world’s biggest ass sometimes, but you’re stuck with me. Wrap your head around that. He tried not to laugh, seeing her mouth open, then slam shut again.

God, you’re impossible. She shoved the words out like she’d just run a 10-K race.

You have some ‘impossibles’ racked up too. Impossibly sweet, impossibly intelligent, sexy, kind, strong. With each description, her breathing hitched. On a roll, the words created their own momentum. They all had a target. Her heart. I’ve had a lot to be thankful for in my life, but none of it comes close to the day you walked in my door. Or the day I first touched your lips, and the day... His breathing labored and he palmed her hips. Their gazes locked. Kayla... He didn’t have to ask. Her hips rose, and she mounted his cock with a slick, hot, erotic slide.

His lids slammed closed with the intensity of their bodies becoming one. Buried in her heat, Kayla’s body softened in his hands and her head rocked back.

I will never betray your trust, sweetheart.

Kayla focused on him, the depth of her dark eyes consumed him whole. She didn’t argue. Instead, she cupped his jaw and sealed his promise with a soft kiss.

He cherished every second that followed with a gentle touch, not because of her injury, but because his heart demanded it. Seated deep insider her channel, he came with a shuddering release. When her sweet little gasps of pleasure told him she was close, he watched every expression on her flushed face as she came apart in his arms.

Kayla curled against his chest. What was he waiting for? The woman he loved—loved him. He thought about all the times he’d screwed up with her. Time to make this right!

Chapter Three

W hy does he have to be such an overbearing asshat? Kayla grumbled for the tenth time.

Why do you think, Snow White? Mace cranked a quick look in her direction as he drove the rental car up Old Town Avenue and found a spot to park on Juan Street.

A week of hard work had passed since their car accident. She’d followed the doc’s orders, and did her physio religiously every day to strengthen her shoulder, even though she hated doing it at the base. Everyone used the facilities. They were all so fit, especially the women.

Today, Thane showed up, and before she knew it, sweat poured down her back in a full workout instead of some simple strengthening exercises for her ligaments. When she tried to stop, he barked at her like a recruit, which had her firing back responses that had everyone staring at them. Mace jumped between them, but the argument had already found legs, and had nothing to do with working out.

Normally, she held her own, but these days she couldn’t keep it together and cried, which made her even angrier. With little thought or regret, she hurled a three-pound disc weight, aimed at Thane’s head, then stormed out of the fitness center. Mace followed and agreed to take her off the base in hopes of calming her down.

The main drag of the small, restored district known as Old Town, a few miles from the core of San Diego pulled in visitors by the carloads each year. The great food and party atmosphere was a local favorite, and hers.

Slipping off her sweater, she slung it over her arm as they joined the tourists meandering the sidewalks under a warm February sun investigating little shops with handmade knickknacks and bobbles to attract the eye and crack the wallet.

Captain Austen doesn’t have to hover over me when I’m doing physio. You’re bad enough, she said.

Mace wrapped his arm around her waist, and they ran the crosswalk to the other side of the street, then sauntered up the steps to a patio bar and snagged a small table. Mace sat down across from her. Covering her hand, he said, Stop your bitching. The man loves you.

Hi, folks. A guy in his late twenties turned brilliant blue eyes on her. She scanned the black apron with Bruce written on a tag attached to his chest. What can I get ya?

Roping her purse on the back of the chair, she said, Do you make a good margarita?

Bruce’s cheeks puckered, and he gave her the once-over. For you, I’d make anything.

Hey, man, Mace growled. I’m sittin’ right here. How do you know she isn’t my girlfriend?

The waiter turned his attention to Mace. Because you’d be next to her, having a hard time keeping your hands to yourself. Balancing on his knuckles, Bruce tilted in her direction. Least I would.

Mace rolled his eyes. I’ll have a Corona, man, and don’t do that when her boyfriend gets here. He’ll grind you into ash.

Margarita for me. She raised her hand. On second thought, make it two.

The waiter winked at her and returned within seconds, placing a red wicker basket of tortilla chips and salsa on their table.

Two? Mace asked, grinning at her. I didn’t work you that hard in Physio.

Did too.

Not.

I’m thirsty.

Have some water.

Captain Austen is not my boyfriend, Mace.

Mace nodded at the waiter when he dropped the brew in front of him. You’re right, he’s more than that. A man doesn’t break his balls going twenty hours a day to catch a serial killer if he doesn’t like a girl, but it’s your PTSD that scares him more than the Shark.

Her gaze fell to the tiles covering their table. Brilliant, hand-painted strokes of blue, red and yellow brightened the small squares. None of you were supposed to know.

So—we do now. We love you. Deal with it. Mace squeezed her hands. Tell me what’s really wrong. Normally, you’d be dressing him down. You’re acting like a girl these days.

She breathed out a pent-up gust of air. "I don’t know what’s