one
Trace
“Here’s to the firstman down.” Riker raises his glass. “May the rest of our sorry asses find a woman like Tara who’ll put up with our shit.” The toast isn’t the most eloquent, but that's Riker for you. Of the seven of us, he’s the most vocal.
Riker, Jack, Rafe, Hollander, Jude, Maddox, and I were thrown together when we were first selected for the Navy’s SEAL program. Our team was officially SEAL Team Titan X, but unofficially, we were known as the suicide squad. There wasn’t anything we wouldn’t back down from. None of us had anyone back home who cared whether we lived or died—each of us had grown up in the system, never truly fitting in anywhere until we were forced together on a highly classified team.
Privately, we called ourselves the virgin squad once we realized we shared that commonality. When you spend your life looking for love, you’re not going to accept anything less. But it’s also hard to believe anyone could love you for who you are after being rejected so many times growing up.
It wasn’t until Rafe met and fell in love with Tara that we realized there might be someone out there who loves us as much as Tara loves Rafe. Now, thanks to the happiness Rafe found, we need to come up with a new nickname for the group.
We left the military a few years ago, each of us going our own way, but we continue to work in the career we love as bodyguards. We might work for seven different security companies in seven different cities across the country, but when one of us needs the other six, we will always be there for each other. Like today on Rafe’s wedding day.
“Speaking of Tara, I’d better get back to the reception before she comes to her senses and asks for a divorce.” Rafe makes the comment in jest, but the fear is in his eyes of losing the most precious thing in his life. It’s something we all know we worry about. I wonder if there will ever be a time when we believe love is real and won’t be taken away.
“Nice try, Rafe.” Tara glides over to our table in the far corner of the reception hall like an avenging angel in white lace and satin. “You’re stuck with me for life.” She places her hand on his cheek, and the look of love shines so brightly that the rest of us turn away, trying to shake off the envy I know we’re all feeling.
Rafe takes her hand and places a kiss on her palm. “Thank you.” Those two simple words speak volumes about his feelings for Tara.
Without missing a beat, Tara smiles. “Dance with me, husband.”
A restlessness takes over the rest of us. The same feeling we used to get before a big mission. But instead of the adrenaline of an assignment, it’s the desire to find a love like Rafe has with Tara.
Jack’s the first to break the tension. “I’m going to check out the hotel bar.” He stands, places a kiss on Tara’s cheek, and shakes Rafe’s hand. “Congratulations.”
The guys each take turns congratulating the newlyweds as Tara encourages them to dance with the single ladies at the reception. They each politely agree, but I know better — if they had already found someone they were interested in tonight, they would have made their move.
One-night stands are easy to find, but none of us is looking for that. We want what Tara and Rafe have, and we’re not settling for less.
“I think I’m going to call it a night.” I’m the last to congratulate the bride and groom as the rest of the guys make their way to the front of the reception hall.
“Thanks for being here today.” Rafe places his hand on my shoulder. “I know it isn’t easy for you guys.” He lets the words hang in the air, since we both know exactly what he means without finishing the sentence.
“It’s okay. You know we’re really happy for the two of you.” My smile feels forced as I say those words. I’m not lying, we are happy for Rafe. It’s the fear of never finding what he has that terrifies all of us.
As always, Rafe knows my thoughts, which is what made him a great leader of our team. “Don’t worry. You’ll find her someday. I know she’s out there waiting for you.”
“Yeah, well, tell her to hurry up. I’m not getting any younger.” With a laugh, I feel the tension in our conversation ease. “But for now, I’m going to bed. Jack and I are the only two who have to fly home tomorrow and go back to work. We don’t have cushy jobs like the rest of you guys.”
“How could I forget?” Rafe jokes, knowing full well we all have demanding jobs.
“Now, stop wasting your time talking to me, and get out there and have a good time. It’s your wedding day.” I playfully shove Rafe in the direction of the dance floor.
“Fine, but I’ll remember this on your wedding day.” Rafe takes Tara’s hand, leaving me alone in the corner with my thoughts. In my thirty-five years, through all the assignments in the military and as a civilian, I’ve never felt as alone as I do right now. Waiting has never been my strong suit, but for the right woman, I’d wait forever if I had to.
two
Ember
“Why are you sofidgety today?” My identical twin sister, Elsa, can’t stop squirming in her chair. “It’s not like we’ve never had bodyguards before.” I whisper, nudging her shoulder.
When our parents called us into our father’s study this morning for our daily family meeting, I was a little surprised to see two handsome yet serious guys standing by our father’s desk. Normally, our daily meetings include only the four of us.
“Is there a problem, girls?” Great, I guess I didn’t whisper as softly as I thought, since our father is calling us out.
“Nothing, father. But could you explain again why Elsa and I need a bodyguard?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Elsa stiffen and jerk her gaze toward the attractive bodyguard standing to the left of our father. He might be good-looking, but I can’t take my eyes off the dark-haired guy standing to the right of our father. There is something in his eyes that is calling to me.
