I’ve been deliberately avoiding this specific question since our first meeting. But now that we’ve been intimate and my feelings are blossoming into the unexpected, I can’t keep from inquiring.
He tenses beneath me. His chest rises as he draws in a deep inhale. The hand which has been trailing lazily over my side stills.
I squeeze my eyes shut, preparing myself for him to tell me to mind my own damn business. I soak in every last bit of his warmth wrapped around me I can, because I’m positive he’s about to tear it away.
My head falls as his chest lowers on a slow exhale. “She’s my sister, and I love her. I know she’s coming from a place of love and concern, but after the things I’ve seen and done, it’s hard to accept that. My last mission was a complete shitshow. I was the only one of twelve men—men I consider brothers—to make it home.”
I let out a long breath as I say a silent prayer for him being spared the fate of an early grave. That I’ve had this opportunity with him. At the same time, my heart aches for all he’s been through. I can’t imagine the pain he must be going through to this day.
“It messes with your head, something like that. It doesn’t seem fair that I should just go about my life enjoying it while other men, good men, who were fathers and husbands, don’t get to do so. It’s one of the many reasons why this between us shouldn’t be happening. Between that and you deserving someone who isn’t broken and messed up in the head from all of that and the atrocities I’ve not only seen but committed, there’s no way this goes any further than it already has. It shouldn’t have even gotten this far, but I’m a selfish bastard and you are a siren I’m powerless to resist.”
His arm tightens around me, and he rolls us so I’m beneath him. The fierceness of gaze sends goosebumps down my body. “Especially now I’ve been inside you and had you coming apart in my arms. You’ve completely captivated me, and walking away from you will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Before I can attempt a response his mouth captures mine, and he once again sends me soaring into the stars of the night sky before I fall fast asleep in the security of his powerful arms.
We’re finishing breakfast the next morning when my sat phone rings. My stomach drops as the number of the care facility where my mother lives flashes across the screen. They have this number in case of emergencies.
“Hello?” I answer apprehensively.
“Emerson, it’s Lucy at Living Springs. Your mother has been highly agitated lately, even more so than usual. We were hoping you or your sister might be able to come for a visit even though you were just here a couple of weeks ago.”
I spin the ring on my thumb as I purse my lips at her words. “I’m out on assignment right now. Let me call Avery and see if she’s able to make it. If I remember correctly, she’s between semesters right now.”
“That would be fantastic. I know your visits don’t always help, but we’re hoping it might this time.”
“One of us will be there as soon as we can,” I promise.
“Thank you so much.” The call disconnects.
“Everything alright?” Clancy asks.
I shake my head. “My mom’s not doing well. I need to call my sister and see if she can make it for a visit. They’re hoping that will calm her down.”
He frowns. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll finish packing up camp while you take care of the arrangements.”
“Thanks, I need to grab my cell to get Avery’s number.”
He tips his chin at the pickup. “It has a cell booster, so you should be able to use your cell phone.”
“Okay, thanks.” I climb in and dig through my pack to find my cell, which indeed shows a few bars of service. I watch Clancythrough the window as he swiftly stows away the table and chairs. He moves out of sight to pack the tent as Avery picks up.
“Hey sis, how’s it going?” she answers.
I heave a sigh before replying, “Not great. Mom’s care facility called. She’s been quite agitated lately, and they think it might be a good idea for one of us to come visit. I’m in Texas right now on assignment. I was hoping since you were on break, you would have time to go see her.”
“Yeah, I can do that. I’m actually closer to her than normal. I’m visiting a friend in Coyote Creek. It’ll still be close to a four-hour drive, but it’ll give me something to do instead of being here chasing after a man who is apparently delusional. He somehow got it into his head he doesn’t deserve me.”
“Ugh, what is it with men and their twisted sense of duty? My bodyguard is under the delusion he has to protect me from himself.”
“Wait, you have a bodyguard? What’s going on? Are you safe?” she asks, concern lacing her voice.
“Yeah, it’s just a precaution. The area we’re in, in southwest Texas is a known smuggling route. The owner just passed away, and the company is eager to jump on the land. It’s never been assessed before, and the potential for oil here is high.”
“Well, stay safe and good luck with the bodyguard and all. I’m sure you’ll catch me up when you have a chance. I’ll head out this morning to go see Mom and let you know how she is after.”
“Thanks, Avery. Love you.”
“Love you too,” she replies before disconnecting just as Clancy opens the driver’s door.
