My cheeks aren’t the only things blazing with heat now. It’s trickling down my body, heating me in some not-so-appropriate places.
“So, what was it like being in the army?”
He starts to share stories, and I’m hanging onto every word. My heart pounding as he talks about things he saw. The terrifying things he experienced. I get up to make us breakfast as he talks, and he works beside me, making us more coffee. Before I even realize it, I’ve missed my classes, and I honestly don’t care. I’m enjoying my time with him. A lot.
“I have to get ready for work,” I say, looking over at the clock. If I could call out, I would. But I don’t want to get into trouble. And Viv has covered enough for me lately.
“Sorry. I’m not a good influence. Are you sure it’s okay that you missed those classes?”
“I’m not worried about my classes. I’m kind of a genius. I mean. I’m smart. I wasn’t trying to brag. I just...” I’m doing it again. Rambling and rambling. And here come my leopard spots.
“God, angel. Why do you have to be so cute?”
And that’s my cue to leave the room before my nerves do any more talking for me. I might be inclined to ask him to define the wordcute. Becausecuteas inadorablemeans something totally different as incute sexy. The way he’s looking at me makes me feel sexy, but like I said, my meter is broken.
13
Rogue
As soon as we pull up to the steakhouse, I’m struck down by my past. This is where I proposed to Kara. Got down on one fucking knee and vowed my love and protection to her until death do we part. I promised her my heart and loyalty, and what did she do? She tore it out of my chest and put it right under my brother’s boot to stomp on it.
“Are you coming in or staying here?” she asks as she opens the car door.
“If that ex of yours shows up, let me know. I plugged my number into your phone. I’m going to sit out here and look for his car.”
My voice is a bit gruff, but I never thought I’d be back at this place.
“Oh…um…okay?”
She shuts the door, and I’m alone with my memories. Left drowning in my past.
“Where you headed to, Major?”
“I’m going home to see my woman,” I tell John. Captain granted me a four-day leave, and I plan on surprising my wife for our anniversary.
“Ooooh! Major’s gonna get some.” Decker wiggles his brow, and the others in the bunker all shout their hoots and hollers. After thirteen months away, damn straight I’m gonna get some. I’m going to be spending four days locked in bed, making love to my sexy woman.
“I’ll be back in four days.” I zip up my bag. “You girls behave while I’m gone and make sure you keep yourselves alive.”
I tip them a salute on my way out, unable to break the smile on my face. I’m going back home and can’t get there fast enough. Talkin’ on the phone just isn’t cutting it anymore. Sexting is fun, but I need to feel her in my arms, writhing beneath me. Her warm body. Soft lips. Hearing her moan in my ear. I need this weekend to keep me going for the rest of my term here overseas.
As soon as I step outside of the airport, I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. The air is so fresh and clean here. There’s no dust blowing through on the breeze, no loud bangs blasting off in the distance. It’s so peaceful. And calm. Everyone’s smiling as they reconnect with their loved ones. No clue as to what’s happening on the other side of the world. They aren’t ridden by fear or tormented by the pressure of being under attack. Having bullets shooting at their backs as they run and duck for cover.
God, I can’t wait to wind through the mountains and look at all the beauty. I want to see all the familiar sights and stop in for a slice of Magda’s pie from the diner, but that will have to wait. I need a taste of my woman first. It’s been too fucking long. I wonder what Kara’s reaction is going to be when she sees me. I’m hoping she’ll break out into tears and run intomy arms, but knowing her, she’ll probably yell at me because I didn’t give her a heads-up so she could do her makeup. The girl is prettier without the stuff, but she refuses to take my word for it.
Shit. I can’t drive fast enough. When I get to the final turn leading down our street, my stomach kicks up with excitement. I park out in front of our neighbor’s house on the off chance she’s looking out a window. I’ve never been able to pull off a surprise in the history of our relationship, but this time, I’m determined. I didn’t tell anyone I was coming. Not my brother or even my parents. I knew they would spill the beans.
When I see her car parked out in the driveway my stomach kicks up a notch, and my dick already starts to throb. It’s been too damn long. I slip in through the back door, turning the knob slowly, opening it just a crack to see if she’s in the kitchen. The coast is clear, so I move in. Slowly tiptoeing to the living room, but she’s not there either. Means she’s upstairs.
I get to the top of the landing and pause. Sounds like she’s talking on the phone. Whomever she’s speaking with, she’ll have to call them back later, because I need her attention now. I move stealthily, entering our room like a stalking lion, not wanting my prey to hear me coming. My feet stop as I walk through the door, and my world blasts apart like a missile landing in my chest. She’s on the bed, naked. Her hips thrusting fast over a man’s waist. She’s fucking someone else in our marital bed. Moaning like a goddamn whore. She throws her head back and her eyes are closed. She’s too consumed by the pleasure to know that I’m here.
My world starts spinning. Like I’ve walked into the center of a war zone. Bombs and shots are ringing out in every direction. I’m struck down in my shock; paralyzed in the pain.
“Fuck, baby. You feel so good.”
The male’s voice clears the debris. I recognize it. No. Please tell me it’s not… But then I have direct confirmation. Davis rises up, pulling Kara’s head up to kiss her lips, and the moment their lips connect, the rage slams into me. I charge forward, crossing into enemy territory.
“You goddamn son of a bitch! You fucking bastard!”
