Page 100 of No Fear

“The ladies have taken her for dinner. She’s coming back.”

Relief swept over him.

“Are we good here?” Sam asked.

“Yeah. Thanks, Sam.”

Sam’s hand squeezed his shoulder. “Let’s go get a beer with your team.”

He stood and let Sam guide him inside.

Quit? That one word held more power over him than any other. It broke through the fog and reminded him of everything he had overcome to get to be an Onyx operator. He was not going out as the operator who quit. And he sure as hell wasn't quitting on Charlie.

***

THE RESTAURANT WAS busy. It was happy hour on cocktails and fancy colored drinks were being served at a steady pace to the packed tables.

Charlie’s mouth ached from smiling. She was having a great time. Sophie, Mira, Kelly, and Diane had instantly made her feel comfortable and welcome. Initially, she’d felt guilty, but the ladies were quick to reassure her that the team had Donnie, and she deserved a break. Sophie also reminded her Donnie was going to get some sight back and that was worth celebrating. Ryan and the guys would be making sure Donnie celebrated that news, too. Now, a couple of margaritas in, she was really relaxing.

Charlie already knew Kelly and Mira worked with the team, which was pretty badass. Diane was a lawyer and Sophie a doctor. These were successful, beautiful, confident women who had been brought together because of their men and now shared a unique bond.

“OK, Charlie, it’s time to spill. What’s the deal with you and Donnie?” Kelly asked.

Charlie couldn't stop the blush hitting her cheeks. “No deal. We’ve known each other since we were kids. Went to the same school.”

“Were you high school sweethearts?” Mira winked, grinning.

“No, nothing like that.” Charlie stared down at her drink.

“Sorry. We didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Sophie placed a hand on her arm. “You don’t have to tell us anything.”

Charlie sighed. She liked these women despite having only just met them. They all knew Donnie. Probably knew him better than she did right now.

“I didn’t mean to pry,” Kelly added softly. “I guess we are just surprised that Donnie has never mentioned you and yet, here you are as soon as he was hurt.”

“It’s complicated.” She gave a small smile.

“Life with these guys is always complicated,” Sophie said dryly making everyone laugh.

“What’s it like being involved with a SEAL?” Charlie blurted, immediately regretting it when the women shot looks between themselves.

“Sorry. I probably shouldn't have asked that.”

Kelly smiled. “No, it’s fine. All relationships can be hard, but being with a SEAL, or any special forces team member, brings other challenges. They get deployed. Sometimes days or weeks. Mira and I are a little fortunate that we know where they are and what they’re doing, but for Diane and Sophie, they don’t. We can’t share, and that can be difficult.”

“Yes, it is,” Diane said. “Especially with one child and another on the way.” She fondly patted her belly.

“Handling everything while they’re gone and just being apart must be difficult for all of you,” Charlie said.

“It can be tough and, of course, we miss them,” Sophie answered. “But we’re not alone. We have each other. While Diane and I cannot know all the details of their missions, it’s somewhat reassuring that Kelly and Mira are on the inside. We know if anything was wrong, we’d be told. For me, I know I would struggle when Ryan is gone if I didn't have these women to support me.”

“Right back at ya sister,” Mira said, and all the women agreed.

“But despite what they do, the risks involved and the time they’re gone. I wouldn't change anything,” Kelly said. “I’m proud of Dex, of all the guys, for what they do. There’s also some advantages of being with them. I mean, you have noticed how fit they are?” Kelly smiled mischievously and Charlie laughed.

“Erm, yes. You can’t not see it.”

“Oh, yes. That’s definitely a perk. Those muscles. That strength. And they ooze confidence,” Mira said wistfully, clearly thinking about Tyler.