by Anna Blakely
“Sure, Gracie.” Olivia grunted as she struggled to stand. “Rub it in to the girl who hasn’t had a single drop of alcohol in months.”
Kat couldn’t help but smile at Olivia’s round, pregnant belly as she waddled by.
“You want one of those?” Matt asked as he crouched down beside her chair.
“Another glass of champagne? No, I’m good. But thank you.”
“Not talking about the champagne, Kat.”
It took her a minute to realize what he’d been referring to. She felt her eyes grow wide. “A baby?”
“Why not?” He shrugged a shoulder, his handsome face smiling up at hers. “I want to give you everything we’ve missed out on. Including children.”
“Matt,” she whispered his name. It was all she could manage to say.
“I’m not saying we have to start trying right away.” He took the champagne glass from her hand and set it on the table. Taking her hands in his, he held them as he spoke. “We’re both fairly young. Plus, with the new lab the military is building for you to run, I know you’re going to be busy with your work. But eventually, I want that with you, Kat. I want the life we always talked about having. Together.”
Kat was still in awe of the offer she’d received after Jason Ryker informed the powers that be, her serum had worked better than she’d hoped. In a week, they’d be breaking ground, right here in Dallas. Building a lab she would be in charge of.
One that would be solely dedicated to testing and creating new advances in vaccines and medications. All geared specifically for the American troops—both active, reserve, and veterans. It was a professional dream come true.
There was another dream she still hoped for. Desperately. And from what her strong, loving man had just said, it was within her reach, too.
Kat thought of the ring still tucked safely away in the lockbox at her bank. She’d never been able to part with it…now she understood why.
She’d tell him about it soon. Maybe even later tonight. Before that could happen, she needed to be confess something else.
“I want that, too, Matt.” She licked her lips.
“But?”
She hesitated to answer, but knew she had to be honest with him. Always.
“I’m scared.”
Matt frowned, his hands holding hers a bit tighter. “Of what?”
“Not being who you need me to be.”
His dark eyes softened. “Katherine…”
“I almost shot you, Matt. You know what it’s been like for me since we’ve come home.”
She still woke up several times a week with nightmares. Memories from that night, only twisted. In her dreams, the bullet she’d shot always hit Matt, killing him instantly.
“I know, baby. You see yourself killing me, but you didn’t. I’m right here.”
“I know you are, but with my memory…” She looked down at their joined hands. “I can’t seem to get it out of my head.”
“Is that all, or is there more?”
Kat stared back at the man who knew her better than anyone. “I can’t stop thinking about how my dad died because of me.”
The thought was always present, in the back of her mind. The only thing that helped ease that particular pain was the letter she’d received a few days ago from her dad’s attorney.
In it, her father had tried to explain his reasoning behind his actions all those years ago. Most importantly, he’d written a sincere and heart-felt apology.
Kat wished she’d been able to hear him say those words while he was still alive, but at least she knew he wasn’t as cold-hearted as he’d led her to believe.
“Your father’s death is not on you, Katherine.” Matt looked up at her pointedly.
“Yes, it is.”
“Wrong.” He shook his handsome head. “Your father was killed because Rajif Bukhari wanted to use what your team created against the U.S. That, and because Sloane Anderson was an ignorant, entitled prick who thought the world and everyone in it owed him something he hadn’t earned.”
Unconvinced, Kat shook her head. “But I—”
“Anderson wanted the perfect life,” Matt cut her off. “So much so, he couldn’t accept his son for who he really was. The ignorant bastard thought it tarnished that perfect image he’d worked so hard to create. Sloane’s push to make his son into something he wasn’t was the catalyst that started this whole mess. After Brian’s death, the guy became obsessed. With money and power. With revenge. When Walker approached him about selling the super-soldier formula, Sloane saw it as his chance to not only cash in big, but to get revenge on you for his son’s death.”
“Brian’s suicide wasn’t my fault.”
“Sweetheart, I know that. Everyone knows that. Everyone except Brian’s dad. Guy like that…” Matt shook his head. “Sloane was never going to accept responsibility for what happened. If he did, he’d have to admit he was flawed. Instead, he put the blame on you. For Brian’s death. For everything. So the second Walker offered him the deal on the formula, he couldn’t wait to say yes.”
“You’re right.” She tapped the side of her head. “Up here, I know you’re right. It’s here that needs more convincing.” Kat put a hand over her heart.
Matt covered it with his and squeezed. “You’ll get there, baby. It’ll take some time, but I promise you, you will get there.”
She stared back at him a moment before whispering, “I believe you.”
“Good.” Matt smiled. “Because I’m going to be here, by your side until you do.”
In a nervous move, Kat licked her lips. “And after?”
Reaching up, he used his free one to gently brush a few stray strands from her forehead. Tucking them behind her ear, he cupped one side of her face. “And after”—he began with a whisper, his thumb caressing her soft cheek—“after, I’ll still be here. For as long as you want me to be.”
“Forever,” Kat rushed to say the blessed word. “I want you with me forever.”
Matt smiled wide. “Forever sounds like a damn good start to me.”
About the Author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
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Also by Anna Blakely
Want to see how Ms. Blakely’s Bravo Team began?
See how Nate & Gracie came together by clicking below:
Rescuing Gracelynn (Book 1, Bravo Team Series)
Rescuing Katherine (Book 2, Brav0 Team Series)
*Coming Soon from Bravo:
Rescuing Gabriella (Zade & Gabbie) April 2020
Rescuing Ellena (Gabe & Elle) June 2020
Want more from R.I.S.C.?
Want more from Jake and the other Alpha Team members?
See how it all got started by checking out the other books in Ms. Blakely’s R.I.S.C. Series:
Book 1: Taking a Risk, Part One (Jake & Olivia’s HFN)
Book 2: Taking a Risk, Part Two (Jake & Olivia’s HEA
)
Book 3: Beautiful Risk (Trevor & Lexi)
Book 4: Intentional Risk (Derek & Charlotte “Charlie”)
Book 5: Unpredictable Risk (Grant & Brynnon)
Book 6: Ultimate Risk (Coop & Mac)
Read Kole & Sarah’s story for FREE
Click below to sign up for Anna Blakely’s newsletter and receive your FREE COPY of Unexpected Risk—A Bravo Team Novella:
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*Unexpected Risk was originally released as part of the Because He’s Perfect anthology. It is now only available through this link. This story brings you Kole & Sarah’s trying experience while dealing with shocking news and a malevolent stalker.
There are many more books in this fan fiction world than listed here, for an up-to-date list go to www.AcesPress.com
You can also visit our Amazon page at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/operationalpha
Special Forces: Operation Alpha World
Christie Adams: Charity’s Heart
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Linzi Baxter: Unlocking Dreams
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Alice Bello: Shadowing Milly
Heather Blair: Rescue Me
Anna Blakely: Rescuing Gracelynn
Amy Briggs: Saving Sarah
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
Anne Conley: Redemption for Misty
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Sarah Curtis: Securing the Odds
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Tarina Deaton: Found in the Lost
KL Donn: Unraveling Love
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
PJ Fiala: Defending Sophie
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Michele Gwynn: Rescuing Emma
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
EM Hayes: Gambling for Ashleigh
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia
Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava
Heather Long: Securing Arizona
Gennita Low: No Protection
Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse
Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck
Kimberly McGath: The Predecessor
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby
KD Michaels: Saving Laura
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound
Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi
Mary B Moore: Force Protection
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly
Angela Nicole: Protecting the Donna
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty
Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty
Victoria Paige: Reclaiming Izabel
Anne L. Parks: Mason
Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa
Lainey Reese: Protecting New York
TL Reeve and Michele Ryan: Extracting Mateo
Elena M. Reyes: Keeping Ava
Angela Rush: Charlotte
Rose Smith: Saving Satin
Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily
Lynn St. James: SEAL’s Spitfire
Dee Stewart: Conner
Harley Stone: Rescuing Mercy
Jen Talty: Burning Desire
Megan Vernon: Protecting Us
Police and Fire: Operation Alpha World
Freya Barker: Burning for Autumn
KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen
Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma
Deanndra Hall: Shelter for Sharla
Barb Han: Kace
CM Steele: Guarding Hope
Reina Torres: Justice for Sloane
Stacey Wilk: Stage Fright
As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.
SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series
Securing Caite
Securing Brenae (novella)
Securing Sidney
Securing Piper
Securing Zoey
Securing Avery (May 2020)
Securing Kalee (Sept 2020)
Delta Team Two Series
Shielding Gillian (Apr 2020)
Shielding Kinley (Aug 2020)
Shielding Aspen (Oct 2020)
Shielding Riley (Jan 2021)
Shielding Devyn (TBA)
Shielding Ember (TBA)
Shielding Sierra (TBA)
Delta Force Heroes Series
Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)
Rescuing Aimee (novella)
Rescuing Emily
Rescuing Harley
Marrying Emily (novella)
Rescuing Kassie
Rescuing Bryn
Rescuing Casey
Rescuing Sadie (novella)
Rescuing Wendy
Rescuing Mary
Rescuing Macie (Novella)
Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series
Justice for Mackenzie (FREE!)
Justice for Mickie
Justice for Corrie
Justice for Laine (novella)
Shelter for Elizabeth
Justice for Boone
Shelter for Adeline
Shelter for Sophie
Justice for Erin
Justice for Milena
Shelter for Blythe
Justice for Hope
Shelter for Quinn
Shelter for Koren
Shelter for Penelope
SEAL of Protection Series
Protecting Caroline (FREE!)
Protecting Alabama
Protecting Fiona
Marrying Caroline (novella)
Protecting Summer
Protecting Cheyenne
Protecting Jessyka
Protecting Julie (novella)
Protecting Melody
Protecting the Future
Protecting Kiera (novella)
Protecting Alabama’s Kids (novella)
Protecting Dakota
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
www.stokeraces.com
www.AcesPress.com
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