Protected in His Arms: Elite Texas SEALs

by Castillo, Holly

  “Ugh! I hate that nickname. Why do you always insist on calling me that?”

  Santo smiled. Francis slowly returned the smile, her face relaxing for the first time since he had arrived. “That’s why I call you Franny. It always makes you smile.” Santo’s smile slowly faded as he observed the dark circles under her eyes and the new wrinkles creasing her forehead. “You weren’t smiling when you called me a couple of nights ago. From the way your voice shook, I’d say you were crying instead. Something has you spooked. Let me help you.”

  She leaned back in her chair and ran her hands through her hair, disrupting the carefully structured bob. “You’re imagining things. I’ve had a lot going on, and I shouldn’t have called you. Don’t get me wrong—I’m glad to see you today. It’s been too long. But I shouldn’t have called you. I can’t put my burdens off on you.”

  “Yes, you can. That’s what I’m here for. I’m also relying on you to be completely honest and upfront with me on everything that is going on.” He hesitated, not wanting to threaten her, but knowing he had to get the severity of the situation through to her. “If you are holding anything back from me—you know the next steps, and it won’t be an experience you want.”

  Chapter 2

  Francis drew in a sharp breath. “I know Haslett has threatened an investigation. But I’ve come too far. There’s too much at stake—”

  “See, that’s exactly what I’m talking about! Obviously, something is going on and you won’t tell me about it. You’re putting me in the position where I will have to order the confiscation of any of your work, any of your research, and you’ll be out. You’ll be finished with this pet project of yours.”

  “You’re overstepping, Santo. You and that jackass Admiral Haslett. I know what I’m doing and I don’t need anyone interfering in my operations.”

  Santo struggled to maintain his calm. “What operation, Franny? We may be friends, but I’ll put a stop to your work in a heartbeat if you’ve crossed the line.”

  Her jaw clenched and she looked away from him, staring at the frosted glass that surrounded her office. “Admiral Haslett and I have talked frequently about my work. He’s known for a long time I’ve had suspicions about activity far beyond a drug cartel or human trafficking.”

  “You’ve found something, haven’t you? You’ve come across something, and you don’t know what to do with it.”

  “It’s complicated, Santo.”

  “I have to tell Haslett about our meeting today. Regardless of how hard I fight for you, he may still decide to pull the plug on the whole thing and bring you to the base in Corpus for a debrief and assigned protection. Don’t fight me if it comes to that.”

  “If Haslett cares about the success of this operation, he won’t interfere now. He’ll understand. I know he will.”

  “Francis, I was there for you when your ex-husband died and you fell apart. I may have been a few thousand miles away, but I was still present for you, no matter what. What kind of security do you have right now?”

  Francis shrugged nonchalantly. “There’s the security guard at the entrance to the courthouse, and a few deputies that roam the halls when court is in session to make sure everything stays peaceful. I have a top of the line security system at my home as well as a German Shepherd that serves as my alarm if anyone comes anywhere near the house.”

  Santo frowned. “It’s too easy for someone to reach you here. The security guard can only handle so much. Does he stay here and make sure you get to your car safely when you leave at night?”

  She groaned in frustration. “Yes. He’s great. I’m sure he gave you the third degree before even letting you through.”

  Santo shrugged. “He went through the motions. But if I wanted to lie and slip past him, I’m sure I could.”

  She flashed him a bright smile, the genuine one he longed to see on her face. “No one gets by my guard dog.”

  “Are you talking about the over-caffeinated blond nuclear device you call your assistant?”

  “I think a man could be holding a gun to her head and she would still refuse to let him come in and see me unless he was on her calendar.”

  The idea of a man holding a gun to the beautiful blond’s head made a knot form in his stomach. She was brave, he’d give her that. He’d never had a woman stand up to him the way she had. It had been sexy as hell. But the idea Francis’s actions could be putting Evie in danger angered him in a way he had never felt. “Damn it, Francis! You need to tell me what is going on. If your actions are putting your own life in danger, you’ve gone too far. But if they’re also putting her life in danger, I’m shutting you down, now.”

  “Oh, for crying out loud… Can you, I don’t know, stand down for a bit? I’ve made it on my own just fine for a long time now. Yes, you were a shoulder to cry on when Fred died, and I’ll never forget that. But I’m a grown-ass woman and a few years older than you if you remember correctly. I’ve got security, so you don’t need to worry. And Evie isn’t in any danger. I’d never let that happen. I just need a week, Santo. One week or less and I’ll be ready to meet with Haslett.”

  Santo recognized the look on her face and knew Francis wouldn’t discuss the subject any longer. If he couldn’t help Francis immediately, at least he could get to know the person she thought served as adequate protection. “What’s Evie’s story?” he asked passively.

  Francis seemed to relax slightly at the change of topic and returned to her chair. “I’m sure you’ve already researched her given the way you operate.”

  Santo shrugged. “All part of my job.”

  “Then I’m sure you know she’s been working for me as soon as I became elected judge here, before I even took office. She’s brilliant. She’s studying to be a lawyer and I’ve glanced through some of the papers she’s written. She’s far overqualified for this job. Not that I’m complaining. She makes my life ten times easier. If it weren’t for her, I don’t know how I’d manage.”

  “Sounds like you’ve found a real treasure.”

  Francis arched an eyebrow. “She is. In more ways than one. She generally manages my personal and professional life, since I can’t remember what day of the week it is most of the time.”

  “Probably because you are too busy chasing things you have no business chasing.”

  Francis ignored his comment. “I can count on her for anything, even late into the night when I’m working my crazy hours. She refuses to leave until I leave.”

  “The woman I just met is certainly loyal. I think she was really looking forward to the idea of using her Taser on me.”

  Francis’s eyes sparkled. “She is rather intense, isn’t she? She grew up traveling to different ranches for her family’s work if my memory serves me correctly. Used to go hunting with her father. She’s very devoted to her friends and would bend over backward to help someone in need. Sometimes I think she’s the only good person left in this world.”

  Everything Francis said fit with what little he had been able to dig up about her in the system. Getting her law degree online certainly impacted her social life, and a few of her community service projects had made it into the local paper. He had unearthed a wedding announcement from years ago, but nothing since. During their brief interaction earlier he hadn’t noticed a wedding ring. “What about her husband? Have you met him?”

  Francis’s lips twitched as she attempted to conceal a smile. “She is rather beautiful, isn’t she? I can certainly see why you’re attracted to her.” Her mouth thinned, though, and her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him closely. “She doesn’t deserve to have her heart trifled with, Santo. I’ll be very upset if you—”

  “Why would you even imply such a thing?”

  She shrugged. “People change. You’ve been around the world and you know what is said about a man in uniform. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’ve broken a couple of hearts along the way.”

  “You know the only serious relationship I’ve ever been in ended nearly ten years ago and we
both agreed to part ways.” He shrugged. “I don’t know that I’m relationship material, anyway. But Evie—I came across a wedding announcement from a few years back. That’s why I asked about the husband.”

  Francis dropped her eyes and shrugged. “That story belongs to Evie. It isn’t my place to tell it.”

  Santo sighed heavily. “You’ve just been a wealth of information today.”

  “Evie means a lot to me. As I said, it is her story to tell. But I will confirm for you she is not married. Never has been.”

  Santo nodded. “You know I ask all of these questions because I just want to know who’s watching out for you. You need protection. And while Evie may be tenacious as hell, she’s not going to be able to stop someone determined to kill you.”

  “I don’t expect her to. Because if they come with the intent to kill me, they’ll kill her first to get at me, and I won’t put her in that kind of danger.”

  “Does she know what you are mixed up in?”

  A faint blush tinged Francis’s cheeks and Santo felt an irritation growing within him. “Did you seriously drag her into your hunt, Franny? Did you expose her to this toxic world on purpose?”

  The phone suddenly buzzed and Francis hit a button on it. “Yes, Evie?”

  “Your scheduled appointment is here to see you.”

  Francis smirked at Santo. “I’m just about done. Thanks, Evie.” Her eyes observed Santo closely. “I’d say you must’ve pissed her off. What did you do?”

  “I didn’t listen to her.”

  “Oh. Yes, that’s a good way to get on her bad side. If you are interested in pursuing her, you’re going to need to find a way to make that up to her.”

  “I have no interest in pursuing her,” he growled, glaring at his friend.

  “I’m sure. You forget how well I know you.”

  “And you forget how well I know you. I know you’re scared. The moment you come to your senses, call me. No matter what time, day or night.”

  “How gracious of you.”

  Santo rolled his eyes and stood and Francis escorted him to the door. “I’ll be back in no more than a week. If you can’t give me answers by then, Haslett will pull you off of whatever you’re doing and conduct an investigation. Now… Do I need to schedule my next visit with you?”

  “If you want Evie to let you see me, yes. Otherwise, she does have a Taser, and I think she would love to try it out on someone.”

  Santo grinned. “It would be entertaining to see her try.”

  They walked out the door and Evie stood, her eyes searching Judge O’Conner thoroughly, obviously trying to make sure she was okay. Then her eyes fell on Santo and she watched him with obvious irritation. Another gentleman, dressed in a suit and tie stood, smiling broadly at Evie. “Thanks.” He nodded to Evie, then disappeared into the office with Francis.

  Santo turned and faced Evie, his gaze roving over her face. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot earlier.” He leaned his hip against her desk, his hands shoved in his pockets.

  The tension around her mouth and eyes eased slightly. “You didn’t. Many people try to sneak in time to see Judge O’Connor to help them with whatever circumstance they’ve gotten themselves into. Sometimes I get caught up in protecting her from the people who slip past security, so I apologize if I offended you.”

  He struggled not to smile. “You would have to try a lot harder to offend me.”

  A slight blush colored her cheeks, and he found it charming. She was so fair-skinned, with golden hair that she had twisted into a tight bun on top of her head. He noticed with disappointment she had carefully tucked in the long, wayward loop of hair he had touched earlier. It had been like touching silk.

  With heels on, her forehead came even with his chin and there was something so delicate about her that she reminded him of one of his mother’s china dolls. With smooth skin and a heart-shaped face, she had high cheekbones and large, blue eyes that seemed to see everything. He could get lost in her eyes.

  He felt slightly exposed as she watched him. Could she read the curiosity brewing inside him? Did she feel as if the world seemed to be tipping slightly, angling them closer to each other? Or had he worn out his welcome and her patience?

  He hadn’t realized he’d been staring at her for so long until she tilted her head to look at him. His eyes snapped back into focus and he tried to concentrate. “Santo?” she asked him hesitantly.

  He normally didn’t get distracted by beautiful women. He told himself his interest in Evie revolved around the fact that she served as the last line of defense for Francis. He nearly scoffed out loud. He wanted to get to know Evie as an individual, not as Francis’s assistant. She held an appeal that intrigued him.

  “What’s your last name, Evie?” he asked, keeping his tone neutral and focusing on her face.

  “Gordon,” she replied softly, then grabbed a business card and handed it to him. “If you need to schedule a time to see Judge O’Conner, you can just call me…”

  There was a slight reprimand in her voice, and Santo fought the urge to smile. “Well, yes. I need to see her again next week.”

  One of her eyebrows lifted, and for a moment he thought she planned to question him about the nature of the visit. Much to his relief, she sat down and stared at her computer screen, using the mouse to click through several different images before pulling up the judge’s calendar. “Same time next week?”

  “Yes.”

  She nodded and her fingers flew across the keyboard, reminding him of the way Buzz, one of his Navy SEAL teammates, worked on a computer. “Okay. I have you on her calendar.”

  “So next week you won’t give me the tenth degree?”

  “Unless you deserve it,” she replied quickly, almost in a teasing manner, almost flirting. Color bloomed high on her cheeks and she wouldn’t make direct eye contact with him.

  “So you manage everything that goes on in Judge O’Conner’s life?”

  She drew a deep breath and her gaze slowly met his. “Yes. Why?”

  “Even her personal life?”

  Evie’s lips thinned. “I won’t schedule a date for you with her if that’s what you’re asking.”

  Her comment registered with him slowly and he couldn’t stop the chuckle that tumbled from his lips. “No, no. That’s not what I’m asking. But you know where she is and what she is doing at all times?”

  She seemed uncomfortable with his questions. “Most of the time,” she answered hesitantly. “But I certainly don’t spy on her life outside of these walls.”

  “Just…do me a favor and keep an eye on her. I want to be sure she stays safe. If anything seems strange or out of the ordinary, call me.” He produced one of his business cards and handed it to her, purposefully making sure their fingers touched as he passed the card to her.

  She jerked in response to the contact, and he felt the same electric current pass through to his skin that he knew she had just felt. She studied his card for a moment, then looked up at him as he turned to walk away. “Santo.” He liked the sound of his name on her lips and pivoted back, watching her closely. “What exactly do you do?”

  “I’m a rancher, ma’am.”

  “At the Bent Horseshoe Ranch?” She tilted her head, watching him with a curious expression.

  “Yes, that’s right. Why?”

  “You live with my two best friends. Anya and Elena.”

  Chapter 3

  Evie couldn’t have been more surprised. The man who stirred butterflies in her stomach for the first time in years lived at the ranch where Anya and Elena lived. She teased her two girlfriends that she needed to see their new home, but with their hectic lives, it hadn’t happened yet.

  “You’re friends with Anya and Elena?” He looked confused for a moment, then his eyes widened slightly. “So you’re the one that Elena called about Jonas Franklin.”

  Evie shuddered, remembering the phone call she had with her close friend several weeks ago. Elena had stumbled across damning
information that Jonas could be mixed up in human trafficking and she had no idea who she could trust. Evie had offered to go to Judge O’Connor, but Elena insisted Evie keep everything silent until she could figure out what to do. Fortunately, Elena had gone to Phantom out at the ranch, and according to Elena, Sheriff Verduzco had taken down Jonas and saved many people in the process.

  “Yes, she called me. Did she tell you that? I thought she just went to Phantom and he got the sheriff involved.”

  Santo shrugged. “We’ve all become very close at the ranch. When something’s going on, we share with each other.”

  Evie watched his face closely, sensing he had left out some details, but she had no idea what they could be. “Both of them speak very highly about all of you out there. They seem happy.”

  “We’re happy they’re with us. They bring a good balance to our group.” He watched her for a moment as if he wanted to say something else, then shook his head. “I need to get back to the ranch as it is. Don’t let Francis work you too hard.” He turned once more and headed to the stairs, and this time she didn’t call him back. She had a ton of work to be done if she hoped to finish at a decent hour that evening.

  A few hours later, Evie sat at her desk and ran her finger over the thick, raised lettering on Santo’s business card. Exactly what did a rancher think he could do to protect the judge if she ever got into trouble, anyway?

  With determination, she set the nice card to the side of her keyboard and returned to typing up notes from a recent file sent to Judge O’Connor. Fortunately, the next day would be light with it being Friday, and they didn’t have any cases scheduled. She would be able to get caught up on things that had fallen behind with the interruption of Santo’s arrival and her subsequent inability to get her brain in gear until he left.

  She chalked it up to the fact that it had been too long since she had been with a man. Over the years she had a few friends with benefits, though it had never been anything more serious than that, and she made sure those friends lived in Laredo or other large towns away from Hebbronville. Those friends knew her aversion to relationships, and things had been fine.