Loving Leisl (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Green Beret Book 2)

by Michele E. Gwynn

“Home,” she said, trying out the word.

  “Home, ours if you’ll let it,” he added. “I don’t want to be apart from you, Leisl. Not now, not tomorrow, not ever. What do you say? Will you come home with me, meet my family, make a go of this thing between us?” He slid his fingers into hers, holding her hand.

  She watched their fingers intertwine, his large hand and her smaller one. They were still connected, like their hands. It was incredibly intimate, and for the first time in her life, she felt safe, felt desired, maybe even loved. All she had to do was try.

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  He grinned. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah,” she said. “Let’s do it.”

  Doc kissed her lips, jubilant. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

  “I was asking myself the same thing.” Leisl chuckled, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair.

  “My God, you’re amazing, woman. Come here.” Doc pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her, igniting their passions once again.

  They made love throughout the night until finally, they fell asleep in an exhausted heap.

  Chapter 19

  Doc checked them in at the terminal for military transport. Leisl’s suitcase was checked and they both kept their duffel bags as carry-ons. The plane was scheduled to leave in an hour making a stop in Amsterdam to refuel before heading out again for Atlanta where they would change planes for their final leg to Colorado Springs. He was excited. It had been six months since he last saw his family. And this would be the first time he ever brought a woman home to meet them all.

  Leisl seemed a bit nervous, fidgeting with the cuff of her sleeve. She hadn’t worn fatigues in a month, but when traveling on military transport, active-duty were required to be in uniform. This meant she couldn’t wear one of her head scarfs, so to cover up the now barely-visible incision site, she’d managed to part her hair in a way that swept over the new hair growth and secured it all back in a low bun at the nape of her neck. Her hat covered the rest. A person would have to look hard to tell she’d recently undergone a tumor removal from the left side of her head.

  To his eyes, she looked stunning. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes glowed. There were secrets in them now, sexy secrets that weren’t there before and he knew he was the reason. Pure awe filled his heart when she glanced over at him and smiled.

  “Are we all set?” she asked.

  He sat down in the chair next to her. “We are checked in, Sergeant. Next stop, Amsterdam. We have a three-hour delay there so that means we get to disembark while they refuel and restock. I see something Dutch and possibly tulip-like in your future,” he grinned.

  “A Dutchman wearing a tulip in his lapel?” she asked, a saucy glint in her eye.

  “What? No! One of those wooden clogs with tulips painted on it,” he said, a dubious expression in his brown eyes. “There will be no other man for you, baby. Do I need to take you into the nearest janitor’s closet and remind you why?” His words were serious, but his eyes teased.

  Leisl blushed, a giggle escaping her lips. “A janitor’s closet? Why Jason, you are such a romantic.”

  He slid his arm around her shoulders. “And don’t you forget it.”

  “Doc!”

  Doc looked up, hearing his name. Matthew ‘Wolf’ Steel walked across the terminal headed in his direction. At his side was Faulkner Cooper, aka, Dude. Doc stood, meeting them halfway.

  “Wolf, Dude,” he said, reaching out to shake both their hands.

  Wolf slung his duffel bag over his shoulder. “You heading out to Romania too?”

  Doc blinked. “What? Romania? What for?”

  “Isn’t that why you’re here? First transport out to Bucharest? Tex didn’t call you? Or your commander?” he asked.

  “No. No one’s called me. What the hell’s going on?”

  Dude answered, “Your team, man. They’re in trouble.”

  Doc did a double-take. “What kind of trouble?” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

  Wolf shook his head. “I can’t believe no one clued you in. Outlaw’s team was tracking the terrorists who kidnapped the chemist’s daughter. They found her, but those extremist bastards slipped the net. Your team followed the trail through Turkey up to Romania. Those daesh bastards had help. They’re not your run-of-the-mill rogue ideologues, man. They’re well-funded for travel, but that’s not the worst part. The kidnapping wasn’t random, it was ordered.”

  “By who?” asked Doc.

  “CIA intercepted communications between that ISIS cell and Prince Nayef.”

  “The Saudi Crown Prince’s brother?” Doc asked.

  “The one and only. We’ve known for a while now that the Saudis actively fund terrorism, but this is a direct link. It’s leverage that the State Department wants. We have to make sure the girl is rescued, however. Turns out she was following in her mother’s footsteps. Her college studies are chemical engineering.”

  “I thought she was a child?” Confusion crossed Doc’s face.

  Dude chuckled. “A twenty-two year-old child. And a prodigy.”

  “The fuck you say,” said Doc. “So she was the backup.” He chewed on that for a moment, and then, “But you said Outlaw and the guys were in trouble. How so? If they’re chasing the terrorists, it stands to reason it’s those bastards who are in trouble.”

  Wolf shook his head. “Same chatter produced more intel. A hit squad was dispatched on your SOG. They’ve got names, codenames, descriptions.”

  Dread filled Doc’s belly. “How is that possible?”

  “A leak. Someone leaked their information, someone who knew about the mission. We were on our way back stateside when Tex called. All operational communication is coming through him until the Pentagon finds the mole. There’s a Merlin waiting on the tarmac. My guys are already onboard. They were just waiting for me and Dude. You’re welcome to join us. No one knows Outlaw’s moves better than you and we could use the help. We know where they’re headed and the hit squad knows too. It’s just a race as to who gets there first. The State Department is afraid Nayef will order the girl killed, backup chemist or not, if we don’t neutralize these bastards in time.”

  “Shit!” Doc glanced over his shoulder at Leisl who sat quietly watching him.

  Wolf followed Doc’s gaze. “A redhead. I take it she’s yours?” he chuckled.

  “Yeah, she’s my girl,” Doc said. “We’re traveling home to Colorado Springs. She just had a brain tumor removed a month ago. You’d never know it though. She’s that tough.”

  Dude and Wolf exchanged looks.

  “Seems like she made it through like a champ,” said Dude.

  “She did,” said Doc, still looking at her. “I was with her the whole time. It was rough the first week, but it was benign, thank God. She’s still on leave, but she’ll be stationed at Fort Carson officially beginning next month and will return to duty then. Evans hospital is lucky to have her. She helped save Eastwood’s gonads.”

  Dude laughed. “How’s that fucker doing?” he asked.

  “I don’t know,” said Doc. “We were attacked at Medical Base Camp 10. He lost his left leg, Dude.”

  “Aw, shit, man. I didn’t know.” Dude’s dark eyes popped wide.

  Wolf shook his head. “But he’s okay?”

  Doc looked at him. “He was when I last saw him. The day of Leisl’s surgery I left his room to be with her, but when I came back, he was gone. I tried calling his mom, but all she said was he was in rehab. She doesn’t know where. Says Harry calls her once a week.”

  “That’s weird. Usually family is with them. At the very least, they know where they are.” Wolf’s brow creased.

  “Maybe Tex can find out. I can call him,” said Doc.

  “If anyone can find out, he can. So will you join us?” Wolf asked.

  Doc reached out, touching Wolf’s shoulder. “Give me a moment,” he said, turning to rejoin Leisl.

  Leisl watched Doc approach. A strong sense of dread snaked
through her body. She wasn’t sure if it was the two men who stood waiting behind him or the myriad of thoughts running through his eyes that were visible from several feet away. Something was wrong, of that she was sure.

  “Leisl—”

  “What is it? What’s going on, Jason?” she stood, reaching out to take his hands.

  “It’s my team. They’re in trouble.”

  “What?”

  “Those two back there,” he pointed, “are SEALs, friends of mine, of Outlaw’s. Matthew Steel on the right and that’s Faulkner Cooper on the left. Wolf and Dude. They’re on their way right now to help. They’ve asked me to join them because it’s my team, and I know them better than anyone. I know what Outlaw will do, where he’ll go, how he’ll operate. But I don’t want to leave you,” he said, focusing on her.

  Leisl didn’t want him to leave her either. He’d practically been by her side since they met, and now, she couldn’t imagine a day going by without him, especially after the past couple of days. But he was a soldier, a Green Beret, and she knew how tight their groups were. The same dedication he’d shown her would be the same dedication he had for his team. And right now, she wasn’t the one in danger. As much as she hated it, she knew he had to go. She didn’t want to be the girl who split up a team.

  “Jason, I understand. I’ll manage somehow. You go. Just make sure you come back or I’m going to be super-pissed at myself for not stopping you.”

  Doc’s heartbeat doubled. He didn’t think it was possible to love this woman more, but in this moment, he did. He knew he needed to tell her—soon. He hoped like hell she felt the same.

  “You won’t have to go it alone. I’m calling my mom. She’ll meet you at the airport and take you to the cabin. My Jeep is there so you have a way around and she or my sister can help you get situated. I’ll be there as soon as possible, I promise.” He cupped her face. “Have I told you how fucking amazing and beautiful you are today?”

  Leisl smiled. He’d been telling her that every day, and then showing her. That last thought made her blush.

  Doc noticed and leaned down, kissing her lips. It was a sweet but thoroughly toe-curling kiss. “I’m calling mom now, on my way out. I’ll also text you her number just in case. She has the spare keys so you’ll have everything you need. Just make your gorgeous self comfortable and keep my bed warm, huh?”

  “Maybe I’ll send you a sexy pic to remind you to come back,” she said.

  “I don’t need any reminders. I’ve got a million naked pictures of you up here,” he said, pointing at his head, “and here,” he added, touching the spot over his heart. He reached down, picking up his duffel bag and with his free arm, pulled her close, whispering, “but send me one anyway.” With a last quick kiss, he left.

  She watched him join his friends, the SEALs. The one called Wolf gave her a quick salute, and Dude winked. She wondered if they were all as cocky and handsome as those three, but especially Jason. Sighing, she returned to her seat, waiting to board the long flight to Colorado—alone.

  Chapter 20

  Doc waited as the Merlin refueled before heading out the last leg to Bucharest. He thought about Leisl and hoped she’d make it to his home without any hiccups. He’d called his mom and told her about the change in plans. As usual, she asked where he was going and as usual, he told her he couldn’t say.

  “Just take care of my girl, mom. She’s had a rough time. Make sure she takes her meds and eats well. Sometimes she just picks at her food, you know. And don’t talk about me while I’m gone. No pulling out the old naked baby pictures!” he said. Next to him, Wolf chuckled.

  “You take all the fun out of being a mother, honey. Don’t worry. Should I just wait for her to tell me about her surgery like I don’t already know?”

  “That would be best, mom. Don’t let Ed tell her any embarrassing stuff, and tell Sue not to be dragging my girl out to clubs and shit.”

  “Language, Jason!” she admonished.

  “Sorry, mom. Just, I don’t know, take care of her. She’s special, mom.”

  Dude and Benny made kissing noises.

  Doc pointed at them. “You ain’t got no business making fun. You’re both caught.”

  Wolf howled. “True. But it’s still fun to see it happening to you, Doc.”

  “Is that Matthew,” she asked.

  Jason rubbed his eyes. “Yes, mom, it is.”

  “You tell him hello for me and that I sent Caroline a bunch of baked goods including my famous Gordon chocolate chip cookies. Such a nice young man, that Matthew.”

  Doc made a face. “Mom says hello. She sent Caroline the cookies and some other stuff.”

  Wolf grinned and leaned in. “Hi, mom. Thanks, beautiful.”

  Mrs. Gordon giggled. Doc punched Wolf in the arm.

  “Can we get back to Leisl, mom? I just want to make sure she isn’t lonely and that she gets settled in. Help her find the base, get to her doctor, and just, I don’t know…whatever she needs, okay?”

  “Okay, son. My goodness. You’re finally bringing a gal home. I’m so happy.”

  “Don’t go getting too excited. Don’t know where it’s going yet.”

  His mom pooh-poohed him. “Mother’s know, son. You’ve never brought a girl home to meet us, not since high school, and that doesn’t really count. But I won’t push. I’ll take care of her, don’t you worry.”

  Jason smiled. “Thanks, mom. Love you. Give my love to everyone.”

  “We love you too, mom,” Wolf’s team hollered.

  “Fuck you! Get your own mom,” said Doc.

  “Language, Jason Lee Gordon!”

  “Sorry, mom. Bye, mom.” He hung up and flipped Dude and Benny off.

  His next call was to Tex.

  “About time someone found you and had you check in,” he said.

  “Nice to hear your voice too, Tex. Did no one know my phone number all of a sudden?”

  “We couldn’t contact you right away. We were unsure if the leak included confidential cell numbers, but as far as I can tell, that’s not the case. Who found you?”

  “Wolf, by accident. I was on my way home to Colver.”

  “Damn glad he did. Not that Wolf and the boys couldn’t find Outlaw, but they will find him faster with you there. You know his moves, all his signals.”

  “Anything new?” Doc asked.

  “I discovered a credit card being used by these bastards. It’s linked to SynCorp, the company Sulima Ali worked for, and coincidentally, the same company Prince Nayef owns the majority stock in. I’m tracking it now. I’ll text you when it hits the radar again. I suspect they’ll use it to secure either a hotel room or a house rental. As soon as I know, you’ll have the coordinates.”

  Doc relayed the information to Wolf who nodded.

  “And when you find Outlaw, tell him the good news,” said Tex.

  “What good news?”

  “Emma had the baby. It’s a boy. I don’t know what she named him, but he has ten fingers, ten toes, and he’s healthy. That’s all I know. Tell that sonofabitch I said congratulations.”

  “Hot damn, that is good news, but he’s going to be pissed he missed it.” Doc slapped Wolf’s arm and told him.

  “That’s great. Damn, Outlaw’s a papa.”

  Doc grinned. “Hey, Tex, when you get a minute, could you try and find out where the hell the army has taken Eastwood. He’s supposed to be in rehab somewhere, but even his mother has no idea where. It’s strange, man.”

  “What happened to him?” Tex asked.

  “Got his leg blown off in an attack at Medical Base Camp in Kuwait. Rocket launchers. He was flown to Ramstein. I saw him there, but when I went back, he was gone. Damned nurse wouldn’t tell me where he’d been taken.”

  Doc heard keys tapping as he spoke and knew Tex was already checking his database.

  “Doc, I can’t seem to locate that right now.”

  “S’okay. Any information is good whenever you come across it. We’d just like to kn
ow where he is, if he’s okay.”

  “I hear ya. Tex out.” He hung up.

  Doc looked at his phone wondering over the abrupt end to the call.

  Tex sat staring at his monitor. The initial lock-out that kicked him out of Harold Tyler’s, aka Eastwood’s file threw him. He’d never been denied access to any intelligence except one command, one he’d first thought was an urban myth, but through the years, had come to think might actually exist when time and again he’d tried to locate soldiers who’d suffered limb-loss for Wounded Warriors. Most went to Walter Reed and other military hospital facilities, but there were dozens who’d disappeared completely from military records. It was like they never existed, never served. That command was jokingly referred to as PATCH-COM.

  He stared at the blinking red screen and the word, DENIED. Leaning back in his chair, he muttered, “Another one. Damn, Eastwood, what happened to you?”

  Colorado Springs was every bit as pretty as Doc had described. The mountains in the distance, the clean air, and green trees all made for gorgeous scenery. Leisl was exhausted from non-stop flights and lack of sleep. It was impossible to sleep on a plane, even a military transport. She had a innate fear of flying she’d stubbornly refused to tell anyone about, even the army. Instead, she sucked it up, holding herself stiff during take-offs and landings while trying to keep her mind busy in flight by reading. She was thankful for layovers. They allowed her to reboot and psych herself up for the next leg of the journey. She’d fully utilized the three-hour layover in Amsterdam by shopping in the airport stores, buying small gifts for Jason’s family and then grabbing a meal at one of the restaurants before boarding once again.

  She didn’t get much of a reprieve in Atlanta’s Hartsfield, but it still felt good to stretch her legs switching planes. When she arrived in Colorado Springs, her nerves took over as she anxiously scanned the crowd for Jason’s mom. She had no idea what Tess Gordon looked like or how she was supposed to find her. That was something they hadn’t discussed. But then, above the crowd, waving around wildly was a sign that read, Sgt. Leisl Craig.