“I will.” She eyed Carter as he took the chair between Frisco and Jordyn, who’d also just sat down. When the spy smiled at her scrutiny, she held up the box. “Look what Haven gave me—”
She paused and wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry, but I forgot your name.” Intelligent and wise beyond her years, the little girl had a tendency to sound like someone in their twenties or thirties, much to her parents’ chagrin at times.
“It’s Carter, sweetheart, and that’s a really nice present. You must be a very special person for Haven to give that to you.”
“I am. We’re best friends.” Her matter of fact tone almost dared anyone to disagree with her.
“Can never have too many of those,” he replied with a brotherly wink at Haven.
“What’s your other name? You can’t have just one name.”
Most of the Delta and Trident operatives within hearing distance, and a few others who were acquainted with the spy, zeroed in on the conversation. With a huge grin on her face, Jordyn rubbed Carter’s shoulder with the palm of her hand. “Yes, dear. Why don’t you tell Annie your full name? I’m sure she’d love to hear it. I know I would.”
He growled at her under his breath, before turning back to the little girl. “My full name is T. Carter, but everyone just calls me Carter.”
Annie seemed to consider that for a moment, but being her true, inquisitive self, she wouldn’t drop it. “You’re named after tea . . . like sweet iced tea? That’s weird.”
Ignoring the few chuckles around him, he shook his head. “No, not like iced tea. Just the letter T.”
“That’s even weirder. A few kids in school are called by two initials, like C.J. and P.K. but they told me what the letters stand for. What does T stand for?”
Several people moved closer, including Fletch who was holding back his laughter. Haven stared at her colleague over Annie’s shoulder. “Yeah, Carter, what does the T stand for? I think after all this time working with you, I should be allowed to know what your full name is.”
The man glared at her before softening his gaze for the little girl again, clearly knowing she’d backed him into a corner. Apparently, it wasn’t often he couldn’t charm the hell out of a member of the opposite sex, no matter their age. “If I give you five dollars, will you forget it and just call me Carter?”
Tilting her head to the side, Annie thought for a moment before saying, “Make it ten dollars—I’m saving for a tank.”
Laughter burst out around them as Carter pulled out his wallet with a sigh. “Fletch, you do realize you and your pretty wife are raising an extortionist, right?”
“Yup,” the little girl’s father said with a grin. It wasn’t the first time the little imp had conned one of Fletch’s associates to add to her piggy bank. “Normally, I would’ve cut her off at the pass, but this is too funny. Besides, your first name is one of the great mysteries in life I’d love to solve. Even Tex hasn’t been able to find it.” Tex was a buddy of Ghost, Fletch, and the others on their team, with a talent for uncovering intel on practically anyone. If he couldn’t find it, there was a good chance no one could.
“That’s because it’s been completely eradicated from every computer and written record out there. The only two people who know are my boss, who recruited me and knows I’ll slit his throat if he ever tells anyone, and my beautiful woman here, who will never be able to sit down again if she repeats it.” He handed Annie a twenty-dollar bill. “The extra is so you can get that tank sooner and drive your daddy crazy.”
Shrugging, she examined the money. “I already drive him crazy.”
“Isn’t that the truth,” her father agreed, before tugging on a lock of her hair. “But I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
As Carter fended off the others trying to guess his name with some hilarious suggestions, the little girl hopped off Haven’s lap and ran to find her mother to hold onto the cash for her. Haven’s gaze followed her for a moment before returning to Frisco. Rolling closer, she lowered her voice so only he could hear. “She’s adorable. It’s been years since I’ve thought about having kids, but being around her and the others lately has me thinking that one day I’d like to have some. After Mom and Tara were killed, I never thought I’d be happy again—part of a family—you’ve helped me prove that theory wrong. Thank you.”
Frisco’s heart began to beat faster. He’d never come right out and told her he wanted to marry her one day. But he’d dropped semi-obvious hints here and there, saying things like, “This is something to tell our grandkids someday” or “When we’re old and gray . . .” However, this was the first time Haven had commented on something about their future together. It was as if their stars were aligning themselves and giving him a sign. This is it. This is the time to tell her and everyone else here I plan on making her my wife.
Getting to his feet, he reached into the side pocket of his cargo shorts and pulled out the small jeweler’s box, cupping it in his hand so she couldn’t see it until he opened it. Going down on one knee, he barely heard the gasps and squeals around him. He didn’t even acknowledge when, from somewhere behind him, Sawyer groaned and said, “Oh, jeez, Taint-waffle. Seriously? Make it quick, will ya?”
Tuning everyone out, especially Sawyer, Frisco focused all his attention on Haven. A flash of confusion had crossed her face before turning into stunned disbelief. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes went wide. Butterflies had taken flight in his stomach, but Frisco knew he would never be satisfied until his ring was on her finger. She was who his heart had been searching for all his life—the other half of his soul.
Haven’s mouth went dry as she stared at Frisco down on one knee. This had to be a dream—a wonderful, crazy dream. Never since her mom and sister had been killed had she thought she’d have a normal life again. But this handsome, amazing man in front of her had made her realize she could be happy once more—she could open up her heart and love someone and have them love her back. She still had her career, but at night, that wouldn’t keep her safe and warm. And there would come a day, hopefully, when she was old and gray, she could leave all that behind her and just enjoy being with Frisco for the rest of their lives.
“Haven, I know this is sudden, but to me, it feels like I’ve known you all my life. When I think back to the day I first laid eyes on you, before I knew how perfect you were for me, it still freaks me out. I could’ve lost you before I ever had the chance to fall in love with you. But I did. I fell hard, baby—face first—and I’d gladly do it again.” She giggled as happy tears began to roll down her cheeks. “You’re the other half of my heart and my soul—the better half. Please, make me the happiest man alive—marry me?”
A hushed silence had fallen over the party, interrupted only by a few of the smaller kids laughing and asking what was going on. Haven was still in shock—and here she’d thought she’d be the one surprising him. “On one condition.”
Puzzled, his eyes narrowed as she rotated the wheels of her chair back a few inches, then locked them in place. Never taking her eyes off him, she leaned down and lifted the calf and foot rests out of the way. Placing her feet on the ground, she gripped the arms of the chair and pushed upward. It had been difficult, but she’d managed to keep it a secret for the past few days. She’d wanted everyone who’d helped her that fateful day, and every day since, to be present to see what she’d accomplished after all these months. Frisco had known she’d gained more strength in her legs while he was away on the mission, but this was going to be the first time he saw her stand without any assistance. She’d worked her ass off while he was gone. She still wasn’t one hundred percent yet, and might never be, but it didn’t matter. Frisco loved her regardless, and she loved him.
His eyes widened as she used all her might to stand. He jumped to his feet when she swayed forward before catching his arm. Steadying herself, she grinned as she let go again and stood without assistance. “I’ll marry you as long as I get to walk down the aisle—just make it a short one.” She smir
ked. “Think you can handle that?”
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he picked her off the ground and spun around in circles. Cheers filled the air as his lips found her ear. “I can definitely handle that. You’ve got yourself a deal.”
I hope you enjoyed Frisco and Haven’s story. I had so much fun borrowing Susan Stoker’s Delta Force operatives and their families for this book and combining them with those from my Trident Security series along with a few new characters. I look forward to writing more stories about the other covert spies at Deimos.
I’d appreciate if you took a moment to review Handling Haven on Amazon.
If you’d like to read more about the Trident Security team, start with Leather & Lace which is perma-free on Amazon.
"No one does Alpha heroes like Samantha A. Cole!"—New York Times, USA Today, #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker
Kristen Anders is starting her life over again after divorcing her cheating husband. An author of several “vanilla” romance novels, she spiced up her latest one involving BDSM and it became a best-seller. Now she's researching the subject for her follow-up book and manages to get a tour of the elite, private sex club, The Covenant, and runs into the one person she never expected to see there.
Devon "Devil Dog" Sawyer is intrigued by a cute brunette he meets at a friend's Irish pub and does something he hasn't done in over twelve years. He asks her out on a date. While it might seem strange to most, Devon's only relationships since he was twenty-four have started and ended in the same place–a BDSM club.
What was supposed to be a single weekend of mutual pleasure and dirty sex, turns into something more. But while they fight their growing connection, a killer has Devon in his sights and Kristen may end up as collateral damage. Will they survive with their lives and hearts intact?
If you haven’t read Susan Stoker’s Delta Force series yet, get Book 1, Rescuing Rayne, here!
As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger . . . or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.
Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning.
Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance . . . if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier.
The first book in my Malone Brothers series, Take the Money and Run, is also perma-free on Amazon!
With a gun and a duffel bag full of cash, Moriah Jensen is on the run from the police and ruthless drug dealers. She’d fled Chicago after her family was murdered and has spent the past four months trying to stay alive. Using an alias, she has bounced around from town to town, state to state, trying to stay at least a few steps ahead of the people chasing her.
KC Malone is on a two-week leave from his Navy SEAL team when he arrives at his uncle’s beach house to find a beautiful woman pointing a gun at his chest. What the hell had he just walked in on?
When the two become reluctant, temporary housemates, KC offers to train Moriah to defend herself against an alleged abusive ex-boyfriend. But then her past catches up with her and Moriah has to decide between her love for KC and running for safety. To stay would risk both their lives. To run would mean leaving her heart behind.
My standalone novel, The Friar, won a silver medal out of over 1000 entries in the contemporary romance genre in the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Awards! Get it on Amazon!
Adam Westfield gave his heart, mind, body, and soul over to God and entered the Franciscan Brotherhood, but a moment of rage had him breaking his vows and one of the ten commandments. Five years later, he’s released from prison a changed man once again. Unsure of his destiny now, he hits the road, roaming the United States, hoping to find a purpose in life again . . . and forgiveness.
A widowed mother of two, Sage Hammond is doing everything she can to hold onto the horse-breeding ranch that had belonged to her husband’s family for generations, but times are tough and she’s just barely getting by. Unable to find a ranch hand willing to work for meager wages, she thinks all may be lost and she will have to sell—until a quiet, handsome stranger appears to be an answer to her prayers.
Adam is falling in love for the first time in his life, however, strange things begin to happen at the ranch—things that are putting Sage and her children in danger—and he finds he is willing to sell his soul to protect them. But will it be enough?
A man trying to overcome his past. A woman trying to secure her children’s future. Can they both learn to live in the present and discover that second chances do exist?
Acknowledgements
To Susan Stoker: Thanks so much for writing kick-ass characters! You’re an inspiration to many authors following in your footsteps. It was an honor to borrow Ghost, Fletch, Hollywood, and all the others. Keep your stories coming!
To Jon Guidry: Thanks for helping with 1990s computer technology and figuring out that the doohickey I was looking for was a software protection dongle!
To Marisa-rose Robyn—Thank you for the use of Roxie. I hadn’t planned on having a dog in the story, but she was a beautiful addition. I hope I did her justice. Until you meet again at the Rainbow Bridge . . . woof
To my editor, Eve—I owe you so much credit for helping to make my books the best they can be for my readers. Love you!
To Judi—Thanks for another awesome cover and the inspiration to make the story better!
To my PAs, Maria, Connie, and Kelly, and the rest of the staff at Lucky 13 Book Reviews and News, thank you for all your help!
To my beta readers—Allena, Ame, Angi, Cathy, Charla, Debbie, Elizabeth, Felisha, Jen, Joanne, Katie, Milynn, Olivia, Rhonda, Susan, and Tawnya—you all are AWESOME! And thanks to Susan, Carrie, and KD for double checking my Delta Force facts! *smooches*
To the Sexy Six-Pack’s Sirens group—as always, your continued support means more to me than you’ll ever know! I love interacting with you and wish we could all meet someday in one place—what a party that would be!
To my readers—I hope you enjoyed Frisco and Haven’s story. It is because of all of you that I keep telling the stories flying through my mind.
To Jess, Jules, Brandie, and Kelle—Your continued support and friendship are things I will always cherish. While I was writing this book, we went through some ups and downs with health issues and other problems, but thank goodness we’re still together (and Z. got what he needed).
Author’s Note
The story within these pages is completely fictional but the concepts of BDSM are real. If you do choose to participate in the BDSM lifestyle, please research it carefully and take all precautions to protect yourself. Fiction is based on real life but real life is not based on fiction. Remember—Safe, Sane and Consensual!
Any information regarding persons or places has been used with creative literary license so there may be discrepancies between fiction and reality. The Navy SEALs missions and personal qualities within have been created to enhance the story and, again, may be exaggerated and not coincide with reality.
The author has full respect for the members of the United States military and the varied members of law enforcement and thanks them for their continuing service to making this country as safe and free as possible.
Other Books By Samantha A. Cole
The Trident Security
Series
Leather & Lace: Trident Security Book 1 (Devon & Kristen)
His Angel: Trident Security Book 2 (Ian & Angie)
Waiting For Him: Trident Security Book 3 (Boomer & Kat)
Not Negotiable: A Trident Security Novella (Parker & Shelby)
Topping The Alpha: Trident Security Book 4 (Jake & Nick)
Watching From the Shadows: Trident Security Book 5 (Marco & Harper)
Whiskey Tribute: A Trident Security Series Novella (Curt & Dana)
Tickle His Fancy: Trident Security Book 6 (Brody & Fancy)
No Way in Hell: A Steel Corp/Trident Security Crossover – Books 1 & 2
Absolving His Sins: Trident Security Book 7 (Carter & Jordyn)
Option Number Three: A Trident Security Novella (Mitch, Tyler, & Tori)
Salvaging His Soul: Trident Security Book 8 (Jase & Brie)
The Trident Security Omega Team Series
Mountain of Evil: TS Omega Team Prequel
A Dead Man’s Pulse – TS Omega Team Book 1 (Logan & Dakota)
Forty Days & One Knight—TS Omega Team Book 2 (Darius & Tahira) Coming Soon
Summer’s Fall—TS Omega Team Book 3 (Valentino & Summer) Coming Soon
The Doms of The Covenant Series
Double Down & Dirty (Grayson, Abigail, & Remington)
Entertaining Distraction (Charlotte & Mike) Coming Soon
The Malone Brothers Series
Take the Money and Run: Book 1 (KC and Moriah)
The Devil's Spare Change: Book 2 (Sean & Grace)
The Ultimate Price (Brian & Tessa) Coming Soon
The Blackhawk Security Series
Tuff Enough: Blackhawk Security Book 1—Coming Soon
Stand Alone Novels
The Friar
Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Handling Haven: A Deimos/Trident Security/Delta Team Crossover (Kindle Worlds) Page 15
