by Aliyah Burke
His heart accelerated at her name. “Is she okay?” He cleared his throat nervously.
“She’s home. Been up in DC for a bit.”
There was something in Justice’s tone that made his belly clench. “What aren’t you telling me?”
The man sighed. “I may be totally out of line here, for I don’t even know if y’all even talk, but I remembered the way my sister was around you. I know this is a lot to ask but could you come see her? I’ll pay for your flight.”
In that second, Stone knew he was faced with a man who would move mountains if it would make his sister happy. It’s not a lot to ask. I love your sister. “Give me her address. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Come to North Carolina. She’s coming home tomorrow.”
Stone looked at his calendar. “I’ll be there by Tuesday.” It was Saturday now so that gave him some time to make arrangements.
“Let me give you my cell so you can call me when your plans are finalized.”
Writing down the address and Justice’s number, Stone hung up after assuring Justice didn’t need to pay. He sat in silence for a moment before shoving to his feet and heading out the door. Drawing Jack off to the side, Stone told him he was leaving for a few days. Then he left and drove to Red Eagle’s.
The elder sat out on his porch, carving. “Afternoon, Stone Black Hawk.”
“Hi, Red Eagle.” Stopping at the steps, Stone leaned on the railing. “I was wondering—”
“Of course I will take care of your horses. Do you mind if I sleep at your place?”
He frowned. “How did…” Stone trailed off when Red Eagle lifted a grayed brow. “Of course you can stay. Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Just bring Jasira back home. And first child is to be named after me.”
Stone lifted a brow. “That’s exactly what Rayne said.”
“Humph.”
“I have to go, Red Eagle. Thanks again.”
“Wait.” Red Eagle got up and walked to him. He dug in his pocket and withdrew a wrapped object. “For Jasira.” Stone glanced between it and Red Eagle. The man’s expression changed. Then he went back to his seat. “I’ll be by on Monday.” He began working again on his carving.
Stone slipped it in his pocket and readjusted his hat. “Bye, Red Eagle.”
“Her eyes only, Stone.”
Walking off with a wave, he headed home to arrange a flight. He called Justice back and began packing. Stone was a nervous wreck Tuesday morning when his plane began to circle for landing in Quiet Harbor, North Carolina.
Once he’d tossed his bag in the rental, Stone went straight to the address Justice had provided him with. He pulled in the drive of a white and blue two-story house and parked behind a tan Chevy Tahoe. He got out and headed up to the base of the porch steps. Taking a deep breath, he took them and reached out to press the doorbell.
The door opened and he found himself staring into some big brown eyes which reminded him of Jasira’s. The woman was about five-seven, flawless mocha skin, and black hair that fell in waves to the nape of her neck.
“Hello.” He removed his hat. “I’m looking for Jasira Graham.”
Her gaze moved up and down his form before she met his stare. “And who are you?”
“Stone Black Hawk, ma’am.”
Dawning filled her eyes. “I’ve heard your name. I’m Dinah Graham, Jasira’s mom. Come on in, young man.”
He stepped into the foyer and waited for her to close the door. “Please excuse my interruption.”
“No interruption at all. We’ve been expecting you. Jasira’s not back from physical therapy yet, but come on to the porch. I’ve got tea and refreshments set up out there. We can wait for her there.”
I was expected? Maybe Justice said something about me coming. Why is my baby in physical therapy? What happened to you, Jasira? “Thank you.” He hesitated and she turned back and gave him a small smile.
“Don’t worry about the floor.”
Stone nodded, stepped out, and followed her through to the open French doors and onto the wide back porch. To his left he saw a sitting area with white wicker furniture and a table with a tray on it. Three glasses and a pitcher of tea sat on the silver tray along with a platter of sandwiches. An older gentleman occupied one chair. Must be her grandfather.
“You Stone Black Hawk?” the man asked.
“Yes, sir.”
Sharp assessing eyes scanned him, and Stone fought the urge to squirm. Then the old man grunted and leaned back in his chair. “Come sit down, son. Let me talk to you.”
Stone listened and thanked Dinah when she poured him some tea.
“This is Jamal Graham,” Dinah said.
“Pleased to meet you, sir.”
“My granddaughter says you’re tied to our family.”
Stone sipped the tea and placed the glass back down. “Yes, sir. We figured your grandfather, Sergeant Isaiah Graham, saved my ancestor at Wounded Knee.”
“You serve?” Jamal asked.
“Not in the military, sir. I’m the sheriff of my reservation.”
“How’d you and my granddaughter meet?”
Running his tongue over his teeth, he shifted on the seat. “I pulled her over for swerving on the road.” Both of them stared at him with wide eyes and he hastened to assure them. “It turned out to be a misunderstanding. She’d swerved to avoid something I didn’t see. So I let her go.”
“What are your intentions toward my granddaughter?”
Stone opened his mouth to respond, but movement from the corner of his eye grabbed his attention. He turned his head and promptly lost his breath.
Standing there with her left arm in a sling was Jasira. She looked exhausted. She wore sweats and a tee shirt. Nothing else mattered. He rose in a single motion and walked toward her. Her eyes were wide and her full lips parted in surprise. Stone halted before her and placed his hand along the smooth skin of her face.
“Hello, waštelakapi,” he whispered.
* * * *
Jasira believed she had totally lost it. How else could she explain the fact she could once again feel the touch of a man who meant more to her than she realized possible. Stone Black Hawk.
“Stone?” She shifted slightly, ignoring the lingering pain in her arm caused by physical therapy.
“Yes?”
Oh, how she’d missed being called that. “What are you doing here?”
She had the biggest urge to jump into his arms and crawl beneath his skin. His other hand cupped her face and he kissed her, his lips gentle upon hers, yet possessive. She whimpered and returned the kiss, stroking along his tongue with her own. The rest of the world faded, leaving her in a creation where she and Stone were the only things. A rumble of frustration rose up within her when he ended their exchange.
His dark eyes glittered and she shivered from their intensity. She slowly unfurled the fingers of her right hand which had gripped his tight shirt.
“I’ve missed you, waštelakapi.”
“Missed you too.”
“Come with me. I think we need to talk.”
Reality.
Pulling back she said, “Well, I’m assuming you’ve met my mom and my grandpa.”
“Jasira,” he commented in a low tone.
“I need to shower and get changed so I can help with—”
“Nonsense, Jasira,” her mom interjected. “You go with Stone and talk about what you need to. Just be back in time for dinner.”
She looked around Stone to where her mom and grandpa sat. “What? But Mom…” Jasira closed her mouth, knowing full well she wouldn’t win.
“Let’s go, waštelakapi.” Stone slid around to face the same direction she did. “It was a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for the welcome and hospitality.”
“You’re more than welcome to come for dinner,” Dinah said. “In fact, I insist.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jasira sighed and waved with her good arm before leading the wa
y back through the house. She stared at the vehicle she now knew to be Stone’s. Like the gentleman he was, he held the door for her.
“Where to?”
“My hotel,” he replied.
She remained silent on the trip and while he checked in. When the door clicked behind them, Stone dropped his bags and pulled her around to face him by the uninjured arm.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She frowned over the tone of his words. He sounded tortured. Lifting her head so they were eye to eye she sighed.
“It’s not something I’m okay with, Stone. In fact, I’m furious over this. I may not be able to go back to work. I’m struggling to get thirty-three percent mobility back in my hand.”
“Waštelakapi,” he said in a soothing voice. “I care you are home and safe. I read your letter every day and hoped to hear from you again.” He stepped closer, bringing with him the raw powerful scent of Stone. “I’m so sorry about your arm though. It will all work out.”
She scowled. “How do you know it will? This has nothing—”
His lips silenced her. Unlike the kiss at her mom’s house, this dominated, took, and sent shockwaves of pleasure through her. Prickles of awareness exploded up along her skin. Her whimpers filled the air and she arched into him. Stone’s strong arms closed around and supported her as she sagged into him.
Eyes heavy and breaths coming with a struggle, she watched him with a mix of relief and disappointment at the kiss’s end. He didn’t release her, instead keeping her close to his hard body. His expression set and entirely to sexy. She forgot her line of thought.
“I really missed you,” he muttered, one hand slipping down the expanse of her hair.
And she’d missed him too. Forcing herself to step back from the touch which had the ability to make her forget everything, her own name included, she swallowed hard.
“Why are you here?” She tilted her head to the side. “How did you know where to find me?”
“Justice.”
Figured. Her brother always did think he knew what was best for her. To give herself some more time, she looked around his hotel room. The green carpet made dingy by the multitudes of vacuuming drew her stare. From the corner of her eye she could see the hard physique of Stone.
“Jasira.” The single word flowed from his mouth to her ears like warmed Chivas Regal being poured.
“Why did you come? What did my brother say to get you here?”
She deliberately kept her tone edgy knowing full well what would occur if she gave in. His hand cupped her face and gently guided it so they were once again eye to eye. In the depths of his there was infinite kindness and deep affection.
“You can be as short as you want with me, waštelakapi. I am here because you need me. Let me help you grieve and heal.”
“I don’t need to grieve. And unless you can fix my arm so I can go back to my unit, then what help can you be?”
He dropped his hand and for a second pain flashed across his expression as if she’d struck him, then it vanished and his features again were serene.
“You don’t have to be strong all the time. To accept help from another does not make you weak.”
The desire to cry overflowed within her chest and she fought it back. It was not time to face the tears. And yet… She fought off another shudder. Focus. She needed to focus on something else. Something other than how safe and secure she felt in Stone’s embrace.
“How long are you here for?” she questioned, proud her voice didn’t quaver.
His dark gaze twinkled. “I just got here. Trying to get rid of me already?”
And just like that she knew he wouldn’t force her to face her incident and what may or may not derive from it. The unbidden smile turned up the corners of her mouth.
“This is your room.”
“So it is.” He never released her gaze. Just stood there and watched her with the promise of acceptance and security in his eyes.
Deep within her the need to cry rose swiftly again. Her arm ached. She felt lost and alone. The sob escaped before she could contain it. His strong arms, warmth, and scent surrounded her and the remainder of her resolve shattered like crystal falling upon marble. Her legs gave out and Stone became the only reason she didn’t collapse in a heap on the floor.
His arms supported her while he spoke, low, soothing, and in words she couldn’t understand. It didn’t matter. The flood gates had been breached and opened. Warm tears streaked down her cheeks only to be soaked up by the cotton of Stone’s shirt. For the first time since her injury, Jasira allowed herself to cry.
Only with this man did she feel safe enough to remove the walls around her emotions. To allow herself to admit she wasn’t all toughness. She lost track of time; just cried until there were no more tears. The anger still lingered, but she felt one hundred percent better. With a final sniff she stepped back a single step, which was all he allowed, and wiped the top of her hand over her nose.
“Tell me about it,” he said staring into her eyes.
“We were attacked outside of Fallujah. The convoy was a large target and had we not been so diligent it could have been so much worse.”
She fell silent while he guided her to the side of the bed. With a slight hesitation she sank to the paisley comforter. The mattress dipped with the addition of Stone’s weight. He lay back against the headboard and drew her back to rest on him. The desire to tell him about the betrayal was strong, but she didn’t. Captain Adams’ behavior and treachery wasn’t public knowledge. Licking her lips, she relaxed into his warm strength.
“We’d gotten pinned down, and one of my unit caught a shot and fell when he was in the open. His name is Sergeant Harris. I went to drag him from the exposed area and to cover. That’s when I got hit. I passed out later and woke up in Baghdad. Then came home.”
His lips caressed her temple. “I wish I could fix it all for you, Jasira.”
She believed him.
“I want to go back.” The words slipped out.
“Why?” There was no censure in his tone, only curiosity. Unlike when she’d told her brother—he’d flipped his lid.
“They’re my guys. I want to be with them.”
He tensed. “All men.”
“And all Marines.”
“They’re special to you.”
She nodded, the smooth cotton of his shirt gliding along her cheek. “Very. I was an outsider when I arrived and one of the family when I left.”
“And if you can’t?”
She sighed heavily. “I have no idea. All I’ve ever wanted to do was serve my country. It pains me to think I may not be able to do that again.”
“How close were they?” His question rumbled in her ear.
A smile lifted her lips. He’s jealous. “Extremely in some ways and light years away from others.”
Along the skin of her belly his fingers danced in abstract patterns. The touch light and distracting.
“Do you know how proud of you I am?” The query was whispered.
“No.”
“I am. I am so proud of you, waštelakapi.”
His words struck a chord within her. “Are you mad I want to go back?”
“No.” His response came immediately.
“But when I left—”
“You sprung it on me, Jasira. I handled it wrong. All wrong. I can no more tell you to stop doing what you love than I would cut out your heart.”
“It happens,” she muttered.
“I know. But listen to me. I can’t expect you to give up what you love, what makes your heart beat stronger, because I don’t want you in danger. Part of what makes you so beautiful, Jasira, is the love and passion you have for your country.”
He sees that? It was humbling in a way. “You want me safe?”
“I want more than that. I want you in my life and in my home.”
Her lips moved, but nothing came out. Before Stone the idea of spending her life with a man was nothing more than a faint thought
of somewhere down the road. In the future. But now, with him, the idea held so much more merit. More appeal. And she had no response for how that made her feel. So she remained silent.
“Tell me more of your boys, waštelakapi,” Stone commanded in a low timbre.
It was like he knew his statement threw her for a loop. Eyes drifting shut, she proceeded to tell him about the Marines of the Fifth. Her boys. Her family.
* * * *
Stone watched Jasira as she stood in the kitchen with her mom, Dinah, and Kassidy, Justice’s fiancée. Her twin and his woman had shown up for dinner and while the women got dessert, he sat at the table with the two remaining men of the Graham family line.
“Justice tells me you gave Jas a medicine wheel,” Jamal said.
The statement brought his attention from the woman who owned his heart. He didn’t know she’d told Justice. Although it shouldn’t surprise me. They’re twins and obviously close.
“Yes, sir. Well, not me exactly but an elder. A keeper of the knowledge.”
“And that’s how you discovered the link?”
“Yes, sir. The story of your grandfather saving a Sioux child came up with the patch. My ancestor was that child.”
“Patch?” Jamal’s old eyes were wise and unflinching.
“An Army sergeant’s patch. On the back it had stitched words Jasira said were the motto of the Ninth Cavalry.”
“We Can; We Will,” Jamal recited.
“Yes.”
“Can I see it?”
His gaze flicked to the kitchen briefly. “I don’t have it, sir. Jasira has it. Red Eagle said it was for her.” Those words reminded him he had another gift to give her from him.
“I have it, Grandpa,” Justice said. “Jas gave it to me before she deployed.”
Stone remained silent, confident he wasn’t needed to speak at this particular moment. The Graham men shared a look before they stared at him again.
“I asked you before, what are your intentions toward my granddaughter.”
He looked solely at Jamal Graham. Dark skin with very few wrinkles, clean shaven, and short white hair on his head. Sharp assessing and very intelligent eyes peered unflinchingly back at him. The man had seen so much in his life, had experienced so much, and lost so much. A man with honor, pride, and immeasurable strength.
