Within an hour, she’d moved through several machines, used the free weights, and completed mat work. Grabbing a towel, Dani swiped it across her face, draping it over one of the ellipticals. Stepping onto the cushioned pedals, she adjusted her earbuds, turning up the volume to hear the music track over the noise in the large room.
Fifteen minutes into the program, she saw the door open. Kell walked inside, followed by the six new students. Wincing, she remembered the scheduled facility tour before starting their training for the day. Her session with them wouldn’t come until mid-afternoon. She wished someone else could take over the class, knowing it was a cowardly way to avoid Ghost.
Seeing his reflection in the mirror, she did her best to ignore the jolt of pain, the aching knot lodged in her throat. Dani had hoped she’d moved past the humiliation at his curt dismissal months before, the throbbing hurt of his callous words. He’d berated Alan for his treatment of her, but Ghost’s actions were so much worse. Cutting deeper, lasting longer.
As Kell wrapped up the tour, she chanced a quick look in the mirror. Her hands tightened on the rubber grips, chest squeezing when she met Ghost’s intense gaze staring back at her. Refusing to look away, Dani buried her still simmering resentment.
Thankfully, Kell chose that moment to herd the students out of the gym, causing Ghost to look away and follow. Once the door closed, she let out a shaky breath. Dani knew she had to get her errant feelings for Ghost under control. It still surprised her how fast she’d fallen for the rugged, taciturn biker, a man she’d just discovered harbored secrets.
Since returning from Liberty Lake, she’d turned down more than one offer for dinner. After the events of the last few months, Dani couldn’t find the enthusiasm to try again, needing time to get over Ghost without complicating it by dating someone else.
Ending her workout, she grabbed the towel, blotting the moisture from her face. Dani no longer had the luxury of time to forget Ghost.
Instead, she’d suck it up and show him a side of her he never expected.
Chapter Three
“Did you have any idea Dani was Sully’s daughter?” Rock slipped into his workout clothes in the cabin he shared with Ghost and Raider.
“Hell no. If I’d known, so would Wrath.” Tying his running shoes, Ghost stood, disgust evident in the deep lines of his face. “Which means he doesn’t have any idea who she is.” Massaging his neck, he paced across the room to stare outside.
Rock moved next to him, following his friend’s gaze to see Dani walking across the compound. “What the hell happened between you two, and how much blowback should we expect?”
Jaw tensing, he dragged a hand down his face, shaking his head.
“Dammit, Ghost. We talked about this before you ever took her to bed.” Rock grabbed his arms, moving to get in his face. “Remember when we agreed you wouldn’t take advantage of her, and if the two of you hooked up, you wouldn’t pull your usual cut and run.”
A low growl emanated from Ghost’s throat. “Let go and move away, Rock.”
Instead, he leaned closer. “Like hell I will. You screwed her for two weeks, then dumped her without explanation or an ounce of remorse. Am I right?”
“I’m warning you.”
Rock dropped his hold, running a hand through his hair. “Fuck. That’s exactly what you did. You’re a real sonofabitch.”
Raising his hands, Ghost shoved him away. “You don’t know shit.”
“No? Then tell me I’m wrong.”
“Enough.” Raider moved between them. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. Whatever crap Ghost laid on the lovely Dani Sullivan, we’ll deal with it. And since Rock is married,” he looked at Ghost, “and you don’t want her, neither of you will mind if I give her a go.”
Ghost moved faster than either man thought possible, grabbing Raider by his t-shirt. “You stay away from Dani. No touching, no talking. You got me?” Realizing what he’d revealed, Ghost let go. “Fuck,” he ground out, stalking away, angry at his reaction to Raider’s words.
Straightening his shirt, Raider chuckled. “At least we all know how he really feels.”
“Shut the hell up. Both of you. I’ll handle Dani in my own way, without repercussions to anyone on the team.” Ghost drew on a sweatshirt, grabbing his shades before looking at the schedule. “Lunch, then…” His voice trailed off, remembering Dani’s training specialty. “Then an hour of Krav Maga.”
Drawing in a breath, Rock blew out another low curse. “Might as well take your licks now. It’s not going to get any easier.”
Dani continued stretching, doing her best to keep focused on today’s training instead of her mind wandering to Ghost. Every effort to drive him from her thoughts had failed, and in a few minutes, he’d be standing in front of her.
“How did this happen?” she whispered between stretches.
“What’d you say, Dani?” Kell lowered himself onto the mat beside her.
Chastising herself, she shook her head. “Nothing. Just going over the training.”
“What’s to go over? The first day is always spent assessing their current skills and assigning them to one of the standard levels. From what I know of this class, all are going to be somewhere between levels three and four. By the time they’re done, I’ve no doubt you’ll have them at level five.”
A small smile curved her mouth. “That’s the goal.”
“They’ll get there. Except maybe Robertson. Did you read the file on him?”
Standing, she cleared her throat, adjusting her hairband to avoid looking at him. “Yes.” Dani wouldn’t admit she already knew his current limitations or her determination to get Ghost to level five, no matter what it took.
She might still hurt from his rejection, but his commanding officer had paid a fortune to send him to White Eagle. As a professional, she refused to let personal feelings get in the way of providing the best training possible. Ghost deserved the best, and that was what he’d get.
The door opening had her looking up, her breath hitching when Ghost, no, Tucker Robertson entered first. Dani had to remember to call them by their real names, not the nicknames they used in Eternal Brethren. Rock, or Travis Walker, came in next, followed by Raider, or Jace DeWitt.
You can do this, Dani. Robertson, Walker, and DeWitt.
“How hard can it be?” she whispered, getting a sidelong look from Kell.
“As long as you don’t answer yourself, we’re good.”
Despite her apprehension, the corners of her eyes crinkled. Once all six students were in the room, she gathered them around, explaining the process and what to expect. She knew all had some Krav Maga training. Today, she’d learn what competence they’d already attained and map out a plan for each to achieve level four or five during their time at White Eagle.
Straightening, expression unreadable, she clasped her hands behind her in a recognized military stance.
“Gentlemen, today we’ll be assessing your current skills. Since you come from two different branches of the armed forces, my experience is your training will have been different. For this first day, Kell will be assisting. His level of Krav Maga is equal to mine, so it doesn’t matter which of us assesses your skills. Afterward, if time allows, we’ll start the training. You can expect ninety minutes of this each day you are here.”
Turning to Kell, she took the roster from his outstretched hand. “Garcia, Brown, DeWitt. You’re with Kell. Walker, Gaynor, Robertson. You’re with me.”
They followed when she walked across the room. Within forty minutes, she’d assessed each, getting a better understanding of Ghost’s recovery. Dani doubted he realized how much he favored his left side. She’d suspected as much with the broken rib and taking a bullet to his left femoral artery.
No one had ever explained to her how Ghost was injured. Now, she had a good idea. Dani would bet money he’d received them on a mission with his SEAL team. The Eternal Brethren.
Ghost grabbed a towel, scrubbing it down his face and over his head. He
took his time, letting Kell and the other five students leave, waiting for a chance to speak with Dani alone. She may blow him off as she’d done at Rock and Tessa’s wedding, but he had to try.
“Robertson. You ready to go?” Dani’s voice alerted him the time had come to face her.
Tossing the towel into a receptacle, he turned, his features bland, a noticeable twitch in his jaw. He didn’t miss the way she stiffened as he walked toward her. Stopping a foot away, he studied her face, noting the icy glare in her eyes.
“You’re very good at what you do, Dani.”
The hard lines of her face didn’t soften. “Thank you.”
“You never mentioned what you did, other than saying you were a teacher. I thought you meant you taught kids, not military personnel.”
Her taut expression didn’t change. “Seems we both kept secrets from each other. At least I now know your real name.”
Chuckling, he nodded. “And I know yours.” He ran a hand through his hair. “We should probably talk about that.”
Holding up a hand, she gave a quick shake of her head. “It’s not necessary. Identities, all service information, and personal data are protected in encrypted files. The hard copies used during your training are destroyed the day you leave the compound.”
He inched forward. “I’m glad to hear it. My biggest concern, and that of Rock and Raider, is—”
Again, she stopped him with a wave of her hand. “It’s a good bet Sully already knows Eternal Brethren is an active SEAL team.”
“But you know.”
Lifting her chin, she jutted it out, shoulders straightening. “It wasn’t hard to figure out. Look, I understand you don’t trust me, the same as I don’t trust you. But let me assure you, I’ll never mention the connection to anyone.” Her soft, brown eyes turned a deep chocolate. “Will that alleviate your concern?”
Reaching out, he attempted to brush his fingers down her cheek, dropping his arm when she backed away. “I’ve always trusted you, Dani.”
Swallowing, she shook her head in a quick jerk. “No. You trusted me in bed, but nowhere else.”
“Dani—”
“Don’t, Ghost. Just…don’t.” Her mouth thinned into a flat line. “You were right to kick me out.”
His nostrils flared. “I didn’t…” Looking away, he blew out an exasperated breath. “You’re right. I did.” Ghost locked his gaze with hers. “You’ll never know how much I regret the things I said. I’m sorry for all of it.”
Snorting, she clenched her hands into fists. “But you don’t regret asking me to leave.”
“Dammit, Dani. You’re putting words in my mouth.”
Taking a step closer, she glared at him. “Do you deny it?” Biting her lower lip, she waited, hoping for something she knew he’d never admit. “I see I’m right. Asking me to leave was best for both of us. Now, I have plans tonight and need time to clean up.” She shifted to open the door, stopping when his hand gripped her wrist.
“Plans?” There was an odd growl in his voice.
She looked back at him. “You know, when people get together for drinks and dinner in a public place because they don’t mind people seeing them together.”
“I was never ashamed of being seen with you, Dani.”
Lifting a brow, she tugged out of his grip. “Right. You just didn’t want me to mention staying with you when we’d go to Robbie’s or anywhere else. Wanted to keep everything on the down low so nobody would think we might be together.” Letting out a frustrated breath, she shook her head in resignation. “It doesn’t matter. What we had was only sex for a short two weeks.”
“Only sex?” Ghost ground out.
Her eyes widened at the question. “Of course. I’m sorry if you thought it was more.” Grabbing the knob, she opened the door, indicating for him to walk out.
Stalking past her, Ghost scowled, his expression confrontational. “We aren’t done with this discussion.” His jaw tightened, features intense. “We aren’t done with anything.”
“It’s been too long since we’ve met for drinks, Dani.” Alvena Kasey lifted her glass, tilting it toward her. “I’m surprised Sully let you out during a training week.”
A member of the White Mountain Apache tribe, Alvena’s father, Jerold, and Dani’s father were good friends, often fishing and hunting together. As chief of the tribal police department, Jerold’s men took classes at White Eagle several times each year.
Taking a sip of her martini, Dani shrugged, a grim smile curving her mouth. “He’s in Flagstaff for a couple days. I think he’s interviewing a potential instructor.”
“Ah. Playing hooky?” Ali watched Dani’s eyes, not seeing the expected sparkle of mischief. Sobering, she lowered her glass. “What’s wrong?”
Pretending interest in the band setting up on stage, she slowly shook her head.
“You’re not still grieving over Alan, are you?”
Dani’s head snapped up. “Absolutely not.”
“Good. I never did like him.”
She snorted softly. “You always made that clear, Ali.” The words were said without malice.
“Alan’s a spoiled, arrogant ass who never appreciated you. I know he hurt you, but trust me. The man was never worth your attention, and isn’t worth your regret now.”
A slow smile curved Dani’s mouth. “Thanks, Ali, but it’s not Alan. Lately, I’m feeling a lack of direction.”
Ali’s eyes widened. “You? I’ve never known anyone as focused or dedicated as you.” Her attention shifted to one of the musicians on stage, his heated gaze meeting hers. Surprised, she looked away.
“Who is that, Ali?”
A flush spread over her cheeks. “Tommy Beach. His father is on the council with mine. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” A wistful expression crossed her face.
“But you want more.” Dani understood the feeling.
Ali’s startled expression met hers. Shoulders slumping, she nodded. “Yes. Unfortunately, he’s had an on-again, off-again girlfriend for years. Tommy says he has no intention of marrying her.”
“Then why not break it off?”
Ali’s mouth twisted in disgust. “I think he’s grown comfortable with it. She’s always available for him, even when he ignores her for weeks.” She sent Dani a sardonic grimace.
“In other words, he won’t stop seeing her until he has someone else to take her place.”
Taking a slow sip of her drink, Ali nodded. “Seems so. Believe me, there are a lot of women who’ll jump at the chance to replace her.”
Sitting back in her chair, Dani stared at the musician, who seemed to have a permanent smirk on his face. “What does he do besides play in the band?”
“Nothing, which drives his father wild. And don’t say it,” Ali warned.
Dani cocked her head. “Say what?”
“That he’s not good enough for me.”
“Well, that’s obvious. The same as Alan is a rat, so is Tommy.” Lifting her glass, Dani glanced at the musician. “Here’s to us finding men who are gorgeous, honorable, and worthy of us.”
Touching her glass to Dani’s, Ali laughed. “To better men than the ones in our past.”
Swallowing the rest of her drink, Dani thought about the toast. She’d had several boyfriends over the years, but only one man who’d talked of marriage, and Alan turned out to be a complete scoundrel.
When her thoughts shifted to Ghost, she hesitated. He hadn’t been her boyfriend, or even a good friend. The outlaw biker was a man she lusted after, obsessed about, wanted as a permanent part of her life. She’d never desired a man more, never felt the same depth of despair as when he’d asked her to leave. Not even Alan’s breakup had affected her as much.
It had taken a long time to recover from the pain and mortification of Ghost’s rejection. Now he was back in her life, at least for a short time, and not as an outlaw biker. No. The man she’d faced each day for at least two weeks was a decorated Navy SEAL, a man who put his count
ry above all else. In his own way, a man of honor and purpose. He simply hadn’t shown any honor toward her.
With a resigned sigh, Dani listened to the rocking beat of the band’s first song. Tapping her boot on the floor, she made up her mind to take her father’s advice.
“When deceived, don’t get mad. Get even.”
Chapter Four
Ghost leaned against the trunk of a broad pine, hands stuffed in his pockets, his head lifted to the clear sky. He told himself his location with an unobstructed view of Dani’s cabin meant nothing. It wasn’t his business who she spent her evenings with or allowed into her bed.
Mentally cursing himself for allowing feelings for her to reemerge, Ghost pushed away from the tree, meaning to return to the cabin he shared with Rock and Raider. The bright lights of a vehicle stopped him.
He watched as it wound its way up the hill, slowing before the administration building, then continuing to park in front of Dani’s cabin. Her bright red Jeep triggered a grin to tip up the corners of his mouth. From their short time together, he recalled how much she loved it, swore she’d keep it until the body rusted and the motor blew. She was loyal that way.
Moving back into the darkness, he shoved aside his unease at the voyeur-like action, telling himself all he wanted was to make sure she’d arrived home safely. Well, she had, yet he still stood outside, his focus locked on the small form as it exited the vehicle.
Slinging a small purse over her shoulder, Dani lifted her head to view the stars, the same as he had a few short minutes earlier. After a moment, she lowered her gaze, shaking her head. He wondered what caused the action. Was she thinking of the man she’d been with tonight, or were her thoughts on Ghost, the same as his were on her?
If he’d been inside, surrounded by the thick walls of the cabin, he might’ve let out a stream of obscenities at the thought. He doubted Dani ever reflected on their time together. Not the way he seemed to do with annoying regularity.
Waiting until she disappeared inside, he let out a frustrated breath. Ghost couldn’t recall a time his mind had been so befuddled by a woman. His long and wondrous time with Kylie had been flawless. They’d fallen into a relationship with incredible ease, becoming each other’s best friend, forming a bond matched only by what Ghost found as a SEAL. Their arguments were few, lasting minutes as opposed to hours or days as with some couples.
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