An Act of Courage (Acts of Honor Series Book 4)

by K. C. Lynn

  “Forget it. It’s not my business.”

  “No, you’re right. It is my choice. Which is why I’m headed there tonight for dinner. I came here first for reinforcements though,” she teases, pointing to the display of pies.

  I don’t smile. I can’t. I’m entranced by her. With the need to touch her, to feel her soft skin again.

  Before either of us can say more, Lucy, Grace’s sister, walks out of the back holding a pink gift box. “Sorry for the wait. Here you are,” she says, handing the pie to Alissa.

  “Thank you. How much?”

  Lucy waves her away. “Grace says it’s on the house.”

  “Oh no, I insist. Please.”

  Lucy looks around, unsure. “Well, it’s ten dollars but…”

  Alissa goes to hand her the money but I grab her wrist, stopping her. The simple touch sears me from the inside out, my blood igniting in my veins.

  “I got it,” I tell her.

  She licks those pretty pink lips of hers, forcing my cock to pay attention. “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I want to.” Releasing her hand, I retrieve my wallet and hand Lucy the ten dollars.

  “Thank you,” Alissa whispers, her soft voice conveying everything I’m feeling at the moment.

  “You’re welcome. Make sure you tell your mom it’s a gift from me.”

  She chuckles like I hoped she would. “I’ll be sure to do that.” Her smile softens as she takes a tentative step forward and pushes up on her tiptoes, bringing her lips against my jaw.

  I fight like hell against the urge to pull her close, to seize her mouth along with her body and never let go again, but by some miracle, I resist.

  “Thank you again, Christopher.” The words are nothing but a soft echo thrashing around the deep confines of my heart. I’m left standing there alone, missing her scent and warmth.

  My world once again turns dark.

  CHAPTER 10

  Alissa

  Awkward silence fills the room as I sit at my mother’s dining room table, my fork pushing around the food on my plate. A meal that probably cost more than what I spend on groceries in a month.

  Nothing but the best for my mother and stepfather, I think sarcastically.

  “Honey, is something wrong with your dinner?” she asks.

  “No. It’s fine.”

  “Are you sure? You seem awfully quiet.”

  I swallow my frustration, knowing she just wants to be helpful. I’m trying to be social, I really am, but my mind is elsewhere or rather, on someone else.

  “I’m okay, Mom. Just tired is all.”

  “Are you not sleeping?”

  No, I’m not, and it’s because my thoughts are consumed with the man from my past. One that my heart has missed and longed for from the moment he walked away from me.

  Since seeing Christopher again, that feeling has only intensified. When I ran into him at the bakery today, I ached for so much more than that brief encounter. I wanted to sit down and get to know him all over again. To know why he is no longer a part of the Navy and what happened to cause that immense pain in his eyes.

  For the last five years we’ve barely had any contact. With me living in Baltimore and him always being deployed, we rarely crossed paths. I kept in contact with Faith and the family, mainly through church when I was home, and I always asked about him. I kept him in my prayers, praying he would return safely…

  My thoughts trail off when I realize my mother is watching me, waiting for an answer.

  “Sleep is getting better,” I tell her vaguely.

  “Good.” She takes another bite of filet mignon, leaving a trace of lipstick on her fork. “So when do you head back to Baltimore?”

  Tension tightens my shoulders at the not-so-subtle topic change. “Wanting to get rid of me already, Mother?” I ask, my irritation evident.

  “Of course not. You know how much I love you. I just don’t want you to miss the deadline to enroll at Johns Hopkins.”

  “Who said I was going there?”

  Her expression pinches with disapproval. “Alissa, we talked about this.”

  “Yes, we did and you aren’t listening to me.”

  “Watch your tone when you’re speaking to your mother,” my stepfather scolds, inserting himself into the conversation.

  My teeth grind as I bite back a snide reply. The last thing I want to do is fight with either of them but I have a feeling it may be inevitable, at least when it comes to this.

  “Your mother is concerned about you and for good reason,” Richard continues. “The choices you have made lately haven’t been good ones and you’ve put this family through a lot.”

  My blood heats at his audacity. “Are you saying that it’s my fault I was abducted?”

  “Of course he’s not,” my mother answers for him. “Tell her, Richard.”

  He remains silent, taking a sip of his red wine before speaking again. “All I’m saying is that your mother is right. Johns Hopkins is the best place for you. I’ll even bet going back will help you move on from what happened.”

  “I agree,” my mother adds.

  I shake my head, a bitter laugh escaping me. “You guys are unbelievable.”

  “We just want what’s best for you, honey.”

  “What’s best for me?” I shriek. “I was kidnapped only a week ago and you’re already trying to ship me out of state!”

  “No, it’s not like that. I just don’t want you to miss an opportunity and regret it later.”

  Sighing, I decide it’s time to put the topic to rest once and for all. “I won’t, because I have made up my mind. I am staying here for medical school.”

  Anger fuels my mother’s expression, just like I expected. “I don’t understand. Why on earth would you give up one of the best medical schools in the country to stay here?”

  “Because this is my home. The next few years are going to be long, Mom. I want to be close to my friends and family.”

  “How do you know if you’ll even be accepted here,” Richard asks, chiming in again where he isn’t wanted.

  “Well, Richard,” I start, my tone sickly sweet. “My father knows someone on the board of directors. He has already spoken to him about my interest and with my grades they are more than happy to accept me.”

  His hands clench next to his plate, the mention of my father striking a chord.

  Well, too bad. If anyone should despise the other it most certainly shouldn’t be Richard. He’s the one who broke up my family. However, I hold my mother equally responsible for that as well.

  “How dare your father do something like that without consulting me first,” she cuts back in, outraged.

  “Why would he? This is about me, not you!”

  “Because I am your mother, damn it. I should get a say.”

  “I’m an adult. This is my decision. I’m sorry that you don’t agree with it, but I am not changing my mind. I would think you’d be happy to have me so close. Daddy is.”

  Her fork clatters to her plate and she sits back in the chair. “Are you sure the only reason you want to stay is for family?” she asks, arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

  “What are you getting at?”

  I know exactly what she’s getting at.

  “Oh please, Alissa. It’s been years, but as soon as that trash walks back into your life, you go and throw away everything that’s important.”

  Anger burns in my veins as I jump to my feet, my chair falling backward in my haste. “Don’t you dare talk about him like that. He has more class than you or any of your high society friends,” I fire back.

  “You’re out of line, young lady,” Richard steps in again.

  I turn my furious eyes on him. “Can it! This is none of your business!”

  “Alissa, what has gotten into you?” my mother asks, pain thick in her voice.

  “You! I’m so tired of you dictating every aspect of my life. Your constant disapproval is exhausting.”

  Emotion clogs my
throat but I hold it back, saying what needs to be said.

  “Christopher has nothing to do with the decision. But you’re right, Mother, since seeing him again, I’m reminded of what I lost and it kills me.” The words fall on a soft sob as I think about the real reason my life was ruined five years ago. “He saved me for god’s sake and here you are, still judging him. I would be dead right now if it weren’t for him, does that matter to you at all?”

  “Of course it does but—”

  “Or maybe you would have been better off. Then I wouldn’t be around to disappoint you anymore.”

  “Alissa, no!” she cries, her hand flying to her mouth. “How could you think that? I love you more than anyone else in this world.”

  I flick a disgusted glance at Richard. “You could have fooled me.”

  “Honey, please sit back down, let’s talk about this.” Tears stream down her face, but her pain does not compare to my own. One she has caused for far too long.

  “I’m done talking. Right now, I just want to be alone.” I leave without another word, ignoring both her and Richard as they try calling me back.

  On my drive home, my chest aches as I think about the man who has never strayed far from my mind. Even when we were thousands of miles apart, he was always right there, haunting my heart and mind, reminding me of everything I lost.

  CHAPTER 11

  Christopher

  The past

  Sitting on my bedroom floor, I stare down at my textbook and try to focus on the homework I am supposed to be doing and not on the pretty girl next to me. But the effort proves impossible because her sweet scent penetrates the air around us, luring me in and consuming me in a way only she can.

  Golden wavy hair tumbles past her bare shoulders where she lies on her stomach not far from me. My hand itches to brush it aside and kiss her soft skin. I’ll bet it tastes as good as her lips do. The pink bubble she blows with her gum only entices me further. I plan to supply her with Hubba Bubba for the rest of her life.

  In the few months that we’ve been seeing each other, we haven’t gotten past the point of heavy kissing. I want to, jesus, I really want to, but I don’t want to move too fast for her. I don’t want to do something that will fuck up the best thing that has ever happened to me.

  “What did you put for question twenty?” she asks, having no clue where my thoughts are. “I don’t understand what they are asking. Are they…” Her words trail off when her eyes lift to mine. The crystal irises knock the breath right out of my lungs.

  They always seem to do that to me.

  “You’re staring,” she says, a shy smile stealing her lips.

  “I can’t help it.”

  “I have a feeling we don’t make good study partners,” she says, holding back a laugh.

  Grunting, I push my books to the side and grab my guitar that sits to the left of me. “No offense, Lis, but you’re the worst study partner for me.”

  A soft giggle escapes and she turns on her back, her hands going behind her head. The change in position has her tank top riding up her flat stomach, baring her smooth flesh.

  Shit!

  “All right, no more homework. What do you want to do then?”

  Her innocent question has the center of my jeans tightening. I shift, hoping to alleviate the pressure. Not happening.

  “Doesn’t matter.” My voice is gruff, betraying my easy words.

  “Hmm,” she muses, her sweet smile lighting up my whole damn room. “I know what I want to do.”

  Hope fills my chest, my breath stalling in anticipation. “What’s that?”

  “I want you to sing to me,” she whispers.

  I wait for disappointment to crush me but it never comes, because it’s the next best thing she could have said. Especially when she watches me with that light in her eyes. One I always think about on the darkest nights.

  “I have a better idea. Come over here and you can help me play,” I say, gesturing to the guitar.

  Excitement sparks in her eyes. “Really?”

  “No, I’m lying.”

  She giggles at my dry tone and sits up to join me. Gripping her hips, I pull her between my legs and lean back against my bed behind me. Next, I place the guitar across her lap, my arms coming around her. I bite back a groan at our close proximity and pray she doesn’t feel my raging hard-on.

  “What do you want to play?” I ask, my lips close to her ear.

  “I—I’m not sure.” Her response is breathless, telling me she’s feeling the same intense pull I am.

  The one that’s always so powerful there’s no fighting it.

  “Pick whatever you want,” she says. “I just want to hear you sing.”

  The need edging her voice tugs at my chest, filling it with pride. To know she needs to hear me sing as much as I need to do it fills something inside of me. A void I’ve had for most of my pathetic life.

  My love for music is something I was always scolded for by my useless father. Beaten within an inch of my life if he ever caught me singing or playing. It remained hidden until Faith came along and I could finally embrace it.

  I don’t give it much thought and let my fingers choose the song, allowing them to lead us into whatever melody comes naturally. The tune that infiltrates the air is “Collide” by Howie Day.

  With my left hand, my fingers press the chords while my other one lies over top of Alissa’s, guiding her to help me strum the guitar. It’s a little awkward at first but soon she relaxes and we get the right tune.

  When that moment comes, the time where the song is allowed to speak, I keep my voice low and cheek close to hers as I sing the words. The simple act is as natural as the blood that pumps through my veins.

  When there’s a break in lyrics, a soft sigh leaves her, her pretty blonde head resting back on my shoulder. “I love this song.”

  “Then sing it with me,” I say, while making sure to keep the melody going.

  “Um. No. I suck.” Her admission is filled with amusement, but I also hear the hint of insecurity in it.

  “It’s not about that, Alissa. It’s about feeling. Be with me. Right here—right now.”

  She lifts her chin, those soulful eyes of hers punching me in the chest. A spark ignites between us, one so powerful that not even the best of lyrics could describe it.

  When the time is right, I insert myself back into the song and start singing again. It isn’t long until Alissa joins me, her soft voice mixing with mine, and it’s the best goddamn harmony to ever grace this earth.

  We get lost in the song together, breathing every word as if it were our own. She drops her head back on my shoulder again, her hand reaching up to cup the side of my face. I can’t stop myself from leaning into the gentle touch, one I’ve fucking craved since the day I laid eyes on her.

  Once we near the end of the song, something shifts between us. The air, a current, a knowledge, something that neither one of us can deny.

  Alissa is the first to move. Pulling her hand out from under mine she turns around to face me and takes my mouth in a kiss that rocks me to my fucking core. Tossing my guitar aside, I grip her ass in both of my hands and pull her in closer, both of us groaning as she settles over my hard-on.

  Unable to resist any longer, I lower her to the floor and come over top, my cock settling between her thighs. Another groan rips from my chest when her hips lift, seeking more.

  My hand slips beneath the bottom of her tank top, inching up her flat stomach. I stop just at the edge of her bra, waiting for permission.

  “Yes,” she breathes out eagerly.

  My hand molds over one lace-covered breast, giving it a gentle squeeze, and I feel her nipple harden beneath the material. I roll the firm bud between my fingers, her fiery moans encouraging me.

  “Christopher. When will Cade and Faith be home?”

  I look back at my bedside clock behind me and check the time. “Not for another hour.”

  Her hands reach for the edge of my shirt, dragging it
up my back. “Take this off.”

  Anticipation thrums through my body as I rise to my knees and pull my shirt over my head. Parts of her bare flesh sear mine when I come back over top of her. It’s not enough.

  My fingers slip under her strap and remain there. “Can I?” I ask, not wanting to push too far.

  She nods, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip shyly.

  I push the purple tank top down to her waist, baring her pink lace bra. It’s delicate and pretty just like her. My hand trembles as I cup her supple flesh.

  Her back arches into my touch, a fiery moan purging from her slender throat.

  Leaning in, I trail my lips across the smooth skin of her collarbone while her hands explore my back.

  I was right, her skin tastes as good as her lips.

  I can only imagine what the other parts of her taste like, especially the one between her legs. The thought has my cock aching painfully.

  My lips descend further, reaching the small swell of her breast. She gently pushes my head down, asking for more. Flicking the clasp in the middle of her bra, I brush the lace cups aside and suck in a sharp breath at her perfectly round flesh, her pink nipples pebbling beneath my gaze.

  “You’re so pretty, Lis,” I tell her, managing the words past my dry throat. My tongue curls around the velvet tip, a groan shredding my throat from the taste of it.

  “Oh god,” she whimpers, her fingers gripping my hair.

  The hard bud grows firmer with each lash of my tongue, her hips bucking beneath me. She’s so hot I can feel the heat of her through my jeans. Her breathing speeds up as she grinds ruthlessly against my cock.

  “Jesus, Alissa, I’m about to come in my fucking pants,” I grind out.

  “Good, so am I,” she admits shamelessly, driving my need higher with each greedy lift of her hips. “Do it with me.”

  Groaning, I don’t hold back anymore and thrust against the heat between her legs, imagining what it would feel like to be buried in her balls deep.

  “Yes!” The word leaves her throat on a harsh moan, her nails biting into my shoulders as her orgasm rolls through her.