“That’s right, we couldn’t tell you. That’s part of the security protocol surrounding being a SEAL,” Dev said. “One of the reasons we chose not to go out on active missions any longer is because we didn’t want to do that to you a second time.”
“I’d understand. Now that I know you love me, now that I feel secure in that, I’d understand. I don’t want you to deny yourselves what you need to do or be on account of me. You have to be true to yourselves first.”
“Thank you, baby doll. But the course we’re on now is the right one for us.”
“It was time,” Drew agreed. “Time to change gears.”
“And speaking of time,” Dev leaned down and kissed her, a light, flirty kiss. “It’s time for us to haul ass.”
“Again?”
“Funny girl,” Dev said. “We want to get you home, baby doll. The sooner the doctor at the clinic can have a look at that hard head of yours, the happier we’ll be.”
“Dev’s right. We’ll both breathe easier once we get you thoroughly checked out. Then we can get you home, tucked into our bed, where you belong.”
Julia couldn’t prevent her one eyebrow from arching—and knew she wore what her brother Richard always called her “little snot” look. “You gentlemen are being more than a little bossy, don’t you think?”
“Damn straight,” Dev said. “One thing you can count on without fail.” He bent down, kissed her again, and then got to his feet. “When it comes to protecting you, or seeing to your welfare, we will be bossy, because, quite simply, we are the bosses of you.”
Julia tilted her head to one side as she looked from one of her lovers to the other. She found it more than a little ironic that the same trait she’d abhorred all her life in her brothers should somehow be the one trait she found so very attractive in her mates.
She scrunched her nose and stuck out her tongue, making both of her tough Navy SEALs chuckle.
She might adore their bossiness, but that didn’t mean she had to let them know it.
Chapter 18
Morgan was waiting at the airfield with his Jeep running when Henry landed the helicopter. While Drew settled Julia in the backseat of the car, Dev gave Morgan a thirty-second rundown of his encounter with Connor Talbot, and what he thought just might happen next.
Morgan whistled low. “Life is interesting, isn’t it? You just never know who the hell you’re going to run into.”
“Truer words. After I briefed Henry during the flight, he said he’d update Adam—but I didn’t tell Henry about Talbot. I didn’t know if the name would mean anything to him, or not.”
“No,” Morgan said, “Henry never met the man.” Morgan took a moment, and Dev knew he was thinking. “His presence raises more than one question.”
“It does, that’s why I wanted you to be aware. It’s clearly a case of one Federal agency not knowing what the other Federal agency is doing, since Alvarez obviously didn’t know of his infiltration into Ramos’s organization. But Talbot promised to send Ramos this way, and to step back himself. So, while Drew and I accompany Julia into the exam room, you could perhaps make a phone call or two? And also find out how Adam wants to handle things.”
“If Henry hasn’t seen to it, I’d best update my almost brother-in-law, the Fed, too,” Morgan said. “Peter’s at home today with Jordan and Tracy, and he’ll want to know about this latest development.”
“My instincts tell me we don’t have a lot of time,” Dev said. “But I can’t give you anything more solid than that.”
“That’s all right. Your instincts are good enough for me. If it makes you feel any better, from what I’ve been able to learn about the man over the last few weeks, I think they’re spot-on. Anyway, there’re enough strategic thinkers in this town, we should be able to cover all the bases.” Then Morgan frowned. “Maybe I’ll get Julia’s uncles involved in this, too. I believe the gentlemen of the Benedict-Murphy Detective agency could prove to be useful in this situation.”
Dev shook his head. “I imagine she’ll be pissed with me if anything happens to the elder Messrs. Benedict.”
Morgan grinned, and Dev thought it was an almost evil-looking grin. “Welcome to the family. Only right you have a turn dealing with the uncles, too. The rest of us have sure been put through the wringer lately. Ever have to supervise a sixty-plus-year-old man on a ladder several bone-breaking, heart-stopping feet in the air?”
Dev could only imagine. “Well, there won’t be any ladders involved today. The way I see it, two retired cops and a man who managed his own ranch for so many years—that’s a winning combination.”
Morgan snorted, likely because they’d been within Julia’s range of hearing when Dev had said that. Before he got behind the wheel, Morgan turned his attention to his cousin. “How are you doing back there, Jules?”
“I’m okay. Really, I am. I keep saying that, but none of you testosterone makers seem to be listening to me.”
“We called ahead as soon as Henry radioed he had you on board,” Morgan said. “And of course, because we did, you get both Doctors Jessop today. Just think how many times you’ll be able to say ‘I told you so’ if the Docs agree with your prognosis.”
“Smart-ass. Every man I know is a smart-ass.”
Dev chuckled when Julia mumbled that. He sat in front beside Morgan, and admired the way that man handled the Jeep at damn near double the speed limit. He kept his senses on alert as Morgan deftly made his way toward the clinic in the center of town. The day had dawned bright and sunny if a little cool after the storm of the night before.
Dev couldn’t say he was as familiar with the town as he would like to be, but he did notice that as Morgan sped along Main Street, people who were out and about—and there seemed to be a hell of a lot more of them than usual—looked up and watched the black Jeep pass.
No one waved, though several of the men nodded.
It would seem the good folks of Lusty had mobilized before they’d even been asked to.
He felt eyes on him and looked over at Morgan.
“We had time to think once Drew told us you had her and were going to wait out the weather. We played connect the dots, and got things moving here, just in case. But I think once word got out that we had her back, damn near everyone would have been out and about, and on alert.” He shook his head. “Add this latest adventure to what Kelsey went through a few months back, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a motion came before the Town Trust to turn Lusty into a gated community.”
“God, I hope not,” Julia said from the backseat.
Since she was sitting behind Morgan, Dev was able to turn and let her see him when he said, “I can almost get behind a movement like that, baby doll.”
Julia sighed. “I know. My only hope is that Grandma Kate would quash such a suggestion. A gated community smacks of hiding, and that’s not the Benedict way.”
“It’s not how Kendalls do things, either, Jules. So I think you can relax on that score.”
“You know,” Dev said, “in books and movies the climax of the plot sometimes comes amid car chases, raining bullets, and huge explosions. I’d just as soon this particular adventure ended on a soft whimper instead of a thunderous bang.”
“As a man who has family up to his ass in this town,” Morgan said, “I’m with you.”
Morgan slowed the Jeep and then turned in at the front of the clinic. Before Dev could make a move, the clinic door burst open, and Richard Benedict rushed the Jeep. He practically yanked the back door of the vehicle off its hinges and reached for his sister. “Julia. Julia.”
“Hi, Richard. You look worse than I do. Hey, put me down!”
Richard had scooped her into his arms. He lifted her out of the car and just held her. After a moment he eased her back, and Dev watched as his gaze focused on her head. “You’re hurt, damn it all to hell.” Yet having said that, he seemed unable to move. He just continued to hold her and look at her.
Dev understood the emotions running through
Julia’s brother. He’d rescued more than one innocent who’d gotten caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. Subsequently, he’d also been on hand to see the reaction of those whose loved ones he returned to them.
“If she has a concussion, it’s a mild one.” He kept his voice neutral and didn’t ask, just gently took Julia from him. Since his woman quickly put her arms around his neck, he didn’t think Richard would argue the move.
Richard blinked. “Uncle Adam and Uncle James are both waiting for you,” Richard said. Then he met Dev’s gaze. “Thank you for bringing her back to us. I owe you. The entire family owes you.”
“You don’t have to thank us, and you certainly don’t owe us anything. She’s ours.”
Richard nodded and stepped back, so that Dev could take the lead.
“I feel like some sort of a prize possession, the way all you men keep passing me around and talking about me as if I wasn’t even here,” Julia mumbled.
“She gets cranky when she’s hurt,” Richard said. “Always has.”
“That’s good to know.” Drew stepped ahead of Dev and opened the door for them.
“Keep it up. You all have to sleep sometime.”
“She said that to me once,” Richard said. His smile slowly evaporated. “Come to think of it, you both may want to stop teasing her, now. Jules always gets her revenge and often, it’s not pretty when she does. The little snot.”
“Boys!”
Dev jerked his head in automatic response to that one word command, the feminine voice at once cultured and hard. As a SEAL he’d faced tough-as-nails commanders, and that voice brought every single one of them into the small reception room right there and then.
“Sorry, Mother.” Richard went over to the strikingly beautiful brunette and kissed her cheek. The salute didn’t seem to hold much effect, as the woman kept her drill-sergeant demeanor in place.
“I’m sure that you are. I usually don’t interfere in the petty squabbles between my children—especially now that they are allegedly all grown adults. However, under the circumstances…”
Abigail Benedict stood with her arms crossed in front of her chest, her hair in what Dev recognized as a tight, neat roll at the back of her head. She wore what he’d call a power suit, including very high heels.
If our woman looks this good after birthing our children, we’ll be the luckiest men on earth.
“You’re right, of course, Mother. I didn’t mean anything hurtful.”
“You never do, darling.” She reached up and cupped her son’s face.
Then she turned her gaze on Julia. Because he was watching, Dev saw the moment of worry, quickly masked.
“Hi, Mom. The one holding me is Dev, and the one beside me is Drew.”
“There you are, sweetheart. I was told to bring you into room two, but I think I’ll send the three of you there, instead. Providing I get a full report immediately afterward.”
“Absolutely, Mrs. Benedict.” Dev gave her his best smile and knew in a heartbeat that here was a woman who would never be swayed by charm alone.
“Don’t worry, ma’am. We’ll let you know everything the doctors say,” Drew promised.
“I think you’d both best call me ‘Mom.’” The look she gave them then made Dev want to squirm. He felt his face heat and couldn’t believe he was actually starting to blush.
“I think for the time being,” Dev said, “we’ll both make that ma’am.” It pleased him that his quip made the corner of Abigail’s mouth twitch.
“I can see you’re both very wise men, as well as being very brave,” Abigail said, and gave a pointed little look toward Julia.
Julia simply smiled and said, “I love you too, Mom.”
“Of course you do. Now, Dev, Drew, please take my daughter in to see the doctors.”
“Yes ma’am.” They said that together and as smartly, Dev thought, as if they were addressing an admiral. He nodded and headed off toward the one corridor that branched off the reception area.
“You mother appears to be a formidable woman, kitten.” Drew walked on Dev’s left side so that Julia could see him.
“I know. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.”
“God help us,” Dev said. But he knew even as the words left his mouth, they were framed by a smile.
* * * *
“I’ve always said you had a hard head, Julia Benedict. But I didn’t expect you to prove it to me in quite so dramatic a fashion.”
Julia grinned at her stern-faced Uncle James. “Trust me when I say this wasn’t my idea.”
“That’s what they all say lately,” Uncle Adam said.
“That may be true, but I really mean it.”
“Uh-huh. Now, stare at my nose while I check your eyes.” Dr. Adam Jessop used the tips of his fingers on the edges of her chin to gently center her head, then flashed that light into her eyes.
Personally she always thought this was one of the hardest parts of any exam. This and the blood pressure check. To her way of thinking, that hurt worse than a shot.
She continued to watch Dr. Adam’s nose, but couldn’t help but notice in her peripheral that both Dev and Drew had relaxed somewhat.
By the way her men had braced themselves when they’d accompanied her into the examination room, Julia knew that they had both expected to have their presence there challenged.
She could have told them there was no need to gird their loins. This was Lusty, Texas, and the Doctors Jessop were used to having men accompany their women into exam rooms.
“By the way”—Dr. James sat in the corner making notes on the PC—“David and Robbie will be here in a couple of weeks.”
“Who are David and Robbie?” Dev asked.
“Our eldest sons,” Dr. Adam answered.
“It’ll be good to see them again. Is Auntie Pam planning a party?”
“They’re not coming home to visit,” Dr. James answered. “They’re coming home to stay.”
“Really? That’s fantastic!”
“Keep looking at my nose,” Dr. Adam admonished. He switched the light to her other eye.
“Are they going to work at one of the Hospitals in Waco or Houston?” Julia found it a challenge to look in one direction but speak toward another.
“Your sons are doctors, too?” Drew asked.
“Just Dave and Robbie are, yes,” Doctor James answered. “Marcus, our youngest son, is a lab tech—he works in Waco and mans the lab here as well. Grant and Andrew are firefighters. They’re both up in Washington State, God help us all, learning how to be smoke jumpers. Our daughter Rebecca is an artist.”
“Actually, David and Robert were going to split their time between Houston and here.” Adam Jessop stood back from Julia. He switched places with his brother, so that Dr. James could finish the exam while Dr. Adam made notes.
“So you could potentially have four Doctors Jessop on duty at one time.” Drew’s tone said he was trying to wrap his head around that one.
Julia contained her smile when she noticed Dev trying hard not to laugh.
“That might be a problem,” Dr. James conceded, “as it is to some extent, now. But we’ve all different first names, so maybe we’ll just use those.”
While he’d been speaking he’d been examining Julia’s neck and shoulders. He signaled for her to lift her T-shirt which she did.
She had to give her uncle credit for not giving her another lecture. She’d had a look at her chest herself just before the helicopter came to pick them up. The deep purple marks from her car’s seat belt really looked a lot worse than they felt. She mentally gave up a small prayer of gratitude she had her bra on, and wasn’t asked to remove it. The girls had suffered a few scratches, but they’d be fine.
There were just some things a woman didn’t want her uncles to look at, doctors or not. She caught Dr. James’s gaze. Making her tone as serious as possible, she said, “Seat belts save lives.”
Dr. James grunted, and then stepped back. “They do, yes, bu
t nothing comes without a cost.”
“You’ve a very mild concussion, but nothing broken or damaged internally,” Dr. Adam said. “That butterfly strip should do well enough on that cut. It wasn’t deep enough or long enough for stitches.”
“Thank God.” Julia had received a few stitches in her head when she was a kid and could still recall the sting of the needle given inside the cut in order to freeze it.
“We’ll prescribe acetaminophen with codeine for the combined pains.” Dr. James waved his hand to indicate her entire body. “Rest for the next few days. How’s your headache now?”
“Just a mild throb.” Her men had given her a couple of aspirin that morning, but they were beginning to wear off.
Dr. James nodded. “If the headaches increase in the next couple of days, you get your butt in here, young lady.”
“We’ll see to it she rests,” Dev said. “And don’t worry. We’ll make sure she comes back if necessary.”
Julia sighed. “There you go talking about me as if I weren’t here again.”
“Poor kitten.” Drew turned her face gently and kissed her. Just a sweet caress, the taste of him fleeting, Julia knew that she needed more, and soon. “You know we’re just trying to take care of you.”
Dev stroked her shoulder, so she turned to look at him. “We are,” he said. “We were both scared out of our minds when you were taken, baby doll. Be patient with us.” His kiss was just as soft, and his flavor called to her as strongly as Drew’s.
She’d had them both inside her body just hours before, and she needed them that way again. Only this time she wanted it to be at home—their home—and in their enormous bed.
“I know.” She did know. She’d grown up in Lusty and had seen firsthand how the men of her family pampered the women.
“Let’s go home.” She turned her attention to the doctors. “We can leave, right?” And even as her uncles nodded, she saw a look pass between her lovers that set all her senses on alert.
“We thought you’d like to take some time with your mother and grandmother first,” Dev said. “I think Kate would like to see you for herself, see that you’re all right. Don’t you?”
Covington, Cara - Love Under Two Navy SEALs [The Lusty, Texas Collection] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 18
