“You promise?”
“I swear.” Unable to resist another second, Hoyt lowered his head and took her lips in a gentle kiss. “I love you.”
34
Two weeks later…
The hot May sun glared down nearly straight overhead with a heat closer to that of a mid-day August. Hayden shifted, her arm starting to throb slightly from sitting in the metal folding chair in the middle of the Mercy University football field stadium.
The president of the college, a balding middle-aged man, had already droned on for thirty minutes about their futures and how they should be so proud of their achievement and blah, blah, blah. Yeah, she was proud of her accomplishment and she wanted her diploma, she’d worked hard for it, even passed her final research project. But more than that, right this very second, she wanted to walk up those bleachers to her left and sit next to Hoyt Crowe.
Her man sat tall, and straight, in a pressed deep blue button up shirt that made his golden hair glimmer like honey in the sun. It wasn’t as long as it used to be, but Hoyt had let it grow out over the past two weeks just for her. Already her fingers itched to run through it.
His hair wasn’t the only thing that had changed. After the night of the raid, Hoyt had turned all sweet and caring and Hayden was soaking up every minute.
The only bad part was his over protective attitude that made her over protective older brothers look like little puppies.
The team hadn’t yet cleared one hundred percent of the threat from the terrorist, she’d learned his name was Zafar, and any time Hayden needed to run up to school for a final, Hoyt had gone all bad-ass military guy.
In the process, he’d been absorbed into her family like he’d always been there. Hank and Maxine sat directly behind him. Hunter, Evie and Hank Jr. sat to his left. Ranger and his fiancée, Amy, and her children sat to his right. Effectively trapping him in a circle of James’.
Any other man might have been intimidated. Any man except Hoyt. He stared straight ahead, arms crossed, back straight, constantly scanning the stadium for threats. Until his gaze locked on her. So serious and unbending.
He’d even tried to talk her out of walking in the ceremony at first, convinced there was still a threat lurking in the shadows, but Hayden put her foot down. She refused to be scared out of accepting her hard earned diploma.
As if reading her mind, he gave her a scowl. In answer, Hayden blew him a kiss. He didn’t blink, but his hand shot out and grabbed the air-kiss and he drew it back to his chest. Her body warmed in response, and this heat had nothing to do with the sun.
If it wasn’t for the empty chair on the stage at the end of the stadium, this day would be perfect. That and the fact that Malik had pulled a no-show at the last minute. After so much time working for his Doctorate in Psychology, his chair a few rows up remained empty.
Hoyt had even apologized to Malik for his suspicion that Malik was a terrorist. Gracious as usual, Malik had shaken his hand and congratulated Hoyt on finding Hayden.
“And now I’d like to introduce professor Kathy Rhoden. She would like to say a few words in honor of our dearly departed Professor John Latham,” President Matthews said.
Hayden’s gaze snapped to the front. Professor Rhoden stalked across the stage in her trademark black boots, her shoulder’s punching forward with each step. That woman could give a bull-dog a run for its money.
What had Professor Latham ever seen in her?
“Hello, I’d like to thank the president for his introduction. I won’t take up your time. John wouldn’t like that. He was always thinking about others, and I’m sure he’s looking down right now telling me to hurry it up. You kids don’t want to sit here listening to boring speeches.”
Professor Rhoden cleared her throat and for a brief moment her mask fell. “John Latham was a good man with a kind heart and a loyal soul. He stayed faithful to his wife even in death. He consistently sacrificed his personal time to help his students succeed.” Rhoden’s voice cracked and Hayden’s jerked in reaction.
“He had the ability to always look past a person’s exterior and see the goodness on the inside. I didn’t get the opportunity – I take that back – I didn’t take the time, to get really close to him, but I know many of you did. So I want you each to take his memory with you and remember to always look for the good in people, even when they don’t want you to.” Rhoden shoved her hand over her mouth and quickly walked back to her seat, keeping her head down.
Hayden’s throat closed up, burning with the effort to keep the tears down as she came to the realization that Kathy Rhoden was right.
President Matthews resumed his position at the stadium.” Thank you Professor Rhoden. I’d like to begin the ceremony please. If you will please come forth when your name is called out and except your diploma.”
*
After the ceremony, Hoyt stood with Hunter and Ranger at the edge of the turf on the football field, the three of them watching Hayden as she hugged and shook hands with more people than they could keep count.
“You better take care of my little sister,” Ranger said.
“Yeah, you ever break her heart again and I’ll make you regret it,” Hunter chimed in.
Hoyt rolled his eyes. “I will protect her with my life. Both of you know it.”
Ranger relented, Hunter grumbled a bit and then settled down. “Too bad none of those guys survived the raid.”
Hoyt tensed at the reminder of that night. That made two close calls for Hayden. “Yeah, would’ve been nice to see what we could have found out about Mr. J.” Regardless, Task Force Scorpion was going after him. If they didn’t take him out, there’d be nothing stopping him from sending more assassins.
TF-S had already started construction on a new fence around Hank’s property perimeter, this one was eight feet tall and constructed of solid iron with spikes on top. As soon as their commander got the all clear, the team would deploy hopefully on the last mission dealing with their old liaison.
“I don’t want to leave Amy, but I sure as hell am itching for a chance to kill that bastard,” Ranger said.
Maxine and Hank strolled by, arm in arm. “If you boys don’t quit glaring at everyone, this entire stadium’s going to empty out.” Maxine propped a hand on her generous hip and gave Hoyt a pointed stare, “You should be out there with her.”
Hoyt loved Hayden more than he loved anything in this entire world, but he had no intention of wading into the cesspool of bodies crowding around her. Too many people made him nervous. Tense. And he didn’t want anything to ruin Hayden’s graduation. He intended for her to have the most carefree happy laid-back day of her entire life, even if it meant he had to stand on the outside looking in to do it. “I can see her fine from right here.”
“Maxi, leave them alone. They’ll take care of Hayden.” Hank pulled her over for a quick kiss on the cheek. He’d actually donned a suit jacket and tie with his blue jeans. “We’re going to head home and get the barbecue started. How much longer you think she’ll want to stay here?”
Hunter answered before Hoyt could open his mouth. “
She’s got five minutes. Tops.”
Hoyt faced his team leader, arms crossed and legs splayed shoulder width apart. “She can stay as long as she wants.”
“I’m roasting out here.”
“Then go sit your ass in the air conditioner with the other weaklings. I’ll bring her out when she’s ready to leave.”
Ranger burst out laughing from behind them. “Back off Hunter, she’s the first James to graduate from college, she needs to enjoy this moment.”
“I see she’s in good hands. I’ll see ya’ll guys in a little while.” Hank held out a hand and Hoyt shook it before Hank and Maxi left.
Hoyt got back to business. “Where is Malik? Hayden’s been looking all over for him.”
Ranger shrugged, “Tried to call him earlier but didn’t get an answer. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.”
Malik had been spending
all his extra time working on helping TF-S wrap up the intel on the men from the raid. He’d not only confirmed the mercenary’s connection to J, but also the earlier attackers. The whole failed attempt to eradicate the Team and their families had been a complete failure, in part, due to help from Malik.
Hunter elbowed Hoyt and pointed into the crowd. “Hey, isn’t that the punk that’s been sniffing around Hayden?”
Hoyt followed Hunter’s finger to see Chance enter the stadium at the far end, dressed in a loose gym shirt and pants. He stood at the entrance, scanning the crowd. “Yeah, that’s him.”
“I thought you told him to stay away from her.”
“I did.” Hoyt tensed, ready to cross the field and shove Chance back outside where he belonged. He took a step in that direction. His phone rang. Hoyt snatched it to his ear. “What?”
“Hoyt? Where are you?” Malik’s breathless voice came over the phone.
“At the stadium, where the hell are you? Hayden’s been worried sick.”
“I’ve been at my house, on the networks. Do you physically have eyes on Hayden?”
Hoyt’s spine shot straight and his gut pulled tight. “Yes, why?”
“I finally found the source.”
Hoyt’s breath expelled in a whoosh and he gestured to Hunter and Ranger to hold. This could be their big break in the search for J. “Tell me.”
“Chance Bekham is dead.”
“I’m looking at him right now. He’s not dead.”
“No, the real Chance Bekham is dead. That is Chaborz Bekhan, Elberd Bekhan’s only son. And he’s just posted a video claiming he’s going to take out the men responsible for killing his father last year. Task Force Scorpion.”
Chance spotted Hayden and started walking toward her, straight up the middle of the crowd, at least fifty yards away. Hoyt’s blood pounded in his ears. “It’s Chance, he’s the real sleeper cell.”
“Shit.”
“I’ve got him, you two get to Hayden.” Hoyt dropped the phone and took off in a crouched run. He didn’t want to warn Chance of his approach. If the guy had a bomb under that loose t-shirt, he’d hit the kill switch before Hoyt got within ten feet. He circled around, keeping Chance in his periphery and then worked his way up behind him.
Chance never broke course, just kept walking, staring straight ahead. Hunter and Ranger eased to Hayden’s side. Hoyt kept walking, steadily gaining. When he was about ten feet from Hayden, Chance’s right arm raised. The kill switch. Hoyt lunged and brought his arm down with all his strength on the attacker’s wrist. Bone crunched and the switch dropped.
Chance screamed and Hoyt had his knife out and pressed to Chance’s throat in less than a second. “Don’t move or I’ll slice your jugular. All that blood will ruin your pretty boy clothes.”
Hayden stared at them, her blue eyes wide, right before Hunter shoved her behind him and aimed his pistol at Chance’s head. “Freeze.”
Hoyt held the knife tip against Chances flesh and lifted his shirt. A massive series of bombs was tied around the guy’s waist, spanning him from hip to chest. “Holy shit.”
“You will pay for killing my father. You westerners who think you’re so superior to the rest of us. You lead the attack in the homeland.” Chance’s voice changed, his accent growing thick and he grabbed Hoyt’s wrist.
Hoyt shoved up to counter the move, keeping the knife nice and tight against his flesh. “Yes, we lead the mission that killed Elberd, your father.”
Chance froze in his arms and Hoyt gave a feral smile. “Your father tried to kill thousands of innocent people. We didn’t let him do it and I’m sure as hell not letting you do it, Chaborz Bekhan.”
“You bastard. I’ll kill you for this. My father was a good man, you are the villains who invaded our land.”
“Chance?” Hayden eased around Hunter.
“Get back, he’s loaded with a bomb big enough to take out the entire town,” Hunter growled and shoved her behind him.
“This isn’t over. Zafar will send more men and you will all die.” Chance let out a laugh tinged with insanity and fanaticism. “And it will be so easy. I could have killed her so many times.”
Hayden gasped behind her brother.
Chance tensed to crouch. A fist flew from the right and landed square on Chance’s temple. Hoyt yanked his blade back and the terrorist fell to the ground, out cold.
Ranger stood to the side, shaking a meaty fist. “I’m sick and tired of these assholes threatening my family.”
Hayden flew into his arms with a cry and Hoyt scooped her up, careful not to injure her shoulder. “It was Chance? This whole time he’s been flirting with me just to get to you.”
She shook hard in his arms and Hoyt grimaced. “It’s okay. I swear it’s okay.”
Hoyt clutched her to him, his own hands trembling. Dammit, he’d come so close to losing her after he’d found her again.
“Take her home. We’ll clean up this mess,” Hunter crouched next to Chance in the now nearly empty stadium.
Hoyt didn’t need to be told twice. He nodded to his teammates and turned to leave. “Hold on to me, baby. We’re going home.”
35
“This is nice.” Hoyt pulled Hayden into his arm and dug his toes into the sand. The river rushed by, offering sweet relief from the heat of the hot August sun glaring overhead. “Real nice.”
“It’s perfect.” Hayden rolled over on her beach towel and placed her hand on his chest.
Hoyt locked eyes on the little purple bikini barely covering her body and groaned. “That’s it, let’s go home.”
Hayden purred and bent her knee, rubbing her thigh against his. Hoyt went hard instantly. “But we haven’t even got in the river yet.”
“Woman, if you don’t stop that, we won’t make it to the car.” Hoyt grabbed her and rolled on top of her.
Hayden locked her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. “You promise?”
“Hey you two get a room.” Ranger ran past them with Amy slung over his shoulder, straight for the river, her long red hair swinging wildly back and forth as Ranger pounded across the sand.
“Put me down you idiot!” Amy’s voice rang with laughter that quickly died into a shriek when Ranger tossed her into the water.
Ranger stood just inside the water’s edge and crossed his arms, a huge grin on his lips. “How’s that?”
Amy came up sputtering.
Hoyt caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see Hunter come running from behind. “I think Hunter is defending Amy.”
“Oh, this is going to be good. Finally, some payback for all those years he tortured me.” Hayden pushed at Hoyt to roll up enough for her to see the action.
Ranger glanced over his shoulder and tried to dodge and turn at the last minute, but Hunter was too fast. He ducked his shoulder into Ranger’s waist and then ran into the water, taking them both under.
Hoyt rolled to the side and allowed Hayden to jump to her feet. She did a fist pump and shouted, “Go, Hunter!”
Amy returned her cheer from the water as Ranger finally emerged with a roar.
Hoyt watched the scene, resisting the urge to rub his chest and the warm ache there. Hayden did this to him. She made him so happy he didn’t know how his body contained it.
He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and knew he’d do whatever was in his power to show her how much he loved her.
“Ranger is fixing to get him. Glad I get to see someone take him down. Our team leader could take a lesson in humiliation.” Hoyt craned his head to see Merc emerge from the trail off to his right.
“Why aren’t you in swimming trunks?” Hayden asked.
“Cause I’m leaving in a couple of hours. Got a new assignment.” Merc was headed to Afghanistan at 0500 tomorrow morning. Grey wanted the former black ops operative to insert alone because he could go places the Team couldn’t and possibly dig up new intel on Mr. J.
Grey had declared war on his former
friend and liaison, committing the full force of TF-S to search and destroy the man that had betrayed them all. No one messed with the Team and got away unscathed.
“Be careful,” Hoyt said.
“Will do. Tell Hunter and Ranger I said bye. Gotta head out.” Merc turned and walked back through the trees lining the sandbar.
Hayden dropped to her knees beside him, her whole face lit up with a bright smile. “Wanna join in?”
She looked at him like he was her everything. She didn’t see the scars. She just saw him – like she always had. Only now he wasn’t too dumb and self-absorbed to see it.
Hoyt grabbed her hand and yanked her down beneath him, cradling her body so she didn’t hit the ground hard.
“What are you doing?” Hayden put her hands on his shoulders, but her smile remained in place.
“You are a good woman, you know that right?”
“I’m good with you.”
“I have some news. The bank called today, they want to help fund your new counseling center for veterans.”
“What? When?” Hayden threw her arms around him and yanked him down to her. She’d been stressing and worrying for weeks over this project. After Hoyt told her about his experience with the pill-pushers at rehab, she’d lost it. He’d had to keep her away from her phone for days just to keep her from calling to chew out his counselors.
Freedom Counseling was born out of her frustration.
“When you were outside. I thought I’d save the news until we were here. This is where we were that day last summer, the one you talked about out in your dad’s back field.” Hoyt paused and took a breath, each word building a burning in his throat. “That was the day I thought about over and over when my captors had me tied up in that shack. When everything was dark, you were my sun.” The tears he’d been trying to hold in filled his eyes. Dammit, why the hell was he crying?
“Oh, Hoyt. I love you so much,” Hayden cupped his cheek and he leaned into her touch.
God, she felt so right. He knew he wasn’t fully back to normal yet, but with Hayden’s help, one day he would be. He wouldn’t allow her to slip away now. “I want to marry you.”
Ravaged River: Men of Mercy, Book 6: A Military Romance Series Page 21
