by Kate Kinsley
Avery’s crying into Tanners shoulder, and it crushes me. Even though the guy is a giant douche, no child should have to see their father the way she did. I’m hoping she’s young enough she won’t remember this when she’s older. “Hey, sweetie. We’re gonna go get your momma and go for ice cream. I promised, remember?”
Lifting her head from Tanner’s armpit, she wipes here face on his uniform and sniffles. “Ice ceam?”
“Yes, my little princess.” Stretching her hands toward me, I take her and tuck her under my arm. She snuggles into me, her face against my chest. “What about him?” I ask Tanner.
“Since Abigail has sole custody of Avery, it’s considered kidnapping. He’ll go back to prison.” As the last word falls off his lips, two officers pick Danny up off the ground and carry him to an awaiting squad car. I glance up toward the front stoop where Richard still stands, his eyes round as fear crosses his face.
Maybe he’s learned his lesson and will let Danny do his time.
Maybe he’ll try to get him out.
This time, I’ll be here to stop him if he tries.
An exhausted Avery passes out on my shoulder. “Let’s go home,” I whisper to a sleeping angel.
Abigail
What is taking so long? The way I’m pacing around the kitchen, I’m surprised I didn’t wear the wood in a circular pattern. It’s been almost two hours since I spoke to Tanner and I haven’t heard anything. I tried calling, but it went straight to voicemail—which worries me. He always picks up, unless something is wrong.
I’m about to call Tanner for the millionth time when I hear the front door open. “Momma, we go for ice ceam!” a sweet voice calls across the house.
“Avery!” I scream, and sprint toward the front door. She stands with her arms up in the air, and I scoop her up, holding her close. My eyes fill with tears as I hug her, never wanting to let her go. “Hey, little peanut.” Placing my hand in her hair, I press her to my chest, squeezing her tight.
She wiggles, and I put her down. “Ri-an said we get ice ceam!” she repeats, jumping up and down.
I don’t even care that it’s dinnertime. If she wants ice cream, ice cream she shall have. “Okay. But can I talk to Ryan for a minute?”
“Otay,” she answers, and walks toward her bedroom.
“Thank you!” I blurt and run into his arms. He holds me tight while I sob on his chest, my emotions finally bursting like a dam that’s been held back.
“It’s all right. She’s home now,” he coos as he tries to comfort me.
I glance up at him with tear-stained eyes, and he places his fingers along my jaw. Every time he holds my face between his hands, it feels like he’s untying all my knots.
He’s been in front of me the entire time, and I didn’t see it.
Didn’t see I was falling in love with him.
How holding me for eternity in the arms I've grown so accustomed to feels so right.
“I can’t thank you enough,” I mutter, caught in his spell.
“You never need to thank me.” Leaning in, he places a gentle kiss on my forehead.
“What happened?” I ask, not sure I really want to know.
“Let’s just say Danny won’t be bothering you or Avery for a while.”
Ryan
The way her eyes are shining with happiness right now—I want that for her every day for the rest of my life.
This feels so right.
For so long, I’ve ached for it, and now I can't bear to lose it—lose this thing that makes me feel complete.
Shifting, she leans in and kisses me, and the worries of the day evaporate like a summer shower on a southern heated car. Her lips move in perfect symphony with mine, like we’re meant for each other.
She breaks away, her breaths coming in short pants. I pull her back against my chest. Holding her in my arms…I can’t remember what life was like before her. This is what falling in love is like—a story I never want to end.
The End
Epilogue
Ryan
It’s been three months since Danny tried to kidnap Avery, and Avery’s already forgotten all about it. Montana, on the other hand, is still leery of Danny’s prison sentence. I don’t care who his daddy is, there were too many witnesses for him to get away with anything, and he’ll rot in jail until he’s sixty.
And I don’t plan on going anywhere—ever—as far as I’m concerned.
“You ready to go, princess?” I call across the house. I promised Avery I’d take her to preschool today.
She bounces down the hall toward the front door. “Ready!” she squeals.
“Hold on a sec. Need to tie those shoes,” I say as I corral her, then bend down to fix her laces.
“Let’s go,” she giggles, her little feet tapping on the floor like she’s running in place.
“You be good for Ryan,” Montana warns Avery.
“Otay, Momma,” she answers as she bolts out the front door.
“I won’t be gone long,” I assure Montana as I lean in for a kiss.
“You better not. We have things to do when you get back.” Pulling me to her, she covers my mouth with hers in a hungry kiss. Her wrists rest on the back of my neck while she plays with the ends of my hair. A content smile spreads across my face as we pull apart.
“Promise,” I whisper, giving her lower lip a gentle nip before turning to follow Avery. Those kisses are my salvation. I live for them, and would die with the memory of them on my lips. She owns my heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I chase after Avery and scoop her up, then situate her in the car seat. After I buckle her in, I jump in the truck and we drive the ten minutes to her school. I put on the Disney station, and she sings the entire way.
She’s adorable.
I drop her off and head back to the house.
Just thinking about some quality alone time with Montana has my dick hard.
It isn’t until I’ve pulled down the long driveway that I notice Montana standing on the porch with her cell phone to her ear. Her eyes are wide and she’s pacing.
Scrambling out of the car, I sprint the short distance and leap over the steps. Her face is pale, and she’s fighting back tears. “It’s my sister, Faith,” she says as I reach her. “She’s in trouble.”
“What happened?” I ask, but she holds up her index finger to silence me.
“No. You need to get out of that fucking house right now!” she screams.
I’ve never heard her curse before, and it makes my blood boil.
“Montana, what is it?” I ask again.
“I’m telling him, Faith. You can’t do this anymore,” she argues, then puts her hand over the receiver. “It’s her asshole of a husband. He beats her and she takes it. She thinks it’s her fault, but it’s not. I’ve tried to tell her—”
“Give me the phone.” It’s not a request, but a demand as I hold my hand out and wait. I clench my jaw, trying to reign in my temper.
Montana stares at me for a moment, but caves and hands me the phone. “Faith, this is Ryan. We’re coming to get you…”
Acknowledgments
My beta readers – Lg, Jaime, Angelina, Jen, Nicole – I know I gave you guys a sort time to get this done, but you did it and made this story better. Thank you for being on my beta team.
Ande – You knocked this cover out of the ballpark. Your friendship means more to me than you know. I <3 you.
Monica – You’re not editing for me unless I message you frantic telling you I have a week to submit. Thanks for squeezing me into your schedule when I’m sure you have other things to do.
The readers – thank you for taking a chance on me. I hope you enjoyed my Navy SEALs as much as I enjoyed writing them.
Also by Kate Kinsley
ALEX BROOKS NOVELLAS
Infiltration
Exfiltration
SPECIAL FORCES: FROGMEN
Protecting Ava
Protecting Beca (September 2018)
&nbs
p; THE CHASING OLIVIA DUET
Drawn to You
Lost Without You
About Kate Kinsley
Kate Kinsley is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who’s gone incognito. She loves to write contemporary and military romance, but her passion is romantic suspense. Books with heart-pounding action, adrenaline-inducing chases, edge-of-your-seat thrills, life-threatening situations, and dangerous criminals are what she does best.
Besides being a mom and wife, Kinsley loves spending time with her blue-eyed puppy, who likes snacking on paperbacks in his free time. When she isn't thinking up new, exciting plots, Kinsley enjoys white wine, dark chocolate, and lots of coffee – not necessarily in that order. Constant acts of bravery and defeating the bad guys is hard word, after all.
Original Brotherhood Protectors Series
By Elle james
Brotherhood Protectors Series
Montana SEAL (#1)
Bride Protector SEAL (#2)
Montana D-Force (#3)
Cowboy D-Force (#4)
Montana Ranger (#5)
Montana Dog Soldier (#6)
Montana SEAL Daddy (#7)
Montana Ranger’s Wedding Vow (#8)
Montana SEAL Undercover Daddy (#9)
Cape Code SEAL Rescue (#10)
Montana SEAL Friendly Fire (#11)
Montana SEAL’s Bride (#12) TBD
Montana Rescue
Hot SEAL, Salty Dog
About Elle James
ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of books including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. With over eighty works in a variety of sub-genres and lengths she has published with Harlequin, Samhain, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Cleis Press, and Avon. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, snow skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com
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