by Lori King
A finger nudged her chin up, only then did she realize she had dropped her head. “I’ll prove it to you. Every day.”
She blinked at him. “Every day? That’s a tall order.”
His lopsided grin reminded her of the charming and goofy young man he was when he thought no one was looking. “Good thing I can fill it.”
Harper bit her lip. “You are trouble, Agent Holter.”
He hushed her with a single finger pressed against her lips. “It’s Mr. Holter now. If we’re doing this, we’re going to do it right and with a clean slate, away from all this. You with me?”
She nodded. Harper didn’t plan on going anywhere. Certainly not while she felt as though she was wrapped in a silken cocoon of euphoria.
“Then let’s enjoy today. They want to move us again this afternoon, and then hopefully after that, we will be on our way home.”
“Home?” she said with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“Yeah. My identity hasn’t been blown, so I’m free to return to my roots, as they say.” He chuckled, oozing roguish charm. Harper was a sucker for him, always had been. “I never did tell you I have a little brother, did I? He’s a chef. Owns his own restaurant and needs help. Figure it would be a good place to start while we work out what we want to do. Just promise me one thing, okay?”
She eyed him warily, her amusement fading as she regarded him with searching gravity. “What?”
“No need to look like that. I promise if I intend to have my way with you, you’ll know about it.” Nikolai gave her a rakish grin.
Oh, the man was trouble.
“Then what?”
“If things get hard for you, or they don’t feel right, tell me? Don’t keep it bottled in. We’re being honest now. No more lies.”
Harper threw her head back and laughed. “None, whatsoever? You sure a dirty liar like you can handle that much truth?”
“I think I can manage it,” he said with a deadpan expression before pointing to the tray. “Now drink your coffee before I finish it.”
Giving a ridiculous giggle Harper knew she should be embarrassed by, she leaned forward and kissed him briefly.
With a look she hoped was sultry, Harper said, “I can think of a few other things I’d like to drink…”
Quick as a flash, Nikolai had the tray and the covers on the ground while Harper laughed like a loon.
With a sexy leer, he bent down to brush their mouths together.
“Now that’s an order I can fill.”
Epilogue
Harper placed a hand above the swell of her ever-growing belly as she used the other to push open the door of the restaurant. The main rooms were empty; it was a Monday night, and they remained closed those evenings.
She had been surprised when Nikolai had called her and asked her to come to his brother’s restaurant. Her new brother-in-law, Mason, had driven her, given she was so far along. Fitting behind the steering wheel was no longer an option in her last trimester.
Her smile stretched wide when she caught sight of Nikolai issuing orders to the few staff members through the doorway that led to the kitchen. Watching the way those staff held on to his every word and immediately moved into action amused her.
Once a Fed, always a Fed. Giving orders always came so easily to him. It was following orders that Nikolai had trouble with, according to her Uncle Collin.
She chuckled when she thought of the overly-reserved man she had come to know. Now there was a man who liked giving orders. Pity for him he had been surrounding himself with people like herself and Nikolai.
When he caught her looking, he snapped out a few more directions before moving towards her.
“Hey. You’re early.” His eyes flicked to her hand placed on her belly, and he noticed her wince. “Are you okay?”
Rolling her eyes at the concern she heard, Harper opened her arms for the embrace she knew was coming. Nikolai seemed to take any and every opportunity to hold her as close as possible since they had discovered she was pregnant.
“I’m fine. Your child’s going to be a kick-boxer, I’m telling you.”
Pulling back to look at her, Nikolai’s eyes light up with pride and amusement. “That’s my boy.”
“Hey,” she said in mock outrage, gently slapping his chest. “She might very well be a girl.”
“Two girls in my life? I could only hope to be so lucky.”
Harper melted at the heart rendering tenderness of his haze. The man was too damn smooth.
“What are we doing here?” She looked around, surprised to find one table in the middle of the restaurant completely set. Candles were lit, silverware sat in the correct order, waiting to be used, all sitting on the finest satin linen. “What is all this?”
“This,” Nikolai answered with a wave of his hand, “is romance. I know things have been crazy these past few months.”
Raising fine, arched eyebrows, she snorted. “Few? Have you seen the size of me? This is more than a few. Besides, let’s face it, things have been a whirlwind since the moment I met you.”
There was a pale blue lightning of amusement between his lashes. “True. And this is my way of making up for all the mayhem I brought into your life.”
“Very sweet of you.”
He studied her face with his enigmatic gaze for an extra beat, his features sobering, bordering on painful. “You’ve given up so much. And all I seem to do is ask for more.”
“It’s nothing I haven’t willingly given, Nik,” she said in an attempt to reassure him. She hadn’t seen him like this since she had followed him here after their extraction. “I really haven’t given up that much, and what I’ve received in return is so much more than I could have ever had without you.”
He seemed pensive now, not disturbed or angry. “The only thing you got to keep from your life before was your name, and even then not all of it. The only people in our lives that know the truth about you is your uncle and my brother. You’ve had to lie to everyone you meet. How can you say that it wasn’t that much, Harper Monroe?”
She grimaced at the used of her fake surname. “I get what you’re saying, but I honestly think you are working yourself up over nothing. What is this all about, Nik?”
His deep sigh set alarm bells off in her head, those sounds turning into sirens when the man’s expression morphed into something far more mischievous, and he dropped to one knee.
“Oh, shit.”
Nikolai chuckled from his position on the ground, his hand slipping into his pocket to pull out a black satin-looking box. An arched eyebrow indicated his humorous surprise. “Not the reaction I was going for, but I can work with it.”
She trembled, one hand coming to cover her mouth, and the heavy lashes that shadowed her cheeks flew up.
“Harper. You’ve given me so much over this last year,” he whispered, Nikolai’s face was full of strength, shining with a steadfast and serene peace. “You gave me hope, love, and now a child. Will you give me one more thing and let me give you something in return?”
Joy bubbled in her laugh. “Yes.”
His grin flashed briefly, dazzling against his olive skin. “Marry me and let me give you my name. Something that can really be yours and not something some admin at the Bureau made up for you?”
“Yes,” she whispered through tears, eyes widening as he popped open the box to reveal the gorgeous princess-cut engagement ring. Her trembling turned into a full-body shake as he slipped the ring on her finger and she reached out to tug him to her before she even realized what she was doing. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.”
His lips pressed against hers, then gently covered her mouth. The moment they touched, all thoughts ceased for her. Harper felt like she had suddenly been consumed with heat, burning more intensely than the summer sun. Her arms came up to wrap around him and pull him tighter to her. She could feel Nikolai’s cock hardening against her under the feel of Harper’s body grinding against his. Strong, thick arms encompassed her in warmth.
God,
she loved this man.
Eventually, air became necessary, and Nikolai pulled back only enough to breathe. “I’m really glad you said yes, otherwise this could have been embarrassing,” he murmured, tilting his head in the direction of the kitchen.
Harper laughed when she saw not only the wait staff who had been brought in tonight, but Nikolai’s brother, Mason. The lot of them stood crammed together in a huddle while peering through the doorway.
“She said yes,” Nikolai called over to them with a huge grin.
His announcement was met with a volley of cheers, and she buried her face into him. “Oh, God.”
Nikolai’s chuckle caused his chest to rumble. “No backing out now.”
His words were in jest, but as she looked up at him a strange, faintly eager and needy look flashed in his eyes.
“Never.”
Harper reclaimed his lips, losing herself in the maelstrom of emotions that threatened to pull her under. The man before her may have his faults, and she had her own issues as well, but together they were perfect in their imperfection. Them and all their dirty lies.
* * *
The End
About the Author
Sydney Lea is an avid reader who enjoys falling in love with one book boyfriend after another. After years of dreaming up Mr. Perfect, she has finally put pen to paper and created him herself.
www.sydneylea.com
Also by Sydney Lea
NEW HOPE VALLEY SERIES
Claimed
Tamed
* * *
SHIFTERS UNIT
Rekindling Their Faith
* * *
SILVERSTONE RANCH
Cowboy Interrupted
Her Heart’s Protector by Caitlyn O’Leary
A Midnight Delta Series Novella
It’s the worst case scenario for David Sloane as a Military Police officer. An earthquake has rocked Las Flores, leaving devastation in its wake. The local government leans heavily on David to lead the manhunt to recapture the escaped convicts.
* * *
In the midst of the chaos, former army nurse Sarah Kyle arrives with the international aid workers. As David comes face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten, danger continues to escalate as the desperate prisoners do anything they can to leave the island.
* * *
When conditions deteriorate will these former lovers survive, let alone have the happily ever after they deserve?
To all Who Have Served
1
Hot, tired and pissed didn’t even come close to covering it. He really didn’t give a shit what Ortiz was saying. He got it. The man had just been hired, and then he’d fired half of the department because of corruption. That was his problem. As a member of the US Army Military Police, David’s problem was to make sure his two men didn’t end up spending the rest of their lives in a Las Flores prison.
Wait a minute.
“Can you repeat that?” David asked the Las Flores Chief of Police.
“In my opinion, your men were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have one of my questionable officers saying they assaulted him. I’m not buying it. I can’t figure out why he’d accuse them, but he does have a broken jaw.”
“Fuck. Why isn’t that statement in the e-mail my commander sent me?”
“Because I didn’t want it in the official report yet. Like I said, I don’t trust the little shit. Before a member of the Las Flores Police Department decides to make a report against members of the United States Army, I wanted to make sure I knew everything.”
David pulled out his smartphone. “Okay, I only see your write-up of general facts and Rigg’s statement. Where is Harrison’s statement?” David asked, referring to the other American NCO.
“Harrison isn’t talking. We’re just getting name, rank, and serial number. This is a…what I think you call…a clusterfuck,” Ortiz said the last word in English. “Did I use that word correctly?”
“Yep, you used it correctly,” David continued in Spanish. He took another long sip of his coffee so he could take the time to consider all that Ortiz had told him.
“Can I read over your officer’s statement? The one that you haven’t put into the report.”
Ortiz fished his keys out of his pocket, unlocked his desk drawer, pulled out a file, and slid it across the desk toward David.
“I’ve also included private notes. They outline what I think really happened. I knew you would be here asking questions, and I wanted you up to speed.”
Picking up the file, David leaned back to read it.
“Take your time. I know my handwriting isn’t the best.”
“Isn’t he expecting a copy to sign?”
“He’s still in the hospital flying high on pain medication. I figure I have another day to stall. I’m hoping you can get Harrison to speak up by then.”
David nodded and went back to reading. He went over the information four times since it was in Spanish and he didn’t want to miss any nuance, as Spanish wasn’t his native language.
“There are enough holes to drive a truck through,” he said throwing the report onto the desk.
“That was my take, that’s why I included my supposition,” Ortiz said.
“You mean to tell me everybody in the bar stood by while two foreigners decided to beat a cop with no provocation? Then there’s the part where Harrison picked up the pool cue. I’m sorry, but I’ve seen the military files of both men. Harrison is bigger than I am. He wouldn’t need a weapon to break anyone’s jaw.”
“The doctors say my man’s injury was done by a fist. They are quite adamant in their assessment. So I know he is lying.”
“And you’re thinking–”
What?
A jerky tremor knocked David off of his chair.
Was it a bomb?
The floor shoved him up and vibrated, shaking him. The trembling sensation increased. Increased. Increased.
Earthquake!
He needed protection. His chair!
Pulling the tipped over leather chair on top of him, just before the ceiling crashed on top of him.
Fuck!
Ow! Goddammit, that hurt.
Plaster and dust swirled in the dim light. When would the earth stop heaving? He heard the annoying sound of faint car alarms ringing.
Who was shrieking? That wasn’t him groaning, was it?
“Carmen!” Ortiz shouted hoarsely to the screaming secretary.
The earth wouldn’t stop heaving until finally it abruptly stopped.
Pieces of the ceiling continued to thud around him.
He tried to move the chair, but it was stuck.
“Fuck!”
Moving his leg was a bad idea, it hurt like a son of a bitch.
“Sloane?”
“Ortiz? Are you okay?”
“No.” Pushing with his shoulder the chair moved a little bit. “I’m bleeding. The window,” the man gasped.
The woman’s shrieks had gotten softer. David needed to concentrate on Ortiz first. He tried moving his leg again. It hurt, but it wasn’t broken. He pushed harder, and the chair finally moved.
Sitting up in the darkness, David felt around and realized that a wooden beam from the ceiling had fallen on his leg. He could move his foot. It hadn’t hit his knee, just the upper thigh.
Okay, you can probably walk, so suck it up. Taking a deep breath, he hefted the beam and pulled his leg out from underneath it.
“Damn.” He sighed in relief. The leg still hurt, but God, not nearly like it had. David felt around in the dark and realized there were some portions of the debris that was stable enough to stand on. He pushed himself up. Pain zinged, and held him in its grips for long moments. Breathe. One. Two. Three. One foot in front of the other.
“Ortiz, I’m coming for you.”
Damn, a flashlight would be welcome. It had been cloudy outside, so only weak light was shining into the room through the broken windows. He stepped carefully around the desk.
/> “Ortiz?” Please let the man be okay.
He wasn’t. He was dead. A large shard of glass had pierced his chest.
Be well. You were a good man.
David walked to the window and looked out onto the main street.
Jesus. At least half of the buildings were caved in. He thought about the rural areas he had seen when the plane had flown him from Panama. What kind of devastation would they have been through?
He turned from the window toward Carmen’s cries.
Ortiz had been right; this was a clusterfuck.
* * *
“Carmen said you have to take a break.” David looked at the child who was quivering in front of him.
“What?” he wiped the constant stream of sweat off his forehead with the sleeve of his undershirt.
“Here.” The kid thrust out a hot can of orange soda. Even though it was liquid, he still gagged as he popped the top and the pungent scent of carbonated orange chemicals assaulted his nostrils. The kid’s eyes were avid.
“Do you want some?”
“Carmen said it’s for you. She said you should go to the hotel and sleep. I’m supposed to make you.” It was clear the thought of him telling the large man to do anything was preposterous.
David thrust the open can at the kid.
“Really, mister?”
“Really. Help yourself.” The kid sucked down half the can in one long gulp. When he tried to hand it back, David waved his hand. “Finish it. I like grape soda.” The kid nodded and grinned. When he was done, he fished around in the same brown bag that had housed the soda. He pulled out one half eaten candy bar and two unopened nutrition bars.
“Here.”
“Thanks, kid.” David took the wadded up treats and put them in his pocket. “How is Carmen?”
“Grandma Carmen told us how you saved her. She’s supposed to be resting at Mama’s house, but she went to work instead.”
