by Regan Black
“Score one for nesting instinct.” She patted her belly. “Now, about names…”
“In a second,” he said. “Hank called me yesterday and he’s asked us for help.”
“Good,” she said immediately. “What can we do for him?”
“Sounds like a SEAL he worked with a few years back died during a deployment. The body wasn’t recovered. Though they all regretted the loss, the death seemed above board to him at the time.”
“But after meeting us, hearing your story, he has new questions,” Amelia finished for him.
John nodded. “We don’t have to dig into it.”
“Yes we do.” She gestured for him to tell her more.
John relayed the highlights of the information Hank had shared. “He gave me a thumb drive as well.”
“Good. What was the man’s name?”
“Daniel Connolly.” John replied. “They called him Irish. He was originally from Chicago.”
“And Hank thinks he’s tangled in the UI web because?”
“Circumstances, I suppose.”
“Then or now?”
“Likely both. I haven’t touched the thumb drive yet and Hank didn’t say it outright, but my guess is someone noticed him or his methods recently.”
“How long ago did he supposedly die?”
“Four years.”
“John.” She scolded him with a tip of her head and the arch of one elegant auburn eyebrow.
“I know the trail is cold and that we’ve been through the operations database with a fine-toothed comb, but we have resources he doesn’t and can’t access.” He went on to list a few more details.
“Hey, are you listening?” He rubbed her shoulders.
“Yes of course.” She leaned into the touch and he half expected her to purr. “Hank has been a good friend and neighbor. I’ll start running things down tomorrow.”
He knew that vague tone, she was distracted but he couldn’t tell if it was the baby or Hank’s dilemma. “Amelia?”
“Hmm? Daniel is a good, strong name. I like the sound of it.”
“No.” He wasn’t naming his kid after a SEAL whose fate might be tied to the experimental agency Messenger operated. “Let’s think on the name thing.” He turned her into his arms for a heated kiss.
“I think you’re actively avoiding this exercise,” she said, laughing as he nuzzled her neck.
“It’s too soon to decide on names,” he protested.
“It’s not.” Still, she let her head drop back, granting him better access to her throat.
Feeling her tremble, he scooped her into his arms and carried her inside and up to the bedroom. Her sultry laughter surrounded them as she tossed out one ridiculous name option after another.
At least he knew what their son would not be named, he thought, lavishing his amazing wife with love and affection. Once she was satisfied and drowsy, he’d make a few suggestions of his own.
They were having a son and he was determined to bring that new life into a safer world.
* * *
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If you've enjoyed this story, be sure to pick up Montana SEAL by Elle James, the story of Hank Patterson’s return to Eagle Rock and the tale that got me hooked on the Brotherhood Protectors!
Curious about John and Amelia and how they teamed up against UI? You can read their full adventure in Bulletproof.
Also by Regan Black
Unknown Identities Series
Bulletproof
Double Vision
Sandman
Death-Trap Date
Last Strike
Moving Target
Escape Club Heroes Series
Escape Club, prequel
Safe In His Sight
A Stranger She Can Trust
Escape Club: Justice, novella
Escape Club: Sabotage, novella
Protecting Her Secret Son
More Romantic Suspense
Killer Colton Christmas
Colton P.I. Protector (May 2018)
Runaway Secret
Romantic Suspense written with Debra Webb
Against The Wall
Too Far Gone
Nothing to Lose
The Hunk Next Door
Heart of a Hero
To Honor and To Protect
Her Undercover Defender
Gunning For The Groom
Heavy-Artillery Husband
Investigating Christmas
Marriage Confidential
Reluctant Hero
Knight Traveler Series, paranormal romance
Heart of Time, prequel
Timeless Vision
An Heirloom Amber, novella
Timeless Changes
The Memory Key, novella
Timeless Light
Matchmaker Series, paranormal romance
The Matchmaker’s Mark
The Matchmaker’s Curse
The Bodyguard’s Vow
About the Author
Regan Black, a USA Today and internationally bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed romantic novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound and two arrogant cats now reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.
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