MILITARY ROMANCE: The War Within Himself (Alpha Bad Boy Marine Army Seal) (Contemporary Military Suspense & Thriller Romance)

by Claire Branson

  “It’ll just be a minute ma’am,” the soldier said as he waited by her car. Karen tapped her fingers lightly on the steering wheel and hummed as sh e waited. Today was the day she found herself a real man to wind around her finger, preferably she’d hit the jackpot with a master sergeant at least. Hopefully a single soldier with no children to tie him down. She was well into her daydream when a jeep pulled up and Brody got out. The soldier by her car immediately turned and saluted Ale sure lison’s fiancé. Impressive, even if she didn’t care about him. The fact that other men had to bow to him was more of a turn on than she’d anticipated.

  “At ease soldier,” Brody said. “What’s this about?”

  “Sir we received word that this woman was already on post. We detained her to make sure that the facts we had were valid sir.”

  “Allison?” Brody said, bending over at her door. “You okay?”

  “I’m great Brody,” Karen smiled. He smiled back and winked at her.

  “That’s absolutely wonderful.” Brody stood up and nodded to the MP’s who’d arrived while he was talking to the woman he’d mistaken for Allison.

  “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to step out of the car. Leave the keys in the ignition.”

  “Is there a problem Brody?” Brody gave her a hard, furious look and walked over to the side of his jeep. When he opened the door, he watched the woman’s eyes widen almost unnoticeably when Allison stepped out of the truck.

  “Actually, you’re under arrest for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Be thankful that Miss Duvaine isn’t military personnel or you’d be under arrest for impersonating a member of the armed forces as well Miss Dubarry. Don’t forget her Miranda rights.”

  Brody watched the arrest to be sure it was done by the book and then he walked Allison back to the jeep. “You’re shaking,” he said to Allison as he helped her up.

  “I’m angry,” Allison said. “I’m angry that she tricked you. I’m angry that she nearly got away with changing my life forever. She made me lose my memory and everything I knew. She made me think I was crazy.” Brody pulled her close as tears welled in her eyes.

  “It’s alright now sweetheart,” Brody said. He returned Allison to his apartment and headed over to his CO’s office.

  ***

  “Come in,” Brody heard when he knocked on his Commanding Officer’s door. Brody entered at attention and stood saluting his CO. “As you were. What can I do for you sergeant?”

  “Sir, I just had the MP’s arrest a woman who impersonated my fiancé. She not only impersonated her, but she assaulted my fiancé when she was off post and stole her car under the falsehood as well.”

  “Have we turned her over to the police yet?”

  “Not that I’m aware of sir.”

  “Alright,” Lieutenant Johnson said. “I’ll see that she’s properly handed over. Is your fiancé alright?”

  “She’s a little shook up sir, but seems to be alright otherwise.”

  “Good. Take the afternoon to see that she’s comfortable. We’ll see you back to work at 0700.”

  “Yes sir,” Brody said, snapping to attention and saluting the Lieutenant before turning a one hundred and eighty degree turn and exiting his CO’s office. Brody made a stop by the Commissary to pick up some things for dinner and headed over to his apartment. He walked in to find Allison sleeping soundly on his bed. Love swamped him as he put the cold food in the fridge. He left the dry goods where they were and moved to the side of his bed to watch Allison sleep.

  “I love you Ally,” he whispered against her ear. She stirred and turned sleepy eyes on him. Her smiled was slow and warm, irresistible. Moving an inch or two, Brody took her lips under his, drawing out their kiss until Allison moaned. She pulled away first and smiled broader.

  “I love you too sergeant,” Allison grinned. “But just now you’re going to want me to brush my teeth.”

  “Hurry,” Brody said, tapping her on the butt as she got up. He heard her brushing her teeth and laid on the bed waiting. It’d been forever it seemed since he’d touched her. With the events of the last week throwing their lives into upheaval, Brody planned to make use of his day off and enjoy spending much needed quality time with Allison. He thought momentarily about asking her if she’d like to go for a walk or to the beach, but when she stepped out of the bathroom in just her bra and panties, every thought in his head flew out the proverbial window.

  Stunning didn’t begin to describe her, with her long legs and smooth, toned stomach. Her breasts rose off her chest like offerings to the gods and Brody was sure he must have done something right in life to have a woman like Allison agree to be his wife. He wasn’t boastful, but damn she was beautiful. “I guess a walk is out huh?” he smiled.

  “Not entirely,” Allison smiled. “But just now I have a craving for a different cardio workout.”

  He was sitting up on his bed now and slid his hands up her thighs and hips when she drew close enough. Her honey blonde hair fell over his face when she bent to kiss him. That first contact rippled desire straight to his toes as he allowed Allison to lead him. She climbed onto his lap and sat back, lifting his white t-shirt over his head. “I’ve missed you,” Brody found himself saying. He didn’t want to think about how close he’d come to losing her, how close he’d come to marrying a woman he didn’t even know, didn’t want to know.

  “The feeling’s mutual soldier,” Allison smiled. “But you’ve committed an atrocity in the eyes of the military. I’m afraid I’m going to have to punish you for that.”

  “I won’t be court martialed will I?”

  “That remains to be seen,” she chuckled. “But I can guarantee you’re going to suffer some. Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, running. It’s all on the menu for you.”

  “I’ll give you a push-up,” Brody laughed, lifting Allison into the air until she squealed. “You want more?”

  “So much more,” Allison said as he lowered her. Her mouth found his and sank into the love that drove them. Heat and arousal built moisture between her thighs and urged her on as she ground her hips against him. “Brody, please.”

  Breathless, Allison unhooked her own bra and tossed in on the floor as Brody’s warm lips touched her. His wet tongue slid seductively over her taught nipples, first one and then the other lavishing attention on both of her breasts until she moaned. She rocked against Brody as need coursed through her. Her hands found his tank top and pulled it off, wanting to tear the rest of his uniform off to find the flesh underneath.

  “Easy Ally,” Brody smiled. “You can’t go this fast.”

  ***

  “Please babe,” she groaned. Her hands fumbled with the buckle of his uniform belt and Brody laughed. Laying back on his bed, he undid his belt and pants, which Allison dispatched with the same quick hands he’d come to love. Arousal was easy to come by when the woman he loved was so steeped in it. Soon he found himself stripped bare and easily tucked Allison beneath him.

  “I love you Allison Duvaine,” Brody whispered against her ear as he covered her. He ripped her panties off her body, enjoying the way her hips bucked against him. Foreplay was kept to a minimum mainly because Brody knew she was already aroused enough, already wet. She was writhing beneath him, her body trembling as need knifed through her.

  Grabbing her hips, Brody filled her and steeped himself in the pleasure of her long moan. They fell and rose together, their rhythm one of love, respect and understanding. Brody took her up slowly, building her so that she’d peak on a long orgasm. He wanted her body to weep with pleasure and satisfaction. His hands slid over her body, kneading her breasts and squeezing their tight tips so that she bucked against him, taking him deeper. Her warmth thrilled him, urging him on. When she was close, Brody backed off, letting her body slow its climb. Over and over again he drove her up and back down, driving her crazy and pushing himself as well. Her nails dug into his shoulders creating a pleasurable pain that only fueled his own need. Control slipped through his finge
rs as he found the wet mound of her clit. Touching her sent Allison’s body spiking against him, burying him so deep. She crashed over that glorious edge and Brody was helpless to do anything but jump after her.

  “Can we move the wedding up?” Allison said, pressing a kiss to his shoulder as he lay on top of her. His weight felt natural, as if she’d been built to hold him in this intimate scene.

  “Seriously?” Brody asked. “We’ve already sent the invitations out though. The dates been set for a year.”

  “I know,” Allison said, her bright eyes shining. “I’m just getting anxious. I can’t believe we’re down to our last six months. The waiting is starting to wear on me.”

  “Nonsense,” Brody smiled. “You just stick with me a little longer babe and I promise we’ll have the wedding you always dreamed of. Then we’ll work on the marriage both of us have been dreaming of.”

  “Do you ever worry that we put more planning into the wedding than our marriage?”

  “No,” Brody said, finally lifting off of her. He made himself comfortable on the other side of the bed and tucked them both beneath his sheet and comforter. When Allison snuggled close to him, resting her head on his chest, he pressed a kiss to her hair. “I’m not saying that we haven’t invested more time, especially lately on the wedding, but Ally you have to remember where we started. When I first took you out after my deployment you barely said two words to me. I remember wondering if I was really interested in a woman who could write me a novel love letter, but couldn’t talk to me face to face. Eventually though, we worked through it all. We became best friends and I for one have never been more thankful for you. So what’s the real reason you’re so antsy now?”

  “I just want to know that nothing will come along to ruin what we’ve built and plan to build.”

  “Nothing like Karen, or nothing like your eye?” Brody asked. He felt her stiffen. “Allison, if you had lost the sight in both eyes, I’d still love you. I love that when I look at you I see my best friend. I see a woman who is strong, capable and more self-assured than she wants to admit. I see a woman who loves me with all of my flaws and scars. You are my rock sweetheart and I will work every day to be yours. So trust me when I say that nothing will come along to ruin our day.”

  “Promise,” Allison whispered, tears evident in her voice.

  “Ally,” Brody said, turning so he could see her face. “Baby I asked you to marry me because I’m in love with you and I love you. You are the light when it’s only darkness around me. You shine when nothing else does and I’m going to be in love with you in five years and ten and twenty-five.”

  “Brody I’m pregnant,” Allison said without so much as a breath to give him pause.

  “You. You’re pregnant? We’re having a baby?” Brody asked, a smile slowly spreading over his lips. His hand reached out to touch her womb, his fingers spanning the place their new baby nestled.

  “I found out at the hospital,” Allison said, tears falling off her cheeks. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I-“

  “You don’t have a thing to apologize for sweetie,” Brody smiled. “You’re the woman I love and you’re carrying my child.”

  “Your parents are going to-“

  “Think that you’re amazing,” Brody cut her off. “Do you know how ecstatic my mother’s going to be? She’d wanted a grandbaby since I entered the service. Kept talking about how I should meet a pretty girl and settle down. When I told her that I’d fallen in love with you she was practically planning the wedding before I’d even bought a ring to ask you.”

  Allison laughed. “I can so see Jennifer doing that.”

  Yawning, Allison nestled down close to Brody and listened to his heart beat. Her hand covered her womb and flexed when Brody’s hand joined hers. They had a ways to go yet, but knowing he loved their child even now put Allison’s mind and heart at ease. He wouldn’t turn her away for her eye, or for knowing about the baby and not telling him. She kissed his chest and fell asleep to the soft sound of his heartbeat and the tinkling sound of rain outside.

  ***

  Epilogue

  Allison stood in front of the mirror and smiled. They’d decided to keep the wedding date the same and she’d had her dress modified to accommodate the baby that was quickly taking up the space in her abdomen.

  “You ready?” Jennifer asked, a bright smile on her face. “Let’s go make you an official Crowley.”

  “Okay,” Allison smiled. Jennifer helped her walk down the stairs without tripping on her dress.

  “Brody’s not going to be able to say his vows. You’ll tie his tongue up for at least an hour before his brain kicks in again.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” Allison said, her hands shaking. “Watch your dad’s reaction and you’ll get an idea of how Brody will be.” She did and chuckled when her dad’s eyes went wide.

  “You are stunning Al,” Burt Duvaine said as he held an arm out for his daughter. Allison slipped her arm into his bent elbow and took a deep breath. “You’re glowing and I don’t think it’s just the baby either, although I’ve been told women do that when they’re expecting.”

  “I can’t wait to marry Brody,” Allison said as they waited for their cue.

  “Just remember this day when he’d put on fifteen pounds and his beard starts to go gray and he gets long hairs in his nose.”

  Allison laughed automatically pressing a hand to her belly. The baby gave a strong kick and Allison finally settled down as the music started for her to walk the aisle. Jennifer had been right of course. Brody could barely talk when it came time for the vows and Allison cried as she pledged and promised to love, honor and cherish Brody through everything life brought them, good and bad.

  The ceremony, which felt like moving through quicksand, was over in minutes and Allison Duvaine became Mrs. Brody Allen Crowley. She would now be Mrs. Allison Rae Crowley and her smile was permanent. Nothing would derail it today.

  She danced with her father and was easily moved around the dance floor by Brody, who barely let her go. They exchanged cake and sipped faux wine. Brody had added the faux wine to the menu when he’d learned that Allison was expecting. He was increasingly glad they’d chosen to keep the gender of the baby a secret as it added another adventure to go along with the ones he was already racking up. Allison had found a home close enough to Camp Lejeune for him to stay involved with the local schools on recruitment days and other special military representation days. They spend two months moving in and now that she was about to enter her third trimester they were prepping the house for when the baby made his or her appearance. He’d postponed their honeymoon trip, knocking it back a year and decided that a week at a gorgeous bed and breakfast in Virginia was just what they needed to start their adventure in life out on the right foot.

  “You ready babe?” Brody asked Allison as she made her way toward the desert table.

  “Absolutely soldier,” she smiled.

  “Gonna have to retire that nickname you know.”

  “Never,” Allison smiled. She pressed a kiss to his lips and everyone cheered. Brody took her hand in his and swept her up into his arms. Even six months pregnant she was doing well on managing her weight gain and Brody was still easily able to pick her up. “Alright sergeant, let’s blow this pop sickle stand.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Brody said. “I’d salute but you’d end up on the floor.”

  “I’ll let it slide this time Mister,” Allison grinned. Reaching up again, she kissed his cheek and on the way out of the reception hall, Allison tossed her bouquet which she’d never gotten around to doing. She snuggled down against Brody as the first snowfall of winter began to fall around them. Brody tucked her into his truck and climbed in, starting the engine and turning the heat on. “Let’s go make us some memories baby.”

  As they drove off toward the bed and breakfast, Allison belted her middle seat belt and snuggled close to her husband. It’d take a while to get used to saying husband instead of fiancé, but Alliso
n planned to keep doing it until it became normal, because she was never letting him go.

  THE END

  Protected and Loved by the NAVY SEAL:

  No Turning Back

  A Military Romance

  Protected and Loved by the NAVY SEAL:

  No Turning Back

  Hunter Smith just knew that he was going to die soon. His lungs were going to give out on him or he was going to have a massive heart attack. Or maybe both. His legs were sore. His arms hurt. Hell, every muscle in his body ached! But he kept hearing his gram's voice in his head, "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, Hunter boy." So, he continued on.

  Training for the Navy SEALs was no joke. He was just approaching the end of what was commonly referred to as "Hell Week". Hunter was completely exhausted, mentally and physically. He had probably only slept about four hours in the past five and a half days. And when he did sleep, he always woke up feeling uneasy, his memories filled with vivid dreams. He could never recall the exact details of the dreams, but in them he was always running from something.

  When those five days were over and Hunter had some time to rest a bit, his mind finally made the connection between the dreams and his real life. Being in the Navy was something he had always wanted to do. It started out as a “free” ticket out of his mom’s home, but quickly became an undying passion. By the time Hunter was 16, he had the physique of a serious athlete and the will-power of a God.

  As 16 turned into 17, and 17 into 18, Hunter had grown into a strong, handsome young man. His skin was golden brown from all the time he spent outdoors either running or swimming at the local community pool. His sharp features gave him a serious, sexy look, but his smiling eyes could charm a snake. There was no shortage of women who were interested in Hunter. However, he was more interested in achieving his goal of becoming a Navy Seal.