by Angel Payne
Which should have been the thought that lowered her hand instead of raising it back toward Rush.
Which should have stopped her from stepping over and curling her fingers around his.
Which should have cut out her tongue before she could return his smile and say, “It’s best shown instead of told.”
Rush dipped his head toward her. “Why does that sound like a challenge?”
“Why do you sound excited that it might be?”
“I’m the long-range shooting specialist for our team, Miss Kail. Just the word ‘challenge’ gives me a hard”—he choked and delivered a grimace pulled from the nice-going-you-dumbshit file—“umm…a hard time saying no.”
She giggled as she slid into her light running jacket and then nodded toward the couch. “How long do you think the lion will sleep tonight?”
He shrugged. “Tough to say. Up until a month ago, back-to-back deployments kept me from seeing him for a while. He was on extended leave, riding a desk job back at our base in Tacoma—but I have a feeling he was riding the hooch pretty hard too.” His face clouded over, making it clear he didn’t want to share further details. “He’ll be out for a while, but I don’t want to leave him alone for too long.” He cocked a quizzing brow. “How far away is this ‘challenge,’ lady?”
Thank the gods he injected the humor again. That made it simpler to mask how he captivated her more as the minutes passed. The man already had the muster and character to be a part of John’s battalion. He was also fierce with the fight club moves when it mattered, listened with compassion, and openly cared about his shitfaced teammate. If he knew how to select good chocolate and could navigate a toolbox, as well, she might be a goner. And that was not good.
“It’s not far,” she clarified. “But it’s nighttime and we’re both barefoot, so I’ll guide you slowly.”
“Deal.” As he tagged a grin to the agreement, deep dimples appeared against his jaw. Damn it. Even if he wasn’t into chocolate and tools, she might be lost.
He followed her through the kitchen and the den. When they hit the back lanai, she grabbed a flashlight and handed him one too. Once they stepped outside, she led him past the work shed where Leo’s surfboard collection hung, where he gave the requisite male reaction of bugged eyes, plummeted jaw, and invisible drool. She took advantage of his distraction to open the gate on the other side, which led to the bottom of the stone steps that went nearly vertical up the hillside beyond. There were exactly a hundred and fifty-three of them, and Lani had been climbing them since she could walk. With the confidence stemming from that knowledge, she called, “Last one up mucks the barn tomorrow, soldier.”
“Huh? What barn?”
She only answered with a gloating cackle, hitting her stride at step fifteen before she heard him land on number one. Another witchy-poo laugh trailed out. She so had this.
Or so she thought.
Things changed once she neared the hundred-step point.
She still had plenty of juice to get to the top, but as soon as they crossed the point where the end of the climb was in sight, she fast learned that Rush had more stamina left to burn. A lot more. After five more steps, his flashlight beam hit her ankles. After another ten, he passed like she’d simply stopped. Lani poured on her best effort, only to watch his gorgeous thighs and ass disappear into the darkness. At the same time, he serenaded her with “Carry On.” Loudly. And on key.
“Show-off,” she muttered, vowing to keep the glower on her face as she reached the top, no matter how rousing his song—which the adorable dork continued as she trudged her final steps.
“If you’re lost and alone, or you’re sinking like a stone, carry o-o-o-on—”
“Shut. Up.”
“May your past be the sound, of your feet upon the ground, carry—”
She clapped a hand over his mouth. “Come and ‘carry on’ this way, Sergeant.”
His snicker warmed her hand before she pulled away and led him up another small knoll. He stopped singing in favor of a soft exclamation. “Whoa.”
She took her turn to wield a cocky smirk. His reaction wasn’t new. Most visitors said something in that vein when they realized a hundred and fifty-three steps had just transported them from a tropical paradise to a landscape that belonged in the middle of a Celtic moor. The marketing gurus for the island liked to tell people there was a “terrain for everyone” here, and it wasn’t an empty line. There had been a lot of rain this year, as well, so the grass was a cool cushion as she led him farther out on the cliff. She couldn’t wait to hear his reaction once she got him to the perfect spot…
“Holy. Fuck.”
Right on cue.
Lani remained quiet as he took it in. The experience of seeing her island through a visitor’s eyes never got old, but this occasion felt more special than the others. Maybe because he wasn’t any usual visitor.
The man’s profile, as beautiful as an etching on a Roman coin, entranced her as he took in the panorama. The mansion, slightly to their left, seemed as tiny as a doll’s abode in the moonlight. She was pleased with how she’d trained the hibiscus to grow up the lanai supports; in another week, the pink and yellow blooms would be spectacular. Past the small fountain beneath the hala and banana trees at the rear of the house were the rose garden and orchard, which were separated from the meadows by the barn and two small riding rings. At this time of night, a few horses cantered across the grass, but most grazed leisurely beneath the banyan trees, enjoying the cool air. Forest bordered the two long sides of the meadow. The trees on the far side extended all the way to the Franzen’s property line. The bamboo and palms situated more closely were part of the covering for the walkway she’d marched Bommer and him on at knifepoint.
A flush burned across her face. Thank the gods for the darkness so he couldn’t witness her mortification at remembering how she’d treated the two of them like criminals. She betrayed herself the next moment anyway, softly chuffing at herself.
Rush flung his stare back at her. “Yeah, yeah, go ahead and laugh. Guess you showed up my nervy ass.”
“No. That’s not—” She interrupted herself with a sharper snort. “I just thought about my unique welcome to you and Sergeant Bommer. And was being just a little mortified by it.”
He laughed and swept a hand around them. “I’ll count this as a really great way of making up. Besides, if I had someone trying to squeeze me out from all of this, I’d be a tad territorial, as well.”
She peeked back up at him and couldn’t help but giggle once more. She knew what he wanted to convey, but somewhere during his statement, his gaze drifted back to her—and locked there. She wasn’t sure she wanted that to change, either. She’d never been the center of a man’s attention quite like this. Unblinking. Intense. Heated.
And very, very “territorial.”
Her legs started threats of turning to mush, so she turned and found a soft patch of grass to sit on. As Rush lowered next to her, she expounded, “Gunter wants to transform the house into the resort’s lobby, as well as offices for his entire company. The garden and orchard would stay, though they’ll take out part of them for a property spa. Where we’re sitting will be a concrete slab, so they can install a wedding garden.” She extended a hand to back up her explanation by pointing at the various landmarks. “Surprisingly, Benstock wants to keep the zip line to the beach. They think it’s a cool idea to have brides and grooms take a ride to the sand after they say their vows.”
He dipped his head and smirked. “Appropriate symbolism.” After enduring her rib jab of chastisement, he jerked his chin toward the barn and stables. “What about all of that?”
“They’ll be gutted and transformed into a five-star restaurant. A newer stable will be built on the far side of the property, for tending the horses they do plan on keeping.”
“The fifteen who are strong enough to carry fat tourists.”
She almost poked him in the ribs again but opted for a smiling shoulder bump. �
�There’s my good listener.”
He returned the nudge. The move, while friendly, sent tingles down the entire left side of her body. She was almost thankful for the distraction of his reply, which was tight with tension. “I assume the dickwad is selling the other horses off to make all that land available for building a swagalicious hotel?”
“Close. Swagalicious timeshare condos. Except for the biggest unit, which he’s already claimed for himself.”
A violent sound rumbled from deep inside his chest. He still clutched his flashlight with his far hand, now glowering like he wanted to bash in a skull with it. Lani endured a little tremble. The comparison wasn’t an empty one when applied to a six-foot-plus Special Forces warrior. The realization made her a little scared…and a lot aroused. The man didn’t help things one bit by starting up his stare, the entrancing and territorial version, once more.
“Amazing,” he finally murmured into their long silence.
“What is?” she queried back.
“I can see the stars in your eyes.”
She let herself give in to a full laugh. “Oh, you’re good. That’s nice. How many times has that one worked for you, Sergeant?”
He dropped his jaw and spread his arms. “I’m not kidding! Hold still. It’s so cool. I want to see it again!”
She giggled and squeezed her eyes shut. He tossed his flashlight to free up his hands in an attempt to grab her shoulders. When she whacked on his in return, he relented and pulled back, also laughing. Lani opened her eyes, only to have her heartbeat seized again. The mirth had made him a different person. All the darkness of his face gave way to dancing eyes, naughty eyebrow wiggles, and a devilish smile that made her long for a serious taste of sin.
It was time to change the subject. Fast.
“So…how long have you been in Franz’s battalion?”
“Since the day I made Special Forces, six years ago. He’d taken a bullet to his leg in Afghanistan and led some team training during his rehab. I was one of the lucky fuckers he got really attached to.” His tone was bone dry, but a thread of fondness was woven into it too. “There were days when I didn’t know whether to be grateful or pissed about that, but serving under the man has been the best experience of my life.”
Lani nodded. Her response was filled with equal affection. “Yes. He’s awesome. I really love him.”
“Oh.” He straightened, seeming genuinely surprised. “Uh, I hadn’t realized…”
Understanding hit her. A new laugh followed. “Oh, gods! Not like that. Ew. He’s like my brother!”
“Oh.” He drew the word out a little. The smile in his voice tugged her gaze back over to his face. The moonlight played over his noble features and thick hair in mesmerizing ways. “Well, okay,” he murmured, seeming bashful beneath her scrutiny. “Umm, that’s good. Brothers are good.”
Lani pulled up her knees and then rested her chin on them, keeping up the stare. She knew this was ruthless, considering how she’d been throwing the man off-balance since the second they met, but she’d also witnessed him at the height of his game, a slick combination of ninja badass and focused soldier. The fluctuation in his composure was fascinating to witness. “How many do you have?” she finally asked.
“How many what?”
He seemed distracted. And once more, she loved that it seemed to be by…her. “Brothers,” she clarified.
“Only Tait,” he supplied.
“You’re brothers? But your last names—”
“Are different. And our parents. And our upbringings.” He returned her stare with steady conviction. “Doesn’t matter. He’s my brother. We’ve shed enough blood and tears together to make it true in the eyes of any god you throw in the mix.”
She absorbed that statement in silence, choosing to convey her acceptance of it by mirroring his quiet strength. A couple of minutes went by, filled with the velvety crashes of the waves and the soft song of the wind, before she spoke again. “Who’s Luna?” When he didn’t answer right away, she added, “Does she have anything to do with why Franz let you two stay at his place?”
He funneled all his focus on her before replying. “That’s not a typical thing for him, is it? Letting people stay there, let alone a couple of guys from his team?”
“Not typical,” she echoed. “Yeah, you could say that. As in never.”
“Never?”
“It’s not a vacation rental for him, Sergeant. It’s where he grew up, his heritage. Like all of this is for me.”
“So no wonder you thought T and I had rolled in with Benson.” There was a smile in his voice. It grew as he muttered, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
How had he seen her new flush? The moon was nearly full tonight, but both their flashlights were off. He’s also the guy in charge of shooting things from hundreds of yards away. He can probably spot a ladybug on the hibiscus from here.
She tried to laugh off her discomfort. “You didn’t exactly come calling in your Mess Dress, bearing apple pie and a meat loaf.”
“Would’ve made it much harder for you to get me naked.”
So much for the laugh. She groaned and ducked her head. “Gods. I am sorry.”
“Don’t be. I make shitty apple pie. My meat loaf, on the other hand, has been called the mighty beast cake of Odin by its fans.” All too quickly, he sobered, as well. “Too bad I was busy trying to talk my friend out of turning his bloodstream into the Grey Goose river.”
“And that woman—Luna—has something to do with all of it?”
He didn’t reply before taking a deep breath and releasing it with slow care. “Luna Lawrence was a special agent on an FBI team we worked with on a mission in Los Angeles last year. She and T-Bomb went full throttle on the bonding-in-the-face-of-danger ride.”
“So they were involved?”
He ticktocked his head, once right, once left. “That’s the tactful way of putting it.”
“What’s the not-so-tactful way?”
His lips compressed. “Not everyone on the team approved of Luna working on the op. Her…situation…was a little complicated. She’d had some trouble with the law and was ‘on loan’ to us from the Washington state penal system.”
“Wow.”
“Wow is pretty accurate. Wasn’t exactly orthodox, but sometimes you do what it takes and hire who you must to get the job done. As you can guess, there was friction. But Tait’s always had a thing about sticking up for the little guy. In this case, it was the misunderstood little girl.”
Lani let her eyebrows drop as her confusion rose. His baritone kept the needle pinned right down the middle lane of neutrality. “Well, was she?” she asked.
“Was she what?”
“Misunderstood?”
His chin rose as he clearly gave his reply some thought. “Yeah. I think she was. Of course, that only fed into T’s Prince Charming complex. Anything to be the guy who saved the day.”
A memory flashed at her. The moment Bommer had trotted up to her in the garden in his briefs, panting like the happiest puppy on earth. I’ve beat aside the rosebush dragon…my lady. Though he’d been half obliterated, he’d also been pretty cute. Sensing Rush didn’t share her sympathy for Bommer’s gallant streak, at least not now, she kept her thoughts to herself and pushed on.
“You’re referring to her in the past tense.” She let her voice dip to a murmur. “Does that mean what I think it does?”
“Probably.” He raised his head and gazed out over the ocean. “The mission ended with President Nichols having to have his hand sewn back on and an explosion in Hollywood that rocked the Richter scale.”
Her mouth popped open. “Kahaha.”
“Huh?”
“Holy shit.”
“Oh.”
“That was you guys?”
“Franzen didn’t tell you?”
“He doesn’t like to talk work when he’s home.” She let out a huff. “He’s mostly out surfing with Leo and bugging me about why I haven’t found a ni
ce guy to settle down with.”
He grunted, sounding eerily like Franz in the doing, though she couldn’t figure if he issued the expression in approval or discomfort. Confusion hit harder about why she even cared.
“So you know the public details,” he went on. “But the follow-up story is grim.”
Her heart squeezed. Her mind returned to the moment in the living room when Bommer clutched her in tight desperation. No. Not desperation. It had been…grief. “The blast killed Luna?”
“Not right away.” Kellan’s jaw turned the texture of the rocks beneath them. “She was thrown by the shock wave. It fucked her up enough to put her in a coma for six months.”
“Oh, my God.”
“She finally woke up, but only long enough to—”
“To what?”
“To say goodbye to Tait.” The words left his lips as if they’d come straight from his gut. They were full of deep pain for his friend, which led Lani to curl her hand around his shoulder. “Fuck. I never got it…until now.”
“Never got what?”
He pulled in a long breath. “Tait always told me…well, he said that Luna had been his flare. You see, we use these sticks—flares—out in the field, if we need to alert exfil planes to where we’re at or we need light really quick. They burn like a ball that fell off the sun, but it’s fast and furious, then it’s over.” The corners of his mouth twinged. “I never faulted the guy for the comparison, though I came up with a hundred ways to call him out as an idiot for it. But T always answered by shaking his head, calling me the fool. He’d say borrowed minutes were some of the best we can have in life, a lesson Luna taught him. He also said that light is often at its most perfect before the darkness comes again and that those moments are worth risking everything for…worth mourning for.” He shook his head as his face crunched into a beautiful contortion. “At which point, I usually called him a bigger fool. And at which point, we usually got into disgusting fights.”
