“Yes, three others that I had seen.”
Fuck. We need this information, and my love, you’re the only one who can give it to us. God I hate asking you to do this. But I need this to protect you.
“I could describe them for you. I know what they look like. Every detail is burned into my memory. I had wanted it out of my mind, but if it means I can help you catch those bastards, I’m glad it’s still there.”
My sweet brave girl. You never cease to amaze me. Here I am worried if you’re strong enough to be the wife of someone like me, and I’m blown away; your strength is greater than many men I’ve served with.
“I can take you with me to a place where they will help you identify them.”
“Yes. I want to help. It’s not like what you do, but if I can help in this small way, I want to.” Her voice was so adamant and strong.
And that led right into what he knew he needed to talk to her about. After what he’d just learned, he knew he could never leave her again. A deployment overseas could leave her unprotected for months. He’d never risk that.
“Hannah, I wanted to talk to you about that. I have my re-enlistment papers. I’ve decided not to sign them.”
“No, you can’t do that.” Her voice rose.
He didn’t understand her resistance to this news. If anything he’d thought she’d be elated about the decision. It was one he’d never had imagined making until Hannah came into his life. “I don’t want to leave you. How can I protect you if I’m not here?”
Hannah reached her hand out and touched his check. “I love you, Mark Collins, and that love cannot be broken. Not through distance or time. But what I have learned through this entire ordeal is that what you do is desperately needed. I need you, this country needs you, and this world needs you to sign those papers and find those bastards before they can hurt more people.”
He looked into her eyes and saw love and respect in them. But after what had happened to her before he had arrived, how could he ever consider leaving her alone again? “Who is going to take care of you while I’m gone?”
Hannah laughed, “I will. What I’ve also come to realize is I’m much more resilient than I’d given myself credit for. Heck, I might even go back to college and get that degree I started years ago. I didn’t think I had it in me to finish it any longer. It’s like I had stopped dreaming when my father had become ill. With you in my life, the future is all I think about now. I have three more years but I really would like to finish it. If that’s okay with you, that is.”
College? Why not? You’re brilliant and I want the entire world to know it. “I say follow your heart and I’ll support you in anything you decide to do.”
“Ditto.”
“And what have you learned about taking care of yourself?” I hope it was to trust no one.
“To ask questions, lots of them. Knowledge is powerful.”
She was so darn cute as she said it he almost laughed, but he knew she was serious. And more importantly, she was right.
Pulling her into his arms, Mark said, “Knowledge is power, but do you know what is more powerful?”
She shook her head.
“Love. And you, my sweet Hannah, have all the power in the world, because I love you with all my heart.”
The tears started streaming down her cheeks again, but his time he knew it wasn’t pain and hurt. It was the same reason he had to fight back his tears. They had found the most precious thing in this world, soul mates. He would stay in the Navy—he had even more to fight for now. Mark knew from this day forward, Hannah would always be first in his life. This was something he promised for them both.
The End
Other books by Jeannette Winters
Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
Barrington Billionaire Series:
Book 1: One White Lie
Book 2: Table for Two
Book 3: You and Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin for the Fourth Time (pre-order January 2017)
Book 5: His for Five Nights (2017)
Book 6: After Six (2017)
Southern Desires Series:
Book 1: Southern Spice
Book 2: Southern Exposure
Book 3: Southern Delight (Coming 2016)
Book 4: Southern Regions (Coming 2016)
The Billionaire’s Secret
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
(Get the entire book for FREE by clicking HERE)
One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
Southern Spice
Derrick Nash knows the pain of loss. But is he seeking justice or revenge? He doesn’t care as long as someone pays the price.
It is Casey Collin’s duty at FEMA to help those in need when a natural disaster strikes. After a tornado hits Honeywell, she finds there are more problems than just storm damage. Will she follow company procedures or her heart?
Can Derrick move forward without the answers he’s been searching for? Can Casey teach him how to trust again? Or will she need to face the fact that not every story has a happy ending?
Books by Ruth Cardello
The Legacy Collection:
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (available at all major eBook stores for FREE!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving The Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea’s Redemption
Book 7: A Corisi Christmas Novella
The Andrades
A spin off series of the Legacy Collection with cameos from characters you love from that series.
Recipe For Love, An Andrade Christmas Novella
Book 1: Come Away With Me (available at all major eBook stores for FREE!)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
The Barringtons
A new, seven book series about the Andrade’s Boston cousins.
The first series in the Barrington Billionaire WORLD.
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 4: Let It Burn (pre-order January 2017)
Book 5: More Than Love (2017)
Book 6: Forever Now (2017)
Book 7: Never Goodbye (2017)
Always Mine
Book 1 of the Barrington Series
By Ruth Cardello
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author!
When it comes to getting what he wants, Asher Barrington is a hammer who is known for crushing his opponents. From the moment Emily walks into his office and challenges h
im, winning takes on a whole new meaning.
The only thing standing between Emily Harris and her goal to open a museum for the blind is an arrogant, sexy as hell billionaire, who thinks sleeping with her will not complicate the situation.
He won’t change. She won’t back down.
But together they sizzle.
Books by Danielle Stewart
The Barringtons Series
Book 1: Fierce Love
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy Nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts (pre-order)
Fierce Love
Book 1 of The Barrington Billionaires
By Danielle Stewart
Telling James West he can’t do something is like telling lightning it can’t strike. The only thing that crosses his mind is “Challenge accepted.” Finally sitting at the helm of his families oil company, James is ready to concur the industry. The gorgeous, mysterious woman who keeps crossing his path looks like the perfect distraction from the stress of his new role. He’ll have to choose between having her in his corner at West Oil or taking her to his bed.
Libby Saint-Jane has been living a lie. One she intends to protect at any cost. When she finds herself in over her head and on the verge of failure, will her boss, James West, bail her out or kick her to the curb? He may not be the solution for all her troubles but might be the adventure she’s been waiting for.
Available now!
Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2) Page 22
