by Peyton Banks
“You enjoy your breakfast. I’ll hop in the shower.”
“Wait, did you see anyone in the woods last night?”
“No. After my shower we can view the surveillance footage.”
“Ok.” I smirked. “Thanks again for breakfast. It’s delicious.”
“You’re welcome,” he growled over his shoulder, stalking toward the bedroom.
Great, Mr. Grizzly was in another funk. I guess since he chose to be single, he wasn’t supposed to be attracted to me. I don’t think he was happy with himself for the way his cock tented his pants when he talked about my body. I smiled on the inside.
Shit, if he didn’t know before, he knew now I was attracted to him. I basically begged him to sleep with me last night. How embarrassing. The real reason I didn’t want Aiden in my home was because I knew I couldn’t trust myself around his rock-hard body.
Fuck, after seeing his rippling muscles… I licked my lips. Wanting him bad was an understatement. He needed a good strong woman in his life who could prove to him she’d love him no matter what. And stand at his side. Not sure he’d let a woman in.
The trees stood still in the summer heat. I scanned the wooded area from the wooden porch steps. Turning my face to the sky, I smiled as the sun heated my brown skin.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
My eyes popped open landing on Aiden. His broad frame blocked the sun. His dripping wet hair dangled in his face. Those dark green eyes burned through me.
“I wanted to feel the sun on my skin.”
His big strong arm scooped me up and whisked me inside the cabin. My body shook against his huge frame. He kicked the door shut. Aiden placed me on my feet.
My heart vibrated in my chest.
“What were you thinking?” he roared.
“You said you didn’t see anyone in the woods so I thought it was safe.”
He stepped closer, towering over me. “It’s obvious you weren’t thinking. My job is to protect you. I can’t do that if you don’t listen.” Worry washed over his face and his chest heaved.
I placed my hand on his cheek. “Aiden, I am ok.”
He was like a raging bull ready to plow through anyone who got in his way.
Slowly, my other hand rose resting on his other cheek. “I am ok, Aiden.” I pulled his face toward me until our lips collided.
The big beast crushed his big arms around me. I felt safe and secure snug in his arms. I didn’t want him to ever let me go. Our lips twisted and our teeth clashed. He released my lips and stepped back eyes wide.
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t supposed to happen.”
He stalked into the bedroom. I followed.
“Yes, it was, Aiden. I want your heart. I want you to let me in. I don’t want to find another man. I found him.”
He halted his steps and peeked over his shoulder into my eyes. “No. You can’t handle my life.”
“Damn, Aiden! Try me.”
He continued on. I sat on the bed. Aiden dropped to his knees, rummaging through the large duffel.
He glared at me. “Try you… like a fucking shoe.”
I flew to my feet. “You know what I meant you brooding ass hole. I see why you’re alone. You don’t want to let anyone in,” I yelled then stormed off.
Plopping on the couch, I hugged my legs as the tears spilled.
“I am sorry, Nadia,” the big bear growled.
“No, you’re not. Just do your fucking job,” I spat, rising to my feet.
I couldn’t make eye contact. He shattered my pride. I glanced at the machine gun. “Are we training or what?”
“Yeah.”
Folding my arms, I followed him outside. We stood amongst the tall trees. “Slip on the safety glasses.” He extended his hand.
I snatched the glasses out of his hand then slid them onto my face.
Aiden rambled on about gun safety. I was forced to meet his sad stern gaze. He positioned the AK forty-seven in my hands.
“Focus on the tree in your path.”
I stared at the target through the scope. He wrapped his arms around me, holding the weapon still.
My blood boiled. We needed to hurry up with this lesson.
Crunching numbers would sure feel good right now.
“Fire,” he ordered.
I squeezed the trigger. Several rounds released from the AK forty-seven splintering the tree.
“Good. Do you think you can handle shooting on your own?”
“I’ll try.”
He stepped back.
I squeezed the trigger again firing shots. My lips curled.
“I did it!”
“Good job.”
We practiced shooting a few different weapons then we moved on to defensive training.
“Commander Wilder, remember I am a civilian, so take it easy on me?”
“No.” He swept his leg under mine and my ass thudded the dirt.
“Fuck you, Aiden.”
“I know you are angry with me.” He helped me to my feet. I sucker punched him in the gut.
He didn’t flinch. “What was that?” he chuckled.
“Ugh.”
I focused on getting in a few licks.
Ducking under his arm then extending my leg he blocked my kick with his hand.
“That’s enough for today.”
“Good, I’m gross and need a shower.”
“Join me on the couch afterwards. We can watch the surveillance footage.”
I nodded.
The hot water massaged my throbbing ass. Shit, that training was intense. I couldn’t help but think back on our kiss. If he wouldn’t have backed off, we would have made love instead of training. I shook off the dirty thoughts. I refused to think of how strong our sexual attraction was to one another.
9
Aiden
Nadia pushed feelings to the surface I’d never felt. Thinking about those nude thighs from that day made my cock hard as a rock. I stood in the cold shower to gain control. She definitely knew how to push my buttons. But also knew how to calm me. Her soft hand landed against my cheek. Fuck, I wanted to slide deep into her warmth until I filled her womb at least three times.
She admitted I was the man she wanted. Even after learning about my dangerous life. Nadia thought she wanted a life with me. She was confused.
One year of living with a man who’d barely be in our home, she’d leave.
Nadia plopped on the couch at my side bringing me back from my thoughts.
“I’m ready.”
Her cold distant eyes stared at the laptop screen.
I tapped the button, and the video played.
A man stood in Nadia’s ransacked living room holding a cell in his hand.
Sir, she’s not here.
Where the fuck is, she? The man’s voice roared through the speaker.
I didn’t want to alarm Nadia, but I recognized the voice.
LT. Commander Kraton Thompson.
He hated me and I hated him more. His animosity ran deep because I continued to out perform him in BUD’s training.
The man glanced over his shoulder at the other two men and shrugged.
She’s disappeared sir. Someone must’ve helped her.
Fucking, find her. Get traffic cam footage. She can’t be far.
He disconnected the call.
“You heard him. Rosco, talk to your buddy in intelligence and get eyes on the streets.”
They never walked next door to my house. They gathered the men I pulverized and left the premises.
Nadia gasped and tears streamed down her beautiful cheeks. I embraced her.
“I’ll keep you safe. Don’t you worry.”
Knowing Thompson, he was working with a large crew. I didn’t want to call on my brother, but I might need too.
“Aiden, go take a nap. I’ll guard the window.” She pulled back.
“Ok. There aren’t any camera’s for miles other than the super store we were at yesterday. If they’re any good and
could track us, it would take a couple of days.”
She nodded, grabbed the AK forty-seven and strolled toward the window.
“If you see a tree branch move wake me up, ok.”
“All right.”
I glanced at my blaring watch. It was sixteen hundred hours. I shot up in the middle of the bed, clutching my head. Strolling into the bathroom, I stared into the mirror. My PTSD hit me hard. I clutched the counter, closed my eyes, and counted to ten.
“Aiden, are you, all right?”
“Yeah.” I glanced at Nadia. “Why?”
“You yelled get down in your sleep.”
Shit. I ran my fingers through my dark hair.
“I have PTSD. Sorry if I alarmed you.”
She placed her hand on my arm. “Never apologize for that.”
Nadia walked out the bathroom.
A few minutes later, I relieved her of her duties. She laid on the couch and fell asleep.
Nadia stirred, stretching her arms. “That was a good nap.”
I peeked at her. “I want to apologize for my rude behavior this morning. I was a fucking asshole.”
She chuckled. “Yeah, you were.”
“I am attracted to you.” I clutched my fist and stole another glimpse of her.
Nadia blushed.
“The thought of allowing you into my life terrifies me.”
“You have to open your heart, Aiden. Trust that we could be good together. You don’t know unless you try.”
I clutched the rifle. “Sometimes, I am away a year at a time. Worse what would you do if I disappeared in active duty?”
She strolled across the room into my arms. “I’d remember all the good times we shared. And hope you’d come back to me.”
I closed my eyes, slid my free hand over her ass, and planted my lips against the top of her head.
“I need to survey the grounds. Nadia, guard the window.
She pressed her hands against my chest and gazed into my eyes. “Ok.”
I walked out of the cabin, scanning my surroundings. The lush trees swayed as I trudged through the woods. Staring through the binoculars, I scanned my surroundings. Nothing. Good. I approached the cabin. I caught a glimpse of the sun set over the sparkling lake behind the house.
“Nadia,” I called.
She crept toward the door.
“Yes?”
“Come here.”
She scurried down the stairs toward me. “It feels perfect out here.”
I smiled. “Look.” I nodded in the direction of the lake.
Her gorgeous face brightened. “The sunset is beautiful. Are you sure it’s safe?”
“Yes.” I threaded our fingers. “Come on.” I sat in the grass and pulled her down at my side.
“I can’t believe I am saying this… I’d like to see where this goes between us.”
Her head fell against my shoulder and she gripped my bicep. “Are you ok with cooking our meals? I can’t cook remember.”
My eyebrow rose as I glanced down at her. “I remember. And yes. I am fine with cooking.”
She laughed.
“Aiden, I’ve always enjoyed watching the sun rise and set.”
“I guess we have that in common. No matter where I was in the world if I had the ability to watch the sun rise or set, I felt better about my day. Didn’t matter what I was about to do or where I was in the world.”
She squeezed my arm. “Maybe that is something we can share. When the sun rises or sets wherever I am, know I’ll be thinking about you.”
“I love that sentiment. Something that is ours no one can take from us.” I grinned.
“Yup. But first things first, Mr. Grizzly. No more taking your sexual frustration out on me.”
“Again, that was wrong of me.” I wrapped my arm around her and pressed my lips against hers.
“That won’t happen again.”
“Good. Can you feed me now?”
I smiled. “Yes, I can do that. I think I have a case of beer in the fridge. Our limit is one a piece.”
“Sounds good.”
We walked toward the cabin.
“Will you share a few more war stories?”
“Sure, you little war junkie.” I laughed.
Rocking the blade through the orange peppers, I glanced at Nadia. She nursed the cold bottle of beer.
“It’s weird not checking my cell phone.”
“We had to destroy it. Didn’t want to take any chances.”
“Yeah, I understand. Even though my parents are on vacation, they might worry if they don’t hear from me by Wednesday.”
I needed to lighten the mood. “Do you miss Boston?”
Her lips curled upward. “I do. Nothing like watching the Celtics play or the Red Sox.”
“Oh, so you like sports?”
“I do. Don’t you?” She sipped the beer.
“Yeah, I love baseball. A day after I returned to the States, I flew to New York to watch a Yankees game. I sat behind home plate.”
“Wow, fantastic seats!”
“Sitting in the stadium taking in the crowd. Hearing all the laughter surrounding me warmed my heart. I felt good about protecting this country from terrorism. In the seventh inning, they asked all the service men and women to stand. They thanked us for our service.”
“Did you stand?”
“I did.”
Her smile lit up her face. “Good. Always let us express our gratitude. You risk your life every day for us.”
She hopped off the bar stool and strolled around the counter. Nadia removed the knife from my hand and placed it on the counter and turned to me. She rested her hands on my chest.
“I’ve had a crush on you for a long time.”
My eyebrows rose.
“I know I am asking an awful lot of a man like you. You’re afraid to be loved by a woman because you don’t think she can love you unconditionally. You think she will leave at the first sign of trouble. I want you to understand we can build a special life. We can do everything the way we want together. I am not saying it won’t be hard. I am stronger today than I was a few years back when I was admitted to rehab. I didn’t want anything good in my life. One day I decided to do better for me. I am resilient and won’t let anyone tear me down. I know for the first time in my life, I picked a good man. Your career path is dangerous. I am not naïve. I understand you could return to active duty and never return.”
I clenched my fists. Her words cut deep because for the first time I’d understand how my men felt fighting for their country and in the back of their minds wondering if they’d ever see their loved ones again.
“This is what I didn’t want.” I smoothed my hand over her wavy hair. “The pain of knowing you are at home worrying about me.”
“Listen, at least you know I care. Don’t think about me worrying. Think about this day. The day you cooked are first romantic dinner of many.” She grinned.
“I know you are sacrificing your life for me. Again, thank you. If we make it out of this mess alive. Promise, you’ll come over to my parents for dinner.”
I squeezed my eyes with two fingers. “Yeah, I can agree to that.”
She pulled me close until her soft lips met mine. Nadia slid her hands over my neck, deepening our kiss. She stepped back. “I want forever with you, Aiden Wilder. Whatever our forever looks like. I’ll be right back.” Her eyes glassed over.
I wanted to follow her, but I gave her a moment alone.
Forever, huh? The thought scared the shit out of me. I tried so hard not to allow my negative thoughts to manifest. Aiden, give yourself a shot at happiness.
10
Aiden
“My uncle said he hated Navy basic training. Was Navy SEALs training similar?” Nadia asked, cutting a sliver of grilled chicken, sitting next to me at the wooden kitchen counter.
“Not at all. Waking up every day before sunrise after only sleeping four hours broke several guys.” I chugged my beer.
“I still h
ave calloused hands from climbing up and down the rope so many times during Hellweek.”
Nadia grabbed my hand and traced her fingers over the rough skin.
“Damn.”
“Basic Underwater Demolition training to become a Navy SEAL was no picnic either, but it prepares you to become the best. Navy SEAL training is in a league of its own. Paddling in the surf late at night against rough freezing waves is one of the most mind-numbing task. Imagine holding an ice cube in your hand until it stings. That’s how cold the ocean feels.
You have to dig deep in your mind to make it through every last task.” I took another swig of my beer.
“Nothing makes you feel better than keeping your team safe and everyone returning from a mission.” I grabbed Nadia’s hand.
“Admiral Cutner will send me on a new mission very soon. That was the deal I agreed to, so I could have a short leave. Honestly, I wanted nothing else to do with the Navy.”
Her mouth dropped open.
“When you have a special skill set like mine... SEALs aren’t ever done with war. There is always someone who wants to hurt the American people. Then the SEALs are called to handle the situation.”
Nadia clutched my hand. “Have you ever thought about running… away?”
I chuckled and released her hand. “Yup, for a split second before I arrived home, I thought, I should disappear. I’m trained to survive I could walk away and never be found. Maybe, I love what I do more than I was willing to let on. I’ve been a Sailor for ten years. Do you still want to move forward? With me?”
“Aiden, you know better than anyone, none of us are promised tomorrow. I could make a left turn onto a street and end up in a car accident that takes my life.”
My heart raced and my stomach bottomed out. For the first time I had someone in my life I cared about and damn sure didn’t want to lose her.
“I am aware of the danger. If we had a family, I’d hope my parents and yours would love their grandchildren and willingly help if I was ever in need.”
