Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Monday, November 4, 2019
Friday, November 9, 2018
Searing Need by Tracey Devlyn 💕 Book Tour & Gift Card Giveaway 💕 (Military Romantic Suspense)
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But once her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?
The fox continued to watch them with unnerving stillness.
He swore. “Let’s make this quick.”
She nodded, flexing her fingers inside her leather gloves. Kneeling at the pit’s edge, she crooned to the frightened, trapped kit. “It’s okay, little one. We’ll have you out of there in a blink.” Looking up at Coen, she asked, “Ready?”
“I’m not the one going into a confined space with a rabid animal.”
“Not every wild creature is rabid. Sometimes they’re just scared.”
He studied her for the space of a breath before motioning to her to get into position. “What do you need?”
“Hold my ankles until I signal that I’ve got the kit, then pull like hell.” She placed the butt of the penlight between her teeth, and without another word, the botanist lay on her stomach, arrowed her arms into the hole, and slid beneath the earth’s surface.
Scrabbling to grasp her ankles, he couldn’t decide if she was one of the most fearless people he’d ever encountered or one of the most reckless.
She lowered her entire torso into the pit, which left him with a perfect view of her firm, well-rounded ass. Heat speared into his gut.
Reid’s cousin, Reid’s cousin, Reid’s cousin.
He forced himself to look away.
While he’d been preoccupied by the botanist’s assets, the adult fox had moved several feet closer. He tightened his grip around her ankles.
“Hurry up,” he demanded.
He received a garbled reply in return. Then the muscles in her calves tautened and her body jerked.
“Do you have it?” he asked.
More garbled words. She couldn’t speak with the damned penlight in her mouth.
“Do you have it?” he pressed.
She must have removed the flashlight long enough to bark out a loud whispered, “No.”
His attention whipped back to the adult sentinel. The fox now sat no more than ten feet away. Way too close for his comfort.
“Ten more seconds and then I’m pulling you out.”
He began the countdown in his head while he kept one eye of the fox. Once he hit ten, he said, “Time’s up.”
Riley began to struggle in his grip, but he dragged her out of the pit, inch by inch, his muscles flexing and straining. When her head cleared the opening, he held his breath, hoping he’d given her enough time to secure the kit.
She spit the penlight out of her mouth and used her free hand to raise herself into a kneeling position. Slowly her other hand cleared the pit and a small, red ball of fluff dangled above the ground.
The adult fox stalked closer, its black-socked paws taking measured steps toward its offspring.
“Set the kit down, Riley.”
“I need to first make sure it’s okay.”
“Set it down.”
She must have picked up on the tension in his voice, for she did as instructed.
They both watched as the kit shuffled away, panicking, before noticing the adult nearby. Body low, the kit beelined for the safety of its parent. The two touched noses before sprinting into the woods.
Watching the two foxes reunite helped banish the remnants of his nightmare. He looked to where Riley sat on the ground. Wisps of dark hair framed her flushed face, and dirt streaked her white tank top. Her breasts rose high with each excited breath.
Pushing her glasses up, she gave him a broad, joyful smile.
Something in his chest cracked.
He swore. “Let’s make this quick.”
She nodded, flexing her fingers inside her leather gloves. Kneeling at the pit’s edge, she crooned to the frightened, trapped kit. “It’s okay, little one. We’ll have you out of there in a blink.” Looking up at Coen, she asked, “Ready?”
“I’m not the one going into a confined space with a rabid animal.”
“Not every wild creature is rabid. Sometimes they’re just scared.”
He studied her for the space of a breath before motioning to her to get into position. “What do you need?”
“Hold my ankles until I signal that I’ve got the kit, then pull like hell.” She placed the butt of the penlight between her teeth, and without another word, the botanist lay on her stomach, arrowed her arms into the hole, and slid beneath the earth’s surface.
Scrabbling to grasp her ankles, he couldn’t decide if she was one of the most fearless people he’d ever encountered or one of the most reckless.
She lowered her entire torso into the pit, which left him with a perfect view of her firm, well-rounded ass. Heat speared into his gut.
Reid’s cousin, Reid’s cousin, Reid’s cousin.
He forced himself to look away.
While he’d been preoccupied by the botanist’s assets, the adult fox had moved several feet closer. He tightened his grip around her ankles.
“Hurry up,” he demanded.
He received a garbled reply in return. Then the muscles in her calves tautened and her body jerked.
“Do you have it?” he asked.
More garbled words. She couldn’t speak with the damned penlight in her mouth.
“Do you have it?” he pressed.
She must have removed the flashlight long enough to bark out a loud whispered, “No.”
His attention whipped back to the adult sentinel. The fox now sat no more than ten feet away. Way too close for his comfort.
“Ten more seconds and then I’m pulling you out.”
He began the countdown in his head while he kept one eye of the fox. Once he hit ten, he said, “Time’s up.”
Riley began to struggle in his grip, but he dragged her out of the pit, inch by inch, his muscles flexing and straining. When her head cleared the opening, he held his breath, hoping he’d given her enough time to secure the kit.
She spit the penlight out of her mouth and used her free hand to raise herself into a kneeling position. Slowly her other hand cleared the pit and a small, red ball of fluff dangled above the ground.
The adult fox stalked closer, its black-socked paws taking measured steps toward its offspring.
“Set the kit down, Riley.”
“I need to first make sure it’s okay.”
“Set it down.”
She must have picked up on the tension in his voice, for she did as instructed.
They both watched as the kit shuffled away, panicking, before noticing the adult nearby. Body low, the kit beelined for the safety of its parent. The two touched noses before sprinting into the woods.
Watching the two foxes reunite helped banish the remnants of his nightmare. He looked to where Riley sat on the ground. Wisps of dark hair framed her flushed face, and dirt streaked her white tank top. Her breasts rose high with each excited breath.
Pushing her glasses up, she gave him a broad, joyful smile.
Something in his chest cracked.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Naval Maneuvers by Dee S. Knight 💕 Book Tour & Gift Card Giveaway 💕 (Erotic Military Romance)
Carie made her way around the side of the building and nearly ran into Todd, who lounged against the weathered wood siding. He looked better than good in a pale blue polo shirt and jeans. Top-Sider boat shoes with no socks gave him that naturally casual look that no model could successfully carry out.
"I was hoping you'd come," he said.
"You were pretty obvious," she said dryly.
"I knew you were smart enough to catch the hint. I just didn't know if you'd follow it."
How could she not? The moment she noticed him she'd remembered the feel of his being deep inside her. But that didn't change a damn thing. They shouldn't be here, not together.
She held her head high and tried to look down her nose at him—nearly impossible since he was taller than she, but she had perfected the attitude long before meeting Todd Baxter. Senior Chief Todd Baxter. "I wanted to walk the beach while I was here, that's all." Todd grinned and Carie melted inside.
"Lucky for me, I wanted to walk the beach, too," he said. "Quite a coincidence, huh?"
She snorted in disbelief and slipped off her sandals. Brushing by him, she was glad he didn't try to kiss her or hold her. But then she frowned. Why didn't he try to kiss her? She'd wanted to jump his bones right there in that Norfolk hallway. They had to maintain propriety then, but here, no one would see them. What held him back? She knew an unfamiliar sense of self-doubt. Had she mistaken his feelings before?
Nonsense. Carie knew what they'd had was more than mere lust. It had been lust of stupendous proportions, far beyond a few days of burning out. Then what held him back? Knowing the military regulations preventing officers and enlisted personnel from having a relationship, you idiot.
Damn. She finally found someone she clicked with, and he had to be an enlisted man in the Navy.
The sand felt good between her toes, cool and squishy. Gulls screeched overhead and on the sand, where they snatched up sand crabs and poked around for scraps sunbathers might have left. Surf pounded to the shore and then surged forward, the sharp white of its foam sharp against the dark, wet sand before the water was absorbed. The sun beat down, making her wish she'd worn her bathing suit under her jeans and tank top so she could take a quick dip, and remembered to bring a floppy hat to shield her face.
Suddenly, something was plopped on her head. She dragged it off to look at it. SFC Baxter was stamped on the inside of a white sailor hat, brim folded down.
"I kept it for sentimental purposes when I made chief," Todd said. When she raised her brows, he continued. "I brought it in case you came without a cover. I remember you were sensitive to the sun when we went to pick up your clothes." He smiled. "And I know you're quick to freckle. Not that I don't like your freckles a great deal. Ma'am."
She cringed at his use of "Ma'am," though it was the proper term for him to use when a superior officer was a woman. But she smiled inside that he'd remembered such a small thing like the sensitivity to the sun suffered by all redheads. Chagrined, she put the hat on and pulled it forward, shielding her eyes from the sun.
"After all that time in North Carolina, how in hell did we never mention what we did for a living?" She couldn’t believe her stupidity. Martha had nothing on her for not asking the right questions.
"In Carolina we had lots of other things on our minds. I knew you’re a lawyer. When I thought of you, I never wondered how you spent your time at work. I just thought of how you spent your time with me."
"That’s pretty shallow."
Todd laughed. "Not to a man."
Stupid answer. But it had been his very maleness that captivated her. Well, and orgasms. Who’s shallow now?
"Look," he said, his hand out in a request for understanding. "It isn’t as though I didn't want to get to know you better. I did. I do. But when we’re together I can't keep my hands off you. I can't stop thinking how I want to touch you, kiss you, do other things to–"
"When were you going to tell me you were in the Navy?" she asked.
He sighed loud enough that she heard it over the sound of the waves. "I don't know. I guess when we slowed down enough to talk. There wasn't much time."
There hadn't been. In Asheville, if they hadn't been eating or sleeping, they busy in other ways. And there hadn't been much eating or sleeping going on.
"I think they should put a plaque on the outside of that room for the fewest number of times the occupants left in four days. I couldn't get enough of you." Carrying his shoes in his left hand, he stuck his right hand in his pocket and strolled along beside her, barefoot. "I still can't."
"You didn't exactly write and tell me that."
He shrugged. "I didn't want to assume too much, not knowing if you wanted me again as much as I wanted you. Call me shy." He grinned, and she burst into laughter. "Besides," he continued, "you're the one who left saying, 'It's been fun.'"
She dipped her head, acknowledging the fact. "And you agreed."
"Carie, I was scared."
He sounded sincere, but really? He stopped and stared out across the breakers. She stared along with him, wondering what he saw out there. "I'm pretty set in my ways," he said, and she had to strain to hear him, he spoke so low. "I'll be honest, I haven't been a monk, but sex with you was different. You made me think of things I'd never considered before." He studied her face. "Do you understand?"
"I think so," she said softly. "I wanted you more than anything. I've never had time or energy for a relationship. I've given all I have to my career. But I think I want more now."
Todd reached to cup her cheek but then dropped his hand. "Like I said, I'm not a monk but there's been no one since you."
She wanted him. More, she needed him. "Nor for me. It wouldn't have been the same. Nothing before you was ever that intense. Nothing else has ever touched me." Pain struck her heart. "I want to kiss you so damn much."
Before he could say anything, she turned and began walking again, sticking her hand in her pocket so she wouldn't be tempted to reach for his hand. She'd had to hold herself back from stepping into his arms in the hallway on base. Here, on a near-empty beach, she had to exert even more will power. "That was then, and this is now. Vacation and real life seldom mix."
"Funny," he said. "Given the chance, I'd mix vacation and real life in a New York minute"
"Me, too," she admitted. "But we can't now. You've ruined everything."
She felt him stiffen beside her. Idiot! You make a living saying the right thing to sway people's opinion and you screw up like that?
"This is my fault how?" he asked quietly. She hadn't seen him angry, but she had an idea this quiet voice was the prelude.
"You're in the Navy but you're not an officer." It might sound petty, but regs were regs. "Why aren't you an officer?" Okay, and that sounded whiny. But damn it, she felt whiny. "That attorney friend of yours said you were a mechanical engineer. Weren't you offered OCS?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. After I received my BS and again after I earned my Masters. I didn't accept because I didn't want to be an officer."
"Why not?" She spun to face him, the arm holding her sandals outstretched in confusion. She'd never met anyone who would turn down the chance to make more money and have more prestige.
"I like working, using my hands, being with my men—on the job and off."
She started walking again. "Well, too bad you like sleeping with me. Or you seemed to. God knows, I loved being with you. And now it's all over."
"I'm surprised at you, counselor. The regulation obviously was written for two people who work together. It's to keep one from having undue power over the other. We don't work together."
"It's military regulations. You don't mess with them. I don't mess with them. I work to uphold them, not bend them to suit my desires."
"I love your desires." He pulled her hand from her pocket. Linking their fingers, he stepped closer and they continued their stroll across the sand as though the world hadn't just turned on its axis. "Right here, right now, it feels like we never left Asheville. The view is different but we're the same."
Carie opened her mouth for air, suddenly needing more than she had a moment ago. But she couldn't gather the strength needed to take back her hand. "The view isn't the only thing different."
He frowned. "Was I the friend you had planned to surprise this weekend?"
"Yes." She sighed.
He laughed out loud. "You succeeded wildly."
"I was hoping you'd come," he said.
"You were pretty obvious," she said dryly.
"I knew you were smart enough to catch the hint. I just didn't know if you'd follow it."
How could she not? The moment she noticed him she'd remembered the feel of his being deep inside her. But that didn't change a damn thing. They shouldn't be here, not together.
She held her head high and tried to look down her nose at him—nearly impossible since he was taller than she, but she had perfected the attitude long before meeting Todd Baxter. Senior Chief Todd Baxter. "I wanted to walk the beach while I was here, that's all." Todd grinned and Carie melted inside.
"Lucky for me, I wanted to walk the beach, too," he said. "Quite a coincidence, huh?"
She snorted in disbelief and slipped off her sandals. Brushing by him, she was glad he didn't try to kiss her or hold her. But then she frowned. Why didn't he try to kiss her? She'd wanted to jump his bones right there in that Norfolk hallway. They had to maintain propriety then, but here, no one would see them. What held him back? She knew an unfamiliar sense of self-doubt. Had she mistaken his feelings before?
Nonsense. Carie knew what they'd had was more than mere lust. It had been lust of stupendous proportions, far beyond a few days of burning out. Then what held him back? Knowing the military regulations preventing officers and enlisted personnel from having a relationship, you idiot.
Damn. She finally found someone she clicked with, and he had to be an enlisted man in the Navy.
The sand felt good between her toes, cool and squishy. Gulls screeched overhead and on the sand, where they snatched up sand crabs and poked around for scraps sunbathers might have left. Surf pounded to the shore and then surged forward, the sharp white of its foam sharp against the dark, wet sand before the water was absorbed. The sun beat down, making her wish she'd worn her bathing suit under her jeans and tank top so she could take a quick dip, and remembered to bring a floppy hat to shield her face.
Suddenly, something was plopped on her head. She dragged it off to look at it. SFC Baxter was stamped on the inside of a white sailor hat, brim folded down.
"I kept it for sentimental purposes when I made chief," Todd said. When she raised her brows, he continued. "I brought it in case you came without a cover. I remember you were sensitive to the sun when we went to pick up your clothes." He smiled. "And I know you're quick to freckle. Not that I don't like your freckles a great deal. Ma'am."
She cringed at his use of "Ma'am," though it was the proper term for him to use when a superior officer was a woman. But she smiled inside that he'd remembered such a small thing like the sensitivity to the sun suffered by all redheads. Chagrined, she put the hat on and pulled it forward, shielding her eyes from the sun.
"After all that time in North Carolina, how in hell did we never mention what we did for a living?" She couldn’t believe her stupidity. Martha had nothing on her for not asking the right questions.
"In Carolina we had lots of other things on our minds. I knew you’re a lawyer. When I thought of you, I never wondered how you spent your time at work. I just thought of how you spent your time with me."
"That’s pretty shallow."
Todd laughed. "Not to a man."
Stupid answer. But it had been his very maleness that captivated her. Well, and orgasms. Who’s shallow now?
"Look," he said, his hand out in a request for understanding. "It isn’t as though I didn't want to get to know you better. I did. I do. But when we’re together I can't keep my hands off you. I can't stop thinking how I want to touch you, kiss you, do other things to–"
"When were you going to tell me you were in the Navy?" she asked.
He sighed loud enough that she heard it over the sound of the waves. "I don't know. I guess when we slowed down enough to talk. There wasn't much time."
There hadn't been. In Asheville, if they hadn't been eating or sleeping, they busy in other ways. And there hadn't been much eating or sleeping going on.
"I think they should put a plaque on the outside of that room for the fewest number of times the occupants left in four days. I couldn't get enough of you." Carrying his shoes in his left hand, he stuck his right hand in his pocket and strolled along beside her, barefoot. "I still can't."
"You didn't exactly write and tell me that."
He shrugged. "I didn't want to assume too much, not knowing if you wanted me again as much as I wanted you. Call me shy." He grinned, and she burst into laughter. "Besides," he continued, "you're the one who left saying, 'It's been fun.'"
She dipped her head, acknowledging the fact. "And you agreed."
"Carie, I was scared."
He sounded sincere, but really? He stopped and stared out across the breakers. She stared along with him, wondering what he saw out there. "I'm pretty set in my ways," he said, and she had to strain to hear him, he spoke so low. "I'll be honest, I haven't been a monk, but sex with you was different. You made me think of things I'd never considered before." He studied her face. "Do you understand?"
"I think so," she said softly. "I wanted you more than anything. I've never had time or energy for a relationship. I've given all I have to my career. But I think I want more now."
Todd reached to cup her cheek but then dropped his hand. "Like I said, I'm not a monk but there's been no one since you."
She wanted him. More, she needed him. "Nor for me. It wouldn't have been the same. Nothing before you was ever that intense. Nothing else has ever touched me." Pain struck her heart. "I want to kiss you so damn much."
Before he could say anything, she turned and began walking again, sticking her hand in her pocket so she wouldn't be tempted to reach for his hand. She'd had to hold herself back from stepping into his arms in the hallway on base. Here, on a near-empty beach, she had to exert even more will power. "That was then, and this is now. Vacation and real life seldom mix."
"Funny," he said. "Given the chance, I'd mix vacation and real life in a New York minute"
"Me, too," she admitted. "But we can't now. You've ruined everything."
She felt him stiffen beside her. Idiot! You make a living saying the right thing to sway people's opinion and you screw up like that?
"This is my fault how?" he asked quietly. She hadn't seen him angry, but she had an idea this quiet voice was the prelude.
"You're in the Navy but you're not an officer." It might sound petty, but regs were regs. "Why aren't you an officer?" Okay, and that sounded whiny. But damn it, she felt whiny. "That attorney friend of yours said you were a mechanical engineer. Weren't you offered OCS?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. After I received my BS and again after I earned my Masters. I didn't accept because I didn't want to be an officer."
"Why not?" She spun to face him, the arm holding her sandals outstretched in confusion. She'd never met anyone who would turn down the chance to make more money and have more prestige.
"I like working, using my hands, being with my men—on the job and off."
She started walking again. "Well, too bad you like sleeping with me. Or you seemed to. God knows, I loved being with you. And now it's all over."
"I'm surprised at you, counselor. The regulation obviously was written for two people who work together. It's to keep one from having undue power over the other. We don't work together."
"It's military regulations. You don't mess with them. I don't mess with them. I work to uphold them, not bend them to suit my desires."
"I love your desires." He pulled her hand from her pocket. Linking their fingers, he stepped closer and they continued their stroll across the sand as though the world hadn't just turned on its axis. "Right here, right now, it feels like we never left Asheville. The view is different but we're the same."
Carie opened her mouth for air, suddenly needing more than she had a moment ago. But she couldn't gather the strength needed to take back her hand. "The view isn't the only thing different."
He frowned. "Was I the friend you had planned to surprise this weekend?"
"Yes." She sighed.
He laughed out loud. "You succeeded wildly."
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Team Cerberus by Melissa Kay Clarke 💕 Series Tour & Gift Card Giveaway 💕 (Military Romantic Suspense)
   | For three terrifying years, Joselyn Kendrik lived a half-life in Witness Protection hiding from a serial murderer and rapist nicknamed 'The Gardener'. After he was killed while placing a slashed teddy bear dressed as her on her father's grave, she could finally look forward to some normalcy in her life. Her newfound peace is shattered a year later when she receives a sinister gift eerily similar to others sent by The Gardener. Although assured by the police it is a copycat, she isn't as confident. Regardless of his identity, her stalker has made one thing perfectly clear; he's set his sights on her and nothing will stop him. Maddox "River" Benson is looking in the rear-view mirror at a twenty-year career with the Navy SEALs. Contemplating an uncertain future, River jumps at the chance to assist an old friend in the New Orleans Police Department. There is an unknown stalker zeroing in on an innocent young woman. Although there is only so much the police can do officially, River isn't as restricted. Protecting Joselyn is his only priority. Joselyn's schedule is a bane to River's security strategy. The feisty beauty is intent on pursuing her budding career regardless of her sexy bodyguard's advice. Although their opinions clash in the beginning, the escalating threats force them to come to a compromise. He must trust her with freedom and she must trust him with her life. Meanwhile, the growing attraction between them creates an entirely different set of issues. How can he concentrate on protecting Joselyn when thoughts of claiming her for his own continually distract him? When her stalker draws closer, will one ex-SEAL have what it takes to ensure her survival? Will River be able to Protect Joselyn?  No frills? Yeah, it sounded about right. Joselyn was not one to call attention to herself. Maybe it had something to do with all those years she spent in hiding but he felt it probably was also her beautiful character shining through. He remembered how she had been with Sasha in the store. Joselyn had been caring, understanding, and giving. Yes, those three words all described this woman. He flinched when he thought about his little faux pas. His woman. He hadn't meant to say it out loud. He hoped she had forgotten about it but something told him she never forgot anything. There was going to be one extremely uncomfortable talk later. He glanced at her as she gnawed on her lip. Reaching over, he gently brushed his thumb over it, nudging it from the grip of her teeth. It was swollen and pink. Fire shot through his body as he imagined taking it into his mouth to taste. He wanted to suck and tease, run his tongue over and between until neither of them had breath left. So beautiful. So amazing. He groaned as she licked it and raised her eyes to him. His heart lurched and raced. So much faith with a touch of fear swam in the caramel colored depths. No matter how afraid she was, she trusted him to keep her safe. He wanted to puff out his chest in pride. He was taking care of her, keeping her safe and she knew without a doubt she was secure. The moment was lost as they were jostled again. He bit back a growl and pulled her tightly against his side. This was insane! The push of the crowd reminded River how unprotected Joselyn was and his patience was running out. When he had enough and was about to grab his charge and march out of the store, a young woman dressed in the store's distinctive gear approached them. Touching the tablet in her hands, she flashed them a smile. "Hi. I'm Clarisse. How may I help you today." Immediately, Joselyn warmed to the woman and explained her old telephone had been lost and she needed a new one. Flashing her a million watt smile, Clarisse motioned for them to follow her to one of the quieter kiosks in the back where additional sales people were helping other customers. "We can get you all set, no problem," she assured them before launching into a spiel about the different models of cell phones and features of each. River listened half-heartedly to the two discuss things as he continued to scan the area. He was being paranoid. Joselyn was safe. Nobody would dare to make an attempt on her with a hundred people nearby. He felt a little of the tension drain away. "And what do you think, Mr. Kendrik?" River's attention drew back to Clarisse and he frowned. "I'm sorry what?" Joselyn gave out a half laugh as her cheeks flushed. "Oh, he's not my husband," she assured the woman. "He's... ah..." River chuckled at Joselyn's stammering. She looked so cute and he couldn't help himself from teasing her. "I'm her boy toy," he whispered with a wink and laughed softly as Joselyn's blush deepened to a dark red. "You know she's got all kinds of money." He shrugged. "She supports me in a life in which I have become accustomed." Clarisse looked from one to the other, her jaw dropped open and eyes round. "You are not!" Joselyn squeaked and smacked his arm. "Cheebus, River, don't say things like that. People will believe it." Turning her attention back to the woman, she winced. "He's really not my boy toy. He's my... my friend." She turned her gaze to him and smiled. "He's my good friend." Friend. River tasted the word and found it wasn't quite right. Okay, yes, he was her friend but there was more to it besides the whole bodyguard thing. The revelation he had this morning said it all. She was more than a client, more than an acquaintance. She was slowly becoming everything and it brought forth an unfamiliar feeling. In the twenty years he had served his country, he had known fear on several different levels. Only a fool would not feel anxiety after some of the situations he had found himself. Tracking down terrorists, defusing hostile situations and generally taking care of whatever business his country demanded had given him a healthy respect for fear. But what he was feeling toward the petite author scared him more than all the Taliban in the world. She had wiggled past the walls he had erected until she was bigger than anything else in his universe. If anything happened to her... He slammed a door on the thought. No. Nothing would happen because he wouldn't allow it. He would keep her safe, regardless the consequences.     |
 | Two million people disappear into human trafficking every year. Olivia Parker would never have believed she could be one of them. Born to a barely functional mother and caring for her dependent brother, Olivia was determined to make their future better than their troubled past. Instead, she finds herself thrown into a nightmare from which she cannot awaken Navy Seal, Grayson "Bruiser" Titus, abandoned as a baby, creates a family with his SEAL team. He would do anything for them and knows they would do the same. However, something is missing - could he find it with the intriguing beautiful sister of Jayden Parker? Meeting Olivia feels like looking at his future wrapped in a pair of deep hazel eyes. Bruiser's team would follow him into the pits of hell. It only stands to reason when Olivia disappears they rally around him. Being SEALs meant they often battled the worse dregs of humanity for God and Country. However, this is personal. Saving her is a one-in-a-million long shot, but they will do whatever it takes to bring her home. The only question is: will it be in time to save both body and mind or will her new reality finally break her spirit? ** Warning - Contains adult subject matter ** The expression on her face made his gut clench. She didn't want him to go. He didn't want to go, either, but he knew he needed to. It made him feel good that she wasn't ready to say goodnight yet. He cupped her cheek with his hand and watched the play of emotions on her face. In this light, with the way her eyes shone, she was so beautiful and vulnerable. He groaned. "Honey, please?" he pleaded. He wouldn't be able to leave her like this. She closed her eyes and looked away. "Okay," she agreed and turned toward the door. He pulled her back and curled his arms around her, pulling her protectively into his embrace. Looking down at her, he sighed. "You're getting under my skin, Olivia." She giggled. "My plan is working." He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "So it is." They stared at each other a moment longer before Bruiser lowered his face to hers. He hesitated, watching the way her thick, dark lashes brushed against her cheeks. She rose up on her toes, breaching the minuscule distance until they shared a breath. His eyes swept over her face, drinking in the exquisite beauty that was his Olivia. He wondered, Was she his? Not yet, but she would be. With his mind made up, he brushed her lips tenderly. With the first electric touch, she pressed herself against his body, winding her arms around his waist. Sliding his hand around until he cupped her neck, his thumb swept circles against her throat as his tongue mimicked the gesture against her plush lips. With a soft sigh of surrender, she granted him access, and he slipped inside easily. The taste of her was ambrosia mixed with sweet sunshine and the promise of a thousand moments of pure bliss. He was lost in her. Breathless, it deepened until they were both panting. As the kiss broke, she gave a soft whimper of hunger. The sound twisted him inside. With a groan, he recaptured her mouth in a harder kiss, taking her flavors as he nipped and sucked on her tender bottom lip. Reluctantly, he released her mouth. She laid her head against his shoulder, and he curled his fingers into her hair, tenderly stroking. He could hear her heart racing in time with his. Cripes, what this woman did to him!    |
 | The biggest book exposition of the year is just around the corner and literary agent Annabeth Switcher is feeling the pressure. Between babysitting her newest client hell-bent on making her miserable and taking care of the thousands of little things that require her attention, she doesn't have time for a personal life. No matter how much a certain Navy SEAL enters her thoughts. Levi "Hick" Salter spotted the curvy redhead beauty at a friend's wedding. She is vivacious, brassy and so full of life, he's drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Even though they live on opposite sides of the country, their mutual attraction is too much to resist. Thus begins a long distance relationship for these "friends with benefits." They can't be more - he's committed to his duty and she's got her own life. Phone calls and the occasional meet up is the best they can hope for. The Navy combines Hick's team with the one headed by Matthew "Wolf" Steel to hunt down a terrorist cell intent on bring down Western culture. While Hick is out trying to save the world from fanatics, Annabeth's concentrating on insuring her clients have a smooth convention. Neither knew their two worlds would collide so violently. When the cell sets their sights on the literary exposition, Hick must rally the SEALs to save the day and his curvy bombshell. Nothing else matters but Rescuing Annabeth. This is a full length novel and incorporates the entire SEAL team from Susan Stoker's Seal Of Protection series. ********************** TEAM CERBERUS (Each story is complete with its own HEA) With renewed vigor, she dug into the hot pancakes, stopping only long enough to swallow some coffee or to moan appreciatively. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as she enjoyed her meal, finally pushing back the plate with a satisfied burp. Hick scooted his chair back and pulled her to him. Settling her into his lap, he wrapped his arms around her. She squealed and tried to get up. "Hick! I'm too heavy. I'll break your legs or at least a chair." He snorted. "Woman, I've had to carry full-grown men for miles before. You in my lap won't hurt me. Besides, I like you where I can have my wicked way with you. Easy access and all that stuff." She settled into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Have your wicked way, huh? What does that entail exactly?" Hick's hand slid up from where it rested against her hip. Slipping it into the opening where her robe closed, he splayed his hand across her warm skin as he pressed nips and kisses along her collarbone. "A little of this," he whispered huskily. He loved how her forest green eyes darkened to jade with the desire rising in her. She was so responsive to his every touch, letting him know in no uncertain terms how he affected her. "A little of that." "Hick," she whispered as her head fell back and he resumed nibbling at her neck. Fire licked his blood when she clung to him with trembling fingers. She wanted him as badly as he did her. Well, who was he to deny them both what they needed? His fingers found the knot of her robe and deftly untied it with one hand. Slowly, he pulled the thick terry cloth material off her shoulder, peppering the creamy, speckled expanse with tender kisses. Nipping her playfully, he smoothed away the sting with more kisses until her fingers dug into his arm and she squirmed in his lap. He dipped his finger into the sticky remnants of his homemade caramel sauce and painted a line from her collarbone over the plump swell of her left breast. He felt her inflamed gaze as he licked the finger clean then dove in, tracing the path with his lips. As before, Annabeth squirmed and whimpered, arching against him and pressing her heated flesh to his lips. "Please," she whispered, her voice going low and sultry. Hick couldn't keep the smugness from his voice. "Please drive you insane? Yes, I believe I will." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He watched as Annabeth made her way out of the house and sat on her sister's porch. In a small voice, she said, "I know you can't talk about it, but is everything okay there? I mean with the explosions this morning." "Yeah, it's all fine." He could hear how tight his voice was. It wasn't exactly a lie. He was fine, but that could change at the drop of a hat. "Okay." She chewed her lip. "Are we going to be able to see each other in Phoenix?" "Hopefully so, but I can't make any promises. You've seen how things are with us. We never know what's going to happen from one day to the next. But, the only way I'm not going to have you in my arms again is if I'm physically out of the country. Nothing else is going to stop me." He hesitated a moment then shoved one hand through his shaggy hair. He didn't want to scare her, but it was time to lay down the foundation. "I know I told you I wanted to have a talk with you when I get there, but I need you to be thinking about something. We've been doing this friends thing now for a while, and I think you know as well as I that there's a lot more than that between us. I want you to be thinking about us and what you desire because I've thought of little else the last few days. Then as soon as I can figure out the logistics, either at the convention in Phoenix or soon after, we are going to sit down and discuss this thoroughly. Okay?" Her eyes had gotten as big as silver dollars, and she nodded slowly. "Okay," she whispered and bit her bottom lip. "Yeah, I'd like that." "Good." The relief he felt was palpable. At least she was open to talking their relationship through. He watched her through the screen and wanted to reach out, touch her face and feel her cheek beneath his fingers. He longed to gently tug her lip out from where she was nervously chewing it and nibble on the plump pillow himself. With a groan, he closed his eyes. Lord, what she did to him and she wasn't even in the same part of the country! "Are you alright?" Worry etched on her face. He coughed. "Yeah, I'm fine Georgia, but do me a favor. Stop biting your lip. It makes me remember how you taste and I want to take a nibble for myself." She tittered then blushed again. "You're in a weird mood today." He frowned. "What do you mean 'weird'?" "You seem serious like you aren't just teasing me." "I'm not. That's part of what we're going to talk about, just not here and not now. I need to be face to face with you." There was a shout from behind her, and she turned to speak with Grace a moment. Turning back, she sighed. "I have to go. Grace needs my help catching a spider, or she won't go back to her kitchen until Kenseth gets home tonight." "That's my brave Georgia, saving the day." She rolled her eyes. "Your Georgia was promised fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and peach cobbler. That's not happening as long as a spider holds the kitchen hostage. I have ulterior motives." "Alright then, go save dinner. Let me know when you get home so I won't worry." "I'm a big girl. I'll be fine." "Humor me, Georgia. Please?" She nodded then stood. "I've got to go. I'll talk to you soon." "You sure will. Bye." The screen went blank, and Hick sat back, leaning his head on the headrest. He had to admit it; he had it bad. Georgia was everything that was good in life, and he had to find a way to fix this distance problem between them. If not for any other reason, his sanity demanded it. Annabeth Switcher was killing him, and maybe it made him crazy too, but he wanted more. He laughed. Well, at least they would be crazy together. _______________________________________________________________________ "Levi? Oh, thank God. Are you alright? I saw the video, and it about scared the life out of me. Where are you? Is everyone okay?" He couldn't help but smile even though she was rambling. She was so damn cute. It didn't escape his notice that she had called him by his given name. She tended to do that when she was upset or worried. "Slow down, Georgia. Yeah, I'm alright. We're a little beat up, but the team made it through." "They said there were some casualties." He blew out a breath. "We lost four brothers from another team." "Oh my! I'm so sorry." "Yeah, me too. " "But you're alright?" He heard the trepidation in her voice and hurried to reassure her. "Yes." He didn't like withholding the truth from her, but he knew she would freak out right now. It would be better to wait until they were alone before he told her about his wound. He didn't want her upset when there was nothing he could do right now to calm her. She obviously didn't buy it. Annabeth paused a few moments. "I want to Skype." Hick blinked slowly. "Skype? Now? Right now? Why? I'm not home yet." Her voice took on an exasperated tone. "Yes, now, so you can strip, and I can see for myself you aren't hurt." He choked. Behind him, Hick heard someone snort. Turning his head, he saw Toad watching him. "You do it, I swear to God, I'm filming it and putting it on YouTube." Ignoring him, he turned back to the conversation. "That wouldn't be a good idea, Georgia. The stripping part is definitely not a good idea right now." "Is it because you're hiding something?" "No, honey, it's because I'm on an airplane with ten guys who wouldn't appreciate me showing my Sunday best." "You got that shit right!" Finch yelled out Railroad joined in. "He strips, out he goes." "Sorry. You'll have to take my word I'm okay." Toad leaned in and shouted, "Yeah, besides the bullet hole isn't very big. He's had worse." "Bullet hole? You got shot?" Annabeth screeched. Putting his hand over his mouthpiece, he glared at Toad. "Thanks a lot, brother." "Anytime," he smirked then winked. Dropping back into his seat, Toad pulled out his cell and began playing a game.   |
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