Page 82 of SEAL of Valor

“Hardly,” Ryker replies. “There were no signs that we had anything to worry about. You couldn’t have known.”

“He’s right,” I tell Weston, then squeeze his hand gently. There is absolutely no way he could have known anything was off.

Weston’s jaw clenches, and while I’ll let it go right now, I won’t allow him to carry that guilt. Especially not with everything else he’s holding onto.

“Seems a lot happened in the past few days,” Ryker says with a knowing smile. “As soon as it’s dark, we’re loading you up and getting you out of here. The doctor is giving explicit instructions on what you can and can’t do, but since your fever is under control and you’re all bandaged up, we all agree it’s better you don’t stay so exposed.”

“I appreciate that.”

He nods. “I’m going to step out and let him know you’re awake. He’ll want to see you before discharging you.”

“Thanks.”

Ryker leaves the room, and I raise Weston’s hand to my lips, pressing a light kiss to the top. He was so cold when he got into that little boat. Then, minutes later, he was burning up again.

Now, his temperature is normal, and I am so grateful for that.

“I am so sorry you got wrapped up in this,” Weston says.

“None of this is your fault.”

“Brenda was a loose end we thought was tied up. Apparently, that wasn’t the case.”

“Doesn’t make it your fault.”

“Violence seems to cling to me,” Weston says softly. “It might be better if⁠—”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Weston Hayes. Violence does not cling to you. And it would not be better if I kept my distance. We both know that’s what you were about to suggest.”

“How can you say that? My dad⁠—”

“Was an abusive drunk. You were just a kid.”

“My sister⁠—”

“Was murdered by a monster. Also, not your fault.”

“If you knew what I’ve done. The lives I’ve taken⁠—”

“You were a Navy SEAL, Weston. From what I hear, you were responsible for saving a lot of lives.”

He arches a brow. “Been talking to Tessa?”

“She filled me in on things.” I take his hand. “Look, if you want to put space between us because that’s what you want, then just man up and say it. Don’t make excuses.”

“Space is the last thing I want,” Weston says quickly. “But if anything happens to you⁠—”

“It still won’t be your fault. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve carried the weight of the world on your shoulders. When are you going to see that you don’t have to do that? When will you realize that you are not single-handedly responsible for every person in your orbit?”

Chapter 24

Weston

After triple-checking every window and door in Vivian’s farmhouse, despite the protests from my still-aching body, I lower myself into a seat at the dining room table. Vivian is currently in the kitchen, silently cooking something on the stove.

Every breath aches, but it’s manageable. I’ve never really been grateful for the hits I took from my dad as a kid, but it certainly taught me to deal with pain. Something I credit for getting me through the training to become a SEAL and every mission I’ve ever been on. I learned to bury the pain and push through to better days.

Here’s hoping tomorrow will be easier, though. Because I am under no illusion that this fight is over. It’s only a matter of time before Brenda sends someone after us again.