Page 74 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

But fuck that.

I know the ocean. I’ve spent my life on it as a Navy SEAL. It isn’t a rock or a goddamn tree. The ocean changes and has ebbs and flows.

It is a current that takes you on a journey. You can fight it, or you can let go of resistance and let it take you where it wants.

Well, I’m a fucking warrior.

“I’m going to fight for you, Stella,” I say out loud. “This is not goodbye.”

––––––––

“WELL, THAT WAS a fuck up.” I slump down into the chair in the BHS New York office and take a big sip of my second coffee for the day when I arrive.

“Here’s the file you were after.” Raven hands it to Ryder and shoots me a smile. “Hey Dec. How’s the new job going?”

I groan.

She glances at Josh and Ryder. “What did you do to him?”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes me as I take another sip of coffee. Wiping my mouth with my sleeve, I watch as Josh stares at the petite wildcat.

“Withheld food and water for seven days. For asking stupid questions,” Josh deadpans. “Want to know anything else?”

Ryder chuckles silently.

“I’m serious.” Raven crosses her arms, not perturbed at all by the former SEAL Team Six operator. “He’s my buddy. Be nice.”

She is?

“I’m fine, Raven. Thanks.” I wonder if she’s noticed I’m six-foot-five and two-hundred-and-fifty pounds.

“I got your back, bud.”

“Roger that.” I take another sip, mostly to hide the smile forcing its way onto my lips.

She glares at Josh once more and walks out.

“I’m not sure if I should fire her or give her a weapon and put her in the Black Ops team.” Josh shakes his head.

“Do not give her a weapon, trust me.” Jayden wanders in and plonks his black satchel on the table. “Sorry I’m late.”

Two other guys I haven’t seen before stride in after him, chatting and laughing about something. Both are in their early thirties, dark-haired, an inch or two shorter than me, and built like warriors.

New recruits; gotta be.

“Grayson. Miles. Take a seat,” Ryder says. “You know, Jayden. This is Declan Sloan. Navy SEAL. He’s been on board a few weeks.”

“Grayson Ford.” He shakes my hand from across the table.

“Welcome aboard.”

Miles does the same. “McKenna, Airborne Ranger.”

“Nice. Worked with a few Rangers in our time, didn’t we, Josh.” I shake his hand.

“You two were on the SEAL team together?” Jayden asks, looking impressed.

“Yup. The stories I could tell.” I grin.