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Four of the most important men in my life, one of whom is my everything, are about to head into treacherous territory and save their own.
My emotions are on shaky ground, the dam ready to break. Self-preservation is my only lifeline.
They called Achilles and his friends for a reason.
A reason I hate, but important nonetheless. They are heroes.
He comes my way, and I suck in a breath.
Gone is my casual-slash-sexy-as hell-Achilles Kingston.
In his place is a full-on military man.
Black cargo pants, tight black shirt, black boots, and carrying a matching large duffel that’s stuffed. His big, powerful body is strung so tight his muscles bulge under the fabric of his shirt.
He digs in the top drawer of his dresser and pulls out a watch, snapping it on his wrist, and I immediately recognize it as the one my dad gave him at his boot camp graduation. His stature is sharp and focused, his mind a million miles away.
I memorize everything about this time, knowing he’s leaving me any minute. On the thought, a lump forms in my throat, threatening to choke me.
His beautiful eyes lock with mine, and the harshness in his features wanes.
“Baby, come here.”
I don’t delay lunging the few feet to him. His bag hits the floor with a thud, and he gathers me tight.
“It will be okay.”
“How can you be sure?” My voice cracks over the lump.
“Because I know us.”
I peer up at him and ask another question that’s picking away at me. “What are the other reasons? You told me there are only a few reasons you’d return. It was in your agreement. What are those?”
His eyes flash with conflict, and I know he can’t share. “They aren’t specific reasons. It’s more like hostile levels. Once a situation hits a certain level and it falls under our skills expertise, we could get called.”
Involuntarily, my body does a top-to-toe shiver. “Hostile levels? How bad?”
“I can’t say.”
“I heard him—Willie. He said two people are dead and others are missing. That’s pretty fucking hostile!” I unravel.
“Baby, you shouldn’t have listened. It adds useless worry.”
“Worry? I’m fucking terrified. My heart is on the brink of splintering apart with fear.”
Pain slashes through his features.
Guilt claws at me for being so selfish. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to be strong, but the uncertainties are making me irrational.”
“It kills me I’m the cause.”
“What if this was me, and I was being called away on some highly confidential and undoubtedly dangerous assignment? What would you tell me?”
His grip tightens fiercely, his gaze turning lethal. “Nothing, I wouldn’t tell you shit. Because it would never happen. Any thoughts of you in danger make my blood run cold. Whatever it took, even if that meant cuffing you to me.”
My feminist side takes a cruel hit, but the vice around my heart loosens. “Tell me what to say. You already know I support, trust, and love you, but it doesn’t seem like enough.”
“It’s everything.” He drops his forehead to mine. “I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to stay here. Not only tonight, but while I’m away. Jewls can stay as much as she wants. Invite any friends if you get lonely.”
I open my mouth to argue it would be weird, but he places his lips on mine. “We have top-of-the-line security, and you already know about the cameras and entry alerts. It’ll give me peace of mind to know the doors are locked and you are tucked away safe at night.”
I nod my agreement because the lump is forming again. Being alone in this massive house may be intimidating, but if it helps ease his worrying, I’ll do anything.
“And tomorrow, decorate the house. Rich and my dad will help. Pick out a tree, and Rich can use my truck to pick it up. If you need, I’ll call some guys from the station, and they’ll hang the outdoor lights.”
“It won’t be the same without you guys.” Panic sets in at the thought flashing in my head. “Oh, God, what if you’re not back for Christ—?”
The question dies because the sorrow in his expression brings my guilt back to the forefront. “Never mind. Christmas is a few weeks away. You’ll be back.”
He reads through my false bravado but encourages me. “Hold on to that. Know we’re doing everything to get through this and get home.”
The warmth of his breath coats my lips, and I tip up, opening to give him access. His tongue sweeps through my mouth slowly, touching everywhere before tangling with mine. His hand travels up my back and winds in my hair, caressing my scalp as he angles to go deeper.
I follow his lead, the kiss turning greedy and desperate. Both of us needing more. The hand at my hip slides lower, tucking up the top of my thighs. I give him what he wants, bracing so he can lift me.
