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I kiss him harder, pouring every emotion into my strokes. He growls, taking over again, sucking on my tongue and breaking away enough to get a breath.
Electric heat spreads through my body, taking over, and I force all thoughts out of my head except this moment and how I feel in his arms.
Too soon, there’s a loud rap at his door followed by two softer ones, indicating it’s time. Achilles slows, placing sweet kisses across my lips.
“I love you, Achilles.”
“I love you, too, Harley. More than anything.”
“Come home to me and give me my forever.”
“Forever isn’t enough time, but it’s yours.”
I press my lips together to keep from bursting into tears. “It’s ours.”
He places me on my feet, lacing our fingers together, and grabs his bag.
When we get to the living room area, the guys are dressed identically to Achilles. A coldness slithers through my veins and I move in closer.
Then I notice my best friend and see she’s barely holding it together. She is not plastered to Major, but she’s standing at his side with her hand wound around his elbow. Whatever is happening has spooked her.
Talon comes over, jostling me into a gentle hug. “Take care of my plants, Jay.”
“You have plants?”
“A few. Mom’s doing. They’re in my room.”
“I’m not very good with plants.”
“They’re easy. If you can take care of Kingston, you can do it.”
I kiss his cheek, cupping his chin. “Love you, Talon. Please take care.”
“Always. Made you a promise, Jay-Jay. Not breaking that.”
Ford steps in, taking his place and lifting me as much as he can with my hand still in Achilles’. “Do me a favor and don’t turn our house into a Hallmark movie set.”
I giggle, remembering that first time they went to drill weekend and found Jewls and me watching the Hallmark channel when they got home.
“No chance, but it will be beautiful.”
“Know it will.”
“Love you, Ford Whitman. Take care.”
“I also made you a promise.” He gives me a gentle look, his grey-blue eyes full of sincerity.
There’s a buzzing followed by a ding, and all their heads go to the door. I recognize the sound and glance at the clock. “Who could be here? It’s almost midnight.”
“Rich and I’m assuming Amanda,” Achilles answers.
“You called my parents?”
“Didn’t want you two alone.”
My beautifully complicated man always thinking of me.
A flash of headlights lights the circular drive outside, and four shadowy figures walk up the steps.
“Oh, fuck,” he hisses under his breath, his grip turning painful.
I understand why when Ford swings the door open, and Pete and Sandy stand with my parents.
Pete is composed. Sandy is a full-on mess, her face swollen and splotchy, tears falling freely.
“Mom,” Achilles is interrupted when she throws herself around him.
“Don’t, Achilles. I am your mother and this is my right. At least, this time, I can tell you how much I love you in person.”
“Son, those deployment calls took years off our lives. This is something she needs,” Pete interjects warmly.
Achilles drops his face to her neck and gives her a one-armed hug back, refusing to release my hand. She’s so close, I detect the vibration of her body.
She gathers her composure and steps back, Pete folding her to his side.
“Can you boys tell us anything?” Dad asks boldly, but I catch the worry in his tone.
Achilles wiggles my hand, sending the message to keep quiet. I wasn’t supposed to hear what I did earlier.
Major slices his eyes to Jewls, sending the same message. I don’t know what happened while I was with Achilles, but Jewls must have admitted to eavesdropping, too. She bites her lip and leans her head to his shoulder.
“We’ll be briefed soon.” Achilles’ answer is non-committal.
“First stop?” Pete presses.
“North Carolina. Camp Lejeune. There’s a plane waiting at the airport.”
Pete dips his head and blows out a breath. “Praying for you, son. Praying for all of you.”
At this, tears build and threaten to fall. I untangle my hand and urge him toward his dad. He goes and wraps both of his parents in a hug.
The guys all get their bags, and the sullen mood hangs low around the room.
“Take care of her, Jay,” comes from my left side, and I twist to find Major leaning in. He brushes my cheek with his lips and pins me with his eyes.
“We’ll take care of each other,” I reply hoarsely. “Take care of my Achilles.”
“Made the same promise.”
“Love you, Major.”
My heart physically aches to the point of pain as they make their way to the garage. Jewls moves in, Mom and Dad closing in behind me. Achilles stops at the door and turns. His eyes are dark and troubled. He prowls back to me, lowering his head and crashing his mouth to mine.
It’s a closed-mouth kiss, but my knees wobble and the dam breaks. Tears roll over and pour down, covering our lips. He pulls away, giving me his most beautiful grin, and gently pushes me into my dad’s waiting arms.
