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Then it hits me, what tomorrow is—Christmas Eve.
An hour ago, I hoped that Achilles and the guys would walk through the door. Now, even a miracle won’t make it happen.
“Have they informed the families yet?” I glance between Finn and Max.
Max gives a quick jerk of his head. “Not yet, but it won’t be long.”
“I need to call my dad. He’ll know what to do.”
“How about you call your dad and let Finn talk to him?” Presley suggests.
I nod, dialing. He answers on the second ring, fully alert and worried. “Harley?”
“Daddy,” my voice cracks, and I close my eyes, sucking in a deep breath.
“Amanda, get dressed!” he bellows, and my mom’s own whimper echoes through the line.
“Daddy, there’s been an accident. Finn’s here and will tell you what we know.”
Finn takes the phone gently, his blue eyes loaded with sympathy and understanding. He goes to the middle of the room, Max joining him.
I listen intently as he relays the same news from earlier.
“Max got a call from a contact who knew he was interested in any information that may come in related to this team. Achilles’ crew was involved in a rescue and recovery mission. The details are minimal, but after their original mission, a Marine and his family were kidnapped…”
My stomach rolls when Finn’s eyes slice to me and he delivers the worst of the news.
“Kingston and Powers were shot. Help was en route to get them from a remote location. Reports on their status are unknown.”
Jewls and Presley sandwich me between them, forming a protective ball.
“Right, we’ll be here. See you then.” Finn hands me back my phone. “Rich is notifying the other fathers and putting Jim Powers on notice. Then he’ll be here.”
“Do you have any idea where they were in South America?”
“No.”
“I’m not an expert, but we don’t have the best relationship with some of those countries.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Max is quick to throw in.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because they’re Marines.”
This makes me feel slightly better. “You’re right. They’re Marines. Do you think Talon or Ford will call soon?”
They exchange a look that gives me my answer.
“Never mind.”
“There are protocols and procedures in place that aren’t defied. Certain ranks and personnel do notifications,” Finn explains comfortingly.
“I’ve been in the same position when Robbie and Finn were in their accident in the Middle East. It fucking sucks. This isn’t about what they want to do; it’s about obeying the system. It’s also about national security,” Max adds, his gaze on Jewls. “You and Major a thing?”
“Ummm.” She squirms, casting her eyes between them and me. “Not exactly in the way you mean.”
Achilles and I promised each other we’d stay out of whatever may be budding between our best friends. Of course, I haven’t always stayed true to my promise, prying a little here and there. But in this situation, I’ve completely gotten involved. They really are in the friend zone.
But it seems like an odd question to ask right now, especially from a man she’s only met once before.
“You seemed tight at the Christmas party,” he continues.
“We’re friends. Kinda getting to know each other better. He thinks I’m a little wild.”
“Aren’t you a Social Worker?”
She perks up, squaring her shoulders. “Are you saying Social Workers are dull?”
“Never personally met a wild Social Worker.”
Oh, shit, here we go. Presley nudges my side, and I return the gesture, biting my cheek.
“He thinks I’m wild. I don’t agree. But for your information, I’m great at my job. However, my philosophy is there is too much heavy and serious in the world. I’ve been known to cut loose and kick it up a notch. Plus, I work part-time in a blue bar. It’s a requirement to sling drinks and snark.”
“So, you know how to hold your own?”
“Hell yes! I have two brothers and nine cousins who thought they were my brothers. I was born knowing how to hold my own. It’s a science putting a grown country bumpkin in their place. I perfected the art early in life.”
The corners of Finn’s lips curl.
“Good to know. Powers will need that when he gets home. You too, Harley. I was there after both Finn and Robbie’s accidents. They were surly, temperamental bitches.”
At his insinuation, my mouth pops open.
Finn shakes his head, dropping his chin. “You have no shame. My case was a little different.”
“Yeah, Presley dumped your bum ass.”
“Is this your tactic to lighten the mood? Drag my ass through the mud? If so, it sucks.”
“Just telling the truth. Plus, I’ll do anything to make a beautiful woman smile again.” He spears me with a glance, his lips tipping.
My insides turn and cheeks flush at his statement. Like all the other guys, Max is extraordinarily good-looking. Tall, built, sharp facial features, and deep, stormy blue eyes that can make a heart swoon. Knowing he’s such a good guy adds to his already oozing sex appeal.
