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“Not on the fact you more than likely killed a bunch of people for revenge?” She lifted a brow and swiped the last of her tears from her cheeks with the backs of her hands.
“I mean . . .” It is what it is.
“Where the fuck did you learn to fight like that?” A.J. had asked me en route back to the U.S. post-op. “I knew you were a great fighter, but what I witnessed tonight was next level, man.”
I’d kept my mouth shut about the underground fighting, and lied instead, “Been taking some martial arts classes in my free time.”
“Looks like they paid off,” Marcus had commented before slapping my back.
“Thank you,” Rory spoke up, cutting through my memories.
I had to admit, operating with A.J. had felt good. It had me wishing once again we were in the same branch. Of course, I didn’t have much time left in the Army. I’d be getting out. And A.J. would most likely be a lifer, so . . .
“No need to thank me. Just glad you’re okay. Maybe quit this whole treasure-hunting thing, though? Break up with your boyfriend, too.” Please, for the love of God, because you’re stressing me out.
Rory backed up, almost falling onto her bed. “You think I’ll let those men win? Stop me from following my dreams?” She shook her head. “If anything, what happened just makes me want to go harder.”
I closed my eyes and hung my head. Because you’re like me, dammit. Dad fucked us both up.
“Besides, now I know who to call if I ever—”
“Always,” I cut her off, opening my eyes. “I’ll always have your back. Whenever. Wherever. Don’t forget that.” Dad couldn’t protect you. Protect us. I sure as fuck always will.
She quietly nodded, tears gathering in her eyes again.
“Have you seen Ella while I was away?”
“Of course.” A smile slipped to her lips. “You going to see her while you’re here?”
Seeing Ella was all I wanted to do. But I’d just killed five men two nights ago and slept better afterward because of it. And I’d been beating the shit out of people for “fun” back in North Carolina. There was something wrong with me. And I had a feeling Ella would see right through any facade I tried to put up for her. See the darkness in my soul. And I wasn’t sure I could handle her looking at me and hating what she saw. Or worse, fearing me.
I took off my ball cap and let go of a gruff breath. “No, I’m thinking I better not.”
LETTER
ELLA
JESSE,
I almost texted you when I heard you were back home. I almost reached out again. I still kind of want to.
But here I am writing another letter I’ll never send instead.
I wish you’d stayed in town for more than one night. I wish you’d stopped by. Said hi.
I wish a lot of things, though.
Hope to see you soon. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll work up the nerve to text you again. Or better yet, you’ll reach out first.
Yours (even though I’m starting to date someone . . . such a bad idea since, well, I’m yours),
Ella
LETTER
JESSE
DEAR ELLA,
