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Chapter Fifteen
Giles tried toslow his heartbeat and breathing in what felt like a futile effort to surround Miami with calming energy. He wasn’t usually into all the New Age Zen way of thinking Essex followed, but he was smart enough to realize those close to you could sense your tension. Miami deserved better than being up close and personal with his frustration and anger. He was frustrated they hadn’t been able to protect her, and he was angry Cruz had gotten a man this close.
“Shhh. We’ll answer all your questions, I promise.” Giles pulled back enough to press his lips against her. The kiss was quick, meaning to reassure rather than ignite.
“Just let us hold you for a minute. I swear to everything holy, I want to spank your ass for scaring me. Do you have any idea how much damage being terrified does to my reputation?” Essex was trying to lighten the mood, but there was a lot of truth in his words.
If Giles hadn’t been ass deep in his own fear, he’d have been amused by Essex’s reaction. In all the years they’d served together as SEALs, he’d never seen Essex rattled… until today.
“I’m okay. Lilly was amazing. She was so focused, which helped me stay calm.”
Miami’s words sounded more confident than he sensed she was feeling, but he considered this a wish-it-into-existence moment. Grinning, he pointed to where Lilly stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Del.
“I don’t care if their men were on the way. The piece of shit was taking shots at the girls, and I wasn’t going to just sit back and wait for his aim to improve. Good grief, you all know me better than that. Don’t you be lecturing me on safety, husband mine. That rifle saved lives today… and I only winged him. I don’t know what everyone’s whining about.”
Giles heard Miami giggle before she broke out of their hold and ran to pull Lilly into a bone-crushing hug.
“You are the best. I can’t decide if I want you to adopt me, or I just want to be you when I grow up.”
The words were all it took for Lilly to burst into tears. The compliment must have been the tipping point in her adrenaline crash. The women were both laughing and crying when Kyle walked in with Tobi hot on his heels.
“Holy crap on a cracker, Mom. I was in one of the Forum Shops when I heard the call go out. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my whole life.” Tobi wiped Lilly’s tears before hugging her. “I’m usually with you when crazy things happen, and it doesn’t seem scary until later. Not knowing if you all were okay was killing me.” The little spitfire stomped her foot in frustration. “I’m gonna stick to you like glue from now on. You’re going to swear we’re conjoined twins. Holy shit…zus, my heart would shatter in a million pieces if anything happened to you.” She took several deep breaths, closing her eyes to focus on regaining control before continuing. “But the good news is… Alonzo Cruz is on his way to the hospital in Austin. He’ll be well-guarded until he’s moved to jail.”
Miami’s head swiveled so quickly, she almost fell over.
“Wait. Did you say Alonzo? He was the one shooting from the cliff?” Miami was obviously surprised—they’d been surprised, as well. “I’m shocked he was willing to do anything for himself. His dad must be really putting the screws to him.”
Giles was relieved to see the shine of amusement in her bright violet eyes. Kyle flashed a knowing smile before speaking.
“It gets better. Seems Alonzo has a serious aversion to pain. He was begging the EMTs for pain meds and was more than willing to exchange information with Cam to get them.” He looked at his mother and shook his head. “One of the medical attendants told Cam your shot took out Cruz’s shoulder… literally. He’ll have to have replacement surgery and will spend months in rehab. If the judge lets him make bail—which is doubtful, travel will be tough until he heals.”
“Why?” Giles appreciated Miami’s straightforward question. No doubt there were others wondering the same thing. Anyone who’d ever been transported with a serious injury knew the answer, and soldiers didn’t have the challenge of traveling with medications.
“Traveling with his injury would be painful, and it’s difficult to travel with the medications he’ll require.” Kyle looked at his wife and shook his head when she stepped forward, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Especially since he’s a pansy of the first order.” Tobi grinned, winking at Miami. “I heard him crying and whining in the background when Cam radioed Kyle. It was great.”
“Kitten, I swear you have a devious streak a mile wide. How you keep it hidden most of the time is one of the Universe’s great mysteries.”
“Easy. I only let it show when degenerates like Cruz get a dose of karma. I’m not devious. I just have a remarkably deep appreciation for justice.”
One at a time, Del and Dean West moved to hug their daughter-in-law.
“We’re leaving tonight for a little getaway. Maybe we can keep Annie Oakley out of trouble for a few days. We’ll be back to take Saraya to Minneapolis. In the meantime, she’ll be in capable hands.”
Giles smiled to himself, knowing whose capable hands were going to be all over the pretty little ninja warrior. Del and Dean were well known for planning surprise trips for their wife. Kyle once told him his dads swore it was one of the secrets to a long marriage. It was a tidbit of information Giles had tucked away, hoping to have a wife of his own one day.
“You’re still going? She’s had a traumatic experience. Don’t you think you should stay home and let me smother her with love? What if I promised to only come over three times a day?”
Giles wasn’t sure if Tobi was kidding… with Tobi West, anything was possible. She was vibrating with energy when Kyle pulled her back against his chest, wrapping his arms around her. Giles couldn’t hear what he whispered in her ear, but her blue eyes filled with unshed tears.
“I know. I just don’t want them to go. I was so scared,” Tobi whispered.
Kyle kissed the top of her head before handing her off to Kent. Giles was surprised to see the look of regret on Kyle’s face. It was the first time he’d ever seen any indication the former team leader was torn between love and duty.
“I’m heading into Austin. We need to get ahead of the media on this and make certain the Feds have explained jurisdiction to our new Assistant District Attorney. You’d think he was running for office the way he jumps into things before gathering the facts.”
From the frowns on Del and Dean’s faces, Giles didn’t think the man had much of a future in Austin.
