Page 109 of The Soldier

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SOMETIME LATER, AIDAN knocks on my door to collect Briar. The large Marine walks in and surveys the new surroundings.

A pang hits my chest wishing he was Marshall.

But also not...

“Do you need anything?” Aidan asks, towering over me as Briar tucks herself under his arm.

Envy almost bowls me over.

I almost let out a choked cry as I shake my head and ignore the desire for Marshall’s big strong arms to be wrapped around me. To feel protected, loved, and cared for.

I know he doesn’t. I know it was lust and nothing more, but for a moment I truly thought it was something worth pursuing.

“No. Thanks.” I tug my cardigan around me again and wish they would just go.

Watching their beautiful love is too hard right now. I’m happy for them, but I am exhausted and need to just curl up in a ball in my bed.

Aidan kisses the top of Briar’s head then slides his free hand into his jeans pocket. “We have a team out looking for Miller.The police and members of the military are also searching. We will catch him, Trina.”

I nod, glancing out the window and knowing I should express my gratitude right now, but I just feel dead inside. Aside from a small amount of fear that he might know where I live.

I glance back and look Aidan in right in the eye.

“I need to ask you something,” I say quietly but Aidan shakes his head.

“Marshall wants to see you. I’ve told him to stay away.”

My mouth parts.

Oh.

“Just focus on getting well. He will be there when you are ready. Right now, he’s busy blaming himself.”

My eyebrows shoot up.

He is?

All my thoughts scatter like jigsaw puzzle pieces and seem to right themselves all of a sudden. I get to blame Marshall, but I don’t want him doing that.

He wants to see me?

“Marshall thinks it’s his fault?”

“It’s our job to protect those we care about.” Aidan doesn’t look away.

Oh. I get it. Because I’m one of the crew. Briar’s friend. Savannah’s friend. It’s the same for Alice, Scarlett, and Trixie. I’ve heard them all say things like this over the past few months.

“Right. Sure. As one of your friends. Marshall doesn’t—”

“He does,” Aidan and Briar say together.

I bite my bottom lip.

Maybe. But the alpha man I know would have crashed down my door to see me if I was a woman he cared for, not just a friend.

“I need a nap. I’m exhausted.”

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