Page 38 of The Soldier

My mom cried when I surprised her and came home with the news. I didn’t want to tell her any earlier because if I’d changed my mind it would’ve upset her.

“Proud of you son,” my dad said, pulling me in for a tight hug.

My younger brother is a mechanic in New York state, and I know they never said it out loud but they’re glad he didn’t enlist. Liam once asked me if he should. Said that he sometimes felt he wasn’t doing his part.

“Hey,” I said, shoving him in the shoulder. “If my car breaks down I need someone to fix it. Both of us can’t be the hero.”

“You’re an asshole.” He laughed.

We’re close. He knew it was my way of saying I didn’t want his ass in the military. Just the thought of it had me channeling my mom’s worry.

“I’ll buy you a cape for Christmas.” I’d taunted him further.

Liam was almost as big as me by the time he was twenty-five. Now he’s put on a bit of weight around the middle like most guys his age.

It’s something I don’t have to worry about yet. Staying fit and strong is essential in my line of work, but I guess one day I’ll have a slower pace of life.

With a wife.

Trina’s pretty face with her long dark locks returns front and center.

Shit.

Do I like this girl that fucking much? I’d never take advantage of a drunk woman but the fact I walked away—I want to say easily but it wasn’t— after such a scorching hot kiss speaks volumes.

I don’t date men in uniform.

Fuck that. I am going to find out what’s underneath that attitude and change it. She clearly has some belief from some experience and decided all military guys are jerks.

Some are.

I wouldn’t consider myself one of them. My mom wouldn’t either. That’s pretty much all the evidence I have.

When I get home, it’s time to tame my wild pup.

A shiver rushes through me and I glance over my shoulder. What the hell was that? I always pay attention to my instincts, especially when I’m outside of the US and about to head into enemy territory.

That felt like a warning.

I shake it off and turn on the shower, undressing completely, then stepping under the cool, refreshing water.

I don’t like the fact that Miller is here. He’s reckless and a liability. Hopefully, I don’t see him again before I leave.

Something tells me I will.

CHAPTER NINE

ROGER

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What the fuck is Marshall Adams doing in Kuwait, the fucking deserter?

He’s always thought he was better than everyone else. I wasn’t surprised when he tore off his shirt, like he’s some goddamn Rambo.

After years of being a Ranger, I was considering moving into Special Forces, or Delta, but my application was denied. How the hell was I to know that it was invite only? I thought people fucking applied.

Assholes.

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