Page 102 of The Soldier

I saw them come in at two a.m. and was proud that I didn’t answer. Like Josh said, she needs time to decide what she wants.

She was drunk, and talking or fucking again wouldn’t have got either of us anywhere.

This isn’t about playing hard to get—hell, she already has me. I’m crazy about her. This is about putting a line in the sand and letting her know I’m serious.

That I more than fucking like her. She’s mine.

No more sex.

I want to date her.

Take her home to meet my family. Buy her flowers and go watch some movie. Watch her put that ChapStick on for hours and hours.

See her toothbrush in my bathroom.

Cook her dinner.

I do know she doesn’t care for Roger, and that helped me sleep last night.

On Monday, I’ll reach out to Rodriques or even Colonel Rockingham and find out what Miller is doing back stateside. If that isn’t effective, Josh can try his contacts. Something is up with that guy and I’m going to find out how he knows Trina.

The way he watched me leave almost had me turning around and going back last night. But I didn’t. Space is what’s needed, and I knew Trina was safe with the guys.

My phone rings.

“Marsh,” Aidan says before I get a chance to answer.

“Hey. What’s up? Great party last night. Sorry I left early but—”

“Marsh,” he repeats firmly, and I immediately go on alert.

“What’s happened?”

I push away from my kitchen counter and rub the back of my head. I’m ready to go, whatever it is. Fuck my injury. I’ve had worse.

If one of the team needs me, I am there.

“Christman.I’m going to get my ass kicked for this but if it was me...if it was Briar, I’d want to know.”

The fuck?

My brows inch higher and higher up my forehead with every word he says. Call it instinct but I know. Even before the thoughts form into coherence I know.

My voice is a deep growl when I say, “Tell me.”

“I’m outside the hospital. Briar. She—”

“Is Trina alive? What hospital.” I stride through the house, grab my shoes, shove them on, and search for my keys.

“Stop. Whatever you do, do not go to the hospital,” Aidan says firmly, and I freeze.

All those thoughts start slipping into place and I go into warrior mode. But it’s too late. I know that.

Oh god.

No. She phoned. She fucking phoned me.

“Roger—”

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