Page 27 of Pretend
I scoff and press my lips together, unimpressed.
Watching this woman throw herself at him is not something I enjoy. I don’t like seeing this in general. Daegan isn’t special.
He takes a sip, and his lips turn into slits.
He is a whiskey man, after all—no surprise there. It’s hard and smooth. I’ve had it before, and it’s like drinking straight fire.
“Again, I take it you’re not a fan of Ravenmore?"
“It’s that obvious, huh?” I rub my lips like I want to keep them locked. If I tell him anything, I’m afraid it’ll get back to Ravenmore, and who knows what'll happen.
As if he could read my mind, he tells me, “Look, whatever you tell me tonight, it doesn’t get back to him. Your secrets are safe with me.” He holds out his pinky, and a half smile forms on my face.
A small, cute gesture, and I force my smile away.
I hook my finger in his, and we intertwine them. The touch of our skin, his finger swallowing mine whole, the veins on his big hand are evident, and God, those hands have me swooning.
What is it about big hands?
This is innocent. It was an innocent gesture, the beginning of getting to know the man who will watch over me for the next few months.
“He’s my mother’s husband. We’ve never gotten along, and I don't want to after the things I've seen. I’m uninterested in holding any sort of relationship with him that isn’t required. That’s all I’ll say.”
I let go of his finger when it’s the last thing I want to do, but I have to. The more I feel his skin on mine, the more I'm sure there’s a slight burning pink hue forming on my cheeks.
“He’s not so bad, is he?”
“You only know him as the Admiral. I know him as Henry. My relationship with my mother and him has always been complicated.”
“Fair enough.” He concedes that he won’t push me for more, and I'm grateful for that.
“Alright, men, I’m going home. I promised Ari I’d be home to our babies before two in the morning, and I intend to keep that promise. I’ll see you assholes soon anyway with the next deployment.” Danny Rider gets out of his seat and slides Gabe cash. “Have a good night, boys, and stay out of trouble. I’m looking at you, Lopez.” He points at the cowboy from Texas, and Lopez throws his hands up innocently as if he knows nothing.
Then Mr. Rider gives me a soft, gentlemanly smile, his beard fully grown out. He wears a backward ball cap, and all I can see are the tips of his dark blonde hair shaggy over his ears.
“Alessia.” He throws me a nod of farewell.
“Rider.” I bow my head and wave him goodbye.
Rooker follows suit, and they all give each other brotherly hugs and handshakes goodbye. Two Navy SEALS are now gone, and there are just three left.
“Alessia.”
A deep voice calls me. I know that deep voice anywhere now. After just a few interactions, it's become engraved into my ears.
“Yes?”
"The Admiral just wants to see you safe. I’m not happy about this babysitting gig either.” He swallows the rest of his bourbon.
Of course, he’s not happy about this. He’s a special operator. I don’t know one who isn’t obsessed with his job and taking out bad guys.
“Wait. You’ve been placed on PSD?” Gabe interrupts.
“Yeah.”
Gabe shakes a drink and slides it to Lopez. “Damn, dude, I know you’d rather be on missions and the team, saving people like you did for me.”
“Wait, you two know each other?” I ask, my eyes widening.
