Page 74 of Meant to Be
“I held him as he bled to death. He asked me to watch over his mom and Chelsea. I told him I would, although, I didn’t think I’d make it out alive. I was wounded. I knew I would be okay if I could get help, but there was no way I’d be able to get back to base alive. Not alone.”
“Where were the others?”
He shrugged. “They left.”
Mitch never came out and said it, but Sydney understood that he and Brian were set up, not just by his sergeant, but by the others in the squad who agreed with the sergeant’s tactics.
“How did you make it out?”
“Another patrol came through. I was in the hospital about to be sent back to my post when a couple guys from CID showed up. It’s the army’s investigation command.”
“Was your sergeant arrested?”
“Yes. He and several others are serving time, but it was too late for Brian.” He turned to her. “And me.”
Something inside him had died that day. It was just as Jenny had told her. He lost his faith in humanity and chose to keep the world at bay rather than risk betrayal or being used to hurt others. She considered asking him what sort of life Brian would want him to have. Or tell him to not let the evil doings of a few men affect his view of others, especially since there was evidence of good all around him in his family and friends. But she decided it wouldn’t matter.
“But, hey, I got a medal.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. “So did Brian, not that it did him any good.”
“Thank you for telling me this. I know it’s painful for you.”
“I don’t talk about it.”
“I know. And we don’t have to anymore. Except, I want to tell you Mitch, I…” She paused with the words poised on her tongue. “…I know you. You’re a good man.”
He looked away, his head shaking slightly. Would their affair last long enough for her to prove to him he was good? She hugged him again, holding the embrace for some time, until his tension and grief subsided, replaced by something sensual. His hands slid under her shirt and his mouth sought hers with a desperate hunger. She wanted to tell him sex wasn’t a solution to grief, but he wasn’t in a place to hear that message either. So she kept her mouth shut, except to accept his kiss. If he needed sex to soothe his soul, she could give him that.
This time lasted longer than the first two times, but even so, they had trouble pacing themselves. Not that she was complaining. But it seemed like they had only one speed: fast and furious. It pulled Mitch out of his melancholy, though, which she was glad for.
He rolled and pulled her with him so they lay on their sides. He nestled her neck. “Are you hungry?”
Where did he get the energy? “Again?”
He grinned. “I meant for food. I’ll need it before we go another round.”
Another round?
“And we haven’t had supper.”
“Oh. I said I’d cook and I didn’t get to it.”
“You cooked.” He waggled his brows.
She laughed, loving the funny, unguarded Mitch. But it sent conflicting messages. When he was angry and annoyed, it was easier to remind herself they had no future. This sexy, engaging Mitch was too easy to love. Apparently, with their agreement in place, he found no need to be guarded. She, on the other hand, needed an iron wall to keep her heart safe.
“I think you’re giving me more credit than I deserve.”
He frowned. “Three times now you’ve robbed me of my mad skills. I can’t seem to help it.”
“I like that you can’t help it.” She waggled her brows.
He rolled her under him and kissed her, thoroughly. Her body heated. Was round three, or would this be four, commencing?
“I’ve got eggs or we can warm up a casserole.”
“Do you have more of Mema’s macs and cheese?”
His eyes narrowed, as if he was considering her request, and then he grinned. “I’d say you’ve earned Mema’s macs and cheese.”
