Page 50 of A Soldier's Destiny
“What do we do? What happens next?”
“We’re trying to track her calls and movements. We’ll keep an eye on her and see if she’s been in contact with anyone local. There was a guy hanging around in a leather jacket and a hoodie yesterday that looked out of place and took off without buying anything. I saw him again as we pulled out of the parking lot to deliver the cake.”
“Is that why you yelled stop?”
“Yup. I guess it was a good thing too, at least it kept you from stepping on the gas.”
“You think he’s involved?”
“I’m not sure but it looks like it. I saw him after the accident and Chase tried to catch him, but he got away. That’s too many coincidences.”
Nodding, she chewed on her lower lip and stared at the wall. The wheels were definitely turning, and he’d give anything to know what she was thinking.
“Maybe she’s right, and it is my fault. If Jim hadn’t proposed then he’d still be alive.”
“You don’t know that. Don’t let his sister put thoughts in your head. He was a grown man able to make his own decisions. No one twisted his arm. It was just bad luck that you were all there that night.”
“I know, and intellectually I agree, but my heart doesn’t.”
“It’s the same for us if we lose a teammate.
He put her foot down and slowly ran his hand along her leg and under the leggings until he reached the scarring from the bullet wounds.
“It feels weird, right?”
“Not really, mine’s worse. Does it still hurt?”
“Sometimes, mostly on wet, humid days.”
“Mine too.”
“Will you tell me what happened? How did you get the scar on your face? Did it happen the same time your leg was injured?”
“My last mission was a total clusterfuck. I can’t tell you much, it’s classified, but I lost a good friend. I had substantial injuries, and two surgeries on my thigh. But I’m better, just not good enough to go back to my team.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s my own fault, I was distracted.” He wouldn’t tell her he’d been thinking about her. It had been his own fault. After Paris, his mind wasn’t on point like it should have been. Whenever he had downtime his mind wandered thinking about her. Wondering what she was doing, if she was happy. No matter what he’d done he couldn’t get her out of his head.
“I’m still sorry. You were wonderful in Paris. I know I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t come when you did. That’s twice you’ve saved me.”
“Just doing my job.”
“After last night, is it still justyour job? I was hoping we’d moved beyond that.” What was she asking?
“I meant what I said last night. I want you. All of you. I never say anything I don’t mean.”
“Good, because nothing has changed for me. I want you, Jasper. I need you. I don’t want you to leave when this is settled. I want to see if we can have a life together.”
“Are you sure? Because once you’re mine, I’m not letting you go. I can’t. Not after spending two years trying to find you.”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything. I know it’s fast, but it feels like it’s our destiny and I won’t deny it. I don’t want to risk losing you.”
It was sheer will power that kept him in check. She was hurting, bruised, broken. Making love to her was out of the question. Instead, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. After pulling the comforter aside, he placed her on the bed and climbed in next to her, still fully dressed. The barrier of his clothing helped him hold on to his control. If he felt her skin against his, he’d be toast.
“Rori, are you really sure?”
“Yes, I want you so much it hurts.”
