Page 27 of A Soldier's Temptation
Chapter 7
It wasn’t how John hoped the evening would play out, but it accomplished what he and Colin had set out to do—get her out of her apartment and into protective custody. He’d been surprised when Colin agreed to let Ariana stay with him.
It hadn’t been an easy sell, even though it was the option she’d chosen. First, he had to promise to allow her security detail to have final say over everything. It was Colin’s job, John understood that, but this was the woman who’d stolen his heart and his mind. If anyone thought they could protect her better than him, they were sorely mistaken, and he’d be happy to set them straight.
Unlocking the door to his apartment, he stood to the side to allow Ari and Mr. Darcy to enter first. “Welcome to your home away from home. The floorplan is like yours except for the extra bedroom. Hopefully, it won’t be too much of an adjustment.”
“Except this place doesn’t look like a war zone,” she answered softly as she stopped in the middle of the living room. If he hadn’t been listening closely, he wouldn’t have heard her. He wished more than anything he could have spared her from seeing how they’d destroyed her belongings.
“After the trial is over, you’ll be able to go back home and fix it up good as new.” It sounded lame, but he wasn’t sure what else to say.
“I’m not so sure about that. Colin doesn’t think they’ll ever stop coming after me.” There were tears in her voice, and when she faced him, her eyes were filled with liquid sadness waiting to slip down her face.
Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight against him. Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he hoped it would soothe some of her distress.
Anger, fear, and frustration poured out of her in big sloppy sobs. A crying woman is a man’s worst nightmare. Following his instincts, he held her tighter. The warm tears soaked his shirt and his heart hurt for her. All of his alpha tendencies kicked into full gear. He wanted to pick her up and hide her away somewhere she’d always be safe even if it was the last thing she wanted. Mr. Darcy seemed just as unhappy and whimpered as he leaned against Ariana.
“I promise it will be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You don’t even know everything. Besides, if a team of FBI agents can’t protect me, what makes you think one Navy SEAL can?”
“Well, that’s where you’re wrong. I have to make a couple of calls to rally the troops but trust me, there will be troops, and you will be safe.”
Blinking back the last of her tears, she took the tissue he offered, blew her nose and wiped her tears. Her cheeks were bright red from crying and she was chewing on her bottom lip. Rubbing his thumb along her bottom lip, he slid it from under her teeth before she drew blood. Tilting her head up so he could look into her eyes, his heart melted at the pain reflected in hers. Words wouldn’t fix this, so he did the only thing he hoped would distract her.
Lowering his head, he gave her a chance to say no but she didn’t say anything. This wasn’t his ideal first kiss but it was the only way he could show her how much he cared that she might believe. Their eyes were locked together as he had his first taste. Sliding his tongue between her parted lips, he sighed in pleasure. Soft, warm, and sweet. He knew he should pull away, but he couldn’t get enough of her. Wanting more, pulled her against his hips, knowing she’d feel his desire.
He’d tried to be gentle, and not push her. But when her mouth opened and her tongue timidly traced his lips, he was lost. Ari tasted like a fine wine, mellow with a hint of sweetness. When she pulled away it was like a part of him was ripped away. How had he gotten so attached to her? He’d never fallen for a woman so completely Somehow she’d managed to break down every one of the walls he’d put in place.
“Umm, can you put me down, please?”
“What? Oh God, yes.” He hadn’t even realized he’d lifted her into his arms. She was so petite her feet dangled off the floor. “You really are short,” he said as he released her.
“I’m not, I’m fun-sized. You are a giant.”
Again, she’d surprised him. He’d expected her to be upset that he’d kissed her, especially since he hadn’t asked. But he’d never be sorry for that kiss. His heart felt whole again, something he’d never expected to happen. “I hope the kiss didn’t upset you.”
“It was unexpected, but honestly, I’ve wanted to do that for months.”
“You have?” Damn, how did he not realize that? He’d sent plenty of signals. Apparently, so had she and he’d been too blind notice.
“I know you’re not the relationship type, and after the hell my ex-Paul put me through, is still putting me through, I have a hard time trusting people, even ones I already know. He just about destroyed me. So having a relationship was not happening.”
“Baby, I don’t know the whole story, but I will never hurt you, not intentionally. I promise.”
“I want to believe you, but it’s not going to be easy. I’m sure after this evening I’m probably in shock. So take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt, okay?”
“I’ll try.” Damn, she was adorable. All of her emotions were clearly visible on her face as she tried to come up with what she wanted to say. And all he could focus on were her kiss swollen lips.
“I can’t trust my judgment when it comes to men. I thought Paul was amazing when we first met, and now he’s in jail for espionage. I’ve been attracted to you since I saw you in the gym. I almost peed my pants when you came over to talk to me.”
“Really? I’d never have guessed. You were so reserved.”
“Oh man, you have no idea. But I’d decided that men were off-limits, especially Navy SEALs. I’ve heard all the rumors and seen it in action. We’ve watched them go home with a different woman almost every night.”
“Don’t convict all of us based on a few. It’s true some of the guys are like that, but it’s mostly we get back from a mission, especially if there were close calls. But I am not one of them. I haven’t been out with a woman in months.”
“Really?” she said then chewed on the corner of her fingernail.
