Into the Storm, page 30
She’d never seen a more beautiful male body and she wanted to lick every inch of him. She smiled because that was exactly what she was about to do.
She started by kissing the bruises on his upper thighs, moving upward. When she reached his hips she grinned wickedly up at him and said, “Turn.”
His nostrils flared, but he followed orders without complaint. Heat spread through her; he was enjoying the anticipation as much as she was.
His butt and upper thighs were as mottled as the rest of him, meaning there was much kissing to be done. She finished by taking a gentle nip of his left ass cheek, and enjoyed the sound he made at the back of his throat.
“Turn,” she said again, and again he complied, faster this time.
She let out a soft chuckle, then resumed her kisses of his upper thighs and hips. “Tell me,” she said in a husky voice, “where else does it hurt?”
His eyes narrowed to sexy slits. “Sweetheart, I think you know exactly where I ache the most right now.”
“Poor baby,” she said, then stroked the underside of his cock with her tongue, from base to tip.
He let out a low groan—more of a growl, really—and said, “More.”
She rolled her tongue around his thick head, tasting precum, breathing in the scent of him. She loved this, the teasing and the sensory overload of scent, taste, the velvety feel of his cock on her tongue, the sight of his beautiful erection, and the sound of his pleasure.
She took him fully into her mouth, the better to taste and feel him. He added to her pleasure with more sound—a low groan as she took him deep into the back of her throat and sucked.
She’d gone down on him during their first night together, and it had been pleasurable for them both in a purely physical way. This was better. Intense in a way she hadn’t expected. Infused with all the emotion that had brought them here.
She released him from her mouth, then nudged him toward the bed. “You’re going to want to sit down for this.”
With a laugh, he dropped onto the mattress and spread his legs. She slipped between his thighs and reached for his cock.
“Lose the shirt,” he ordered.
Since he’d been so good at following her commands, she did the same and pulled her top over her head, revealing a simple beige satin bra that overflowed with cleavage. She’d been surprised to realize when she donned it this morning that her breasts were slightly fuller and the tenderness she’d been feeling for the last few weeks was subsiding.
The look on Xavier’s face as he took in her overflowing bra while his cock jutted out above her cleavage was belly-flippingly smoldery.
He groaned again when she wrapped her hands around the base and took him into her mouth and swirled her tongue around the tip. She bobbed down, taking him deep, then came up again, sucking both ways while her hand kept pace with her mouth along his shaft. She found her rhythm and closed her eyes, the feel of him in her mouth, his cock growing thicker as she stroked him, was all the pleasure she needed.
His large hands cupped her head, his fingers grazing her scalp as she moved, adding to her pleasure. Soft sounds emitted from her throat as she sucked. This was everything she wanted.
She forced her eyes open so she could see his face. His eyes were slitted as he watched her go down on him. She felt the heat in his gaze to her core. Since he’d stripped, he’d touched no part of her body but her hair, but she was so aroused, she needed to feel him inside her. Now.
She released him from her mouth and rose to her feet, then quickly yanked off her yoga pants and underwear.
“Scoot to the middle of the bed and lie on your back,” she ordered.
He complied without hesitation. She climbed on the bed, then crawled across the mattress and straddled him, taking his cock in hand and lining it up with her opening. She slid down onto his shaft, seating him deep inside her body in one motion.
Her nerves shot with pleasure at the fast penetration, a thick, hot intrusion into her tight body.
“There is something so fucking hot about you being slick and ready for me when I never even touched you.”
She let out a soft groan, the feeling so intense, she couldn’t even say the words to agree with him.
His hands found her breasts as she used her knees to push herself up and down on his shaft. When one hand dropped down to stroke her clit with his thumb, she threw her head back and moved in a primal rhythm that brought her closer and closer to the crest of the wave.
His hips bucked upward, and she moved in unison. His thumb worked magic, and she shattered, pleasure rippling through her from both the friction of his cock and the stroke of his thumb. His hips moved in an urgent rhythm, and he crested too, his body pulsing with his ejaculation.
Fast, intense, explosive, it was everything she’d needed from him. Everything she’d needed to give.
She gazed down at him and saw the burn of emotion in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, and she pressed a finger to his lips. She knew what he was about to say, and she didn’t want his words in the air, lest he think she was giving him an echo, saying merely what she believed he wanted to hear.
She leaned down and pressed her lips to his, opening her mouth to kiss him. She realized they hadn’t even kissed today. Not really.
Her tongue slid against his, adding another flavor to her sensory pleasure. Then she raised her head and met his gaze. “I love you, Chief Warrant Officer Xavier Rivera, and I want us to raise our baby together as a family.”
Chapter Forty-Two
It was one thing to believe Audrey wanted him in her life as a lover and partner, and quite another to actually hear her say the words. The warmth in his chest expanded until he thought he might explode. He pulled her head down for another deep kiss. When he released her, he whispered, “I’m going to do everything in my power to make you as happy as being with you makes me.”
She stroked his cheek. “You already do.”
He rolled to his right side, moving her with him so they remained chest to chest. “Not even close.” He kissed her neck, taking a deep breath and breathing in her scent.
It was probably wrong to feel this much joy right now, but he’d promised Chris—and himself—he would savor this break with Audrey.
Chris had told him about Pam’s affair and their pending divorce. He’d admitted that deep down, he knew part of the reason she’d found a lover and wanted out was because he’d cut himself off after the way things went down in Belarus. It didn’t excuse her actions, but it was there, a crack in the foundation.
He told Xavier not to make the same mistake, reminding him he had a right to live and love and find happiness, even now. Especially now.
Chris, more than anyone, understood and felt the same guilt that hounded Xavier. Three dead in Belarus including the hostage. Three dead at Lake Olympus.
Of course, Chris hadn’t been part of the planning, and his teammates had died before any of the SEALs even knew the forest was filled with mercenaries, but Xavier knew the guilt clung to him just the same.
Especially because the targeting of the exercise was connected to Belarus. Revenge for the death of the hostage, paid for by the girl’s oligarch father.
But right now, he had Audrey in his arms, and she’d just told him she loved him. He’d enjoy this feeling and keep his heart open when he was with Audrey.
“How long can you stay?” she asked.
“Two days. Then I need to go to Coronado. Among other things, there’s going to be a service for the three fallen SEALs. You’re invited, but it’s the same day as Jeb’s service.”
“Oh, damn. That’s a tough one. But I need to be here for Jeb. George is going to give the eulogy.” She stroked his cheek again. “I’m sorry. I wish I could be there for you.”
“I understand. Your community here needs you, and mine will need me there. It’s the right choice for both of us.”
She nodded.
“There’s a lot to sort through, but while I’m there, I’m going to start the retirement process. Given the circumstances, my departure from the Navy is likely to be expedited. It’s possible I’ll be able to move up here before the end of March.”
“You’re really doing this. No hesitation.”
“I’m really doing this.” He threaded his fingers through hers and brought her hand to his lips. “No hesitation.”
She smiled. “I feel like I should tell you, moving to Port Angeles was the deal breaker for my ex. He broke up with me when I landed the ONP archaeologist position, because he knew I would never move south, and he didn’t want to move north. So…I get how big this is for you, to leave the Navy and move to a remote part of Washington.”
“Well, it’s only fair I should mention…the deal breaker for my ex was standing by me when I was in the hospital. I don’t know what bothered her more, taking care of me as I recovered from surgery, or knowing I was going to be dealing with PTSD. Yet I don’t see you running scared, and that means more than I can say.”
She kissed him. “I think I would leave the Olympic Peninsula for you, Xavier Rivera.”
His heart jolted. “Wow. You must really love me.”
She brushed her lips over his. “I really, really do.”
The weekend passed far too quickly, but they both made sure not to waste a precious moment. Monday morning, a car arrived, sent by the Navy to deliver Xavier to the base for a transport to Coronado.
He kissed Audrey goodbye, absorbing this moment to give him something to hold on to while he was away and burying sailors who’d met an unfathomable end during what should have been a safe exercise.
“I love you,” he whispered against her lips.
“I love you too.”
With one more deep kiss, he left her and climbed inside the vehicle. Hours later, he was landing on the base that had been the closest thing he had to home for nearly eighteen years.
He was pulled straight into another debriefing, finding Chris, who’d flown back two days ago, already in the room.
He took a seat next to Flyte. They had a few minutes before the meeting would officially begin.
“How’s Audrey?”
“Amazing.”
Chris grinned, showing off deep dimples in both cheeks. “Excellent. You took my advice.”
He nodded. “You’re a wise man.” He glanced at Chris’s hand, noting his ring was still absent. “Pam?”
Chris gave a sharp shake of his head. “It’s over.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
His nostrils flared. “Me too.”
Cohen entered the room, the bandage on his hand much smaller now than the last time Xavier had seen him. Paul dropped into the empty chair on Xavier’s other side.
“How’s Carly?” Xavier asked.
“Thankful.”
Both Xavier and Chris nodded.
“Thankful” was the word of the day, week, and month.
Thankful for George Shaw. Audrey’s cameras and timely arrival. Thankful for Luke and Jae’s concern putting them in the right place at the right time.
If not for those things, they all might be being honored in the memorial service scheduled for tomorrow.
The officers and military investigators who’d called the meeting entered the room, and everyone came to attention.
They began with an update on the investigation…and then things got interesting.
Captain Jane Harlow launched right in. “From the beginning, one of our analysts examined the intersection between the Belarus op and the Lake Olympus Lodge Exercise. Obviously, Mr. Rivera’s and Lieutenant Flyte’s participation in both activities was key, but the odds that both men would be assigned on opposite sides of the LOLE training was a coincidence that couldn’t be ignored. The number of individuals who knew details of both ops was limited. The number who had the power to influence the assignment of which trainers would plan the exercise and which SEAL platoon would participate in the training even smaller. A deep search of the financial data and communications of everyone at the center of that Venn diagram led us to interesting results.”
Harlow paused and met Xavier’s gaze before moving on to meet Flyte’s. “Mr. Rivera and Lieutenant Flyte were cleared immediately. I’m sorry, gentlemen, but it was necessary.”
Xavier nodded. He knew he would be investigated and wasn’t offended. The fact that he was still in the room was a testament to the fact that he and Flyte were innocent.
“Three days ago, our investigators discovered the wife of an officer integral to ops training and planning has large sums of money in foreign bank accounts. Far more than could be justified or explained.”
Xavier studied the room, trying to think of who was missing at the table, and came on the answer a moment before Captain Harlow identified the missing man: Commander Pearson.
“Commander Pearson was taken in for questioning. We have a confession. We are waiting for confirmation of certain details, but it does look like we’ve got the right man.”
Silence settled in the room as they all took this in. Selling military secrets to a Russian oligarch was treason. Directing operations to fit said oligarch’s desires—actions that led to the deaths of three SEALs—was another level of betrayal.
Revulsion spread through Xavier. It was a good thing the man was already in a cell, because Xavier and a number of SEALs would happily tear him limb from limb.
“Pearson confirmed that Russian oligarch Grigory Laskin wanted revenge for the death of his daughter, who died in the rescue op led by Flyte and Rivera. It is worth noting that Katerina Laskin was kidnapped by men believed to be working for the president of Russia when the president was told Laskin intended to betray him and provide intel to the US.”
“Was it true? Was Laskin turning against the president?” a captain near the head of the table asked.
“Yes. Laskin was in negotiations with the US when his daughter was taken. After her abduction, a deal was made that if his daughter was safely extracted, he would turn on the president. He also promised several other oligarchs would join him. But the Fire Team was betrayed. Katerina and two SEALs died.”
Even now, in this room, the true circumstances of Katerina’s death were left out. Those in the room who didn’t know already didn’t need to know the details.
Xavier had no idea if Laskin had been told the truth or not. The man would never have believed it anyway. They’d still be here, debriefing after the oligarch’s revenge.
“Analysis of the failed op has determined that, given the level of betrayal, it was an impossible mission. The Fire Team had no chance of success, and Lieutenant Flyte is to be commended for his actions in saving himself and Rivera and bringing Forsythe and Adams home.”
Flyte shifted in his seat, and Xavier knew the man was uncomfortable. There was no commendation for what happened in Belarus. No exoneration.
Captain Harlow resumed her seat. An admiral took over. “With this information, we’ve determined that the assault on the LOLE was unrelated to the attached operational mission. It appears the oligarch and mercenaries he hired knew nothing about the plan to extract the Russian scientist and her son.”
“Pearson didn’t know the purpose of the exercise?” Flyte asked, his voice showing the same surprise Xavier felt.
“He did not. His knowledge was limited to need to know for the LOLE, as is protocol, and he did not need to know the actual purpose of the training, just who was assigned and various parameters to make sure the proper equipment was available.” The admiral cleared his throat. “An analysis of the satellite phones and radios provided to the trainers and SEALs shows that the team was given substandard equipment. The combination of poor-quality phones and radios and advanced signal-blocking technology ensured that no one working the exercise would be able to make a call within the lake basin area. A better phone might have been able to make the call from a clearing on the hillside.”
Xavier let out a deep breath. They’d been sabotaged from every angle.
“Of note,” the admiral continued, “it’s clear that Russia’s signal-blocking technology is far ahead of ours, but with the blockers we recovered from the forest, we have already developed a device that we believe can reduce the efficacy of the blockers currently in place in the target property where the scientist and her son are being held.”
Xavier jolted.
The mission is a go?
The admiral addressed him directly. “Yes, Mr. Rivera. Between what we learned inadvertently in the disastrous training and the technology we’ve reverse engineered, we have learned what we need to extract the doctor and her son from Primorsky Krai. In that sense, the LOLE was a success. We’re watching the weather forecasts for heavy rain to provide cover. As soon as one rolls in, we have a team ready to do a HALO jump into the storm.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Ten days later, the op went off without a hitch. The team had been prepared to hike out with the scientist, her son, and the data needed to halt the coming attack, but with the signal-blocker technology they’d recovered from the forest, they were able to disable the system and call for helicopter extraction in addition to being able to upload the scientist’s vast data collection directly onto US military servers before they left the woodland mansion.
Xavier called Audrey with the good news as soon as he was cleared. “They want me here for a few more days to debrief with the team, then I’ll be on leave.” He was taking two weeks leave to sort things out. While he planned to spend as much of it in bed with Audrey as possible, they’d also agreed to a trip to the Bay Area to introduce her to his family and possibly a trip to Arizona so he could meet her father.
“I can’t wait.”
He knew she’d been going stir-crazy. She’d been on leave herself from work while investigations continued in the lodge, but a few days ago, Mikhail’s body had been found inside an RV that had been abandoned in the woods near Sequim, a town fifteen miles east of Port Angeles.
The merc leader had hanged himself in the same RV that had been the home of the unruly campers who’d kept Jae busy the first night.
