Page 29 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“I should leave.” Nora says, raising a finger unsure of what to do. “Excuse me.”

The commander puts his hand out to stop her. “Wait. I checked your office, but Emma said Chase sent for you. I’m actually here to talk to you both.”

Nora glances at me nervously. I give a small, almost imperceptible nod so that she knows I’m with her.

“Have you gotten any leads on who did this, Nora?” Commander Keith asks.

“Not yet, sir.”

“But you think going undercover as a couple will solve this case.” His tone hints at a bit of sarcasm, and I see Nora wince. He really should not say anything to her. I suggested the idea.

“Sir, Nora’s working on it.” He looks at me for a few seconds before his face contorts into a weak smile, the creases around his eyes betraying his age and a ton of experience.

“It’s okay, really. Let’s just hope this plan works. I chose not to mention it to the admiral because, unlike what you hope—whatever that is—they might not see things in the same way and dismiss the idea. But I’ve known you for over a decade now, Steele. You’re a tough one, and after that time when you lost some members because someone leaked information, I didn’t think the past would repeat itself. That’s why I was hard on you, and that’s why we’re all being hard on you.”

“I understand, sir.”

“No, you don’t. The last time you made a mistake like this, do you remember what happened?” The images flash in my head, smoke, blood, gun shots, and bleeding that wouldn’t stop. Bile rises in my throat.

Swallowing hard, I reply, the taste of bitter memories lingering on my tongue. “Yes, sir. I remember.” His words dig up memories I’ve tried so hard to bury, pain I’ve tried to forget.

“Remember Chase, this mission cannot fail. You know what is at stake.” He glances at Nora before turning to the door. He pulls down the lever then stops. “Do not let what happened in the past repeat itself.” I clench my fist in anger as he shuts the door.

“Chase.” Nora places a hand on my shoulder offering support in what little way she can, but it’s not enough to soothe the pain inside, the wounds that refuse to heal, and the nightmare that haunts me at night. “I’m here for you,” she whispers softly.

“It wasn’t my fault. We were attacked. They knew we were coming, and I wasn’t sensitive enough to pick it up beforehand. But I’ve led over twenty missions making sure all of us were safe and this one mistake is too hard to forget. I wish I could erase things.” I say through blurry eyes, fighting tears that are threatening to fall. Nora grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug, tugging my head low onto her shoulders, calming me down.

“It’s okay. I believe you. I’m here for you. You can talk to me, Chase. Talk to me.” She rests her head on my chest, my height towering over her petite frame. I can't hold back any longer. The walls I've built around my emotions begin to crumble as she holds me, revealing the man hidden beneath the tough exterior.

“It was supposed to be a rescue mission, but we ended up being rescued ourselves.” I chuckle, a bitter sound bubbling out of my throat. “The mission failed, resulting in the death of several teammates. My negligence caused it then, too. This was before you started working here. It resulted in the loss of my comrades and those who didn’t die were left with severe injuries. It shattered their faith in the system, and they felt betrayed by my incompetence and negligence.”

“Oh, Chase,” she says sympathetically. It makes my stomach roll. I don’t deserve her kindness.

“Those with severe injuries had to leave the army, the incident cut short their dream to serve their country. Some left because they felt betrayed, some even questioned why I should remain alive when their best buddies were dead. Believe me, Nora, the last thing I wanted was for anyone to die. I had my own fair share of bullets, but I was just lucky to make it through.”

She pats my back gently before leaning back with dewy eyes, luring me in, taking me away from this moment, filling the void in me. I relish the moment even if it’s just a fleeting second, but I don’t want it to pass. I want to hold onto it.

I'm consumed by an overwhelming desire for something more. I lean in, my lips inches from hers, she lets out a small gasp of surprise as my lips collide with hers, capturing her in a heated kiss. Before things can escalate further, Nora pulls away, her eyes searching mine for answers.

With a shocked and confused look on her face, she exits my office without saying a word, leaving me grappling with a whirlwind of emotion.

As I watch her go, I feel everything snap like a rubber band. Jesus, what was I thinking?

What happens now?

Chapter ten

Nora

The kiss with Chase lingers in my mind, haunting me with its intensity, the feel of his lips on mine, and the look in his eyes ignites a flame in my belly.

A flame that I should quench immediately, but I don't really want to.Nora, Nora,I sigh rubbing my temples.

I look to my right to see an empty seat. Where did Emma go? She’s been gone for quite a while. Was I so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear her mention where she was going.

Chase what did you do?Our relationship is strictly friendly at home and formal at work, but that one act is about to change everything. Sure, we flirt a little here and there, but it doesn’t mean anything.

At least, I thought it didn’t mean anything.

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