Page 30 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

I should stop thinking about it.Nora, focus. You can't dwell on a kiss, but why did he do that?! Why? Why? Why?I chant multiple times, finding no answer. I pound my fist on the table, clenching it tightly.

I need to get a grip on my emotions. As much as I want to dwell on it and figure out why he did it, I know I can't. I have a job to do, and letting personal feelings get in the way is a luxury I can ill afford.

I'll have to avoid Chase. At home, I can mostly stay in the living room, and at work I'll keep my interactions with him strictly professional.

That kiss should never have happened. It's so hard to get it out of my mind, especially with the feel of his lips on mine still lingering. It's subtle yet creating a heightened awareness.

I glance at the monitor screen and switch to analyzing a file filled with pictures and data on each person. We have a mission to focus on, and that's where my priorities should lie.

But even as I try to push the thoughts away, I can't help but wonder what his intentions are. Was it just in the heat of the moment that his emotions got the better of him? Yes, that’s what happened.

This pretend marriage, living in Chase's house, might just be a bad idea. I should just opt out and tell him that the fake marriage was a bad plan.

But I know that's not an option. I made a commitment to Chase to help him, and I intend to honor it, no matter what happens. Besides, I did it for myself too, but I can’t let it interfere with my responsibilities. There's too much at stake, and I mustn’t lose focus now.

I wonder if Ethan has seen the pictures, and I try to picture his reaction. He’d be shocked to say the least and maybe he’ll truly be in despair. Burying all thoughts about Ethan, I focus on the task at hand. The sooner we get to the bottom of this, the faster I can leave Chase’s house.

Emma breezes in with a paper bag of doughnuts and drops one on my table.

“What took you so long?” I snatch up one of the donuts, biting into it.

“There was a queue. We have over five thousand people on this base, remember.”

A guard peeps in and the next words that come out of his mouth dampen my appetite immediately.

“Nora, there’s a man here to see you. His name is Ethan. He wasn’t permitted entry, and he’s making a scene.”

“What did you say?”

“Wait? Ethan? Your…” I glare at Emma before standing up to follow the guard, and she goes quiet. The last thing I expected is for Ethan to show up unannounced at my workplace. My heart skips a beat as we near the gates, and I hear his voice, demanding to see me.

I rush to the entrance, hoping to defuse the situation before it escalates further. But, when I step outside, I find Ethan in a heated exchange with the security guards, his face contorted with anger. All the guards are taller than he is, and their patience is running thin.

“Nora!” he shouts when he sees me, his voice cutting through the commotion. “We need to talk, now!”

I hurry towards him and flinch, disgusted by the smell of alcohol. “Are you drunk?”

“How could you do this to me, Nora? After everything I've done for you!” He yells at the top of his voice, bringing his phone out of his pocket.

“What are you talking about, Ethan?” He holds his phone up, showing me the pictures. I look at the pictures, then back at him. He’s not completely out of it, but he’s had one too many.

“This can't be real, Nora. Tell me it's not true.” The words sound gutted, but his sharp eyes and tone make it clear—he’s pissed.

“Ethan, please calm down.” I beg, looking around. “This is my workplace. Let’s talk somewhere in private.”

“Don't you dare tell me to calm down! You've humiliated me in front of the whole world! What did I do to deserve this?!” He screams. The other staff are coming out now.This is so embarrassing.

“I didn't do this to hurt you, Ethan. I had to move on.” I lie.

“You made a mistake, Nora. Leaving me was the worst decision you could have made.”

“I don't regret my decision, Ethan. I had to do what was best for me.”

“Who? Who is this? You’d choose him over me?” He staggers, and the guards grab him. I'm surprised they’re being this patient with him. “Answer me!”

I take a deep breath, calming myself, while I think of an answer. But, before I can respond, I see Chase striding purposefully towards us. I’m unable to determine his expression, but his face hints at anger, his jaw set at the drama unfolding.

“What's going on here?” Chase demands, stepping between Ethan and me, his presence commanding attention.

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