Page 46 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

Nora nods, her expression serious. “I know,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “But let's take it one step at a time. I haven't forgotten about that music challenge. That's the first thing we're going to do when all this is over.” A mischievous smile spreads across her face making me feel there's more to this challenge.

“Can we try something else?”

“Why? Scared of losing?” This lady knows how to push my buttons.

“No, I won’t lose.”

“We'll see about that then. The challenge stays,” she says with a sultry smile before placing a chaste kiss on my lips. She stands up but I pull her back.

“You smell nice,” I comment, taking a whiff of her shampoo before placing kisses on her neck, and she giggles.

“It’s your shampoo. I have to go down to assist Javier. He’s making some dishes for your sister’s visit.”

“Oh, I see. He doesn’t have to do much, though. It’s not like we’re having a party or something.”

“You know your chef, Chase. In the little while I’ve known him, he doesn’t like to do things small. I’m going downstairs.” She hops off the bed and points to the center table. “Javier brought you some breakfast, just so you're up on your feet quickly, I guess.” She whispers cheerily and I groan. “Now, come on. Just have some, then take a bath, and join us for breakfast.”

“Okay. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” She shuts the door, and I get off the bed. The pain has lessened a lot after the painkillers. I have a few spoons of the oatmeal, taking some time to savor the taste. I down the rest of the contents, feeling refreshed fromwhatever herbs he mixed together in this. Now, it’s time to take a bath.

Questions fill my mind as I step into the bath, the warm water soothing my still slightly sore muscles. The same questions I asked when the scandal started, but one stands out.Are they my past enemies, international bodies, or my closest friends?Now, which category does he fall into? A friend or an enemy?

One thing is clear, the person who attacked me yesterday is no longer my friend, but he’s not a past enemy either. He just became an enemy. What if I’m wrong? He could have shot me and Joseph, but he didn’t. He left the navy SEALs and joined the bad guys. But for what gain? Revenge? Yet, he didn’t want to kill me. I turn the water off, twisting the dial in anger. There is only one way to find out. Go after him before he comes after me. Because if he’s involved in this, he’s going to see it through to the end.

****

I stare into Joseph's eyes, his concern palpable as we sit across from each other at the dining table. Javier, as expected, has filled the table with quite an amount of food using my recovery as an excuse.

“What happened yesterday? The guy that ran away seemed oddly familiar, don’t you think? His fighting skills, mannerisms.”

Even Joseph could sense he was familiar. I shake my head struggling to come to terms with what happened.It can’t be him.I must be paranoid. I hardly even saw his face.

It’s just the trauma coming back. There’s no reason to tell anyone, especially Joseph who experienced that trauma too, that I’m suspicious.

“I’m not sure. Maybe he’s a past enemy that we’ve fought who got away, and he’s making a comeback.”

“Well, that’s one mighty comeback. Pass me the sauce, please.” I push the bowl towards him, and he takes large spoonfuls of the sauce.

“Hey, Nora hasn’t had any of that.” I drag the bowl away from him, and he drags it back.

“Umm…” he dips the spoon in again, hesitating at first, but shrugs. “Javier will make more. Plus, she’s going to be staying longer than I am, so she can have it anytime.”

“Right.” I remark dryly, while looking at my phone screen as a message notification pops up from Lauren.I’m on my way.

“I see the way you look at her, you know.” He teases, gesturing to the kitchen, and I pretend I don’t know what he’s talking about.

“Who?” My face forms into a scowl. Joseph has a habit of teasing me about such things.

“Nora. Who else? And the way she was fussing over you yesterday.”

“You were also fussing. Javier was, too.” I point towards the kitchen where Javier is engrossed in some more food preparation.

“And Lauren will too when she gets here.” Joseph says. “But no one will be as attentive as Nora. Where is Lauren by the way? Is she coming soon?”

“Yes. She’s on her way. She just texted me.”

“Okay. I can’t wait to see her, but when did this start?” He points to the kitchen again, and I hit his hand, earning a sly grin from him. “Don’t deny it.” He points a fork towards me for emphasis. “I’ve been watching you, too.”

I look back to see Nora assisting Javier in preparation for Lauren’s arrival. How much can one person eat?

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