Page 53 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“What's the plan, sir?” Mark parks the car away from three other cars but at a close distance to the entrance.

“We need to infiltrate the hotel, gather intel, and put an end to the threat once and for all. Nora and I will be going under the guise of a married couple.”

“A married couple attending the business summit would attract less attention.” Lena says, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

“We’ll check it and update you on how it’s going. Stay alert, guys. They probably know we’re here.” I shut the door and Nora follows after me with a briefcase. I look at her and loop my fingers between hers.

We make our way through the hotel, our senses on high alert. Nora walks beside me, her hand tight in mine, her eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of danger.

“We need to stay vigilant,” I say, my voice low. “Keep your eyes open and stick close to me.” Nora nods, her grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly, but she doesn't say a word.

We enter the hotel, and a man approaches us immediately. “Are you here for the summit?”

“Yes.” Nora says confidently.

He hands us a brochure and a detail of the events.

“The program will start in thirty minutes’ time. More information will be given then.”

“Thank you, sir.” We move to the reception, and the receptionist hands us the key card.

“Enjoy your stay, Mr. and Mrs. Steele,” the receptionist says with a friendly gleam in her eyes.

Nora places the suitcase on the table in the room and looks around. “We should go to the hall and see what they're up to.”

“When did you book the hotel?” she asks, ignoring my suggestion.

“Yesterday. Commander Keith called me about something suspicious going on at the hotel. That was the emergency we had.”

“Okay. Is there anything else you should be telling me?” She starts her laptop and connects to the cameras in the hotel. Two views show us the hall and people in it.

“No, there’s isn’t.” Without another word she continues staring at her laptop and typing at intervals.

“Nora, is everything okay?” I ask, unable to ignore the weight of her silence any longer. I move closer to her and lean on the table.

“Yes. Everything is fine, sir.”

“Sir? Where did that come from?”

She looks up at me with wide eyes. “I know you’re hiding something from me.”

I frown. “Now is the time to talk about this?”

She deflates, her eyes flashing with hurt.

I sigh, running my hand through my hair. “I’m sorry,” I say softly.

She nods, not looking at me.

“Okay, there is something I haven't told you,” I start, tilting her gaze up to meet mine. “Maxwell was... someone important to me. I think the person who was fighting with me was Maxwell. A former teammate.”

“Oh, Chase.” Her voice is soft.

“I got a glimpse of his face when we were fighting before Joseph pulled him off me. I told you we were four. Remember?”

“Are you sure?” She looks shocked. “Why would a past teammate of yours be working with the enemy?”

“The same question is on my mind. Why? The only answer I keep getting is revenge.” I shake my head, my throat tight. “I would give anything to be wrong.”

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