Page 2 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

I stare at the screen, Ethan’s words burning deep into my mind.

Though I’m a bit shocked at how mean he’s being, I can’t blame him. He’s hurt and angry. Anyone in his shoes would be.

But deep down I know getting married to him would have been the real mistake. I did what I had to do for both of us. My mom starts calling too, but I let it go to voicemail. I should just turn off my phone for a while, but I need somewhere to go and going home is not an option. Who can I call?

My best friend would be a good person to call right now, but she’s probably still trapped at the venue, talking my family down or trying to get Ethan to calm down.

I didn't tell her I was going to bolt from my wedding. Calling her would put them on my trail.

All my close friends and family are already here. Everyone I’d call in an emergency, apparently, I’d also invite to my wedding.

I pace the small alley, my gait uneven because of my broken shoe. My wedding dress is getting dirty from being on the ground.

Whoisn’talready inside?

Mark!One of the guys I work with who isn’t at the wedding! I start scrolling for his name in my contact list before I remember—he’s out of town, which is the reason he wasn’t invited.

Isn’t there anyone else?I think harshly. I work with Navy Seals, some of the toughest guys in the world. Surely one of them can brave an angry ex-fiancée.

Only one name comes to mine.

Chase Steele.

My boss, who is definitely in town. He had fumbled for an excuse not to come for so long at the office that I couldn’t even be offended when he eventually said he just didn’t want to. While he had turned down my invitation to celebrate, maybe he’d be more willing to help me flee.

I scroll through my phone several more times, trying to come up with a single other answer. Calling my boss seems like a terrible career move.

But then my phone is buzzing, Mom’s calls are getting closer and closer together, and I decide,to hell with the job, I’ve got to get out of here.

I scroll up until I find his name and then hesitate. The weather is changing, and the sky is filling with heavy, dark clouds, reflecting the turmoil within me. Had he not asked me time and time again if I knew what I was doing? Had he not warned me not to do things just because they were expected of me? Wouldn’t he judge me now?

My finger pauses on his name for a few seconds as I wonder if I am thinking straight, but I choose to give it a try anyway. What's the worst that could happen? I've exhausted my options on finding shoulders to cry on.

And it’s not like he’s my boss at an office. As Seals, we’re all close—confidants and friends—as well as coworkers.

At least, I hope he thinks that.I take a deep breath and call his number.

“Nora? Tell me, what bride has the time to make calls on her big day?” His voice drips with sarcasm, managing to cut through the panic which threatens to consume me.

“I… I couldn't do it, Chase,” I stammer, my words choked with emotion. “I ran away from my own wedding. I tried. I really did try to marry him, but I couldn’t.”

There's a moment of silence on the other end, and then Chase's sighs softly. “Be calm,” he says, his voice steady. “Where are you? I’m on my way.”

I'm surprised by his thoughtfulness and grateful he didn't give me a lecture as I had expected. I tell him the location of the alley, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. The phone disconnects as he gets in his car. As if on cue, it starts to rain.

Waiting for him is the longest five minutes of my life. By the time I hear the roar of an engine and Chase's black car pulls up in front of me, I’m shivering violently, my teeth chattering. He jumps out with an umbrella, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, taking in the wedding dress and the disheveled state of my hair and makeup.

“I'm sorry,” he says and opens the passenger door for me. I won't lie. I expected a cocky remark from him, but I'm glad he's being sensitive.

In his car, he reaches for a towel in the backseat and hands it to me. He watches as I wipe my face and dry my hair, and then he turns on the car heater. I remove the veil from my hair, and for the first time, I see pity in his hazel eyes.

Ihateit.

“What happened?” he asks, his voice low and steady, grounding me in this surreal moment.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. “I couldn't go through with it, Chase. The pressure, the expectations. I just couldn't pretend anymore. I should have called it off earlier.”

He nods with understanding, his gaze gentle, yet probing.

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