Page 46 of Protecting Her

The casual discussion of threats and tactics should have felt strange in the peace of their private sanctuary. Instead, it felt like pieces of a puzzle finally fitting together: Carmen's diplomatic expertise merging with Jude's tactical precision, creating something stronger than either could achieve alone.

"The State Department approved our joint assignment," Carmen said, moving to lean against the balcony's edge. "Though Deputy Director Harrison made several pointed comments about 'maintaining appropriate professional distance' during operations."

Jude's smile carried warm amusement as she joined her at the railing. "I'm sure the mental image of his senior diplomat throwing wine bottles at assassins challenged his notion of what constitutes appropriate behavior."

"That wasone time." Carmen felt laughter bubble up, the joy of being alive and in love making even deadly memories lighter. "And it worked perfectly."

"It did." Jude's arm slid around her waist, strong and steady. "Though maybe next time aim for something less expensive? My SEAL training never covered the proper tactical deployment of vintage bordeaux."

They stood together as stars emerged above the capital's monuments, each light a reminder of how far they'd come from that first security briefing. Carmen thought about all themasks she'd worn over her career, all the careful distance she'd maintained. Now here she was, planning joint missions with the woman who had slipped past every defense she'd built.

"I received a message from Maria Elena," she said softly. "Three more villages have received medical supplies without corporate interference. Clean water reaching communities that were cut off for months. Children returning to schools that were forced to close." She turned in Jude's arms. "We made a difference."

"You made a difference." Jude's free hand came up to trace the silver threads in Carmen's hair. "I just kept you alive long enough to do it."

"You did more than that." Carmen caught her hand, pressing a kiss to scarred knuckles. "You showed me that some battles are worth fighting not just for duty, but for love."

The admission hung in the evening air between them. Below, Washington's traffic flowed like rivers of light, the city's rhythms a reminder of all the forces they'd challenged together. But here on their balcony, they had carved out something precious: a space where the diplomat and the warrior could simply be Carmen and Jude.

"Southeast Asia will be dangerous," Jude said quietly. "The corporate interests are already mobilizing, trying to hide their operations behind new front companies."

"Good thing I have an experienced, professional protection detail then." Carmen smiled up at her.

"I think we left 'professional' behind somewhere between firefights and safe houses." Carmen leaned up to kiss her. "Not that I'm complaining."

When they broke apart, the city's lights sparkled like earth-bound stars around them. Tomorrow would bring new missions, new battles for justice, and new truths worth protecting. Butthey had proven their partnership stronger than protocol or corruption, their love worth any risk.

"Ready for our next adventure?" Jude asked softly.

Carmen studied the woman who had changed everything: the precise line of her jaw, the strength in her shoulders, and the tenderness in her eyes that she showed to no one else. They had crossed professional lines and survived betrayal. They had found each other in darkness and emerged stronger in the light.

"With you?" Carmen smiled. "I'm ready for anything."

EPILOGUE

5 YEARS LATER

The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the warm, sunlit morning as Carmen Ruiz leaned back in her chair on their seaside porch, eyes half-lidded, basking in the serenity of their little paradise. The salty ocean breeze tousled her dark silver streaked curls as she sipped on her coffee, the rich aroma mixing with the scent of sea air. Beside her, curled up with a satisfied sigh, was Binx, their mischievous black Labrador mix, his tail twitching contentedly against the wooden planks.

The house was perfect. A modest, modern retreat perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, close enough to the water to hear the tide roll in, yet private enough that it felt like their own hidden escape from the world. When they bought it three years ago, it had needed work, but Jude had taken to the renovations with the same precision she used in her military career. Now, it was their sanctuary.

Jude appeared at the threshold, her hair still damp from her morning swim, a towel slung over her broad shoulders. She wore a loose-fitting tank top and cargo shorts, her tanned skin glowing in the sunlight. Even after stepping away from activeduty, she still exuded that quiet intensity that had first drawn Carmen to her. But these days, it was softened by something gentler—peace, maybe even contentment.

Carmen smiled as Jude stepped onto the porch, dropping a kiss to the top of her head before setting down a plate of toast and fruit. “You were lost in thought,” Jude noted, settling into the chair beside her, stretching out her legs.

“I was just thinking about how perfect this is,” Carmen admitted, reaching for Jude’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Five years ago, if someone had told me this was where I’d be, I’d have called them crazy.”

Jude chuckled, squeezing her hand. “Same. I never pictured myself doing anything other than what I was trained for. But turns out, training the next generation of SEALs is just as rewarding.”

“And a little safer,” Carmen teased, her dark eyes twinkling.

Jude smirked. “A little. But those recruits do their best to keep me on my toes.”

Carmen had no doubt about that. Even in retirement, Jude’s reputation preceded her. She was still Captain Jude Smith—the woman who had walked through hell and back to keep people safe. And now, she spent her days teaching others how to do the same. It was a transition she had once struggled with, but now, she had found fulfillment in it.

“And you?” Jude asked, turning the conversation back to her. “Do you miss it?”

Carmen exhaled, staring out at the endless blue horizon. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But not in the way I expected. I miss the diplomacy, the thrill of making things happen, but I did what I set out to do. And now…” She turned to Jude with a smile. “Now, I get to wake up every morning with you. That’s more than enough.”

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