Page 38 of The Hero's Bride
He glanced at the man trapped by the snake. His thinning brown hair. The pitted marks on his face. Thalia’s description to the FBI replayed in his mind. The man was identical to Benito, only more weathered.
“You needed her to disappear because she could identify your brother. Uncover your trafficking scheme.” He worked to keep his voice steady despite the white-hot rage that bubbled through him.
“The lives of those women were much better as a slave in America than living in poverty in Mexico. Their parents paid well to get them across the border and away from a country wrought with violence. Now, put your weapon down and get that fucking snake off my brother.”
For a split second, Benito took his gun off Mrs. Foster as he gestured toward the snake, and Red didn’t hesitate, firing off a shot. Mrs. Foster’s scream pierced the air as the man behind her fell with a single gunshot wound to the center of his forehead.
He turned his gun to the second man who dropped to his knees, tossing his weapon to the side.
“FBI!” Agents swarmed the condo, restraining Benito’s brother. Once the scene was secure, a paramedic knelt next to Mrs. Foster.
There was a slap on his shoulder, and he turned to look at Jude. “Your woman’s trouble is over. We got them.”
Later that night, after hours of FBI interviews, he held Thalia tightly in his arms as they lay in bed.
“Poor Mrs. Foster,” Thalia murmured.
“She’s going to be okay. Kenny was smart. Letting that snakes out could’ve been a disaster, but hell, his plan worked.” He nuzzled his cheek against her soft hair.
“He might be a SEAL one day.” Her arms squeezed around his waist and his heart ached with unspoken love.
“Or an FBI agent. I can’t believe he thought to record what was going on through his watch. He got their entire confession on tape. You won’t even have to testify in court.”
“So, what now?” Thalia asked shifting closer to him.
He was so fucking torn. God, he should keep encouraging her to build a life of her own, but how could he when she fit so perfectly into his? When he could see a future with her so clearly. He dropped his forehead to hers and exhaled the breath he’d been holding. “I want you to be free. I don’t want you to grow to resent me. To associate me as someone who has held you back from the life you want.”
Her forehead left his briefly, replaced by her lips. “The things I associate you with are promises kept, bravery, and compassion,” she murmured against his skin, then moved back, locking her eyes on him. “Every action, every decision you’ve made has been with my best interests in mind.” She unwound her arms from his waist, moving them up to cup his cheeks. No woman had ever framed his face before or looked at him with such reverence. He loved the deep feeling of intimacy at her actions. “Since you rescued me from that shed in Colima, I’ve felt less alone than I have my entire life.”
“You are not alone anymore.” His knuckles brushed her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. “And if I’m being honest, you’ve made me feel as though I have a partner. Someone I can trust and confide in. Fuck, I swore I wouldn’t do this but I can’t ignore how I feel about you. I want to stay by your side, but if you ever feel like it’s too much, like you need space from me, you have to promise to tell me.”
Thalia wrapped her arms around his midsection once again. “I don’t know how I could want space from you when all I want to do is get closer. Not just physically, Mason. I enjoy your company. Your presence. Everything about you from your strong character to your insecurities draw me in.”
She felt him stiffen beneath her hands, then relax.
“Explain that to me, sweetheart.” His voice sounded choked.
“You place everyone’s needs above your own. Part of that is the protector in you. The man you’ve become. The other part is the boy who doesn’t feel like he’s enough. Doesn’t want to have expectations because he fears others won’t recognize his value and will disappoint him. I know your worth, Mason, and I won’t let you forget it.”
“I want to know everything about you. Earn your trust so you feel safe to be yourself. To confide in me. To have a shot at something real.”
“I want that too, Mason. I know you want to protect me and let me live my life, but I don’t want to be anywhere that’s not with you. For the past few days, I’ve felt you pulling away. Encouraging me to choose a different path. Part of me wondered if you wanted me to stay in Virginia.”
His grip tightened, her words hollowing him out. “That’s the last thing I wanted. I never meant to make you feel unwanted. Thank you for being brave and coming with me despite thinking that. I’m looking forward to the start of us. Our story. Wherever that might take us. Just know I’ll protect your heart as fiercely as I’ll protect you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Aweek hadpassed since the night Benito and his brother broke into Mason’s condo building. The time she and Mason had spent together since had been transformative. They woke together each morning and shared breakfast before Mason went to his naval base, then she took Tiny over to Mrs. Foster’s condo while Kenny was at school. Despite the woman saying she was okay, Kenny reported she was still traumatized by what happened. Thalia loved learning card games from Mrs. Foster and hearing the stories about her life. The afternoons were Thalia’s favorite time of day, though. Mason would come home, and they’d fix dinner together before snuggling on the couch. Two nights ago, they’d received word that Sully had been hurt on the mission with the Virginia SEAL Team. He was in a hospital on the other coast, and knew Mason planned for them to fly to him if he wasn’t transported home to California by the beginning of next week.
She and Mason were both worried about Sully, frequently checking in with the other SEALs and a woman named Jane who he’d met on the mission and who hadn’t left his side. The metallic slide of a key engaging the lock alerted her that Mason was home and she jumped up and raced to the door.
“Perfect timing!” she said running into his arms. “Tiny and I just got back from across the hall. Mrs. Foster taught me how to bake cookies. Kenny was so excited when he got back from school.”
“Mrs. Foster is a brave woman to let you give Kenny sugar.” Mason chuckled before pulling her into a hug. She sighed with contentment as his arms encircled her.
“How was your day?” She leaned back and searched his face. “Any news on Sully?”
“A bullet wound to the leg wouldn’t typically take this long to treat, but he was in a tropical environment and the hospital is working to get the infection under control. I spoke with the lieutenant commander, and he’s approved another leave. I’d like to go to him if you don’t have any objections. There are flights available tomorrow night. I want you with me, unless you’d prefer to stay here with Tiny.”
