Page 27 of Shielding Lexi (Temptation)

“Lexi,” Hawk says, grabbing a pen and paper from the drawer, “I can go get what you need. Write me a list, okay?”

“Clothes too?”

“Yep. Make a list.”

Reaper doesn’t wait for us to finish our plans, he grabs the keys to his bike and heads out the door, letting the screen door slam hard behind him.

My stomach clenches. He’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself. I mean, he’s the roughest, most intimidating guy I’ve ever known, but still… if anything happens to him, it’s on me, and he doesn’t deserve it.

I write a list of things I need for the next few days and hand it to Hawk with a promise to pay back what I owe him as soon as I’m able. He just about falls over himself laughing and says, “Don’t worry, Lexi. We got you.”

I lean up onto my tip toes and kiss his cheek. It’s not a proper thank you for all he’s helped me through over the past couple of weeks, but I mean it.

I expect him to walk out the door, but he runs his hand over my cheek instead, his gaze steady on mine. “I know I haven’t said it yet, but what you did… jumping from that boat to save yourself. That was some bad ass shit.” He smiles and kisses my lips softly before turning toward the door.

Standing in the doorway, I watch him leave, another stone sinking into my gut. Kane reaches out for my hand, “It’s going to be okay. They’ll be fine.”

I nod, and lean into his chest, happy that he’s here with me. “I’m lucky to have you here,” I say, holding him tight.

He kisses the top of my head and leads me to the couch, flicking on the TV as we sit down. “I’m the lucky one, Lex. It’ll all work out, I promise.”

His words mean a lot, and I know in reality, he’s right. Reaper and Hawk will be back within an hour and the world will go on as normal. But right now, I have a sneaking suspicion that a curveball is on its way in, and I’ve never been a fan of ball games.

13

Kane

Ididn’t know I was looking for love but having Lexi in my arms on the couch is everything I never knew I wanted. It feels like she’s always been with us, and after last night with her and Hawk, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back to the way things were. Though, I doubt it’s going to be easy to explain to Reaper. He’s been nicer the last few days, but I think he’s still firmly in the camp of—get her safe, then get her out.

I extend my arm out across the top of the couch, and Lexi leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder.

We sit together, and the TV is on, but the sound is muted. Filtered sunlight casts its warmth into the room and the house is quiet except for the muffled sounds of traffic in the distance.

She’s quiet, and I don’t say much either. She sweeps a hand across her face and straightens her back before settling back into me. She’s natural and unguarded, letting herself go with me as though she maybe even trusts me a little. Which I like, but also, it’s scary as fuck.

I don’t usually let myself get this close to women. It’s not that I don’t want a woman… I do. But I’ve never wanted one long term. I guess that’s what the military does to you. Nothing seems permanent. I should be over it by now. I’ve been out enough years, but I just can’t let that feeling go. The one where you’re sure everything is going to work out, then it’s ripped out from under you. It happened in Afghanistan, and it happened in Vegas. I’m not sure I can let myself get that invested again.

“What’s wrong?” Lexi asks looking toward me, her bright blue eyes genuinely invested in my care.

I’m not sure how much to tell her.

“Nothing, just running through the past.” I’ve already said too much.

“Mistakes?” she asks, balling her legs up onto the couch. “What kind of mistakes?”

“Nothing, just… I’m thirty-five. I’ve dated around and it’s always gone to shit. I don’t want that to happen again.” What am I saying? I clear my throat. “Not that we’re dating, or anything like that. I just—”

“It’s okay,” she says. “I like you too. What happened though? What’s your big mistake?”

My brain sticks onI like you tooand has a hard time refocusing. “Mistakes you know… the thing where you get invested with the wrong people. People who aren’t looking for the same thing you are. So they leave, and you’re left wondering what the hell you did wrong.” I run my fingers through my hair and look toward her again. “You’re probably too young to know that feeling, it’s—”

“I was dating Brick, remember?”

I tip my head back and hold her against my chest, letting the long strands of her silky hair run through my fingers as I stroke her gently. “I’m sorry. I guess you know more than anyone how much it sucks to be vulnerable with the wrong person.”

She shakes her head. “He wasn’t a bad guy, not when we met. But I guess he was good at fooling people. He fooled Julie, he fooled me, and I bet he fooled others. I just hope Sara and Margo are okay. They were on the island with me when Brick picked me up. Do you think they’re safe? You don’t think he’d have gone back to the resort to look for them do you?” There’s panic in her tone where there hadn’t been before.

“We could try checking their social media? That could give you peace of mind. I mean, if they’re partying it up on the island posting pictures of themselves drinking cocktails you know everything’s alright don’t you?”

---