Page 121 of No Mistake

Ryan’s heart danced inside his chest. Did she really mean it? He let go of her hand, placed a finger under her chin, and lifted her head so he could see her eyes. “What changed?”

“Let’s just say a very wise younger sister reminded me about how good you and your team are at what you do. She also reminded me that I shouldn’t worry so much about what might happen, and start enjoying what is happening.”

Ryan couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. Relief flowed through every inch of his body. He really hadn’t wanted to leave the team. “I think I just fell in love with your sister a little bit.”

“Well she did say if I didn’t fix this with you, she was going to go after you herself.”

Ryan laughed. “There’s only one Dr. Summers I want and she’s sitting right here.”

“So, does that mean I get a second chance?” She looked up at him nervously.

“Are you kidding me. Come here.” He tugged on her hands and pulled her onto his lap, hiding a wince as his stitches stretched.

“I’m still going to worry, Ryan.”

He cupped her face, holding her still. “Just talk to me. I’ll do everything I can to alleviate your fears. I know it won’t be easy at first. I won’t always be able to tell you where I’m going, how long I'll be away. And sometimes, I'll have to drop everything and leave. I know you get that, because you work on base. But I do understand that it’s different if we’re together. But the team are a family, and they all love you. You won’t be on your own. You’re friends with Kelly, and you’ve met Diane, Steve’s wife. They get it, they understand, and they’ll support you.”

A stray tear rolled down her cheek; Ryan swept it away.

“While you’re away on your super secret black ops missions,” she teased.

Ryan smiled. “I think you already know we’re a little more than that. I want to tell you everything, but I can’t, not yet. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. I get it.”

“Good. Now come here and let me do what I’ve been fantasizing about for days.”

He pulled her head down to his, covering her mouth with his in a long, sexy, passionate kiss. When he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes full of wanting. Sophie cupped his face ever so gently, placing feather-light kisses on his stitches and bruised cheek. She paused and looked at him.

“I’m sorry I ever made you think I didn’t want you, because I do. I’ve wanted you for so long. I just never believed it could happen.”

“Believe it, baby, because it’s happening. You’re mine Sophie, all mine, and I am never letting you go.”

Chapter 20

It had been four weeks since Ryan left the hospital. His stitches were out, the bruising on his face had faded, and he was moving around with a lot more ease. Thank God! He wanted to make love to his woman without cursing in pain or being frightened of tearing stitches. It had been frustrating the hell out of him, but finally he was getting back to his full able-bodied self. Being out of action had been the worst part of his recovery, although he’d made use of the extra time by getting to know every inch of Sophie’s body. Yet, he couldn’t wait to be back with the team. He was hoping to be cleared to start training again in a couple of weeks.

Fuck, how the hell did he ever think he could have left Onyx? The team had a few days R&R, but Dex had joined him at the Farm to do some light weights. They both looked up when Sam walked through the door and sat down on the bench opposite them.

“How are you doing, Ryan?”

“Good, boss. Hoping to be back at it in a couple of weeks.”

“Glad to hear it. Anything you boys want to tell me?” Sam looked between him and Dex.

“Nope,” Dex said, setting down his hand weights.

“Let me rephrase that. What happened in Virginia Beach?”

Ah, shit. They should have known it would get back to Sam. The man had eyes everywhere.

“I’m guessing you already know. It was me that wanted to go. Dex just came with me to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid.”

And he hadn’t. He and Dex had found the local bar the SEALs liked to frequent, surprised to find they were well known there. Their rogue mission to Daram to rescue Kelly had made news over there, too. The respect they were shown was humbling but also did them a favor.

When Mark entered the bar, they cornered him. Ryan made it clear who he was. Then, within earshot of the other SEALs, he told Mark exactly what he thought of men like him, who mistreated women, and the dishonor he was bringing to the trident, and the Navy, in general. They hadn’t needed to touch him. The looks of thunder on fellow SEALs in the bar as they listened told Ryan meant Mark was going to find it hard to fit in with any team now. He may not be kicked out, but his time in SEALs would be forever changed.

“Well, that makes a change.” Sam smirked.

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