Page 122 of No Mistake

Dex held up his hands. “Seriously, why is it always me that you think does stupid stuff?”

Sam ignored him. “What have I told you both about going rogue?”

“We weren't rogue. Dex and I went for some R&R to Virginia Beach, saw some old friends, and came back.”

Sam gave him a yeah, right look.

“Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out what happened?”

“Sam, if you know what happened, then you know we didn’t do anything to get us into trouble. That asshole was lucky. If we didn’t work for you, we would have pummeled his ass.” Dex got straight to the point.

“I couldn’t let what he did go,” Ryan added.

“I know. It’s not who you are. Either of you.”

“He got off lightly. He doesn’t deserve to call himself a SEAL.”

“Well, he didn’t get off quite as lightly as you think.”

Ryan and Dex both looked at Sam, waiting.

“Your little conversation got the attention of a couple of Master Chiefs in DEVGRU. They spoke with their CO, expressing concern about Mark Springer joining any of their operational teams. I just got a phone call from the lead instructor for Green team, who I happen to know well. He asked me to validate the two of you and what you said.” Sam inhaled, then continued. “As I had no idea what you were up to, it came as somewhat of a surprise.”

Damn. Ryan swallowed. They should have told him.

“However,” Sam said, “I vouched for you both. The result being Mark has been removed from Green team.”

Ryan couldn’t help it, his face broke into a wide smile. He held out his fist and Dex happily fist-bumped him.

Sam stood up. “In future, can you at least give me a heads up, so I’m not caught by surprise?”

“You got it, boss.” Ryan grinned. Sam shook his head.

“Ryan, Dex gives me enough headaches. I don’t need you to start, too.”

“Seriously, Sam. I’m not that bad!” Dex stood hands on hips. Sam laughed as he walked out.

“We should have told him,” Ryan said.

“Yeah, maybe. I’m still getting used to where the line is with him. He took it well, though. And it feels good knowing that fucker is getting some punishment.”

“Yeah, it sure does.”

SOPHIE USED THE KEY Ryan had given her to his condo, still finding it hard to believe that they were doing this. She was Ryan’s girlfriend.

The past five weeks had been a whirlwind of sex, work, and more sex. Not that she was complaining. Since he was still recovering, Ryan had been home, which gave them a chance to spend more time together. She’d never felt happier. Exhausted, but happy. When Ryan took off for a couple of days with Dex to see friends in Virginia Beach, she’d slept whenever she wasn't working.

Ryan was set to go back to team training next week and aiming to be back to full active duty in another two weeks. Ryan had finally told her exactly who Onyx were and what they did after getting clearance from Sam. Even though she’d guessed there was something more to them than a regular black ops team, it still surprised and impressed her. To be in that kind of team meant they had to be the very best. In some ways it gave her some reassurance, made her feel a little better.

Today, they were heading to Dex and Kelly’s place for a barbecue. Their barbecues were somewhat of a tradition now, and she was excited to be going as Ryan’s date. She’d come here first, since she was going to drive, allowing Ryan a few beers with the guys.

Chloe was at home, finishing up a session with Claire, but she was going to join them at Dex’s place afterward. She was so proud of her sister, of the way she was coping with what had happened. Physically, she was doing great, although, her shoulder still gave her a little pain. Her sessions with Claire were helping her process everything. She still had nightmares Sophie had to wake her from on more than one occasion, but they would fade in time. Sophie was lucky she was able to talk to Ryan and Kelly about what happened. Right now, that was working for her.

At the sound of running water, Sophie slipped off her shoes and opened the door to the bathroom. The sight of him, never failed to take her breath away. Six foot two of hard muscle. Even the scars on his skin were sexy. His back was to her as the water ran down over him. He must have sensed her because he glanced over his shoulder and a big smile spread across his face.

Sophie hesitated for just a moment before closing the door behind her. Walking slowly toward him, she undid the buttons down the front of her dress. He turned fully, staring at her with those smoldering eyes. She glanced down to see his cock already erect. Her confidence had soared in the past few weeks. Seeing how she affected Ryan was diminishing some of her insecurities about her body. Finally slipping off the dress, she stood on the other side of the glass as she reached behind to unhook her bra. His gaze, immediately fixed on her breasts, filled with so much heat and hunger her stomach did a little dance.

Keeping her eyes on him, she shimmied out of her pink silky panties, leaving her naked. Ryan yanked open the shower door and pulled her inside and up against him.

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