Scorched

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Congratulations, Rafe. I’m happy for you,” Shane said, then took a deep draft from his bottle of beer and clapped his best friend on the shoulder. It was good that Rafe had found “The One.” Now, if only he could convince Lia that the two of them were meant to be together forever, life would be perfect — complete even. “This has been one hell of a party. The king really knows how to pull off an event on a short notice,” he added with a laugh.

Rafe wasn’t thrilled to allow any praise to go to Adriane, not after what the man had done. Nevertheless, he had to soften just the tiniest bit because it was obvious that his sister had feelings for the man. Still, the creep shouldn’t have forced her to stay.

The direction of Rafe’s thoughts brought on the return of a twinge of guilt that pierced his heart. What he’d put Ari through that first year of their relationship. How could he have been such a fool?

But that was in the past. They’d both moved on, and there was no use in dredging up the bad memories. He had the rest of his life to make it up to her — and make it up to her he would indeed.

“When do you leave again, Shane?” he asked. Rafe would rather talk of that than voice his opinions about Adriane and his sister, or about this lavish event, one he hadn’t asked for.

“I’m on leave for an undetermined amount of time right now. The last mission didn’t go well,” Shane said, tensing as he thought about the friend and teammate he’d lost.

“Maybe it’s time to retire,” Rafe remarked.

“I’m considering it,” Shane had to say.

Rafe was taken back. He looked up at his friend and noticed the stress behind his eyes. This was something new.

“Does this have anything to do with Lia?”

“Yes and no. I want to be with Lia — like a ‘white picket fence, two dogs and some rug rats running around’ kind of being with her — but I wouldn’t make a decision like this solely because of a woman, not even a woman I care the world about. I think the old job has just lost its appeal. Caring about someone so much has put the dangers into perspective. I think I may want to just focus on my businesses, and let go of being GI Joe,” he said with a forced laugh.

Rafe knew better than to accept the joke. But he also knew he couldn’t push his friend. Though Shane was obviously going through some sort of private hell, it was also obvious that he had to deal with it on his own. Rafe would be there when and if Shane was ready to talk about it, but only then.

The two men looked silently out across the crowd. Rafe sought out Ari, who was gossiping in the corner with Lia and Rachel. Shane was looking in the same direction, but his eyes were all for Lia.

Rafe could feel for his friend. Not being with Ari every day had been rough. At least that problem was solved. She was now his wife and he would prove to her every single day that she’d made the right decision.

Even so, he had to admit, a fight now and then could lead up to some incredibly good makeup sex. Just the thought had his body stirring as he anticipated all their nights together.

Let the honeymoon begin!

Snagging a passing waiter, the two men set their empty bottles on his tray and grabbed cold replacements. It had taken some doing, but Rafe had managed to get some good beer ordered for the reception, much to the king’s disapproval. Yes, the party was nice, but it was just about time to be alone with his bride. He couldn’t wait to strip off her exquisite wedding gown, and what was on underneath...the latter with his teeth.

It was like Christmas and his birthday all rolled into one. Shaking those thoughts away before he got himself into trouble, he turned back to face his friend.

“You know, I’m here anytime,” Rafe said. Neither of them was good at sharing emotions, but he’d been there for Shane in the past when things had gone wrong on the field and Shane had needed to vent.

Shane turned toward his friend.

He didn’t think he was ready to talk about it. Not yet.

“I know, Rafe. But today is your wedding day and you should stay focused on that bride of yours. If I were you, I’d be over there claiming her right now.” Shane sent a wink Rafe’s way, followed by a smile, though Rafe could easily see past the cocky façade.

He didn’t call him on it.

“I think you are right, my man. It’s time for a dance,” Rafe said, punching Shane in the shoulder before draining his bottle and setting it aside.

As Shane watched Rafe walk toward Ari, eagerness evident in his every step, he let out a sigh. When would his life get just a little bit more simple?

It wasn’t as if he wanted to throw a pity party. It was just that whenever his life seemed to even out into some sort of normalcy, something would come along and knock him back several paces. He and Lia had been together for the past three days, incredibly amazing days, and now that they were out in public, she seemed to be pulling away again. He couldn’t allow that to happen. Plus, whenever he allowed himself a few minutes to breathe, all the pain of the past few months flooded back.

When would it stop?

When would the pain of losing his friend ease? When did he get to have the girl for more than just a few nights of passion-filled pleasure?

Well, at least that last part was much easier. She was here in all her glory, and it was time to claim her for a dance.

She’d avoided him since taking off from his hotel room and rushing back to the palace to get ready for the wedding. But if she thought he was going to allow her to withdraw from him again, she had a lot to learn.

If he’d learned nothing else over the last few days, he knew beyond any doubt that they were truly meant to be together. When they made love, it was simple, erotic, satisfying — and, yes, it seemed odd to say it to himself, but it was easy.

Their bodies molded together because they’d been created to fit perfectly to only each other. But what came afterward was what had at first terrified him to his very soul.

As he used to be, after sex, he was done, ready to get the hell out of there and move on. But Lia changed everything. He could never be done with her. The moment he pulled from her, he felt an emptiness — a loss. The only way to curb that feeling was to gather her into his arms, and hold on tight.

Falling asleep in her arms felt right.

He wasn’t letting her go again — there was no way he could. Maybe Adriane had pissed them all off, but the man seemed to have the right idea.

Maybe it was time to just take Lia and damn the consequences.

The thought of doing just that put the first real smile on his face he’d had since Delzado’s death. Being with Lia over the last few days had eased his body, but thinking of having her forever eased the pain in his heart.

Shane turned in Lia’s direction again and their eyes met. He could see the way his gaze held hers captive, the way her chest heaved. He sent a clear message her way. You are mine, and I’m not letting go.

She bit down on her lip before a secret smile crept up as she seemed to send her own message. I don’t belong to anyone.

Her curls hung loose around her slim neck, and her eyes sparkled as she gazed at him. The slight flush to her cheeks made her look as if she’d just climbed from his bed.

Oh, and the dress.

My, my, the dress was enough to have his body hardening instantly as he imagined peeling it from her incredible curves. He had to thank whoever had picked it out, because it molded to her body like a second skin and wasn’t hiding anything from his view.

Yes, he was ready for whatever excuses she had to throw at him, and this time when they played ball, he intended to win. Not just for the night or the weekend, but for the rest of time.

Lia was going to be his wife. No matter what it took.

With determination and a firm resolve, Shane set down his bottle and took a step in her direction.

The hunger in her eyes was his guiding light.

They were now in overtime, and he was calling a foul. She wasn’t getting away this time.