Page 11

V iv stifled a groan as Iron’s large palms moved over her back. He’d rubbed the suntan lotion between his hands, warming it before letting it touch her skin. Waves crashed into the shore, and she breathed in the salty mist tinged with the coconut scent of the lotion, willing the fast clip of her heart to slow. Heat from Iron’s body was rolling off him. One heavily muscled leg bracketed hers, the other stopped just above the knee, covered by the hem of his swim trunks. She leaned into his touch as he kneaded her shoulders. She’d been shocked by her own suggestion to help each other with the lotion. Yes, she craved his touch and wanted the chance to touch him in return with a motive that seemed relatively safe and productive, but she’d never been so bold. The suggestion was a testament to how comfortable she was in this man’s presence. Another wave broke on the shore, and she was curious how he’d navigate the rushing water. The question was on the tip of her tongue, but she didn’t want to insult him. He was strong and knew what he was doing. If he asked her to help, would she be strong enough to assist him?

“What are you thinking?” His voice so close to her ear sent a thrill spiraling through her.

“If I say, promise you won’t be upset or annoyed with me?”

“Vee.” His palms worked over her shoulders and down her outer arms. She loved the feel of his rough hands against her skin. “I’m not going to be upset or annoyed if you share what’s on your mind.”

“Okay then. I was thinking how rough the waves look and wondering if I could help you in some way. Not that you want it or need it. Your muscles have muscles for Pete’s sake. I can imagine the logistics are still challenging, though. How will you get into the water safely? And what about getting out?”

He’d stopped applying the lotion, his hands resting gently just below her elbows. When he didn’t immediately respond, worried thoughts started to bombard her. He must’ve sensed her unease because his chuckle rumbled through the afternoon air.

“Slow down, sweetheart. It humbles me that you care about my safety. You can ask me anything. If it’s coming from you, knowing what a kind and curious heart you have? It’s not going to bother me in the least. It feels pretty good that I’m able to talk freely with you. Like I mentioned, I haven’t spent too much time in the water recently, so I don’t know how smooth my transition is going to be. I have no qualms about asking you to be my crutch if I need some help.”

“Okay. I’m happy to be of service.”

He chuckled again and tossed the lotion on the blanket and stood. She watched in fascination as he moved closer to the waves, dropping the crutch as he got closer. He hopped into the water until the waves lapped just below his hip, then jumped with his arms outstretched. Vee scrambled off the towel and ran into the surf. The refreshingly cool water rushed over her toes and ankles, and she followed his lead, leaping into a cresting wave and slipping beneath the surface. When she came up for air, another strong wave crashed over them. A breathless peal of laughter left her lips as Iron’s hands gripped her hips, so she didn’t go tumbling over. Her nipples pebbled beneath the material of her swimsuit, not because of the cold water but from having Iron’s hands on her body. The ocean was so vast, they should’ve had plenty of space to float apart, but they drifted together, treading water inches apart. There was a flutter of pain in her chest when she put her hands right above his heart. His pupils were dilated, eyes nearly black. She wasn’t the only one affected by lotioning each other on the towels. He glanced down at her chest, and she knew he was staring at the way her nipples strained against the wet fabric of her bathing suit.

“Iron.” She wasn’t sure what she wanted from him, but his name felt right moving past her lips. The tension between them thickened, and with his gaze penetrating hers, the breath whooshed out of her lungs. She wanted to find out if his lips were as soft as they looked. Taste the salt water on his skin. Earlier she’d been thinking that once she got her life straightened out and learned to do more on her own, she might be worthy of Iron. A woman who was sure of herself and confident enough to reach out and grab what she wanted. Now though, with Iron staring at her with an expression of wonder, all those insecurities seemed so far away. With Hannah coming home the day after tomorrow, her time with Iron was growing short. The Vivienne she wanted to become would recognize that life was too short. That she’d just taken a huge leap by leaving a situation that wasn’t bringing her joy. Iron though? He calmed the jitters in her stomach and the small voice that kept whispering she couldn’t make it on her own. Just being near him soothed her mind while making her midsection buzz with excitement. If her goal was to explore experiences that brought her happiness, what was she waiting for?

“Yeah, Vee?” His voice was as rough as the ocean waves and a warm, liquid pull flowed through her stomach and settled between her hips.

She was still staring at his broad chest when she asked the question on her mind. “May I kiss you?” Her voice wobbled as heat rushed up her cheeks. She glanced up at him quickly, embarrassment flooding her. What had she been thinking? Self-doubt warred with her lustful request until the heat searing in his expression registered.

He raised his hands to frame her face, the pads of his fingers against her cheeks leaving her breathless. He leaned down, brushing his mouth against hers once, then twice. A strangled sound caught in the back of her throat, and she gripped his wide shoulders. His pulse pounded against her fingers and there was a slight tremor in his hands where he touched her cheeks. He hesitated for a brief moment, then teased apart her lips with a gentle stroke of his tongue.

She pushed her toes into the wet sand and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck to draw him closer. Her teeth scraped playfully over his lower lip, and a shiver tingled through her when he groaned in pleasure. She swallowed the rough sound, the vibration of it going directly to her strained nipples. A wave rocked them closer together, and every touch was electrified. Iron’s palms moved up her cheeks and his fingers speared into her wet hair. She loved how the muscles of his chest rippled under her hands, the defined planes of his stomach and the indents of his hips. She whimpered when he pulled back and stared at the dazed look in his eyes. They were both panting, but she wanted to jump back into the wild kiss.

“Guess we should come up for air.” He rubbed his thumb over her swollen bottom lip.

“Who needs air? Not me.” She smiled and reached for him, but instead of kissing her like she wanted, he pulled her into his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung tight as they swayed with the waves.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he murmured with his lips against her forehead. “Hands down the best kiss of my life. I won’t ever forget it.”

An emotion she couldn’t quite name took up space in her chest. She must’ve taken too long to respond, because he held her back slightly and searched her face. “Are you okay?”

“No.” She shook her head, not completely able to catch her breath. “Moved. Speechless. Ruined. Those are the things I’m feeling right now. But okay? I’ve left okay behind. Whatever that was? It was extraordinary. I’m feeling greedy, Iron.” His eyes held so much heat, it nearly knocked her back. “I want more.” The words coming off her lips sounded nothing like her own, but they were the truth.

A ragged breath left his lips as he continued to hold her tightly. “And I’m feeling weak. One kiss and I’m having a hard time hanging onto control. I’m not a man who deserves you, Vee. Not the kind of man who can drown in everything that’s you and still be sharp to his surroundings and protect you.”

“The security cameras at the houses nearby didn’t pick up on anything near Hannah’s house. Maybe I’m not in danger at all. And if push comes to shove, I know you’ll do your best to protect me, but sometimes things happen that are unavoidable.”

“Maybe it’s because I recognize how precious you are and I’m being paranoid, but I don’t want to write off the break-in at Hannah’s house as simply an unlocked door.”

Movement on the shore caught her eye and his gaze followed hers. His body tensed and he froze in place.

Recognition struck her. “Iron, are those your parents?”

The breath whooshed out of his lungs. “Yeah.” His voice, so filled with emotion a moment ago, was now remote. She had no clue how Iron was feeling about his parents dropping in or what they potentially just witnessed. Vivienne stared at the couple standing on the shore. As surprised as she and Iron seemed to be, they appeared even more shocked. She inwardly cringed wondering how long they’d been standing there and how much they saw of the kiss that turned her world upside down. The man who was in the picture was still tall and broad, but his shoulders were more slumped, like life was weighing down on him. His mother was looking from Iron to her and back again.

By his own admission, Iron’s relationship with his parents was strained, and as kind as she knew Iron to be, he said he cut them off brutally, thinking they’d be better off without him in their lives. Iron’s sense of honor and the standards he held himself to were detrimental to his well-being. She had no doubt if one of the SEAL teammates had been the one standing beside Scooter when he made his final decision, Iron would give them grace. There was no way he’d give that forgiveness to himself though. His mother took a step back and looked like she was going to turn away. Vivienne looked up at Iron who was making no moves to get out of the water.

“We have to get out and greet them.” They were still hanging onto each other as the waves rolled around them.

“I don’t know what to say to them, Vee.” He clutched her more tightly, like a drowning man might cling to a life preserver.

“How about starting with hello, it’s good to see you .” She cupped his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. “You can do this Iron, if not for you, then for them.”

“You’re right.” A sigh left his lips, still reddened from kissing her breathless.

“I’m proud of you.” She dropped her hands from his face and offered him her hand, but he shook his head.

“I, uh, can’t get out quite yet.” He glanced toward his parents.

“Why not?” She couldn’t force him to go talk to his parents, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to try.

“Because five seconds ago I had you in my arms, your body pressed up against mine, and I haven’t recovered from that.”

The realization dawned on her and she smiled. “I’ll grab your crutch.” She ran out of the water and gave what she hoped was an enthusiastic wave and her brightest smile at his parents, then turned back to where Iron was moving toward the shore. She met him halfway and passed him the mobility aid before bounding out of the water to get a towel. She wrapped it around her shoulders and dashed up to where Iron’s parents were retreating.

“Wait! Lilly, Bill.” They turned around, confusion stark on their faces.

“You know our names?” Iron’s mom had paused, clutching her husband’s forearm.

“You’re Iron’s parents.” She smiled trying desperately to diffuse the uncomfortable situation. “Your picture is hanging in my bedroom.”

His mother rapidly blinked then stared openly at her. His dad raised a single brow.

Shoot. She was messing this up. “I shouldn’t call it my bedroom. More the room I’m staying in. It’s so good to meet you both. I’m Vivienne and your son saved my life. Twice actually.”

When they said nothing, she stepped forward to embrace Iron’s mom, hesitating when she remembered she was still soaked from the ocean. Lilly caught her hands as she started to step back and yanked her into her arms.

“Get in here. I don’t give a hoot that you’re wet.” Lilly’s sweet, warm scent and quick acceptance made her eyes prickle. The woman squeezed her fiercely, and she gave up on trying to keep her damp body away from Lilly’s dry clothes and melted into the hug. She couldn’t remember her mother hugging her if it wasn’t for a camera, but this felt different. This was a woman holding tight to a link to her son. She forced herself to let go of a hug charged with love belonging to Iron and not her. Iron’s father silently held his arms out and she wrapped her arms around his waist. Like Iron he was far taller than her. He also hugged her hard.

She’d been taught to be a proper hostess at a young age. One whose manners and appearance were expected to be flawless. She quickly pushed thoughts of what would be served to their guests, interesting talking points, and their perception of her aside. She was just going to do what felt right. “Why don’t we go inside? Iron will catch up.”

Bill cleared his voice as they walked toward the screen door. “How long have you known our boy?”

“About five days. It’s kind of a long story.” She could only imagine what was running through their heads. She held open the door for them and led them through the kitchen and into the living room. “Please sit. Make yourselves comfortable.”

“It looks the same as when he first moved in,” his mother murmured looking around the bare space. She didn’t think Lilly was being judgmental, just concerned for her son.

“He doesn’t like giving himself soft or pretty things, does he?” She wasn’t sure what made her say that, maybe she was trying to allude to his internal struggle, his guilt. She wanted them to understand that Iron didn’t push them away because he didn’t love them.

“I know.” His father wrapped his arm around Lilly, and they sat on the couch. “That’s why we were surprised to see you here.”

A blush heated her cheeks. She could still feel their son’s lips branded against hers. It was the most beautiful, intimate moment she’d ever experienced. “I’m not…We’re not…” She wasn’t exactly sure how to handle this situation and Iron was taking longer than she expected. The thought of him being so aroused because of her made a small sound squeak in her throat. God, Iron’s parents probably knew exactly what she was thinking. Her face burned as she rushed to tell them why she was here in their son’s home. “I ran into some trouble. My parents wanted me to marry a man for the wrong reasons, and Iron and his SEAL friend Silver helped me get away to start fresh.”

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” The expression on Lilly’s face was sincere and the woman reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I talk with Jordan’s former lieutenant commander every now and then when he emails to see how he’s doing. I never have much to say, because even though he’s been on US soil for more than five years, we don’t know about his life. I was always under the impression that he wanted nothing to do with his former team, but maybe it’s just us he doesn’t want in his life.”

Bill’s pain nearly broke her. “It’s not that. Iron—I mean Jordan—keeps to himself. He only came to help a friend. My sister, who was supposed to be a bridesmaid in my wedding, asked him to come. The plan was never for me to stay with Jordan, but we had to leave Texas without my sister. She got really hurt trying to help me and needed surgery.”

“Oh no.” Lilly leaned forward, grasping her hand once again. Vivienne swallowed past the tightness in her throat at the kind gesture. “What happened?”

“Like my parents, my eldest sister, Regina, had a stake in making the marriage come to fruition. When she discovered I was gone, she tried to kill Hannah.”

There was an audible gasp from both parents and Lilly’s grip on her hand tightened.

“Everyone’s going to be okay,” she reassured them. “And Regina is awaiting trial to be charged with two counts of attempted murder. She shot at me, but your son pushed me out of the way. He saved my life. When we returned to Virginia, the plan was for me to stay at Hannah’s house, but it looked like there might’ve been a break-in. Your son was kind enough to open his home to me. I know he likes his privacy, so I’m doubly grateful that he let me stay here. You raised an amazing man, and I hope you know how much he loves you.” Lilly let go of her hand and covered her mouth as her eyes filled. She didn’t bother to swipe away the tears.

“I feel like we failed him in so many ways,” Lilly choked out, voice thick with emotion.

“No,” she said too sharply, shaking her head, before continuing in a softer tone. “The reason he pushed you away was because he failed himself. Or at least, that’s what he believes. It’s not my story to tell, but you should know keeping you both and Milo at arm’s length is just as much punishment for him as it is for you.”

Bill stared at her, gray brows furrowed together. “He’s not usually forthcoming, but you seem to know a great deal about him.”

“I suppose we bonded because of the intense situation.”

Lilly’s expression changed and the woman’s loud gasp startled her. “My God. You’re the famous model. I saw your story on the news. You’ve been through so much. First the terrible things your sister did and now your parents being investigated by the FBI. So much to cope with.”

Her heart started hammering in her chest. She hadn’t watched the television since leaving Texas, but now, it made sense that a city official’s wife being held on bail for attempted murder would cause a stir. A shiver snaked through her, raising the tiny hairs on the back of her neck and arms. A chill seeped through her skin, straight down to the bone. She hadn’t known her parents were under investigation by the FBI. What other secrets were they harboring? God, what if they really had trafficked Thalia into the country? Her stomach twisted at the thought of her friend and others employed by her family being coerced into the country. She had first-hand experience with just how persuasive they could be.

“This is a high-profile case in Texas. Your family is quite influential.” Bill’s expression was unreadable.

“Your fiancé’s made quite a stir on social media. He must know he let a good thing slip through his fingers. It’s been so long since we talked to Jordan that when he texted us out of the blue the other night, we were extremely concerned.” Lilly released a shuddery breath. “We weren’t sure what to think, so we decided to just drive up. Seeing him with you was such a relief.”

Her lids burned, and she closed her eyes to gain control of her emotions. She wasn’t sure if Iron had reached out to his family because of her words, but the idea that he might trust her enough to consider her advice was something she’d never experienced before. Maybe, just maybe, she’d helped him too. “My parents are not nice people, and neither was my fiancé. Your son is the furthest thing from them. He might appear rough around the edges but he’s kind and giving. I can see the same compassion from both of you. I can see how much you love him. Don’t let him push you away. The memories of what happened have haunted him and he doesn’t want that to touch your family. He’s wrong, though. I have a feeling you’re both more than strong enough to shoulder his pain.”

Bill dropped his head and pinched the bridge of his nose while silent tears rolled down Lilly’s face. “We should have done more,” she whispered, voice choked.

Vivienne kneeled on the floor next to Lilly, putting a hand on her knee. “He wouldn’t have let you. What matters is you’ve kept trying to connect with him and you’re here now.”

A heavy hand lay on her shoulder, and she looked over at Iron’s father. “You must be nothing like your family, because all I see is compassion and understanding in you too. Trying to ease our distress from the first moment. Encouraging us. You haven’t known Jordan long, but I have a feeling you’re important.”

“He was looking at you like you were a miracle.” Lilly gave her a tear-soaked smile. “He might’ve saved you, Vivienne, but I have no doubt you’re doing the same for him right now.”

Tears escaped her lower lids, and she bent forward to give them both a hug. The angle was awkward, but their words had touched something deep in her heart and she relished the opportunity to be close to these people. Real parents who stood by their son, even if it was from a distance. It struck her that she loved the feeling of comforting others. So much more fulfilling than holding a designer bag for the cameras or walking a runway. Perhaps she could explore a job that had something to do with helping people. There were so many possibilities she could explore now that she’d broken free of her previous life.

“Is everything okay?” Iron’s voice was sharp and edged with concern. She wanted to respond to him, but the words were locked up in her throat.

Iron cast a pointed look at his parents, then brought his attention back to her. “Let’s get you into some dry clothes.” One arm was braced over his crutch, and he stretched the other out to her. “Wait here,” he said to Bill and Lilly. Iron grasped her hand, locking their fingers together as she stood. Once she was up, he let go, and she missed the contact immediately.

“We’ll be right back.” She sent them a watery smile. Iron must’ve misconstrued her tears because he narrowed his gaze at his parents.

“Everything’s fine.” She cast him a smile, trying to reassure him, then turned to Bill and Lilly. “It’ll take me no time to change.” Warmth enveloped her as Iron looped his free arm around her shoulders and led her down the hall. He let go of her when they entered the bedroom she’d stayed in last night, and the door clicked shut behind them. Her body reacted to Iron’s presence as he approached slowly behind her.

She was glad she was facing away from him as she took a few steadying breaths. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t shaken by the information that her parents were being investigated by the FBI or that she wasn’t moved by the obvious love Bill and Lilly had for their son. Iron shifted behind her and his crutch clattered to the floor. She was about to turn to see if he was okay, but then the weight of his rough, warm palms landed gently on her shoulders and offered a reassuring squeeze. His lips fluttered against her neck, kissing her softly. Heat kindled in her belly as his tongue tickled the sensitive spot right behind her ear. She squeezed her thighs together, trying to rid herself of the ache that began in the ocean when she was kissing Iron.

Iron groaned. “Baby don’t do that. Not when you’re in that sexy as fuck bikini and we’re alone behind closed doors. Not when I’m desperate to ease that ache you’re feeling.”

She glanced over her shoulder as warmth flushed her cheeks. “How did you know?”

“The way your legs are clenched so damn tight.”

“Oh.” She looked away, wanting desperately to hide her face.

A soft chuff puffed over her neck. “Don’t be embarrassed. It took me way longer than it should’ve to get my body under control back there on the beach. Sorry I left you with my parents for so long. I want to know what they said to upset you.” His hands rubbed up and down her arms.

“Nothing.” She answered too quickly and an honest-to-God growl of frustration tore past his lips. “My parents are being investigated by the FBI. I shouldn’t be surprised, but what if they really took Thalia and made her work at the estate? How could she even look at me, let alone befriend me?” She let her chin drop to her chest. “Why do I still want to believe that they did nothing wrong?”

“Vee,” his voice soothed. Her name rolled off his tongue like a caress, sending a delectable shiver through her. “They’re your parents. Of course, you don’t want to think that they were doing bad shit.” He shifted his body to sit on the side of the bed, pulling her onto his lap. “Ransom got us an appointment with his lawyer tomorrow. We’ll talk to him about securing your finances and how to proceed with the legal stuff, so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“You know, I forgot your real name was Jordan.” She leaned into him and could feel the beat of his heart pounding against her back.

“I’ve gone by Iron since my SEAL days, but my parents wouldn’t know that because I’ve kept them out.” His lips were so close to the sensitive curve on her neck. Maybe it was wrong, but she wanted to know what it would feel like if he scrapped his teeth against her skin.

His hands left her arms, as he wrapped them around her waist. A shiver coursed through her body. “You’ll always be Iron to me. Strong. Steady. Unbreakable.”

“You know I’m not those things.” He dropped his forehead to her shoulder blade. They were both taking comfort from each other. For her it meant so much more. Her heart stuttered in her chest. She wanted this man. Wanted to be connected to him on every level.

“You are to me.” Her voice was breathless, but she didn’t hide it from him. “Your parents care so deeply for you, Iron. Reach out and take every ounce of love they’re offering. Despite what you might think, you deserve to be loved and cared for. Your parents deserve to have both their sons.”

His body tensed behind her and after a few moments he let out a long breath and spoke. “Fuck. I’m scared shitless to face them, Vee.”

She stood and turned so she was standing between his hips and framed his face. “I know.” She pressed a kiss to his lips.

“I don’t think now is the right time. There’s so much I’ve done. So much they don’t know.” She could feel his lips still against her hair. Could feel him breathing her in deep.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. We all cope in different ways. You’re missing the point though. You. Are. Worth. It. They love you and they’re here now. Talk to them.”

“I don’t know if it will be any use or how to make them understand. I don’t even know if I want them to understand.”

She moved her hands from his cheeks and up into his hair. “You can do this.” Leaning closer, she gave him another chaste kiss on the lips, and when desire raced through his gaze, she wished they were alone.

“I don’t deserve the faith you have in me,” he murmured, expression turning stark.

“I’m the one who gets to decide who and what I believe in.” She stepped away from the bed and turned to the drawer where she’d stored the new clothing Brynn, Sam, and Addy had given her. As her hand clutched the bathroom doorknob, she looked over her shoulder to find Iron staring at her. “And Iron, I do believe in you.”

Just like he believed in her. She shut the bathroom door, not bothering with the lock, and pushed her bathing suit bottoms over her hips. When she asked Iron if she could kiss him, part of her was expecting him to say no . To tell her she was vulnerable and didn’t want to take advantage of her. Despite what others thought of her, she knew what she wanted. Maybe she didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do with her life, but she wasn’t following a plan unless it was her own. She was going to follow her intuition, and it included a plan. One that kept pointing her to Iron.