Page 25 of Protecting Clove (Loved by the SEAL #5)

N eo was excited to move in with Bud. She did have a giggle fit when they explained to her that they were together.

Clove could tell Neo liked that they were a couple.

After dinner the night they told her, Neo climbed onto Bud’s lap and rested her head against his chest. She stayed like that for a long while, holding him like she used to cling to Clove.

Because nothing was holding them back, the move happened fast. Bud’s friends helped move the heavy furniture, so all they had were their clothes and some kitchen stuff to move when Bud got a message that he was being called out on a mission.

Worry filled her, but she tried her best to hide it from Neo.

She didn’t need to know that Bud leaving left them at risk.

At least they were sleeping at Bud’s place, and her name wasn’t associated with this side of the house.

If someone came looking for her, they wouldn’t know to look here.

Saying goodbye to Bud had been difficult. She knew this was a part of being with him. She would miss him terribly, but he would be home soon.

Bud didn’t like the timing of this mission, but he had guys watching out for Clove and Neo. Thario was keeping track of both of them and had other men ready to step in if Keith tried to attack again.

Thario had set up lunch for Clove and Neo to meet Wolf and Caroline. He was glad Clove would know those two. That pair was great, and he knew they would help if Clove needed it.

Bud had to concentrate on their mission. The last time they went after this bastard, he tried to kill them. This time, they had to have even more focus and really be on their game to not get killed in the process.

Kevlar came to sit next to him. “So Remi told me you two are moving in together.”

Bud chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. We’re a thing. She’s got me all the way. I’ve thought I cared about other people before, but there is something about her.”

“When I realized Remi had me, it took my breath away.”

“Yeah, same with Clove.”

Q sat next to them. “The two of you better have your head screwed on straight and not be thinking about your women.”

Kevlar rolled his eyes. “We’ll be one hundred percent. Don’t worry about us.”

Q nodded. “I don’t really doubt you. Bud is new to love.”

“I’ll be fine. I know going home is the only way, so when it’s game time, I’ll be totally focused.”

“Game time,” Trip said. “I hope we get a chance to actually play this time. That bastard better not elude us again.”

“We’ll get him,” Rider said as he passed by.

Bud stood and stretched. “I need to get some sleep.”

Kevlar patted him on the shoulder. “You’re right. We should all pass out for a while. We’ve got a busy few days ahead of us.”

This time around, they’d limited who knew about the mission.

They were being careful because they couldn’t afford any sabotage.

This mission had to go perfectly. If they screwed this up, they would be dead, and he couldn’t have that.

He had to stay alive because now he had something, someone to live for.