Page 19 of The Hero’s Bride (Unbreakable SEALs #2)

O ne moment Thalia was crouched in the grass and the next she was bolting across a long field hand in hand with Mason.

Once they reached the helicopter, he’d boosted her up as arms reached down to lift her into the aircraft.

Now with headphones over her ears to block some of the noise, and so they could communicate, the helicopter was lifting off the ground.

She sat between the two men she’d come to know and felt safer than she had in her entire life.

She had been terrified when the fire alarm went off at the hotel but as soon as she jumped out of bed Mason was there at her side and she knew everything was going to be okay.

She’d placed her trust in him more than once and hadn’t been disappointed.

Whenever she got overwhelmed or frightened all she had to do was look to his beautiful eyes and she was grounded.

Her stomach pitched as the helicopter swayed and dipped.

She had never flown in an airplane before, never mind a helicopter.

Mason seemed to sense her unease and gave her his hand to squeeze, something he had been doing for the past two days that offered comfort.

She had started giving his hand a double squeeze to acknowledge that she was all right.

The simple contact felt as natural as breathing but she supposed that everything with Mason seemed seamless. Easy.

With the adrenaline from the past hour waning, her body slumped.

She was shocked that even amid her first helicopter ride, her eyes were heavy.

It wasn’t long before the pilot spoke, the sound reverberating through the headphones: “We just crossed the border into Texas. We’ll land near Southlake where Jude will meet you.

” The aircraft dipped again as they began their descent.

She drew in a quick breath and stiffened as she noticed the tall buildings and bright lights below.

“We’re landing on a rooftop,” Mason leaned in to say, even though they were wearing headphones.

He straightened again, stealing some of the warmth she felt when they were close.

She took in the sights as they continued to dip lower, her body jerking as the aircraft landed.

A man in dark clothing walked briskly toward the helicopter.

When they received the all clear from the pilot, Sully took off his headphones and exited first, followed by Mason who immediately turned with his arms outstretched.

He gripped her waist, and a flash of his arms banded around her in the hotel room filled her mind, sending a hard jolt of electricity through her body.

Her chest brushed against his as he lowered her to the ground.

The sensation had her nipples tightening beneath her shirt.

She looked forward to a time when she and Mason could be alone again.

Able to explore the depth of the connection they were developing while not surrounded by the threat of the cartel, statements to the FBI, and helicopter rescues.

Once her feet hit the ground, she turned, peering up at the man she’d spotted when they landed.

He was tall and muscular like Sully and Mason but lacked any of the warmth that emanated from her rescuers.

The intense whir of the helicopter blades slowed, giving her ears a welcome reprieve from the sound.

“Everyone unharmed?” The man’s voice was deep and held no inflection. His pale blue eyes reminded her of a ghost. He was more than a little intimidating but with his gaze trained on her, she nodded.

“Yes. Thank you,” she said stepping closer to Mason and felt his fingers lace with hers.

“To you as well.” The man quickly looked at their connected hands before continuing. “You had my brother’s back long ago. Because of that, you are one of us. Even if the FBI didn’t want your testimony, we would have found a way to get you out of Mexico.”

She tried to mask the shock of his statement but felt heat creeping up her cheeks.

Thankfully it was dark, so she didn’t have to hide her discomfort at the kind sentiment.

She wasn’t used to praise, especially coming from a stranger.

During her first week at the Day estate, Mr. Day, the family patriarch, had offered her a candy wrapped in blue foil.

He told her he wanted to reward her with a treat for her hard work cleaning and serving.

He’d thrust the candy toward her but when she went to take it, he retracted it, slapping her hard across the face with his other hand.

Never take anything belonging to this family.

Even if it’s offered. She could still hear his cold voice booming through the halls.

He’d laughed heartily as she backed away from him and raced back to the staff quarters.

“Thalia, are you okay?” Mason’s sweet voice dissolved the flashback.

She glanced around to find three pairs of eyes trained on her. More heat crept to her cheeks, and she was thankful for the darkness of night.

“This is our friend, Jude.” Mason gave her hand a squeeze. “He leads the human trafficking task force for the Department of Homeland Security.”

She forced herself to smile and dipped her head. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Let’s get inside.” Jude gestured toward the glass doors embossed with a lion across from where the helicopter had landed.

“Then we can talk after you’ve all rested.

” They crossed the rooftop as the helicopter blades began to spin, readying for takeoff.

When they approached the doors, they automatically slid open and revealed a grand foyer.

“Is this a hotel?” she murmured.

“The Ritz,” Red answered. “It’s the same hotel our friends stayed in when they were making plans to help Vivienne escape from her ordeal. It makes sense because of the helicopter pad at the top of the building. Lots of business VPs and celebrities stay here, so they have the option to fly in.”

She could certainly see why the space would appeal to those with wealth or stardom.

The room they entered was opulent with coffered ceilings and crystal dripping from the light fixtures.

Thick, marble pillars matched the glossy floors, and giant displays of fresh flowers nested on every surface.

A shiver moved over her skin, and she wasn’t sure if it was the conditioned air pouring from the vents or the memory of the Days’ lavish estate.

She much preferred the slightly worn carpets and the comfortable, yet well-used furniture of the hotel in Mexico.

“You have a suite for the next two nights,” Jude stated as they walked.

“That should give the FBI enough time to take Thalia’s statement.

I told them they cannot begin interviewing until midday.

If they try, send them packing. I don’t expect any trouble, but having a suite will keep the three of you close. ”

A middle-aged woman standing behind a desk gave them a silent nod and a warm smile as they passed.

The men talked quietly as they walked down the hall, but she didn’t have the energy to focus on their conversation.

Her feet were heavy and her body weak after their frantic escape.

She hadn’t realized they’d reached an elevator until Mason ushered her in, placing his arm protectively around her shoulders.

Warmth moved through her at the claiming gesture he’d made in front of the other two men.

Neither made a comment as the elevator slid down a few floors then chimed right before the doors opened.

Mason kept his arms firmly around her as they moved through the elegant hallway lit by gilded sconces.

Jude stopped at one of the doors and slid a key card into the opening.

A green light flashed, and a lock clicked.

When they stepped inside, she scanned the room—if it could even be called that.

It was more like a large house. The heady scent of flowers lingered in the air, and she located the source sitting on the table in the formal living room.

White roses and lilies speared up from an abundant display.

Attached to the living room was a large kitchen and a dining room with more floral centerpieces set down the length of the table.

“The main bedroom and en suite are down that hallway.” Jude pointed toward twin hallways at the end of the room. “And the other two are on the right.”

“Are you headed back to California?” Sully asked, turning to Jude.

“No. I have a room for the night adjacent to your suite. I want to ensure everything goes smoothly with the interview tomorrow and there are no problems getting Thalia the documentation she needs to be sponsored in the country.”

The men gave each other back slaps before Jude left the room, promising to see them tomorrow.

Sully turned. “Thalia, you take the bedroom with the attached bath. Red and I will take the others.”

Thalia bit her bottom lip to keep from protesting. She didn’t want to seem ungrateful for the offer. Still, this was a new place and no matter how tired she was, she doubted sleep would come. She would’ve felt much better sleeping in the room near Mason.

Mason touched her shoulder, reminding her she wasn’t alone. “Can I walk with you? I know Jude and the FBI have already cleared the room, but I’d feel better if I looked myself.”

“And I’d feel better having you walk me there. I could get lost in a room this big.”

Mason chuckled and took her hand. She loved the way his steely expression softened when he smiled at her.

“Night,” Sully called walking down the hall where Jude had indicated the two additional rooms were located.

“Good night,” Thalia said as Mason walked her down the long hall, opening the lone door at the end.

The light was already on, showcasing the room.

The bed looked large enough to hold six people.

Beyond it was a sitting area framing a stacked stone fireplace.

A credenza held more fresh flowers, although these didn’t carry a scent.

Thank goodness. A headache was beginning to build behind her eyes and while she wanted to lie down and rest, the large pretentious room was making her feel trapped, just as she’d been in the Day estate.

“Thalia.” Mason’s voice reverberated through her, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever be immune to the way his gruff tone sent a thrill spiraling through her. “Tell me what’s going on in your head right now.”

“It’s just… The space is beautiful, but it makes me feel anxious.

It’s silly, but it reminds me of the Day estate.

” She sighed and glanced at the floor, wishing she could shove the words back into her throat.

Red was from a completely different world from her, and yet, she knew he wouldn’t judge her statement, even if she felt stupid for making it.

“That’s not silly at all.” His finger stroked the underside of her chin, and she looked up, instantly soothed by the compassion radiating in his expression.

“Up until a few weeks ago, you were held against your will for years in a showy mansion. After that you were subjected to another type of captivity. It makes perfect sense that the space is bringing you back to that time and place.” He stroked her cheek and for the first time in a very long time, she felt cared for. “How can I help?”

The breath rushed out of her lungs at his simple question. He had taken a step closer, so they were face-to-face, and she took comfort in his steady gaze. “Will you stay?”

He looked at her for a long moment, as if lost in some type of internal battle. “Are you sure?” The light pressure of his large hands smoothing down her arms made her sway closer. “If having me close helps, I’m happy to stay. I can take the couch.”

“The bed is more than big enough for both of us.”

He leaned closer and kissed her forehead. “Wouldn’t matter if it could hold a dozen people. If you’d rather me sleep on the couch, I’m more than fine with that.”

“I’d feel better if you were near me. That is, if you don’t mind.”

Mason nodded and cleared his throat. “There should be a robe in the closet. It’ll be more comfortable than sleeping in what you’ve got on.”

She gave him a smile and walked toward the bathroom.

Mason continued to do things that made her realize the depth of his kindness.

If he knew the robe was there, he could have taken it for himself, and she wouldn’t have thought twice.

She was sure his clothes were equally smoke-tinged from the explosion, and he’d sleep better in something clean, yet he didn’t hesitate to offer it to her first. She walked into the bathroom, bypassing the mirror and the stone countertops.

Opening the closet, she found not one, but two thick cloth robes with a lion embossed on the lapel.

As she turned, she spotted the deep bathtub in the corner of the room.

She smiled recalling the songs her mother used to sing as she played in the tub.

“Did you find one?”

She turned to where Mason was standing in the doorway. “Better. I found two.” Thalia slid one off the hanger and tossed it to him, earning her one of his quick grins.

“Thanks. Take your time. I’ll change out here.

” He closed the door behind him and Thalia stripped out of Mason’s T-shirt and shorts, not bothering with the bathroom lock.

With anyone else, she wouldn’t dream of leaving herself vulnerable, but Mason was different.

She pulled the belt tight around her waist and walked back into the bedroom.

He’d taken the side of the bed closest to the bedroom door and she had no doubt that was due to his protective nature.

She slid under the covers, sighing with pleasure at the soft mattress and sheets beneath her.

“Would it be okay if I put my arms around you?” he asked.

Without answering, she moved closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his chest. While the bed was comfortable, her whole body seemed to melt against him.

Despite their stark differences in size, their bodies were a perfect fit.

His heart thumped against her cheek, and as his hands came around her, she felt cocooned in his warmth.

“When I’m with you, I feel safe,” she murmured into the material of his robe.