Page 21 of The Hero’s Bride (Unbreakable SEALs #2)

Unable to quell his erection, he gripped the base, working his hand up and down as he thought of the way Thalia looked with her head thrown back in pleasure.

The weight of her breasts filling his hands.

Her fingers exploring his chest. It wasn’t long before an ache built in his lower back and his orgasm ripped through him.

He took a few deep steadying breaths before quickly washing and turning off the taps.

He stepped out and tugged the nearest towel off the warming rack and hoped that Thalia would find the same comfort.

After he dressed, he made his way into the kitchen.

Sully stood in the doorway of the suite with one hand on a metal rolling cart.

“Thanks. I can take it from here,” he said to the hotel staff.

Sully passed the man a wad of cash before the worker thanked him and left the room.

The bitter scent of freshly brewed coffee combined with savory and sweet breakfast items wafted through the air.

“Thought I heard you guys starting to stir.” Sully lifted his chin and pulled the cart inside, then closed the door and secured the dead bolt. “I ordered a bit of everything.”

He scanned the number of silver-covered plates and raised a brow. “Jude joining us?”

“No, but he stopped by before he hit the gym to see how Thalia was doing.” Sully wheeled the cart closer to the dining room table.

“He wanted us to let him know when the FBI agents got here so he could sit in on the interview.” Sully placed cups out on the table and set a carafe of coffee and hot water in the center.

“Is Thalia up? I noticed you didn’t sleep in your room last night. ” Sully shot him a questioning look.

“No, I didn’t,” he said leveling his gaze over the top of the dining room chairs. “Thalia asked me to stay in her room. The hotel, the opulence of it, makes her think of the Day estate.”

“Shit.” Sully paused with one of the trays in his hands. “I didn’t think of that. Is she okay?” He put the platter down in the middle of the table and straightened.

“Yeah, now that we know it makes her uncomfortable, we can adjust our travel arrangements.”

“Like you and I would choose a hotel like this,” Sully scoffed. “If it’s safe and clean, that’s all I care about. I can’t go anywhere in this suite without knocking over a vase of flowers or some glass trinket.”

Light footfalls sounded and Sully’s gaze moved behind him.

He turned as Thalia walked into the room and felt as though he’d been sucker punched.

Her damp hair was loose over her shoulders, and she’d changed back into his shorts and a shirt.

They needed to get her some clothes before the next leg of their journey but for now, she appeared relaxed, skin fresh and glowing after the long bath.

When their eyes met, her cheeks raised with a smile.

One that was brighter than the sunlight flooding the room from the wide floor-to-ceiling windows.

“Just in time to eat.” He grinned as she approached.

She pressed her hand to her stomach. “I am hungry.”

He pulled out a chair, then moved to the seat next to her.

“Glad to hear it,” Sully said as he began uncovering the plates. “Because I’d hate to think I went overboard here.” He winked at her and sat across the table from them.

Her laugh resonated in his chest. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but over the past few days, a smile brightened her face more often and it was easier to elicit the beautiful sound of her laughter.

“Wow,” she breathed, eyes glancing over the plates of eggs Benedict, potatoes, croissants, Belgian waffles, berries, and whipped cream.

“I know it’s technically lunch,” Sully said beginning to load up his plate. “But for us, it’s breakfast.”

“And that means Sully can go in search of lunch guilt-free in a little over an hour if he labels this meal breakfast.” Red grinned and lifted one hand to pour coffee into a cup, then offered some to Thalia.

Sully shrugged as he poured coffee into Thalia’s mug and passed her the cream and sugar. “Concierge said there’s a great sandwich shop down the street.”

“See what I mean?” He raised a brow at Thalia, and she giggled like he’d hoped she would.

He was pleased when Thalia took a small amount of everything from the breakfast plates. She sighed as she bit into a waffle and a jolt speared through him as he instantly recalled the sounds she’d made earlier in bed. They were just finishing their meal when a knock sounded on the door.

“Stay here.” He gave Thalia’s shoulder a gentle squeeze and moved toward the door. When he glanced through the eyehole, Jude was standing outside with two agents. He opened the door and stepped back, allowing them to enter the hotel room. Thalia and Sully crossed the room to join him.

Jude stepped forward, offering his hand to Thalia. “Last night was hectic and I’m not sure if you remember being introduced.”

“Yes. Jude, a friend of Mason and Sully. I’m grateful for the part you had in finding me and for last night’s rescue.”

“No thanks are necessary. I’d like to introduce you to Agent Brown.

” He gestured toward the female agent. “And Agent Simpson,” he said motioning toward the other man.

“We’d like to have a conversation about your situation at the Day estate.

Any information you’re able to provide us with could help locate more individuals who have been put in similar situations. ”

“I’m not sure if I’ll be much help,” Thalia began. “But I’m happy to try.”

“Thank you for being willing to talk.” Agent Brown stepped forward. “Would you like to sit in the living room or maybe at the dining room table?”

Red watched as Thalia clasped her hands together.

Her nervous energy was palpable, but she breathed deeply and straightened her shoulders, meeting the agent’s gaze.

“The living room would be fine. We have some coffee and tea that was just delivered from room service. Would anyone like something to drink?”

“We’re fine but thank you for the offer.” Agent Simpson cast Thalia a warm smile, then followed her to the couch.

Red hesitated before sitting next to Thalia, instead crouching down beside her. “Would you be more comfortable if we stayed or left?” He kept his voice low, hoping only she would hear his question.

“I’d prefer you to stay. I’ve gotten comfortable with both of you,” she said glancing between him and Sully. “And I have nothing to say that I wouldn’t want you to hear.”

Relief poured through him, loosening the tight muscles in his shoulders and neck.

He wanted to be present for the interview, terrified the agents would push too hard or ask her something that triggered a bad memory.

When she gave him a reassuring smile, he realized that after what she’d been through, an interview with a few people in suits was probably the least of her worries.

The agents nodded. “They’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.”

Sitting on the couch by her side, he knew with absolute certainty that he’d never met someone as courageous as Thalia.