Page 23 of The Hero’s Bride (Unbreakable SEALs #2)

Sully took a few steps in her direction and wiped the tears off her cheeks.

“Thalia.” Sully gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“I’ve been partnered with Red for a long time.

He’s one of the best men I know. If you were one of my four sisters, I’d tell you to be honest with Mason, because I’ve never seen him look at a woman the way he looks at you.

Although he probably feels glad that you can make your own decisions now, I doubt he’s found much joy in the news.

Don’t be afraid to talk to him. I shouldn’t mention this, but I feel it’s necessary to save Red from himself.

He’s not going to be open about his feelings for you. ”

“I don’t blame him. I have nothing to offer. I don’t have a way to support myself. I have no skills except for cleaning. Danger seems to surround me.” She glanced down at her clasped hands and felt another tear fall.

“Shit. That’s not what I meant. Mason isn’t the type of man to worry about jobs or money.

He wants the love of a good woman. Someone he can trust and look forward to seeing after a long mission.

Someone he can depend on, whose love isn’t conditional.

That’s you. He’s trying to be noble. Wants you to be in charge of your life.

If you want him, don’t let him push you away. ”

She lifted her gaze, meeting Sully’s eyes. “I don’t know what my future holds, and I’ve never had the opportunity to explore the woman I could be once I escaped my situation. I know I want her to be worthy of Mason, but I also want her to have purpose. Maybe to help others like me.”

“That’s what makes you special. That despite what you’ve been through, you’re already thinking about what you can do to assist other people.

The thing is, you don’t need to compromise between being with Red and building a life that’s meaningful and gives you purpose.

The opposite actually. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, Red is going to move heaven and earth to ensure you have the space and resources to lead a life that you choose.

If Red is who you want, just know your heart will be safe with him.

” Sully ruffled her hair and a sense of kinship flowed through her.

She cleared her throat and swiped more tears off her cheeks. “Thank you. Your sisters are very lucky.”

He let out a clipped laugh. “Tell them that when you meet them.”

“You think I’ll meet your sisters one day?” She tried to suppress the surprise on her face.

“Mason’s family. Now that extends to you, too.”

Emotion wedged in her throat. How had she come to have the two kindest rescuers? Wordlessly, she moved forward and hugged him around the waist.

“Go get him,” he whispered and grinned as she hurried down the hall.

When she walked into the room, Mason was standing at the window by the fireplace with his arms crossed.

She strode forward, closing the distance between them.

He turned, brows lifting. His muscles were tense and rigid, and she hated the way his jaw clenched with uncertainty.

She paused, and then rushed forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding on tight.

His arms came around her immediately and they stood there soaking in the comfort of one another.

“Mason, just because you don’t expect much from others, doesn’t mean you should expect the same of me.

Nothing that has been said in the past two hours has changed how much I’ve loved getting to know the man you’ve become.

He’s worthy of promises. Has needs and feelings that are important.

” It wasn’t difficult to recall the words she’d spoken to him as Sully took their pictures by the fountain, because she felt the weight of each one as she spoke.

It wasn’t a weight that chained her or caused her distress, but one that she recognized as important.

Like being the keeper of a rare treasure.

A weight of connection and worth. “When I told you I don’t want one-sided promises between us, I meant it. ”

He closed his eyes, chest expanding against her body as he took several deep breaths.

He gripped her chin gently, lifting her gaze to meet his.

“My promise still holds true, but part of that was to help you discover what brings you joy. What it means to live free of restrictions or fear. The agents’ offer gives you more of that freedom.

That’s what I want for you, Thalia. I’m not proud of my reaction.

The thought of losing you caused me pain, but I realize how selfish that sounds.

The choices the agents mentioned will only help you create the life you want. You deserve those choices.”

“What if the choice I want to make is the one that keeps me with you?” Her heart shifted, fluttering with a pang of longing.

He dipped his chin to his chest, drawing in an expansive breath.

“Jesus, sweetheart.” The emotion filtering through his eyes made her limbs tingle, and she wanted to stand in his embrace forever.

His lips crashed over hers and she poured herself into the kiss, relishing every stroke of his tongue.

Every push and bump as they fought to get closer.

“So fucking perfect.” He pulled back long enough to speak the words against her lips.

His breath was sawing in and out as he stared at her like no man had ever done before.

“I’d never want to limit your world by asking you to stay with me in California.

I know there are so many things out there for you to experience and discover.

I’m not going to be the one to hold you back. ”

The finality of his words pierced her. Although Sully’s words of encouragement were still fresh in her mind, she couldn’t find the courage to press Mason further. She tucked her chin, burying her face against him, and did her best not to fall apart.