Page 28 of The Hero’s Bride (Unbreakable SEALs #2)

She was quiet for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

Maybe she should be frustrated or upset, but all she felt was the easy acceptance of his decision.

He’d rescued her after a month of being held, not sure if she’d be tortured or killed.

A month of being constantly on edge, never expecting for anyone to look for her.

The knowledge that if she wanted to escape it would rest solely on her shoulders was overwhelming.

How would she get away with no one noticing?

If she escaped, where would she go? How would she survive?

Then Mason had charged in. She let her eyes trail over him.

Every inch the warrior, both in body and spirit, but it was his unbreakable honor to do what was right that had her falling.

“If you’re looking for my anger, you won’t find it.

” She stepped forward, placing her hand over his heart.

“We shouldn’t leave Vivienne and Iron waiting any longer,” she murmured.

“Something tells me they understand.” He leaned closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But I agree. Let’s go find them.”

The home was quiet as they walked through the living room and kitchen, but when they approached the screen door, Vivienne’s laughter was audible.

Fate had seemed to touch them both, bringing good men into their lives.

Would Mason be a constant in her life or just a fleeting patch of sunlight?

She’d lived through terror and sadness, and she wasn’t about to waste the time she’d been given pondering the validity of the feelings that crashed over and consumed her when she was with Mason.

She’d take as long as she had with him and be grateful for it.

He reached around her, holding the door.

She stepped out and breathed in the salt-tinged air.

Rolling waves crested and crashed onto the shore as the sun receded toward the horizon line.

Vivienne was on Iron’s lap, her hand on his chest. Although they were from different worlds, it struck her that Vivienne’s experiences were so much like her own, and now, they were both free.

Vivienne had been brave, grasping on to who she wanted in her life and holding on tight.

How she wished she could be that self-assured woman, too.

Mason pulled out a chair for her and she sat, taking in the shades of gold, green, and blue stretched around them. Off to the side was a beautiful pergola that stood straight and tall, hugged by vines that laced up the sides.

“Vee helped me fix that up last weekend,” Iron said following her gaze.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, but when she turned her attention back to Iron, his eyes were on Vivienne. She couldn’t have stopped the smile from spreading over her face if she tried.

“Took some time, but I’m happy with the progress.” Iron kissed the tip of her friend’s nose before angling back toward the table.

“Sorry I don’t have any beer or wine to offer you. I don’t keep it in the house, but I can tell you Vee makes one hell of a punch.” He tipped his head toward the pitcher beaded with condensation from the lingering heat of the day.

“It looks too pretty to drink.” Oranges and raspberries filled the pitcher and on Vivienne’s face was a look of pride at what she’d created. She hopped up from Iron’s lap and started pouring tall glasses. A few seconds later, there was a distant knock and Iron stood.

“Pizza’s here.” He left the table and reappeared with three large boxes just as Vivienne finished pouring drinks. He placed them on the table and gave them each a plate.

“Have you ever had pizza before?” Vivienne grinned.

“No.” Thalia shook her head, accepting the large piece that Vivienne put on her plate. Her mouth instantly watered at the smells drifting up from the food.

“I hadn’t either. Now it’s my absolute favorite.

” Grin still in place, her friend took a big bite.

She glanced at Mason, and if he was surprised by Vivienne’s admission, he didn’t show it.

An outsider would only see what Vivienne’s family would want them to through carefully planned photo shoots, social media posts, and modeling engagements.

No one would have ever guessed the darkness and control behind the facade.

She smiled and took a bite, savoring the flavors that exploded on her tongue.

Conversation was light as they ate and her breath bottled in her chest as the sun set, casting the sky in a ruby and tangerine glow that mirrored the drinks in their glasses.

When they were finished, the men cleaned up the table, bringing the plates and boxes inside the house.

“Could we stay out for a while and talk?” Vivienne asked.

“I think I could stay out here all night.” Her sentiment was true.

Thalia was full of the delicious pizza, contentment with her companions, and saturated in the showy colors that only nature could produce.

As Mason and Iron came out of the house, each carrying a blanket to wrap around the women’s shoulders, Thalia knew her stomach wasn’t the only thing full, but her heart as well.

“Let us know if you need anything,” Iron said, and she felt the weight of Mason’s kiss on the top of her head. The door shut silently behind them, lost in the sound of the rolling surf. For several minutes, they soaked in the music of the waves as they played against the surf.

“Freedom looks good on us, Thalia.” Vivienne’s voice was barely audible, but she felt every word, straight to her heart.

“Are you ever afraid it will be taken away?”

“Oh, yes.” For a moment, the only sound was the roll of the sea.

“Iron tells me fear of losing that freedom is always on his mind and in his heart. For him, it’s being free from the addiction that chained him.

Slightly different, but still so much the same.

When your choices aren’t your own, your decisions ruled by an outside force, there’s so much that stands to be lost. Maybe a little of that fear allows us to truly appreciate the ability to have control and to live how we want. ”

“He said you saved him,” Thalia said looking out at the dusky sky.

“Iron fought his addiction long before we met.” The unshed tears in Vivienne’s eyes glistened in the glow of the tabletop lamp.

“The thought of him trying to claw his way out, all alone because he’d distanced himself from everyone he cared about, makes me so thankful he’s still here.

Still breathing. His strength to remain sober and face his PTSD, to choose a new path and help others…

it floors me. That was all him though, not me. ”

“Maybe, but I think you’re his peace. His light.

” A pang of longing tugged at her heart.

What she would give to be that for Mason.

She shut her eyes against the image of the scars on his back.

A testament to all the pain he’d endured.

“I never thought of it like that, but the fight to push forward when the whole world seems to be dragging you back is its own form of strength.”

Vivienne nodded. “He’s my peace, too. When you experience love that’s unconditional, it changes you. When Iron told me you’d met Red before, I thought it sounded like something from a fairy tale. Does he mean something to you?”

Thalia pressed a hand to her sternum, the gravity of her feelings creating a tangible ache.

“The boy I briefly met always represented hope to me, but I never expected to see him again. I think I’ve always loved him for what he represented.

Kindness and generosity in a harsh world.

Now that I know the man he’s become, the feelings I have are so huge. ”

“That’s how I feel about Iron, too. He’s shown me so much gentleness. Introduced me to a world with no restrictions or boundaries. I know he sometimes sees himself as damaged, but I don’t understand how he could be broken when he’s made me whole.”

The realization that she was in love with Mason as a man and not only what the young boy had represented, gave her pause.

“What is it?” Vivienne reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

“I haven’t allowed myself to think of what he means to me.” She wondered if Vivienne could hear her soft words as the wind whistled through the tall seagrass.

“Why, honey?”

“When they came to rescue me, I never expected them to want to bring me across the border. The men’s friend, Jude, said the easiest way at the time was a fiancé visa.”

“That explains your amazing ring.” Vivienne smiled softly.

“Even though it wasn’t real, he made everything so special. He’s the kindest man I’ve ever met.”

“Thalia, maybe it didn’t exactly begin as a real or traditional relationship, but that doesn’t mean it won’t turn into one.” Vivienne rubbed her thumb over the back of her hand, offering support.

“The thing is, I’ve been offered help with my transition into the United States in exchange for my testimony.” She sucked in a breath and felt her cheeks heat with the realization she was talking about Vivienne’s parents.

“Stop. They are horrible people and we both know it. Keep talking.”

“I’m sorry, Vivienne. I’m sorry they hurt you, too.”

“I know that.”

“So, in exchange for that testimony the fiancé visa is no longer needed.” She glanced down at their linked fingers.

“Giving you the opportunity to explore something real.”

“I have nothing to give him. Nothing to offer. I don’t want him stuck in a one-sided relationship.” She bit her bottom lips as the prickle of hot tears burned in her eyes.

“No silly. You have you. Everything you are is beautiful and resilient and kind. You are worthy, Thalia.”

They talked late into the night, until their eyes grew heavy with exhaustion. When they walked inside, Mason and Iron were sitting on the couch, and if it wasn’t so sweet it would be almost comical how their faces instantly brightened when they walked into the room.

“Not sure what your sleeping arrangements are going to be, but hall closet’s full if you need extra pillows or sheets.”

“Come on, sleepyhead.” Iron lifted Vivienne, easily tossing her over his shoulder. She shrieked, a wide smile spreading over her face.

“Night, guys,” she laughed, waving until they disappeared down the hall.

When they were gone, Mason turned to her. “Did you have a good time?”

“I did.” She skirted around the arm of the couch. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“Come here,” he said holding out his arms. She climbed into his open embrace, her knees planted on either side of his hips. The buttery-soft denim of the jeans he’d bought her easily stretched with the movement. “You don’t have to thank me.”

She ran her hands through his wavy auburn hair.

He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen.

Everything about him from the freckles dusted around his tattoos to his midnight ocean eyes and his richly colored hair was so vibrant and beautiful, it made her heart ache.

She wanted the right to call him hers with a desperation she’d never felt for anything in her life before—except her freedom.

That’s what he represented for her, but it wasn’t only his heroic actions that made her want him, it was the man he’d become.

“What are you thinking right now?” He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ears.

“How beautiful you are.” Prickles of heat rose up her cheeks. She might be embarrassed by her train of thought, but she wanted to give him her honesty.

He chuffed. “That title is reserved for you. I’m a goofy-looking bastard at best.”

“No. You are beautiful on the outside, and the inside.”

He sat forward, leaning closer so their noses touched. “So are you,” he murmured with his lips against hers. The friction sent a delicious jolt from her mouth to her core.

“Will you share the guest bedroom with me?” She felt her blush deepen.

“Is that what you want?” he countered.

She nodded, and if he noticed her red cheeks, he was sweet enough not to mention them.

He searched her face and must’ve been satisfied with what he found, because he dipped his chin.

In one fluid motion, he was standing with her in his arms. She crossed her knees behind his back and let him carry her into the bedroom.

He placed her down gently on the bed and reached for the duffel bag he’d bought to carry her clothes.

“Go change, baby.” He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “Don’t take too long though. I don’t know how I feel about Iron’s parents staring down at me when I’m in my skivvies.”

A full-bodied laugh tumbled from her lips. “Maybe you should turn the lights out to preserve your dignity.”

“Then I’d miss watching you get into bed with me. Dignity be damned.”

She giggled and shook her head, reaching into the bag to pull out the shorts and camisole set.

In truth, she’d worn and slept in the same clothes at the Day estate.

She’d had exactly two uniforms that she rotated in and out every few days and that was far more clothing than she’d had on the streets of Colima.

She brought her things to the bathroom and shut the door.

What a strange concept to have items of her own.

Ones that belonged to her. Just her. Yes, Mason had bought them, but she knew his heart well enough to know they were given freely without strings attached, even if she was determined to pay him back.

She stripped out of her clothes, neatly folding them before putting on the soft cotton pajamas.

They felt so comfortable that she sighed at the feel of them against her skin.

Another luxury was socks. She loved how they made the floor beneath the soles of her feet cushioned and warm, and she’d taken to sleeping in them, too.

Thalia had noticed that Mason didn’t wear them when he slept, but he would never make fun of her to be cruel.

After brushing her teeth, she padded back to the bedroom and opened the door.

Mason had pulled back the covers on her side and was lying propped up on his elbow.

He let out a long breath and shook his head.

“Fucking perfect.” His guttural tone sent a shiver of pleasure through her. She slid under the sheets, and he turned to click off the bedside lamp before enveloping her in his embrace, tucking her close so her head rested on his chest and their legs were intertwined.

“Night sweet girl.”

“Good night, Mason.” Although she wanted to kiss him and more, Iron’s home wasn’t the time or place. Cocooned in his warmth, she signed deeply, melting against him. She felt his chest rise as he buried his nose in her hair and breathed her in, right before she fell asleep.