SEALed in Trust

–Nathan–

Nothing heals you like the smell of the ocean. After three back to back missions, spending a day out on the water with my new short board was exactly what the doctor ordered. Sure the design made it a little harder to paddle on than a longboard, but the rocker in the nose was perfect for steep drops. On days when the wind is strong and the hollow waves are barreling in at breakneck speeds, you need something agile to navigate them.

God, this place is beautiful… With the sun setting over the water and dusk creeping over the city skyline, I paddled in and rinsed the sand off my feet. All I needed to wrap up the perfect weekend was to hit the clubs near the beach and find a beautiful woman who was out looking to make some bad decisions.

With my TAPS team getting sucked, one by one, into the soul sucking meat grinder that is monogamy, my list of wingmen was shorter than it had ever been. Luckily, I’ve never had a problem talking to women and in Southern California there were plenty of perfect tens with a laundry-list of daddy issues ready to take their frustration out on me.

The crowd at Sammy’s Rooftop Bar and Lounge waxed and waned for the first couple hours of the evening. The bartender had just poured me a shot of top shelf tequila when my phone buzzed in my back pocket. If it had been anyone else, I would have sent him straight to voicemail.

“Hey,” I furrowed my brow. “What’s going on?”

“Eh, Mossimo!” Jax, my best friend, said in Italian with a fake Russian accent to let me know not  to blow his cover. “How’s the fishing in Spain?”

“How are you, old friend?” I responded in clumsy Italian, glancing at a bottle blonde who bit her lip and looked me up and down. “The fish are hungry and so am I.”

Jax lowered his voice and switched to English. “Nathan, I need your help.” The sound of several people Speaking Russian in the background grew louder and then faded. “Remember my sister, Emma?”

“Emma, yeah…” I flashed my best smile, putting one hand in my jacket pocket. “I don’t believe we’ve met, but I know of her.”

“Yeah, that’s not an accident.” He whispered. “She lives in Saint Lucia and I need you to go get her and bring her back to my place.”

The blonde used a toothpick to skewer a cherry from her martini glass.

“Sure thing, I’ll fire up the Cessna.” I raised an eyebrow as she conspicuously tied a stem in a knot with her tongue. Oh, hell yes… “Is Tuesday alright? I’m hoping to be hung over tomorrow.”

“No, Nathan, I mean now– like right now,” he hissed.

“What?” I wrinkled my nose. “Why?”

“Goddamnit, Nate, if I wasn’t up to my eyeballs in Russian mobsters right now, I’d go after her myself. If there was literally anyone else on the team that could do it sooner I would ask them, but we both know you’d be there hours before anyone else could and this is a matter of life and death.”

“Shit.” My shoulders sagged. “Alright, man. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. Whatever you need.”

“Wonderful!” Jax transitioned seamlessly back into Italian and laughed boisterously as someone walked past. “Oh, and one more thing…” He lowered his voice again. “You need to promise to keep your dirty playboy hands off my sister, or I swear to God, I will choke the life from –It’s all about ocean fishing, you gotta get off the lake and get out on bigger water if you want some real sport– I mean it, Nathan, promise me!”

His flipping from deep cover to candid conversation was confusing and hilarious in equal measure, but I could hear the desperation in his voice growing.

“You’re giving me whiplash here, dude.” I pinched the bridge of my nose speaking Italian again, “Are we speaking Italian or Russian?”

“Nate!” He cleared his throat. “–You always rely on fancy lures, Mossimo, that’s why you snag the fish and then they swim away–” The phone beeped as Jax pushed a bunch of buttons on the keypad with his face. “–Please, Nathan, I might not make it back this time, and I just need to know my sister is safe. I’m…” His voice cracked. “Fuck, dude, I’m barely hanging on over here, okay?”

My heart sank at the thought of Jelena raising their kids by herself. Of Monkey growing up barely able to remember him.

“I promise I will never touch your sister.” I sighed. “Things will be totally platonic, alright? I’ll go get my shit and make a phone call so I can get into the marina without the security guard harassing me. Be safe, alright?”

Passing the shot of tequila to the nearest person, I turned on my heel and headed for the exit.

***

How in God’s name does she share a gene-pool with Jax? Maybe I was just feeling a little bitter that he seemed to think I was some kind of predator.

Seriously, Jax? I’m a damn professional. Not that I could really blame him. My bedroom had been a revolving door for beautiful women since college. I was all about the job and had no intention of changing that any time soon. Not exactly boyfriend material for anyone’s precious baby sister, let alone Jax’s. He’d practically raised her growing up.

It hadn’t taken long to track Emma down, and some part of me said I should just go up and tell the woman it was time to go. Her brother seemed to think she was in serious danger, and since he was stuck in the Ukraine he couldn’t be here to tell her himself.

But when I saw her sitting there… I don’t know, she just looked so sad. Being a therapist and having one of your long-time clients disappear seemed like something that was bound to happen from time to time. Still, she had the air of a woman with the world on her shoulders who needed a moment of quiet reflection and I couldn’t bring myself to interrupt her.

The hostess looked over her shoulder at me as she lit the candles on the outdoor tables, and I regarded her with a polite nod. The setting sun blanketed the patio in warm yellow light and I swirled my bourbon around the spherical ice in the glass.

“Mind if I join you?” Emma’s blue eyes glinted with a coy smile that didn’t reach her full, ruby-red lips.

“Please do.” I shifted my weight as she took a seat across from me. “I would have expected this place to be busier.”

“It’s still early.” She took a sip of her wine, smoothing out her black pencil skirt and crossing her legs. “And it’s Tuesday, so...”

“Good point.” I nodded, trying not to let my eyes linger on her long, shapely legs or fixate on strands of her wavy chestnut hair that had blown across her face. “It’s a nice place.”

“Are you here on vacation?” She arched an eyebrow. “You don’t look like a business guy.”

“What makes you say that?” I narrowed my eyes.

“More than half the people who vacation here are horny corporate CEOs, digital nomads, self-help bloggers, or business gurus filming proof of their incredible lifestyles for their social media accounts. You didn’t take a selfie of yourself holding your old-fashioned so..”

“Hey, they gotta get people to sign up for their online courses if they don’t want to get a boring nine-to-five.” I laughed.

“Exactly…” She sighed. “The rest are retired, married couples, and trust fund kids– and I don’t think that’s you.”

“My cargo pants aren’t classy enough?” I chuckled.

“I don’t know…” She crossed her arms, resting her elbows on the table in front of her and her breasts pushed together. “I’m pretty good at reading people, I’d be willing to bet that you’ve lived in the real world and seen some shit.”

“You a shrink?” I shot her a half smile.

“I have a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology.” Her eyes moved over my body in a glance so quick it was barely perceptible. “But yes, I’m a therapist.”

“Forensic Psychology?” My brow furrowed. “Doesn’t that mean you should be out there tracking down serial killers or something?”

“I read a lot of crime drama novels in high school.” She shrugged and finished off what was in her glass. “By the time I finished college I realized that wasn’t the kind of life I wanted after all. Seems like a bad sign for a doctor to be so wishy-washy, huh?”

“No.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Actually, I think the world would be a much better place if we realized we’re allowed to change our minds.”

“Hmm.” Her blue eyes sparkled in the light of the tea candle flickering at the center of the table. “I like that.”

God, her skin looks soft. My eyes drifted down her neck to the delicate curves of her collar bones. Her perfume was so sweet I could almost taste it, blood-orange tinged with lily of the valley and something warmer… patchouli maybe.

Platonic… Jax’s sister. You promised!

Tearing my gaze away from her, I looked toward the emerald water churning into white foam and rushing over the golden sand. The server came by and refilled Emma’s glass and she smiled at me before taking a sip.

“I’m Emma by the way.” Jax’s sister held out a hand to me.

“Nice to meet you, Emma.” I shook her hand and smiled, making a serious effort not to let my eyes drift down to her supple breasts, peeking through the V-shaped neckline of her black dress. “I’m Nathan.”

“So, Nathan.” She smiled at me from the corner of her eye as she took another long sip and looked toward the colorful clouds crowning the oceanic skyline. “You married? Have a girlfriend, boyfriend… kids?”

“No.” I laughed. “None of those things. I work too much for any of that. I can’t even keep a plant or a gold-fish alive.”

“I hear that.” She raised her glass. “A pilot maybe?”

My posture stiffened.

“Pretty good shrink I guess.” I laughed. “How did you–”

She gestured with her wine glass. “I thought clergy at first, because you blew off the cute hostess who was flirting with you. But you don’t look like a priest, and you checked me out for a good twenty minutes before I came over here.”

“No, I di–”

She raised her eyebrows, lowering her chin, challenging my lie.

“You seemed sad.” I cleared my throat, shifting in my seat and shrugging. “And I was curious about you.”

“Curious huh?” She laughed softly and raised a suspicious eyebrow. “Really?”

“You looked like you had something on your mind” I stammered. “In fact, you probably only came over here for a distraction from whatever it is. And I didn’t want to hit on you while you were going through… stuff. Seemed like it would’ve been a dick move. Even for me.”

“Huh.” Her eyes narrowed like she didn’t buy it, but after a moment she shrugged it off. “That’s… kind of sweet I guess.”

“So, uh.” I glanced at the hostess who quickly looked away. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“About why I’m sad?” Emma forced an uncomfortable smile.

“Well… yeah.” I chuckled. “I’m told I’m a great listener.”

That’s a lie.

“It’s nothing really.” She looked up at me through those thick damn lashes, a sultry smirk toying at the corners of her lips. “Work stuff. I thought your job was to be my distraction, remember?”

“Sure…”

My pulse quickened as I imagined her wriggling out of that black dress. No, Nate… back off. She tilted her head, studying my expression and all I could think about was tasting the wine on her lips.

She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Do you want to get out of here?”

“Like…” My mouth went dry. “...with you?”

“Is that a serious question?” She blinked.

I needed to get her alone and if I didn’t go home with her now, I didn’t see a way to approach her later without looking creepy.

I finished the last of my drink in one gulp and called the server over, “Can I get the check?”

I should give myself more credit. As I added up the tip and signed the receipt, I reminded myself of my unbreakable bond with Jax. He’s my best friend and when the chips are down, I know I won’t do anything to jeopardize a friendship with a man who treats me like a brother. I may be shit at relationships, but I’ve always come through for my friends.

Emma flashed a bemused smile as she sipped her wine and in a matter of minutes, I was opening the back door of a cab and climbing in behind her. No sooner had she told the driver her address, did she grip the collar of my loose button up and put her body against mine.

Platonic thoughts. Platonic thoughts. Platonic… oh fucking hell. Her warm wet mouth greeted my neck, and my cock instantly rose to attention, tightening against the inside of my cargo pants.

“Mmm, you’re so tense.” She folded one leg into my lap and stroked her inner thigh up the length of my erect member. Okay, I might be a bad friend. “Relax, Captain.” Her voice purred into my ear as I leaned back and she climbed onto me. “I don’t bite.”

I’m a bad friend; probably the worst friend in the history of bad friends. My hands moved on pure instinct, running through her hair, and she moaned as I nibbled her bottom lip. So much for keeping my hands to myself. But what was I supposed to do? I didn’t instigate this, so he can’t be that upset, right?

...Right?

The cab pulled up to a yellow beach house nestled in a grove of palm trees. She paid the driver and headed up the cobblestone walkway. My willpower eroded with every sway of her round hips, and I started to realize that Jax’s sweet baby sister wasn’t nearly as innocent as he thought she was.

“You want something to drink?” She flicked on the light in the foyer and hung up her cardigan and keys.

“I could really use a coffee if you have it.” I closed the front door behind me and locked the deadbolt.

“Of course.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave me a chaste peck on the lips as she passed. “Are you sure you want caffeine? You already seem a little… nervous.”

Nervous… me? I chuffed, smiling as she sauntered into the kitchen.

“Don’t be embarrassed.” She took a can of coffee out of the cupboard. “I’m not exactly used to bringing strangers home.”

“You have a nice place.” I rubbed my chin and followed her, leaning against the archway, hesitant because I didn’t trust myself to stand too close to her. “It’s hard to find a good place close to the beach in the states.”

“I thought I’d surf more,” she said flatly as she fired up her coffee machine. “I haven’t been out on the water more than a handful of times in the last year.”

And she surfs? My heart skipped a beat. This is the worst day of my life.

“Why is that?” I shoved my hands into my pockets. “It’s probably a great way to unwind after a long workweek.”

She shrugged. “I always plan on getting out more, but I end up holed up in my home office going over my notes to prep for the following week.”

“So when you’re not working you’re thinking about work?” I grinned.

“I guess so.” She laughed softly, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I know it seems ridiculous that I spent all my energy in my twenties running myself ragged to reach this point, and now I just don’t know how to stop or even slow down. Not that it even makes a difference in the grand scheme of things. Facing that vast emptiness is more than I can take most days.”

Images of my big beach house in Carlsbad came to mind, the place hardly ever looked lived in because I took every job Jax could throw at me. Even though my jobs were constant chaos, everything in between them just felt like an awkward silence that I desperately needed to stay two steps ahead of.

“God, I probably sound like a neurotic mess.” She turned around to lean her backside against the kitchen counter. “A bit more baggage than we need for a fun distraction?”

“No, actually.” I crossed my arms. “I get exactly what you’re coming from.”

“You do?” Her composure wavered.

“I mean…” I cleared my throat. “I’m sure my circumstances are a little different from yours, but I think when you spend all your energy focusing on helping other people, it becomes a means to avoid facing your own demons.”

“I thought I was the headshrinker around here.” She pursed her lips in a coy smile, crossing the kitchen to close the space between us.

My pulse quickened as I took a step back, but she slowly backed me against the wall of the archway, wrapping her arms around me. Okay, this has gone far enough. You can still stop this.

As she ran her fingers through my hair, the sensation of her fingernails on my scalp sent a wave of goosebumps over my skin and she kissed me again. Her smooth tongue seduced my senses as I slid my hands down the delicious curve of her backside.

Pulling me toward her, she reached back to lift herself onto the countertop, I think I might have actually said, “Whyyy…” out loud.

“What is it?” She panted against my neck as I slid my hands up to feel the lacy panties that hugged her hips under that dress.

Dammit, Jax. I hate you so much right now.

“Hmph.” I pressed my lips together and put my hands up in surrender, backing away. “I’m so sorry.”

“Am I missing something?” She glanced down at my visible erection and put her knees together.

Scrubbing my hands down my face, I turned in a slow circle, taming my libedo before I answered.

“Jax… sent me.” I bit my lip, furrowing my brow as her jaw dropped.

“Excuse me?” Her rosy cheeks drained of all color and the lust in her eyes dimmed instantly.

“Your brother thinks that you’re in mortal danger and he asked me to come here and bring you back to Puerto Rico.” I put my hands on my hips.

“Wow.” She scooted off the counter and chuckled to herself. “A pilot… A SEAL right?”

“I didn’t mean to–” I pointed toward the kitchen.

“I’m so stupid.” She put a hand over her forehead and walked into the foyer. “Thank you.” She opened the door and nodded for me to leave.

“Look.” I sighed. “I promised your brother that I’d keep you safe.”

“Is that what that was?” She snorted. “Look, I’m not flying to Puerto Rico with you, so if that was your big plan, I think you should probably get lost before I call the police.”

“Jax wouldn’t have asked me to come if there wasn’t a good reason.” I looked her in the eye. “The police on the island might even be compromised, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

“You can’t force me to go with you back to Puerto Rico.” She crossed her arms. “So if you think you can tie me up and drag me kicking and screaming–”

“I’m not here to kidnap you, and I’m not going to try and force you to do something you don’t want to do.” I huffed. “And if you call and have me arrested for… stalking you or whatever, fine. But I can either keep an eye on you from the roof of the empty house up the hill, or you can just come with me. Either way, I’m not leaving without you. You can yell at Jax when he gets back from his mission.”

“Of course, he’s on a fucking mission!” She threw her hands up and slammed the door. “Is that why he didn’t come here himself?”

“He’s kind of… in a deep-cover situation.” I stammered. “He would be here if he could, and he sent me because he’s worried about you.”

“Why didn’t Jelana call me or text me about this?” She glared at me.

“I don’t think she knows yet.” I held out my hands. “Jax isn’t exactly able to make a phone call whenever the mood strikes him. Look, I don’t blame you if you don’t believe me–”

“No, I believe you.” She let out a heavy sigh. “If you were just trying to kidnap me, you could have just had sex with me and drugged me afterwards.” She folded her arms, flitting a glance down my body one more time, muttering, “–Which, after the week I’ve had, might have been preferable…”

Lord, have mercy…

Her posture drooped as she unceremoniously kicked her shoes off. “I’m not going to Puerto Rico.”

I blinked, dumbfounded as she retrieved fresh blankets from the linen closet.

“God, this fucking figures.” She murmured, shoving a stack of towels to one side. “My oldest client is seriously depressed and she’s missing. I spent all day looking in every place I could think of to find her. It would have been nice if the one person I wanted to count on wasn’t playing toy-soldiers who-knows-where doing God-knows-what.”

“Can I just reiterate that I’m really sorry?” I held up a hand.

“You can sleep on the couch if it makes my stupid brother feel better.” She tossed the blankets onto the sofa. “Help yourself to whatever you can find in the kitchen. I’m going to bed.”

She disappeared back down the hall toward her bedroom.

“It was nice meeting you,” I called after her just in time for her to slam the door in response.

That went well. The worst part was, I could already tell she wasn’t the kind of woman to yell at you when she was upset. It’s always the quiet ones that slash your tires or throw your Playstation out of a third story window.

It made sense… I wouldn’t be this insanely attracted to a woman unless she was dangerous. It’s probably a blessing in disguise that she’s off limits. Hanging my head, I grabbed the pot of coffee and poured myself a cup. This was shaping up to be a long night after all.

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