Too Far Gone (17 page)

She pushed her hair out of her face. “I wanted to kill him,” she whispered, her voice quiet. “For you.”

Since he’d left the Navy he couldn’t think of anyone who’d cared that much about him. “It’s over now. The police can take it from here.” He stroked a thumb across her cheekbone, and then examined her hands. Other than a swollen cheek and a couple of minor scratches, she seemed fine. “He didn’t hurt you?”

“No.”

“Thank God.” He rubbed a hand up and down her spine, soothing them both. He’d never been more scared than when they’d tossed him into the trunk. “Just keep breathing while we talk to the police.”

The responding officers dragged Polzin and his driver out of the long car, not bothering to be gentle about their injuries. When the officers asked Mike to come out of the car, he exited on the side opposite the mobsters, giving a cursory explanation of the situation. Officer Cooper joined them, a big smile on his face.

“Miss Woods, Mr. Stone, we can’t thank you enough for the tip on this operation. It took some convincing, but I got the Chief of Police to believe me instead of Treadwell. I came as soon as I could get here.”

“You came,” Lauren said, “that’s what matters.”

“You found the second car?” Mike asked.

Cooper nodded. “We did and the men are already in custody. Why don’t you let the paramedics check you out?”

“I’m good,” he insisted.

“He could be bleeding internally,” Lauren blurted suddenly.

Mike looked down into her worried face. “What gave you that idea?”

“P-Polzin. He said his men knew how to do that.”

“He’s an idiot,” Mike assured her. “I know how to take a punch.” What he couldn’t take was one more minute holding back the words he needed to give her. “Can we have a second, Cooper?”

“Take your time. I’m not going anywhere,” the officer said, that smile still on his face as he strolled away.

When they had a little privacy, Mike smiled down at her. “We did it.”

“You’re the real hero,” Lauren said, gifting him with a soft kiss on the side of his mouth that wasn’t injured.

“You’re the hero.” He cleared his throat. “You saved those women last night and Cooper might even be able to trace and rescue more now that you found Trinity’s payment and order records. He’ll probably make detective because of your help on this case.”

She shivered, leaning close and lacing her fingers with his. “I wouldn’t have lasted a single day without you. Cooper isn’t the type to take all the credit and I’ll make sure the media gives you your due. Your dad will be proud.”

While his dad’s respect would be nice, Mike was more concerned with how Lauren felt about him. She was already a media darling, this would only propel her to the limelight for all the right reasons. Could she possibly want to spend her personal time with a disgraced SEAL? “Is that a prelude to a goodbye monologue?”

Her gaze drifted away from him, out over the sweeping view. “You protected me and captured an international criminal. Your job’s done. Won’t the agency assign you to another case?”

He patted his pockets. “Hard to tell. My phone’s gone.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“For the record, as a damsel in distress, you excel at kicking ass.”

She grinned. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

He laughed. “Allow me to rectify that immediately.” He cupped her face and lowered his mouth to hers, to hell with his busted lip. The kiss spun out, mesmerizing them both until they were breathless. “You’re beautiful, Lauren. And a capable, amazing woman.”

“Hmm.” She smiled. “Off to a good start.”

“But I’m not absolutely sure you’re safe yet.” Her eyes narrowed instantly. “There could be fallout,” he explained. “A misguided enforcer or two might be lurking about. I should stick around.”

“You think so?” She frowned. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I
will
stick around,” he admitted, making the decision as he said the words. He’d find a way to keep her in his life. She was nothing short of a Christmas miracle and he wasn’t about to let her go. “I’m in love with you, Lauren Marie Woods, and I’m not going anywhere unless you send me away.”

“I...” she swallowed. “What?”

“You heard me.” He lowered his head and kissed her again. “Whatever role you play, I want to be a part of your real life. I can set up my own PI shop right here in SoCal.”

Her eyes went soft, glistening with unshed tears. “Mike...”

Damn. He’d jumped too soon. “Don’t say anything now.” He interrupted what he feared was a protest with another searing kiss. “Too soon, I know. Forget I said it. I’ll convince you.”

“Mike.” She gazed up at him, and he recognized the sincerity shining in her eyes, glowing on her face. “You’ll convince me to love you?” She gave a weak laugh. “Is that an order?”

“It could be,” he admitted with a nod. “Hopefully I’ll manage it before you ask Cooper to file a restraining order against me, but even that won’t stop me.”

“No, I’m sure it wouldn’t.”

That sounded remarkably like a compliment on his persistent, high-handed nature. And she didn’t look the least bit perturbed with him. Sometimes the best option was a full frontal assault. “Assuming the best outcome here, I think we should keep the wedding small.”

“Now you’re planning a wedding?”

“
Our
wedding.” He pulled her close. “A disgraced SEAL won’t rate a lot of guests.”

“Neither does a murderous, bottom of the A-list bride.”

“Great. Then we’ll elope. That’s easier anyway.”

“Hmm.” Her hot, silvery eyes locked with his and her fingertips lit a fire under his skin when she traced his jaw. “How about the beach at dawn?”

“Seriously?” That would be damn near perfect, though he’d happily exchange vows with her anywhere.
The sooner the better
. “You’d really marry me?”

“Call me convinced.” Her lips curved into a sweet smile as she leaned into him. “After all, I think we’ve been through worse, we deserve a shot at better. I love you, Mike.” She kissed him softly. “I’d be honored to accept the role as Mrs. Stone.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime part,” he said, grinning down at her. “And you’re the only one who can do it. So you’re good with the traditional vows to love, honor, and
obey
?” He added plenty of innuendo to that last word.

“As long as you say them, too,” she said, a wealth of mischief shining in her eyes. “I know your word is your bond.”

“You have my word and... my heart.”

With her tucked safely under his arm, they walked away from the scene, both of them eager to start building a lifetime of joy and happiness.

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DEBRA WEBB wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned more than 100 novels including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. Her romantic thriller series, the Faces of Evil, propelled Debra to the top of the bestselling charts. Visit Debra at
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REGAN BLACK, a USA Today bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats, and a quirky finch reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination. Visit Regan at
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