WILD BASTARD

Bonus Scene

Incoming Storm

Even with the scorching sun, the unbearable humidity, and the backbreaking work, Kai couldn’t dim the stupid smile on his face. He was back in his beloved Hawaii, restoring his grandmother’s house with his wife. Nothing else mattered. His wife. Possessiveness surged through him, and his eyes went to her form, showing through the living room window.

Isabel was hard at work giving a much-needed coat of paint over the walls. Her blond hair was piled up in a messy bun on top of her head, and despite her cut-off jeans and flimsy tank top, she was drenched with sweat.

How beautiful she was, even with a few streaks of white marring her cheek. At the thought, discomfort took a completely new meaning, one that made him long for a bed with fresh sheets with his wife close. Very close.

“Hey! Kai! My man!”

His senses when to high alert for a full second before his brain recognized the voice from the past that brought a wry smile to his face.

The tall blond man coming down his driveway waved at him as he approached, and Kai waved back. Lance Sorenson was one giant piece of a man, all muscles with his blond hair slicked back like molten gold. The thick golden beard finished the Viking look the former Navy SEAL sported.

The both of them had not started on the best of terms, especially since they were part of two very different special forces group. Kai had been Delta Force, and they had a natural rivalry with the SEALs, which sparked immediate animosity. However, with that ominous threat looming over their heads, both warriors had to become allies. From then, it transformed into an unexpected friendship. After all, went down and danger dissipated from their lives, Kai embraced his life with Isabel while Lance took another path, one he shared with him.

Honestly, Kai didn’t know if it he agreed with his crazy plan, or envied him for being so bold. He was still on the fence about that.

“Sorenson! What brings you to my humble abode? Finally, taking on my offer to go surfing?”

The man clasped his offered hand with a huge smile. “I thought I would be the one dragging you ashore. Or maybe I’m more surprised to see you on dry land at this time of day.”

Kai couldn’t fault him for that.

“I wish I could, but we wanted to put some work first, especially since noon would be a real scorcher.”

Lance glanced at the window and grinned. “No doubt. Were you planning to hit the waves or the sack?”

Kai shook his head and punched him on the shoulder. “Watch your mouth.”

Undeterred, the SEAL didn’t miss a beat. “As if you weren’t thinking about that very thing every single hour of the day. I may not be interested, but Isabel is one beautiful siren, capable of alluring men just by batting an eyelash. Lucky she only has eyes for you.”

Luck couldn’t start to define how he felt about having her by his side.

“I’d rather not think about other men, if you catch my drift. So, if you didn’t come here for pleasure, you mean business, I suppose.”

The blond warrior’s smile dimmed a little, his shoulder straightening. “I’ve flown under the radar for a while, trying to find myself and purpose. You know what it’s like, especially when you leave the military. Nothing is quite the same after that.”

Kai nodded. “I’m still debating if my sabbatical from the forces is to become permanent or not. I haven’t thought much about it.”

“I know what you are going through. I may not have all the answers, but I do have a request, if you are interested.”

It wasn’t like Lance to be mysterious, but it had been a while since he had seen the man. Circumstances changed, but Kai doubted that the very definition of him, his core values, changed.

“What are you proposing?”

Lance shifted a bit on his feet, a steely glint in his blue eyes. “I would need someone of your skills for a particular mission.”

Adrenaline shot up in his system, a rush he hadn’t experienced in a while. “Mercenary work?”

“In a way, but more covert, it you catch my drift.”

Most of what he had done in his military career could be defined as such.

“And the pay is mighty good.” Lance typed on his phone and showed him a figure that made Kai whistle in appreciation.

“For that amount, it’s probably a multiple-month operation.” Kai rolled his shoulders in unease. In a past life, he wouldn’t hesitate, but his situation wasn’t the same. Lance interrupted him before he could even refuse.

“One week. The work itself is to be completed in one night. It’s the prep work that requires time and care. And due to its complexity, I can’t do it on my own.”

“How many people?”

“Me, and two... friends. Skilled, experienced, and capable, but you lead the team. I’ll be busy on my side of the stint, so you call the shots and be the team leader.”

The temptation of returning to action gnawed at his gut. He kept sharp and fit in case of everything since Lazarus had contacted him and asked for his help in neutralizing their father. That was the reason why he had stepped away from the special forces for the time being. Lance’s offer provided the possibility of testing his skills and being the incentive to return to work.

His eyes went for the window again, where he could watch Isabel. It’s not something they had discussed yet. They both were in some sort of limbo; Isabel’s mother kept an eye on her business while they were on vacation, and he was still pondering what he was going to do with this chapter of his life now over.

As if sensing eyes on her, Isabel turned and smiled at him before gasping in surprise and waving at Lance. With a sign that she would be right out, Kai turned to his friend.

“Why don’t you stay for a while? We’re about to wrap up as the sun is high now. After lunch, we can go surf and discuss what you have in mind.”

***

Isabel hesitated before stepping out of the bathroom. Something had taken an unexpected twist, not that she could tell what yet, but it was triggered by Lance’s sudden appearance. She had met Lance Sorenson when they were all entangled with Jamieson Finch and his deadly goals and had found him very friendly and social, especially with all the brothers. Kai had told her it was a simple visit, taking on his invite to go surf as Lance was on a layover for the day to another location.

Nothing suspicious, or out of the ordinary, but Isabel knew better.

After a lively lunch at a local restaurant, with Lance entertaining them with crazy stories, both men decided to enjoy the afternoon surfing. She had been invited, but her body was sore from all the painting she had done over the last few days and wouldn’t have been able to stay on the board. Isabel didn’t have many skills but always had fun with Kai, who was so patient in teaching her.

Again, when they returned, nothing was out of the ordinary, and Lance left just after supper, finishing his beer before making his goodbyes, promising to return soon, and hopefully for a bit longer this time.

Kai had gone through the motions, smiled, washed the dishes, and went to bed, as usual, but lost in his thoughts.

In the bedroom, only the light on her side of the bed was still lit, Kai under the covers, immobile. Only a glint of steel confirmed that he wasn’t asleep yet.

This was so out of character of him, Isabel hesitated on the threshold, but only until she couldn’t stay away and went to his side of the bed, sitting by his hip.

“What’s troubling your mind, Kai? You are worrying me.”

Kai blinked multiple times as if returning to reality before his gray eyes focusing on her for the first time.

“Sorry, baby. What were you saying?”

They were still rediscovering each other after so many years apart, but this didn’t feel normal.

“Care to share those deep thoughts you got lost in? You weren’t on the island with me for a little while.”

This time, she didn’t miss the surprise he quickly disguised with his smile. Kai grabbed her hips and threw her on the soft mattress before covering her with his hard body.

“I was thinking of your insane curves and devising an evil plan to make you scream my name over and over tonight.”

The kiss that followed almost burned all her brain cells, but he was deflecting. That thought nagged at her. Before he could deepen the kiss or wander her body, she cupped his cheeks.

“Kai.”

In saying his name, she hoped to convey her worry.

With a sigh, he rolled off her to settle on his side, gaze focusing on the ceiling. “Yeah, something’s on my mind. Not that I don’t want to share it with you, but maybe wait until morning instead.

If Isabel had been worried, now she was terrified of his words. Her expression must have shown because Kai moved at lightning speed to kneel on the bed before her.

“Hey Izzy. It’s nothing bad, I swear!”

His hug engulfed her, his arms tight, fending off the brewing panic.

Everything was so new, Isabel knew their rekindled relationship was fragile. They may have bared their souls to each other in the most dangerous chapter of their lives together, but there were so many unknowns still.

When he finally released her, Kai didn’t let Isabel draw a full breath before taking her lips.

This kiss tasted like desperation and a love so deep it made her sway.

“Baby, I swear I will never keep anything from you. Hell, ask anything you want to know about my life, and I will tell you. Apart from military missions I can’t disclose, ask any question you want.”

Isabel managed a smile, shaking her head. “I don’t want to pry, and I don’t need to, but your attitude changed so drastically today, especially since you returned from the beach with Lance. Did he come with bad news about your brothers? Is everything all right?”

“Yes, everyone is safe on the mainland. However, Lance didn’t just come for a simple visit in-between flights.”

Isabel listened as Kai told her the reason for Lance’s sudden apparition and his proposal to join his team for a mission.

Head swimming with information, Isabel tried to sort it all out, and his declaration revealed the holes they still needed to explore.

“I... it’s weird. I mean, it’s not that you do nothing for a living, but since we never talked about it, I’ve pushed it at the back of my mind.”

“I’m still on authorized leave, that’s true. I need to confirm my return, but that shouldn’t be for several months still. To be honest, I hadn’t thought about returning to active duty for a while. We’ve been too busy surviving and all.”

It hit her like a punch in the gut. The man was a Green Beret, one of the elites of the military, going into war zones and extricating himself from cutthroat situations. He risked his life, time and time again. It was a reality she hadn’t thought about, although it was Kai’s skills and experience that kept her alive through their ordeal with Finch.

“But Lance? What about him?”

Kai took a deep breath. “This is a bit different, not official. He’s asking for a favor to pull him and his team out of a tricky situation.”

“You mean deadly.” Isabel was stunned by her outburst. It was so unusual for her to be so blunt, and that’s when she realized that it was fear that was taking over.

“I admit that what I do is not conventional, but I’m good at it, Izzie. I’m part of an amazing unit with men who would lay their lives for me.”

And him for them. But Isabel didn’t say it out loud. Her silence puzzled him as he continued.

“You know what I do for a living, babe. I’ve always been transparent. Nothing has changed.”

And now she felt like a complete jerk, but was lucid enough to know that it was fear taking control of her mouth.

“I know. I know, Kai. I’ve just been blindsided by the news. I was just settling into this blissful newfound routine with you, and then Lance popped up and...”

When words started to evade her, she went to the only truth she knew for certain. “I love you, and I don’t want to lose you again. I understand what being in the military entails, the risks, but I thought I would have a little more time to acclimate.”

It was difficult to fight against tears, especially since she felt so foolish.

The silence between them was telling, and Kai’s expression was grim, guarded. “I don’t know what to say. I accepted Lance’s offer as a way to get back into the saddle. I wish I could tell you that there is no risk in my line of work, but that would be a lie.”

“You already accepted to help, Lance?”

Kai looked at her as if he couldn’t comprehend what she was saying. “Lance had been an incredible ally in helping my brothers and me. He risked a lot and only requested my help for something I can do. And I’ll only be gone for a week.”

It was all settled, and Isabel didn’t know how to respond while Kai was observing her with intensity. Cornered, she managed to pull herself together.

“When are you leaving?”

The man hesitated, his brilliant mind hard at work. “Tomorrow. I’ll be gone only a week, probably less. Do you wanna come with me? Visit the family while I do my thing?”

Isabel shook her head, the lack of control over what was happening making her dizzy. Or maybe she only needed time to put her thoughts in order. Kai Jones had been in the special forces for a long time, it was his passion and his job, so why was she reacting like that? “Would you mind if I stay here? I don’t feel like taking planes right now, not when I can enjoy the beach nearby.”

Again, he waited for a beat before answering. “If you don’t mind being alone for a week, I’d be very happy to have you in my grandmother’s home. Or what I hope to become our home.”

At his words, Isabel’s heart melted but also mended a little. This warrior was a gem, unique and wonderful. It was her own fear of him that she would need to deal with.

Shutting down her brain for the time being, Isabel leaned forward for to kiss his delectable mouth and surrender her body and soul to the only man she ever loved.

Chasing Rainbows

It was the insistent chirping of a bird by the window that finally made her emerge from slumber, that and a sunbeam heating her backside.

Grumpy, Isabel reached out, but the emptiness beside her finished to disperse the fog of sleep.

Kai was gone. Since they reconnected and survived Finch’s attack, they hadn’t spent a night apart.

It was new for her to feel the ache of distance deep down into her bones. For most of her life, she had slept alone, preferring solitude to people she didn’t like or barely tolerated. Her past work was all about smoke and mirrors, and isolating herself had been the only way not to lose herself.

Content with her solitary life, it was Kai who made her rediscover herself, what she desired, and how love could transform her life. And now that she was filled with the sun that was Kai, it was terrifying to think that he could disappear.

Not willing to wallow in this muddy mindset so early in the morning, she rolled out of bed and dragged her sorry ass for a mind-clearing shower.

When Isabel emerged, feeling more like her old self, she decided to take a day off from painting, put on a cute floral dress and a stray hat, and head into town.

Enjoying the sun, she drove Kai’s old jeep to their favorite restaurant, a quaint little place squeezed between two stores, serving amazing coffee and decadent desserts. It was still early, but Isabel decided that chocolate was exactly what she needed to start the day.

It had been a long time since she had been alone, and it surprised her how peaceful she felt, although she missed Kai too.

Full of sugar and caffeine, she decided to wander around, shop and enjoy her day.

Even if the face of Kai popped into her mind from time to time, it appeased her to have some sort of normalcy.

With many bags in one hand and a fresh cup of coffee in the other, Isabel made her way to a small park she had noticed near the parking lot and commandeered a bench under a cluster of palm trees.

The wind was sweet, a welcoming balm against the noon sun. Apart from a couple of kids running around the swing set and their mothers nearby, the site was deserted.

With the sea nearby, maybe she could hop in the truck and drive to the coast. She always enjoyed having her toes buried in the sand, observing Kai surfing from a distance. Once again, the handsome smile of the love of her life returned, and Isabel sighed. With the first wave of love, it crashed against a wall of dread. Was Kai already in danger? Facing some faceless foe all by himself, risking his life at this very second?

Heart pounding, she shook her head, willing the pure fear away. Nothing good could come from this state of mind, but how to avoid such thoughts.

She could call her mother. Claire Osborne was the most caring and level-headed woman she knew. On the other hand, she knew little of the ordeal her daughter had gone through and would probably worry, both for her and Kai.

Isabel fiddled with her phone, debating whom to call when she had an epiphany. Scrolling through her phone, she dialed a number she had kept on hand, just in case.

The feminine voice on the other end of the line sounded sleepy.

“Deva? Goodness, did I wake you up?”

There was rustling, and a male voice in the background, and Isabel cringed at the thought of what she had disturbed.

“Who’s speaking? Isabel? Is that you?”

When she answered back, Deva was more alert. Aleksei Voronov, Kai’s brother, and Deva’s significant other, clearly had kept the fiery Deva occupied that fine afternoon.

“Yes, it’s Isabel. I’m so sorry to have interrupted... whatever...”

It was unlike Isabel to bramble about anything, especially not sex.

“Wait a sec, would you?”

More shuffling before the line came clear again. “Ah! Now, I’m all yours. And please don’t say a word about bothering me. In fact, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Me?”

Since her deadly encounter with Kai and Aleksei’s father, the deranged Jamieson Finch, Isabel had spent a lot of time with the bastard brothers and their family. However, since everything calmed down, Kai swept her off to Hawaii, and she lost contact.

“Yeah, you. What is that news that Kai is coming to Chicago? What’s going on, and more importantly why aren’t you coming with him?”

Isabel knew that all the six brothers were close but didn’t know that Kai would have shared with them what business he was conducting in Windy City.

Deva continued, Isabel’s hesitation quite telling. “I pieced together bits of information from Aleksei while he was on the phone with Kai, Archer, and Liam, and maybe Sam too. And Lazarus probably knew everything from the start. Some sort of mission, isn’t it right?”

Isabel heaved a sigh, taking a sip of coffee to steady her nerves. “I don’t have much information myself, apart from that Kai’s going to help a friend. He’s supposed to be gone a week or so.”

“All the brothers are all the same, telling so little under the pretense of protecting us, poor females. As if we couldn’t withstand the mere sight of danger.”

“And if what we can’t?”

It was Deva’s turn to remain mum on the line.

“Everything was going well, Deva. After all the impending death looming above her head, we found some sort of normalcy, a glimpse into what our life together could be, and that mission was traumatic. I know I’m being stupid, but it’s like my brain didn’t want to allow danger and risks back into my life again. I must sound like a complete ass. Kai is part of the Green Berets, one of the fiercest special forces in the world. My brain knows really well that he can not only take care of himself, but do things I can’t even imagine. After all, I had that proof when he rescued me from Finch.”

Deva seemed to understand what she was trying to express. “To be honest, I’ve been in your shoes. I had tried to shut down my past life of violence and crime for good, but the fates decided otherwise. At least Kai is straight as an arrow. No worry on that part. Not that it can help lessen your anxiety. Or maybe I just said the exact thing you didn’t need to hear. Forget it. I’m a dumbass.”

Isabel let out a half giggle. “No, you’re not. I’m the one who shut out reality to live in a dream. Why wouldn’t Kai return to work? He loves his job; I see the fire in his eyes when he tells me stories about his teammates. He’s dedicated to his career, the same as me. I worked hard to build my business. It’s important to me, and I will return to it soon. I just have the impression that when Kai gets back into the military, I will lose him.”

It was the first time she formulated what had been fermenting in her mind. It was the mix of knowing that Kai would be taking risks, even though he was more than qualified for his missions, but also that when the world would start spinning again, the day-to-day and undeniable distance between them would drive them over the edge.

“Isabel, I wish I could offer you reassurance that everything will be full of rainbows and roses, but I doubt you would believe me. However, I believe that a relationship forged in the fires of Hell has a damn good chance of surviving the smaller hurdles of daily life. Especially if you both fight for it. I know that I would do anything it takes to keep my relationship with Alek. In a normal loving and non-creepy way, of course.”

Deva’s sensible words with a healthy dose of sarcasm brought a smile to her face. A sense of peace spread out through her chest, steadying her like nothing else.

Isabel knew she wasn’t a warrior like Kai or even Deva, but one thing was certain; no way would she let love slip through her fingers again. Could the worst happen to Kai? Yes. But it could very well happen to her too. Everything could end in the blink of an eye tomorrow, in a year, or they could enjoy growing old together. Whatever time they got left, she would be damn stupid to poise it with fear and what-ifs.

“Isabel? Are you okay? Did you faint or hang up on me?”

Deva’s worried shout made Isabel even more decisive.

“Sorry about that. I’m fine, more than fine. In fact, I think I’m up for a little time in the city. And if you don’t mind pulling a few strings, I need to ask a favor from you.”

There was a definite smile in Deva when she replied. “Anything you need, my scheming friend. Anything you need.”

***

Kai winced as he exited the rental car, feeling stiff and tired, and happy about the conclusion of this mission. He had just dropped Lance off at his apartment, and he all but danced to his door, pleased by the outcome.

One thing was for sure, Lance had surprised him through and through, and he was strangely proud and honored to have been able to help him while hoping his implication was never disclosed. Ever.

As he walked to his rental, Kai checked his cell phone once again. Throughout the week, being in the field and working at any hour of the day or night, he has mostly communicated with Isabel through text messaging. Honestly, he had never been so unsure of what was going on inside her brilliant brain of hers. He knew that it started with Lance’s surprise visit and proposition, and it was clear it threw her off. They hadn’t discussed his return to the special forces, although Kai assumed it was a given. Their time alone together was an interlude, suspended time before work would take over.

Isabel had both her business to oversee, even if her mom was a great help. Kai suspected that it was less the return to work and more the return to active duty that sparked everything. It was a reminder that even with the love they shared, their relationship was to be built and still fragile. Also, Kai was humble enough to admit he had screwed up. Enthusiasm had shut off his brain, and he didn’t think to talk with Isabel about it first.

A newbie mistake that he realized when on his flight to Chicago. When he landed, Lance picked him up and put him to the task right away. The first time he had a minute to himself, it was impossible to call Isabel at that ungodly hour.

He kept her updated, but skirted around what happened, wanting to discuss face-to-face when he returned and not via s screen.

Isabel must have felt the same because her texts remained light and general, which made him worry even more. Distance and the incapacity to communicate made his imagination go wild, and he made a promise to himself: to always clear things up before one of them went away. He would rather be having an issue out in the open than festering between them.

After checking his surroundings and making sure the alarm he had installed was still activated, Kai unlocked his door. From his position, he instantly saw a light shining in the living room, which made him reach for his gun concealed in the small of his back. He has made sure all doors and windows were secured before heading to Lance’s and didn’t leave a single light on. What kind of burglar was fool enough to pass through his security?

On guard, knowing that whoever was still inside had heard him unlock the door, Kai stayed silent, adrenaline in his system erasing all traces of tiredness, his survival at stake.

Only one step before he moved around the corner, and shot. A familiar scent caught his nose. Half a step later, his eyes confirmed what his nose detected.

“Isabel! Dammit babe!” Not reassured just yet, his eyes went around the room, security now more important than when he entered the premises.

“It’s okay, I’m alone here. We’re safe.”

Unwilling to believe her words until he confirmed that the entire apartment was indeed exempt from any threat, Kai scanned each corner, verified all entry points, before returning to the living room.

There she was a blond apparition standing in the middle of the room. Her golden hair down, shining like river under the feeble light. She was dressed in the flowy blue dress he loved so much, reminding him of the first time he had met her so many years ago. He took a deep breath and re-holstered his weapon before approaching her.

So many questions wanted to come out, but the only thing he could do was to take her in his arms for a searing kiss. The intense worry he had pushed in the back of his mind for almost a week dissipated as Isabel kissed him back with the same passion.

Soon, he started to trace the curves of her hips, turning fire into an inferno, but Isabel stepped back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to turn ballistic like this. Didn’t you get Aleksei’s message?”

At the name of his brother, Kai frowned and went to grab his phone. “Not in the last few hours. Since he learned I was stateside, he constantly sent me messages to go grab a beer with him. I sorta tuned him out, planning to call him tonight. Why?”

Isabel winced. “Shit. I reached out to Deva and help me surprise you, and for that Aleksei helped. However, I didn’t want to scare you in any way, that’s why I requested your brother to leave you a message, telling you I was waiting here.”

“How on hell did you get in? Wait! Scratch that. Aleksei did his trick on my security system?”

“I’m not sure. He said he asked someone for a favor.”

It was easy to connect the dots. That someone should have been Lance who provided him with the security system and the codes.

Relief flooded him. “It’s fine. I’m still on edge from this week, and realizing that someone was inside the last straw, I guess. Knowing it is you is an incredible bonus, though. And your timing is perfect, but I guess you knew that my mission was over too.”

The expression on her face told it all, as Kai supposed the conniving Lance and devious brother had shared this bit of information, too.

“I didn’t want to disturb you, make you lose focus on what you were doing by barging in. I would rather your attention remained on what was dangerous.”

“Thank you, babe. You’re the best surprise. You didn’t have to go to such trouble, especially since I planned to take a plane home tonight.”

His tone remained light, but there was still deep seriousness in her baby blues. “I think I had to go into a little trouble for how much I caused you before you left.”

Puzzled, Kai wasn’t certain to understand. “You didn’t cause me any trouble, not to my knowledge.”

Isabel was far from agreeing with him. “It’s not true. I didn’t take the news of you going into that mission well, and that’s an understatement. I’m not proud of it, but in my defense, it took me by surprise. Not only did it mark the end of the dreamland I had pictured for us, but I’ve felt the most intense fear for you that obliterated any logic that I had.”

Kai could see the inner turmoil in the woman he loved, and it twisted his gut. Out of instinct, he wanted to reach for her, but she gestured for him to hear her out.

“It’s like I completely pushed the fact that you are in the military, in the special forces deep down to forget it as if it didn’t exist, it wouldn’t become reality. It’s stupid and childish, and so inconsiderate of the man you have become. I want to apologize, sincerely. I’m proud of you, and I don’t want you to change. I love you.”

If it was possible, Kai fell even more for the woman who had stolen his heart. “Babe, I love you, and I should be the one apologizing. No wonder you felt shaken. I blindsided you by accepting Lance’s proposition without consulting you. We are a team. What we have is a partnership, and I skipped a few steps.”

“You don’t have to ask me to return to what you love, Kai. I would never control you that way.”

“Babe, I know that, but I should have found a way to ease you into it. I took for granted that you knew it was coming, and it’s a discussion we should have had from day one. Same for you. If you take major decisions about your business, I would appreciate having a heads up. As for your fear for me, I wish I can show you how good I am at what I do, that all those hours of training are paying off and that I’m surrounded by a team that would do anything to keep me alive, but I won’t give you a promise I may not be able to keep. I can’t sugarcoat what I do, but remember that we are thought to kill, and I will do my damnest to always come back to you, as long as there is still breath left in my body.”

Kai had poured his soul into his plea, hoping to appease her fears. He knew what toll it took for those having a loved one in the military and wish she could find the courage to be with him.

“Isabel, I want you to be happy, but I can’t be anybody else than myself. I need to see my career in the Green Beret through. It may not be what you want to hear, but I wouldn’t be true to myself if I left now. I still have a few good years in me until my body tells me otherwise. I will be gone a lot, but I will always be loyal to you, to us. In return, I only ask the same, be true to you, and be happy, whether it is with me or not.”

Saying those words out loud was pure torture, but they had to be said as it was the truth, even if its entire being was rebelling against the possibility of losing her. Since Isabel had returned in his life, Kai had never been so happy, but the woman before him needed to take that decision for herself.

For the longest time, they faced each other in this drab living room, and Kai wondered if he had said too much. Isabel peered into his eyes, a connection between soul mates he feared was slipping through his fingers.

As he thought the world was about to crumble down, Isabel smiled and dropped to her knees, or more accurately, one knee.

Thoughts scrambling, it was as if his entire being was frozen in time. Even in the middle of an inextricable mission, deep into war zones, he had never felt so vulnerable, heart beating like a mad drum.

“Kai Jones, the love of my life I thought I had lost forever. Would you marry me?”

For the first time, words evaded him, sounds unable to come out as emotions clogged his throat.

“Maybe I’m moving too fast, but the last days forced me to look deep into my love for you, what I was ready to risk and sacrifice. I want to be your partner, help and cherish you, and grow as a person by your side, if you want.”

Taking her other hand and kneeling before her, Kai was transported with a wave of elation and happiness. “I thought I was the one who was supposed to do that. If you are the one who proposed, am I the one getting a ring with a big ass stone?”

His first reaction may have been to joke about it, but the tears in his eyes and his shaking voice revealed how deeply touched he was.

Isabel clearly was as much an emotional mess as he was. “Well, I think you can pull that off and can even find one of your amazing Hawaiian shirts to match, but for that, I would need an answer, Mr. Jones.”

All he could do was smile and adore this amazing woman with everything in him. “Yes, Isabel Osborne, I would be honored to be your husband, and I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure we grow old, ugly, and senile together.”

As she burst out laughing, Kai leaned to kiss her. In the crazy life that was his, he silently sent thanks for all the hardships he had gone through, as all the pains and tears had led him to her.

Copyright © 2023 by India Kells