Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Saylor sat in the interview room, wondering what the hell she was doing. She’d only been in Portland five hours, and she already wanted to leave. Go home and climb into Zain’s bed.
Except where he’d all but pushed her out the door. Sure, he’d been a bit loopy from the meds, but he’d been coherent enough to tell her not to settle. Some bullshit about setting her free.
Pain pulsed through her side, the last of the drugs already wearing off.
Greer shoved a glass of water across the table, along with a couple pills. “You look like shit. Take those. Drink.”
She sighed. “If I’d realized we’d be stuck in the same room all day, I would have told them to shove their debrief up their collective asses.”
Greer smiled. “Sounds like a plan. Not sure you could have avoided this, though. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay. They’ve got your statement. I’ve got leverage. Just say the word, and we’re gone.”
“You didn’t have to call in some markers for me. You know that, right?”
Greer waved it off. “Please, you’re family. And I’d been waiting years to call in that favor. Thought I’d never need my own Admiral in my pocket.”
Saylor’s breath caught. Had Greer really said she was family? The way she’d hoped to be with Zain? “I’m not sure I want to know what you did to earn a favor from an Admiral.”
“Let’s just say I was instrumental in green-lighting a joint mission that got his daughter back from a dangerous situation in one piece.”
“Of course, you did. You’re just like the others.”
Greer scoffed. “I’m not the one who piloted a freaking Zodiac through a cyclone. That was truly terrifying.”
Saylor merely nodded, staring down at the table. She’d never felt so exhausted in her life. Other than a year ago, when she’d been in a similar situation. Only this time, she’d had the truth on her side.
They’d talked — at length — about the Vigilant .
Maddox. How Keith Watson fit into all of it.
Greer had shared the photos and intel, a folder full of information that tied it all up in the proverbial bow with Maddox the ultimate prize on top.
Fleming hadn’t confirmed if Maddox had spun some kind of deal — given up his contacts for a reduced sentence.
Maybe a one-way trip to some non-extradition country, and honestly, she didn’t care.
All she knew was that the past had finally come full circle.
That for better or worse, she was free.
Atticus had stayed until he’d been convinced everyone involved was above board, giving Fleming some creepy hand gesture before ambling out. Mumbling something about meeting up with a friend.
That’s when the air had shifted. Rear Admiral Fleming had closed the file, folded his hands and offered her everything. A promotion. Her own command. A virtual golden ticket. And yet, all that looped through her head was how wrong it felt. That, all she really wanted was back in Raven’s Cliff.
Greer nudged her. “I understand this is one hell of an opportunity, but can I be honest with you?”
“Would you stop talking if I said no?”
“Probably not.” She reached over and took her hand. “You don’t look happy.”
Saylor groaned inwardly, palmed the table, then stood. She picked her way across the room, turning to lean against the far wall. “That’s because, I’m not. Which is crazy. They’re offering me everything I ever wanted. And all I can think is…”
Greer stood and closed the distance. “That it’s not home.”
“Which is crazy, just like I said. I don’t have a home. My loft’s been totaled. One boat’s barely seaworthy. I don’t own a single piece of clothing.” She leaned more heavily against the wall. “I thought…”
She’d thought she’d found forever .
Greer shouldered in beside her. “He was on morphine.”
She snorted. “That doesn’t mean he lied.”
“He told you he loved you.”
“No, he mumbled some old proverb about loving someone. Not the same thing.”
“This is Zain we’re talking about. The guy doesn’t let his guard down long enough to change his mind. Whether it was well executed or not, he still said the words.”
“I’m not worried about the presentation. I’m worried about the validity.”
Greer nodded, arching a brow. “I think the real question is, do you love him back?”
Saylor let her head tilt against the wall. “Of course, I do. I’ve been in love with the guy for months. I just didn’t know how to take that next step.”
“Sounds like you have your answer, then.”
“Do I? How am I supposed to know if he loves me or if it’s just leftover obligation?
His overinflated need to protect everyone.
That last mission… I know he blames himself.
For not seeing a threat. That he patrols every night because he can’t stomach the thought of missing another.
That the idea of letting all that go eats at him.
But the funny thing is, I think it’s endearing.
The endless scanning. How he has to have the best sightline in a place before he can eat.
That he won’t sleep until he knows his brothers are safe. ”
Greer shook her head. “You realize this is what you need to tell Zain, right?”
“I… ”
Her voice faded as the handle rattled a moment before the door swung open.
Fleming stepped into the room, glancing over his shoulder when something low sounded in the distance before facing her.
“It appears your teammates are concerned about your well-being. Seem to think we’re holding you both at gunpoint or something equally nefarious.
They just requested permission to land.” He huffed.
“No one’s supposed to get permission to land, but it seems Lieutenant Commander Parker just called in some chits.
Went over my head, which I assure you isn’t easy. So…”
He waved at the door, following them out. Rain still blanketed the city, a thick layer of cloud making it feel more like evening than mid-morning.
Saylor walked to the rear entrance, inhaling when the Raven’s Watch helicopter soared overhead, banking hard before setting up for a short final. She couldn’t tell if it was Foster or Mac behind the controls, possibly both, as the chopper set down, the engine spooling to idle.
The machine rocked in the strong winds as the side doors rolled open, Kash and Nyx jumping out first followed by Chase. Though, the guy looked as if the wind might blow him over. Send him tumbling across the tarmac.
Chase turned, nodded, then Zain popped out. Or rather, fell, Kash catching him before he face-planted on the ground. He stood for a moment, breathed, then gave Kash a clap on the back before looking up — searching the building .
Saylor stepped outside, bracing herself against the driving rain. How the wind seemed to blow right through her, chilling her all over again. Zain’s gaze met hers — stayed, then he started walking. Strong measured strides, eating up the distance, carrying him across the pavement in record time.
She moved onto the tarmac, unsure whether to run out to meet him or wait for him to reach her, when he appeared in front of her.
His fingers slid through her hair, his other hand wrapping around her waist. She barely had time to process it before he kissed her.
Long. Hot. Like she’d been imagining since she’d woken in that stupid hospital bed.
Zain drew it out, resting his forehead on hers when he finally came up for air. “I can’t believe you left.”
Saylor pulled back and crossed her arms over her chest. “Really? What happened to setting what you love free?”
He smiled. “Yeah, that’s not gonna work for me. And I’m hoping, it won’t work for you either, because the truth is…” he reclaimed the lost inches, “I’m only ever free when I’m with you.”
Tears welled in her eyes, a few joining the rain on her face before she cocked her head to one side. “Is this your convoluted way of telling me, you love me?”
He froze for a moment, shadows passing over his eyes before he blew out a breath. Smiled. “No. It’s not convoluted at all. I love you. And I hope to God you love me, too, because I’ll never hear the end from Mac and Foster after getting them to call in favors?—”
She kissed him .
Shut him up, really, because nothing else mattered.
Zain stiffened for a second, then he kissed her back, deepening it when she would have pulled away. The rain had already soaked through their clothes by the time they finally parted. Chests heaving. Her pulse racing.
It wasn’t until Kash and Chase walked up beside them that she realized they were still standing on the tarmac in the rain, everyone watching.
Chase tsked. “Are you determined to give her a relapse? Because she’s already shivering.”
Zain groaned. “I was about to suggest we take this inside.” He paused. “Unless I read this all wrong…”
Saylor shook her head. “Sheesh, I don’t say I love you back the second you stop talking and you’re already doubting me. That must be some kind of record.”
His breath caught before he tugged her in close. “Say it, again.”
“I love you.”
“Hooyah.”
“I still don’t know what that means.”
He dipped in, kissed her nose. “It means, I love you, too. Now, are we staying or going?”
“Hold that thought.” She turned, nearly colliding with Rear Admiral Fleming as he stood in the rain, arms crossed, that permanent scowl still curving his lips.
He glanced at Zain, then back to her. “You’re turning us down, aren’t you?”
She nodded. “The thing is, I’ve already got everything I need. But thank you. For the offer. You’re just six months too late.”
Fleming stepped aside as Greer walked past. He tipped his hat. “I’ll make sure you’re kept in the loop with regards to Rear Admiral Maddox. And if any of that wreckage ever washes up, give us a call.” He turned, stopped, looking back over his shoulder. “It’s Everett, right?”
Zain nodded.
“Watch her six. Until we round up all of Maddox’s teammates, there’s still a target on it.”
Zain tugged her in close. “Already got a new patrol schedule mapped out.”
Fleming gave them something resembling a smile, then headed off, disappearing inside the station.
Greer held up her keys. “Someone’s riding back with me, and it’s not the lovebirds.”
Chase coughed. “You buying coffee?”
Greer grinned. “As long as we don’t have to listen to that seventies station.”
“The Eagles are classic.”
“I never said they weren’t, it’s all the other stuff.”
Chase rolled his eyes, pointing his finger at them. “Rest. I swear if I get back and you’re already on patrol, I’ll lose my shit.”
Zain held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“Jackass.” Chase followed after Greer, holding the door for her before they went inside.
Zain nodded toward the chopper. “C’mon. Our ride’s here. And I believe we already have plans for where we’re picking things up.”
“I need to go shopping. I don’t even have any clothes.”
“Clothes are overrated. But, we’ll send Chase a text. Get him to pick you up a few essentials on the drive back with Greer. That should give them something to do. And I’ve got a closet full you can wear in the meantime.”
She leaned in, kissed him. “Then, why are we still standing here, soldier? Lead the way.”
Zain took her hand, led her back to the chopper. Mac smiled, nodding to Foster as he lifted off — headed home.
Saylor settled against Zain, the chill from the previous night finally lifting. They didn’t talk, traveling in a comforting silence until Zain ushered her through his front door, taking her straight to bed.
He gave her one of his shirts, clenching his jaw at the swath of purple down her side. “Just clipped you, huh?”
Saylor pointed to his entire torso. “Not dying, huh?”
He laughed, grimaced, then crawled in beside her, tucking her against his left side. “I’ll call a truce if you will.”
“That sounds dangerously like a compromise.”
“Don’t get used to it. I’m still incredibly stubborn.”
“I’ll consider it a one-off.”
He exhaled, everything clicking into place with that simple sound. “I realize you’ll be sidelined for a couple weeks, but we can see about fixing your boat once you can move without wincing.”
“You’re the one with broken ribs. And Atticus said he knows a guy. Apparently already called him, though, there was something about putting the Raven’s Watch logo on there. About me working full time. ”
Zain chuckled. “I knew he’d eventually find a way to sign you up. Not that you aren’t happy at the prospect of more rescues in conditions no one else would even attempt.”
“You can take the girl out of the Coast Guard…”
“Yeah, yeah.” He tugged her in close. “You are gonna stay here, right?”
She smiled against his chest. “You’re offering, right?”
“God, we’re a pair. And yeah, I want you to stay. Not just until your boathouse is rebuilt. Or until you find something else. I want it all. And I want it with you.”
Saylor pushed onto her elbow and drew her finger along his jaw. “I want that, too. Which means, you’d better buckle up. I have a feeling this is going to be an epic ride.”