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Amir Saleem watched his son splashing around in the pool, while his wife prepared dinner inside their Los Angeles home. He owned a property management company, his son attended the local public school, and his wife was on the PTA. They got on well with their neighbors, watched their son’s soccer games, and had dinner parties. He’d become an expert at living a lie.
Amir Saleem was actually busy building a major terrorist cell. He recruited and radicalized new members for Reborn. They had been preparing for the upcoming attack right here in the great United States of America. It would be payback for dozens of attacks and air strikes that had killed so many of their people, including his parents and sister.
Under Lazir’s command, taking out the SEAL team a few months ago was just a taste of what they had planned. Making sure Ahmed Khalini was seen and then leading the Americans there had been almost too easy.
His son came running toward him.
“Papa, did you see me jump in?”
“I did. You were magnificent. Show me again.”
He watched his young son run back to the pool and jump in, laughing and splashing as he came to the surface.
His burner phone rang. Seeing an unknown number, he answered but didn’t speak.
“It’s me. Are you alone?”
He recognized the voice of his informant at once. “Yes.”
“I have bad news regarding your brother.”
Saleem gripped the phone tightly. “Go on.”
“There was a raid on the compound, Ahmed was captured.”
Rage surged through him, his whole body tensing as he turned away from his son.
“I believe I know who it is.”
“Tell me.” Amir hissed the words.
“The team that attacked the compound and got the woman back.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. A soldier overheard a conversation. It was them.”
Amir began pacing. First, they embarrass Reborn by getting the woman, now they snatch his brother.
“I want the names, and anything you can tell me about them. I’ll pay, whatever the price.”
“Of course.” The line disconnected.
Amir knew without a doubt his source would deliver the information he needed. He’d not let him down in the past two years and was loyal to Reborn. And to money.
He had no fear Ahmed would give up any information. Amir’s brother would suffer whatever they did to him and give his life if necessary. But the Americans would pay. Amir would make sure of it. Reborn would not stop until America was brought to its knees, starting with whoever took his brother.
He dialed another number from memory. If this was the same team that rescued the woman, then Lazir would want them taken care of as badly as he did. Lazir answered on the first ring.
“We have a problem.”
***
TWO DAYS LATER RAVEN team were at Jerry’s bar. Dex had asked them all back to Onyx HQ yesterday, even though they were on down time, to talk to them. He’d apologized and together as a team they’d talked it out. Never had he been offside with his team, and he never wanted to be that way again. He planned to talk to Sam too, but Sam had been too wrapped up on Nyx’s op and he hadn’t yet had a chance.
Ryan nudged him. “I think you have an admirer.” Following Ryan’s gaze, he spotted the blonde sitting at the other end of the bar. She smiled at them.
“How do you know it’s me. Could be you.” He looked away.
“Trust me, my friend. It’s you.”
Dex stole another look. She was pretty. Long blonde hair, full lips, her tight top showing off just a little too much cleavage. He hadn't been with anyone since Kelly. Initially he had been hanging on to the hope that she would come change her mind, then he’d just not been interested.
Signaling Jerry, he got another round for the team. He’d drunk more than usual tonight, but it had been a rough couple of days, and they were all letting off steam. The team’s reaction and Sam’s reaction weighed on his mind. Things seemed OK with the team now, but he wasn’t so sure about Sam. He’d talk to him as soon as he had the opportunity, clear the air.
Another hour passed and the guys started to split. He and Ryan remained at the bar.
“Been a tough few days, huh?”
“Few months, more like.” Dex glanced at him.
“I hear you. Any word on Lazir? Is Khalini talking?”
“Not heard.”
“I’m sure Sam will tell us if he hears anything.”
“I’m not exactly in his good books.”
“Maybe not, but we’re still here.”
Dex took a swallow of beer. “I hate that you had to call me out like that, but I’ve learned my lesson.”
“That’s what brothers do. If we can’t call each other out and then move past it, then we’re not really brothers, are we?”
“And the team are good?”
“They’re good. It’s done. This is new for all of us.” He squeezed his shoulder. “Alright. I’m going to head out. Want a ride? You shouldn’t be driving.”
“No, but thanks. I’ll finish up this beer and catch a cab.”
Ryan slapped him on the back as he slipped from the stool. “See you tomorrow.”
As soon as Ryan left, the blonde came and sat next to him. “Wanna buy me a drink?”
Dex looked her up and down. “Sure.” He nodded at Jerry who uncapped a beer for her.
“I’m Sally.”
“Hi, Sally.”
“So, you live around here?”
“Not far. Not seen you around here before.”
“I'm on vacation.”
“Alone?”
“No. With a girlfriend, but she’s er, busy tonight.”
Dex mentally rolled his eyes. Yeah, he knew what that meant. “So, you decided to come to the bar alone.”
“Well, the island is full of Navy guys, so I figured I’d be safe. You’re Navy, right?”
“What makes you think that?”
“The tattoos, the body.” She was openly raking her eyes over him, which he found amusing. Girls like her were a dime a dozen on the island, looking for the thrill of bedding a Navy man. It wasn’t like he hadn't been propositioned before. Girls wanting a one-time thing, a story they could take back home. Mackie was all over them. But Dex never looked at anyone else. It was always Kelly. That little shooting pain zipped through his heart for the millionth time. Would it ever get easier?
Since she was giving him the once over, he figured he could do the same. A short denim miniskirt barely covered any of her long brown legs. She was slim, toned and, fuck, it had been months and he wasn’t dead. His cock began to stir. Sally crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly, giving him an eyeful of her breasts as she sipped her beer. Abruptly he stood up. This wasn’t a good idea. Time to go home. Pulling out some bills, he placed them on the bar. “Thanks, Jerry.”
“You’re leaving?” Sally sounded disappointed.
“Yeah. Nice to meet you.” He walked out into the cool night air and stopped, remembering he shouldn’t drive. As he pulled out his phone to call a cab, the door opened and Sally stumbled out, bumping into him. He shot out his hand to steady her and she hung on to him, regaining her balance. “Sorry.”
“No problem.” He went to step away, but she increased her grip on his arms, moving closer.
“How about a good night kiss?”
Her mouth was inches from his, her hazel green eyes gazing up at him, and then she ran her tongue over her full lips suggestively. Hell, she was offering it up on a plate and it wasn't like he was attached any more. “You have to let me go.” The words still stung but it did mean he was a free man. Perhaps it was time to climb back on the horse.
Fuck it, it was just sex, Sally didn’t even live here. He lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers, tasting the beer she’d been drinking. Grabbing a handful of hair, he pulled her head back pushing his tongue none too gently into her mouth. Headlights shone on them, he steered her down the side of the bar, out of view, pinning her to the wall with his body. She licked her lips in anticipation, and then guided his mouth down on hers again. His hands roamed down her body, skimming her breasts. She moaned into his mouth, urging him on. Lowering the zipper on the front of her top, he slipped a hand inside, cupping a breast. She arched and pushed into him, wanting more. He kissed and licked his way down her neck. Yeah, a quick and fast release, that’s all this would be. Pulling her top to the side, he took the erect nipple in his mouth. Her hands were exploring his back, his chest, stroking over his shoulders through his t-shirt.
An image of Kelly naked on the beach in Cuba flashed before him. Shaking it from his mind, he moved his mouth back up to Sally’s and his hands sought the hem of her skirt.
Just sex. It meant nothing.
Lifting her skirt slowly, he gave her every chance to stop him, but she didn’t, instead parting her legs, she invited him in. Slipping a hand into the waistband of her panties, he ran a finger over her folds. She writhed under him now, and he picked up the pace. God, she was hot and wet. He pushed two fingers inside her, groaning as his cock pushed against his jeans.
She isn’t Kelly. This isn’t you, his conscience screamed at him. He continued thrusting his fingers inside Sally.
You don’t do hook ups.
Her hands moved down to his pants, undoing his belt.
You don’t want this. She’s not Kelly. She doesn't even know your name.
Fuck! He stopped, pulling away. Sally jerked her head up, warily looking at him. Her breathing was heavy, and her lips were red and swollen from his kisses.
He smoothed down her skirt and zipped up her top.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” He saw the confusion in her eyes, maybe embarrassment, and felt like a piece of shit. “Not all Navy boys are good guys, Sally. You’re a beautiful girl, but this isn’t right.” He wanted to run but he couldn’t leave her here alone. “Come back inside. I’ll have Jerry call you a cab.”
She pushed away from the wall, clearly pissed. “Don’t worry about me, asshole. I can call my own cab.”
Fuck yeah, he was an asshole. What was he thinking?
Relieved she’d gone back into the bar and would be safe, he decided to walk home. The warm evening air would do him good. A car pulled up beside him. He turned, surprised to see Joe get out. “For heaven’s sake, Dex, have you lost your phone or something?”
“No.” He pulled it out and saw several missed calls and texts. Shit, he’d been too distracted and not heard it.
“What is it, Joe?” His gut tightened.
“It’s your father. There’s been an accident.”
***
RYAN MADE HIS WAY THROUGH the foyer to the main room. Joe had called him twenty minutes ago. Matt had been in a hit and run. A black SUV had slammed into the side of his rental as he was driving to his motel from the conference center in LA. A witness dialed 911 but he’d died at the scene.
Ryan joined Joe, observing Dex through the window, giving him some privacy. Dex sat next to his father’s body, his head down.
“How’s he doing?” It was a stupid question but what else was there to say?
“He’s not said much. Shock I think.” Joe shook his head. “Everything Matt survived, all those years in service. He didn’t deserve to go out this way.”
“Is there any news on the driver?”
“LAPD found the vehicle. It had been reported stolen. Nothing on the driver yet.”
They stood in silence for a few minutes, lost in their own thoughts, before Ryan opened the door.
Dex looked up as he stepped into the room.
“Hey man, I’m so sorry.” He placed a hand on his shoulder. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
Neither spoke but Ryan stayed. He wasn’t leaving him to deal with this alone. After a while, Dex stood up and pulled the sheet up over his father’s face, then turned to Ryan. “Thanks for coming.” He said, hugging him.
Before Ryan could respond, the door opened, and the rest of the team filed in. Ryan had spoken with Tyler on the way here and told him to let everyone know. It didn’t surprise him to see them all standing there. They were family and for Dex, they were his only family now.
“We’re here, Dex. Anything you need.” Steve spoke for them all.
Dex nodded. “I appreciate that, thanks.”
Ryan could see Dex was struggling to keep it together. The team wouldn’t care if he lost it, but Dex wouldn’t fall apart, not in front of them. “You want a ride home?” Ryan offered, giving him an escape.
“Yeah, that would be good. Thanks for coming down, guys.”
The two men left, leaving the rest of the team to pay their own respects. They drove to his house in silence.
“Want some company?”
“Thanks, but no, not right now. I’ll call you later.” Dex got out of the car and Ryan watched him disappear inside. His heart ached for him. The shit seemed to keep piling on lately. Yeah, he was tough, but he was also human, and he was hurting. Fuck, he wished there was something he could do to alleviate some of the pain and help his best friend.
Kelly. Should he call her? She was so close to Matt; she would want to know. Deciding he should be the one to tell her, he headed to her house. He was about to pull onto her drive when another car pulled in front. He stopped behind it, surprised to see Sophie get out.
“Sophie?” he called out, getting out of his Mustang. She turned, surprised to see him.
“Ryan, what are you doing here?”
“I was about to ask you the same question, it’s late. Is Kelly OK?”
“She’s fine. She just had some bad news today. I’m stopping by as a friend.”
He couldn’t help but let his eyes roam over her face. Was she blushing?
“Do you mean the news about Matt?”
“Matt?”
“Dexter’s father. He passed away.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. What happened?”
He told her what he knew. “I came here to tell Kelly. She and Matt were really close.”
“Of course. Damn.” Sophie looked worried.
“I take it you don't think this is a good time to tell her.”
She bit her lip and his dick rose to attention. Jesus, what was it about this woman that he got an instant hard on around her all of a sudden?
“Were you with Dexter tonight at Jerry’s?”
How the fuck did she know they were at Jerry’s?
“I was, why?”
Sophie raised her eyebrows, a touch of annoyance on her pretty face. “Then I think you can understand why this is not a good time. She’s upset, but I guess we can’t keep this from her.” She went to walk away, but Ryan grabbed her wrist, heat searing through him.
“Upset about what? Am I missing something here?”
Her gaze locked onto his hand holding her wrist. He could feel her pulse racing. Reluctantly, he let go and she looked at him.
“Ryan don’t try and cover for your buddy. I’m not interested in your bro code.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She must have believed him because her face softened a little.
“You told Kelly you guys might be at Jerry’s tonight if she wanted to stop by.”
“Yes, I did. But she didn’t stop by. Dex and I were the last there. I left, and Dex said he was right behind me. She wasn’t there.” This made no sense.
“I had dinner with Kelly tonight. On the way home she decided to go to Jerry’s. From what I understand she saw Dex with his tongue down another woman’s throat.”
Oh shit. The blonde. It must have happened before Joe arrived. No one had said anything.
“Sophie, I didn’t know. Did Dex see her?”
“I have no idea. I don’t know all the details. Kelly called me in a state and here I am.”
“Ah, man. If I’d known she was going to show, I would have stayed.”
“To make sure he kept his tongue in check?” Her sarcasm was kinda cute.
“Sophie, in his defense, they’re not together anymore. That was her decision. He wasn't doing anything wrong and if he’d known she was there, or was coming, no way in hell he would have done it. And I didn’t tell him she might stop by. Kelly asked me not to.”
Sophie’s shoulders slumped. “I know. It’s just... She’s been doing so well. I hate to see her this upset and now there’s more bad news. I’m sorry. None of this is your fault.”
“You and Kelly have become good friends,” he said gently. He wanted to pull her into his arms and hug her, but he kept his distance.
“Yes, we have. She’s so strong, Ryan, you know that. But there’s only so much she can take, and I’m worried about how hard this will hit her.”
“I’m glad she has you to lean on. Matt was like a second father to her. Despite what’s happened she’d want to know.”
“You’re right. How is Dex?”
“Not good, but I’ll keep an eye on him. He has his team to get him through this. I thought Kelly would be there for him too, but after what you told me, maybe not.”
She looked at him, those big blue eyes, beautiful. He’d always thought she was pretty but how had he not noticed just how gorgeous this woman was before. Ryan, get a grip. Your best friend's father just died. Keep you thinking to your big head, not your little one.
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to come in. I’ll tell her you were here, but I think it might be best for me to give her the news.”
Ryan nodded his agreement. “Yeah, you’re right. I don’t want to make her feel awkward. But if she wants to see me, please call me. I’ll come right over. The team, we’re here for her too, please tell her that.”
She smiled, making her eyes shine.
“You care a lot about Kelly and Dex. I like that. I know you and Dex are team boys, but you’re just as close with Kelly.”
His heart fluttered a little at the compliment.
“Like I said before, we’re family. I met Kelly the same day I met Dex.”
She nodded that pretty head, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“OK, Ryan, I should get inside. When’s the funeral?”
“Don’t know yet. I’ll call you when I know?” Hey, any excuse to talk to her again.
“No, don’t worry about it. Considering Matthew’s Dawson reputation, I’m sure I can find out. Goodbye Ryan.” She left him standing there, open mouthed. Did she just brush him off? Hell, that was a first.
***
“ARE YOU SURE IT WAS Dex?” Sophie sat in Kelly’s kitchen, as she made tea.
“Yes, I’m sure. I don’t know why I’m so upset. I told him to move on and he is.”
“Doesn’t mean you needed to see it like that.”
Kelly placed a mug of tea in front of Sophie and slid on to the stool opposite.
“No. It hurt. A lot,” she admitted. It was ridiculous. This was what she wanted. For him to find someone else and be happy. She watched Sophie take a sip of tea, sensing something was wrong.
“Sophie? Is everything OK? Did something happen?”
“I’m afraid I have some more bad news.”
Kelly gripped her mug, knuckles white. “The team?” Oh god, if something had happened to one of them...
“Nothing’s happened to the team.”
Kelly let out a breath. The thought of any of them being hurt or worse...
“It’s Matthew Dawson. He was in a car accident. He died, Kelly.”
Kelly stared at her friend, trying to take in the news. Matt was dead?
“I’m so sorry, Kelly. I understand you were close.”
Close? The man had been a second father to her. And now he was gone. Dead.
“Kelly? Are you OK?” Sophie was standing next to her, handing her a tissue. It was only then she realized tears were rolling down her cheeks. Taking the tissue, she wiped them away.
“It’s just a shock. I... oh god, Dex. How is he?”
“I haven’t seen him. I had no idea what happened until I bumped into Ryan outside.”
“Tonight? Just now?”
“Yes. He thought you would want to know. I convinced him to let me tell you, given you were already upset. But he’ll come over if you want him to. You only have to call.”
“I..jeez...I can’t believe it. Dex must be distraught.”
“Ryan and the team are looking out for him.”
“Of course. Dex and Ryan are brothers. Ryan will get him through this.”
She wanted to be the one to help him, but after seeing him tonight kissing that woman. Hell, things were already awkward between them. Perhaps the woman was with him now, comforting him. It wasn’t her place anymore.
“Can I say something?” Sophie asked gently.
Kelly gave her a surprised look. “Of course.”
“I’ve known you and Dexter a few years now, the whole team in fact. I may not know you all on a personal level, although you and I have got closer over the past few months. But in talking to you, Dexter, Ryan, I see the closeness you have. The bond. You and Dexter have a thirty-one-year history. I’m not telling you to go to him, only you can decide that, but that kind of history doesn’t just disappear, not matter what you’ve been through.”
“You sound like Claire.” Kelly gave her a small smile.
“She rubs off on me.”
“If things were different, I’d be there with him right now. But I can’t erase what I saw tonight and pretend everything is fine when it’s not. Maybe it’s better to leave Ryan to it.”
“You don’t know what that was that you saw, Kelly. It might have been a random drunken kiss. And whoever she was, she probably didn’t know Matt.”
Kelly wiped her eyes. “Doesn’t matter. Dex and I are just friends. He is free to do what he wants. I’ll message him my condolences, tell him I’m thinking of him, just like any good friend would. But that’s all I can offer him right now.”
“OK. Will you be alright? I can stay.”
“No. It’s late. Thank you for coming over, Sophie, you are an amazing friend.”
“Any time. Please don’t bottle this up. Talk to Claire if you need to.”
“I will.”
Sophie left, and Kelly sat outside, gazing up at the stars. Dex was just a few houses down the street. Was he sitting on his back deck too? Listening to the waves, thinking about his father? Or was the blonde there, holding his hand, soothing him?
You have no right to be jealous. He’s a single, hot blooded, gorgeous, loving man. It was only a matter of time until he found someone else. You’re just friends now.
She pulled out her phone and shot off a text.
I just heard. I’m so sorry Dex. I will miss him so much. Thinking of you. K
There, that was the kind of text a friend would send.