Page 17 of Palace of Betrayal

“No. How can anyone who made such an impact on our lives be lost? They’re there in every action we take in some small way. Each interaction is affected by the people we’ve loved and lost”

“Hmm, I guess I never thought about it like that.”

“That’s survivor’s guilt. You came home and they didn’t. It’s bound to leave deep psychological scars and I’m sure you saw things no person should ever have to see.”

“How are you so wise? Experience with survivor’s guilt?”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

“Tell me.”

Bebe wanted to, she wanted him to know her, but the words stuck in her throat. “Not tonight.”

“I understand.”

The air was thick with awkwardness. Normally she’d let it go, not really caring, but the need to fill the silence was heavy. “Tell me about Soroosh. He seems quite the character.”

After the journalist had been escorted from the building to the closest airport, Soroosh had served them Churros and hot chocolate to dip them in. It had been clear to see the easy camaraderie between the two men.

“Oh, he is a character and one of the best men I’ve ever served alongside. My squadron was training him and his men to take over when our division was pulled from Iraq. Soroosh is one of those men who has a story for every eventuality and each one is more elaborate than the last. He was always upbeat, keeping things light but he was a damn fine soldier and loyal to the bone.”

“I can see that about him.”

Leo dipped his head, a sadness about him as he spoke again. “One day we were on patrol, and he got caught by an IED. We flew him out of there and it was touch and go if he’d make it. He obviously did, but lost his right leg below the knee. He’d always talked about owning a bakery, said it was food that made the soul happy. So, I asked him to come here and he accepted. Now he’s living a life he loves with a woman he adores, and their first baby is due in the autumn.”

“He got his happy ending.”

“I guess he did.”

“Partly thanks to you.”

Leo shook his head as she’d known he would. “No, he’s behind his own success.”

“True but you played your part. You’re a good man, Leo.”

Leo placed his glass on the table and stood, moving toward her. Taking her hand, he pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her hands landed on his chest and slid up around his neck to the soft hair at the back of his neck. Pressing every inch of her body to his, Bebe felt her nipples peak, the ache in her abdomen moving toward her pussy.

“You’re dangerous. You make me forget what’s real.”

Her heart seemed to beat double time at his words which so mirrored how she was feeling. Dipping his head, he kissed her slowly, drugging her until she didn’t know which way was up, taking his time to taste her as he walked her back inside the apartment.

The backs of her knees hit the couch and she would’ve gone down if Leo hadn’t turned, making her land on top of him.

A laugh escaped her as he broke the kiss and sat up with her somehow astride him, her skirt riding up her thighs. The thick ridge between her legs had her wanting to rock into him to ease the ache he’d created.

“Wanna make out before I give you the tour?”

Her body was screaming yes at his question and the sexy little smirk he’d given her, but her brain was yelling a warning that this was dangerous territory.

As he nipped at her bottom lip, dragging his teeth slowly across her lip, the decision was made. Her body rocked involuntarily against his hard cock.

He dug his fingers through her hair, holding her a willing hostage. “Naughty girl.”

His voice was a growl as he held her still, eyes such a deep dark green flared with desire, making her feel like the only woman on the planet.

“And what do naughty girls get?”

Bebe had never been one to fall into her role to this degree, but she admitted, if only to herself, that this wasn’t a role she was playing. She wanted this man more than she’d ever wanted another.