Page 16 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

“You’re so old you forgot what fun is.”

A shrill whistle pierced the room, and Sophia groaned.

“Sorry, honey. Drake. Ashley. Cut it out. Drake, I want a report,” Mason demanded.

“Somebody laid hands on Sophia. I was dealing with this one.” Drake jerked his thumb towards Ashley. “She was dancing on top of the bar, so I was across the room. Sophia was with Beth at the time. Beth laid the guy out with a straight arm punch to the throat. It was the last thing I saw as I made my way over because the crowd was in my way.”

“Beth?” Finn questioned.

“Beth?” Mason asked.

“Beth? Are you sure it wasn’t Lydia?” Darius queried Drake.

“My hand hurts, Jack,” Beth whispered to her fiancé.

“Let me see.” Jack pulled Beth’s hand out from under her purse where she had been hiding it. “Dammit Beth, you’re supposed to use the heel of your hand. Dare, can you bring more ice.” Jack kissed her knuckles.

“I’ve been taking self-defense classes,” she explained to all of the amazed men.

“They’re paying off, slugger.” Drake laughed.

“I wan self daffy classes,” Sophia said to Mason. Mason shook his head.

“How much did you have to drink, honey?” he asked, tilting her chin up so he could brush her hair away from her face.

“Jus some pine juice. Was soooo good.”

“Pineapple martinis,” Lydia explained.

“Don’t think you’re getting off the hook. How in the hell did you get a black eye?” Clint demanded.

“Trust me, between Beth and I, the guy is still on the floor,” Lydia explained. She tried to straighten up in his lap, but he held her tight in his arms.

“Drake, what the hell were you even doing out with the girls tonight?” Clint asked. “I thought this was the bachelorette party.”

“It was. And aren’t you thankful I was there? Otherwise, your fiancés, Rocky, Beyoncé, and Miss Tipsy would all be in jail.”

“I’m taking Rocky home.”

“I’m taking my fiancé home and getting her a steak to put on this eye.”

“A steak?” Lydia shuddered. “Why would I want to put meat on my eye?”

“It’s an American custom.”

“It’s barbaric.” Clint easily stood up with her still in his arms. Sophia smiled at the strength it took to do that. She loved knowing Mason could do it as well. Then she frowned, remembering his shoulder wound.

“Why the frown?” he whispered into her ear. “Are you hurt?”

“Nos, I’m fine.”

“I’m taking Ashley home,” Finn said. “I think you two need a time-out.” Sophia watched as everyone left their home and soon it was quiet.

“Where’s Billy?”

“He’s over at Todd’s house again. If he hadn’t been, we would have done this at Clint’s house.” Sophia nodded. Mason stood up with her in his arms.

“Mason,” she protested. “Yous shoulder.”

“I’m putting you to bed. Then I’m bringing you two bottles of water and some aspirin, which I expect you to take and drink before going to sleep. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, lieutenant.”

“Good girl.”

Sophia nuzzled his neck. What was it about being called a good girl that got her motor running?

“Sleep for you.”

“Yes, lieutenant.”