Free Navy SEAL Surrender by Angi Morgan Page B

cleared her throat. “Or I’ll send you into the water—” cough “—to cool down.” She managed to raise her croaky voice a little and slapped the boards on either side of her for emphasis. Then she coughed a couple of times and cleared more water from her lungs, losing all the emphasis she’d gained.
    It took a minute, and they patiently tapped her back until she thought she’d be black-and-blue. “This is ridiculous. Back off and don’t touch me.”
    Both men stood, took a couple of steps in opposite directions and were silent. Blessedly silent.
    She took her time arranging her hair where it belonged behind her head. She wiped the lake droplets off her face and arms. She toed off her shoes and ignored the warning look from John. It would take forever for her shoes to completely dry, especially if her feet were in them. It was enough that she’d be miserable in the wet denim and underwear.
    On the bright side, she was much cooler and no longer sticky.
    “Now, boys,” she said sweetly as if she were talking to six-year-olds. She braided her hair before it dried in a wild frizzy mess. They both turned, standing similarly. “How sweet. You’re both at attention.”
    John immediately relaxed. Dev stood more like he was at morning roll call or something. She crossed to John’s friend, who had come to rescue her daughter, and extended her hand.
    “I’m Alicia Adams, and I can’t tell you how much it means to us that you’ve come to help. Thanks just doesn’t seem enough.”
    “My pleasure, ma’am. Lieutenant Devlin McClain. Sloane and I are on the same team.”
    “And obviously friends. Thank you.”
    Then she turned to John, shooting him a forceful look with every indication he should also thank this man who had come to help, putting everything on the line for them.
    “Thanks,” he said, looking to the water at the last minute.
    At least he’d gotten the message. She clapped her hands together. “Okay, then. Here’s how it’s going to be.”
    “Actually, I think I should take it from here,” John said.
    “I rented a cabin and I have the gear. Maybe I should tell you what I’ve discovered.” Dev didn’t flinch or break eye contact with his teammate.
    “No more arguing,” she warned, pointing fingers at them both. “Lauren’s been missing five days. Time’s running out. She’s scared, and who knows what else has happened.”
    All the sturdy walls she’d built to hold the trouble at bay started dissolving. The tears threatened. Then filled her eyes. Her throat tightened, this time from emotion. She pressed her palms against her eyes to prevent the meltdown.
    It didn’t work. John’s arms engulfed her. She recognized his comforting stroke on her hair and hated that a simple hug from him could make her feel better. She had no right to feel better while Lauren was gone.
    “We’ll find your daughter, ma’am.”
    “Dev, what we’re doing is illegal.” John spoke over the top of her head. “If you get caught, it’s a court martial—dishonorable discharge if we’re lucky. Maybe military prison.”
    “Then let’s not get caught,” Dev replied matter-of-factly.
    John sort of growled. She felt it under her hands. He cared so strongly for those around him. How could he have turned from his brother twelve years ago and never thought twice about any of them again?
    She sniffed and backed away. John’s T-shirt was wet with an imprint of her body. “We need his help. I certainly can’t break down a door or overpower those men who tied me up. Please, Johnny. I have to find her.”
    She pleaded with him. She’d beg again if that was what it took. She desperately needed to hold her baby. They’d lost so much and were so alone. She was all Lauren could remember. Her little girl had to be scared to death.
    * * *
    “W E SHOULDN ’ T HAVE left her all alone,” Tory complained, hoping her ex would turn the horrible truck he’d stolen around and forget this wild demand for more