Free 3013: CLAIMED by Laurie Roma Page A

turned her head to see Jax sitting on one of the recliners, watching her with that intense stare of his that always made her insides quiver.
    “You always did swim like a fish.”
    “Pervert.”
    A wicked grin spread over his devastatingly handsome face. “It’s not my fault you’re swimming naked, however I do have to say I’m really enjoying the view. I’ve imagined seeing you like this a million times, but nothing can compare to the real thing. If you think me watching you is perverted, just wait until I get my hands on you.”
    His words had a thrill of anticipation shooting through her blood stream, making her tingle in all the right places. Treading water over to the side of the pool, she laid her arms on the edge, stationing herself as she drank in the sight of him. They stared at each other in silence, their eyes conveying a million emotions that no words would ever be accurate enough to express.
    “Thank you, Jax.”
    His expression sobered, and a dark glint sparked to life in his grey eyes that seemed to see everything. “I don’t think you understand how this all works, Serra. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Do you hear me? Nothing. You don’t need to thank me. Ever.”
    It was baffling to her, but she was beginning to understand the depth and scope of their feelings for her. And wasn’t that miraculous? She had never thought to have anyone in her life that she could depend on, who would put her first. But now she had two, powerful men that would always keep her safe. Her feelings for them had always been strong, but now, being claimed by them had made her love them even more.
    It might have been strange to anyone else since they had spent so much time away from one another, but Serra knew that didn’t matter. She had given her heart to Jax and Sully when she was but a girl, and now, she loved them as a woman. Once her heart had been given, there was never any other choice for her.
    They were hers just as she belonged to them.
    Forever.
    “Did your interrogation prove satisfactory this afternoon?”
    Jax nodded. “I supervised while Dom and Arik interrogated both of your guards. We are confident they have nothing to do with the potential theft.”
    “Good. I like Officer Meyer and Officer Rhine.”
    “How much do you like them?” he asked darkly.
    She rolled her eyes at him. “Shut down your thrusters, Commander. I’m aware that my guards are your men, and I’m sure you gave them all kinds of inventive threats when you had them assigned to me. Since they’ve always been highly respectful and never once caused me any trouble, I would have to say they are very loyal to you.”
    His lips twitched as he fought back a smile. “How did you know?”
    “I know you, but Sully confirmed it. Oh, and I’d like my necklace back that they took off me in medical.” She smirked at him. “Even though you know where I am now, I’m still attached to it, and would like it back.”
    Surprise had his eyes widening. “You knew about the tracker?”
    Men. Seriously, her bonded needed to learn a thing or two…
    “Of course I did. Just as I knew as soon as I reported that guard you would have him replaced.” She laughed as Jax frowned as if he didn’t like that she had figured it all out. “Jax, there was no way you guys were going to stop worrying about me. Even when I stopped hearing from you, I knew that I could count on you if I needed you.”
    Jax’s expression turned absolutely lethal. “We didn’t know you were trying to contact us.”
    “I know.” Not wanting to dwell on that, she changed the subject. “But you claimed me.”
    Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes, turning them so bright they shone like two silver stars. “Yes, we claimed you.”
    “You sound very pleased with yourself.”
    “I am. I’m also very pleased with you. There has never been anyone else for me or Archer. You’ve been ours since we were young. You know it’s true.”
    “I’m not denying it. I assume Sully