Free Raw Exposure by Aliyah Burke Page A

be disappointment.
    They walked to the door where he took the bag she attempted to lift. Her frown was ignored as he caught a glimmer of approval in Tyson’s expression.
    “She’ll ride with me,” he informed the Navy SEAL.
    Not giving her a chance to argue, he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her past them, out the door, beyond Tyson’s truck and to his Enzo.
    “Bye!” Jayde called out. “See you there.”
    Like a gentleman, he held the door for Affrica and gave her the bag to hold. She sat stiffly as he climbed in on the other side after closing her door.
    “You okay?”
    “Fine,” she said.
    He whipped the powerful car around and headed for his brother’s house, grateful to have her all to himself.
    “Is there a fire?” she questioned.
    “No, why?” He glanced at her.
    She gave him a pointed look, moved it to the dash and back. He followed her gaze and swore as he noticed the speedometer. “Sorry,” he said, flashing a flirtatious grin. “It’s easy to forget how fast you’re going in this.”
    She breathed deeply and turned her attention out the window. Not impressed was the vibe, and he read it loud and clear. He observed her in his periphery as they cruised along the interstate. Gradually, her fingers relaxed from where they’d held her bag.
    “You okay over there?”
    “Of course.”
    He didn’t believe her. Reaching out, he turned down the music and took another opportunity to watch her.
    “Really? You seem awfully tense.”
    “I’m tired is all.”
    He veered off on the needed exit. “You know I won’t spread it around if you want to tell me what’s bothering you.”
    She glanced at him and, he knew she pondered his offer. The precise moment when he thought she’d open up, he noticed Scott’s place come into view, and just like that, she closed up again.
    Damn.
    Parking, he couldn’t help but notice how quickly she bolted from his vehicle. Mulling over his next move, he got out and followed her up the walk. He just needed an opportunity.
    * * * *
    Dinner passed and was a lot of fun; however, exhaustion had set in by the time they’d finished the after-dinner drinks. The kids had been put down, including the twins, Ethan and Logan, who rested in Brodie’s room with him.
    “You know you can stay here, Affrica,” Scott said as he sat back down after retrieving more coffee.
    She gave him a grateful smile even as she shook her head. “Thank you but no.”
    He appeared so different now than when he’d come to her rescue. The face paint gone, his blue eyes full of love and contentment versus how indifferent and hard they’d been in the desert. Tyson also. These men amazed her, doing what they did. For her. And knowing they did it for their country on a regular basis.
    Then, there was Reeve Leighton. Dark brown, almost black, hair where his brother was a blond. Cornflower blue eyes for Scott while Reeve had deep chocolate ones. Unbidden, her gaze drifted to Reeve. He sat beside her, one hand curved around the glass coffee mug resting on his knee.
    “Or our house,” Jayde said, drawing Affrica’s attention from Reeve.
    She licked her lower lip as she stared at her friend. Of all the women who were with the men of SEAL Team Seventeen, she enjoyed Jayde the most. A fellow artist, they would often spend much time discussing shots or paintings. And she truly admired Jayde’s inner strength.
    “I dinna wish to be a bother, and you all hae already done so much for me.” She glanced pointedly to the men. “I’ll get a hotel room and take a taxi to the train station.”
    “Nonsense,” Reeve said. “I have an extra room at my place. Sleep there, and I’ll take you to your train.”
     Scott and Tyson voiced immediate refusals. Tilting her head, she caught Reeve watching her, a hint of challenge in his eyes and an arched brow.
    “It makes perfect sense. Y’all have kids, and I have no plans come morning. What do you say, sweetcheeks, think you can handle being