Free SEALs of Honor: Markus by Dale Mayer Page B

difficult to keep her body straight and not slump over Markus’s head. He was a hell of a man. She sighed and propped her elbows on the top of his head, her chin in her hands.
    “Are you comfortable?” Markus chuckled.
    She grinned. “Actually I am. As I’m using your head to prop my arms on and hold my chin up, I might actually be able to sleep.”
    “Sleep?”
    He sounded so outraged she burst into laughter. “Well, okay maybe not sleep, but I could doze. But you are walking a little too rough to do that, I suppose.”
    “Sorry, I’m more concerned with staying out of sight than walking smoothly enough for you take a beauty nap.”
    “Beauty sleep. Yeah, I could use some of that.”
    She was tired, but it was almost impossible to close her eyes and not lose her balance. “Are you married?” She almost fell off when she realized what she’d said.
    He was silent for a long time.
    “Oh my God.” Bree gasped, hating that she’d not put two and two together earlier. “I’m so sorry. She’s the one who died in the diving accident, wasn’t she?” At his nod, she added, “That’s how you understand death so well and the shock of those left behind.”
    “Does anyone understand death?” he asked.
    “I think some people at least find peace with it.” She studied the geography ahead of them. “I think I recognize this place.”
    He stopped. “The cabin is just on the other side of that tree line. We’re less than a hundred yards away.”
    “Yeah, and see, no shooter,” she cried. “We’re safe.”
    *
    She had no idea. Markus smiled inside.
    Several of his team had been searching the woods on either side of them for miles now, keeping them safe. If there had been a shooter in this area, these men would have taken him out already.
    He kept on walking. His shoulders were aching but his loads were balanced, so he was doing just fine. And knowing his team was watching his progress, he’d be damned before he’d show any weakness.
    The cabin loomed in front of them before she realized it. He heard the catch in her voice. As soon as they approached the yard, two men came out of the small building.
    When Bree caught sight of the men she clutched at him.
    “It’s okay,” he said. “They are my teammates.”
    Her hands eased but the grip of her thighs around his neck didn’t. He’d had a hard time trying to keep his errant thoughts off the very female form on his shoulders.
    He handed Jake over to Shadow. “Thanks, Shadow.”
    Swede stood at his side. Shadow disappeared with the injured man while Swede smiled at Bree. “Hi, I’m Swede. Can I help you off of there?”
    He didn’t give her a chance to answer before he reached out and swept her off Markus’s shoulders. She gasped but had no chance to cling.
    Markus straightened and stretched, loving the way his muscles felt.
    “I’m sorry, Markus. Did I hurt you?” Bree asked. She was still lying in Swede’s massive arms.
    “I told you before you weren’t hurting me. That hasn’t changed. Swede, you can put her down now, she’s not injured. It was Jake who was shot.”
    “He already asked if I wanted to stand on my own,” Bree explained. “But honestly I’m good like this. I’m so tired. Besides, he’s bigger. I won’t hurt him.”
    Swede snickered. “Yeah, I’m big enough to handle it.”
    “Well, of course, you’re only carrying me and not Jake too,” she said apologetically.
    This was a ridiculous conversation. One of many he’d had with her. He shook his head and walked into the cabin for water. Inside he threw back several glasses then turned to face Mason, who leaned against the counter beside the sink. “Jake?”
    “He’s been taken to the ambulance waiting down the road. Can’t drive all the way up.”
    “Right.” He knew that. “He’s a tough bugger. Let’s hope he makes it.”
    “They are prepped for him.” Mason nodded toward where Swede and Bree were laughing and walking toward them. “How is