Bronco's Rough Ride (Bad Boys of Beta Squad, 0.5) Read online

The world rattled when the car dropped off pavement and crawled along a gravel road. John squeezed his eyes shut against the shaking, wanting to get off whichever ride they’d strapped him to. When the car came to a stop, the engine shut off and the woman beside him sighed with what sounded like relief. Bronco’s opinion mirrored hers. Thank God the shaking’s stopped. His internal gyroscope warned his head sat lower than his hips, but he only wanted to sleep.

  “We’re here, John.”

  He knew that voice. He’d heard the sweet huskiness crying out in pleasure as he thrust into her glorious heat. Had his dream goddess returned?

  “Can you open your eyes? We need to get inside where you can sack out all you want.”

  Yeah, that’s what he wanted. Only he wanted her there with him. He wanted to wrap his aching body around her solid warmth and allow it to drag him down into his dreams.

  She left him for a moment. As inured to sensation as he’d been, he still noticed when she’d gone, taking her flowery scent with her. Struggling to turn his head, he opened his eyes. Brilliant sodium lights glared through the windshield and made him squint. The car smelled expensive—leather seats?—but not new.

  The door beside him opened and his goddess returned. “Come on. Can you still walk?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He was a SEAL, dammit. He could damn well do anything.

  But his body failed him when he tried to shift it and his legs wobbled like Jell-O in a three-year-old’s grip. What the fuck’s wrong with me?

  “Lean on me, John. I’ve got you.” Lindsey worked her shoulder under his armpit and pulled him.

  He tipped precariously forward and stared at her feet as she stabilized his weight. Where are her shoes? She’ll ruin her nylons. Except she hadn’t worn them. He remembered an unencumbered access to her sweet pussy and the satisfaction he’d found there. Warmth ran through his body and hardened his shaft.

  “Come on, John. In you go.”

  She helped him stagger up some rough-hewn plank steps into a clean and homey cabin with wood floors and thread-bare furniture. The walls had been stained golden and glowed in the few lights she’d turned on. The air held the smell of stale air and cool mountain forest. This place didn’t seem like something near the Strip in Vegas. Where the hell had she taken him?

  Lindsey deposited him on a worn plush couch and made a move away from him. Unreasoning panic exploded in his chest and he grabbed her arm.

  “Don’t leave me.”

  “Easy, John. I’m just going to the kitchen to make some coffee. But I won’t—”

  “Go alone?”

  “Be gone long.” She patted his arm. “It’ll be okay.”

  He gritted his teeth and nodded. “Just watch your back. They could be anywhere.”

  “They?”

  “The tangos. They can look like anyone. Bartenders, hookers. Hell, that valet you got the car from. Anyone.” He had to make her understand. Shadows hid all manner of evils. She had to be careful.

  “I’ll do another sweep of the cabin, but I’m pretty sure we’re clear.”

  “I should go with you.” He struggled to rise.

  “No, John. I did a preliminary sweep and came up clear.” Lindsey held him still and his traitorous body accepted her direction. “But I’ll do another and start the coffee. Stand down, Chief Petty Officer.”

  “Aye aye, ma’am.” The response was automatic. She’d gotten him out of a bad situation and knew the lay of the land better. He had to trust her.

  She nodded and padded silently away. John tried to watch where she went, but the walls hid her form and tension filled his body beneath the wretched tremors shaking him. Time dragged on into infinity and his unease hit a screaming pitch by the time she returned to the room.

  “All clear, Chief. I’m going to make coffee. Are you good?”

  Lindsey appeared before him still in her cute little black dress and he drank in her sexy form. Damn, the woman could pose for a fashion magazine with that body. He’d only gotten small samples of it, but he wanted more.

  “Chief?” Lindsey patted his shoulder and he opened his eyes again.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Are you good? Can I make the coffee now?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Do you take anything in it?”

  “No, ma’am. Just black.”

  “Okay. Give me a few minutes. I’m going to start it and bring in the gear.”

  Gear? He couldn’t remember where he’d left his truck or the possessions he’d brought with him from Virginia. Had she found them? Bronco frowned and rubbed the scar along his cheek bone. He’d gotten it from an interrogation in SERE school when he’d met the edge of a metal table with his face. It always helped clear his head to slide his fingers along its rough ridge.

  The rich scent of coffee wafted over him as the door to the cabin opened and Lindsey passed him, carrying two duffel bags and her stripper heels. He hadn’t gotten a good look at her in those shoes, but he’d bet they made her legs look long and lean. His cock stirred as his imagination kicked into high gear.

  Lindsey’s warm fruity scent passed him and she disappeared into a hallway he hadn’t noticed. A light came on and the coffee maker chirped from the kitchen. Bronco wished he could get up and pour them both a cup, but he suspected he’d spill it. Rustling sounds drifted from the hallway and after a few minutes, Lindsey returned dressed in a pair of shorts and a black t-shirt that read, “Security for Area 51” across her tits. The fabric stretched taut over her breasts and his cock saluted the curves.

  “Give me a second and I’ll have coffee for you.” Lindsey skimmed her hand up his arm and across his shoulders as she passed.

  She rattled around in the kitchen and returned with a steaming cup of coffee. The scent mixed with her sweet fragrance and he swore she offered him candy. She held the cup out to him and miraculously his hands curled around simple white porcelain.

  “Got it?”

  “Yeah. I think so.” John slowly lifted the mug to his lips and sipped. Hot, strong brew slid over his tongue and he hissed as it burned. “Damn, that’s good.”

  “Thanks.” Her lovely smile lit her whole face. “I’m kinda a coffee snob. If it’s not rich or strong, it’s just dirty water.”

  A chuckle rumbled up from his chest and filled the room with warm sound. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed the sound of his own voice. John had been rather taciturn when with the other SEALs of his squad, but he’d always been able to speak when needed. The forced silence had worn on him and thoughts bounced off the walls of his skull, screaming to escape.

  “That’s a nice sound.” Lindsey settled on the couch beside him with her own mug.

  “It’s good to be able to make any sound at all.” He sipped the coffee to keep from ogling her sweet curves encased in cotton. “Thank you for getting me out.”

  “You’re welcome, John. I’m glad I could help. Besides, it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He leaned back and rested his head against the couch pillows. “How so?”

  “I’ve been undercover trying to infiltrate that fucked-up sex ring for two years.” She shrugged and lines he’d never noticed framed her mouth and eyes. “I was starting to lose myself beneath the psychotic cover persona.” She shook her head. “The Black Widow. A woman who prefers her men docile and incapacitated. Shit.” She sipped her coffee as if to rid her mouth of a bad taste.

  John laid a hand on one of her thighs and squeezed gently. Damn, she still has plenty of muscle in these sexy legs. “You aren’t your cover persona, Lindsey. You saved me when I couldn’t save myself. That’s huge. Mistress Jenna the Black Widow would have held me down and let me rot.” He met her brown gaze, noting golden sparkles glittering in the warm light. Beautiful. “It’s not something I like to admit, but without you, I’d be just another body left in the desert for the coyotes. And one thing I learned quick in the Navy: You’re nothing without your team.”

  Lindsey
studied him for a few moments, her expression thoughtful. “What was your specialty in the Navy?”

  He gave her a half smile. “Interrogation for the SEALs.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re a SEAL?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He took a sip of coffee.

  “No wonder you’re so beautiful.”

  He choked and set his mug down as he wiped his face. “Say again?”

  Lindsey had the grace to blush. “Sorry. I have a thing for military men and the SEALs are my all-time favorites.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Her frank words warmed his heart in ways he’d never experienced before. Women often professed a love for SEALs, but it meant more to him coming from Lindsey.

  “Yeah, the men in my family have all served. My dad was Army and my uncles elected for the Marines. But the Navy, both the flyboys and the SEALs, have been my favorites.”

  Old rivalries rose in his chest and curled his lips in a knowing smirk. “Yeah, the Navy pilots have some pretty nice toys, but get ’em on the ground, and they’re like fledglings. SEALs go everywhere.”

  Lindsey laughed. “Yep, they do, and I wouldn’t have expected you to tell me different. Very much a SEAL response.”

  “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with SEALs before.” Bronco reached for his coffee and took a swig.

  “Yeah, once or twice. They didn’t think much of us, but I could see why. They were saving our asses.”

  “Now that sounds like an opening for a story.”

  Lindsey snorted. “Not a very good one. Our platoon got hammered in Fallujah and they had to come rescue the remainder of us. I got to see the aftermath. Brutal stuff, but the SEALs saved the day.”

  “You’re a vet?”

  “Yep. Army corpsman, or woman, as is the case.”

  John’s respect for Lindsey hit the roof. She’d gone into civilian law enforcement after her enlistment, and not just any role, but deep undercover. Damn, sexy didn’t even begin to describe her.

  “I’m impressed, Lindsey. No wonder you’re so damn good at your job.”

  Lindsey snorted. “Come on. You can’t mean that. SEALs never say good things about the Army.”

  “That’s not true.” He finished his coffee and set the mug down with mock censure. “We’re grateful you’ve done all the grunt work so we can swoop in, clean up the mess, and take all the understated glory.” He grinned to take the sting out of his words.

  Lindsey laughed like he hoped she would, and rose. “Do you want some more coffee, hot stuff, or are you set for now?”

  “I don’t want more coffee. I would like some water, though.”

  “Roger that. Stand by.” She turned toward the kitchen and he grunted.

  “It makes sense now.”

  “What does?”

  “Why you respond with military calls. I thought it kinda odd comin’ from a civilian, but comin’ from a vet like you, it fits.”

  “Heh, old habits die hard.”

  She returned and handed him a bottle of water. Condensation laced the plastic surface and slicked his hands, making it difficult to hold. He couldn’t grip the lid to twist it off and cursed as the bottle slipped.

  “Here, let me get that.” She deftly removed the lid and handed the bottle back to him, but his hands shook so much some of it spilled.

  “Dammit.”

  “Crap. I think you’re coming down off the drugs and your body’s reacting. Let’s get the water into you, then get you to bed.”

  Lindsey settled beside him on the couch and helped him hold the bottle steady at his lips. It galled him to be so weak still, but he knew recovery from drugs wouldn’t be easy. And the only easy day was yesterday.

  He swallowed as much of the water as he could before the tremors took over his whole body and even his head wouldn’t stay still. Lindsey capped the bottle and set it aside before she stood and offered him her hand.

  “Come on, sailor. Let’s get you in your rack. Do you think you can still stand?”

  “Might be a bit choppy, but I’ll make it to the other room.”

  “Copy that. Lean on me and we’ll get you there.”

  Lindsey offered him resistance to pull him to his feet then ducked under his arm to steady him. Shivers wracked his body and dizziness assailed his head. He groaned and hunched over, giving her more weight than he meant to.

  “Easy, bronco. Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

  “Wh-wh-why did y-you c-c-call me th-that?” Damn, his body had grown cold just between sitting and standing.

  “’Cause I rode you hard, remember?” He couldn’t see her face, but her voice held humor.

  “I-it’s my n-n-nickname.”

  “In the SEALs?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Damn, I’m good.” She hugged him closer to her side as she half-dragged him down the hallway. “I’ll remember that for when I need a pick-me-up when this is over. Something to make me smile when you head off to your team.”

  An odd sadness sparked in his chest, echoed in her voice as she helped him to the bedroom with red and green plaid curtains over the window. Wood-paneled walls matched the rough pine bole furniture and the worn quilt covering the double bed. She’d added a cheap camping bag on top, but she jerked the quilt back one-handed before she sat him in the bag.

  “Okay, Chief, listen to me here. I know you’re starting the withdrawal process and it’s gonna make you feel weaker than a newborn kitten, but just hold on while I get you undressed. Got me?”

  Bronco nodded as Lindsey knelt in front of him and pulled off his shoes. He tried to work on taking off the suit jacket and shirt, but his hands shook so hard he couldn’t grasp the buttons. His frustration mounted as he swayed and he had to use his arms to hold himself up.

  “Easy, John. I got it. Just be patient.” Lindsey’s soothing voice settled some of his anger and he closed his eyes. At least that stops the world from spinning.

  Her deft touches calmed him and he fell into her ministrations. She unbuttoned his shirt and pulled the jacket of each arm in turn, followed by the sleeves of the collared shirt.

  “Let’s get those pants of you.”

  John chuckled. “Something a man always likes to hear.”

  “Very funny, sailor, but I figure you’ll be more comfortable in sweats, especially if you get chills.”

  “Roger that.”

  She laid him down on the camping bag and worked his pants off. He shivered so hard his cock refused to salute her. He’d reprimand it later for that. In the meantime, she’d already stuffed his feet into a pair of new sweats. The soft fabric slid over his legs, bringing an odd sense of comfort and relaxation to his chilled skin.

  “Lift your hips for me, John.” Lindsey’s hands against his hips and waistline thrilled him and comforted him all at once. And he wanted more.

  “I have a t-shirt for you too, if you want it.”

  John opened his eyes and tried to sit up. Lindsey grasped his hand and pulled him upright then handed him the long sleeved tee. He threw it over his head and shrugged it into place then settled back against the camping bag.

  Lindsey reached over him and zipped it up, adding the quilt on top. “Snug as a bug in a rug. Sleep tight, John.” She laid a soft kiss on his forehead before retreating to the door of the room.

  “Lindsey?”

  She paused and looked back.

  “Thanks for saving me this time. A SEAL’s only as good as his team, and you’re a damn fine teammate.”

  “Thanks, John. If you need me, I’ll be right across the hall in the other room. Get some sleep.”

  “Roger that.” He ended his words on a yawn and she chuckled before flipping off the light and pulling the door mostly closed.

  John listened to her puttering around the cabin, but his exhaustion pulled him down into the warm and comforting darkness.

  Chapter Eight

  A roar ripped Lindsey out of sleep and had her scrambling for the floor. Holy fuck! What is that? Listening around
her thundering heart proved problematic until another sound of fury tore through the quiet night. She leapt up and shot across the hall into John’s room.

  The SEAL thrashed in his bed as if someone held him down and fury filled his expression as he tore at the bedclothes. Damn, he needed help, but she understood about nightmares and soldiers who’d experienced traumatic events. Getting close to him could be hazardous for her health.

  Lindsey bit her lip and scanned the room. A small lamp sat on the bureau across from the bed and she switched it on. The soft light warmed the room without blinding her and she returned to the bed. Gotta get his attention without adding to the nightmare.

  Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, Lindsey knelt on the floor far enough from the bed he wouldn’t hit her if he flailed. Gotta be calm, just like Mom was when Dad came back shell-shocked from Vietnam. Can’t believe I’m using this now.

  “John, I’m here for you. It’s Lindsey. Can you hear me?”

  She waited, hoping her voice would reach through to whatever hell he thrashed in. She didn’t dare touch him yet, not until she knew he recognized her. John froze in the bed, his breathing rough, but his body language cautious.

  “I don’t know where you are right now, but physically your body is here with me at the safe house and you’re secure.” Lindsey kept her voice calm and even, praying she’d reach him. She wanted to wrap him in her arms and tell him everything was okay, but that hadn’t always worked with her father. “Are you reading me, Chief Petty Officer?”

  Sometimes her mother had gotten through by using her father’s rank. The military training went deep and anchored soldiers in something familiar. Lindsey remembered the frightening times her father had lost it and how her mother had kept them all from panicking by staying calm. I owe you one, Mom. I promise to call and thank you when I get out of this undercover shit.

  “Chief?”

  “Roger that.” John’s breathless voice reached her despite its softness.

  “Good, Chief. I’m right here. Right beside you and you’re not restrained, but I can help get the blankets off you.” She didn’t move, watching his body. “Do you need me to move the blankets?”