Brianna's Navy SEAL by Natalie Damschroder Read Free Book Online Page A

to the curb in front of Brianna's house, and she automatically looked across the street. Of course he wasn't home yet. They'd left before him.
    "He left that life,” Kira reminded her. “He's a teacher."
    "Yeah, in a temporary job.” She met her sister's eyes and saw understanding there. “What happens when Dina comes back and he can't get another job in the district? Or what if one of his old buddies starts a security firm or something, and Cable runs off to join?"
    As understanding as Kira had looked a moment ago, she looked impatient now. “You can't live on what-ifs, Brie. So if he does, you join him. You go live the life of adventure you always said you wanted."
    Fear leaped into Brianna's throat at the very idea. It wasn't so much fear of the future as remembered terror. She could hear the crunching of the boats, the hiss of the harpoon being shot from its gun. Smell the blood that overpowered the fishy salt air. The car rocked, just like the boat had.
    She gripped the handle of the door she'd just opened and inhaled, hard, and held it. Her vision cleared, and she let it out in a whoosh, then turned to see Kira's alarmed face. Shit.
    "What was that?"
    "Ah, minor anxiety attack, I think. Don't worry, I'm taking medication for it.” She paused with one foot out the door. “Don't tell Mom, okay?"
    "Bullshit.” Kira grabbed her arm. “What the hell? Last summer,” she shot out before Brie could answer. “Something happened last summer, didn't it? Don't look at me like that, I'm your sister, and it was pretty obvious when you came home. We agreed to let you tell us when you were ready, but you never were.” Her grip tightened, and Brie was afraid she wouldn't let her leave until she'd told her the whole horrible story. “What happened to you, hon?"
    Brianna shook her head and looked away. “Nothing happened to me. I was just—well, part of it.” Responsible for it.
    After a moment, Kira's grip slowly relaxed. “Let me know if you ever need someone to talk to.” She revved the engine, and Brianna slowly climbed out of the truck, kind of surprised that she was leaving it at that.
    "I will,” she finally agreed, and shut the door. But she really had no intention of admitting to anyone what she had done.

CHAPTER 4
    Brianna yawned as she poured her second cup of coffee while the kids were in PE. Cable joined her a moment later, taking the pot out of her hand and filling his own mug. He stood close, much closer than teachers usually stood, but not inappropriately so.
    "Morning. Sleep okay?"
    Brie scowled and reached for the creamer. “Do I look like I slept okay?” She narrowed her eyes at him. He looked as fresh and alert as always, though why he shouldn't, she didn't know. Except she'd had nightmares all night, and misery wanted company, that was all.
    "So you volunteered for the decorations committee, of all things?” she asked, covering her mouth in another yawn. They left the lounge and started walking back to their classrooms.
    "Not exactly.” He shot her a glance. “Weren't you paying attention?"
    "Not exactly.” She grinned sheepishly. “So how'd you get roped into it?"
    He shrugged, his knit shirt pulling against his shoulders, distracting her. She shook her head hard, once, and focused on what he was saying.
    "I have no idea who she is, but she reminds me of Texas."
    Brie groaned. “Darcy Langlais. Gotta be. What, she volunteered to chair the committee?"
    "Yeah, and suggested me."
    "You could have said no.” She frowned at her mug, which was starting to slosh, and slowed her steps.
    "She didn't give me a chance. Everyone looked eager to hear me say yes, and then they all looked at you, and that scrawny balding guy—"
    "Ken Salzer."
    "Yeah, Ken. I met him in the coffee shop the other day. Weird. Anyway, he kind of bounced and said he'd be on the committee, and that you would be, too, and that's when they woke you up."
    "I wasn't sleeping,” she muttered, just like she had to Kira the night