Her Vigilant Seal by Caitlyn O'Leary Read Free Book Online Page A

of his, and he smiled.
    “Honey, I think you’re adorable, and I really, really do want to go out on a date with you. Do you want to know something else that’s true?” She nodded.
    “I’m scared to death if we go downstairs Drake will say another dumb shit thing and you’ll run away again.” She smiled, knowing he was probably right. “You have to promise me when we’ve found your brother you’ll go out with me, no matter what Drake says or does.”
    “But…” He cut her off before she could say no.
    “Sophia, I’m only allowing you the one time mistake of putting yourself down because you’re obviously sleep deprived. Honey, the reason I call you that is because you’re so sweet. I have never called another woman honey.” God, she wanted to believe him. Then she had a flashback to her dad and pulled away from him.
    “That sounds really good but I don’t believe you,” her voice trembled though she wanted it to sound firm.
    “Again, I’m going to put this down to sleep deprivation. In the meantime, you have two SEALs at your disposal. We’re not leaving. So you might as well make use of us.” His determination was obvious, and she really needed help to find Billy. He had been missing for five nights. She couldn’t stand the thought of her brother out there alone for a sixth.
    “Thank you.” She smiled up through her lashes.
    “You’re welcome ‘honey’.” She wished she didn’t like it so much when he called her that.
     
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    As they got into the truck, Mason tried to get Sophia to take the front seat, but she wouldn’t, insisting Drake needed the leg room.
    “She’s right man, I do.” Mason scowled at his friend.
    “Can we stop at the phone store?” The question was asked so quietly he almost missed it as he started the engine.
    “Damn Sophia, I should have thought of that. I had to go yesterday since mine was lost. Yours was damaged wasn’t it?” He looked over his shoulder and saw her nod.
    “I wouldn’t ask, but I left Billy’s picture with the missions and shelters, and they said they would call me if he showed up.” She was holding her broken phone in her hand as if she were willing it to ring.
    “Sure, let’s go.”
    After they got her a new phone they headed into the city. Mason was familiar with many parts of San Diego since he’d bought an old house in Lincoln Park and started renovating. His dad had done construction, so doing the work on his home in San Diego made him feel close to his dad. His house was in an older part of town that was full of good hard-working people. He would work late into the night restoring the floors or the woodwork, and then go for long walks to work out the kinks. He hated to admit he’d also had trouble sleeping, so he understood where Sophia was coming from.
    It never bothered him walking through Encanto even though it was considered one the worst parts of San Diego. He often brought a couple of extra sandwiches to give to some of the homeless. That’s what he’d had been doing when he came upon Sophia. It still scared the hell out of him to think what would have happened if he hadn’t been there.
    “Billy stayed at the Union Mission last night,” Sophia said as he parked his truck in the park’s parking lot. “I just got a text.”
    “That’s great, I know where that is.” He started the engine and headed towards the mission. Drake had been abnormally quiet the closer they had gotten to the park. Mason was worried what was coming, and as they pulled up to Union Mission, Drake let loose.
    “Where in the hell are we? This can’t be part of San Diego. Jesus, Sophia, you’re not allowed to be out here during daylight hours let alone at night,” he roared.
    Mason looked up at the sky praying for help.
    “Do you have sisters, Drake?” Sophia asked.
    “Yes, I have three of them,” he automatically snapped out an answer.
    “And you’re still living? I’m shocked.” Mason roared with laughter. Help