Hot SEALs: A Mission of Love (A Hot SEALs / CSA Case Files Crossover) (Kindle Worlds) by Kennedy Layne Read Free Book Online Page A

way. I want you telling me stories about our lives when we’re old and gray on the porch of our house up in the Hamptons, thinking the entire time that I couldn’t have been more blessed that you were the woman to join me in that journey. Julia Melina, would you be my wife? Will you walk by my side through the good and the bad, sharing with me every fear you have so that I can do my best to be your champion?”
    Schultz’s heartbeat remained steady, having no doubt now that their love would triumph over any obstacle in their way. This situation they’d been dealt had tried to put a crack in their foundation, but they’d overcome it. It was as if he could feel the fibers of their trust intertwine and strengthen. Julia had done her best to protect him, just as he would have done for her. They’d learned that together they were stronger than anything or anyone trying to break them apart.
    Julia slowly turned in his arms, straddling him underneath the water and placing her arms around his neck. Her blue eyes were brimming with unshed tears and for a moment his heartbeat stopped, only to slam into his chest when she caressed his face with her warm wet fingers. He did smile as the shot of adrenaline quickly faded. She would most certainly keep life interesting.
    “Yes, Schultz,” Julia whispered, one tear falling down her beautiful face. He wiped it away with his thumb, making a promise to himself that he would never be the reason she would cry unless it was in happiness. “I will marry you. I will walk by your side, holding your hand as we watch our children grow up loving and respecting our country the way we do ourselves. Your loyalty and integrity make you who you are and I would be honored to call you my husband.”
    Schultz pulled Julia closer so that he could properly kiss her, wishing he’d had the engagement ring that had taken him weeks to pick out. He’d ended up getting it custom made with a two-carat diamond surrounded by smaller sapphires. His intention to retrieve it went by the wayside when he could hear his cell phone chiming from the bedroom. They both groaned, not wanting to end this moment and yet knowing there were still things unresolved in both their days.
    “I wish we were able to continue this, but that’s most likely the call I’ve been waiting for,” Schultz explained, cupping her face and kissing her once more. Julia nodded in acceptance, but the sparkle had dimmed in her blue eyes. It wasn’t an image he wanted to see and by nightfall, she wouldn’t have to worry about this situation any longer. He would see to it personally that the person responsible wouldn’t have the use of his or her fingers to send those photographs to the news outlets. “Stay here and enjoy the bath.”
    Schultz unfolded his large frame after Julia had shifted to the side. He stood, the warm water cascading down his body as he reached for one of the plush white towels he’d set aside for them. He quickly dried himself off before wrapping the now damp material around his waist. He walked into the bedroom, but the ringing had ceased by the time he’d reached his phone. It hadn’t been the agent he was utilizing. He dialed Jon back and then walked over to his closet.
    “We’ve worked things out,” Schultz said when his friend picked up the phone on the second ring. He multitasked between holding the phone to his ear and choosing a suit from his Zegna collection. “As for the situation…I’m having an old associate at NSA operations work on that other angle we discussed on my ride back to the city.”
    Schultz had decided to keep Jon employed on this little side mission that Julia had already initiated with their friend, mostly because he still had access to several vital contacts while having another colleague investigate on a more personal level. This extortionist was either targeting them for personal or business reasons and Schultz wasn’t willing to rule anyone or any agency out quite yet.
    “Where