Noah: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance (Hell Squad Book 6) by Anna Hackett Read Free Book Online Page B

running from it.”
    Elle perched on the edge of the desk. “She was married, right? Before.”
    “Engaged.” And that was all Noah knew.
    “That’s right.” Elle nodded. “He was a Navy SEAL, I think.”
    Hell, of course he was. Some dedicated soldier who would have suited her perfectly. “She hasn’t said much, but she lost him and her family.”
    Elle pressed her hand over Noah’s. “We all lost loved ones.” Something crossed her face.
    Noah knew Elle had heard her parents die at the hands of raptors on the night of the invasion. And while it sounded like they’d been selfish, vapid assholes, and Elle hadn’t been really close to them, she’d grieved for them.
    “We’ve all lost, Noah. But now, it’s about how we pick ourselves up and move forward. Wallowing in the past doesn’t help. The past will always be remembered, and the people we loved will always be special. But I wouldn’t trade what I have with Marcus for the comforts of life before. And I wouldn’t give him up to insulate myself in case I lose a loved one again.”
    Noah thought of his failed marriage and the painful lesson his ex-wife had carved on his soul. He was honest enough to admit he hadn’t left that behind. It was why he’d told Laura they could just fuck and get it out of their systems. That was all he’d done from the day his divorce was finalized. He hadn’t wanted to risk letting a woman close enough to eviscerate and embarrass him again.
    Shit, he’d been letting his past drive him. He thought of Laura, and those moments when she’d come alive under his hands, pure desire lighting her up. Desire just for him.
    He wanted that.
    He really wanted that.
    Now he just needed a plan to make it happen.
     

Chapter Five
    When his comp pinged later that afternoon, Noah noticed with surprise that the message was from Laura. He dropped the energy cube he was working on. Damn thing was driving him nuts, anyway. He tapped his comp and opened the message.
    Hi, Noah. I know you’re working to get that energy cube operational for the illusion system. I was wondering if you’d like to question the raptor prisoner we have in custody. He may be able to help. He’s become a lot more cooperative in the last few weeks. Your call. Laura.
    Noah sank back in his chair. It was a good idea. But damn, he hadn’t expected her to extend this cordial invite to him. He hadn’t expected to hear from her at all.
    He quickly typed a message back.
    Hey there, Captain Dragon. Excellent idea. I’ll be down there shortly. Noah.
    His comp pinged.
    Do NOT call me that ridiculous name.
    Soon, he was striding down the tunnels to the prison area, a smile on his face. As he approached the reinforced metal door to the prison, he saw a young, female soldier standing guard outside. She had gorgeous, dark skin and black, curly hair that framed her face.
    “Hi.” He nodded at her. He’d seen her a few times when he’d come down to repair the comp system.
    She smiled. “It’s Noah, right?”
    “It sure is.”
    “Comp system down again?”
    He shook his head. “Something else I’m working on with Captain Bladon.”
    The soldier nodded and moved to unlock the door. She paused and looked back, her smile still in place. “I heard you like gaming.”
    Noah’s eyebrows rose. “Yeah, I don’t mind it. The tech team has a weekly tournament in a few of the first-person shooter games they managed to bring with them.”
    “I used to play Masters of War with my brothers, and a few of us played when we were at the Coalition Military Academy.” She pushed open the door and smiled at him again. “I thought maybe you and I could have a private gaming session sometime.”
    Noah might not be good at reading subtle signs, but he got this one loud and clear. And shit, looking at her, he would have taken her up on it a few weeks back. But now he wanted a different woman. “I—”
    “I’m sure Mr. Kim would love a gaming session, Maggie.”
    Laura’s sharp voice