Once a SEAL (3 page)

He tugged the tiny scrap of fabric gently out of the way and then gave her his full attention. His lips rained kisses, caressing the tender flesh until she was pushing into him, and then his tongue was diving into the depths of her, making her squirm and pant.

Hands tugged at his hair, trying to bring him closer. He wouldn’t be rushed. He wanted to bring her again and again until her body was drenched with satisfaction.

His lips wrapped around the delicate bud of her clitoris, and with his tongue he lazily lapped the tip until she came in a flourish of convulsions. Then he made his way to her honey and lapped up the sweetness, bringing her again with his lips and tongue.

When his own body could take no more delicious delight, he shifted away from her, reached up, and pulled the hem of her dress down, smoothing her curls and smiling into her flushed face. This was his bride, and she was the most beautiful woman on the face of this earth, and they belonged to each other.

***

The meal had been incredible.

“I raise my glass to Dan and Aria. Cheers!” JC toasted the happy couple and then downed the shot of tequila.

Dan resisted the urge to join in the drunkenness, wanting to remember every minute of tonight. He was really married. He’d really done it. He would be loyal to her until the day he died. He was a SEAL through and through, and they took commitment seriously. As the saying goes, “Once a SEAL, Always a SEAL.”

“Hooyah!” shouted the men of the wedding party. Having the Team guys and their female companions there made for a festive time.

There were empty plates piling up on the table. They’d begun with appetizers of shrimp and crab, then had eaten steak and lobster, grilled asparagus and steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes with gravy and garlic, and three baskets of freshly baked bread with an assortment of cheese and fruit. For dessert they’d dined on a special dark-chocolate mousse with layers of white mousse and freshly whipped cream and shavings of mint candy on top and plates of chocolate-dipped strawberries. The food was satisfying and abundant, and they’d all eaten until they were about to burst.

“To frogmen everywhere and their families,” said Liam Keith, who sat at the end of the table with several Team FIVE SEALs, including Hayes Johnson, Miller Roth, Declan Swifton, and Harvey Wilson. They’d all gone through training around the same time and spent their free time on various gun ranges scattered up and down the West Coast. Now that Dan was married, he knew most of his days off would be spent with Aria. Maybe he’d be able to sneak off with the guys now and then…or even teach his new wife to enjoy this favorite hobby.

“And to the Hotel del Coronado and its fine grub,” added Hammer as he lifted his third shot and slammed it home. “Mmmm-my, that’s good.”

His wife, Hannah, placed her hand on his arm. She did not look pleased. “I think it’s time we headed home, Michael.”

“Not until we finish the toasts,” his LT broke in and took the floor. “May your head and heart work as one, and never a cross word separate them.” He threw back his drink and cleared his throat. “I first met McCullum when he visited the Team to provide weapons training. The new toys were brilliant! It could bring the enemy down in less than two seconds flat. I liked him then and even more so when they decided to transfer him as permanent part of Team THREE. Here’s to Dan—one of our new Chiefs—his lovely new bride Aria, and Platoon 1-Bravo, Team THREE.”

“And his visits to ST1,” said Jack Roaker of Team ONE as he and his wife, Laurie, stood, raised their glasses—one filled with beer and the other with milk—and toasted the happy couple. Her belly was just beginning to show. It had been more than a year since their marriage, and it was obvious how happy they were as Jack doted on his wife, helping her sit down again and quietly asking if she needed anything.

Commander Charles Gich added, “To the Teams. We are all one.” He downed the whiskey in one gulp, then smoothed his thick chevron mustache back into place and scratched his long sideburns. He was known as one of the best instructors in the Teams and was a legend in his own right. Gich was always there to support Teammates. Meeting him through Roaker had been a solid gift.

“Hear, hear!” echoed the sailors as they slammed their shot glasses on the table.

A couple at the table across the room frowned at them. Their displeasure wasn’t going to stop the wedding celebration.

Mark stood and then held his water glass and tapped a knife on the rim. He waited until everyone had quieted down. “I’ve been Aria’s best friend through college. We’ve faced tough times, we’ve celebrated good ones, and throughout it all, I know how loyal and dedicated she can be… You’re a lucky man, Dan. She’s quite a catch, and I hope you’ll be very happy together. Congratulations!”

This time the women joined in, too. “Congratulations!”

“On that note…” said Dan, who was receiving some rather overt body language from the wives. He looked at his wife and she nodded. “Perhaps we should…”

“Yes,” said Aria, catching the same wave and joining in. “I think it’s time to say good night. I’d like to spend some quality time with my husband.”

Hannah grabbed her husband’s hand and practically dragged Hammer from the table. “Thanks for a wonderful dinner. Congratulations! Good night, everyone.” He went willingly, though his grumbling voice was heard until they exited the restaurant.

A round of “Sleep tight” and “Score one for the Team” rained down on them as the partygoers departed. Dan had enjoyed having his closest friends feast with them. The men at this table would go to the mat for him, and it felt good to know it. Besides, if the smiles on their faces were any indication, most of them had had a good time, he decided.

Aria tugged his sleeve. She seemed to be studying her husband, running her eyes up and down his body and then locking onto his. He didn’t have to be a mind reader to guess what she wanted.

Grabbing her hand, he turned to lead his new bride away for some wedding-night fun and games and bumped straight into a busboy carrying a tray, which crashed noisily to the floor. He tried to help the young guy, but was waved off. Dan was relieved that the havoc was only silverware and not dishes; otherwise he’d have felt obligated to pay for anything damaged.

“Dan?” asked Aria with raised eyebrows.

“I’m not drunk. I only had one shot. I dumped the rest into the planter behind me. Don’t give me that look. I didn’t commit planticide, I checked—they’re silk.” Dan signaled the waiter for the bill. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew his wallet and laid several bills inside of the leather folio. He’d already slated a certain amount for the pricey dinner and knew what the tally would be. “Keep the tip.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir,” replied the waiter as he took the folio full of money away.

Dan smiled. “I want to remember every detail of tonight. I wouldn’t have gotten drunk and disrespected you that way. Give me a little credit.”

“I give you a lot. Really!”

As they stepped through the double doors, cool night air hit their skins. The sting was invigorating, clearing away the cloying heat of the restaurant. The choice was…head straight back to the room or enjoy the cool evening first.

Music drifted up, coming in on the ocean breeze, down from on the beach. Someone was playing a guitar and another person was singing. Dan could hear the ocean like a siren’s song, calling to him.

He wanted to feel the sand and see the waves, to hold Aria in his arms and connect with the rhythms of the world. If he could live on the beach with her, it would be ideal. A little hut or a house somewhere, a hammock, and each other was all they needed.

“Shall we take the long way to our room?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. Either way, they’d have to walk outside for a bit to get to it. The Del was designed that way…like a giant plantation house.

“Yes.” She laughed suddenly, acting giddy and seeming a little nervous about being alone with him. “Let’s go explore. Maybe we can dance.” She tugged on his arm, encouraging him to hurry as they made their way down the path and toward the beach. Aria looked as if she belonged in another era, with her old-style wedding dress and her buoyant curls.

A woman’s soulful voice made the melody haunting as she sang “The Very Thought of You.”

Several people were already dancing to the ballad.

Aria pulled off her shoes and spun away from Dan, turning in a circle with her arms wide and her head tilted toward the stars. She looked like a little girl dancing under the glittering stars, and he fell in love with her a little bit more in that moment for embracing that freedom and living that happiness out loud. He wholeheartedly reveled in her sense of release and joy.

“Dan, come dance with me.”

His hands caught her and brought her body against his. He held her tightly against him as he rained kisses down her neck. He would do anything to protect the life that fluttered through those veins. Then he laid his cheek against hers and waltzed her around as if they were in a fancy ballroom.

When the song ended, several people clapped.

Aria blushed, realizing so many eyes watched them.

His lips nuzzled her ear. Softly, he said, “You look beautiful, Aria. Don’t worry. I’ll always help you shine. Enjoy this time, this moment. Us. Let the rest of the world disappear.”

She looked up at him. “When I’m with you, it does. And I do.” Her green eyes twinkled and tears welled up in her eyes. “You make me feel brave. Capable. And better at things than I am, like I’m living up to what I want for myself and for us.” Blinking her eyes quickly, the extra wetness moved away. “I love you, Dan.”

“I love you, Aria. How did I get so lucky to find you?” She often challenged him. This woman intrigued him like no other. That’s what it took to be with him. Her mind could change in a blink of an eye, and yet she was in command of her emotions.

“The same way I was blessed to find you?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought his head closer for a kiss. Then she murmured, “I’m ready for bed.”

“Aye, aye, ma’am.” Dan scooped her up in his arms and carried her off the beach and toward their room. “Your wish is my command.”

“Then you better prepare, because I have a lot of commands to give.”

“Try the word…
orders
,” he suggested.

“Wow, I get to order you around. Priceless. I think I’m going to like marriage,” she said with a wicked grin.

“What have I gotten myself into?” He laughed.

She smiled up at him and then laid her head against his shoulder. “Hey. Thank you…for my perfect day.” Her hands stroked the side of his neck and then his jaw.

Lightning streaked across the sky. The storm was finally coming. A series of bright flashes showed the anticipation and eagerness in her eyes. That openness was a quality he admired. Aria was his fierce adventuress. Even better, he adored the way she fit into his arms as if she was meant to be there. She was a multifaceted creature, and he looked forward to spending the rest of his life discovering new things about her.

“My pleasure,” he murmured against her hair as he laid a kiss on the top of her head. She was all his, and his body ached to lay claim to her. “There’s so much more to come, my sweet Aria. Just you wait and see.”

***

It had been a real trick, getting the door open using the card key and keeping her right where he wanted her, snug in his grasp. The lighting was subdued and the maid had turned down the bed, leaving mints on the pillow. He gently laid her down in the center of the bed. Her hair was downright messy from the dancing, the wind, and the trip from the beach, as if he’d already bedded her. He liked that look on her.

“You are so gorgeous.” His compliment made the color on her cheeks darken. Her silk dress was radiant and oh, so beautiful on her. His eyes ate their way over her and he was eager for both of them to be naked.

“Do you need help?” He didn’t know where to begin.

“Yes.” She rolled onto her stomach. There were at least a hundred tiny little buttons with small loops.

He swore under his breath, and then asked, “How did you get into this thing?”

“One foot at a time, and then I wiggled.”

“Ha, ha!”

“Seriously, Jimmy spent an hour buttoning it.” She shimmied, obviously ready to be out of the silk cocoon. “I told him it was his duty as my brother. Did he do a good job? I tried to check using a hand mirror, but it wasn’t that great a view.”

“I beg to differ on that. From where I sit, the view is awesome.” His hands swept down the back of the dress, caressing the flawless silk. “He deserves a gold star.” Then his fingers moved to the top of the dress. “Are you sure you want to take it off using the buttons? There’s a lot we could do that…”

“Danny! Don’t you dare! Our daughter or daughter-in-law might want to wear it one day.” She swatted the mattress for emphasis.

Oh, yes, I married a very fiery vixen!
He grinned broadly. “Okay. But I’m taking off my uniform first. Then, I’ll help you. I want to be comfortable, so I can enjoy my work.”

“Okay. Thanks.” She arched her neck toward him. The scowl that had been on her lips melted away as her eyes became transfixed to his movements. He made a show of disrobing using his very best sexy manner, bending and flexing appropriately. He wasn’t shy about showing her how turned on he was. That’s just the kind of guy he was.

“My…we are excited about our wedding night.” A pleasant blush reddened her cheeks.

“I would hope so,” he teased back. Standing naked before her, he grabbed first one of her feet and then the other, pulling off her shoes. Then he reached underneath the dress and ran his hands along her stockings.

“Wait, I want to show you my underthings. Please.”

His hands stilled. How could he deny her? He had been planning to strip her from the waist down and begin their lovemaking. Plan A was if Aria hadn’t wanted to keep the dress, he would have ripped the silk off her and made it a thrilling part of the night. Understanding her wish to keep it, though, he acquiesced. Plan B was sex with the dress on, playing with the silk to both of their advantages. Plan C was…get the dress off. She was adamant. “Fine, I’ll begin at your tailbone and work my way up. But you might have to get me inspired when I finish this task—just letting you know.”