Compromising Love (The American Soldier Collection 10)

York. Brown crew cut hair, hazel eyes, and muscles and sexiness galore.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Hey, we’re together now. We’re one. No secrets, no walls between us.”

She snorted.

“I’m serious.”

She stared at him and held his gaze and knew she trusted him with all her heart. But giving into them completely and sharing her fears, the things that have kept her struggling through life and unable to sleep at night would leave her powerless and vulnerable.

“I need time, York.”

He looked displeased but quickly smiled softly. “I understand. Just know that we would never hurt you or leave you. You’re our woman now. Our lover, our mate and friend, and nothing can ever come between the bond we started tonight and will continue to work on and build stronger. You remember that, baby.” He ran his hand along the curves of her ass as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

Maybe, just maybe she could let them completely inside?

* * * *

Storm received a call from Dmitri during dinnertime. He excused himself and left the table, taking the call in the study down the hallway.

“How is Aspen?” Dmitri asked immediately.

Storm’s gut tightened and he felt on the defensive immediately.

“She’s perfect, why?” he asked.

“I tried calling her but she hasn’t returned my calls. I was getting concerned.”

“She’s our concern and responsibility, not yours. Is that what this is all about?”

“You sound different, Storm. Has something changed between us? Because last I checked, you left me in charge of watching over your business interests. Considering that we’re family, I would think that meant there were no issues between us.

Storm ran his hands through his hair and sighed. “Sorry, cousin.”

“Not a problem. We’ve kept our family ties a secret most of our lives. Even though I can’t see you, I can hear the concern in your voice. How are things really going with you, your team, and Aspen?”

“Things have changed, actually.”

“Ahh, have you finally told her that you love her? Or perhaps she has told you?”

“What makes you think that she loves us?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that she’s risked her life to save your companies and your friend’s company, too. You know you could give up your territory here in Chicago to me and concentrate on building your empire down in Texas. You’ve got enough friends in government and law enforcement to assist when needed.”

“Since when did you become interested in security firms, dance clubs, and the nightlife of Chicago?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind the change of businesses. There’s been some talk of Nicolai playing a bigger role out here.”

“Not with Andrei taking over Sparks Industries.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. He’s been staying under the radar for his own reasons, but believe me when I tell you he’s got things covered deep. I won’t get into it now, but you have a lot of people watching your back. Say the word, and you can completely run the Texas territory and nothing else. You and the team will have your hands full. But with a woman like Aspen at your side, you’ll be kicking ass and expanding even further in no time. I wish I could have landed that piece of ass.”

“She’s ours.”

“Ahh, so you finally claimed her for real? That’s good to hear. You watch her closely though. I wouldn’t trust Andrei to abide by any of the traditional rules. He’s got some dirty work going on, which is also why I’m calling. Seems he’s slowly moving in on your club scene. Has some dealers taking away business at the club and working in some illegal shit you guys have never allowed.”