Quinn’s Battle (Team KOA Bravo #4)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

When Bowie shared the plan with Moana, she’d started issuing orders like an admiral preparing a battle group. Quinn was taken aback as she made calls, seemingly having the details all organized in her head. She appointed Mia to pick up a few side dishes. Bowie was getting drinks, Flint and Emery and Dahlia would set up the picnic tables from the supplies at the ranch. His oven was volunteered to warm up the meatloaf.

It was a wonder Moana let him make the arrangements for the vehicles they needed to get from Dahlia’s house to his cabin. He drove the rental motorcycle, allowing Carter to drive Dahlia’s and appreciated the minutes of solitude on the drive out to the ranch.

The time helped him come to terms with what could only be described as a big family party. He was smiling about it. That wasn’t normal at all, but it felt right. Weird, but right.

As a kid, any family gathering usually made him feel awkward. An outsider looking in. Even when he stayed with foster families determined to include him, he hovered at the fringes, afraid to be curious.

Afraid to get attached, because he never knew when the system would move him somewhere new.

In some ways, the Navy was the same, except he had the consistency of the men who would also be at this impromptu party. Knowing he’d be surrounded by friends should’ve relaxed him, but regrets niggled at him.

Today should’ve been for the two of them, a chance to hang out somewhere other than the bar or out on the water. A chance to get acquainted. He found her fascinating and wanted to know her better. He had zero expectation of being with her beyond the next couple of weeks. More serious relationships were brewing in his friends’ lives, but Quinn had no intention of trying to keep up with them. Who wanted to pursue heartache? Not him. He’d had enough to last a lifetime.

But now, getting to know Dahlia, enjoying her, was all twisted up with needing solid information. Her house had been targeted deliberately and figuring out why was essential to keeping her safe.

The counterfeit money at the bar and planted at her house made it a no-brainer about who was behind it. But again, why?

At least he didn’t have to jump straight into all of that. With her safely on the ranch, the full force of Brotherhood protectors between them and the rest and the world, and their friends descending on his cabin, they could all relax and have some fun this evening.

Relax , he coached himself, taking a deep breath as he pulled up to the cabin. Carter had agreed to wait a few minutes, keeping Dahlia’s repaired ride a surprise. Although the fix was temporary, he was sure she’d appreciate having a way to get around on her own. Even if he did have to shadow her for the foreseeable future. He didn’t want to squash her independence, but he sure as hell couldn’t leave her without someone watching her back.

She was sitting at a picnic table, her attention on Emery until she heard him drive up. Her smile when she saw him confirmed Flint’s last update that her mood was improving.

That was something. Dahlia shouldn’t be afraid of anything. Especially not her own home, despite the mess today. He hoped she could get comfortable with his sudden and constant presence.

She walked over once he’d parked and removed his helmet. “How was the ride?”

“Would’ve been better with you,” he said without thinking. If they’d been alone, he would’ve kissed her. Or encouraged her to kiss him. He wasn’t sure what to do with an audience.

Her eyes widened and her bright smile followed. “I’ll find a way to give you the full Big Island tour,” she promised. “I can’t stop looking at the pictures you sent.” She lifted her phone. “You shouldn’t have done all that.”

“It needed done.” To hell with it. They were among friends. He bent his head and brushed a quick kiss across her cheek. “How are you holding up?”

She held his gaze, as if trying to figure out the affectionate move. “Better thanks to so many good friends.”

“Glad to hear that. Everything went well with the police?”

“Yes. Cassie said she wants to meet with me tomorrow. At the resort,” she said as they walked over to the others gathered at the tables outside his cabin. Mia and Emery were setting out quite a spread. Moana and Bowie arrived and after getting the nod from Quinn, he took Dahlia’s suitcase straight inside the cabin.

No way would he let her out of his sight, though he wasn’t sure who would be sleeping where tonight.

She gave Bowie a hug for helping clean up the mess at her place, then glanced around. “Where’s Carter?”

“On his way,” Mia said.

From the glint in her eye, Quinn suspected she was in on the surprise. Right on cue, Quinn heard the rumble of the motorcycle approaching. It took Dahlia another beat or two, watching closely, before she realized Carter was driving her motorcycle.

She swiveled away from her chat with Mia toward Quinn. “How?”

Carter climbed off the bike, handing over the keys and helmet. “Your chariot,” he said with a wink.

She stared at Quinn. “What else have you done today?”

“Are you mad?”

“No.” She shook her head. “No. I’m just…”

“She’s in shock,” Moana supplied.

“I told you,” Emery said as she joined the circle around the motorcycle.

“You shouldn’t be without your bike,” Quinn explained. “It’s a temporary fix.” He glanced at Mia. “Thanks to Mia, we contacted the shop that did the original seat. They’re recreating it for you.”

“No way.”

Moana planted her hands on her hips. “I should’ve thought of champagne.”

Bowie slid an arm around her waist. “We’ll make up for it at the bar next time.”

Dahlia grabbed Quinn’s arm and hauled him away from the others. “You can’t be serious.”

“You’re not happy?”

“Of course I’m happy.” She swiped at her face, though she wasn’t crying. “I’m hallucinating.”

“You’re not,” he assured her.

“They’re really making another one for me?”

He nodded. “They were almost as pissed off as you were when they heard about it. I guess they have the original pattern on file or something.”

“You.” She pressed her lips together and walked away, until they were out of sight from the others. “How did you even know what it meant to me?”

He decided not to point out that anyone who’d seen her around her motorcycle knew what it meant to her. Not just the custom seat, but the care she took with the machine. Tears welled in her eyes and he shifted to prevent anyone else from seeing her cry. “Dahlia, that seat was a work of art. Even if that much hadn’t been obvious, your reaction was. They wanted to hurt you.”

“They did,” she admitted, her voice ragged. “I’ve been furious all day that they might’ve seen how badly they got me.”

“Well, they don’t know where you are for tonight,” Quinn said. “I’d like to keep it that way as long as possible. The repair is a small win.”

“But an important one. Thank you, Quinn.”

“It was Mia,” he repeated. “Carter called her.”

She wrapped her arms around him. “It was you,” she stated. “Thank you . I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there today.”

She would’ve handled it. He’d never seen anything set her back. At the bar, or out on the water, she dealt with whatever life lobbed at her. “You’re strong, Dahlia.” So damn strong. “You would’ve figured it out.”

He felt her tremble. “Maybe.” She rested her cheek on his chest and something inside him broke loose. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”

“Not alone. Everyone pitched in.”

She nodded. “Emery was a big help with the legalities.”

“See, not alone.” He held her loosely against his chest. It was the damndest thing, wanting to stay right here. Despite his typical denials and dedication to self-preservation, he was more than attracted to her. He was growing attached. A foolish move.

Most likely, she’d be over this by morning and ready to get back to her routine. The one that didn’t directly include him. He would slide into the shadows until she wanted to make out. That was for the best. He’d told her he wasn’t relationship material. Strange that he had to remind himself of that basic truth.

As they returned to their friends, he realized their newfound contentment was rubbing off on him. It wasn’t that they didn’t care about bringing Fuller and his murderous cronies to justice. Quinn knew all of them wanted those men to rot in prison.

No, his friends were more involved with test-driving a civilian life in full color. In paradise, no less. They weren’t sitting around jawing about some theoretical life after the teams—they were actually doing it. Hawk’s group set one helluva example, redefining the post-military standard. Carter, Bowie, and Flint were going all in, proving they could adapt, be useful, and be happy too.

He needed to sort out what happiness looked like for him. The satisfaction of successful training and operations had been his definition for too long. Clearly, there was more, something he didn’t understand. Something that eluded him, though he’d tried before.

Naturally, his gaze drifted to Dahlila. It was impossible not to see four couples having dinner on a gorgeous autumn night, but that was way too much pressure on both of them.

Enjoying himself tonight was good enough. Nothing wrong with being happy in the moment.

He let the conversation flow around him, digging into the meal Moana had pulled together. He was so grateful their friends steered the talk away from the ordeal Dahlia had been through today. She needed the break—even just a short interlude would be helpful.

Between the resources Hawk and Cassie had at their disposal, Quinn expected to have more intel soon on the who and why behind the break-in.

Waiting was never fun, but hopefully they could distract each other once they were alone.

Couldn’t happen soon enough for him.

They were wrapping up when another vehicle approached. Though it couldn’t be a threat, Quinn braced himself, shifting closer to Dahlia.

The Jeep Wrangler turned down the headlights and Quinn saw two silhouettes. Hawk climbed out from behind the driver’s seat. Another man stepped out of the passenger side, a big black dog blending into the shadows at his hip.

Hawk introduced all of them to Simon Drayton and his K9 partner, Boo. The black German shepherd observed the group with quiet confidence. Not unlike her human partner. “Drayton and Boo are part of a new Brotherhood Protectors initiative. Boo’s specialty with Delta Force was explosives,” Hawk continued. “We’re retraining her for other scent work.”

Drayton reached down and scratched one tall ear. “She’s shown promise with money. It’s early yet, but Hawk says we might be able to help out.”

“How so?” Dahlia asked.

Hawk frowned. “None of us are thrilled that your home was targeted and counterfeit bills were planted on your property. Cassie’s employers have an incomparable research team.”

“And good lawyers too,” Dahlia murmured.

“True,” Hawk agreed.

Quinn moved closer still. “What have they found?”

“That electric blue sports car was in your neighborhood last night. On your street,” Hawk specified. “We can’t confirm Steen was driving, though we do have him driving the car to the bar earlier. They’re doing their best to track Steen beyond his meetings with Morton.”

“What does this mean?” Emery asked, stepping up to Dahlia’s other side.

“They’re exchanging cars,” Dahlia replied. “And casing my house too, I guess.”

“The car returned to the resort and has since gone missing. That’s where Boo comes in,” Hawk said. At her name, the dog’s ears twitched. “Boo and Drayton will be doing some casual walks around the areas where you’ve seen Steen. Morton too,” he said to Dahlia.

“Morton has only been seen at the resort.”

“Fine. If Boo alerts on any of the vehicles tied to those two, we can follow and gather more intel.”

Emery pursed her lips. “You’re looking for cars full of cash.”

“Or paper or ink,” Drayton said. “I can’t make guarantees, but her alerts are quiet so we shouldn’t draw undue attention.”

Beyond the sheer intimidation of the two of them together, Quinn thought. “We’ll take all the help we can get,” he said. He was determined to eliminate this threat looming over her, the sooner the better. “Thanks.” He shook hands with Drayton and gave a nod to the dog.

The visit from Hawk and Drayton had broken up the relaxing evening and as everyone left, Quinn found himself alone with Dahlia. At last, or already, he wasn’t sure.

“It’s a brief tour,” he said, holding the door for her. “Mostly self-explanatory.”

She chuckled as she walked inside. The cabins were the equivalent of basic, open-concept efficiency apartments with a kitchenette, a couple of chairs, television, and a dining table for two under the front window. The bed was set in the back corner, along with a full bathroom.

“These are nicer than I expected,” Dahlia said.

“I had the same thought,” he admitted. He rolled her suitcase toward her. “Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks, Quinn. I know this is putting you out.”

“It’s fine.” He’d do whatever was necessary to keep her safe. “Go on and take the bed tonight. I’ll take the floor.” He started for the closet where extra linens were stored.

“No way.” She gawked at him. “I’m not kicking you out of your bed.”

“I’m volunteering,” he said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“We could share the bed.” Her hands curled tightly around the handle of her suitcase.

His pulse thundered. If he shared the bed with her, he’d want a whole lot more than kisses. Moving that fast didn’t seem wise. He wasn’t convinced she wanted to move that fast, either. “One night on the floor won’t hurt me. If we need to, we’ll work out something else for tomorrow.”

“Mm-hm.” She hefted her suitcase to the bed and unzipped it, her lips tugged down in a frown.

Obviously, he wasn’t saying the right things. “I’ll let you unpack,” he said. With the sleeping situation settled, he didn’t know what else to do but give her space.

Stepping outside, Quinn basked in the tropical twilight. Overhead, the sky faded to indigo as stars twinkled across the velvety canvas. Hawaii amazed him with beauty day and night.

“Missing home?” Dahlia’s voice was softer than the night rolling in.

His heart kicked in his chest. Not from surprise. He’d heard her come outside, obviously. Between the soft squeak of the door hinges and the scent of her skin, it was impossible to forget how close she was or how much he wanted her.

“No.” He kept his gaze on the sky. Easier to keep his hands off her that way. Better than scaring her off with how needy he felt when she was around.

And she was spending the night. In the bed he’d been using for weeks. He hadn’t realized what a challenge this would be.

“Growing up here… I can’t get my head around how lucky you are.” Not just the stunning, rugged beauty of the islands, but the culture of family, the ties between the people and nature that made this remote part of the world so unique.

“It’s home.” She stretched her arms up and let them fall. “And I take it for granted. I should be ashamed by how often I only saw the limits when I was a kid. Still do sometimes. Everything the rest of the world has to offer is so far away.”

“That must be a universal thing,” he said, wanting to soothe. “No one likes where they’re from.”

“No love lost for your hometown, huh?”

“Not really.” He should give her more than that after invading her life and not sharing much of his own. But telling her there was no one in his hometown who gave a damn about him sounded too pathetic. “I was ready for a fresh start as soon as I could get it. Made me the ideal recruit for the Navy. No one to complain or send me on a guilt trip. No distractions from my training.”

“Is that why you’re a SEAL?”

“Partly.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “The Navy offered me a new challenge. A chance to prove my worth. I needed both.” Feeling restless, he moved away from her, leaning against the upright. “You ready to call it a night?”

“I guess. You sure you won’t let me take the floor? This is your place.”

He turned, staring her down. Her features were blurred by the low light, but her face was etched in his memory. He was happy enough imagining the flare of heat in her green eyes. “Unless you’re offering to share the bed, I’m done discussing it.”

“Quinn.”

Was it wishful thinking that he heard a sizzle of desire? “You need rest.”

“Hm.” She stepped closer. “You’re probably right.” Another step. “Just one thing first.”

First? Hell, he could think of a thousand things that could be firsts between them. He wanted to try them all. With her. He couldn’t dwell on it or he’d lose focus and rush this. Rush her. She’d been through so much today and it didn’t matter how much fun they’d had this evening with friends, her home had come under attack.

“Are you avoiding the bed because you’re no longer interested in me, um, physically?”

His back teeth locked. “No.”

She was within reach now, her face tipped up. “Good.” A secret smile curled her lush mouth. Irresistible.

There was no logical reason for holding back. Not with his body thrumming with desire.

And then she caught his hands, stroked his palms. Her touch glided up along his arms as if she was mapping his body. When she stretched up and linked her hands behind his neck her generous curves pressed against his chest. Helpless now, he molded the dip of her waist and drew her closer.

On a sweet sigh, her mouth touched his. Just like that, he was on fire. Bodyguard with benefits, that was him.

Her lips parted and he reveled in her taste, the pounding of his pulse as her body melted to his.

She was as supple as the swaying trees, the steady beat of the ocean, the sparkle of the stars. She was all the beauty surrounding him day by day since his arrival. She was everything and, greedy as he was, he wanted more.

His palms cruised along her hips as he tried to remember she hadn’t invited him to the bed. Yet.

He could persuade her. Wouldn’t take much. And that was the real danger. Desire couldn’t overrule caution. He needed her to trust him with more than kisses. With her life. He eased back, his fingers running along the silky skin just under her jaw. “Dahlia?”

Her hands slipped to his chest, her fingertips hot through his shirt. “I’m redlining,” she murmured without looking at him. “Too fast?”

“I’m all-in, baby.” He nuzzled her cheek. “You can set the pace.”

Her dark brows furrowed as she peered up at him. “Why? Seems like you should have a say in it.”

He laughed, the sound rusty and ragged. “With you, I’ll always say yes. That should be clear enough.”

Her fingertip caressed his lips. “I don’t want to waste any time with you,” she confessed. “I know you have a life away from here.”

“But?”

“But it does feel fast,” she whispered.

Because she’d been through one traumatic day. He understood. “Then we’ll slow down where we can. Let’s call it a night.”

“That easy?”

She sounded so annoyed that he smothered his amusement. “No. Not easy at all. Just necessary.” Holding her hand—he couldn’t seem to not touch her—he led her into the cabin.

Tomorrow would likely hold more challenges. Her shift at the bar, possibly the cops, hopefully intel from the dog’s search too.

They’d be smart to rest up while they could.