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  “The courts had reached out to me to take custody of Chase. I knew . . . know, he was better off without me in his life. Instead of showing up at the courthouse like a man, I signed the paperwork relinquishing my rights as a parent, as a father. Now I’m nothing to him.”

  That was heartbreaking for her to hear. She knew Mac’s story, how he’d been wounded. He had spotted the IED seconds before it exploded and put himself between it and his men. Yes there were other injuries, but Mac’s action meant there were no fatalities.

  Melissa wasn’t sure Mac was right, but when she left the coffee house, she’d call and confirm. “Mac, I’ll do what I can. But I can’t make any promises that he’ll listen to me.”

  “You’ve changed.”

  She cocked a brow. Melissa felt as though she had aged a bit, but for the most part, she felt stagnant. “In what way?”

  Mac eyed her before saying, “If I didn’t know better, I would think you’re working for your brothers too. But from what I know of them, they’d never let that happen.”

  Melissa forced a grin. “You’re right about that. I’m still just working as a physical therapist.”

  “If it hadn’t been for you, I’d still be sitting on my ass, rotting. But you didn’t take my shit. So don’t ever say you’re just a PT. There’s something special about you. Don’t forget that.” Mac pressed the controller on his wheelchair and headed back toward the door. She’d known him for almost nine years, and even though when she met him he was in an incredibly dark—desolate—place, she’d also felt a little more compassion toward him. Like he was a favorite uncle she needed to treat to bring the real him back. Through her time treating him, Mac had also taught her something about herself. Patients are more than a record or number. They’re individuals who need to be treated with love and respect. “Remember what I said, you know nothing about what I told you.”

  Won’t be hard. You haven’t given me much to go on. Melissa was about to call her oldest brother, Rafe, but decided to wait. She was supposed to meet Ellie and Josh in the morning. Since they were going to be on a long flight, it’d be the perfect time to question Josh. He would know all the men just as well as any of her brothers. Sorry Ellie, but it looks like I’m hijacking your vacation too.

  * * *

  Chris Stratton pulled his T-shirt over his head and tucked it into his jeans. The sharp pain on the lower right side of his abdomen was the only reminder of how close it was to something much more serious. Although there was still pain, it was nothing compared to what he’d felt before the emergency surgery a week ago. With all the gunfights he’d been in, Chris couldn’t believe he’d almost been taken out by appendicitis. At least with it removed, it was one organ he didn’t need to worry about any longer.

  “Leaving at oh eight hundred,” David Turchetta said as he peeked his head into the office.

  “Roger,” Chris replied. He didn’t need David to remind him and assumed it was David’s less-than-subtle way of checking if he was in shape to move out. When he was in the Marine Corps he went out on missions with worse wounds than this. Hell, he’d taken a bullet in his right shoulder and refused to take medical leave. He’d been part of a team back then and still was. Nothing was going to keep him on his ass while the others headed out on a mission that really wasn’t theirs. They were only acting as backup if anything went wrong. Lately nothing seemed to be as expected. Not that Chris minded the action, but for once, he wouldn’t mind if things went as planned. Then again if that was the case, who’d need us?

  “I just got word we’ll be flying over with Josh and Ellie. Seems they are taking a vacation.”

  Chris had been working with Josh for the past few years. The guy couldn’t sit long enough for a vacation. There had to be something else going on. “Josh?”

  “I know. I was surprised too,” David replied.

  “Where are they going?”

  “Italy.”

  Chris nodded. “Convenient, don’t you think? Only hours away from where we’ll be. I won’t be shocked if he’s traveling with his gear.”

  David laughed. “I won’t bet against you. But I can’t picture him leaving Ellie alone.”

  “You’re right about that.” Chris had been the lead-in, watching over Ellie while Josh worked on the inside. Of course Josh seemed to have changed over the last few months. That wasn’t a bad thing. If anything Josh seemed more . . . grounded.

  David said, “You’ll understand when you find the one.”

  Chris laughed. “Why would I want to do a thing like that? Think about all the hearts I’d break if I was taken off the market.” He rubbed his chin, knowing damn well it drove David crazy. They all teased him about his looks; he was the young pretty boy of the bunch. As far as Chris was concerned, it worked in his favor, mostly in a fight. His face wasn’t all fucked up because he knocked his attacker out first.

  “Keep laughing, Chris. But when it happens—”

  “You’ll know I was drunk,” Chris snapped. “I’m not the marrying type.” Mostly because he didn’t believe in it. He’d seen more broken relationships than he wanted. Although he kept his opinion to himself when the Turchettas all fell into the trap, it didn’t mean Chris didn’t have one.

  “I don’t know. You have smart ass remarks just like my brother Gabe. Look at him. He found someone who can put up with his . . . humor.”

  “I’m nothing like Gabe.”

  “Good, because I’ve been on enough flights with him lately. Never thought it was possible. I thought he was bad before, but since he met Vanessa, he’s worse.”

  “Don’t have to worry. You won’t know I’m on the jet. By the way, we better get going or Josh might leave us behind.” Chris knew that wasn’t going to happen, but if it got David to drop the subject, it was fine with him.

  David looked at his watch and said, “I plan on getting some shuteye on the flight.”

  Even better.

  They locked up the office and headed to the airport. The jet was fueled and waiting for them when they arrived. Chris wanted to get on the plane and in the air. Like David, he intended to sleep the entire way. Of course as they climbed the stairs to board, it became obvious that wasn’t about to happen. The sound of women laughing echoed through the cabin. He was familiar with Ellie’s laugh, but couldn’t make out the other one.

  “What the hell?” David asked as he cleared the doorway first. “What are you doing here?”

  “I could ask the same thing of you,” Melissa replied.

  Chris hadn’t realized this was going to be a family flight. Nothing goes as planned any more.

  David took the couch and laid down. He pulled some headphones out and said, “If anyone wakes me, it better be to say we landed.”

  That left the seat next to Melissa vacant. There was no way he was going to get any sleep or peace on this flight. As he sat down Ellie said, “I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “I have business overseas.”

  Ellie looked puzzled then added, “Are you sure you’re okay to travel?”

  Chris could feel Melissa’s eyes on him wondering what that meant. Damn it, Josh. Did you have to tell Ellie?

  “Have you been sick?” Melissa asked.

  “Don’t worry, you can’t catch what I had,” Chris responded.

  “That wasn’t my concern,” Melissa replied in a tone that seems like he’d hurt her feelings.

  “I’m fine.”

  Melissa continued to look at him, and he hoped she would pick up on the hint that he didn’t want to talk about it. Even if Melissa caught on, Ellie didn’t.

  “He had surgery a week ago. If you ask me, he should be home in bed.”

  “Surgery?” Melissa asked.

  “It was nothing. I’m fine. If I wasn’t, I’m sure your brothers wouldn’t let me go. Or are you questioning their judgment too?” Chris was glad David had his headphones on because he had questioned Chris several times already.

  “They would never jeopardize anyone’s life
,” Melissa huffed.

  In a flat tone, Chris glared at Melissa. “Neither would I.”

  Melissa was used to dealing with her brothers’ strong personalities. That explained why she didn’t flinch at his tone.

  “Good, because I have enough to worry about. The last thing I need to do is add you to my list.”

  Oh Melissa, I’m one guy no one needs to worry about. He’d been taking care of himself since his father walked out of his life years ago.

  The jet began to taxi down the runway, and the pilot instructed them to buckle up. Ellie and Melissa were the only two who obeyed. Ellie turned to Josh and said, “He said to—”

  Josh raised his hand and reached for the seatbelt. Chris bit back his laughter. Melissa tried doing the same to Chris and he said, “The point of a private jet is not having some attendant nagging me.”

  Melissa huffed once again and turned to look out the window. He heard her mumble, “You need some nagging.”

  Chris didn’t doubt that for a minute. He was a rebellious child and one stubborn-ass adult. One might consider him reckless, yet for what he did, the situations he faced, the fact he had nothing to lose worked for him.

  Once the jet was in the air and the pilot announced they were free to walk around, they unbuckled again. Melissa still wasn’t acknowledging Chris. He had no issue with the lack of conversation. The ladies chatting about things they wanted to see while in Italy and Josh agreed with whatever Ellie suggested. Chris wouldn’t trade places with Josh for anything.

  Chris closed his eyes and tried to block out the endless chatter. Finally there was a lull, and he hoped everyone else had decided to catch some z’s. But after a few minutes he heard Melissa whispering to Josh.

  “You know everyone who works for Turchetta’s Promise right?”

  Josh answered. “I do. Why?”

  “I’m looking for someone.”

  “Melissa, a lot of the men who work for us . . . with us, don’t want to be in the public eye.”

  She didn’t back down. “I know that, but I made a promise I would look.”

  Melissa had Chris’s attention now, but he kept his eyes close.

  Josh asked, “Who is asking?”

  Melissa didn’t respond immediately, and Chris could feel her arm tense as it rested against his. “I can’t tell you that.”

  Josh grunted. “Then don’t bother asking, Melissa, because I’m not about to share information without having some myself.”

  “Josh, I’m not a stranger asking, I’m your sister.”

  Chris could hear her pleading with Josh, and knew it wouldn’t do her any good. They had taken an oath they wouldn’t break even for family. It’s how they were all able to keep a private life, protect their families if they had them. Just because Chris had none, it didn’t mean he would want Josh or any of the others sharing information with anyone, even Melissa. It’s bad enough Ellie knows I had surgery.

  “You’re right. And there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. But the team functions on trust. It’s not something we can break. If we do, it’d be like pulling on a string that could cause it all to unravel.”

  Damn straight.

  “I understand, but this is a very unique situation,” Melissa pleaded again.

  “And so is Turchetta’s Promise. I suggest you tell your friend you couldn’t help.”

  He heard Melissa sigh. “He’s not going to be happy.”

  Josh spoke firmly and clearly as he stated, “We’re not in the business of making people happy, Melissa; we’re in the business of saving lives.”

  Before Melissa could respond, Ellie chimed in, “Josh, you’re not being very nice. She’s asking for your help.”

  Chris knew Josh was between a rock and a hard place. He could deny his sister’s request, but would Josh be able to hold firm with Ellie? He wasn’t so sure. Thankfully Josh did.

  “Ellie, this is one thing that isn’t up for discussion. Like the team has to trust each other, I’m asking for the same from you.”

  And this is why I don’t do relationships. They are fucking messy. Chris wanted to open his eyes to read her emotions. Instead all he had to go on was the tone of her response. It was a lot softer than he’d anticipated.

  “I do trust you, Josh. And I’m sure Melissa does as well. She is in the business of helping others in a different way than you do. I’m sure whoever she’s inquiring for has a good reason why they couldn’t ask for themselves. Isn’t that right Melissa?”

  “It is. I understand, and he’ll have to as well,” Melissa said softly.

  Chris could feel her torment at the decision even though he couldn’t see it. It made him want to know more about the man Melissa was pushing so hard to help. Was it a boyfriend or lover? It had to be in order for her to be so protective of his identity from Josh. Turchetta men were strong, resilient, and loyal. And that didn’t change when it came to their sister. He could tell they respected Melissa, and that respect would extend to her future. No man is going to be good enough for you, Melissa. Might as well face that fact now.

  Although he’d helped protect her from a distance, this was the first time he was actually spending some non-work time with her. He had a feeling there was a lot more to her than her brothers realized. And if she was smart, she’d keep it that way.

  Chris had no idea what possessed him to start the women talking all over again, but he opened his eyes and changed the subject.

  “I’ve been to a village outside of Rome. If you have time, maybe you can go. It will show you the side of Italy that has been forgotten. Old. Filled with traditions you won’t see in Rome.”

  Melissa turned to him and said, “I’m only along for the ride, but it sounds lovely.”

  “It is. If I was staying in Italy, that’s where you’d find me.” The last thing he wanted was to be off duty with the busy streets and noise. It’s where he’d go to think and to forget. Someplace I’ve been many times.

  Ellie suggested, “Why don’t you join us, Chris?”

  Josh’s eyes widened. “I thought this was a little getaway.”

  Ellie said, “It is.”

  “It won’t be if you keep inviting everyone,” Josh said in a teasing tone.

  “I wanted us to get away from work, not from people,” Ellie chuckled.

  Melissa said, “I don’t want to be in the way. I actually have things I want to do and see myself.”

  “Josh. Look at what you did. Now Melissa thinks we don’t want her with us. You better fix this before . . .” Ellie said as tears started down her cheeks.

  Chris didn’t think what Josh said was so bad, but then again, he didn’t know women that well. They laughed, cried, and then laughed again without any rhyme or reason as far as he was concerned. There was no way he was going to admit it, but watching Josh squirm was entertaining. The only person he felt bad for was Melissa, who seemed caught in the middle. No matter what Josh said from this point on, Melissa would feel in the way.

  He had no idea what possessed him to intervene. Leaning over he whispered, “I love it when he puts himself in a box like this. It makes me almost wish I could join you guys now.”

  Melissa shot him a side glance. “I wish I was going on whatever mission you’re heading off to. It’ll be less—”

  “Fun. Trust me Melissa. If Josh didn’t want you here, you wouldn’t be here.” Chris shouldn’t have to remind her of that. Josh was her brother after all. She knew him well, but Chris knew a different side of Josh. He usually was so focused. Right now, Josh seemed to have a lot on his mind, and Chris knew it had nothing to do with work. Rafe had made the right choice by not having Josh on this assignment.

  Melissa nodded and said softly, “That’s twice.”

  Chris cocked a brow. “Twice?”

  “That you came to my rescue. I wish you were staying with us in Italy. I have a feeling I’m not done needing you.”

  The way she said needing made his mind go where it shouldn’t. It wasn’t helped by the f
act that Melissa was a beautiful woman. Fierce. Intelligent. A long-term girl. Not only was she Josh’s sister, but Chris didn’t do serious relationships. And someone like Melissa didn’t do casual. That wall between them wasn’t going anywhere. If there was the slightest inclination it was about to crumble, Chris would reinforce it. She was a distraction and complication he didn’t want or need.

  The pilot announced they were making their final approach for landing. Chris couldn’t wait for this flight to be over. The only one who seemed to enjoy it had been David who was still snoring on the couch. Softly Chris said to Melissa, “You’ll be fine.” And you sure as hell don’t need me.

  The tires screeched, and he swore he heard her say under her breath, “I don’t need anyone.”

  He knew that was directed to him personally. Chris knew enough about her to have a different assessment. He’d seen her several times from a distance, and his first thought had been, wow, stunning. But what he knew of her character had come from the times her brothers had spoken about her, and everything they said led him to believe her statement was far from accurate. She had a giving, nurturing heart. People like that needed to be around others. Needed the strength from others at times too. Total opposite of me.

  Chapter Two

  Melissa was wide awake. Usually she could close her eyes and fall asleep without any issue. But the six-hour time difference had thrown off her inner clock. It’d be only nine thirty at night back home and here it was the wee hours of the morning.