Chronic (Se7en Deadly SEALs Book 2) Read Free Page B

This place was almost respectable.
    A little less than six months ago, I’d come here desperate for help. Confused, lost, alone. Without any plan. Now, I was transformed into a new woman and was everyday making progress on securing my brother’s freedom. I’d gained access to the SEALs, the strippers, and had placed a tracking device on Mitch’s phone. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
    Kyle gave Grant a bro hug.
    “Kyle, this beautiful woman is Ksenya.”
    Kyle kissed my hand.
    “Hi Kyle.” I looked up to meet his eyes. He was massive in every way, towering over his SEAL buddies; his muscles double the size of theirs, which was just ridiculous. How was that even possible?
    “Your man here tells me you’re looking for a job. I’m sure the boys would love to have your banging body filling their drinks.”
    “I am hard worker. Thank you for meeting together with me.”
    “Of course, beautiful. Tell me about yourself.” He leaned into me, his soulful eyes studying my face. As if he knew me.
    My heart fluttered and I resisted the urge to flee. “I was born in the Ukraine. My baba and me, we came to your country. She died, and now I am alone. There is nothing else to tell.”
    “Well, sugar, I treat my employees like family. Have you ever tended bar?”
    Even though Grant was my ex-boyfriend, in a way I feared Kyle would be the one to discover my identity. He was older than the other men and had lived a full life before joining the Teams. And he was one of those rare men who actually listened.
    “No, I have not. But I am the quick learner.”
    “Okay, then.” He opened up the side door to the bar. “Hop on it and give it a try. You can start by taking Grant’s order.”
    Grant reached across the bar and held my hand, as if to reassure me. “You got this, babe. Just give me a whisky on the rocks.”
    Kyle gave me a quick layout of the bar, where the different liquors were stored, different types of glasses for various drinks. My head was spinning, but every time I glanced at Grant his smile gave me confidence.
    After an hour or so, I needed a break. A blinding light flashed in my head, and I feared a migraine coming on.
    “Kyle, I thank to you for giving me this opportunity. When do you need me to start?”
    “How about Tuesday night? Weekends are the busiest so during the week I’ll have more time to train you.”
    I couldn’t hold in my excitement. I flung my arms around Kyle’s neck and squeezed him. He gave me a long hug. “Thank you, Mr. Kyle. I will not be the disappointment to you.”
    Kyle reached across the bar and placed his hand on Grant’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
    Grant’s gaze ping ponged between Kyle and me. His hand squeezed his glass, his nostrils flared. I’d known Grant for so long that I could tell he was annoyed. I didn’t think he suspected me of being Mia but maybe he just didn’t want me to work with his friends. But then why would he bring me here for the interview? Something was wrong; I had to trust my gut and not dismiss my instinct.
    But I couldn’t allow his reaction to matter at the moment.
    Grant stormed out of the bar. I thanked Kyle and raced after Grant, my high heels slipping into the gravel outside of the bar. Like quicksand, my feet sank into the earth, and for a moment, I wondered what it would be like to disappear.
    But unfortunately, I recovered and caught up to Grant. He was already sitting on his bike, his tight jeans showing off that perfect ass of his. His head was turned toward the beach, and I followed his gaze to the ocean. I couldn’t help myself, my desire to soothe him, alleviate any pain I was causing him overtook my resolve to remain emotionally distant in order to guard my secrets. I climbed on the bike, wrapped my arms around him, and nuzzled his neck. No words were exchanged, just enjoyment of the silence in this moment, comforting him the only way I could. I tried to radiate warmth toward him and