Talon (Uncompromising #1)(99)
He didn’t even smile. “You’re not rated for this plane.”
“I had a hard-ass for a teacher. How hard can it be?” I was only half teasing. Roark had taught me to fly and he was thorough as fuck.
“It’s not, but it’d be an expensive mistake if you screwed up.”
“What’s a few million?” I joked, knowing the only thing Roark was more serious about than flying was money. He’d been saving for years to expand his charter business.
“Nine million,” he corrected.
I climbed out of the seat. “Then don’t fuck up the landing.”
I went back to Siren but I had to angle around Missy to get in my seat. The dog was lying protectively across Siren’s feet.
I ruffled Missy’s ears. “She likes you. She doesn’t like many people besides Roark.” Proving my point, Missy nudged my hand away and put her head on Siren’s lap.
“She’s a good girl,” Siren said absently, petting her.
Not liking the distance in Siren’s voice, I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to my chest. “C’mere, darlin’. Everythin’s gonna be okay.”
She inhaled and let it out slowly. “I like the way you smell.”
I touched my lips to her forehead. “Ditto.”
“I feel like I don’t know anything about you.”
I tried not to bristle. She knew more about me than most people. “What do you want to know?”
“Do you have siblings?”
“No.”
“Is your father alive?”
“He died before I was outta diapers.”
“Did you always want to join the military?”
“Yep.” It was my ticket out.
“Where did you learn to surf?”
“California.”
She looked up at me at that answer. “I thought you were from Texas.”
“Texas by way of Louisiana, with a small stint in Tennessee. My mama followed the jobs. She was always tryin’ to make a better life for us.”
“She must have been a special lady. I’m sorry I never got to meet her.” She absently traced the lines in my vest.
“She was. And she would’ve loved you.” I threaded my hand through Siren’s fingers. “You remind me of her.”
“I do?” Surprise tainted her voice.
“Yep. Sweet and innocent but strong as hell.”
She stilled then drew in a deep a breath. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
“You’re welcome.” I squeezed her hand, wishing we were alone so I could kiss the fuck out of her.
“So, California?”
“I had an uncle growing up who we visited in the summers. He taught me.”
“Do you still talk to him?”
“He died chasing the big one.”
Her face scrunched up in confusion.
“Surfer’s creed, you’re always searching for the perfect wave. He found his in a storm in New Zealand.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think he was.” My uncle was hardcore. “He lived to surf. I’m sure he was shreddin’ it.” I smiled.
“Did you ever think about having kids?”
And there it was. The reason for the twenty questions. Inhaling, I let it out slow as the memory of my last night with Leigh came flooding back. “Straight up?”
She nodded.
“I thought me and Leigh would have kids. Except the night we talked about it, I didn’t know she was already sick. The next day she left me. It was the last time I ever saw her.”
Siren put her hand on my face and her big blue eyes filled with empathy. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.” I stroked her soft hair. “But in answer to your question? Yes, I always knew I wanted kids.” My mama always told me there was no greater joy than being a parent.
She settled into me but her slight body under my arm still felt tense.
“Everythin’s gonna be fine, darlin’, I promise.”
She abruptly sat up and looked me square in the eyes. “I don’t have the luxury of dating or casual encounters or nights on the town or anything else that’s carefree and easy. This is going to change everything.”
“I know.” I vowed then and there to give her every damn one of those things.
Her brows drew tight with apprehension and her voice rose to high pitch. “I’m about to live with you.”
It was inappropriate as hell, my timing was ass but I fought a smile. She was cute as fuck all riled up. “Yep.”
“Me and my daughter.”
“The two of you.” I nodded.
“My daughter,” she breathed, looking at me with half panic, half elation.
I smiled wide. “Maddie.”
She threw her arms around my neck, buried her face against my chest and the plane landed. I held her tight while Roark taxied but then I had to pry her off and set her back in her seat. Her hands tightly clasped against her chest, worrying her bottom lip, she looked nervous as fuck.