Nick turned, his intense gaze raking over each person. “This isn’t over. Whatever this is, it’s just beginning.”
Beckett hammered his finger into his palm. “Who or what is WCE? How was Merritt connected to them? To Church? What were they looking for when they ransacked both your houses? Who was the ‘company’ tonight at the club? What do these codes go to? When will they strike again, because you know they will. The list of what we don’t know goes on and on.”
You could almost feel the consensus build in the room around them.
“I want my honor back. My reputation. My career,” Easy said from where he sat on a bench press. Blazing dark eyes flashed, and he gestured to the group. “Only way that happens is if we stay together and follow the leads wherever they go.”
“Fuckin’ A. I couldn’t agree more,” Shane bit out. “There’s something here. And it just might lead to redemption.”
Beckett stepped forward, shoulders tense, expression dark. “We did nothing wrong. It’s time we take back what was stolen from us. Count me in.”
“Shit, yeah. I’m prepared to fight,” Marz said.
“What are they—”
“Whatever your father was into,” Nick interrupted Charlie, “someone or some group was powerful enough to cover it up and blame the ambush on us. We were all discharged and discredited. Every member of the team who survived the attack had served ten or more years in the Special Forces, and someone just took that the fuck away.” Becca rubbed Nick’s back, hating the anguish layered beneath the rage in his voice.
“You can count on me,” Charlie said. “There was never any love lost between me and the Colonel, and I have my own vendetta against the Churchmen now.” He held up his bandaged hand.
Becca’s heart ached for everything everyone in the room had lost. It was already so much. And it might not be over. “You can count on me, too. After everything you’ve done for me, I’d do anything for each of you.”
“And me,” Miguel said. “I know I’m not part of the team, but I’m invested now.”
Jeremy stood up. “You’re my brother,” he said, pointing at Nick from across the group. “I’d stand with you no matter what you’re up against.”
Every man in there agreed. Whatever had happened between them in the past, their bond was forged anew in that moment. Becca swallowed around the lump in her throat.
Nick nodded and got to his feet. “All right, then. The Hard Ink Special Forces Team is hereby stood up.” Chuckles went around the room, releasing a bit of the tension. “And I’m proud to serve with each and every one of you, including Miguel, Jeremy, Becca, and Charlie. We’ll take our friends where we find them, and each of you has proven yourself.” Approving murmurs followed.
The puppy jumped on the mattress.
“Cool dog,” Charlie said. “Heh. We match,” he said, waving his hand. “Three legs, three fingers. What’s her name?”
The guys tried and failed to restrain their laughter. Everyone looked at her, and Becca just shook her head. How could she possibly choose anything else after “Eileen” had successfully run the operation to rescue her brother. The guys were attached to the silly name. Truth be told, so was she. “Her name’s Eileen.”
“What?” Shane asked, a grin on his face. “Seriously? I named her?”
“No, man. I’m the one who sang the song,” Nick said.
“But I’m the one who said Eileen . . .”
The squabbling devolved from there until they were singing again. “Sorry,” she said, leaning in to kiss Charlie’s cheek. “I’ll get them out of here so you can sleep. It’s the middle of the night.” She brushed his hair back again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
Charlie nodded. “See you in the morning.”
Simple words she’d feared she’d never hear again. She blinked back tears—nice that they were tears of joy for once. “All right, ya hooligans. Either be quiet or get out so Charlie can sleep. Nurse’s orders.” Slowly but surely, the party broke up. Everyone protested sleep, but really they were all two or three days overdue.
Nick slipped his hand into hers as they crossed the gym. She looked back over her shoulder, and Charlie’s eyelids were already sagging. Eileen curled up in a ball by his side.
Quietly, Becca and Nick got ready for bed and crawled in together. His arms wrapped around her and held her tight to his chest. “I want you to stay here,” Nick said.
Becca tilted her head back. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I want you to live here with me. Not just because your house isn’t safe and all this is going on. Because I want you by my side. I’m a better man with you. And I want to be there for you, too, every day and every night. Charlie’s welcome, too. No matter what, you’re family now to me. I love you, Becca.”
Hearing him say it would never get old. Emotion lodged in her throat. How, in the midst of the worst crisis of her life, had she gone from being utterly alone to finding a whole new family and the love of her life?