Page 90 of Mayhem's Warrior
“You and I both know that’s not how it works,” his voice was harsh and rough like sandpaper.
“So, you held a gun to our heads and forced us to join the project?” Hicks said.
“No.”
“You threatened to strip our ranks and kick us out of the team?”
“No.”
“You had some type of mind control over the team?”
Reaper’s anger boiled over; his veins popped in his temples, and his muscles bunched up tight. “No, Goddammit! But I’m responsible for you all!”
Hicks squatted in front of him, the taunting smirk on his lips gone. There was only raw rugged honesty reflected in his dark blue eyes now. “Then let go of your burden, brother. We know it’s not true. You’re the only one lying to yourself. We don’t blame you. We don’t blame anyone but the people responsible for creating this project, two of whom are dead. And I vow, right here and now, to kill General Rainer and wipe his presence from the Earth. Until then, the only way we’re going to survive this is the same way we always have.” Hicks placed a large hand on Reaper shoulder. “Together.”
The boiling fury subsided and Reaper’s chest pulled tight. Caroline squeezed his fingers in hers. Reaper looked at the rest of his men, searching for any hint of blame, but found none.
“I don’t know what to say,” Reaper said after a few moments. He’d spent so long blaming himself, he wasn’t sure if he could let that go.
Ever since he joined the military, the fact that the team leader was responsible for each and every one of his men had been ingrained into his very DNA.
And he was responsible, always would be. But maybe . . . maybe . . .
“Stubborn, as usual. Well, I’m not wasting any more time on your pity party. I called in the evac as soon as your copter touched the ground. They should be here any minute. I don’t know about the rest of you, but my ass is ready to sleep on a soft bed, after I take a long hot shower.” Hicks walked away before he could get a chance to argue.
“You know he’s right, it’s not your fault,” Caroline said softly in his ear. “None of this is your fault.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off her; she captivated him, cast a spell over his senses, dragging him deeper and deeper.
Reaper dropped his head to hers, closing his eyes to simply feel her. “I don’t know if I’ll ever believe that.”
Caroline cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. “I’ll help you. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“Even after I left you? Why?” He didn’t deserve her or his men. And he should hate her for making him feel this undeniable swell of hope. But he couldn’t. The simple truth was that he loved her, no matter what.
“Because I love you. I always will. We are going to find our way through this together.”
His throat closed. His heart beat hard and fast. He wanted to believe her so badly; could he?
His entire life was filled with people he’d trusted, leaving and betraying him. Could he take that chance again?
The answer came to him without hesitation. “I love you too.”
His past may have been nothing but abandonment but Caroline was his future.
“If you two love birds are through necking in the corner, our ride has arrived.”
Reaper glared at his teammate, Hicks. “You’re becoming a real pain in my ass.”
Hicks gave him a salute and crossed the room to the still unconscious Quantum. He squatted down and lifted his teammate in his arms, like it was nothing. “Just doing my job.”
Hicks strode from the room, but Reaper wasn’t watching his friend anymore. Caroline smiled, that tiny movement transforming her entire face. Yes, he had a future with her, one full of bright glowing light. He wouldn’t have to worry about the dark shadows of his past anymore. “Are you ready to go home?”
She placed a feather light kiss on his lips, and Reaper felt it in his very heart.
“With you.”
