Page 72 of Serve ’N’ Protect

She sat back down, nudging him again. “Open it.”

His hands never shook, not even when his platoon had invaded a tent city full of terrorists or when he’d faced down violent protestors in front of the White House. But as he tore off the gold paper, they trembled. Jesus, what was wrong with him?

His gut clenched tightly as he looked at the silver framed photo of him and Ghost. Ghost had his paws on Markus’s chest. They were in John’s backyard with their heads together in silent conversation. “When did you take this?” Christ, even his voice sounded gravelly.

She smiled. “Apparently, when you weren’t looking. It was a moment of perfect harmony between man and dog, one I just had to capture.”

And she had. Beautifully. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, knowing there were a lot of eyes watching them. “I didn’t get you anything.”

“Did, too.” She landed a quick kiss on his lips, one he wanted to return but didn’t dare in front of her family, particularly her father and brothers. “You’re here with me, on my favorite day of the year, and,” she whispered, “I have a feeling you’re not going to let me pay you back for the laptop.”

She was right. He wasn’t.

A jumbled mess of feelings rolled through him. Contentment and joy muddled with a healthy dose of confusion. Part of him wanted to bathe in the warmth and belonging Cassidy had brought into his life. The other part left him edgy and uncertain. The idea that he would inevitably give her reason to run far and fast terrified him.

This, these people sitting all around him, was what Cassidy wanted—a big loving family of her own. After everything she’d been through, she deserved that and so much more. But he was broken and would probably always be that way. There was no reason to think this time things would be different and he wouldn’t fuck things up like he always did.

And then he’d lose the love she’d so selflessly given him.

The tightness in his chest was all too familiar, and he rubbed his fist along his breastbone.

Was he being selfish by staying? God, he didn’t know. The only thing he knew with unerring certainty was that he didn’t want to hurt her. He’d leave before ever letting that happen.

Being alone was what he did best.

…

Cassidy wiped another dish dry then peered into the living room. The children played with their toys, opting every so often to play with Ghost’s ears. Markus, along with all the other men, had their eyes glued to the TV, watching one college football game after another. Finn had taken a serious liking to Markus and sat firmly in his lap, rocking back and forth as if Markus was a rocking horse. He didn’t seem to mind.

A series of “ohs” came from the room as the quarterback was brutally sacked. Turning back to the kitchen, she shook her head, stacking the plate on top of the others she’d already dried. “Who declared Christmas afternoon a testosterone-fueled time of year for men to hog the TV? What if I want to watch a cooking show or a good movie?”

“It’s tradition,” her mother said, washing another plate at the sink and handing it to her. “Just as making cookies is yours.”

Well, she couldn’t fault her mom’s logic. At least Markus seemed to be more at ease watching football with the guys than he’d been over breakfast and during the gift giving. He’d been so antsy, she half expected him to cut and run.

“How long have you and Markus been a thing?” Cherisse asked as she wrapped up the leftover soda bread.

A thing? Were they a thing?

“Cass?” Brianna prodded. “C’mon. We’re on the edge of our seats here. How long have you been hiding him all to yourself, and are you a thing?”

She leaned against the counter. “We’ve been together for about a month. Well, not been together a month, we only just—” Oops. No need to get into that. After this morning, the entire family knew she and Markus had been intimate. “That part of our relationship is new, and for the record, I wasn’t hiding him. He was hiding out until he could figure out who tried to kill him.” Considering her family’s reaction to the burglary, there was no way on earth she was about to tell them about the shooting attempt on his life outside the hospital.

“Whatever he’s doing with your PT, it’s obviously working,” Brianna said. “I almost bought you one of those hand-carved wooden canes for Christmas. I’m glad I didn’t, because it looks like you won’t be needing it.”

She hoped not. It was high time she put that part of her life behind her.

“You’re good together,” Kaitlyn said, unwrapping a basket of chocolate chunk macadamia nut cookies.

“You think so?” What had Kaitlyn seen that made her so sure of that? Markus had never expressed his feelings for her. Given what he’d told her about himself, there was always the possibility he’d never be able to. Soon, he’d go back to his life, and the most she could hope for was scraps of his time. Being with him was still a big risk, and she had to accept that.

“Oh, come on.” Brianna swatted her with a towel. “Everyone knows you guys were holding hands under the table.”

Her mother pointed a dripping wet spoon at her. “You two looked like one of those couples in a Hallmark movie. Destined to be together, even if you don’t know it yet.”

Cassidy’s hands tightened around the towel. Destined to be together. Yes, she could see it, but could Markus?

“He doesn’t say much.” Kaitlyn began opening another basket of cookies, this one chocolate chip. “He’s got that strong, silent, and excruciatingly handsome thing down pat.”