Fight For Her (Soldiers in Arms Book 1) (2 page)

Waverly shook her head vigorously. “I’m fine, I promise.”

“One day, you need to tell me all about it.”

A pang of guilt struck her. The desire to tell Justice all about her mess was strong. She was the kind of woman who would probably want to fix every single one of her problems and then some. But she couldn’t let her do that. Waverly had to prove that she could do this, that she could survive on her own.

All she needed was a little time, some money, and then she could figure out her next move. While she did that, the job at the bar was perfect.

Waverly shrugged. “There’s not much to know.”

“I’m not the only curious one, you know.”

“Why? Who’s asking about me?”

“Rocco said Walker was wanting to know everything.”

A flash of dark eyes flittered through her mind. Her body tingled a little and she couldn’t for the life of her clamp down on the excitement, knowing he was interested in her.

“I don’t know why he would want to know.”

Justice eyed her. “Don’t you?”

“Ok, maybe I do,” she muttered.

“Why don’t you talk to him next time.” Justice laughed. “Properly,” she added. “Don’t just blush and run away.”

“I was never any good at talking to men.” She sighed. “Are you sure he’s interested in me?”

“I’ve known those men a long time. I know when they’re interested in someone and frankly, I’ve never seen Walker look at someone like he looked at you tonight.”

“I don’t know…”

“What would be the harm? You deserve a little attention and you don’t have a husband waiting back home, do you?”

“No,” Waverly said firmly.

Justice arched a brow at her tone.

“I really don’t.”

An ex-fiancé, sure, but no husband. She was free…well, sort of free…and definitely single.

“Enjoy yourself for a bit, Waverly. What’s the worst that could happen?

She glanced back at the chair where Walker had been sitting.

“He’s a soldier. Protect and serve and all that,” Justice said with a grin. “I bet he could protect and serve you.”

“That’s the police,” Waverly protested.

The bar owner shrugged. “Close enough. I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t complain if you wanted him to serve you.”

Waverly laughed at Justice’s suggestive tone, though part of her wanted to strangle her for putting the thought into her head. She’d never had a fling in her life, and likely never would again after this. Would it be good for her? She had to admit the idea of a man like Walker serving her needs held far too much appeal. Maybe she’d see if she could get up the courage to flirt with him then see where it went.

Maybe.

Chapter Two

Walker was trying not to be pissed he hadn’t had a moment to approach Waverly tonight. His last brief conversation with her had been cut short by work—and her shyness. Shyness, he could break through. Work, however, he couldn’t do much about. It was a Friday night so the bar was busy, and a recent set of new recruits had joined the base so the Fox Hole was busier than usual.

He scowled as Waverly dashed about, fending off various come-ons from the younger guys. There didn’t seem to be enough staff on tonight.

“Where’s Justice?” he asked Rocco.

The sergeant shrugged. “I haven’t spoken to her in a few days.”

“She pissed at you again?”

Rocco gave a sheepish grin. “Maybe.”

He glanced around at the drinks on the table. “Who needs a drink?”

His friends all shook their heads. They’d only just been served but he needed to snatch a moment with Waverly.

Walker threw back his drink, much to the amusement of his friends.

“Hitting it heavy tonight, Walker?” Gunner asked.

“It’s been a long week,” he said.

It had. Too fucking long. All he’d been able to think about was Waverly. He plucked up the empty bottle and strode over to the bar.

He had to wait some time, propped up on the bar until Waverly came to him. A sheen of sweat clung to her forehead and above her lip. He could imagine the rest of that golden skin all shiny from exertion.

“Same again?” she asked, avoiding his gaze.

“Please.” He eyed a strand of hair that had stuck to her neck.

Fuck did he want to run his tongue along that arch and taste the saltiness of her skin.

“Busy night, huh?”

She nodded. “Justice’s mom got sick so she’s gone to Asheville to take care of her. We don’t even…” she paused and suck in a long breath, looking a little unsteady. “We don’t even have enough staff. Beth’s little boy is sick, and Mick couldn’t make it in.”

He peered at her. “So you’re pretty much running the place alone?”

Waverly lifted a shoulder. “Justice asked me to keep an eye on things.”

Walker smiled. “It’s good she trusts you like that.”

A little pride lit her eyes. He wondered if she’d never been trusted before with responsibility. Hell, who the fuck would? She looked like a girl when she smiled at him like that.

Yet those curves pressed against a tight-fitting tee screamed woman.

And his body screamed back at him.
Take her. Fucking have her.

The pride vanished. “Oh no.”

Her face turned suddenly pale and she pushed away from the bar to run away into the back.

What the fuck?

Walker raced after her, pushing through the doors to the kitchen and farther into the back. He’d been in here once or twice after a lock-in but he’d always been far from sober so couldn’t say he knew where he was going. He froze when he heard retching sounds coming from the bathroom.

Waiting outside, he folded his arms and listened for the sounds to stop. Stupid woman was sick too. Justice should never have left her in charge. From what little he knew of Waverly, she’d probably work herself to death so she didn’t let Justice down.

He inched open the door, just enough so that he could prop himself against the doorway and lean in. Waverly was braced against the sink, her reflection stared back at him.

“You shouldn’t be in here.”

He took one look at her sweaty, pale face and barged in. “Like hell I shouldn’t.”

He took her arm and led her back into the kitchen. She was definitely sick as she didn’t even fight him, letting him place her on a stool while he grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and thrust it at her. She opened it and took a long drink.

“You should be in bed, Waverly.”

He was a fucking pervert because as soon as he said those words, he pictured himself in there with her. Tangled sheets, all that gorgeous tanned skin against them. Taking a large breast in hand and squeezing her ass.

Fucking pervert.

She was sick. She needed rest. Not his rampant imagination turning him into a raging animal ready to throw apart her legs and thrust himself in her. He forced a breath in through his nostrils and waited for the image to abate.

“I can’t.” She tried to stand and he put a hand to her shoulder to ease her down. “Walker,” she protested.

“Stay,” he ordered.

She looked like she was going to argue but her eyes widened in panic. She made another dash to the bathroom and Walker heard retching sounds again. Damn, the woman was really ill. Worry bunched his insides.

He strode out to the bar, let one of the other girls know Waverly was sick then marched over to the table where the rest of the guys sat.

“Waverly’s sick,” he explained. “And they’re short-staffed. Foolish woman will work herself to death if we let her.”

Locke smirked. “Let me guess, you want us to come to the rescue.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve pulled a draft or two.”

His friend nodded. “True enough.” Locke glanced at the others, who all grinned. “Guess we’re going to be working instead of relaxing tonight. You owe us one.”

Somehow Walker knew Locke would never hold him to that. They always had each other’s backs and never expected anything in return. That was just how it was between them.

“You got it.”

“Go see to your lovely lady,” Rocco said.

Walker didn’t need telling twice. Confident the guys could handle themselves and the bar easily enough, he headed back into the kitchen. Waverly was propped up on the stool once more, her elbow on the table and her head against a palm. She gave him a weary look.

“I should really…”

He folded his arms and attempted to make himself look at menacing as possible. It worked in the battlefield. Worked when he gave orders. Worked when he addressed young men going into battle for the first time.

It didn’t seem to work on Waverly. She just peered at him as though she had never seen anything like him before.

“I’ve taken care of it.”

She scowled. “Taken care of what?”

“Some of the guys are helping out. You don’t need to work tonight.”

“Oh no, you really shouldn’t have.” She tried to stand but wobbled and was forced to sit again.

He was by her side in an instant. “Let’s get you to bed.”

She gave a sigh. “I need to work. Justice trusted me.”

“Not when you’re sick,” he said firmly.

Walker helped her upstairs and somehow managed to force himself not to think about how right she felt tucked against him. How she’d feel even better beneath him.

Damn it.

Waverly was in a small room at the top of the building. One window looked out onto the front and the room consisted of a tiny bathroom, a double bed and little else. All of Waverly’s belongings were still in boxes or suitcases. He eyed the overflowing clothes and the open box, filled with a few frames for clues about her, but he couldn’t learn much without riffling through them and somehow he didn’t think she’d appreciate that.

Fuck, he didn’t need to learn about her anyway. All he wanted to know was what she felt like when she came around his cock or what noises she made when he brought her over the edge.

Drawing back the sheets, he urged her to lie down. “Do you need a bucket or something?”

She shook her head and leaned back against the pillow. “I think that’s it now. It usually is.”

“How long have you been sick for? Why didn’t you tell Justice?”

Waverly eyed him for a few moments, an odd sort of smile on her face. “I’m fine, I promise. I’ll sleep a bit and come down and help close up.”

“You’ll stay in bed if you know what’s good for you.”

“I’m fine!” she declared. “I’m not sick.”

“Like hell. What do you call throwing up twice and looking like you’re going to faint at any moment?”

“Walker, I’m fine,” she protested as he proceeded to tuck her in.

“You need rest. I don’t want to see you up again tonight. I’ll check on you before we leave.”

She shook her head vigorously. “I just need a little sleep. I’m not a child. I know what I can handle.”

He thrust a hand through his hair. “You couldn’t handle working tonight.”

“I was just feeling a little bit sicker than usual. I’m not leaving the closing up to you. It’s not fair and Justice trusts me.”

“Justice trusts me too. I’ve known her for a darn sight longer than you have.”

“But it’s my job!”

Walker thrust a finger at her. Why did she have to be so damn stubborn? “You’re sick, Waverly. Just do as I tell you and rest.”

“I’m not fucking sick,” she shot out. “I’m pregnant.”

It was the first time he’d heard a curse word come out of that plump mouth. That was the first thought that hit him.

Then the rest smacked him around the face.

Waverly stared at him with that gut-punching wide-eyed look that made him want to protect her from the world at the same time as fuck her until she couldn’t fight him anymore because she’d lost her voice from screams of pleasure.

He drew in a breath.

“Pregnant?”

She nodded, holding the sheets up under her chin. He glanced at her belly, even though it was covered.

“But you’re…” He gestured down her body.

“It’s very early. About ten weeks.”

“Oh.”

She gave him a half-smile. “I didn’t really intend for you to find out like this.”

“Did you intend for me to find out at all?”

“I…” Color hit her cheeks, taking away the washed-out look. “I’m not sure. I suppose it would have depended if we’d gotten to know each other.”