Semper Mine

"I take it she's got no boyfriend?" Why did I just ask that? I want nothing to do with his sister, let alone care about her life.

"She did, but he left her. She spent weeks with me at the hospital and not enough time with him. We know how that goes."

"Unfortunately." Life in the military is as hard on those in it as it is on those who support loved ones who are deployed. I don't know any member of the team who hasn't gotten a Dear John email at some point over the past few years.

Unlocking the truck, I open the door and slide into the seat. He tosses his pack in the back then climbs into the passenger's side.

"You move like you've got no problems at all," I say, curious about his new appendage. "How does it feel?'

"Amazing. I want two legs like this."

"According to your sister, hanging around me will probably get you another one."

"The louder she yells, the more it means she loves you," he says. "Baba says so, at least. She means well."

"I suppose." She comes across more like a spoiled bitch with a two-dimensional view of the world to me, but I'm not going to tell him that. I'm not sure how the Khav twins can be related to her. They're laid back, adventure seekers who never complained a day they were in my command. They definitely didn't have the liberal indignation of their sister.

I'm pretty sure Katya and I would be at each other's throats before the end of the first day, and I'd kick her off my team faster than I'd dive on a grenade for her brothers.

"Did I mention she runs fast, too?" Petr says with a grunt.

I glance up from adjusting the climate control dials. I can't get over how much I miss AC.

Katya is close enough that her run slows to a walk as she nears the parking lot. Her glare is on me, like I'm kidnapping her brother. Her features are flushed in a way that brings out her hazel eyes even more, and I find myself looking at her too long again instead of taking the opportunity to escape.

Without the bulky black dress from the funeral, I can see the hourglass shape of her body beneath the tapered leggings and Bohemian style blouse she's wearing. She's got an incredible body, looks to kill, and a mouth bound to drive away any man with sense who wants a piece of that otherwise perfect package. Though I have a feeling she'd be worth the effort.