Impossible Choice

By Sybil Bartel

Book two of Unchecked

After her parents were murdered, Layna Blair spent three years on the run—until Marine Sergeant Blaze Johnson stepped in and saved her. With him, Layna knew safety for the first time…but shortly after shipping out for another tour in Afghanistan, Blaze comes home early.

When Layna sees the jagged wounds covering his body, every truth she thought she knew is destroyed. Blaze is distant and angry and though her heart is shattered, Layna desperately tries to keep their relationship together in the face of another tragedy. When the tenuous bonds holding them together are ripped apart by a revenge-hungry maniac, Layna must trust her survival instinct and bury her past for good.

But the enemy is two steps ahead, and before she can take action, Layna's hand is forced by his deadly demands—save herself or save the man who risked his life for her freedom. Blaze saved her once. This time it's her turn to protect him.

90,730 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carina Press
• Release date: Aug 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781459290075

Sybil Bartel

Sybil grew up in Northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She now resides in Southern Florida and while she doesn't get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she's not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her family.To find out more about Sybil, visit her website, http://sybilbartel.com/ or see what she's up to on Twitter @SybilBartel.

Book preview

Chapter One

Miss me, Sugar?

I shrieked, my body lurching a foot off the lounger. Grabbing my untied bikini top, I barely managed to keep myself covered as my other hand flew to my forehead to shield my eyes. Sun-bleached hair, bright green eyes, gorgeous tanned muscles—my only friend in this whole world gazed mischievously at me.

Talon! I couldn’t decide if I should kick him or kiss him for sneaking up on me.

His sultry chuckle washed over me. Hello, sweet island girl. He shamelessly flirted, brushing my hair aside.

I grinned like it was Christmas morning. You’re here.

Talon gave me his million-dollar smile. Yeah, Sugar, I’m here.

Ignoring the traces of melancholy in his voice, I quickly tied my top and threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. What are you doing here? I hadn’t seen him since he’d traded another man’s life for my freedom.

Talon’s hard arms tightened around me and he stood to his full height, literally sweeping me off my feet. Aw, Sugar, he chided softly. Is that any way to greet an old man?

Pushing the memories of three months ago aside, I smiled up at him. You’re not old, I said, playing our game.

True enough, but you didn’t answer my question. He tried to frown but it didn’t stick.

I was so happy to see him, I smiled wider. You didn’t answer mine.

His face softened and his Southern accent turned to warm honey. Christ, Sugar, have a heart. I can hardly ’member my own name when you look at me with those big brown eyes, smilin’ like you won the lotto.

I laughed and snuggled into him. Sun, sand, surf and coconuts, no one smelled like Talon. Inhaling deeply, I almost couldn’t believe he was here.

He kissed my forehead. There, ya see, Sugar? I knew ya missed these arms holdin’ ya tight. His voice went quiet. It’s been too long.

Yeah, I agreed, too long.

We stood like that for a minute.

Then Talon abruptly stepped back and his hands went to his hips. So, what’s on the agenda for today? Sunnin’ and watchin’ your sexy little ass by the pool? He scanned my yard and the intracoastal beyond then trained his eyes back on me. Nice view.

Ignoring his flirty comment, I dropped back to my lounger. You got it, unless you have a better idea.

He reached behind him and pulled his T-shirt over his head one-handed. Sculpted shoulders, ripped muscles, washboard abs—even though Talon was no longer in the marines, his body was active-duty perfect.

Kicking off his flip-flops, he lowered his six-foot frame gracefully onto the lounger next to mine and a crooked smile hit his lips. You propositionin’ me? Cuz I got mad skills. He winked.

I laughed. I’m sure you do. I’ll bet plenty of women can attest to that. I might’ve rolled my eyes.

Every muscle that had been sinuous and relaxed a moment ago went rigid and ominously still. You forgettin’ you’re one of ‘em? he asked impassively.

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled. Part of me wished I could forget, but a kiss like that? I mentally shook the memory away. I’m with Buck, I reminded him sternly.

Talon studied me for a moment then nodded. Just checkin’. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

I stared at him, not sure what just happened. Talon always pushed the envelope, but there was an edge to him today. My eyes dropped to his chest then skimmed the hard planes of his abs. I’d surfed with him, run the beach with him, I knew every cut angle on his body was hard earned.

Like what you see?

I quickly averted my eyes and changed the subject. Trouble finding my place? I asked, sugary sweet.

He opened his eyes and gave me an incredulous look. Now that’s just insultin’.

Not only had Talon never been to the house my parents left me in Miami Beach but I lived in a gated community. He’d obviously gotten past the guard but that wasn’t what was bothering me. Why are you really here?

I missed your smart mouth. Board shorts low on his narrow hips, his hands behind his head, he was the picture of ease but I knew better.

Bullshit. I wasn’t stupid, I knew who sent him. Buck wanted you to check up on me. Sadness enveloped me as the memory of our last conversation gnawed at my heart.

Always so suspicious, Sugar. Can’t I just miss ya?

He could, but he didn’t. Talon never lacked for female companionship. Fine. I sighed. I’ll let it drop for now but I know you’re lying.

Talon’s green eyes sparkled as his hand went to his chest. Callin’ me a liar? You tryin’ to wound my pride? He may have sounded affronted but the telltale gleam of humor in his expression gave him away.

Nothing wounds you. Talon kept everything, especially his emotions, in check. He was the least reactive person I knew, which wasn’t saying much.

Oh Sugar, now there’s where you’re wrong. Talon grabbed my hand and stood, taking me with him. Little island girls who choose my best friend over me? Now that’s plenty woundin’. A wicked smile spread across his face.

It was all the warning I got.

Sweeping one arm behind my knees and catching my back with the other, Talon tossed me in the pool so fast I didn’t have time to scream. I surfaced only to see him dive in. When he swam toward me, I tried to splash the shit out of him but I wasn’t fast enough.Cradling me to his chest,

he grinned in victory. You splash me, you splash yourself.

I didn’t bother to struggle. Besides him being a wall of muscle, he’d trained with Force Recon. I wasn’t getting down until he decided he was putting me down. You threw me in, I accused with a fake pout.

Yeah. He chuckled softly before dropping his voice to a whisper. I like you wet.

"Talon! I shoved at his chest, hard. Buck would destroy you for a comment like that."

Laughing, Talon released me. Tell Deer Hunter what I said when you see him next. Give him somethin’ to think about. He winked.

I swam away. Talon nicknamed everyone and despite Blaze already having the nickname Buck, Talon called him Deer Hunter. I was sure there was a story behind it but I didn’t know it. There was a lot I didn’t know about Buck. I was head over heels in love with him but I’d only met him and Talon four months ago. After spending a few weeks together, Buck declared his intent to marry me then shipped off to Afghanistan for his third tour.

At first, I was fine. Buck and I had video chatted a few times and I’d been happy. But as the weeks stretched into months, I’d become despondent. I’d been on my own since I was sixteen and I didn’t think the separation would be an issue, but having Buck near me, for even a few days, had ruined me. I craved him—his touch, his smile, the intense way he looked at me. I missed him more than I missed my parents and that scared the hell out of me.

Hey. Talon came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. Nothin’ doin’, Sugar, nothin’ doin’, just givin’ you a hard time is all. My back to his chest, he pulled me to the edge of the pool.

I breathed out past the lump in my throat. I know.

Talk to me, he said gently.

I stared at the contrast of his arms against my waist. I had a natural honey hue but Talon was a surfer—a surfer who had a way of getting past my defenses. I couldn’t explain it except to say I knew he’d never judge me. I took a breath then told him the truth.

I’m having a hard time. I thought I’d be fine but I miss him and I’m becoming a little resentful of the fact that he’s gone for so long. I know it’s not him, I know it’s me. I need to build a life for myself now that I can, but I just want him around. I feel guilty for even thinking it, let alone telling you about it. And the last time we spoke? My voice broke, guilt and regret eating me alive. I asked how long he planned on being a marine. The dead silence I’d been met with still haunted me.

Talon shifted. You think you’re the first woman to ever own those feelin’s?

No. But that didn’t make it right. Buck had warned me what I was getting into. I felt like I was betraying him by even having these thoughts.

Look. Talon moved us to the steps and set me down. There ain’t no right or wrong when it comes to emotion, darlin’, there just is. You can own what you want but when it comes to relationships, it won’t do you any good if you keep it to yourself. You tell Blaze any of this?

I shook my head. I didn’t dare.

And how’s that fair? He can’t fix what he doesn’t know is broken.

There’s nothing broken with him, I protested. Buck was amazing. Quiet and strong and intelligent, he’d jump in front of a moving train for me.

There’s nothin’ broken with you either, darlin’, Talon said quietly, pushing my wet hair behind my ear. That’s not what I’m sayin’ here. He grasped my shoulder. But not collectin’ a government paycheck won’t make him a different man. Once a marine, always a marine.

Suddenly, I was too close to Talon. His intensity, his ability to switch from flirtatious to deadly serious in less than a second—Talon was a dangerous vortex I’d fallen into once before. I wasn’t going to do it again.

I pushed away and swam underwater to the other end of the pool. When I surfaced, Talon was still on the steps. He watched me with an intensity only Buck could match.

Dunking to push my hair back, I lifted myself out of the pool and walked back to my lounger for my towel. I didn’t look, but I felt Talon’s eyes on me the whole way. I studiously dried off and by the time I was done, Talon was swimming laps. He was a lot of things but still wasn’t one of them.

I went inside and made iced tea. When I came back, he was on the lounger and his easy smile had returned.

I was wonderin’ if you had any hostess in you, he teased.

Trying like hell to not look at his wet muscles, I handed him his drink and smirked. Watch it or you’ll be wearing that tea.

Talon laughed and took the glass. Now there’s that smart mouth I love.

I set my glass down, twisted my hair up, and lay back on the lounger. When I glanced at Talon, he was blatantly staring at my body.

Cut it out, I warned.

His forehead creased and when his eyes met mine, I was momentarily stunned by his merciless gaze.

The backs of his fingers glanced across my stomach. I expected to see you knocked up, he said quietly.

My heart plummeted and I felt the color drain from my face. What are you talking about?

His hand slid away and for one breathless moment, I was caught in his knowing stare. Who’s that fear for, Sugar?

Chapter Two

I had no idea how much he knew but I did know this—it was none of his business. What’d you really come here for?

Talon stared at me a second longer, then a smile that didn’t touch his eyes spread across his lips. To take you out.

I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. You’re full of shit, you know that?

You callin’ me a liar again? Amusement sparkled in his eyes.

I could call you something else if you prefer.

He chuckled. Don’t doubt that for a minute.

Very wise of you.

Aw, darlin’. His hand went to his chest. You think I’m wise? You know I love a good compliment. And flattery? That ole dog will get you everywhere.

He was incorrigible. It always comes down to that for you, doesn’t it?

Down to what? he asked innocently.

Why are you really here? I countered.

Can’t take the heat? he asked smugly.

You’re being inappropriate.

Talon threw his head back and the sound of his rich laughter filled the space between us. Inappropiate’s my middle name. Besides, you wouldn’t want me any other way and you know it.

Talon didn’t have boundaries and as much as I wanted to hate him for it, it was part of his charm. You’re right. Now, tell me why you’re here.

I’m takin’ you out. Think you can keep up?

Probably not. But since a lot of tequila and Talon’s company sounded better than sitting home by myself, I was willing to try. Think you can keep your inappropriate comments to yourself?

Probably not. He grinned wickedly then leaned back, closing his eyes against the early afternoon sun. Did you go see Westcott? You rich yet?

I tensed at the mention of my parents’ estate lawyer. I saw him. I didn’t want to talk about this.

And?

And nothing. Coming into dirty money wasn’t something I was proud of.

Eighteen mil ain’t nothin’.

I don’t have eighteen million. Not technically. Not yet.

Talon wouldn’t let it go. You will when you turn twenty next month.

Is that why you’re here? You want to talk money? Resentment towards my father and everything he’d burdened me with bled into my tone.

Talon turned and leveled me with a glare. First of all, put your claws away, I’m not your fuckin’ father. Second, I don’t need your damn money.

Instantly contrite, I turned my head.

Talon sighed. That bank account is the best security blanket you’ll ever have. His voice softened. It’s a gift, Sugar.

It was blood money. It’s dirty. Every last cent of it. And I didn’t want it.

Not anymore.

How can you even say that? He knew exactly where it’d come from.

Because everyone that money mattered to is dead. It’s not dirty, it’s not hard earned, it’s not your due, it’s just fuckin’ money now. And those zeros don’t need to be anythin’ but that, a bunch of numbers that no matter what happens, you’re secure knowin’ you won’t ever go hungry.

I looked out across the intracoastal, hating the heavy burden of the money. My heart doesn’t know it’s just a bunch of numbers.

Give it time, darlin’. Nothin’ says you have to do anythin’ with it. Maybe it’s somethin’ that just sits and waits for a rainy day.

In that moment, I was reminded of the reasons why Talon was my friend. I hadn’t been able to talk to Buck about this. He grew up so different than me. I felt like I was being ungrateful for resenting the money. Thank you, I said quietly.

Nothin’ doin’, Sugar.

We spent the next couple hours by the pool, sunning, swimming and catching up, or at least Talon caught me up on his life. I had nothing to tell. I’d moved back into my house, enrolled and dropped out of college and spent each day wallowing in self-pity. I missed Buck, I was angrier than I’d ever been at my father and I still looked over my shoulder everywhere I went.

When it edged past five, Talon got up. C’mon, Sugar, I’ll give you forty-five minutes to pretty yourself up. He held a hand out to me.

For what? I didn’t feel like going out anymore.

Talon spun me around, brought my back to his chest and started walking me forward. I’m gonna feed you then get you drunk as hell for ole time’s sake.

The last time Talon and I were drunk together, I’d cried, Talon had propositioned me and Buck had spent the night with a Barbie-bitch. Not a good idea, bad things happen when you and I get drunk.

On the contrary, it’s one of my better ideas. He rested his chin on my shoulder. C’mon, he coaxed. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen? You gonna hurl on my feet? He laughed.

I’d never vomited from drinking, yet. You’re a glutton for punishment.

When it comes to you, Sugar, I most definitely am. Talon gave me a gentle push forward. Now get, before I change my mind.

You won’t change your mind. I called his bluff. When Talon decided he was doing something, he did it.

You’re right, but don’t keep me waitin’ or I’ll come lookin’ for ya, he warned.

Now that he wasn’t bluffing about. Talon was just crazy enough and charming enough to get away with shit like that.

I’m locking my door. I pointed down a hallway. The guest room is that way, bathroom should have what you need. I turned toward my bedroom.

Sugar.

I looked over my shoulder at him.

Hands on his hips, head hung low, Talon shifted his feet. The clock in the kitchen ticked. The distant sound of a boat on the intracoastal came through the open slider but he didn’t look up.

Talon?

When he finally lifted his head, his eyes didn’t meet mine. Forty-five minutes, he said, without a trace of his accent before walking away.

* * *

I showered, dried my long brown hair and carefully put on makeup. The routine used to be second nature but I hadn’t bothered with it since Buck had left. And even though I was glad Talon was here, it was hard seeing him. His presence made me acutely aware of Buck’s absence. Nothing had felt right since Buck had deployed, like the one place I knew I belonged had disappeared with him when he’d left. God, I missed him.

Inhaling, I forced myself to shake off the pity party and look for an outfit. I picked out a slinky short dress I never would’ve worn four months ago and pulled it over my head. When I noticed Buck’s clothes at the end of the closet, it was everything I could do not to burst into tears. I grabbed a pair of heels and rushed out.

Talon was leaning against the bedroom door. With his hair combed back and in a sky-blue fitted dress shirt, he looked amazing, and safe and not dressed in a uniform, holding a gun, looking for terrorists halfway around the world.

His head cocked to the side. What’s wrong, darlin’?

Buck’s fighting a war and you’re taking me out. It came out like an accusation.

Talon pushed off the door and strode lazily toward me. He grasped my shoulders and gently sat me down on the bed. I’m not sure what you want me to say to that.

The rest of my jumbled thoughts came bleeding out. How come I only feel good when I’m with you or Buck? I’d been a mess the past few months but Talon suddenly shows up and I’m laughing at his stupid comments and enjoying my afternoon. Why can’t I be that way by myself? I’d been alone for years. I should’ve been fine.

Talon took my shoes out of my hands and sat down next to me. It’s human nature, darlin’. You think I don’t feel good bein’ around you? He grasped my ankles. Turn to me, he said absently, lifting my legs onto his lap.

Do you? Feel good? For some reason, I didn’t want to be alone in this.

When his bright green eyes met mine, I knew I was sitting next to the real Talon, not the one who flirted and acted like life was a casual ride. This was the Talon who’d seen war and death and was resilient enough to move past it but never forgot he was a marine.

’Course I do. Laughin’, teasin’, playin’—whatever—it’s all good. But you wanna know the best part? He didn’t wait for an answer. When you flash that pretty little unguarded smile of yours. Never seen you waste one, so when it shows up? Talon shrugged. Life ain’t all bad.

I felt a twinge in my heart at his assessment of life but I couldn’t deny I knew what he was talking about. It was one of the many reasons why we were friends. Your smile, the real one, it’s great, I admitted.

A heavy weight clouded his eyes. Missed you, Sugar, he murmured.

I sucked in a breath. Don’t make this feel like I’m cheating on Blaze, I warned.

A wry smile touched his face. Been there, done that, ain’t happenin’ again. He stood up and brought me to my feet.

I looked down. My shoes are on.

Talon chuckled affectionately. Priceless, darlin’.

Screw you. But I smiled.

With those heels on, you just might get your wish, he teased.

I smirked. You would say that, you bought them for me.

Stepping back, he made a big show of looking at my feet. "Daaaamn. When his head popped up, his eyes were twinkling. I got good taste."

No, you don’t. Kendall does. He’d given his credit card to his assistant so she could pick out a dress and shoes for me for Buck’s mother’s funeral.

The humor left Talon’s face and for a split second he looked uncomfortable. Then his lazy smile returned. I like this dress better, even if you are wearin’ underwear.

Heat flamed my cheeks. The other dress had been so tight, I’d gone commando.

Talon winked. Let’s go.

* * *

I survived a harrowing ride in Talon’s Challenger as he drove twice the speed limit and only kept one eye on the road. He took us to one of the trendiest restaurants in South Beach and when he gave his name for a reservation, I knew he’d planned ahead.

Once we were seated and the hostess had walked away, I looked at Talon over the menu. Trying to impress me?

Talon smiled his swoon-worthy smile. Every chance I get.

Ignoring him, I looked down at the specials.

So, besides missin’ Blaze, how’s it goin’ bein’ back home? he asked casually.

I knew Talon enough to know this wasn’t small talk. His purposely relaxed tone, he was fishing for something. What are you getting at?

Nothin’ darlin’, just wonderin’ if you get out much.

I’d lived with Talon for awhile. He knew I ran every morning and watched cable every night. I defined homebody. The South Beach scene, clubbing, it’s totally hot on the weekends. You should join me sometime.

He ignored my sarcasm. Not talkin’ ’bout nightlife. I meant out in general. Miami Beach’s got a lot to offer, Sugar.

I sighed, maybe a little dramatically. I’m not holed up in my house every day, Talon. Jeez. I do manage to surface occasionally. When I ran out of Captain Crunch or coffee. Or chocolate. But thanks for your concern. I smiled extra bright with fake sweetness.

You ever see them?

My smile dropped and my muscles went rigid. Who? I knew who.

Any of the men that used to follow you.

I pretended to take a normal breath. Why would I see them? My parents’ killer was dead. The men he had follow me for three years no longer had a reason to follow me. Buck and Talon had taken care of all of this.

Big city, darlin’, just wonderin’ if you’d run into any of ’em, seen any of ’em around.

I don’t look, I lied. I looked everywhere I went. Over my shoulder, around dark corners, across every parking lot—after doing it for so long, it was ingrained. Is there a problem?

Talon smiled wide. No problem whatsoever. Just lookin’ out for you is all.

I didn’t know if I believed him. What were you going to do if I’d said yes?

Talon laughed. Knowin’ you? Ask if you’d flipped ’em the bird.

My muscles relaxed and I drew in a breath. If there was a serious problem Talon wouldn’t have joked about it. You saying I don’t have any class?

Oh Sugar, he drawled, with a slow and sexy smile. You’re all class.

Behave, I warned.

Never. He plucked the menu from my hand. I’m orderin’.

The glint in Talon’s eyes, the take-charge attitude and expensive clothes, I’d have to be dead not to notice his raw sexual energy. The few times I’d been with Buck, I was only just beginning to understand what that meant. I had no experience with men. I didn’t know the game or all the innuendos but I did know this, landing in Buck’s and Talon’s circle was like hitting the sexual jackpot. I didn’t know if it was a marine thing or just them, but they were raw and feral and they breathed power.

Talon dropped his voice to a sexy murmur and smiled seductively. You feelin’ me?

What? I pretended like I didn’t understand.

A dark storm kicked up behind his eyes and he leaned forward. You’re blushin’ and those sexy legs of yours just crossed.

The waitress walked up.

Without taking his eyes off mine, Talon rattled off an order complete with a bottle of wine. When the waitress retreated, he leaned back in his chair. Problem?

I knew better than to engage. Nope. You? I took a sip of water and glanced around the restaurant, refusing to look at him.

I’m all good.

His stupid smug attitude, his Southern accent, I couldn’t help it, I looked at him and he broke out in a shit eating grin.

The air whooshed out of my lungs and I shook my head. You’re a fucking bastard.

Never claimed different, he grinned wider.

Quit trying to get a rise out of me, I warned.

That wasn’t me tryin’.

Jesus.

Talon shamelessly flirted through the rest of dinner. I shouldn’t have ignored the fact that he was only flirting with me or that he didn’t even look at another woman, but I did. I was too busy having the best time I’d had in months and I told myself that’s all that mattered.

We finished the bottle of wine and Talon paid the check. Slipping his arm around my shoulders, I noticed a few heads turn as we left the restaurant. Maybe it was the wine, but I giggled. I’d stare at Talon too.

What’s so funny, Sugar?

People are staring at you, I teased in a singsong voice.

Talon gave the valet his ticket then he leaned back and looked me up and down. Now there’s where you’re wrong. It’s definitely not me they’re starin’ at.

Uh-huh, right. No one could possibly be looking at all this... I waved my hand up and down his body. Goodness. It was the best I could come up with without adding to his overly inflated ego by telling him he was hot.

Talon threw his head back and laughed. Goodness?

My hands went to my hips. What’s wrong with goodness?

Not a thing. Talon’s smile notched down and true affection softened his eyes. I do enjoy your company, Ms. Blair.

Why thank you Mr.— Well, shit. I don’t know your last name. My only friend and I didn’t know his last name. How is that possible?

Talon leaned down to my ear and whispered, Because I never told you. He straightened and the valet was waiting with his Challenger. After ushering me to the passenger seat, he got behind the wheel and right as he pulled out into traffic, he glanced at me. Talerco.

What?

My last name.

Talon Talerco, I whispered.

Chapter Three

Talon took us to a busy club and bypassed the line waiting to get in. The bouncer knew him and I didn’t want to know how. I just wanted to get past my nerves. I’d never been to a club, like ever.

Talon sauntered in with his arm draped around me and my first impression was that it was loud as hell. My second impression was wow. There were a lot of people here, a lot of beautiful people. Growing up in Miami Beach, I wasn’t a stranger to good-looking people but this place cornered the market. I glanced down at my dress.

You look gorgeous, Talon said in my ear. Drinks?

I nodded.

Talon found an empty spot at the bar and ordered something I couldn’t hear. I’d found out a while ago that pulling out money to pay for something with Talon was useless. Maybe it was a Southern thing, maybe it was a marine thing or maybe it was just Talon. I wouldn’t know. I had no one to compare it to except Buck and Buck never let me pay for anything either.

I was watching the mob of people on the dance floor when Talon gently spun me around. Four shots were lined up on the bar.

What are you having? I was only half joking. If I was going to dance, I’d need the liquid courage.

Talon broke out laughing. Perfect teeth, dimples, infectious laugh—not a few women looked at him.

Oh Sugar, I do love a woman who can drink. Talon