Lily's Outlaw (Once a Marine, Always a Marine Book 2) by Kori David Page B

the window she’d been staring out of. “I want to be with you.”
    Jesse shook his head and grabbed his bag. “I need you to be safe. We don’t know if he’s the one that ordered your kidnapping or if he simply told the cartel about the pictures. Either way, I want to see him alone.”
    “Man to man?” She was about to argue more, but the look on his face told her that she was staying put, no matter what.
    “Something like that.”
    “I don’t like it, Jesse. Not one bit.” She tossed her head and shot him a cold look. “After everything we’ve been through, I deserve to be there.”
    He dropped the bag and stalked toward her. She was in his arms with his mouth covering hers in a kiss that heated her entire body. She tangled her tongue with his in an angry dance before she shoved at his wide shoulders.
    “Don’t use this against me.”
    Jesse frowned down at her. “I would never use what’s between us against you. But you have a large target on your forehead. The best move here is to keep you safe.”
    When he kissed her and moved away, Lily felt cold. She wrapped her arms around herself as she watched him head to the door. Without her. “Please be careful.”
    I love you. The words were there, but she kept them firmly inside.
    “I always am.”
    Then she watched him leave. He’d borrowed his brother-in-law’s truck, just to be safe so the minivan was still parked out front. And Lily had the keys. The only reason she’d given Jesse some resistance was to keep him from being suspicious. She had her own confrontation to get through. Once he was gone, she palmed the keys and headed toward the main house.
    This was something she had to handle on her own. She hoped Jesse would understand.

    ***

    The drive took thirty minutes, and Jesse spent the entire time on the phone. Little Mike was able to make contact with the Colorado Sheriff’s office and confirmed that there was torture involved. The signature ‘H’ had been carved into the dead General’s chest, confirming that the Huerta enforcers were the ones who’d killed the man. They’d released the body to the military happily, turning over the grisly investigation to them.
    When he hung up with Mike, he placed a second call.
    “I’m in place.”
    “That’s why you are the best,” Jesse replied.
    “You’re sure about this?”
    “It’s the only thing that really makes sense. The money trail leads to that house and Lily needs to have her say and get some questions answered. I don’t like it, but I understand it. Where are you?”
    “In a big-ass oak tree about five hundred yards out to the south. I have view of the road and most of the house. There are big windows on this side including the office. I have my target in sight.” There was a chattering noise in the background.
    “What is that?”
    Damon sighed. “Pissed off mama squirrel. I’m too close to her nest.”
    “Try not to get your ass kicked.”
    “You owe me for this, Outlaw.”
    Jesse chuckled. “Damn right I do. And, Shadow?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Call me the second you see my girl. Keep her safe.”
    “Copy that.”
    Jesse disconnected the call as he pulled into the parking lot of Tate’s Guns and Ammo supply store. The sign advertised quality weapons at discounted prices. William Tate had made a name for himself in Texas as a shrewd businessman with an eye for quality weaponry. He’d also made a small fortune doing it.
    Then he’d married Lily’s mother and gained political influence. And together, they were a force to be reckoned with within Texas politics.
    Jesse sat in the truck for a few moments to watch the flow of customers in and out. They were the typical hunter types, some weekend warriors and several fathers taking their sons and daughters in for their first gun. The foot traffic was steady enough that Jesse decided to go in and make contact.  
    The inside of the store was impressive. They didn’t just sell guns. There was camping and fishing equipment,