Elise Read online

  “Look at me, Elise.” She lifts her gaze to his. “Don’t ever be ashamed of being a virgin. Damn! I’m thankful no man has ever touched you, ever entered your hot body. When you are ready, I want to be your first and your last, sweetheart.” Warren declares firmly.

  “God, Warren. No one has ever spoken to me so bluntly.” Elise can’t keep the heat out of her face. “I want you to be my first and last, too. I’m not sure how long it will take for me to be ready. Will you wait for me?” The pleading in her eyes almost undoes him.

  “I’m sorry I was so blunt, but I’m an old man and I’m used to saying what is on my mind. Yes, I will wait for you, sweetheart. Even if it takes years for you to be ready. I’ll be waiting for you.” Warren makes sure to look into her eyes as he tells her his heart. He wants to make sure she understands how important she has become to him in such a short amount of time.

  “Warren, you aren’t old., not to me.” Elise laughs. “Thank you for being willing to be patient. Most of my life everyone around me has tried to make decisions for me. Thank you for letting me make this one for myself.”

  “You are very welcome, sweetheart.” Warren places a kiss on the top of her head as she lays her head back onto his chest. “Take all the time you need. I’m here.” They lay quietly for a long time before he notices her breathing has slowed and become the regular rise and fall of sleep. He lays there in the dark holding her for a long time listening to her breathing before sleep takes him as well.

  Chapter 13

  The next morning, they return to base and find that Worm is already prepped for the trip home. The flight home to Camp Lejeune is uneventful. The chaos awaiting them at base when they returned however was more than anyone could have anticipated. Reporters, high level brass, and Elise’s parents were all on the tarmac as soon as they disembarked from the plane. Deadeye was helping Elise down the stairs when they heard her mother shout her name.

  “Elise! My baby!” Ellen comes running to the steps as they reach the last one. Ellen takes Elise into her arms with her husband close behind wrapping his arms around the two women. Deadeye remains on the stairs during their tearful reunion. Hawk is standing nearby, giving him an assessing look. Deadeye just nods in silent communication. Once the family reunion is out of the way, Deadeye walks over to his friend and commander.

  “Good to see you alive and well.” Hawk says as he clasps Deadeye in a man hug and slaps him on the back. Charlotte and their boys are there as well, and she quickly throws her arms around him in a tight hug. Deadeye hugs her back with enthusiasm. He never thought in a million years he would have such a close group of friends that was more like family. His team has disembarked the plane as well and the happy reunion has continued with hugs and back slaps abounding. Deadeye looks around for Elise. He wants to share this with her. He still has Charlotte tucked into his side when he catches Elise’s eye. The uncertain look on her face, nearly guts him.

  Elise’s parents are trying to guide her into the base hanger away from the crowd of reporters, but they are surrounded. It’s impossible to move. Elise looks over her shoulder to seek out Warren. She sees him embracing some beautiful woman about his age. Elise can’t keep the ugly green monster of jealously from rearing its head. Warren meets her eyes then and with the woman and several others with them begins to move in her direction.

  “Captain Jackson, get us out of here!” Jackson Sommers yells above the fray.

  Hawk motions to the team and they move to form a human barrier around the family. Deadeye moves to Elise’s side. She looks up at him uncertainly. He wraps his arm around her, tucking her into his side while steering her toward the safety of the hanger. His sole focus for the moment is getting Elise to safety and away from the vultures wanting an exclusive interview.

  “It’s alright, sweetheart. Just stay close to me.” Deadeye says into her ear. Elise relaxes into his side, tucking her head into his chest. After several minutes they have finally fought their way into a secure room where they can debrief. Several MPs move in to guard the door. Others escort the press to another room where there will be a press conference later in the day.

  Once they have all gotten into the safe room, Deadeye looks down at Elise as everyone begins to settle into chairs around the room.

  “Are you alright, sweetheart?” Deadeye inquires with concern in his eyes. He still has his arm around her waist. He turns so that she is wrapped in both of his arms as he questions her. Elise nods, but doesn’t say anything, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his chest.

  Deadeye motions with his head for Charlotte and Hawk to come closer. Deadeye dips his head to speak into her ear. “I want you to meet some important people to me, sweetheart.” Elise looks up to see the woman Warren had hugged earlier coming toward them with a man and smiling broadly.

  “Elise, I would like to introduce you to my Captain, Jordan “Hawk” Jackson and his wife, Charlotte.” Deadeye presents them to her with a smile. Elise smiles shyly at them and is surprised when Charlotte grabs her in a tight embrace.

  “Elise we are so happy you are home and safe.” Charlotte declares while hugging her close. Elise hugs her back. When Charlotte releases her, Hawk steps up and places a kiss on her cheek.

  “Glad you are home, hon. I have to say, I never thought I would see this guy be enamored by a woman, but I can see why.” Hawk smirks at Deadeye followed by a grin. Elise is blushing profusely at the attention.

  “Hawk, you’re embarrassing the poor girl.” Charlotte scolds him. “Don’t mind these guys. They love to tease each other. They are more like brothers than co-workers.” Charlotte laughs.

  “Elise, what are you doing over here?” Ellen questions as she approaches them. “Come sit with us.”

  “Mom, this is Warren. His team rescued me.” Elise informs her mother. Ellen frowns when she notices Elise leaning into Deadeye and his arm snaking around her waist.

  “Thank you, Warren for saving our daughter.” Ellen says politely. “We are ready to get her home as soon as possible. Come, Elise. We need to get this debriefing over so we can take you home.”

  Elise pales and grabs Warren’s shirt tightly in her hand. She looks up at him with wide, scared eyes. He pulls her closer to his side, while giving her a reassuring smile. Hawk intervenes before Deadeye can say anything.

  “Ms. Sommers, this will take a little time. I realize you are anxious to get Elise home, but we need to make sure she is ready for more travel, ok? She has been through a lot in the last week or so. How about we all have a seat and we will begin the debrief and prepare a statement for the press.” Hawk ushers the woman away from Deadeye and Elise.

  “It’s going to be fine, sweetheart. I promise I am here for you.” Deadeye says softly in Elise’s ear so only she can hear him. He can see her father giving him the stink eye, but he is unwilling to allow the man to intimidate him. He gently guides Elise to a chair where she can relax for a moment. He takes the seat next to her while Straw takes a seat on her other side. Her parents take seats on the opposite side of the table and glare at the men.

  Hawk begins the debriefing then, so no words are exchanged between Elise’s parents and the men on the team. Several high-ranking Army, Navy, and Marine officials are in the room are in the room observing everything. Each man on the team gives their account of what happened on the mission. The whole thing is video, and voice recorded for documentation purposes. When it is Deadeye’s turn to relate his account, he gives Hawk a hard look.

  “Perhaps, Elise should not be here for this part, Sir.” Deadeye is trying to be as professional as possible since they were being watched by high-ranking Army, Navy, and Marine officials. Hawk considers his request for a moment, but Elise speaks before he makes a decision.

  “I’ll be fine, Warren. I was there and I haven’t forgotten.” Elise says softly while looking into his eyes. Deadeye stares back at her for a long moment. He knows she is trying to be strong, but she shouldn’t have to be. Sighing heavily
, he agrees. She needs this, to show her parents she’s strong.

  Deadeye gives the account of their trek from the camp to the city where Elise was being held. He holds Elise’s hand under the table as he recounted how they found her in the room where she was being held. He could feel her trembling and wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and demand they allow her to leave the room while they finished the debriefing, but he knows that is not an option. Once all the team members have given their account, it is Elise’s turn to tell what happened the day she was taken until she was freed by Deadeye and his team.

  Elise tells her story in great detail. She is gripping Deadeye’s hand tightly as she tells about her guard detail being killed right in front of her. She tells them about the trip through the desert, stopping in the tent village, and then on to the city where she was held for most of her captivity. She pauses then and looks at her parents.

  “I’m not sure they need to hear this next part.” Elise’s voice cracks with emotion and tears form in her eyes. Deadeye gives her hand a squeeze. He notices Straw has placed his hand on her shoulder in silent support.

  “Elise, dear what ever happened, we can handle it. We want to be here for you.” Mr. Sommers says. Elise nods and takes a couple of deep shuddering breaths before continuing her harrowing tale. She looks at Deadeye with fear in her eyes.

  “Just look at me, sweetheart. Pretend it’s just you and me, ok? Tell me what happened.” Deadeye says to her softly. She nods at him and turns to face him, taking both of his hands in hers.

  “When we arrived in the city, the abuse began. Hussan would come to the room where they held me. He had a man come to examine me for…purity.” Elise’s voice breaks and the tears begin to fall. Warren cups her face with his hands and wipes her tears away encouraging her to continue. “He said since I was pure, he wouldn’t violate me before the marriage ceremony. He wanted to be able to give proof of my virginity to his people.” Elise is shaking all over and the tears are flowing freely. She knows she needs to get this over with but isn’t sure she can continue.

  “It’s going to be alright, sweetheart. You can do this.” Deadeye whispers to her. She seems to take strength from him and continues with heavy emotion in her voice.

  “He forced me to do things to him though. He would force himself into my mouth. If I didn’t cooperate, he would bring a young girl into the room and hurt her to make me comply. I didn’t know he was going to do such terrible things the first time he came in to try and force himself on me. He had his men rape the little girl in front of me.” Elise is sobbing at this point. She leans into Deadeye’s chest and he wraps his arms around her, stroking her hair as she cries. “He made me watch. He said if I didn’t, he would let everyone of his men have a turn with her until I had watched. They would hit her for my offenses. He killed her the day I was rescued. He cut her throat and just let her bleed out. Shortly after, Warren and his men came in and saved me.”

  Ellen has gotten up from her chair and walked around to Elise. She hugs Elise and Deadeye while Elise sobs. Deadeye looks over her shoulder at Hawk.

  “I think she’s had enough for now.” His voice is hard and full of emotion. Hawk nods.

  “I agree. I think it would be best if her parents give a statement to the press. It needs to be short and only basic facts that she is home and in good condition. They don’t need any other information.”

  Chapter 14

  The meeting breaks up and Elise’s parents move to her side. They are wanting to take her with them to the press conference. They want her to stand beside them while her father makes a statement to the press, but not answer any questions. Deadeye is infuriated that they can’t see how much this is upsetting Elise. He is determined to keep them from putting her through this torture.

  “Elise, do you want to go out there with them?” Deadeye asks her while her parents were working with a secretary to write up their statement.

  “No Warren. I can’t go out there in front of all those people. They are going to be asking me questions, taking my picture. I’m not ready for that. Please talk to them.” Elise pleads. Deadeye nods and takes her in his arms and rocks her gently. He places a kiss on her head before handing her off to Ace and Tank for safe keeping while he talks to her parents.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Sommers.” Deadeye begins. “Please reconsider asking Elise to accompany you to make this press statement. She isn’t in any condition to face a room full of reporters with nosey questions. You saw how upset she was trying to tell us about what happened to her.”

  Mr. Sommers glares at him but spares a glance at Elise. His expression changes then into a frown. He looks at his wife then back at Deadeye. “Perhaps you are right. We just wanted to keep her close to us, but I can see she is barely hanging on. What is going on with you two? She has been clinging to you ever since she got off the plane.”

  “I care for her, Sir. I thinks she feels the same, but perhaps it’s just because I was there when she came to after we got her out of that hellhole.” Deadeye informs him. “I only want what is best for her. She tries to be strong, but this has been very hard on her. She is going to need to see a psychiatrist to help her get past all of this. Hawk’s wife was held captive for over 2 months before we found her. She struggled for a long time, sometimes she still has bad days every now and then. I know you love her and only want what is best for her, but don’t try to smother her. She needs to be allowed to make her own decisions.”

  “Where do you get off telling us how to treat our daughter?” Ellen almost growls at him. “She is our daughter. We know her better than anyone. We were there when we almost lost her all those years ago. You don’t know anything.”

  “Mrs. Sommers, I am not trying to tell you what to do, but Elise has talked to me about her life before going to the refugee camp. I know you meant well, but you were keeping her from living her life. It’s one of the reasons she chose to go there in the first place. She needed some space and a chance to be on her own. She needed to prove to herself she could make it on her own.”

  “Yes, and we can all see how that turned out, can’t we?” Mr. Sommers says with venom in his voice. “She is our daughter and you will stay away from her. She’s young and vulnerable. She doesn’t need some man old enough to be her father interfering in her life.”

  Frustrated with the whole conversation, Deadeye turns away. He knew his age was going to be an issue for her parents, but damn if it didn’t hurt when they threw it in his face. Was he doing the right thing? Should he back off and give her space? It was true she had been through an awful ordeal. Perhaps she was clinging to him because he just happened to be the one holding her when she woke from her nightmare. He needs advice before he can make any drastic decisions. Hawk, Charlotte, and his teammates were his best source for advice. He motions to Hawk and then leaves the room. Elise follows him with her eyes but doesn’t move to follow him.

  “Hawk, can we call a team meeting? I need some advice.” Deadeye asks his commander and friend.

  “Yeah, meet me in the command room in 10 minutes.” Hawk turns and heads back into the room they just left to gather the team. Deadeye follows him back into the room to find Elise. She is sitting alone at the table where they had given the debriefing. Deadeye moves to her. She looks up at him with her doe eyes and it’s all he can do to keep from grabbing her up and running away as fast as he can.

  “Hey, sweetheart. Hawk is calling a team meeting. I’m not sure how long it will take, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Deadeye says with a heavy heart. He isn’t sure what decision he will make regarding Elise once he has discussed it with his team, his friends. “I think I have convinced your parents to leave you out of the press conference.” He gives her a hesitant smile.

  Elise stands and wraps her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest. He wraps his arms around her, soaking in the moment. She mumbles something, but he can’t understand what she has said with her face in his chest. He pulls back to look at
her. “What was that, sweetheart?”

  “Why does this feel like good-bye?” She whispers with tears in her eyes. He wraps her close to him again, before pouring his heart out.

  “I don’t want it to be good-bye. I need to do what is best for you, sweetheart.” Deadeye’s voice is pained as he tries to help her understand. “I’m too old for you. Your parents made sure to point that out. I don’t know what is going to happen, but know this, I care for you Elise and I will do anything to make sure you are happy and healthy.” Not caring who is looking, Deadeye takes her face in his hands and places a kiss on her sweet lips. She opens for him and he takes his fill as she does the same. All too soon, he hears someone clearing their throat behind him. He pulls back and looks deeply in her eyes with his hands still on either side of her face. “Wait for me here, alright? I’ll be back soon.” Elise nods and closes her eyes when he places a soft kiss on her forehead.

  Deadeye turns around then to see Tank smirking at him. “Come on lover boy. We have a meeting to get to.” Tank rumbles at him before turning and leaving the room. Deadeye sighs and follows him out of the room.

  As soon as everyone is in the room, Hawk turns to Deadeye. “The floor is yours, big guy. What’s up?”

  “I need advice from you guys. I hate to admit it, but I am too close to the situation to see it clearly.” Deadeye looks around the room at his friends. Charlotte is smiling at him as if she knows exactly what he is going to say. “I want to keep Elise here with me, but her parents are not going to be ok with it. Her father has already pointed out that I am old enough to be her father, granted I would have been a wet behind the ear’s teenager, but I get where he is coming from. She has been through Hell and I don’t want to make the situation worse by being another complication. She has indicated she wants to stay here with me, but is it because I was the one there when she woke up? Are her feelings real or just a manifestation of the situation?” Deadeye blows out a frustrated breath. He feels like he isn’t making any sense.