Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files Book 6) (40 page)

“I’m going to recite some Swiss bank account numbers to you. I want a balance for each one.”

Ryland went through six different accounts, the ones he’d given to Crest upon their original deal. His gut was warning him that each of those accounts had been siphoned and when his contact came back with a balance of five hundred dollars in each, it was confirmed. He disconnected the line without a word, wondering how deep this was going to cut into his retirement plan. He could withstand the severe bite that had just been served up on a silver platter. Any man of his caliber had a back-up plan and Ryland considered himself to be of that high regard. He threw back his head and laughed at Crest’s last gesture. That son of a bitch had gotten him after all.

*   *   *   *

Crest savored the golden brown liquor as it washed over his tongue. It was nowhere near as good as the taste of Jessie, but it would do until he got her home. He stood next to the bar, watching her mingle with the other guests and admiring the way her long, form-fitting Carolina Herrara silver gown clung to her curves. She kept throwing a small smile his way, although undoubtedly that was from the ben-wa balls he had her insert before this evening, sans panties of course. As for the upcoming dinner, it would be interesting to watch her shifting on the chair to find a comfortable position on her sensitive ass.

“The happy couple should be here in a few moments,” Kevin said, stopping to stand next to Crest. He signaled for the bartender. “That was one hell of a ceremony. I thought Connor was going to have a coronary when Ethan showed up with a bag of microwave popcorn.”

“It didn’t help that Taryn kept laughing at Ethan’s antics,” Gavin said, not taking his eyes off of Jessie. All the men of CSA had stood up beside Connor to see him wed, although Crest had declined the offer. It wasn’t for any other reason other than the fact that he wasn’t sure if he would have been available. As for Jessie, she’d originally been included, but had also opted out weeks ago when her freedom had been in jeopardy. It actually freed up the two of them to enjoy the wedding outside of the wedding party, although it kick-started another round of conversations about what type of wedding she wanted. “She didn’t allow it to take place for long though. The wedding was very beautiful.”

“That it was, but damn if Connor didn’t show us all up. Can you believe he wrote his own vows?” Kevin broke off to order a beer before continuing to make his point. “Shit, Lauren had all the girls crying by the time she was done. Elle is going to expect the same of me, but damn if I could ever sum up what I feel for her in a few words.”

“Ditto.”

Lach McKinnon had joined them, asking the bartender for a single malt scotch whiskey and wincing when his preferred blend wasn’t on hand. He took the generic liquor and then raised his glass in salute before taking a drink. He was a man of few words, so it wasn’t a surprise when he didn’t add anything else. Seeing as he was engaged to the daughter of a Presidential nominee, Secret Service was positioned at the doors. Considering the guest list, the added security didn’t bother anyone.

“There’s some popcorn left if anyone would like any,” Ethan said, smiling when Jax came from behind him and grabbed the bag. He tossed it to the bartender and ordered a beer for the two of them. “What? You have to admit the look on Connor’s face was absolutely hilarious.”

“You’re lucky he didn’t squirrel tap you right then and there,” Jax said, flashing a smile at the thought. Before he could add on to the sentiment, a murmur of
awwws
rose from the guests as Connor and Lauren entered the room. The bride looked beautiful with her red curls falling over her shoulders and the glow that adorned her face. Connor was a proud man at her side and it wasn’t even thirty seconds before the guests descended on the special couple. “Crest, where’s Townes? I know he was invited to the wedding but I haven’t seen him. Connor’s reception is a would be a great way to break the ice.”

“Townes is handling something for me, but I’m sure he’ll be here shortly.” Crest smiled to himself in satisfaction that a reputable military charity that took care of the families of fallen servicemen had just gotten a rather large donation from an anonymous donor. It was fitting that Ryland’s take on so many kills would be put to better use than a villa in the south of France. He took another drink of his own whiskey as a round of congratulations sounded out as Connor joined them. Jax was the best man and he didn’t shirk his duty, ensuring that a beer was deposited in Connor’s hand. Crest waited patiently for this group of men to extend their greetings before speaking. He was proud of each and every one of his team members and what they have accomplished as a group. It was rare that he said these things, but being with Jessie and witnessing how things were taken advantage of, it was best he spoke his mind now. He wished Taryn were here to hear his words as well, but she was over by Jessie. Heaven help them from that conversation. “Connor, I think it’s safe to say that we are all honored to be here and help you celebrate your marriage to a beautiful woman who is more than your equal. Before this evening kicks off and I don’t manage another chance to convey this to you before your honeymoon, I want you to know that it’s a privilege to work with you. Each and every one of you deserves this happiness and it is truly my pleasure to watch it happen. May you always be the sparkle in her eye and be the reason for the confidence in her step. May you respect the love that she gives you and may she always be there when you come home. Semper Fidelis.”

Each man raised their drink in response and as Crest finished his off, he caught sight of Jessie surrounded by the other women. His chest tightened with the one emotion he thought he’d go without for the rest of his days. Love was a brilliant sentiment and so aptly written about in many literary works. Good men were only good by themselves, but great men had an equally amazing woman by their side. He was neither. He was just a simple man whose mission it was to see that his future wife remained surrounded by family, happy in life, and radiant in her surrender. His Jessica smiled at him, letting him know that so far…he was succeeding.

~ THE END ~

Thank you for reading Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files 6) in the CSA Case Files series.

For those of you that have followed the Red Starr series, Targets Entangled (Red Starr, Book Two) is now available for pre-order:
http://amzn.to/1wSDLZF

Dreams die…

Daegan Murphy lives life the way it’s meant to be lived…not a care in the world. With his motorcycle, sniper rifle, and career choice, some might think he has a death wish. But he’s got a family who loves him, team members that count on him, and hostages to rescue. He wouldn’t purposefully put himself in death’s crosshairs because he knows what it’s like to be the one left behind.

Faith exists…

Ferrin Hewitt believes everything has order and her years in the military reflected that. She runs her civilian life as disciplined and organized as the Navy taught her. So why is it that she finds herself attracted to a former Marine who lives his life on the edge and completely opposite of what she believes in?

Love endures…

Ferrin’s assignment is simple—to keep those saving others safe. When the worst happens and the blame is put on her, Daegan is the only one to come to her defense. She knows help is never given without strings and when their search for the truth leads to a passion she can’t control, the one thing she’ll need rescued is her heart.

Books by Kennedy Layne

CSA Case Files Series

Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files 1)

Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2)

Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3)

Campaign of Desire (CSA Case Files 4)

Internal Temptation (CSA Case Files 5)

Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files 6)

Red Starr Series

Starr’s Awakening (Red Starr, The Prequel)

Hearths of Fire (Red Starr, Book One)

Targets Entangled (Red Starr, Book Two)

About the Author

First and foremost, I love life. I love that I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister… and a writer.

I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.

Thank you for having joined me on their journeys…

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