Brotherhood Protectors: Protecting Kiera (Kindle Worlds Novella) (SEAL of Protection Book 10) Read online

  Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.

  This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Mary Jernigan. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Brotherhood Protectors remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Mary Jernigan, or their affiliates or licensors.

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  Protecting Kiera

  A SEAL of Protection novella

  Susan Stoker

  Contents

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Also by Susan Stoker

  About the Author

  Cooper Nelson’s SEAL career was cut drastically short when an explosion left him almost completely deaf. With so much of his pride and self-worth tied to the profession he loved above all else, Coop struggles in his nearly silent new world, his future seemingly bleak…until Commander Hurt badgers him into volunteering at the Riverton School for the Deaf. There, he meets teacher Kiera Hamilton, who opens his eyes—and his heart—to a love more fulfilling than any job could be.

  Ten years his senior, Kiera can’t believe Coop would ever be interested in anything long term, but he patiently proves her wrong. And she’s not the only one enamored with the sexy former-SEAL—her impressionable first-grade students are enthralled with the man, especially Frankie. The troubled young boy flourishes with each of Cooper’s visits, which only makes Kiera fall harder.

  As he learns ASL, connects with the students, and gets closer to Kiera, Coop’s happier than he’s ever been…until an attempted abduction at the school threatens to take away everything that makes his new life worth living.

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  Chapter 1

  Kiera Hamilton stood in a corner of My Sister’s Closet, the secondhand clothing store owned by her friend, Julie Hurt, and sipped the lukewarm champagne she’d been nursing for most of the night.

  She’d only agreed to attend the shindig because Julie had let it slip that Cooper would be there.

  Cooper Nelson. The man was six feet, two inches of perfection, and way out of her league. Not only that, he was too young for her. There were a million other reasons why it was stupid for Kiera to have a schoolgirl crush on the man, but it hadn’t prevented her from going out of her way to attend the small party.

  Kiera had met Julie when her first-grade class had toured the Navy base. Julie had been there visiting her husband, and when one of the children in the class had wet his pants, she’d come to the rescue. Her car had been full of clothes she’d just picked up from the cleaners to take to her store to sell, and she just happened to have a couple pairs of little boy pants. They’d hit it off, and now spent most of their free time together.

  Kiera knew all about Julie’s past…how she was the daughter of a senator who’d been kidnapped a few years ago. Julie had been up front about how awful she’d been to her rescuers during that ordeal, and how she now felt like she’d finally found the person she was meant to be.

  She owned and operated the small boutique, selling used designer clothes. She also donated a healthy amount of her inventory to homeless women who needed nice outfits to interview in, lower-income girls who needed dresses to wear to high school dances, and lately, she’d even begun selling men’s clothing, as well as donating Armani and other designer suits to down-on-their-luck men who needed to make a good impression.

  “Are you having a good time?”

  Kiera startled and almost dropped the flute of champagne, but managed to keep hold of it. She turned with a smile to Julie. “Of course. You must be thrilled at the turnout tonight.”

  Julie’s smile was huge as she nodded. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself at how well things have worked out. Not only did I find the man of my dreams, but I’ve actually been able to make a difference in many people’s lives. It feels good.”

  Kiera beamed at her friend. Tonight’s celebration came about because a young woman who Julie had given a professional outfit to a few years ago was interviewed by a local television station in Los Angeles, and the story had subsequently gone national. The woman’s story, unfortunately, wasn’t unusual. She’d escaped an abusive relationship, had gotten into drugs and was living on the streets. She’d cleaned herself up enough to get into a homeless shelter, but couldn’t find a job.

  Julie had met her in her first year of business, during one of her trips to the shelter to talk to the women who ran it. She’d invited Rebecca, the woman looking for a job, to her shop to pick out an outfit free of charge. To make a long story short, Rebecca had gotten the job she’d interviewed for and now, two short years later, had made her way up to an executive manager position.

  The party tonight was more to celebrate Rebecca’s success than anything else, but the influx of donations, both monetary and clothing, was a boon to rejoice in as well.

  Kiera looked around, noting there were quite a few of Riverton’s elite at the party. The mayor was there with his wife and she recognized the Chief of Police as well. As her gaze swung around the room, she stopped on Cooper and sighed. She had it so bad for him.

  Cooper had been under Julie’s husband’s command as a Navy SEAL, but was injured while on a mission and had retired. An explosion had gone off too close to where he’d been standing, and while he’d gotten away with all his limbs, he’d lost hearing in his right ear, and almost seventy percent in his left.

  Kiera worked with deaf children at the Riverton School for the Deaf, and had seen Cooper when he’d shown up to volunteer with the children. The first time she’d seen him standing in the hallway of the school, she’d been surprised at the immediate attraction she’d had toward him. She wasn’t the kind of woman who fell in lust at first sight, but Cooper just did something for her. He was tall, which she loved. Even though she’d spent her life looking up at people, there was just something about a man towering over her that turned her on. It made her feel more feminine, protected…something.

  He had russet-colored eyes that were a shade lighter than his dark brown hair, which was badly in need of a trim. He’d been wearing jeans that molded to his muscular thighs and a short-sleeve polo shirt had shown off his bulging biceps. All in all, he was beautiful and intimidating at the same time.

  She was just Kiera. Not a super soldier or really anyone extraordinary. Like a lot of women, she had extra pounds on her slight frame that she couldn’t seem to get rid of…not that she’d really tried. After a bad experience with extreme dieting in college, Kiera had decided to try to live a life of moderation, not deprivation. She ate and drank what she wanted, tried to stay fairly active without being a crazy workout freak, and as a result, was content with her body.

  But looking at Cooper that day, she’d suddenly wished she spent more time at the gym and hadn’t eaten the sleeve of Girl Scout cookies the night before. Amazingly, however, he hadn’t seemed bothered by her weight. He’d smiled at her, shook her hand and, unless she was completely misinterpreting the look in his eyes, seemed to be attracted to her.

  Since that first meeting, Kiera had spoken to Cooper every time he’d
visited the school. They’d laughed together and she’d thought they were hitting it off. She’d believed their attraction was mutual, but he hadn’t done anything about it. She figured that maybe he was reluctant because she worked at the school where he was volunteering, so when Julie said Cooper had promised to come to the party that night, Kiera had jumped at the chance to attend.

  But she might as well’ve stayed home, doing what she usually did on Saturday nights…namely, sitting on her couch either reading or watching TV. Cooper was at the party, but it almost seemed as if he was avoiding her, staying on the far side of the store. Kiera had watched him, and he seemed out of sorts and irritated, not talking to anyone, merely giving chin lifts to the other SEALs who were attending.

  Kiera had pretty good self-esteem, she liked her job, loved working with children, and even though she was short, liked her body most days. And she generally didn’t mind the fact that she was an introvert, preferring to sit at home by herself than go out and hang with friends. But standing in a corner, watching the groups of women laughing together, how the attached men doted on their wives without them seeming to notice, and as Julie’s husband, Patrick, kept glancing over at his wife and smiling, made Cooper’s standoffish manner—after she’d thought they were friends—all the more frustrating and depressing.

  She was brought out of her musings by Julie’s hand on her arm. She’d almost forgotten the other woman was standing next to her and they’d been having a discussion about how she’d gotten together with her husband. “You’ve totally made a difference in Riverton. You should be proud of yourself.”

  Kiera’s gaze swung behind the other woman and she said, “Speaking of the man of your dreams,” She got the words out right before Patrick came up behind Julie and put his arm around her waist.

  “It’s good to see you, Kiera,” he said after kissing his wife on the temple.

  “You too. All good on base?”

  “Can’t complain. You talked to Coop tonight?”

  Kiera wasn’t surprised he’d brought him up. He’d told her, in confidence, that Cooper was having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. He’d planned on being in the Navy for as long as they’d have him…but losing most of his hearing made that time end about twenty years before he was ready.

  “No. Our paths haven’t crossed,” Kiera told him honestly, not mentioning that it wasn’t for lack of effort on her part.

  “Damn stubborn sailor,” Patrick murmured under his breath.

  Kiera’s eyes flicked over to the corner Cooper had been occupying almost without her thinking about it. He was still there, frowning and looking extremely tense. She knew Julie was talking, but Kiera barely heard her. Something about Cooper’s body language was bugging her. She tilted her head and kept her eyes on him for a long moment.

  “…right?” Julie nudged her arm to get her attention.

  “I’m sorry…what?” Kiera asked, looking back at Julie apologetically.

  “I was just saying that Patrick talked to his secretary and he—”

  “Admin assistant,” Patrick interrupted.

  “What?” Julie asked.

  “Admin assistant. Not secretary. I don’t think Cutter would enjoy being called a secretary.”

  Julie rolled her eyes at her husband and smiled at Kiera. “Sorry…Patrick’s admin assistant,” she brought her hands up and used them to make air quotes around the words, “said he’d gladly arrange another visit if you wanted. He loved hanging out with the kids.”

  “I don’t know, we were quite the intrusion,” Kiera said reluctantly. And they had been. Taking kids who couldn’t hear on any field trip was never easy, but a trip to a working base with men in uniform and all their toys had been especially interesting with her group. The fourteen kids in her class could hardly contain their excitement, signing in their limited vocabulary and loving the attention they’d received from the sailors.

  “Never an intrusion,” Patrick said with a smile. “Kids are a gift.” His hand moved to Julie’s belly and he pulled her back against him, caressing her all the while.

  “Oh my God, are you pregnant?” Kiera blurted, eyes wide.

  Julie smiled and tilted her head up to Patrick. Her hand came to cover his on her stomach and she nodded.

  “Congrats, that’s so great!” Kiera gushed.

  “Thanks. We’re pretty happy,” Julie told her friend.

  “As well you should be. When are you due?”

  “Six months or so. I’m only about twelve weeks along.”

  “Seriously, that’s awesome.”

  “Yeah. We think so too. Anyway, Coop’s been coming to the school, right?” Patrick asked.

  Kiera nodded. “I saw him several times last week. We even had lunch one day.”

  “What’s his problem then?” Patrick mused, more to himself than either of the women standing with him. “He’s standing over there acting like an asshole. I’m going to tell him to get his head out of his ass or go home.”

  Patrick shifted behind Julie as if to do exactly that when it finally hit Kiera what was up with Cooper.

  “No, don’t. Let me talk to him.”

  Both Patrick and Julie’s eyes came to her. “Something I need to know?” Patrick asked in a commanding voice.

  Kiera shook her head quickly. “It’s just…I think I know why he’s been so out of sorts tonight.”

  “Want to share?” Patrick asked.

  Kiera bit her lip in indecision.

  “Never mind,” Julie’s husband said. “I suppose it’s not important. If you can get through to him, I’d be grateful. But, Kiera…”

  She looked up at the tall, forceful man. She’d more than once had the thought that Julie was a lucky woman after talking with Patrick. He was everything she’d always wanted in a man…and hadn’t been able to find. Strong, sure of himself, gentlemanly, and protective.

  When she met his gaze, Patrick continued, “If he’s not polite to you, let me know. He might not be under my command anymore, but no man disrespects a woman when I’m around. I’ll be watching.”

  Kiera swallowed hard. She knew Julie and Patrick, but they weren’t people she would exactly call best friends. But hearing Patrick say he’d have her back felt good. Really good. It had been a long time since anyone had done what Julie’s husband was offering…even if she didn’t think it was necessary.

  “I’ll be fine,” Kiera reassured Patrick. “Cooper wouldn’t do anything like that.”

  Patrick shrugged. “Maybe the Coop I used to know. But ever since he was injured, I’m not sure.”

  Kiera started to get upset. Even though Cooper had been ignoring her all night, she didn’t think he’d be disrespectful to her face, and still wanted to defend him. “Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think you do,” Kiera fired back, an angry flush to her cheeks. It was a juvenile come-back, as the man knew Cooper way better than she did, but she couldn’t stand there and say nothing.

  Patrick didn’t respond for a long moment before his lips twitched as if he was suppressing a smile. “Let me know if I can help in any way.”

  “I will,” Kiera forced herself to say. She didn’t want to piss off the commander, but jeez. “I’ll talk to you later, Julie.”

  “Later, Kiera,” the other woman responded.

  Kiera put her champagne glass down on a tray sitting nearby and headed across the room toward Cooper. She couldn’t believe it had taken her so long to figure out what his issue was. Now that she had, she kicked herself for not acting sooner.

  Chapter 2

  Cooper Nelson stood against the wall of the small boutique that belonged to his former commander’s wife and stared blankly at the people milling about around him. His head felt like it was going to explode. He glanced down at his watch to see how much longer he had to suffer before he could politely bow out.

  He genuinely wanted to be there; he was happy for Julie and Patrick, but the ringing in his ears was excruciating. It was almost ironic that while he’d l
ost most of his hearing, at the moment he wished he’d lost all of it.

  Cooper hadn’t thought much about the party and how it would affect him. He’d just gotten in his car and showed up, as he would’ve before he was injured. But the longer he was there, and the more people filled the small space, he quickly realized that the buzz of voices and low music playing was amplified by his hearing aid. He’d tried turning the volume on the device down, but as a result he’d been unable to hear what anyone said to him when they spoke, so he’d turned it back up. And the fact that the noise was only registering on one side of his head made him feel off kilter, and even a little sick to his stomach.

  He’d arrived at the get-together excited to see Julie’s friend again, but his excitement had quickly waned when he realized how hard it was to hear, and now he just wanted to go home and hide in his blissfully silent apartment.

  Just as he’d decided that it was time to leave, whether or not it was rude, he felt a hand on his arm. Looking down, Cooper saw the reason he was at the party at all standing next to him, her brow furrowed in concern.

  Kiera Hamilton.

  He’d been fascinated by the woman since the first day he’d met her. Patrick had recommended/ordered he volunteer at a deaf school near the base, and Cooper hadn’t been happy about it. He’d felt as if his commander was pushing his disability down his throat and it had pissed him off. He’d gone, but had sworn to himself that he was just doing it the one time to placate Patrick.

  The moment Cooper had seen Kiera, he’d been smitten.

  Smitten. It was such a silly word for how she made him feel. It didn’t matter that she was ten years older than him or that she was way out of his league. The second he saw her signing with a child in the middle of the lunchroom, he’d wanted to get to know her.