Melene grasped Aiden’s arm. He didn’t know if she even realized she’d reached for him. She didn’t look at him but was focused on the XO. “But his family. Will they even know what happened to him? Will they ever see him again?” Her voice was full of horror.
It was interesting that she’d been so brave about herself being in danger and possibly never seeing her family again, but the boy being taken from his family about undid her. Aiden felt sympathetic for the boy, but his family would probably want him to live through puberty. If Thomas went back to that camp in Poland, Phillip would have him murdered by week’s end. They could only hope the general wouldn’t kill his family and others in the camp when they returned and found no new information on Melene or Thomas.
“I think his family would prefer he lived,” the Executive Officer said, not unkindly but definitely matter-of-factly. “We can pray this war gets resolved and they can be reunited.”
Melene jutted out her chin. “I will pray desperately for that.”
The Skipper gave her a nod of respect. “As will we.”
The three men each nodded to Melene. Jace and Aiden saluted as they strode from the room.
“At ease,” Melene said sweetly as the door shut.
Aiden relaxed and smiled at her. “I remember you being a tease, but not quite so feisty.”
“Feisty?” Jace whistled. “I thought the Skipper was going to court martial a civilian when you didn’t bow to his very thoughtful demands.”
Melene lifted her eyebrows. “Let him try. I hate when people try to tell me I can’t serve the children and I’m putting myself in danger.”
“Noted,” Aiden said, understanding why she’d feel that way, but also wondering if she shouldn’t listen to solid and valuable advice. There were other ways to serve children besides putting yourself in extreme danger. He almost smiled at that thought. He was in extreme danger every day, but he’d been expertly trained from birth on up how to deal with intense situations.
“Well.” He smiled at Melene. “Are you ready to ride in a submersible?”
“I have no clue what that is.”
“You’re in for a treat. You don’t get seasick in small crafts, do you?”
“Violently,” she said, smiling happily at him.
Jace chuckled. “I hope you’re teasing.”
She shrugged, giving nothing away.
“How are you feeling right now?”
“Dizzy, swallowing down bile, and my stomach is moving like a parkour expert.”
Aiden’s eyes widened. Seasick. That’s why she looked so tired. Ah, dang. The next few days were going to be rough for her.
Jace whistled. “You’re pretty impressive not to complain.”
Shewasimpressive, and Aiden didn’t like Jace noticing. He should’ve laughed at himself. Any unattached male, and sadly a lot of attached ones, would notice how impressive, sweet, loving, and beautiful Melene was. Jace was still healing from his wife deserting him a year ago. Aiden should be grateful his friend could be distracted by Melene. Somehow he wasn’t.
“I’d complain, but nobody would listen.” Her full lips smiled teasingly at Jace.
They all laughed, but Aiden thought it was time to get her away from his CO and closest friend outside his family. “We’ll go visit the medics on our way to pack.” Aiden took her arm, liking the feel of her warm, firm flesh against his palm.
“I have nothing to pack.” A small frown appeared on her beautiful lips, and Aiden had the completely irrational desire to kiss it away.
He had to stop with thoughts like that. He was on an assignment. As soon as he was done, he’d go back to active duty and Melene would go back to her charity work, unless she listened to the Skipper’s advice and went home to her family.
They had no future. Even if Aiden had been into meaningless dating, Melene was not the type of girl you dated and left behind. She was the unicorn, wife material, the perfect mix of sweet and a little sass, humor and intelligence, beauty and Christian light.
He forced a smile. “We’ll find you clothes and toiletries somewhere.” Actually, he’d text Papa and make sure wherever they were going was stocked with everything Melene might need.
“Thank you.” She gifted him with that beautiful smile and his stomach pitched happily. He never got seasick, so he couldn’t attribute his stomach’s movement to that.
Jace gave him a look over Melene’s head. His friend was jealous of his assignment, but also commiserated. It would never work to fall for an innocent, charitable beauty like Melene. Jace had tried love and marriage, and had gotten burned in the worst way. Aiden had seen the devastation his friend dealt with. Melene was off limits for his heart’s safety and her own.