Read Online Chica Bella by Carly Fall - Free Book Online Page A

yelled at him, and she turned for the door.
    Two strides later, he had her in his arms.
    “Maya—”
    “Let go of me!” she screamed. If she kept this up, security was going to be called, so he slammed his mouth over hers while pinning her up against the wall. He forced the bag out of her hand and locked those flailing fists down while dodging a knee to the groin. He pressed his body into hers so that she couldn’t try that again.
    When the fight went out of her, all that was left were the sobs. Easing up, he let go of her hands and she sunk to the floor, burying her head between her knees, her black hair cascading all over her back and shoulders.
    He knelt before her.
    “Maya—”
    “When do you go?” she asked in a small, defeated voice.
    “I don’t.”
    She was silent for a moment, and slowly lifted her head. “What?” she whispered.
    “I’m not going anywhere. I’m out, Maya. I didn’t tell you because there was a chance I would have to go one more time, but my C.O. said no. I’m done.”
    He watched the shock on Maya’s face.
    “I just need to head back to San Diego and sign some paperwork, but that’s it.”
    She stared at him.
    “Maya, if you’ll have me, I want to stay here and be with you.” His voice was quiet and filled with need. “I want us to be together for the rest of our lives. I’m hoping like hell you want that, too.”
    She continued to look at him, and she had stopped breathing.
    “Honey, you need to breathe.”
    “You’re…done?”
    He nodded.
    “You’ll never go on another assignment?”
    “No.”
    “You want to stay here and be with me?”
    He nodded again, smiling. “Yes, chica bella .”
    Maya threw herself at him, making him fall backward onto the hardwood floor. As she lay on top of him, more tears started up, and she covered him in wet, sloppy kisses.
    He laughed, feeling as though his soul was finally free. That phone call had allowed him to embark on the future that he wanted, that he was ready to embrace. He would be able to stay with his Maya. He took her head in his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I love you, Maya.” He meant the words with every fiber in his being.
    “ Te amo también .” I love you, too .
    “Does this mean you want me to stay?” he asked. He was certain he knew the answer, but he had to hear it from her.
    She tilted her head and gave him a small smile. “I don’t know,” she said in a teasing voice. “I think you need to persuade me.”
    He laughed, standing up with her in his arms in one fluid motion. He marched to the bathroom.
    “What are you doing?” She laughed.
    “My persuasion techniques are very effective in the shower,” he said with a smile.

 
     
    Epilogue
     
     
    One year later
     
    Landon snapped his laptop shut and looked out over the ocean, his work done for the day.
    His business, providing security and house sitting for the celebrities that frequented Cabo, was doing well. He had two employees working for him who happened to both be fellow SEALs who also decided to get out. It was easy hiring them as he had trusted them with his life for many years.
    He and Maya had found a small house on the beach. Jamming his feet into the sand, he stared out into the water. This was now his office.
    “Hi, chica ,” he said before he saw her. He had become acutely aware of when she was around, like his sixth sense was only tuned in to her.
    “Hi,” she said, bending down and giving him a kiss.
    “How was work?”
    Maya continued to work at the hotel bar, even though he didn’t like it. He cringed when he thought of men…and boys…hitting on her.
    “ Excelente ! How was your day?”
    “It was good. Your favorite celebrity called. He wants us to come housesit.”
    Maya threw her head back and laughed. “When do we move in?”
    “A week from today.”
    “I’m excited,” Maya said, sitting down on the sand and laid her head on his knees.
    He ran his fingers through her silky hair as they watched the