Fighting with Honor Read online

  Fighting with Honor

  A Men of Honor Novella

  K.C. LYNN

  Published by K.C. Lynn

  Fighting with Honor Copyright © 2017 K.C. LYNN

  Kindle Edition

  First Edition: 2017

  Editing: Wild Rose Editing

  Formatting: BB eBooks

  Cover Art by: Cover to Cover Designs

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Dedication

  Dedicated to my Ladies of Honor. Your unwavering support, loyalty, and love for these characters never cease to amaze me. I love our group and cherish each day we spend together. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

  Here are more Men of Honor for you.

  Quick note from the author

  Although the content in this story does indeed occur in real life, please note that this story is purely fictional. It has been conjured up from my imagination and is not meant to offend but merely give a happily ever after that we don’t always get in real life.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Quick note from the author

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Author Bio

  PROLOGUE

  Jaxson

  Once a man pledges his honor to his country, that sacrifice is embedded in his soul forever. For years he’s trained to fight, kill, and do whatever necessary to protect his country and its freedom, even if it means giving his own life.

  He becomes more of a machine than human—one that’s built to destroy the enemy.

  When it’s time to turn in his weapons, he never forgets the skills he learned. Never forgets the smell of death or feel of a rifle in his hands. The same hands that one day cradle his baby girl and caress the skin of his beautiful wife.

  If anything or anyone ever tried to steal away the family he has vowed to love and protect, may God have mercy on their soul.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Jaxson

  The early morning sun continues to rise, lighting the trail I destroy beneath my feet. Sweat coats my skin, trickling down my bare back as my lungs rage for air.

  I push myself harder, relishing in the burn.

  Every day I run this trail in the solitude of my property, land that I share with men who I consider brothers. Together, we fought alongside each other for our country, now we fight to protect the people we love most.

  Once my house comes into view, I slow to a jog and climb up the porch steps, grabbing the newspaper that lays before the door. Walking inside, I hit the code for the alarm then head upstairs and grab a towel from the linen closet to wipe down with.

  I sling it around my neck before opening the bedroom door next to me. There I find the most perfect child curled up in bed, her petite hands folded beneath her chubby cheek as she sleeps peacefully.

  My chest tightens, disbelief hitting me like always when I think about the fact that I helped create her.

  Gently closing the door, I continue down the hall and enter my room to find my other reason for living. The woman I’ve been in love with since we were teenagers. Julia lies curled up much the same way our daughter is, peacefully sleeping. I come to stand at the end of our bed, admiring the slender curve of her body and smooth, bare leg that pokes out beneath the sheet.

  Fisting the blankets, I rip them off of her, revealing the sexy, black silk tank top and panties she wore to bed.

  She shoots upright with a gasp, long chestnut hair tangling around her pretty face. She blinks at me, her aquamarine eyes quickly narrowing.

  “Jesus, Jaxson. You scared the shit out of me.” She drops to her back again, draping an arm over her tired eyes.

  Yep. She still hates mornings.

  She peeks up at me from beneath her arm, her face pinched in annoyance, but there’s no denying the heat in her eyes as they wander over my bare chest.

  My cock hardens on the spot.

  “Why are you tormenting me this early in the morning?” she asks, her voice mussed with sleep.

  Smirking, I get rid of the towel from around my neck then drop to my knees. My hands grip her silk-covered hips as I drag her to the end of the bed. Her legs instinctively open for me, giving me what I seek.

  What I fucking own.

  I kiss up the inside of her thigh, nipping at her delicate skin, leaving my mark.

  Moaning, her hands drive into my hair, fingers gripping and pulling me to the sweet spot between her legs.

  Refusing to waste time, I rip the thin silk from her hips and bury my mouth in the sweetest pussy I’ve ever tasted.

  Her flavor, the one I fucking crave, explodes on my tongue, catapulting me into ecstasy.

  A harsh gasp parts her lips, her back arching in pleasure. “Jaxson.” The breathless sound of my name purging from her delicate throat echoes through the room, fueling my need for more.

  I lift my mouth, replacing it with my hand, and give her bare pussy a light slap.

  “Oh god!” Her back bows, hips lifting—begging.

  My finger teases her clit, the slick nub hardening further. “Lift your shirt, Julia.” The order is rough; need darkening my voice. “Show me your tits.”

  She does as I say, the black satin clearing her flat stomach and over her head. Her hands caress her skin, giving me a show before she covers herself, fingers pinching the tight little points.

  “That’s it, baby,” I praise. “Play with those pretty nipples for me.”

  A needy whimper escapes her as she follows the order. “Jaxson, please.”

  “What do you want, Jules? This?” I give her pussy another slap, watching her soft skin turn pink.

  Her scream of pleasure sounds through the room, hips restless—wild. “More,” she begs, panting. “Make me come.”

  Growling, I lay down another smack, the hardest one yet, then cover her with my mouth, my tongue curling around her throbbing clit.

  She falls apart beneath me, her cries of pleasure penetrating my mind and heart. Once her tremors subside, I lift her into my arms and carry her into the bathroom.

  She wraps her legs around my waist, wet pussy gliding along my stomach as she kisses up my jaw. A primal need claims me; lust roaring in my veins as I start the shower. I shed my sweats quickly then step inside, pin her against the wall, and drive up into her with one hard thrust.

  She cries out, her breath leaving her in a rush. My groan tears apart my chest, head swimming with pleasure.

  It’s always like this.

  No matter how long it’s been or how many times I take her, it rocks the very fucking foundation of who I am.

  Every—single—time.

  Hot water rains down on us, steam bi
llowing and thickening the air, mixing with the passion that’s always between us.

  “I love you so much,” she breathes the words against my lips, her forehead resting on mine.

  “I love you too, baby. Now and forever.”

  My hips surge forward, stealing the air from her lungs once more.

  “God.” Her head drops back on the wall, pleasure washing over her face as I give her what we both want.

  “You love it, Jules, don’t you? Love it when my cock feeds this hungry pussy.”

  “So much,” she admits shamelessly. “It’s always so good.”

  “Always, baby. Because it’s us.”

  “Yes!” Her legs grip my hips tighter, arms hugging me closer. “Give it to me. I want it hard.”

  Her words fuel the beast within me, giving me permission to unleash him. I fuck her right into the wall, my cock relentless with every hard thrust.

  “Yes!” Her pussy grips me, sucking me in further.

  My hand dips between the smooth crevice of her ass, finger seeking the entrance hidden there. It slips in easily, the water helping with resistance.

  “Oh god, I’m going to come again,” she cries out the warning.

  “Damn right you are and you’re going to do it all over my cock.”

  She careens over the edge for a second time, her fingers biting into my shoulders.

  Fire licks down my spine, the sting of her nails taking me along with her. I bury my face into her neck with a groan, giving everything that belongs to her, especially the organ inside my chest.

  She rests her cheek next to my temple, lips close to my ear. “Mmm, I love it when we start our mornings like this.”

  I lift my head, her eyes penetrating me where I stand. They break through every defense I’ve ever had. “I love every morning that I get to wake up next to you.”

  The smile she gives me feeds the darkest parts of me, parts that are reserved only for her.

  My hand rests against her wet satin cheek before I take her mouth in a slow, deep kiss, a complete contradiction to how I just took her body.

  I will never tire of this, never tire of her, and I will cherish it until the day I die.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Julia

  After applying the finishing touches to my hair and make-up, I move into my closet and slip on my white knee-length skirt, baby blue tank top, and white lace flats. A couple squirts of my favorite perfume and I’m ready for my day.

  I make my way downstairs into the kitchen, finding the two people I love most in the world at the table. Annabelle sits perched on Jaxson’s lap, her small arm wrapped around his neck as she eats her breakfast with him. I bite back a chuckle when I notice her big pink bow is upside down in her curly brown hair.

  “Then I told mean ol’ Toby to take a hike or I’d give him a what for,” she says, shaking her fist as she relays the altercation that took place yesterday on the playground with Toby McDonald. A boy who is never very nice to the other kids.

  “Did he listen?” Jaxson asks, a furious bite to his tone.

  “No. He laughed at me.”

  “Laughed at you?” he repeats, outraged.

  “Yeah, laughed at me. So that did it. I was gonna show him who he was messin’ with, but then Beck and Parker showed up and he ran off.”

  Jaxson grunts. “He wasn’t so tough anymore, was he?”

  “No, sir. He’s such a meanie.”

  “He sounds like a real asshole.”

  I gasp, my mouth dropping.

  Jaxson’s head snaps left, his eyes connecting with mine.

  “Uh-oh,” Annabelle whispers, her tiny voice laced with amusement.

  “Uhh… I meant, what a jerk.”

  I stalk over to him, ignoring the hum within my body as his eyes sweep from head to toe. Not even an hour ago this man was inside of me, and already, I want more.

  “Pay up, now,” I demand, holding my hand out.

  He drops a kiss on my palm, making Annabelle giggle and me smile.

  “Nice try but I don’t think so. Five bucks for the swear jar, mister.”

  “Pay up, Daddy.”

  Jaxson looks back at Annabelle. “I thought you were on my side.”

  “Usually I am but Hope, Mia, Ella, and I are saving up for a clubhouse. Between all of our swear jars we almost have enough money.”

  It takes everything in me not to burst out laughing.

  Grunting, Jaxson shifts in his chair and pulls out his wallet. After placing the money in my hand, he lifts Annabelle over his head, making her squeal and laugh, her dress flipping up in the process.

  “You want a clubhouse, baby girl. I’ll build you one. A far better one than money can buy.”

  “You mean it, Daddy?”

  “Yeah but on one condition.”

  “What?”

  “You must give me a kiss.”

  Her smile brightens. “Easiest deal I ever made.” She squishes his face between her hands and gives him a loud, smacking kiss. “Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best.”

  Jaxson brings her against his chest, holding her close while she gives him a big hug. “Anything for you, Belle. Always.”

  Love explodes through my chest, dancing to the tips of my fingers. I’m almost tempted to give him back his money…almost. Instead, I slip it in my skirt pocket.

  “You ready to go, sweet girl?” I ask, hating to break up their moment.

  “Ready!”

  Reaching down, I lift her into my arms. Jaxson’s fingers slip into the waistband of my skirt, pulling me in close. A smile steals my lips, knowing exactly what he wants.

  Bending down, I lay a long, drawn-out kiss on his mouth like I do every morning before walking out of this house.

  “Bye,” I whisper, keeping my lips close.

  “Be safe.”

  “Always.” Straightening, I turn to leave the room but not before Jaxson’s hand lands on my ass, delivering a parting smack.

  I swear the man lives to torture me.

  “Bye, Daddy. See you after school.” Annabelle waves to him over my shoulder.

  “Bye, baby girl. Remember, take no shiii…crap from anyone.”

  “Don’t worry, I got this,” she assures him.

  I shake my head but can’t contain another smile.

  Once we step out onto the porch, I place Annabelle to her feet and fix her bow so it’s the right way.

  She looks up at me sheepishly, her eyes the same ice blue color as Jaxson’s. “I knew it was the wrong way but I didn’t want to hurt Daddy’s feelings. He tries so hard but this is just one thing he can never get right.”

  I chuckle, warmth filling my heart at the love she has for her father and his pride. “You’re right, he does try hard. We don’t have to tell him when it’s wrong. We’ll just fix it ourselves.”

  “Good idea.”

  I drop a kiss on her cheek then take her hand and walk to the Denali. The fresh air and warm sun on my skin adds to the already beautiful morning.

  Our first stop is the house next door. Parker and Hope wait on the porch with their backpacks on. Grace kisses and hugs them both then Parker takes his sister’s hand, walking her down the steps. He boosts her up into the SUV, something he insists on doing because he doesn’t need my help getting in.

  Like father, like son.

  “Hello, darlings,” I greet them.

  “Hi, Auntie Julia.”

  Grace waves to me from the front door, getting ready to head out herself for the day. Ever since she donated her kidney to her younger sister, Sawyer won’t let her be the one to open the bakery or work long hours. It miffed Grace at first but she understands he’s worried and wants her to take it easy. Thankfully, she has her sisters and Mac to help her.

  Next, we head to pick up Mia. She too is waiting on the porch, wearing a white sundress and pink cowgirl boots. If hats were allowed at school, I have no doubt she’d be wearing one to complete her outfit.

  Faith walks her to the SUV and helps her up into the b
ooster seat since she’s the youngest and still requires one.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Faith greets us with a smile.

  “Hey. You headed to the music school?” I ask.

  “No, my first appointment isn’t until this afternoon. Alissa and I are going out this morning to do some shopping for the baby’s room.” Her smile brightens, excitement palpable.

  “How fun. Text me pictures of your findings.”

  “I definitely will.” After giving Mia a kiss, she wishes us a good day and heads back inside.

  Last, but not least, we drive to pick up Beckett. Which, again, is one house over, all of us spread out across eighty acres on the land we subdivided. We are the perfect example that you can be a family without sharing the same blood.

  Beckett walks out of the house just as I pull up, looking as handsome as always in his khaki pants and trendy plaid shirt that’s been left unbuttoned, revealing a plain white shirt underneath.

  That boy is the spitting image of his father.

  Kayla comes barreling out of the house with Ella in her arms, yanking Beckett back for a kiss. Clearly, he tried slipping off without one.

  The thought has me chuckling.

  Both she and Ella wave at me from the door. One more year and that darling little girl will be with us. She’s one year younger than Mia and will be in kindergarten next year.

  “Hello, handsome,” I greet Beckett as he climbs in.

  “Hi, Aunt Julia.”

  “Is everyone ready to go?”

  “Ready!” they all shout at the same time.

  I do a quick run through of names like I do every morning, more for fun than anything else. “Parker and Hope?”

  “Your favorite twins are in the house,” Parker belts out, making everyone laugh.

  “Mia?”

  “Here.”

  “Beckett?”

  “Check.”

  I’m about to call the last name but Annabelle speaks first. “Right behind ya, Mama.”

  Smiling, I slip my sunglasses back on. “All right. Let’s go.”