What I Fight For: A Bad Boy Military Romance (Easy Team Book 1) by Gemma Hart

need for such formality with Easy Team. We’re all equal. I’m only called Captain to designate a leader but it’s not a rank. And Bear is his call sign. His name is Xander Vaughn, next time you want to chat with him.”
                  I gave a curt nod. “Fine,” I said, feeling more embarrassed now that I had misused military titles and names. “I’ll talk with Mr. Vaughn then about driving me.”
                  Cooper shook his head. “I’m sorry but he’s out on patrol. I’m afraid your next best option will just have to be me,” he said.
                  I was about to argue that I had seen at least half a dozen other men on his team and I would much rather take my chances with them when he put both hands on my shoulders and leaned in.
                  “Listen,” he said, pinning me again with those dark eyes that made me feel like I was melting from the inside out. “I know that last night made us both feel a little awkward.”
                  Both? He looked just as calm and casual as ever. But now that his face was so close to mine, I did notice the faint darkening around some of the lines around his eyes. Perhaps it was both.
                  “But I said everything I said to spare you more pain,” he said. “I don’t want you to have another risky night of reckless drinking because of me.” I lowered my head, unable any longer to meet his gaze but a finger tucked under my chin, forcing my head up. “But that doesn’t mean I feel like protecting you any less. That doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you any less. So let me do both. Let me worry about you and protect you.”
                  A shiver passed through my chest. You want to worry over me and protect me…but you don’t want to date me. I know the word itself sounded so stupid and shallow—‘date.’ But what else was there to call it?
                  But maybe it was for the best. Maybe he was right. The humiliation, the pain, I had endured after Edward was something I really couldn’t fathom experiencing again so soon. And really, I hardly knew this man. Who knew what kind of heartbreak he could be capable of?
                  But left with no choice, I agreed. “Fine,” I said softly. “Let’s go then.”
     
    ***
     
                  The office of the official was attached to the large meeting hall. The meeting hall had clearly been used as some kind of town hall assembly when there had been more people. But now it was abandoned and nearly empty of any furniture or people.
                  Cooper stood waiting in the office, leaning against the wall near the door. “Things looking like a five star hospital in there?” he said grinning.
                  “Just about,” I said, smiling back. “Once we get workstations set up, it’ll be a good space for us to work in.”
                  The official beamed. “That’s very good news!” he said genuinely.
                  Cooper straightened up and began talking to the man in Qunari. I was yet again amazed by the man. He spoke Pakreshi and now he also spoke Qunari? I watched as Cooper made gestures with his hands. From what I could gather, it seemed like he was already discussing how to call in the city people into the meeting hall for the medical team in an orderly fashion.
                  From the moment we had arrived in town, I had been amazed by Cooper’s subtle diplomacy. Having seen him in camo and with a rifle in his hand, it was all too easy for me to understand who he was as a mercenary.
                  But clearly, the man wasn’t all brawn. He had learned enough tact to pick up some of the local tongues to better keep the peace. He knew how to direct local officials and authorities without making them feel bossed about.
                  I had had to stop myself