As usually, someone asked for it and I wrote it. If you want to know why they need this, read the previous chapter.

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Donovan needed to shoot something. At this point, he would even settle for punching something. But he could do neither of these things. Instead, he lay on the beach with the sun darkening his skin and slowly driving him insane. The need to move, to be active felt like an itch that would never go away. Each time he felt he was going to lose it, he turned his head and was reminded why he didn't do anything.

Carter lay on a towel beside him, dozing peacefully in the sunshine. She needed this vacation. After all they had gone through she deserved time off. But after six days of laying in the sun and reading, Donovan couldn't stand it. Even books weren't cutting it. He needed to do something, anything.

He watched as a group of guys pass by and wished at least one of them would eye Carter. Even if it was a passing glance. It could give Donovan a reason to get in a fight. But in contrast to the majority of the girls present on the beach, Carter appeared overdressed. She wore a tankini - that covered the top half of her body and her scars - and board shorts.

Though Donovan did prefer this bathing suit, right then he was irritated by it since it meant no guy cared to look. He had to face the fact that even if they did, he lay so close to Carter that they would instantly look away. Shirtless as he was, it was easy to see how he was a guy who would not lose in a fight.

Since there would be no fight with guys ogling his wife, Donovan decided he would settle for movement. He rose to his feet and as he did, Carter opened her eyes, peering up at him. For a moment, Donovan didn't feel antsy as he looked at her, her hair a loose mess, and her skin a golden brown making her eyes gleam.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"The sun is getting to me. I figured I would go cool off."

It was an understatement, the sun was driving him slowly insane. The sun and the dullness of doing absolutely nothing.

Carter stood and brushed the sand off her skin. They cut a path through the map of sunburnt bodies, beach umbrellas, and towels to the glistening water. Children splashing in the tide as boogie boarders waited further out, searching for a big enough wave to carry them in. Avoiding a maze of sandcastles, the pair waded into the water.

The cool ocean washed the heat off Donovan and he tried to let it be enough. It wasn't. But he didn't say anything. Instead, he followed Carter's lead as she swam further out, ducking under a wave and coming back up on the other side, hair slick against her neck. With a sigh, she floated on her back, eyes closed.

She looked peaceful and Donovan submerged his antsy feeling beneath determination. For her, he could survive a couple more days of mind-numbing inactivity.

"Donovan."

He drifted over to her. "Hmmm?"

"If we don't find a fight to get into, I'm going to go crazy."

Donovan blinked, a baby wave hitting his chest and splashing into his face.

"Are you serious?"

Carter righted herself. "Yes, I've been going stir crazy but if I spend one more hour laying on a stupid towel I'm likely to commit mass murder and I don't know if you'll make out alive."

Laughing, Donovan wrapped his arms around her waist and she rested her hands on his neck.

"I thought you were enjoying the quiet," he said. "I feel like I'm going insane."

"But you've had all your books! You looked so content to keep reading for hours on end."

Donovan laughed again, giving her a salty kiss.

"I read because you were napping."

"I was napping because you were reading."

"Why anyone thought we should take a vacation to a place where there isn't a shooting range is beyond me."

"There's no shooting range, but I'm sure there's crime."

Donovan kissed Carter again. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"In my book, not enough."

To make up for his bad manners, he peppered her with kisses which made her laugh, a sound he could get drunk on.

Before Carter could swim away, Donovan stopped her.

"Carter, wait. We can't get involved in crime, Brock took our badges so we would have to relax, remember?"

Carter scowled. "I hate to say it, but I strongly dislike your brother right now."

"I have to agree, but we can still do something other than nap and read."

"Lead the way and I'll follow as long as I don't have to be at the beach anymore."

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Energy surged through Donovan and he felt like the last few days he'd been paralyzed, now he was moving again. Adrenaline pounded through his veins as the jet ski pounded against the waves. Every muscle was in action as he cut through the water. To his left, Carter twisted her jet ski, sending a wall of water into him, drenching him yet again. He laughed as he chased after her planning to repay her kindness.

As he reached her, two other jet ski riders came into their view. From a distance, they could see it was two males, that looked to be in their mid-twenties. With a glance at Carter, Donovan knew they had the same idea. Teaming up, they raced towards the two newcomers. The unsuspecting pair let out startled yelps as water crashed into them by the force of Carter and Donovan's jet skis.

Laughing they charged away, only to find the pair coming after them. Blood pumped in Donovan's chest making him grin with the rush of it. Back and forth the two guys and Carter and Donovan exchanged attacks until one of the guys fell from his perch. Carter and Donovan eased their jet skis to make sure the guy was alright.

When he hoisted himself back on to his jet ski, he wore a good-natured smile.

"Point to you," he said.

Now that they weren't distracted by trying to knock each other off, Donovan could see their new companions. The two were clearly brothers with the same unruly brown hair, tan skin, and light brown eyes. Something about them felt familiar but Donovan couldn't put his finger on what.

"You're not yelling at us," Donovan said. "That makes you a good sport."

The knocked over guy smiled wider. "I'll prove it, even more, I'm Marco and this is my brother Louis."

"I'm Donovan and this is my wife, Carter."

Carter waved in greeting, her hair a wild mess, and her eyes brimming with mischief.

"Want to go another round?" she asked.

"You're on," Louis said. "The loser has to buy lunch."

Carter looked to Donovan, both of them energized by action and feeling reckless.

"Works for us," Donovan said, revving up his jet ski.

The pair split ways, turned around, and came after each other. The battle ended this time with Carter managing to unseat Louis. Laughing, he shook out his curls and clambered back onto the jet ski.

"Looks like we're providing lunch. Our yacht is only a mile off, champagne and oysters are on us."

Battered, burned, and tired, Donovan and Carter followed behind the brothers, ready for something to eat and a more solid place to sit. Anchoring the jet skis to the side of a large, gleaming yacht, the group climbed aboard. Towels were handed out and the group settled onto white couches circled a glass table.

"This is a nice boat you got here," Donovan said.

Louis laughed. "Yeah, it's not too shabby." He leaned back, draping one arm over the back of the couch. "While we wait for lunch tell us about yourselves."

Before Donovan even open his mouth, Carter jumped in, putting an affectionate hand on Donovan's shoulder.

"Donovan here is a model," she said, in a soft, teasing voice.

Though Donovan didn't know what Carter had planned, he went with it, trusting her. Though he did want to glare at her for giving him such a completely shallow occupation.

"I'm retired," he said.

Carter laughed lightly. "Darling, being between jobs doesn't mean you're retired." She turned her gaze onto the two brothers. "He just finished a shoot for Armani."

Donovan shook his head. "I don't like to make it a big deal."

The two brothers exchanged looks, trying to hide their amusement.

"Are you a model as well, Carter?" Marco asked.

"No," Donovan said, cutting in. "Carter here is a trophy wife. I can't have my little woman having to work, she's too precious for that."

"Aww, you're too sweet." Carter leaned in and kissed, while her fingers dug into his bicep telling him she didn't find his comment at all amusing.

"You know it's true, snookums." Grinning at the flash of annoyance in Carter's eyes, Donovan focused on the two bothers. "What about you? What do you two do?"

"We're in import and export," Louis said. "It's a family business."

"Our main product is coffee," Marco said.

"Oh, I adore coffee!" Carter cooed. "I can't imagine going a day without it."

"Well, it's been our way of living for generations."

As if to back this statement up, a man in his early sixties but still agile, wearing a light linen suit walked out onto the deck.

Outwardly, nothing changed in Donovan's appearance but inwardly he froze. Walking towards them was Emilio Romano, one of the largest drug smugglers. Donovan knew because Emilio's photo sat on his and Carter's office wall back in DC.

"I thought I heard we had company," Emilio said, warmly.

"Dad," Louis said, gesturing to the couple, "this is Donovan and his wife Carter, we ran into them while we were out on the jet skis and invited them for some lunch."

"More like we ran into you," Carter tittered, a sound Donovan knew he never wanted to hear her make again, but right then felt it was the right play.

Emilio smiled and took Carter's hand, raising it to his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Carter tittered again, smiling wide. When Emilio reached a hand to Donovan, he shook it, trying to look as stupid and unthreatening as possible.

"Do you mind if I join you for lunch?" Emilio asked.

"Oh we would love it," Carter said.

As Emilio sat, Carter slid closer to Donovan, squeezing his knee beneath the table in short and long intervals. Understanding the morse code message, he laced his fingers and pressed his lips into the back of her hand.

"I want her to remember who she's still married to," Donovan said, looking at Emilio.

The Romano family all laughed at this, Emilio making some comment about how he was looking for a wife number four. As they exchanged quips, Donovan replied to Carter's message, squeezing her hand.

Two servers in white brought out trays of food along with champagne glasses and a bottle of Dom Perignon. Once the glasses were filled, Louis raised his.

"To making new friends," he toasted.

The group cheered in return, clinking glasses. As the meal progressed, Donovan and Carter navigated their way through, talking a lot while saying nothing at all. The years of being partners as well as spouses came into play, making their stories seamless.

Halfway through, Carter excused herself to visit the bathroom. As she walked away, Louis watched her go, admiring the view. For a second, Donovan almost lost his composure and smashed the champagne bottle over Louis's head, but he quelled the reaction fast enough.

"Careful," Donovan said, half laughing. "I might think it's more than your father who wants to steal my wife."

"Can you blame me?" Louis asked.

Donovan laughed as anger flared inside him. A thought of never wanting Carter to wear a bathing suit ever again crossing his mind.

When Carter returned, they returned to their conversations, smoothly directing the topic to the Romano family business. With Carter feigning confusion about almost every comment they made, their well of information grew.

A server returned but instead clearing dishes, he bent forward and whispered something in Emilio's ear. Donovan watched the man's face for a sign of what was being said, but he gave nothing again.

"If you'll excuse me," he said. "I must see to something."

Though Donovan and Carter managed to seem unconcerned, Donovan knew they both felt on edge with Emilio's leaving. Steadily the tension grew, making Donovan ache with the strain of appearing completely relaxed while wanting to get Carter out.

Before Donovan could think of a good exit, Emilio returned and this time he didn't wear a smile. In a flash, he whipped out a gun and pointed it at Carter. Donovan's heart stopped at the sight then kick into overdrive, beating so fast he feared it might break apart.

"Woah Woah Woah!" Donovan shouted, raising his hands, playing the startled stupid model, while Carter shrieked and shied again from the gun.

"Who did you call?" Emilio asked.

"N-no one," Carter trembled.

"Dad what are you doing!" Louis asked, standing.

Marco rose, darting his gaze from his father to the gun to Carter then back again.

"When she went to the bathroom, she made a call from the office," he said.

"It didn't mean anything," Carter said, still cowering.

Donovan found it hard to breathe staring the gun pointed at his wife.

"I record everything in that takes place in my office." Emilio lifted his phone and hit play and Carter's voice came through. "Brock, darling, I can't get back yet."

A deep familiar voice replied. "Carter, why not?"

"It's not a big deal we're having lunch on this wonderful family's yacht."

"Fine, but when can I see you?"

"I'll try to sneak out and see you later tonight."

"That's too long. I miss you."

"I miss you too, my love."

Louis and Marco stared at Carter as Donovan saw his opening. He leapt up from the couch, cursing Carter.

"You're sleeping with my brother!" He grabbed her and she let out a weak whimper. "Is that why you wanted to come here? So you could sneak off with him behind my back!"

"Donny, no, it isn't-isn't like that," Carter protested feebly.

"After all the things I've given you!" Donovan roared, eyes locked with Carter's.

He squeezed her arm once and she blinked in response. Raising his hand, he backhanded her. Carter moved with the motion, but cried out and fell to the floor at Emilio's feet. Donovan stepped towards her and Carter clutched her cheek, staring up at him with fear.

"How dare you do this to me!" he bellowed.

Carter tried to scramble away from him but hit Emilio's legs, who watched the interaction surprised but amused.

"You are going to pay for this!" Donovan grabbed the champagne bottle by the neck, wielding it like a club. Louis jumped in front of Donovan as he raised the bottle.

"Stop!" he shouted.

In a breath, Carter leapt to her feet, snatched Emilio's gun and Donovan knocked Louis out with a well-aimed hit. As the guy crumpled, Donovan vaulted the table and took down Marco while Carter clocked Emilio on the back of his head, sending him to the floor to join his son. As the servers rushed out, Carter spun on them gun raised.

"Don't act and you don't die," she said.

They dropped to their knees, hands raised. In the distance, Donovan heard the sound of sirens and spotted the Coast Guard surging towards the yacht. Accepting the zip ties Carter pulled out of her board short's pocket, Donovan quickly secured the Romano family as well as the two servers while Carter cleared the yacht.

When she came back, Donovan crossed to her, cupping her face.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Don't worry, you barely hit me."

Still Donovan pulled Carter into his arms and kissed her head. "Though it was necessary I hated yelling at you and grabbing you."

"You forget, I'm tougher than I look."

Donovan stared down at her. "And you're more precious to me than you know."

By the time the Coast Guard approached, Donovan and Carter were seated on the white couch, Carter snuggled close to Donovan's side. The boat swarmed with officers. The older of the group eyed the tied up family and then the couple still in their bathing suits.

"I'm commander Jamison with the Coast Guard. Either of you want to explain to me why I got a call from the FBI telling me to come to this location?" he asked.

"This is the Romano family," Donovan said. "The top smuggling family in the world. I believe you'll want to arrest them."

"And you two are involved how?"

"We're FBI agents here in Florida on vacation and seem to attract trouble wherever we go," Carter said.

Jameson grunted, which could almost have been a laugh, then called to his team to search the yacht and collect the family.

"I assume you'll need a ride back?" Jameson asked.

"Don't worry, we have a ride," Donovan said.

Leaving the clean up for the Coast Guard, Donovan and Carter returned to their jet skis. Instead of climbing onto her own, Carter attached it to the back of Donovan's and took the spot behind him.

"I'm way too tired to ride alone," she said.

Donovan smiled and didn't complain, the image of her cowering before him was one he needed her closeness to erase.

"You know I think this is our best vacation yet," Carter said, as they slowly moved away from the yacht.

"I have to agree. But next time let's skip the beach and go straight to the action."

Carter laughed, wrapping her arms tighter around Donovan's waist.

"One last thing," she said.

"What's that?"

Carter leaned forward and kiss his cheek. "Never call me snookums again."

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Hey Snookums!

(No threat there unless you find weird terms of endearment terrifying then, be afraid honey bunch, be very afraid!)

Tell mes what your thoughts be, and I shall stop talkin' like a pirate!

Honestly, I started this chapter a couple of months ago, work the first section and then had no idea how to end it. Then I was talking with JoymomentsSISTER and she said I should have them end up on a yacht of a drug smuggler! And that's how this happened!

Also I love that Carter is so mean for making Donovan a model, though he gets back at her by saying she's a trophy wife, something Carter would never in a million years be!

Also I read this one shot out loud to my sister JoymomentsEditor as we were driving to get puzzles! I kinda like reading my stuff out loud even though I feel conceited for liking it and super critical of myself at the same time, weird paradox to live in.

With the said would you be interested in a Live Stream on my Instagram (joymoment) where I read the updated first chapter of A Secret Service? Let me know.

Vote, comment, follow but honestly at this point I expect you to do whatever you feel like doing despite what I have to say about it.