The Former Marine

Chapter 76: Kylie's Surprise

Kylie was at home, reflecting on how much Derek made her happy. Every gesture, every word he said was a constant reminder of how he had changed her life for the better. As the days went by, she found herself falling more in love with him, with the way he treated Stormi and Aire like they were his own children, with the caring and loving way he looked at her, and with the way he made family life so fun and special.

It was a quiet night, and while Derek was out taking care of some things at the gym, Kylie had an idea. She wanted to do something special for Derek, something that would show him how much she loved him and appreciated everything he meant in her life. After putting Stormi and Aire to bed, Kylie decided she would surprise him.

She went to her closet, where she kept some of her more elegant lingerie, and picked out one of her favorites: a black silk lingerie set, delicate and sensual. She knew Derek loved it when she dressed in a way that left him speechless. In addition to the lingerie, she had dimmed the room, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

When she was almost ready, Derek sent her a text, saying he was on his way home. Kylie smiled and adjusted the last details. She was anxious and excited to surprise him, to show him how much he meant to her. As soon as she heard the car in the garage, Kylie's heart raced. She positioned herself on the bed, lying elegantly, waiting for him.

As he walked through the door, Derek noticed that the house was quiet, something rare with the children usually running around. He left his jacket in the hall and went upstairs, wondering what Kylie was up to. When he opened the bedroom door, his eyes immediately fell on Kylie, lying provocatively on the bed, wearing the sexy lingerie that highlighted her curves perfectly.

Derek stood in the doorway for a moment, completely surprised. He hadn't expected that and for a moment, he was speechless. "Wow…" he murmured, his eyes shining as he slowly approached her.

Kylie smiled seductively, seeing the effect her presence had on him. "I was thinking that you deserve something special," she said softly, her voice thick with desire. "After everything you do for me, for the kids... I wanted to give back."

Derek walked over to the bed and, without taking his eyes off her, sat down next to her.

"Kylie, you do so much for me just by being here," he replied, his voice husky. "You have no idea how happy you make me."

Kylie smiled, pulling him closer. "I just wanted to spoil you a little. You deserve it."

She pulled him into a kiss, deep and full of passion, a kiss that conveyed all the love she felt for him. Derek wrapped his arms tightly around her, feeling the heat of her body against his, and kissed her with the same intensity. As their kisses deepened, Kylie slid her hands over Derek's strong shoulders, feeling how tense he was, probably from the intense work out at the gym. She pulled him closer, allowing their bodies to connect even more.

"I never imagined anyone could make me feel this way," Derek whispered between kisses, his hands exploring Kylie's body with a mix of affection and desire. "You're incredible."

Kylie smiled, feeling her heart beat faster at his words. "I'm the luckiest woman in the world to have you," she replied, gently holding his face between her hands.

They continued to kiss and touch, the moment becoming more intense and full of affection. Derek, despite having the body of a soldier, treated Kylie with the utmost delicacy, always concerned with pleasing her and making her feel special. And that night, Kylie had the same goal. She wanted Derek to feel how loved and valued he was.

Over time, they let themselves be carried away by passion, and the atmosphere became even more intimate. The combination of affection and the deep connection between the two made the night unforgettable.

After a long moment together, they lay together, their bodies still close, panting but with satisfied smiles. Kylie rested her head on Derek's chest, listening to the strong and steady beating of his heart.

"I love you so much," Kylie said softly, her fingers tracing light circles on Derek's chest. "You are everything to me."

Derek hugged her tighter, kissing the top of her head. "I love you too, Kylie. And I am the luckiest man in the world to have you."

They were silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's presence. Kylie felt happy and complete. She knew that Derek was her partner for life, someone she could trust, who would always be there for her, through thick and thin.

"Did you know I had something planned for you too?" Derek said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Kylie raised her head in surprise. "Really? What are you planning?"

"Well... I was thinking that we could take a few days just for the two of us. Leave the kids with your mom for a weekend and go on a quick trip. What do you think?"

Kylie's eyes lit up at the idea. "That would be perfect. I would love it."

Derek smiled and kissed her again. "Then it's decided. Let's plan something special, just the two of us."

With the promise of more special moments to come, they spent the rest of the night together, enjoying the intimacy and love they shared. Growing more and more in love, each gesture and each word reinforced the unique bond they had built.

That night, as Kylie fell asleep in Derek's arms, she felt like the happiest woman in the world. She knew she had found not only a partner, but a true love, something that would last forever.

Chapter 77: The Shawn Ryan Podcast Invitation

It was a typical morning at Derek's gym. He was just finishing up a series of workouts for a group of elite Nike-sponsored athletes when his phone vibrated. As he finished his session, Derek wiped the sweat from his forehead and picked up his phone to check the notification. He had received a message that immediately caught his attention.

It was an official invitation to be a guest on the podcast of Shawn Ryan, a renowned former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor known for interviewing special operations operators from various forces around the world. Shawn Ryan's podcast had gained popularity in recent years, both for its technical and in-depth discussions of operations, as well as the personal accounts and inspiring stories of each guest. Derek, with his rich military history and experience with various agencies and elite units, was a perfect candidate.

Derek smiled as he read the message. He had always respected Shawn Ryan's work and knew that the podcast had a great impact on his audience, especially among veterans and current operators. It was an opportunity to share a bit of his journey, while also discussing his transitions, challenges, and post-military life.

That night, while relaxing at home with Kylie, he told her the news.

"I just got an invitation that you won't believe, Ky," he said, sitting down on the couch next to her.

Kylie looked at him curiously, a smile on her lips. "What's up? Tell me."

"I was invited to be on Shawn Ryan's podcast," Derek replied, shaking his head, still impressed by the invitation. "The guy is a legend, a former Navy SEAL and CIA operator. He interviews some of the best special forces operators in the world."

Kylie's eyes widened in excitement. "Wow! That's amazing! You're going to say yes, right?"

Derek laughed softly and nodded. "Of course I will. It will be a unique opportunity to talk about my journey, what I went through during my years in the Marine Corps, MARSOC and later with all the operations and agencies I worked with."

"It will be great for people to get to know this side of you," Kylie replied, touching his hand affectionately. "You have an incredible story to share."

In the following days, Derek began to mentally prepare himself for the interview. He knew that Shawn Ryan liked details, stories that showed the human side behind operations. Derek began to reflect on his experiences, the moments of pure adrenaline in combat, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and, more recently, the unexpected success with his gym and collaborations with big brands like Nike.

Finally, the day of the recording arrived. Derek went to the podcast studio, in a well-equipped and intimate room, where Shawn Ryan was already waiting for him. Shawn greeted him with a firm handshake and a sincere smile.

"Derek Rogan! We finally meet," Shawn said, pointing to the chair in front of him. "I've been looking forward to this interview. Your career is impressive.

— It's my pleasure, Shawn. I've always respected your work, and the podcast is amazing. Thanks for the invitation.

Shawn smiled and settled back into his chair.

— I think this is going to be a really interesting conversation. I want to hear everything, from your early days as a Marine to your operations with other agencies. People love hearing those details. Shall we get started?

The cameras started rolling and the studio sound was perfectly adjusted. Shawn opened the podcast with the introduction, talking about Derek's impressive background, and then started with the first question.

— Derek, you served in the Marine Corps and then went to MARSOC. What was that transition like to a special operations unit and what motivated you to take that step?

Derek took a deep breath, organizing his memories before answering.

— I've always been motivated by challenges. Ever since I was little, I've always wanted to test myself and go beyond what I thought I was capable of. When I joined the Marine Corps, I knew I wanted something more, something that would force me to constantly evolve. MARSOC was that opportunity. The training is brutal, but the lessons I learned there shaped me not only as an operator, but as a man.

Shawn nodded, clearly interested.

"And during that time, you started working with other agencies. CIA, NSA… even Mossad and units like DEVGRU and Delta Force. How was integrating with so many different groups?"

Derek smiled.

"Every agency, every unit, has its own way of operating. But at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal: to complete the mission to the best of their ability. What impressed me the most was the trust in each other. Even though we came from different backgrounds, when we went into an operation, there was no room for division. I trusted them and they trusted me. It was an important lesson in partnership and camaraderie."

Shawn leaned in forward, excited.

— And speaking of operations, without going into classified details, what was one of the most challenging missions you've faced? Something that really tested you as an operator.

Derek paused, reflecting for a moment.

— One of the most challenging operations was one I did in the Middle East, with a CIA SAD team. It was an extraction in extremely hostile territory, and everything that could go wrong, did. We had to improvise in the midst of chaos, and for a moment, I thought we weren't going to get out of there. But thanks to the training and the trust in the team, we were able to complete the mission. Those moments of tension define you. You realize what you're capable of when you're on the edge.

Shawn smiled, clearly in awe.

— That's what I always say. Operations like that show the true value of an operator. Now, Derek, tell me about the transition. Going from that combat environment to civilian life. What was it like for you?

Derek sighed.

— The transition was difficult, I'm not going to lie. I was used to living in a constant state of alertness, adrenaline, and clear purpose. When I left, I felt a bit lost for a while. But I found my anchor in the gym. Training and helping others reach their potential gave me a new sense of purpose. And of course, my family was also essential in this process. They gave me stability.

Shawn nodded in understanding.

"A lot of people think the transition is easy, but it's a huge challenge. And now, you've built a successful career outside of work. The gym, the partnerships with big brands like Nike… What's it like to see all of that blossom?"

Derek smiled.

"It's rewarding, Shawn. I never imagined I would have this kind of opportunity, but I've learned that the skills I developed in the field are also applicable in the business world. Discipline, resilience, knowing how to work as a team… It all makes a difference. And seeing the gym grow, being able to train athletes and help others reach their best, it's an incredible feeling."

The conversation continued for over an hour, with Derek sharing stories, insights, and experiences that kept the audience enthralled. As the episode came to a close, Shawn thanked Derek for participating.

"It was an honor to have you here, Derek. Your story is inspiring and I'm sure the listeners will love it."

"It was my pleasure, Shawn. Thank you for the opportunity to share a little bit of my journey."

Derek left the studio feeling satisfied. He knew the interview would help so many people, both veterans and those looking to reinvent themselves. He was excited to see how the episode would resonate, but more than that, he was grateful for the opportunity to reflect on his own journey and how it shaped him into the man he is today.

Chapter 78: Media Reaction

Derek's interview on Shawn Ryan's podcast aired on a Friday, and the reaction was immediate. Within hours of the episode's release, social media was already buzzing with comments and praise for Derek's performance, his special operations stories, and the way he shared his life experience. The podcast's audience was mostly veterans, special forces operators, and military enthusiasts, but the interview also reached businesspeople, athletes, and even Kylie Jenner fans who were curious about Derek's past.

The morning after the interview was published, Derek was in his kitchen making coffee while Kylie was scrolling through social media. She chuckled and glanced at Derek, who was focused on measuring the grounds.

"It seems like you made a good impression yesterday," she said, with a smile on her lips.

"Oh, really?" Derek replied, curious but not taking his eyes off the coffee. "What are they saying?"

Kylie stood up and walked over to him, showing him her phone with a tweet on the screen.

"Derek Rogan is the definition of resilience and leadership. Shawn Ryan's podcast episode inspired me to continue my journey of transitioning from military life. Thank you, Derek!" Kylie read, a twinkle in her eye. "Look at this, babe. It looks like you're really touching people."

Derek smiled, finally looking at the screen.

"I had no idea it would have this kind of impact. This is incredible."

Kylie nodded and then continued scrolling through her feed. She found an article on one of the largest military news portals in the United States. The title of the article read: "From Elite Operator to Successful Entrepreneur: Derek Rogan Tells His Story on Shawn Ryan's Podcast."

"Look at this, Derek, you made headlines," she said, pointing to the screen.

Derek took her phone and began reading the article.

"Derek Rogan, a former Marine, MARSOC operator, and CIA and NSA intelligence agency contractor, shared his inspiring story on the latest episode of Shawn Ryan's podcast. His successful transition from the military to the business world serves as an example for veterans facing the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. Rogan discussed his most challenging operations, the importance of teamwork, and how his military background influenced his new career as an entrepreneur and personal trainer for elite athletes. His humility and determination captivated the audience, and the interview is already one of the most talked-about episodes of the podcast."

Derek couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride as he read the article. He knew his words on the podcast would resonate with people, but he didn't expect the response to be so positive and immediate. As he finished reading the article, his phone began to vibrate with notifications.

"See this, Kylie? I haven't even finished reading the article and my phone is already going off," he said, showing her the device.

"Well, you were awesome. People noticed," she replied, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back to the couch.

Derek unlocked his phone and opened the messaging app. He had received several messages from former teammates, longtime friends, and even acquaintances in the fitness industry.

One message in particular caught his eye. It was from Jake, one of his former MARSOC teammates, who wrote:

"Bro, just listened to your interview. You did great! Proud to have served alongside you. What you said about trust and teamwork really hit home. Keep going!"

Derek read the message and smiled, quickly replying:

"Thanks, Jake. Glad you enjoyed it. You've always been a part of this too. See you soon."

After reading and responding to a few more messages, he saw a notification for an article on Business Insider, something he hadn't expected. The headline read: "Leadership Lessons from a Former Marine: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Derek Rogan."

— Wow — Derek muttered to himself.

The article detailed how the skills Derek had developed during his military career were applicable to the corporate and business world. The journalist emphasized how discipline, teamwork, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations were traits that all leaders should embrace.

While Derek was deep in reading, Kylie interrupted his thoughts.

"Derek, have you noticed that some of the athletes you train with are also commenting on the podcast?" Kylie said, looking at her phone again. "Here, look, David Beckham just posted on Instagram praising you."

Derek looked at Kylie in surprise.

"Beckham? Really?"

"Yes!" He posted a picture of himself and commented: "Amazing to hear Derek Rogan on Shawn Ryan's podcast. A natural born leader and a true example of determination. A great leader. I'm glad I trained with you, my friend!" — Kylie read aloud, showing the post to Derek.

Derek was genuinely touched by Beckham's gesture.

"This guy is a legend. It's so cool of him to do this."

In addition to athletes, war veterans and business leaders, the entertainment media was also watching the interview. On portals like TMZ and E! News, Derek's story began to gain prominence, with headlines like "Kylie Jenner's Husband Impresses on Podcast with Shawn Ryan" and "Derek Rogan: From Military Operator to Entrepreneur and Devoted Husband".

With each new notification, Derek felt the proportion that the episode was taking. He knew he had an important story to tell, but he had no idea that the response would be so global.

"This is unreal, Ky," he said, looking at her with a mix of surprise and humility. "I never imagined that so many people would care about what I had to say."

Kylie smiled and approached him.

"You're amazing, Derek. It's not just because of what you've done, but because of the way you express yourself, the way you care about people. This is all just the beginning. Get ready for more."

Derek smiled slightly, reflecting on what Kylie had said. He was grateful for everything he had accomplished so far, but he also knew that his biggest challenge had always been to stay true to who he was, no matter what the future held.

In the days that followed, the interview continued to generate debate and discussion on social media, both in the military and in the business world. Derek received invitations for other podcasts and interviews, and his gym saw a significant increase in demand, with more people interested in training with someone who demonstrated such commitment and leadership.

Derek's life was on the rise, and he knew that with Kylie by his side, every step along the way would be even more special.

"Well, it looks like we're just getting started," Derek said to Kylie one night, as they watched the news and saw an article about the podcast. He looked at her and smiled. — Let's see where this takes us.

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