Creole Blues

CREOLE BLUES by

Jewel Adams

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright  2005 by Jewel Adams Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 1-59374-333-5

Credits Cover Artist: Scott Carpenter Editor: Bev Haynes Printed in the United States of America

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CREOLE BLUES …Ms Adams CREOLE BLUES is a great story. The turmoil Brittney feels inside herself, the love she feels for a man that she believes is a murderer is enough to keep you turning the pages of CREOLE BLUES. Lucas’s determination and love to find the woman who stole his heart makes me wish it were me that he was looking for. I look forward to more of Ms. Adams’ work. Review by Shayla at the Romance Junkies Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 www.romancejunkies.com

Ms. Adams is a talented writer with a knack for drawing the reader into the story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary story lines tinged with suspense and excitement. Creole Blues is most definitely a keeper. Susan White Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance 4 cups http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/CreoleBlues

Dedication To Harmonie, with wisdom we find the strength to move on.

Prologue The wet warmth from the facecloth soothed away the raw feeling consuming Brit’s vagina. A night of passionate lovemaking with this man proved to be more than anything she expected. Her head fell back as Lucas’ gentle touch once again moved over her clit. The water from the shower flowed through her hair and she wondered if she would ever stop wanting his touch on her. Pellets of water sparkled like diamonds as they hit against his tan muscled back. Her heart squeezed, humbled, seeing him kneeling before her, touching her as if he revered her. Brittney closed her eyes and let the feelings take over, no thoughts, no worries…no fears. If only it were that simple. She could love this man, but dare she let herself? He personified danger and power and she’d just let him take her virginity. And now he washed her as if she were made of glass and all Brit could think of was how much she wanted to feel him make love her to again. It didn’t matter that the sane part of her screamed to run, run far and fast and never look back. No, Brittney wanted him to ravish her once more, plunge the full length of his cock into her tender sex until he touched her womb and ignited waves of pure sexual vibrations. His lips pressed against her clit and she moaned in ecstasy as his tongue traced the passionate nub. When his lips covered it and sucked in her very essence Brit felt as if she would melt 1

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beneath this onslaught of sensations. She braced her hands on his strong shoulders. His hands held the back of her thighs to halt her sway and hold her to his bidding. The water running over them heightened the experience, tingling and trailing down her skin in much the same way his tongue played over her sex. When the tip of his tongue drove into the opening of her canal, Brittney started to quiver over the erotic shock and his name rushed pass her open lips in a breathless whisper, “Lucas, my Lucas…”

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Chapter One Discovery “How do you want your eggs?” “Over medium, no runny stuff.” She gave the gruff driver a shot at an attempted smile. “Right, got it.” Ignoring the crude calls from the other table, Brit’s gaze drifted past the dust covered glass window panes to the early morning sky. So much for wide open spaces… “Order, Joe, and tie them down.” Biting her lip to stop from voicing her displeased thoughts, Brittney wondered what could be worse in the morning than facing a grumpy cook and tables full of bleary-eyed truck drivers and drifters. They probably chewed rusty nails for lunch. I want my life back. The words screamed through her mind. “Hey, how about some coffee?” Closing her hand about the pot handle, she took a second to hide her emotions and gather her mask. “Sure…want a menu?” “Coffee will do.” Brittney nodded, never raising her eyes from the counter to the unusually soft spoken and rather sexy low voice. “A smile would help brighten the morning.” She knew better than to grant his request. One polite jester made these creeps think they owned you. 3

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Maitland’s frosty brown eyes followed the trim aloof figure that issued its snub, confirming his impression that this delicate creature didn’t belong in this excuse for a truck stop. Nursing his coffee, he wondered if maybe this lead had been all wrong. After days of searching the area for any clue that this woman was Kat Boutie, he failed to expose her identity. Shielding his curiosity, Maitland’s scrutiny shifted from the woman’s beautiful features. She did a good job of deliberately camouflaging the natural grace in her facial features. She was about the right height, five foot four inches, maybe five inches, and she had those brilliant blue eyes. She wasn’t blonde. In fact, that rich healthy tan and sun streaked auburn hair forbade picturing her as a sultry platinum type. But it was her, Kat Boutie. Mentally shaking himself, Maitland found it hard to place the icy waitress in silk gowns and flashy stage costumes. She looked more like the jean and tee shirt type, yet he didn’t have any problem picturing her in those sexy baby doll nighties. No, those long shapely legs and luscious thighs would be a pleasurable sight in any man’s bed. Maitland blinked, cursing the large shadow of reality that intruded on the vision. Looking at her more openly, he could see her with Lucas Cortine. Two thousand miles from New Orleans, his whore didn’t run far enough to escape that man. Maitland refused to acknowledge or question his part in finding her for the crime boss, remembering their last meeting… “Misunderstandings happen all the time between…” The word left unspoken said it all. Cortine’s latest whore fled the posh coop. “She’s very important to me, Maitland.” 4

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“She obviously doesn’t want to be found.” Maitland watched the controlled anger vibrate through Cortine’s powerful build, emphasized by the sharp cut of his expensive suit. The heavy Cajun accent grew thick under the force Cortine used to control his rage. Yeah, the man hated that the flower of New Orleans dumped him. “Kat is an emotionally vibrant woman and she has let her jealousy rule.” Maitland didn’t like Cortine’s slick excuse. “Most women cool off sooner or later.” When the angry snap of Cortine’s dark eyes refocused on him, Maitland could understand why the woman ran. “My Kat is also stubborn. So much so, Mr. Maitland, that I fear she will never let me explain our unfortunate misunderstanding. The reason I need your services is that Kat also knows my associates too well to let them get close to her.” “And if she refuses to come back?” “I’ve heard that you can be very persuasive…if the price is right.” So he didn’t care how Maitland got her back. Most of the time, Maitland didn’t either. Being a bounty hunter, most of his prey ran from him, not to him. But Kat Boutie wasn’t a fugitive. Except maybe in Cortine’s eyes. “Fifty thousand upon delivery.” Cortine carelessly tossed an envelope on the desk. Maitland clenched his teeth to keep his jaw from falling open and peered directly into the man’s eyes. “There’s ten thousand for expenses, over and above your fee.” Maitland never hesitated to take a job. He didn’t have to like Cortine. That wasn’t part of the contract. Hell, no one could like the man. The king of the New Orleans’ darker side of life, his mob connections weren’t something new. Every city had what the man represented. Even the police looked the other way to avoid this man, 5

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the general consensus being he was better than what might take his place. So where did Kat Boutie fit in with the crime boss? “If you doubt my sincerity, Maitland, believe me when I say my enemies don’t need any incentive to find Miss Boutie.” Truth from the master of deceit? Maitland couldn’t find any argument in what the man allowed him to see. “Kat is special. She is not what you think or what anyone believes.” The dark suit strained under the pressure Cortine maintained on his emotions. The silence seemed to go on forever as the man stood looking out the window, causing Maitland to wonder if the man forgot his presence in the room. “She’s not my woman. Not like the others. Kat unknowingly set the rules.” Turning, Cortine looked at Maitland, as if studying him. “Have you ever touched enchantment, pure beauty, Mr. Maitland?” Without thought, Maitland answered the intense question. “No, never.” “Kat’s both. She can make a man question things in himself that he never should find.” Feeling uncomfortable by Cortine’s unexpected revelation, Maitland shifted, breaking the spell that the man fell into. Cortine turned and faced Maitland. Again, cold confidence glared back at him. “I want you to find her so I can stop her from getting hurt.” The man’s announcement came too hard to toss off. “Maitland, I heard two things about you. You are the best hunter out there. I need you for that. I also heard that you are a nut case around women.” He looked directly into Mark’s eyes before going on. “If you lay one finger on her, I will kill you, Maitland.” “Fifty thousand covers a lot of reasons,” he muttered aloud. “More coffee?” 6

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Raising his gaze, he captured the waitress’ misty blue stare. For a second, her wall fell and Maitland dwelled in the illuminating crystal pools. “Yeah.” When he felt her pull back from his invasion, his fingers gripped the cup to stop himself from reaching out to make her stay. Brittney nodded, berating herself for breaking her own rules, the first being, never make eye contact! Damn, she needed to quit this job. If only…regrets were a waste of time. Surviving is what counted. He figured staying any longer might be too obvious. Maitland left a dollar on the counter, deciding that she’d find it. He’d come back at lunch. Maybe if she saw him again she’d unfreeze a bit. Somehow, he held little faith in that prospect. He needed to decide on how to take her back to New Orleans. She sure wouldn’t jump in his car. Brit watched the confident strides of the tall stranger going out the door. She continued writing the order the two guys rattled off. He didn’t move like the rest of them. No swagger, more like a circle…of danger surrounded him. The image brought with it the familiar prick of warning. **** “So? Did you get the distributor cap?” “Tomorrow, Dad.” “Can’t cultivate the fields without it.” “Wasn’t much business at Joe’s this morning.” “You shouldn’t be working there at all.” Keeping the censure out of her voice, “Won’t be for much longer.” Leaving him to mumble into the antiquated engine, Brittney needed to work off her own anger. Her father didn’t mean to criticize. Outside the barn, she blew up at her damp 7

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bangs. “Neither of us would be in this position if you’d banked the checks I sent,” she said aloud. Be it pride or pure orneriness, Jess Massey had refused his daughter’s money. Until I was here in person to shove it down your throat. At least he didn’t start ranting on about ‘ill begotten’ harvest again. Brittney wished Dad could open his mind up a bit so she could tell him she never did any of the things his accusing glances believed. She mounted her mare and headed out to check on the stretch of fence line by the highway, failing to keep away the memories of her one true mistake. Like the illusive notes in the swamp, he called out to her. She couldn’t remember how long she fought answering those commanding eyes. The way they always followed her, silently vanquishing her denial under their possessive light. Like the light beneath the water’s surface that drew the unsuspecting fish. The forbidden aura that surrounded Lucas Cortine seemed to pull her within its radius until it closed behind her, trapping her in his far-reaching circle of light. Days to weeks, then months, and always Lucas stalked her. He was danger. She’d always felt its essence in the subtle movement of his corded muscles, such a powerful body. The dark sulking expression he always wore in his guarded gaze. His eyes seemed to reflect the swamp, the untamed life thriving in the darkened depths. She remembered how he stirred a wild excitement inside her, one that even then came singed in fear. The fear became the obstacle that held her back from him. But she still hungered to have his lips cover her own. She wanted to taste the promise of their wild possessive passion. Only once did she permit her barriers to fall, allowing him to come close, to touch her in his seductive fever. 8

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One kiss should not have held that kind of power. The very strength of his hold prevented her from turning away. That night, Brittney explored the passion Lucas so easily released inside her. The memory seemed to live with her and Brit couldn’t stop it from overtaking her once again… “My beautiful Kat, you weave your magic with your lovely voice and captured my heart from the first note.” She fell captive beneath the caress of his masterful touch. All thoughts of stopping the fire he brought to life in her disappeared when his lips smothered her weak protest as their tongues battled. Lucas’ dominance began Kat’s voyage into a world of sensations she never expected to encounter, and to feel them from a man of such power lent an air of innate danger to their intimacy. When his exploration of her body reached her heat, Lucas kissed away the fear in her breathless protest. The very touch of his finger over her clit sent her arching into the waiting palm of his hand. Where she once pushed against his massive chest she now buried her fingers into his thick hair and held his lips to hers, wanting more, demanding everything this magnificent man wanted to give her. Making love with Lucas no longer held questions. Brit wanted to feel this man possess her, love her with the power in his grasp. “Love me, Lucas, hold me and show me what I mean to you.” His answer seared across her lips as his hands held her to be devoured. She looked into his dark, impassioned eyes and knew she didn’t mistake their possessive light. Lips and hands moved to her breast. Brittney felt as if the flames of pleasure would consume her. An instance of jealousy hit Brit when she wondered how many other women Lucas made love to. Her nails dug into his shoulder, his gaze locked with her as if he knew her thoughts. A wicked smile graced his lips before he lowered his head and lathed his tongue across the tip of her aroused nipple. Brittney sucked in her breath over the sensation he knowingly sent through her. On her own, her hips rose to press her vaginal heat against the aroused power of his cock. Lucas 9

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pressed down in answer, pinning the dancing power against her clit and her slick velvet folds. Brit’s soft moans of pleasure deepened his sucking on her breast, driving her crazy under the bombardment of exotic fire. The sexual heat encompassed her to the point that she became the aggressor and Lucas’s awareness came in his muffled groan of pleasure as he pulled her with him and Brittney found herself lying on top of Lucas. In heady awareness, Brit gloried in their reversed role. Her hands and nails raked down the wall of his tight chest muscles. Watching the way his flesh moved beneath her touch forced her tongue out to absently trace her lips in anticipation. She could feel his intense gaze watching her every move and when her sultry look met his, she smiled over the haze of sexual bliss overtaking this man. Brit deliberately worked her hips to capture his cock and she rode up, then down the solid, pulsing length. Love drops from the swollen tip of its head lubricated the path as they mingled with her lush fluids. Brittney never realized how sensual it could feel to ride a man’s cock. She’d never been so turned on. But then she’d never felt a cock against her sensitive flesh before, and it felt wild and sexy and she wanted more! Brittney’s lusty squeal filled the air as Lucas once again moved her. This time, she knew he would remain in control. His voice came across, heavy in his Cajun accent. “Teasing a man like me can be dangerous, Cher.” “I never said I was teasing, Lucas…love me.” He held her unwavering gaze for a long time, searching hers. Brittney caught her bottom lip between her teeth when at last his head lowered, her eyes closed as his tongue traced their softness, beckoning for entrance. Slow and heavy he captured her lips, taking his time to rediscover their wanting welcome. As he mastered her lips, his hands moved her hips into position. She moaned in ecstasy as his hand once again covered her vagina. She instantly arched to his caress, only now Lucas wanted more than to 10

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play with Brittney. His finger drew out the warm fluids to lubricate the entrance to her sex. Her eyes opened to look into the intense depth of his waiting gaze. He wanted her to know what this meant to him and her head started a slow shake to deny the unspoken claim his gaze darkened to. “You see, Cher, see that I want you, want to love you as you asked. Kat!” His hot breath fanned her lips, “Kat, you will be my woman, I swear this to you. Our bodies already know their destiny, my Kat.” Before she could answer, his lips captured hers. His tongue drove to conquer and still any protest she might have uttered. His hands gripped her hips to hold her ready and Brittney felt the massive head of his cock press for entry into the soft flesh no man ever touched, let alone conquered! The plunge he made tore threw her seal and he buried his cock to the depth of its length. His lips swallowed her cry and gently coaxed her whimpers into moans of desire as her inner self eased its contractions around the unfamiliar yet lavish essence of male. And when he began to move she cried for the loss of his cock filling her sex. Her nails clung to his forearms as his hold on her thighs brought her legs up…driving into her, again, that powerful shaft filled her and she could feel herself contract to capture and hold what he might try to take away… “Leave it there, Lucas!” His lips nipped at her swollen lips, “Ah, my Cher, you are too impatient. Let yourself feel the power we share.” As he eased back it felt as if every nerve ending in her entire body came alive, ready for the next assault, one she craved in wonton glee. “I want it back…please, Lucas.” “Anything, my Kat!” True to his word, Lucas drove back inside with even more force than before and Brittney cried for more, wanted it all, every vital pulsing inch that he possessed. She rose to meet his plunge again and 11

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again until the frenzy turned wild! They were two beasts captured in the throes of sexual heat, she the slave, he the master, and she craved his dominance, needed to savor the submission of her tender flesh against this brutish masterful rush of fulfillment. When her whole body rocked against his entry, he held her to him, buried himself so deep she felt sure he would rip her apart. He drove against her clit, grinding himself deliberately against the one point of pure pleasure she couldn’t escape. She cried out his name in blissful desire as the shock wave of ultimate satisfaction coursed through her body. The walls of wanton sensations gripped his cock in the throes of his climax. She could feel the blast of his cum hitting her inner walls, and the force was more erotic than anything he’d yet to do to her. “Lucas!” “Mine, Kat, only my woman!” Brittney took a deep, steadying breath as she fought to push the memory away. She hated how, even now, the memory of their one night of lovemaking could instantly capture her, toss her body and soul back into his power! She cursed her body’s betrayal as she battled against the memories. She hated how her nipples hardened in wanton desire. She’d wanted his touch then and she missed his presence now. Just remembering their time together released the warm flow of sexual fluids. Her body’s betrayal wasn’t new; she cursed her own weakness to desire such a man. “God help me, I wanted you inside then and I still want you now!”

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Chapter 2 Crushed Dreams He watched her walk into the diner before turning to enter the general store. Today he would take her, after her shift. That way, no one would notice her gone until tomorrow. The old man at the ranch might cause a problem, but after witnessing the argument between them yesterday, he hoped her father would think her angry and just staying away out of spite. Maitland avoided the two men up at the register and made his way to the back to pick up some duct tape. He’d need it to silence her. Walking by the rope, he tested a softer nylon one to use on her hands and feet. He’d be foolish not to tie her up. He figured her for a fighter. The conversation at the register caught his attention. “Nope, can’t say as I have seen anyone looks like that.” The store clerk looked put out by the suits continued questions. “Told you I ain’t seen her. You want to leave a number so if I do I can call you?” Maitland watched the two men leave the store with the sketch of the woman he caught a glimpse of in their hands. He spoke out without thinking, “Looked like Feds to me.” “Right. Not from around here, that’s for sure. Not likely to get anyone to identify her that way.” When Maitland’s attention swung away from the two men heading toward the diner to the old man, he could see the old guy’s mouth snap shut. 13

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“That will be nine dollars and fifty-seven cents, mister.” A knowing smile escaped before Maitland handed the old man a ten. So, she had more than Cortine looking for her, he didn’t have any time to waste if he wanted to collect that reward. Grabbing the paper bag, Maitland headed out onto the sidewalk and turned away from the main street and the diner to make his way around the back. He noticed that the two feds entered the diner. If his hunch was right, she’d be leaving any second now. He’d been hunting people a long time and knew how they thought. He pulled up in his car just as she exited the back door of the diner. “Get in, Kat!” The shock on her face quickly fled as she looked back into the diner and heard the loud voices that reached them. “You don’t have time to argue. Get in before they come out!” Without a word, she slid into the waiting seat and slammed the door. Maitland gunned the car, spraying pebbles and dust up in a vicious cloud; he caught the two feds crashing through the back door with guns drawn. He reached over and grabbed her hair, pushing her down in the seat to avoid the bullets zinging their way. Cortine wouldn’t like it if she died, and he wouldn’t pay him for a dead body! Her nails dug into the flesh of his wrist trying to break his hold. “Stay down, you little fool. You want to take a bullet?” Her slight gasp ended her struggle as another bullet pinged off the trunk. When he knew they were out of range, he let go of her head, but not before running her hair between his fingers. Soft as a kitten… 14

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Once she straightened up in the seat and finished looking back, turning pale over the scene they left, he grabbed her chin to gain her attention. “Where can we go that they can’t follow?” When she didn’t answer, he tightened his hold. “They are following, Kat. You know what they will do to us if they catch us. Now where in this hell hole can we hide?” “Half a mile up there’s a dirt road. Take it and go slow so you don’t leave a dust trail.” Good, she was cooperating; maybe he wouldn’t need the rope and duct tape. Maitland pushed the bag further under the seat, not needing her to discover what was in it. “Looks like you have some dangerous enemies for a jazz singer.” So, he knew who she was. Brittney figured those two men she just escaped also knew. Her frantic glance raked over the stranger who was helping her escape. The danger she felt from him yesterday morning still clung to his presence. She suddenly felt like the fly caught in the spider’s web. Brit tried to breathe, tried to keep the memories back but they flooded in and with them came panic. When she fled Lucas’ bed that next morning while he was still sleeping, Brittney sensed the trouble she always knew he represented wouldn’t just let her walk away. It took him months to get her in his bed and the power of one kiss destroyed all her barriers against this man. Did she honestly believe she could keep him away? She remembered his shock and, yes, outrage that next evening. She felt him in the crowd, sensed his presence before she could see him. At the end of her show, he had been waiting in her dressing room. Telling him to leave only made him angry, but when she screamed at him to leave and never see her again, she witnessed his pain, saw it flash through his eyes. Why she never expected him to feel as she did, she couldn’t say, but she realized her mistake too late. Pride, certainly 15

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that, but something she couldn’t identify stared back at her before he walked out of the room that night. Brittney knew Lucas wouldn’t give up that easily, not after the way he looked at her. Lucas possessed a silent way about him, an almost mastering quality that he used like a second skin to control people. Brittney never confronted that kind of masculine strength before Cortine. For all his sexual appeal, Lucas was first and always a man to fear. Even before she learned the exact extent of his shadow, somewhere inside she instinctively knew the man. There’d been no real surprise when her last boss, Mr. Cordy, unknowingly told her about Cortine. The Dark King is what he called him. Even before Cortine’s name was spoken, she knew the man Cordy cursed. “That bastard isn’t going to move in on my club! Cortine can go back to the devil’s swamp that spawned him.” Faced with the truth, Brittney tried not to panic over the trap she felt closing in. Cordy said Cortine never tried to strong-arm his way into a legit business in the quarter before now. Brittney couldn’t find the courage to tell him why the man changed his habit. That she’d given this Dark King her virginity and then told him to leave her alone! She tried to downplay her part in the reason. Unfortunately, anger ruled Brittney. She grew furious over the shadows Lucas put on her with his goons and the larger one that finally made its move to control her life. Losing her watchdogs that night hadn’t been difficult. They never expected her to retaliate, and she never did before that night. Keeping herself lost became easy. They never thought she would go to their boss. Cortine always let her know where she could find him…when she decided to end the chase. That night, as she walked over the floating pier to his houseboat, Brittney decided it would be Cortine that ended his pursuit. Funny, 16

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she didn’t fear the impending confrontation. Lucas never threatened or used force with her. She felt their relationship confused him as much as it did her. She didn’t think Lucas normally stood for a woman’s demands that kept him at a distance. Halfway down the dock, Brittney noticed the unusual silence in the moon shrouded cypress. The hair on her arms tickled as if expecting everything to explode in a flash. Standing there, Brittney struggled with the need to run from the taste of danger and the desire to be free of the man’s presence. It was then as she stepped forward that the figures emerged from the boat onto the dock. The high light above the platform was enough for her to see Cortine and two of his men. With them stood three other men she didn’t recognize. The strangers looked and acted nervous, making her question if they too sensed the danger hanging over the blackened swamp. She should have run, but her attention seemed captured by their unexpected presence. At first, she didn’t see the reason, then Cortine’s words carried over the glossy water, killing her call to him in her throat. “You were a fool, Jacobs, to think I wouldn’t discover what you were really planning.” “Cortine, listen, we can make a deal. It was Bowman.” The man looked from Cortine to his two companionswho slowly stepped away from him. “Right, fellas?” Brittney’s eyes darted between the two groups of men. Cortine’s men hadn’t moved from his side. “DEA is full of rats, Jacob. You better tell your boss to find another turf to invade. And the drugs you planted earlier. Sorry, but they won’t be filtered through here.” She wanted to scream at them to stop. She could actually see the man’s fear. “Who tipped you off?” “My contact isn’t important.” 17

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Brittney couldn’t see who fired the gun. It all happened in an explosion of angry voices and movements. The gun’s discharge above the furious yelling sliced through the arguments as the air exploded in gunfire. Cortine let his men go after the other two as they attempted to escape. Frozen in shocked horror, Brittney couldn’t tear her eyes away from Cortine. Her head shook in disbelief as he turned in her direction. His towering frame turned into a stone statue when he saw her standing there. How long they stared at each other across the distance Brittney couldn’t remember, she didn’t have to see his eyes to know what caused his body to rock. “Kat?” Her lips mouthed the stark denial her head gave as she stepped back, away from the evil bearing down on her. “Don’t leave me, Kat!” The cold command made her stumble and lose her heel in the wood slat. Without thought, she kicked off the other shoe and turned to run, never expecting to escape. Only the two men racing to his side and bringing up their guns gave her the sanity to stop. She never looked away from Lucas and his frozen expression of pain and outrage. Brittney wanted to disappear, fall into the murky swamp to end the horror. Stepping back, she didn’t care if they saw the fear driving her away. The guns cocking in the dead silence said she was committing suicide, but even that finality wouldn’t let her give in to what he wanted. Death felt favorable to a future as a possession of Lucas Cortine! No bullets followed her flight into the night, Brittney never looked back to discover the reason. She ran wildly for hours in the darkness. The sharp pull on her hair snapped her out the frightening hold of her memories. “Damn it, woman, I asked you where this road goes!” 18

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“To a cabin, one no one knows about. It’s a winter cabin on the ranch.” “Doesn’t look like much of a road.” She didn’t really want to tell him it would probably tear the bottom out of his car. All she wanted was to escape them all! “Just keep going, take it slow. Even if they follow, they can’t go any faster.” He did ease up their speed, figuring she wouldn’t lie to him at this stage. “So who are those guys?” When she continued to stare out the open window, Maitland restrained the urge to pull her back to him, deciding on a nicer tactic for now. “They looked like Feds to me.” Her back immediately stiffened at his announcement, confirming that she did know who they were. “Better spill it all, Kat. I don’t feel like dying out here.” “They are Bowman’s men. They will kill us.” She said it so matter-of-fact like that he nearly ran off the road staring at her. Maitland didn’t figure her as dangerous, but he just found out how wrong he could be. “Is there a reason why they want you dead?” She seemed to go off in thought over his question, making the knot tighten in his stomach. How could she tell this stranger about what she saw that night at Lucas’ houseboat? Did she dare tell anyone that she witnessed a murder? Brittney decided she didn’t need anyone else dragged into the hell her life turned into these last months. No, she wouldn’t be responsible for getting anyone killed because of her. “You best let me out here. If you keep going down this road, there will be a fork. Take the one to the right and it will lead you back to town.” “I can’t dump you out here!” He hoped he sounded convincing enough to get that thought out of her head. With a 19

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car full of shooting feds following them, he didn’t have time to subdue this woman. “What about the cabin?” “I can get to it on foot. It would be better if I went alone from here. They’ll follow me, not you.” Damn, he really hated self-sacrificing people. “No way, lady. I’m not leaving you to face them.” Maitland stepped up the speed a bit in case she got any crazy idea about jumping out of the car. He could see the road dividing ahead and when he reached it, he took the left fork, figuring it led to the cabin she talked about. She looked at him as if he had two heads and then clamped her mouth shut. Good thing as he wasn’t in the mood for any womanly theatrics.

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Chapter 3 Danger From Within Brittney was out of the car before the dust settled around them. She deliberately slammed the door and stared at the man standing on the other side of the car. “You can go now, whatever your name is. I’ll be fine!” “It’s Maitland and I’m not leaving you.” Telling her she looked wild and beautiful wouldn’t settle the tigress down. She certainly had a temper; something he found very appealing, but then he liked them rough. Maybe tying her up could have an upside to the battle he’d face. That needed to wait. He needed to know where they were and how fast he could get them out of this area. He also needed her calm for a while longer. Brittney wanted to scream at this man, but she held back not liking how he looked at her. He made her begin to worry over why he helped her in the first place. It seemed odd to her that he wouldn’t just go. She wanted to check on the car in the shed and make sure it would start for her. Even though she rode out here every week to start it up and check on things, she still worried it would fail her when she needed it most. Seemed like now was that time. But she didn’t want him to know about the car. Not yet anyway. For now, she just needed to be alone and think of her next move. “There’s food in the cabin. I need to wash off the dust and think a bit.” 21

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Maitland started to object, but the look she threw at him silenced him. When he thought about it he couldn’t see any harm in letting her loose around here. He could use the time to find their location on the GPS system. He watched as she stormed off, resisting the urge to follow her as she headed back into the canyon. He figured she wouldn’t get back in the car with him on her own, and grabbed the bag of rope and tape from under the seat. Once he found his bearings on the car computer, he headed toward the cabin to see if there might be something useful to help him subdue her. “I was beginning to wonder if I would be welcomed, Maitland.” Maitland stopped just inside the door of the cabin, “Cortine…” The man’s slow smile didn’t reach his dark intense eyes causing Maitland’s shoulders to turn hard as steel. “How–why are you here?” Two men behind Cortine stepped forward when he didn’t move. His rage was so intent on Cortine that Maitland realized he missed their presence. “Look, I was bringing her to you. That was the deal.” “True, the deal has changed. I’d prefer we handle this peacefully for Kat’s sake. You see, the rest of my men are on the hill with Bowman and his killers. Although I have great faith in my men’s abilities, Bowman is a very determined man. Any sign that things aren’t going as I assured him they would be might cause him to overreact.” How could this bastard be so fucking calm? Not a muscle flinched. Maitland fought the urgency to hit him. He better not try to cheat him out of his money. He should have fucked the bitch and been done with it. 22

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Thinking fast, Maitland spoke out, “I ran into Bowman in town. I figured it would be safer to get her away.” “Did the danger you felt for her include me, Maitland?” Maitland gave his answer in cautious slowness, “Should it have?” “You should have called.” “There wasn’t time.” They both knew he hadn’t been in New Orleans. Maitland felt the fire inside him, wondering just how long Cortine had been tracking him. “Maitland, I’d like you to call Kat in here, before the man’s patience is exhausted. I’m sure you can imagine how upset I was to learn you were both here and neither of you bothered to inform me she’d been found. I doubt Bowman would have let either of you leave here.” Maitland’s fist unclenched. The man sounded deadly serious and something, maybe the dark concern Cortine failed to conceal, told Maitland that Cortine did fear this Bowman might kill the girl. “Alright, Cortine, I’ll call her.” “She really is an enchantress. I doubt I’ll ever be able to trust anyone that gets too close to her.” Maitland wished he could say something to dispute Cortine’s conviction, but he knew his own feelings for her were plastered into every line on his face, damn it! Leaving the cabin, he headed in the direction that she went. He started to worry that she might have taken off, but then he saw her. The urgency inside him died as he watched her sleek ivory legs disappear beneath the glassy surface. Maitland felt his body’s instant response tighten into a fierce coil. So much woman. He shouldn’t be standing here watching her like this, knowing she didn’t see him. But when she rose like Aphrodite in all her naked loveliness, not even the warnings from Cortine could dislodge him. Maitland wanted her. God help 23

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him, he always had…since that first day in that bastard’s office before he’d even seen her. But meeting the illusive Kat Boutie didn’t come close to knowing the very real Brittney. Maitland couldn’t remember seeing anything as beautiful as this woman in that mountain pool. A thousand tiny diamonds clung to her flesh with each graceful stroke. She looked like a wild thing that belonged to the mountains looming over them. Remembering his audience, he moved away from the temptation she posed and called out to her. “Kat, you need to come to the cabin…now.” He watched her head swing around at his voice before she started swimming to the shore. The bush blocked a clear view of her and he could only catch glimpses of her nakedness in her rush to get dressed. A flash of light up on the cliff told him that Cortine hadn’t been lying. It seemed that Bowman was up there. Maitland could feel the beads of sweat form on his brow as he wondered if the sights of a rifle were pointed at him. “Come on, Kat, we need to get going!” Brittney fought down her anger at being caught in the pool. She never should have gone in, but she hoped the cold water would clear her thinking. To regain her composure, she forced her question out. “You never did tell me, how do you know my name?” He jumped when her voice came from behind him. The sooner he was done with her the better, he didn’t usually fail to feel people around him. “I’ll tell you later.” His hand snaked out and took hold of her arm before she could move past him. He pulled her to his other side, the one between him and the guns above them, shielding her with his body.

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Her struggles didn’t even earn his notice as he dragged her along beside him toward the cabin, “Damn you, let go of me!” When he pulled her up the steps of the cabin, she wasn’t prepared for the force that locked her flat against the front of his hard coarse body. Every tight, rolled muscle burned through her wet clothes. “I suggest you knock off the act ,Ms. Boutie. We have a lot of traveling to do.” Lifting her gaze up to meet his, she tried to pull back from the heat he held her in. He leaned in closer, pressing himself against her as his hand held her fast to suffer the insulting touch. “I’ve wanted to feel you for sometime now. This is probably my only chance.” “Let me go.” She forced each word through her clamped jaw. She felt afraid of this man and furious that he would touch her like this. “Oh, I will do that alright. You’re even pretty without the makeup and sequins I found in your apartment.” He held her to him, ending her struggles by twisting her arm up behind her. He knew Cortine was watching and he wanted the man to squirm. After all, he ruined Maitland’s plans for the woman. His lips were hard and cruel as they crushed hers, devouring their softness under his brutal attack. Brittney’s arms were trapped between them but she jabbed her nails into his side and dug them in until he finally felt enough discomfort to release her lips. “I should punish you for that, bitch.” Her spit ran down his lips and earned his laughter as he dragged her into the cabin. The hands that caught her after Maitland pushed her into the room weren’t the same ones that just held her. Brittney’s 25

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head fell back to look into the eyes that haunted her. “Lucas…” The arm trapping her in an inescapable hold drew her away, and with it went the last of her strength as Cortine pulled her further into the room. “Maybe I should thank you, Cortine, for saving me the problem of getting her back to New Orleans.” “You bastard!” Every vile word she ever heard in her entire life filled her head as she cursed the man behind her. “Now, Kat, you mustn’t waste your energy. After all, he did return what was lost to me.” Cortine checked her renewed struggle, pulling her further back from Maitland when she tried to kick out to reach him. The futility of her struggles finally penetrated her anger when Cortine whispered breath brushed her ear. The low husky Cajun words meant nothing to her. Unfortunately, they did turn her awareness back to the very real threat that now held her. Having spent her energy on Maitland, her attempts to break Cortine’s hold only earned his deep-throated laughter. “So many enemies, my little Kat, you’ve exhausted yourself. But then when you wake you will be rested and we can begin our battles anew.” Turning her face away to escape his closeness, Brittney failed to understand what he meant until the sharp needle pierced her shoulder. “Ohh…” groaning in frightened awareness, “what did you do?” His lips brushed her forehead as her head fell back against her shoulder. She no longer possessed the power to hold it up. As he lifted her up in his arms, she couldn’t make her eyes pull away from his. “Only a little help to let you sleep.” 26

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His voice came from a distance his closeness belied. But Brittney no longer cared what happened. Sleep descended and she gave herself over to the dark peace. “Don’t look so concerned, Maitland. I’d never let the filth of drugs touch her.” “I didn’t think you would.” “In this, we understand each other. Unfortunately, you failed to heed my warning, Maitland. You really should never have touched her.” “Gentlemen, see to it Mr. Maitland understands the wisdom of not trying to follow…and be sure to pay the man what is owed to him.” Maitland froze, furious over what he felt would come. “I think twenty-five thousand dollars is agreeable, seeing as I’ve saved you the trouble of bringing her…home.” The men on each side of him moved quicker than Maitland. The fist to his stomach put a quick end to his initial struggle to break free. “Damn you, Cortine!” Only the closing of the door by the third man broke his intense concentration on Cortine. Maitland only had seconds before the second blow; not prepared, it took his breath away. Three against one were lousy odds. He managed to get in two or three connecting hits to the one foolish enough to get too close, but the battering to his body soon dulled his senses except to the pain. No longer did they have to hold him. On his knees, it was all he could do not to fall on his face. When the rough hand grabbed his hair and forced his head up, Maitland didn’t really care whose face was in his. “You should be grateful Cortine is a gentleman…you don’t think for a minute that he believed you would bring her 27

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back. A word of advice. Stay away, Maitland, and don’t ever come back to New Orleans.” He didn’t need to see the cold barrel of the gun pointed at his temple. It hurt so damn bad to breathe, he’d probably thank them for ending his misery. “Next time I see your ass, I’ll let them finish the job.” The knee that rose and connected with his jaw ended Maitland’s awareness. Whatever damage they took pleasure in continuing became drowned out by the thundering agony in his head. The floor he laid on didn’t stop the room from spinning. Squinting past the blood blurring his vision, Maitland watched them leave. “I’ll come, you…bastards…you owe me money…count on it.” Maitland fought the darkness trying to pull him down. Passing out stopped him from following them.

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Chapter 4 Shattered Hope Brittney’s fingers curled around the wrought iron railing when she heard the steps coming up behind her. Keeping herself stiffly at the rail, she forced herself not to react to the low click of disapproval beside her. “He’s not going to be happy that you didn’t touch dinner.” Her chin rose a little higher, but she kept her gaze straight out before her. “I’m not hungry.” Ignoring Franklin’s grumble as he picked up the heavy tray to leave wasn’t easy. Hearing the door shut, she let the air she held rush free. Brittney’s body slumped over the release of tension. She leaned back against the cool stucco wall behind her for support. Four brown pelicans invaded the sky above the dark glassy water. “If only I could fly…” Her eyes swept the mysterious beauty of the open swamp and tree hammocks beneath the balcony. “My prison.” Closing her eyes, the truth burned on her lips. There was no need for bars or locked doors to keep her in. Cortine’s island in the middle of the swamp proved to be the perfect cell. Delusions of trying to escape left her after waking that first day and learning exactly where he brought her. If she’d harbored any hopes she might try to leave, Cortine made sure they were destroyed. Recalling how 29

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effectively he’d succeeded made her fight back the threatening tears. “My house is yours…Brittney.” She’d refused to look at him. “Brittney does fit you better, as does seeing the true beauty you possess. You were always an enticing woman, but I like you this way even more.” Unconsciously her hand rose to brush away the fingers touching her auburn hair, but he caught her wrist in his commanding hold. Her struggle not to let him turn her about to face him proved a useless display. He enjoyed her resistance as much as her defeat in his arms, holding her a breath away from him. “You belong in my swamp, Brittney.” She closed her eyes when his fingers began rubbing strands of her hair between them. “Your natural coloring matches the brackish depths when the golden sunlight shoots through it. Maybe that’s what always intrigued me about you. Like the swamp that possesses danger and beauty in its folds, you were a mystery to me. Two lives, one you flaunted before your rapt audience and another no one could get near.” Anger made her eyes flash up at him. His hand cupped her chin refusing to let her take back the mistake. His gaze could still invade the barriers she tried to keep in place. Their probing depths terrified her more than the physical strength he tempered to hold her before him. She didn’t want to know what he felt for her. Words she could block out, but not those fathomless eyes! The victory he held over her made the sternness leave his lips, taking away their coarse demeanor, leaving a seductive lure in its place. “Did you know that the first time I saw you in my swamp, I promised myself you would never leave it? You 30

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always belonged here. I have never allowed any other woman to set foot in my home.” He checked her nervous fidget, bringing her closer until their bodies touched and his masculine heat overwhelmed her senses. “Don’t…” “What, Brittney? Don’t hold what is mine? You always were mine, ever since that first night. The spell you wove when I heard you sing, the way your voice carried on the night breeze. It dances through the Spanish moss, confirming the truth that you belonged here…and to whom.” His fingers played dangerously over her throat as he pushed her head back. The way his eyes moved over her face made her fight to breathe. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his descending lips. Her lips parted to protest their taking, only to succumb to the fierce possession. His invasion was swift, displacing her barriers before she could erect the next. He drove deeper, as if by flooding her with himself he could once again stake his claim over his possession. Her fingers clawed his chest but her battle only made him more determined to win her submission. When at last he released her lips, he pressed his forehead into hers, refusing to give her the complete separation she desperately sought. The hot spice of his breath fanned the fine sheen of perspiration covering her face. “Mine, Brittney, and soon I’ll take everything you try to hold away from me. I want it all, Brittney, everything you possess.” His hand roamed in deliberate slowness over her shoulders, down the sensitive slope of her back to the curve of her hip before caressing her buttocks, where they stayed to press her fully against his hard erection. “Feel me, Brittney, I’m going to take it and drive it to your heart!” 31

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The moan that tore through her brought his lips back to smother her fear and show her just how masterful his invasion would be. “Soon, Brittney, you’ll learn just how deep my feelings for you run. I want you as much now as that first night and I’ll take you, fuck you and love you in any way I want.” She could feel the full length of his cock as he maneuvered her over it. There wasn’t enough air to breathe and she knew she should fight him, do something to stop the touch, the promise… She nearly collapsed under his sudden release. She felt the betraying fires he’d lit inside her as she watched him walk confidently to the door. Every supple muscle in his powerful body reinforced the capable predator this man could become. When he stopped and turned at the door, she held her breath over the force in his eyes. The way they brightened told them both of his imminent victory. “Should you try and defy me, I’ve taken steps to stop you. As you’ve seen, I have no need for locks to keep you at my side. The way to my island is only known to a handful of my most trusted men. I have guards throughout the swamp should anyone try to enter where they are not welcome. As far as leaving, I don’t think you would survive the swamp. If you feel you must attempt it, I can only hope I find you before it kills you.” Only when the door closed did her body rock under the impact. If only she’d felt or seen some sign of a lie in his harsh declaration. Looking out across the unfamiliar sight before his massive house, she realized every word he spoke to be true. The only way off this island would be with Cortine. She’d seen when he left this morning. He didn’t have any reason to hide his comings and goings from her. When the boat arrived to pick 32

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him up, its approach could be heard across the water for what seemed like an eternity before she could actually see it. He stood on the dock watching her as intently as she watched the airboat dock. Franklin was the only other person in the house besides herself. He had been the one to inform her that he and only one other man, named Ross, were on the island. He’d also told her Cortine left the one called Ross here for her protection, as were the others stationed out in the swamp, in case Bowman decided to go against Cortine’s order concerning her safety. Cortine also instructed Franklin to tell her the house and everything in it was open to her wishes. Stubbornness kept her from leaving this one room. She grew angry at her own mounting curiosity concerning his home. But to give in would mean learning more about the man, and Brittney feared her growing awareness of Cortine. All the warnings told her she should keep him at a distance. He knew of her fears, damn him, and he was playing with her. Destroying all her barriers? She wrapped her arms about herself; she couldn’t ward off the truth that he was winning. Closing her eyes, she resisted the temptation of touching herself, playing with the essence of the man. “It’s like he’s branded me and I’m still burning!” Even his leaving today appeared to be just another ploy to wear her down. She wanted to think that he might be out there waiting for her to run. But an inner voice scoffed at the notion. He knew her too well. She wouldn’t attempt the impossible. Brittney cursed him and his fortress. With a groan, she gave in to the urge and let her hand move down the deliberate course until she covered the spot his cock touched. She might as well have been naked; clothes certainly didn’t hinder his 33

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penetration. Brittney’s palm pressed against her vagina, but it wasn’t the same. She ended the attempt to erase his presence as her back slid down the wall until she sat on the cool tiles. She didn’t want to think about the size of his erection or how well he filled her. Already she could feel her body responding to the memory. With shaking fingers, she touched her lips, still swollen from Cortine’s assault this morning. The invasion ran rampant through her scattered emotions, playing havoc with her awakening desires. So hot, so wanting and equally devastating to her infant passion, now left exposed, she realized Lucas would never gentle the rape of her defenses. Brittney angrily swatted at the tears on her cheeks. Maybe she’d finally been pushed beyond sane limits. If only there could be some hope to hold on to. But there wasn’t any. Escaping Cortine this time would be impossible. She couldn’t leave and sadly, there was no one coming to her rescue. “So, Brit, you aren’t going anywhere and no one is coming to save you.” Her head rolled against the wall. “He’ll never let you go!” She’d seen too much and he wasn’t crazy enough about her to chance she’d never say anything. The heat finally drove her back into the cool interior of the house. Her room held its own defeat. “How did he know?” Brittney finally gave up the silent war with herself and turned slowly to look at the room. From the high open archways to the richly varnished cypress floors, the room reflected unexpected elegance and grace. At the far end of the expansive room, set back in its own alcove, was the high four-poster bed. Delicate lace graced the canopy. The intricate eyelet design swirled about the deep ebony wood posts in lush folds to the polished floors. 34

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Brittney jerked her gaze away from the bed. This was Cortine’s world, “I don’t care what you believe, I don’t belong here!” The distant call of a crane intensified her defeat. She cursed the weakness she felt. Cortine did scare her and all her brave denials couldn’t make the truth go away. “I’m so scared!”

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Chapter 5 Reverse Effects “Won’t you change your mind, Miss Boutie??” “No, Franklin.” She let her breath out when the man’s concern finally relented in acceptance. “Alright, Miss, I’ll tell him.” Brittney’s nervous gaze followed the man’s exit from her rooms. After a week of Franklin’s company, she couldn’t mistake the worry in his eyes, telling her she was being foolish to cross Cortine. “I don’t care if he’s angry…” But her feet couldn’t keep from pacing. “Almost a week…” His absence from the island preyed on her mind more effectively than his presence could have. At the echoing sound of his lithe steps coming up the stairs, her body froze. Standing there staring at the door she waited, fighting to catch her breath and keep herself from falling under her mounting fear. But when the door swung open and hit the wall with the force behind it, she couldn’t stop from stumbling back further into the room. There was no safety to run to, no place to hide from the anger she summoned. She’d never seen eyes so coldly set in their dark intent. “Dinner is waiting…Brittney.” The suppressed rage in his voice made her lips tremble in betrayal as she struggled to hold onto her resolve. 36

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“It’s late…I’m not hungry.” “What you mean is you refuse to dine with me.” Her chin came up. She’d not let him frighten her into submission. “Yes, if you prefer bluntness…your prisoner refuses to jump when you call.” A slight smile pulled at his lips, but he quickly checked the lapse of control. “And if the master demands his lovely captive make an appearance?” Brittney’s courage wavered. “I will still refuse.” When he stepped beyond the threshold and shut the door behind him, it took all her fleeting courage not to give in to the need inside her to run. “Let me go, Lucas.” “I can’t do that. You know I can’t, Brittney.” He didn’t think the threat Bowman still posed mattered to her. All his male instincts were honed on the true cause of the fear she failed to conceal. His body automatically tensed to stop the flight he saw in the nervous darkening in her gaze. Her anger with him caused her to openly flaunt her defiance since his return. Feeling her regret for drawing him to her, he also sensed the woman’s pride that rose before his advance to keep her from pleading for him to stop. Cortine hated the reason that made him do this to her. He never wanted Kat…Brittney this way. The damage couldn’t be reversed, he couldn’t change what she believed she witnessed that night. Maybe if Bowman controlled his own fear, he might have been able to explain. Things could have been different between them right now. How does a man tell a woman he is not a killer? That what she failed to see was the gun Jacobs pulled on him. Or that he’d been set up by that bastard Bowman to go down in a drug deal he knew nothing about, so the man could step in and take over everything Lucas kept trying to prevent. He stood here seeing 37

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exactly what she thought he was and he could do nothing to change it! Not if he wanted to keep them both alive. Getting Bowman wasn’t going to be easy. The man nearly ruined everything Cortine’s family took the pains to build…and avoid. Never did they get involved in…drugs! As it stood now, Cortine faced no other choice with Brittney, not if he wanted her to stay alive. He cursed his failure since he’d left her to change Bowman’s attitude toward her. He also hated the time it cost him away from her. He could well imagine how she worked herself into this highly emotional state. He would have been surprised, or at least worried, if she did answer his summons tonight. Maybe he just needed to test Bowman’s stubborn declaration concerning her. The man was as wrong about her as he himself learned. Cortine wished he could apologize for his error over the car and jewels. He felt his pride warm over the anger that he earned from her. But she’d certainly put them to good use. No, Brittney wasn’t at all like the women he encountered in the past. Maybe that’s what always intrigued him about her. Why he wanted her beyond reason…. Stopping about three feet from her, he marveled over her self-control. Unfortunately, she couldn’t cover the tiny waves of weakness assaulting her lovely body. He’d never allow her to return to the nightclubs. His jealousy forbade it. God, he’d needed to stay completely away from her before, knowing he would have killed any man for just looking at her with the lust he carried for this woman. He’d spent hours fighting to refute the path Bowman insisted he take with Brittney. The man might be corrupt, but he wasn’t foolish enough to openly threaten Brittney’s life in Cortine’s presence. No, but the alternative shook Lucas more than he’d allowed anyone to see. 38

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“Marry her then. Wives can’t testify against their husbands. And she wouldn’t say anything against me because of you.” Damn that man for calling the Southern States’ Council together to confront him. He was a spineless coward to need their support. She really could blind a man’s senses. Maitland even fell under her power. Cortine could not blame the man’s open rage, nor the adoration he’d seen smoldering inside the man. Only knowing Brittney’s conduct in the past with him, kept him from killing Maitland. Like her music, Brittney could cast a spell around men. Cortine tried not to believe he had fallen under her sorcery, but he failed to prevent Bowman’s interference with the Council and their demands held the weight to force him to submit to their wishes. She was such an innocent to his world. Her hatred for it didn’t bother him…her acceptance for what still laid before them did. After all his care, he would have to hurt her to keep her. And just as his arguments with the Council fell on deaf ears, his with himself against doing this to her were finished. His only option was to close his heart to the pain that would soon mar her vibrant beauty. Because if he failed to conquer Brittney’s will tonight, he’d have to resort to force and threats to rule her into submission. “I don’t want you to fear me, Brittney. Why can’t you remember how beautiful our night together was between us?” The unexpected sound of his concern after so much silence made her flinch. “Then give me a reason not to. You ask too much, Lucas…let me go.” God, she wished she could read his thoughts. So many different emotions played across his strong features just now. And with them she felt her own hopes rise only to be 39

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shattered by the return of his hard, determined stance against her. He didn’t have to voice his refusal. The shimmering blackness staring at her said it all. If he came any closer she didn’t think her legs would hold her up. So much cold rage…God, she couldn’t win against this side of him. The hand closing around her arm surprised her. She’d been lost in her fears. But Cortine didn’t allow the retreat she wanted, jerking her limp body up before him. The harshness of his hold made her hair fall forward, she looked as wild as he felt she would soon become. “Brittney, don’t fight me on this…I want…” “You want…always you! Well, I don’t want this, I don’t want you, can’t you understand that? I’ve never wanted you!” Pulling her closer, he fought back the anger she deliberately called to life. “You lied to yourself then, just like now…why can’t you listen to your body? Even now it reaches out for my touch, my caress…to make your passion…” Shuddering in his hold, she moaned, “Nooo…” “Yes, Brittney, I am going to make you feel every wild stirring you possess because of me. I’m going to make you listen to your own yearnings for my lips, my hands…” Pressing her into the swollen evidence of his cock, what she would soon feel filling her womanly folds, “And yes, that part of me you fear will rule you…forever!” The weak shaking of her head ended when his hands cupped her cheeks. Her palms stopped trying to push him away as if they too felt the impending defeat she stared upon. “Please…Lucas…” His name was a husky whisper on her lips. “You can’t win, Brittney. Maybe once, but not now. Don’t fight me, baby…please.” But the gentle taking of her lips wasn’t enough to tame her fear of the threat he posed to her. Brittney’s retaliation 40

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was as shocking to her as Cortine when he suddenly pulled back from her raking nails down his cheek! She bit her knuckles to stop her cry for what she’d just done. She stared in anguished immobility as his hand cautiously rose to touch the gashes on his proud cheek. The blood that came away with his hand sickened her stricken senses in breathless guilt. “God…I’m so sorry, I never meant…” He glared at her in confusion. The savage smile covering his lips became a reflection of the rage in his darkening gaze. Stepping away, Brittney’s instincts revolted over what she now faced in him. “What, Brittney? Is it the fact you struck out to defend yourself that hurts?” His steps followed her own. “Or is it the fact you are not so very different from me that revolts your delicate senses?” Panic filled her. He kept stalking her retreat. Her gaze fell to the ugly slashes she’d inflicted. How could she do something so crazy, so awful? More scared by each powerful movement as his body tightened beneath the white silk shirt to lunge at her, Brittney’s scream filled the air as she bolted. The arm tackling her held more force than he’d ever allowed himself to use against her before. Her weakness and his massive frame sent them falling in a tangled heap to the floor. Fighting to breathe beneath his oppressive weight filled her with a new panic. No man ever held her with the force or motive directing Lucas’ skillful hands. Pride and self-survival made her strike out to break free. “No!” A deep vicious growl rocked his body as he drew her beneath him, trapping her flaying arms, pinning her legs under his powerful thighs. “Stop it, Brittney!” “No…” 41

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“Alright then.” The threat he issued broke through her panic- stricken struggles, but not in time to stop his advance. His lips crushed against her mouth. Her moves to break the contact failed miserably as his one hand pinned hers to the floor above her head and his other took hold of her hair. Entangling his fingers in the mass of her hair, he quickly controlled all her movements, bringing her fully under his manipulative lips. He didn’t relent until she opened beneath his demands. His invasion was taken in unmistakable possession, claiming her in the way he’d vowed she would understand. And though her mind silently screamed not to feel her body’s betrayal under his mastering control, Brittney lost the battle. Not until the moan of defeat flooded through her like a great drowning wave did Cortine gentle his capture. His harsh assault slowly turned to one of heated seduction as he played Brittney’s willing body, calling to awaken the flames of passion she fought to keep buried. Running his tongue over her swollen lips, “It won’t work, Brittney, you are already mine.” “I hate you!” His baritone laughter vibrated against her ribs, making her squirm. “What’s wrong, sweet lady…” If her hands were free she’d have scratched his gloating eyes out. The evidence of this unwanted side of her made her pull her gaze away from him. Someday he would tell her he didn’t blame her for retaliating. Now wasn’t the time. The instant flash of his outrage with her turned to red coals of desire for what now held them together. “Look at me, Brittney. You can’t hide from me.” 42

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Cortine move his hand down the fine ivory column of her throat, lingering over the throbbing pulse at the base before his palm claimed the budding fullness of her breast. Sucking in her breath, her neck arched back to avoid the flaming response of her body to his heated possession. “That’s right love, listen to your body, it speaks to me. Hmm? Such hot truths it reveals…” Lowering his head his teeth nipped through the soft material at the aroused nipple as the swelling evidence filled his willing palm. His own impatience with the barriers between them couldn’t be stilled. Releasing her hands he felt his satisfaction over their lack of response to their freedom. Brittney’s body was being ruled by the wild passion he’d always known she tried to hide. He admired her control but her defeat beneath him was a heady sweetness that stirred his manly appetites. Straddling the soft curves of her hips, Cortine’s fingers hooked into the open vee of her blouse. The material was a barrier that he quickly dispensed with beneath the tearing force. He watch her eyes grow large over his new attack. The glistening blue depths brightened in renewed fear. But they were also smoky with the flames of passion he savored. In a pleasurable caress, Cortine let his hands fill with the rising mounds of her naked breasts. Skin that felt like satin enhanced the gentle swells he cupped and played over. The trim line of her ribs tightened under his fingers driving his arousal to a fevered pitch. “God, Brittney, I’ve never wanted another like I desire you…you are beautiful, so lovely. I want to cherish you as a woman, my woman.” She had no will left to stop the languid fever that came with the disappearance of her remaining garments. Cortine controlled her so thoroughly she decided she’d fallen into a trance of pure pleasure that held fiery sensations and wild 43

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abandon in its swirling depths. Much like his eyes, they were the man’s power, the possessor…for she’d never been so completely exposed. He left her naked in a way that went beyond the flesh he caressed and his dark sultry gaze devoured. When he rose in striking swiftness with her in his arms, her fist clenched, but remained held in the air unable to strike. She couldn’t even escape his smile for the victory she just gave him. Laying her upon the lace covered bed he wanted to tell her how much she enticed him by refusing to lay back. Lucas took hold of her ankles and jerked them up, forcing her to fall back. His gaze dropped to the erratic rise and fall of her breasts against her small frame, the sight played havoc with his senses. Brittney wanted to yell at him to stop when he began stripping away his shirt. But as the golden bronze wall of his finely muscled chest appeared, she needed to concentrate to just keep breathing. She shouldn’t be staring in such open hunger, but he was perfection…total male beauty in all its massive boldness. Her fingers dug into the lace beneath them to keep her from reaching out in shameful longing. She knew he saw her wanton reaction. He stopped moving, letting her take her fill. But something inside her snapped when his hands dropped to his waist and undid the belt, pulling it in external condemnation from his iron corded waist. Lucas knew she would bolt before she moved to flee across the bed and escape. The steel hands clasped about her ankles dragged her back towards him. His moves were knowing and sure as he raised her legs, making her head fall back onto the bed, stilling her fight in anticipation over what he might do. When he pulled 44

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her again, she sensed the change just before his bare hips locked her naked body beneath his own. She couldn’t stop her moan of awareness as the burning heat of his flesh seared against her sex, making her dizzy over the invasion. His hands no longer moved to end her flight, Now they struck out to discover every line and curve open to his claiming rite. Every woman possessed the instinct to know when a man set out to place his mark on his woman. Brit sensed it in him that first night, but now he didn’t camouflage his intent as the burning trial of his finger across her flesh meant to brand to her as his…Cortine’s property…his woman…forever! The fight she so desperately craved deserted her as surely as her own body’s betrayal to his ardent caresses. “Touch me, Brittney.” The last attempt to defy his complete capture faded beneath the hold he used to place her hands upon his chest. “Do you feel the strength of my heart’s longing? Feel the power of each beat, Brittney, let it match your own. Accept our joining…what holds us as one can’t be severed.” There were no lies in the driving force of his gaze for each of his heated words. His thumb brushed away the lone tear of her defeat from her flushed cheek. Cortine’s eyes closed over the gentle movement of her palms across his chest. In their caressing wake his body rippled and rallied beneath the depth of her invasion, telling him his own was almost complete. His cock throbbed against the liquid heat of her womanly core. His palms covered the awakening fire, coaxing it to greater intensity until she couldn’t be stilled beneath him. His lips savored her lovely breasts, drawing them deep within his sucking mouth until they peaked in wanton need. Her soft, feverish moans were the sweetest music she’d ever 45

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sung for him and his lips found hers to gentle the wildness building inside her. Her supple hips moved easily beneath his masterful manipulation until her legs wrapped about him in their own possession. The pulsing head of his penis beckoned her, playing over the nub of passion, joining his love drops with her flowing fluids. Brittney forgot the injustices and force that brought her to him, and reached for what he kept away. A primitive need inside her found its life. It didn’t matter any longer how she came to be here, Brittney wanted Lucas, admitted she always did. Only his touch could make her feel like this, only he could take her into that realm of womanhood. Brittney knew only that she crossed over the barriers he’d destroyed and she never wanted to turn back. “Love me, Lucas. Don’t ever let me escape you again.” His heated lips found hers as his hands held her face, forcing her to meet his ardent gaze. “No more lies, Brittney. You are my woman.” Though she reached for his lips, he refused to let her. “Only mine, Brittney.” She met the stark fire that drove his words out. Pulling away from the intensity he held her with proved impossible. She knew what he wanted from her and her heart ruled, “Yes, Lucas, only your woman, I swear.” When his lips took her, the hunger in his kiss tore a soft groan of awareness from her. The emotion she felt coming from him wasn’t a lie and she let go of the last barriers that kept her heart from this man. For better or worse Brittney knew she loved him, danger or fear, it no longer mattered, and the admission drew an anguished sob from her throat. “Brittney?” She raised her eyelids to accept his penetration, the invasion went deep and he pulled her into his embrace. “I swear you’ll never be hurt again, my love, I promise you.” 46

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Her lips kissed his chest in answer before she rested her cheek against him, letting the warm flesh ease away her remaining fears. She felt Lucas stroking her hair before his hand moved lower and slid between their bodies to stroke her passion to life. Brittney fell beneath the sensuous spell and gave herself over to his erotic touch. Never did he imagine she could be like this. God, he swore he would cherish her and Lucas marveled at his potent feeling for this woman. Through half closed lids she listened to the heavy Cajun words that passed his lips. The wonderment he held her in created a magical world where doubts weren’t allowed, and Cortine worked the magic, keeping the dreamy haze of passion in her smoldering gaze. “Feel, my love, only the two of us becoming one.” When her demanding lips rose to find his this time Cortine held her, never releasing his captive hold, nor the wonderment in her eyes. Driving with the force of his desire, he held her to receive him as the head of his cock drove into the velvet heat of her sex. Lucas held her to receive the full, powerful length. He felt her legs tighten as she contracted around him to hold him inside her. He cried out her name as he pulled back and drove deep with the fury she unleashed. Every penetration sealed her to him. He sensed and felt the victory she allowed him to win. Brittney was his, his woman and she matched his lunge as they rode the wild throes of their desire, ever striving for the climax that struck with a fierce possessive power!

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Chapter 6 Seeing Through the Mist Resting in his capable hold, his strokes gentled the tingling waves still assaulting her tiny frame. The warmth of his full form covered the remaining coals of her sated bliss. Cortine wondered if she believed his admission that he’d never felt such fulfillment with a woman before loving Brittney. Closing his eyes he held his silence. He still needed to adjust to the truth of how deeply he’d been affected by Brittney. His hands brought her closer. He let her tuck her head up under his chin. Did she realize what her body was telling him or just how much he’d truly won from her? Resting his lips against the lush thickness of her hair, the questions opened new worries for Cortine. He didn’t think he could stand it if she turned on him after this night. He knew that right now her senses were still heavily weighted in the passion he’d evoked. When the fires cooled, would she still belong to him? His jaw came down hard. He knew now that she never did anything with Maitland. She was still pure; only his seed was buried inside her womb. He’d taken her further than their first night and driven her crazy under the blaze of passion he drove her to experience. Lucas wanted that seed to find its way to her fertile egg and he wanted her to carry his child. The truth shook him to his core. “Brittney?” 48

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“Hmm…” “Are you alright?” “…Tired…” In one movement he had her beneath him. His knuckles moved back and forth over the side of her face until she focused on him with some semblance of awareness. Brittney wondered why he was frowning. She traced his lips with the tip of her finger until he captured it and sucked it into his mouth. It stirred the embers of her passion and she moved her hips so his cock rested against her clit. “Better.” “You haven’t answered me.” She wasn’t sure what brought this change of mood over him, but she refused to let it ruin her feelings. “I’m fine, so much so I want to do it again.” The slow release of stern lines about his lips earned her smile. “It is alright to do it some more, isn’t it?” He buried his humor with her against her breasts and Brittney covered his head with her hand to keep him there. His thumb started playing with her nipple and Brittney knew she just received her answer. “Hmm, I’m glad it’s alright.” **** “Something’s not right.” Her fingers nervously picked at the eyelet material of the pretty dress. The daisy yellow calico should be soothing to her senses. So why did she feel like a child’s top poised to be released from the string? Meeting her reflection in the mirror wasn’t easy. Brittney didn’t want to see the subtle changes she knew she would find. No longer did she see a girl playing at being a woman. No, staring back at her was the woman wishing for the girl to return. “Lucas?” 49

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With his name came his sensual masculine image and the flames…oh God, even now they still engulfed her in the embers of smoldering passion. Her breasts stirred against the delicate bodice, rising high above the scooped neckline as she fought to regain some semblance of control. For three enchanted weeks, the man never left her side. She felt sure that Cortine, in his way, had been courting her. Every smile, every seductive look and sweet loving word was delivered to woo her over to him. Glaring at herself in the mirror, she said, “You are a simple-minded fool Brittney Massey.” She shook her head against the harsh admission. But she couldn’t turn away or run from the truth. She was in love with this dynamic man and every time since that night and the many times since then that he’d made wild, uncontrollable and yes, even tender love to her, he ruled her with passion. Cherished, oh yes, first and foremost she felt that in his masterful embrace. He showed her what it was to be loved by this dark, powerful man. How to receive passion’s delights and give back the pleasuring caresses to a man that gloried in the woman he discovered. At one time Brittney would have shouted her triumph for such a wonderful gift. Cortine was everything she’d ever prayed to find in the man that she gave herself to be loved. Bringing her gaze back to the mirror her frown deepened over the thoughts clouding her soft features. “I shouldn’t feel like this for you.” The memory of that awful night always pushed its way into her thoughts. He still held cold unbreakable danger at his command. A man that ruled the darkness. A predator and master of the side of life that filled her with horror and revulsion. Cortine the Dark King, the killer! 50

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Be it love or fear, Brittney became lost in the endless maze and every second she remained with him, the will to seek freedom drifted further and further from her grasp. Staring at the stranger in the mirror she feared what she was becoming. She tried to fight the trap closing in around her. She told herself to find a way to leave, before it was too late. “Isn’t it already?” Her fingers curled around the puffy sleeves. Only when he wasn’t beside her did she have any will of her own. “God help me.” But even as her plea filled the silent room she knew there was no one that could help her. “Not from myself.” All her denials didn’t stop the feelings he summoned, the gentle way he wove himself into her heart. If only she’d been able to keep her hate and fear alive. They were her only weapons against him. How did a person hate an enemy that always came in gentle love to conquer? How could she fight when there was no battle to engage in? No, Cortine stripped her of all her weapons, all the defense she tried to erect. Brittney no longer wanted to win that battle. Her gaze lowered in defeat, only to confront Cortine’s latest assault. The dress. Its beautiful folds were exquisite against her skin. Cooling in its open caress, much like the giver of the gift. But the gift held a reason. She knew him better than he would like. With the dress came his shocking surprise of asking her to accompany him to the bayou festival. “It will be a night of gaiety.” His hands traveled up her arm wielding their seductive magic. “I’ve been selfish keeping you hidden away here. Many of your friends have been asking when you will sing again. Tonight your voice will fill the clear moonlit air and carry for miles…” “Why, Cortine, why are you taking me off the island?” 51

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She never asked the question that made her pace the afternoon away in his absence. This morning was the first time he’d left her since that long, horrible first week here. She’d felt his own urgency to leave and, yes, to return. “Something is happening, I can feel it.” Cortine was not one to expose his motives. Only when they lay together in his massive bed did he allow his feelings to show, only when he held no doubts of her feelings did he expose his emotions. “So why are you taking the chance, Cortine?” Here she remained completely his. She held no lies over the depth of his control over her. Out there, would she find the strength to defy him? “Do I want to?” “Want to what, my lovely Brittney?” Her lashes rose to be held by his probing dark gaze in the mirror. She’d failed to hear his boat. “You’re back.” “Dare I believe what I see in your eyes?” She wondered how one man could hold such power in just his look. Did she alone see it? A power that went beyond words. “Yes, I missed you.” Brittney didn’t resist the pressure he used to bring her back against his solid frame. “Your honesty deserves my own…I too found my hours away from you pure agony.” She couldn’t keep her eyes from brightening. The arguments of the last hours were a useless exercise now that he touched her. “The dress is as lovely on you as I imagined. Do you like it?” “Hmm, it is beautiful.” In fascination she watched his hand lower to her exposed shoulder. Her eyes closed over the trailing warmth of his lips 52

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over her collarbone to her neck. The heated sensation of his tongue against her ear drew a low, wanton moan from her straining chest. “Lucas…” “I must have picked it for this reason. Though I may regret it tonight.” She moved her head to the side to give him freedom with her. “Why?” His answer came in the sharp heated words between his possessive lips on her flesh. “You must teach me Cajun.” She needed no translation to understand the jealousy he kept private. “I promise to teach you everything you desire.” His body began to relax now that he held her. When he’d entered the room and saw how embroiled she was in her troubles, he’d gone rigid in anger. How quickly she slipped away from him. All these days and nights he learned well her moods and her body’s enchanting secrets. There’d been no lies between them…no fears. In his absence, her hateful memories drew away the passionate lights he left in her eyes. Anger didn’t change anything. He couldn’t find fault in her, except maybe that he regretted her stubbornness. She may still battle her emotions, but he knew damn well how she really felt about him. Brittney’s one failing was her own honesty, and that shone in her eyes when she looked at him. The knowledge gave him the strength to do what he would tonight. Maybe he’d always known he’d have to force her into one thing…the final act to bind her to him…forever. “Are you ready for our evening?” Nodding, she couldn’t meet his eyes. Cortine ran his fingers through the silken strands of gold at the back of her head. He hoped she never cut it again. The gold played off the dark auburn shades that now lay in rich layers past her 53

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shoulders. He could actually feel the way her mind worked, it was almost as seductive as her body to his senses. Oh, dear Brittney, I’m afraid I’m already ahead of you. “Shall we go?” His smile remained as she turned to face him. “Yes.” “Will you sing for me tonight?” “It’s been a long time…” “I’ve a special song selected.” Was he keeping a distance between them or was it just her nerves making her see things? “Alright, but do I know it?” “It’s a wife’s song to her husband…a haunting love song that speaks of their future together, their children, their love.” His hand at her back kept her steps from hesitating. She felt a chill pass through her. The song he spoke of was a bride’s joy song. The remembered lyrics once brought tears to her eyes. Now they constricted her throat. “My mother sang it for my father at their wedding.” He moved before her and stepped into the boat. Brittney’s eyes swept around them, startled that she was already on the dock. The hands at her waist lifted her as if she weighed no more than a child. But when they deliberately brought her down against his full form in languid ease it became a woman’s body and senses that responded in full measure. Holding her to him she was mesmerized by the stilling motion in his features. Brittney wanted to look away and block out what he silently told her, hating the weakness that never allowed her to escape this man. “Our wedding festival awaits our arrival, Brittney. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride…”

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Chapter 7 To Believe or…? The whispers in the heavy bayou air held the unspoken excitement Maitland felt in the quarter. No one paid the bearded man walking in their midst any notice, too caught up in their destination. Maitland’s rapt attention didn’t miss the escalating activity. Something big was happening...tonight. When he caught more than a few conversations going on in the quarter among Cortine’s people his curiosity piqued. At first, he suspected a big drug deal or something else illegal. He tagged along and joined the crowd gathering at the bayou and watched as the festival atmosphere took over, someone put a beer in his hand from one of the ice tubs. Mark raised it and took a long drink. The man smiled and urged him on, indicating he was welcome. Cortine’s men moved freely among his people. To them he wasn’t a criminal, but a hero. Mark may have wanted to spit in argument to their beliefs, but he wasn’t surprised. Cortine always took care of his own. Almost every one of these men worked in some way for him…most honest jobs. He learned more than he set out to these last weeks. It seemed Cortine poured a hell of a lot of money into this area. And the trust funds—they’d been a surprise. These people were too proud to keep quiet about some of Cortine’s 55

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activities. The man set up trusts for just about everything from widow’s pensions to college funds. A regular saint! Seeing a couple men by the docks that might recognize him, Mark moved back into the crowd. He should probably leave. It could turn dangerous if he was spotted. **** The hold he maintained on her arm was almost painful as they neared the dock. Chancing a look, Brittney’s stomach tightened over the fierce set of Lucas’ jaw. When his sharp glance caught hers, she pressed her lips tight to swallow her gasp. The shock he delivered led to her arguments, all of which he tolerated in stone silence until she’d spent her energy and grew silent. “You will marry me tonight, Brittney, and with all the forced happiness you can display for your audience.” “No…” With him facing her, she couldn’t avoid his hard glare. “If you must argue do so, but only until the boat docks. After that I demand you behave.” Her mouth dropped opened in indignation over his order, but the harsh hold drawing her up before him earned her instant attention. “I hoped you would let yourself believe in what we have, Brittney.” She bit her tongue to stop her denial from spurting out over the hurt she witnessed in his eyes, but it quickly changed back to that remembered determination she recognized. “But I can see you’d rather cling to old lies. I’m sorry, but for your safety I can’t allow you to do this.” Brittney felt desperate when he turned on her like this. He could be so cold. Even knowing he’d not listen, she couldn’t help but try. “Please, Lucas…I know you won’t let me go, but please just take me back to the island.” 56

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The odd smile he gave her was almost worse than his anger. When his finger rose and went deep into the hair at her temple she couldn’t stop the tremor that passed through her. Only she couldn’t have told either of them if it came from fear or…desire. “You make it hard, Brittney. Threats are an ugly cruelty and I don’t make them lightly. This one holds the depth of my feelings…” If only she’d given in to what her heart held. “You will do as I ask of you and marry me or I will have to destroy the one person dear to you to force you.” Weaving under the weakness that resulted from his blow, his hands held her up, refusing to let her escape the deadly implication. “My father…” Cortine showed no emotion to her anguish. “He’s an old man, Brittney. It would be a shame if he failed to live to see his grandchildren.” Lucas hated himself for speaking those words and what he just did to her. He wanted to pull her to him and hold her, take it all back. For her sake he must make her believe he’d hurt her this way. “Brittney, will you marry me?” The words he wanted to ask in loving admiration burned in his chest with their harsh delivery. “…Yes.” **** The silence between them continued after he forced her consent. The boat swung into the dock, creating a rush of activity as men jumped to catch the mooring ropes. Feeling his gaze burning into her, she had little choice left but to face him. No one moved to help her to the dock, making her wonder if he threw them a look of warning. Brittney felt too spent to resist Cortine’s lifting arms. She 57

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wondered how she would find the strength to do as he demanded. She wanted to make him look at her, to see if he really could do such a horrible thing as killing her father. Hadn’t he already killed? Maybe more than she knew of? How could this evil be the same man that held her in such loving passion? She wanted to cry, but couldn’t. His threat devastated her. And the people…so many. She couldn’t meet their smiles, fearing they would see her true feelings at that moment. Covering the hand on her arm she drew his attention back to her. All her control went into forming the request and holding her voice steady. “Lucas…” She almost faltered under his driving gaze. “I need to freshen up.” “Of course, this way.” She tried not to acknowledge the men suddenly around them. There was no need to ask who they were. The room he showed her to was very different from his mansion on the island, but its sparse furnishings mattered little. Thankfully, he left her alone. Dipping her hands into the basin of cold water didn’t deliver the shock she hoped for, the numbness settling in around her wouldn’t disperse. Taking deep steadying breaths, Brittney forced her composure not to waver. She’d do this, marry him and give him no reason to seek any revenge. A brisk knock on the door preceded his entrance. “Are you alright?” Keeping the anger out of her voice would be the most difficult aspect of the role he forced her to play. Ignoring his concern seemed easier than dealing with it. “When is the ceremony?” He wished it was this minute and he could take her back immediately, but the night was not only for Brittney, but a 58

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grand stage to convince certain people in attendance the foolishness of Bowman’s continued concerns. He dismissed telling Brittney about this. Her aversion to his other life wouldn’t allow her to pretend false indifference to these men. No, he took the only path to insure she would play the part of a woman about to be wed. “There is much celebration to begin the evening. And many people you must meet…relatives.” Her chin rose over the implication. Raising her gaze, she found the spring of her old courage. “When this is over I want to call my father and tell him, end his worry.” He hadn’t been wrong on his choice of weapons, but Cortine kept his relief to himself. “When we are husband and wife, I will be pleased to invite your father to our home if you wish.” The sadness in her eyes quickly vanished, “Thank you, I’d like that very much.” **** Her jaw ached under the force she maintained to hold her smile. Brittney never knew one man could have so much family. She figured that nearly half these people were in some way related to him. Surprisingly, his grandmother took it upon herself to take Brittney around and introduce her. Not a name, age or standing in the family line escaped the woman. In spite of her internal fever, Brittney found herself being drawn to the sensitive woman. “Lucas has kept you a secret for a long time, Cherie.” The woman didn’t miss Brittney’s paling features. Patting her hand, “Do not let me distress you. His secrecy tells me how very serious he is about you.” Brittney swallowed her astonishment as another woman stepped forward to be introduced. 59

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When she left, the old woman said, “She is only a third cousin on his uncle’s side, hardly a blood relation, but she’d be insulted to be reminded of her failings.” “The Cortines are a very large family.” Tinkling laughter came from the weathered lips. “And your family, is it so small?” “I have only my father and his brother. Two cousins of my mother that haven’t been heard of since her death.” Why she divulged that information silenced Brittney. When she looked back at the woman, she found her staring at her in what couldn’t be mistaken for anything but pity. “Well, you are no longer alone. I will see to it my grandson does not keep you closeted in his swamp.” “I don’t mind.” “No, of course not, but Lucas cannot always be with you. When next he leaves I will insist you come and stay in my home.” Brit kept her feelings silent. Her gaze sought out Lucas, wondering how he would take his grandmother’s dictate. She didn’t have a chance to question her own motives as another relative came to meet her. The rapid exchange of the broken French went past her comprehension. His grandmother appeared pleased by what was said, accepting the praise with the grace Britney started to admire. All the activity surrounding them captured her attention. It came as a shock to her when she realized that she stopped thinking of a way to escape. The effort would have been futile. Even if Lucas didn’t stand at her side, his men certainly were there. “You must ignore them, Cherie. A necessary nuisance I have never been able to talk Lucas out of. If they weren’t my 60

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nephews, I’d most likely give a stronger argument. They mean you no harm.” Brit showed too much or the woman possessed an inner eye, making her wonder how much the old woman knew about her presence in her grandson’s life. “Marie is a fine old woman. Her husband captained the best shrimp boat in New Orleans for nearly forty years…” She tried to put all her attention on what the grandmother was telling her. “…a shame. He was lost in that storm ten years ago.” Another tragic death, Brittney listened to similar stories concerning many of the people. “She is giving thanks to Lucas and you.” “Why?” The question was spoken before she could stop herself. “I see Lucas has not changed. He always shies away from boasting of his good deeds.” The woman’s knowing gaze locked onto Brittney’s. “You have much to learn about him. Not everything is as it seems to the eyes. These people may be his kin, but praise is not handed out based on blood.” The chilling edge in the woman’s clear voice froze Brittney in place. “Lucas has taken on many responsibilities in his life for what he believes in. Home and family are very important to him, as it was to my father and his father.” The hands that took hold of Brit’s arm didn’t lack any strength for their age. “How many women have you met tonight that have faced the death of their husbands?” Startled, she forced herself to answer and not pull away from the grey eyes studying her. “Six, Grandmother.” The grey brow rose in approval. “There is at least ten times that number you have yet to see.” 61

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Brittney didn’t understand her own feelings over the emotions that made her gaze fall to their clasped hands. “You have no reason to feel ashamed for what you lack in awareness.” The woman’s stern declaration brought the proud blue eyes back to her own. “It is Lucas who took on each of these men’s responsibility to his family. Widows and children don’t cease to exist when the men died. They must eat, see doctors, be educated, Lucas sees to it these responsibilities are met without question or promise of repayment.” Grandmother’s hold tightened on the girl’s hands between her own. “This has been the life of the Cortine men since before my time. Always the eldest Cortine takes over when their fathers leave. It is the way here. A promise their wives must learn to become as one with this mutual goal of sharing.” The woman knew exactly what effect she had on Brittney and refused to gentle what she felt must be spoken. “His is a life handed down to him. Lucas has done more for these people than any Cortine before him, but it does not make the responsibility any lighter…only a good loving woman can do that for my grandson.” Brittney didn’t move as the aged finger brushed away the escaping tears on her cheeks. “You are a stranger in our midst, child. Already your kindness and gentle manner is known among us, but we wait to see if your love is as strong as the way my grandson’s shines for you.” The sternness in the wrinkled face eased slowly, showing the loveliness the Cortine monarch still possessed. “The decision is yours to make, Brittney Massey. I only ask that you look deeper before accepting the path you decide on. I will not be far should you need help in discovering the real man behind the mask.” There were so many things that she wanted to ask… 62

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“Have you two forgotten why we are here? Or has my grandmother been filling you with my childhood misadventures?” It took a moment before the woman turned away from Brittney and admonished Lucas, giving Brittney time to recover. As she started to walk away with him she found herself turning back to look at the woman staring after them. “Brittney, my escapades couldn’t have been that upsetting. What has she been up to?” Dare she believe what this woman implied? “You were an awful child. Your poor grandmother had her hands full.” His deep unexpected laughter was like a soothing balm to her senses. Her heart felt lighter than she would have believed possible only hours ago.

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Chapter 8 Truths in light The sunbeam split in a caressing light over her body. Lucas wanted to memorize every beautiful detail. A golden halo surrounded her as the light caught and danced in the waves of her hair. The fine creamy tones of her skin glowed like delicious honey, too tempting not to savor. As his finger lightly traced the outline of her enticing hip, he watched her move like a waking lioness. The sleek lines unfolded and stretched in languid protest. A faint smudge of darkness rested beneath her eyelashes. The festivities went late into the night after the ceremony. Lucas took a deep breath over the memory as he fell back into the pillow. He never felt such immobilizing apprehension as when it came time for her to say her marriage vows. Where he expected outright defiance or glaring hatred tinged in fear, she shattered his soul with the clear warm strength of her declaration. Lucas grew incapable of keeping his stunned reaction buried. The second that she exposed his emotions she graced him with a knowing, almost gentle smile. Before he’d been able to discover why, he suddenly realized her feelings had honestly changed and she was whisked away from his side by his jubilant grandmother. The balance of the night filled with his agony of not knowing what was going on inside that beautiful head of hers. Lucas hadn’t been given a reprieve. Brittney was exhausted by the time they’d left for his grandmother’s house and she fell 64

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asleep against his shoulder in the car. Thoughts of waking her after he carried her up here left him when she cuddled up in his arms. He told himself that everything he did was to protect her. His gaze moved over her once again. Damn you, I’m scared shitless over what you might tell me! Lucas’ eyes rose to the ceiling over the internal pain he held in his heart. When he finally looked at her again those crystal blue pools were staring back at him. “Did I wake you?” “Didn’t you want to?” Lucas felt his heart skip a beat, but he held back from reaching for her. It was as if they both feared the other’s touch. The dark bronze muscles of his chest rippled under the tightness keeping him away from her. Brittney felt relieved that their confrontation hadn’t come before now. Here, alone, they would both be honest with each other. She spoke out with the one fear she prayed he would vanquish. “Would you have killed him?” The pain shooting through his eyes gave her the answer. “Why did you do that to me? Why was the cruelty necessary?” Brittney refused to back down from his enraged glare. If she were to believe in this man, she needed to have answers. His grandmother told her more than just the facts surrounding him. The insight felt as bright as the morning sun flooding across his steeled form. The lady knew exactly what she’d done. “Brittney…” “No, Lucas, I want answers. The reasons why you would do such a thing, God knows I have tried to hate you! But you know I can’t, not when I…” 65

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“Tell me, love, tell me what I heard from your heart last night was real.” “I do love you…don’t drive me away in fear, Lucas.” His hand covered hers where it rested in the space separating them. “My own fears over losing you ruled my acts against you.” She sensed there was so much more he wasn’t telling her. “I’m here, I am your wife…” The bold fingers entwining with hers carried the possessive strength lighting his eyes. “Do you mean that, Brittney? Are you my wife? Or are you the captive I’ve seduced to keep at my side?” The honesty she wanted hung between them. All the past warnings became mere whispers. “I want to be your wife, your lover, your friend, Lucas.” When he moved over her, placing her within the covering circle of his powerful body she felt the tension hold her in a vise. “I want to believe you. If it is lies your sweet lips speak they are crueler than all my false threats.” Lucas held her head between his palms. His fingers stroked back the errant gold strands that fell over her proud brow. “Last night when you looked at me and spoke our wedding vows…dear woman, I wanted to go to my knees and beg you to swear they came from your heart.” She needed to give him this; his expectancy tore at her heart. “They did, Lucas. I swear I spoke from my heart.” In silence she thanked the old woman that she would soon speak to in person. His eyes searched her face for the slightest sign he might be imagining what he heard. “I listened to my heart, Lucas, and did what you said I never allowed myself to…I believed in us.” Brittney gently 66

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pulled his head to her chest and stroked his fine black hair. “When I was at the island with you, my doubts disappeared. But when you left…I’m sorry.” His arms tightened around her. “I know now that those memories of that night kept me from loving you. I guess I’ve been afraid of my own weakness concerning you. I tried not to hear what my heart kept telling me.” When he pushed up and stared down at her, she rushed on knowing that at last it would all be spoken. “I’m not running anymore, Lucas. I don’t care if it’s wrong to feel like I do, I love you. I won’t try to cover it with excuses…I love you and I married you last night because I wanted to…no other reason except the love directing my vows.” “I was afraid to believe. God, woman, how can you do such defeating things like this to me?” His gaze held her with such fire she couldn’t breathe. “I’ve always wanted you, Brittney.Whatever it took to keep you, I’d have done it. Do you understand?” The honesty he let her see was real. She also sensed how dangerous his admission could become and she realized they weren’t that different, not in this, “Yes, Lucas, I do understand so very much more than I ever did before.” He seemed to study her with an intensity she’d never experienced from him. When he spoke, she couldn’t breathe knowing what he said was extremely important to him. “That night, Brittney…” She tried to silence him, but Lucas stilled her head and made her look and listen to him. “What you saw isn’t what it appeared to be, Brittney. That man worked for Bowman. They set me up to take the fall for a drug deal that I didn’t have anything to do with. Brittney, I’ve fought all these years to keep the drugs out of here. Bowman wants to take it over, he wanted me dead. I shot that man to keep from being killed myself. 67

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“I’m what I am, Brittney, but that night you didn’t see what really happened. I swear to you, I shot in self-defense.” His thumb brushed away the tear that escaped down her cheek. “Bowman wanted you killed so you couldn’t testify against him. He thought you knew he was behind the setup.” Brittney’s finger slowly traced his lips. She kept looking at him in wonder, for she knew that for the first time she really saw the man that Lucas Cortine truly was, “I’m so sorry I didn’t trust you then, Lucas.” His lips buried themselves into her palm before he answered. “We barely knew each other, I’d do anything to take that night back and start over with you. I love you, Brittney.” She met him halfway as his lips came and took possession of hers. The fierce longing that came with his mastering kiss flowed through her as if their hearts became one. Everywhere his hands touched her, she came alive with a fire that only this man could tame. All hesitancy vanished and she reached out to find the fierce power of his desire. Her finger wrapped around the breadth of his cock and she marveled over the man that captured her heart in all his splendor. Lucas sucked in air between them. The way she touched him, held his cock in such wonder, made his whole body tense in awareness. Not once had she touched him like this. When the tip of her finger pressed into the sensitive head of his penis Lucas lost the hold on his desire, “Cher…” She smiled into his questioning gaze and Lucas kissed her lips as he devoured the sweet warmth of her mouth. The way she played her fingers up and down the length of his erection drove him crazy. His heavy Cajun love words brushed across her face. Lucas’s tongue reached out and licked her chin. He 68

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watched her head arch back as her hand moved the head of his cock over and around the nub of her clit. He added to her ecstasy by covering the swollen nipple of her breast and taking the tasty bud deep into the hot recess of his mouth. Before moving to the other, he moaned, “I’m so hungry for you, Cher.” In answer her thighs tightened around him and she moved the pulsing head of his swollen sex to the wet and waiting opening of her heat. Lucas wanted to take control and plunge to the depths of her womb, but Brittney wanted to play a bit more. He nearly went mad when she started dragging the engorged head of his cock back to her clit, every tantalizing inch of her heat sizzled beneath the trailing moist head of his cock. “Cher, you play a dangerous game.” She smiled and nipped at his lip before her tongue traced his teeth. “Hmm, it feels so damn good, my husband.” His fingers brushed through the silken waves of her hair before taking hold of her hips. “Shall we seal our vows…wife?” “I’d like that very much, Lucas.” Without another word Lucas took over the game she started and pressed his hungry cock head against the hot opening it wanted to fill. “My sweet Cher!” Driving into her slick folds, he let the welcoming warmth settle around him and tighten in awareness over the welcome invasion. She was tight and hot, caressing him with her undulating passion. “Brittney, you are so hot…” “Deeper, Lucas, fill me, my love. I never want you to stop loving me.” He needed no more encouragement. In endless motion he moved the full length of his erection out of her velvet heat. With just the tip of the pulsing head at her entrance, Lucas moved her legs higher until they wrapped about his neck. 69

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Holding her gaze to his, Lucas drove the power of his love to the depths of her loving womb. Her legs tightened, the walls of her vagina contracted around him and he gloried in the tight capture of his lover! Her fingers entwined with his and together they started the dance of passion that only lovers can explore and venture. The fury they released poured from two hearts in love. He pumped into her honeyed warmth, losing all his control, and the force built. And when she rose to meet his assault, his heart opened to the woman it always wanted and now possessed. Lucas’ head went back as her moans of delight washed over him in electric splendor. “My woman!” And he shot his seed to the depths no other man would dare think to possess and Lucas swore no one would ever hurt her again. His love buried his seed with his sealing vow. Their cries blended as one. Together, let no man put asunder!

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Chapter 9 New Discoveries “You are more relaxed, Cherie.” Looking away from the children playing down the cobbled street, she smiled at the old woman. “I guess I am, Grandmother.” “Lucas says you will be staying here for a while longer.” “He has business to attend to…it is alright, isn’t it?” “Ah, Cherie, have I not told you my house is yours? Come and have some cooling tea with me in the garden.” How easy it was to fall into the woman’s routine and in just a few weeks. “Your flowers are so beautiful.” “How are the cuttings coming at the island?” “The roses are thriving. I planted the azaleas around the fountain under the big oaks.” The tea took away some of the oppressing heat. “Our summers are not like you are used to.” “The ranch gets hot but not this heavy pressing air.” Brittney thought of the creek and its refreshing mountain water. How she would love to have that luxury here. “And your father…is he coming?” A deep frown stole away her enjoyable mood. “No, I’m afraid he still won’t talk to me.” “And what of the letters you send him?” “All returned…” She would have been surprised if they weren’t. At least she could stop worrying about him. After all 71

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the yelling he did when she called and told him about the wedding, there’d been no room for explanations. He wouldn’t believe them anyway. She knew only too well how stubborn he could be. And once Jess Massey made up his mind, dynamite couldn’t budge him. Brittney wished she could block out the memory of just how angry he became. “What threats is he holding over you…me! Is that it? Is that bastard threatening my life to get you to do this?” Telling him he had, but didn’t mean it wouldn’t have helped, “No, Dad, it’s not like that.” The pause seemed endless before she spoke again. “I love him.” “Love? Girl, that man is a killer. Shit! We almost lost Mark and he’s damn lucky he didn’t lose his leg!” Mark? Brittney tried not to let her voice give any hint to the troubled thoughts that man’s name struck. But anger drove the words out, “You sound like you are defending him. I mean it’s not like what he did was any better than…” Lucas? God, she was getting too deep in this to get out over the phone! “Dad, it’s over. What happened is over.” The silence at the other end was worse than his yelling. “Dad?” “I’m sorry, Brit. Are you really okay?” “Yes, I know it isn’t what either of us expected, but, Dad, it is okay.” “Yeah.” Brittney squeezed her eyes shut to hold back the tears. “Dad, Lucas and I want you to come here for a visit. You could see for yourself.” “I don’t think I could do that, Brit, I’d probably kill him.” “Dad!” 72

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“I mean if he hurt you. It will all be alright soon, Brit, I promise.” “No, Dad, you haven’t listened! Dad, please, things…well they changed. I love him…Dad?” But the line went dead and he’d refused to answer the phone when she called back. When she did get through a few days later, he just hung up once he heard her voice. “Brittney? Child, just give him some time.” She blinked at the hand holding her arm. “I’m sorry, Grandmother.” “Yes, well, will Lucas be home for dinner?” “What? Oh, I don’t think so, he said he needed to go out to the hatcheries.” “Then we shall be alone, a small dinner then. I’ll send Franklin for some fresh fish and fruits.” “That would be fine. The heat seems to have ruined my appetite of late.” Still caught up in her troubled thoughts of her father, Brittney almost missed the sharp gaze moving over her. “Maybe you should rest for a while, Cherie.” “Grandmother, I’m fine. You go on up. I’ve got to send the invitations out.” “The dinner is too much, if you are not well.” “It is just my appetite. I’m hardly ill. Beside, Lucas wants the dinner party to be a success. Are you sure it’s no problem to have it here?” The high French the woman delivered in dismissal said it all. Laughing softly and shaking her head, Brittney wondered if those lessons she took twice a week would ever work. At least Lucas made sure it was Cajun she learned. If not, French wouldn’t help her at all. 73

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As quickly as her humor came, it fled. “It is only the heat. Isn’t it?” Asking herself didn’t make the worry festering inside her go away. What she didn’t tell anyone was that other things were wrong than just her appetite. She thought of talking to Lucas, but he worried over her enough since the call to her father and finding her crying. She couldn’t help it. It seemed like she cried too much. With everything going on she couldn’t bring herself to add to his concern. Leaning her head back into the chair, a soft smile helped take some of the tension away. She no longer wondered what his grandmother hinted on concerning Lucas. He told her about all of his varied businesses. At least the ones he could. There were still aspects of his life he held secret. She couldn’t help but worry. It seemed when her walls came down that her awareness of him increased. Now she could sense his moods. Whenever his absence concerned the Dark King, she only needed to see the changes it made in him. His grandmother may praise her grandson, but Brit wasn’t blind to the cost this side of her husband’s life took on her man. She chalked up her illness to her worry over both the men in her life. If it didn’t clear up maybe she should see a doctor. But who? She did meet Grandmother’s doctor. Dr. Grisand seemed to be likeable when he wasn’t in the role of doctor. Did all men lead two lives? It would be the stiff professional side that she needed to seek out. Would his medical code keep her visit to him silent from the Cortines? She would have to hope she judged him correctly. Worrying Lucas or his grandmother for no reason wasn’t something she could allow to happen. “Ah, Madam Cortine.” Jumping out of the chair, Brittney swung about to confront the unfamiliar voice. 74

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“Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to startle you. There was no one about.” “Who are you?” He wasn’t anyone she met before and yet she felt her skin tingle in uneasy recognition. The dark suit, the way the man’s confidence walked him directly up to stand in front of her with that knowing smile… “The name is Bowman, though I feel as if we’ve known each other for sometime, Mrs. Cortine.” Brittney instinctively shoved down the desire to scream. There was only grandmother in the house. Brittney feared just how strong the lady truly was, and Franklin went out to the store… Brittney wrapped her arms about her waist to fight off her fear. “Mr. Bowman, the tea is still iced.” Indicating the chair, she took a quick breath when he finally sat down. “Thank you, that would be good.” As she raised the pitcher she caught him looking about her. He asked her, “How about you?” “I’ve a glass already. I’m afraid you have missed my husband.” “Didn’t expect to find him around.” His brow rose in meaning as his gaze played havoc over her. She passed him the glass. “Quite a busy man, your husband.” Brittney crossed her arms over her breasts, breaking the man’s disgusting concentration. When his gaze came smugly back to hers, he faced every bit of cold anger rearing up inside her for his effrontery. “Cortine’s a remarkable man. Pulled you both out of the fire with that grand performance of your wedding, sorry I missed it.”

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Biting the inside of her cheek she kept herself from asking him to spell out his meaning, her conclusions were bad enough. “I never did get to congratulate you. Yes, real class, but then you always did have that on your side.” She didn’t know whether she was scared out of her mind or shocked to the point of rage at this man and his implications. “If that is all you came to tell me, I think you best leave.” Holding herself in place as he came slowly to his feet took a tremendous amount of control. “Maybe you ought to be nice to me.” Brittney’s chin rose at the threat. “You may have fooled those old men, but I am still watching you, missy. Your husband…” his lips curled, “better be sure about you. Next time I won’t ask permission from the council about either of you.” Her fist clenched within the folds of her dress. “Get out!” The smile he shot at her over his departing shoulder was very different from the evil intent his gaze held her in. The shaking started in her legs, rising at an alarming rate once he left. “Cherie, I heard voices. Do we have company…Cherie! Franklin come here!” Carla knelt beside the girl she had come to love in such a short time. Her paleness frightened Carla. She couldn’t imagine what could have done this to the child. The strength in the arms carrying Brittney to her room weren’t the ones she wanted to be around her. “Lucas?” “Who was in the garden, Brittney?” She couldn’t keep silent the fear that he instilled, “Bowman!” “That evil…Franklin, go fetch Lucas.” “No! Please, Grandmother, I’ll be fine.” 76

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“Hush child,” Carla looked at Franklin. Brittney remained too shaken by Bowman’s assault to see the sharp look from Carla that sent the man to do her bidding.

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Chapter 10 Danger all around Taking the steps two at a time in his urgency to reach Brittney, he didn’t stop until reaching the door and seeing his grandmother backing out of the room. “Where is she?” “Lucas, she is finally asleep.” He couldn’t ignore the small hands restraining him from opening the door. The rush of outrage died before he looked upon the concern in her eyes. “Come, Lucas, we must talk, then you can go to her.” Looking back at the door, he realized she wouldn’t be so insistent unless it was important. Franklin hadn’t been able to tell him much. “How did that bastard get in here?” “I’m not sure. Steven and Jacque didn’t see him come or go.” “What did he tell her?” “From what I could gather he…” Carla studied the rage etched on his proud face. “He threatened her and you. She went on about the council and how he said he wouldn’t ask for their consent next time.” Lucas turned away from her, fearing his outrage would hurt her. Carla watched the rocking tremors move through his shoulders until he once again gained control of his temper. “Lucas, you must tell her everything.” 78

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“No!” “If you keep this part of yourself from her it could cost both of you your lives.” “And if I tell her, what then? I can’t risk losing her because she is repelled by my existence.” “Do you think her love is so weak it could be killed by the truth? Hasn’t she proven to you that it doesn’t matter? She’s not as blind as you would believe. Only for your eyes does she hold her questions back, but she knows, Lucas. You must trust her.” “I do trust her.” His reluctance to explain their way of life to the girl angered her almost as much as this intruder did. “She is not laying up there in fear for herself, it is you she is frightened for. Every word she speaks is for me to warn you, her love is strong enough to face the dangers we live with, she needs to be aware, Lucas.” **** “Your husband told us not to ask.” Blue cigar smoke hung like a blanket above the evening gowns and dinner jackets lining the elegant dining table, reminding her of the lounges she used to sing in, instead of Carla’s large ballroom. “Please, Mr. La Rosa, he is too busy to know. Besides, I am too curious not to hear the question.” Brittney caught grandmother’s pleased smile across the room over the man’s mischievous laughter. Carla Cortine and La Rosa would probably get along well together; neither were beyond going against Lucas’ wishes. “Then I must ask you if you could sing for us? I was never fortunate enough to hear you in the quarter.” Her release of laughter earned the man’s wink. “I’d be honored. What do you prefer?” 79

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“The blues, Mrs. Cortine. I’ve never been able to resist them, or a pretty lady.” His admiring gaze went back to Carla. As she approached the musicians, she still marveled over their presence. Seems Grandmother thought of everything. The lady’s warnings over exactly who would be attending this evening, hadn’t shocked Brittney half as much as the woman’s anger at her grandson. Brittney’s French was improving. She picked out “idiot— stubborn and danger, as well as love” from the lady’s heated tirade. That she spoke it against Lucas’ order not to tell her, what and why they were here at the dinner party, told Brittney how important her performance tonight truly would be. She decided on an old Billy Holiday song, not overly melancholy, but just enough to silence the room on the first bar. Her eyes never left Lucas as she sung the emotional strains. Someday she prayed Lucas would discover his fears concerning her were unfounded. She wondered how he could believe her to be so blind as not to recognize these men for what they were. His own actions these last days would have told her. Lucas behaved like a caged panther contemplating his jailer’s arrival. The spell of her voice held them all in rapt attention. Cortine never heard Brittney sound lovelier. La Rosa’s proud grin was so condemning it was enjoyable; somehow Lucas knew he couldn’t prevent her from entertaining them. Then she’d done that all night, the perfect hostess. The praise came from nearly everyone of them and their wives. Brittney deserved the compliments. It wasn’t often these highpowered men relaxed in each other’s company. Taking a casual glance at the various couples, their faces were void of the ever-present tension he usually found. Even Lebeque’s narrow eyes grew tranquil under her magical voice. 80

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The shimmering blue gown reflected her sapphire blue eyes as it molded itself to each swaying curve of her exquisite body. He wondered if she realized how ethereal she looked before her audience. When she sang jazz she lost herself in the song, every fiber of her seductive presence once again became Kat Boutie, the fiery siren no man could hold. The exuberant applause after the third song and request for another brought red flames to her cheeks. Lucas took control and his refusal stood firm over another song. When he stepped forward to retrieve his wife, La Rosa reached her before he could. “My dear, I never realized how wonderful a voice you truly have.” Brittney moved into the arms coming about her shoulders, smiling up at Lucas’ smile. “She has a rare talent, Cortine. You should let me call Alfonso and set up a recording session.” “Do you see why I told him not to ask?” Lucas’ words only held humor out to the man, but she felt the tightening of his body beneath her palm. “Thank you, Mr. La Rosa, but a career is not what I want.” “If you change your mind…” he threw Lucas a wink, “or convince your stubborn husband to change his, I am at your service. Everything would be legit. There would be no reason not to be.” Brittney’s fingertips dug into his ribs to halt what she feared he might say. “Then the offer means more to me than you know and I won’t forget it. Thank you, Mr. La Rosa.” To her surprise, the man clasped her hand and brought it to his lips. “I thank you, madam, for I never heard the Blues before tonight.” 81

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La Rosa’s praise seemed to cap the evening. Within the next hour they were saying goodnight to their last guest. When the door closed she finally relaxed, but her smile didn’t leave. They meant every thank you spoken. “Thank you, Brittney.” Turning she looked at Lucas. “They had a good time. Is it so rare an event?” His laughter threw his head back before he regained his control. “You charmed them.” To herself she admitted they weren’t as bad as she’d expected. “I’m sorry about the singing.” “Don’t be. La Rosa is a hard man to refuse.” “He’s a stinker and enjoyed every minute of defying your order.” “True, but I’ve never seen him be so blatant about crossing me.” Brittney refused to look any deeper at the meaning. The party was a success and she wouldn’t let anything spoil it. Her gay laughter filled the empty room as he swung her up in his arms. Had they wanted her as much as he did? Lucas couldn’t take many nights like this. Sharing Brittney went against all his possessive instincts. God, he’d never imagined he could be jealous to this extent. “I’ll probably never get rid of him.” Snuggling up into his shoulder, Brit nibbled on his hard flesh at the opening of his shirt. “Who are you talking about, my love?” “La Rosa.” He’d practically growled the man’s name. Brittney’s palm pulled his face to hers. “He knows better than to go any further than tonight.” Her lips came up to his to take away their stern set. The fierce tightening of his hold said she’d won his attention as he headed for the stairs. 82

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She had his shirt off by the time he kicked the bedroom door shut. To her surprise the silk dress fell away from her as he lowered her to the bed. His eyes were dancing in a devilish light as he pulled the garters and stocking away from her leg. He didn’t release her ankle and she watched in fascination as he moved to kiss her inner ankle. Brit’s instant moan of rapture escaped in wanton hunger as his lips moved down her leg until he licked the inside of her thigh. Only then did he raise her other leg and deliver the same passionate attention–only this time Lucas’s lips didn’t stop at her thigh. His finger hooked into the tiny band of her silk panties, ever so slowly he pulled them away, never taking his gaze away from hers. Entranced by the way he looked at her, she sucked in her breath when his hand covered her sex. Her head fell back when his fingers combed through the fine satiny wisps of curls. “Oh, Lucas…” “Hush, love, just feel me loving you.” Her fingers dug into the bedspread as his mouth closed over her sex. The warmth of his tongue did unthinkable things to her body. Every exquisite nerve shimmered in lustful passion. She could feel her fluids flowing, making ready the pathway she wished he already filled with his powerful cock. Just thinking of how good he felt inside her made her squirm beneath his masterful caresses. She buried her fingers into his hair, loving how lush it felt. “Fuck me, Lucas. Oh, sweet husband, I’m so turned on.” His hot breath tickled her tender clit and she grabbed hold of his hair and tried to pull him up, but he wouldn’t stop his pleasuring of her. Her moans filled the room as he drove on. His tongue flicked in and out of the gate to her canal, coaxing and pleasing her until the juices flowed unchecked and she cried out for him to fill her. 83

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But Lucas still refused her pleas and when his lips clamped over her clit and sucked with all the power in his possession, Brittney’s cries turned to soft whimpers of gasping climax. Lucas gentled his loving as her body slowly stopped trembling. Then she felt his lips moving up and across her stomach until he captured her breasts, sucking first one, then the other nipple. Brittney could not believe how quickly her body came alive in wanting, needing to feel him inside. “Please, Lucas…” His lips silenced her pleas, answering her with loving touches and caresses. The touch of his hard erection against her sex drove her crazy with wanting. She arched against him trying to capture the pulsing head of his cock to her. When at last he pushed to enter, Brittney’s legs wrapped around him and held on, refusing to let him leave the haven he entered. There was nothing easy in their mating, Brittney never felt such wild sensations in her already contracting sheath. She wanted him to stay inside her forever and she held him to her, kissing him with as much fervor as he did her. Then together they climaxed as if they were invincible and the marvelously wild ecstasy could go on forever and ever, sealing them in this special place that only they could enter, only they could feel…

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Chapter 11 Shadows The last car of jovial guests departed over an hour earlier, but still he watched the darkened house. The flicker of light drew his attention away from the bedroom window. That would be cousin Jacque. Steven would soon be checking the garden and courtyard for the night. The ritual started two weeks ago. His attention swung over to the two men approaching Jacque. “One o’clock on the mark. The shift of guards.” Two more would also have changed places inside. The kitchen light would come on. “Now…yes.” Mark remained furious over the changes that ruined his plan. No longer did she leave the house unescorted. If only he’d moved two days sooner, instead of waiting for the day she went to the tutor’s house. If they knew that bastard Bowman was no longer a threat to her, then they would call the guard dogs off. Mark smirked at the memory of how the man whined at the end. “Not so damn tough after all.” He never should have scared Brittney like that. Following the man when Mark saw him sneaking into the garden that day, he heard it all. It took all of Mark’s restraint not to expose his presence right then and take Bowman out. But he couldn’t do that in front of Brittney. No, the way he did it was much better. “Gator bait and none the wiser. He can’t hurt you now, Brittney.” 85

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Soon he could tell her. He wished he knew how much longer Cortine would be staying at his grandmother’s. Taking Brittney back must be accomplished before they went back to the swamp. He wouldn’t be able to get to her there. Jess Massey’s call ended any false hopes Mark might have held about approaching Brittney. Whatever the reason, he knew now she wouldn’t go willingly. Mark added the necessary measures to his plan. Taking her outside the house was still the best option. Although, tonight, he seriously considered using his original plan of abducting her from inside the house. Cortine’s movements tomorrow would make the decision for him. If it looked like he might be ready to take her out of New Orleans, Mark would have no choice. Moving away from the window, he laid back on the bed. Groaning he stretched out his leg and slipped the pillow under it to ease the strain. There’d been no letup in the pain, even though he rented a room across the street from them after the wedding, ending his need to stake out the house. Doc Web’s warnings about possibly needing surgery to correct the damaged tendons stuck in his thoughts. It would have to wait, promises came first. He wouldn’t listen to any thoughts that she didn’t want to be rescued now. Cortine must have brainwashed her or threatened her like her father suspected to make her stay with him. The only thing that mattered to Mark was Brittney. “One way or the other, I will save you.” **** “I’ll be back tomorrow night.” “Call me if you get delayed?” Pulling her to him off the step, “Nothing will keep me away longer than a day.” 86

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Except for Lebeque, but Brittney held back from voicing the knowledge and the fear it carried. Smiling into his lips, “I’ll hold you to that, Mr. Cortine.” “Hmm, you are getting as demanding as my lawyers.” “I hope I’m more interesting.” Franklin’s call from the car made Lucas deepen his kiss. He didn’t want to let go of her. Resting his brow on hers, he struggled with the demands taking him from Brittney. “You better go—the plane.” The catch in her voice was unforgivable, she tried not to let him see how upset his leaving made her. “I’m sorry, if I could…” Her fingers covered her lips. “No, you know they expect you, I’ll be fine.” Their fingers trailed through each other as he pulled away. Brittney stood with her arms holding her as she watched the car pull away and long after it disappeared. “Mrs. Cortine, we’d best go inside.” Mentally shaking herself she whispered, “Yes, Jacque.” **** “Such a heart wrenching scene, Brittney!” The chamber of his gun clicked shut in his hands. Sticking it into the shoulder holster, Mark slid his arm into the light sports coat. “I wonder how long he can stay away from you. A day, maybe two? It’s time, lady.” **** “I think I will go up and lay down for a while.” “Are you feeling ill, Cherie?” “No, just tired from the party last night.” Brittney let her breath out when the woman’s attention went back to the letters she was writing. Brittney called back to her, “Are you coming up?” “Soon. I want Jacque to post these for me.” 87

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It wasn’t until she reached the stairs that her steps quickened. Today would be the only time she’d have to go to Dr. Grisand. With Lucas gone and the house empty after last night, she could easily get away unnoticed for an hour. Brittney didn’t want anyone to know. If it were serious she’d deal with it then and tell them. The doctor sounded surprised by her call this morning, but his professional demeanor saved him from having to ask more over the phone. She tried not to dwell on the apprehension she felt as she discarded the dress. If it were only her nerves these last few weeks, they should have calmed down. Instead, she’d gotten worse. Hiding her bouts of sickness from Lucas became a chore and his grandmother nearly impossible. Thankfully their attention fell on the approaching party. Before he returned to her, she needed to see the doctor. Putting on some jeans and a light knit top felt very strange after wearing dresses or skirts. She hoped the change would help her move without notice on the streets. Biting her lips, she tried not to let herself think too much. So many people knew her now, even if they were still vague images from the wedding. She put her hair up and secured it in a tight chignon. The sunglasses she shoved on her nose completed the transformation. She looked like a tourist. Brittney moved silently out into the hall, making her way down the stairs and out to the garden. It seemed odd how well she took to hugging the shadows and sneaking out of the courtyard, past Steve’s guarding presence. “It must rub off by association.” The tightness in her chest eased when she reached the next corner and edged herself onto the crowded sidewalk. Another block and she entered the doctor’s office. The receptionist looked familiar, making Brittney waver, sure she 88

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must be a relative in Cortine’s family. She gave herself a mental shake and told herself it didn’t matter, she’d find out soon enough what was wrong with her. Then she would tell Grandmother. Yes, it would help to have the woman’s support to face Lucas. The prospect sent a shiver over her as she started undressing for the exam. **** “Damn, what is she up to?” It was Brittney. When he caught a glimpse of the jean clad woman coming out of the alley by Cortine’s house, his alarms went berserk. He tried to scoff at the figure, but it only lasted a second before he bolted from the room to follow her. Sitting here in the van, waiting for her to come back out, Mark couldn’t break his concentration on the small black letters beside the door—Dr. Grisand, M.D. All kinds of crazy thoughts assaulted him. They all centered on that bastard Cortine. “So help me if he’s harmed one golden strand, he’s a dead man.” The dark glasses could be hiding bruises or tears of pain. The brutal prospect fueled the rage. There was no way in hell she would be going back to that man! **** “You should have come to me sooner.” “Tell me what is wrong.” Her knuckles were stark white on the chair arm. “Wrong?” His gaze rose over the brim of his glasses. “Mrs. Cortine, both you and your baby are just fine.” Did he say…baby? Her hand and eyes dropped to her stomach in disbelief before they jumped back up, fluctuating between exhilaration 89

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and astonishment, feeling completely foolish for not thinking of the obvious. “A baby, our baby.” The smile widening her lips couldn’t be contained. “You’re positive it is a baby?” She could feel her blush over the man’s gentle laughter. “Oh yes, I rarely make mistakes.” Of course he didn’t. “I’d say you are two months, maybe a little more, Cortine babies are usually good size. Wouldn’t be surprised if it is a boy.” “You can tell?” “An educated guess, but we will know soon enough. I’ve told Lynn to set up the necessary appointments for you, blood work, ultrasounds, the usual.” He passed her two bottles. “These are vitamins. Now that’s the only medication I want to see you take. No aspirin, nothing. If there is any problem, you call me immediately, but I don’t expect there to be any.” “A boy, Lucas’ son, a boy!” “Maybe you should just tell him it is a baby for now.” Brittney smiled, but inside her thoughts were running the gamut, from wanting to shout and laugh, to threatening tears for the miracle taking place inside her. She rose with the urgency she held to share the news with Lucas, then she stopped, realizing he wouldn’t be home. “Mrs. Cortine?” Embarrassed that she’d been so obvious, she could only shrug. “He’s out of town until tomorrow.” The man took hold of her hands. She’d never seen him display such comfort. “Believe me, I’ve known that man since he was born. The joy won’t be diminished by a day.” Impulsively Brittney reached out and hugged the good doctor. “I’ve never been so happy, thank you.” 90

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The cloud she floated on elevated as she took in all Lynn told her about her appointments and the books she gave her to read. The girl threw in her hints concerning morning sickness and how to combat it. Lynn gave her a conspiratorial wink as if the doctor wasn’t up to motherhood as well as another woman. Brittney stood on the steps outside the doctor’s door, clutching the bag full of pamphlets she couldn’t wait to devour. The sun’s rays felt as new as the little life she carried inside her womb. “A child, our baby. My God it’s so wonderful.” She stopped herself from skipping down the sidewalk. She smiled at everyone she passed, laughing at the curious glances thrown her way. She hugged herself over the secret she possessed. “Oh, Lucas, I can’t wait to see your face.” Proud, oh my yes, his handsome features would glow in bronze flames. Instinctively, she knew he would feel as overwhelmed and happy as she was over the child they created. “A boy! Who am I to question the good doctor? Of course it will be a boy.” The image of a small version of Lucas filled her with joy. Rounding the corner she looked anxiously down the street at the stately house. “Grandmother…” As much as she wanted to share her joy, Lucas must be the first person to tell. The waiting would be excruciating. “We made a life, isn’t it marvelous?” **** Mark scanned the lane; no one was near, the van sat between her and the house. Looking back at the house, he couldn’t believe his luck would hold. No one seemed aware that she wasn’t inside. But the warnings racing up his spine said it wouldn’t be long before the hounds cut loose to find her. 91

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He barely breathed as he waited for her to come closer to the open side doors. He kept his head down, pretending to be busy with the box inside. He held the cloth soaked in chloroform. Maybe she wouldn’t fight him. But the tightness in his shoulders as she drew near nixed the thought. Something snapped inside him as he saw the soft almost peaceful smile gracing her full lips. Why the hell did he step out in front of her, blocking her way? It would have been easier to take her as she passed. **** Brittney unconsciously stepped to the side to avoid the person that appeared directly in front of her. Still wrapped up in her euphoria, Brittney paid little attention when the shape moved with her, causing her to shift her path again. Nothing could take the smile away nor darken the happiness guiding her steps. Even when she found she needed to stop to avoid colliding with the obstacle. “I’m sorry, excuse me.” Warnings struck fast when the masculine legs deliberately moved to intercept her own. Brittney didn’t finish her step, automatically moving to dodge and slip around the stubborn ones before her. Intent on leaving the man, she still hadn’t lifted her gaze from his legs. It took the full intrusion of the threatening form to move directly in front of her to snap Brittney back to the real world. Awareness brought the singeing scent of danger and breathless denial, “No!” “Brittney…” As if struck, her head jerked up filling her senses in a rush of shocking recognition, “Maitland?” A second became eternity, every noise and sound stopped, except her strained breathing as they collided with the memory of their last moments together. 92

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Mark groaned like a wounded animal over the startling changes that flashed across her beautiful features. One second she’d practically been glowing like an angel, and then the color and joy drained from her face. A dark glare of hatred now graced those features and a violent tremor moved through her, sending her backing away from him. But Mark’s instincts and anger were faster, and they moved against her with an efficiency that shocked them both. The gagging pressure of his hand suffocated her terrified scream of denial. Lucas! Oh no! Not now, he’ll never know… She cursed Maitland and her father in silent anguish as she fought against the injustice that came in unyielding bands around her, pulling her back from where she needed to reach. “Stop it, Brittney!” Her body rallied where he didn’t allow her angry words to escape. Kicking and jerking against him, Brittney tried desperately to break his stronghold. The sudden release of his hand across her mouth didn’t last long enough for her to cry out in a full voice. But the sickly sweet stench that invaded her nostrils and lips struck a terrified cord inside her, making her body vault for release. She tried not to breathe. Her eyes were wild with fright but he refused to give in and kept the cloth in place until she finally ran out of air and was forced to breathe. The strangled gasp that tore through her quickly did the job, closing away the terror from her own pain-filled gaze. Lifting her limp body up into van, Mark pulled the doors shut behind them. Keeping his eyes away from looking at her, he quickly finished what needed to be done. Binding her wrists and ankles Mark secured a rope between them and her knees so she couldn’t get loose. There was no need for the 93

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gag. He figured she would be out for at least an hour, probably long enough for them to get out of New Orleans. Sitting back on his heels he tried not to remember how she looked just before he put her under. Maybe after the scare he delivered she would be reasonable and he could leave the gag off. For now he eased her onto the mattress and he pulled the sheet over her. The sooner they were away, the sooner he could make her more comfortable.

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Chapter 12 Revenge! “Damn it!” Maitland swung the van off the main street and onto a dirt road, nearly hitting two hunters as the van fishtailed under the speed he refused to lessen. He heard her vomiting again. She needed his attention, he needed to get off the main road so he could help her. Her groan made his hands tighten on the steering wheel as he drove the van further into the woods on the dirt road. Checking the rear view mirror, he didn’t see anyone following them. He couldn’t afford any mistakes. They were just outside of New Orleans and still too close to Cortine to be safe. If only she wasn’t sick. His fist hit the steering wheel as he pulled the van over, driving it under some trees before killing the engine. Her groans forced him to concentrate on just her. He told himself that she needed him, that’s why he saved her… Brittney tried to hold her face away from the pool of vomit. She tried so hard not to be sick. If only she could move, but Maitland saw to it she didn’t have that option. The sudden disappearance of the covering let the sunlight blast against her eyes. Brittney’s eyes squeezed shut to avoid the glare. When the hands took hold of her, she screamed over the shock of being touched. “Brittney, it’s me, stop it!” Mark looked around for the gag. “I’m going to be sick…” 95

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He managed to hold her up and halfway out the door. Nothing was going right. He cursed the chloroform that did this to her. When she finished the dry heaving, he eased her back in his arms and scooted out of the van. His leg protested the extra weight. He managed to get her over to the tree and in some shade. “Don’t move, I’ll get some water.” Brittney’s head fell back against the tree trunk. She could have told him the ropes stopped her from going anywhere, but he should have known that. She watched him limp back to the van. All the banging and crashing coming from the van told her how pissed off Maitland must be. With what little bit of energy she felt, she gave a half smirk, “Guess I am spoiling his plans.” She tried not to think of the baby and what all this might cause to happen. Instead, she tried to think on how to get away from him. She looked around and decided they were still close to New Orleans, she could hear the sounds she knew came with the swamp. She tried to see her watch, a little after three, only an hour or so since she left the doctor’s office. He was coming back towards her. Brittney didn’t want to look at him, but she couldn’t help but follow his every move. He didn’t look like the same man she remembered. His eyes were sunken in and he’d lost that cocky handsome look that made him attractive. Now he looked odd, more than just sick…crazy! The awareness sent a shock wave through her whole body. “Here’s some water.” She turned her head away from the bottle he held up to her lips. “Damn it all, drink it!” She pressed her lips tighter and refused to take a drink, even when his hand gripped her chin and held her head still. 96

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When his fingers forced her mouth open and he poured the water in, she started choking. “Shit!” He tried to put the bottle down and hold her, but it wouldn’t stand up. He finally threw it into the palmetto bushes and straightened her up from where she’d fallen. “Mark, please…untie me, you’re hurting me.” The tears running down her cheeks made him groan, “It’s your own fault.” Ever so slowly, she raised her head and looked straight at him. She forced herself not to look away from the rage glaring back at her. If she held any doubts about her earlier thought of him being crazy, Brittney realized he could possibly be mad. He really didn’t seem to see her. There was this vague, unreal look in his eyes that she’d seen once on a TV special on insanity. Her tears fell for more than just her choking this time, for she knew right then what she’d cost this man. Her guilt barely made it past the trembling in her lips, “I’m so sorry.” He appeared to try to look at her at that moment, almost as if he understood what she felt, but the sane light didn’t last long enough and just as quickly the wild look reentered his vision. “There, you’re better now. We need to go.” He started to look around, she couldn’t say for what. Some instinct forced her to think past the pain she felt for him to surviving for her child. “Mark. Mark, please look at me.” When he finally slowed down and turned towards her. “Mark, you need to untie me, I can’t feel my hands or feet. I need to wash up.” Brittney just kept talking to him, trying to get through to him. “No time…” “Yes, there is, Mark. Cortine is gone. He won’t be back until Friday.” 97

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He stared at her with a look that made her tremble, wondering if he could detect the lie. When he knelt down in front of her and started untying the ropes, she told herself to act natural and not spook him. The relief she felt when the tight hold fell away was real enough. She couldn’t move her hands or feet and when he started rubbing her wrist, she couldn’t help but moan. “I’m sorry, Brittney.” Biting back her sob, she forced herself to say the words that burned on her tongue. “I know, Mark. Could you build a fire? I’m awfully cold.” Her chest hurt from lack of air waiting for him to answer. “Sure. We can’t stay too long.” “I know, just until I feel better.” He moved off without another word. Brittney remained still, afraid that he’d think she was trying to run. All she could think of was to keep them here. Maybe she could sneak away during the night. Oh, Lucas, please find me. **** Lucas moved further away from the helicopter so that he could hear what Jacque was trying to tell him. His heart wouldn’t slow down just thinking of Brittney and how frightened she must be. “…It’s that bum Maitland! He’s the one that snatched her, almost didn’t recognize him at first, Lucas.” Jacque passed him the small plastic bag he was holding. “She dropped this when she tried to fight him off. She really tried to get away, but that guy drugged her with something over her mouth. I’m sorry, Lucas, I couldn’t have reached her in time, thought it was better to stay in the window and get as much information as I could, while Steven ran down to try and get her.” 98

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Lucas crushed the bag in his fist, he already knew what it contained. Dr. Grisand called him the moment he heard what happened to Brittney. I swear if he harms either of them, I will kill him! “Did you send out a description?” Before Jacque could answer, Steven came running to them. “They’ve been spotted! Cousin Rennie called, said he saw a van and a guy that looked like Maitland, said he turned off onto old Moss Road and kept going. They are gathering now to start looking for them and have the road blocked off, so he ain’t leaving there.” Lucas started towards the chopper as he shouted out instructions to Jacque and Steven to call Rennie, and tell him he was on the way. As the chopper lifted off Lucas opened his fist and looked at the bag she carried from the doctor’s office. He fought back the tears and pushed away the fear he carried for Brittney. “She will be fine.” Maitland wouldn’t hurt her. He wanted money, but Lucas couldn’t shake the fear he felt for her. At least they were still in this area. He refused to think of the reason Maitland would have pulled off the main road. He needed to get control of his emotions or he’d be no good to her. “Dear God, she’s pregnant!”

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Chapter 13 Reality Check The sun was going down. Brittney put her hands to the fire pretending to warm them. She tried not to look at the way he kept pacing back and forth, on the other side of the fire. Every so often he would stop and look at her. She didn’t know what to expect out of him and it frightened her. “Why’d you do it, Brittney?” His first words since he built the fire startled her. She pulled her hands back to her lap, not sure how to answer him. She took a quick look to see what his face looked like, but he was still pacing and she couldn’t see. “You didn’t have to marry the bastard!” This time he stopped across from her and she had to look at him. “Could I have some water, Mark?” “No!” She bit at her lip to still its tremor and pulled her gaze away to stare at the flames. They were calmer than Mark right now. He came at her so fast she only managed to stand up before his hands gripped her arms and shook her. “What did he do to you?” She turned her head to avoid him. “Nothing!” “Liar! He used your father against you, didn’t he?” His fingers were digging into her flesh under the fury he screamed at her with. “Stop it, you’re hurting me, Mark!” 100

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When he suddenly stopped shaking her, she froze in terror over the way he slowly pulled her closer to him. “You like it rough, Brittney? Like to be scared into submission? Is that how he controlled you?” Harsh and brutal, his lips were right against her ear and she wanted to scream, but it lodged in her throat as her knees went weak. But Mark wouldn’t let her escape his anger, his hands held her up and drew her against his chest. “Do you know what it has been like to watch you with him? Every day I’ve seen you two together and I wanted to shoot him in the head, like I did Bowman for hurting you.” Brittney’s mouth opened, but only a small cry escaped. The man was crazy and she could only shake in fear. She tried to tell herself to say something, anything to calm him down. “He was evil.” “Yes, that’s right, he tried to hurt you in the garden that day. Well, he won’t do that anymore.” “Garden, how…” “I’ve been watching and protecting you for a long time, Brittney. I swore I would and I have.” Swallowing her sob, “Yes, yes, you have, Mark.” “I promised your father I’d save you.” “He told me you would.” That seemed to confuse him and Brittney rushed on, “Daddy said I could count on you.” The pressure on her arms eased a bit, not enough for her to get free, but she felt he might be calming down. “We should go see Daddy, Mark.” “Can’t go there, he’ll find us.” She didn’t need to ask who. “Not there, Mark. We can go to my uncle’s place.” “Watching there, always watching, you know.” The agitation returned to his voice and she wanted to cry. 101

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Brittney heard the muffled sound in the distance and looked at Mark to see if he did, but he kept ranting on about shadows and watching them. Splitting her attention between Mark’s wild mutterings and trying to hear if the sound was getting closer, Mark jerked her up. “Why did you do that Brittney?” “I didn’t do anything Mark! Please, Mark, think. You aren’t well, Mark. You need to stop this now.” “Oh you would like that now, wouldn’t you? Let you go back to your Dark King, your lover!” “He’s my husband!” Her outburst sent them both into dead silence. She could see his whole body start to shake and she pulled back trying to break loose of his iron hold. “Nooo…let me go, please, Mark.” Without another word he started to pull her with him. Brittney struggled and managed to get one arm free, but he just yanked her harder with the other one. He headed for the van and she knew what that meant and started clawing at his hand. Nothing fazed him. She dug in her heels and leaned back with all her weight. “Let go of me!” For a second he looked at her, then he just started dragging her beside him. She took her free fist and with all her might she socked him in the thigh of his bad leg. The release came and she didn’t bother to wait and see what damage she did. She just started running through the brush. Anywhere would be better than staying with him. She could hear him cussing after her and screaming for her to come back, but Brittney just kept running! She turned to see where he was and couldn’t find him. Spinning about she caught herself just in time from running into the dark water of the swamp. Heading into the palmettos 102

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she decided to go a little farther, then hide until she knew where he might be. Turning away from the water, Brittney went to the left and into the maze of brush and stickers. Before she could see where to go next she plowed into the iron wall of muscle. The hand that covered her mouth smothered her scream and the arm about her waist lifted her off the ground. “Hush now, my love. We need to be quiet and find him.” Lucas’ voice brought her head up, her eyes grew large and filled with tears as their gazes locked. He felt all the fight slip out of her body and he pulled her against him and cradled her head to his chest. Whispering to her to calm the shudders coursing through her, “Shh, it will be fine, Brittney, everything is going to be all right.” Lucas silently signaled to Rennie and his brothers to move past him, as they searched for Maitland. But before they were able to move out of the brush, the man’s scream filled the darkness. He covered her ears and kept her head against his chest until they ended. Rennie looked at Lucas and they both knew what to expect. His cousins moved out to see if they could find anything of Maitland. One wrong move in this swamp and the gators were waiting and willing. Lucas scooped Brittney up in his arms, just as her body went limp. He prayed she’d only fainted as he raced back to the chopper. **** She fought opening her eyes, afraid of what she might see. “Ah now, Cher, you’ve nothing to fear. Let me see those beautiful blue eyes of yours.” 103

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Lucas’s voice took all the fear away. She felt him squeeze her hand in his as she struggled to focus on his handsome image. “Hi…” her throat was too dry to get much out. He brushed his lips over her fingers, “I’m glad you have come back to me, my love.” She could see the tears at the edge of his long lashes. “The baby?” The smile that graced his strong lips eased her fears more than his assuring words. “All is well, according to the good doctor. They did tests and he says there’s been no damage.” Emotions ran high for both of them, each wiped away the other’s tears. Brittney didn’t want to know, but felt compelled to ask. As if Lucas’ read her thoughts, he spoke, “He’s gone. They found his tracks the next day, he walked into the swamp.” She wasn’t sure what to feel, other than sadness and confusion for the man. “It is over, Brittney. I’m so sorry he got to you.” “Shh, I know.” She decided not to tell him about what Mark said he did to Bowman. She would have to tell him eventually. “Hold me, Lucas.” He smiled and pulled her into his embrace, burying his lips into her hair. “Always, my Cher, always.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jewel Adams weaves a story like an artisan of old, who traded parchment for a computer screen. One of Electronic Publishing’s pioneers, Jewel serialized her novels and sent them out free to readers on the Internet long before it became vogue. She will be the first to tell you that the Romance genre is thriving in this electronic stage. As a writer, Jewel found the freedom to take her love of Romance beyond the established barriers. Danger, love, tears and romance; Jewel's Dark Erotic Contemporaries will take you on a thrilling journey sparked with danger, love and hope, and fill you with stories worth remembering.

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