Even though she believed she was ready to face him again, her first glimpse of Dave standing barely inches away from her stunned her.Her terror was replaced by an intense sense of incredulity... and uncertainty as she lifted her fingertips to her lips.Although she recognised his voice and perfume, she couldn't place the harsh, disapproving face staring back at her.The flowing golden locks that would have accentuated his slim, pointed cheeks and hard, square jaw were hidden beneath a black knit skullcap. While she knew he had dimples on either side of his sumptuous mouth when he smiled, his sculpted lips were kept in a cruel, unforgiving line right now. His brown eyes were focused, his brow furrowed as he held her in a measuring stare that seemed as threatening and unyielding as his grip on her a minute ago."What in the world!" Dave exhaled sharply and muttered. His face stiffened even more. "It's truly you, Chelsea. I needed to be certain. I refused to believe it."She frowned. He
Dave sighed. Looking at Chelsea seemed like just a dream, and damn, she was even lovelier than he recalled. No longer the model sweetheart girl who’d been his sister’s best friend. No longer the little pretty girl next door who used to delight in racing through the male population of massive billboards, but a matured woman with a refined beauty that stirred everything male in him. Not to mention his friend down there. What happened to them anyway? A year ago, after his sister’s wedding, he vanished into nothingness to avoid anyone tying Chelsea into his life just because he didn't want to repeat what happened. He knew Alfonso wasn't kidding when he told him that the woman he loved was under the bastard's watch and anytime they could kidnap and hurt Chelsea in any way, he avoided her like the plague. Memories of a night two years ago came to life in his mind in vivid, erotic detail. Her warm, naked skin against his. Her sweet, breathless cries as he tasted every virgin inch of her be
They made it to Chelsea's apartment in just under thirty minutes, thanks to clear late-night roadways and the seven hundred horses at work inside the Ferrari’s massive engine.Even before Chelsea pointed him in the right direction, Dave turned onto a narrow two-lane and headed to the beautiful and obviously expensive neighbourhood. Unlike Chelsea, however, he had no family of his own, just Catherine and her family. For a long time, he thought he'd found a place to belong when he began hanging out with his sister's pals, Jane and Chelsea. He had belonged... until he fell in love with Chelsea. Yes, Catherine had informed her that, even though Chelsea was her friend, she was known to have numerous unsuccessful relationships and never took her last relationship seriously. But he never listened, and even Chelsea's coworker thought he was unsuitable for her.Chelsea deserves someone better. Even now, Dave would not argue that. But as he looked over at her and saw her exquisite face turn as
Chelsea dreaded letting go of Christie and Peter, but Dave's solemn expression as he completed his call to his partner left little doubt that they were still in danger."Come on," Dave replied, as he walked over to get them. "We can't stay any longer." It's best if we get started.""Return to Paris?""There isn’t time for that now. It’ll be daylight in a few hours. The police might be on the way. We are good at night, but travelling after the two men outside is risky." She grinned wistfully, but the dangers he was taking for her tonight were not amusing for all of them right now. And she could tell from the tone of his speech that his desire to move on was not just motivated by his duty. His concern was more profound."Do you believe Hermano is still alive?"Dave's square jaw pulsed with a tendon. "If he isn't dead yet, I promise you I won't stop until he is." But first, I need to make sure you and your family are safe. My buddy is preparing for someone to meet us in a safe location.
Dave had no idea how he'd survived more than an hour in the truck, sitting so close to Chelsea. Her leg had rested against his the entire journey, causing him to feel distracted, calmed, and...aroused beyond reason.It took him back to another evening drive they'd done together after a night in the pub in London. The one that had finished with them both nude and intertwined on a blanket beneath a midnight grey sky streaked with shooting stars."Dave, hurry up! Isn't it incredible? "She grabbed a bottle of the newest and most expensive wine from the wooden cases in the back of the yellow Subaru and started running up the side of the nearby hill. Half drunk. He watched her go, her long legs bare and her curvy backside clad in grape-stained, faded denim shorts. He was always in a state of arousal around her, but seeing her dance away from him under the thin moon glow turned his cock to granite."Chelsea, you’d better come back. I don’t think this is a good idea." Nevertheless, he pulled
Chelsea went out of the bedroom where Christie was napping with Peter as Dave and their menacing enormous host parted ways. She waited until the massive black-haired male had walked away before approaching.Dave gave her a sidelong glance, his eyes wide with surprise."Is everything okay with your friend?" she inquired.He grumbled, raking his hand through his blond hair. "I wouldn't call Sebastian a buddy just yet, but we're fine."Chelsea shuddered as she registered the name. It was an appropriate title for the brusque, intimidating man. "If Sebastian's glower is any indication, he doesn't appear to be delighted to be burdened with guests.""Are you serious? That's his normal, happy face," Dave said, exposing the twin dimples that had always charmed her. "How are Christie and Peter getting along?""Exhausted. They've already fallen asleep.""You should be," he continued, his voice softening to a compassionate worry. His hand was tenderly placed on her shoulder. "Come on. Let's get y
The Montblanc Mountain RangeGoldsmith’s Inn, Twenty Miles from Sebastian's residenceThe early autumn chill bit at the man's skin, which was still exposed to the elements. It wasn't the bone-chilling cold of winter. This had a distinct vibe, softer in some ways.Dry leaves and campfires filled the air. The source, the golden-haired man understood, was the fireplace of Goldsmith's Inn. He'd been there before on his way through this region of the northern mountains, and he knew the owner and cook, Mrs. Gray, would be making some kind of stew right about now.He got a scent of onions, garlic, and chicken stew just on cue. The odour entered his nostrils and travelled directly to his gut, generating a loud rumble.He hadn't eaten anything all day, save for a biscuit for breakfast and a piece of dry pork for lunch. His strategy had always been to travel light and quickly, then have a large dinner.However, he couldn't see the Inn's lights, but he knew it was around the corner.He yanked on
Sebastian could then do with the information what he saw fit, delivering it to the higher ups, or possibly someone else if necessary. Levi really just wanted to be the delivery boy and be done with it at this point. He'd been thinking about it for a long time.He shook his head to shake off the chill and flicked the gas from his vehicle down the final hundred yards to the clearing and the promise of a warm bed, a nice meal, and a good night's sleep.Levi felt he heard another disturbance in the woods, possibly a second deer. Whatever it was, he didn't hear it again, but his nerves were on edge until he entered the clearing and heard voices within the small building.He got out of his jeep and walked up to the modern wood inn. Blood rushed through his legs, causing a tingling feeling throughout his entire body. He bent down toward his toes and stretched to restore normal circulation before standing up straight and fastening the satchel at his side.As he headed toward the door, he took