Chapter 1: Is this the end or the beginning?

Maleah

              Rushing out of the hotel’s party room, I stride purposely through the sand and make my way to a private corner of the beach. My cousin Sasha is having a beautiful baby boy, and my mom, my sister-in-law, and I flew down to Miami to celebrate her baby shower. Unfortunately, her happy day is also the day I have to deal with my family's questions. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I've had to hear a family member ask me when I’m going to get married and start a family of my own.

              Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone and call one of my BFFs, Sophia. I’d call Sage, but she and her husband, Priest, are currently out of the country on business. Sophia’s soothing voice instantly reaches my ears. “Hey, Mal, shouldn’t you be oohing and aahing over baby clothing right now?”

              I roll my eyes at her question. “Girl, if I have to listen to another family member ask me when I’m going to have my own babies, I’m going to throw myself into the ocean.”

              Sophia’s laughter resonates through the receiver. Breath hitching, she chuckles before she replies. “Is it that bad?”

              I shake my head as I gaze into the beautifully gleaming crystalline ocean. The waves lap in the sand, and the seagulls flock overhead with their lively cries. The sound of the whooshing waves crashing against the rocks and sand is soothing and hypnotic. Closing my eyes, I sigh, finally feeling the tension leave my body. Thankfully, it’s off-season, so the hotel’s private beach is nearly empty, and the sun is about to set.

              “Yeah, it’s bad. Jesus, you’d think my family would have some pity on me, but now, all those bitches are worried about is having more children.” I answer bitterly.

              It’s been a little over a year since I brutally lost Hunter, yet it’s still fresh in my nightmares. And you’d think my family would cut me some slack, but they’re back at it again. They will never understand how devastated I was when I lost Hunter, and no one seems to care.               Sometimes I feel like I’m cursed. Hunter was the longest relationship I had ever had, and we had only been together for a little over six months. I say I’m cursed because it seems that every time I fall in love, I’m left devastated.

              Hunter is not my first love, but he was my last. I don’t even want to think about my first love. Even now, after nearly two years, the memory stings. I fell hard and fast. And when I realized he had left me, I went into a deep depression. It was so bad that it took me a long time to tell my friends about it.

              Yet, I still didn’t tell them everything. It was too hard to even speak of. I was so broken after that relationship that I didn’t think I’d ever be whole again. I hid it well, though. No one knew the extent of my pain during that time. If it hadn’t been for Hunter, I would have never recovered. Hunter was like a ray of sunshine during a stormy time in my life. The day he died was the day the remains of my heart finally shattered into a million pieces. All of the healing wounds Hunter had mended were ripped open, and now there’s an empty abyss where my heart should be. I will miss him forever.

              “Cut them some slack, Mal. You know women get baby fever during baby showers. I’m sure they didn’t mean to be so insensitive.”

              Snapping out of my miserable thoughts, I bite my lip and consider my friend’s words. I know that my family means well, but it still stings. Everyone seems so happy and oblivious of my pain, but I know that I have to get past it. I just need to push my sorrow to the back of my mind and put on a happy face for the world.

              “Speaking of babies…” I utter on a lighter note. “How is my little Goddaughter doing? Is my little Ali a good girl?”

              Sophia snorts. “Ali is doing great, but Micah is driving me nuts. He’s like a crazy helicopter father─ always hovering around her. I found him putting foam on the corners of our end tables the other day. He said because he didn’t want Ali bumping into the sharp corners. I told him that she’s only three months old and won't be walking for a while, but he won’t listen.”

              A genuine chuckle escapes my lips at her perturbed words. I can definitely see Micah doing those things. He’s unquestionably a candidate for an overprotective father. Ever since Sophia found out she was pregnant, he has been super vigilant. I guess considering the business he’s in, he’d have to be. You see, Micah and the others are all Assassins for an obscure government agency. Hunter used to be one of their high-level techs until he was murdered. That’s why I don’t blame Micah for being an overbearing, overprotective father. There are many sick people in the world, and these men have faced the worst of the worst.

              “Oh, my goodness!” I chuckle out. “What next? Is he going to wrap baby Ali up in bubble wrap?”

               Sophia’s horrified shriek echoes in my ears. “Oh my gosh, no! Don’t even think about bringing that up to him. I mean, I love the man, but he’s going to drive me nuts. And Ali is only three months old. Imagine how crazy he’s going to be when she’s a teenager!”

              My brow quirks with amusement at her comment. “Holy crap! I can just imagine Micah making Ali wear sweaters and baggy clothing in the summer. Or Micah meeting Ali’s boyfriend at the door with his gun in his hand. Poor Ali is going to die a virgin.”

              Sophia breaks out into gales of laughter. “Oh crap, I never thought of that. My poor little girl. I have to do something about this before my husband traumatizes her.”

              We talk and laugh for the next couple of minutes about other things. It feels good to talk to my friend and forget my pain. It’s also fun to gossip. Right now, Ivy and Dragon are the main subjects. There’s this “will they or won’t they” vibe they’re emitting that is driving us crazy. The man is obviously into her. But for some reason, they can’t seem to get it together.         On another note, Stryker and Sage’s mother moved in together. Apparently, they were high school sweethearts and reconnected during Sage’s birthday party last year. They’ve been inseparable since. Thankfully, Stryker’s daughters and ex-wife love her.

              Sage and Priest got married recently too. They kept having to put it off because they were so busy with work until finally, they could have a small ceremony with just us. It’s impressive to see how in love they are.

              As for the rest of the crew, Jade and Gideon are traveling all over the US. She’s a prima ballerina for the New York Ballet and has been on tour for the past month. Gideon travels with her when he’s not in between contracts.

              Santana graduated from medical school recently and is doing her residency at Joh Hopkins. Declan finally asked her to marry him, and she accepted. They plan on having a destination wedding, and we were all invited. Declan’s brother, Connor, is quickly moving up in the tech world. He took Hunter’s place at the Confradia after Hunter died, which was hard for me at first.

              It’s crazy how April, Sage’s adopted sister, follows him around. April is nearly sixteen years old and very beautiful, but Connor is having none of it. Poor April chose twenty-year-old Connor for her first crush. The girl has some seriously unrequited emotions for him.

              As for me, well, I’m the odd man out now. I’m the only single girl in our group. Everyone includes me as best as possible, but I can tell that they're pained by my sorrow.

              Once Sophia and I are done talking, I place my phone inside my small shoulder bag and continue to walk along the beach until I’m beneath the empty boardwalk. The sun is setting, and the glimmer of the sun’s rays are receding from the shiny surface of the beach.

              I can smell the pleasant scent of seawater and sunblock permeating the air, along with the aroma of cotton candy. Slumping down on the soft, cushiony sand, I slide my sandals off and slide my toes through the soft sand before I stretch back on my forearms. The sandals are cute, with the hotel’s logos on their straps. I had to buy some when I lent my mother mine because she forgot to pack them. This is not the first time I’ve had to give my mom some of my clothing. My mother is surprisingly scatterbrained. My dad says she’d forget her head if it weren't attached to her neck.

              My cut-off jeans rise above my golden thighs, and my loose white t-shirt plasters to my body like a second skin. Letting my long dark hair fall loosely around me like a waterfall, I groan when it slides sensually across my shoulders. The slight breeze caresses my thighs, and my heart echoes with the sound of the beating waves.

              I’m nearly relaxed when I’m startled from my haze by a loud pop and the sound of approaching footsteps. Rising from my perch, I stumble back when a large male form slams into me. Two male hands grip my forearms tightly, and the sound of heavy breathing makes me flinch.           Gazing into pained brown eyes, I cry out when I see blood dripping from the man’s head and leg. “Help me. H-help me, please.” He croaks out brokenly.

              Not knowing what to do, I wrap my arms around his shoulder and try to help him up. His foot falters as his body begins to collapse down to the ground. Gurgling through his bloody lips, he gazes into my eyes with a terrified cry. “Please…”

              Looking around, I search for my phone. It’s near one of the columns. It must have flown off my hand when he ran into me.

              “Stay here. I’m going to get my phone.” I mutter as I settle him down onto the sand and turn to run towards my phone. The man mumbles imperceptible words as he tries to cling to my waist. “Please, don’t leave me.”

              I try to loosen his hold, but the man is strong and clings to my jeans pocket. “He has to know. My father has to know.” He mutters weakly.

              Prying his hand from my pocket, I walk over and reach for my phone. That’s when I hear the loud, pattering sounds of approaching footsteps. Before I can run back to the man, loud voices and a couple more pops resound. I know those sounds. They are ingrained in my memory. They’re the sound of gunshots. Horrified, I watch from the side of the column as two men in suits approach the fallen man. Before they notice me, I hide behind the column. My heart is beating wildly against my chest, and my body grows cold. Male voices reach my thrumming ears as I watch in horror the scene that unfolds before me.

              “You thought you could get away, Emanuel?” One of the men asks with a thick Hispanic accent. He sounds like my uncle, Antonio.

              Emanuel, the fallen man, raises his hand up as if to ward off the onslaught of what is about to come. Peering behind the column, I watch as the other man aims his gun and shoots two rounds into the fallen man’s skull. Blood and brains splatter from the man’s head grotesquely. It’s a horrific scene that makes my blood curdle. Tears gather in my eyes as sobs collect in my throat as I watch the man’s body slump into the grainy sand.

              Covering my mouth, I stifle my sobs as I gaze around frantically for an escape, but there’s no way they won’t see me if I leave the safety of the column.

              “Throw him in the ocean. Let the fish have him, and make sure you cover your tracks. I don’t want the old man to become suspicious of his whereabouts until I make my move.” The other man yells out, disgust decorating his features.

              Bated breath, I watch as one of the men drags the dead man’s body into the ocean and become dizzy when I think of another man suffering a similar fate. Hunter was shot and tossed into the Hudson, and I witnessed it first hand. As soon as the man is done dumping the body, both men turn and begin walking away. They’re nearly out of my range when the inevitable happens─my cell phone rings. Grappling with my phone, I silence it, but it’s too late. Both men turn, guns ready, and approach my hiding place. Not knowing what else to do, I break into a run. A shot whistles past my ear, but I don’t stop to examine it.

              The sound of the men’s outraged cries and the loud thump of their footsteps follow me, but I’m fast. After Hunter died, I began taking self-defense courses and joined a gym. I’m in better shape, and my endurance is high. Chest heaving, I run until I reach the hotel’s door. The men’s strides fade in the distance.

              Reaching for my shoulder bag, I slide my hand into the front pocket and take my room card out. That’s when I realize that I can’t go back to my room. Who knows if those men already know where I’m staying?”

              Thankfully, my phone and my wallet are inside the bag. Striding down the hotel’s hallway, I slide into the gym’s locker room and glace back warily. I know that the men didn’t follow me, but I can’t be sure that they won’t be able to find me.

              Once I’ve reached the shelter of one of the bathroom stalls, I make a call. Micah answers right away. “Hey, Mal, I think you butt dialed me. Sophia’s number is the other one.”

              Breath hitching, I gulp loudly and breathlessly reply. “Micah, I’m in trouble.”

              Micah’s tone instantly changes. “What’s wrong, Mal?”

              I gaze around suspiciously and almost vomit when the gym doors open. To my relief, a pair of female shoes pass by.

              Once they disappear from my sight, I carefully whisper. “I saw someone…I saw a man murdered, and now the men who killed him are after me. I don’t know what to do?” My voice comes out in a strangled cry.

              Fortunately, Micah is used to dealing with things like this and can respond in an even tone. “Where are you?”

              I choke out as gasps wrack my body. “I’m hiding in the hotel’s gym.”         His breathing steadies before he mutters. “What do you have on you other than your phone?”

              I look down at my small Coach shoulder bag and take another deep breath. “I have my wallet, but my clothes are back in my hotel room.”          Micah doesn’t respond for a second, which makes me nervous. Then relief settles when his voice comes back on the line. “Okay, Connor is here with me. I’m having him triangulate your position using your phone. I’ll have him block the phone in case someone tries to find you. In the meantime, I want you to leave the gym and walk out of the hotel. Go to another hotel. Just get as far as you can. I’m sending out an SOS to see if any of our men are nearby. As soon as we do, we can arrange a pickup. Can you get out of the gym?”

I glance around the gym, noticing that one of the doors leads to the pool. It’s already dark outside, and I can see that there’s no one around. “Yeah, I can get out.”

              “Okay, do it. Just be careful and stay on the phone for as long as you can.”

              Heart pounding, I approach the pool doors and slowly inch my way outside. My ears hammer, muffling every other sound around me. It’s an arduous task, but I manage to do it as quietly as I can. Gazing around, I lengthen my stride and continue through the trail until I’m a few feet from the next hotel. Micah’s soothing voice follows me as I make my way through the hotel’s shrub until I reach the path. “It’s okay, Mal. Don’t cry. Someone is on the way. Just keep walking, and if you see anything that you can use as a weapon─ take it.”

              I don’t realize until he mentions it that I’m crying. Sobs wrack my chest, and tears are streaming down my face. Wiping my cheeks, I search for a weapon. Thankfully, I find a pool rake. “I found something.” Taking the stick, I rip off the net and continue to walk.

              “Okay, Mal, I’m tracking your moves. It looks like you’re at the Dorado hotel right now. Turn left up ahead and walk towards the street. Your pick-up should be there in a minute.”

              Taking Micah’s instruction, I walk ahead and turn. Unfortunately, there’s already someone there, and it’s not my help. Taking a step back, I yelp in fear and drop my phone.

              One of the bad men that were chasing me is holding a knife in his hand. “Well, hello there, pretty girl. You’ve caused my boss a lot of trouble tonight. Too bad that your time is at an end.”

              As if in slow motion, the man approaches me and aims the knife. I react and slam the pool, rake against his arm hard. You can hear the crack of bone-breaking and the scrape of the knife skittering across the floor.   The man determinedly wraps his other arm around my wrist and pulls me close, which gives me the opportunity to kick him in the balls and run. Just then, two other men appear, holding guns. “Get that bitch!” The man screams. I duck down when one of the men takes a shot and cry when it misses my face. Unfortunately, I lose my footing and take a tumble onto the floor. Agony courses through me when my knee scrapes against the ground. Before they can attack, I try to get up, but my knee does not cooperate. Looking back, I watch the men approach and close my eyes. There’s no way he can miss hitting me from where he’s standing.

              Instead of the sound of a bullet striking my brain, the sound of a man’s painful yelp reaches my ears. Opening my eyes, I watch as another man stabs the man in the neck and kicks the other in the chest. I know this man. I’ve seen this man several times over the past two years. One of those most recent occasions happened when Hunter and I signed our privacy disclosure, and the other one was at Hunter’s funeral. I don’t even want to think of the first time we met. It’s too painful.

              Once the three men are disposed of, Jaxon Maxwell turns around and approaches my slumped form. I gaze at him through the tousled curtain of my hair as he leans down and faces me. His eyes widen with recognition before all emotion fades from his face. “Maleah, are you alright?” He asks in his deep sensual voice.

              You’d never know that he just took out three armed men by his composed appearance. He’s wearing a navy blue suit, with no tie, a white dress shirt, and shiny black dress shoes. His golden hair is stylishly combed, and his beard is tightly trimmed. Gazing into his cobalt eyes is like looking into the ocean on a stormy day. Jaxon Maxwell is one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met. And if you’ve seen the men I’m around, you would know that it’s not something out of the ordinary. Sage’s husband Priest is so beautiful that he can make angels weep, and the others aren’t chopped liver either. But Jaxon is definitely in his own league with his patrician nose, high cheekbones, and tall, toned body. 

              “I’m fine,” I murmur as I pick up my broken phone and clumsily rise from the ground. Before I can protest, Jaxon wraps his arms around my waist and helps me stand.

              “Let’s get out of here.” He mutters as he leads me over to a black SUV. Hobbling, I clench my teeth as pain radiates through my body with every step I take. Jaxon must see me flinch because he picks me up and carries me into the passenger seat. The heat of his body makes every nerve in my body come instantly to life.

              I watch intently as he inspects my abraded knee and winces.

              “Shit, you’re bleeding.” He mutters through gritted teeth.

              “I’m fine. Please, just get me out of here.” Without another word, he closes the vehicle’s door and makes his way into the driver’s seat. Nausea rolls in my stomach with every mile we put behind us.

              Needing a distraction, I inspect my knee with a hiss. It looks like I shredded my knee. Blood drips from the wound down my leg, and pieces of sand stick to the abraded skin.

              Jaxon extends a handkerchief in my direction. “Here, use this to stifle the blood. I have a first-aid kit in the back seat. Once we’re a good distance away, we’ll stop, and I’ll clean you up.”

              I place the handkerchief against my cut and swallow down a cry as pain shoots up my leg.

              We’re miles away when he finally pulls up to an empty lot. “You don’t need to stop for me, Jaxon. I’ll be fine,” I mutter vehemently.

              Ignoring my plea, Jaxon turns off the ignition and steps out of the car. I had forgotten how stubborn he could be. Within seconds, he’s standing in front of me, holding a first aid kit. I observe silently as he removes the handkerchief from my cut and gently wipes it with an alcohol swab. Yelping at the stinging pain, I stiffen my spine and pull my knee away. Jaxon’s brow quirks at my childish move before he leans down and gently blows on the cut. His hot breath makes my body heat with tension, my skin tingles at the touch of his fingers, and my nipples bead. Squirming in my seat, I look at his golden hair and resist the urge to run my fingers through it.

              “I’m fine,” I whisper huskily, my voice laden with desire. Jaxon gazes up at me, his eyes heating before he straightens his spine and places a bandage over my cut.

              “You should be fine.” He mutters gently.

              I don’t respond. I can’t. I’m too tongue-tied to say a word. Looking at my bandaged knee, I pull my loose hair behind my back and glance at him from beneath the fringe of my lashes. His jaw ticks and his fists are clenched tightly, but he doesn’t say a word.

              The car ride is painfully awkward. It’s not until nearly a half-hour that he speaks. “Tell me what happened? Why were those men after you?”               Taking a deep breath, I bite my lower lip and tell him the sordid tale. He doesn’t interrupt as I stumble through my words and nearly choke on my tears when I tell them how they haplessly tossed the man’s body into the ocean.

              It’s not until my story is done that I melt back into my seat and close my eyes. My head pounds with tension, and my body feels weak. I nearly jump out of my skin when his hand settles over mine. His touch is hesitant at first. Glancing up, I look at him through my blurry tears. “It’s okay, Maleah, no one is going to hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

              Instead of reassuring me, the irony of his words makes pain radiate through my heart.

              Slipping my hand away from his, I face the windshield and close my eyes tightly. “What do I do now?” I mutter softly.

              Jaxon answers right away. “Right now, we’re going to my house. I’ll have one of my men run a search on those men and what transpired tonight. After that, we’ll figure out a way to get you home.”

              I nod my head at his words. The sooner I get home, the better. Thankfully, my mom and my sister-in-law decided to drive back with my cousin to Orlando.

              “Do you live in Miami now?” I ask tentatively.

              Jaxon shrugs. “I still live in Los Angeles, but I own several houses in the states and several other countries. I was actually here to meet up with a board member when Savage sent out the call. Luckily, I was at a nearby hotel. Why are you in Miami?”

              Biting my bottom lip, I lean back on the headrest and gaze back at him. “It was my cousin Sasha’s baby shower.”

              His brow furrows at the name, but he doesn’t comment as he reaches for his phone and presses a few buttons. “I’ll call Savage and let him know that you’re alright.”

              I nod my head and scowl when I see that my cell phone’s screen is cracked. It’s completely destroyed. I guess it’s better, my phone than me.

              I sit idly while Jaxon talks to Micah and reassures him that I’m safe. It’s almost amusing to hear them talk about my safety. I feel like a child whose parents are discussing a problem. After a moment, Jaxon extends the phone in my direction.

              “Here, talk to him,” He mutters, never taking his eyes off the road as he passes me the phone.

              “I’m fine, Micah,” I mutter in a smooth voice. Micah takes a relieved breath before he answers. “Good. I’m glad. I don’t think Sophia would be pleased with me if I let her best friend get hurt. Jaxon told me what happened. Right now, we’re going to put off bringing you home until we know it’s safe. Who knows if these men are scoping the airport or any other public transportation. I don’t want to take the chance that they’ll find you.”

              Tears clog my throat at his words. Swallowing my tears, I manage to reply. “Okay, tell Ali, god mommy Mal misses her, and give her a kiss for me.”

              Micah chuckles. “I will. Be safe, Mal, and trust Jaxon. He’ll keep you safe until you get home.”

              Nodding my head, I hand an observant Jaxon the phone and go back to distractedly looking out the window.

              “You’re Ali’s godmother?” Jaxon asks.

              I think of my sweet baby, Ali, and a smile curves my lips. “Yeah. Ali’s my BFF. We’re tight.” I mutter as I playfully hold up my crossed fingers.

              Jaxon chuckles at my gesture. “She’s a lucky girl to have you.”

              I don’t respond. I’m too confused to answer. Why is he being so nice to me?

              The vehicle grows silent as we wind our way through the roads. I don’t know what to talk about, and even if I wanted to, I don’t think I could say what I really want to say. Instead, I lie back, close my eyes, and pretend to sleep. Every few seconds, I peek through my lashes and run my gaze across Jaxon’s masculine features. To my surprise, I catch him looking back. His blue eyes glint with an untold emotion as he appraises me.

              We eventually drive up a driveway to a large, solitary house over a massive cliff. The dim lights of the house glow like beacons in the night within the thick foliage surrounding it. Stepping out of the vehicle, I look up at the glass structure. It’s a beautiful Spanish-style house, surrounded by large windows giving its owners an unobstructed view of the surrounding greenery. There’s not another house in sight.

              Turning off the ignition, Jaxon steps out of the car, meets me at the passenger door, and ushers me to the front door. The door has an infrared pad that scans his eye and his thumb before it asks for voice recognition. It’s seriously high-tech. Once Jaxon’s security is deactivated, he opens the door and leads me inside. The house is as breathtaking outside as it is inside. There are tall ceilings with gleaming opal floors, chandeliers, and winding stairs that lead up to the second level.

              “Maleah!” A familiar male voice calls out from another room. Gazing back, a smile spreads across my lips when I see who it is. Scotty bounds in my direction, his scruffy red beard and long red hair flailing around him. I grunt when he pulls me into his tight embrace and twirls me around the room. Scotty is a bear of a man with brawny arms and legs. They call him Scotty because of his thick Scottish brogue. His real name is Malcolm Mc Callum. He reminds me of a Highland chief from one of those historical shows you see on PBS.

              “Scotty! Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?”

              Scotty settles me down on the floor, his grin broadening further. “I’m Jaxon’s Assistant. Didn’t ye know? How are ye lass? It’s been a long time.”

              I shake my head at his melodic voice. “I’m fine. How are you, Abby, and the baby? It’s been so long.”

              We both snap out of our happy haze when Jaxon clears his throat and gives us both a speculative frown. “How do you two know each other?”        Scotty waves his hand and snorts. “I met Maleah through Hunter. The lad introduced us to her last year. Abby and I were excited to see him with such a bonny lass.”

              His smile instantly fades to be replaced by a mournful frown. “My condolences, lass. Hunter was a good man. Abby and I are sorry we missed the funeral. She felt wretched that she missed it, but the bairn was giving her a hard time.”

              My lips tremble at his kind words. “It’s okay, Scotty. I know that Abby would have been there if she wasn’t experiencing a hard pregnancy. Hunter would have understood.”

              Scotty’s smile brightens. “I miss him every day. Especially our online games.”

              My lip quirks at his comment. “He really loved playing with you too.”     Scotty nods solemnly. “Well, then you must be exhausted, lass.”             Jaxon nods and pats Scotty on the shoulder. “I’ll show Maleah her room. For now, I need you to do some research for me.”

              He gives Scotty a quick run-through of what happened before he turns to me and waves his hand towards the stairs. “Shall we?” He mutters, reminding me of another place and another time I heard those words.