Untamed

BY KIRA BLAKELY

*Amazon Best-seller, 4.6 stars, 271 reviews!*

Nathan Landers, New York’s, hottest, most eligible… womanizer… just strolled up and started kissing me.

He said it was to hide from another woman, but the kiss lasted too long to be fake.

His passion, his lips, those muscular arms wrapped around my waist. It was enough to make my knees buckle and my cheeks catch on fire.

I try to escape him. But I can’t resist. I fight his power at first. But it’s useless. I’m the prey, and he’s the predator.

And once I’ve felt what it’s like to be in his clutches, I want to be devoured.

Chapter 1

Sam the Squirrel

Have you ever thought that people are not so different from animals?

Or maybe it’s just me. Maybe I just like to think so, because I’d rather be a wildlife photographer than a lifestyle photographer. I know, I know. I’m a woman. I’m supposed to like parties, but I’d rather be taking pictures of animals in the wild than pointing my camera at people wearing fancy clothes and fake smiles at galas.

That’s what the event this evening is — another gala. Sure, the reason for each is different. Supposedly, this one’s to recognize New York City’s top entrepreneurs but if you ask me, it’s another excuse for the poor to look rich and the rich to spend their money.

Hiding behind the lens of my Nikon D810, I can tell who’s who. That woman in the sparkly black dress, for example, is wearing sandals that are a tad too small for her, the tips of her toes over the front edge. A last-minute loan from her sister, maybe? Or a friend?

She’s like a zebra, that one. Trying to blend in with the herd so that she doesn’t get picked off and torn apart by the lurking hyenas.

Speaking of hyenas, that older woman in the lavender gown is one. She’s already had her third glass of champagne, and she’s been looking around for prey. Someone she can say a mean word to or simply turn her pointy nose up at. Maybe someone whose cheap dress she can spill her fourth glass on.

Right now, she’s eyeing the hen across the room. I say hen because she’s sticking out her chest more than usual, and because she’s been clucking the whole time. She’s got feathers on her head, too. My guess? She was born poor but married rich. Lucky for her.

Having decided on its prey, the hyena starts moving, preparing to pounce. She’s interrupted by a man in a purple suit and a golden watch, though. A peacock. He says something, and she gives a loud, fake laugh.

Definitely a hyena.

As for me, I’m a squirrel. Samantha the squirrel. I like cozy spaces. I like nuts — almonds, pistachio nuts, and chestnuts. I keep a stock of them in my pantry. I forget where I put my things. I’d rather run than fight. And you bet I can run. I was on the high school track team. I can scratch and bite, too, though. Just ask that dumbass who tried to mess with the first camera I ever owned, or that jerk who tried to feel my butt during the first party I covered.

“Quite the party, isn’t it?” Matilda, who I like to call Mattie, interrupts my thoughts as she stands beside me in her perfect green gown.

A lynx. That’s what she is — slender and gorgeous with naturally sultry eyes and dark skin.

She’s my partner at work. I shoot the pictures. She writes the articles.

“It’s okay, I guess,” I tell her.

“I have to say, this new ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton is fantastic,” she adds as she takes a sip of her martini. “Did you know they only finished this one last month?”

“Really?”

The place is fantastic. Blue crystal chandeliers hanging from a blue and gold dome. Intricately carved arches and sculpted marble pillars. Fountains in the corners. It’s a fusion of classical architecture.

Mattie leans closer to me. “So, who do we have here so far?”

I take a picture. Snap. “No one new.”

“Really?” I can tell her thin eyebrows are creased even without turning my head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that blonde in the black dress.”

Snap. “You mean the zebra trying so hard not to stick out?”

Mattie chuckles. “I see you’ve turned this party into a zoo again.”

“Not a zoo. I hate zoos.”

There’s nothing I dislike seeing more than birds in cages or lions in enclosures, lazily waiting to be tossed their next meal.

“A jungle, then.”

“A savanna,” I correct. “Zebras don’t live in jungles.”

Mattie shrugs. “Well, you’re the animal expert. Seriously, I don’t know why Henry won’t put you on the staff of the nature magazine.”

I lower my camera and narrow my brown eyes at her. “Are you saying you don’t like working with me?”

“Shut up.” She takes another sip from her glass. “You know what I’m saying. He’s stupid for not putting you where you want to be.”

“He thinks I’m not ready.” I lift my camera, pointing it around as I look for my next shot. “Bullshit. I had my first camera when I was three.”

“A pink toy camera that plays nursery rhymes whenever you press the shutter.”

I adjust the lens. “I’ve been taking pictures of animals since I was six.”

“Farm animals,” Mattie reminds me. “They don’t really move around, do they?”

“Says someone who’s never been to a farm.” I frown. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours. So what if you have no experience? You have talent. That’s what counts.”

“Tell that to Henry. He seems to have a thing for you.”

Henry looks at Mattie the way a male dog looks at a bitch in heat.

“He has a thing for everyone with boobs and a place between their legs for him to stick his cock into,” Mattie says. “Hey, maybe he’s keeping you around because he likes looking at you.”

I snort.

“And he’s not the only one,” Mattie adds. “I’ve seen a few heads turn in your direction this evening. I can’t blame them. Your red dress is hard not to look at.”

I glance at my dress. Red. One strap over the right shoulder. A flared skirt reaching up to the ankles. Quite simple, really.

“This old thing? I haven’t worn it in ages.”

“No one’s seen it then? It’s good as new.”

“So, it’s the dress,” I tell Mattie as I snap another shot. “People are looking at the dress, not me.”

“Sweetheart, they wouldn’t look at that dress if it was on a hanger right in front of them. They only look at dresses when they have curves.”

The men in the room were staring at my curves?

Just then, I see a familiar face doing just that from a few feet away. Barry Baker. Black hair. Brown eyes. 5’5”. A little bit on the stocky side. Paparazzi by profession, if it can be called a profession. He’s been asking me out since I started, but there’s no way I’m going to let him get his greasy paws on me.

Weasel.

“That’s not very comforting.” I put down my camera and take the toothpick of olives from her nearly empty glass, eating one.

Mattie frowns. “I’m not trying to comfort you. I’m trying to compliment you.” She takes the toothpick back from me and eats the other olive. “You’re a chick, Samantha Willis. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Says the woman who’s won the Prettiest Face award at the company party three years in a row.”

Mattie gulps down the rest of her drink and smiles. “I have an expert opinion then.”

She’s got a point. Still, me, a chick? Sure, I’ve got a tiny waist and long legs, but my boobs aren’t as big as I’d like them to be, and my auburn hair has got a mind of its own.

I don’t feel like arguing with Mattie over such a trivial thing, though.

Change of topic. “Anyway, we’re here to work. Not to look good.”

“Ah, but why not do both if you can?” She places her empty glass on a tray held by a passing waiter. “Speaking of looking good, is Nathan Landers here yet?”

I pause in the process of wiping my lips with a sheet of tissue at the name.

Nathan Landers. Head of Landers Innovations. An IT magnate only six years in the making. A self-made man. Time Magazine’s incumbent Person of the Year.

And one of the hottest men alive.

I still remember the first time I saw him. I was at the Lincoln Center, just covering my third event, and he was an honored guest. As I caught him on my film for the first time, my mind preserved the image of his blue eyes, that head of rebellious, wavy brown hair, that chiseled jawline, those broad shoulders, toned arms and that flat abdomen that was apparent even through the tailored suit he wore.

I was the one behind the camera and yet, I was the one who had been captured, frozen in time.

“Um, Sam?” Mattie’s voice disrupts my reverie.

“Nope, I haven’t seen him,” I tell her quickly, wiping my lips.

Mattie must never know I have a crush on Nathan Landers.

Well, I wouldn’t call it a crush exactly. Admiration? Fascination?

Fine, a crush, and not the first I’ve had in all my twenty-six years, I might add.

Yup. Just another silly, innocent crush.

Innocent? I hear mocking laughter inside of me.

I frown. Fine. I’ll admit it. I’ve imagined him naked while lying on my bed. So what? Everyone’s entitled to a little fantasy, right?

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with hoping.” Mattie squeezes my shoulder. “But in the meantime, I think I see someone over there that I’d like to ask a few questions.”

And she’s gone, the crowd parting for her and then immediately shifting back into place like the steady flow of the tide.

Count on Mattie to walk up to the wealthy and the powerful like she was just walking up to a tree.

Confidence. She has that, all right. She probably got my share as well.

Work, my mind tells me.

Right. Break’s over.

I place the used tissue inside my purse, lift my camera and continue taking pictures.

“A picture for Prima Vida, please.”

One picture here. Another there. One more. Two more. Three more. I’ve lost count.

That’s the beauty of digital cameras. You can take as many pictures as you want, and someone else can just decide later which ones are worth keeping and which ones can be deleted with the push of a button.

At least, as many pictures as you can until the batteries run out.

The battery icon starts to flash, so I turn off the camera and get the spare batteries from a pouch inside my purse.

I’m a professional. I’m always ready.

I’ve barely put in one of the new batteries, though, when I hear a buzz through the crowd. I look up, my breath catching as I see the man descending the staircase.

He’s here.

Nathan’s here.

He holds himself like a lion. Noble. Magnificent. Dangerous. Forbidding. Confidence and power come off him in waves, demanding attention, commanding compliance. And yet he moves like a wolf, a silent force of lean muscle. Suave. Sexy.

Wild.

He may be in a crisp tailored suit, and he may act like the perfect gentleman, but something tells me he’s never been tamed.

Maybe he never can be tamed.

Just like a wild animal that can never be captured and one can only hope to take a good picture of.

A picture.

As if I’ve been splashed by a bucket of icy water, I spring into action, preparing my camera. I must have been too much in a hurry, though, because the next battery slips from my hands, and when I kneel down to pick it up, I am frozen again by a startling sound.

A sound one never wants to hear.

Fabric tears at the seams, the side of my dress bursting open to reveal skin, particularly the side of one bare breast.

Shit.

***

“It’s hopeless,” I say to myself with an exasperated sigh as I lean my head on the door of the bathroom stall ten minutes later.

Or has it been twenty? Thirty?

It seems like an eternity since I ran to the ladies’ room after my gown tore.

I never should have worn this gown.

If I had at least two safety pins, this would have been manageable. But no.

As I go through the contents of my purse for the hundredth time, all I find are extra batteries and memory cards for my camera, my wallet, my phone, a small pack of tissues, the keys to my apartment, my comb, and my lipstick. That’s it. I bet not even MacGyver could do anything.

To make matters worse, I didn’t wear a bra, since this gown has only one strap and a sheer back. I am wearing bra petals, but they’re no use now, are they? I mean, they only cover your breasts from the front, not from the sides.

I don’t even have a blazer, cardigan or shrug. I usually wear one over my gown, but nope, not tonight. Tonight, I only chose to bring a thin shawl because it’s been a hot day and the air was still warm when I left my apartment.

I get off the toilet bowl and try experimenting with my shawl. I wrap it around my chest but it looks funny. I try tearing a piece of it so I can make some sort of patch, but that doesn’t work, either. The fabric of my shawl is tougher than my gown.

What’s a girl left to do?

I have only two options — go back to the ballroom with my ‘peek-a-boo’ dress and finish my job, which seems like a disaster waiting to happen, especially with Barry around, or go home. My editor, Nancy, will be mad, but hey, I can’t help it.

There’s no way I’m going back in there looking like this.

Even Cinderella in her torn after-midnight dress looked better. At least none of her private parts were sticking out.

My mind made up, I send Mattie a message. She must be wondering where I am after all.

Going home. Wardrobe malfunction. Sorry.

Taking a deep breath, I exit the stall. Mrs. Hen is there, and she throws me a curious glance then a disapproving one. What? Has she been here as long as I have?

Surely, she doesn’t think I’ve done something naughty.

Does she?

Ignoring her, I leave, one hand still under my right armpit as a first-aid measure, just to keep the tear from getting bigger and turning into a gaping hole.

Now, all I have to do is make a sharp turn and a bee line for the exit, and I’ll be out of the woods. Easy.

But then I never expected to see Nathan Landers running toward me.

Shit.

I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out. The next thing I know, he’s grasping my arm and running off with me like a wildebeest on a stampede.

Suddenly, he stops, his blue eyes locking with mine so that my breath is stolen before I can catch it. With one swift move, he pushes me against the wall, his free arm above me. His lips crash down on my still-parted ones, his tongue slipping past to give me a taste of alcohol, caviar and something else I can’t quite put a finger on but find completely amazing.

Wait. Nathan Landers is kissing me?

I hear footsteps approaching and I panic. But he kisses me harder, placing the hand above me on my cheek and the other on my back, pressing my body so close to his that my breasts become pinned against his chest, heat swirling there and spreading quickly throughout the rest of my body.

Shit.

“Nathan?”

Quickly, I wrestle myself away from Nathan’s clutches, finding myself staring at the woman who has just spoken. If I’m not mistaken, she’s Cassandra Rockford. Her father is the head of Rockford Financial. Her brother is a senator.

Not someone you want to mess with, and yet, here I am, on the receiving end of her scathing glare that reminds me of Medusa’s.

Stomping her feet like a spoiled little girl who just lost an argument about whose doll was prettier, she leaves. Off to Daddy, no doubt.

Uh-oh.

“Don’t worry about her,” Nathan assures from behind me. “She’s harmless, all bark and no bite.”

Maybe it’s the smug tone of his voice. Maybe it’s the way he just talked about another woman. Or maybe the realization that he just used me has begun to sink in. Whatever it is, the words bring me back to my senses. I whirl around, lifting my hand to slap Nathan but stop when I hear more fabric tearing.

“Shit.”

“Oops.” Nathan glances at my gown. “That doesn’t sound good.”

I frown. “This is your fault, you know. If you hadn’t just dragged me off and kissed me…”

“You’re welcome.”

I glare at him. “What did you just say?”

“You seem like you enjoyed the kiss,” he says as he leans on the wall.

I blush, covering my face. Was it that obvious?

“Seems like you needed it, too.”

The nerve.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” I wipe my lips with the back of my hand. “If you don’t want to go out with a woman anymore, you should just tell her, not hurt her like this.”

“Oh. Is that what’s bothering you?” Nathan takes a step forward, all six feet of him towering over me. “You’re sweet. You know that?”

I scoff. “Your pretty words are wasted on me.”

“Are they?”

He gazes into my eyes, the warmth and interest — dare I call it desire? — evident in his drawing me in, putting me under a trance. I look away.

“Like I said, don’t worry about Casey,” he says. “She’ll be fine. Besides, you have bigger things to worry about, don’t you?”

I glance at the hole in my gown. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. At this rate, I’ll be going home in rags.

“You know what?” He touches his chin. “I’m pretty sure I have one in my room upstairs. Executive Suite.”

“You have a gown?” I feel confused.

“I have everything a woman needs.” He starts walking toward the elevator. “Are you coming or not? Of course, if you’d rather go home like that and give the driver a treat, you’re welcome to do so. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. Maybe he’ll even give you a discount.”

Nope. He’s neither a lion nor a wolf. He has no honor.

He’s a despicable raccoon.

“Well?”

The elevator doors open, and I make my choice. I have no choice, really. I rush into the elevator and he follows, the wide grin on his face making me feel like cornered prey.

What have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 2

In the Lion’s Den

The elevator ride is long.

Thirty-six floors up long.

Longer because I’m with a stranger who I can feel staring at me like a hawk, his gaze making the popped seam in my gown seem as big as a platter.

Longer because I hate enclosed spaces.

That’s right. I’m claustrophobic. Right now, just knowing that I’m in a seven-by-six-feet box and that there’s a possibility I might get stuck in it is making my heart pound, my stomach churn and my palms sweaty.

My mom says I’ve been claustrophobic since I was conceived. After all, I kept kicking her when I was still inside her womb. I wouldn’t know. I was in a blissful state of ignorance then.

I wish I was still in that state now. Then I wouldn’t be imagining the walls and ceiling closing in on me, sucking the air out of me, threatening to crush me.

Shit.

Breathe, Samantha. It will be over soon.

19…20…21…

It’s taking too long.

I close my eyes and start playing the first song that comes to my head.

If you love somebody, better tell them while they’re here, ‘cause they might just…

“Are you all right?” Nathan asks me.

I look at him and nod. That’s the best I can do, my throat still too dry for me to speak.

He doesn’t look like he believes me but says nothing more.

31…32…

I’ve had the highest mountains. I’ve had the deepest rivers. I take it in but don’t look down.

Finally, I hear a beep and the doors open. I rush out, forcing air into my lungs like a whale that’s been underwater for too long.

Afterward, I square my shoulders and follow Nathan — or should I call him Mr. Landers? — down the hall. I stick out my chin, too, trying to look dignified — as dignified as I can with the gaping hole at the side of my gown — to make up for that moment of weakness in the elevator.

I break my silence. “Do you have a penthouse suite in every hotel or just this one?”

“Not every hotel.”

Okay.

“And no.”

“No?” No to what?

“No, I don’t bring every woman I meet to my hotel suite.”

I’m not sure what to think of that.

“Just to be clear, you didn’t bring me. I came. And only for the gown, which you owe me.”

He raises an eyebrow. “I owe you?”

“It’s the least you can do after tearing this one.”

He chuckles as he gets his key.

“What?”

“If I tore your gown, you wouldn’t still be wearing it.”

I blush but push the image away.

“But by all means, let’s get you into a new gown.”

He opens the door and steps into the room, the lights turning on as he slips the key into the holder. I follow, eyes growing wide at the sheer size and elegance of the suite.

The reception area alone is larger than my entire apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows on either side and a large, sheepskin rug surrounded by oversized black and white leather couches in front of an electric fireplace. There’s a long marble bar counter on the left, a shiny, black, baby grand piano in one corner and a statue that probably costs more than what I earn a year in another.

I put down my things and run my hands over the piano as Nathan disappears, returning after a few minutes with gowns draped over one arm.

“You can have whichever one you like.”

I touch them. Beautiful gowns. Luxurious fabrics. Expensive.

“Are they your sister’s?” I ask out of curiosity.

He grins. “I don’t have a sister.”

Where, then, did he get all these gowns? Did he just have them lying around?

Then it hits me. Of course. They probably belonged to the women he brought up here.

“Don’t worry,” he tells me. “I’m sure they won’t mind.”

I wonder how they could have left such expensive gowns behind. What did they wear going home? New, even more expensive gowns? Hotel robes?

Honestly, I don’t feel like wearing any of the gowns. The idea of wearing a gown previously worn by a woman Nathan once slept with unsettles me. I’m still in need of new clothes, though, and a beggar doesn’t have much to choose from, so I scoop the gowns from his arms.

“Thank you,” I mumble, heading to the bathroom.

There, I place the gowns on the chair — yes, there’s a chair in the bathroom — and I sit on the toilet so I can remove my shoes. Slipping out of the gown I’m currently in, I start trying the gowns.

The first two are too small. I end up dumping them on the sink. The third is too big. Okay. Now, I’m starting to feel like Goldilocks. Finally, the last one, a pink lace gown, fits perfectly.

Except for one thing — the neckline is a tad too low for my liking.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I can see the top of my breasts peeking out. Oh, well. At least I’m wearing bra petals. And at least my breasts look bigger.

The more I stare, the more I find myself wondering what the woman who owned the gown looked like. Was she blonde? Was she a brunette?

As I run my fingers over the gown, another question comes to mind: How did he fuck her?

Without warning, I see an image of Nathan running his hands over the lace and over bare skin as he slowly peels it off.

Inch by inch…

I suppress a shudder, placing my hands at my sides.

Shit, Samantha. Do you want him to fuck you, too? Have you forgotten how he kissed you?

No, I haven’t. I run my fingers over my bottom lip, which tingles at the memory of his kiss. In fact, that’s probably why I’m feeling like this, my heart pounding and heat buzzing through my veins.

Now that I’m no longer suffering from either claustrophobia or a wardrobe malfunction, I’m suffering from something else — the full realization that I’m in the apartment of the man I’ve been fantasizing about.

Alone.

I shake the thought off, though, as I quickly scoop up the other gowns, including my old one. Then, after putting my shoes back on, I take a deep breath and exit the bathroom.

“Great choice,” Nathan says when he sees me.

And yet his words make me think the opposite, his gaze making my skin tingle as it sweeps over me from head to toe.

“I’m sure its original owner wore it better,” I say to diffuse the tension as I hand him back the other gowns.

He takes them and dumps them on top of the nearest table. “Honestly, I can’t remember.”

He’s honest. I’ll give him that. And yet, I can feel that it makes him even more dangerous.

I have to get out of here.

I glance at my watch. “Mr. Landers, I—”

“Nathan,” he corrects me. “You’re not one of my employees, so call me Nathan. And now that I have you in my suite and am providing you with clothing it might be nice to know your name as well.”

I chuckle from a little nervousness. That’s right, I know him, everyone knows his name, but he doesn’t have any clue who I am. “I’m Sam, Samatha Willis. Nathan,” I repeat. It feels weird calling him by his first name but at the same time, I can’t help but feel fuzzy inside. “Thank you for the gown.”

“I thought I owed it to you.”

Right.

“Besides, it’s not like I can wear it.”

No. He can’t.

“I better go,” I tell him. “I—”

“Drink?” He offers me a glass of red wine. “Or would you rather have champagne?”

I’d rather have you.

I shake my head. “I should go.”

Before I make more of a fool of myself.

“Should or want to?”

“Should,” I answer, gathering my things. “And want to.”

He seems puzzled. “Are you going back downstairs?”

“Yes.”

So what if I’m wearing a different gown? I doubt people have noticed. I’m just the photographer, after all. Besides, I’ve got work to do and while I’ve told Mattie I’ve gone home, I’m sure she’ll be happier if she sees me back in that ballroom with my camera.

He sets down the glass of red wine, pouring himself some Scotch. “You’re a photographer?”

I place the strap of the camera around my neck as I nod.

“For a magazine?”

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Prima Vida magazine.”

“Ah. I’ve heard of it.” He takes a sip of his Scotch. “Is it good?”

“It pays the bills.”

“You sound like you’d rather be doing something else.”

I shrug. “Well, we can’t all invent apps and become billionaires, can we?” I glance at my watch again. “If you’ll excuse me, I really need to—”

“Do you resent all rich people or just me?” He sets down his glass.

“Resent? No.” I shake my head. “I just find them…” Boring, I want to say. “Not interesting enough.”

“And do you think of me that way?”

No. Nathan Landers is hot, confident, fascinating. Anything but boring.

“You’re… interesting enough.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

I look away.

Shit. I can’t believe he just forced a compliment out of me. He’s sly, this one.

“Plus, rich people can be selfish sometimes,” I add quickly. “Not that I wish they’d give me money. I just wish they’d spend their money more wisely, like use more of it to help make the world a better place.”

“How would you spend your money if you were rich?” he asks.

I don’t think twice. “I’d build animal shelters and reserves.”

His eyebrows crease. “You’d rather help animals than people?”

I frown, not liking his tone. “Animals are just as important, you know.”

“How?”

How? “The wild ones maintain our environment, keep the natural balance. And the domestic ones give us companionship.”

“We can make robot pets as companions.”

“Robots?” I can’t imagine a kid playing in the mud with a machine.

“And we can find ways to reproduce plants so they can survive even without animals to pollinate them or disperse seeds.”

I blink, my temper rising. “Are you saying animals are unnecessary?”

“I’m saying they’re more valuable dead. They give food, clothing…”

He stops mid-sentence as I splash the glass of wine on his face, the crimson drops staining his white shirt. I don’t care. I can’t just stand there when some rich jerk is talking about killing off every animal.

Nathan wipes a drop off his cheek. “Well, that was unexpected… and a waste of good wine.”

I set down the empty glass. “So, it’s a crime to waste wine but not to get rid of all the animals on Earth?”

He doesn’t answer.

I look at his stained shirt and click my tongue. “Well, well, well. It seems like our roles are reversed, and now you’re the one in need of new clothes. Funny, isn’t it? Let’s hope you keep suits as well as gowns.”

I turn on my heel and reach the door, placing my hand on the handle. “Oh, and I take back what I said earlier, Mr. Landers. You’re not interesting enough.”

Chapter 3

A Weasel Out of Hiding

“You threw wine at Nathan Landers?”

Pamela, my best friend, otherwise known as Pam — some people call us SamPam or Spam or Sam-I-Am and Pam-I-Am — looks at me across the cafeteria table with wide eyes and a dropped jaw. Thankfully, she hasn’t taken a bite of her pasta or it would have fallen out.

“Shh,” I scold her with a finger to my lips.

Quickly, I look around the crowded cafeteria. No one’s looking at me weird. Or looking at me, period. That’s good.

I don’t want anyone else knowing about the ‘slip’ I made.

As soon as I got home and the anger had subsided, I realized what a fool I’d been. I shouldn’t have let him get to me. I shouldn’t have risen to the occasion.

And I definitely shouldn’t have thrown that wine on his face.

“I know, I know,” I tell Pam. “I wasn’t on my best behavior. I should have just put on a fake smile and then walked away.”

“You should not have been with him in the first place.” She eats a forkful of pasta. “Haven’t you heard that he’s a womanizer?”

“How do you know this again?” I ask.

She looks at me like I’m an alien. “I’m a news reporter, Sam. I hear things. I know things.”

Pam writes for the company’s news magazine. Mostly in-depth stuff. Investigative journalism, she calls it.

“He didn’t try to seduce me, though.” Or did he? “He pissed me off, that’s what.”

“Then you’re lucky. Oh, but wait. You called him despicable.”

I frown at the reminder. “He called animals unnecessary. Like they are just weeds or something.”

Pam took a bite off her piece of garlic bread. “So, you threw wine at him.”

I roll my eyes.

“Question. Does Nathan Landers know who you work for?”

“I might have mentioned it.”

Pam shakes her head. “Not good. You never know how powerful men will retaliate. I hate to break it to you, but he could ask Henry to fire you.”

He could?

“Or worse, he could talk to the investors — I hear one of the major ones is a friend of his — and have them pull out their money and our company would… well, take a big blow.”

“No way.” I hadn’t thought of that.

Pam shrugs. “Rich men usually have big egos, egos they don’t want deflated. Who knows what they do when their feathers get ruffled?”

I sigh. Pam’s right. I should know, having been around a lot of rich people for the past several months.

I let my head fall on the table. What have I done?

Can my day get any worse? Nancy already gave me an earful for not taking enough pictures at last night’s gala because I ended up not returning to the ballroom after that heated argument with Nathan. Never mind that I told her I was suddenly not feeling well. Mattie seemed disappointed, too, reminding me that I’m a professional and I shouldn’t let personal things like wardrobe malfunctions get in the way. Oh, and she gave me a heap of safety pins.

Now, I find out my career’s in jeopardy.

What next? A broken arm? God forbid.

“Sam?” I hear the concern in Pam’s voice.

“I’m fine,” I lie.

It’s not Pam’s fault. She’s a news reporter, so she has a thing for bearing bad news. Even so, she’s just the messenger. I brought this upon myself.

“No, you’re not. Eat something.”

“I’m still full.”

“Suit yourself.” She pats my hair. “I have to go back to my desk. I’ve got a deadline to beat. Don’t worry about it, okay? It’s not the end of the world.”

Easy for her to say.

“Who knows? He might just let it go.”

I lift my head and look at her. I can tell she thinks it’s unlikely, and yet she said so anyway just to make me feel better. That’s why she’s my best friend.

She crosses her fingers as she walks away then turns and blows me a kiss.

“Good luck with that deadline,” I call out to her.

She gives me a thumbs up. Then she’s gone.

I look around the cafeteria, the crowd seeming smaller now.

I glance at my watch. 12:42.

Should I go back to my desk? But I don’t really have anything to do there. And frankly, I don’t want to see Nancy or Mattie again. Should I go home then? My next event isn’t until noon tomorrow, so I can.

I’m still toying with the idea when my phone beeps.

A new message from Barry Baker.

I frown. Didn’t I tell that scumbag not to contact me anymore? Why does he still have my email?

There are pictures. I don’t understand what…

Oh, shit.

They’re all pictures of me. And Nathan. Half of them are of us kissing, the other half of us getting into the elevator.

How on earth did he get these pictures?

Why am I even asking? He’s paparazzi. Taking pictures without anyone knowing is his specialty. But why send them to me?

I scroll down.

I know what you did last night, but hey, I can be persuaded to keep it a secret from your boss. Just have dinner with me tonight at seven at the Marriott. See you.

If my phone wasn’t so expensive, I’d probably have thrown it at the nearest wall.

How dare Barry blackmail me? Then again, I should have known blackmail wasn’t beneath him. He’d do anything to achieve his filthy goals.

Anything.

I knew it. He’s a weasel.

Well, there’s nothing I can do. If those pictures reach Henry or Nancy or any of the executives at the company, my credibility is going to be questioned. They’ll say I’m using my job to get laid. They’ll call it a breach of trust, a conflict of interest. At any rate, I could easily get fired and my dreams will go down the drain.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t. Luckily, Barry is giving me a chance to get rid of them.

Lucky? Just the thought of sitting across from him at a table, enduring his mischievous grin and knowing what he’s thinking of, is enough to make me cringe.

Yup, my day just got worse.

Much worse.

***

I’ve been through worse, I tell myself as a confidence booster as I walk across the lobby of the Marriott toward the lounge.

It’s 6:46. The sooner we start, the sooner we can finish. And I intend to finish this as soon as possible.

Barry is already here. He’s eager. Of course, he is.

He’s sporting a new suit and a fresh shave, too. Not that it makes him any less of a dick.

He sees me immediately, his smile growing wide. Then his eyebrows crease. Probably, he doesn’t approve of what I’m wearing — a cardigan over a turtleneck and a skirt over leggings. Nope, I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of gawking at me or trying to steal a glimpse down my shirt.

His smile returns, though, as I sit across from him.

“I knew you’d come.”

I pick up the menu. “I didn’t have anything else to do.”

We order. Steak and wine for him. Just salad and a glass of juice for me. I don’t intend to stay long, after all.

“Watching your figure?” Barry asks, eyes on my breasts.

What figure? “I’m not that hungry.”

Who would have an appetite dining with scum?

“Too bad. I’m paying. A man always pays on a date, after all.”

I want to tell him it isn’t a date, but I have a feeling he’ll insist it is so I drop the subject. Besides, there’s something more important we need to discuss.

“Where are the pictures?” I ask.

“Impatient, are we?”

“I just want to make sure you’re going to live up to your end of the bargain.”

Barry grins as he touches his chin. “Feisty as ever, I see. It’s what I like about you.”

Whatever. “The pictures?”

“Dinner first. Then the pictures.” He holds up a USB stick.

“And how can I be sure those are the only copies you have?”

“You can’t.” There goes that mischievous grin again. “Although I must say, you looked beautiful in that gown.”

Every word from his mouth makes me shudder.

As if that’s not bad enough, he suddenly places his hand over mine. “You’re better off with me, you know. Now that he’s fucked you once, he’ll forget all about you, whereas I… I’ll never get tired of —”

Thankfully, the waiter comes and Barry lets go of my hand.

I’m saved. For now.

We start eating. Finally, Barry shuts up. He seems to be hungry and the thick slab of beef in front of him seems to be perfectly cooked, the smell of the spices in the gravy wafting to my nostrils. Even my salad looks divine, the vegetables fresh and colorful, the portion just right.

Thank goodness.

Then just when I’m down to my last forkful, I hear the waitress speak somewhere behind me.

“This way to your table, Mr. Landers.”

Mr. Landers?

“Thank you, Anne.”

There’s no mistaking that voice. It’s Nathan Landers, all right.

Shit.

Of all the restaurants in town, why did he have to walk into this one?

My mind races. What do I do? Just sit still and pray he doesn’t see me?

Nope. So far, I’ve been unlucky, and I don’t expect my luck to turn anytime soon. I can’t take any chances.

I shove the last bit of salad into my mouth and wipe my lips with the napkin. “Excuse me. I have to go to the ladies’ room.”

Without waiting for Barry to say anything — he can’t since his mouth is full — I rush to the door.

As I cross the vast expanse of the lobby, its black, white and gold tiles gleaming beneath the multiple pendant lights, I see the sign for the restrooms. I turn the corner, but just as I am about to go to the ladies’ room, I catch a glimpse of glass doors leading to a garden. I go there instead, thinking that I need fresh air.

I gulp in deep breaths as I sit on an empty bench beside a lamp post, willing it to clear my mind.

Why? Why does everything have to be so messed up?

First Nathan. Then Barry. Now Nathan again. What am I supposed to do? Go back in there and face them both? I want to see Nathan again, sure, but I don’t think I can after what I did to him. Nor do I want to see Barry again. What then? Do I just let Barry do what he wants with those pictures?

I exhale. I should have snatched that fucking USB stick when I had the chance.

I’m still trying to find a way out of my dilemma, my face buried in my hands, when I hear footsteps approaching.

I lift my head, frowning when I realize Barry has found me.

“I thought you’d left.” He sits beside me on the bench and lights a cigarette. “But I knew you were smarter than that.”

“Sorry. I… needed some fresh air.”

“You should have told me. I would have accompanied you.”

“It’s fine.”

He takes a puff. “And here I thought you were running away from Nathan Landers.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Wait. You didn’t invite him, did you?”

“Hell, no. Why would I?”

“To blackmail him, too, of course. He’s got lots of money.”

“Do you think he cares if a picture of him and you gets out? The guy doesn’t give a shit.” He leans back and takes another puff. “I swear that asshole must have sniffed you out. Maybe he wants to see how you’re doing the night after he fucked you.”

“He didn’t—”

“Or maybe he wants more. Maybe you were too good.”

I don’t like how Barry’s looking at me. “Just give me the pictures already. You promised.”

“I said after dinner.” He moves closer. “Thanks to you leaving, I didn’t get dessert.”

Sensing danger, I get up, but he grabs my arm and pulls me back to the bench, then places one arm around me.

“Barry…”

He whispers in my ear, “Do you want that USB stick or not?”

Shit.

I’m trapped. Literally. His mouth clamps down on mine. It’s nothing like a kiss. Messy. Disgusting. More like a leech trying to suck the life out of me.

I can taste the beef, gravy, wine and nicotine on his tongue. And it makes my stomach turn.

Please… stop.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a leg comes swinging, kicking him off the bench so hard he hits the ground with a thud, his cigarette flying.

“What the hell?”

Quickly, I get off the bench, wiping my mouth with the sleeve of my cardigan as I catch my breath. I stop, though, when I realize who has just saved me.

Nathan.

Chapter 4

Claws Out

“Didn’t anybody ever teach you not to force yourself on a woman?” Nathan asks Barry as he crushes the cigarette butt with his expensive leather shoe.

Barry snorts. “You’re one to talk.”

Nathan stops and glares, the look on his face reminding me of a bear about to attack. It’s scary enough to keep me glued where I’m standing and cause a lump to form in my throat.

So, this is how Nathan looks like when he’s pissed.

“I’ve never forced myself on any woman. I’ve never had to.”

“Why, you…”

Barry gets up, only to have Nathan grab him by the collar, lifting him above the ground. “Stay away from Sam or you’ll never be able to take your piss-poor pictures again. Do you understand?”

Barry nods, speechless and trembling in fear. As soon as Nathan lets him go, he scurries off like the weasel that he is, back into the shadows.

Back into the shadows…

“Wait!” I call, remembering the pictures.

“What is it?” Nathan asks, rubbing his hands like he’s wiping the dirt off them.

“He still has the USB stick with the pictures he took of us at last night’s party. It’s why I came to meet him. I don’t—”

Nathan’s no longer listening, already on his phone. “Keep an eye out for a man with a cheap, dirty rumpled suit and make sure you get every USB stick he has. Wipe every picture off his laptop and cameras as well.”

Wow. He is so cool.

And so hot.

Damn.

“Are you all right?” He turns to me after his phone call.

I nod. “Thanks. For everything just now.”

He offers me some breath mints. “No worries.”

I toss a few inside my mouth. “And I’m sorry. For the things I said last night. I—”

He silences me with a finger to my lips then grabs my hand.

“Come with me.”

***

Where are we? Nathan’s car stops in front of a large gate in front of an old, two-story house. The paint is peeling off, and the glass in one of the windows is boarded over.

My eyebrows furrow. Why did Nathan bring me to a place like this?

Suddenly, I hear a bark. Then another.

Dogs?

Before long, the lights turn on inside the house and the door opens, a pair of dogs rushing out to meet us. For a moment, I feel afraid that they might bite, but Nathan bravely steps forward.

“Easy, boys.”

And just like that, their barks change and their tails wag.

“Oh, it’s you, Nathan,” the middle-aged man on the porch calls out. “I was wondering why Red and Rover suddenly seemed so excited.”

“I’m sorry to come here so late, Ted.” Nathan approaches the porch with the dogs, and I follow.

“No worries,” Ted says. “I was still up watching TV. Besides, it’s your property.”

So, this place does belong to Nathan.

“Sam, this is Ted,” Nathan says. “He was a friend of my dad’s. Ted, this is Sam.”

“Nice to meet you.” Ted offers his hand, and I shake it.

A friend of Nathan’s dad? I’ve never even heard of his father.

“Ted’s going to be looking after this place,” Nathan adds. “He’s the only one here now, but I’ll hire a few people to help him.”

“What exactly is this place?” I ask, unable to rein in my curiosity any longer.

“Well, it isn’t much now,” he answers. “But it’s going to be a dog shelter.”

“A dog shelter?”

Now, that’s a surprise, especially coming from someone who preferred robots as pets.

“I thought about some things after you left last night. I thought about the dog I used to own, too. And I decided it’s not a bad idea to put up a dog shelter. You wanted to put up one, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but…”

He decided to put up a dog shelter just because I suggested it?

“This house is old, but it’s got a lot of rooms. We’ll fix it up, put in the necessary equipment, maybe even turn one room into a clinic. Then we’ll start taking dogs in. Stray dogs mostly.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “You bought a house just to make it into a dog shelter?”

“You might find it hard to believe, young lady,” Ted says. “But this man’s very generous.”

“Thanks, Ted.” Nathan pats him on the shoulder. “But I don’t need any help impressing a woman.”

Ted chuckles. “Of course, you don’t. I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

After Ted goes inside with the dogs, Nathan sits on the porch stairs. I do the same.

“You and Ted seem close,” I tell him.

“Well, he was more of a father to me than my father ever was.”

I want to know more but decide not to pry. “Is that why you chose Ted to run this place?”

“That, and the fact that he loves dogs.”

“I can see that.”

“He’s had Red and Rover for years, and I don’t think I’ve ever known him without a dog. He gave me one, too, a Labrador I named Todd.”

“Nice name.”

“Do you have a dog?”

“We have lots of dogs back home,” I answer. “On the farm.”

“I see.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t own a dog at my apartment. But they do allow cats, so I have one. A silver tabby named Siberia. She’s three now. And I have three goldfish. They all get along somehow.”

“You really do love animals, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do,” I admit with a sheepish grin. “Maybe it’s because of my brother, Jack. He loved animals. He was a veterinarian, actually.”

“Was?” Nathan gives me a puzzled look.

“He’s gone now.”

Nathan lowers his head. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

I shake my head, not wanting to dwell on the tragedy. “What about you? Surely, you must also have something you love.”

“Love is a strong word.”

That I can’t deny.

“There are a lot of things I enjoy, though,” he adds. “For example, I’m enjoying spending time with you right now.”

My heart skips a beat at the way he looks at me. I look away.

“Did you bring me here just to show off and impress me?” I ask.

“Is it working?”

I don’t answer. But yes, I’m impressed. No guy has ever given me more than a bunch of flowers before. True, the dog shelter isn’t exactly mine, but it feels like a gift to me.

The best gift.

“And also to prove to you that I’m not as heartless as you think.”

I look at him, a pang of guilt stabbing me in the gut. “I’m really sorry I—”

“It’s okay,” Nathan cuts me off. “You were being true to yourself. I can’t fault you for that. Actually, you’re the first woman I’ve been with who’s acted that way. It’s refreshing.”

I smile. And to think I was feeling scared that he might get me fired because I spoke my mind.

Just then, my stomach grumbles, reminding me that I only had a salad, which apparently has already been digested. It’s embarrassing, but Nathan just chuckles.

“Hungry?” he asks.

I nod.

“Shall we grab something to eat?” he asks, standing up. “Actually, I’m hungry, too. I didn’t really get to eat dinner.”

I get up and shake the dust from the back of my skirt. “Why were you at the Marriott?”

“I was supposed to meet someone who had an interesting idea for a new app but he canceled at the last minute. I was on the phone with him when I saw you leaving.”

“You noticed me leaving?”

“I think I’d notice you anywhere.”

My heart skips another beat.

“Then I saw that guy go after you…”

“Barry Baker,” I inform him. “He’s a member of the paparazzi. We’ve bumped into each other a few times before, though I loathe to put him in the same line of work.”

“Of course not. You’re a professional. He’s a con.”

“That he is,” I agree.

At the memory of what he did to me, I cringe. “I can’t believe he kissed me.”

Nathan turns to me, touching my cheek. “Let me wipe that memory away.”

And the next thing I know, his lips are on mine. Unlike last night, this kiss is soft, gentle.

And yet, it has a stronger effect on me, making my heart race.

Like before, I can’t resist. I can only surrender, my eyes closing as I kiss him back feebly, my lips parting to let his in.

His tongue explores slowly, thoroughly, wiping every trace of that horrid mouth-to-mouth — I don’t dare call it a kiss — from earlier away. And when he’s done, he leaves me warm and wet and melting.

Wanting more.

Just then, Nathan’s phone rings, disrupting the moment.

“Hello,” he answers.

I try not to eavesdrop, watching his expression instead. He seems concerned. Worried, even?

After the call, he looks at me with a frown. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. Lucas wants to meet me now.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll drop you off back in town, but I’ll have to cancel that dinner.”

I wave my hands. “No problem. I don’t mind really.”

“I feel bad, though. Can we have dinner tomorrow, instead?”

I only pause to think for a moment. “Yeah. Sounds good. I have work at noon but I’m free in the evening.”

“Great. Why don’t you give me your number so I can call you to let you know what time I’ll pick you up and where?”

“Sure.”

I do that. He gives me his number as well then smiles at me. A genuine smile. Not a grin.

A breathtaking smile.

“It’s a date, then.”

***

A date?

As I lie on my bed in my apartment, staring at the ceiling, I still can’t believe that I’m going on a date with Nathan Landers.

Me, an ordinary woman who grew up on a farm and works for a magazine, going on a date with a billionaire entrepreneur?

What would Pam say?

Nah. I know what she’ll say. She’ll say I’m asking for trouble, that I should know better than to go out with a man whose only intention is to get me in bed.

But is that really his only intention?

He said I’m not like the other girls he’s been with…

What if he’s just saying that?

What if he wants to stop fooling around and start a serious relationship with me?

Is that what you want to happen?

That question makes me pause. Is it? Do I want to be in a relationship with Nathan Landers?

Have I fallen for him?

I shake my head. No. I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ve only just met the man. Well, yes, I’ve seen him several times before, but I’ve only just spoken to him last night.

And you kissed him.

No. He kissed me.

And tonight?

Fine. We kissed.

Two nights. Two kisses.

So what? Technically, the first one doesn’t count. Even if it does, it doesn’t matter.

He’s just a crush. So what if I’ve spent time with him? I haven’t fallen for him.

Yet.

Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart.

Shut up. It’s just a date. Nothing more.

Just a date…

I sit up, suddenly realizing something. Not counting dinner with Barry tonight, which I want to forget about, I haven’t been on a date in ages. I’ve been trying to stay away from men, in fact, not wanting to have to break anyone’s heart, including mine, when I finally get my chance to travel the world with my camera. I know, I know. It might be years before that happens, but I just want to be ready. I feel like if I am, the more likely it will be for it to happen.

Well, it’s not like I was the one who asked Nathan to go out with me.

A date, huh?

I pick up the framed picture of me and my brother on my desk, sighing.

“Big brother, I’m counting on you to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Chapter 5

A Hornet’s Nest

So far, so good.

I smile as I read the text Nathan sent me this morning for the tenth time.

I’ll see you at six-thirty. Can’t wait.

I know, I know. It may be a lie. Just another of those sweet lines from his book that don’t mean anything. But my heart skips a few beats just the same.

My event finished on time at two, so I was able to go home, take a shower and change. In the end, I chose a beaded little black dress. Chic. Classic.

I even had time to go to the salon to have my hair styled and my nails done.

Now, I’m ready. Well, almost.

I just have to buy myself some breathe mints. If there is any chance that Nathan decides to kiss me again, I want to be prepared. It’s been a while since I’ve had to prep for a date and someone kissing me and I’m nervous but excited about it. This whole thing is totally unexpected and I’m enjoying the thrill of it all.

I already have the safety pins Mattie gave me in my purse and some tape in case I need to do any temporary fixes.

I’m not taking any chances.

I head over to the convenience store. Moments later, I come out.

Now, I’m ready.

I cross the street and start walking. The art gallery isn’t far away and I still have — I glance at my watch — thirty-three minutes. Enough time to look at some paintings while waiting for my date.

Excited, but trying to keep myself calm, I put one foot in front of the other, “The Greatest” by Sia playing in my head.

Suddenly, the music screeches to a stop and so do I, a familiar sight coming into view across the street.

A pickup truck parked in front of a café.

Not just any pickup truck.

Rusty red. A faded bumper sticker saying Born To Be Wild above the dent.

A dent caused by the fence one stormy night.

The fence on the farm back home.

Yup, I know that truck. There’s only one of its kind in the world.

My brother’s truck.

The question is: What is it doing here in New York City?

I cross the street to investigate, peeking inside the café, my eyes growing wide as I recognize the couple sitting near the counter. The woman is in her mid-50s with graying hair and glasses, the man in his early 60s, his hair bald and his mustache white, his worn brown leather jacket the same one he’s been wearing for the past twenty years.

Alice and Charlie Willis, my parents.

What are they doing here?

They haven’t noticed me. They’re busy talking to someone. A man in his forties with black hair.

I’ve never seen him before.

Well, at least, my dad is talking. My mom’s quiet as usual. She always looks so small and timid beside my stocky, loud father.

She seems more timid than usual, though, her shoulders slumped as if she’s trying to make herself disappear, as if she doesn’t really want to be there.

She seems nervous, too, her hands twisting the hem of her shirt.

But why?

Who are they talking to? Why are they here? Why didn’t they tell me they’d be here?

They usually call when they come to town.

Unless… they don’t want to see me? Why wouldn’t they? I’m the only child they have left — the only family they have left, in fact. And the last time we spoke on the phone, everything was fine.

There shouldn’t be a reason why they don’t want to see me.

There’s one more thing bothering me.

Why did they drive my brother’s pickup truck? My Dad hates driving that thing. And he hasn’t touched it — no one has — since Jack died.

Something isn’t right. And I have to find out what.

I enter the café, and as soon as my mother’s eyes meet mine, hers wide and full of anxiety, my suspicion is confirmed.

Something’s wrong.

“What’s going on here?” I ask as I approach the table.

Mom stands up and gives me a hug. “Oh, sweetheart, what a surprise.”

“What are you doing here?” my father asks grumpily.

He’s only grumpy when the Yankees lose. Or he’s hiding something.

“I live here, Dad,” I tell him, eyeing the envelope in his hand. “Have you forgotten?”

“Shouldn’t you be at work?” he asks.

Shouldn’t you be in Rumney? I want to ask.

“We were gonna call you, but we didn’t want to disturb you,” my mother says, stroking my cheek. “Oh, you look so beautiful.”

She’s trying to butter me up, which means Dad’s done something I don’t like.

And I already have a feeling what it is.

“Dad, why is Jack’s pickup truck in front?”

“What pickup truck?”

“You know very well what I’m talking about. Rusty Red. With a dent.”

“Oh, that dent can be fixed easily,” the stranger at the table says. “After that, all it needs is a new coat of paint and it will be as good as new.”

I look at him. “I’m sorry. I’m Samantha Willis, their daughter. You are?”

“George Harding.” He shakes my hand. “I contacted your father a few days ago about a pickup truck he was selling, and I asked him to bring it here so I could buy it. It looks better than I thought.”

I freeze. So, it’s true. I had a feeling that was it.

“Dad?” I look at my father, my voice trembling. “You sold Jack’s truck?”

“I’m sorry,” George says. “But who’s Jack?”

“My older brother,” I answer. “He died a few years ago.”

“Oh.” George looks sorry he asked.

“That’s right,” my father says. “He died. So, he’s not gonna need that truck anymore, is he?”

I can’t speak. I can’t breathe, tears pooling in my eyes. How dare he say that? How dare he raise his voice at me in a public place when he hasn’t done it since I was five?

“Sam…” I feel my mother’s hands on my shoulders.

They’re not comforting. They’re restraining, knowing I’m about to burst.

“And you know I can’t drive that thing,” my father goes on. “And neither can you.”

“Things have been tough on the farm, Sam,” my mother adds softly. “We still haven’t recovered from that storm last year, and then the pigs got a respiratory infection a few months ago. We need the money.”

“You could have at least told me,” I say. “You know I would have done anything just so we wouldn’t have to sell Jack’s truck.”

“That’s why we didn’t tell you.” My mother rubs my arms. “We didn’t want to bother you.”

“I would rather you bothered me instead of hurting me like this.” Tears trickle down my cheeks. “How could you think of selling Jack’s truck without letting me know, knowing that I’d be devastated?”

“That’s exactly why we didn’t tell you, damn it.” My father raises his voice, causing a few heads to turn. “I knew you were gonna cry and put up a fuss. You’re not a little girl anymore. Grow up.”

Mom moves behind him. “Charlie…”

Dad looks at me. “Jack’s dead. There’s nothing you can do about it. So just fucking move on, all right?”

For a moment, I don’t move. I can’t. I’m so shocked by my father’s behavior, I can barely breathe.

When the shock fades, the pain sets in. Then the anger.

“I don’t expect you to understand, Dad. After all, you’re not his little sister. Yes, he was your son, but he’s been long dead to you, hasn’t he? Ever since he decided to live his life as his own and not how you wanted him to.”

My mother comes over to me. “Sam…”

I shrug off her hand, my gaze, blurred with tears, still on my dad.

“It may just be a truck to you, but for me, it stands for so much, for everything he loved. And that can’t be measured in money. And you know what else can’t be measured in money, Dad? The love and respect of your daughter. And now, you’ve lost it, too.”

I turn on my heel, leaving. I ignore my Mom calling after me, knowing she wants to come after me but can’t because she has to stay by my father’s side. And I ignore the people in the café whose stares are stabbing my back like daggers.

I don’t care. I don’t care anymore.

Chapter 6

Captured

I only start caring again an hour later.

By then, it’s dark inside my apartment, the only illumination provided by the glow of the streetlamp slipping in through the cracks in the blinds.

I’m hungry.

And I’ve missed my date.

Nathan called me three times, but I didn’t answer any of them. He sent me a bunch of messages, too, mostly Where are you? and Are you okay? The last one was sent sixteen minutes ago.

He probably already gave up. Of course, he did.

I’ve lost my chance with him, just another item added to the list of things I’ve lost.

“Meow.” Siberia rubs my leg then looks up at me with glowing brown eyes.

Probably, she’s been watching me the whole time, waiting for the right chance to approach me.

I pet her. “Sorry for all the drama.”

I turn on the lights, head to the bathroom and look at the mirror.

Well, so much for getting all dolled up. Now, my hair’s a mess, my eyes red and swollen, my makeup ruined.

Nothing I can do about that or about my missed date. I can, however, do something about my grumbling stomach.

Besides, food always makes you feel better.

I fix myself up as best as I can, put a sweater over my black dress, which is stained with tears by now, then head out. Maybe I should have changed, but I’m too tired right now. I’ll do it later after I’ve had my meal and before another shower.

As I walk, my hands tucked into the pockets of my sweater, I think of Jack.

He was my older brother, my only brother. Older by four years.

He always wanted to be a vet. He loved animals and told me all about them while we were growing up.

My dad wanted him to stay on the farm, to look after our animals. But he didn’t want to. Jack volunteered to be part of a mission to take care of endangered animals in Africa. Five years ago, he died there of malaria. We got the news through the mail then his ashes were shipped to us like some parcel.

I never got to say goodbye.

I am deep in my thoughts, because I don’t notice a car approaching until it’s right beside me, the door opening to let out its six-foot tall passenger in a gray coat.

“Nathan?”

I must be dreaming. Am I?

He grasps my arm. “I was worried about you. You didn’t answer my calls or messages.”

It is him, and I suddenly feel like throwing myself into his arms. I manage to hold myself back, though.

“How did you find me?”

“I asked around, found out where you lived, so I was on my way there when I saw you walking…” He pauses, lifting my chin. “Is something wrong?”

I look into his eyes. “I just… I’m sorry. Something… just came up and I—”

“It’s okay.” He grabs my hand. “You can tell me all about it over dinner. We should still have our reservations. How does that sound?”

I nod. “It sounds perfect.”

***

“So, you were on your way to the gallery when you saw your parents here in town, and you found out they were selling your brother’s old pickup truck?” Nathan asks after I finish telling him the story.

“In a nutshell, that’s it.” I pop a morsel of grilled shrimp inside my mouth.

The food in the restaurant is exquisite just like the ambience, the music of violins in the air and the old-fashioned lanterns with warm white bulbs on the wall and every table.

“Wow.” He picks up his glass of wine. “That’s a cruel trick of fate.”

“I know, right? I mean, of all the places to find a buyer, they had to find one here in New York City. And I happen to stumble across the very café they’re making the sale in just as they’re doing it. What are the chances?”

His gaze hovers over me as he takes a sip. “Well, fate works in mysterious ways.”

Why do I feel like he’s talking about something else?

I have to agree, though, after what happened today — first, that squabble with my parents and then Nathan finding me.

I still can’t believe he found me. I guess he’s really interested in me. My heart does a somersault, warmth swelling in my chest and coating my cheeks. Consciously, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear as I reach for my own glass.

“I was just so upset. I couldn’t believe they’d do that. And they were even trying to do it behind my back.”

Thankfully, he’s gone back to eating. “If no one knows, no one can protest. It’s smart, actually.”

I’ve forgotten I’m talking to a businessman. For sure, he didn’t get this successful by playing nice.

“It hurts,” I tell him in a no-nonsense tone. “I feel so betrayed.”

He nods, his eyes shining with empathy. “I can imagine.”

“It’s no excuse for me to just leave you hanging, though. I’m really sorry.”

“Hey.” He puts down his utensils and reaches for my hand. “Don’t mention it.”

I nod, reluctantly pulling my hand away so I can continue eating. “I actually thought you’d gone and called up one of the women in your contacts.”

“There are no other women in my contacts.”

Really?

“Even if there were, none of them can hold a candle to you.”

My breath catches.

“I mean, none of them would have looked as good in a torn dress as you did.”

My eyebrows furrow.

“And none of them would still look as good with a bit of shrimp.” He wipes the corner of my mouth with his thumb then sucks on it.

I hold my breath. His gesture is simple and innocent, and yet it turns the warmth in my body into heat, my mind conjuring an image of him sucking on something else.

He smacks his lips. “That tastes good.”

I blush even more furiously.

“Also, no one looks as good with puffy eyes.”

I pout. “You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”

“It’s a compliment.”

“How would you feel if I said you still looked good with something stuck between your teeth?”

Nathan gives a puzzled look as he curls his lips. “Is something stuck between my teeth?”

I laugh as I grab my glass of wine. “I’m not telling.”

“Meanie.”

“I’m still not telling.”

“Though I’m glad to hear you laugh. Earlier, you looked… well, dejected.”

I set down my glass. “It hurt to find out they were getting rid of Jack’s truck.”

“You must have loved your brother so much.”

“Just as much as every little girl loves her big brother. Do you have a younger sister?”

“No. I was an only child.”

“If you had a younger sister, though, I bet you’d be spoiling her rotten by now. I bet she’d just say ‘please’ once and you’d do whatever she asked.”

He frowns. “Do I look like I can be easily made to do a girl’s bidding?”

“Not a girl. Your little sister.”

He shrugs. “Maybe she’d be the one at my beck and call instead.”

I can imagine that. A little girl running to fulfill her brother’s every whim, eager to please him.

“Then I’m glad I’m not your little sister.”

“So am I. If you were my little sister, I wouldn’t have been able to kiss you like I did last night. And the night before.”

The confession sends heat and electricity tingling through my veins, even more so when I see the look in his eyes.

Heat. Hunger. Desire.

It’s enough to make me shudder with excitement, enough to make me wet, but I get a hold of myself.

“Anyway, my older brother was the sweetest. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for me, from finishing my vegetables even though he hated them more than I did, to dressing up like a girl just so I could have another princess to play with. But my favorite part was when he’d tell me all about the different animals. He knew so much about them. Sometimes, he’d make up stories about them. Even when he went to Africa, he’d still write and tell me about the animals he’d see. He sent me pictures, too, which is what made me even more determined to become a wildlife photographer. I couldn’t wait to get his letters, and whenever I did, I’d light up like a kid on Christmas morning.”

“I’m jealous.”

I look down at my plate, finishing the last of my grilled shrimp. “You don’t have to be.”

“I can be crazy sometimes, wild even.” His eyes narrow. “Would you like to see how wild I can be?”

I pause with my fingers wrapped around my glass of wine. My heart seems to have stopped as well.

“I’m scaring you, aren’t I?” He gulps down the last of his wine. “Just forget about it.”

What? He isn’t serious?

I, too, finish my wine, letting the liquid wash down my mixed emotions — relief at the reprieve I’ve been given contrasting with annoyance and a bit of remorse at the withdrawn invitation.

“Are you done? If you want, we can stroll for a bit. They have lovely gardens here.”

“Sure.”

I get the feeling we both need some fresh, cool air.

***

“So, every time you cover a party, you imagine the guests are animals?” Nathan chuckles, walking slightly ahead of me with his hands in the pockets of his pants. “I’ve heard of some people pretending everyone in the conference room are potatoes so they don’t get so nervous giving their sales pitch, but a photographer imagining people as animals?”

“What?” I kick a fallen leaf aside. “It makes it more interesting.”

“Okay.” He turns around, walking backward. “So, what exactly is Helena Goodwin?”

I grin. “Do you want to guess?”

Nathan touches his chin. “A camel?”

“A camel?”

“Because she’s got fake eyelashes.”

“How would you know that?”

“Let’s just say female anatomy is one of my many areas of expertise.”

Okay. And why did I just get an image of him with a naked woman when he said that?

“Plus, she drinks a lot.”

“That she does,” I agree. “I think a camel describes her well, though I initially thought of her as a hyena.”

“A hyena. Why?”

“You know. She’s always looking for the weakest member of the herd, someone to pick on. Plus, she has a loud, annoying laugh.”

“Ah, yes. A camel and a hyena.”

I try to imagine the two animals combined but can’t, ending up laughing.

“What about me?” Nathan asks, facing forward again. “What animal do you think best describes me?”

I pause.

“Come on. You must have already thought of something.”

“Nothing particular, actually,” I tell him. “A lion. A wolf. A tiger. A bear.”

“Let me guess. A lion because I’m a womanizer.”

“No.”

He ignores me. “A wolf because I’m somewhat of a loner. I don’t really socialize, especially with other men. A tiger because I always wear sleek suits. Either that or because I have pointy fangs.”

He shows them.

“I never even noticed until now.”

“And a bear because I’m scary when I lack sleep?”

I chuckle. “I swear I didn’t know that.”

“Why then?” He stops to lean against the trunk of the nearest tree.

“Not telling.” I walk past him.

“Is that so? Well, if I was going to describe you as an animal, I’d say you’re a—giraffe.”

A giraffe? “Because I have long legs?”

“Because you stand out even when you don’t want to.”

I stop walking then turn around slowly. “I actually thought of myself as a squirrel.”

“Because you like nuts?”

I’m about to say yes, but I realize there’s a different gleam in his eyes.

“Because I keep forgetting where I put things,” I answer.

“I thought it’s because you scurry off at the slightest sign of danger.”

“I don’t,” I argue.

“So, you’re saying you’re not going to scurry off now?”

He backs me up against the tree, his arm above me.

I swallow. “Am I in danger?”

His blue eyes narrow, clouded over with lust. “Yes.”

Once more, I can feel the desire rolling off him in waves, waking mine. It’s stirring the flames inside me, bringing the heat out to my skin and my breasts.

Shit.

“Well?”

What am I afraid of? Of being hurt? Of falling short of his expectations? Or is it the consequences? The possibility that he might discard me afterward? That other people might find out and change their opinion of me?

“If you’re going to run, you better run now.”

I don’t answer. I’m cornered prey, and everything is at a standstill. One move could change everything.

How should I move? Flee? Fight? Or stay and allow myself to be captured?

He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “But if you don’t, I promise I’ll be gentle.”

And I know he can be gentle.

Oh, to hell with the consequences.

I surrender, closing my eyes. The moment I do, his mouth claims mine, robbing me of breath.

Damn.

He’s sucking whatever resistance is left inside me, filling me with desire as he pushes me harder against the tree, the bark rubbing against my clothes and my heels sinking into the moss. His lips crash down on mine over and over, his tongue exploring my mouth as he places his hand on my arm, stroking.

I can feel fire in my veins all the way down to my toes but especially in my full breasts that are threatening to burst out of my clothes and between my legs, where something else threatens to explode.

And the quivering bulge that presses against my leg lets me know that the sensation isn’t mine alone.

Suddenly, he pulls away, and as our gazes meet, I can see the lust in my eyes reflected in his, his pupils dilated under half-closed eyelids.

He grabs my hand. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

Chapter 7

Claimed

We get to his apartment in record time.

At least, I think it’s his apartment. He hasn’t told me. Actually, he hasn’t spoken much and neither have I. I’m too nervous to speak. I haven’t had sex in a while, after all, and I’ve only experienced it twice before. What if I’m not good enough? What if I mess up?

My excitement is stronger than my fear, though, and my heart races as I run across the lobby of the building with him, rushing toward the elevator.

The doors close and all heaven breaks loose.

He kisses me fiercely as he wraps his arms around me, pushing me against the wall as I lose my balance. Just like that, my nerves and fears disappear. I’m not afraid of being in an elevator; the amazing feel of his mouth on mine drowns every other sensation.

When the doors open again, we stumble out. Lips locked and arms around each other, we manage to get to his apartment. Somehow, he finds his keys and opens the door, closing it once we’re on the other side by pushing me against it, his hands on the hem of my sweater.

He pulls it over my head then kisses me again as he works on the buttons of my dress. I gasp as his hand brushes against my breast.

When he’s popped the last button, I slide off the sleeves, letting my dress droop to my waist. He’s unfastening my bra now, my breasts bouncing free, nipples growing stiff as they come in contact with the cool air.

I toss aside my bra and step out of my dress, pausing when I realize he’s staring at me through half-lidded eyes. Staring at my breasts, to be precise.

I make a half-hearted attempt to cover them with my arms but he grabs my wrist and pulls them away. His gaze lingers on my breasts for a few moments more before drifting down past the curve of my belly to the only piece of clothing I have left on.

That small piece of cotton that’s now soaking wet.

“Are you just going to stare at me all evening?”

He grins. “I’m just savoring my meal before I dig in.”

“Well, this meal will get cold if you keep it waiting too long.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure I can warm it right back up.”

He carries me to the bed in his strong arms, setting me down on it.

For a moment, his gaze holds mine then he descends on me like a bird of prey. He bites the lobe of my ear lightly then pecks my neck. I moan. He kisses the valley between my breasts then my breasts, first showering them with reverent kisses and then sucking on them, taking my pebbly nipples between his lips. I shudder.

He moves lower and just in anticipation of his wicked mouth, my sex tingles beneath the drenched cotton, weeping even more when he plants a kiss right on top of it. That’s all he does there, though, moving on to giving me tickling kisses along the insides of my thighs all the way to my ankles.

It’s good but it’s not enough.

“More,” I demand hoarsely.

“Are you sure?” he asks, tugging a pert nipple between his teeth.

I gasp. “Yes.”

Nathan pulls down my underwear, leaving me completely naked. Again, he stares and, for the first time, I become aware of the fact that maybe I should have shaved, something I’ve never done.

He doesn’t seem to mind, though, burying his head between my legs as he utters a single word.

“Mine.”

The next thing I know, his mouth is there, his tongue delivering caresses that make me tremble before it slips in.

Shit.

I throw my head back, burying my fingers in his soft brown hair.

His tongue slips in and out, exploring, stroking, tasting more and more of me. His fingers join in as well, rubbing my engorged clit.

Together, they deliver a well-orchestrated assault, driving me to the edge of madness and ecstasy. I grip the strands in my hand tighter, pulling, wanting more, wanting release.

When it comes, my whole body shatters into pieces, my mind blown away.

I lie still, breathless and eyes sealed shut.

When I open them again, Nathan is standing over me, peeling his clothes off.

Just like that, the haze fades. I sit up, staring at him.

It’s my turn to savor him.

And I do, my gaze burning into every inch of skin revealed.

His broad shoulders.

His sculpted chest.

The dips and curves of his chiseled stomach.

And the eight inches curving up from between his legs.

The thickest, longest and hardest erection I have ever seen.

Shit.

My eyes grow wide.

If only I had a camera right now to capture that perfect body, though something tells me I don’t need a camera to remember it.

It’s embedded in my memory.

Magnificent.

At the same time, though, I feel a pang of worry.

Can my body take it?

Nathan touches my cheek. “Shh. It will be fine. You’ve done this before, haven’t you?”

I want to tell him that I’ve never had anyone this big before. Not even close. There have only been a few, after all.

But I just nod. “Yes.”

“Just open up to me. You want me, don’t you, Sam?”

In answer, I reach out to him, placing one hand behind his neck and wrapping the fingers of the other around his cock.

It quivers, sending a ripple through me.

“Sam, if you do that—”

He doesn’t finish. He doesn’t have to. I know what he’s trying to say.

Reluctantly, I let my captive go, gripping his shoulders as he kisses me.

While his mouth keeps mine busy, his finger slips inside me.

I squeeze it, wanting it deeper.

He pushes in.

I gasp.

He pulls away, grinning. “Now, I’ve got you wrapped around my finger.”

I can’t bring myself to laugh at the pun, my mind turning to mush along with my body.

He slips another finger in, and I lose all control.

I fist the sheets, writhing in delight as his fingers — those wicked fingers — plunge in and out of my core, making me wetter.

Hotter.

“Nathan.” His name escapes my lips as a hoarse whisper.

Like a command, it spurs him into action. His fingers leave me, reaching for the rubber on the nightstand and hastily rolling it on before biting into my thighs.

He lifts them, the tip of his cock nudging the hole he has prepared.

“Let me in, Sam.”

And he pushes in slowly.

I gasp. I cry. I cling to him.

He begins to move. Even through the rubber barrier, I can feel his heat and his thrusts.

My heart races.

The pleasure climbs.

“Shit.”

The curse is the only word I can manage, my mind growing blank as he moves faster.

Deeper.

Harder.

I come, my lips parting to let out a silent scream, my nails and heels digging into his back as my body arches beneath his and trembles around him, shattering into even smaller fragments than before.

Vaguely, I feel him still moving but suddenly, he stops, burying himself deep inside me as he lets out a groan.

And just like that, the pieces of me that are being put back together scatter again, his orgasm causing me to have one more, like an earthquake causing another.

After, I lie still, gasping for air, waiting for my body to feel again, for my mind to start thinking again.

By then, Nathan already has his pants on. He has his back turned to me, and I frown as I see the scars from my nails on either side of his tattoo.

I summon enough energy to get out of bed so I can kiss them.

“Sorry,” I murmur.

“The squirrel has claws,” he says.

I run my fingers over the black ink. “What’s this?”

“Just a souvenir from my time in the Army.”

I blink. “You were in the Army?”

“Just for a year. My dad was in the Army, and I wanted to experience it for myself. But it’s not for me.”

“Where is he now?” I ask bravely.

Blame the courage on the afterglow.

“He died when I was still a teenager,” Nathan answers. “My mom’s gone now, too. She died before she could see me become successful.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.”

I suddenly remember my own parents. Will we ever be okay again?

“What’s wrong?” he asks, turning around.

“Nothing,” I lie. “Just tired.”

“Go to sleep.” The words sound more like an order than a request. “I still have some things to do.”

I want to ask him what, but I yawn instead.

Being tired isn’t a lie, after all. All the exhaustion from the arguing, crying and the sex are sinking in, and I suddenly feel exhausted.

I crawl back into bed, pulling the blanket up to my shoulders. “Good night.”

“Night.”

Chapter 8

Curiosity and the Cat

In the morning, Nathan is gone.

No note on the pillow.

No note on the nightstand.

No breakfast in the kitchen.

Nothing.

And absolutely no sign of him.

It’s almost as if last night never happened, except that the soreness between my legs is proof it did.

Have I just been discarded?

I can just imagine Pam saying ‘I told you so’ and I frown. Surely, it can’t be true.

Or maybe it was true before with other women but not in my case.

Are you sure?

There’s that annoying voice again. It didn’t get the chance to speak up last night so now it’s rearing its head and giving me a lecture.

And it’s even worse than Mom’s lecture.

Because try as I might, I can’t seem to ignore it.

Are you sure he hasn’t discarded you?

I look around the apartment. It’s even more spacious than the hotel suite we went to before, the bedroom in a loft.

A luxurious apartment.

And right now, it’s empty.

Empty.

The perfect opportunity to investigate.

My conscience resists, but my curiosity wins out.

So what if Nathan finds out I’ve been snooping? I deserve to know the truth. Besides, it’s his fault he left me alone.

If I’m careful, maybe, just maybe, he won’t even find out.

After putting my clothes back on, I start with the bedroom, pulling out the drawer on the nightstand.

Just a pile of condoms. Different brands. Different colors. All XL.

Suspicious. Why does he keep so many condoms?

The other drawers in the bedroom are locked so I check the closet, finding a box at the bottom.

Bingo.

There are only magazines in it, though — his stash of porn magazines.

Surprising.

On second thought, not really.

He’s a grown man, after all.

True, some of the pictures in the magazines are far too obscene for my liking, but hey, what do you expect? It’s a porn magazine.

At least, none of the pages seem sticky.

In fact, they seem new, as if they’ve never been read at all.

Still, why keep them?

I put the magazines back in the box, the box back in the closet and move on.

Nothing in the bathroom. Nothing in the kitchen. Nothing in the living room.

All that’s left is the office.

I hesitate. After all, there could be important documents in there. Sensitive documents. And cash.

But it’s not like I’m going to steal, after all. In fact, I promise to behave and not read any of the documents.

Taking a deep breath, I enter. The room is large but there isn’t much inside it — just a lot of shelves, a filing cabinet and a massive but sleek, black desk in the middle.

I check the drawers of those first.

Locked.

The next one is locked, too.

In fact, most of the drawers are locked. I’m about to give up when I feel an envelope hidden behind a row of books on the shelf.

I open it with slightly shaking fingers, my throat going dry as I see the notebook inside — a notebook with pages filled with women’s names, pictures and numbers.

There are no other women in my contacts.

Maybe not in his contacts but there are certainly plenty of them here.

Liar.

It’s enough to make me regret sleeping with Nathan, but then I see the pictures and I start to loathe myself.

They’re pictures of Nathan with various women.

Stolen shots.

Barry’s shots?

But he seemed like he didn’t know Barry. And Barry said he had nothing to gain from showing his pictures to Nathan.

Unless they were both lying.

Nathan had already lied once.

At any rate, it doesn’t matter who took the pictures. The pictures are clearly of Nathan and other women.

And he is keeping them in an envelope hidden in his bookshelf.

Shit.

So, this is what ‘curiosity killed the cat’ means.

Now that I know, I wish I didn’t, the pain in my chest making it hard for me to breathe.

Hastily, I put the pictures and the envelope back in place then I hurry out of the apartment, wishing I had never set foot there.

Pam was right, after all.

***

“I told you so,” Pam says over coffee when we meet at a café a short while later.

The words sting, but I deserve them. I should have listened to her.

I should have been smarter, but no. I fell for Nathan Landers’ tricks.

It’s a good thing I didn’t fall for him yet.

You slept with him, though.

“Shut up.”

“What?” Pam gives me a puzzled look.

“Nothing.” I pick up my cup. “I’m just talking to myself. Scolding myself mostly. So, really, you don’t have to be so hard on me.”

Pam shrugs. “All I said was ‘I told you so.’”

“Twice.” I take a sip.

“Want me to say it a third time?”

I frown. “You would have been tricked, too, if someone gave you a dog shelter.”

Pam’s eyes grow wide. “He gave you a dog shelter?”

I nod. “Sort of.”

“Nah. Dog shelters aren’t my thing. If he got me exclusive interviews with certain people, though…”

“See. You have an Achilles’ heel. Everyone has. He used mine. If he used yours, you would have been fooled, too.”

“Or maybe I would have just used him.”

“Now, why didn’t that occur to me?” I set down my cup. “Oh, right. Because I’m not cold like you. Hasn’t it ever occurred to you that that might be the reason why you’re still single?”

She falls silent, the silence making me feel guilty.

“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.” I sigh. “I really was such a fool, wasn’t I?”

“Yes. Yes, you were.”

I should have scurried away when I had the chance.

“I’m pathetic. I have no romance. I have no family—”

“Whoa. What do you mean you have no family?” Pam’s eyebrows crease. “Did something happen to your parents that you didn’t tell me about?”

Right. I haven’t told her about the argument.

I tell her now.

At the end, she shakes her head and gives a disapproving click of her tongue. “Now, that’s a bigger problem.”

“I know,” I say. “But I don’t think I was wrong. Was I?”

Pam shrugs. “You had a reason to be upset. But were you right to say those things to your father? I don’t know.”

“He was going to sell the truck without telling me.”

“That was wrong. But selling the truck? I’m not sure. It’s true that no one’s using it, after all.”

“You don’t have to use something for it to be important.” I stick out my lower lip as I lean back on my chair with shoulders slumped. “It could just stand for something. Like flags, for example. If you think about it, they’re just useless pieces of cloth, but they stand for something, don’t they?”

“Hey. I’m not the enemy here, okay?” She picks up her cup. “I’m just trying to help you understand your father, which is what you want to do, right?”

Right. “Sorry.”

“I guess what I’m trying to say is your father’s just being practical. Selling Jack’s truck doesn’t mean he’s going to forget all about Jack. In spite of all their differences, they’re father and son. Besides, memories live on in hearts, not in objects.”

I hate to admit it, but Pam has a point.

“Has it ever occurred to you that maybe the truck has just been reminding your father of Jack and of his own failures as a father? Maybe the reason he wants to sell it is because he finally wants to be free of the pain?”

Nope. That hasn’t occurred to me, either.

“Whatever his reasons may be, I don’t think Jack’s truck should get between you and your parents. Jack wouldn’t like that, would he?”

I look at Pam. “Sometimes, I hate you. Do you know that?”

“Because I see things you don’t? Hey, an investigative reporter has got to see issues from different perspectives.”

“And you happen to be one of the best, don’t you?”

She grins. “You’re welcome. Now, go make amends with your parents. I’m sure they don’t want to be estranged from you, either.”

I frown. “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to tell me ‘I told you so’ again sometime soon?”

Pam pats me on the shoulder. “Just think of it as my way of saying ‘all’s well that ends well.’”

***

All’s well that ends well, huh?

I wonder about that as I walk back to my apartment.

Well, frankly, I’m not sure how this is going to end well. I still feel hurt that Jack’s truck got sold, after all.

And I’m sure my dad’s hurt, too, that I said all those things to him. I even disowned him. Well, technically, I disowned myself. But I was still the one who cut the ties.

How can I put it back the way it was? What if he doesn’t want to talk to me ever again?

The moment I return to my apartment, though, my worries vanish.

My mother’s waiting for me outside the door.

“Mom?”

She gives me a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry I showed up without telling you. I actually came to your apartment last night but you weren’t here, so I returned early this morning. I hope you don’t mind.”

“It’s okay,” I say as I open the door.

I don’t mind. I’m just confused.

“But why? What are you doing here, Mom? And where’s Dad?”

“Your father went back to Rumney already this morning. He has some animals to take care of, after all,” she explains as she enters my apartment. “But believe me, dear, he isn’t mad at you. On the contrary, I think he wants you to forgive him.”

I say nothing, picking up Siberia as she comes up to me.

“You will forgive him, won’t you? After all, no harm’s been done.”

I give her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” She sits down, her hands clasped on her knee. “After your heartfelt speech, George decided not to buy the truck and your father took down the ad. He decided not to sell it.”

“He did?” I sit down beside her.

“Your father loved Jack, too, you know. And he loves you.” She places a hand on my shoulder. “Very much.”

“I know.”

“So, you’ll forgive him?” she asks hopefully.

I nod. “He’s my father. In fact, I’ve been thinking that if he wants to sell Jack’s truck, he can.”

Mom looks surprised. “You sure?”

I nod. “Jack wouldn’t want Dad to have a hard time. If he needs the money, then—”

“Actually, speaking of the money, a man called your dad this morning. He was asking if he wanted a loan.”

“A loan?”

“It’s strange because we didn’t apply for a loan, although we were thinking of it.”

Strange indeed. I already know what happened.

Or more precisely, who’s behind it.

There’s only one man with enough money and with ties to banks who might want to help me. Nathan.

“Your father suggested it might have been someone you’re dating.” She pets Siberia as the cat scoots over to her. “He said otherwise, why would a stranger want to help us or even know of our problems? Is that so?”

I shake my head. “I’m not dating anyone.”

Even if it was Nathan, it doesn’t matter. I’m not falling for his tricks anymore, regardless of how elaborate they are.

Mom sighs. “Well, that’s a relief.”

“A relief?” I’m confused. I thought my mom was secretly wishing for me to get married.

“Your father said if someone you were dating was offering us a loan, he must be asking for something in return, something he wasn’t sure he’d want you to give him.”

For a moment, I don’t speak, my father’s words sinking straight to the core.

Something he wasn’t sure he’d want you to give him.

Then as if those words are the nail in the coffin, I break, the tears I’ve been holding at bay since I left Nathan’s apartment flowing free.

I do what I haven’t done in a long time — I cry like a baby in my mother’s arms.

“Sam?”

I tell my Mom all about Nathan amid tears and sniffles — how he exploited my weakness, how he played me like a damn fiddle, how I wish I hadn’t slept with him or ever even met him.

My mom just listens as she wraps her arms around me, stroking my hair as she rocks me back and forth.

“I wish Jack was still here,” I tell her when I’m done crying.

“I know.” My mother kisses the top of my head. “But he’s always watching over you, you know.”

I know. He must be feeling frustrated right now, having been unable to protect me. But I’ll show him I’ll be fine.

Now that I’ve had a good cry, I feel brand new and my mind is clear, my heart strong.

“I’ll be fine, Mom.” So what if Nathan doesn’t need me anymore? I don’t need him. “I still have my job. I’m going to work hard.”

If ever I run into Nathan at a party, I’ll pretend nothing ever happened. I can do that if he can.

“And one day, I’m going to get my dream job. I’m going to travel the world, taking pictures of the most amazing and most elusive creatures on Earth.”

And that will be more than enough.

My mom gives me another hug. “I’m sure you’ll be able to do all that, sweetheart.”

From this moment on, Nathan Landers will be nothing more than a bad memory. And soon, he won’t even be a memory.

Nathan Landers who?

Chapter 9

Not Biting the Bait

“Who’s N.L.?” Mattie asks, reading the card that came with another bouquet delivered to the Prima Vida office, which is currently empty except for Mattie and me, the rest of the staff on assignments.

Another day, another bouquet. This time, roses and tulips sit there on top of the cabinet by the door.

Nathan doesn’t know how to take a hint, does he?

I shrug, my eyes on my computer screen. “Beats me.”

“Oh, come on. Do I look like I was born yesterday?”

She sits on my desk.

“If it didn’t have a name, I’d believe it was a secret admirer.” She waves the card in front of my face. “But this one’s clearly signed ‘N.L.’ with the silhouette of a lion stamped beside it.”

Yup, I’ve noticed.

The nerve.

“Stop it, Mattie.” I try to grab the card, but Mattie holds it beyond my reach.

“So were the other cards,” she says. “On the dozen other bouquets.”

“The ones I returned?”

“Ooh, someone’s playing hard to get.”

“Not hard to get.” I sit down and continue working on my computer. “Impossible to get.”

“He’s persistent. That means he wants you. Badly.”

I roll my eyes. “He doesn’t want me. He wants something from me. There’s a difference.”

“Really? What does he want?”

Good question. What more does he want from me? More sex? Can’t he get that from another woman? Can’t he move on to someone new? What? Does he want to hurt me some more? To make an even bigger fool of me? Haven’t I amused him enough?

I give another shrug. “Beats me.”

“Well, if you tell me who he is, maybe I can talk to him for you. Ask what he wants.”

Not a chance. “No, thank you.”

Mattie frowns. “Why not? I’m good at dealing with men.”

“I know you are. But this one’s different. He’ll devour you.”

She grins. “Now I’m even more intrigued.”

Right. I forgot Mattie loves a good challenge. If she was a moth, she’d probably hover around an open flame just to see how close she can get without getting burned.

“So, tell me.” Mattie goes behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“If you ask me, he’s unlucky because he picked me to mess with. And stupid.”

Mattie ignores me. “N. L., huh? Do I know him?”

“No,” I lie.

“Is he rich? No. Don’t answer that. He’s been sending you flowers, so he must be rich.”

“Um, are you still talking to me? Because I’m trying to work here.”

Again, she ignores me. “Is he older than you?”

I don’t answer. Two can play the pretend-I-don’t-hear-you game.

“Is he married?”

“What?”

Then again, that’s a good question. What if Nathan is secretly married? The more I try to forget about him, the more I realize I never really knew him.

“Divorced? With kids?”

“Mattie…”

“Come on. Just give me a clue. One clue.”

I sigh. “He’s a jerk.”

She pouts. “Gee, thanks. That’s about every guy on this planet.”

“It doesn’t matter who he is,” I tell her. “And it doesn’t matter how many flowers he sends me. I’m not giving him the time of day.”

Mattie sighs. “I almost feel sorry for the guy.”

I snort. “Don’t.”

“And for the flowers. Can I bring this one home?”

“Sure.” I don’t even think about it. “You can have all the flowers.”

“Thanks.” She goes to get them. “I think I’ll show them off and pretend that a secret admirer gave them to me.”

“Whatever.”

I’m just glad to be rid of the flowers. And of Mattie.

Alone at last.

I let my face fall on the keyboard, sighing. Now, if only Nathan would leave me alone as well.

***

I should have known he wasn’t going to leave me alone.

A few days later, on my day off, just after I’ve finished giving Siberia her first meal of the day, the doorbell to my apartment rings.

I answer it and a woman is standing there.

Petite. Brown hair. Full, almond-shaped dark eyes. Pink collared blouse. Black blazer. Black pencil skirt. Stockings. Half-inch heels.

Nope. I don’t have a clue who she is.

“Can I help you?” I ask through the small gap in the doorway.

“Actually, you can. You are Ms. Samantha Willis, correct?”

“Yes,” I answer reluctantly.

She smiles. “My name is Abigail Gomez. Abby. I’m Mr. Landers’ personal assistant. Can I come in?”

I take a moment to digest the lengthy introduction. “Nathan Landers?”

She nods.

I didn’t even know Nathan had a personal assistant. Not that I care.

“Can I come in?” she repeats.

“Um, actually, I’m not sure,” I confess. “You see, I’m trying to cut my ties with Mr. Landers.”

“I know.”

She knows?

“That’s why I’m here. To deliver a gift.”

She hands me a big, shiny paper bag. When I don’t accept it, she opens it, bringing out a stuffed orange tabby from inside.

A stuffed toy cat? Really?

“Mr. Landers thought of giving you a dog, but he remembered dogs aren’t allowed at your apartment. Then he thought of giving you a stuffed dog but thought Siberia might not like it. So, he decided to give you a stuffed toy cat. Oh, and there’s a toy for Siberia here as well.”

Abby scoops out a pack of colorful foil balls.

I’m a little surprised that he remembered Siberia but if he thinks he can get to me through Siberia, he’s wrong.

“I’m sorry, but I think Siberia has enough toys. Is there anything else?”

Abby raises an eyebrow. “Is there anything else you want to have?”

I blink. Is she for real?

“I have better things to do actually so—”

“I also have a message to deliver.”

I cross my arms over my chest and lean on the doorframe. “Okay. Let’s hear it.”

“Mr. Landers told me to tell you that there are already a few dogs in the dog shelter. You might want to pay them a visit.”

The dog shelter? Surely, Nathan doesn’t think I’ll fall for the same trick twice.

“He also told me to tell you that he’d appreciate it if you would please return his phone calls. He’d very much like to see you again.”

You mean he’d like to sleep with me again.

I snort. “And he can’t say all this himself?”

“Well, he couldn’t reach you—”

“And of course, he’s too busy to come here himself.”

“Well, if that’s what you want, I can tell him—”

“You know what? Tell him this for me.” I stand up straight. “Tell him I don’t care what he does with his life, but I happen to have one, too, and I’d appreciate it very much if he dragged his fucking ass out of it and stayed the hell away from me.”

I slam the door, breathing deeply as I lean on it.

That felt good.

At least until I realize I just lashed out on an innocent stranger.

Shit. What did I just do?

I open the door. Abby is still out in the hall, texting someone on her phone.

Thank goodness.

I walk toward her. “Um, Abby?”

“Yes?” She turns her head.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

“It’s fine.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s not. None of this is your fault.”

“It’s fine,” she repeats. “I’m used to taking responsibility for things that aren’t my fault.”

That makes me feel even more guilty.

“It must be tough working for Nathan Landers.”

“It is,” she admits. “But I can deal with him.” She sighs. “It’s dealing with his women I don’t like.”

Women.

“Have you told him that?”

Abby shakes her head. “Other than that, he’s a good boss. True, he can be a little grumpy sometimes—” She lowers her voice. “Don’t tell him I said that.” She resumes her normal tone. “But he’s reasonable. And efficient. I work hard, but I know he works harder.”

“He didn’t send you to tell me about his good points, did he?”

“No,” she answers quickly.

“Don’t worry,” I assure her. “I won’t tell him a thing. Actually, I don’t intend to say anything more to him.”

“Can I ask why?”

I lean my head back. “I guess I’m just another woman.”

She nods. “Well, yeah. He’s been with a lot of women. I actually thought you were different, though.”

I look at her. “What made you think that?”

“Well, I’m usually sent to deal with his women, tell them to stay away from him, blackmail them, bribe them.”

“That’s horrible.”

“It’s the first time I’ve been sent to deliver presents.”

Really?

“But I guess a leopard can’t change his spots, huh?” Abby asks.

I shake my head. Nathan can’t fool me any longer. “No, he can’t.”

To my surprise, she puts a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry for what he did.”

“Hey, you already do a lot for him. Don’t apologize for him, too.”

Abby smiles. “You know what? I like you.”

“Funny. I feel the same.” I glance back at my apartment. “Hey, what do you say we go inside and have some coffee?”

She smiles wider. “I’d love that.”

See. I don’t need Nathan. There are plenty of better, nicer people in the world to keep me company and work to keep me busy.

For sure, I’ll be able to move on.

Or so I thought.

Chapter 10

Ruffled Feathers

The Talbot Mansion sits in the middle of acres of land, its grand architecture towering over the trees.

I’ve never seen it with my own eyes before, only on the cover of a magazine. I take a moment to appreciate it now, taking in the marble balustrades of its balconies, its brick chimneys and French windows before walking around the grounds with my camera.

It’s the birthday of Virginia Talbot, the matriarch of the Talbot family. Mattie and I have been invited not only because the Talbots are a family of philanthropists and politicians, but also because Carlisle Talbot, the second eldest son, happens to be my boss’ good friend.

There aren’t too many people yet, but I can already spot some familiar figures.

The peacock and his wife, the hen under a tree. The vulture by the fountain. The hyena by the refreshments table.

Or the camel.

I shake off that comparison, suppressing the memory of that conversation.

No, the hyena. And the mink. And…

Casey Rockford.

Shit.

Slowly, discreetly, I back away, taking pictures here and there so that the camera can conceal my face.

It’s no good, though. As soon as I put down the camera, she walks toward me with a slender redhead in tow, her eyes narrowed in disdain.

She’s noticed me.

Worse, she’s recognized me.

You stand out even when you don’t want to.

Shit. So far, her father hasn’t made any requests to have me fired but that could change tonight.

Time to make a not-so-discreet escape. I look around quickly then make for the gap in the hedge.

“Where are you going?” Mattie asks, noticing me fleeing. “I’ve heard Mrs. Talbot is about to come out of the house. And her daughter told me her outfit is worth a quarter of a million dollars, and she’ll auction it off afterward.”

“Restroom break,” I hastily mumble, not stopping. “I’ll be right back.”

Mattie frowns. I can tell she’s considering accompanying me to make sure I do come back and in time but then the hen talks to her, making her discard that idea.

Now, I just have to worry about Casey.

I go through the gap and make my way through the hedge maze. At the end, I reach a pool and I sit on a chair, out of breath.

Well, it seems I’ve lost Casey.

Why am I even running away from her? I didn’t do anything wrong. Nathan kissed me without my permission. I didn’t want him to.

And what about the kisses after? And the sex? You didn’t want those, either?

I sigh.

Right. Even though I shudder to think of it now, no matter how much I regret it, I ended up being one of Nathan’s women.

Whereas Casey never was.

And she probably blames me for it, so it’s best to stay away from—

“There you are.”

Casey emerges from behind the hedge with her friend right beside her.

I quickly stand up, a lump forming in my throat.

“M-Miss Rockford?” I say, stuttering.

“This is the woman Nathan dumped you for?” her friend asks with raised eyebrows.

Dumped?

I swallow. “I think there’s been some misunderstanding, Miss Rockford.”

“Really?” Casey puts one hand on her hip. “Are you saying you weren’t the one Nathan was kissing at that gala earlier this month? And don’t you dare say you didn’t enjoy it.”

“I was but I didn’t—”

“She doesn’t even deny it.” Casey’s friend steps forward, interrupting me. “What? Do you actually have feelings for Nathan?”

“I don’t. I—”

“Do you think he’s going to marry someone like you?” Casey’s friend stops right in front of me, grabbing my ID. “Samantha Willis, huh? Prima Vida magazine. Archibald Media.”

“Archibald?” Casey asks.

Shit. Now, she knows who I work for. Not good.

I snatch my ID away.

Her friend just chuckles, her nose turned up as her gaze sweeps me from head to toe.

She’s a snooty hawk — no, a duck pretending to be a hawk.

And she’s starting to get on my nerves.

“You’re not from a rich family, are you?” she asks.

Are you? I want to ask. I don’t even know who she is, after all.

I hold myself back, though.

Calm down, Samantha. Show some class. Don’t stoop down to her level.

“No, but—”

“What’s with this thing around your neck?”

Duh? “Um, it’s a camera.”

“A camera? You’re a spy?”

Um, spies don’t have big cameras hanging from their necks. Besides, didn’t she read from my ID that I work for a magazine? Either her short-term memory is much shorter than average, or she didn’t understand what she read.

She’s even stupider than a duck.

“No, I’m a photographer.”

She snorts. “So you say.”

Bitch.

“For all I know, you’re just using that camera so you can get close to Casey and Nathan.”

So, she admits she’s not one of the rich and elite.

“You mean like you’re pretending to be rich, smart and classy just so you can be friends with people like Casey?” The words slip.

I can’t help it. A person can take only so many insults.

Once I start, I can’t stop.

“You’re just trying to impress her, aren’t you? That’s why you’re acting all sassy with me. Why? So she’ll keep taking you on shopping sprees? So you can keep getting manicures and massages for free?”

She gasps.

Yup, she’s not the only one who knows how to say something insulting.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I actually am a professional photographer,” I continue. “If you want, I can take a picture of you right now. Not that I think it will get published. After all, I’m not really sure anyone knows who you are.”

She puts her hands on her hips. “I’m Denise Glenn, Casey’s friend.”

I mirror the gesture. “Oh, is that all?”

Her arms fall to her sides, her fists clenching along with her jaw.

Boy, is she mad now!

What? Is she going to slap me? Pull my hair? If she does, she better be ready because I’m not going to back down.

This squirrel is going to bite and scratch.

She doesn’t do any of those, though. Instead, she takes a deep breath, her gaze going to my camera.

“Give me that thing.”

I step back, my hands instinctively shielding my camera.

Anything but my most prized possession.

“No.”

“Come on.” Denise steps forward. “I just want to make sure it’s working. What’s there to be afraid of? Unless, of course, it’s not working and you’re really lying about being a photographer.”

Lying? Didn’t she see my ID?

“Well?” She extends her hand.

Liar or no liar, there’s no way I’m going to hand over my camera, especially not to someone who doesn’t even know what a camera is.

“No,” I repeat. “Surely, you’ve had enough education to understand those two letters.”

Again, she seethes. “Give it to me.”

“No.”

“I said give it to me.”

“And I said no.”

“Why, you…”

She reaches for the camera around my neck, and I do my best to hold on to it while freeing it from her fingers.

“Give it to me,” she demands, tugging.

“Let go.” I pull back, holding my camera tighter.

That goes on for a few seconds — her pulling and me pulling back harder.

You can do anything you want to me but no one, and I mean no one, takes away my camera.

She sure isn’t giving up. Shit, she’s strong.

But I’m smarter.

Suddenly, I stop pulling, sending her reeling back. She falls ungracefully to the grass, her arms getting dirty.

Oops.

Casey rushes to her side to help her, then glares at me. “My father and my brother will hear about this, Samantha Willis.”

I smirk, savoring my victory for a moment, but stop once Casey’s threat sinks in.

Oh, shit. I’m in a load of trouble now.

***

“Mr. Archibald will see you now,” Henry’s secretary, Lisa, announces.

I get up from the couch where I have been nervously fidgeting with the tassel of the throw pillow for the past half hour.

I’ve been nervous since last night, actually, hardly able to sleep and eat. I’m even more nervous now as I head inside Henry’s office, doing my best to keep my hands from shaking and my teeth from chattering.

But there’s nothing I can do to keep my heart from pounding.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the lecture.

I know there’s going to be one, probably the same one Nancy and Mattie gave me. But this is the most important of all.

After this lecture, I’m going to find out my fate.

“G-good afternoon, Mr. Archibald,” I greet him as I step in the room.

“Ah, Samantha.” He looks up from his phone and smiles.

He’s smiling?

“Please sit.” He gestures to one of the empty chairs in front of his desk. “I must say that was quite a party yesterday, wasn’t it? The food was great. The women were fabulous. The wine was divine.”

I feel confused. Isn’t he going to get mad at me?

“As usual, the Talbots know how to throw a party. And I believe you had fun, too, didn’t you?”

I hold my breath. Here comes the lecture.

“Honestly, Samantha, I’m surprised.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“And impressed.”

Impressed?

“I didn’t know you’d made such strong connections while covering these parties. I must say it’s clever. I told you to use this job as a stepping stone and you definitely have.”

My eyebrows crease. “I don’t understand.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.” He pushes a sheet of paper toward me. “Anyway, you won’t be working for Prima Vida anymore.”

My heart sinks. “I’m not?”

I knew it. He’s going to fire me.

“In two weeks, you’ll be working for Seeker.”

“Seeker?”

I can’t believe it. Seeker is the company’s adventure magazine, focusing on quiet getaways, secret destinations, natural retreats and wildlife encounters.

In short, it’s the magazine I’ve been wanting to take pictures for, the reason why I joined the company.

It’s my dream job.

“You’re assigning me to Seeker?”

It’s too good to be true.

“Yes.” Henry nods. “I believe your first assignment is somewhere in Cambodia.”

“Cambodia?”

Now, my heart is racing for a different reason.

But then my mind catches up.

Wait. Why am I suddenly being assigned to the Seeker?

“Did someone resign?” I ask curiously.

“No. We created this opening just for you.”

Just for me.

“Don’t you want it?”

I do. Oh, God, I do, but there’s something holding me back.

The knowledge that this couldn’t have happened just because of me.

“Does this have something to do with what happened yesterday?”

“In a way,” Henry answers. “Truthfully, Allen Rockford wanted me to fire you on his daughter’s request and I was going to, but then I received another phone call.”

Another phone call.

“Let’s just say your connections paid off.”

I frown.

In all my months covering parties, there’s only one connection I’ve made.

Nathan.

“So, I guess I should congratulate you.” Henry offers his hand. “And clear your desk. You won’t be needing a desk anymore.”

I nod, absently shaking his hand.

Fine. I’ll clear my desk.

But first, I have something else to clear.

Chapter 11

Lion’s Share

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you go upstairs,” says the blonde, snub-nosed receptionist in the lobby whose name tag reads Sarah with another shake of her head.

Ever since I came up to her and told her I wanted to see Nathan, she’s been shaking her head, unconvinced by every argument and plea I’ve presented. Even the one-woman-to-another appeal didn’t work. She’s still cold as ice, straight-laced as that white blouse she’s wearing.

“Fine.” I sigh. “If you can’t let me go upstairs, then ask Mr. Landers to come down here.”

“I’m sorry, Miss.” Sarah still has the same expression. “But that is out of the question.”

“Can you at least tell him I’m here? If you only tell him that Samantha Willis is—”

Another shake of the head. “Sorry, Ms. Willis, but I can’t do that. Mr. Landers is very busy and—”

“Oh, I know he’s busy,” I interrupt, running out of patience. “Though he apparently still has time to send me flowers and try to call me. Do you know how many times he’s tried to call me? I don’t know. I’ve lost count. But if he finds out I was here and you didn’t let me see him, I’m sure he’s going to be very upset.”

“Perhaps you can call him then?”

I pout. Really? If I could, I would have, but I’ve already deleted his number.

“Look, if you can just—”

“Mr. Landers gave strict orders that no woman is to bother him while he’s at work at any time.”

No woman, huh? Now I get it. This has happened before. Sarah thinks I’m another of those annoying women who just can’t get over Nathan.

“I think you’re misunderstanding something, Sarah. I’m not here to try to sleep with your boss or steal a kiss or any of that. I’m here to speak to him about something very important.”

“Sorry, but it doesn’t matter what the reason is. I just can’t let you go up.”

God, I feel like strangling her. “Now, listen to me, Sarah. I—”

“Sam?”

I turn my head at the familiar voice then sigh in relief. “Abby.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see Nathan. There’s something important I absolutely need to talk to him about. But Sarah here won’t give me a guest pass.”

Sarah looks at Abby. “Mr. Landers’ orders are—”

It’s all right, Sarah,” Abby cuts her off. “I’ll take it from here.” She turns to me. “Well, as it so happens, Mr. Landers’ 5:00 meeting just got cancelled. That’s why he’s sending me home early.” She sneezes. “And because he probably noticed I’m coming down with a cold.”

“Bless you,” I tell her. “You poor thing. Then you don’t suppose you could…?”

“I’ll accompany you upstairs,” Abby says.

I almost jump up and down.

Instead, I hug her. “Oh, Abby, thank you. Thank you so much.”

She gives another sneeze. “Come on. While I can still stand.”

I follow Abby to one of the elevators, taking deep breaths until it reaches the seventeenth floor. At least the elevator isn’t completely enclosed — one side is built of glass and I can look outside the building, so I’m not as scared as I usually am.

Once the doors open at the top floor, Abby steps out, and I follow her all the way down the hall. At the end, sliding doors lead to a large room, comfortable couches and chairs and overflowing magazine racks on either side. There’s a water dispenser as well, along with a coffee dispenser and two decanters filled with bronze liquid. My guess? Whiskey.

A waiting room. Judging from the drinks and the magazines, most of the people who wait here wait a long time.

And some of them probably need something strong before facing Nathan.

That makes me a little scared, but I hold my chin and shoulders high.

I’m already here. I’m not leaving until I speak to Nathan.

There’s another set of double doors — wooden this time. Abby knocks on one of them. Four quick raps.

I hear a beep, and the light on the door just below the knob turns green. Abby pushes it.

“Abby?” Nathan says in a puzzled voice from inside.

At the sound of that familiar voice, my heart skips a beat. And I scold it.

He used you, remember? Now, get a grip.

“There’s someone here to see you,” she says, holding the door open and gesturing for me to come in.

I take a deep breath and go past the doors.

“Who—?” Nathan stops talking as he sees me, his eyes wide. “Sam?”

Why does he have to be so good-looking?

“I’ll be leaving now,” Abby says, closing the door.

Nathan stands up. “Sam, I—”

“Just sit down,” I tell him, stepping forward. “And stay there. I’m not here to kiss and make up or anything. I’m just here to talk.”

“You mean get mad at me.” He sits down and leans back, running his hand through his hair before tucking it under his square chin. “Go ahead. If I recall, you’re most attractive when you’re out of control. I mean, when your temper is out of control.”

That was no slip of the tongue. That was deliberate.

He’s trying to seduce me.

Thankfully, I’m not the frightened little squirrel I was before. This time, I’m an experienced, more confident…

Wildcat.

“I…”

“While you’re at it, you might want to explain why you returned my flowers and gifts but not my calls.”

So, I’m the bad guy now?

“What? You haven’t figured it out?”

“Does it have something to do with the envelope you found in my office?”

He knows?

“Or more precisely, the pictures and the book inside?”

He does know.

“I can explain.”

There’s an explanation?

I shake my head.

Focus, Sam.

“I’d rather you explain something else,” I tell him. “Why did you tell Henry to assign me to Seeker?”

“Henry? Oh, you mean Henry Archibald.”

I narrow my eyes. “You know exactly who I mean.”

“So, he assigned you to the Seeker? I’m glad he lived up to his end of the bargain.”

“Bargain? What bargain?”

He looks away. “Just business.”

My fists clench. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“You’re welcome.”

Ugh, he is so infuriating.

“I can take care of myself. I don’t need you to clean up my mess.”

“You mean the mess you made with Casey Rockford? She’s still pissed, you know, but don’t worry. She won’t bother you anymore.”

I don’t even want to know what he did about Casey.

“Like I said, I don’t need your help. I can take care of myself. And I sure as hell can get my dream job on my own.”

“Really?” He leans forward, elbows on his desk. “It’s a competitive world out there. If you ask me, it’s wise to accept favors. Climb the ladder however you can.”

“Well, maybe that worked for you, but I prefer to climb the ladder with my own hands and feet.”

“Sometimes, you have to sacrifice your pride in order to succeed.”

“Say those who do not have enough pride.”

“Why?” He stands up. “Why is it that you refuse to take anything more from me?”

“You mean more bullshit?”

He comes around his desk toward me. “Is that all I’ve given you? Haven’t I given you something else? Something good?”

He’s in front of me now, so close I can smell his cologne and feel his body heat washing over me.

Too close.

I take a step back, suddenly feeling like a cornered kitten. “Didn’t I tell you to stay away?”

“Why? Because if I come near you, you’ll be tempted to throw yourself right into my arms? Because if you look into my eyes, you’ll remember how good it felt for me to fuck you and want more?”

Without warning, the memory returns, my skin tingling as heat rushes through my veins.

“I shouldn’t.”

“Shouldn’t, or don’t want to?” He takes my chin in his grasp. “What are you so afraid of, Sam?”

I don’t answer. I can’t. My throat feels so tight I can barely swallow, and my chest feels so tight I can barely breathe.

“I know.” He strokes my cheek, the pad of his thumb making me blush more furiously. “It’s not me you’re scared of, Sam. You’re scared of yourself. You’re scared that once you fall, you won’t be able to get up again, that once you lose yourself, you won’t get it back.”

My eyes grow wide. “How did…?”

“You want to know how I know?” he whispers in my ear. “Because I feel the same way.”

That surprises me even more. Nathan is scared, too?

His gaze holds mine and for the first time, I see the flicker of fear in his eyes. It’s just a flicker, though, all too soon banished by a bigger, sturdier flame: the flame of lust.

Like before, it lights my own.

Already, my body has remembered his, wanting him, preparing for him. My breasts swell against the pads of my bra, my sex growing moist with something other than sweat.

A chemical reaction. Plain and simple.

And something I can’t fight against.

His eyes narrow. “Fall with me, Sam.”

His lips are on mine, his tongue delving into familiar territory, reclaiming me.

He tastes like coffee and something minty. Delicious. Intoxicating.

At first, I bang my fists on his chest. I try to push him away, but it’s futile.

He’s too hot.

And he’s right.

I was afraid of falling. But not anymore.

Fall with me.

I kiss him back as I place my arms around him, and he kisses me more fiercely, his tongue sending delicious heat all the way to the tips of my toes.

Damn, I’ve missed this.

He hoists me on the edge of his desk, his fingers working on the buttons of my blouse as his mouth continues to keep me busy.

His hands find my breasts. I gasp.

He pushes up my bra, the pads of his thumbs grinding against my nipples that quickly push back.

I moan.

He kisses me harder, grabbing my ass and pulling it closer to the edge so that another part of his body can grind against me.

A bigger, harder part.

Even through all the layers of fabric, I can feel its length, its heat as it rubs against my sex, its quivers of desire.

He wants me.

Badly.

That knowledge sends a thrill through me.

“See what you do to me,” he murmurs as the kiss breaks, the words coming out in a gravelly whisper.

I push against him, bolder now. “I can feel it.”

He frowns. “I don’t know if I can be gentle. It’s been too long.”

I shake my head. I’m no longer afraid. “Don’t be. Just let go.”

I whisper in his ear, “Take me.”

At first, he grimaces, torn between his thoughts. Then he shakes his head.

“Fuck it.”

He takes me off the edge of the desk, turning me around and bending me over it. I feel my pants and my underwear drop to my knees.

I hear the sound of a zipper being pulled down.

Then I feel him.

Gripping my hips, he enters me with one thrust.

I moan, my fingers raking the surface of the desk.

That first thrust is followed by another and another.

Harder. Deeper. Faster.

Incredible.

My knees shake, my clothes falling to my ankles.

I can no longer speak, the air in my lungs not enough to fuel speech. Only moans and gasps escape past my lips even as tears brim my eyes from the intense pleasure.

I can’t… take it… anymore.

My orgasm rips through me like a knife, sharp and quick.

When it is over, I’m turned around and shoved on top of the desk, my legs up in the air.

“Cum… ming.”

Those two strained syllables, that dazed look in Nathan’s eyes and the feel of his cock throbbing inside me as his orgasm seizes him sends me into my second.

And this time, it’s longer.

The longest orgasm I’ve ever had.

When it’s over, I lie limp and completely out of breath, vaguely feeling Nathan pulling out and carrying me to the couch.

For a while, I lie still as I gasp for air, my mind blank and my vision blurred. Then it hits me that we’re still at the office, and I scramble to clean up and get dressed.

I can’t believe we just had sex in his office.

I can’t believe we just had sex.

“Explain,” I tell him as I put my pants back on.

“Explain what?”

He’s already behind his desk, going through the pile of papers on it as if he didn’t just fuck me there.

“You said a while ago that you could explain the pictures and the phone numbers.”

“I can,” he says. “I keep track of the women I sleep with. That way, if they try to cause me trouble after, I know how to deal with them.”

“Trouble?”

“They get clingy. They try to get money out of me. They spread rumors about me.”

My eyes grow wide. “That’s horrible.”

He looks at me. “Not every woman is like you. In fact, I don’t think there’s another woman like you. That’s why I… why I don’t want to lose you.”

I realize I don’t want to lose him, either. So, have I forgiven him?

Well, technically, there’s nothing to forgive. As far as the evidence goes, all those women were in the past, after all, and he did give me a good reason for keeping their pictures and contact numbers.

If anyone must be forgiven, it’s me.

I was jealous. I didn’t trust him.

From now on, I’m going to.

I reach for his hand. “Shall we go home?”

“If you mean go back to my apartment and have sex some more, my answer is yes.”

I smile, blushing. Sure, I’m still recovering, but hey, if he wants some more later, I’m sure I’ll manage.

He’s not the only one who wants to make up for lost time.

“I’m all yours tonight.”

Chapter 12

A Pair Takes Flight

“Good morning,” I greet Nathan as I enter the kitchen in one of his white shirts, yawning as I place my hand on top of the granite counter.

Nathan gazes at me from behind it. “Well, look who’s finally up.”

I pout. “Hey, it isn’t my fault I was up all night.”

He grins. “Slept well?”

I nod.

It’s true. After I’m not sure how many rounds of sex — and I mean mind-blowing sex — we had last night, I conked out, sleeping like a log. I can’t even remember the last time I slept so soundly.

Now, nine hours later, I feel reinvigorated.

And starving.

I walk over to the counter where Nathan is plating the pancakes and bacon.

I close my eyes, inhaling the sweet and salty aroma. “Smells good.” I open my eyes. “Looks good, too.”

“Thanks.” Nathan sniffs his arm. “I did take a shower.”

“Not you, silly.” I give him a playful nudge. “Though you do look good in that apron.”

“And you look good in that shirt.”

“What, this old thing?” I look at the oversized white shirt I’m wearing. “Thanks.”

He chuckles.

I take a strip of bacon. “Don’t you have work today?”

“I just have to drop by the office for a few hours this afternoon.”

“I see.”

“Then I’ll meet you for dinner. I’ve got something special planned.”

“You do?” Now, I’m excited. “Can you give me a clue where we’re going or what we’re doing?”

“No.” Nathan shakes his head. “It’s a surprise.”

I pout.

“But I’m sure you’ll love it,” he adds.

I smile. “I can’t wait.”

***

“So, what? You’re going out with Nathan Landers now?” Pam asks.

Once again, we’re having coffee at our favorite café, which is currently packed and bustling, and once again, she’s acting like my mother instead of my best friend.

Actually, she’s worse than my mother.

My mom rarely scolds me or gets mad, and is patient and loving, doing her best to understand me. Pam, on the other hand…

“Sam, we’ve already talked about this.” She lets out a sigh. “I thought you’ve already learned your lesson.”

“I’ve learned my lesson, all right. And that’s to never jump to conclusions again or to be so quick to believe what other people say.”

Pam frowns. “You mean what I say.”

“I mean other people,” I repeat. “I was wrong about him, Pam. He’s not a bad person.”

“And I was wrong to expect you to start using your head more than your heart,” she says. “You’re not thinking straight, Sam. Again. Actually, you’re not thinking at all.”

“I am thinking straight,” I argue.

“Really? Did you sleep with him last night?”

“Um, yes.”

“Then you’re not thinking straight.”

I lift my shoulders. “What does that have to do with it?”

“It’s the sex talking. Not you.”

I frown. “You know, maybe if you had sex a little more often, you’d be less cranky and skeptical.”

“Ouch.” She picks up her cup of coffee. “That confirms it. He’s a bad person. I mean, look at what he’s done to you. He’s turned you into this mean bitch.”

“Sorry,” I tell her quickly.

Pam may scold me a lot, but she is my best friend.

“I just… I wish you’d trust me on this. I wish you’d give Nathan a chance. He really isn’t a bad person.”

“So, womanizers are saints now?”

“I’m not saying he’s a saint, just that he’s not all bad. And he’s not a womanizer anymore.”

“So he says.”

“I trust him. Won’t you trust me?”

Pam says nothing.

“I’d really love to have my best friend’s support, you know. It would mean the world to me.”

Pam sets down her cup and sighs. “I wish I could but…” She stops suddenly.

“But what?”

She doesn’t answer and this time, I can tell her silence is a meaningful one. This usually means there’s something she wants to tell me but doesn’t want to upset me.

“What?” I ask again, curious.

“Never mind,” she says.

“Pam.” I look at her insistently.

She gives another sigh. “You say you trust Nathan. But do you even know him? Like, really know him?”

Now, I’m really curious. And worried.

“Pam, what are you not telling me?”

Again, with the silence.

“Oh, no. You’re not going to leave me hanging here. Now, spill the beans.”

She looks at me. “Fine. Do you remember Elaine? She’s a news writer just like me.”

“No. Why?”

“Well, she’s working on this story about the trade on rhino horns. You know that’s illegal, right?”

I nod.

“Of course, you do. You’re the animal expert.”

“Pam.” I try to steer her back on track. “Cut to the chase, will you?”

Pam takes a deep breath. Moment of truth.

“Well, the name of Nathan’s company came up.”

My eyebrows crease. “Landers Innovations?”

“That is his company, right?”

“Are you saying his company is involved in the illegal trade of rhino horns?”

“And possibly other poached goods.”

I shake my head. “Absurd. Landers Innovations is in the tech industry. Why would he deal with wildlife goods?”

“I was wondering the same thing. Then I remembered how Landers Innovations developed an app for tracking wildlife.”

“They did?”

“It’s not too well-known, but I found a few articles on it,” Pam answers. “What if it’s a cover-up, Sam?”

I don’t even entertain the thought. “No. There’s no way Nathan would be involved in something like this. Why would he be? He’s already making enough money from his products.”

“Enough money? Do you really think businessmen can have enough money?”

“You’re wrong, Pam. You were wrong about him before, and you’re wrong about him now.”

“This is not an opinion, Sam. This is a fact.”

“Well, it’s wrong. Your friend’s facts are wrong.”

“I looked into them myself, for your sake.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

Pam exhales deeply, looking down. “As I thought, your mind is clouded.”

I, too, sigh as I get up and grab my purse. “I have to go. I still need to rest.”

This conversation has proven exhausting.

She picks up her cup. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“It’s not a warning,” I insist. “It’s an attempt to bring him down, to ruin what he and I have.”

“I—”

I look at her. “I was really hoping you’d support me, you know. But it’s fine. We’ll do just fine, even without anyone’s support.”

“Sam…”

I don’t listen. I don’t look back.

I leave the café, leaving my best friend behind for the first time.

It’s fine.

True, my heart is heavy, but I’m not mad at her, really. Pam’s just being Pam. I’m just sad that we had to argue. But then, even best friends argue sometimes.

At any rate, I’m not going to think about it. Not right now.

I have a date to prepare for with the man who’s everything I ever dreamed of and more.

I wonder what surprise he has in store for me.

***

“Now, open your eyes.”

I obey Nathan’s command, clasping a hand over my mouth as I gasp in wonder at what he’s prepared.

A candlelit dinner just for the two of us on the deck of the yacht, the sea glistening beyond us, and the stars sparkling above.

Romantic.

Perfect.

He puts an arm around me. “Like it?”

“How can I not?”

“I actually thought hard about this. I thought about bringing you to a zoo, but something tells me you don’t like seeing animals in cages.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Then I thought of bringing you to a restaurant inside an aquarium, but I was afraid you’d feel stifled. You’re claustrophobic, aren’t you?”

I look at him. “You’ve noticed?”

“Of course I have, since that first elevator ride.”

“Really? Sorry.”

Nathan shakes his head. “There’s no need to apologize for what you fear. Anyway, I figured I’d bring you somewhere open. And this occurred to me.” He gestures toward the sea. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Of course.” I give him a light kiss on the cheek. “Thanks.”

He grins. “Don’t thank me just yet.”

I smile, my heart that hasn’t even slowed down yet skipping a beat.

There’s more?

He grabs my hand. “Shall we eat?”

I go with him. “And while we do, why don’t you tell me more about yourself?”

Of all the things Pam said, she was right about one thing — I don’t know Nathan all that well. But that’s going to change after tonight.

After tonight, nothing is going to come between Nathan and me.

***

“You got thirteen stitches?” My eyes grow wide in disbelief.

He shrugs. “What can I say? I was young and reckless.”

“And stupid,” I add.

“That, too.” He takes a sip from his glass of wine. “Aren’t the stupidest moments of our lives some of the most memorable?”

“You mean we can’t just forget them even though we want to? Like they just surface when we least expect them, and then we end up either laughing out loud or grimacing and wanting to hit our heads against a wall?”

He looks at me. “What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?”

“Me?” I pause to think. “Well, I once stole chocolates from a box in the fridge.”

“That’s not stupid.”

“It certainly felt like it after my mom scolded me.” I take a sip from my own glass. “Oh, and there was a time I tried to milk a cow and the milk ended up squirting all over me instead.”

“Hmm.” Nathan’s eyes narrow. “A milk-coated Samantha.”

“Shut up.” I punch his shoulder playfully then sit back and look up at the stars. “It all seems so long ago now.”

“You mean you’ve come so far.”

I shrug. “I guess.”

He looks at me. “So, what are you going to do about that new job assignment?”

I give another shrug. “I really haven’t thought much about it.”

“You still don’t want to accept it because I arranged it?”

“You didn’t have to, you know.”

“I couldn’t have you fired because of me.”

“Because of you?”

“That’s why you and Casey were fighting, right?”

“Is that what she told you?”

“That’s what someone told me.”

I wonder who. “Well, you were misinformed. It wasn’t even Casey I was fighting with. It was her friend, Denise. And we fought mostly because she was trying to get my camera.”

“Why?”

“She was just being mean. Just picking on me.”

“Because she had heard you were with me, and she doesn’t approve.”

Sometimes, I forget he knows women so well, probably because I want to.

I sigh. “Fine. It’s all because of you. And then you felt guilty so you decided to ask my boss to give me my dream job. Couldn’t you have just convinced him not to fire me?”

“I didn’t want a repeat of your… squabble.”

“Squabble?” That’s the best word he can come up with?

“Neither did the Rockfords. You had to be transferred. I just offered a suggestion. Everyone seemed happy with it.”

“Everyone but me.”

His eyes meet mine. “Are you still unhappy?”

“No,” I answer. “Just confused. Like I said, I haven’t really thought about it.”

He takes another sip of wine. “Have I been distracting you?”

I chuckle. “You have such a big ego, don’t you?”

“It’s not the only thing big about me.”

I blush. “I know.”

Boy, do I know.

Just the thought of it is enough to make me feel a stronger heat than the one from the alcohol.

“Now, before you get all excited, and we get carried away, I have something to give you.” He sits up. “Close your eyes.”

“Again?”

“Unless you don’t want another surprise.”

I close my eyes, my mind racing as I try to guess what else Nathan has in store. A present, clearly. But what? A bottle of perfume? Car keys? A watch? A necklace?

A diamond ring?

I feel something thin and light on my palm.

What’s this?

“Now, open them.”

I immediately do, seeing a map in my hand.

A map?

Wait. It’s not just any map. It’s a map of… Kruger National Park.

Holy shit.

“Is this…? Are we…?”

I can’t even form sentences anymore, my excitement too much to handle.

Nathan chuckles. “That’s right, Sam. I’m going to Africa for a conference and I’m bringing you with me.” He plants a kiss on my cheek. “We’re going to Africa.”

Chapter 13

Return to the Jungle

Africa.

The world’s second largest continent.

A vast expanse of diverse natural landscapes.

An adventurer’s paradise.

An animal lover’s dream destination.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve dreamed of coming here, of watching the lionesses hunt, of feeling the earth shaking beneath the hooves of the wildebeests and majestic elephants, of hearing the leaves in the trees rustling as the monkeys swing from branch to branch.

Now, I’m here.

Even as we enter the vast national park that is the first in South Africa and one of the largest game reserves in the continent, I still can’t believe I’m here.

Everywhere I look, my eyes grow wide with wonder, and sometimes, I have to put down my camera just so I can admire the beauty and the scenery with my own eyes and capture it in my heart.

Incredible.

“So, how does it feel to actually be looking at animals instead of just imaging people as them?” Nathan asks, breaking the silence that’s been lingering over the backseat of the jeep.

He’s been quiet mostly, but I can tell he’s been watching me.

“Great,” I answer, tucking a few strands of hair that have been floating in the breeze behind my ear. “They’re even more magnificent than I thought they’d be.”

“You haven’t been able to take your sparkling eyes off them. I’m starting to feel jealous.”

I look at him and at the pout I see on his lips, I immediately feel guilty. I’m aware I haven’t been paying much attention to him since the plane landed. And to think he’s the one who brought me here.

“I…”

“Just kidding.” He gives me a quick kiss. “I want you to have the time of your life while we’re here.”

***

“These pictures are perfect,” Nathan says as he goes through my slideshow of the day.

While Nathan is busy with his conference, I roam the park on foot, on a bicycle and in a jeep with a private guide.

Sure, I wish he were with me, seeing the things I’m seeing, but with my trusty camera for company and an endless array of landscapes and creatures to snap pictures of, I’m more than happy.

I’ve never taken so many pictures in my life, some taken carefully for my portfolio, others snapped without thinking just to capture the moment, my finger pressing the shutter on its own.

The more pictures I take, the more I realize these are the pictures I should really be taking, and the voice inside my head telling me to accept the job at the Seeker grows louder.

Why am I even hesitating? It’s what I’ve been dreaming of, right?

So what if Nathan helped me get it? I’m still qualified, and I sure as hell am going to prove I deserve the job.

But that’s not the problem. The problem is what I’ve feared all along: heartbreak.

If I accept the job, I’ll be away from Nathan most of the time. He’s busy. I’ll be busy. We’ll be miles apart. We’ll fall apart.

It’s not pessimism. It’s reality.

The question is, can I handle it?

“What’s wrong?” Nathan asks, both of us lying beneath the sheets and behind the lace canopy in our air-conditioned bedroom. No matter how tired we both are, we always make it a point to spend time with each other.

“Nothing,” I answer quickly. “Just thinking about that job offer.”

“You’re wondering if you should accept it, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I admit with a sigh. “I was just thinking, it isn’t bad to do this on a regular basis.”

“Not bad? Wasn’t it your dream?”

“I know. It’s just…”

Should I tell him?

No. If I do, he’ll just try to encourage me to accept the job even more. Nathan isn’t the kind of man who wants to stand in the way of a woman’s dreams.

I want to make this decision on my own.

“I need more time to think about it,” I say.

“If you say so. By the way, I have something to tell you.”

“What?” Why is it that I get so jumpy each time he says that?

“There’s a party tomorrow night to wrap up the conference. I’d like to bring you.”

Bring me? To a gathering of corporate executives and their snobbish wives?

Yes, I’m used to attending parties by now. But this time, I’m not going as a photographer. I’m not covering the party.

I’m going as Nathan’s date and meeting his colleagues for the first time.

“Hey.” Nathan squeezes my tense shoulders. “It’s not the end of the world. It’s just a party. You’ve been to a lot of parties, haven’t you? Just think of this as another one.”

Yeah, right.

“Just think of the others as animals like you always do. This is Africa, after all.”

Very funny.

“You’ll be just fine.”

“I don’t know. I…” I try to come up with a hasty excuse. “I don’t have anything to wear.”

“Oh, is that all?” Nathan grins. “Don’t worry. I happen to have just the thing.”

***

He happened to have just the thing?

Just this exquisite jade gown, the color of which happens to set off my auburn hair perfectly and the size of which fits me just right? In his suitcase?

Bullshit.

Nathan planned for this party all along. He planned to show me off from the beginning.

That thought scares me even more.

I try to conceal my fear, though, as I walk into the crowded pavilion on Nathan’s arm.

Animals can smell fear.

Indeed, I’m following Nathan’s advice and thinking of them as animals again.

Lions. Leopards. Zebras. African buffalos. Hippos.

This way, I can genuinely smile at them, even though my heart is pounding like a drum and my knees are quaking beneath my gown.

Some of them smile back, though it’s probably just the Flehmen response (like when a dogs snarls, raising its upper lip) — gauging the atmosphere and smelling the air to see what’s afoot. Others stare and watch me like monkeys with curious eyes, waiting for me to do either something spectacular or something funny. As for the rest, I swear I can hear them snarling.

I try not to mind. I’m not here to please or entertain anyone.

I’m here because Nathan asked me to be.

He leads me around the pavilion, introducing me to his colleagues and the heads of other tech companies. I get to meet some of his company’s executives for the first time, as well.

“Finally, we meet the enchanting Samantha Willis,” Shawn, the head of Nathan’s marketing department, who I liken to a baboon, says. “We’ve heard so much about you.”

Really? I didn’t know Nathan had been talking about me.

“All good things, I hope.”

“Wonderful things,” he answers, turning to the man beside him. “Right, Alfred?”

Alfred just nods. A quiet guy, uncomfortable with crowds. A cheetah?

“Alfred is the head of Tech Research,” Nathan informs me. “And this man here…” He puts his arm around the shoulder of a man with black hair and eyes. “Is my VP, Edgar Brooks. He’s been with me since I started the company.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Edgar shakes my hand.

I look at him. A jackal? Or a hawk?

“We got our MBAs together,” Edgar chips in. “I guess you can say I’m the closest thing Nathan has to a best buddy, though he’ll never admit it, of course.”

“I’ll admit that when you admit I’m better than you at golf,” Nathan says.

“Well, I’m pleased to meet you,” I tell him. “I’m glad to know Nathan has such a reliable second-in-command.”

“I like her.” Edgar grins.

Nathan clears his throat.

“I’m merely saying she’s a keeper,” Edgar clarifies.

“That she is.” Nathan smiles. “Well, enjoy the evening, gentlemen. And make sure that presentation is ready for tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Shawn answers.

“Tomorrow?” I ask as we walk away. “I thought today was the last day of the conference.”

“It is,” he confirms. “But we’re still meeting someone tomorrow.”

“I see.” I don’t know why, but I suddenly remember what Pam said. “Is it true that your company developed a program that helps track wildlife?”

Nathan seems surprised, but answers. “We did, for a wildlife conservation society. That society has since fallen apart, though, and the program is no longer in use.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate.”

“How did you know?”

“I just… stumbled across it… recently.”

Technically, that’s not a lie and thankfully, he believes me and drops the subject. “Let’s get some refreshments, shall we?”

***

The rest of the evening goes smoothly, even more smoothly than I anticipated.

Up until my stomach decides to act up and threatens to expel its contents all over my gown. Probably something I ate.

As a result, I have to leave the party early and return to the lodge. Nathan stayed because he still has some things to discuss with some people. I think it’s good that I left. I feel like I’m only getting in his way.

Thankfully, I feel better shortly after returning to the lodge. I still want to take some medicine, though, just to make sure, and so I start looking through my things.

When I don’t find any medication among my things, I look through Nathan’s.

Who knows? He might happen to have some medicine in his suitcase just like he happened to have my gown.

I don’t find any, though. He probably didn’t expect anything like this to happen.

Instead, I find an envelope.

Another envelope.

Are you fucking kidding me?

I put it down and walk away, telling myself that this time, I’m going to resist temptation, but I find myself going back. This time, there aren’t any hidden cameras and I’m just going to take a peek.

Yeah, right.

Soon, I’m reading the documents, most of them boring, but one of them catches my attention.

A receipt about the sale of rhino horns.

Shit.

So, Pam was right then? Nathan is involved in something like this?

No.

Even with the document right in front of me, I refuse to believe it.

I can’t.

I need to find out the truth for myself.

And thankfully, I just happen to be in Africa.

Chapter 14

Taking the Bull by the Horns

I’m not an investigative journalist.

I didn’t study journalism like Pam did. I don’t own a voice recorder. I don’t know the etiquette about interviewing someone. I don’t know the first thing about conducting an investigation.

I do know how to ask questions, though, and thankfully, I read a few mystery books when I was younger, so I set out to do exactly that, eager and hoping to get some clarity.

As soon as Nathan leaves for some other business meetings, I exit the resort with my guide, Fumbe. Instead of asking him to accompany me in taking pictures, though, I ask him to help me ask questions, promising him a hefty tip.

With his help, my so-called investigation leads me to a village where I meet a European missionary named Therese shortly before noon.

The best part? She can speak my language.

“Thank you for seeing me,” I tell her as I shake her hand.

“No problem,” she says with a sweet smile. “It’s not like I have anything better to do right now. Besides, new friends are always welcome.”

She ushers me inside her hut. “Tea?”

“No, thank you.”

I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t want to risk upsetting my stomach again by trying something unfamiliar.

“How long did you say you’ve been here again?” I ask as I look around the hut.

“Eight years,” she answers. “Two in this village. We travel around.”

I nod. “That’s a long time.”

“Other missionaries have returned home, but for me, this is my home. The people here are my family.”

“It’s very kind of you to help care for them.”

She shakes her head. “It is an honor to serve.”

I pause, suddenly remembering Jack. He, too, was selfless, only intent on helping the animals.

“You said you wanted to ask some questions.”

“Yes.” Enough with the small talk and the reminiscing.

Focus, Sam. You’re conducting an investigation here.

“Have you ever heard of a company called Landers Innovations?”

“No, I’m sorry. I’ve never heard of it. Should I have?”

“It’s fine.” Next question. “Are you aware of rhino horns being sold around here?”

“Of course, I am,” Therese answers. “We’re all aware of it. We can’t do anything about it, though. The poachers… there are so many of them. And some of the rangers have been paid off, too.”

There’s a curse on the tip of my tongue, but I decide to leave it there since I’m in the presence of a missionary.

I settle for a frown. “That’s sad.”

“It truly is.”

“Do you know who pays the poachers and the rangers? Who buys the horns?”

Therese shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t. All I know is that there are many of them. They come from all over the world. They think the horns are a source of power and prestige or some sort of cure. And it’s not just the horns but the tusks, too.”

“I know. So, there are many of them? Dozens?”

She shrugs. “I fear that as long as there are rhinos and elephants, they will continue to come.”

Despicable. Don’t they know that rhinos and elephants need their horns and tusks to defend themselves? To make matters worse, most of the poachers even kill the rhinos and elephants instead of just taking their horns because that’s more convenient for them.

“And no one dares stand up against them?” I ask.

Therese, too, frowns. “Like I said, there’s nothing we can do. But there was a group of people who tried to stop the poachers. I think they were vets.”

“Vets?” If I was a dog, my ears would be standing at attention.

“Veterinarians. There were about twelve of them, I think. But sadly, they all met an unfortunate end. Some say they were cursed, but I believe they were just unlucky.”

“Did you meet them?” I ask eagerly.

“I did once. In a way, they were missionaries, too. And they were a lively bunch.”

“Is this one of them?” I bring out my phone and show her the picture.

She throws me a puzzled glance. “I think so. Is he your…?”

“Brother,” I tell her. “His name was Jack Willis. He was a vet — part of a group of volunteers who came to Africa to treat sick and wounded wild animals.”

“Yes. I think that’s the same group.”

“I heard the group no longer exists. I just assumed some of them went home. But you say they all met an unfortunate end?”

“I believe so.”

“So, they all died of malaria?”

“Heavens no,” Therese tells me. “Some of them did die of sickness but some of them were killed by poachers, and I think one of them was killed by a wild animal.”

My face falls. “That’s terrible.”

“Did your brother die of a sickness?”

“Yes.” I nod slowly. “They sent his ashes home.”

“Ashes?” Therese looks surprised. “I thought they sent the bodies home. The villagers rarely burn the bodies of their dead. They do so only if there’s a serious disease or if the dead person was evil. Burning is considered dishonorable.”

I, too, am surprised. “But isn’t malaria a serious disease?”

“Not really. It is quite common. When I said serious disease, I meant Ebola or something like that.”

And yet, his ashes were sent home.

“Would you know if the bodies of the others were sent home?” I ask, more puzzled than ever.

“I’m afraid not. Maybe. Maybe they burned the bodies because they were easier to transport that way.”

Maybe. Even so, I can’t help but feel uneasy. Something feels off, and I want to find out what.

“Do you think you can give me directions to the village where he once lived? I might be able to learn more there.”

“Sure.” Therese nods then draws something on a piece of paper. A map. When she is done, she hands it to me.

“Your brother’s name was Jack Willis?”

I nod.

“I will pray for him.”

“Thank you.”

I leave the hut, looking at the map.

Strange. I came here to find out about Nathan’s involvement with the trade of poached wildlife goods, but I find out about Jack instead.

Jack.

***

“They don’t remember the names of the vets,” Fumbe explains after chatting with a few villagers. “They only know they were cursed.”

I sigh, recognizing a wall when I bump into one. “But they lived here?”

He nods. “Their hut still stands at the far end of the village.”

“It does?” Now, there’s something to go on.

“They said they tried tearing it down but they could not. They believe it is haunted.”

Haunted?

“They dare not approach it. It would do you well to stay away from it, too. Besides, it’s getting late. We should go back.”

I nod, but my mind is already made up.

I’m not afraid of ghosts. I’m more afraid of living my life not knowing what really happened to my brother.

“Wait here. I’ll only take fifteen minutes.”

I make my way to the hut and, taking a deep breath, I enter. It is already dusk so it’s dark inside. I bring out my flashlight, using it to look around.

The place isn’t so bad. Actually, it’s quite neat.

As I shine my light on one of the walls, I see pictures on it — pictures of my brother and, I’m guessing, his friends. In one of them, he is with a monkey infant. In another, he is dancing. I take them, thinking I’ll show them to my parents.

As soon as I put them inside my backpack, I hear a noise. I jump, dropping my flashlight. I’m afraid there’s a snake or something worse inside the hut, but it’s just a rat.

I heave a sigh of relief. Still, I tell myself to hurry. Where there are rats, there could be snakes.

There’s an old backpack in the corner. I take a peek inside.

A shirt. A blood-stained shirt.

My brother’s shirt.

I gasp in horror.

Some of them were killed by poachers.

Then I see the journal just under the shirt. I open it.

It isn’t my brother’s handwriting, but there’s a picture of my brother inside it.

With a woman.

His girlfriend?

I read the last entry, dated May 2014.

Two years ago. A month before Jack’s death.

Someone came to our hut again today. One of those bigwigs who pays the poachers. An American. Tall with brown hair. He says he’s from Landers Innovations. Never heard of it.

I hold my breath.

He wants us to stop getting in his way. But Jack says we won’t stop. Not even if a few others have died. He threatens us. I don’t like him. He’s scary. But Jack doesn’t back down. Finally, he leaves. I hope we never see him again. I hope he’ll leave Jack and I alone.

For a while, I stare at the page, unable to move as I wait for the words to sink in. When they do, I clasp the journal tightly to my chest, tears trickling down my cheeks.

Nathan, what have you done?

***

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Nathan says when I confront him in the evening. “I never met your brother.”

I hold the journal in front of his face. “But it says here that you did.”

He throws his hands up in the air. “It’s a lie!”

“And is it also a lie that Landers Innovations is involved in the trade of poached wildlife goods?” My voice nearly croaks as I hold back my tears.

Nathan pours himself a glass of Scotch. “I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

“You’re right. You shouldn’t have. Then maybe I could have lived without ever discovering that you had my brother killed. That’s what you did, didn’t you? You had him killed.”

He doesn’t answer, drinking his liquor.

“You had my brother killed,” I repeat. “Just so you could keep butchering those poor rhinos and elephants and sell their horns and tusks for money. And don’t you dare deny it. The name of your company is in this journal, and I saw the documents.”

“I see. You’ve been snooping around again.” He turns his back to me. “I thought that you trusted me now.”

“I did trust you. That’s why this hurts so much.” The tears break free.

“So, you hate me now.”

It’s not a question but a statement.

“How can I not? If not for you, Jack would still be alive.”

He throws the glass on the floor, sending glass and Scotch splattering. “Fine. If that’s what you think.”

I don’t understand. “What do you mean if that’s what I think?”

He turns his back to me. “No matter what I say, you won’t believe me anyway, right? And for a moment there, I thought you loved me.”

“I did—”

“But you still think the worst of me. You still think I’m despicable, don’t you?”

What is he saying? Why am I suddenly the bad guy? Shouldn’t he be apologizing? Why is he getting mad at me?

“You had my brother killed.”

“If that’s true, then I’m a very dangerous man, don’t you think? Do you think it’s wise to test my temper?”

I can’t believe what I’ve just heard. Did he just threaten me?

“Go. Leave me alone.”

“Nathan…”

“Go home and leave me the hell alone!”

I fall silent, shocked by his raised voice.

I’ve never heard him shout at anyone before.

Not wanting to hear it again, I obey, hurrying to pack my things. As soon as I’m done, I leave the lodge, asking someone to take me to the airport. I don’t know where else to go, and suddenly, I can’t wait to go home.

I can’t wait to get out of Africa.

It isn’t paradise, but a hell, where innocent animals are slaughtered by the dozens every day to fuel man’s greed, and innocent people are treated no better than the animals.

It’s also the place where I’ve lost the two men I’ve loved most of all.

In all my life, I’ve never felt so alone.

Chapter 15

I Smell a Rat

“I wish you were here,” I say to Pam over the phone, still sniffing after sobbing uncontrollably for hours. “I wish I’d never come to Africa.”

I’m at the airport lounge where I spent the night, waiting for the next available flight, which I’m told could still be tomorrow evening.

I don’t mind. I just want to go home.

“Oh, I wish I was there, too, so I could give you a hug,” Pam says. “But I’ll just give you one at the airport when you come home, okay? Once you know your flight details, send them to me so I can pick you up and bring you home.”

She’s my best friend, all right.

“Thanks, Pam. And I’m sorry about before.”

To think I almost lost her because of Nathan. To think I chose to believe Nathan over her.

“Shh. It’s okay. Like I said, you weren’t thinking straight.”

I shift my phone to my left hand so I can blow my nose. “I still can’t believe he killed my brother.”

“Elaine didn’t say anything about a murder.”

I pull another wad of tissue. “Do you think you can ask her to send me what she knows?”

“Sure. I’ll ask her right now.” I hear the clicking of a few keys.

“Thanks, Pam. Have I ever told you you’re my best friend?”

“Um… I think so, but you can say it again just for the record.”

I chuckle. “Well, you are.”

“There. I’ve sent Elaine a message. I’ll send you her reply when it comes.”

“Thanks again.”

“By the way, I know this is probably not what you want to hear right now, but I saw Henry today, and he said you haven’t signed your contract. Are you still going to?”

“I don’t know.”

Now, more than ever, I don’t know. I don’t want to accept any more favors from the man responsible for my brother’s murder. On the other hand, working for the Seeker might just be my ticket away from Nathan and the perfect therapy for my broken heart.

“Okay. Just hang in there, all right?”

I blow my nose. “I’ll do my best.”

“Oh, and one last thing. Did Nathan actually admit to Jack’s murder? I just can’t remember if you said he did.”

I pause to think. “Um, I don’t think so. But it’s clear, isn’t it? Why?”

“Nothing. You know me. I’m a nitpicker.”

“You’re a journalist, so you have to be.”

“It just seems like your story is based more on opinion than fact, and it’s not really objective.”

“Are you saying I’m wrong?”

“I’m just saying your story should be more thorough, more polished. At least, I’d say that if I was your editor.”

“Well, thank goodness you’re not.”

“Thank goodness. Anyway, I’m sure Elaine has the facts. Just sit tight and be careful, okay? Don’t go looking for any more trouble.”

“I won’t,” I promise.

“See you soon. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I hang up and put my phone in my purse.

Thank goodness for friends.

Speaking of friends, it would be nice if Abby was here, too, but Nathan didn’t bring her. Probably because he didn’t want her to discover his secret, either.

Did Nathan actually admit to Jack’s murder?

Fine. If that’s what you think…

I shake the cobwebs of doubt away. No. I’m not wrong. Nathan had Jack killed. If he didn’t, he would have tried to explain what was really going on. He would have given me proof he was innocent.

I’m not wrong.

I get the journal from my backpack, deciding to read it again just in case there’s something I’ve missed.

Gwen’s journal. By now, I know that she was Jack’s girlfriend, even though he never mentioned her to me.

So, my brother kept secrets from me, too, huh?

And judging from Gwen’s entries, they loved each other so much. Too bad they never got married.

And it’s all Nathan’s fault.

I open the journal. As I do, the pictures fall out.

Right. I put the pictures that I got from the hut there. I look at them now, smiling back at their smiling faces. They looked so happy. Just as Therese said, they were a lively bunch.

A lively bunch that met an unfortunate end.

The last picture is the one that was in the journal to begin with — the picture of Gwen and Jack, both wearing matching beaded bracelets.

Looking at it now under brighter lights, I see something I haven’t seen before — a date written at the bottom of the picture with a black marker.

May 30, 2014.

A date written in my brother’s handwriting.

There’s a smudge at the top right corner as well. What’s more surprising, though, is that the smudge comes off.

That’s strange. Does that mean it’s recent?

Impossible.

Just then, I get a message on my laptop. I put it on my lap, opening the message. It’s the forwarded message from Elaine.

That was quick.

There’s a lot of information, files on each of the volunteer veterinarians, though they’re incomplete because she’s still going through her investigation.

I open Miguel’s file. His ashes were sent home about five months before Jack’s. As for the rest, their bodies were sent home.

Except Gwen’s. Her ashes were sent home, too.

Wait. Gwen’s ashes were sent home around the same time as Jack’s?

So, they died around the same time? Then how come Gwen’s last entry was in May? Why did Jack write ‘May 30, 2014’ on the picture?

There’s something else bothering me. If Jack was the last to die, who sent his ashes home? Who burned his body? The villagers? But Therese said they didn’t like burning corpses.

Something doesn’t add up.

And it bothers me.

Very much.

I have to clear things up.

Gathering my things, I leave the airport, deciding to return to Jack’s hut one more time.

One last time.

Don’t go looking for more trouble.

I won’t, I tell Pam’s voice in my head. I’m just looking for more answers.

***

I make it to Jack’s hut without anyone knowing, just like before.

I sneak in through the front door, turn on my flashlight, and start taking pictures.

This way, I won’t miss a thing. If there are any more clues, I’ll find them.

Suddenly, I stop at the corner, realizing something.

The backpack isn’t there.

That’s weird.

Then I hear a sound. Another rat? Or is it a snake this time?

The voice in my head tells me to leave, but I decide to investigate the source of the noise. Not only am I curious, but if it proves to be nothing, then I can continue snooping around in peace.

If it proves to be something, though…

I grab a stick with my other hand, preparing to use it as a weapon.

Slowly, I go to the room where the sound came from, hearing another. Then, taking a deep breath, I jump in.

I stop, my heart seemingly having stopped as well as I stare at the last person in the world I expected to see.

The person I never thought I’d see again.

“Jack?”

Before he can speak, I feel a sharp pain on the back of my neck, and in the next instant, everything turns to black.

Chapter 16

Nocturnal

When I open my eyes again, I find myself in a small, wooden hut, one just big enough for two. And it’s fairly empty, the only piece of furniture being a stool in the corner.

Whose hut is this?

I look at the door. It’s made of dried leaves bundled up together, which means I can easily get out.

Thank goodness.

Or so I think until I realize my hands are tied to the posts behind me.

Shit.

What on earth is going on?

I try to remember what happened.

Right. I was at the airport. I called Pam. Elaine sent me those files. Then I went to Jack’s hut and…

Jack.

“Jack!” I shout at the top of my lungs.

I know he’s supposed to be dead, but I also know what I saw.

My brother is alive.

Moments later, someone comes in through the door. It isn’t Jack, though, but a large man with dark skin and tattoos, my camera hanging around his neck.

My camera.

“Who are you?” I ask him.

“The man who knocked you out,” he answers.

A lump forms in my throat, but I swallow it. So much for thinking about asking for my camera back.

“Where’s Jack?”

“I don’t know anyone by that name.”

All right. So maybe he changed his name. Any man pretending to be dead would do the same.

“The guy with the brown hair and the mole near his left eye,” I describe. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know,” he answers. “And I don’t like questions.”

I stop.

“Good,” he says. “I’ll get you some food. You can shout all you want. No one will hear you.”

I nod.

He leaves, coming back with a bottle of water and a bowl of… charred meat and fresh leaves.

“Eat,” he orders.

“Um… I can’t.” I tug at the ropes.

He frees one of my hands. “Try anything funny and I’ll knock you out. And when you wake up, you might be horrified with what you find.”

A fair warning.

He leaves and I eat. I realize I’m hungry, after all.

The food isn’t bad. Some meat and vegetables. More meat than vegetables. The vegetables are a bit bitter. The meat is grilled. A bit burnt. But it’s fine.

Something tells me I’m going to need my strength.

As I eat, I think about Jack.

Where is he? Obviously, he faked his death. But why? What is he still doing here in Africa?

Does he have something to do with my abduction? Does he know my captors? If so, why didn’t he ask them to let me go or, at least, to treat me more kindly?

There’s only one way to know. I have to talk to him.

He doesn’t appear, though. Only my bear-like jailer comes in to get my bowl and give me some sort of basin to use as a toilet.

Yeah, right.

The hours pass. It gets dark.

I wait for dinner. It doesn’t come.

I worry. Have they decided I’m not worth fattening up? Is someone going to kill me soon?

The door opens again, and a man with a flashlight comes in.

At first, the light gets in my eyes, but as it is pointed somewhere else, I see who my guest is.

Not Jack, but another person I never expected to see — a man with black hair and eyes that I met not too long ago.

Edgar Brooks, Nathan’s right-hand man.

What is he doing here?

“Ah, we meet again, Ms. Willis.” He grins. “Though, unfortunately, under less pleasant circumstances.”

“What do you want with me? Where’s Jack? Where am I?”

He chuckles. “So many questions.”

But he doesn’t intend to answer any of them.

Just then, the door opens again and this time, it’s the person I’ve been wanting to see.

“Jack!”

It’s him — my brother! He may have long hair now, but I’d still recognize him anywhere.

Jack, however, doesn’t seem to recognize me.

Edgar grins. “I see you know my friend here.”

“Friend?”

“Remember when I said I’d heard so much about you. Surely, you don’t think Nathan was the one who told me. He never tells me anything. It’s Jack who did. He never told me you could cause trouble, though.” Edgar gives a disapproving click of his tongue. “You should have just stayed in America. At the very least, you should have stayed at your lodge and waited for Nathan to fuck you. What will he say when he finds you gone? He’ll be devastated for sure. Not that I care.”

I shudder at the word gone, but then, I realize something.

Edgar doesn’t know Nathan and I fought. He doesn’t know I accused Nathan of murdering my brother and getting involved in the trade of poached wildlife goods.

And Nathan doesn’t know I’m here.

Nathan has nothing to do with my abduction.

Or any of this.

American. Tall with brown hair from Landers Innovations.

The pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

I glare at Edgar. “You’re the one who’s dealing with the poachers, aren’t you? You’re the one who’s dabbling in the trade of rhino horns and elephant tusks.”

“Well, it is a lucrative business. And Nathan doesn’t pay me enough.”

“Nathan doesn’t know, does he?”

And to think I accused him. No wonder he looked so offended.

What have I done?

Edgar shakes his head. “Just as I feared, you know too much. You know what that means? We’ll have to kill you.”

“You promised not to hurt her,” Jack finally says.

So, he does recognize me. And he still cares about me. But why is Jack with Edgar?

“We can’t very well let her go,” Edgar says. “If this whole thing blows up, I’m not the only one who’ll suffer the consequences. Or have you forgotten we’re partners?”

Partners. So, they really are working together. But why? Why would Jack work with someone who’s trying to kill off rhinos and elephants? It doesn’t make sense.

Then again, pretending to be dead doesn’t make sense, either.

I have a feeling there’s something more complicated going on, but I don’t ask. With Edgar around, I have a feeling Jack won’t tell me anyway.

“I have an idea,” Jack says. “We’ll let her go.”

“What?” Edgar’s eyebrows crease. “Didn’t I just say—?”

“We’ll set her loose out there in the savanna,” Jack continues, glancing at me. “Tonight.”

Wait. What? Has he forgotten what animals are out there? That’s practically a death sentence.

Edgar seems to think so, too, because his thick lips curl into a grin. “I like that idea. It seems fun. Let’s do it.”

No. I look at Jack, trying to plead with him to do something, trying to understand what he’s thinking.

Unbelievable. And to think I looked up to him all these years, that I fell apart when I thought he had died.

Is it possible I never truly knew my brother?

“Your brother died a long time ago.” Edgar is the one who answers, patting Jack on the shoulder. “This man here is a ghost.”

He’s right. I don’t recognize this man.

Edgar smirks. “Sorry, princess, but there’s no one to save you now. Not your beloved brother or your precious boyfriend.”

I glare at him as I struggle against the rope around my wrist, wanting to strangle him.

He chuckles, the sound as detestable as nails scratching a chalkboard. “If I were you, I’d save my energy. It’s going to be a rough night.”

***

Hours later, the guy in tattoos gets me out of the hut, loading me on the back of a jeep. Jack is in the driver’s seat, completely ignoring me. Edgar is in the passenger seat.

The drive is quiet and long.

They’re looking for the perfect place to drop me. Meaning the place where I’m most likely to end up getting eaten.

The jeep stops, and I’m shoved off, given only a bottle of water.

I look at it. “Really?”

“You’re not going on a safari, are you?” Edgar asks. “That’s all you need.”

I frown then look at the camera the tattooed guy is still wearing around his neck like a medal.

“Can I at least have my camera back?”

Edgar touches his chin. “Hmm. Why should I?”

“It will help make her death look accidental,” Jack tells him.

Thanks, Jack.

“Fine,” Edgar says. “Give it back.”

The tattooed man frowns but obeys.

“It’s not like your camera is going to be of any use,” Edgar tells me. “Besides, I’ve removed the card.”

Not of any use? Maybe he’s right. But I still feel better with my camera.

And I’d rather die with my camera than without it.

“You should be thrilled,” Edgar goes on. “Jack here told me you love animals, so being eaten by one will be a great way for you to go.”

His every word disgusts me.

He’s right about one thing, though. I love animals. I know all about them. I’d rather deal with them than despicable humans. Who knows? I may even have a higher chance of surviving them.

Wait. Is that why Jack suggested this instead?

I try to catch his gaze, but he doesn’t look me in the eye, looking at the steering wheel as he murmurs, “Goodbye.”

Edgar is the one looking at me, a wide grin on his face. “It was nice knowing you, though sadly, this is where we part ways. Don’t worry about Nathan. I’m sure he’ll find another woman to comfort him.”

He laughs, the sound lingering in the air as the jeep drives off.

My hands clench into fists at my side.

I’m going to make that asshole pay.

But first, I must survive.

I look up. Thankfully, the moon is bright and almost full so I can make out my surroundings.

Although that also means the other animals can see me better.

Calm down, Sam. You can do this.

I take a deep breath. If I panic, I’m already dead. I have to stay calm and keep my head clear and my senses sharp.

Think, Sam.

That is my advantage — my brains. I’m the smartest creature in this savanna. If I remember all I know, if I can think clearly and quickly, I’ll be able to survive.

I will survive.

My brother believes I can. So, I will.

I look around. A wide, open space. Only a few trees dotting the landscape.

Good. I may have a better chance of surviving here than in the jungle, though I have to be wary of rhinos and hyenas because I can’t easily climb a tree.

I look to my right, hearing the sound of running water. A river.

I have to go further inland. I don’t want to run into hippos or crocodiles.

I walk slowly, quietly, carefully, keeping an eye out for snakes and for a long stick that I can use as a weapon in case a snake does come after me.

I find one, pick it up, and keep walking. I don’t run. Running will only make the predators think I’m interesting prey.

When I get tired, I rest behind a termite mound.

I’m feeling a little sleepy, but I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want to risk being bitten by a snake or eaten by a leopard.

Thankfully, I haven’t seen any of those. I see a few baboons, zebras and antelopes in the distance, but none of them seem to be interested in me.

Lucky.

Or did Jack drop me off here on purpose, knowing I would be safe?

Suddenly, my lucky streak breaks as a pair of gleaming eyes stare at me from a few feet away.

A lion.

A real lion.

I freeze.

Not on purpose, though it’s the right thing to do.

Keep very still, Sam.

The lion stares at me. I stare back.

He starts moving toward me. I stay still, holding my breath.

Please don’t eat me. Please…

He stops right in front of me as I hear a vehicle approaching. He dashes off, and I turn my head. At first, I can’t see who’s in the vehicle because of the glaring headlights but when I do, I clasp my hands over my mouth in disbelief.

Chapter 17

Silverbacks

“Nathan!” I put my arms around him as a new wave of relief washes over me.

“Shh.” He puts a finger over his lips. “There are still predators lurking around.”

I nod.

Right. Now that Nathan is here with me, though, I feel completely safe, as if nothing can harm me.

He’s my lion, after all.

“How did you find me?” I ask curiously.

“I placed a tracking device on your camera.” He points to it. “I know you’d never go anywhere without it.”

I look at the device. So, my camera saved my life, after all.

“When it showed that you were in a remote village, I knew you were in trouble. I started looking for you.”

I’m not sure I like the idea of being tracked like some sort of animal, but hey, it just saved my life.

“Thanks,” I tell him. “You know what? You always seem to know just when and where to find me.”

Like that time in the gardens of the Marriott and outside my apartment.

“And I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier. I let my emotions get the better of me. Again.”

“You should only let that happen in bed.”

I pause. Really? He’s thinking about sex at a time like this?

“But it’s fine.”

“No, it’s not,” I say. “Your company has been dragged into some very nasty business. And it’s all Edgar’s fault.”

“I know.”

I blink. “You know?”

“Ever since we came to Africa, I’ve been hearing things. I’ve actually been investigating on my own.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me? Why did you…?”

“I realized things were getting dangerous. That’s why I said I shouldn’t have brought you. That’s why I wanted you to go back home.”

So, there is an explanation, after all.

You’re such a fool, Sam.

“Did you also find out my brother’s alive?”

“He is?” Nathan’s eyes grow wide.

So, he doesn’t know.

“I still don’t know what his reasons are for pretending to be dead or why he’s working with Edgar—”

“He’s working with Edgar?”

I nod. “But I know there are reasons. I want to find out. I want to talk to him.”

“I’ll leave him to you,” Nathan assures me. “As for Edgar, I’ll deal—”

Suddenly, Nathan stops. I do the same, turning my head as I hear a jeep approaching.

The same jeep that brought me here.

It still has the same passengers — Jack, Edgar and the tattooed guy. And it stops right in front of us as Edgar steps out.

“Did someone mention my name?”

I frown. How on earth does he know what Nathan and I were talking about?

Unless…

“Don’t tell me you put a tracking device on me as well.”

“A sophisticated one, I might add,” Edgar says. “The same one we programmed for that wildlife conservation society. I had Dave here put it under your collar earlier while you were unconscious.”

Dave. So that’s his name.

“Unconscious?” Nathan asks, his jaw clenching.

“Didn’t your girlfriend tell you Dave here knocked her out?”

Nathan’s fists clench as well. “You’ll pay for hurting her. And for dragging our company name through the mud.”

“If you live, that is,” Edgar says. “Don’t you want to know why I put a tracking device on her? It’s because I knew you’d come for her. And it’s you I want to get rid of, really.”

He gives a whistle, and Dave charges at Nathan like a gorilla.

No.

Nathan dodges just in time and fights back, throwing a fist at Dave’s jaw. Dave evades it and punches back but Nathan bends, swiping at Dave’s stomach and landing a solid hit.

Right. I forgot Nathan was in the Army.

Still, I’m worried about him as Dave is larger and seemingly stronger.

What if Nathan loses? What if he dies?

Trust me.

I’ve failed to trust Nathan twice before. I’m not going to make the same mistake.

I know he can handle Dave. I know he can. And surely, there must be something I can do, too.

Seeing the gun on Edgar’s belt, I pounce on him. I manage to get the gun and throw it away, but he grabs my shoulders after, pinning me to the ground.

“Why, you little…”

I kick him in the groin and run toward the gun. Just when I almost have it, he catches up to me, pinning me to the ground once more and placing his hands around my neck.

Shit.

“Sam!” Nathan calls out, but he must still be busy fighting off Dave because he doesn’t come to my rescue.

And I’m badly in need of rescue as my throat is getting crushed, my lungs becoming slowly deprived of oxygen. I claw at the ground at my sides and try to reach for something I can use as a weapon. I try to pry his fingers off me. But it’s no use.

Help… me…

Just then, I hear the gun being cocked. Jack has it.

“Let her go,” he orders.

Edgar obeys, getting off me. “Now, now, you’re not going to shoot me after all we’ve been through, are you?”

Jack doesn’t lower the gun. “I’m not going to do as you say anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Edgar steps toward him. “I never asked you to do anything. You’re the one who said you wanted to work with me, remember?”

I don’t believe it. Yet, the look on his face tells me it’s true.

“Jack?”

“I’m sorry, Sam. I—”

He doesn’t finish as Edgar takes advantage of his moment of weakness to try and get the gun from him. They fall to the ground, wrestling, while all I can do is watch and wonder who has the gun.

Then I hear it go off.

Bang!

Jack rolls off Edgar, clutching his belly.

“No!”

I run to his side as Nathan runs toward Edgar to get the gun from him while he is still in shock. From the corner of my eye, I see Dave unconscious.

Nathan’s safe. I’m safe.

But it doesn’t matter. Jack is dying.

“Jack.” I take his hand and press it to my cheek. “Please, don’t leave me. You’ve already left me once. Please…”

“Sam,” he whispers softly. “Listen to me. I’m… sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you.”

I shake my head. Pain? What pain?

The only pain I know is the one I’m feeling in my chest now.

“Jack…”

“You must be… wondering why I did it. It’s because of… love.”

Love?

“And hate. Gwen was killed by a rhino. I… was angry. I… loved her so much. I killed the rhino who killed her. Edgar… saw me. He threatened… to turn me in to the authorities if I didn’t work with him… so I did.”

“Oh, Jack.”

“I’m sorry. Please… forgive me.”

“I forgive you,” I tell him quickly.

“Bury me… beside Gwen, will you? Near our hut. It’s where… I belong.”

I shake my head. “Don’t leave me, Jack.”

“Like you said, I’m already dead.”

“No. I didn’t mean…”

“Shh. Don’t… cry.” He looks into my eyes, each word a gasp, a struggle as he clings to life. “You know… I never… want… to see you… cry.”

A tear trickles down his cheek, then his eyes become blank, his hand growing limp in mine.

“NO!”

I cry harder than I ever have before.

Chapter 18

Away from the Herd

It’s been two weeks since Jack died — the worst two weeks of my life.

After giving him a proper burial beside Gwen and handing over Edgar and Dave to the African authorities, Nathan and I came home.

We haven’t spent much time together, though.

I’ve been in mourning. He’s been busy with work and teaching his new VP all the ropes.

Then a few days ago, I decided to get away. You know, sometimes you just have to detach yourself from the rest of the world, to escape all the hustle and bustle and be by yourself.

You have to spend some time away from the herd.

So here I am in the mountains, camping all by myself. After surviving Africa, I’m no longer afraid.

And today, I’m going hiking to the top of the tallest peak. It’s a perfect day for it, too, with the sun shining bright and a gentle breeze blowing.

As I emerge from my tent, I’m already dressed for the climb — hooded jacket and stretchy pants. I put my shoes on and pick up my backpack then grab my climbing stick. All set.

I quickly learn it isn’t easy. I’ve never done it before in spite of loving animals and the outdoors so much. I never thought I’d do it alone, either.

Many times, I stop to catch my breath, sit down and rest my feet or take a few gulps of water. I almost trip a few times, too.

But somehow, I manage. After a few hours, I reach the top.

What they say is right. The view from the top is unlike any other.

It’s spectacular.

Standing there on top of the mountain, looking down at hills, woodlands and meadows, I feel in control of my life.

I feel like I’ve come so far.

Now, all that’s left is to decide where I’m going.

What do I want to do with my life?

Henry’s job offer still stands. Do I take it? Do I work for the Seeker?

After Africa, I’ve come to realize two things.

One, I really like taking pictures of wild animals. In spite of what happened to my brother, in spite of all the mess and the danger, I still love animals. I’d still like to capture them on camera.

Two, I love Nathan.

He’s probably the only thing I love more than I love animals or photography.

I want to be with him. I want to be by his side, to hear his laughter, to see his smile, to feel his arms around me and his lips on mine, to support his dreams and ambitions.

But what about my dream?

True, I’ve dreamed of marrying, too, of finding a man to spend the rest of my life with. In a way, Nathan is my dream come true.

But he’s not only my dream. Must I sacrifice one dream for another?

Must I choose?

And if so, what do I choose?

“Don’t jump.”

I turn my head, surprised at the voice. I must have been so deep in thought that I didn’t hear anyone approaching.

“What?”

“I said don’t jump.” The man comes closer.

He looks like he’s in his early thirties. Probably Nathan’s age. Athletic build. Blond hair. Blue eyes.

“What makes you think I’m going to jump?” I ask him.

“Because you look like you’re carrying the weight on the world on your shoulders.”

I do? “Well, I guess I do have a lot of my mind.”

“Don’t we all?” He gives me a perfect smile before offering his hand. “I’m Grant, by the way.”

“Sam,” I say during the handshake. “It’s my first time climbing a mountain.”

“Really?” He takes off his jacket. “I would have pegged you for a woman who loves being on top.”

I blush at the remark.

“Of the world, I mean.”

Yeah, right.

He takes a few gulps from his water bottle then splashes some of it on his hair, the drops of water trickling down the sides of his face, some making their way down his sweat-drenched shirt.

Okay.

I decide it’s time to leave. “I better go.”

“Whoa. You only just got here, right?” He wipes his face and hair with a towel. “You should enjoy the view.”

For some reason, my eyes are drawn to his chiseled abdomen. I quickly look away, sitting down on a rock.

Calm down, Sam. You already have one smoking hot guy, remember?

“What model is your camera?” he asks.

“Nikon D810,” I answer, grateful for the new topic.

“You like taking pictures?”

“I guess.”

“Do you want me to take a picture of you? Though I’m sure your picture won’t look anywhere as good as you.”

I look at him. “Um, Grant, I appreciate you being sweet and all but…” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m taken.”

“Oh.” He frowns but just for a moment. “Is that why you wanted to jump?”

“I was not going to jump,” I repeat. “I was just thinking.”

“About your boyfriend?”

“About life.” I gaze at the horizon. “I was just wondering about what to do with my life.”

“It’s simple,” he says. “Do what you want to do.”

“It’s not that simple,” I tell him. “I want to do two things at the same time.”

“Can’t you?”

Good question. Can’t I?

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I ask him out of the blue. “Just a question. Not that I’m interested. Not that you’re not interesting. Just—”

“No,” he cuts me off. “The answer is no.”

“Well, if you had a choice between the woman you love and the job you dream of, which would you choose?”

“Do I have to choose?”

“Don’t you?”

To my surprise, Grant shakes his head. “I don’t think so. If the person you love really loves you back, he or she will want you to be happy, right? And you can only be happy if you’re doing something you love.”

“Are you sure? Shouldn’t the person you love be able to make you happy?”

“In the first place, it shouldn’t be up to any other person to make you happy. That’s your responsibility. Do what you love. Make yourself happy. And the person you love will be happy for you and love you more.”

I look at him. “So, you’re saying I should ask the person I love to set me free but love me just the same?”

“Don’t,” he tells me. “Just fly free. Birds don’t ask permission to soar, do they? And don’t you feel happy just watching them fly? No one takes delight in seeing a bird in a cage. Not really.”

A bird in a cage. Right. Why haven’t I thought of that?

“Love should free a person and help him or her to fly, not put him or her in a cage.”

I nod. “You know what? You’re right. I understand now. I think I know now what I should do.”

He smiles. “I’m glad I helped.”

Who knew I would meet a new friend up here on a mountain, the most unlikely of places? And who knew that I would hear just what I needed to?

Indeed, I know now what I’m supposed to do.

I’ve made my decision.

And after the party to celebrate the launch of Landers Innovations’ newest software on Friday, I’ll tell Nathan.

***

“So, how does it feel to be attending a party as a guest and not as someone assigned to cover it?” Mattie asks.

Frankly, I forgot she was going to be here.

“Good,” I answer. “Wait. You’re not going to write that down, are you?”

“No.” She gives a wave of her hand. “I just wanted to know how you felt.”

“Well, it feels good.”

“I should say so.” She gives my arm a nudge. “I still can’t believe you’re going out with Nathan Landers. And that you didn’t tell me.”

“Sorry,” I tell her half-heartedly. “It wasn’t official until recently.”

“Ah, so it’s official now, is it?”

I shouldn’t have said that. “But—”

“Don’t worry. I won’t put that on paper. Consider it my send-off gift.” She gives me a wink before waltzing off. “Enjoy the party.”

Enjoy? I’m not sure I can.

As I glance at Nathan, who’s on the balcony upstairs right now talking to some corporate executives, I can’t help but feel nervous. As our eyes meet, I force a smile.

Relax, Sam. Everything will be all right.

“It is Sam, isn’t it?” a woman asks from behind me.

I turn my head, surprised to see Casey Rockford. “It’s Samantha, actually, but yes, I suppose you can call me Sam.”

In spite of what happened, I’m not really mad at her. It wasn’t her who tried to grab my camera, after all.

“Casey.” She reaches out her hand. “I guess I want to say I’m sorry I acted the way I did before. It wasn’t nice of me.”

I shake my head as I shake her hand. “Don’t mention it.”

“And I want to congratulate you,” she adds.

“On what?”

“I’ve seen the way Nathan looks at you. It’s the way I used to dream he’d look at me. I guess we’re not really meant to be. But the two of you seem to be.”

“Thanks.”

I never thought I’d see the day when I’d hear Casey Rockford say those words. Actually, I never thought she’d talk to me.

“You’re not so bad,” I tell her.

“You think?”

“I’m sure you’ll get your own man someday.”

I don’t know why I just said that. Maybe I actually like her?

“Thanks. I was actually thinking of traveling. You know, go to places where I’m not so well known.”

“Good idea.”

“Oh, and by the way, Denise isn’t my friend anymore. I figured out she’s only after my money.”

“I’m glad you did. Next time, be more careful in choosing your friends.”

She nods as she looks at me. “I think I’ve learned. In fact, I think I’ve made a good choice this time.”

I smile.

“Can I join you ladies?” Nathan asks as he approaches.

“Actually, I was about to leave,” Casey says, leaving.

She’s probably still uncomfortable being around Nathan.

“Strange,” Nathan says. “She used to be chasing after me. Now, she’s running away from me. I wonder why.”

“Maybe she just grew up.”

“The two of you seemed to be getting along well.”

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t,” I tell him. “Past is past. And she’s not so bad.”

“By the way, I have someone I want you to meet.” He taps the shoulder of the man behind him. “Sam, this is…”

“Grant?” I ask.

I can’t believe it’s him. He’s wearing a suit now, but I still recognize him.

“Wait. You and Grant know each other?” Nathan and I ask at the same time.

Grant chuckles. “Yes, Sam and I met each other a few days ago while she was camping.”

“You better not have laid a finger on her,” Nathan warns.

“Of course not.” Grant turns to me. “And Nathan here went to college with me.”

I blink. “Really?”

“After college, he joined the Army. I went to study in London. I’ve been going back and forth, though. Now, I’m back for good.”

“I see. Small world.”

“Small world, indeed,” Nathan agrees. “I actually asked Grant to be my VP, you know, but he’s decided to start his own company.”

“That’s great news.”

“I’ve decided to support him. Oh, and I was thinking I’d lend Abby to him.”

“Lend Abby?” I frown. “She’s a person, Nathan. Not something you own.”

“What I meant was that I’d let her be Grant’s assistant while he’s starting his company. Not that I don’t want her working for me anymore. On the contrary, it’s because she’s so efficient that I’ve decided to let her help him.”

“And have you asked her if she wants to help him?” I ask.

“I have, actually, and she doesn’t mind.”

Well, Abby’s not really one to complain.

“But what about your assistant? Without Abby, who’s going to—”

“Set up my meetings and appointments? Make sure everything goes according to schedule?” Nathan finishes the sentence for me. “Don’t worry. I’ve found someone new.”

“I see.” I turn to Grant. “I’m sure you’ll love Abby.”

Grant nods. “She sounds wonderful.” He whispers in my ear, “Have you talked to him yet?”

“No,” I whisper back.

“Well, good luck.” He leaves with a grin.

“Care to tell me what that was about?” Nathan asks, clearly jealous.

“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “I’ll tell you after the party.”

Chapter 19

Meant to Be Wild

“So, what exactly did you want to tell me?” Nathan asks as he takes off his jacket, draping it over a chair.

I sit on the couch, taking off my shoes since my feet have started to hurt.

Thank goodness the party is over, but now it’s time for the more serious part of the evening, the part I’ve been dreading.

Possibly one of the biggest conversations of my life.

I take a deep breath. “I’ve—”

“Oh, before that,” Nathan interrupts as he pours himself a glass of Scotch. “How did you and Grant meet again?”

I frown. “We met while I was camping.”

“Ah. So, he still loves the outdoors.”

Another deep breath. “Anyway, I was about to say I’ve made my decision.”

He takes a sip from his glass. “Go on.”

“I’ve decided to work for the Seeker,” I tell him. “I was thinking I’d tell Henry tomorrow.”

“Well, it’s good that you finally made up your mind. How did you make your decision?”

“Just knowing that it’s what I’ve really dreamed of.”

He nods. “I’m sure you’ll do great. I’m happy for you.” Even though he’s supportive, I can hear the tinge of sadness in his voice.

“And there’s one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve decided to trust you.”

His eyebrows crease. “What do you mean?”

“I’m saying working for the Seeker isn’t goodbye. It’s something I’m doing for me but I want you to know it doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you anymore or anything. After all, I love you, Nathan Landers.”

He stops in the act of bringing his glass to his lips.

“You know, when I first saw you, I thought you were like a wild animal. Untamed. I thought I could tame you, but then, I realized I don’t really want to. I want you as you are. I don’t want you in a cage. You don’t want me in a cage either, do you?”

He sets down his glass and walks over to me.

“I’m just going to spread my wings, but that doesn’t mean—”

I don’t finish because Nathan’s mouth is suddenly on mine, robbing me of breath and words.

Afterward, he looks into my eyes as he strokes my cheek, and at the warmth I see there, my heart stops.

“Nathan?”

“I don’t know what you’ve done to me, Sam, and God help me but damn, I love you.”

And he kisses me again. Fiercer this time.

He loves me.

It takes a while for the confession to register, but once it does, I feel my spirit soaring, joy welling in my chest as my heart races.

Nathan loves me.

I kiss him back just as fiercely, placing my hands around his neck.

He wraps his arms tighter around me, pressing his body against mine.

I feel his heart beating furiously.

And I feel something else throbbing.

Both of them are mine.

Thrilled with that knowledge, I lead Nathan to the bedroom. He seems surprised that I’m taking the lead this time, but he follows eagerly.

Once there, I pull down the side zipper of my gown, then slip it off, letting it fall to my ankles. I slip out, holding his gaze as I take off the rest of my clothes, unfastening my bra and then my panties that are already wet, tossing them away. Somehow, I’m no longer shy.

I belong to him now.

“Damn, you’re beautiful,” he says, placing his hands on my waist.

I take his hands, kissing each palm, then place them on my breasts.

“And I’m all yours.”

Again, our lips meet, his hands cupping my swollen breasts, his thumbs pressing against my pert nipples.

My hands go to the buttons of his shirt, popping them off one by one. Then I slip his shirt off and work on his belt next. And his zipper.

His pants fall to his knees and I cup his crotch, stroking the bulge I feel there, delighting in how it quivers and arches against my hand.

“Shit,” he mutters as he pulls his lips away, planting them on the side of my neck as he, too, reaches between my legs to stroke my sex.

My knees shake. Still, I part my legs, letting him stroke as much as he wants and letting him slip a finger in.

I gasp. “So good.”

It’s too good, in fact. I can’t keep stroking him, grabbing his shoulders instead to keep myself from falling as my knees melt.

He puts me on top of the bed, kissing my breasts, the soft curve of my belly, the insides of my thighs, my knees and then finally, my sex.

And it’s no ordinary kiss.

“Spread your legs wider, love,” he orders.

I obey, moaning and fisting the sheets as his wicked tongue plunders.

“Remember.” He stops to hold my gaze. “You can spread your wings as much as you want, but you’ll spread your legs only for me.”

“I promise.”

I never intended to do so for anyone else, not since the day I met him.

He’s the only one who can make me feel this way.

I feel ensnared and yet so free, every fiber of my being alive and buzzing with excitement.

As the tip of his tongue teases my clit, I cry out, and when it enters me, I come undone, my whole body trembling with the force of my release.

He’s the only one who can bring me to such heights of pleasure.

And he knows it. He’s wearing that devilish grin as he takes off his boxers.

As always, the sight of him fully erect leaves me stunned.

This time, though, I plan to do more than just admire the view.

I leave the bed, kneeling in front of him and taking his cock in my hand, wrapping my fingers around him.

Mine.

“Sam?”

I don’t answer, proceeding to do something I’ve never done before.

I lick the tip of his cock then all the way down the length, tracing every vein. Then I take him slowly inside my mouth, sucking.

Nathan moans, his body trembling. “Shit.”

His fingers become entwined with my hair as he pulls. I keep moving, my fingers biting into his ass, my lips holding him captive.

How do I know what I’m doing? I don’t.

I just know I want to please him, and I know I’m succeeding based on what I’m hearing, each moan and curse vibrating through me.

Suddenly, he pushes me away, lifting me off my knees and leading me back to the bed.

When I throw him a questioning glance, he cups my sex, still hot from wanting him.

“I’d rather come in here. Don’t you think?”

I nod. “Go on, then. Don’t hold back.”

He doesn’t. Quickly, he enters me, pounding into me.

I cling to him, squeezing him. “Harder.”

I want him to go wild.

He bends me in half, his massive cock plunging into my very core.

God. Oh, God. It’s so good…

God!

Again, pleasure takes over and this time, his body trembles with mine, his groans echoing my moans.

When it has subsided, he pulls out and drags me into his arms. We lie still, gasping for air.

When I can move again, I prop myself up on an elbow and look at Nathan’s face, his cheeks still flushed, his eyes still dazed, his lips curved into a smile of contentment.

Mentally, I snap a picture of it, committing it to memory.

No matter how far apart we are, I know that image will bring him closer to me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks.

“Nothing,” I say, resting my head on his chest just above his heart.

No matter where I go, his heart is my home, as mine is his. Knowing that, we both can run wild and wander free.

No one and nothing can tame us.