Run To You: The Damaged Series - Book Four

by Shayne McClendon

  Leaning back, she held Nina’s face. “Once we’re back on the estate, I want to know everything. No matter how painful, I want to know. Let me help shoulder that burden with you.” Nina blinked against tears. Rowan asked Gage, “Ready to live in a mansion that can be locked down like Fort Knox?”

  He smiled gently and came to tilt her head for a kiss. “I go where you go. I’ll talk to my cousins about working the place for a while.” To James, he added, “What’s the plan of action?”

  Hands on his hips, he stared at Nina and she loved him with all of herself. “We lock up the houses. I’ll arrange for helicopter transport to Dallas. I don’t want us exposed on the road. From there, we’ll take the jet to Austin.”

  Rowan asked, “Are you contacting the organization?”

  The bodyguard’s eyes widened. “You know about that?”

  She shrugged. “Bennett explained the donations when I asked. I like numbers to make sense. Those didn’t.”

  With a slow smile, James answered, “Yes. I’ll contact the organization. It’s about time for them to weigh in on a few things. If your father is who I think it is, he’s been a target for a long, long time.”

  Raking her fingers through her hair, Rowan met Nina’s eyes. “See, girl? I have evil running through my veins. It’s like Miss Jeffries always said...it’s not how you start out, it’s where you end up that matters.” Holding out her hand, she added, “Let’s face this demon together. What do you think?

  Taking it, Nina said softly, “Let’s do it. We got babies to protect. No more secrets. I promise.”

  “We’re her girls, Nina. Strong, brave, and clever. Sisters in every way but blood. Whatever came before...she made us hers. Let’s make her proud and save some more girls.”

  “For Miss Jeffries.”

  Then Rowan hugged her hard and Nina knew she’d destroy anyone and anything necessary to protect the people she loved.

  Whatever it took.

  Nobody was taking her family from her.

  Epilogue

  January 2007 - Age 30

  It was strange being back in New York.

  Nina felt worlds apart from the woman she was when she left. She held a glass of champagne and let her eyes roam the ballroom of the Four Seasons.

  She recognized many men and women who’d been frequent patrons of the Zelder theater - and they recognized her. Some asked for autographs or photos with her.

  Rowan stood beside her in a gown of sapphire silk. Their husbands stood just off their shoulders. Her friend murmured, “You’re like a rock star here.”

  Nina snorted, “Hardly.”

  Halfway through the black-tie affair to raise money for one of Rowan’s charities, Natalia Roman got the room’s attention. Her sleek black hair shimmered in the light and her charcoal gown hugged her lean frame.

  “First, let me thank you all for coming. It’s been thrilling to be part of this project. The Olivia Jeffries Foundation aims to set up shelters and services for at-risk youth all over the country.” Nina took Rowan’s hand and blinked against tears. “Their work is incredible and you need to open your wallets. Trust me on this: it will place you on the right side of history when the young people saved grow up to be productive members of society.”

  There was applause throughout the room. Natalia gave a megawatt smile and her blue eyes sparkled. “The musician you’re about to hear is a special treat. At the tender age of seventeen, she’s performed all over the world and when I learned she was going to be in New York at the same time as the benefit, I begged her to play for us. You have no idea how lucky you are...but you will. Please give Anna-Sophia Giannopoulos a warm welcome.”

  A lovely young woman ascended to the stage, pressed her cheek to Natalia’s, and lowered to a chair. She positioned her cello and began to play.

  After a few notes, Rowan whispered, “She’s magical…”

  “I don’t know anything about classical music but that makes my heart pound,” Nina whispered back.

  Half an hour later, the final note hung in the air. As it faded, the girl lifted her head, smiled, and stood. The room erupted in applause.

  “Seventeen? How?” Gage asked in shock.

  The four of them were chatting softly in a small alcove when Nina smelled a perfume she knew well. Stiffening, she turned slowly as James instantly sealed himself to her side.

  A blonde woman stood in front of her and Nina would have known her anywhere.

  Farrah Kane smiled cheerfully. “Nina, darling.”

  Tilting her head, Nina said in a low voice, “Psycho cunt. If you think I would hesitate to gut you from pussy to throat in the middle of this fancy affair, I assure you...I don’t mind blood or attention.”

  James’ body heat radiated against her bare skin but he didn’t intervene. He knew she didn’t need him.

  Not in this.

  “That’s vulgar, darling. I taught you better manners.” Farrah winked. “It made you so very popular with my clientele.”

  Slipping her hand along James’ waist, Nina removed the slim blade from his low back. “It will also make me a sympathetic figure during my trial. You won’t get another opportunity to sit in a courtroom for your crimes.”

  “You were always unnaturally aggressive, Nina. A nasty little animal despite all your etiquette training. Your elfin figure belies the gutter snipe beneath it.” Leaning forward, she whispered, “That’s no way to speak to your mother.”

  Nina laughed. It took the other woman off guard. “I always suspected it. How fun that I’ll be the one to bleed you out. Is it a tragedy? A comedy? Hard to say. It has a Shakespearean vibe the public will absolutely devour.”

  “You’d rot in prison for revenge?”

  “No, no. The time I spent in jail would be minimal. I believe part of your sentencing and early release was a requirement that you never contact me again in your lifetime. There was no statute of limitations. I’ve read the transcripts front to back. Approaching me is a violation of your parole.”

  Lowering the hand with the knife to her thigh, the weapon concealed in her skirts, she whispered, “So, I’d release a scream about you trying to hurt me again before I opened you up. By the time your insides were hitting the floor, I would be hysterical in my husband’s arms.” Nina snapped her teeth. “I’m an excellent actress. Shall we?”

  There was a tic beneath Farrah’s eye. “Then you’d never have the chance to rescue your little sister, Nina. She’s only fourteen so I imagine such a thing would haunt you.” Nina stilled. The woman smiled through gritted teeth. “She escaped but I know where she is.”

  “You never stopped…”

  “I had locations like the one in Dallas in other cities. Leah is such a pretty thing. Not like you - not like your twins - but lovely. You were born in April...she was born in May fifteen years later. You don’t have the same fathers. That’s why my darling took her. He doesn’t like to risk disabilities by fucking his own children.” She chuckled. “He fucks other people’s children once they’re old enough to breed for him.”

  “You and Winston Winters,” Nina hissed. The woman’s eyes went wide. “A couple who rapes across the world and sells children.”

  “H-how do you know his name…?”

  “I know many things, Farrah. You see,” Nina stepped close, “my husband already found Leah. The organization we do consultations with picked her up days ago. You’ll never see her or hurt her again. Your darling? He is going to bleed for what he’s done.” She winked. “You first.”

  Changing her expression to one of horror, Nina screamed, “No! No! Get away from me! Please!” Then she drove the knife into Farrah’s abdomen and dragged the blade up. “Rot in hell, you monster.”

  After releasing the hilt, Nina watched the woman collapse. Several people rushed to the alcove.

  Nina turned to James. Sobbing loudly, she rambled, “I-I’m sorry! I can’t let her take me! I can’t let her take our girls.”

  They were surrounded by security and th
e area was blocked from the rest of the ballroom.

  Glancing at Rowan over James’ shoulder, she mouthed, “Sorry for the mess.”

  Her friend murmured, “I love you.”

  The police were called and Rowan met them, “My friend needs female officers, please. This woman held Nina captive when she was a child. She got out of prison and threatened to take her daughters. She’s traumatized.”

  Nina kept her face pressed to James’ chest.

  James said to the higher-ranking officer, “Farrah Kane was convicted of human trafficking, kidnapping, child pornography, and a dozen other crimes. She held Nina for years and violated parole coming here tonight.”

  “We have to take her in,” the cop said. “We’ll get two female uniforms here for you but we have to take you in.”

  “I know...I know,” Nina mumbled. “I’ll go.”

  She was escorted by police through the benefit with blood splattered down the front of her gold gown. A few people snapped photos on their phones but Nina stared at the floor as her tears fell steadily.

  The following afternoon, she was released on bail.

  James had a tracksuit for her to change into. Then he put his arm around her shoulders as he led her from the building. The press waited, shouting questions about the stabbing of Farrah Kane as she descended the steps to the sidewalk.

  At the curb, she turned to them and said with heavy emotion in her voice, “I can’t talk about it...I-I just can’t. I’m sorry.” In the back of the limo, she gratefully accepted a cup of coffee from the driver. “This is what I really needed.” She took a long sip. “I think I could sleep for a week.”

  James held her, pressing his lips against the top of her head. “Are you alright?” She nodded. “I thought I’d lose my mind when you disappeared into booking.” He sighed heavily. “I’m sorry that creature dared to look into your face, sweetheart. As strong as you are, I know the cost.”

  Eyes closed, she said, “Even though we had intel she’d be there, I never really believed she would be so bold.” She looked up at him. “I think...he was done with her.”

  James frowned. “You think he ordered her to confront you? He couldn’t know you’d kill her…”

  “If he saw the police reports the day they took us out of that warehouse, he could have made an educated guess.” She closed her eyes. “Are the girls okay?”

  “Oh yeah. Rowan and Mary-Margaret have been having a blast. They gave each of them binoculars to see historical buildings until we can take them to each one ourselves.”

  Nina snorted. “Careful. People in the Big Apple don’t always pull their curtains. Our angels are liable to get a view they don’t expect.”

  Clearing his throat, he said, “They have the kids in the play area a few floors down right now. Rowan wanted to give you time to shower and change.”

  “She knew I wouldn’t want to touch any of them before I could sanitize that viper’s blood from my skin.”

  He cupped her face in his palm. “Nina. Are you truly alright?”

  Softly, she answered, “Does it make me a horrible person if I say I’m honestly fine after murdering that woman?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “It makes you a force to be reckoned with.” Dropping his mouth over hers, he kissed her slow and easy. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, “I love you, Nina.”

  “I love you, too.” She sighed. “Thanks for transporting my weapon. I don’t know where I would have put it in that dress. Talk about a second skin...”

  “It was the least I could do when you refused my help otherwise.”

  “It had to be me, James.”

  “I know.” He hugged her close and she sipped her coffee. “You were the one who got them out. You were the one who testified, and you were the one who spilled her guts on the floor of the Four Seasons. It always had to be you. I’d never steal that victory.”

  “That woman’s blood runs in my veins…”

  “That doesn’t mean shit and you know it.” He kissed her head. “You need a shower, a nap, and a real meal. When you’re rested, I’m going to remind you how much your sleek jaguar turns me on.”

  She purred at him.

  At the entrance of Rowan’s Manhattan apartment, Nina stopped a few feet inside the door. “Uh…”

  Harper Delkin stood in the middle of the room with his bodyguard. He shouted, “What did I say? Nina! We would have taken her out without a scene.”

  “Uh uh. I’m an actress. I live for a good scene.”

  “Killing haunts a person, Nina…”

  She shrugged. “It felt like squashing a cockroach. Honestly, I’d feel worse about a cockroach. At least it has a purpose.” He started to speak again and she held up her hand. “She isn’t the first person I’ve had to kill. She mentioned my sister and my daughters in the same sentence. It sealed her fate. I refused to let her keep breathing.”

  Harper exhaled roughly. “We would have handled it for you.”

  Nina approached him and stared up into his face - keeping space between them because things were different now. Elijah stood at his shoulder.

  “Sometimes, Harper...you have to feel a person’s blood run hot over your hand. You have to watch the light fade from their eyes. You have to know - without any doubt - that they are no longer breathing.” She looked at his bodyguard. “Something tells me Elijah knows that feeling.” Turning back to stare into Harper’s silver-gray eyes, she didn’t blink. “If the opportunity ever presents itself, I’ll leave Winston Winters’ insides on the floor as well. For myself. For Rowan. For our children.” Softly, she added, “No one tells me what to do, Harper. Not ever. I follow my instincts. You can thank me with a sizable donation to Rowan’s new charity.”

  “You’re so hard core…”

  “I am.”

  “I was shocked last night. Elijah wasn’t.” One side of his mouth lifted in a smile. “You’re an outstanding actress.”

  “Thank you.” Stepping back, she said cheerfully, “I need to shower so I can hug my kids when they get back without contaminating them. Let me know if you have any little projects up my alley.” Winking as she headed for the first floor guest room, she tossed over her shoulder, “See yourselves out and thanks for checking up on me!”

  James followed her and she jumped at him the moment the door was closed and locked. He caught her easily.

  She said through clenched teeth, “I still have blood under my nails and it soaked through my dress. My adrenaline is up and I need you to fuck me down.”

  Driving her to the bed, he growled, “It will be my pleasure.”

  As he undressed her, touched her, claimed her, Nina gradually calmed. She let her mind drift over all that had happened. Deep inside herself, there was a flicker of darkness that made her heart ache.

  Then the light that filled her husband obliterated it.

  Her powerful animal.

  Her other half.

  Her James.

  As she fell over the edge of the world, she whispered, “You made everything bright and beautiful. You bathe my soul in light. I love you.”

  He held her harder and replied, “Sweetheart, you were the longest fight of my life...and worth every goddamn minute.”

  Gasping for air, she stared into his eyes and said, “More.”

  James grinned. “Naturally, Nina. Hang on tight.”

  Always the Good Girl Publishing

  Writing as Shayne McClendon

  The Damaged Series

  The Quiet Series

  The Manhattan Madame Series

  The Great Outdoors Series

  The Love of the Game Series

  The Barter System Series

  Starting Today

  Completely Wrecked

  The Hermit

  And many more...

  Writing as Sabrina Rue

  The Others Series

  A Devoted Companion

  Writing as Charlize Rojos

  The Brotherhood Series

&nbs
p; Eating the Cake

  Links to Other Work

  There are a few characters and situations throughout the Damaged Series that trace to my series The Barter System. All eight books of that series are available on Amazon.

  In the universe that exists inside my head, most things are connected. Sometimes, it’s deliberate and others…well, the characters take over.

  My most avid readers can find the Easter eggs in my work but don’t worry if you haven’t read everything! Each book is a wonderful little whirlwind on its own.

  I hope you loved Run to You…and that you enjoy the other books in the series.

  In the meantime, check out my other work. You’re going to find yourself addicted to more and more and more.

  As Tina Turner said, “Welcome to the Thunder Dome.”

  About Shayne McClendon

  Shayne McClendon is the author of more than forty published books and over four hundred short stories. She writes emotional romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ erotica as Charlize Rojos.

  For the past decade, Shayne has written more than 12 million words of non-fiction in the health and wellness space as a researcher and ghostwriter.

  In 2020, she will publish her first official non-fiction.

  Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. She lives in Florida but occasionally gets out of her own head long enough to attend author signings or give interviews around the country.

  If you’re looking for stories that tug at your heart, make you laugh out loud, and sometimes make you cry so hard you need a giant box of tissues…look no further than books by Shayne McClendon.