Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5)

by Shelley Munro

  “Why is there no sound?”

  Things weren’t going the way Blackwood wanted, and it rattled him.

  Ashley took another step forward. “I’m not coming any closer until you release Trina.”

  Blackwood shoved Trina, and the knife clattered to the hardwood floor. He reached in his jacket and pulled out a gun. Behind her, a weapon fired. Instinct had her dropping. Roll. Josh had told her to roll. She turned so fast she became dizzy.

  Another gun fired. Two sharp barks in succession.

  “Stand down,” Nelson shouted.

  “Quick,” a man ordered. “Get behind us.”

  Ashley crawled on her hands and knees. “What’s happening? Is Trina okay?”

  “The gunman is down. Girl is okay,” the cop said.

  “Josh?”

  The cop hesitated, and Ashley scrambled to her feet, wanting to see for herself. A cop had helped Trina up and was checking her neck. He pulled out a hanky and pressed it to her throat. Other cops surrounded Stephen Blackwood. They had him under control.

  Josh. Where was Josh?

  She spotted him on the ground with Gerry at his side. Another cop spoke on his phone. Ashley rushed over to Josh.

  “Josh! What happened?”

  “Ashley. Ashley!” Gerry spoke louder, his words piercing her panic. “He’s okay. Blackwood shot him in the shoulder. It’s not a fatal shot, but it’s worse than last time. We’ve called an ambulance.”

  Ashley sank to the ground beside Josh and stroked his face. His eyes flicked open, fierce but pain-filled. “I’m fine, sweetheart. I might have a scar from this one, but I was too pretty, anyway.”

  Gerry snorted, and Ashley issued a small, relieved laugh.

  When Nelson prowled over to them, he scowled at Gerry and shared his displeasure with Josh. “Thanks to you two, I’ll have a ton of paperwork.”

  “He intended to kill Ashley,” Josh said.

  “I would’ve done the same thing,” Nelson replied quietly. “You took the only possible action.”

  The doors behind them opened, and two ambulance officers strode inside. Ashley stood, her attention snagged by the dog on the screen. This time, it looked familiar, and things started to click.

  22 – The Real Deal

  Summer and Nikolai rushed into the waiting room, Nikolai shouldering a cop away from his wife. Ashley sprang to her feet. The uniformed policeman chased them, determined to carry out his duties.

  “It’s fine.” Nelson gestured the cop back to his post. “They’re family.”

  “What happened? Coverage from the Labor party ceased without warning, and no one knew what was happening.” Summer gripped Ashley’s shoulder and clung, her eyes demanding information. “Then I got your phone call and nothing made sense.”

  “Josh will make a full recovery, but they needed to dig the bullet out of his shoulder. I told you that,” Ashley said.

  “I wanted to see for myself.”

  “You can wait with me.” Ashley led Summer to a chair. “The nurse I spoke with told me we’d hear soon.”

  Summer dropped onto the seat. “But what happened?”

  “My stalker. Stephen Blackwood. He took a guest at knifepoint, but she’s okay.”

  “But why?” Summer asked.

  “You know the accident I had where my passenger died?”

  “Yes.” Summer turned her head on hearing approaching footsteps.

  A nurse appeared at the door. “Mr. Williams is awake now. Two visitors at a time. No more.”

  “Thank you,” Ashley said.

  “Follow me.” The nurse hustled down the corridor.

  Summer gave Ashley a quick hug. “Congratulations.”

  “Why?” Josh had almost died. Again. Because of her. Trina would bear a scar for the rest of her life.

  “The Labor party won by a majority of ten seats. You have enough seats to form a government on your own,” Summer said.

  “We won?” After everything that had happened, the election hadn’t seemed important. She’d been more frantic for Josh and Trina.

  “Yes, Prime Minister.”

  Ashley stared after the departing nurse and hurried to catch up with her. “I’ve wanted this since I was five-years-old. Now, I just feel empty.”

  Summer fell into step while Nikolai followed.

  “This hasn’t been a typical day or the usual campaign. Understandably, you feel flat. We had to force our way past dozens of cops at the entrance. There are reporters everywhere, and no one is saying anything. Not even the people at the Labor party function.”

  Ashley paused in the doorway of Josh’s room. His eyes were open, and he gave a crooked smile on seeing her.

  “Sweetheart.”

  Ashley ran to him, kissed him on the lips without concerning herself with their audience.

  “They make their relationship look real,” Summer whispered.

  “That’s what I said.” Nikolai sounded smug.

  For some reason, the nurse had let everyone enter the room. Nelson and Gerry waited outside.

  Ashley smiled against Josh’s lips.

  “Of course it’s real,” he said. “I’m not stupid enough to let Ashley get away.”

  “How do you feel?”

  “Shoulder is throbbing, but the doctor says I should regain full use soon enough. Not this weekend, but the next. You. Me. Fiji.”

  “Deal,” she whispered. “I’ll ask my expert admin aid to get right on that.”

  “What happened? Why was this Blackwood guy stalking you? He is in police custody, right?” Summer continued with her questions.

  “He’s dead,” Ashley said. “Josh shot him when Blackwood drew his weapon.”

  “Oh. Will you be in trouble?” Summer asked.

  “No,” Josh said. “Gerry fired his weapon too. Blackwood never intended to leave the ballroom alive.”

  “My assessment too.” Ashley shook her head at the memory of his twisted face, right before Josh had shot him. He hadn’t cared about anything except revenge.

  “But I still don’t understand why he stalked you,” Summer said. “None of this makes any sense. You mentioned the accident, but it wasn’t any of Jess’s family stalking you. They were all cleared.”

  “The accident happened in the first place because a dog ran out on the road. That’s why I crashed into the tree. I swerved to miss it, but I never saw the dog again. It ran away. According to documents they found on the flash drive, the dog was a valuable, champion stud. It was worth twenty thousand dollars. Although the dog ran off, it succumbed to its injuries. Stephen Blackwood’s father lost his job. According to Stephen, he lost everything because that dog died. His parents divorced. His father committed suicide. His mother dragged him off to Australia, away from his friends.”

  “All this because of a dog?” Summer said. “Why didn’t he do something sooner? I mean, what set him off?”

  “I don’t think we’ll ever know the full truth,” Josh said. “It could’ve festered over the years until everything bubbled over, and he snapped. It might’ve been a news item regarding Ashley that pushed him, or it might’ve been something to do with his military career.”

  “You’re saying he might have suffered from post-traumatic stress?” Summer asked.

  “It could’ve been any of those factors or a combination,” Nikolai commented.

  Ashley sighed. “From what we have, it was clear Stephen loved and admired his father. After his father’s suicide, his life changed. He hated school. He hated living in Australia.”

  “Returning to New Zealand didn’t make him happy either,” Summer pointed out.

  “No, but he had a mission. He wanted to punish you and make you realize how your actions changed his life for the worse,” Josh said.

  Ashley swallowed hard. “I had no idea. Jess’s death hit me hard, and the fact I’d been driving the vehicle was ghastly. I told the police there was a dog, but I don’t think any of them believed me.”

  “What happens now?”
Summer asked.

  “I’ll reach out to Stephen’s mother and speak with her,” Ashley said. “Tell her how sorry I am.”

  “Then you’ll whip New Zealand into shape, right?” Summer winked at Josh.

  Ashley smiled. “I’ll sort out my cabinet, formerly take office when the Governor-General swears me in as Prime Minister, and then whip the country into shape. That should take about two weeks. I thought I might have a long weekend in Fiji after those two weeks.”

  “That sounds heavenly, and I’m envious.” Summer sighed. “I wish we could take a break.”

  Josh winked at Ashley. “We might offer an incentive.”

  Ashley grinned. “What Josh said.” She glanced toward the door where Nelson and Gerry kept guard. Then, she leaned closer to Summer and Nikolai. “Here’s what we were thinking.”

  23 – Eloping To Fiji

  The sun shone overhead, bringing out a jewel-like sparkle in the fine white sand. Ashley followed the waves with her eyes as they sounded a gentle whoosh of advance and retreat. A warm breeze rattled the nearby coconut palms while the floral scent of the air screamed tropical island.

  Fiji, and her wedding day.

  Ashley stepped beneath a flower-decorated pagoda at The Ocean Resort Hotel, her hands linked with Josh’s. She grinned, her gaze becoming enmeshed with Josh’s as a tall Fijian marriage celebrant spoke in a deep voice and started their wedding vows. Euphoria and excitement tugged at her, and she’d never been more certain of a decision.

  “The rings,” the marriage celebrant said.

  Seconds later, Josh pushed a golden wedding band onto her finger, and she repeated the action a few minutes later, claiming him with her own ring. Mine, she thought. My man. Happiness filled her, and she wondered if she might burst with anticipation and delight.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Josh took her in his arms and kissed her. Glee bubbled through her. Contentment.

  “That’s enough of the kissing,” Summer chided from behind them. “Some of us want to offer congratulations.”

  They pulled apart with reluctance.

  “Later,” Josh promised with a wink.

  “Welcome to the family.” Summer offered Ashley a heartfelt hug. Summer turned to Josh and embraced him too. “You realize Mum will have a strong opinion regarding this secret wedding.”

  “So will Frog.” Josh’s grin dimmed a fraction.

  Ashley smiled. “I don’t care. We’re married. Besides, I’m the Prime Minister of New Zealand. I must have some authority.”

  “And I’m married to the PM.” Josh beamed at her, the love in his gaze making her breath stall. “We have our own security guys.” He waved at Gerry and Nelson who stood at a distance, but close enough to witness their vows too. Both wore a casual uniform of cotton shirts and shorts. “Want to go for a walk? A paddle in the sea?”

  “We’re coming too,” Summer said. “I’m the official photographer. We’ll take casual shots of the beach. I take a great photo. Besides, I could sell one or two to a ladies’ magazine and put our kid through university with the proceeds.”

  “He’s not even two yet,” Josh protested.

  “Pre-planning never hurt,” Summer said.

  “Excellent strategy, sweetheart.” Nikolai chuckled. “Having an in with the prime minister might prove beneficial.”

  “Bah! You’re all talk,” Ashley said. “But we’d love photos to share. I have to put something on my social media page. After we call the parental units, I mean.”

  Ashley toed off her shoes, took Josh’s hand, and meandered along the beach. The fine sand massaged the soles of her feet while a local waved and cried, “Bula.”

  “Bula!” Ashley returned the traditional Fijian greeting, a multi-purpose word used to say hello.

  Summer snapped photos during their walk—informal and full of smiles.

  “You’ve made me very happy, Prime Minister.” Josh cradled her face and stared into her eyes. Her heart beat extra fast, and confidence settled over her plus excitement for the future. In the background, the click and whir of Summer’s camera continued.

  “Don’t go formal on me,” Ashley said. “That’s work. This is you and me. Ashley and Josh. The couple who eloped to avoid a huge, fussy wedding. We’re the wild ones.”

  “I love you, Ashley.”

  “I know.” Her voice thickened with emotion. This attractive he-man loved her and showed her in a dozen little ways each day. She’d been so wrong in restricting her dating pool to intellectual men. She cleared her throat. “What say we drink champagne, eat delicious food, ring our parents then celebrate in private?”

  “Works for me.” Josh swung her into his arms and spun them around.

  Later that evening, after they’d rung their parents and confessed their elopement plus promised a family party soon, they settled into their room, showered and relaxed.

  “Josh, I’m so happy. Before you charged into my life, I lived by schedules and lists. The accident changed me—made me wary and over-controlling of what I did and didn’t do. I prefer how I am now—a mix of the two Ashleys. More relaxed because I’m not at war with myself. I can be myself with no apologies. You helped me blossom.”

  “You’re too hard on yourself, sweetheart. The accident was simply that. An accident. A set of unfortunate events that created havoc for Jess’s family, for Stephen Blackwood and his family, and for you. You were as much a victim as the others.”

  “My head knows this, but it’s so sad. His pain. Suicide rates are climbing amongst young people,” Ashley said.

  “Use your power for good. Make it one of your priorities or part of your particular portfolio of responsibilities. You could even name your plan or scheme or whatever you parliament types call them after Blackwood. Make him matter.”

  “Something to consider when we arrive home,” Ashley said.

  “Enough talk.” Josh stood and strolled over to her, his gaze remaining fixed on her face. Her pulse jumped until it raced, then he gripped her hips to hold her in place. He kissed her and slipped off her robe, leaving her naked. “Better.” His eyes glowed with love and emotion as he ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms. He scooped her off her feet and lowered her onto the bed.

  He grinned at her—a wide and devastating grin—while yanking off his boxer-briefs. It made her glad she was lying down because her knees would’ve failed her for sure. “Ready to celebrate?”

  “Bring it,” Ashley said with an answering laugh. He made seduction fun, and she was eager to sample more of his expertise, his teasing, his touch.

  He leaped at her with a mock growl, trapping her within his arms while smothering her face with kisses. Gradually, the kisses deepened, and his hands wandered. He shaped her breasts and nibbled her neck. Ashley sighed against his mouth, allowing her tongue to tangle with his and thought how lucky she was to have this strong, wonderful man in her life. Her power didn’t threaten him or cause resentment, and she treasured his support. She tried to show him with touch, with actions, and later, she’d confirm it in words, so he’d know she valued him and his contribution to her mental wellbeing.

  Ashley nipped a spot low on his neck and soothed the sting with her tongue. He growled, and she smiled so wide, her facial muscles protested. And when he parted her legs and filled her, she rocked with him, her heart full of joy. She watched him as pleasure darkened his eyes.

  “I love you, Ashley.”

  “I love you right back, Josh.” She shuddered and surrendered to the passion storming her body. “My husband.”

  She fell asleep with his scent surrounding her, the taste of him on her mouth, and her happiness overflowing.

  The next morning, after lazy sex, the phone rang. Josh reached out for the cell phone and answered it.

  “Yeah.” Sleep wove through his husky voice, and she suffered a similar lethargy. Then, he stiffened. “Frog.”

  “What are you doing answering Ashley’s phone?�
� Matt roared loud enough for Ashley to hear.

  She plucked her phone from Josh’s hand. “Why are you ringing me at this time of the morning?”

  “What are you doing with Josh? He sounded sleepy. Are you in bed together?” Matt’s voice filled their hotel room. “I told you not to get involved—”

  “Matt,” Ashley interrupted in a stern voice. “Shut up and listen to me. I am the prime minister. I am not your little sister or someone for you to order around with that bossy military tone.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Fiji. I wanted to take a long weekend break after the drama at home,” Ashley said. “We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Flight?”

  Ashley gave her brother the details, and he disconnected. She pulled a face at her phone. “That went well. He’s become bossy in his old age.”

  “Never mind your brother. We’ll talk to him when we get home. We have the entire day to relax and have fun. I vote for snorkeling and swimming and a picnic lunch.”

  “He mustn’t have talked to Mum and Dad yet. He always arrives home without telling anyone.” Ashley slid out of bed. “I’m hungry. Breakfast then swimming and snorkeling.”

  “And a sexy bikini?”

  “I might have one of those.”

  * * * * *

  Almost twenty-four hours later, their commercial flight landed in Auckland. They’d sat in business class for the three-hour flight from Fiji and were the first to disembark. Progress through the airport was speedy. Frog wasn’t at the airport, but several members of the public did a double-take with some stopping to converse with Ashley and tell her they’d voted for her.

  They piled into a large vehicle with Nikolai, Summer, and the two DPS officers and headed to Ashley’s house in South Auckland.

  A lone figure climbed from a rental car when Nelson parked in the driveway.

  “Ah, there he is,” Josh said.

  “Summer and I are heading to Louie’s place to pick up Sam.” Nikolai grabbed their hand luggage.

  “Can’t you wait for ten minutes?” Josh asked.

  “Worried Frog will break you and you’ll lose your manly mystique?” Nikolai countered.