by Kym Grosso
“You’re a fucking dead man!” Lars screamed as his bloodied fist slipped off Giordano’s lifeless body.
“That’s enough,” Dean yelled through the roar of the aircraft. “You’re going to kill him.”
Exhausted, he fought as Dean restrained him. “Get off me,” Lars demanded.
Lars caught sight of the helicopter spinning off into the distance, wind blowing dust into the air. Heaving for breath and devastated, he fell onto his knees. Through a heavy sob, he pleaded. “Dean. Get my fucking heli. It’s in the hangar. Call the coast guard.”
“I’m sorry.” Dean’s voice cracked as tears came to his eyes. “Seth. Giordano shot him, shoved him off. We got here just as he was going after Braelynn again.”
“I’ll fucking do it myself.” Lars shoved upward, and stumbled.
Dean held out his hand, supporting him around his waist. “Look. The feds are already here. They’ll find him.”
“No. I’ve gotta go down. Just hold the rope.”
“No way, man. You know it’s not safe. If those rocks slide, we’ll be picking up both your bodies. Just let them do their job. Garrett. My office. We’ll exhaust every resource looking for him.”
“This is my fault,” Lars cried, brushing his hand over his face. Realizing he was covered in blood, he opened his palms and sighed. “Where’s Braelynn?”
“Garrett’s got her.”
“I saw him take her. Where the fuck are they?”
“She’s gone by now.”
“What?” The words hit him like a punch in the stomach. Lars bent over, his hands on his knees, trying to comprehend the overwhelming loss. Seth. Braelynn.
“The ambulance. They’ll be here soon.” Dean glanced to Giordano. As Shane approached, he gave a brief nod. “We need to keep him alive so we can question him. We don’t know how far Giordano’s reach is, who he’s working with.”
Confusion swept through Lars as he caught sight of Shane cuffing Giordano. Quickly processing the situation, Lars realized that he must have been working undercover for the DA’s office.
“Let him die. He’s a fucking murderer,” Lars yelled.
Dean took a deep breath, and held his hand to his pursed mouth. He coughed away a sob, attempting to keep his composure.
“I’m sorry. Dean. I know he’s your friend too. Garrett. Does he know about Seth? Jesus Christ. I can’t do this…I can’t.” Grief rolled through Lars as Seth’s death registered.
“We’re going to look for him,” Dean managed but Lars knew the truth. Even if Seth had managed to survive the three-hundred-foot fall, it’d be likely he’d been sucked out into the Pacific.
“I’ve…I’ve got to call Garrett. I’ll be in the house.”
Braelynn Rollins, the only woman he’d ever loved, was gone. And as much as he loved her, the guilt of knowing they’d killed Seth left him reeling. Seth had been like a brother, and he’d brought this mess to his feet. Lars trod into the house, knowing that when he returned to San Diego, he would never see Big Sur again.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sixty-five days had passed since Seth’s funeral. Despite the two-week-long search, they’d never found his body. His closest friends had held a paddle out in La Jolla. The ritual had been meant to provide closure, to honor a great man, surfer and friend. With the soothing sound of a conch shell and flowers in hand, they’d said goodbye in a way that would have made Seth proud.
Racked with guilt, Lars hadn’t forgiven himself. He’d spent hours contemplating the events, unable to come to terms with Seth’s death. Reason told him survival was unlikely, but Lars had seen him live through wicked wipe outs over the years. Lifeguards would Jet Ski out only to find Seth happily bobbing at the surface giving a shaka to his would-be rescuers.
Garrett and the feds had insisted that Braelynn stay isolated until her uncle had been indicted on several counts of attempted murder and corporate espionage as well as Seth’s murder. Giordano had claimed a terrorist organization had been paying him to steal national secrets including the data he’d taken from Emerson Industries. Although evidence of the transactions existed, he’d been unwilling to provide specific names. He claimed that his one-time girlfriend, Jeanette, had been responsible for bringing the associates into his inner circle. They’d been unable to locate her, and he insisted that she continued to work for and was protected by her unidentified accomplices.
A more disturbing fact revealed during the investigation was that his longtime girlfriend had been related to him. DNA testing proved she was his half-sister. Giordano confessed that Braelynn’s mother had threatened to expose him, but he refused to confess that he’d killed her. Dean’s team was still building a case, digging into the circumstances of her death. Braelynn’s father, still missing, was a wild card. Giordano denied any knowledge of his involvement in his disappearance despite claiming otherwise the day he’d attacked them in Big Sur.
Eighty days, and Lars hadn’t spoken to Braelynn. After Giordano had been arrested, her internet access had initially been limited to contact with Emerson Industries, working with Garrett and Chase to document her theories. But after a few weeks, she could have easily contacted Garrett. He knew why she hadn’t, and with depression over Seth’s death fresh in his mind, he hadn’t been ready to see her either. But today, one week after her uncle’s indictment, Lars planned on bringing her home, to his home, their home.
Eighty days and he hadn’t gone a morning without dreaming of her smile or her laugh. Eighty days and he hadn’t gone a night without fantasizing she was still in his arms. Whatever fear or guilt she carried would be lifted and today, he’d be the one to save her. And if he was lucky, she’d save him right back.
Lars’ cell phone sounded, breaking his contemplation. He glanced to Garrett’s text, double checking the address. Lars settled his nerves, and approached the beach bungalow. He suspected she’d fight him. She hadn’t returned his texts or calls, and while he understood to some extent, there was no way he was leaving without her.
Lars knocked on the door, but no one answered. Although he didn’t think she suspected he’d come for her, he’d taken no chances. Garrett had given him the digital code to the security system. He typed it in, and promptly cursed, as the light flashed red.
“What the hell?” He tapped at the keys, his stomach sinking as it once again refused to open for him. “Fuck.”
“Are you trying to break into my house?” Lars heard Braelynn call from behind him.
“No, I’m just…” He lost his words as he took in the sight of his beautiful little fox. Her dark hair had lightened slightly, reddish streaks shining throughout her mane. Tanned and radiant, she stood with a basket cocked on her hips. Dark sunglasses hid her eyes but her trembling voice gave her excitement away. Her long white skirt brushed her ankles, the matching tank top hugging her full breasts.
“You know, I think I should call the police,” she began.
“Really?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“It’s a federal crime, you know? Breaking and entering.”
“This isn’t the States. I don’t think that applies.”
“Doesn’t matter. My house. My rules.” She lifted her sunglasses onto her head, brushing her hair out of the way.
“I wasn’t breaking in. I was just typing in a code,” Lars protested, recalling her excuse.
“I don’t think the authorities will see it that way. There’s video.” She took a step closer and set her basket onto the ground.
“Then I guess you’ll have to arrest me.” Lars slowly approached. Jesus, she was more gorgeous than he’d remembered.
“I have handcuffs,” she stated with a flirtatious flicker in her eyes.
“Hmm…do ya now?”
“I know how to use them.” She gave a small smile.
“Well, I guess you’ll have to take matters into your own hands.” Unable to resist, he closed the distance.
“I’m sorry.” She averted her gaze briefly but then locked her eye
s on his.
“For what?” Lars knew the answer but he asked anyway. She had to say the words and he needed to listen.
“Seth.” Her voice cracked, and she pressed her lips together, struggling to contain the emotion. “I’ve cried so many tears.”
“It’s not your fault, Brae.” It’s not my fault.
“We…he would have never been there if it weren’t for us.”
“True, but Seth, he lived in the danger zone. If he were with us right now, he’d tell us that we shared the most amazing night, that sometimes we’ve got to take risks to live life the way it’s meant to be lived. I’ve seen him ride fifty-foot waves in Portugal, knowing there was a chance he wouldn’t survive, that he’d drown. But not riding them? It wasn’t even a factor in his mind.”
“But this wasn’t fun for him. He did this for us,” she countered.
“True, but Seth cared about you. And he cared about me. That was his life. We didn’t kill him.” If he’s even dead. Lars dare not speak the words. On the plane ride down to the island, Lars had arranged to have a private rescue organization search the cliffs for evidence of his death. “A psychopath killed him. He took his life, not us. Not me. Not you.”
“Lars.” She fell into his arms with a small sob.
“Aw, sweetheart, don’t cry…please don’t cry.”
“I missed you so much. I wanted to call you. I wanted.”
“Speaking of which,” he kissed her hair, his lips pressing to her forehead, “I’m taking you home.”
“Home?” she responded, her eyes on his.
“My home. Our home.”
“But…do you mean…”
“I mean I’m here to bring you home. And I’m never letting you out of my sight again.” Lars leaned into her, capturing her lips. Tasting her familiar honeyed essence, he swept his tongue against hers. The gentle kiss turned urgent, and she clutched at his shirt, her leg wrapping around his waist.
“Brae. Sweetheart,” he panted, never taking his lips from hers. “We’ve got to continue this discussion inside before I fuck you right here on the patio, and I have a feeling that could get us arrested. Don’t get me wrong. I love the island but I’d much rather spend the holiday in bed than jail.”
Braelynn laughed and broke away from him, frantically typing in the code. Lars shoved the door open and threw his backpack onto the floor. She squealed as he lifted her up into the air, and kicked the door shut.
“Bed now,” he stated, crushing his mouth onto hers.
“Hmm…there.” Braelynn pointed.
As they stumbled into the bedroom, he tore his lips from hers and tossed her onto the bed. She laughed, crawling back onto her elbows.
Lars grabbed her ankles, knowing that he wouldn’t last long. His cock throbbed, and he’d struggle not to come as soon as he slid home. He dropped to his knees, and yanked her bottom to the edge.
“This is mine.”
“I’m sorry, what?” She cocked her head, giving a sexy smile.
“Skirt off. Now.” Lars reached up to her waist, tugging the stretchy waistband over her hips, delighted to see a pair of rainbow boy shorts. “What’s this?”
“Underwear.” She laughed.
“This,” he pointed to a large fish.
“It’s a shark.”
“You like to get bitten, huh?”
“Maybe.” She giggled. “Maybe I like sharks.”
Hooking his fingers over the fabric, he tugged them off, leaving her bared to him. “Now this…God, I missed you,” he stated, sliding his fingers through her slick folds.
“Ah God.” Her head fell back, momentarily, then she lifted her eyes to meet his.
“You belong to me, Dr. Rollins. And I belong to you. Am I clear?”
“Yes…please.”
“Tell me,” he demanded, his lips falling to her inner thigh. Nibbling her sweet flesh, he took his time, lapping her skin, and drove a finger inside her wet core.
“I’m yours. Lars,” she breathed as he dragged his tongue over her clit, making love to her. “Ah…yes.”
Braelynn shook as he plunged a second digit into her pulsating channel. He sucked her sensitive bead between his lips and flicked his tongue over it, increasing his pace until she screamed. As she shook in release, Lars unbuttoned his shorts, quickly yanking them off his legs.
Unable to wait a second longer, he lifted her legs wide open, positioning himself at her entrance. As he slammed inside her, he knew in that moment that no matter where he was, as long as he was with Braelynn, his life was complete. This spectacular woman was his and his alone. Trusting and loving him with her body and mind, she met his adventurous nature with a passion no one could match, giving him the greatest gift he’d ever known.
Braelynn’s body quivered in arousal, still shocked he’d come for her. So many weeks had passed since Seth’s death. There’d been days she’d barely been able to lift her head off the pillow, let alone answer a text. All my fault. The words had pounded a beat in her psyche, and the guilt smothered her. Although she hadn’t been in love with Seth, had only known him for a few days, she’d made love to him, and she couldn’t forgive herself for bringing her uncle into their lives. Remorse over his death had consumed her, and she couldn’t bear the thought of Lars’ rejection.
After documenting her research to Emerson Industries, Braelynn had been left waiting her days out until they’d told her it was safe to return. Not a second passed when she didn’t think about Lars. She’d replayed their last kiss a million times in her mind. With no regrets, she found consolation knowing she’d told him that she loved him. Dreaming of Lars, his touch, she’d been in agony without him.
When she saw him at her front door, her pulse raced. He’d told her he’d come for her, that they’d be together again. So many people in her life had delivered empty promises, but Lars, a man of integrity, kept his word.
His possessive kiss sent desire throughout every cell of her body. Happiness bloomed inside her chest and she reveled in his erotic touch.
“I missed you so fucking much,” he told her, and she smiled into his kiss.
“I missed you too. Don’t ever let me go.”
“We’ve got all weekend.”
“A weekend?” she panted as he pinned her arms to her side. His sleek muscular body covered hers, immobilizing her.
“Forty-eight hours.” His lips brushed hers, as he slowed his pace.
“Just a weekend?”
“A weekend here in paradise, sweetheart. A lifetime together. You’ll come home with me?” His eyes locked on hers.
“God yes,” she replied, her voice breathy. She’d give him anything and everything. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Lars captured her mouth with his once again, branding her with his searing kiss.
Braelynn wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him deeper. With deliberate thrusts, his pelvis brushed against her, and she rocked up into him.
“Lars…I can’t….I’m going to…ah…” As his cock teased over her delicate strip of nerves, she shuddered in an uncontrollable release, contracting around him. Restrained, she submitted to the longest climax she’d ever had, rolling waves of ecstasy claiming her body.
“Ah…yes. You’re killing me….you feel amazing.” Lars pounded into her tight heat, making love to her mouth with a fierce intensity. With a final thrust, he came.
As Lars rolled onto his back, he brought her to his chest. Braelynn embraced him, reveling in the moment.
“I love you so much.” The happiest she’d ever been in her life, her heart skipped a beat.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
“Trust,” she whispered.
“Hmm…what?”
“Trust. I…I…I have something to tell you.”
“What’s wrong, Brae?” He pressed her, meeting her gaze. “Tell me.”
“I’m sorry…I took that shot, but I’m not sorry. You see…I’m older. I’m not in my twenties.”
“I�
��m not either. You’re scaring me…what’s going on?”
“You like adventure, right?” She closed her eyes, praying he wouldn’t leave her. Her fragile heart couldn’t take the loss of his affection.
“You know I do.”
“I wasn’t sure how to tell you. And I…you know I never wanted this to happen but now…I want this…and not just because of it, because it’s with you.”
“What is it?”
“I’m having a baby,” she confessed. As the words left her lips, she held her breath, terrified of his response. She’d only discovered the pregnancy a few days ago.
“You clearly need more lessons, sweetheart.” He laughed, pressing his lips to her head.
“You’re okay?” she asked.
“I’m more than okay. Was this expected? Hell no, but Jesus, Brae. Don’t you get how much I love you?” He kissed her again.
“I love hearing you say those words.”
“But you know, my little fox,” Braelynn giggled as he flipped her onto her belly, and caressed her bottom, “I’m going to look forward to more of these lessons.”
“Are you now?” she purred, arching her back. “You know I can’t be tamed?”
“I’m not looking to tame you, sweetheart. Enjoy you. Love you. But never tame you. You’re the best adventure I’ve ever had. That rush?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
“You’re it.”
Epilogue
His body burned hot with fever, every muscle in his body aching. Seth’s swollen eyes cracked open, and he saw the flames of a fire dancing in the corner. His vision blurred, as a figure brushed past him.