by Alison Charm
Past Capture (part 1)
By Alison Charm
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Copyright © 2017 Alison Charm
Smashwords Edition
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Smashwords Edition, License Notes
Thank you for downloading this eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, places or events is purely coincidental and the product of the author’s imagination.
Thank you for your support and respect for the property of this author.
Adult Reading Material
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Praises for Alison Charm’s Books
“Could not stop the smile from forming on my face and its continuous presence after the ending.” – Minnie
“Well written, unusual plot, interesting characters. Recommend.” – B. Shumway
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Description: Ever wondered what happens to Sugar Cohen’s best friend in “Design for You”? Meet Jasmine Lincoln and find out how she will finally be captured!
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Two Hot Steps Excerpt
The Witch and the Alpha Excerpt
Stringing A Doctor Excerpt
Books by Alison Charm
Chapter 1
Jasmine Lincoln's life fully blossomed from a pitiful Chow Chow with short, 3 inches fatty legs to finally a body befitting the temperament of her father’s Weimaraner after graduating from university. A weird comparison but she never seemed to get along with any other dogs at home seeing how they were all so peaceful and she happened to love breaking things in. Anyway, back to the main ‘human’ story.
In a nutshell, her life had made a dramatic 360 transformation after graduation. She had a lot to celebrate for: her Bachelor in Law finally in her hands after four hardworking years, passed the bar exams ahead of anyone in her class and her newly acquired slim figure (which was nothing like a Weimaraner’s stick like frame because she had luscious curves if she would say so herself) that turned more heads then the changing traffic light. She never anticipated such an increase in popularity and cringed at the superficial people out there trying to suck up to her but it paid the bills. It would be wrong, against god’s creation wrong, to not use her assets to her best advantage. She was all for living life to its fullest.
Her only regret was ever sleeping with her client two years ago. Leave it to temptation or heat of the moment. It might even be because she was ill and she did not know it! She knew she should admit that it was more than just a fling, one night stand, or any other dreaded term but apparently any other sweet little emotion was only on her side. The handsome ass went off to pursue his career abroad and she was left with renewed disinterest of the entertainment careers especially when half the nation was now lusting after him. She didn't even tell her best friend, Sugar Cohen, that she only had one experience only. Sure she had a lot of oral intercourse. How else was she going to find out whether the man was the one for her without getting a taste first? Literally. Oh god, that sounded so unethical. The irony.
Unfortunately, not a single man she encountered was able to elicit deeper passion within her. They could never measure up to him. She really should take her own advice and get laid. Her best friend already gave birth to a son and she was still trudging case after case of spoiled rich men. Women naturally cleared away from her path because of her no nonsense attitude and straightforwardness. Why Sugar did not abandon her was a mystery. The reason behind this phenomenon might even be a scientific discovery! Anyway, her personality was why a hundred percent of her clients were now all male. Even majority of her colleagues. Only a handful of five women, her excluded, were working at the office. She would not be grouped along with those weaklings. Seriously, this sexism towards her own sex would never go well out loud. She knew she had some issues but what could she do?
Frankly she just held no patience of the bubbling girls these days. They bitched all day of how there are heaps of work and gossip the day away. Talk about unproductivity and waste of human space. She would love to tell them to shut their trap and get to work.
Well, she did.
Last week. A day ago. Today. Just now.
Oh yeah.
She certainly wasn’t doing anything about her popularity at work or as a human being, perhaps. She knew the gossips revolving about her but she was one of those that can ignore such things. 80% of which was due to her character but the others were purely hearsay. Sure she gave her boss head but the man was too handsome not to and he was skilled with his hand. That was years ago and they currently have an amiable relationship. He would hit on her everyday and there was the occasional sexual harassment but seeing it as nothing more than harmless flirting, she let it be.
"Jasmine." Her client coughed a little hesitantly and her eyes reverberated to look at him. Sadly, all her clients are like that, either really confident or shy in her presence. She smiled at the little new popstar and he went slightly pink. She really shouldn't tease them but she had to find an outlet for her pent-up frustrations. Especially after reading today's headline of his upcoming marriage to a famous ex-actress. Excellent. The love of her life found his soul mate. What a load of –
Deep breathing. Calm down.
"Alright Gary, here's how you're going to answer: 'I cannot apologize for my past mistakes because then I would be just speaking empty words. I will try to make it up with my time and effort. I hope that I am given the opportunity to show everyone instead’ something like that." The kid soaked up her words whispered in a soft seductive whisper desperately like it was water but who wouldn't if they are caught with drug possession. Urgh...teenagers. The day was just getting better and better. Not!
~~~
By the end of the day, she had exhausted all her positive thinking energy and needed to replenish again with some desperately needed R&R. At nine, she doubted the spa would be open. Should she go home? Nah. Seeing her father again would only introduce a woodpecker to her already present migraine. Her apartment it is. She was all ready to go when the secretary nearly ran into her room all hot and bothered.
"Jasmine! Carson Bane is here asking to see you!" The twinkles and hyperventilation were a clear enough sign telling her it was the real deal. Why couldn't this situation be a joke? She looked at her calendar wondering if she just didn't realize it was April Fool’s day. Still four months away. Great. "Tell him I'm about to leave for the day."
Her policy was no overtime. Yep, a slave driver. Anyway, if the asses who considered their future important then they should work around her schedule not the other way around. Arrogant, but it worked for these past three years.
"It'll only take a few minutes." Jasmine didn't need to look at Candy who actually fell back to meet Mr. Door in shock and desire, to know what happened. Star struck. Who would not when the tall and buff model slash actor stood there assertively, his head actually needed to duck to get in. Suddenly the temperature in the room reached a startling spike. She sighed loudly in annoyance and disgust. She wouldn't let her mind dwell on it.
Flumping down on her wide black desk chair, her forearms lay on its cushioned arms. Her back resting perfectly as the back of the chair conforms to her shape. Naturally, the chair could never be part of the office budget but she could afford her own chair and even a firm herself. She was not going to harm her health for others. Life was
not fair and it was time she listened to herself. The same went for the man in front of her now.
She motioned with her chin for him to sit. She felt more in control behind her sleek black table. Usually she wouldn't need to act more high and mighty like she needed to but today it was necessary to be extra aware of the distance between him and her position. This was not two years ago.
They sat staring at each other until both became conscious of the young sec who was still in a trance. Jasmine couldn't help but be nasty. "Oh Candy, we don't need you here you know like always." Her smile turned into full-blown glee as the woman shriveled her head back and forth at the two inhabitants of the room staring at her. She gasped out tragically with tears in her eyes and scurried away but Jasmine was well aware of that glare hidden behind her palms. Well, there goes another employee. She should get a man next time. Her clients tended to be men and having a man slave working under her guaranteed that her clients would not get hit on. Candy was seriously trying too hard to get hitched. Good luck somewhere else.
"That was a little too much." Carson voiced out, his face scowling slightly at her rude behaviour. Even when he scowled, he was breathtakingly handsome with all the soft gentle glow surrounding him. Blame it on his Italian blood for giving him those soul searching blue sapphire eyes and soft chestnut hair. Damn him for that naked hairy chest displayed all over the internet and posters for every heterosexual to see. If only this enigma would stay 2D. Then she would not have the urge to leave the metropolitan area every time she drives by the highway.
"I frankly don't give a damn to what you think." She could tell from his clenched jaw that he held back a retort. He shifted his eyes down so she could not read his feelings. She was satisfied with his tense posture. Served him right! Turning away from temptation, she began typing furiously on her computer.
"What are you doing?"
"None of your business." She would not tell him she is currently typing a letter to fire Candy. The letter was completed in mere minutes, put in an envelope and sealed. She looked up from licking the envelope and found him staring at her mouth. Her heart was stabbed by his apparent attention filled with the look of pure lust and desire. She never thought he would be affected by her but there he sat staring intently like he wanted to lick her all over. The aching stirring between her legs returned, forming lubricant inside. She must be mistaken.
His eyes caught her staring at him and he cleared his throat. He looked away briefly before refocusing on her. Was he feeling shy? Why? "I would like your help. I have someone who’s really in need of legal advice."
"No." Whatever his game was she would not engage anymore. She could not trust herself to be unaffected. Not with this gorgeous human creation sent from hell to tempt any strong women to their knees.
"You don't even know the details."
"I don't need to."
"Jaz-"
"That's Ms. Lincoln."
He took her correction unaffectedly. He was a formidable opponent indeed with his handsome exterior and deep soothing voice. His determined personality only made him all the more attractive. "Ms. Lincoln, please help us. You're the best in the field and she can't risk losing her child."
Great. He's getting hitched with a married woman? Somehow she never imagined him falling for those domestic types but of course the woman would be the complete opposite of her. How unfortunate. Some women are just meant to be mothers, meant to be with this charismatic man. She was becoming a bitter woman. Better stop before things get worst.
"I don't do custody."
"But you have the skills. You won the case two years ago when all evidence points to the father as the abuser. You believed. And this situation really needs someone to believe."
The words that spewed out of his mouth were like slaps on her face. Should she be flattered for his praises or was it all a ruse to get on her good graces so she would help him? God, she was becoming a cynical woman. She couldn't go on a day without being the devil’s advocate all the time. She sighed inwardly. The truth was it was most likely the latter. His god roman looks and masculine sexy voice were arsenals to every rational woman. It was not the first time she fell for it but this time at least she had all the experience under her belt.
"How much?"
"What?"
"Money." She stared at him expressionless. She had perfected her poker face since the last time they met. He stared at her with possibly shock before answering.
"How ever much it needs to win."
Desperate isn't he? So serious. Her heart clenched so tightly that she would have thought that a hand was squeezing it. She whisked out a calculator and punched in seven figures and twirled it to his end. He caught it swiftly and looked at the figure. If people were looking into her dark office with only enough light shining through via the window behind her, they would have thought an illegal exchange was happening.
It was a lost cause. This amount. No way would the firm ever charge such astronomical amount nor anyone paying it but Carson Bane only whipped out a check book and handed a check to her with that exact amount.
Life must be treating him well. That was obvious. He is going to raise someone's child so of course he should be loaded. She should stop thinking about it.
She nodded. Whatever he had planned, she would rise up on top. "We'll meet on Wednesday. I have meetings tomorrow. Make an appointment with my secretary."
"Thank you Ja- Ms. Lincoln." He stood up awkwardly retracting his hand seeing she was still sitting down and composed.
~~~
Turning her body 360 again and again in the long mirror, she finally declared herself presentable for the day. Thank god for her overwhelming job. The paper work kept her busy so she didn't dwell on the impending meeting for hours on end. Her colleagues were obviously shocked by the amount she brought in but also seemed to have resigned the fact that she can. Not something she was particularly proud of. A side of her still held reservation as to how she can do half the things she did and say half the things she said. She inhaled deeply. No. She was past prime to think this way. Jasmine Lincoln. She opened her eyes and stared at herself in the mirror. “I am Jasmine Lincoln.” And I can do anything if I put my mind to. Especially in forgetting about the past.
She walked into the office and noticed all the deep V and short skirts. Anticipation ran high in the office again at the prospect of somebody famous gracing their doors. It took all her professional training to not snort like a pig. These women are so lost. A man like him would have seen everything from naked women to fully clothed. Instead, she wore something conservative that hugged her to the T. The suit was a size smaller because she gained weight again. She was happy with it. She may have wanted to get his attention but the more important reason is that she would not be a slut in front of him. He left the paradise she offered him so too bad too sad, go and cry home to dad. He would never touch her again nor see her goods that everyone praised her for them. At least she was turning heads and causing at least one man to put a folder between his legs.
She entered her office and gathered her folders for the meeting. She will finally meet the one. The one that is able to hook him into an exclusive relationship for life. This woman must be amazing.
~~~
Jaz stared at the woman with an unfixed expression. She is skittish to say the least. Pretty in a girl next door kind of way. So he likes the innocent looking type. Jasmine definitely wasn't. If placed on a scale, she would be at the other end next to the devil or on top of him.
"Little Andrew is turning five this year and I would really love for him to return to me. I’ve seen bruises on his body but there is no way I can report this without drawing attention and the attention might kill him!" The woman sobbed out at the end and he wrapped an arm protectively around her shaking shoulders. His eyes filled with compassion.
Jaz immediately saw red. The moment the woman walked in she knew there is something wrong. Although her expression is that of a solemn and worried mother, her steps we
re too confident and there was her dress. Although plain, meaning with only one color, it hugged her figure a little too perfectly. Is she really trying to not seek attention? Would someone distressed be so concerned as to what she wore for a meeting?
Unless.
Unless.
"Excuse me for a second. My assistant made a typo on your name."
She stood and made sure to swing her hips as she exited the door. When she glanced at the corner of her eye she saw him turn away from her. She felt silly after that. What was she trying to do? What was she hoping for? For him to beg on his knees for her forgiveness? Then what? Would she take him back? That was a damn rhetorical answer she would not answer.
She must stop this.
No matter what she does, he will never look her way again. She was one of the flings and it was past time she grew up to accept that this man would never be hers. She made her way and laced out a fool proof contract that guaranteed her sanity and security. In the end, that was all she had.
~~~
Jaz deduced that the woman was guilty of something. Call it an intuition or her gut calling because that woman is ab-so-lutely guilty to a fault. There may be tears in her eyes but those were crocodile tears. There was no doubt of that. Her godson cried much more painfully than that woman did. At least the contract got signed. Even after the meeting was long over hours ago, she was still thinking about it. She snorted. What was wrong with her? Why should she care so much? Because she did. She hated to admit it. But she did.
Carson Bane would forever be in her heart.
Get over it.
“Lincoln.”
She stared up at her boss and soon to be partner. She never would have thought he would want her to be a partner but he presented the contract to her yesterday with a wide smile. No doubt it was because she raked in the Carson file. Oh, it should be Vanessa Golding’s file. God, she even hates the woman’s name. No. That was absolutely not due to jealousy.
“Felix.” She returned, leaning back with her thighs bracing against the table. The man walked in with his tailored suit that emphasized his long arms and she knew he’d chosen the colours to complement his grayish eyes and fair complexion. The man is a narcissist and she did not regret not taking their ‘relationship’ deeper.