FRAUD: A Romantic Suspense Novel

by R. C. Stephens

  “Baby, I ship out tomorrow. I’ve known for a couple of weeks, but I didn’t want you walking around sulking for my last days at home. I thought it’s better we had a quick goodbye.” I speak the words softly, but inside I’m cringing, hoping she isn’t mad.

  “Thomas…” Tears roll down her cheeks. “I know this has been coming. I know you need to go. It’s okay. I’ve told myself it’s okay since we had our first date four years ago. I’ve been preparing myself mentally for this. You will be great and you will do good in this world.” She leans forward and places a wet kiss on my mouth. I can feel her tears on my face. I love her so damn much it hurts.

  “Baby, I love you. I’ll probably be gone for a while. I’ll try to stay in touch as much as I can but I’ve been told that I may be off radar for long periods of time…” I pause because my next words aren’t easy. I take a deep breath. There really is no easy way to say this... She’s young and beautiful and we fell in love and married young. If something were to happen to me she needs to know that she needs to move on.

  “Don’t say it, Thomas.” Her tears continue to fall and she nods. “You’re it for me, baby.” She says it adamantly and I believe her. I was her only boyfriend and her first everything.

  “Halo, listen to me.” My thumb grazes her cheek, wiping away her tears. “I’m a SEAL now. We go on high-risk missions. I need to know that if something happens to me that you won’t check out. You need to find yourself a new husband and make a life. You are nineteen years old and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen walk this earth. I know I’m asking for a lot here, but I need to hear you promise me you will. Now that being said, I promise you that I will do my damnedest to come home to you. I will find you in the dark; you can trust that. Just in case, please say the words.” I beg her as if it’s my least breath. I know she would always keep her promises to me and this one is important. My own tears spill.

  I’m a realist. Living a difficult life makes you into one. There are no ifs about it. I wipe gently at her tears and look at her with pleading eyes, chipping at her stubborn walls until they are fully broken.

  “I promise.” She nods then claims my lips hungrily. The thought of her being with another man makes me crazy possessive. I know deep down I need to do everything I can to stay alive, but the reality of being a SEAL doesn’t always allow for that. The heat between us ignites and within seconds I yank down my boxer shorts and have my cock buried between her legs as she rocks on top of me. I need to own every inch of her because that conversation about her moving on has just done crazy things to my insides. As I bury myself inside her, I cleanse my mind. There is nothing else—just me and her. The way it should always be.

  Chapter One

  January 15, 2008

  Rogers Park, Chicago

  Halo

  It’s happening… This. Is. Real.

  Shit! I lean over the side of my bed and brace myself. Slow breaths, Halo. You can do this. Everything will be okay. I take a slow breath, but the pain is too intense.

  I’m losing it. What should I do? It’s too soon. This baby wasn’t meant to come for another three weeks. Jenny and Dave aren’t back from Florida yet. Who the hell should I call?

  Fuck! Here comes another one. Holy hell, it feels like my insides are being squeezed to death. This can’t be good. My contractions are five minutes apart. Little beads of sweat trickle down my forehead and my heart accelerates.

  I never anticipated being alone for something like this. For this I was supposed to have a partner by my side.

  Thomas had stuck by my side. He’d put his own dreams on hold. I knew with everything in me that he would always be by my side.

  The contraction subsides. I rise from the bed, huffing out slow breaths as I wobble over to the window facing the backyard. I place my hand on the cool glass, which feels nice on my heated skin. The sky is a midnight blue and the stars are sparse. I watch the clouds slowly moving and concentrate on breathing slowly through my nose and exhaling out of my mouth.

  I’m on the verge of panic. Being alone means I don’t have the luxury of melting down. “Even darkness must pass,” I whisper the wise words of Tolkien, keeping my eyes glued on the large backyard covered in at least two feet of snow, anything to distract my mind from the fear that threatens to swallow me whole. Thomas and I had shared a love of books. We quoted Tolkien’s words all the time.

  I look back to the clock on the night table. It’s three a.m. Even though Thomas has been gone for just over seven months, I still sleep on my side of the bed. It’s messed up, but when someone like Thomas makes a promise to come back to you no matter what, you believe it, you breathe it and it enters your soul. People like Thomas are loyal. They don’t make promises and then break them. They sure as fuck don’t walk out on their pregnant wives.

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to you my lovely readers for taking the time to read my books. Your time is precious and I am honoured that you have taken time out of your busy lives to read this book. Fraud took me a very long time to write. My heart and soul was poured into this work of love and I hope that you enjoyed the everlasting love of Natalia and Hayes.

  To all the bloggers who have read this book and promoted my work, you are truly the rock stars. Your dedication to stories and authors is selfless and beautiful. I cherish your dedication.

  To James Ramsey, this book wouldn’t be what it is without your dedication to this project. I presented you with a topic you were wary about and you took a chance on me and on my writing. The amount of times you read this story is truly exceptional. I can’t thank you enough for all your words of wisdom.

  To Karen, you are the best. I know my grammar still needs a brush-up. I appreciate all your hard work making sure I crossed my T’s and dotted my I's.

  To Renita, you’ve been reading my books since I was a newbie. You’ve guided me with your words of wisdom and I appreciate you proofing this project on such short notice.

  To my agent Stephanie. Thank you for taking the time to give me advice. Your words of wisdom are so appreciated. I know I drove everyone crazy about the cover for this book, but I had to get it right and I think we nailed it.

  To Ena and Amanda at Enticing Journey, you ladies rock. You are so on top of all my releases ensuring that everything goes smooth. I thank you for your hard work.

  Finally, to my family. I love you all so very much. Thank you for putting up with my long hours of writing and encouraging me to follow my dreams. I love you to the moon and back.

  If you aren’t a R.C. Stephens VIP reader head on over to my website and sign up. I am giving away two free books to add to your library.

  www.rcstephens.com

  XOXO

  R.C.

  About the Author

  As far back as R.C. Stephens can remember she was a sucker for a good romance. Of course there had to be a prince charming even if he ultimately was a dark knight and there had to be a happy ending.

  She watched the movie Dirty Dancing way too many times growing up and Jean Claude Van Damme movies too. Go figure!

  After years of saying she would write a book one day, she finally put pen to paper and carved out the plot line for what would eventually become the best selling Twisted Series. Now R.C. is just finishing up her twelfth book and can't seem to stop the stories running through her mind. Visit R.C. on her FB page to find out what's new in her life and what releases she has coming up.

  Also by R.C. STEPHENS

  Best selling military standalone. A compelling story of heartbreak, sacrifice and ultimately a test of true love.

  Halo

  The Mister Series- Billionaire Romance

  Mr. All Wrong

  Mr. So Wrong

  Where Promises Die- Small town romance. Twin brothers in love with the same girl.

  Dick: A Bad Boys Novel- A single father romance

  Big Stick- A hockey romance

  pense Novel