BEAR'S KISS
By
Natalie Kristen
Copyright © 2015 Natalie Kristen
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are used fictitiously or are the products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual locales, events, establishments or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
About this Book
Prisha Singh has just moved to the city to take over her grandmother's little restaurant. Determined to continue her Nanni's legacy and build up the business of Curry Corner, Prisha throws herself into her work. She is just a hardworking chef, a small business owner, and she never expects danger to come striding through the front door of her little restaurant.
When Caleb Nash, Beta of the Black Bears, saves the life of his hot, new neighbor, he realizes that a deadly plan has been set in motion. The fate of the city and this beautiful, curvy human woman is inextricably linked.
Caleb is in charge of the operations of the Black Bears Group, a large security company, and he is used to taking risks and executing daring plans.
But the risks and the cost may be too high this time
Will he risk the entire city for the life of his mate?
Or will he sacrifice Prisha to save the city?
Caleb has only one choice and one chance.
*****
CHAPTER ONE
Prisha Singh held the door open and smiled. “Thank you, and have a good evening, Mr and Mrs McPherson. Please come again,” she said warmly.
“Oh, we will,” the sweet elderly lady replied. “We've been coming here for years. No other curry place in the city serves curries that make my mouth and eyes water! Your grandmother was an amazing cook. And so are you, my dear!”
“Thank you, Mrs McPherson.” Prisha beamed.
Mr McPherson chuckled and winked at Prisha as he walked out the door. “Now that's my girl. Red hot and spicy, with just a little bit of sugar.” He leaned on his walking stick and tucked his wife's hand into the crook of his arm.
“I heard that, old man.” Mrs McPherson elbowed her husband but she was smiling. “Come on, let's get home. It's almost time for bed.”
“Oh, I'm ready for bed! Are you ready for me, sugar?”
Mrs McPherson giggled like a schoolgirl and slapped him on the arm. Prisha grinned and called out, “Have a great evening. And make it a real spicy one!”
The couple laughed and ambled down the street arm in arm. With a wistful smile, Prisha flipped the sign over on the door. Curry Corner was now closed for the day.
Prisha turned and saw Nurin clearing the plates from the table. “Let me help.” She hurried over to Nurin's side but was promptly shooed away.
“You just leave the cleaning up to us. Go do what you have to do,” Nurin said firmly. Jennifer was already standing by with a mop, waiting to clean up the restaurant at the end of another busy, bustling day.
“I can help...” Prisha began but was forced to back away when Jennifer shoved the mop under her feet and began mopping with a vengeance. “You're getting in the way, boss,” Jennifer mock grumbled.
“Fine, I'll be at the counter, okay?” Prisha laughed, putting her hands up in surrender.
“Finish your work quickly,” Nurin said as she headed towards the kitchen with a stack of dirty dishes. “Tally up the accounts and go home. Don't stay too late. It's not safe.”
“I can clean up the place by myself. You should get yourselves home. It's been a long day, and you've been working so hard...” Prisha tried again, but Nurin and Jennifer simply tut-tutted at her.
Prisha knew better than to argue with them. Those two women had been working at Curry Corner for over two decades. They had worked for her grandmother, and when Prisha inherited the restaurant, she inherited the two loyal staff as well. Nurin's son, Ali, had recently finished his chef apprenticeship at one of the largest restaurants in the city, but instead of staying on in that upscale, posh restaurant, he had come to work at Curry Corner as an assistant chef.
Curry Corner was a small, little eatery serving authentic Indian cuisine and it had been her grandmother's pride and joy. Prisha had been the only one in the family who showed any interest and talent in cooking. Her siblings and cousins had been more interested in working in the family's modest accounting firm in their small hometown. They didn't have Shamila's entrepreneurial, adventurous spirit.
Prisha's grandmother, Shamila, had moved to the city by herself at the ripe old age of fifty-nine. All her children were grown and her husband had been dead for years. Shamila had been a dutiful, devoted wife and mother for forty years. She decided that it was time to do something for herself. She wanted a change of pace, have a go at creating and building something, a small business all by herself.
Shamila Singh had upped and left, and she never looked back. Her family came to visit her often, but they all preferred the comfort and security of their tiny hometown. Shamila didn't insist that her children and grandchildren move to the city with her. She respected their choice, and she asked that they respect hers as well.
Prisha used to come out to the city and help her grandmother in her restaurant during her school holidays. Curry Corner held fond memories for her. She'd learned to cook all kinds of delicious, tantalizing curries from her grandmother. But Prisha's parents were strict, traditional Indian parents, and they didn't want their teenage daughter living so far away from them.
Prisha returned to her small town, but she insisted on doing what she loved. Cooking. She worked in the small eateries in town, gradually earning a reputation as an innovative, hardworking and talented chef.
And when her grandmother passed away suddenly just eight months ago, Prisha was shocked to learn that she was now the new owner of Curry Corner. Shamila had bequeathed the restaurant to her. It was Shamila's wish that her granddaughter inherit, carry on and grow the business of Curry Corner.
Her parents didn't say no this time. Prisha was now a twenty-nine-year-old woman. It was high time for her to leave her town and carve out her own niche.
Her mother had hugged her tearfully and made her promise to visit often. “Maybe it's for the best,” her mother had whispered. “You can escape that crazy man, and hopefully he will forget about you.”
The mere mention of her ex-boyfriend had sent a shiver down her spine. Terrence had taken to stalking her around town months after their breakup. He was sneaky and insidious, and he was careful not to leave proof of his threats and harassment. The local Sheriff department had given Terrence a stern warning, but there was not much else they could do.
Moving to the city gave Prisha the fresh start she needed and the opportunity of a lifetime.
She was determined to leave all her unhappiness behind and build a future for herself here. She would work hard to make Curry Corner a success and do her grandmother proud.
She owed it to herself, and Shamila.
CHAPTER TWO
Prisha finished with the accounts and was preparing a list of new dishes and the ingredients she needed to buy when Ali came out of the kitchen drying his hands on his jeans. “All done. Everything's in order now, all ready for tomorrow. Are you ladies ready to go?”
“Tsk. Just a moment.” Jennifer frowned at the crooked stack of menus at the counter. She straightened the pile and stepped back with a satisfied smile. “Yep. We're ready.”
Ali went to hold his mother's handbag while Nurin put on her coat. “Come on, Prisha, le
t's go,” Nurin urged.
“I'll stay a while more. Don't worry, I'll lock up.” Prisha added quickly, “See you tomorrow.”
Nurin shook her head. “You're just like your grandmother.”
“I try. But I still have a long way to go,” Prisha admitted.
“Shamila was a workaholic too. A perfectionist,” Jennifer said, looking round the restaurant. “An inspiration and an angel. She gave me a job when no one else would hire me. Those who could bear to look at me only gave me looks of pity.”
Jennifer was blind in one eye and her face had been disfigured in a brutal acid attack. Her attacker was never caught. Nurin put her arm around her friend and said fervently, “There are demons in this city. But there are also angels. I was a struggling single mom, and Shamila gave me flexible working hours and paid me a full salary. She allowed me to put Ali through school and raise him to be a fine young man.”
Ali smiled shyly. “I love Aunty Shamila's cooking. I always came here after school, and she would always have a big bowl of rice and curry for me.”
Prisha swallowed the lump in her throat as she stared at the three loving, beautiful faces in front of her. Her grandmother had done so much good, with her cooking, with her life. She had much to learn, and so much more to do.
“I miss her,” Prisha said softly, blinking back sudden tears.
“We all do,” Jennifer said, coming up to squeeze her hand. “But Shamila lives on, right here!”
Jennifer pressed her hand over her heart and threw her arms wide to encompass the whole restaurant. “This—is her pride, her crowning achievement. Shamila defied the odds and succeeded. So did we. And so will you, Prisha.”
Prisha nodded. “Thank you...for your faith in me.” Sucking in a deep breath, she ordered, “Go home now. It really is getting late. I'll see you all tomorrow!”
With repeated reminders for her to lock up the premises and get herself home safely, her staff finally left the restaurant.
Prisha switched off all the lights, leaving only the counter illuminated by a small lamp. The restaurant felt so much emptier without them. With a small smile, Prisha realized that it was the people as much as the food that made Curry Corner what it was today.
After another hour or so, Prisha finally finished her work. Stifling a yawn, she carefully locked up the cash register and drawers. After a quick look around, she let herself out the front door and locked the place up.
Stuffing her hands into the pockets of her long coat, she yawned again and tried to get her legs to walk faster. She had rented a nice little apartment not far from the restaurant. It was just a twenty-minute walk, and she usually enjoyed the exercise. It was the only exercise she got anyway. She was usually too exhausted to do anything else but sleep once she got home.
Food and cooking. That was her passion, her work, her life.
She always made sure she was the first one at the restaurant. There was just so much to do. Ali came in early as well to help her prepare the dishes, but she always tried to be there before him. She wanted everything to be perfect.
With hardly any time or energy to exercise, she was getting even curvier and chubbier. Not that she minded. All the women in her family had generous figures, and the look suited them. Prisha liked her curves, but some of her old jeans were getting a weeny bit tight.
Perhaps she should take the stairs instead of the elevator tonight.
Prisha wrinkled her nose. Nah. Her apartment was on the twentieth floor. The thought of dragging herself up twenty flights of steps was enough to turn her legs to jelly.
She wrapped her coat tighter around herself and turned into a side lane. Hearing a sound, she glanced over her shoulder but there was no one there.
Prisha winced. She wasn't sure if it was just the echo of her own footsteps, or if she'd really heard someone behind her.
She gulped and walked faster.
The footsteps sounded louder and more urgent. Could it be...Terrence? Was he still stalking her?
She stopped abruptly and spun round. The only thing that moved was a rolling tin can.
Calm down. Don't be paranoid, she admonished herself.
She was just exhausted after a long day. Her senses were shutting down and playing tricks on her.
She should get herself home and have a nice, long, relaxing bath. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to think happy, pleasant thoughts as she marched homeward.
Her handsome, hunky neighbor.
Prisha perked up. Now that was a pleasant thought.
Maybe she would bump into him tonight. He lived in the unit just down the corridor from her, and she had only caught glimpses of him as he came and went. He seemed to work odd hours, coming home in the early morning when she was just about to leave her apartment.
He certainly was a sight for sore, tired eyes. Tall, good-looking and well-built with the most stunning, forest green eyes.
She would love to chat him up, maybe even flirt with him a little.
Prisha gave a little snort. She had been out of the dating scene way too long. She wondered if she even remembered how to flirt.
Maybe she should practice in front of the mirror first.
Prisha rolled her eyes at herself, and gave a big, loud yawn. Gosh, how many times had she yawned already?
How could she even find the energy to flirt? Just thinking about it exhausted her!
Prisha reached her condo building and stifled yet another yawn.
Meeting her hunky neighbor would be nice. But the nicest, most inviting thing to her right now was her bed.
CHAPTER THREE
Caleb Nash parked his Range Rover in the condo car park and rolled his shoulders as he walked to the lift lobby. He had just finished a twenty-hour work day. And he hadn't spent those twenty hours sitting behind a desk.
Security work was challenging and dangerous, but it was also deeply satisfying. Their search and rescue mission had been successful, and everyone had gotten back safe and sound. None of his Black Bears had been injured and the missing persons had been found on time. No fatalities, no damage to body and soul. It was a good day.
Caleb tapped his foot as he waited for the elevator. He hoped to snatch at least a few hours of sleep before heading back to the office.
As Beta of the Black Bears clan and the Chief Operating Officer of the Black Bears Group, he had a lot on his plate but this week, there was even more for him to do. Besides his own responsibilities, he had to cover his Alpha's duties as well. His Alpha and CEO, Ethan Flint, was away on his honeymoon with his lovely mate, Cora.
Caleb heard footsteps and just a second later he caught her scent. He turned immediately and saw his beautiful new neighbor walking through the glass doors into the lift lobby. Caleb straightened up sharply. Even his dozing bear rumbled awake and snapped to attention under his skin.
She was rummaging in her bag for her keys and almost walked right into him. “Oh, sorry,” she muttered as she jerked her head up. Her large black eyes widened and she stumbled back. “Oh, it's you! I...um...it's nice...ah, hi!” she stammered.
Caleb smiled. “Hi. We meet, face to face, at last. I live on your floor, but I've only seen you rushing in and out of your door. I never had the chance to say hi.”
“Yeah, I've been wanting to...meet you.” She blushed and extended her hand. “I'm Prisha Singh.”
“Caleb Nash.” Her hand felt warm and so tiny in his. He wanted to pull her closer, but he forced himself to release her hand. His bear growled and Prisha blinked at him.
“Did you just...are you…?”
“Yes. I'm a bear shifter,” he said quickly. Better for her to know what he was from the outset. “I belong to the Black Bears clan.”
Prisha nodded, unfazed. “There are a few shifters in our building,” she observed. “I've spoken to quite a few of them. They're all really nice. I've moved into my apartment just a few weeks ago.”
“I know. I've been meaning to c
ome over and introduce myself, but...”
Prisha put up a hand. “Everyone's just so busy. That's how it is in the city.”
They entered the lift together, and Caleb gazed down at her beautiful, exotic face. Her deep black eyes were framed by long, thick, curling lashes. She had dark skin, full, red lips and she wore her raven hair in a long braid. Under her long coat, he could see that she had the most luscious, curvaceous, mouth-watering figure.
The woman was stunning.
“Have you just moved to the city?” Caleb asked, making small talk.
“I've moved here from Boxville about six months ago. I rented another place before I found this apartment. The rent is higher but this is much nearer to my work place.”
“Where do your work?”
“Curry Corner.”
Caleb smiled. That explained the wonderful aroma of spices and cooking swirling around her. “I'm with the Black Bears Group,” he told her. “We specialize in security work.”
She smiled and was about to reply when he frowned suddenly and asked, “Are you...related to the previous owner of Curry Corner, Shamila Singh? She...”
“Yes. I'm her granddaughter.”
“Your grandmother was a wonderful woman, so full of life and love. I was shocked to hear that she had passed away.”
“It was very sudden,” Prisha said with a sigh. “But she lived a very full, fruitful life. I will strive to do the same, but she's left me really big shoes to fill.”
“It's been ages since I've been to Curry Corner. Your grandmother's curries were…” Caleb searched for the right word. “Explosive.”
Prisha laughed. “Yes. She loved her chillies! But you should come to Curry Corner and try our new dishes. I've added some less spicy dishes to the menu.”
“I will,” Caleb promised. “I'll bring the whole clan!”
Bear's Kiss (Bear Heat Book 2) Page 1