I was excited to come to work for Titan, especially when I found out how pissed my father was that I’d managed to skirt his attempts to block me from getting hired. I knew I had to put in some crap work to prove my worth and slowly work into larger cases, like all the low men on the totem pole, but I was ready for one now. Call me impatient—hell, I’d even be the first one to admit it—but I wanted something that made me feel alive again. I’d forgotten that feeling the moment I’d left that no-good, lying, job stealing…yes, I’m talking about my ex-boyfriend…and that’s enough of that.
Just the thought of that man caused my blood to boil. I continued to run through my nightly exercises with another hit and kick to the punching bag swinging in the corner of my apartment, when the phone rang. I glanced over at the time and noted it was nearly midnight. I let the call go to voicemail.
“Makenna, its Rick. I’ve got an assignment for you, one you’ve been pestering me to get, so call me back on a secure line, now.”
I stuck my tongue out at the machine. Rick was a nice guy but could sometimes get a bit too bossy. He was now the new manager for the Titan Security Orlando office, but was slowly taking on more responsibilities at the other offices too.
He and his half-brother, Derrick, cracked open the case of a man intent on taking over the world by bringing the military, from all nations, down to their knees and under his control. The man was a real nut job and a half. But that was the case that got Titan on the map and had brought in a continual string a business ever since.
Titan did everything from employee checks at companies, background checks for anyone who wanted to dig into someone’s past, bodyguard work, and even the occasional mystery that needed to be solved. I was still waiting on that last part. So far, I mainly shadowed stars or politicians and dealt with some computer hacking issues while Sophia, our main computer guru, helped both of her daughters, who happened to be pregnant and due within weeks of one another. At least I kept busy lately.
I kicked the bag one more time before reaching for the cell phone Titan supplied me. “Yeah, boss?”
“You’re being assigned a mission you’ve been wanting. I need you to pack your bags; include clothes from everyday to dress attire, along with all items found on a Titan operative at all times. You’ll need to swing by and pick up your laptop, because we’re loading it with some software necessary for this assignment. I need you at my office at 0400 hours for briefing.”
Inside, I jumped for joy for my first “big” assignment, which had me leaving the city limits. Yeah. “Copy that, 0400 hours, sir.”
I quickly ran around and grabbed everything I thought I needed, and then some other things just as a safety. I was too excited to sleep, so I sent my sister a text to let her know I would be out of town for a bit and to make excuses to our parents as to why I wasn’t going to be at Sunday supper.
I made it to Rick’s office just in the nick of time. “Have a seat,” he offered before passing me a thick file. I opened the paperwork right as Rick said, “Our client is—”
I cut off his words, threw the file down on the desk, and picked up my things to leave. “Marcus Lombardi, Jackson’s little brother. I know who the fucking client is, Rick. He’s my ex-boyfriend. Go find someone else to take this case, because I’d be a conflict of interest.”
Rick, while bossy, never took a harsh tone with any of us, so when he told me to, “Sit down, Soldier; that’s an order, not a request.” I did exactly as he said.
I watched as he pulled the file back out. “We know you two dated; that’s what makes your job convincing. We need someone to go in as his girlfriend, but in actuality, you’ll be there to perform duties as a bodyguard, along with some computer work.”
Okay, the idea of finally getting to put my computer skills to use sounded nice. “Computer work, sir?”
Rick nodded. “Yes. Marcus was hired on with a nice hedge fund and investment company years back.” I cringed as he said that, remembering that day like it was yesterday. “He’d been one of the top rising stars of Wall Street, until last week. He somehow got mixed up in a Ponzie scheme, accused of pilfering several million dollars from the company’s top clients and pocketing things for himself.”
I yawned, causing Rick to try and force his back but failing miserably. “I’m sure, given your history together, that you probably feel he’s getting what’s coming to him, but we believe he’s been set up to take the fall, and we need proof.
“Jackson and his father, Mr. Lombardi, came to me yesterday, personally asking for you to be the one assigned to the case. You know the inner workings of Marcus’s mind, the way he thinks, how he feels, so you’d be able to tell if he’s lying to us. Plus, while you’re there, we need you to look into his financial records and investment options to see if he’s telling the truth about being framed in all this.”
He paused for a moment, rubbing his temple. “It does seem odd how he went from a mere associate all the way up to junior partner in a matter of five years. I don’t know any business that promotes that quickly and with that much money unless you’re the business owner’s child or are dealing in dirty laundry.”
I tried to argue, “Can’t Ethan, Sophia, or one of the others go instead of me?”
“No, and you know why too. Ethan doesn’t do fieldwork; he works locally or handles things via a computer link. Besides, his wife, Marjorie, is due to give birth any day now. The same goes for Sophia; she doesn’t travel anymore and has two daughters, one in a high-risk pregnancy with multiples, both due within weeks of each other. There’s no way she can leave.”
“Okay, I get it. But why can’t Marcus come here and let me do the job from the office?” I questioned, hoping this time I finally had some wiggle room to negotiate.
I was shot down instantly. “Marcus is under house arrest by the FBI up in New York. He’s not allowed to leave his apartment unless given approval and provided an escort with their local FBI district.”
Rick reached into a drawer and drew out an envelope. “Here’s a credit card for your expenses. If you need any other attire than what you’re bringing, and it’s related to business, just charge it to the company account.
“You have a car waiting for you downstairs to drive you to the airport, where a plane is standing by ready to take you to your destination. I know this is not what you expected, but you were personally requested, and we always aim to give the clients what they want, within reason of course.”
Rick made eye contact with me, and then handed over the envelope and the file. “Promise you’ll try to get along with him, Makenna? The way you handle this case will determine your future at the company. Good luck and stay safe.”
As soon as I was on the plane, I took a long breath in and out to clear my mind. What the hell just happened? I was told I could basically take this case and prove my worth, being forced to work with the man I swore I’d never see again, or be let go. Well that fucking blows.
The plane ride wasn’t long enough. I arrived in New York City within hours, right in time for the rush-hour traffic, but thankfully, there was a car waiting for me to take me to my ex’s humble abode.
My eyes had to do a double take when we pulled up to the decent-sized building. The neighborhood looked immaculate and for high-end clientele, with views of Central Park. What the? This couldn’t be his place, could it?
The doorman opened the car door, helping me out and offering assistance with my luggage, which was only two pieces, but what the heck, he was getting paid for it. “Who are you visiting, my dear?” the kindly gentleman asked.
“Marcus Lombardi, please.” I noted the man’s eyes widened, but then he regained his composure as he walked me through the lobby to the elevator. I almost expected him to take me the rest of the way, but he deposited my bags on the floor of the elevator.
“You’ll want the top floor, apartment 1201. Good day, madam, and enjoy your stay at the Canterbury.” Wow, that guy was a snob, but something about the way his eyes widene
d at the mere mention of Marcus’s name had me curious. What did Marc do to him?
I strolled out of the elevator and could already tell which place was Marcus’s, because there were two very-obvious Feds standing watch outside his door. I walked toward them, but they told me to turn around, so I set my bags down and let them know I was reaching for my identification. I made it a point to always let another operative know what I was going for, in hopes to avoid the feeling of a bullet in my body. All it took was one shot to keep that memory alive—one I never wanted to relive again. I ran my hand up my left arm and felt the scar reminding me of the time a stray bullet nicked me.
The taller g-man looked at my driver’s license, and then at my security clearance with Titan Security and nodded. “We heard you were coming.” His eyes gave my body a complete once-over before he finished his thought, “Go ahead in and get situated. We can meet this afternoon to compare notes and catch you up.”
I went to pick up my bags, when I heard the guy whisper to his teammate, “She’s the only one Marcus was willing to let into the apartment with him; everyone else he either had in tears or they had threatened to kill him within hours.”
I just shook my head. Yep, that sounded like the Marcus I knew. I was the only one willing to dish his shit back at him.
The apartment was covered in floor-to-ceiling windows along the back—a definite safety hazard that we needed to address. The furniture was not his style at all, but more my taste, reflecting classic lines but with a comfy hominess about it. I ran my fingers over the material on the back of the sofa, when I heard, “Look what the cat dragged in.”
I turned and saw Marcus fresh from the shower, with only a towel slung low on his hips, and definitely more ripped than I’d seen him before. He was still sporting that dumbass tattoo of a bunny on his lower hip. Yeah, the same one you have on yours. You could’ve gotten rid of it, but you didn’t.
He looked hot; actually, if I wanted to be truthful, he looked panty-melting delightful. He always did have a way in which he could make me surrender to his demands, but not this time. I called him on his crap, “I may be what the cat dragged in, but you haven’t changed a bit.” I took a piece of my long hair and twisted it between my fingers, which still got to him, making his pupils dilate and a noticeable bulge tent the towel he wore. “Whoops, sorry, I misspoke. You have changed, being under house arrest and all for embezzling.”
He grabbed the towel in his hands; his obvious bulge caused it to slip. Marcus reached out a hand as he walked toward me, looking like he was trying to explain. “You have to help me Kenna.” He went right to the nickname he called me all those years ago, trying to force the connection I’d long since severed. “I’m innocent. I’ve been set up, and I can’t figure out who’s behind it. You have to believe me.”
There it was, that one word, that one thing I couldn’t do. “I did believe you, with my body, my mind, and my soul, and how did you repay me? You took what I had my heart set on and destroyed my faith in men and in humanity. I’ll do the work I have been assigned, but as far as trust goes, you don’t have mine. I’m not sure you ever will again. But I’ll do my job and ensure you get what your family’s paying for by attempting to prove you’re right. However, as far as we’re concerned,” I motioned my hand between the two of us, “that ship sailed a long time ago. I moved on with my life, focused on my career. I hope you’ve done the same.”
At one time, I’d relied on this man, and what did I get for it? I was played for a fool. I just prayed I hadn’t opened the door for a repeat in humiliation. He might still be able to make my body stand up and pay attention, but my heart he’ll never own, because I don’t trust him.
A Message from the Author
This book touches on several issues that should not be taken lightly. Millions of people suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD. Many associate this malady as being a part of the military, but any major trauma can cause this. Here are some links for information about PTSD:
www.ptsd.va.gov
PTSD Information Voice Mail:
(802) 296-6300
There are other topics one of the characters has to overcome with issues of survivor’s guilt and the idea life would be better off without him. Survivor’s guilt is very real and often held in coordination with PTSD. I know from experience, having watched my own cousin deal with feelings of guilt, wondering why he lived, while the rest in their car all died in the crash. Here are links for anyone needing more information:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number
1-800-273-8255
Coping with Survivor Guilt and Grief
I would like to thank, first and foremost, all my followers, fans, bloggers, and friends. Without all of you, my books would not be possible. Keep spreading the word. Hugs to all!
To my family—All I can say is I love you all and I’m thankful for your support in pursuing my dreams!
To my formatter Stacey Blake. I love, love, love your work! You rock! Hugs to you.
To Eric Battershell. As always, I’m thankful our paths crossed and we’ve developed a friendship, as well as working relationship, through the years. Your pictures have inspired many of my books. I still can’t believe how we were at an event in Miami, talking with BT Urruela, and the next thing I knew, we had a photo shoot that afternoon and we had a cover! Hugs to you my friend for your talented work, kind words of encouragement, and for just being you. Now if you’d only stop taking such amazing photos that keeps causing new stories to develop in my mind, so I can actually catch up on the writing. LOL! You are a rare talent. I look forward to many more years of friendship and working with you on future projects.
To BT Urruela. Our paths crossed at a couple of signings, but I knew I wanted to put you on one of my covers one day. We ended up talking in Miami about some upcoming books, when I realized you were the perfect Jonas. You had a photo shoot that afternoon with Eric and you’d asked if we could get a few for me and well…the book went from a concept to reality. Thank you for being so wonderful to work with. I hope to work with you again in the future.
To Mia Mincheff, my good friend, editor, and fellow book enthusiast, I’m at a loss for words. Your belief and encouragement in my dreams means more than you’ll ever know. You help make me a better writer with your knowledge and guidance. I’m forever grateful our paths crossed.
To Stacy Nickelson. You’re a friend, confidant, and beta reader. I don’t know how I can repay you for encouraging me to follow my dreams.
To Lisa Markson, a remarkable blogger, beta reader, and friend—your encouragement of my writing, your willingness to give into the steamier side of romance, and your thoughts are all invaluable to me. I’m so thankful for your friendship! Hugs hon!
To Marisol Taveras-Magrans, a beta reader and friend—our paths crossed, thanks to Lisa, and I’m so happy to have you as part of my beta team. Your encouraging words and pointing out any issues with the books mean the world to me. You help make me a better writer.
Above all, thanks to God, for giving the ability to write.
I grew up in a small town in South Florida and moved to Central Florida to attend college. I married my friend, love, and soul mate and still reside in the area with our amazing son, and a feisty, four-legged little doggie boy.
In my books, I draw on my background in healthcare, business, and science, along with my husband’s engineering and wireless technology knowledge.
I currently write on all levels of Romance from tame to extreme steam. A Learning Series, The Need Series, Titan Security Series, and Elusive are for those who like a little more steam with their books, falling into the categories of Contemporary and Erotica, and loaded with edge or your seat, heart-pounding Suspense. The books in the Need Series and Titan Security Serires are written as standalone novels. They can be read by alone or in coordination with the series, the choice is yours. The Remembrance Series encompasses Young Adult, with a touch of Paranormal and Histor
ical romance, with a touch of Fantasy.
I try to make my writing very personal and close to her heart. Regular life is the inspiration for my books, but I’m only limited by imagination taking ideas to new heights, opening up possibilities that would normally not exist.
When I’m not writing, I’m busy with my family, taking in the amusement parks in the area or just kicking back and relaxing. On a more personal note…I love to cook and create in the kitchen and on the bbq grill. I sometimes lose myself in a song at the piano. I often sing with my son while we are driving or making dinner together. I enjoy crafts (flower arranging, making wreaths, painting pottery, needle point and drawing in pencil and charcoals). My music tastes are eclectic at best, ranging from classical piano to pop dance and even some hard rock/heavy metal. It all depends on the song, group, and if it has a good beat or is a soulful ballad. All of my books have playlists associated with them on Spotify.
To learn more about me, feel free to check me out at:
www.cynthiaponeill.com
My books are available on Amazon
For those who love Steamy Romance and Suspense:
Titan Security—a spin-off of Need Series (Standalone Novels):
Derrick’s Choice - Titan Security #1
Jonas’s Redemption—Titan Security #2
Makenna’s Trust—Titan Security #3
(Spring 2018)
Jonas's Redemption: A Standalone Romantic Suspense (Titan Security Book 2) Page 22