by K. C. Lynn
Ultimate Sacrifice
Men of Courage Book One
K.C. LYNN
Published by K.C. Lynn
Ultimate Sacrifice Copyright © 2018 K.C. LYNN
Kindle Edition
First Edition: 2018
Editing: Wild Rose Editing
Formatting: BB eBooks
Cover Art by: Perfect Pear Creative
Cover Image by: Luis Rafael Photography
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my beautiful friend Anna.
You are one of my best friends in this book world and I value your friendship.
Thank you for always being there. Austin and Zoey are for you.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Dear Reader
Excerpt from Sweet Haven
Acknowledgements
Author Bio
PROLOGUE
My hand shakes from the intense precision I require, sweat dotting my forehead as each wire is carefully constructed and wrapped.
It’s been so long since I’ve given in to this urge; I’d forgotten what it feels like. The power that accompanies the thrill, but this time, it’s about more than power.
It’s about revenge.
Soon there will be nothing left of this town but ash, and everyone in it will feel the wrath of my vengeance.
CHAPTER ONE
Zoey
Anticipation slides down my spine, my pulse racing at a rapid pace as we drive down a long gravel road just outside of town, my heart and body fully aware of the man next to me.
I’ve waited a long time for this night. A night I am going to allow myself to have just this once then I’ll hold the beautiful memories close to me when it’s all over.
My gaze shifts to Austin, admiring his strong profile and the hard angle of his jaw, the glow from the dashboard illuminating his handsome face. One I often admire from afar when he and his friends come into the bar for a drink. Whether it’s after a long day of fire fighting or a grueling hockey game, they spend many nights socializing at Overtime. Considering I own the place, it’s definitely a bonus.
Weeks ago, I hosted a date auction with some of the most eligible bachelors of Colorado, the courageous men of Fire Station Two. It was for a cause that I hold very dear to my heart. All the proceeds were donated to the Children’s Miracle Center. A place where my eleven-year-old sister, Chrissy, has resided for the past three years. She has cerebral palsy, one of the most severe cases her doctors have ever seen, which is why she requires assisted living.
The auction was a success, as I knew it would be. We raised a lot of money. The men were less than enthused to be bid on by a bunch of hungry women but they did it for me anyway. They know how important that center is for my sister.
It also gave me the perfect opportunity to snag a date with Austin Hawke, a man I now consider a friend but feel so much more for. It turned into quite the bidding war between me and two other women but I was not going to back down, which is why I topped the bid at one thousand dollars. I knew it would be money well spent, not only for myself but also for Chrissy. However, when it came time to pay, I found out Austin had already taken care of it. My heart warms at the reminder, a small smile stealing my lips.
Sensing the weight of my stare, Austin spares me a glance. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, Zoey girl?”
“Zoey girl.” A nickname he has given me for as long as I have known him. It makes me smile every time he uses it.
I rest back against my seat, keeping my eyes trained on his handsome face. “Just thinking about how much fun I’ve had with you today.”
It’s been a date I’ll remember forever. We started the afternoon by going on a long hike through the mountains, a trail Austin visits frequently. The scenery was incredible and my fingers twitched, wishing I had brought my camera with me. Photography is a hobby of mine that I don’t get to do often and today I experienced some of the most beautiful sights this world has to offer.
Afterward, we had a picnic that was packed with all my favorite food; lying next to the basket was also a bouquet of daffodils—my favorite flower. Turns out my best friend, Sam, gave Austin a helping hand by sharing the information about me. He put a lot of thought into this date and it has meant more to me than he will ever know.
Conversation flowed well throughout dinner. I was riveted by everything he shared about himself, especially about his life as a firefighter. His career is just one of the many things I’ve always admired about him. Our meal ended with us watching the sunset. The red, orange, and purple hues danced across the sky, sinking beyond the mountains. It was beautiful and peaceful.
A moment I will treasure forever.
He reaches over the console and takes my hand in his, sending a warm sensation up my arm. “It’s not over yet, I’m nowhere near done with you.”
My belly dips with anticipation at the underlying promise in his words. To finish the night off he’s taking me to the house that he’s been building for the past year, seated just on the outskirts of town. I’m both excited and anxious of the prospect for how the night will end.
Unlike me, Austin doesn’t look the least bit nervous; his large, fit body is nothing but relaxed behind the wheel.
“And for the record,” he says, speaking again. “Next time you want a date, Zoey, an auction isn’t necessary, all you have to do is ask.” His eyes seek mine in the dark truck, seizing the moment. “You have to know by now that I’d take you anywhere. You just have to give me the chance.”
His words are both soothing and heartbreaking. If he only knew how long I’ve wanted this, how much I wish I could date like a normal twenty-five-year-old. Every date would be shared with him. Unfortunately, that is not the life I’ve been given. Not with the responsibility of my sister. She needs me too much. Between the bar and taking care of her, there is no time left for my love life.
I’m saved from having to reveal that when he turns off the gravel road, driving up a dirt path that leads to his house. When the l
og home comes into view, I gasp in awe of its rustic beauty. There’s a massive porch that wraps around the entire house. Right away, I envision hanging ferns and a swing big enough to lie on. A place where you can sit and appreciate the beautiful nature that God has so graciously created. Even though the house is unfinished, you can’t help but see its potential.
Austin clears his throat, breaking into my admiration. “It’s still a work in progress.”
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, my attention anchored on the sight before me.
Reaching into the backseat, he grabs a lantern and turns it on, bringing the truck to a soft glow. “Come on, I’ll show you the inside.”
He climbs out and comes around to offer me his hand, helping me down. Once my feet hit the hard dirt, his fingers curl around mine. My heart dances in my chest at the simple gesture as we walk up to the house.
“Be careful, one of the stairs isn’t screwed in all the way.” He releases my hand and wraps an arm around my waist, lifting me over the stair in question before placing me back on my feet.
I suddenly find myself winded, the side of my body that was just pressed against his blazing from the contact. I’ve never been affected like this before. This need, this pull, it draws me in and never lets go.
He hands me the lantern as he digs into his pocket for his keys and unlocks the door. Dusty wood creaks beneath my light footsteps as I enter inside. Once again I’m struck by the unique craftsmanship. There’s just enough moonlight pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows to offer a generous view of the open concept.
“Let me start a fire,” he says, stepping around me.
“That’s not something you hear a fireman say every day,” I tease.
A low chuckle rumbles from his chest, the sound trickling across my skin with a delicious tingle.
“Do you want a drink?” he asks.
“I’d love one.”
“Beer okay?”
“That’s great. Thanks.”
While he walks over to the far corner where the fireplace is, I lift the lantern and do some more exploring. I check out the three framed bedrooms, making sure to be mindful of all the scattered tools and building materials lying around. Immediately, I know which one will be the master due to its size. Much like the rest of the house, this room is made up of large windows, giving a picturesque view of outside. Amongst the tall trees and mountains, I can hear a small creek, its rushing water adding to the atmosphere.
I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to wake up here in the morning. Sun dripping with the day’s promise and birds chirping with life.
A dream home if I’ve ever seen one. Maybe one day I’ll have something like this. A place for Chrissy and me to call home that will be wheelchair accessible and able to accommodate all of her needs.
I push aside my fruitless dreams for now and walk out of the room, entering into the half-finished kitchen. My fingers dance along the dusty granite counters that have just been installed. There’s a hole in the center where the sink will go.
“Like what you see?”
I spin around on a gasp and find Austin standing right behind me.
An amused grin curves his lips. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him, sounding ridiculously breathless. Though, that has more to do with his close proximity than my frantic heartbeat.
He passes me one of the two bottles he holds. I accept it with a smile and place the lantern down next to me.
“So, what do you think?” he asks again, gesturing around us.
“I love it. It’s already so beautiful I can only imagine what it will look like when it’s completely finished.”
“Thanks. I’ve been working on it for so long it feels good to finally see an end in sight.”
“How much longer until you move in?”
“Another few weeks and it will be livable but the finished product is still months away. I have a lot more I want to do.”
It amazes me that he has built this with his own two hands. “Do you have much help?”
“Yeah, my dad comes when he can and so do Jake and Cam,” he says, talking about his two best friends who also work with him at the fire department. “Of course, they come a lot more when I offer free beer,” he finishes with a sexy smirk.
A chuckle escapes me. “Free beer is always a good incentive.”
His smile fades, his warm brown eyes pinning me in place. Setting his beer down on the counter, he plants his hands on either side of my body, caging me in. My grip on my bottle tightens, my breath catching at the way he invades my personal space.
“What is it you’re wanting here, Zoey?” he asks, cutting right to the chase. “What are you hoping to get out of this?”
It’s now or never.
My tongue darts out to wet my dry lips as I steel my nerves. “You.” The confession is nothing more than a whisper. “I want you but I only have tonight.”
“Why?” he asks, eyes searching mine.
“Because I can’t give you any more than that. Between the bar and Chrissy, I don’t have time for anything else. I probably shouldn’t even be here now,” I tell him, guilt bubbling inside of me when I think about my sister all alone at the center. “But I am and I have tonight, if you want me.”
My heart bangs inside of my chest, echoing in my ears as he peers back at me.
He dips his face closer, his nose brushing my cheek. “What if I want more than one night? What if I don’t want to let you go after this is over?”
My eyes drift closed, disappointment crushing me. I wish I could tell him I want that, too. I’d love nothing more than to spend many nights in his arms but…I can’t. I can’t be selfish.
“I’m sorry. I can’t have more, not when I have Chrissy to look after. I’m all she has.”
He rests his forehead against the side of mine but I keep my eyes closed, unable to witness his rejection that I’m sure is to come.
A sharp breath impales my lungs when I feel his warm lips against my cheek, pressing a gentle kiss before moving to my ear. “Then I guess we better make this night count.”
My eyes spring open, his handsome face hovering before me. He closes the remaining distance between us, his lips descending, slow and sure, capturing mine in a heated caress. The subtle contact rocks the very foundation of who I am.
The beer bottle slips from my hands, crashing to the floor as my fingers dive into his hair, my need for him racing to the surface and exploding like dynamite.
Growling, he cups my bottom, lifting me off my feet. “You taste so fucking sweet, Zoey girl.”
I want to tell him the same thing but I can barely manage a coherent thought at the moment let alone speak it.
My legs lock around his lean waist as he walks us over to the fireplace, his mouth continuing to dominate mine.
My back meets the blanket that’s been laid out, Austin’s hard body following down on top of me. His erection settles between my legs, nudging the exact spot I crave to feel him most.
A moan shoves from my throat as I reach for the bottom of his shirt, needing to feel his skin upon mine. He rises to his knees and reaches behind his back, pulling the soft material over his head to reveal…perfection.
The glow of the roaring flames dance across his sun-kissed skin, showcasing every hard line of his body. From his broad shoulders and strong chest down to his sculpted abs that look like they’ve been carved from stone.
Before I have a chance to explore all those hard lines, he moves for my tank top, inching it up my stomach. I lift up just enough for him to clear it over my head. His warm brown eyes darken as they become fixated on my black lace bra. A garment I splurged on just for this night with him.
My teeth sink into my bottom lip as his hand coasts up my stomach, creating a path of heat in its wake. He flicks the front clasp, brushing the lace cups aside to bare me to his stare.
“So fucking pretty.” The deep vibration of his voice races through m
y body. His face dips, lips descending to draw a hard nipple into his mouth.
A heated whimper breaches my lips, my back arching to get closer. His free hand covers my other breast; fingers teasing my aching tip while his teeth torment the other. Every pull of his mouth and fiery lash of his tongue drives my need higher.
I lift my hips, seeking friction for the fierce ache between my legs. “Austin, please.”
“Easy, baby,” he soothes, trailing his warm, wet mouth down my stomach. “We have all night.”
I don’t want to wait all night. I already feel like I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment with him. On the loneliest nights it’s his face I see and his touch I feel. Now I can say everything I imagined before this pales in comparison to the real thing.
He flicks the button of my shorts and drags them down my legs, taking my lace thong with them. Another growl shreds his throat, his hand snaking between my legs. “This is all for me, isn’t it, baby?”
“Yes,” I gasp, desire seeping into my blood with heated force.
“We’re going to get this pretty pussy nice and ready for me.” I barely comprehend the erotic words before he drops down, his tongue delving through my wet center.
My cry of pleasure tears through the room, hips bucking as the most beautiful sensations ravage my body.
“So fucking sweet.” His groan ripples through me, adding to the pleasure.
I thrash beneath him, my fingers tangling in his hair as he devours me in a way I’ve only ever dreamed about. He bands an arm over my hips, holding me in place as his tongue works deeper—harder.
The moment he adds a finger into my entrance, I catapult into another universe. His name pours from my lips as pleasure whips through my senses.
“That’s it, Zoey girl. Come all over my face.” Austin never falters until he takes every last drop from me. My chest heaves, lungs working hard for air as he climbs back up my body. His lips cherish every inch of skin he passes before he takes my mouth in a searing kiss, igniting another inferno within.