Attraction Series Boxed Set: Books 1-3

by J B Heller

  Sitting next to her I pulled her in to my side, running my fingers through her long red hair as it hung down her back and over her shoulders. “What are you doing here? You must hate hospitals.”

  She swallowed, then looked up into my eyes, “You said you wanted to see me, so,” she shrugged, “here I am.”

  The first smile I’d had since I drove away from her on Friday night graced my face. “I’m so fucking glad you came.” I breathed against her lips. “Ashlynn,” I said softly against her mouth, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

  She didn’t protest, so I dropped my head that final bit and pressed my lips to hers. My arm around her shoulder tightened, pulling her closer to me as I deepened the kiss. She let out a soft moan against my tongue and my cock sprang to life.

  “Ahem—” came from beside me.

  My fucking brothers.

  Ashlynn froze immediately, but I took my time, kissing the corner of her mouth before pulling away from her and facing Alec. With a raised brow I asked, “Can I help you?”

  He grinned, “You can start by introducing this stunning creature to your big brothers.”

  I glared at him, “No.” Turning my attention back to my woman, I realised too late that Alec was just a distraction. Abe was sitting beside Ashlynn holding her delicate fingers in his big meat paw bringing them up to kiss her knuckles.

  Oh fuck no! I pulled her hand out of his before his slimy lips could make contact. “She’s mine, now fuck off.” I sneered, and they both laughed. Fucking. Laughed!

  “What’s the matter baby brother? Worried she’ll like one of us better?” Abe gloated.

  My eyes narrowed on him, but before I could respond Ashlynn did it for me. “If you think I’m the kind of girl to bounce from one brother to another, you sir, are sorely mistaken.” She glances between Abe and Alec with an assessing gaze then continued, “Besides, you’re not my type,” she said with a grin then snuggled back into my side.

  I’m going to marry this woman.

  The stunned expressions on my brothers faces was the best thing I’d seen since sliced bread. No woman had ever shut them down, not to my knowledge anyway.

  “There must be something wrong with her eyes.” Abe grumbled as he returned to his chair over in the corner. “Too fuckin’ right, I’m a fuckin’ catch!” Alec concurred as he too stood and left us in peace.

  I could feel Ashlynn’s chest vibrating against my side with silent laughter. I didn’t bother keeping it down, I laughed my arse off.

  Her face was still nestled into my neck hiding her gorgeous smile from me, so I lifted her chin, bringing her into my line of sight. “You. Are. Amazing.” Then I closed the small gap between us once again, and kissed her pouty lips.

  Before I could get too carried, away she placed her hand against my chest and pushed, “Axel, I don’t normally kiss my friends like this.” Her cheeks were pink with a mixture of embarrassment and nervousness.

  I stroked her cheek with the pad of my thumb, “Neither do I. But you’re not my friend, Ashlynn.”

  “I’m not?” she squeaked.

  “No baby, you’re not. I know I said we could start out as friends and become more later, when you were ready. And at the time, I meant it. But all it took was you showing up right now to seal the deal. You’re mine, I won’t let you go.

  “We can take it slow, if that’s what you want. But you are definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, mine.”

  Her answering grin was all I needed to know she was on the same page I was. And it felt fucking awesome.

  When Ashlynn left to go back to work I found myself cornered by my brothers.

  “Nice looking girl you got there, brother.”

  “How the fuck did you pull her? She’s out of your league. You best just hand her details over to me and I’ll take care of her from here.” Abe taunted.

  The urge to punch his big stupid head in was nearly overwhelming. But I reminded myself of where we were, and settled for using my words instead of my fists. “You wish you could handle a girl like Ashlynn. You’re dreaming big brother. She already shut your arse down anyway. Do you like rejection? Is that it?”

  His eyes narrowed into a fierce glare before he burst out laughing. “She’s pretty alright. Seriously, where’d you find her? She’s too classy to be a club bunny.”

  I nodded my agreement, “Shit yeah she is. I actually met her at the library.”

  Abe and Alec glanced between each other then back to me, “For real?” they asked in disbelief.

  “Yup. She’s a librarian.” I grinned. Because honestly, how hot was that, a fucking librarian.

  Later that afternoon while Dad was sitting with Ma telling her about Ash showing up and the arsehole twins bustin’ my arse, she woke up.

  The moment Ma’s eye began to flutter, Dad hit the call button for the doctor and poked his head out the door calling to us down the hallway. The three of us burst out of the waiting room like it was on fire. Pushing and shoving each other to squeeze through the doorway to Ma’s room before the other.

  When we were all inside, her eyes were fully open and she was looking around in confusion. Dad reached for her hand and told her what had happened. She didn’t speak, which was not like my Ma, not at all. She always had something to say.

  When the doctor arrived he kicked me and the twins out, but allowed Dad to stay while they ran some tests.

  We didn’t bother returning to the waiting room this time, opting to linger in the hall.

  I shot Gabe and Kai a quick text to let them know Ma had woken up. Then I wrote one to Ashlynn too.

  ~Hey Gorgeous, Ma woke up! You must be my lucky charm. ;)~

  By the time I slipped my phone back into my pocket the doctor was exiting the room, and gave us strict instructions not to excite Ma, or make a ruckus. Whatever that meant.

  Back in the room we stood around the foot of the bed, waiting for Ma to say something, anything, but she didn’t. I turned my eyes to Dad, “Why isn’t she talking?”

  He heaved a sigh, “They think she may have strained her vocal cords screaming during the accident. She tried to talk before, but it just comes out in a scratchy whisper. They don’t want her trying to talk anymore just yet.”

  We all nodded, unsure of what that meant for the future. Would the damage be permanent? I didn’t know anything about this kind of injury. Give me blood and bones and I can tell you how to fix it and how long it will need to heal, but this? Not a fucking clue.

  I was the first to approach the head of the bed, and I leaned down to kiss her cheek. When I bent down Ma’s hand latched onto my neck, and in a dry husky whisper she rasped out one word… “Girlfriend.”

  “Jo, they told you not to speak!” dad chastised her. And as was her way, she just shrugged and grinned at him.

  When her smiling eyes turned back to me I grinned, then explained. “Yeah Ma, I’ve got a girlfriend. She came by earlier this morning. You’ll love her. When you’re better, I’ll bring her around to meet you. Okay?”

  She beamed and nodded once, then winced from the movement.

  “Damn it, Jo! Just stay still woman! The doctor said you’ll be tender for a few days yet.” Dad once again reprimanded her.

  Ma’s eagle eyes shot towards him in a glare that I’d seen before and recognised. So did Dad, apparently, because he flinched. “Now Jo, don’t go throwing looks like that around. I’m just tryin’ to make sure you don’t hurt yourself more than you already are.”

  She raised one single brow, and continued glaring at him, until he relented, “Sorry.” He muttered. And just like that, she dropped the glare and turned back to me, gave my hand a squeeze, and pulled me down for another kiss on the cheek.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  I was so relieved when Axel texted me to say that his mother had woken up. I could feel the desperation for her to wake up from all four of the Jamieson men. It was clear she was the glue that held their family together.

  I wrote a quick reply, knowing he wo
uld be busy spending time with her and not wanting to take him away from that.

  ~What can I say- Luck of the Irish. It doesn’t work for me, but I’m happy to be at your service.~

  Since leaving the hospital I’d been on cloud nine. Axel had claimed me as his own. As his girlfriend. And I was ecstatic! When I’d returned to work I’d told Sammy all about it and she’d begged to be introduced to his older brothers.

  I’d told her if the relationship between Axel and I worked out, I’d see what I could do. I’d never seen myself as much of a match maker, but I’d give it a whirl.

  Now I was back at home, in a pair of black yoga pants and Marvel hoodie, curled up on my favourite reading seat with a brand new paperback, a hot cup of tea, and half a dozen chocolate chip cookies. Heaven.

  After two hours of reading and forgetting to eat dinner I marked my place with my favourite quitter strip, and put my book away before going into the kitchen to see what leftovers I had in the fridge.

  Waiting for a bowl of spaghetti to warm up in the microwave, I sorted through the stack of mail I’d thrown on the counter when I’d gotten home. I’d been so excited about my book arriving I hadn’t even bothered to see what else was in the stack of letters.

  My heart froze at the sight of handwriting I would know anywhere. That I hadn’t seen in years. And never thought I would see again.

  All the other envelopes fell to the floor as my fingers lost their grip on all but this one, light green envelope. With no postage stamp, and no address, just my name, in his handwriting.

  Laying in my own bed had never felt so good. Not after spending the last four nights sleeping hunched over in a plastic seat in the waiting room of the hospital.

  I picked up my phone and called Gabe, to fill him in on Ma’s condition. He answered on the second ring,

  “Axel, I was going to call you, but didn’t want to worry you while Jo was still in the coma.” He said before I even had the chance to say hello.

  I was instantly on alert, “Explain, now.”

  “Zane was picked up on CCTV footage in town this afternoon. I’d called in a favour at the department and because he’d skipped his check-in they were able to help out. I don’t have much else yet, but I’m workin’ on it, mate. I’ve also got Ashlynn under surveillance, he’ll be intercepted before he can get close if he tries to see her.”

  Just hearing that bastards name made me feel murderous. And knowing he’d made his way here, seemingly undetected, was setting all kinds of alarm bells off in my head. “Thanks man. Who’d you put on her? I’ll get dressed and take over.”

  “I’ve actually got Bray covering her. I didn’t want to put just anyone on her, and Kai couldn’t do it. Mia’s sick, stomach bug or something. I’d trust Bray with Ivy, so I trust him with Ash.” He explained.

  I knew he would take care of the situation, but I just had to do this myself. I had to be there for her. “Okay, thanks man. Let Bray know I’ll be there in twenty. He can go when he sees me pull up.”

  “You got it bro. I’ll stay on it from my end, let you know if he turns up again.” Then he hung up.

  I was out of bed and pulling jeans up my legs before I’d even got off the phone. Not five minutes later I was out the door.

  It wasn’t too late when I pulled up in Ashlynn’s driveway, and as I did I saw Bray’s sleek as shit black Merc drive past me and down the street. Jumping out of my truck I made my way to the front door, doing a quick survey of the area on my way.

  When I knocked there was no answer. All the curtains were drawn but the lights were on inside. Grabbing my phone I quickly pulled up Ash’s number and called.

  “Hello.” She whispered.

  “Ash, baby, I’m at the front door, you wanna let me in?” I said cautiously, she sounded spooked, it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

  “Thank god.” She breathed into the line then hung up. A moment later I heard the key chain slide and the bolt being flicked open as she opened the door for me.

  As soon as the door was open wide enough she flew into my arms. Wrapping mine around her, I walked her backwards and into the house, closing the door behind me with my foot, then reaching back to secure the locks again.

  She started sobbing against my chest and I pulled her back a little, just enough to catch sight of her face. She was white as a sheet, her eyes were wide and, like I suspected on the phone, spooked.

  “Ash, what’s goin’ on baby?”

  Blinking back more tears she licked her lips and closed her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re here Axel. So glad.” She murmured then sunk back into my chest.

  This was the first time I’d been inside her house. It was nice, quaint, lots of girly shit. And a big comfy looking couch sat just ten feet away. I scooped her legs up and held her against my chest as I walked over to the couch and sat down, keeping her in my lap.

  “I know the water works isn’t just because you’re glad to see me, Ash. I need you to tell me what’s going on, baby.” I said gently as I stroked the loose strands of hair that had come out of a bun thing on top of her head, away from her tear streaked face.

  Sniffling, she wiped her nose with the back of her hand then started talking. “I got— got a letter— f—from Zane.” She stuttered, then dissolved into tears again.

  My body went rigid. Not only was he in town, but he knew where she lived. How the fuck had he found out where she was?

  I stroked her back, trying like fuck to reassure her with my presence.

  When she had calmed down she got up and went to the bench that divided the kitchen from the living area we were sitting in. When she returned she held a light green envelope in her shaking hand, and gave it to me.

  She hadn’t even opened it yet, and she was already this shaken by it. “Can I open it?” I asked and she nodded as she sat back down in my lap, but pressed her face into my neck so as not to see the letter inside.

  I slid my finger under the seal, pulling out a single piece of matching green paper. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the words I found when I unfolded it.

  ~I’m sorry I was gone for so long Ashy, but I’m back now. I’ll fix us. Make us better than before. Make you love me like you should have loved me before.

  I can’t see you just yet. I’ve got some things to take care of for us before I can come get you. Be ready for me.

  Love, Zane.~

  Bile rose in my throat, “What the actual fuck?” the words spewed from my mouth causing Ashlynn to jump in my arms.

  “Wh-what’s it say?” she asked gingerly. The letter was already crumpled in my fist, so she couldn’t see the words when she glanced at my hand.

  My whole body was locked down, he was coming back for her. He thought that things between them were still good? How? How could he possibly have gotten that impression after being locked up for the last five years for what he did to her?

  I could feel Ash squirming in my arms, but I couldn’t focus on her, the words of the letter kept rolling around in my head. This guy was even more fucked up than I had previously thought.

  Ashlynn’s soft palm cupped my cheek, “Axel, I’m scared,” she whispered.

  The pure fear in her voice brought me back to her, and I forced my body to relax, if only marginally. “I know, baby. I know.” I kissed her temple, “I-,” fuck, running one hand through my hair I decided to just say what I needed to say, I couldn’t play it down for her, not right now.

  “Ashlynn, you can’t stay here anymore.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “You can’t stay here anymore.” Axel’s words were spoken so softly, but they rolled like thunder through my ears and around my brain.

  My home, my refuge, was no longer a safe place.

  More tears began to fall. Tears I didn’t think I had left. Not for Zane. I thought I had cried all the tears I possibly could for him, because of him. He had taken so much from me, and now, after all this time, he’s taken this too.

  Axel’s large palms
held my shoulders and pulled my torso slightly away from his so he could look into my eyes. “Baby, I know you’re scared. But I need to know, do you trust me?” he asked.

  I blinked away the tears still trickling from my eyes, “I do.” I murmured. And it was the truth. The moment Axel entered my life I knew he would change it, and here he was, making me feel safe and protected in my darkest hour.

  A small pained smile lifted the edge of his mouth, as his thumbs swept away the remnants of my tears. “Good. Because I need you to come with me, to my place.”

  I inhaled sharply, his place? “Why your place?” I asked.

  “For one, because I have a state of the art security system. Second, I can protect you, and third, he doesn’t know who I am, where I live, or that I’m a part of your life now.” He stated.

  I sat there, numbness slowly consuming my body as he listed the reasons I should go with him. He was right, and I knew he was, I was just devastated it had come to this. And how had it happened so quickly? How had Zane even found me? I didn’t even know he had been released from prison. Wasn’t it my right to know that kind of information?

  “Ash, baby? Will you come with me? Let me do this for you, let me look after you.” Axel pleaded, assuming my silence was rejection.

  Shaking my head softly I leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “I’ll come with you.” I spoke against his mouth, liking being so close to him way too much for a moment like this.

  “Thank fucking Christ.” He muttered then slammed his lips against mine, taking them in a savage, possessive kiss that marked more than just my sensitive lips, it marked my soul. His fingers threaded into my hair, holding my face just so, as he devoured me.

  We pulled up at Axel’s house an hour later, and I was blown away. This was no bachelor pad, well, not on the outside anyway. I don’t know what I’d expected his place to look like but it was not the beautiful timber cottage that stood before me.

  Axel came up behind me, pressing a hand to my lower back. “You like it?” he asked as he gently pushed me toward the front door.