Eadan! Quickly, she ran to the door and peeked through the peephole. No one! He’d left. Feeling abandoned, she leaned back and pushed her tangled mass of curls away from her face. That’s when she heard the rumbling noise. And it was close by.
Unlocking the chain, she slowly opened the door, only for it to push itself inward from the weight of the body that had been using it as a backrest.
Once his head bounced on the floor, Eadan opened his tired eyes and looked up into her face. He smiled, and that one-sided grin that had yanked at her heartstrings the first time she’d met him did its job. Her heart melted.
“Oh, for pity’s sake, come inside, you silly man. Why didn’t you go upstairs to your place?”
He slowly rolled to his feet groaning a little too loud, no doubt trying to win more sympathy. “I wanted to see it with you for the first time.” Again with the grin… only this time he added a sheepish look, and she felt all her righteous anger shrivel up and die.
“So you slept on the floor. More than likely passed out while waiting for me to open the door.”
“How did you know? I was so sure you’d let me in and you didn’t.” Accusation rang in his stunned voice.
Remi decided then and there that she’d never tell him that the only reason she hadn’t let him in was because she’d fallen asleep. Let him believe she was hardhearted; it would do him no harm.
“You didn’t deserve to come in. No man gets away with treating me the way you did tonight—last night—ever. I won’t put up with it, do you hear me?”
“God, yes! So does the neighbour two doors down. Look, sweetheart. I came to grovel, so give it your best shot. Just promise that I have a chance to get back into your good graces. I know that there’s no justification for the way I treated you tonight.”
“No. There isn’t.”
“But there are reasons. And now that you look like the woman I love again, I can tell them to you.”
Stunned right out of her pique, Remi stuttered. “You love m-me?”
“Yes. I do. Terribly. Then you went and changed everything. My God, Remi. Tonight, you looked so different from the girl I’d been envisioning. So incredibly beautiful, that I was shocked and worried silly. I had such plans to share so much with you and I’d envisioned the whole evening in my mind. How we’d leave the dinner early and be alone.”
“You wanted to get me alone?”
“Yes, of course. I couldn’t wait. But it wasn’t you who stepped out of the elevator and I didn’t know how to handle the change. So rather than trying, I sulked. I’m so sorry, love. Please forgive me.”
Knowing that she needed to hear those words before letting go of her own sulks, she eagle-eyed him and watched his discomfort build. Once she thought he’d suffered enough, she smiled and reached out her hand to caress his cheek.
That’s all it took.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The kiss was everything she knew it would be. His soft lips devoured her mouth and his hands attacked her hair like it was his salvation from painful memories. He grabbed handfuls and tugged, so her neck became exposed and his mouth could have full access.
Desired flooded her body, wetting areas that tingled with sensation. The sensations drove her to wrap a leg around his hips and push herself up against him where she felt his need for her prodding against her belly.
“Too many clothes.” She mumbled, the words coming out garbled.
He seemed to get the gist and answered. “Bedroom?”
Guiding him, lips firmly glued together, she stopped by the bed and pulled away. Her brain was mush but there was something important she needed him to know. In a flash, it came to her. “I love you too.”
“Thank goodness. Shall I help you?” He gestured to her pajamas, a pleased smile lighting his face when he zeroed in on the design.
“Yes, please.” She lifted her arms and waited.
He slowly undid the buttons on the top. When he saw her full breasts—the pink tips hard and jutting in his direction, she watched his eyes glow with anticipated excitement.
As if he couldn’t help himself, he leaned forward and took one firm peak in his mouth and sucked. It was the most erotic thing that had ever happened to her. Going weak at the knees, she fought to stay upright, not wanting his treatment to end. Lifting his hand to stroke the other swollen mound, he kneaded it until the sensations had worked their way from her chest to the soggy sweet spot between her legs.
“You’re beautiful, Remi… so bloody beautiful.” His words were solace to the niggling pain that hadn’t faded. “I’ll worship you forever.”
“I don’t want to be worshiped, Eadan. Just loved. Love me now…”
And he did.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Eadan drew their lovemaking out to last all morning. After the first quick bout, they slept and, upon awakening, during their second session he took his time to love every inch of her delectable body.
Both were satisfied, but, for him personally, he added a quick silent prayer of thankfulness for having had the brains to realize what a prize he had in this woman.
She’d been wonderful in bed, sexy as hell. Not only had they explored each other’s bodies, they’d delved into their emotions and learned about their dreams. It was deep, soul-searching and never to be forgotten.
But all too soon, the time had come to face the world. After they’d shared a quick meal, Remi offered to go with him to see his new flat and he could tell by the excitement sizzling in her eyes that he would be in for a real surprise.
As soon as he opened the door, he understood. She’d outdone herself.
*
From room to room he wandered, Remi trailing behind, waiting breathlessly. The anticipation was killing her. Why didn’t he say something—anything?
Watching his eyes as they shifted from one angle to the next, she held her breath and soon began to feel light-headed. Refusing to be the first to speak, she waited. For what seemed like forever, he said nothing. Just wandered, taking everything in, until finally he turned to her and gathered her in his arms.
“If I didn’t already know you loved me, this would be my proof. It’s absolutely perfect. Everything, every small detail, the colors, the trimmings even the knick-knacks, they’re all exactly right.”
“I’m glad.” She took her first deep breath.
“There is just one thing you did get wrong.”
Anxiety blossomed instantly. “What…?”
“It’s here in the bedroom. I much prefer the bed to be messier—used. If you know what I mean.” The devouring passion igniting in his eyes left her in no doubt at all.
Happiness cascaded throughout Remi and she giggled. “Again?”
Laughing, he swung her up into his arms and they both landed in a heap. “Forever!”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Unknown to Remi and Eadan, Greta had seen them leave Remi’s flat, arms wrapped around each other and obviously in love. She smiled and turned to Pam, the friend who’d spent the night with her and her parents, and who’d agreed to join her in her morning jogging session.
They took the elevator and Greta saw herself in the mirror. This time she paid attention to the details. Who was this classy-looking chick with the lovely skin and slim body?
“Pam, do you believe in angels?”
“Good grief! Where did that come from?”
“I mean human angels.”
“You mean like sainted people?”
“No, I mean everyday people like you and me.”
“Don’t be daft. None of us are that pure. We all have personal agendas.”
Greta shook her head. “Not all…”
The End
TEN BRIDES FOR TEN HOT GUYS
(Available at all venues)
Ten award-winning New York Times and USA Today authors bring you ten fabulous stories featuring ten super-hot guys determined to find their perfect brides…even if they have to go halfway around the world to do it! From small-town
home-and-hearth to international intrigue, from Boston to Scotland to the Greek Isles and everywhere in-between, these emotional, page-turning love stories will touch your heart…and make you reach for a fan to cool the sizzle!
About the author, Mimi Barbour
Mimi Barbour lives on the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island and fills her days with writing and promoting her work. The rest of her day is spent in her garden, doing minimal housework, and visiting with her husband while he cooks their dinner.
“The favorite part of my job is meeting the characters from each new book. Designing them the way I want and having them act however I think they should. It’s thrilling, especially when most of my make-believe folks are so very interesting. They’re fun and surprising, and in most cases people I would love to interact with in reality.”
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Killer
Clarissa Wild
Killer © 2015 Clarissa Wild
Cover art by Clarissa Wild’s Booming Covers
Copy Editing by Editing4Indies
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or person, whether living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
License Notes
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
About Killer
This is a prequel to the Dark Romance Standalone STALKER.
Some secrets are meant to stay hidden …
Secrets could kill you. My husband is the prime example.
I’m a trophy wife. Someone’s prized possession, just there to be pretty. My dreams were pushed aside for his. Until one fateful night, one chance encounter, all his dirty secrets were exposed.
And then my supposed husband is killed.
I should be sad, but all I feel is anger. My husband is a lying, cheating bastard. And if that isn’t bad enough, I’m now the prime suspect in his murder.
Only his brother believes I’m innocent, and in his support, I find relief. However, I will find the real killer and bring him to justice … before he tries to end my life, too.
WARNING: This book contains strong language, explicit situations, and disturbing content.
Music Playlist
“I’d Love to Change the World” by Jetta
“Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by LORDE
“I come with Knives” by IAMX
“Happy Together” by SPiN
“Pretty When You Cry” by VAST
“Nostalghia” by Homeostasis
“Symmetry – THE HUNT” by Johnny Jewel & Nat Walker
“One Way Or Another” by Until The Ribbon Breaks
Prologue
Vanessa
Never in my life did I think I would be the prime suspect in my husband’s murder. But looking back at the choices I made, it’s not so strange that people think I’m a killer.
I’m not as innocent as I portray myself. Looks can be deceiving.
However, I won’t go down for this. Not when I don’t deserve it.
I should’ve known it would end up this way. That man … Phoenix Sullivan … The moment I saw that deadly gaze in his eyes and the dark way he looked at me, I knew I was in trouble.
Big trouble.
And something tells me there’s more where that came from.
This game of catch won’t be ending anytime soon.
*
Phoenix
Look at her, in her fancy white dress, with her fake blond curls, and that sweet, deliciously fake smile. Don’t you just want to fuck that pretentious smile off her face? I do. And I will.
She had no idea what was coming for her until it was too late.
You see, I’m not a nice person. When I have my eyes set on something, I do it. In this case, it was killing her husband. She probably didn’t like it, but that’s not my problem. She’s not my target … and she’d better not turn herself into one.
I had a purpose, and nothing stands between my goal and me. Not even a pretty girl with an ass worth fucking. Nobody stands in my way, and if they do, they die.
Too bad for her, I’m like a fucking cannon. When I shoot, shrapnel flies everywhere. If she is caught in the crossfire, that’s on her.
When I want something, I’m going to get it, no matter the price. Whether it’s killing someone or fucking her. I had my cake and ate it all … and damn, it tasted sweet.
She wants justice; I’ll give her justice … my justice.
I bet she isn’t willing to pay the price.
Too bad for her, I always win.
Chapter One
Phoenix
Tonight’s the perfect night to kill.
I can feel it in my veins; that undeniable urge that flows through me on nights like these. Exciting like drugs; the murderous kind.
Clouds prevent the moonlight from bursting through and cover the land in perpetual darkness. There are plenty of lanterns lighting the road ahead, but not the alley where I’m headed. In front of me is a small puddle of water, so I walk past the side to avoid splashing my new leather shoes. You see, I just bought these, and I prefer to keep them clean for as long as possible. They will probably lose their shine after tonight’s killings.
Oh well, it’s not like I’ll need these shoes for anything other than entering the party ahead and pretending like I belong. Gotta be fancy enough for the big crowd because, of course, someone in dirty jeans couldn’t be nearly important enough as someone in a suit.
A bunch of fake fuckers. If I could, I’d burn the whole fucking place to the ground, but I’d rather not end up in jail if I can avoid it. Killing has to be done as inconspicuous as possible, so nobody knows I did it until I’ve already disappeared.
It’s my thing; it’s what I do, or rather what I’ve become. After all these years, I don’t even remember what it was like not to be a murderer. Not that I want to remember—hell, I prefer this life to any other. Especially over the lives of those people in that party who are about to witness death.
I have to admit, it’s a rush. I just love killing, especially when it’s for the right reasons. Those reasons are obviously always to benefit me. Why else would I fucking murder people if not for my own pleasure? And for the money that sustains me, of course.
What can I say? I’m the scum of the earth, the disgusting vile that creeps in the corners to jump you at night … and I don’t for a second regret being like this.
I turn into the alley and come face to face with a bulking, barely-fitting-in-his-suit bodyguard. I cock my head as he frowns at me, probably wondering what I’m doing here.
“Excuse me, you can’t come in here,” he says as I walk closer.
I smile. “Why not? This is where the party is.”
He folds his arms, making himself seem larger, but all it does for me is make it more laughable. “This is the rear entrance. If you want access, you have to use the front door. If you have a ticket, that is …”
He doesn’t believe me? Even in my fucking fancy suit? Well, fuck him. I wanted to spare his life but questioning my slickness isn’t something one can get away with.
“Oh, I have a ticket, all right,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “How dare you talk to a guest like that?”
“I’m sorry, sir,” he says, “but I’m not allowed to let anyone pass through this door. You’ll have to go to the front entrance where they can check your ticket. Sorry.”
Of course, they all think I’m not a guest because, let’s face it … I look like a guy you wouldn’t want your daug
hter to talk to, even if it was in broad daylight in your own fucking home. With my piercings, black hair, and merciless attitude, I usually scare people to death. I have the kind of face you’d see in your nightmares … except, when you see me in real life, you’re really dead.
Like this guy.
“Yeah, yeah … so, let me get this straight …” I shuffle around, looking at the floor to distract him. “You’re basically telling me that I can’t walk here, even though this is a public alley, just because this isn’t the ‘correct’ entrance to the party I’m supposed to be attending?”
“I’m only doing my job.”
I look up at him. “So am I.”
In a fraction of a second, I’ve grabbed his coat and flipped it over his head. I twist around, to his back, and wrap it around his neck. The fabric stuffed in his mouth quickly muffles his screams, choking him as I drag him back into the corner of the alley. He claws at the coat, desperate to free himself before time runs out. Stumbling backward, we fall to the ground, and I wrap my legs around his chest to prevent him from moving. His body fights for survival; his legs thrash and his hands punch the air. It’s no use. I will win this fight, as I always do. His energy is waning fast, and his muscles are burning through their adrenaline. It won’t be long now. With his fingers growing whiter every second, all the blood is rushing to his face, in a last attempt to breathe. But it’s already too late; there is no oxygen left and his lungs are shutting down.
His legs stop moving and his hands drop to the ground, the last groan slipping off his tongue like a ghost leaving his body.
Death has made his entry.
It’s done.