by Erin Trejo
Pulse
Pulse
By Erin Trejo
Cover Model: Phil Bruce
Cover Model Photographer: Joel Hicks Photography
Cover Design: Erin Trejo
Copyright 2018 Erin Trejo
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written consent from the author, except in the instance of quotes for reviews. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the Internet without the permission of the author, which is a violation of the International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and imprisonment.
This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, incidents and places are products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real except where noted and authorized. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events are entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, names featured are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.
Acknowledgments
I always have so many people to thank that I never have enough room but for this book, I truly have to thank Scarlet Le Clair for hooking me up with the amazing, Phil Bruce. If you didn’t know Phil is our cover model for this book. Thank you so much Phil! You are amazing and I have no doubts you will rock many covers! I also need to thank Joel Hicks for taking such amazing photos of Phil. You guys are truly amazing! I’m so blessed to be able to work with all of you. <3
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 1
Tala
Tala. In the Tagalog mythology, Tala is the goddess of stars. It’s said that Tala is the eldest daughter of the moon and assists her mother in protecting the stars from trailing the sun. The meaning of my name is ‘bright star’. I used to love to think that I was a protector. I’m not. I am a half American, half Filipino twenty-six-year-old woman that works as a bank teller. Extravagant? Not in the slightest. I live alone in this small two-story house. My mother and father moved back to the Philippines six years ago to be closer to my mother’s dying sister. They decided they liked being there and never returned. I suppose my father didn’t have much to worry over as far as money goes. He made tons while they were here in America. My father wasn’t on the right side of the law here. He was into laundering and extortion. I was young when I figured out what he did. It didn’t faze me because I grew up with everything a child could want. A mother and father that loved me. A house that was a home. A family. Now that they are gone, I rarely hear from them. I’ve gone to visit a few times but Chicago is my home. I’ve grown accustomed to the harsh winters and calm summers. I am my own person here. Unique in every way that a woman should be. I have beautiful tan skin with deep brown eyes. My long brown hair can be styled easily to whatever my heart desires. I got most of my looks from my mother which men seem to think is exotic.
“I’m out of here. I will see you on Monday, Sharon,” I say as I wave at my co-worker.
“Bye, Tala. Have a great weekend.” She smiles and waves as I head out the front doors and take a deep breath. The air is still warm for this time of year but the promise of snow isn’t far off. I walk to my Jeep and climb in, ready to get home and into a warm bath. Kicking my heels off, I toss them onto the passenger seat before starting the car. In my head, I’m making mental notes off all the things I need to accomplish this weekend. Calling my mother to check in is low on that list. Grocery shopping. Oh, I can hardly wait for that. Standing in lines is not high on that list either. I sigh as I head toward my house. An empty house. What good is it for me to stay here in Chicago? I could easily go to the Philippines with my family. I could have it all once again but at what cost to me? Losing my job, the one thing that I find security in? Is it truly worth it?
Pulling into my driveway, I can hear my claw foot bath tub calling my name from here. It’s my safe place. It’s my time to relax and enjoy a good read and a nice glass of wine. As I climb out of my car, remembering to grab my heels on the way this time, I head up the stairs and inside.
“Patty. Have you missed me?” I ask my small Persian kitten. She’s the highlight of my world. Sad isn’t it? I reach down and run my fingers through her soft fur listening to her purr. She follows me to the kitchen where I feed her and grab my bottle of wine and a glass before heading upstairs. Grabbing my robe out of the closet and stepping into the bathroom, I smile. Finally, I can relax and enjoy. Filling the tub full of warm water and a fizzy cherry bath bomb, I light my candles, grab my wine and get my kindle situated. I strip out of my clothes and just as I’m about to step into the tub, someone knocks.
“Of all the fucking times,” I grumble under my breath. Snatching the robe off the chair next to the tub, I slip my arms into its silky softness and head back downstairs. When I throw the door open, I’m shocked at the dazzling blue eyes that stare back at me.
“Can I help you?” I ask, one hand on the door, one perched on my hip.
“I’d say you could.” The man says confidently. I know who he is. The question dancing in the back of my mind is, why is here? I have no dealings in the illegal ventures of this city the way my father did. So, why Mr. Cole Frost is standing in my doorway is completely unknown to me.
“May I come in?” He asks, gesturing toward my living room. What do I look like? Some stupid teenage girl? He can’t flaunt his tight smirk at me and expect me to fall at his feet.
“You have no business here, Mr. Frost. Therefore, no, you may not.” I begin to close the door when his large hand stops it, pushing it back again.
“I think you’ll change your mind once you hear what I have to say.” Those goddamn blue eyes sparkle in the setting sun. I find myself slightly curious as to what he has to say now.
“I highly doubt anything you have to say to me will change my mind but if you must be so intrusive, please make it quick. I have a warm bubble bath, a tall bottle of wine and a hot rocker fantasy brought to me by Carian Cole waiting on me. I plan on getting a lot of usage out my Womanizer this evening.” Frost raises his eyebrows, no doubt wondering what the hell I’m talking about.
“What exactly is a hot rocker fantasy and who is Carian Cole?” He questions me.
“A hot rocker fantasy is one that involves a famous hot rocker with a voice of silk that can caress my body with just a few of his words and Carian Cole is the woman that writes my fantasy men. You should read one. You might learn some sort of manners from them,” I inform him. The crinkle around his eyes is beautiful although I know I shouldn’t be looking. He’s the kingpin of the Chicago underground and not a man that you cross.
“I’ll take that into consideration.” The way he says it makes me wan
t to fall at his feet. Is this what all the women do around him? I’ve heard the stories and rumors but I have never, until this day experienced the Cole Frost fantasy. We stand in an awkward silence as Cole looks around my small living room.
“You live here alone,” He states. Well, isn’t he observant. Crossing my arms over my chest, I watch as he takes in all the family photos on the mantel.
“You had a reason to be here and I don’t think it was to look at photos.” Cole turns slowly, his eyes roaming over my body. The intensity in his gaze is unnerving. Maybe that’s what the girls all drool over.
“You’re absolutely right. Let’s get to it then. Your father was a useless business man that is still fucking around in my world even from another country,” He begins. I’m about to say something in my father’s defense but I catch the look in Cole’s eyes and hold back. “He’s drawing in bad people that I have no desire to deal with. That’s not the only reason I’m here though. In fact, that wasn’t going to be up for discussion but then I saw the photos.”
“What is it you do want then, Mr. Frost?” I’m tired of this conversation already.
“I want to offer you a job working with me. It will be a very lucrative offer,” He says slipping his hands into the pockets of his suit pants.
“I have a job but thank you. You know the way out,” Quick and to the point. I like it.
“I don’t think you heard me correctly,” Cole says, stepping toward me, his hands coming back out of his pockets. He slowly walks toward me, a predatory glint in his eyes. “Now, I have a job offer for you. It would be in your best interest to take what I have to offer you, Miss Gregoria.” My eyes burn into his. His silent warning is heard loud and clear.
“And if I don’t have my own best interests in mind?” I challenge him. Inch by inch, he closes the distance backing me against the wall. His warm breath dances over my skin as he leans down into my space.
“Do you really want the answer to that question, Tala?” the way he says my name sends a jolt through my body. This is not how I wanted to spend my night.
Chapter 2
Cole Frost
Her lips are inches from mine. I could take them at any second. They are thick and plump. Just the kind I like wrapped around my cock. Tala seems only slightly nervous with me being this close. I can see the fire in her eyes too. She isn’t going to let me back her into a proverbial corner. She’s smart, strong. That’s why I want her on my side.
“My offer is way more than what you make at your bank job. In actuality you would be able to keep that one as well. After your normal work hours, I would need you to do some work from home,” I tell her. She watches me but I can sense the fight in her. That’s the strength I want.
“What kind of work?” She finally grits her teeth and asks. I don’t back away from her. I’m enjoying the closeness a little too much but the scent of her is intoxicating.
“You’re good with numbers. I would need you to go over all my finances. It would be strictly confidential, of course.” She shakes her head slowly before ducking under my arm and moving around me. I follow behind her into her kitchen where she grabs a glass out of the cabinet and bottle off the table. She walks to the freezer filling her glass with ice before pouring her drink. Bringing it to her lips, I watch her in awe. Not many women would have the nerve to act this way with me in the room. Most would be throwing themselves at my feet. Not her, which is why I like her.
“You want me to embezzle money for you?” She asks, contempt in her tone. I let a sly smile slip across my face as I reach out, taking the glass from her hand and bringing it to my lips. Taking a small sip, I pass it back while she studies me.
“Technically, it would be considered returning what I’m owed. You see, not everyone is smart enough to keep their money out of American banks. They use my money, loans, if you will to make their purchases but seem to have forgotten to pay back the loan,” I tell her. Her eyes flicker as if it’s all starting to register in her mind.
“And if I caught?”
“You go to jail.”
“For you?” She giggles lightly.
“You won’t get caught, Tala,” I reassure her. She shakes her head, taking down the rest of the drink in her glass before pouring another.
“I don’t necessarily have a choice, do I?” Fuck. Those lips of hers could be dangerous. My eyes keep flitting back to them. Imagining them on mine, on my skin. Shaking the thoughts away, I look back down at her.
“We always have choices, Tala. Some aren’t the right ones but we always have one,” I inform her.
“Why me? I’m not the only bank teller in Chicago.” I watch her silk robe as she moves to sit on the stool near her cabinet. Crossing her leg, one over the other like a proper lady, the slit in her robe shows too much skin. Too much temptation.
“Do you think I haven’t looked into others? I have. None of them appealed to me the way you do. You’re smart. Strong with numbers. You don’t take shit from anyone and that included your own father. Those are the reasons I want you on my team.” Tala’s eyes stay on mine. She doesn’t flinch or move a muscle. She’s poised and concentrated on the task at hand. Just one more reason I want her on my end.
“Suppose I say no? I don’t want the job. What happens next?” She asks, her eyes searing into me. She swallows hard, no doubt worried about my question. I love when they get antsy.
“Well, I’d force you to my bidding anyway. You wouldn’t get paid as well as I had originally planned on and you would still be doing the same work,” I explain with a shrug. Her eyes burn with intensity. She wants to tell me to fuck myself. I can see it in those chocolate eyes of hers, but will she? The information I have on her is minimal. I don’t know her attitude, I don’t know hear weaknesses but I will with time.
“So, the choice isn’t mine at all is it, Mr. Frost?” Fuck, I like how she says my name. The way it floats from her lips.
“But you do, Tala. You accept my offer, you will make more than you could find a use for or you could deny it and make less. That choice is all yours.” She doesn’t like my answer. That anger that flashes in her eyes is sexy as hell.
“Fine. How long?” She snaps at me.
“As long as I decide to employ you.”
“I suppose the decision has already been made then. What do you want me to do?”
“Monday is a holiday. I will send a car for you and we will discuss business and what I expect of you. I will also show you around to all the legitimate business that you will be handling,” I tell her as I watch her for a reaction. A slight snicker escapes her lips intriguing me even more.
“Legitimate businesses? I wasn’t aware you had those,” She smiles the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.
“I do. I think you’ll be surprised at some of them. I look forward to showing you around.” Tala must have had enough of our conversation. She climbs off the stool and walks past me, setting her glass on the counter as she goes. I turn on my heel and follow her back into the living where she stands with the door open.
“Do have a good evening now, Mr. Frost.” The hate in her voice does little more than turn me on. I grin at her before I walk over, leaning into her space. Pressing my lips to her cheek, I whisper, “I plan on it. See you Monday.”
As soon as I step out onto the porch, Brady steps up next to me. Brady has been a lifelong friend but he’s also my right-hand man. Anything I need, Brady’s there.
“How’d she take it?” He asks. I blow out a breath and turn to look at him.
“Not as bad as I thought. She doesn’t seem too happy but she only has one person to thank for that and it sure the hell isn’t me,” I tell him. Brady chuckles as we walk toward the waiting car. As I climb and get comfortable, I bring my fingers to my lips. This is going to be harder than I thought keeping my hands off her but she is a necessity to me and my work.
“You think she will be able to handle it?” Brady asks.
“I have no doubts she can handle the j
ob. I just wonder how well she will handle being around everyone. She isn’t much of a people person. She stays to herself and doesn’t have many friends. One good one that I know of. If she has any flaws, it will be that,” I tell him. Brady nods his head as I blow out a breath.
I think she’ll do just fine.
Chapter 3
Tala
I’ve paced my house for the whole weekend. My mind has taken a vacation to someplace else. Working for someone like Cole Frost is asking for trouble. Trouble that I don’t want to be associated with but what choice do I have? He basically told me I didn’t have one. Saying yes was just to make the extra money he said he’d pay. It wasn’t that I wanted this job. Getting caught would cost me my life. I could spend over ten years in prison if I’m caught. That thought alone makes me nervous. Plus, I’d be betraying my employer. He’s never given me reason to do so. The thought alone makes my stomach churn. A soft knock on the door has my stomach in a knot. I walk over slowly, pulling the door open but not expecting who I find, yet again.
“Is this surprise visit to Tala week? What do you want?” I ask clearly aggravated with yet another of the Frost men that stands on my porch. Jamie Frost. One of the youngest, yet top agents for the FBI. He’s Chicago based, much like his brother but they are on opposite sides of the law.
“Miss Gregoria. You look lovely. Can I have a moment of your time?” He asks sweetly. Nodding my head, I step to the side. There is no use in fighting any of the Frost men. Their father was just as bad, if not worse. He died years ago. You might ask how I’d know all of this but living in Chicago my whole life you hear the stories. Add to that that the FBI had been investigating my father at one point in time and you learn who is who.
“What can I help you with, Mr. Frost?” It feels strange talking to Jamie when just a few days ago his brother was standing in the exact same place as he is.
“I know Cole has been to see you. I know what he wants with you and I’m here to counter his offer,” He says getting straight to the point. I keep my composure even though I have no clue how he knew any of that.