As the sun settled behind the mountain, winter’s chilly weather threatened to turn him into a popsicle. Shivering, he wished he’d had worn his heavy coat instead of his black leather jacket. Unfortunately, he couldn’t wear his heavier coat because it was red. Kenneth would see him yards away.
He’d have to think of Jordan, about having her in his arms and kissing her like there was no tomorrow. That would warm him up for sure! It hurt him when he remembered how he was at the beginning of their relationship. Revenge had weighed heavily on his mind, and all he could think about was bringing justice to his sister’s memory. Now he was grateful that fate had lent a hand. He needed Jordan and she needed him. Their souls were meant to be together.
The hum of a car’s engine snapped Brock’s mind back to the situation. Driving slowly up the street came a black Rolls Royce. It stopped two doors up from Jordan’s townhouse.
Brock held his breath, waiting for the person to exit the car.
Ten, fifteen minutes passed and finally a door opened. Even from where Brock hid, he could tell it was Kenneth. Eerie chills darted down Brock’s spine, testifying to him that the man walking cautiously up the sidewalk was indeed Serena’s husband. He passed under a porch light, identifying Kenneth’s features.
Gripping the camera tighter, Brock watched Kenneth walk around Jordan’s townhouse and disappear. Kenneth must have found a back way into her place. Brock waited a few more minutes before creeping up closer to the house.
He flattened himself against the brick wall near the front window. Cautiously, he peeked inside. Thankfully, Jordan had left a few lights on. He saw Kenneth’s shadow in one of the rooms.
Brock sneaked to the side of the house and looked in the window. Kenneth stood in her kitchen going through the drawers. When he reached for Jordan’s dishes, Brock raised his camera, preparing for the moment to take the picture.
Kenneth took two plates down and smashed them against the counter. Click. Three crystal goblets were next. Kenneth dropped them to the floor. Click, click. Click. Thank goodness Brock remembered his motor drive.
Kenneth swung toward the window. Brock crouched low, keeping his back flattened against the outside wall. He held his breath, wondering if Kenneth had noticed.
After a few minutes, Brock dared to look again. Kenneth wasn’t in the room but had moved into the living room. Brock breathed a sigh of relief, and hurried to the next window.
This time Kenneth had a spray can in his hands, aiming it toward the wall. Click, click, click. Kenneth spun around. Brock ducked. This time Kenneth’s heavy footsteps headed toward the back of the house.
Brock cursed. He’d been caught! But that was all right. Brock had the proof the cops needed to put Kenneth away.
Sneaking as quietly as he could, Brock rounded the back of the house. Out of nowhere a two-by-four came at him. He ducked, but it was too late. The board slammed into his head.
A wave of dizziness washed over him as he fell to the hard snow. Kenneth stood over him, holding the piece of wood.
Kenneth growled. “Do you think I’ll let you live now?”
Brock fought the blackness threatening his vision. “Give up, old man. The secret is out.”
Laughter filled the night. “Not if I break your camera.”
Kenneth reached for the camera, but Brock kicked with his boot, hitting Kenneth’s knees. The man yowled and fell to the ground. Still fighting the throbbing pain spinning in his head, Brock rolled away from Kenneth’s reach, but not soon enough. The other man took him by the ankle in a tight grip.
“That company is mine,” Kenneth spat. “I’ll not let anyone have it. I’ve worked too hard to get in this position.”
The more Brock fought, the closer darkness filled his head. No! It couldn’t end this way. He wouldn’t let it. But he had no control. Thick liquid warmed the side of his face. He reached up and touched. Blood. His injury was worse than he thought.
Kenneth picked up the piece of wood again, raising it high over his head. Brock brought up his weighty arms to block the hit. But it never happened.
Instead, he heard another kind of blow, like metal hitting bone. Then Kenneth’s body landed beside him in the snow.
Brock struggled to open his eyes, peeking through the slits that managed to come apart. Jordan stood over Kenneth holding a shovel. Jake knelt beside Brock. He heard his brother’s voice, but didn’t hear the words. Slowly, Jordan’s face disappeared.
* * * *
Jordan brushed her fingers gently across Brock’s bandaged head. His ashen face blended with the white material wrapped turban-style around his head. At least he was alive. The doctor said he’d lost a lot of blood because head injuries always bled more. Thankfully after two days, the hospital released him into Jordan’s care. She took him to his house since she felt more comfortable there.
She pulled a sheet up to his chest, tucking it around him as he lay on the bed. This was rather nice. She liked caring for him this way. Would he let her do it for the rest of her life?
“I love you.” He opened his eyes and smiled. His green eyes twinkled like gems.
“I love you, too.” She placed her hand on his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat.
“Have you talked to Serena yet?”
She nodded. “She came to the hospital to see how you were doing, but you were asleep. She didn’t stay long.”
“How is she taking this?”
“She’s a strong woman, although she’s hurting. After the police threw Kenneth in the slammer, they found he had a secret bank account. Apparently, he’d been stealing money from Serena for quite some time. Looks like he has a list of crimes against him. He won’t be out of jail any time soon, thank goodness.” She shook her head and frowned. “Poor Serena. I can tell she’s crushed, but I think she has finally realized what I’ve been saying all along about Kenneth. She hasn’t talked to me much about it. I may have to have her come in for an appointment.”
He arched a brow. “Or maybe you can just talk to her as a daughter?”
Jordan remained silent, watching the way he studied her. So much emotion in his eyes, so much love. The feeling was so strong it caused tears in her eyes.
“When did you become this smart?” He was smart and sexy, too. What more could a girl want?
He covered her hand, resting on his bare chest. “I’ve been around you too long.”
“Is that bad?”
“No, that’s good. That’s more than good. It’s great.”
She laughed. “Most men wouldn’t think that.”
“I’m not like most men.”
Gingerly, she caressed his cheek. “You’ve certainly proven that. I’m sorry for getting you confused with the others.”
“There will be no more others, Jordan. You’re stuck with me for the rest of your life.”
Her heart hammered against her ribs. “For the rest of my life?”
“Yes.”
“Promise?”
He laughed. “Or longer if you want.”
She leaned over him, resting her weight on his chest. “Are you proposing marriage?”
“I’m proposing to keep you happy for the rest of our lives and longer. Can you handle that?”
She feathered her lips against his in a whisper of a kiss. “I can handle that and more.”
“Hmm, sounds promising.”
She grinned and kissed him on the mouth. Life with Brock would definitely bring her joy. Great satisfaction and love that she’d only read about in books. Now it was time to make the books come to life…just as she’d always wanted.
The End
Other stories from Marie Higgins
“Waiting for You” – Paranormal / Time-travel Romance - http://amzn.com/B00EQQMACU
“Love Lost in Time” – Victorian time-travel Romance - http://amzn.com/1492759430
“Becoming a Lady” – Regency Romance - http://amzn.com/B00BPJAGMC
“Dreaming of You” – Romantic Comedy - http://amzn.com/B00A6G5JO0
“In the Arms of Danger” – Romantic Suspense - http://amzn.com/B0087V3R0Y
“Crazy For You” – Romantic Comedy - http://amzn.com/B00AZRMPOW
“The Spanish Outlaw” – American Historical Romance – http://amzn.com/B00B40YQYG
Christian Historical Series
“A Walk In Heaven” – (book 1) - http://amzn.com/B0067F68FS
“Touching Heaven” – (book 2) - http://amzn.com/B009DRV0MS
“Reaching Heaven” (book 3 not out yet)
Regency Romance Series
“The Sweetest Kiss” – (book 1) - http://amzn.com/B0066HBZBE
“The Sweetest Touch” – (book 2) - http://amzn.com/B007QH286Y
“The Sweetest Love” – (book 3) - http://amzn.com/B00DSADZEC
“The Sweetest Secret” – (not out yet)
Victorian Romance Series
“Love Me Always” – (book 1) - http://amzn.com/B007ZJC2DC
“Charmed By Knight” – (book 2) - http://amzn.com/B007ZV5Y7Q
“True Love’s Deception” – (book 3) - http://amzn.com/B0082R8OEW
“Belong To Me” – (book 4) - http://amzn.com/B0084VC37A
“Love Comes Blindly” – (book 5) - http://amzn.com/B0086K791O
Colonial Romance Series
“Take My Heart” – (book 1) - http://amzn.com/B005OU7VFS
“Falling in Love Again” – (book 2) - http://amzn.com/B005YF5PBA
“Wonderland by Night” – (book 3) - http://amzn.com/B00B9670IE
Finding the Perfect Man Page 18