James moved over to the king-sized bed and pulled off his T-shirt, placing it on top of the duvet. He removed his joggers and boxers before turning and walking to the en-suite bathroom. Flipping on the light switch, he winced as the light shone against the stark white tiles and grabbed a towel from the cabinet just inside the door. He walked over to the shower, turned on the taps, and let the water run until hot steam flowed through the room.
As he stepped under the hot, flowing stream, he let the water run over his muscular shoulders. His thoughts returned to Alana. He would have to work hard to convince her to help. They needed to find a way to get into the Headquarters’ computer system if they had any chance of taking out the surveillance network. That would be their key to getting inside without alerting any guards that may be inside. If all went well with his meeting, they should be able to take out Harvey as quickly and quietly as possible. He just hoped he’d made the right decision to approach her.
* * * *
Jonah entered his quarters and walked over to the bed, sitting down hard as he tried to clear his mind of Alana. Her name kept going round and round in his head and it was making his nerves agitated. As much as he tried to blank his mind, he couldn’t and he could feel his frustration heating him from inside. He despised weakness, and that was what his emotions were. Weak!
The moment James had mentioned her in the kitchen, Jonah felt himself get hard, and it had no intention of going down unless he gave it some attention. The female commanded a response from his body and he couldn’t escape the effect that sat rigid in his sweats. His ability to control his thoughts had evaporated and he could feel the desire building from deep inside him. He knew he had to relieve the pressure as he lay down and trailed his hand down, until it rested on his long, hard shaft. Sliding his pants down his muscular legs, he kicked them aside.
Leaning over the side of the bed, he took out the tube from the drawer of the side cabinet. The gel felt cool on his hand as he wrapped it around the smooth skin of his shaft. Slowly moving up and down, he closed his eyes, savoring the sensation against his skin. Pleasure began to flow through him as he ran his fingers over the bulging end.
Thoughts of Alana ran through his mind, no matter how hard he tried to block them. His breaths came in long, deep groans as his balls began to draw tightly. As he tensed, the hard lines of his abs clenched, as his hand moved faster. Jonah’s groan vibrated through his throat.
Visions of her long legs wrapped around his waist, her breasts bared before his eyes, sent his mind wild. Her delicate skin against his lips and the gentle curve of her ass became more than his desire could bear. His heart beat faster and he could feel his climax rising. Gripping his long, hard length, his orgasm blazed across his skin. He came, pulsing over and over, and held his breath as pleasure pulsed through his body.
As his breathing eased, he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. How could a female have such an effect on him? The mention of her name had made him react in an instant, and there was nothing he could do stop it. The images his mind had created had only served to push the intensity of his orgasm higher, and Jonah felt anxiety build in his body again. His control had been tested and he’d failed miserably.
He stood from the bed and walked toward the bathroom, growling at his own flaws. Maybe a long cold shower would help him clear his head. He did not want or need a female in his life. He had known love before and it had nearly broken him when he’d lost everything that had mattered to him. He had a duty to protect the King, his Queen and his race and nothing could distract him. He would grab a shower, do his security checks and meet James later. This time though, he would keep a better control of his emotions. This time, he would not let his heart control his head.
Chapter 2
Alana walked out onto the balcony of her quarters, and breathed in the cold, crisp air as she wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. The icy stone floor chilled her feet and the bitter breeze that blew wildly around her made her shiver as it wisped at her long, dark hair. The tingling against her soft almond-shaped face caused her skin to goose bump, but she didn’t really mind. Standing out in the cold gave her a sense of freedom, which she’d been denied for more years than she could remember.
The grounds that surrounded the building were covered in a layer of undisturbed snow, and the trees, glistening from their icy coating, stood bare and lifeless. The sun, which had risen bright in the sky, still wasn’t warm enough yet to melt the frozen ground but Alana knew the spring was coming. To see the breathtaking array of colors that adorned the grounds in spring was truly captivating, and Alana couldn’t wait to see them emerge. Spring had always been her favorite time of year.
Lifting her hand to her face, Alana brushed her fingers gently across her lips. She closed her eyes seeing images of amber flash across her mind. A flow of heat simmered from her heart, tingling rapidly to her lower stomach as she pictured his face, his amazing eyes, and his blond hair brushed across his sharp, masculine features. The deep intensity of his gaze still fired pleasure through her body no matter how much time had elapsed since she’d last seen him. She inhaled deeply as she imaged his hands caress round her body and she could almost feel his strength as if he were wrapped around her. The thought of his lips on hers made her sigh gently. Even though she’d only seen him for a few moments, her mind had memorized every contour of his big, powerful body and it replayed in her dreams nightly. Regret filled her mind. She’d stood and watched him suffer and had been helpless to stop it. Sadness replaced her pleasure. She would never see him again, never get to look into the stunning vibrancy of his eyes, or ever get to feel the pleasure of his body against hers. Another cruel twist of the knife that life dictated she own.
Alana opened her eyes and watched as the clouds drifted silently across the sky. She envied them. They were never subject to the restraints that life bore below, and she’d always wished she could join them. To drift away without a care in the world was a surreal thought and one Alana could dream about for hours. But reality was a far cry from her imagination. For years she’d been alone, her heart as cold as the air around her, but it had to be that way. She often wondered what her life would have been if he hadn’t taken all she loved. Time had never relieved the solitude and guilt and she didn’t expect the future to be any different. She sighed as she turned and walked back into her room.
As a child, she’d lived with her family, on the outskirts of a small, unassuming town called Rivergrove. It was located north of Portland and she’d attended the local high school. She’d worked hard, attained good grades, and had then attended a local nursing school. Alana had wanted to be a nurse for as long as she could remember and once she’d qualified, she’d applied to a small medical clinic just outside of town. She’d been elated when they had offered her the job as junior nurse, but the job had not been quite what she’d expected. Mostly it had been cleaning up after the doctor had seen to patients, but she’d stuck with it. Alana had hoped that one day she could deal with more serious cases. What she had never realized though, was that her hopes would one day cost her liberty.
A male had come into the clinic and had appeared to have injured himself in a machinery accident. At least that was what he’d told the receptionist. The doctor had been called out to attend a home visit for a patient and Alana had been the only qualified person left at the clinic. She’d agreed to see the male and had escorted him into one of the clinic’s side rooms. As she’d turned to collect some gloves, she’d felt a strong arm grab around her waist and a cloth smother her face. She’d struggled to free herself, but a wave of drowsiness had overtaken her and she’d blacked out. When she’d woken, she’d found herself locked in the room she now stood in.
Alana had never understood why she’d been taken or how anyone had found out about her, and had been petrified when a large male had entered the room. He’d sat down on one of the chairs and told her that she now worked for him. He had a special job for her to do and to ensure she carried out her
new duties, he’d shown her a picture. She knew from that moment that she would never be able to escape.
Her room was now the only safe place she could escape to when she felt bitter and angry. When things became too much for her to bare, she’d shut herself away and sit for hours staring out at the world. The feeling of helplessness had often reduced her to tears in the beginning, and the grief had ripped at her soul. It had taken years before she’d finally been able to shut her despair inside her heart and now kept her feelings hidden. She’d never give him the satisfaction of seeing her emotions.
Staring around at her room, she looked at the only possessions she now owned. She’d been allowed to choose the cream color for the walls and the deep raspberry-colored carpet had made a lovely contrast. The antique white dresser and wardrobe had been her favorite purchases and the bed was at least large and cozy. The clothes that lay neatly in her wardrobe had all been ordered online but at least she’d been able to choose them herself. Her room was how she liked it, but it was still a prison just the same.
Alana walked over and sat down on the white wicker chair, staring at her sad reflection in the mirror on her dresser. Pulling out the hairbrush from the side drawer, she brushed her hair and swept it back into a tight ponytail. Her smooth skin glowed pink from the cold air and she applied a small amount of mascara to her already deep colored eyelashes. After dabbing lip gloss across her lips, she placed it back in the top drawer and stared at her reflection again. He had told her that her beauty had been what had saved her life, but to what avail? She was still trapped, having to do every instruction given to her, while others suffered because of her. It had all been her fault and nothing could change the guilt she felt.
She stood and walked to the wardrobe. Opening the door, she picked out a pair of slim jeans and a citrine lace top. She carried them over to her bed, laying them gently on the soft duvet. She had already dressed in a pretty cream bra and panties and she slid the dressing gown from her slim shoulders. The jeans rose effortlessly up her long legs and hugged her petite ass as she pulled them up around her waist. Picking up the beautiful lace top, she slid it gently over her head and let it glide over the large breasts.
“You shouldn’t tease me like that,” a deep voice spoke from the door.
Alana jumped and twisted round to see Harvey standing at the door, resting against the frame. She hadn’t heard him open the door, but it hadn’t been the first time that he’d entered her room without asking. He didn’t have the decency to knock, but if he had she would only have told him to get lost.
He smirked at the sight of her beautiful body. He had enjoyed watching her dress. It had been fun watching her bend, showing the beautiful skin of her ass through her soft, satin underwear. Harvey wanted to go over there and run his hands all over her skin as he looked at her face and slowly down her body. He could show her a good time if she let him, but she was a firecracker, always threatening to explode if he got too close.
Alana stared at him, disgust in her eyes as she turned and walked to the wardrobe. She chose a pair of dark sneakers and walked over to the chair. Sitting down, she slid one on each foot. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer. Harvey disgusted her with his lewd comments and insinuations. There was no way in hell he’d ever lay a finger on her, not unless she was either tied down or dead. Preferably dead.
“What do you want?” Her tone was as vile as she could make it.
“Don’t be like that. We could have some fun it you’d let us.” Harvey always hoped she would change her mind. She’d never given in though, even when he’d promised her anything but the thing she desired the most.
“It’s never going to happen, so why don’t you just go do one?” Alana had played this game too many times and each time she’d given him the same reply. She would never give in. He knew the price he would have to pay if he wanted her, but that was never going to happen. She’d waited a long time but he’d never shown any remorse for what he’d done. The thought of him near her made her want to heave as she stared at him.
Harvey shifted his position and stood with his hands inside the pockets of his jeans. His crisp white shirt hung loosely over his long, muscular legs, hugged by the fabric of his jeans. His short dark hair lay neatly cut with the front spiked up, making him look quite fashionable. It was his eyes that made him look menacing. Set deep against his sharp cheekbones, they made him look terrifying. His cold, predatory stare made Alana feel uncomfortable.
He’d returned the previous day livid and she’d heard him shouting at the guards who patrolled the Headquarters. She’d stayed in her room, intent in avoiding his wrath as she’s listened to him rant on about the others. She’d wondered who they were, and assumed they must be someone important. Harvey had been to the point of exploding as he’d stormed into the Headquarters. Whoever it was, though, had her undying gratitude. Anyone who caused Harvey anguish was definitely going to go on her list of favorite people. Not that she really had one, but she’d start one for whoever had got under Harvey’s skin.
She’d felt sorry for the guards though, who had been in his firing line. Over the years she’d seen his evil temper and the results of retribution against all that stood in his way. Guards who had not followed orders had either been beaten until they could no longer stand or had gone missing entirely. Harvey was vindictive and cruel, yet she didn’t fear him. He wouldn’t hurt her. He desired her, which made her feel sick at the thought.
“I need you to manage the reception area today. The girl who usually works there has called in sick, so I want you cover.” It was more of an order than a request.
Alana had often covered for staff so his instruction didn’t surprise her. His security business, The Phoenix Corporation was doing well and she enjoyed having the opportunity to talk to other people. To learn about their lives and their freedom was enthralling, and she could talk to them for hours. It was better than talking to him anyway.
“You might need to change.” Harvey smirked at her. It would be fun to see her remove those tight fitting jeans. He hardened at the thought of running his lips over her satiny soft skin.
“I’ll stay as I am, if it’s all the same to you.” She didn’t really giving a damn.
“Suit yourself. I don’t care whether you wear those or nothing at all.” Seeing her naked would be delightful.
“Hell would freeze over before you ever get to see me naked. I would’ve thought you’d have realized that by now.” The thought of him anywhere near her made her cringe.
“I’m sure the opportunity will arise one day.” Harvey was confident that one day she would relent. He just had to bide his time.
She shook her head. Just because he had a hold over her, he thought she would give in to his demands. Never. She could never care for a male that had destroyed her life. She never wanted to care for anyone. It would only end up with them being used against her, and she’d learned that the hard way.
She forced herself to look at him. She just hoped that he could read the hatred that poured from every cell inside her. She stood and walked past him, her fists clenched as she tried hard to ignore his loud inhale as she passed. She knew he was drawing in her scent as she stormed out into the corridor. She needed to get away from him before she snapped. Her anger had built and she’d felt her skin heat from the fury that threatened to erupt. If only she’d fought harder that day, she would never have been in this position for him to control her. Life was shit and there was no way of ever getting away.
The walk to the offices below had given her time to calm down, and she walked past the security desk that had been set up in the entrance hall. She hadn’t seen it there before. It must have been set up after Harvey’s return the day before. Two large males sat staring at her as she strode toward the main offices. She looked into their cold, hard stares. They seemed larger than the normal guards, their enormous muscular arms bulging through the tight T-shirts they wore and something about their eyes made her wonder. She’d never s
een others at the Headquarters but knew there were more of her kind somewhere out there.
She pushed at the large smoked-glass doors of the offices and walked inside. Desks lined the room and the employees of The Phoenix Corporation were busy typing into computers or taking phone calls. Some of them looked up at her and nodded. They’d seen her before, had worked with her, so didn’t take much notice as she strode toward the reception desk to the left side of the room. She had enjoyed talking with some of them, especially the females. They told her about their families and their lives in the outside world.
She’d only ventured outside the security gates a few times and it had scared her a little. The world seemed so big and changed so rapidly that she sometimes felt out of place. She had worked as a nurse before Harvey had taken her, but that was a long time ago. She missed the feeling of caring for people. That was something she would never feel again.
She pulled out the large leather chair and sat down, pulling forward so that the desk lay snug to her waist. The sun shone through long blinds that lined the windows and it reflected on the computer monitor. She had learned to use the computerized system quite quickly and had managed to get the IT guy to show her how to master her way around the files and programs of the complicated network. But she’d never managed to find her way past the firewalls that secured the camera system.
She’d wanted to find a way to see all the areas of the Headquarters and any other premises that belonged to The Phoenix Corporation. As she tapped furiously on the keyboard, she knew she had to be careful. She had to ensure that none of the other employees saw her or Harvey might find out. She glanced around the room. They all seemed engrossed in their tasks as she flicked through files. Harvey would know what she was doing and that could risk everything. It was bad enough that Harvey wanted to keep her imprisoned but if he knew she was searching, he would retaliate and she’d seen him do it before. She didn’t care so much for herself but she couldn’t risk the lives of others.
Jonah's Salvation [The Order of the Mist 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 3