Nothing Ventured

by Kristen Luciani

  "Okay…"

  "The McMillen Group wants to buy LazerShark. For forty million dollars."

  "Are you serious? You're not screwing with me, right?"

  "No. They want to absorb the company. Online gaming isn't their niche, so they want us to run the day-to-day, and we'll keep a stake in return. We can keep building and expanding. Everyone stays. Options can be cashed in. This is it, the best of both worlds. It's the perfect deal."

  "Wow, is this what it's like to have your cake and eat it too? I can't believe it. Holy shit!"

  "I figured you'd like that. Besides, you know I'd be impossible to replace."

  "True, how could I possibly function without you by my side?"

  "It's an amazing offer. And now, we work through the exit strategy. You guys get the buyout, pay back the investment according to our terms, and we part amicably. It's a huge win-win all around."

  Chris hugged her close and nuzzled her ear. "You're the biggest win of the whole deal."

  "Okay, okay, you guys can save all that for another time and place. Should we tell the team?"

  "Wanna do the honors?"

  James rapped his hand against the wall to get everyone's attention. "Guys! We've got an announcement. We've just gotten an offer from The McMillen Group to buy LazerShark. This is what we've all been waiting for… what we've all been working for. Payday has arrived!"

  Hoots and catcalls erupted in the bullpen. Cans of beer flew around the room, foam spraying the air. Within seconds, The Foo Fighters blared from the rafters. And that was just the beginning.

  James turned to Mia. "I guess a huge thank you is in order."

  "My pleasure. It's proven to be a mutually beneficial arrangement."

  "I'll say. And you guys are…"

  "Together," Chris confirmed. "We've officially uncomplicated things."

  "Glad to hear it. It's only taken you twenty-nine years. Obviously well worth the wait."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  MIA JIGGLED HER KEY IN THE lock, giggling as Chris nuzzled her neck. "I can't concentrate when you do that."

  He gently nibbled on her ear as she attempted to put the key in the lock again. "Can you imagine what I'm going to do to you once we get inside?"

  "Mmm, I don't want to waste any more time imagining."

  Lust overtook all conscious thought. They stumbled down the hall, crashing into walls, limbs intertwined. His chest heaved as her fingers grappled with his belt buckle. The slow, seductive motion of her leg snaking its way around his waist caused an intense throbbing in his groin. His lips exploded against hers with increasing urgency as his jeans and boxer briefs hit the floor. Oh fuck, yeah. Every muscle in his body tensed as she swayed closer and closer, making him ache with yearning.

  Soft hands fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. Breathing suddenly became a massive effort as her lips slid down his neck and over his now-bare chest. His fingers edged up her skirt and skated over her firm thighs until they found lace panties. His erection swelled when his fingers plunged into her depths. So velvety soft, so wet with desire. A growl erupted from deep within him as his fingers probed faster and deeper.

  "It's your turn now." She grasped his rigid shaft, stroking the swollen tip, stirring every last nerve ending in his body.

  Adrenaline coursed through him as she kneaded the engorged flesh with a slow and steady motion. His mind was a blur as her hand pumped faster and harder, but there was no way he wanted to come yet. "Not yet, baby. Let's go inside," he whispered against her ear. "I'm not done with you."

  It took every ounce of restraint not to tear off her clothes and dive into her, over and over until the pleasure was so intense they would be paralyzed with exhaustion for hours, tangled together without a care in the world. Soon, very soon…

  With one swift motion, he slid her thin silky blouse over her head and tossed it on the floor. A flick of his fingers unhooked her bra. He backed her into the bedroom, massaging her breast with his mouth, caressing the nipple with his teeth. His erection hardened with each seductive moan.

  Their eyes locked. A surge of electricity rushed through him.

  Long, dark waves tumbled over her shoulders when she cocked her head. "I still have a lot of clothes on…"

  "Let's take care of that right now." He slid the skirt over her slim hips and down to her ankles. His tongue traced a path to her abdomen, halting right below her navel. "There's still something in my way." Her skin was so smooth and soft beneath his fingers. He peeled the delicate panties off one leg at a time. "You feel incredible. I've wanted you for so long." Dizzying need commanded him. He dipped his tongue into her moist opening, exploring the soft folds and drinking in her desire.

  He'd never cared much about anyone's gratification other than his own in the past, but watching Mia and feeling his effect on her made him ache with longing. Taking his time to pleasure her, to hear her scream out in ecstasy, to feel her body spasm with exhilaration — that was what he wanted. And he'd accept nothing less.

  "Oh my God, Chris…" Each thrust of his tongue made her body writhe against him, screams of release erupting into the air around them.

  He shivered at the featherlight touch of her fingertips skimming his shoulder muscles. "I need to be inside you."

  Her dark eyes glittered with passion. "Oh, yes."

  He laced his fingers with hers and laid her on the mattress. "Condom?"

  She pointed to the drawer, and he gasped as her fingers encircled his swollen shaft and squeezed. "Hurry. I don't know how much longer I can wait."

  He grabbed one from the drawer and fumbled with the package. Fuck, why did these have to come in slippery plastic wrappers?

  "You better let me do that. You're way too hot and bothered." She tore it open and slowly rolled the condom onto his throbbing erection.

  "You're killing me."

  "Not killing, just teasing. And I promise to make it worth the wait." Her thick eyelashes fluttered, and a sultry smile spread over her face. "Chris, make love to me."

  "My God, you're so beautiful." He leaned over her, fingering the silky hair that framed her glowing face. "I love you." A surge of emotion coursed through him as he sank into her warmth. Each thrust made him tremble; he wanted to feel this way forever, never to let her go.

  Passion ignited when their mouths connected, pure carnal energy flowing between them. Chris grabbed her backside and tilted her body to force himself deeper. It was too good; he needed to hold it together or he'd lose it. Dead cats, blood, hair in his food…

  His mouth traveled down the smooth column of her neck, caressing her breasts and nibbling the taut pink buds.

  Her body trembled against him in response, her breathing growing more and more erratic. "Please… don't stop. Ever."

  He gasped as her nails pressed into his scorching flesh and scraped their way down his torso.

  "Sorry," she panted.

  "Please… don't stop. Ever."

  Erotic sensations consumed him with each pulsating thrust, catapulting him to climax. Her muscles clenched tightly around him, drawing him deeper as their flushed bodies convulsed, both hungering for release. Tingling sensations he'd been fighting against finally exploded in his groin and shot out to his extremities as her liquid heat cascaded over him. Intoxication immediately transformed into addiction; she was his drug, and he'd never survive without her.

  When he was finally able to speak, he rolled over to face her. "Why do you look so shocked? You didn't think I had it in me?"

  Her eyes widened, and an incredulous giggle tumbled out of her mouth. "Holy cow, I've never felt anything like that before. Last time was great, but this time was incredible." She flung an arm over her forehead and flashed a mischievous smile. "Hey, what time is it?"

  "Um… twelve-thirty. Why? Do you need some sustenance?"

  "Negative. What I need is for you to do that to me again, from the beginning. What do you think about that?"

  He pulled her on top of him. "I think I need to drive you
so insane that you completely black out next time. If we only have a couple of hours, I better get started."

  CHRIS WRAPPED HIS ARMS around her waist as she clipped up her hair. Her heartbeat sped up as his grip tightened.

  "Are you sure we don't have time for another round?"

  "I wish." Her body was still humming with delicious aftershocks, and she was more than ready for another romp. "But school's almost out, and there's no basketball practice today, handsome. Remember? The season ended on Saturday."

  "Sorry, I had other things on my mind that night."

  She squealed as he traced a finger down her arm. "Don't start me up again. Come on, we've got to get Chloe." She gazed at him and put her arms around his neck. "Think she'll be okay with this?"

  "It's going to be fine. She'll have another basketball-crazed Jamba Juice fanatic to hang out with who also happens to be her best friend's super-fun uncle. I mean, that's living large for a nine year-old, right?"

  "I guess. I just want her to be comfortable with the whole couple thing. But she really likes you, so why am I so nervous?"

  "Mia, I'm crazy about you. You're an amazing mother. If you weren't worried about Chloe's reaction, you wouldn't be the girl I fell in love with."

  "You're making me want to take you back to bed."

  "Somebody has to be the responsible one. I'll meet you guys at Jamba Juice right after I grab a few things from my place."

  "Okay." She pulled him in for a last lingering kiss before getting into her car. "See you in a few."

  Mia let out a contented sigh as she pulled out of the driveway. "Oohh, I love this song." She turned up the volume. "All of You" by John Legend filled the car, the words perpetuating her excitement. The day had been such a whirlwind of activity, and she hadn't gotten the opportunity to reflect on everything that had transpired. He loved her! Those words sent positively delightful chills throughout her body.

  She eased off the gas at a stop sign. Another car screeched around the corner and positioned itself directly behind her, cutting off Chris's car. Lunatic. Where were the cops when you needed them?

  Dismissal wasn't for another twenty minutes. No need to rush, for once. That was a first. The car behind her picked up speed and edged closer. A quick glance in the rearview mirror made her gasp. Holy shit, it was Alex. What the hell was he doing?

  In a panic, Mia grabbed her phone to call Chris. Her fingers trembled as she typed in his number. Before she could finish, a crushing rear impact sent her car flying off the side of the road. Screams pierced the air as the car rocketed toward the grassy field. She clutched the steering wheel, choked sobs exploding from her chest. Her skull cracked against the windshield as she was thrust from her seat. Everything faded into blackness.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  "MIA!" CHRIS SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES and jumped out of the car. His knees buckled as he ran toward the field. A strong hand grabbed him by the collar, yanking him backward.

  "Did you really think I was going to lose her to you?" Alex flashed a nasty smile and held up a metal Louisville Slugger. His eyes were bloodshot, and he reeked of liquor. An empty bottle of scotch and several pill bottles were strewn across the front seat.

  Mia. She still hadn't emerged from the car. An icy sensation clutched his heart. He tried desperately to think straight. What if she was…?

  Alex staggered closer, ready to swing. His eyes were glassy, and his pupils were huge. If he could just get out of Alex's path, he'd be able to outrun him.

  Chris ducked and spun around Alex just as the bat shattered his windshield. "Get back here, you son of a bitch! I'm gonna fucking kill you!"

  He tripped over a rock on his way down the hill and landed with a loud thud. Alex's bat came crashing down next to him. "You're not getting away from me this time!"

  Chris jumped on top of Alex, fists furiously pounding his stomach. "Back the fuck off, you lunatic!" He smashed his fist into Alex's throat and limped to Mia's car. With a hard yank, the passenger door opened. Mia lay unconscious with a trickle of blood streaming from a gash on her forehead. A cold sweat broke out over his body. Jesus Christ. Please don't be… A quick check confirmed she was still breathing. He hurriedly patted his pockets. No phone. Fuck!

  Where was Mia's phone? It wasn't on the floor or between the seats. He crawled into the back seat when a searing pain made him yelp.

  Alex grabbed a fistful of his hair and yanked him out of the car. "We're not finished. Things didn't go exactly as I'd hoped, but I just need to make a couple of adjustments to the plan." He tossed the bat onto the ground. "I don't think I'll be needing that anymore." His face twisted into a menacing sneer as he reached into his jacket.

  What the fuck was he talking about? What plan? Chris blinked hard as sunlight hit the dark object Alex pulled from his pocket. His heart stopped as the barrel was pointed at his head. He swallowed hard. "Alex… don't do this."

  "Why not? You took my life, now I'm gonna take yours. Step the fuck away from the car. Now."

  Chris inched forward, his pulse racing. Okay, options. There were no fucking options! The guy had a loaded gun. What the hell was he going to do? A quick glance confirmed there was nobody in sight; the field was desolate. No phone, no chance.

  "You don't want to do this. Put the gun down." Keep him talking. But then what? How could he get them away from that lunatic?

  "Fuck you!" Alex waved the gun and swayed toward him. "You always thought you were such hot shit, didn't you? I bet you're not feeling that way now. It sucks not to be in control of your life. Now you know how I feel."

  Chris drew in a sharp breath. Mia slithered on the ground behind Alex. Was she out of her fucking mind? Christ, there was so much blood. She needed to get to a doctor. He eyed the gun, still pointed straight at him. If Alex saw her, Christ only knew what he'd do.

  "Why are you doing this? Don't throw everything away because of me. You have your whole life ahead of you. Why would you waste it all like this?" His voice shook. "Things are going so well for you. Your job, your clients…" What other bullshit could he come up with?

  "You don't know what the hell you're talking about." The nasty smile was replaced with a glowering stare as he approached. "Don't pretend to think you know anything about my life! Mia was the one bright spot, the one person I could trust, and the one person I loved more than anyone else. You took that away from me, you bastard!" He cocked the gun and directed it back at Chris's temple. "Without you in my way, I know she'll come back to me."

  Mia picked up the bat and struggled to her feet. The weight made her stumble back into some brush, startling Alex. Chris slammed his knee into Alex's groin and whacked the palm of his hand to his nose with a loud crack.

  A single gunshot exploded into the eerily still air. Blood poured from Alex's nose as he collapsed to the ground. But where was—?

  Mia…

  His heart stopped. A large red bloodstain spread over her shirt, her body limp and lifeless. "You fucking bastard!" Chis grabbed the bat and swung it at Alex's already bloody head.

  Crack! The force of the bat against his skull knocked Alex back to the ground. He lay motionless as blood pooled around his head.

  Chris collapsed next to Mia, tears stinging his eyes. "Mia! Please wake up! Don't leave me!" He wrapped his arms around her. "I can't lose you now. I need you."

  Sirens in the distance grew louder. Within minutes, police cars and an ambulance swarmed the field. Paramedics rushed over with stretchers and equipment but were they too late?

  "Gunshot wound! Medic!" A police officer barked an order to a rookie and ran to Chris. "What the hell happened? Are you okay?"

  "Please get some help over here for my girlfriend. She's been shot. I can't tell how badly, and she's still breathing, but…" His voice cracked. "…please help her."

  The officer pulled Chris away as the medics ran over and lifted Mia onto a stretcher. "Don't worry. They'll take good care of her. Come over here and tell me how this happened."

  Chris po
inted a shaking finger to Alex, who'd regained consciousness and was groaning on the ground a few feet away. A baseball-sized bump appeared on his head, increasing in size by the second.

  He mumbled as he floundered on the dirt. "Camden, you sonofabitch. You made me shoot her. I love her, and you made me pull the trigger. You fucking jerk."

  Chris relayed the events, barely able to draw in a breath as they lifted her into the ambulance.

  The officer pointed to Alex. "Get this guy to the hospital and keep him under surveillance," he instructed one of the other cops. "As soon as he's discharged, book him." He pulled Chris over to the ambulance. "Your girlfriend's in good hands. Ride with her, and I'll meet you at the hospital."

  "Okay." Her hands were so cold, motionless, and void of any color. So many wires monitored her vitals. Her eyelids didn't twitch at all, lips a sickly, bluish hue, face deathly pale. "Mia, stay with me, please." He looked at the medics next to him. "Is she going to be alright?"

  "We're doing all we can. She'll get the best care possible at the hospital. The trauma team is on standby."

  He stroked Mia's hand, tears welling in his eyes. "Please God, don't take her from me," he whispered. "Don't take her from Chloe. Let her be strong so she can come out of this."

  As soon as the ambulance pulled up to the emergency room, three doctors raced toward the door, pulling down the stretcher and running Mia into the trauma center. Chris raced after them, getting as far as the emergency room door. It slammed shut with a loud bang. Knowing Mia was hurt and alone beyond those ominous metal doors shredded every last nerve. His fist was poised to strike the door; he was so focused on the small square windows he'd barely acknowledged the presence of the very stern nurse.

  "I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to wait out here. Are you immediate family?"

  "No, I'm her boyfriend. I was with her… She was shot and I—" He couldn't form the words. His dreams for the future lay just beyond those doors. She'd trusted him to protect her and he failed. A sob rose in his throat. "Isn't there any way… I can't leave her alone back there." He tried to focus his eyes on her nametag. "Jackie… please let me go—"