“Stupid girl.” William backhanded her, and she tasted blood. He bent down in her face. “You’re going to pay for that.” He sneered and pointed at all the men circling him. “I’ll let you use your imagination as to how.”
Kiera screamed against the duct tape, but hardly any sound escaped. Her heart was thumping out of control, and salt water stung her eyes. Her throat felt like it was full of water, as if she were still in danger of drowning even out of the water. It was hard to get enough oxygen through her nose, but she concentrated on inhaling and exhaling so she wouldn’t pass out. She prayed desperately for help, but it didn’t look like any help was coming.
William grasped her shoulders and squeezed until she thought her bones would crack. Kiera struggled to free herself but couldn’t. She glared at him, no matter what she wouldn’t submit to these men.
He shoved her down to the smooth floor of the boat. Kiera couldn’t catch herself with her hands bound and her head slammed against the surface. She cried out, curling in a ball to protect herself but William left her alone.
The bright spotlight highlighted the dock and the ocean around them. Kiera blinked bleary eyes. She could see shadows sprinting down the dock. Dark, large shadows. More of William’s men, or did she dare hope for help? She prayed desperately.
“Joe should be here by now with the other women,” William muttered.
“Si.” A man answered.
“He’s got one more minute. Then we’re leaving. Cut that light,” William commanded.
The night around them went dark again. Only the soft lights of the yacht tried to penetrate the dark rain. Kiera blinked through the rain. Her wet hair hung into her eyes. She shivered more from fear than cold. She was able to get enough oxygen in to clear her head but she was still panting for air and her heart raced uncontrollably. She couldn’t survive in the water but drowning was preferable to being in William’s clutches. What would he do to her if no help came?
The footsteps came first, and then men appeared.
“Joe?” Someone called out.
“You wish.”
Kiera’s eyes widened as Creed leapt onto the yacht deck, plowing into William. William squealed like a pig as his head slammed into the hard floor of the boat. Then chaos erupted. Another large man with Creed was fighting two guys at once. She saw three more fights going on. From what she could tell, Creed and his buddies were sorely outnumbered. Hope fluttered in her chest but she knew their chances of success were slim. She’d already lost Creed once and it had devastated her. If Creed was killed trying to save her she’d rather die herself.
She watched Creed knock William around, punching him repeatedly until William stopped resisting. Then Creed jumped to his feet and started fighting someone else. One fight got close to her, and she kicked out at the man she’d seen with William, connecting with his ankle. He fell to the dock, and the tall guy fighting him dove on top of him and pummeled him. When she was sure the man had to be unconscious, the guy stopped hitting him and turned to Kiera. “Thanks.”
Kiera hoped he’d loosen her bonds or take off the duct tape from her mouth, but he sprang back into another fight. Another group of men arrived at the end of the dock, carrying several women who were bound like Kiera. Kiera tried to scream to warn Creed, but the men dumped the women on the dock and jumped into the fray on the yacht’s open deck.
William rose unsteadily to his feet. Kiera cried into the duct tape when she saw a gun in his palm. Creed was fighting a huge man, trading hit after hit, and was oblivious to the threat. Kiera’s heart threatened to explode out of her chest as she pushed awkwardly to her feet and ran across the smooth boat deck, trying to reach William before he killed Creed. William pointed the gun straight at Creed, a sadistic smile on his face.
A weapon fired, and Kiera yelled against her mask. Creed whirled around, and Kiera’s body sagged against a nearby chair. Creed hadn’t been hit. Who had? The fighting stopped temporarily as everyone seemed to be wondering the same thing. Kiera finally found the victim in the gloomy rain illuminated by the yacht’s soft lights. William was splayed out, blood running down his forehead. Her stomach pitched at seeing someone dead right before her eyes, but she couldn’t find any remorse in her for William.
“We were supposed to apprehend him,” a regal voice said from the darkness of the dock.
“It was classic self-defense, or defense of my buddy Creed. However you want to spin it to the authorities.”
“Sure, Corbin, whatever you say.” Another man slapped him on the back.
Six more men walked into the light from the boat. They were all well-built and obviously knew their way around a fight. One man was older than the others but still fit and reminded her of James Bond. He inclined his chin to Creed. “Sorry we missed the party.”
The men around the James Bond lookalike all aimed weapons at the men who’d been with William. They held up their hands and didn’t look like they would put up anymore resistance.
Creed pushed out a breath and gave them a shaky grin. “You missed out. It was a good one.”
Another man in a suit, who looked more like a government worker rather than military like the rest of them, shook his head. “Guess we don’t have to worry about extracting the criminal back to British soil.”
“I’d bury him here,” the older man said. “Maybe just throw his ugly carcass in the ocean.”
Creed pushed around men until he was at Kiera’s side and pulled her into his arms. She felt someone cut her hands free, and that was all she needed. She wrapped them around Creed’s back and held on tight.
Creed pulled back slightly. “This is going to hurt, love.”
She nodded, wanting the stupid tape off, no matter how badly it hurt. Creed gently held on to her cheek and pried the edge of the tape up then ripped it off. She cried out as it tugged at the tender skin around her lips.
“Sorry.” Creed threw the tape down and pulled her close again. He gently kissed her lips and whispered, “Are they too sore? I’ll stay away.”
“You might have to go easy on them for a day or two.”
Creed shook his head. “I hate the duke even more right now.”
Kiera smiled. “At least I don’t have to worry about an upper lip wax anytime soon.”
Creed chuckled and hugged her. “Oh, I love you.”
“I love you.” She rested her head in the crook of his neck and watched the men being arrested around them and the women being set free. The horror of the night swept over her, and she started trembling and couldn’t stop.
Creed swayed with her slightly. “I’m here, love. Nobody’s ever going to hurt you.”
She glanced up at him. “You won’t leave me again?”
He shook his head, more serious than she’d ever seen him. “Nothing on God’s green Earth could ever take me away from you again.”
Kiera arched up on tiptoes and kissed him. She didn’t care that her lips were tender.
A throat cleared nearby, and they pulled apart and turned as one to focus on the James Bond guy.
“Sutton.” Creed pulled one arm free and extended his hand. “Impeccable timing, old chap.”
Sutton gave him a patient smile. “I’ll show you who’s the old chap, you chump.”
Creed inclined his chin toward William’s body. “Guess you got your wish for a bullet between his eyes.”
Sutton shrugged. “Corbin claims he would’ve shot you.” His smile became more genuine. “I’m not complaining.” He inclined his chin to Kiera. “My apologies, Miss Richins, that things got so out of control. You took a bit of a swim?”
Kiera half-laughed, it came out as a gargle. This Sutton was the guy who had told Creed that she’d been living with Milo. She shouldn’t like him, but it was hard to resist his charm and the obvious respect everyone around him showed to him. “I threw myself into the water to try to get away.”
Creed’s body shuddered against hers, and he pulled her in tighter. “Oh, love. You are so brave.”
> Kiera really did laugh then. “You guys are like superhuman warriors. I’m not brave at all.”
Sutton tipped his head to them. “I’ll leave you two alone to fight over who’s bravest. I’ll expect you in California next Monday, Creed.”
“I quit, sir.” Creed turned from Sutton and smiled down at Kiera.
Sutton arched an eyebrow. “I can respect that. Though I doubt you can stay away. I give you two weeks max. The door’s open when you want back in.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Sutton nodded and walked away. Kiera focused on Creed’s handsome face. “I don’t even know what you do for James Bond. You quit so you won’t have to leave me again?”
Creed nodded. “We do this.” He gestured at his buddies who were either hauling men off, comforting the women who had almost been abducted, or joking with each other. “We protect and right wrongs and make the world a better place.”
Kiera studied his handsome face and swallowed. “You know I want you around as much as possible, but I don’t really want you sitting around all day watching me practice dancing.”
Creed tilted his head and smiled. “What are you saying?”
“You were born to right wrongs, Creed. Maybe after a very long extended honeymoon, I might let you help this Sutton guy out a little more while I go back to performing on Broadway.”
Creed shook his head before lifting her off of her feet and spinning her around. “I love you,” he shouted.
The guys around them were chuckling. “Holy sappy sucker, keep it down.” Someone called out.
“Shut it, Jace.” Creed called back.
The guy just laughed in response. Another guy pulled out a pocket bible and a cross, giving them a life is good smile. “I can marry you here and now if you like.”
Creed smiled, still holding her in the air. “Sounds good to me. What do you think? Shall we have Cannon marry us right here?”
Kiera shook her head, grinning. “I’d at least like to have a dry dress on.” She probably looked like a drowned rat but the love shining from Creed’s eyes said he didn’t care.
Creed grinned, lowered her to her feet, and gently kissed her.
“My lips are actually feeling much better,” she whispered.
Creed arched an eyebrow. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all night.” He pulled her against him and captured her lips with his own. Kiera melted into him, safety and love washing over her. The danger was gone, Creed was holding her, and every happiness stretched before them. They might not get married right this moment, but they would soon, and that was more than enough for her right now.
Chapter Sixteen
The next day dawned sunny and bright. Creed’s friends had left sometime in the night, and it was only Kiera and Creed again. Just the way she liked it. They ate a late breakfast in her suite and then strolled along the beach, holding hands and savoring simply being together.
Creed suddenly turned to her and dropped down on one knee. “Kiera Richins. I haven’t had time to talk to your father or get you a pretty ring, but I love you so much I can’t stand it any longer. Will you marry me?”
Kiera grinned, staring down at his handsome face. This tough, military man, kneeling in the sand. “What did your friend call you last night? A sappy sucker?”
Creed chuckled and squeezed her hand. “Please don’t make me wait any longer.”
Kiera clung to his hand. “Of course I’ll marry you, Creed.”
He stood quickly and pulled her in tight, kissing her. It started out soft and lovely like a slow ballet, but then it crescendoed into a kiss that would give any salsa dance a run for its money. He pulled back, and they were both breathing hard. Leaning down, he rested his forehead against hers and whispered, “Can we elope today?”
Kiera laughed. Then she groaned, thinking of how wonderful it would be to elope and spend the next few weeks here with Creed. “Our mamas would kill us.”
Creed studied her. “I can handle my mom. It’s amazing how soft people go on you when you come back from the dead.” He winked.
“You should be nicer to your mom, and I definitely can’t disappoint my mama with an elopement. No matter how tempting you are.” Kiera smiled and framed his face with her hands. “Christmas is only six weeks away. How about we fly our families down here for the holiday and get married right here on this beach?”
“Six weeks?” Creed looked pained. “I’ve been waiting my whole life to be married to you. I can’t handle six more weeks.”
Kiera laughed. “Wimp.” She kissed him softly. “Think of what it will mean to our mamas to be part of it.”
“You’re right.” Creed finally agreed. “I suppose I’ve put my mom through enough agony. It’ll kill me, but I’ll wait six weeks.” He straightened and looked out over the beach. The dock where the battle had been last night was clearly visible. “Do you really want to get married here? I mean, after last night?”
Kiera smiled up at him. “This is where you and I reconnected. I’m not going to let some loser ruin the memories we’ve created here.”
Creed grinned down at her. “Let’s make some more good memories, just to make sure you have enough.”
Kiera laughed, but he cut it off as he lifted her closer and kissed her until she was gasping for air. Lack of oxygen had never felt so beautiful.
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Chapter One
Alexia Hall jogged through Central Park, exiting at Madison Avenue then running through the exclusive Carnegie Hill neighborhood. This early in the morning, especially after the icy rain from last night, a lot of the city was quiet. She loved Manhattan, and Carnegie Hill was one of her favorite spots she’d found on her early morning runs since moving to Queens last week. Carnegie Hill felt like what she envisioned New York would’ve been in the 1920s.
She couldn’t afford to live in Manhattan but had found a studio apartment next to Queensboro Park just across the river. She considered herself lucky to be paying under two grand a month. Her parents weren’t as ecstatic about her opportunity to live in Queens and work in Manhattan for Hawk Enterprises; they wanted her to come back to Snow Valley, Montana. She’d promised to be there for Christmas. She worried this might be her mom’s last Christmas. A donor kidney wasn’t convenient or cheap to come by.
She carefully placed her steps. The side of the road was icy. Her mind traveled from her family in Montana back to this exciting city. When the opportunity came to work temporarily for Hawk Enterprises, she had to jump on it. She would be filling in for a member of Hawk Enterprise’s marketing team, a lady who had been put on early bed rest for her pregnancy. It was all due to Lexi’s advisor at Cornell, who was always on the lookout for opportunities for her students. Her professors had even allowed her to finish up her thesis and turn it in early so she could capitalize on this opportunity.
Lexi upped her pace as she raced down the street, and she held in an excited squeal. She was going to work in her field for a Fortune 500 company, make money to help her mom and dad out, and be near Callum Hawk—a.k.a. Most Eligible Bachelor in America. Well, okay, not directly with the enigma, but from what she understood, she’d sit in meetings with him and be able to glimpse his handsome face most workdays. It wasn’t simply that he was the most perfect man in existence; it was his brain and success that made her want to rub shoulders with him and learn from him. Who would’ve thought? A girl from Snow Valley, Montana, working for one of the most successful men in the world.
She glanced left and right, then dodged across the wide city street. It was empty at five-thirty in the morning, and she was anxious to get to the Queensboro Bridge and back to her apartment. She loved running through Central Park in the early morning, but being outside this long on December third had chilled her clear through.
Slipping on a patch of black ice, Lexi cried out, wind-milled her arms, and skidded over the asphalt. She prayed she wouldn’t fall. The low thrum of an engine rolled over her as a single headlight flashed acros
s her vision. Lexi screamed, horrified to see a motorcycle flying right at her. She was still skidding on the ice, trying to stay upright. If she fell, the motorcycle would run her over without even seeing her until it was too late. She shuffled on the ice, trying desperately to get out of the way and hoping her waving arms might warn the driver.
The cyclist must’ve seen her and clenched the brakes hard, because she heard a yell and saw the huge bike lift onto its front tire. Then the motorcycle hit the patch of ice, and Lexi launched herself out of the way as it skidded onto its side. Her feet slid out from under her and she hit the ice with her knees and hands. Pain spiked up her arms and thighs. She felt a rush of wind, and then—miraculously—the motorcycle skidded past her, metal screeching against ice and asphalt. The machine slid to a stop at the curb twenty feet away, minus its rider, who lay sprawled on the cold asphalt, not far from Lexi.
“No, no, no!” Lexi cried out. She crawled across the patch of ice, praying the person wasn’t dead and praying no other vehicles came along and finished them both off.
She reached the man, who was dressed in a navy-blue suit that even a girl from Montana could guess was worth thousands of dollars. The suit was tailored perfectly for his large frame. Thankfully he wore a helmet, and she couldn’t see any blood or bones poking out. Lexi shuddered. He was lying on his side, facing away from her.
“Oh no! Please don’t be dead!” She glanced up at the heavens and called, “Please, Lord, don’t let him die.” There was no time for folding arms and decorum when a man’s life was hanging in the balance.
The man in question groaned and rolled over onto his back.
“Sir?” Lexi touched his shoulder with her gloved hand, breathing a sigh of relief. At least she wasn’t responsible for his death. “Sir, are you okay?”
“Not dead yet,” he muttered. He undid his chin strap and pulled off his helmet.
Lexi gasped. Staring up at her was a handsome face she’d recognize anywhere: deep brown eyes, dark hair, tanned skin, and short facial hair that only enhanced his good looks. One of the famous Hawk brothers. America’s Most Eligible Bachelor. The most handsome man in existence. Her new boss.
Hawk Brothers Romance Collection Page 24