Choosing Hearts - The Fighter's Passion (Gritty, Explicit Romance Novel) (A Lusty Stand Alone Story)

by Quippley, Diana

  “…Kelvin Bank, fifth and main, armed robbery, at least three suspects, nine hostages…” The voice on the wireless crackled to life. “Alarm came in three minutes ago, all and every available unit…”

  “We’re on it.” Julia barked into the microphone. “Fifth and Main, we’re two minutes away.”

  “Three adversaries this time.” Rogan noted. “We shall do this together.”

  “And with every other team that shows up there.” Julia wrestled the car around a sharp curve, kicking up dust. “We might need Swat for this too.”

  The bank building loomed up before them and the two leapt out of the car. They were the only ones there, at that hour of the morning. The voice on the wireless informed of another team arriving there is thirteen minutes. Swat would take another six minutes after that.

  “Damn, almost twenty minutes.” Julia cursed. “That’ll give them time to clean out the vault and make a get away.”

  “We should go in now, and disarm them.” Rogan took a step toward the front door. “They would not be expecting such a swift retaliation.”

  “What?” Julia stared at him in disbelief. “These guys are probably professional bank robbers, not some small time shop-lifting perp like Pyres.”

  “The longer we wait the more advantage we give them,” the warrior knight said with a hint of urgency.

  “And if we go in like Superman and Wonder Woman,” Julia looked around, with her hands on her hips, feeling frustrated. “we’ll risk those nine hostages in there.”

  “And if we do nothing, is the risk any less?” Rogan argued insistently.

  “Hm, if you put it that way, they’re obviously counting on us to wait until we have enough force here to make any attempt. That’s why they’ve hit the bank so early.”

  “Is there another way to enter?” The tall man scanned the surroundings acutely.

  “Yes, let’s take this side route from the alley here. I know the back way into the bank.” Julia nodded and took a step toward a dark alley. “It was built as a fail safe for this reason.Only top bank security and a few select police personnel know of it.”

  She led the way, through the dark back alley and into the basement of the bank. A winding stairway would take them up to the pantry area of the bank. They took it and silently made their way up. A small woman almost screamed at the sight of them as she cowered behind the coffee-brewing machine. Julia put a finger on her lips and the woman nodded, her face showing relief.

  “They’re with the manager, making him empty the vault.” The little woman whispered.

  “Stay right here.” Julia whispered back. “We’ll send the other hostages back here and you can lead them out the way we came in.”

  The woman nodded and watched the two cops slowly make their way forward. Julia froze in mid-step before rounding a corner. One of the men, wearing a ski mask and brandishing a small Uzi, stood over six men and women crouching on the polished marble floor. The other two robbers were not in sight, possibly with the manager inside the vault. She turned to Rogan and put a finger on her lips, jerking her head toward the corner and indicating that she could see only one of the robbers.

  Rogan nodded silently and then to her utter horror loped off in the direction of the armed bank robber. He silently dropped into a roll and grabbed a discarded pen off the floor, and in the same motion whipped the pen like a projectile. The surprised masked man clutched at his neck where the pen had sunk in almost halfway. Rogan silently rose before the stunned man, grabbed his weapon off him and smashed his huge elbow into his face. The masked man went down limply, as Rogan grabbed him and placed him on the floor soundlessly. The six hostages looked up at the huge policeman with awe and silent fear.

  All but one of them, a diminutive young woman of lesser mettle, managed to hold their nerve. She opened her mouth and let out a fearful wail. Julia knew that they were in deep trouble at that very instant. The terrified woman had reacted on instinct, ruining everything Rogan had masterfully done so far.

  “We aren’t undone yet, Julia.” Rogan whispered, crouching low by the counter. “Stay low and keep close to me.”

  “Here come the other two, Rogan.” She whispered sharply, drawing her standard issue six-shooter. “No crazy heroics now.”

  The two other masked men darted out of the vault, their automatic weapons primed and ready. They split apart and came at the two police officers from opposite directions. Guns blazed and bullets ricocheted wickedly off the marble columns and steel-reinforced windows, filling the area with dust and debris. Everyone lay flat on the ground, except the four shooters. Rogan leapt like a panther, his heavily muscled form moving with unbelievable speed and agility. He drew the gunmen’s fire, ducking and sliding out of the hail of bullets. He dived full length on one of the robbers, taking him down hard. The man went down with a huge fist to the head rendering him unconscious.

  Julia raced in behind Rogan, fearful for his life as the other gunman bore down on him. She screamed, drawing his attention and at the same time pulling the trigger. The bullet shattered the gunman’s right arm, making him drop his Uzi and fall to his knees in agony. As he fell, he drew his backup handgun strapped to his boot with his left hand and fired, the bullet leaping out of the barrel and heading straight for the young policewoman.

  The next few seconds everything seemed to move in slow motion for Julia. Her eyes went wide as she watched the gunman go down and at the same time draw and fire at her. She saw Rogan leaping like a leopard, diving for her. His huge bulk crashed into her, and he fell hard, twisting to shield her from the impact of the hard floor. She heard him grunt and his breath came in short, sharp gasps. His immense weight bore down on her and he didn’t seem to be able to move. She struggled for a moment and then her head began to spin. Everything began to blur and she could hear familiar voices before darkness fell over her.

  ~ ~ ~

  CHAPTER SIX

  “He took a bullet for me?” Julia sat bolt upright in the hospital bed, her stunned expression almost making her visitor laugh. “How is he? Where is he?”

  “Relax, precious.” Foster said with a sigh. “He’s fine. In fact he’s been discharged already. Minor flesh wound, is all.”

  “I want to see him. Is he here?” She was on the borderline of going hysterical. “Why would he do that for me… why?”

  “My guess is he really likes you, Julia.” Her captain gave her a shrug and a smile. “And yes, he is here - just doing up the paperwork.”

  “What happened to the bank robbers?” She suddenly remembered about the bank robbery. “Did we get them all?”

  “We mopped up whatever was left of them.” The heavy set senior policeman almost laughed. “I’m sure this guy is some kind of highly trained merc, or maybe even British Black Ops. His tactics are amazing.”

  “Whatever he is, he risked his life for me… I’m speechless.” The young woman shook her head and buried her face in her palms.

  “Yeah, I guess he is a regular superhero then.” Foster grinned, “And with those dashing looks and that towering build, all he’s missing are some tights and a cape.”

  “Good Morn to you, Captain Foster.” Rogan peered in from the corridor. “How fares Julia?”

  “Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear. Come on in, Rog.” Foster waved at him. “And see for yourself.”

  “Rogan!” Julia almost shrieked. “What were you thinking taking a bullet for me?”

  “So much for being speechless.” Foster rolled his eyes.

  “I apologize for my brash actions, Julia.” Rogan walked in and sat beside the bed. “I did not wish to harm you. I pray you are well.”

  “Am I well?” She looked at him in disbelief. “I’m alive all thanks to you. You could have died. Are you crazy? You must be.”

  “I rely on my instincts and reflexes more than thought at times.” Rogan said with a shrug. “I would surmise that makes me a good fighter.”

  “A great fighter, mate.” Foster patted the man’s broad
back. “You’re an exemplary asset to the Force and you’re going to be honored with a medal for your bravery.”

  “Surely Julia deserves as much praise.” Rogan gazed at the bewildered young woman lying in the bed before him.

  “Show me where the bullet hit you.” Julia cut him off. “Does it hurt? How are you walking about?”

  “It did hurt when I was hit, but not as much as the arrow last winter.” The warrior replied, displaying the bandage just above his left triceps muscle. “And I have the ability to recover quickly from minor bruises and cuts.”

  “Minor?” Julia gasped. “A bullet is not…”

  “Enough of that Julia.” Foster barked. “The man is alive and well. You better get some rest and be back in shape for duty.”

  Julia glared at the two men in silence. She felt more embarrassed than grateful at the moment. Rogan’s actions had made it even worse for her. From the moment she had seen him her heart was set upon him. Never had she met a man so handsome, charming and desirable. But she was afraid to show any of her feelings for him, not knowing what his reaction would be. But each day she had spent with him, her longing and need for him grew stronger and she began to sense that he too seemed to be getting attracted to her in his incomprehensible way. And now, after he had almost died to save her, it became even more difficult for her to keep fighting her emotions.

  “Come on, Rog.” Foster called out to the taller man. “Let’s get you to Big Hoss’ steak house and see how many porterhouses you can eat in one go.”

  “Fare well, Julia.” Rogan bowed low. “I shall return soon to be by your side.”

  She didn’t reply and fought hard to hold back her tears. But once the man of her dreams walked out of the little private room, she let the water flow freely down her flushed cheeks. She was in love, she knew that now. She couldn’t stop thinking of him. At first she thought it was some girlish crush that she would soon get over, but now, after spending all these days with him and getting to know him, she knew she had no choice, her heart had made it clear and her head could not convince her otherwise.

  She stared at the saline dripping into the pipes that were injecting the fluid into her veins. How did she end up this injured, she wondered. She didn’t see any visible injuries nor did she feel any pain. Sheer exhaustion, she concluded, remembering the moment when she saw Rogan attacking the second gunman and lying exposed to the third one. Adrenaline had taken over her, making her pressure rise and take sudden action when she drew her gun and shot the gunman before he could fire on Rogan. All that excitement and tension had drained her completely - physically and emotionally as well.

  “Oh, Rogan.” She whispered. “Who are you and where did you come from to torment me like this?”

  ~ ~ ~

  “I come from Ireland.” Rogan grinned. “And I must return there soon.”

  “Yeah, that’s as much true as me being the Sheik of Arabia.” Foster laughed. “And Julia wasn’t kidding about your appetite. That’s the third porterhouse steak you’ve had and more than a quart of beer.”

  “Aye, I am a man of my word and I eat hearty and fight for justice.” Rogan raised his drink to the captain.

  “That I do believe. Julia was right; there is a light of goodness in you.” Foster smiled wryly. “I can almost see it now.”

  “Some of my lost memory does return to me at times.” Rogan lied. “I do seem to remember serving as a law bringer back in the old country.”

  “There’s a good possibility in that.” Foster sipped his coffee. “Probably explains why you’d jump in front of a bullet like that to save someone you barely know.”

  “Julia has been the kindest person to me here.” Rogan took a deep breath. “I feel she would have done the same for me.”

  “Yes, I suppose.” Foster nodded. “And I can see the signs; I’m not an idiot. There’s more than just your wellbeing she cares about. She’s in love with you, Irishman.”

  Rogan kept silent, his handsome face darkening a little as he prodded at a baked potato with his fork.

  “And no matter what you do, don’t ever break her heart.” Foster’s voice grew hard. “She’s like a daughter to me and I won’t be taking it too kindly on some mook who plays her for a fool.”

  “I give you my solemn word, Captain Foster, I shall cause no grief to fair Julia. She has made life so much more acceptable for me here.” Rogan placed his hand on his chest, covering the amulet with his huge palm. “Everyday was likening to Hell for me here, until I met her that day.”

  “Yeah, I suppose it all happens for the greater good.” Foster laughed, lightening the somber mood. “Now come on, let’s get you a fourth steak and another pitcher of beer.”

  “As you people say here in New York, ‘bring it on’,” Rogan joined in the laughter relieved to have the subject changed.

  Rogan ate the rest of his meal in silence, as Foster paid the bill and had to leave. He was still on duty and allowed the huge warrior the rest of the day off. Rogan drained the last of his beer and gnawed every shred of meat off the large T-Bone, before leaving the eating house. As he made his way back to the police station, his mind drifted to Julia. He tried to fight it, forcing his thoughts to focus on Alicia and yet, Julia’s face seemed to merge with his lost love’s. His head told him that the possibility of returning to his own time seemed more implausible with each passing day and that he should accept it and live a full life here in this existence. But his heart, it fought all reason. Alicia was his eternal love and each time he held the amulet on his neck, he longed for her more than ever. With a heavy heart and throbbing head, Rogan closed the door to his little room and let all the beer he had drunk take him to the realm of blissful sleep.

  “Rogan! Wake up.” Her voice was sharp and edgy. “Wake up, Irishman.”

  He opened his eyes and looked around him blearily. He was in his little room and it was dark outside. Julia sat by the bed, her eyes red from crying. She appeared to be better now.

  “Julia?” He blurted in bewilderment. “You are well?”

  “Yes, I’m much better than I was this morning. I got discharged an hour ago.” The hazel eyed beauty said impatiently. “Rogan, we have to talk.”

  “Ah, yes, certainly.” The large man sat up. “What troubles you?”

  “You do, Rogan.” She whispered exasperatedly.

  “I?” He looked confused. He hoped that this was another one of his dreams. He tried to focus on Alicia, but his mind seemed clouded.

  “Yes, you.” She pressed. “Ever since I saw you, I felt something I couldn’t explain and now, after all this time we’ve been together and all we’ve been through, especially this morning, with your mad heroics… Rogan, I can’t help myself... I’m in love with you and I want you.”

  Rogan remained silent for a while, taking time to process her frantic outburst. He looked at her sorrowful face; it made his heart ache. He wanted to tell her that he felt the same as she did. He was drawn to her from the moment he had seen her too, but his heart was already with Alicia. And now, after all these hateful days and his hopes of ever returning diminishing each day, Rogan was not too sure of what he should do. He fought his inner demons; accepting what seemed real was more difficult than the comfort of what he believed in.

  “Why are you keeping quiet?” She almost pleaded. “You’ve turned my world upside down, Rogan… tell me that you feel the same. I can see it in your eyes.”

  “I… I am… my life…” Rogan stammered, instinctively clawing at the pendant on his neck.

  “Is it the amnesia… the memory loss of your past life that’s making you unsure?” She urged him. “Did you love someone then? Were you married?”

  “I don’t… I can’t recall…” He looked at her sadly, knowing that the truth that he was from a time four hundred years ago would make her feel insulted. She would think that he was insane or a malicious jester of some kind.

  “What’s holding you back, Rogan?” Julia shook her head. “We’ve done all kinds of s
earches on you, online and through conventional means. Even your picture doesn’t show up on any recorded form anywhere. Whoever you were before this has been erased from recorded history. This might be a second chance you’ve been given.”

  “You could be speaking the truth.” He accepted, reaching out to hold her hand. “Aye, this is a second chance, albeit a cruel one.”

  “Trust me, Rogan… we tried everything. We can’t come up with any information on you.”

  “I am well and truly a lost soul then.” He nodded ruefully. “Maybe it is time to forget the past and embrace the future.”

  He laughed inwardly at the irony of his words. The future indeed, it meant so much in so many levels and yet, it was all nothing. His past life was lost to him. There was nothing, as a mere mortal, he could do. It seemed that the will of evildoers held sway everywhere and it was the innocents like Alicia and Julia who suffered in sorrow. The words of mad Mymisa drifted back into his mind, filling him with dread. He looked at Julia again and forced his heart to agree with his head. More than a month and half now he had languished in this future prison - time enough to accept reality as it was and let dreams be where they were suited best - in the realms of sleep and death.