by Aliyah Burke
A Total-E-Bound Publication
www.total-e-bound.com
Harbour of Refuge
ISBN # 978-1-78184-265-2
©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2013
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright March 2013
Edited by Rebecca Douglas
Total-E-Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2013 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2.
This story contains 278 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 11 pages.
In Aeternum
HARBOUR OF REFUGE
Aliyah Burke
Book two in the In Aeternum Series
What happens in Monte Carlo stays with you forever… Well, if you’re one of the lucky ones.
Enzo Cassano is the driver of a powerboat team, used to the fast life and all it includes—women, parties and popularity. Until the race in Monte Carlo when he meets a woman who is unlike any he’s met before. Her small-town values and almost innocent ways charm him beyond everything. He discovers, however, that beneath her exterior she’s very firm in her beliefs and won’t budge.
Halyn Jennings may be from a small town but she knows a player when she sees one and Enzo is definitely that. She doesn’t mind—she still likes him and enjoys spending time with him, well aware that what is happening between them is most likely temporary. She’s not the supermodel type he’s accustomed to being with.
Enzo’s life is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor from his past, he has to learn to accept that racing isn’t everything, and not everyone wants to be the centre of attention. Halyn’s own past comes to light in a harsh revelation and he discovers things aren’t always so easy. Will he be able to find a way to break through her barriers and prove to her she’s the one he wants, for forever?
Dedication
To those each and every one of those amazing individuals who adopt a child and bring them into their home, allowing them the opportunity to be loved and learn that family is more than just blood. To my parents who are the best in the world. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for all your love and guidance.
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
NFL: National Football League, NFL Productions LLC
AFC: American Football Conference, NFL
MLS: Major League Soccer, United States Soccer Federation
EPL: English Premier League
XCat: XCat World Series
Z28: Chevrolet
Lexus RX330: Toyota Motor Corporation
Subaru Forester: Fuji Heavy Industries
Cheeky Panty: Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret: Victoria’s Secret
Levi’s: Levi Strauss & Co.
Alpha Black Tactical: Tippmann Sports LLC
We Are the Champions: Queen, Freddie Mercury
Dolce & Gabbana: Dolce & Gabbana
The Weather Channel: The Weather Channel, LLC
Frisbee: Wham-O
Audi SUV: Audi Aktiengesellschaft
Ninja: Kawasaki Motorcycles, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd
iPod: Apple, Inc
Honey Weiss: Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Chapter One
Monte Carlo
Cheers, screams and more saturated the air. Enzo Cassano took it all in stride as he made his way off his powerboat to head up the pier and through the marina. Not even the explicit offers slowed him, although they made him smile and shake his head. Exhaustion owned him, yet he knew it would be a great night. Amazing sex, slumber in a nice bed and an added bonus of not having to get up before the ass-crack of dawn.
He gave nods and high-fives to his team before his gaze landed on the woman he’d been looking for. She wasn’t part of the team, but she was waiting for him. A wide grin spread across his features as he took in the dark-skinned beauty. Her hair had been pulled back since they’d taken pictures on his boat, but she still wore the same suit—an orange strapless bandeau swimsuit top, twisted at the centre. No, not quite orange, a mix of orange shades, pale peach to corals and some in between, blending in with one another and contrasting amazingly with her skin. He knew the bottoms matched in hue, were low rise and knotted at the sides. She looked damn good in them. Right now she wore a white sarong around her waist.
“Lexy,” he said.
He had a certain fondness for this woman. Sexy as hell and southern. He loved her accent. She was almost family, her best friend Jaydee was now his relation, she’d married his older brother—the middle brother—Gio and by default it sort of put Lexy in the same boat.
He’d missed her earlier after the photos had been taken, when she’d gone shopping. A wolf whistle escaped him as he leant back for another look at her. She waited for him to lift his gaze.
“What?” He grinned.
“Stop looking at me like you want to eat me.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Not my fault you are bellissima.”
Lexy snorted and took off one shoe for a moment before sliding it back on. “Your charm, while adorable, is completely wasted on me, Enzo Cassano.”
“Can’t blame me for trying.” Had she ever given him the slightest hint his advances would be reciprocated he would have pursued her, but for her it was all about fun—he knew it was hands-off.
She laughed and he slid an arm around her, brushing a kiss along her cheek. He thought about how different she was from his sister-in-law, Jaydee. The women were complete opposites yet steadfast in their affection for one another. He cared deeply for them both. Jaydee had relaxed only marginally since her marriage to his brother, but Lexy had fun every time he saw her.
They progressed up the pier, chatting about work and family. “So tell me, Lexy. How is life treating you?”
“We’re busy. Which is why I thank you so much for this. I needed it.” She rubbed the back of her neck and he fought off his urge to offer to do it for her.
“Needed what?” A new voice broke in.
Enzo smiled as he recognised the speaker. His eldest brother, Valentino. “You made it.”
He turned to the left and froze when he saw him. Yes, his brother had arrived, but he stood out like a sore thumb on the marina. While others wore summery attire, Valentino Cassano was standing there in a three-piece suit.
“A suit? Christ, bro. This is Monte Carlo, where are the shorts?” Even as he asked the question he knew the answer. His brother would wear jeans on occasion but most of the time, if he was going out, he wore suits.
“You know your brother is cranky and stod
gy, Enzo.” Lexy leaned against him and propped her arm on his shoulder. Amusement laced her southern tone.
Enzo felt, as much as saw, his brother tense. Hazel eyes flicked between them, disapproval filling them.
“Stodgy?”
Lexy sighed. “I’ll be at the car. Bye, Val.”
Enzo watched her walk away. “Damn, that woman is—”
“Trouble.”
“I was going to say hot as hell. You know she is a very nice woman. If you wouldn’t be so, so…well, like this with her, you’d see it.”
“Are you two dating?”
He frowned, taken aback by the question. “Me? And Lexy?” He wished.
His hazel eyes were unblinking and direct. “She is here in Monte Carlo with you.”
“Well, yes.”
Valentino lifted his eyebrows.
“I mean no to the dating part.” Enzo began walking. “She is here because I invited her.”
As they neared the car, the crowd parted and he saw Lexy waiting, looking at something on her phone. He reached out to his brother and halted him. “Be nice to her, we’re going to a party.”
His brother didn’t reassure him. Hell, he didn’t say anything. Lexy, however, had apparently overheard. She gave him a grin. “I appreciate you looking out for me, Enzo, but your brother is not anything to concern yourself with. He and I have our own way of communicating. He snarls and snaps like a rabid dog and I sweetly remind him I am a vet with plenty of access to ketamine and more tranqs, not to mention numerous barbiturates I could choose from.” A shrug. “Wonderful stuff.”
He swallowed his increasing amusement, but couldn’t help smirking when Valentino glowered further.
“Lighten up,” he told his brother in Italian. “Let’s go party.”
They entered the waiting car. Lexy tucked herself between them, the photos of her on his boat in her hands. Behind her, he spied Valentino and his scowl. If he didn’t know any better, Enzo would say his eldest sibling had a crush on Lexy. It was a fact he couldn’t be bitter about, for in his opinion, it was about damn time someone got a reaction from Valentino. He’d been a bear since the fiasco with his ex-wife. Laughing silently at the thought of what Lexy would do for—and to—his brother, Enzo leant forwards and went through the photos with that very woman.
* * * *
Darkness shrouded the room when he woke. Sitting up, he winced at the pounding in his head.
Drank too much.
With a grunt, he heaved up from the bed then stumbled to the shower. There, he groaned at the pulsing water on his skin. It had been a while since he’d drunk like that—he never drank during racing.
Not in the mood for hotel food, Enzo left the room and headed down to the street. Morning had barely begun to take over from the night—still, the sky showed promise of the brilliant blue it would soon become, with clouds dotting it, and the water appeared so inviting.
Outside he slid his shades on and began walking. Some people stopped him for autographs, but mostly he was left alone. With the brim of his hat tugged low over his face and his sunglasses shielding his eyes, he blended in with everyone else.
A warm, caressing breeze blew around him as he continued. When his brother fell into step with him, Enzo didn’t bat an eye. They entered a restaurant and sat at an outdoor table.
As they waited on their order with their drinks before them, Enzo stared at his oldest brother. Valentino used to be so different. Full of life and joy. Enzo’s gaze drifted to the gold wedding band on the chain around his brother’s neck—his only piece of jewellery.
Ever since the fallout—there really wasn’t any other name for it, because it had damn near gone nuclear—this cold person had replaced his brother.
“Lighten up, Val. You’re in Monte Carlo, for Christ’s sake.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Sorry, Valentino. Only Lexy can call you that?” He’d meant it as a joke. The glower on his sibling’s face stated it might not have gone over so well. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he sighed. “You need to learn to enjoy life, brother.”
“I enjoy life.”
“Really? Because I remember watching you at a party with tons of beautiful, willing women, scowling from where you sat.”
Valentino drank some coffee. “I do not sleep with everyone I find attractive.”
“Do you sleep with anyone?”
As their food was delivered, Valentino leant back in his chair. “Why so interested in my sex life?” He posed the question in Italian.
“Because I think that’s part of why you’re so uptight.” Enzo answered in the same language.
“I am perfectly capable of finding a woman.”
“But you won’t. It’s been seven years since—”
“Do not go there,” Valentino rumbled, danger piercing every fibre of his tone.
“We’re just worried, is all.”
“Don’t be.” The command was gruff.
Enzo knew enough to know when to drop it. Did he want to? No. He hated this shell of a man his brother had become, yet he also knew Valentino could be the most stubborn person in the world. So he dug into the pile of food before him. They ate in silence until two shadows fell over the table. He glanced up to find two women there. The smile he flashed them was practised and came with ease.
“Good morning, ladies.”
Instantly he categorised them. The outgoing one versus the quiet one. The closer one—more outgoing—had a Mediterranean look, with her olive skin and glossy black hair. She wore high heels, a short, green, flirty skirt and a pink bikini top.
The shy one was a black woman. She had natural curls in numerous shades of brown, from light to dark. Her lips were full and unglossed. Her skin reminded him of pecan shells with its hue. She wore a blue T-shirt with a tie-dyed peace symbol on the front, and white jean shorts. Flat, sensible shoes were on her feet. She was an understated beauty next to her flashy friend. Reminded him a bit of Jaydee and Lexy.
“Sorry to intrude on your breakfast, Mr Cassano, but my friend and I are huge fans and would love your autograph.”
Wiping his mouth with his napkin, he grinned. “Of course.” He took the pen after getting her name. Mila.
“Would a picture be okay?” Mila asked.
He nodded.
“Take it, Halyn.”
He stood and wrapped his arm around her. Her perfume was so strong it made his eyes water. Nothing he wasn’t used to, however, and it was over quick.
The shy one came up next and handed him the picture he’d autographed for Mila. It was one of his stock photos, and very common for people to have. She looked almost uncomfortable.
“Is this for you or someone else?” he asked with a smile, as he retook his seat to sign his likeness.
“Me.”
Damn. Her voice was low and throaty. Like a kick to his groin, it took his breath away. He liked smoky voices—similar to some of the female singers of days past.
He asked her to spell her name. Halyn, pronounced Hay-lyn. He liked it. Unique, like the woman, he’d bet. He signed the photo and handed it back as he stood. All was fine until he touched her. The moment he slipped his arm around her, something hit him. A feeling he’d never experienced before, but one that spread throughout him entirely.
She wore a soft scent, one he couldn’t identify, but wanted to smell more of. Unlike his other fans, Halyn didn’t press her breasts against him, or try to grope him.
“Thank you,” she said, after the picture had been taken.
“My pleasure.” He gazed at the pair again. “Are you two ladies here tonight?”
Mila answered, “We’re leaving tomorrow afternoon.”
Perfect. “We’re having a party tonight.” He wrote the time and location on a napkin. “Would love to see you there.” He flashed another practised smile.
“Thank you,” Mila gushed. Halyn merely gave him a small nod as they walked away.
He wanted to see her again, preferably when not h
ungover so he could focus a bit more on his reaction to her. Valentino rapped on the tabletop, dragging his attention from the women.
“What?”
His brother raised an eyebrow.
“It was just an invite to tonight’s party. Nothing major.”
Valentino shook his head and returned to his breakfast. Enzo did the same, all the while wishing his brother could—and would—find happiness.
* * * *
Halyn Jennings watched him enter. Him being Italian playboy, hotshot powerboat racer. Women flocked to him. Even now he had two on each side of him. He commanded the attention of the room when he walked in.
His Italian good looks were no secret to him, and she noticed the well-practised smile he wielded with ease. He knew how to play the crowd.
There was nothing about him that said ‘forever’ to her. He gave out smiles and winks like people on floats tossed candy to kids during parades. She didn’t begrudge him that, it was his life.
Still, it was difficult to turn her attention from him. Sun had streaked his brown hair and he had thick, slashing eyebrows, bow-shaped lips and chiselled features. His lean, well-muscled body moved with predatory grace.
She blew out a breath then took a drink of her chilled water in an attempt to cool herself down. Trouble or not, the man was fine as hell. He wore a white button-down, with the first few undone, showing off the tanned skin of his chest, a stark contrast to the purity of his shirt.
“I want his babies,” Mila said beside her.
Mila Raptis had been a friend ever since she’d come to her hometown as an exchange student from Kavala, Greece. There were times Halyn was jealous of her friend’s ability to be so carefree.
She wasn’t about to voice her opinion on that. “I think those women are thinking something along those lines as well.”
