Stark September (Stark Trilogy Book 1)

by C. D. Bradley

“I don’t want you to let me go.” Kira’s soft voice filled the darkness.

  Stark reached down and retrieved the tags. With new purpose he handed her the broken chain. With a steady hand he took off his own tags. Kira wondered what in the world he was doing. “There will be times,” he began softly, “that we are separated—by rules, by miles, by war—but this way you will know that you are always with me. I will be thinking of you every day.” He then took two of the tags—one of his and one of hers—and placed them on his chain. With the gentle precision of a plastic surgeon he fastened the chain around her neck.

  “Kira, I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet you. Now that you’re here, now that you’re mine…,” he said, his voice trailing off. He slowly rubbed his fingers over the tags that hung between her soft breasts. They had wandered slightly off the trail and were surrounded by darkness. Kira leaned back against the trunk of a tree. Stark began softly kissing her forehead, her face, her neck. As his hands slipped under her jacket, Mags began to bark.

  Her bark was fierce and aggressive. Both Kira and Stark looked up, startled by Mags’s response. She wasn’t looking at them; she was barking at something in the darkness. Fur bristled and teeth bared, Mags made ready, positioning herself between the couple and the perceived threat. “Hey there girl, what do you see? What’s out there?” Stark asked in a cool voice, suddenly alert. He hadn’t ever seen Mags act this way. Years of training and experience kicked into high gear. Surveying the area, he navigated their best route out of the woods.

  Kira followed every command as they left the woods. She didn’t want to overreact. After all, it was probably just an animal or a jogger. Mags’s demeanor said otherwise. She had just met Mags, but she suspected the dog didn’t spook easily. Gauging by Stark’s very serious response and careful retreat, Kira feared it was something more than an animal or hiker. Her mind shifted to the open balcony door. Old fears and anxiety threatened to surface. Get a grip! she told herself silently. You are a captain in the United States Army. You are going to have to be tougher than this or Holt will be right about you. What happened in med school was ages ago. He is nowhere near here. Kira repeated this to herself silently until they reached the truck.

  Once there, Stark shook his head. “That was really odd,” he said. “Mags isn’t skittish. Something had her really upset back there.” He made sure Kira and Mags were safely in, then went around to his side. Kira looked out into the darkness.

  When Stark asked her to come home with him she readily accepted. Not only did she want to be alone and very naked with him, the thought of going back to her apartment now made her sick. Once in the truck Mags visibly relaxed and they settled into the drive. Something about being with Stark and Mags felt complete. Kira smiled and looked up at him. Her fingers traced over the tags around her neck. He would be with her always, no matter what. Stark turned and saw her hands on the tags. “When we get back, I want you naked…except for those,” he said sternly and reached over, gently rubbing his hand across hers and the tags.

  Stark looked at her with heated anticipation. The thought of her wearing nothing but his dog tags made him ache. He knew it was an image he was going to take with him when he left. He had planned to tell her on their walk that he would be leaving for a short deployment in a week, but after she had told him about her dad, he couldn’t bear to. He decided it would be best to wait until morning. At least they would have this night first. He planned to make enough memories tonight to last until he got back.

  Stark lived several miles farther from base than she did and in a considerably nicer area. His house was a contemporary two-story with views of Pikes Peak. The clean lines and modern design blended beautifully with the landscape. “It’s a very green design,” Stark said, his boyish excitement showing as he described the combined system of solar panels and wind energy. This house, while equally exquisite, was quite a contrast to his family’s ski home. This was all Stark. They paused at the doorstep as Stark took her in his arms and kissed her vehemently. Once inside, Kira immediately noted that the area was completely devoid of clutter. She winced as she thought of her small apartment with its boxes still not fully unpacked. Mental note: do not let him come over until you have a chance to organize!

  As they walked through the house Kira was suddenly aware of voices…or moans? Was there a movie playing? Stark got a frustrated look on his face. “Did you leave the TV on?” Kira asked.

  “No, but Paige may have,” he said, aggravated. Stark shook his head. Paige usually took good care of things but occasionally she left the TV on or her magazines scattered about. Stark was very meticulous in the care of his things. This was his biggest pet peeve with Paige. She was a free spirit and sometimes ignored his neurotic tendencies. As they walked into the great room, Stark stopped suddenly and tried to put his arm up to stop Kira. But it was too late. She was already beside him and staring in horror at the images on the giant screen.

  CHAPTER 11

  Stark’s usually tan face had turned ghostly pale, his calm demeanor replaced with panic and then rage. Kira stood horrified. Her mouth could not have hung open any farther. She forgot to breathe. The only thing louder than the moans reverberating in full surround sound was the pounding of her own heart echoing in her ears. There, before her in all his glory on the screen, was Stark, his rippled muscles highlighted by a directional light in what must have been a dim room. What the hell is he holding? A riding crop? Before she could wonder what it was for, he began an onslaught, with the precision and grace of a master swordsman, on a bound and leather-clad woman. Kira was vaguely aware of the actual Stark frantically searching for the remote in order to stop the shocking display. The camera angle changed and Kira could fully see the woman. Her striking features were unforgettable: the jet black hair, the tattoos, those beautiful almond eyes looking adoringly up at the camera. From this angle, Kira could see the woman was fully restrained. Her bust, heaving in a mix of pain and pleasure, threatened to spill out of the tightly laced leather corset. As the scene unfolded before her, strangely graceful and poetic, like a dark and twisted ballet, Kira was filled with anger, disgust, and…curiosity. The woman’s mouth opened in ecstasy as Stark grabbed her with both hands and…

  The screen went dark. Stark had finally found the remote and ended the sordid exhibition. Kira looked from him to the now blank screen. The pink had drained from her cheeks and was replaced by a greenish hue. She fought the urge to vomit. Before Stark could say anything, the other star of the film came waltzing into the room, wearing nothing but black lace boy-short panties. She froze. Her gaze shifted from Stark to Kira and back again. Her silky black tresses caressed her face and neck and lay gently around her breasts. Her silence lasted only a moment and then, like an actress hearing the call to action, she came to life with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Hello, you must be Captain Riley,” Paige said with coy amusement, extending her hand dramatically to Kira.

  “Paige, what the hell is going on here?” Stark yelled, stepping between the two women. Simultaneously, they side-stepped him, sizing up each other.

  “I just came by to do some laundry and check on Mags. You guys were gone and I have several loads since my machine is broken, so I looked for a movie to watch. I forgot you had all of these movies! This one’s a real classic! But my personal favorite is Zoe’s first time in the suspension cuffs. Man, did she look…”

  “Enough, Paige!” Stark’s voice had taken on a deadly tone, stopping Paige mid-sentence. She looked up at him, knowing instantly that she had gone too far.

  “Kitty!” A soft melodious voice called out. “I got take-out. Where are you?” Into the room drifted a very graceful redhead. Her eyes were pale green and her flowing scarlet locks were cut in long layers that bounced with each step. “Whoa! Is this a party? If so, I’m in!” She squealed delightfully when she saw Kira. “Is this the surprise?” She grinned widely, patting Kira on the ass as she crossed the room to Paige. Kira jumped, startled by Zoe’s comment…and the ass gra
b.

  Paige couldn’t help but laugh. “No, Vanilla here is Stark’s girlfriend. I was going to surprise you with some videos we haven’t watched in a long time, our videos with Stark. But these two walked in just as I was getting to the good part,” Paige said with no attempt to hide her disappointment.

  “Well, it is his house. You can’t get mad at a guy for coming home,” Zoe reminded her.

  Stark started to usher Paige and Zoe into the kitchen. “Where are your clothes?” he questioned Paige sharply.

  “They’re in the washer. I threw them in with this load,” she said contritely.

  Kira picked up her purse, which had fallen to the floor. Without saying a word she turned to leave. Stark caught her as she reached the door. “Where are you going?” he asked, pleadingly.

  “Owen, I have had just about all I can stand of your crazy train of Victoria Secret nympho bitches!” Kira was truly mad now. “They come in and out of your houses like they still live there. They watch us have sex. They walk around your house half naked. This is madness. Clearly you have problems getting rid of exes or else you’re some kind of fucked-up sexual deviant.”

  “Don’t be mad, Vanilla,” Paige called from the kitchen. “You can’t blame Stark. When you’ve had all thirty-one flavors, it’s hard to settle for plain vanilla.”

  “Damn it, Paige!” Stark yelled back. Then turning to Kira, he asked quietly, “Please don’t go. This has been a very fucked-up misunderstanding. That was all in the past. Don’t leave. Please.”

  “Misunderstanding? Are you freaking kidding me?” Kira turned, facing him. She was flaming mad. “You have your hands full with California Bitch Barbie, Tall Dark and Slutty, and The Little Mermaid over there. I’m not going to compete with your Neapolitan-array of groupies. After all, I’m just vanilla.”

  “I see you’ve met Simone,” Paige called out. “She’s a real piece of work!”

  “Paige, go get dressed. You and Zoe need to go. Now!” Stark’s voice was intense. He and Kira had so much to overcome and Paige’s antics were not helping in any way. “Kira, please don’t go.”

  But she was already heading down the walk and into the darkness. “Kira, stop! Let me take you home!” he called after her desperately.

  “I am a captain in the army,” she reminded him sternly. “I have legs, I can walk, and if I want, I have a cell phone and can call for a cab.”

  He started to come after her, suddenly terrified he would never see her again. But she waved good-bye over her shoulder firmly with a single finger salute. Stark stopped and went back inside to deal with Paige. “Paige, what the hell are you trying to do to me?” he asked, walking into the kitchen. His voice lacked the cool control she was used to. In the bright light of the kitchen she could see the magnitude of the pain in his face. He crossed to the cabinet and poured a double shot of Maker’s Mark. Swigging it down, he started to pour another.

  Paige and Zoe exchanged glances. “Paige, I’m going to go and let you two talk this out,” Zoe said. She crossed over to Stark and hugged him. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” she said. “I was just having a little fun. I didn’t mean to upset her or you. She really does seem like a nice girl.” She hugged and kissed Paige. “I’ll see you later, Kitty. Love you.” She cast them both a sympathetic glance as she walked out.

  “Owen, I…” Paige started, struggling to find the right words. “You know I love you. Zoe and I both do. We just don’t want you to get hurt. The movie was just something I came across. I really didn’t think you would be home. I was going to surprise Zoe but then you walked in with that woman. I really am sorry.” She had covered up with a silk robe. Moving across the kitchen with the familiarity of someone who had always lived there, she grabbed a shot glass and pulled up a stool beside Stark. “I don’t want to see you throw away everything important to you for some piece of tail.”

  “She’s not just a piece of tail,” Stark said firmly. He was numb. Fifteen minutes ago Kira had been in his arms, kissing him wildly as he opened the door. Now she was gone. “Paige, I really care about her. I need her.”

  “You need her like a hole in the head,” Paige insisted. “In case all this hormonal frenzy has completely clouded your judgment, she is a captain and fraternization is a serious offense This isn’t like you. You don’t take unnecessary risks like this. These kind of careless mistakes are going to get you killed. Let her go and be done with this bullshit.” Paige’s heart ached. This was more than petty jealousy. Stark had been her best friend for several years. It wasn’t just the alternative lifestyle they had shared. She loved him dearly. The thought of him getting himself killed was more than she could take. He had always seemed so invincible: a concrete hero, unscathed by mere humans. But seeing him like this, so hurt and broken over this girl, made her realize just how vulnerable he really was.

  “You’re right. She’s a distraction,” Stark admitted slowly. “But I’m somewhere else when I’m with her. All the pain and the bullshit are gone when I’m with her. In those moments, everything is perfect. I can’t let her go, Paige. I need her.” Stark stared into the now empty glass.

  “You’re already married to the army and your team. This little distraction, while fun, may just get you killed,” Paige said. As she spoke, Paige realized that Kira was much more than a distraction. He might not realize it yet, but Stark was falling in love. Paige poured them each another drink. They were going to need it.

  Kira shrugged her coat up around her shoulders. She hadn’t realized it was this cold outside. The biting wind picked up, sending a shiver through her. What is going on with you? Why did you even get involved with him? You knew this was a mistake! Kira’s thoughts raced as she walked through the bitter cold. Hot tears stung her eyes. Vanilla? The thought of Paige’s word hurt her as much as seeing the awful video. Seeing Stark with another woman was painful enough, but the carnal look on his face was at the same time riveting and heartbreaking. She had seen hints of that look when he was with her—but never like that. Hot jealousy burned inside her. She hated Paige for being that intimate with him and she hated that Paige was still very much in the picture.

  She didn’t care what Stark said. You don’t walk around a platonic male friend’s house in your panties. Every time she closed her eyes she could see Paige, bound, dressed in that leather corset, and Stark’s eyes. His eyes had blazed as he worked her over with the crop and then took her. Then anger and jealousy was clouded by the intense eroticism. She couldn’t help but picture herself in Paige’s place. Would he do that to her? Would he want to? Get over it! He is some kind of sex freak. This is not what you need right now, or ever.

  Kira’s thoughts were interrupted by the high beams of a car approaching behind her. She continued down the sidewalk, waiting for the car to pass but it didn’t. It seemed to have slowed to her pace and was following her with the high beams on. Kira’s heart beat faster. Is it really following me? At first she thought it might be Stark. She turned around but the high beams were too bright to see the car well. She could tell, though, that it wasn’t Stark’s big Dodge. She picked up her pace. The car sped up behind her. Panic began to set in. Kira’s heart was racing full-force now and she could feel her breath coming faster. The car revved its engine just behind her. Kira tried to stay focused and keep her strides fast until she reached a more public area. She wondered if Paige or Zoe were toying with her. She hoped it was them; then she could just be mad. But this seemed more sinister.

  Whoever it was stayed just far enough back so that she couldn’t see them, but close enough to intimidate her. Fear gripped her as she realized that if they tried to take her, her only defense would be her own skills and strength. Way to go there, Nancy Drew. Leave your firearm at home. That’s just perfect! She had not had enough combat training to fight off an attacker yet. She was in a very dimly lit part of town. It was still a nice area, just not quite on the scale of Stark’s. The houses were closer together here but the street was dim. Would anyone even hear her scream? Suddenly
the headlights went out. She turned but the car had faded into the darkness. Was it still there? she wondered in a panic. Did they stop? Did they get out? She tried to reason with herself that maybe, just maybe, they weren’t following her at all. Maybe they were just looking for a house and now had found it. I am just being irrational. I can’t let this happen. I am in control and I am fine! Kira repeated the mantra to herself. But she knew it wasn’t true. It wasn’t all in her head. Painful memories flooded back to her. She closed her eyes, unconsciously gripping the dog tags for comfort. Despite her best efforts to stay calm, she gave in to panic and started to run as fast as her legs would carry her. She ran for her life. Instantaneously the high beams came back on, flooding the street with light and filling her with panic. He’s still here! It’s not in my head! He’s here! Kira struggled to breathe. She saw a gas station a block ahead. She ran to it as fast as she could. When she reached the light of the parking lot, relief filled her. She turned to the road but there was no one there.

  Kira paused, looking up and down the road. The car had been right behind her. At least she thought it had been. It’s been a long night. I’m not going crazy. I’m just stressed. She willed herself to put it out of her mind and went into the gas station. She decided the comfort of gas station coffee and some Swiss Cake Rolls were much needed. Anything but Ho Ho’s, she thought. I’ve had quite enough of those for one night. She would call a cab from here. Crazy or not, she was too tired to test the theory tonight. As she looked over the plastic-wrapped selection of pastries, she noticed a very familiar BMW pull up slowly to the pump. Sure enough, Holt stepped out of the car and started pumping gas. Fuck! What’s he doing here? Surely that wasn’t him? Now I am being crazy, she thought before dismissing the idea. How am I going to explain being here? Before she had a chance to come up with a suitable excuse, Holt walked in.

  “Kira, hey, how are you?” he asked with a puzzled look on his face. “What are you doing out here?”