Hale
By
Serena Simpson
(Love Me Harder, #5)
Acknowledgments
I want to thank my daughter for her joy in life. Her humor and love continues to get me through every day. She stands up to whatever life throws her way, reminding me if I can be half as strong as she is I will overcome.
I want to thank my mom who continues to encourage me to write.
Many thanks to my editor Keriann.
I want to also thank Lori Merlotti and Anaiya for all they do.
Lori you’re absolutely the best, thanks for having my back every day.
Copyright
Hale – Love Me Harder, Book 5 Copyright © September, 2015, Serena Simpson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
Cover Art by Talina Perkins
Edited by Keriann McKenna
Lori Merlotti
Anayia
Published by Serena Simpson
Reviews and where to find me
Once you’re done please consider leaving a review for Hale. I’d appreciate it!
I can be found at my website
I’m also available on Twitter @serena789books
Look for me on face book at serena simpson books
Look for me I’m happy to connect with all.
Chapter One
Tori looked around her office and slumped back in her chair. She’d given everything to her dying business, but it was hopeless. At this point it really didn’t matter. In two weeks, the bank would foreclose and she would be left with nothing.
Dragging her tired body out of the chair, she started straightening up. A few minutes later, she decided it was time to call it a day. She would go home and rest while she had the chance. The sound of loud voices in the hallway caught her attention, making her smile for a moment. It would be so nice if they would walk into her office.
The smile turned into a frown. That wasn’t going to happen. Her best friend, Rita, well her former best friend, had gone out of her way to ruin Tori. Ta da! She managed to do it in record time.
Why? Over a guy of course. Tori might have understood, if she were interested in the guy, but she wouldn’t touch that creep with a ten foot pole. Would her friend listen? No, she believed every word out of that liar’s mouth and moved to destroy Tori. It was easier for Rita to destroy Tori than to acknowledge she was correct. Her mind strayed to John, her ex-friend’s new man, and for a moment, goose bumps raised on her arms. Automatically she brought her hands up to rub warmth back into her suddenly chilled skin.
She was putting away the last of the paperwork when the footsteps and the loud laughter stopped in front of her door. Taking a deep breath, she eavesdropped on the conversation in the hall.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” a deep male voice asked.
“I’m telling you, this is where Dante said to come,” a female voice replied.
“I don’t understand why the two of you couldn’t go on your own. Why did Dante have to drag me into it?” The sound of the second man’s voice was enough to make Tori want to snatch the door open. She loved voices like his, so deep every nerve ending in her body stood up and took notice.
“You agreed to be my best man,” the first male voice spoke again.
“I thought all I needed to do was hand you the ring. That’s what Lorali told me.”
“I’m sure I said more than that, Hale. Can we stop hanging out around the door and go in? I’m sure the occupant of the office is wondering what’s going on out here.”
Tori stood behind the desk, trying to look casual as her door opened allowing the voices from the hallway to enter.
“Come in.” She planted a smile on her face trying not to betray the avid curiosity she had now that she listened to their conversation.
A man and a women walked in. Holding hands, they had the look of a couple who were truly in love, and if the rock on her finger meant anything, they were engaged to be married.
Tori thought the woman was beautiful and the man was devastatingly handsome, but she couldn’t look away from the third person long enough to be sure. “Help me, please” she murmured to herself.
When did they start making men like him? He was incredibly tall with platinum hair that begged to be touched and stroked. Was it really as soft and silky as it looked? Could that be his real hair color? What about his eyes? She had never seen anything like them before. They seemed almost clear, like the rarest of diamonds.
When they all stood and simply looked at her, she realized she was staring and, yes, lusting after the Greek god who just walked into her office. Closing her mouth she discreetly wiped off the drool from the corner.
Pasting on an even brighter smile Tori gathered her courage to speak. “Welcome to Weddings by Tori. How can I help you with your wedding needs?”
She wondered how long it would take before they apologized and fled. Surely they were looking for Grand Weddings by Rita, her ex best friend.
“I told you we were in the right place.” The woman threw both men a smug look.
“Hi, I’m Lorali and this is Sergey.” Lorali indicated the man standing on her right. “We’re engaged to be married.” She gave Tori the dreamy smile of a woman in love.
Tori stopped responding to that smile ages ago, but Lorali’s smile managed to take her by surprise and Tori gave her a genuine smile in return.
“Hi, I’m Tori. It’s nice to meet you both. It is also nice to meet you.” Tori turned and acknowledged the other man in the room.
“I haven’t forgotten him.” Lorali smiled at him before adding. “Tori, this is Hale. He’s one of Sergey’s brothers. There are six of them all together. They are all as tall and as broad as these two and don’t get me started on their friends. Which brings me to the reason we’re here.”
“Why don’t you all sit first? Then you can tell me how I can help you.”
Tori did a bit of rearranging the chairs until she was sure they would be seated comfortably. Taking a seat at her desk she motioned for Lorali to continue.
“I’m going to need a large private venue. It will need to have both indoor and outdoor space, preferably someplace with a pond or a lake. I’ll also need…”
The loud crash in the hallway drew their attention.
“Tori, are you in there? Did you do this to me?” There was a loud banging on the door and the woman who walked in looked like she’d been caught in the rain.
“I’m tired of your tricks, Tori. You keep trying to steal my business, but it won’t work this time.”
Tori stared at Rita. She always believed Rita was the beautiful one as they grew up. Of course her mother always told her she possessed a beauty that would make a man sell all his possessions to get a minute with her but that’s what mothers were supposed to say. Rita’s blonde hair and sky blue eyes always reminded Tori of an angel. Now she realized fallen angel was the better description.
Tori sat back and decided she might as well enjoy the show. Rita was well versed in the theatrics of the poor victim. It never mattered in the past how much Tori protested. Every client believed Rita, although she never stooped
this low before.
“Sorry to disappoint you folks, but Weddings by Tori is just a sham. She will take your money, then pull up roots and move on. I have a very nice office just down the hallway and many successful weddings under my belt.”
Rita stopped to give them a sad smile, as she gave Tori a quick look. “I tried to help her, but she doesn’t want help, just a fast buck. If you will follow me?”
“No.” Lorali’s voice was soft and sweet. The males on either side of her tensed up.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Rita asked, a look of disbelief sliding across her face.
“I said no. We won’t follow you.”
“You can’t want to stay here with this cheat and swindler. She’ll take your money and provide you with a bad wedding reception. Believe me, she has nothing over what I can do.”
“I thought she was going to take our money and disappear. At least now I know we’ll get a reception.”
“Listen, Lady.” Rita’s sweet as pie veneer was fading.
Tori sat up swinging her head from Lorali to Rita. This was better than any tennis game she ever watched. Now, if only she could figure out why Lorali hadn’t fallen for Rita’s game when so many women before her had.
“You listen. Did you think I couldn’t hear you slide down the hallway like a snake to stop in front of this door? You pressed your ear against it to hear what I was saying and when you were sure I was actually interested in contracting Tori’s services, you doused yourself with water. I assume it was to try and make it look like Tori has a childish vendetta against you. I’m sure the cup is sitting beside the door. Then, you busted in here with your indignant act. I guess there is a possibility such an infantile act might work with some.” Lorali’s voice held a disgusted edge to it.
Hale got up and went to the door, bending down to retrieve the cup in question. “You may need this.” He tossed the cup at her like it offended him.
“Tori, would it be possible for us to go somewhere else to discuss my needs?” Lorali asked.
“Sure. We could grab a cup of coffee somewhere?”
“Actually, I have a friend who has a great restaurant. I have a feeling he’s expecting us,” Lorali said.
Tori shook her head as she tried to calculate if she had enough money in her bank account to eat. She was sure the answer was no.
They stood and headed towards the door as Rita looked at them with her mouth hanging open.
“After you.” Hale spoke to Rita, making sure she cleared out before they walked out and locked the door.
***
Hale sat in the back seat of the jeep, looking out the window to make sure the small car behind them didn’t get lost.
He offered to ride with her, but she flushed a deep red and mumbled she would keep up.
A smile touched his lips. Tori was beautiful. Her shoulder length brown hair looked like it was spun from pure silk. He ached to stroke it the minute he saw her and that was before she lifted her head and caught him in her chocolate gaze. Her eyes turned up at the corners, and she was blessed with a bow shaped mouth that begged him for a kiss. Her body was petite with an exotic flare. He would have expected to meet her on one of the pleasure planets, charging exorbitant amounts of credits for a chance to talk to her. She could bankrupt a male if he desired more.
‘Mate,’ his inner beast said. He stood stock still as he watched her, almost unable to breathe. It felt like a bolt of electricity going through his body as he recognized her as his.
He had a Mate. The very thought made his chest puff up. The second youngest of six brothers, he had always stood in their shadow. When they received mates, he acknowledged they deserved that honor. However, he never really thought it would happen to him.
Now his mate presented herself. Her skin was tanned to perfection. He would have called it sun kissed, but it was quite obvious she neglected to go outside into the sun.
Now he would have someone to protect and the beast inside of him roared his appreciation. On the world of his beast, a male was not truly a male until he had a mate to protect. A mate meant young and an abode that needed to be cared for and protected. Although Hale already had a place to live, it was simply an empty shell. Having a mate would turn it into a home.
He would have to thank Dante personally for insisting he go with Sergey and Lorali to meet the wedding coordinator.
Chapter Two
She must be crazy! Whatever possessed her to get into her car and follow them to some restaurant she knew she couldn’t afford?
It was platinum hair and diamond eyes — one look and she had been lost. Let’s not forget arms she wanted to drool over, and thighs so toned she bet he could crack a walnut between them.
Laughter erupted in the car as she imagined that scene. Naked, please, she added to the thought and laughter turned to delighted sighs at the thought of what he would look like. Suddenly the nuts she was imaging weren’t walnuts.
Tori dragged her mind out of the gutter and parked her car. They had reached their destination on top of Mt. Washington. She was in front of a building that didn’t bode well for being a restaurant.
Hale came towards her looking delicious in grey slacks paired with a cream colored buttoned down shirt. He looked better each time she saw him.
“Shall we go in?” He extended his arm allowing her to lightly place her hand on it. He led her inside.
A gentleman? She wasn’t expecting that. Actually she couldn’t recall the last time someone did something gentlemanly for her. If she ever met his mother she would have to thank her for raising such a polite son.
Her fingers slid down his arm until they grazed his wrist. Immediately a shock went through her body. Looking up she met his half hooded eyes.
“Sorry. I’m not sure what happened there,” she murmured.
“It’s not a problem.” He gave her a smile and guided her inside.
The restaurant was beautiful and big, yet cozy and intimate at the same time. How could this be the same building she walked into?
“Welcome to Dante’s.” Hale’s voice made her shiver.
“It’s gorgeous in here, I would have never known from looking at the building.”
“That’s the point.” A tall male walked up to her with dark hair and a scar on his cheek. It should have taken away from the masculine presence surrounding him. It didn’t, he was compelling pulling her in while she fought to stay adrift. It was the presence of Hale right next to her that kept her at ease.
“Tori, this is Dante. He and his brothers own this restaurant.”
“It is exceptional in here.”
“Thank you I am pleased to meet you, Tori. Have a seat, I am sure we have something on the menu that will meet your needs.”
“Thanks.” She followed Hale to a table.
“Is English his second language?” She was having trouble deciphering the meaning behind his words.
Lorali choked on a sip of water, while the brothers broke out into laughter.
“Let’s say that English is not his native tongue.”
Tori nodded her head accepting that answer.
“Does anything on the menu appeal to you?” Hale asked her as he casually glanced at his menu.
“I will have a cup of coffee. I’m not that hungry.” Her stomach chose that moment to gurgle in hunger, making a lie of the words she just uttered.
Tori’s eyes got big as she watched two men come out of the back with trays of food.
One stopped in front of Sergey. “Dante said to tell you orders are not necessary. We have already prepared your meal.”
She had to shake her head as all three of her potential clients simply shook their heads without uttering any type of grievance. Salads were placed in front of them with several types of dressing.
“I’m sorry I can’t eat that, I’m allergic to tomatoes.” She glanced down at her salad and then back to the salads of the others. Each salad had a healthy portion of tomatos in them, except hers.
H
er brows were drawn in as she looked at Hale with a question in her eyes.
“Don’t be concerned.” Hales voice caressed her. “The brothers know their food and their patrons.”
“I think Dante simply ran out of tomatoes. Which works in my favor.” She threw Hale a smile and then one at the waiter.
The waiter winked at her before turning away. There was a growl beside her that had her turning her head and looking around for the source. It was the sound of the waiter’s laughter that finally made her look up to see his retreating back.
“Eat up, the food is good here.”
She dug into her salad still pondering the missing tomatoes on her plate. Her stomach gave her positive affirmation as she ate. She would have to break into her hoard of money to eat more, this was getting crazy.
The same waiter brought her a great smelling seafood dish. The smell of the food had her stomaching gurgling; she loved seafood but refused to eat it while she was going through her struggle. Sighing she tore into it wondering how much this meal would set her back.
When she was done she looked up to see all eyes on her. The table and been cleared, they were ready to talk.
“Now that we are all full…” Lorali flashed a smile at Tori, “we can discuss what I need to make my wedding spectacular.”
“I picked up a few brochures before I left the office. I have some that may meet your needs, but I must warn you for a location as big and as private as you want it will cost extra.”
“I’m sure we can cover the cost,” Sergey said.
Tori slid the brochures across the table to Lorali. “The location of each reception is outside of the city. Now we could choose something smaller with both indoor and outdoor facilities in the city. Phipps Conservatory comes to mind. The reception area there is beautiful. You will be the envy of all your friends.”
“When you meet my friends who also double as my family, you will understand that is not true. I do love Phipps, we were there recently spending time among the flowers. Unfortunately it is not nearly big enough for what I need.” Lorali answered.
Hale: Love Me Harder - Alien Paranormal Romance Page 1
