The Choice (Doms of Her Life: Heavenly Rising Book 1)

by Shayla Black

  She slapped a hand to her mouth. Her eyes flared saucer-wide as a teenage boy not three feet from them let out a war cry and leapt off the bridge. With a strangled gasp, Heavenly peered over the edge at the crinkled bungee cord and the tethered jumper.

  Beck tugged her closer to the railing as the recoil lifted the teen back into the air before gravity slammed him down once more. Everyone on the bridge cheered at his successful leap.

  Beck looked away from the jumper and focused on Heavenly. She looked afraid…and more than slightly curious.

  “Ever bungee-jumped before?”

  “No! Never. And you have?”

  “All the time.” He gestured to the guy in the tank. “Chet, here, knows me well.”

  “Oh.”

  As if suddenly aware they were perched a hundred feet above the San Gabriel River, Heavenly tore herself from his grasp and stumbled away from the railing. Her face went ghostly white as she pressed a palm to her stomach. “I should have mentioned sooner that I’m afraid of heights.”

  Beck mentally kicked himself in the ass. He eased in front of her and brushed the wisps of hair from her face. “If this is too much for you, we don’t have to jump. We can head back down the mountain and get some—”

  “No.” She shook her head slowly at first, then with more conviction. “I think…I want to do it. I mean, when will I ever have another chance?”

  Even as she said the words, she looked ready to pass out.

  “Anytime. We can do it whenever you want.” He skimmed his knuckles down her pale cheek, half expecting to see her eyes roll back in her head before she crumpled toward the pavement. “I didn’t bring you here to scare you.”

  “I know.” A tiny giggle rolled from her lips. “When you said you had a surprise, you weren’t kidding.”

  He grinned as a peach hue slowly returned to her cheeks. “So you’re up for it?”

  “Nothing will happen to me, right?”

  “You’ll be fine. I wouldn’t promise you that if it wasn’t true.”

  “Let’s…do it.” She darted a nervous tongue over her lips. “I’ll warn you now, you might have to push me off the edge.”

  He laughed. “How about I just drag you with me?”

  “You mean we can jump together?”

  “Or you can go by yourself.”

  “No!” She grabbed his arm and clung. “I’d rather do it with you.”

  “Good. Doing it alone isn’t nearly as much fun.” He smirked.

  “You’ve done it alone before?”

  “More than I care to admit,” he confessed with a laugh.

  “You two ready, Beckman?” Chet asked.

  Heavenly blanched. “We’re doing this now?”

  Beck nodded. “Why wait? If you hang out up here, you’ll only talk yourself out of it.”

  “You’re right.” Heavenly swallowed tightly as Chet fastened a bungee cord to their harnesses. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Just…hold on tight and don’t let go.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” Beck grinned.

  She was trembling like a leaf as he helped her onto the edge of the bridge. She peeked down before jerking her head up, fear and excitement all over her face. “Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.”

  Her quivering mantra made him smile. He lifted her stare to his and stroked her cheek. “Trust me, little girl.”

  She dragged in a breath and sent him a resolute nod.

  “Tell me you do,” he commanded in a low, Dominant voice.

  “Yes,” she assured. “I trust you.”

  “Good girl.”

  Wrapping her in his arms with a hold that promised he’d never let her go, Beck listed to the side…and together, they took the plunge, tumbling off the bridge and freefalling into the craggy jaws of the canyon.

  Heavenly’s eyes were as huge as saucers as she screamed at the top of her lungs all the way down. But by the time the cord grew taut and yanked them back into the air, she was laughing spontaneously, the sound full of joy.

  It echoed inside him. “You really do trust me.”

  “What do you think?” She let go of her death grip on his torso and cupped his face. “Of course.”

  A loopy grin curled his mouth up. Fuck Seth. Heavenly was going to be his—no hesitation, no questions, no doubt—starting now.

  As she dangled in the air, her blond hair fanned out around her face like a halo of pure golden sunshine. Her blue eyes sparkled, and Beck couldn’t wait another second to claim her plump, perfect lips.

  He cupped her nape, leaning in for the kiss he’d been dreaming about for endless weeks. Heavenly moaned. Oh, yeah… He’d be happy to make her moan all night, every night.

  Before he could move in, a look of panic flashed across her face. Jerking from his grasp, she twisted her head to the side, body bucking, as she promptly vomited into the canyon.

  “Oh, baby.” He quickly gathered her hair up into his fist and held her close as she retched. “You’re okay. It’s an adrenaline crash. Let it out. You’ll feel better.”

  “No…” she groaned, refusing to look at him. “I can’t believe I did that. I’m so embarrassed.”

  Beck cupped her cheek and forced her gaze his way. “Don’t feel bad. It’s not the first time I’ve seen someone vomit, you know. I shouldn’t have pushed you so quickly past your…” limits. “Comfort zone. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. I agreed to jump. It was fun…until I got sick.”

  The bungee cord jerked and they began rising toward the bridge.

  At the top, the crowd patted her on the back and doled out congratulations. Beck smiled as she softly thanked them, then hid her red face in Beck’s chest.

  “Don’t worry about it. Puke happens more than you can imagine. Congratulations on your first jump.” Chet grinned as he removed the harnesses.

  Beck led her away from the edge, under the canopy, and pointed to a bench. Once she sat, he plied her with water, a granola bar, and more grapes. He felt her forehead and checked her eyes until she swatted his hand away.

  “I’m fine. Just humiliated.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “I almost threw up all over you.”

  “But you didn’t. Besides, how many men out there can say they made their girl throw up on their third date?”

  She scowled. “I’m not sure that’s something you should brag about.”

  “Then I’ll brag about you. Having you jump with me meant more than you’ll ever know.”

  No, he couldn’t tell her that, in his eyes, she’d proven they were suited for each other. They had great chemistry, she was open to kink, and she was willing to put herself in his hands. He wished like hell he’d claimed her very first kiss today. But he would taste her. Soon.

  Once he was certain she was stable enough to hike back down the mountain, Beck tucked her against his side. When they reached the car, he opened the passenger door.

  Heavenly paused and sent him a weak smile. “You might not believe this, but I had an awesome time today. Now I know what a bird feels like when it’s soaring through the air. It’s so…”

  “Freeing?”

  “Yes.” She nodded enthusiastically. “Freeing and totally amazing.”

  Beck just smiled. She had no clue yet, but one day soon he would send her soaring in so many amazingly freeing ways.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The following Wednesday, Beck waited for Heavenly outside the hospital cafeteria. He hadn’t stopped thinking about their bungee date, hadn’t stopped wishing he’d had the chance to kiss her. He’d been looking forward to it, counting on it. Hell, craving it.

  But he would taste her lips—and the rest of her body—soon. Already, he was planning another opportunity to get her alone.

  The ding of the elevator snagged his attention. As the doors parted, he turned and watched people crowd into the hallway. Heavenly wasn’t among them. Beck glanced at his watch, scowling.

  “Are you lost, Dr. Beckman?” K
athryn invaded his personal space.

  “Nope.”

  “If you’re waiting for your usual lunch date, you should know I’d never make you wait.” She flashed him what she meant to be a sultry smile. “For anything.”

  Jesus, he’d all but told her to go fuck a doorknob the night he’d nearly kissed Heavenly in front of the hospital. And still, the woman wouldn’t let up.

  “You’ve made yourself clear. Thing is, I thought I had, too. I’m not interested.”

  She gave him a frustrated huff. “Why are you wasting your time and energy on a girl when you could have a real woman?”

  “Who’d you have in mind? You don’t mean…you, I hope.” He laughed.

  “You’re only saying that because you don’t know what you’re missing. When you’re done babysitting, call me. You won’t regret it.”

  Yeah, he would. He already regretted the last two minutes he’d wasted with her.

  Kathryn blew him a kiss before she turned away and sauntered into the cafeteria. He felt as if he needed a second shower.

  Behind him, the whoosh of the elevator doors opening again snagged his attention. He turned to find Heavenly stepping out. Head bent, she sniffled, then raised her gaze just enough to meet his. Her eyes were rimmed red, her nose a matching shade. Her cheeks were damp.

  She’d been crying. What the hell?

  Pushing off the wall, he ate up the distance between them and cupped her shoulder. Jesus, she was trembling. Then she blinked up at him with big tear-filled eyes. He didn’t know what had happened or who had hurt her, but obviously someone had to die.

  “Talk to me. What happened?”

  Heavenly scanned the cafeteria, then bowed her head and leaned into him as if needing his support. “Not here.”

  Immediately, he slid an arm around her waist and led her around the corner to a small alcove near the janitor’s postage-stamp office. He maneuvered her into the corner, then positioned himself in front, blocking any passersby or nosy bitches from seeing her.

  “We’re alone now. Talk to me.”

  She looked up at him, looking ready to spill fresh tears. “I don’t know if I can stay here anymore. They hate me, and this is the worst thing they’ve done so far. It’s just…awful.”

  They? Had Kathryn and her slut squad been up to their asshole antics?

  “Who did what to you?”

  “I don’t know exactly who, but I have a suspicion. I went to my locker to get my purse so I could meet you, but I found a”—she closed her eyes and shook her head—“a death threat.”

  “What?” Shock doused him.

  That was low, even for Kathryn.

  “When I opened my locker, I f-found a Barbie doll dangling from a noose knotted around its neck. A note saying ‘Die Bitch’ hung from its leg.”

  Rage flared, hot and unrelenting. It took all his self-control not to sprint into the cafeteria, slam Kathryn against the wall by her throat, and threaten her in return. If she were a man, his fist would already be planted in her face.

  “Tell me you reported the incident.”

  She gave him a shaky nod. “That’s why I’m late. I called Nurse Lewis. She came right away, removed the doll, and told me she would handle everything. But I can’t get that image out of my head.”

  “Bridget will figure it out. Whoever did this won’t get away with it.” Beck intended to make sure of that. He scrubbed a hand through his hair and made a mental note to call the nurse administrator the second he returned to his office. “Tell me who you think planted the doll.”

  “I don’t have any proof…but I have a feeling it’s Kathryn. For whatever reason, she hates me. I don’t know why. I haven’t done anything to her—”

  “I have,” he cut in. “And she’s taking it out on you.”

  “What?” Heavenly frowned. “Oh, she’s interested in you, and she saw us together the night after the gallery.”

  Beck gave her a sharp nod. “She’s been hounding me to take her to bed. I’ve flatly refused. I’m sorry she’s making your life hell.” He gently brushed the hair from Heavenly’s face. “You said this was the worst incident so far. What else has happened?”

  After a pained frown, she told him all the same pranks Bridget Lewis had apprised him of two months ago. Apparently, Kathryn had been quiet for a while. But her boss’s threats must have worn off, and he’d bet seeing him nearly kiss Heavenly had reignited Kathryn’s jealousy.

  Still, Beck had to look at the silver lining. By opening up and divulging every devious trick the slut squad had pulled, Heavenly was giving him more of her trust. But he refused to tolerate Kathryn—or anyone—threatening his girl.

  When Heavenly finished the litany of crap she’d endured, Beck wrapped her in his arms. “I’ll talk to Bridget. This shit will end, I promise.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to worry. It’s not your problem.” She winced. “I didn’t mean to drag you into it.”

  Despite the anger searing him, he managed a tender smile. “You didn’t. It will be my pleasure to deal with her, little girl. Right now, why don’t we leave and grab a quick burger? I’m not in the mood to sit in the cafeteria with the bitches of east wing.”

  She laughed through her tears. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

  He took her hand and led her toward the parking garage.

  “That’s a terrible name for them.” Heavenly bit her lip. “But it’s true.”

  He was glad he could get Heavenly away from the hospital and make her smile. She needed it. Hell, Beck wished he could erase their vindictive shit from her memory, too. The fact he couldn’t chafed.

  After a lunch spent resolutely not talking about anyone or anything related to the hospital, he escorted her back to the ER. As soon as he stepped into the unit, Kathryn’s stare all but singed him. The rebel in him wanted to pull Heavenly to his chest and kiss her in front of God and the entire staff, professionalism be damned. But that would only be detrimental to Heavenly’s career and encourage more retaliation at her expense.

  “Text me if you find any more…surprises,” he whispered in her ear, tenderly cupping her elbow.

  “I will. Thank you again for everything.”

  “No thanks needed. Whenever I’m with you, the pleasure is all mine.”

  With a sharp nod at the rest of the nurses, he glanced past Kathryn and pushed out the double doors.

  Once in his office, Beck set up a meeting with Bridget Lewis that afternoon, who was all too eager to speak with him. Then he leaned back in his chair and tried to figure out how to keep his promise to Heavenly and stop Kathryn’s reign of terror. He had to bust that cunning whore before his girl shed another tear.

  She’s not your girl yet, a voice in the back of his head poked.

  No. He had to let her date that pompous prick of a PI until she could choose between them.

  PI.

  P. Fucking I.

  “That’s it!” Beck slammed his fist on his desk.

  Then he realized the implications.

  Enlisting Seth’s help would be as much fun as swallowing acid. But no matter how much he hated it, she needed the prick right now. And Beck had to believe that if Seth was willing to cross the country to throw down a gauntlet, then he’d do whatever it took to help Heavenly.

  Wearing a snarl, Beck snatched up his phone and forced himself to dial.

  Seth answered on the first ring, not even bothering to say hello. “If you’re calling to yank my chain—”

  “I’m calling for Heavenly. She needs your help.”

  “What’s happened?” All hint of animosity left Seth’s voice. “Is she all right?”

  “Physically, yes. But one of the nurses at work is terrorizing her, and the situation escalated to a death threat today.”

  “What the fuck? I want details!” Seth’s voice assured Beck that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her, either.

  After clearing his throat, Beck explained everything, from the minor pranks to today’s threat. By the ti
me he was done, the PI was equally livid.

  “You knew all this time that she was being harassed and did nothing to stop it?”

  “Heavenly didn’t tell me shit herself until today, and I didn’t get involved because nothing had occurred that the hospital’s HR channels couldn’t handle. Until today.” He hated that he’d underestimated Kathryn. He hated even more how much Heavenly had suffered. “But now that Heavenly has been threatened, I suggest we step in to fix this shit.”

  Seth got straight to business. “Got anything in mind?”

  “Catching Kathryn red-handed. But that will require a video recording device.”

  “I’ll get you one. Where do you plan to put it?”

  Beck sighed and came to one conclusion. “In the nurse’s storage room. Their lockers are in there. I’m not exactly sure where to put it.”

  “Every stunt this nurse has pulled happened inside Heavenly’s locker, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you get me access without anyone in her unit finding out?”

  “I think so.” He’d do whatever it took to get Bridget Lewis on board. “You’re willing to rig up a camera for me?”

  “Not for you. For Heavenly.”

  Beck rolled his eyes. If the prick needed to play her knight in shining armor to feel big and strong, whatever. All he wanted was to nail Heavenly’s tormenter so she could work in peace. “Fine.”

  “I’ll swing by your office in a couple of hours. I need to stop at a store or two to grab a few things first.”

  “Excellent. I’ll be here.”

  On Saturday night, Heavenly eased onto the back patio at Raine’s house, a smile breaking across her face. She didn’t love everything about living in Los Angeles, but if she still lived in Wisconsin, she’d never be attending an outdoor party in late February. And this one, with its floating candles in the pool and the fairy lights strung through the trees, was magical. The surprise gathering to celebrate Hammer’s birthday and the thankful end of his legal troubles had dovetailed together perfectly.

  Though she’d been helping Raine set up most of the day, she hadn’t been sure she’d be able to stay for the festivities. The bubbly brunette had insisted. Since Dad was feeling stable after his last lapse and her boss at Bazookas had given her tonight off to make up for Valentine’s Day, she’d agreed…but not without trepidation.