by Kym Grosso
Enraged, Garrett sped down the highway. He’d never killed a man, but today, with a weapon on board, the possibility that he would existed. Unable to find Selby or Beckett at the scene of the fire, Garrett suspected he’d taken her. As soon as he’d received the text demanding the data, he’d gone home, retrieved his gun and taken off in the car. Beckett had specifically told him, no police. Logic warned him to let the police handle the situation, but his heart told him that he couldn’t risk having the love of his life killed.
On the way to get Selby, he’d called Lars, asking him to notify Dean of the GPS coordinates. By the time he arrived, it would make little difference. With a dummy file in his pocket, he planned to hand over the data. Beckett would check it, he knew, but Garrett had already scrubbed the data, fabricating the PFx Prototype etiology as well as any preliminary results. As a matter of national security, he couldn’t allow it to fall into enemy hands.
As he pulled into the gated property, he took note of the brown land, ‘no trespassing’ signs littered along its perimeter. Spirals of dust spun into the air as he rolled up the mile-long driveway. Noting the desolate surroundings, he considered how he’d never known Beckett or Cormac the way he’d imagined. Clearances were of little consequence when someone went into hiding, living off the grid.
Slowly he decelerated as the modest ranch came into view and he concentrated on the task in hand. Garrett turned off the car, leaving the keys in the ignition. He reached for his weapon and tucked it into the back of his pants. Garrett gritted his teeth as the front door swung open and Beckett shoved Selby out the door. His rage exploded as he caught sight of her stumbling forth. She limped, her lip bloodied and her face pale. Beckett waved his gun in the air, and then pointed it at her.
As if he were hanging by the ledge of a cliff, Garrett breathed in through his nose and blew out the breath, deliberately calming his nerves. Whatever was about to go down, he’d approach it with the focus and precision of a sniper. He curled his fingers under the car door handle and clicked it open. Slowly he exited, with his hands held out wide. Garrett put one foot in front of the other until he and Beckett were only twenty feet apart.
Selby’s eyes teared up as they locked on his. She made a move to lunge for him, but Beckett jerked her back. Garrett resisted the urge to go to her, carefully guarding his emotions. The whirl of blades buzzed in the background, a private helicopter hovering in the distance.
“The drive,” Beckett called. “Did you bring it?”
“I brought it.” Garrett reached into the front pocket of his jeans, but stilled as Beckett fired off a shot into the sky.
“Easy. I said no weapons.”
“Just getting what you asked for.”
“Do it now.” Beckett raised his line of vision to the approaching aircraft.
Garrett waved the drive in the air. “Selby first. Then you can have it.”
“Wrong.”
The disc dropped from Garrett’s fingers as the hot slice of a bullet tore through his flesh. As he fell to the ground, he struggled to keep his hidden weapon concealed. He rolled onto his back and clutched his arm.
“Stay,” Beckett screamed at Selby.
Garrett lay as bait, feigning significant injury. Beckett moved toward him, his gun extended. Garrett lurched onto his side kicking the disc to divert his attention. But instead of reaching for the drive, Beckett trained his aim onto him. A click snapped to his right before he heard the shot, and he caught sight of Selby leaping forward. As she plunged the awl deep into Beckett’s shoulder, he flailed his hand around behind him, striking her in the face. The projectile whizzed aimlessly through the air, missing Garrett. He reached for his own gun, firing off a round and hitting Beckett in the lower abdomen. Beckett faltered, staggering into the dust.
Garrett’s heart pounded as he ran to Selby’s side. Breathless, he fell to his knees and carefully cradled her in his arms, still aiming his weapon at Beckett. Garrett’s chest heaved as a fresh wave of pain rolled through his body. The helicopter rotated away from the house, and he kept his eyes on both Beckett and the aircraft, anticipating its return.
The sound of police sirens echoed in the desert, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Selby clutched at him, sobbing, and he placed his hand onto the dirt, still stunned. His vision blurred and he knew at that moment, he’d lost too much blood. A tunnel of darkness closed in on him and the last thing he heard was Selby shouting his name.
Chapter Thirty
Selby lay in bed, watching Garrett sleep. It had been two weeks since he’d been shot. The bullet had grazed an artery and he’d spent the night at the hospital. Although he’d recovered nicely, the blood loss had been significant. Selby’s facial bruises had faded but the trauma of Beckett’s betrayal would take far longer for them to forget.
Neither Garrett nor Dean had been able to ascertain who Beckett planned to sell the data to, the clandestine accomplice having gone underground. With the brazen efforts to steal the data, they suspected whoever had helped Beckett might step up their effort to infiltrate Emerson Industries or one of its affiliates. Determined to clear house, Garrett had ordered a complete investigation of every employee in his company, triple checking clearances.
Selby and Lars had begun the transition of internal servers and applications to a secure offsite location, ensuring that any last remnants of Evan’s hidden program had been removed. Selby was implementing stringent measures to ensure the protection of Emerson’s corporate and intellectual property. Despite their work, she was aware that hackers never ceased their efforts; even the most impenetrable systems were still subject to security breaches.
Selby glanced at Garrett, and considered how happy she’d been. Despite their ordeal, they’d been able to spend time together alone. Garrett had arranged to move all her things into his home, and she’d been surprised how easily they’d fallen into a comfortable routine. Since the accident, they hadn’t been to the office, however, and they hadn’t discussed her leaving Emerson. Soon her work would be finished, and if he agreed to a few of the candidates she’d selected, she’d be off to her next client within the month.
Garrett stirred and her heart blossomed, grateful for his love. She gently played with his soft curls, and placed a kiss onto his head. He gave a soft moan, and she smiled. Aware he needed his rest, Selby retreated, leaving him in his slumber. Scooting over, she quietly sat onto the bed’s edge. A squeal escaped her lips as a strong arm wrapped around her waist, and she fell back into bed.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Garrett asked with a sleepy smile.
“Nowhere,” she lied.
“Did I tell you how much I loved you today?” Garrett snuggled his face into her hair and kissed her head.
“Hmm…I don’t think so.”
“I do love you…so much.”
“I love you, too. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing you say it.” She pressed her lips gently to his chest.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Uh oh.”
“Be nice, woman.” He hugged her tightly against him. “I want to steal you from Lars. Now Lars said you weren’t his to steal, but I’m serious in that I want you to stay at Emerson. You’re the best at what you do. I know the board will agree. Even though Evan had a hand in a lot of different projects, his position was CTO. You can do it with your eyes closed.”
“You sure? I won’t lie, I wasn’t relishing the thought of traveling, being away from you.”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
“I accept.” She beamed. “Lars won’t be happy, though.”
“We’ll think of something to make it up to him.”
Selby smiled. Although she’d miss working at DLar-Tech, she was thrilled at the opportunity to stay on with Garrett. “Okay, it’s settled then. But you should let me go call him.”
“Oh no, you don’t. I need you to stay with me, Nurse Reynolds.” His hand found her breast. Caressing it, he elicited a small moan from
Selby.
“Hmm….you are a very naughty patient, Mr. Emerson. You should be resting.”
“I’ve rested enough. I need therapy.” Garrett’s lips grazed over her neck. “The kind only you can give me.”
“Is that so?” Selby rolled over onto his chest, so she could look in his eyes. They hadn’t made love since his injury. Selby, on the precipice of coming from his slightest touch, had resisted, worried that he’d reinjure his arm. Selby’s heart fluttered as he gave her a sexy grin.
“You know a man can’t live on food and water alone?” Garrett cupped her face, dragging his thumb over her lower lip. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it.”
“You sure you’re up for it?” Her body sizzled with arousal, all her willpower draining away. Selby threw her leg over his and straddled him. Fisting his cock into her hand, she brushed his seeping seed over its head.
“That’s right, sweetheart. You know, I’ve been thinking…ah…” he cried as she swiped his steely shaft through her folds. “Jesus, you’re wicked.”
“You were saying,” she laughed, enjoying how she could master his body. Within seconds, she knew he’d turn the tables on her, his dominance rising to the surface.
“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands…to think.”
“Have you now?”
“Indeed.” Garrett flipped Selby onto her back, pinning her arms to the bed.
“Hey, watch your arm. You’re going to hurt yourself,” she cried. His cock prodded her belly and she tilted her pelvis up toward him. He released one of her arms. Taking his dick into his hand, he grazed its hard tip over her swollen clit. “Ahh…Garrett.”
“Hmm…that’s more like it.” He brought her palm up to his lips and smiled. “You’re right, though. I could use a little help here. You see this pussy here needs attention, and since I’m injured…”
Selby moaned as he sucked her fingers into his mouth, twirling his tongue over them.
“Mmm.” He released them with a pop, and guided her hand into her folds. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he brought them up and over her swollen clitoris. “Just seeing you spread wide open for me.” He sat on his heels, her thighs open to him. He stroked his cock while she pleasured herself. “This is the medicine I needed, sweetheart.”
“You’re teasing me.” Selby shuddered as he pressed his cock to her entrance.
“Like my little feisty nurse has been doing to me all week?”
“Just making sure you’re healed properly. It appears my course of treatment has been successful.” Selby smiled, yearning to have him fill her. “Now I’m the one suffering.”
“I’ve got what you need.”
“Ease my pain?”
“Always.” Garrett smiled as he gently rocked inside her.
Selby reached for him, alive with desire as his lips took hers. With passion, she tasted her lover. Engaged in the intimacy of their love, they moved together as one in a sensual rhythm.
“I love you,” he spoke into her mouth.
“I love you…ah, I missed you so much.” Selby arched into his slow thrusts, his pelvis grazing over her throbbing nub. Every inch of her skin, every cell in her body sang in harmony, she was so in love with Garrett, grateful for how he’d changed her life. He’d peeled away her confining cocoon of fear, exposing the butterfly that yearned to fly.
“My sweet Selby,” she heard him whisper, his lips on her collarbone.
“You’re everything to me.” Selby held his head to her breast as he placed sensual kisses on her skin.
She moaned as her climax splintered through her, his deliberate thrusts demanding her surrender to ecstasy. Her palms glided down his contoured glutes and she strained to keep him inside her. Selby arched up to meet him, writhing as the last spasms of her orgasm twisted through her body. Breathless, she floated into euphoria.
Garrett surged into her, releasing the explosive orgasm that he’d held at bay. With a glorious cry, he seized against her as his fierce orgasm claimed him. Garrett rolled her over into his embrace, pleased when she wrapped herself around him, her arms and legs enveloping him in her warmth.
In the silent moment that followed, nothing and no one existed in the universe but their two hearts. Garrett considered every dangerous activity he’d engaged in in an effort to capture the elusive rush that reminded him he was alive. Not one of them came close to Selby Reynolds, and he knew at that moment, it wouldn’t matter if he never jumped again. He’d fall for her a million times over, knowing that his love for her brought a completeness and happiness he’d revel in for the rest of his life.
Epilogue
Lars drove toward the beach and sighed. His brush with death had made him reconsider what he’d been doing with his life. Watching Garrett and Selby fall in love had been bittersweet. It wasn’t as if he thought he and Selby would be together, but he’d be lying not to admit that she’d held a piece of his heart. Although they hadn’t discussed it, he knew Garrett would want her to work for him at Emerson Industries. What his friend didn’t know was that Selby had already turned in her resignation.
Lars wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship. Far from it; he’d been perfectly content with his bachelor lifestyle. He was lonely, bored perhaps. If anything, he rejoiced in his eclectic sexual tastes, aware that he could indulge whenever and wherever it struck his fancy.
As Lars pulled over and parked, he caught sight of Seth floating over a wave, the sunset slowly sinking into the horizon. They maybe had an hour left of sunlight, he knew. He wasn’t the greatest surfer on the face of the planet, but he loved the ocean and enjoyed hanging out with Seth. Like Garrett, they’d forged a strong friendship based on trust and their enjoyment of Altura.
Lars shoved out of his car and grabbed his board. Carefully navigating the stone steps down the cliff, he gave Seth a wave. The rolling surf swelled but didn’t appear too rough. He scanned the beach, noting the yellow flag. With moderate currents, they’d expect some difficulty but not an exceptionally dangerous ride.
He plunged his arms into his suit, and zipped up before heading toward the water. A swell rushed toward him and he threw his surfboard into the waves. Paddling on his belly, he swam toward Seth.
“Hey, bro. How’s the head?” Seth asked.
“I’m good. Fucking Beckett.” Lars sat up, floating on the surface.
“Fucking Beckett is right. What does Dean think about the guys who helped him?”
“He’s not sure. Could’ve been a terrorist outside the country. But who the hell knows? I just, uh…” He paused and raked his hands through his hair.
“What?”
“I have a feeling that whoever it was, maybe it was personal. Garrett, he’s made a lot of enemies. Even the ones who act like friends. Even in Altura, we’ve met lots of people over the years where things didn’t always turn out for the best. Most of us are successful because of Garrett. But jealousy? Over the money? I’m just sayin’, if they had the power to get into Emerson and touch Beckett…” He shook his head and glanced back to the dropping sun. “And who really knows about Evan? I know Garrett still has faith that he wasn’t involved. I guess that I’m not so sure it’s over.”
“I hear ya, man. We’re all pretty lucky. When you look at our companies, all that’s going on, there’s lots of things worth stealing.”
“True that.”
“I’m going,” Lars called and took off as the wave swelled.
Paddling to catch it, he pressed up to his feet. The familiar rush tore through him as he propelled through the tube, his fingers skimming the face of the water.
In his peripheral vision, he caught the shadow at the top of the cliff holding the pistol. A woman stumbled down the stairs, falling onto the sand. As she shoved onto her feet and began to run, Lars pitched on his board, bailing into the ocean. Rising through water, he gasped for air as gunshots echoed in the air. The bullets spun sand up into the air as the spray missed the woman.
The shooter began to fire off round
s at Lars. As the slugs splashed into the sea, he dove to avoid them, holding his breath underneath the wave. As he broke through the surface, gasping for air, his eyes darted to the cliff, but the gunman had disappeared. His vision focused in on the beach where the victim lay injured, the beige-colored sand stained red.
Without hesitation, he swam to shore. Running toward the victim, he fell to his knees in front of her. The gorgeous stranger blinked up at him, blood streaming from her wound. Another shot sounded, and he scooped her up, tearing toward an alcove in the cliff. Cradling her in his arms, he carried her into the darkened cave. He brushed away her long brown hair, and searched for her wound. Tearing her jean jacket away, he applied pressure to her shoulder.
“Hel…help me,” she stammered.
“I’ve got you,” he told her.
Lars attention went to the breakers and he caught sight of Seth’s head bobbing out of the surf in the distance. He thanked God he hadn’t been hit. The silence of the moment was cut with her soft cries.
“We’ve got to get you to the ER.” Lars stared into her piercing green eyes, wondering why the hell someone would attack her in broad daylight.
“No…he’s coming for me,” she coughed. “He’s coming for…you.”
“Stay with me now.” Sirens wailed in the distance and his heart tightened as she appeared to fade away. “It’s going to be okay.”
“Help me…Lars…” her words trailed away as her eyes fluttered shut.
As unconsciousness claimed the beautiful stranger in his arms, Lars’ pulse raced. It wasn’t the first time in his life he’d been scared; the rush of skirting death drove him to do the things he did. Holding her to his chest, he wondered how she knew his name, and prayed like hell she’d survive to tell him.
Erotic Romance by Kym Grosso
