by Clarissa Yip
First comes marriage. Then comes murder…
Lauren Burke waited fifteen months and twenty-three days for her divorce to be finalized. Instead, her ex-husband went one step further—he turned up dead. And the detective working on the case is none other than Kane Hollister—the man who ran off over three years ago and shattered Lauren’s heart into a zillion pieces.
It looks like Lauren, but she’s no longer the carefree girl Kane once knew. And yet he can’t deny the awareness that heats his blood at the sight of her. But when the death threats begin, Kane realizes that the killer has a new target…and it’s Lauren. Now he must protect the woman he’s always loved—and always hurt—from a vicious murderer. And when the sparks between them ignite, Lauren will have to make a choice between her life…or her heart.
His Last Redemption
Clarissa Yip
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 by Clarissa Yip. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.
Entangled Publishing, LLC
2614 South Timberline Road
Suite 109
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.
Ignite is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.
Edited by Alycia Tornetta
Cover design by L.J. Anderson
ISBN 978-1-62266-077-3
Manufactured in the United States of America
First Edition March 2015
Thank you to all my friends and CPs, who have stood by me, even when I was ready to give up. Special thanks to my BFF Judy for helping me make His Last Redemption a reality. And thank you, Entangled Publishing, for giving me faith and support in pursuing my dreams.
Chapter One
Lauren Ford Burke marched across the parking lot of Dream’s Bridal, whipped the glass door open, and stormed into the brick building. At the startled expressions, she pasted on a tight smile as she walked past the receptionist desk and the racks of bridal gowns and prom dresses, and made a beeline to the grand stairs that led to her office.
Her black-heeled pumps scraped against the burgundy carpet as she climbed up to the second-floor landing and veered right down the hall. The buzzing sounds of sewing machines grated against her already-grinding nerves, and she drew in a deep breath to quell the aggravation. Female laughter drifted from the fitting rooms, adding to her riled demeanor. Fifteen months, twenty-three days. How much longer did she have to wait?
Reaching the last office, Lauren threw the brown oak door open, tossed her bag into the sitting area with an angry thrust, not caring that the contents spilled, and paced irritably around her mahogany desk. Her defeated form dropped into the chair, and she glared at the calendar laid out before her. The red X’s seemed to jump up from the white paper as frustrated tears welled up in her eyes. Her fingers gripped the arms of the black leather chair, her chest heaving up and down.
Today was supposed to be the day. To her freedom.
And he’d promised this time.
A knock sounded at the door, and she quickly wiped her fingers under her eyes, praying her eyeliner wasn’t running. Keep it together, Lauren. You’re strong. She straightened in her seat and leaned back, folding her hands in her lap. “Come in.”
Blond hair peeped behind the door. “Is it safe?”
Lauren’s shoulders dropped. “No. He didn’t show up.”
“That jerk.” Her assistant manager, Trina, slid into the room.
“He promised this time.” Like he promised all the time, but she was so sure that he’d show. When was she ever going to learn to never take Daniel’s word up front?
“What is his problem?”
She shrugged. “Probably not done making my life miserable.”
“This is the third time. I don’t understand why your husband wouldn’t want to end everything. It’s been a year since you left him.” Trina crossed the room and sat in one of the chairs in front of Lauren’s desk.
Lauren bit the inside of her cheek. Irritation rolled in her stomach. There was no point in ranting about Daniel’s crimes, especially his lack of consideration and total self-absorption. How hard was it to show up at the lawyer’s office and put his signature on a few pages? Obviously, it was impossible to remember something as important as divorce in his busy plastic surgeon schedule. But he promised. Like this time would be any different. What was she thinking? Why did she continue to believe his words?
“Did you call him?”
Lauren nodded. “He didn’t answer. I tried his apartment and his cell phone. Then I called his office and Heather told me he took this week off.” Most likely to stay in bed with his current girlfriend. Everyone knew of Daniel’s philandering. Except her, until it was too late.
“Probably off partying or wining and dining one of his bimbos.”
She spun her chair around to face the floor-to-ceiling windows. People scurried around on their lunch break as the afternoon traffic picked up. Tall buildings and reflective glass stared back at her. Blue sky, not one cloud in sight. She sighed. Her disastrous marriage wasn’t a secret. Her husband was a sleaze, but she’d long accepted the facts. All she wanted was her divorce—all ties cut off from the man she married, thought she needed. But the truth: she needed no one.
“I’m sorry, Lauren.”
She cleared her throat. “For what?”
“I know this is hard on you. And you need to let him go.”
Cynical laughter bubbled in her chest. She whipped her seat around and stood up. “Oh my God, what makes you think I still love him?”
Trina’s face scrunched. A tint of red colored her pale features, and she pushed her hair behind her ear. “Well, you’ve changed this past year. You’re stricter on all of us and you walk around with a stony expression all the time. I know you’re hurting inside, but we all care for you and…”
Lauren crossed her arms. “And what?”
“You’ve been a witch to work for.”
She frowned. No doubt Trina was being nice by calling her a witch.
Trina stood up. “I’m sorry, I know you’re having a hard time with this whole divorce thing, and all us girls want you to be happy. We want you to find someone who deserves you and treats you better.”
Her insides tightened. Trina’s words struck a nerve. Once, a very long time ago, she would have believed the same thing. But now, she didn’t want anything to do with anyone. The only happiness possible was what she made for herself. She refused to depend on another for her future. It was all her.
But had she been more strict and moody since she’d left her husband? What could she say? She’d been sucked out of her happy little dream world since she’d married the wrong guy and learned the hard way.
Lauren heaved in a deep breath, holding on to the control that had gotten her through the past year. “I’m sorry if you find it difficult to work for me and—”
“That’s not it.” Trina moved around the desk. “You’re my friend first, but you’re also a great boss and we love working here. We worry about you, that’s all.”
A lump formed in the back of her throat. “Thank you.”
Trina gave her a sympathetic smile, then hugged her.
Lauren swallowed hard. The ache in her chest expanded. She forced herself to stand still. It’d been so long since anyone had shown her any concern—hugged her, touched her—but then everyone who came close, she ignored. There was no point in op
ening herself up. They all left.
Her assistant manager released her and took a step back, face splitting into a wide smile. “Now, can I hire two more girls to run the showroom?”
Lauren’s mouth dropped open and she threw her hands up with a relieved laugh. She shook her head as she plopped back down in her chair. “Why?”
“We’re short-staffed. And Kerry has somehow overbooked the store in bridal fittings for the end of this month. Next week is starting to look ugly, too.” Trina leaned against the side of the desk.
Lauren frowned. “I thought I told her to space out the appointments. It’s getting busier with summer around the corner.”
Trina shrugged. “Don’t know what to tell ya. The girl is a little harebrained, but she is a great personal assistant to have around, good at keeping everything in order and quick, too. Usually.”
“If you really think we need more people, then go ahead and hire. Maybe put them on part-time.” Lauren tapped the mouse on her desk and the computer screen came to life. She moved the cursor over the bottom icons and opened the store’s appointment book. Flipping through the digital pages, she found the current month.
They were indeed double-booked. Appointments meant more income for the store, but she ran a tight ship. Everything had to be perfect. There was no room for mistakes.
Lauren sighed. “See if you can get any of the other girls to cover those days if they have it off.”
“And the interviews?” Trina shifted away from the ledge of the desk.
“I’ll take them. Have Kerry schedule them…” She moved the cursor over the calendar. “Sometime early in the mornings. I’ll spend more time on the floor, also.”
“Should I tell Kerry to put in the ad today then?”
“Sure. Tell her if you see her downstairs.”
“Great. I’ll go do that right now.” Trina headed to the door, but stopped. “Mack didn’t show up to work this morning.”
Lauren pressed her forefinger and thumb to the bridge of her nose. Mack was her handyman and loading manager. The dock needed him when orders shipped in and out, but he was becoming irresponsible with his partying and drinking. “I’ll give him a call later and see what his excuse is this time.”
Trina nodded, then threw Lauren an inquiring look. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
Why wouldn’t she be okay? She’d come this far in life; she had a successful business even though her employees were driving her nuts, and her divorce papers could wait another day if her husband’s schedule allowed it. “I’ll be fine. Get back to work.”
Trina jerked the door open. Kerry, her personal assistant, stood in the doorway, arm raised and fist curled, ready to knock.
“We were just talking about you.” Lauren watched as a deep pink tinge crept over the tall redhead’s freckled cheeks as she crossed the threshold with a sheepish look.
“I’m sorry about the appointment book.” Kerry winced. “I don’t know what I was thinking and I don’t know how I ended up taking all those appointments.”
Lauren sighed and flipped open the file in front of her that needed review. Accidents did happen. She wasn’t callous enough to fire the woman over a simple mistake. They’d just have to make do. “It’s fine, but be more careful next time. Trina and I want you to put an ad in for hire.”
“Okay.”
“Part-time consultants and sales. You can use the same ad—”
“Ms. Burke.”
Lauren paused and looked up from her desk.
Kerry took a step forward. “There’re two men downstairs asking for you.”
She lifted an eyebrow in question. There were no appointments scheduled for her, and she wasn’t expecting any visitors.
“They say they’re detectives.”
Lauren flickered a glance at Trina, whose eyes widened with alarm. “Did they say what they wanted?”
Kerry shook her head. “Just that they wanted to speak to you.”
Irritation rose. She didn’t have time to deal with unscheduled visitors. Nor did she think she’d done anything to break the law, unless it was in regard to the issues they had with waste management over the garbage pickup.
She drew in an irate breath and moved past Kerry and Trina. The women followed as she walked down the wide hallway, passed the bridal fitting rooms, and went down the stairs. She paused midway. Spotting wavy dark brown hair, wide shoulders, and strong hands settled on narrow hips, her heart jumped. Familiarity struck in the man’s pose. He was staring out the window past the mannequin display.
With each step, tightness squeezed her chest. The pounding in her ears became louder. When she stood only five feet behind, her gaze ran over the navy-blue blazer, hugging broad shoulders, to his gorgeous bottom encased in matching slacks. A familiar blaze of heat rumbled down her spine.
Disbelief forced her to speak. “Can I help you?”
The man whipped around.
Her mouth parted in shock. “You’re back.”
…
Kane Hollister froze. How could it be? Lauren Ford was Lauren Burke?
“Lauren.” Her name slipped past his lips; memories from afar formed a knot in his throat. So she’d gotten married, after all.
“Kane.”
The coolness of her voice washed over him. Her amethyst eyes met his. He searched for the twinkle that shone whenever she used to greet him. It was missing. He couldn’t blame her. His arms dropped to his side. “I didn’t know you got married.”
Lauren nodded. He watched as she dismissed the women behind her with a wave of her hand. Holding in his smile at her sense of authority, he took a step forward. She seemed different, yet the same. An air of confidence surrounded her, almost making her seem…sexier, yet untouchable. Unlike the naive, cheerful woman he once knew. An ache pounded in his chest. So long ago…
His gaze trailed over her delicate build. Her sheer blouse molded her pert breasts, and a slim black skirt hugged long legs. Small button nose, luscious black hair, and stubborn jaw gave him hope that the Lauren he knew existed. She still looked exotic, reminding him of a sea nymph—except he’d never seen the hardness in her eyes or the cold mask of her features.
“How’ve you been?” he asked. He shoved his hands into his pockets and ignored the familiar thrum of heat at her presence.
“Good. You?”
He frowned. As if a wall stood between them, he inched closer. “I’ve been good.” His gaze circled the store, noting the groups of women standing beyond the racks of white dresses to the opposite side, where he found the same. “Busy place.”
Lauren nodded. Indifferent. “When did you get back?”
“A few weeks ago.”
“Why?”
His frown deepened. He wanted to know the answer himself. For four years, life in the city as a cop had been restless. He’d somehow talked himself into seeking someplace quieter, not as busy as New York City. And the only answer was home. His native Grant, New York, wasn’t a small city, but it was the place he couldn’t leave behind and the one place he shouldn’t be. “I transferred.”
“So you’re working here now?”
He nodded. His fists balled in his pockets. He didn’t like talking about himself. “I didn’t know you opened up a store.”
“Yes, I did.”
He waited for her to expand on her answer. He’d envisioned their encounter many times, except this wasn’t how it was supposed to be. What was wrong with her? Why wasn’t she being more talkative and cheerful? Where was the vibrant woman he’d known—the woman he’d walked away from? His heart squeezed.
She couldn’t possibly hold a grudge against him for doing what he had to do, could she?
Kane cleared his throat. “You own this place?”
Lauren stood straighter, hands clasped in front of her, nose tilted upward. Pride blazed from her eyes. “Yes. I bought it from the past owners three years ago.”
He nodded. It was what she’d always wanted to do: have her own business. A
fter her mother’s death, he’d thought she’d given up on everything. Except him. He pushed aside the remorse he carried to this day. “I’m glad to see you doing so well.”
She shrugged. “Life goes on. You taught me that, no matter what happens or who dies, I can’t stop living.”
He swallowed hard. Those were his parting words. “That’s good.”
He didn’t know what to say. Once, she’d been able to talk to him about anything, from what she’d done that morning to what bothered her. The wall between them climbed higher. He couldn’t read her remote expression, but the cynicism was in her tone.
“What are you doing here? My PA told me there were two detectives looking for me.” Lauren crossed her arms.
His gaze drifted to the deep vee of her blouse. His insides tightened. Heat ran down his spine—the same sensation he’d experienced the first time he’d met Lauren at a local coffee shop. Reality struck. His mission rushed at him. He motioned to his partner, Ryan, who stood talking to one of the girls by the counter with a nod of his head. Ryan tucked his notepad into his inner coat pocket and walked over.
“Lauren, this is my partner, Detective Ryan Montgomery.” Nausea clumped in his throat. Never had he imagined that their paths would cross again under such dire circumstances.
Ryan reached a hand out toward Lauren, and she took it, her expression questioning their presence. His partner took a step back and waited for him to state their business.
A protective vigor went through him. He would do anything to save Lauren from this, but he had no choice. She had to know the truth.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, a quiver noticeable in her sweet voice.
He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but it wasn’t his place. She wasn’t his—nor would she ever be. He gave up that right the moment he’d walked out on her. But then, she deserved so much more than a broken man.
“Is there somewhere we can talk privately?”
Irritation flashed in her eyes. She flickered glances in both directions and frowned. “Is it important? I really don’t have time. Why don’t you just say what you came for?”
