by J. G. Sumner
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter
Twenty-One
Twenty-Two
Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four
Twenty-Five
Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven
Twenty-Eight
Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Thirty-One
Thirty-Two
Thirty-Three
Thirty-Four
Thirty-Five
Thirty-Six
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Scorned
By: JG Sumner
Scorned
Copyright © 2017 by JG Sumner.
All rights reserved.
First Print Edition: June 2017
Limitless Publishing, LLC
Kailua, HI 96734
www.limitlesspublishing.com
Formatting: Limitless Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1-64034-130-2
ISBN-10: 1-64034-130-7
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.
Dedication
To my husband: Thank you for always daring me to dream big. Your courage, faith, and drive are inspiring. Thank you for making all my dreams come true.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
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Chapter One
Kate
Friday night in downtown Manhattan is usually a lively scene. SoHo is no exception. The streets around me are bustling. The sidewalks are packed. I can barely squeeze through the streets without bumping elbows with a passerby. Cars squeak slowly by. Exhaust fumes emit heat and sulfurous scents into the air. I have to intermittently hold my breath. Impatient drivers take turns blasting their horns in hopes somehow it’ll propel their cars forward even if it’s just another foot. For some reason, the constant noise brings a smile to my face. The liveliness of the city is what made me fall in love. This is my home. This is where I belong.
It’s been just over a year since I returned home from Italy. I still have nightmares quite often. They tend to wake me from a dead sleep. My sheets are always wet from sweat, and my heart pounds uncontrollably as though it’s going to jump out of my chest and do a drum roll. It’s unsettling, and I’d do just about anything to get them to go away. The only comforting thing about the nightmare is Tony is always there to rub my back and make the panic melt away.
I’m so lucky to have him. Every time I think about Tony, my heart goes pitter-patter like a little school girl. I literally swoon over him. When we make eye contact, sparks ignite my heart and send it racing until I think I’m going to pass out. Sometimes I tell myself to dial it back a little bit so he doesn’t think I’m a complete idiot. I lost the last man I loved by being complacent and comfortable with our relationship. I don’t ever want to take a day with Tony for granted.
As I continue to walk down the street, a man runs into me. I jolt forward as he tries to pass. This happens frequently when traveling down packed roads, but it’s something I can’t get used to anymore. I clutch my hand over my chest, stop walking, and take a minute to catch my breath. Any sudden jostle reminds me of when I was kidnapped from the rental car Tony was driving.
I remember sitting in the passenger seat reviewing the pictures I had taken in Rome. Even though Tony and I were running from the cartel, I didn’t feel as though I were in any danger. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it was because they were the unknown. Maybe it was because we were in the country and it didn’t seem like there was any harm, let alone anyone who would kidnap me. I felt comfortable and safe. Never once did I think not to roll down the window for the man who knocked on it. I honestly thought he was asking for directions, or perhaps some spare change. Did it make me naïve or an idiot? I don’t know. Either way, it was probably one of the worst mistakes in my life.
As soon as I rolled down the window, the short balding man reached in, opened the door, and had a piece of duct tape over my mouth before I even had a chance to process what was going on, let alone scream for help. Tony hadn’t made it out of the market of the petrol station yet. I tried to fight. I punched the bastard in the nose. That was the only hit I got. Within seconds he had handcuffs binding both of my wrists. Any chance of using my arms to free myself no longer existed.
He carried me to a gray sedan. I think it was a Peugeot. The trunk was already open and waiting. This was my last chance to get free. The moment he got me into the empty cavern I would have no chance at freedom. I began kicking, each blow forceful and desperate. Like a prisoner with the jail door slowly closing in front of him, my freedom was slipping away faster than I could get loose. The man struggled slightly while taking the last few steps to the car. He dropped me into the trunk effortlessly. I continued to kick, hoping by some miracle I could get free. Maybe I could jump out and get somebody’s attention. I thrashed and pressed my legs against the trunk door. I saw the fist coming as fast as a bullet from a gun. I yanked on my hands by instinct in an attempt to block the impending blow. Stupid me. Pain surged through my face. My head slammed to the side from the jarring force. My eyes rolled into the back of my head, and before I knew it, my world was dark.
I’m not sure how long I was in the car. It could’ve been hours or just a few minutes. It didn’t matter. It was too long. The darkness and lack of air in the trunk was suffocating and is something I’ll never get over. Thanks to that little stunt, I’ve developed a nice case of claustrophobia. If I weren’t a basket case before, I certainly am now.
/> I press myself against the side of the building, waiting for my pounding heart and rapid breathing to return to normal. The cool cement against my back is a nice reprieve from the sweltering summer heat. July in New York City is oftentimes unbearable. The combination of the humidity and the heat can be stifling.
Once I’ve calmed my nerves a bit, I start walking again. I force myself to do this every day instead of taking a cab. It would be easier to drive and run away from the fears and the unknown in the streets. I constantly remind myself that I could be abducted at any minute. It’s fair to say I live in fear. Some days it’s better than others, but I don’t ever think I’ll be back to where I was before. I’m a changed woman. I’m stronger and more confident, but I constantly have my guard up. I’ve even spent months taking self-defense classes. I’m doing everything I can to ensure what happened in Italy, never occurs to me again. Once was enough for this lifetime; thank you very much.
I round the corner onto Houston Street. It’s buzzing. People everywhere are ready to get their party on. Who doesn’t enjoy Friday night in the city after a long week’s work? I glance at my watch. It’s nine o’clock, and I’m on time. I pass by the Sunshine Cinema and focus on the sign for Fool’s Gold. It’s a relatively new gastropub, and I’ve been here just a handful of times. It’s turning into one of my favorite hangouts. For a change, I’m not here to critique; I’m here for some fun.
Walking up to the front of this pub, you wouldn’t think it’s anything special. The glass windows and doors are surrounded by walls covered with graffiti. I’m not sure how long this space remained empty before the new owner took over, but he definitely turned it into something amazing.
I love this place. The inside is a combination of brick and old wooden plank walls, which provide a relaxing atmosphere. I especially like how they use old plumbing fixtures for the lights. They’re soft and provide a nice ambiance. There are numerous wooden tables that can hold smaller parties, and they have long tables with bar stools capable of seating up to twenty people. The bar itself is a good size with the ability to comfortably seat twenty-five people. The mostly wooden chairs and tables, with wine barrels throughout, and cement floors provide a wonderful old-style New York City atmosphere.
It doesn’t take me long to see the handsome dark-haired man in the green Abercrombie and Fitch shirt. Tony sure has embraced all the American clothing companies since he’s been here. He really has had no trouble fitting in.
Almost as a nervous habit, I push the heart-shaped ring he gave me around my finger. It’s such an elegant piece of jewelry. I love it and can’t bear to take it off. It’s almost like a lifeline. I take a moment and watch Tony talking with another guy at the bar. I don’t recognize him, but they are both laughing and appear to be pretty chummy.
I take a deep breath and cross the cement floor to the handsome man awaiting my arrival. I’m anticipating the warmth and strength of his embrace. It’s amazing that a year after meeting this man, he still has this hypnotic hold on me. An emotionally magnetic force pulls me to him. Every time I draw near, sparks of electricity shoot through my body and make me all tingly. I’ve never felt this way before with a man. I’m addicted to him, and every second I have with Tony just feeds the fire even more.
I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around him. The guy Tony is talking to lifts an eyebrow as he peers in my direction. As Tony slowly turns around, his emerald-green gaze connects with mine, and it feels like his stare pierces a hole straight through my core.
“Hey, beautiful.” Tony doesn’t wait another minute before standing and pulling me into his muscular arms. He has a glimmer of mischief in his eyes as the corner of his lip curls upward. He leans in and whispers in my ear, “When I get you home, I’m going to ravage you.”
The heat from his breath and his words make my insides flutter and moisture instantly appear between my legs. It’s crazy, the effect this man has on me. Tony can undo me with just a smirk.
Tony nibbles my neck as he makes his way to my mouth. He’s never had regard for public displays of affection. He’ll take me at any moment or anywhere he pleases. It’s new to me. Before, I would never kiss anyone in public unless it was just a peck. Now, I’m insatiable. I can’t get enough of Tony, and I don’t care when or where he touches me. Thankfully he’s respectful and doesn’t go overboard.
He pulls my head forward, luring my mouth to his. Instantly, he thrusts his tongue against mine. I immediately note the taste of barley from the beer he’s been drinking. I love it. I close my eyes and dive in further, hoping to forget about the walk to the bar and the fear that just won’t go away. I take everything Tony is willing to give me with the kiss as his tongue claims every inch of me. If I could climb inside of him, I would.
“Jesus, man. Get a room.”
Tony slowly pulls away, never losing eye contact. The corners of his mouth slowly curve up as his grin returns. The way he stares at me, I can tell he’s undressing me with his mind. I don’t have to reciprocate, because I already had him naked as I entered the room.
“Jasper, this is Kate. Kate, this is Jasper.” Tony finally breaks the hold he has over me and motions to the man he was talking to when I entered.
Jasper stands up, removes his black fedora, and bows in front of me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Kate.”
His accent is British. He has short dark hair with long side burns. Jasper is wearing a black bowling shirt with orange-and yellow-flames and some black Dickies shorts. His arms are covered with various tattoos, including one of a pin-up girl.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” I smile kindly at Jasper before looking to Tony for further explanation. Every time I meet Tony somewhere, he always has a new friend with him. It perplexes me how a man who has been in the city for only a short while can establish such a vast collection of acquaintances.
Tony wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in close. “Jasper and I go way back. We met each other in college while I was in London. Before I came here to find you, I connected with him again. He was already working on getting a visa to come work in the States on an assignment. Now, here we are.”
“Wow, what a coincidence. What kind of work do you do?”
Jasper gave Tony an awkward look before answering. It seems as though some silent communication is taking place that I’m not privy to. “I—uh. Well, I own a security firm. We typically do security detail for high-end clients who wish to stay off the radar.”
My hackles immediately go on alert. Something isn’t right here. “That sounds interesting. How did you get in that line of work?”
Jasper takes a sip of the golden liquid from the pint glass labeled with the bar’s name. He carefully sets it down on the cardboard coaster. “It’s a funny story, actually. I started out as a bouncer at a bar while I was in college. I got my degree in criminal justice and then served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces for four years. Along the way, I took a liking to surveillance and personal security. Unfortunately, I don’t fit the mold of what is required to provide security detail at the higher level. In essence, I would never be able to provide security for the queen. As a result, I left the Forces and began working for an international private security firm for several years before starting my own business. Now, here I am.” Jasper takes another sip of his beer.
“What type of client brings you to the States?”
Jasper smiles. “How did I know you were going to ask that?” He looks to Tony before answering. “Unfortunately, my dear, I’m not allowed to disclose that information. The safety of my clients is dependent on my discretion.”
“I see.” I’m not sure why I’m feeling uneasy. Jasper seems friendly enough. He’s relaxed and appears to be enjoying his beer and the company. Something just doesn’t add up for me.
Tony releases my waist and motions me to the bar stool. “What would you like to drink?”
While my nerves have pretty much calmed from the event, I still feel as though I could use some
thing stronger. “I’ll have a gimlet with Ketel One, please.”
Tony’s right eyebrow immediately shoots up as a frown appears on his face. “What happened?”
“Nothing. It just sounds refreshing.” I try not to let Tony know about all the panic attacks I have. I don’t want him to feel guilty or responsible for them. It’s not his fault I’m such a nervous wreck.
“Come on, love. I know you better than that. You hardly drink anything but wine unless you’re having a bad day. Tell me what happened.”
How does this man already know me so well? It’s as if I’m an open book, and he’s reading my instruction manual page-by-page while memorizing all its passages.
“It’s nothing. The walk over here was just…well, there were a lot of people.”
Tony purses his lips. He’s not happy I’m still suffering. “All right, one Gimlet coming up.” He waves to the bartender, who immediately walks over. I’m not sure why or how it happens, but Tony always seems to have control. People immediately respond and do what he asks.
The events in Umbria changed him as well. Tony is always relaxed when we are at home together. When we are out in the city, he tenses up and has a heightened sense of awareness. He seems more confident and more in control of what’s going on around him. I’m not sure when this change took place. The last time I saw Tony in Italy, he was one step away from death. Now, he’s stronger than ever. I’ve asked him several times what went on after I escaped, but he doesn’t want to “burden me with the details.” While I’d really like to be filled in on what happened, sometimes I think not knowing might be better.
The bartender places the light green liquid in front of me. I take a sip of the refreshing limey drink, close my eyes, and savor the liquid courage cooling my inner flame. The alcohol immediately takes effect as my muscles loosen. I glance at Tony, who is now staring intently at me and tapping his fingers on the bar.
“Are you ready to talk?”
