Reckless Surrender

by Zoe Blake

  His men had taken off their robes to create a makeshift bed for Phoebe so she wouldn’t be on the cold ground. Michael laid her down gently. Black smudges of soot marred her nose and mouth; the rest of her face was deathly pale. Pinching her nose between two fingers, he pressed his lips to her own and breathed into her. He could hear the distant sirens from the ambulance as it drove up onto the grassy quad.

  He breathed into her again.

  And again.

  Nothing.

  “Goddammit, princess. You better not fucking die on me. I command you to open your eyes,” he shouted in frustration.

  Her eyelids fluttered then opened. Her beautiful green eyes, shimmering with tears.

  “I don’t think you’re allowed to talk to me like that,” she whispered. Her voice hoarse and raw from the smoke inhalation.

  Michael’s own eyes teared up. Cupping her face with his hand, he replied, “Finally, a command you obeyed!”

  The rest of their conversation was drowned out by exuberant shouts of “Hooyah!”

  The paramedics placed an oxygen mask over her face and strapped her to the gurney. All the while, his men looked on anxiously. It seemed he was not the only one Phoebe had charmed in her short time at the academy.

  Looking over his shoulder, Michael saw the sheriff standing nearby. “You had better hope you find that woman before I do, Sheriff,” he warned.

  The sheriff nodded. “Wouldn’t blame you one bit, Colonel. You head on to the hospital. We’ll find her. Don’t you worry about that.”

  Michael gave the older man a nod before hopping into the ambulance beside Phoebe.

  Chapter 15

  Two weeks later

  * * *

  “After stealing a fisherman’s boat and leading the local police in a chase across Buzzards Bay, the suspect Anne Ludtz was finally apprehended with the help of several midshipmen and their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lawson, who also gave chase in the Puller Academy boats. She is currently under psychiatric care as she awaits a trial date on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder,” read Henry aloud. Picking up his cigar, he took a long drag before turning to Phoebe. “Helluva job, Wilson. Helluva job!”

  Phoebe plucked the cigar from his fingers and snubbed it out in the ashtray on his desk.

  “Hey, it’s after noon! I’m allowed,” complained Henry.

  “Let’s just say I have a whole new appreciation for life and you should too,” responded Phoebe as she took a sip of her usual mocha latte, wrinkling her nose at the harsh, burnt coffee taste. It wasn’t as good as the mocha lattes from the little cafe Amber and she frequented in Buzzards Bay.

  Buzzards Bay.

  She actually missed the place. Missed the raw beauty of the bay at sunrise. Missed the challenge of lighting a spark in her midshipmen students about Dickens or Shakespeare. Missed the camaraderie of the other teachers.

  She especially missed Michael.

  For days after the bonfire, he’d never left her side. He’d even insisted on sleeping on a cot in her hospital room rather than going home to rest.

  If she hadn’t been certain before, her time spent together with him then with his constant caring attention sealed her fate. She was head over heels in love with the man.

  It was a strangely wonderful time. Sure, she’d had to suffer through chest scans and blood tests and the whole gamut to make sure there wasn’t any real damage from her brush with death but through it all…there was Michael. He entertained her by reading poetry. She especially loved when he read from Lord Byron. His dark, deep voice was a perfect match for the moody, mercurial poet’s poems. They talked for hours about their childhoods, his time in the military and all sorts of the silly things people talk about to get to know one another.

  They talked about everything, except the future.

  It seemed like neither wanted to broach the subject. Whether it was because they were afraid of what the other may say or even more afraid of what they might not…talk of love and a future together remained unspoken. Soon it came time for her to leave, to return to her old life in New York.

  Secretly, she kept hoping he would command her to stay, but he hadn’t.

  He just let her go.

  Since then, there had been long phone conversations and emails, mostly about the case against Ludtz. No mention of her returning to the academy or of love.

  And worse, she had sent him the article on Ludtz earlier this morning and hadn’t heard a word from him. She had to be fair in her reporting. Phoebe had hoped he would understand that. It wasn’t her fault the Navy had looked the other way for so long. She did her best to be impartial and not lambaste them like other reporters would have done, but the truth was the truth. Besides, the Navy made good in the end. If it hadn’t been for Michael’s help, Ludtz may never have been found out and caught.

  “Are you even listening to me?” groused Henry.

  “Sorry, what?”

  “I asked what you plan to do next. What have you got for me?”

  “There’s talk of a bribery scandal about to break in the mayor’s office,” responded Phoebe absentmindedly.

  Henry nodded. “Could have some legs on it. What else?”

  “Um… there’s that thing about the tainted rice in China. A source tells me some of it might have made its way into US products.”

  “That thing that killed all the kids?”

  Phoebe nodded her head.

  “That sounds promising. Nothing like a good scare to sell newspapers.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Wilson. Are you even paying attention? Ever since you got back from that Buzzard assignment it’s like your heart isn’t in it anymore.”

  She could never get anything past Henry. “You’re not going to like this but I don’t think it is.”

  Henry nodded sagely. “Is it that commander fella, the one you wrote about?”

  “Why would you say that?” Phoebe shifted in her seat as her cheeks began to heat.

  Henry held up the newspaper, giving it a tap with his index finger. “Because you make the guy sound like Batman and Superman all rolled into one.”

  Her cheeks grew even hotter. “You’ve been hanging around Jimmy and his stupid comic books too much.”

  Pointing at her with one stubby finger, Henry rejoined, “And you’re ignoring the facts.”

  Phoebe toyed with the cardboard sleeve of her empty mocha latte cup. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You love him, Phoebe. It’s as plain as the nose on your face.”

  She looked up and met Henry’s sympathetic eyes. “Yeah, but what does that get me? I have a career. Women from my generation aren’t supposed to give that shit up for love.”

  Henry shrugged. “There’s nothing that says you can’t freelance once in a while and besides…to my way of thinking…it’s more what you’re gaining then giving up.”

  “You’re my boss. Aren’t you supposed to be convincing me to stay?”

  He nodded. “I’m your boss…but I’m also practically a father to you. And I say to hell with this dog and pony show. Go get your soldier!”

  “Marine,” said Phoebe without thinking.

  “Is there a difference?”

  Phoebe jumped up and gave Henry a hug around the neck. “I’ve been told many times there is.” Laughing as she grabbed her shoulder bag and prepared to leave, Phoebe was already checking her phone for flights out of New York when there was a huge commotion outside Henry’s office.

  She opened the door to see Michael marching through the Ledger offices in full dress uniform.

  He looked magnificent, over six feet of impressive uniform, muscle and…anger? Uh oh…he also looked pissed as hell, thought Phoebe as she took in his lowered brow and clenched jaw.

  Phoebe defiantly placed her hands on her hips. Narrowing her eyes, she prepared to meet him head on. “Nothing I wrote in that article was untrue, so if you’ve got a problem with it, then you are not the man I though
t you were!”

  Without missing a step or saying a word, Michael swooped down and lifted Phoebe into his arms. He turned and started to walk out of the office.

  “What are you doing?” exclaimed Phoebe as she was forced to grab onto his neck.

  “I don’t give a damn about that article. I tried to be a gentleman. Tried to give you space to make the right decision, but my patience is at an end, babygirl. You’re mine and I’m taking you home,” ground out Michael as his determined gaze pierced her astonished one.

  “Do I get a say in this?”

  “No.”

  God, she loved this arrogant, demanding man!

  “Well, are you going to at least admit that you love me?” huffed Phoebe as her cheeks heated knowing they were being observed by every member of the Ledger’s staff.

  Giving her a suggestive look, he said, “I’m going to do a lot more than just admit I love you, princess. I’m going to make you scream who’s your Commander.”

  Burying her head in his neck, Phoebe tried to hide her satisfied smile. “You’re being very An Officer and A Gentleman right now,” she teased.

  Michael’s lips quirked. “Gere’s character was a naval officer candidate. I’m a Marine officer.”

  Flicking the tip of her tongue against the edge of her teeth, Phoebe grinned. She loved baiting him. “What’s the difference?”

  His arms gripped her tighter. “I plan to spend a lifetime showing you.”

  Epilogue

  Two years later

  * * *

  “Time to wake up, Professor Lawson.”

  Phoebe opened her eyes and smiled at Michael.

  “Or should I say Dr. Lawson?” he asked with a wink. “You don’t want to miss your first class of the fall semester.”

  Phoebe had taken the last two years to earn her doctorate in English Literature so she could become a full professor at Puller Academy. Not a day had gone by where she regretted leaving her life in New York behind to be with Michael. The murder case which brought them together was a distant memory but their life hadn’t become any less exciting. With Michael at the helm as commander, Puller Academy had finally made the transition into a co-ed military academy. The addition of women had added a whole new energy and dynamic to the school, and kept them both busy creating all new procedures, classes and traditions.

  She still liked to challenge and fight with Michael, keeping him on his toes…or as he would call it…pushing his buttons, but oh it was so much fun to make up with him! Her now-husband had a penchant for taking her in semi-private places around campus, like the library, gymnasium and empty classrooms. It was a miracle they hadn’t got gotten caught yet…although they did have several close calls which made it that much more exciting for them both.

  He had also gotten quite creative with his punishments.

  Pulling on her bound right wrist which was secured to the bedpost with a black silk tie, she teased, “Then perhaps you had better untie me.”

  Michael leaned in to give her a quick kiss before untying her wrist. As she got out of bed, he swatted her ass with a rolled up newspaper.

  “Hey!” Phoebe laughed as she scooted out of the way.

  “Thought you might like to see your latest article. Henry sent up a copy.”

  To Henry’s delight, she had continued to write the occasional feature piece for the Ledger, usually during the summer or winter breaks. Michael wrapped his arms around her waist from behind as she opened the newspaper to check out her headline and article.

  Pushing her long soft curls aside, Michael kissed her on the neck just below her ear. “So, have you decided what your next project will be?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The school is co-ed and you have your doctorate which means you now have free time on your hands, which I know from experience can be very dangerous. I need to keep you occupied and by my side so you don’t go running off halfway across the country to chase down some crazy headline for the Ledger.”

  Turning in his arms, Phoebe wrapped her arms around his neck. “There was a headline I was particularly interested in, but I think it’s something only the school newspaper would print.”

  His brow lowered. “What would that be?”

  “Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lawson and Dr. Phoebe Lawson welcome first child.”

  “Are you pregnant?” asked an astonished Michael as he gripped her hips and lifted her into the air.

  “Why, Commander! I don’t think you’re allowed to ask an employee that,” teased Phoebe with false affront.

  “I’m asking anyway,” he growled as he carried her back to the bed. Laying her down among the rumpled covers, he covered her body with his own.

  Running her fingernails down his naked, muscled chest, she cooed, “Maybe if you ask me nicely, I’ll tell you.”

  “Oh, baby, I’m a Marine. We don’t do…nice.” Michael ran his hand over her stomach to cup one full breast as he nipped at her shoulder.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Phoebe.

  Later that night, Michael surprised her with a celebratory dinner. He made them spaghetti and meatballs, her favorite. He drank wine. She had grape juice.

  * * *

  The end.

  About Zoe Blake

  USA TODAY Bestselling Author in Dark Romance

  She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly-possessive Billionaires, Taboo scenes and Unexpected twists. ​She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, travel and red lipstick. Since she can barely boil water, she’s lucky enough to be married to a sexy Chef.

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  Check out Zoe’s website here!

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  Also by Zoe Blake

  SWEET SAVAGERY DUET

  A Dark Mafia Romance

  * * *

  Sweet Cruelty

  It was an innocent mistake.

  She knocked on the wrong door.

  Mine.

  If I were a better man, I would've just let her go.

  But I'm not.

  I'm a cruel bastard.

  I ruthlessly claimed her virtue for my own.

  It should have been enough.

  But it wasn't.

  I needed more.

  Craved it.

  She became my obsession.

  Her sweetness and purity taunted my dark soul.

  The need to possess her nearly drove me mad.

  A Russian arms dealer had no business pursuing a naive librarian student.

  She didn't belong in my world.

  I would bring her only pain.

  But it was too late…

  She was mine and I was keeping her.

  * * *

  Sweet Depravity

  The moment she opened those gorgeous red lips to tell me no, she was mine.

  I was a powerful Russian arms dealer and she was an innocent schoolteacher.

  If she had a choice, she’d run as far away from me as possible.

  Unfortunately for her, I wasn’t giving her one.

  I wasn’t just going to take her; I was going to take over her entire world.

  Where she lived.

  What she ate.

  Where she worked.

  All would be under my control.

  Call it obsession.

  Call it depravity.

  I don’t give a damn… as long as you call her mine.

  * * *

  IVANOV CRIME FAMILY TRILOGY

  A Dark Mafia Romance

  * * *

  Savage Vow

  I took her innocence as payment.

  She was far too young and naïve to be
betrothed to a monster like me.

  I would bring only pain and darkness into her sheltered world.

  That’s why she ran.

  I should’ve just let her go…

  She never asked to marry into a powerful Russian mafia family.

  None of this was her choice.

  Unfortunately for her, I don’t care.

  I own her… and after three years of searching… I’ve found her.

  My runaway bride was about to learn disobedience has consequences… punishing ones.

  Having her in my arms and under my control had become an obsession.

  Nothing was going to keep me from claiming her before the eyes of God and man.

  She’s finally mine… and I’m never letting her go.

  * * *

  Vicious Oath

  When I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed.

  She’s too smart for her own good, and it’s going to get her killed.

  Against my better judgement, I put her under the protection of my powerful Russian mafia family.

  So imagine my anger when the little minx ran.

  For three long years I’ve been on her trail, always one step behind.

  Finding and claiming her had become an obsession.

  It was getting harder to rein in my driving need to possess her… to own her.

  But now the chase is over.

  I’ve found her.

  Soon she will be mine.

  And I plan to make it official, even if I have to drag her kicking and screaming to the altar.

  This time… there will be no escape from me.

  * * *

  Betrayed Honor