Hawk Brothers Romance Collection

by Cami Checketts

  Then they walked out, the door closed, and he was left horribly alone. His body slowly stopped quivering in pain, and Bridger slid to the edge of the bed and off. The pain had receded, but he felt exhausted and drained. He couldn’t let that stop him, though. He had to protect Avalyn.

  He ran and threw himself at the door. It quivered but didn’t budge. He backed up and rammed it again, leading with his shoulder. The door held and he heard grunts on the other side. The guards had to be pushing their weight against it, holding it closed. Why didn’t they just let him bust through and shoot or tase him again?

  “How long do you think he’ll fight?” he heard one of the guards ask.

  “How long would you fight if it was your girl?”

  “All night.”

  Bridger nodded. At least they knew he wouldn’t give up. If he stopped, it would be conceding the love of his life to Ramsey. Anger and hatred coursed through him. Today, somehow, someway, he was going to rip Ramsey apart.

  “Avalyn!” he screamed, slamming his body against the door again.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Avalyn followed Ramsey to his suite, climbing up a set of stairs above the main living room of the yacht. She felt detached and cold, so cold. She noticed details that didn’t matter. That his suite was bigger than hers. That the idiot never stopped smiling. Would the guards come into the room with them, or would she have a fighting chance with Ramsey alone? She knew he was strong, but this was her virtue she was fighting for.

  “Thanks, guys.” Ramsey nodded to the guards, then shut the door and turned the lock. The lock turning was like a death knell to her heart. “Why don’t you go shower?” Ramsey asked, pointing toward an open door.

  Avalyn didn’t want to do anything he said, but at least in the bathroom she’d be away from him. It was prolonging the inevitable, but at this point she’d take any reprieve she could get.

  She hurried into the bathroom, shut and locked the door, and dropped her dirty clothes on the floor. The shower was a huge granite enclosure. She let the warm water pound at her scalp for a while. What was she going to do? How was she going to escape? Her stomach rolled with apprehension and terror, but for some reason, her thoughts kept turning back to Bridger. Had he really begged Ramsey and said, “I love her”? Was that just his ploy to get her away from Ramsey? It hadn’t sounded or felt like a ploy. Tears mingled with the shower water. She loved Bridger, and there was little hope of her getting away from the psychotic Ramsey.

  She thought she heard the bathroom door open. She gasped and backed into the corner of the shower.

  “I set out some clean towels and clothes for you,” Ramsey called.

  “Get out!” Avalyn yelled.

  His only response was a deep chuckle and the bathroom door closing a moment later.

  Avalyn’s heart thumped uncontrollably. Ramsey forcing himself on her seemed worse than free-falling without a parachute.

  She shut the water off and carefully stepped around the shower wall. Ramsey was gone, and there were a couple of towels on the counter, next to a silky floral dress. Her clothes were nowhere in sight. So it was go face him in only a towel or put his stupid dress on. Avalyn let out a frustrated and terrified yelp and then forced herself to dry off, brush out her tangled hair, and slip into the dress. There was perfume and makeup on the counter also, but she ignored them.

  The dress was flattering with a V-neck and no sleeves. It came a few inches above her knees. She hated what Ramsey had dehumanized her to—a pretty face and a hot body. That wasn’t her. She hated him worse than any media person who’d made fun of her causes or politician who tried to block her efforts. She’d never loathed a person like she loathed him.

  Avalyn took a deep breath. She wondered what Ramsey would do if she stayed in here all night. She eyed the small window. Could she squirm out through it? She’d rather take her chances with the sharks than with Ramsey.

  The door swung open and Ramsey stood there. His dark hair was wet, and he was wearing a button-down white shirt and khaki pants. Had he showered in another suite? Could she have escaped while he was gone? Despair and frustration traced through her.

  He gestured out of the bathroom. “Let’s eat.”

  Avalyn drew in a breath, squared her shoulders, and stalked out to face him. No matter what, she would show how strong she was. She was Avalyn Shaman. He could take advantage of her body, but he would never kill her spirit.

  A similar rolling cart like the one that came into her and Bridger’s room was stacked with trays. Ramsey didn’t say much as he offered her food and ate himself, but his grin never disappeared. The awful tension made her jumpy, and her stomach twisted so badly that she could only eat a little bit of each dish. She prayed in her mind desperately for help and protection, but the heavens seemed as silent as this room.

  “Did you get enough to eat?” he asked, looking pointedly at her still-full plate.

  “Yes,” she muttered.

  Ramsey stood. He eased closer to her like a jaguar stalking his prey. Reaching down, he grabbed one of her hands before she could pull it away and tugged her to her feet. His smooth palms felt like a snake against her bare skin. He looked her over carefully.

  “Now.” His voice lowered. “I have to know the answer to one question before we proceed.”

  Avalyn could hardly breathe, let alone talk. “What?” she spat out, tilting her chin as if she were royalty. Her mind spun with which self-defense moves she should lead with. She doubted she could beat him, but she would try to hurt him like he was going to hurt her.

  “Our boy loves you.”

  Avalyn had been touched deeply when Bridger had said that, but she didn’t know if it was a ploy to soften Ramsey or if it could really be true. Could Bridger Hawk truly love her and settle down to one woman? Why was she worrying about that when she was facing Ramsey?

  “The question is—do you love him too?”

  Avalyn’s eyes widened. She studied Ramsey. Why would he care? He was going to take advantage of her regardless. There was no reason to lie, though. She tilted her chin up and said, “Yes, I do.”

  Ramsey chuckled, bobbing his head several times. “That’s beautiful. It’s just beautiful.”

  Avalyn’s stomach swirled with nausea. Ramsey thought it was beautiful because he was going to hurt her so he could beat Bridger. He was so sick and twisted. She would fight to her last breath; that she knew for certain. He could possess her body but never her mind.

  He released her hand and gestured toward the door. “Go.”

  Avalyn backed up a step, eyeing him. She felt like a deer in a hunter’s spotlight, unsure which direction to run and ready to be gunned down at any minute. Was he being serious? A flutter of hope rose in her chest, but she didn’t dare trust it and especially didn’t dare trust Ramsey. Everything had been a twisted game since he’d kidnapped her.

  “You’re an impressive woman, Avalyn Shaman. I love your bravado and your charitable heart. I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”

  Avalyn’s heart was racing out of control. She didn’t need or want Ramsey’s compliments, and she was terrified they meant he was going to enjoy hurting her.

  That twisted smile grew on his face. He looked her over, then chuckled. The sound scraped over her like the edge of a knife being dragged along her skin. “But I would never want to touch the woman who was truly in love with Bridger Hawk.” He winked at her.

  Avalyn’s breath rushed out. She still wasn’t certain what kind of ploy this could be. Ramsey wouldn’t allow Bridger to win, let her escape, would he?

  Ramsey walked to the door and pulled it open. Two guards were standing there. “Please escort Miss Shaman back to her suite.”

  The guards nodded and stepped back. Avalyn looked to Ramsey, waiting for the trick.

  He simply smiled at her and said, “Enjoy your night with my friend. I think you’ll like tomorrow’s challenge. You aren’t even involved.”

  She blinked at
him. This evil man had just preserved her virtue and told her she could go to Bridger. She didn’t wait to be told again. “Thank you,” she whispered. She hurried past him and the guards and out into the hallway, then down the stairs. Her speed picked up as she reached the main area.

  “Bridger!” she yelled. Relief rushed through her, and the anticipation of being in his arms made her legs weak. She pressed on toward the hallway where her and Bridger’s suite was. Ramsey had let her go. Soon she’d be in Bridger’s arms. She hadn’t felt such joy since she’d been kidnapped three days ago.

  “Bridger,” she called out again.

  She heard the guards running behind her chuckle. She smiled too, not caring if they were laughing at her or with her. Bridger was all that mattered now.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Bridger slammed into the door more times than he could count. His shoulder was throbbing and he was making no progress. He slid to the floor, despondent and nauseous. For a very long time, the only sounds he heard were his ragged breathing and his painfully thumping heartbeat.

  Avalyn. What was she enduring at Ramsey’s hands while he sat here in this rejected stupor? How could he give up on saving her? He drew in a steadying breath and said a lengthy prayer for Avalyn’s protection and help from above. With effort, he stood and spoke to the guards through the door. “Guys, please. What if it was your girlfriend or wife?”

  The silence on the other side was deafening. What had Ramsey done to gain such allegiance from his men? Bridger had liked the man before this nightmare, but now he thought he was a psychotic sadist. Money couldn’t buy the loyalty Ramsey had with these men. Yet there had to be something, some way for Bridger to break through their shields.

  He slammed his head against the door, then hung it, shame and despair fighting within him. How could he fail Avalyn like this? “Please.” It came out as a croaked whisper. He cleared his throat and tried again so they could hear him. “Please help her. Think if it was your wife, your girlfriend, your sister, your niece.”

  Bridger pressed closer to the door, praying inside. He needed so much help, and he didn’t know where to find it. Creed would’ve already taken the entire group of mercenaries out and swept the love of his life into his arms. Bridger cursed himself for not choosing a military career. Why had he wasted so much time being the best at untraditional sports? It was superfluous and idiotic. Who cared about fame or excitement if he couldn’t protect Avalyn?

  He heard nothing on the other side of the door. He slammed it with his body again and then collapsed against it. Tears traced down his face. He didn’t know the last time he’d cried, probably when he was little and his brothers were teasing or torturing him. He’d gotten pretty tough with three older brothers. There was nothing tough about him right now. He was weak and his life was meaningless.

  He faintly heard his name being called. He straightened. Was he delusional? It sounded like Avalyn. Pressing closer to the door, he listened again. There it was. Avalyn was yelling his name.

  “No!” he hollered, not able to stand thinking about what Ramsey must be doing to her. She was calling out for Bridger, and he could hear it this far away. There couldn’t be a worse torture in the world.

  “Avalyn! Ava!” He backed up and ran at the door again. He rammed against it, and the door popped open.

  The guards stood back, grinning at him. Mike held out a knife. Bridger’s eyes widened and his stomach dropped. “For your hands,” Mike explained.

  “Thank you.” Bridger turned, and Mike cut his hands free. “Thank you!” he yelled again, taking off at a run down the hallway.

  Avalyn was running right at him. Bridger’s steps faltered. She was free?

  “Bridger!” she screamed. She slammed into him.

  Bridger lifted her off her feet and swung her around. “Avalyn!”

  Guards surrounded them and Bridger tensed, sheltering her with his body. They weren’t taking her from him again. He didn’t care if they killed him. He couldn’t go through the past hour again. He’d rather die.

  “Sir,” one of the guards said. “Why don’t you go into your suite? I’m sure you’d like some privacy.” He winked.

  Bridger stared at him, hardly able to comprehend what he was saying. He glanced down at Avalyn’s beautiful, shining face. “Ramsey let me go!” she said, beaming.

  Bridger shook his head in disbelief.

  “It’s true.” Avalyn laughed, looking young and fresh and beautiful. Was it really possible? Her innocence and light had been preserved?

  Bridger looked to Klein, who nodded. “He asked us to escort her back here,” Klein said.

  “Thank you,” Bridger managed to croak through the lump in his throat. He felt weak all over again, but for very different reasons this time. He swooped Avalyn off the floor, held her against his chest, and strode down the hallway. She smiled up at him, so happy and absolutely radiant. Avalyn was okay. She was in his arms. Nothing else mattered.

  Bridger pushed through the door and closed it behind him. He walked to the couch and sank down with her still in his arms. Burying his head in her soft hair, he let out a choking sob. “Ava.” He simply held her close for a few seconds and she burrowed into him, clinging to his neck. “He didn’t …?” He finally dredged up the words, but he couldn’t finish the question. She didn’t appear to be harmed, but he had to be sure.

  “No.”

  “No?” Bridger raised his head and studied her deep brown eyes.

  She shook her head, and a shudder raced through her body. “I thought he would. He told me to shower and left me only this dress to put on.”

  Bridger took in the dress. It was beautiful on her, but the thought of Ramsey making her wear it for him, of reducing Avalyn to little more than her exquisite face and body … He swallowed down the bile rising in his throat.

  “I was praying for strength to fight him off, but then …” She studied him for a few beats and then looked away. “He just told me to go.”

  Bridger wondered if there was more to it than she was telling him. There was something in her eyes, and he didn’t like that pause. He focused on the one beautiful truth, that Ramsey hadn’t taken advantage of her. “Maybe I won’t kill him when I see him again,” he muttered darkly.

  Avalyn blinked at him. “He said that I’d like tomorrow’s challenge, that I wasn’t involved.”

  Bridger processed this. “Maybe he’s starting to feel guilty for putting you through all of this.”

  She shrugged.

  “Today’s challenge was awful because I didn’t get to you, but it wasn’t as dangerous as the last two days. I was sure you almost drowning that first day really shook him up. Maybe he’s going to alter the challenges to just involve him and me, for his publicity stunt to keep going, but not risk you anymore.”

  Avalyn simply stared at him.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “I’m thinking I don’t want to think about him anymore.”

  Bridger pursed his lips. “Today took about ten years off my life.”

  She shifted on his lap, pressing closer to his chest, and ran one hand from his neck up into his hair. Warmth rushed through him. “I’m sorry you went through that.” She leaned in and kissed the side of his mouth.

  Bridger groaned and wrapped his hands tighter around her waist. “Ava,” he whispered.

  She smiled slightly. “Maybe I could make it all better if you’d just shut up and kiss me.”

  Avalyn bit at the side of her lower lip as Bridger’s chest rose and fell quickly. Had she been too bold? He’d told Ramsey he loved her earlier. Did he mean it, or was he just trying to protect her?

  “Now that sounds like a beautiful plan.” Bridger grinned, then lowered his head to hers. Their lips connected, and happiness soared within her. He manipulated her mouth carefully, tenderly. There was nothing demanding or insistent about the kiss. It was as if he thought she was a priceless treasure.

  He pulled back and framed her face with his han
ds. “Ava,” he whispered. “I was so afraid.”

  “Me too,” she admitted.

  “I won’t let him near you again.” His deep brown eyes studied her with sincerity.

  Avalyn didn’t know how Bridger could promise such a thing with all the men Ramsey had, the guns they constantly flaunted, and the awful taser they’d hit Bridger with today. She knew he was sincere and after tonight she hoped Ramsey wouldn’t do that to them again. Maybe Ramsey didn’t want her anymore. He claimed he’d let her go because she admitted she loved Bridger. Should she tell Bridger that?

  Bridger didn’t wait for her response; he bent his head to hers and claimed her lips like he’d been waiting for this chance his entire life. This kiss was firm and strong, and Avalyn loved it as much as his tender kisses. Bridger’s warm hands moved confidently against the silky material of her dress. She was hot from head to toe, but she also felt such love and possessiveness. Bridger was sworn to protect and love her. The combination of sweet and fierce was overwhelming and beautiful to her.

  The kisses heated with passion and swelled to a crescendo. Avalyn never wanted to come back down to reality. Bridger slowed the kisses down and held her close. His lips lingered next to hers. Their breath intermingled, and she savored the closeness.

  “I love you, Ava. I’ve loved you since I was twelve,” he murmured against her lips.

  Avalyn straightened and stared at his beautiful face. If that was true, what did love mean to him? She loved Bridger, but sadly she still didn’t trust him to be able to devote himself to her and only her once they returned to the real world. That was what she’d always dreamed of with Bridger, and he’d never delivered before. She couldn’t delude herself into believing he would change just because of the situation they were in.

  “You’re joking,” she said.

  “Why would I joke about that?” His hands still held her tight to his body as if he couldn’t stand to let her go.