A Heart's Breath

by Ellen March

  Savannah was draped over him. Her hand cupped his jaw, her thumb stroked his cheek, and she smiled up at him. She was surprised to see the strain on his face, the tiredness that wrung from him. At once she guessed it had to do with his sister. She’d never seen him so utterly ravaged.

  “I’ve got some news for you, I’ve found some letters explaining the circumstances of Kitty’s relationship with my mum.” She smiled down at him. At the tiredness and exhaustion filling him. “It can wait.”

  Savannah turned over, dragging a startled Micah with her, and nestled his head against her chest. “Sleep,” she ordered, dropping a kiss to the top of his head. “You’re exhausted, and I’m proud of you.”

  A shudder ran through him. “For what?”

  “For the attention you’re paying to your sister.” She held his head, stroking it. “Now take some time out for yourself.”

  Micah swallowed—the guilt floored him—yet his eyes burned. He couldn’t stop smiling at her nurturing, at her fussing, and loved her all the more for it. His lids dropped and he slept, cosseted in her arms.

  Savannah realized with a sudden start that she still didn’t know where he’d actually been. She’d have to ask him.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Charu was downstairs. She’d seen Micah come in and disappear into the bedroom. She checked her watch and wondered how long it took him to shag because a serious amount of time had passed.

  She wanted this farce sorted as soon as. And again cursed the fact she’d missed the opportunity when he’d been away. But, she reasoned, nothing could have been done then because her uncle had to be at the meeting in the bank. He could hardly use the excuse of murder for missing it. Also, as she hadn’t known when Micah was coming back, she couldn’t have chanced him walking in whilst they were despatching the fat bitch to hell.

  But now it would all fall into place.

  This afternoon, to be exact. Once they eventually got out of bed. A surge of frustration blew over her. She wanted him so much, and yet the fat one was his choice? She couldn’t understand it.

  Then the subject of her thoughts ambled into the office.

  Charu made a pretence of fussing with some paperwork, then looked up. “You need something?”

  “Not really, but I’m wondering why I can’t get through to the accountant. I’ve tried several times and no joy,” said Savannah.

  Charu shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t know. I’m merely the hired help, as you reminded me.” She wasn’t forgetting her earlier comments and intended on reinforcing them.

  “Oh, I’m aware of that, but if it’s not too much trouble, can you give me the address? If I can’t contact them by phone then I’ll need to pay a visit.”

  Charu nodded. “Of course, no problem,” she lied smoothly. She quickly scribbled down a fictitious address because she knew Savannah wouldn’t be alive by the end of the day. “So where is Micah?”

  “In bed, sleeping.” She couldn’t resist adding, “He’s had quite a workout.”

  “What, weight-lifting?” bitched Charu, not to be outdone.

  A one-fingered salute was her reply.

  Charu’s sharp shot of laughter razed the room. She was so going to enjoy dancing on the bitch’s grave.

  ***

  Micah’s eyes flickered open. He’d had the sweetest of dreams, wrapped in her arms. It was a surreal experience having a woman care for him. And he liked it. But now the familiar panic was setting in when he realized her absence.

  The door swung open and she swept in. “You feeling better now?”

  “I would if you were back in bed with me.” He raised up on an elbow, and the sheet dropped down to his hips, revealing his toned body.

  Savannah couldn’t stop her eyes from roaming over his skin, across every sinew and bulging muscle then down the dark path of hair that led to his oh-so-delicious weapon.

  “Later, sweetheart,” she said, reluctantly. “But for now, I guess we’d better put in an appearance. You feeling better after your sleep?”

  He loved her concern and nodded. Throwing the sheet back, he rose, unabashed. “A quick shower and I’ll be down.”

  Savannah swallowed down her lust. She knew what she wanted to go down on. His erection pierced the sky and waved at her. With considerable effort, she turned away. At this rate she’d rape him. God, he’d created a sex monster. “See you downstairs,” she muttered, closing the door. His laughter followed her.

  ***

  Micah sauntered into the lounge of the club, immediately dropping his gaze to Savannah, who was wearing her red dress—the other having been ruined. He couldn’t wait to buy her the wardrobe she deserved, clothes that would complement her earthy beauty. She was teasing the barman, who was giggling like a schoolboy. He dreaded to think what she was telling the man.

  He sidled up to her and noticed Charu as she wandered casually in. “I’m glad you’re here. You can help me out.”

  Savannah unashamedly listened in. If it was anything to do with sex, she could think again.

  “I forgot a small but essential order down at the cash and carry. Would you be able to nip down?”

  Micah glanced towards Savannah, who nodded. “No problem.”

  “We need these,” said Charu and produced a list. “Use this card to pay.” She dropped it on the table.

  “Okay.” Micah grinned when Savannah tossed him a tenner.

  “Petrol,” they both said together and laughed.

  ***

  Savannah walked Micah to the door, and he couldn’t resist planting a swift kiss on her lips. “Be back soon, baby. You can tell me all about what you’ve discovered on your godmother,” he whispered, leaving her standing at the entrance. Her eyes followed him as he drove down the road and out of sight.

  Savannah was ambling back into the house when she heard Charu calling her from the office.

  “Yep, what’s your problem?”

  The door closed behind her. “There isn’t one,” said a familiar masculine voice, and swinging around, she stared in shock at Jack. Only this was a different man. He was no longer sweet and cute, but shark-like.

  “What the hell?” She looked between the two of them. Charu sat on her chair, and Jack was leaning against the wall. The room crawled in on her; it was too small.

  “Meet my uncle,” said Charu, not looking up but keeping her concentration on filing her nails.

  Jack moved towards her. His grey hair was shaggy and unkempt, his beard overly long. “You looked down at me in the café, didn’t you, bitch?”

  Savannah took a startled step back, confused. “What? I never did. Why did you think that?” Her stomach was lurching with horror.

  Charu was acting as if she wasn’t there, didn’t exist. Jack advanced on her, his steps menacing and steady.

  “Don’t lie. You spoke to me as if I was a retard or an unwanted, long-lost relative—you were so demeaning with your comments.” He circled her slowly. “You actually thought you were being friendly? All the while you were making me feel like shit.”

  She clasped her throat and backed away, stumbling. “But I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “You came across to me as if I were nothing but a lowlife, yet it made you feel good, didn’t it?”

  She shook her head. The sweet old man had vanished, replaced by this evil twin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And if that’s what you thought, why visit every day?”

  He gave a short laugh. “It matters not, because you’ll be joining your godmother in the next few minutes.”

  She quivered with fear. “What are you talking about?” Charu was grinning now, though ostensibly still examining her nails.

  “I killed her, and now I intend doing the same to you,” he said gently. “It’s ironic, maybe fate, that the bitch who taunted me in the café is my nemesis now. All the while I was there I used to dream of what I’d do to you, given the chance.” He focused on her. “And now it’s come.”

  She stumbled back. “I
don’t understand.”

  “It’s simple. You didn’t die when I pushed you into the pool, but now you will.” The blade of his knife glistened in the light. “I’d been watching you from a distance in the club. But you never even glanced my way. And now your guardian has left you alone ….” The implication was clear.

  She swallowed, or tried to, but bile filled her throat. Savannah sucked in a scared breath, her attention riveted on the knife. “But why?”

  “The club, of course. I want it. Before it was sold to that pathetic creature Kitty, it had been in my family. We want it back and you’re standing in the way. That is, myself and my niece Charu.”

  She glanced between the two of them, a shock of fear racing through her. “You’re in this together?” Idiot Savannah, of course they are.

  “Of course, and before you ask, yes, we doctored the books. To make it look as if it was losing money so we could buy it cheap. But you had to come along.” He snuffled a laugh and sighed, shaking his head. “But it’s only a small hiccough. One we’re rid of you, the club will eventually come up for sale. At a small price, of course. One I can afford.”

  “You bastard,” swore Savannah. She twisted around, searching for an escape route. She sure as hell wasn’t going down without a fight.

  Jack stalked her with slow, precise steps, which wasn’t difficult given the size of the room. “Afraid it’s going to be another dip in the pool for you.” He twirled the knife he held in his hand. “Can’t have another hit-and-run, can we?”

  ***

  Micah drove along the lane, his mind on Savannah, and suddenly realized he’d forgotten the business card. He’d be getting sod all without that. Swinging the car around, he headed back. The only cash he had on him was the ten pound note for petrol. It felt surreal with what he had in the bank.

  He pulled up, and leaving the car, trotted towards the house. It was still and silent as he entered, and suddenly the words came to him. They echoed along the lobby from the nearby office. Micah froze, listening to the strange voice.

  “You’re going to die, bitch.”

  The threat to Savannah razed over him. A white-hot fury blasted though his body, and he burst in, slamming the door open with his shoulder.

  Jack turned and lunged for Savannah, holding her in front of him. Charu remained seated, watching with round eyes.

  Holding a sharp blade to her throat, Jack challenged him, “One move and she’s dead.” The knife nipped her skin and a tiny drizzle of blood seeped free.

  Micah stopped in his tracks and his fearful gaze swept over her. “Leave her go now and I won’t kill you.”

  The response was a gust of laughter. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve got the upper hand, so back off.”

  Glaring at him, Micah slowly advanced. “No way.”

  Savannah closed her eyes, wishing to Christ he’d listen, because his macho attitude was consigning her to hell. If she survived, she was going to have a word with him about hostage situations. Rule one: obey everything as long as she’s still alive.

  Yet he was challenging? So not a good idea.

  “Then she dies.” He raised the blade.

  Oh heck! Savannah thought, her only sound a squeal. This so isn’t happening. She closed her eyes, waiting for the knife to plunge into her. Shit, this is gonna hurt!

  “Over my dead body.” Micah hurled himself at him, throwing his body between the blade and Savannah and knocking it to the floor. He followed up with a flash of driving punches. Micah battered the man with ease to the floor and caught a glimpse of Savannah out of the corner of his eye.

  She’d crawled to her feet and flung herself at Charu, attacking her with the viciousness of a pit bull.

  It didn’t take much to overpower Jack. The hardest part was trying to contain his temper and hatred. Never in his life had he experienced so much loss of control, the need to rip the man apart. How dare he hurt Savannah? Micah so wanted to kill the bastard. Pinning the man to the ground, he flicked his mobile out and rang the police, along with Rio.

  Savannah had enjoyed knocking the hell out of the jealous bitch. It was almost a relief to set herself free of her jealousy. Her knuckles bled, and she sucked in a glut of air. God, she thought, it feels good to put her in her place. Then she glared at her, lying on the floor, her hand raised to protect her face. She still couldn’t believe Jack was the killer.

  Her sweet gent from the café?

  Christ, she thought, you sure can’t go by looks, because even a man who liked milky coffee and three sugars could be a psycho. Hell, she’d seriously upset him with her service.

  She glanced up at Micah, who nodded. It was over.

  A sad wave washed over her because she had a feeling that he’d be leaving soon. Why, she didn’t know, yet she sensed something. He appeared nervous.

  Micah held Jack in an arm lock, satisfied that she was safe, and waited. He looked across to Savannah and knew that the time had come.

  He would have to tell her. She’d be seriously pissed off, but then there was the ring and his proposal. That would swing it. He couldn’t wait to see her face.

  The thought instilled him with arrogant confidence.

  ***

  Savannah stood back and observed with deep-rooted curiosity the big blond-haired man across from Micah. Once assured she was unharmed, Micah had not spoken since the police had arrived and taken Jack and Charu away in the back of the van. So she was curious as to who this giant was. Savannah knew that if it wasn’t for Micah, she wouldn’t throw this man out of bed, given the chance. He was seriously fuckable, a day to her night that was Micah.

  One hot-assed alpha male. Sex oozed out of every pore.

  They’d disappeared into the house and were locked in the club lounge. Forever inquisitive, she pressed her head to the door, listening.

  ***

  Rio sucked in a sigh and necked his whisky. “So, what next?”

  “Well, those two twats can rot in jail for all I care,” Micah growled. “And I really hope they do after almost killing Anna. But if not, then I’ll see to the bastard.”

  “Does she know why you’re here?”

  “Are you real? Can you imagine her face if I said, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m here on a bet and I’m as rich as hell’?” Micah gave a short, sharp laugh.

  Rio shook his head in disbelief. “So she has no idea who you are?”

  “Nope, none whatsoever. She thinks I’m a poor bastard with a pregnant sister to support.”

  “You are joking me,” said Rio. “What the hell did you say that for?”

  “It seemed a good idea at the time to keep my job. Just wait till she finds out it’s a figment of my imagination.” He took another mouthful of his drink to steady his nerves. “That’s what’s worrying me.”

  Rio closed his eyes. “Please don’t tell me she swallowed that load of crap?”

  Micah gave a short laugh. “Afraid so. It just came along, when she was about to sack me. I had to think of something and she believed it.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Thank God she’s naïve … to say the least.”

  “So you’ve got her believing that shit?”

  Micah nodded and drew in a deep breath. “And now I don’t—” He didn’t finish the sentence.

  The door burst open and Savannah stormed in.

  She flew at him, her face a mask of fury. “You lying bastard!” she cried, stabbing her finger deliberately at his chest, knowing how he hated it.

  Rio looked on in amazement at the feral woman attacking Micah. And his reaction. Instead of turning on her with cold scorn and anger, he was taking each assault as if he deserved it.

  Micah paled. “It’s not what you think. I intended—” His words were cut off as her hand lashed out and slapped him hard across the face.

  Rio closed his eyes, waiting for the explosion. A second later, he opened them in surprise when none came.

  “To think I ….” Savannah had been about to say “loved you” and stopped. Angry te
ars ran down her face, and she swiped at them with the back of her hand. She couldn’t believe he’d lied to her. And that she’d fallen for it.

  It hurt. More than hurt, it devastated her. “Did you have fun? Did you?” she screamed. Her anger and fury were overtaking everything.

  “Anna, listen to me ….” He gripped her shoulder, trying to calm her down.

  “So, just who are you?” Again she prodded him with her finger. “Because no way are you a bouncer, you lying bastard.”

  “Honey, stop doing that,” he said quietly, dangerously, his own temper ignited.

  She glared up at him and deliberately poked him again. “So, come on, tell me.”

  He drew in a long breath. “I’m Micah North. I own North Holdings and I’m rich.” Hell, he felt as if he was on a TV programme introducing himself for a date.

  “And you actually had the nerve to take money off me? I paid for your petrol.” She held her face in her hands and pressed at her throbbing temples. “Hell, I even bought you food.”

  Rio raised a brow and stared at his friend. “She did?”

  Micah nodded.

  Savannah swallowed a glut of anger. He really was one lying bastard. “You twat! You really wound me in, didn’t you? But you screwed up big style, let me tell you.”

  “Anna?”

  “Get your hands off me.” Fury radiated off her as she slapped them away with a snap of her wrist. She recalled the stories he’d made up, how convincing he’d been. And how she’d fallen for them. Twat!

  Micah slowly dropped his hands, realizing she was beyond mad. That he’d really screwed up. “I was going to tell you.”

  “What, when your imaginary sister gave birth to a fictitious baby?” She paced the room and clutched her stomach. “Let’s not forget, it’s the same one you visited for two days and came back exhausted.” She rubbed her eyes, which stung with furious tears, and tried to take a calming breath. “I honestly thought it was stress and worry on your freaking sister’s behalf. Instead you’d obviously been sleeping around. That’s the truth, isn’t it, you lying wanker?”

  “I swear I didn’t sleep with anyone else.” Micah attempted to grasp her hand but she wanted none of it.