Table of Contents
Title Page
Book Description
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
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Acknowledgement
About The Author
Hero
The Battle
Hero Book 3
By M. S. Parker
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 Belmonte Publishing LLC
Published by Belmonte Publishing LLC.
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Book Description
Haze Welch has done something stupid. He's fallen for the girl he's being paid to protect. Worse than that, while he's home for a family emergency, his charge is kidnapped. As he races back to LA, he's determined to do whatever it takes to find Leighton and make sure she's safe again. He can only pray he's not too late.
I'd survived a lot, but I wasn't sure I could survive losing Leighton.
With the woman he loves in more danger than ever, Haze puts everything on the line, including his heart.
Don't miss the exciting finale to the sizzling military series, Hero.
Chapter 1
Leighton
It was dark.
Dark enough that it was impossible to tell if it smothered me or scared me with empty distance. I was afraid to move, afraid to find out if I was encased in blackness, or left in a black void. All I knew was that I was terrified.
Haze. I needed to think of Haze.
My mind clung to him, and the darkness became wide fields as I drifted into a dream.
I was wandering the farmland outside his Kansas home. A place I'd never seen, but I was an LA girl, through-and-through, so seeing the Hollywood version of the land seemed appropriate.
Still, it was dark, even in my dream, and fear crept in as I walked along.
Then, suddenly, he appeared and my fears ebbed away. He was tall, nearly a foot taller than me at six-three. His blond hair was the color of barley, the color of the waving fields around us. I wasn't sure if Kansas had barley or corn, but it didn't matter.
I watched him feed more wood into a bright campfire I hadn't noticed before. He'd brought my favorite quilt, a star-design of vintage floral fabrics that I usually kept hidden from most of the people in my life. I sat down on it, suddenly at ease. In the middle of the cold and the dark, we were cozy and safe.
“You'll learn to like it here,” Haze said.
“Maybe after I learn to like you,” I teased as I poured us each a glass of champagne.
He joined me on the quilt, leaning over to press his lips against mine. I could feel his smile. He knew better than to believe what I said. He knew me and I loved him for it.
The words came easily, but I wasn't surprised. Of course I loved him.
I frowned. “Wait a minute,” I said. “I'm mad at you about something.”
“Just trust me, sweetheart.” He brushed back a few of my wild red curls, his chocolate brown eyes serious. “I'm trying to protect you.”
“Then come and save me.”
I was up on my feet and moving, running faster than I thought I could, far out into the dark field. When I turned around, Haze was gone. The darkness invaded again and I held my breath until stars appeared above me.
Haze. I concentrated on him again and he appeared. This time, his kiss lingered, tenderness replaced by a searing need. His arms encircled me, iron muscles pressing against my arms, hands at the small of my back, drawing me along the hard length of his body. I reached up and slipped my arms around his neck, pushing up on my tiptoes to answer the plunging hunger of his kiss.
His sigh ended on a growl, the rough sound igniting my desire. I melted against him, wanting to be closer, warmer, our skin heating as we touched. Soon our clothes were no longer barriers, and not even the open night could cool our passion. He pulled me down to the soft ground, draping me across his wide chest. His hands brushed up and down my bare back, leaving traces of electricity with the lightest friction. His caresses made me shiver, and arousal flooded my core. The ache between my legs increased, and I rolled onto my back, pulling him over me, needing his weight.
His eyes swept down my body before two fingers trailed lightly across my skin. When he reached my hip and began to inch his way over my thigh, following the crease of my leg, he dropped his mouth to mine again. Our tongues met, tangled, until I gasped. His exploring fingers reached the apex of my thighs and I opened to him. He plunged one finger deep inside while his tongue delved just as deep, moving in perfect sync.
The rhythmic exploration set off fireworks in my body and I arched up off the soft ground, needing more. My aroused nipples brushed the hot iron of his chest, and I moaned, wanting to be closer. He answered by unlocking our kiss and moving down to brush his hot tongue over one tingling nipple. He slipped another finger inside me while his tongue circled my breast. When he trailed kisses across my chest, and captured my other aching nipple between his lips, I exploded.
He pressed his fingers deep inside me, feeling each wave of my shuddering climax. When the shockwaves subsided, he dragged his fingers out so slowly the wet friction made me instantly aroused again.
“Please, Haze, please,” I begged.
He locked his eyes on mine, and moved between my open legs. The head of his hard shaft bumped against me and I shivered. He pushed into me slowly, letting me feel every inch of him. I wrapped my legs around him, trying to pull him deeper, faster. I needed him inside me, filling me, stretching me.
“I won't leave you, Leighton,” he murmured as his mouth worked at the skin on my throat. “I'll keep you safe. Just trust me.”
“I trust you, baby. Please come for me,” I moaned.
“Together.”
He raised his head as he pulled back, then rocked against me, the pressure building as I answered every thrust with raised hips. We held our gaze until the pressure was too much, and then he caught my cries of pleasure in a deep kiss. We came together, the stars brighter above us, the world right as long as we were intertwined. This – he – was my safe place.
The shattering pleasure of the dream woke me, and I tried to recapture it as much as I could. Haze's strong arms around me. His warmth against my skin. Our promise to trust and to be together. The thin comfort of the dream was pierced by other thoughts as I came awake. Other thoughts and other feelings. Memories.
Like how pissed I was at Haze for keeping things from me, from lying to me about my own safety. I expected it from my grandfather, but not from Haze. I was supposed to be able to trust him, but he'd hidden something important. He’d treated me like a child and hadn’t told me that I was in danger.
And that wasn’t all I'd heard when I accidentally found myself eavesdroppin
g on a conversation between my grandfather and Haze.
Not only had they kept the increasing death threats a secret from me, but they'd also been discussing my relationship with Haze. It was more than Haze and I had even talked about. All of it had been enough to send me to the place I usually went when I wanted to lose myself.
Alcohol.
By the time Haze left to answer some family emergency, I'd already been on my way to drunk. I'd ended up being too drunk to turn down a night out clubbing with my back-stabbing, boyfriend-fucking best friend Paris. I hadn't even argued with Grandfather about taking along a temporary bodyguard.
The hazy memory of our drunken partying was enough to keep my eyes squeezed shut, but I felt the chill of something else right on the heels of the memories. I didn't want to open my eyes, didn't want it to be true. I was cold, but it went deeper than simple temperature. This was the sort of bone-deep cold that made everything hurt, including my head.
I didn't want to open my eyes, but I forced myself to do it anyway, and there was the darkness. I sat up, somehow foolishly thinking I could escape it, but the blackness was almost impenetrable. I could barely see the cords wrapped around my wrists and ankles, but I could feel them as they rubbed against my already sensitive skin. The fear tightened my chest, but couldn't stop the sobs from escaping. I sucked air back into my lungs on a shuddering cry, but didn't dare make a sound.
I had no idea where I was or who had taken me.
All I knew was I was alone, and I'd never wanted Haze more.
Chapter 2
Haze
The private jet had plenty of room, but I still felt trapped. The tan leather seats were wide and comfortable. There was even a sofa and a massaging arm chair, but as soon as I could stand, I did. The private flight staff kept suggesting drinks, or any variety of gourmet food prepared fresh in the plane's full galley.
“Mr. Pope said to make you feel at home,” the worried attendant said. “If you would be more comfortable in his state room, there is a queen-sized bed. You could rest until we're ready to land.”
“No, thank you, I'm fine.” I paced down the wide center aisle of the private jet. I felt bad for her, knowing she was just doing her job, but I couldn't worry about her right now.
We were almost to California, and it had been less than twenty-four hours since I'd gotten the call. I'd left because my older sister, Gwen, had gone into the hospital with pregnancy complications. Everything turned out fine, and I'd been enjoying spending time with my family, including my new baby niece. But then Devlin had called to tell me that Leighton was missing. Missing because I hadn't been there to protect her.
Devlin hadn't said that last part, but he hadn't needed to. I knew whose fault it was.
And I was the one who had to fix it.
Now, all I could do was will Leighton to be strong until I could get to her. No matter where she was or who had taken her, Leighton would survive. My fingers curled into fists as I swore for the one-thousandth time that her kidnappers would suffer.
“Mr. Welch? We need you to buckle up for landing.” The attendant wrung her hands as I continued to pace.
“Yes, fine.” I nodded absently. “There won't be any delays on the tarmac?”
“None, sir. Mr. Pope has a private runway.”
I sat down at the glossy table and loosely notched my seatbelt. My fingers drummed the table as the flight staff prepared for landing. I knew I had to sit down for this part, but it didn't make things easier.
Somewhere below us, Leighton was alone and needed my help. I hadn't been there for her, and that was bad enough. Granted, I had a good reason, but it didn't make me feel any less guilty. Worse than that, she'd been angry with me before I'd left, and I had no idea why.
I'd spent the night with her, and had gotten her grandfather's blessing to pursue a relationship with her. For one moment, it seemed like everything would work out. I renewed my focus on keeping Leighton safe, not only for her sake but for mine. I needed her, I wanted her, and if we were going to be together, I knew I needed to find the source of the threats and neutralize them. The first thing I'd wanted to do was tell her about the threats. Devlin refused.
I hadn't gotten a chance to disobey his order. Leighton had been wasted and that hadn't been the time to tell her. Besides, her behaving like a petulant child didn't make me want to be anywhere near her. If I hadn't been so worried for Gwen and the baby, I would've been relieved to have a reason to leave for a bit.
The private jet touched down on the tarmac, and as soon as the cabin was stable, I unbuckled my seat belt and stood up. The flight crew stared at me as I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.
“Mr. Welch, we'll let you know when we reach the hangar. It won't take long.” The same attendant tried giving me a tight smile.
“I'll wait,” I said.
I clenched my fist again. I was furious, but there was nothing to fight against. It was the worst sort of helplessness, especially for a soldier.
Finally, the attendant unlocked the door and pushed it open. I brushed past her, and started down the steps before anyone could go first. I'd hoped the tight bands around my heart would loosen when I touched the tarmac in California, but I didn't think that would actually happen until I had her in my arms again.
Devlin Pope jumped out of his limousine and strode across the tarmac to meet me as I stepped off the final step. He was a billionaire, a businessman who commanded the respect and attention of some of the most powerful people in Hollywood.
But right now, he simply looked like a man who was missing the most important thing in his world.
I wondered if I looked the same.
“Tell me everything again,” I said.
Leighton's grandfather had already related everything he could over the phone, and I already had a good idea what direction to go in, but I needed to hear it all again. The smallest detail could mean everything.
Devlin led me away from the private jet and toward the limo. “Leighton was last seen at Diabolique with Paris. They entered the VIP Lounge just before midnight and ordered bottle service. They stayed past closing. The private party was photographed by paparazzi and is all over social media.”
“Can we identify everyone seen in those photographs? You have the photographer's name?” I asked.
“Yes, and we're working on it. My network is sending me the names as we speak.”
The driver opened the back door of the car and Devlin climbed inside. I followed. My car was back at the house.
“The temporary bodyguard we sent with Leighton was photographed sitting at the table with Paris. You're sure he had nothing to do with this?” Devlin asked.
“I vetted him myself,” I said wearily. I'd personally picked him to be my back-up. I wouldn't have left Leighton in the hands of anyone I didn't trust.
“He can't account for the time when Leighton went missing,” Devlin said as the car started to move.
“He wasn't bribed, and if Paris seduced him in the back hallway, that should be easy to corroborate. You said there was paparazzi at the private party?” I asked. “I'm sure the photographer has picture proof, but has yet to find the right outlet or the right price.”
“I have no idea why Leighton was out with that revolting woman again.” Devlin made a disgusted sound. “You have no idea what set her off?”
I ran both hands through my hair. “I've been over that day a thousand times, and relived the timeline over and over. I only have one theory that works: Leighton heard us talking in your office.”
He sighed and nodded in agreement. “She heard us discussing the threats.”
“And we both know your granddaughter doesn't like people keeping things from her, especially something this big.”
“So, true to her reckless nature, Leighton decided to go on a bender to get back at us.” He picked up the story where I'd left off. “Why does she always insist on throwing her life away?”
I shook my head. He still didn't see it. “No, I don
't think that's it. I think she's looking for higher expectations, for us to treat her like she matters. She was upset, and decided the only thing she could do was exactly what we expected of her.”
Devlin’s eyebrows narrowed. “You're sure this isn't just her disappearing to get back at us?”
“I'm certain. The details coincide too closely with the last threatening letter. 'The Devil may take her if she stays out too late.' The club was called Diabolique. I didn't think to cross reference the names of LA hotspots and make that connection before you told me what happened.”
The car suddenly stopped as the driver slammed on his brakes. Before either of us could say anything, we heard a voice shouting from outside.
“Where is she? Where's Leighton?”
Ricky Gardener, asshole of a boyfriend slash ex-boyfriend, was standing in front of the limo. “Everyone's saying she's been kidnapped! What happened?”
I got out of the limo, ready to vent some of my frustration. He ran up to me, and I grabbed his wrist. My other hand clamped around his throat and I slammed him against the expensive car.
“Maybe her useless boyfriend realized he was about to be dumped and decided to get a little revenge. You better have a good alibi because this entire town knows what a sleaze you are.”
“Mr. Pope, help,” Ricky cried out. His light blue eyes were wide, the expression frantic. “I'm here to help. Honest.”
“Give him your alibi, Ricky.” Devlin's voice was flat, even. “And pray it holds up.”
Ricky flailed in his expensive sport coat, but couldn't dislodge my hand. He had one of those athletic builds that came naturally rather than at a cost. He'd never actually had to use those muscles and he'd find out in a few years that they wouldn't be there for him anymore.
“I was at a charity ball. There have to be photos. My parents chair the foundation. Safe drinking water or feeding orphans or some shit like that. You know, Mr. Pope, you donated, right?”
Without a word, Devlin pulled out his phone. A few minutes later, he spoke, “He's right, Haze. There was an after-party and concert that went until three in the morning.”