Always

By Jodi Langston

Writer, Alexandra Martinson, woke from a coma ten years ago not remembering Detective Rick Ryan and the love they shared. As Rick readies himself to tell her how he feels, fate throws another obstacle in his path, actor Thane Hunter.
When Alex’s ex-husband goes in search of revenge, Rick and Thane must work together to save her. Only one man will do whatever it takes to make sure she survives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jodi Langston
• Release date: Sep 18, 2010
• ISBN: 9780983016007

Jodi Langston

Jodi is a lover of all things creative. She's been writing and drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She write poetry as well as prose.She can be found roaming around my city camera in hand taking photos of wildlife and prairie wildflowers.Samples of her books, photos and poetry can be found at her blog.

Book preview

Always

Jodi Langston

Smashwords Edition

Copyright ©2010 Jodi Langston

All rights reserved

Cover art by Dan Reed

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Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgement

Thank you to the following people

Jane and Dania for all your hard work

Mark, Jenny and Glo for your friendship and encouragement.

Prologue

I can’t believe how quickly you’ve healed. This is some of the best work I’ve ever done, Doctor Phelps said, examining Chris Parker’s face. It had been less than a month and the scars from his surgery were almost gone. He had a new face and new identity, to go along with his new life.

Chris admired his new face in the mirror. A few minor changes and he didn’t even recognize the man who stared back at him. Even the nose that the damn cop broke looked as good as new. The doctor performed his special jobs out of his fancy ocean front house. It was his way of keeping his drug dealing nephew safe in prison.

You were married to that writer, Alex Martinson? You tried to kill her that’s why they sent you to prison, right?

Up until that moment he didn’t like the thought of killing the doc, but he couldn’t take the chance of him going to the cops. He learned ten years ago to trust no one, not even the woman he loved. What was one more body if it meant he could finally take his revenge on Alex? Chris felt his temper flare at the stupid doctor’s statement. You didn’t try to kill someone. You either killed them or you didn’t.

That’s what they tell me, his voice was cold and emotionless.

He was pretty high that day and didn’t remember most of what happened. What he did remember was waking up in the hospital ward with a broken nose and a few cracked ribs compliments of the cop that had been chasing after his wife. Every time they had a fight, there he was, holding her hand and making a big deal out of nothing. He had lost control from time to time but Alex didn’t get any more than she gave, always nagging and belittling. Nothing he did was ever good enough. She acted like a dog that had been beat too much, always flinching and moping. Because of her, that cop, Detective Rick Ryan, was always dogging him. A simple case of a domestic disagreement ended up with him being charged with attempted murder. He had served ten years of a twenty-year sentence.

Not even my mother would recognize me now. Thanks, Doc. Powerful hands wrapped around the doctor’s throat and squeezed until the struggling stopped. He had bulked up in prison, putting on nearly forty pounds of muscle. Pity and mercy were for the weak and that weakness had been beaten out of him during his first month in prison. He had come out of that place a harder, more dangerous man. He had never been part of a gang but got caught up in the middle of an attempted hit on one of the gang’s leader. Being at the right place at the right time had earned him this chance to start over, and had nearly cost him his life. It seemed like it took years for the stab wound to stop aching, but now he was even better than before. People got out of his way when they saw him coming and he liked the rush of power that came with that.

He loaded the doctor’s body into the Scarab boat and headed out into the ocean. Three- thousand-seven-hundred and fifty-two days since he had walked barefoot in the grass or had a moment of privacy. Ninety-thousand hours to savor the sweetness his revenge would bring. He wrapped the anchor around the body and pushed it overboard, watching it disappear slowly beneath the surface. By the time it washed ashore he would be done and long gone to somewhere warm and tropical. It was good to finally feel truly free, to taste the ocean’s salty spray on his lips. To be swallowed by the infinite stillness of the night. The stars twinkled in the night sky and he felt a peace he hadn’t felt in years. For a moment, the thought of taking revenge on Alex faded into the blackness.

He parked the doctor’s Porsche a few blocks from the hotel. The city reeked of exhaust and urine, but this is what freedom smelled like. No key cards or concierge service at the rat hole he called home. Chris returned to the motel with a copy of Alex’s latest book and sneered at the dedication. He threw the book, knocking the only lamp in the room to the floor. The pathetic woman he had married was now the rich and famous writer, Alex Martinson. His temper flared when he saw she had taken back her maiden name. She would never be able to sever the bond between them; until death do them part. He never dreamed anyone would want to read her stupid stories; but as his father told him, ‘there was a sucker born every minute.’ To make matters worse, they were turning her book into a movie.

He took a deep breath and looked around the hole he was living in. It wasn’t much better than the prison cell he had called home, and God knew it didn’t smell any better. There was a gentle rap at the door. His breath caught in his throat momentarily, and the adrenaline rushed through his veins. Then he realized a cop wouldn’t, knock especially not Alex’s cop. He would come in, guns blazing. He walked to the door and threw it open quickly. The woman on the other side jumped back, startled. The smile on her face soon vanished when she looked into his eyes.

I’m sorry, wrong room, she stammered nervously. He said nothing, just looked down on her with a stare that chilled her to the bone.

She was a hotel hooker, still young, but prematurely aged from the years of abuse and drugs. The adrenaline buzz was still flowing and he would have yanked her in and put an end to her miserable life, but he had work to do. He watched her run down the stairs and told himself maybe he would finish this one off when he was done with Alex. He locked the door behind him and headed to the fridge.

Alex was very predictable. He had figured out the codes to her accounts. Once he got hold of her money he wouldn’t be bedding down in a room that was rented by the hour. It would be bottles of Dom and the finest cigars her money could buy. After reading the book’s dedication he realized he was right. His precious wife had been screwing the cop all along. No wonder he followed her around like a guard dog doing her dirty work. She was too ashamed to face him at his parole hearings because she had broken her vows. The bastard cop made sure he stayed in jail so he could keep getting what he wanted. The thought of that pig touching her sent waves of rage through him. He was abruptly brought back to reality by the cold milk leaking onto his feet. In his anger he had squeezed the milk carton so hard his fingers had punctured it, spilling its contents all over the floor.

Chapter 1

Alexandra Martinson paced back and forth, her mouth agape. What do you mean you’ve booked me on a flight out tomorrow? I don’t like to fly, and I’m not a screenwriter. Isn’t the producer or the director supposed to be handling this?

He is, honey, and the director called me personally. You’ve heard of Kyle Winslow? Who better to call than the writer who wrote the book? He said they can’t make things work and they’ve had to stop production. You know who the leading man is, don’t you? Thane Hunter, your favorite actor. Who better to play the hot and handsome Tyler Fletcher, than the hot and handsome Thane Hunter? Kim asked

Kim had been Alex’s agent for the last nine years and had never steered her wrong. Alex smiled and gave an inner giggle. Thane was one of the few child-star success stories. He started acting on TV in his early teens. Today, in his thirties, he was a big screen heartthrob with a few ex-wives under his belt. Thane didn’t waste his time drinking and partying. He put all his energy into the pursuit of women. He seemed to marry every woman he bedded. No wonder he worked all the time.

You need to do this, Alex. They’re talking about turning the sequel into a movie as well. Just pop one of your magic pills and deal with it. If things get too bad, I’ll be there for you. Besides, you owe me, after all the book signings I’ve gotten you out of. I know how hard it is for you to leave the house, but I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important.

Alex was getting more and more phobic, and the thought of that worried her. She had hardly left the house in the last few months. The less time she spent with Rick, the more she withdrew from life. The man had a way of making her do things, like it or not.

I know it’s the flying and all the people in a confined space. When you’re done you can relax. Consider it a mini vacation. Vermont in the fall. Think how lovely it is, with all the color.

Alex’s stomach flipped at the thought of her honeymoon, almost fifteen years ago. The marriage was all downhill from that day on. Chris spent the entire Caribbean cruise in a rage because other men were looking at Alex in her bathing suit. His aggression toward other men at the beginning of the cruise turned to aggression toward her by the end. She spent most of the honeymoon locked away in their cabin, only going out to eat dinner with him and careful not to wear anything provocative. She told herself it was the wedding jitters and that it would go away after the ceremony but to her dismay it got worse. She had always thought of him as a little paranoid, but the last few months of their marriage was unbearable. What had begun with love, honor and cherish, had ended with him in prison for attempted murder- hers.

They did offer you a private plane, if that helps, Kim added, with her fingers crossed.

Yeah, I get to die alone in a fiery crash instead of with a hundred other people.

Get a grip, Alex. You’ve got a better chance of walking outside and getting struck by lightning, Kim chided.

And you wonder why I don’t go out much. If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. I feel like I’m a disaster waiting to happen. I can’t explain it. Something just hasn’t felt right lately. It had been almost a year since her last nightmare, but now they were back with a vengeance, robbing her of what little sleep she did get.

You’re a bestselling author, how much luckier can you get? They’re turning your book into a movie. That’s not to say that you don’t have talent. Kim paused, unsure of how to continue. Alex, you don’t go out at all anymore. I’m worried about you. When was the last time you took your convertible out and felt the wind blowing through your hair? What does Rick say about this?

I haven’t seen him much lately. He’s been trying to finish one of the houses he’s rehabbing, before the market bottoms out. Maybe he finally met someone and is trying to have a life without this crazy writer. She let out a long sigh. It was only a matter of time before she lost him. It’s been almost ten years. I’m surprised he’s hung around this long. There was a hint of pain in her voice. She quickly put that thought out of her mind. Rick was her best friend, and a life with out him was unthinkable. She wondered sometimes what would have happened to her without his strong shoulder to lean on for support. No doubt, she would have been locked away in an asylum, curled into the fetal position waiting for the end of her days. No, she was too strong for that. She had fought too hard to live. She should be enjoying this time while her crazy ex was still locked up tight behind bars. One day she would have to contend with his release. Thank God, that was still years away.

You’re not crazy, honey, you’ve been through so much. You need to do this. Don’t think about it or you won’t. Just say yes. Take a chance and shake things up. It will be good for you. Suck it up and do it, she ordered.

Alex didn’t know what to say. Kim had done so much for her over the years. How could she turn down the opportunity? It would be the chance to see her words come to life on the big screen and be lucky enough to be a part of the process. She felt foolish that she let her life be ruled by fear and paranoia. What would Rick think of her turning down the opportunity? She knew Kim was right. This was something she had to do.

I’ll go if I can have the private plane.

Really? Oh my God! This is so great. You won’t regret this, Alex, Kim squealed. Maybe I’ll stop by and meet Mr. Hunter.

Just remember, you’re a married woman, Alex scolded.

For him I might be able to forget. Have you talked to Rick about your latest book? Kim asked.

Why would I do that? That reminds me, I have to send him a copy.

Don’t worry, I’m sure Rick will be talking to you about it.

What are you talking about? Alex asked innocently.

For an intelligent woman, Alex, sometimes you are so dense, Kim said. Alex had feelings for her hot cop. She just didn’t realize it yet. For anyone who knew the two, it was obvious the feeling was mutual. Kim had never seen a man more devoted to a woman than Rick was to Alex. She had always hoped the two would be able to put the past behind them and make a life together. They both deserved the happiness that love could bring them.

Alex hung up the phone. Kim always referred to Rick as her hot cop but she knew she was nothing more than a project, much like the run-down houses he fixed up and sold in his spare time. Alex wasn’t certain she could ever be fixed and ready to move on, and she couldn’t ask Rick to keep waiting for her. He deserved a woman who could give him a family and a normal life. She wasn’t sure she could give him either of those things even if he wanted her to. The pain of her past betrayal was like an impenetrable wall. No one had been able to break through, not even Rick, the man who had saved her life. But hope of someday finding love and security was what got her out of bed each day.

Detective Rick Ryan had been with her since the beginning. He was just a beat cop when they first met, answering a domestic call at her house. The neighbors would hear the commotion and call the police. Rick always seemed to be the one who answered. Chris viewed every man as a threat to his marriage. He became enraged when Rick tended to her injuries and brought her an ice pack. He charged Rick one time and got sprayed with mace for his efforts. Payback is a bitch, Alex thought as Chris writhed, choking and gagging, on the floor.

That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Their relationship grew stronger over the years and had lasted longer than her marriage. With no wife and kids, Rick worked nonstop, but was always there for her whether it was day or night, whenever panic seized her; she knew he would always be there at her side. When she was feeling especially badly he would magically appear at her door with her favorite comfort food and something smothered in chocolate for dessert. She never had to ask for his comfort and support, it was given so freely. More than once she had awakened to find herself wrapped safely in his arms.

How could a man with movie star looks, eyes that reminded her of the Caribbean Sea and the patience of a saint still be alone? So many times she wanted to reach out to him but there was always that nagging doubt- had something about her pushed Chris over the edge? The men in her life turned violent: first her father, then Chris. She couldn’t take the chance of loving Rick and destroying him as well.

Alex was already regretting her decision to take the trip. She couldn’t imagine what she had to offer the famous Hollywood director, Kyle Winslow. She knew nothing of screenwriting, or what these Hollywood types would expect from her.

She made an emergency call to her hair stylist and dug through her closet. What does one wear to meet Thane Hunter? Her heart began racing at the thought of him. She went into the bathroom and took a pill, washing it down with a cola. She called the pharmacy and got refills on all her prescriptions. God help her, she was going to need them.

Alex sat up in bed with a start. The clock on the nightstand said it was two in the morning. Her nightmare jarred her awake. Her heart was pounding, she was covered in sweat. She had no memory of what woke her up each time, and for that she was grateful. Over the last few months, fear had crept back into her life and the nightmares had returned. There was a malevolence that hung over her like a storm cloud waiting to strike her down. She reached for the phone to call Rick but stopped. He was no doubt enjoying the respite from her late-night calls, and then she’d have to explain the trip and that seemed like too much work at the moment. Hopefully, she’d be back before he missed her.

Alex stripped on her way to the bathroom. The warm sprays of the shower washed the sweat and tension from her body. She looked at herself in the mirror, disgusted at the person she saw. She prided herself on being a survivor, her spirit bent but not broken. Yet she’d spent the last ten years hiding in the darkness. She hated to admit it but in