WindSwept Narrows: #11 Mariah Peyton

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Long dark brown hair tumbled from the solid black helmet, leather gloved hands hooking it on the back bar on the large motorcycle. Something was definitely off. Mariah Peyton moved toward the gas pump, one finger raised to her lips as she met the wide blue eyes watching her from the back seat of the car on the other side of the filling island.

She sighed thickly. Her hand went to the heavy zipper down the front of the black jacket, lowering it slowly and reaching inside as she approached the driver of the car. She tapped lightly on the window, a brightly deceptive smile on her face. Wide brown eyes surrounded by a cloud of dark brown and they fell all over themselves. Men were such gullible creatures. She leaned over a little, a view of the low front of her top momentarily distracting him as he wound the window down.

He froze in place when the familiar sound clicked in his ear.

“You know what that sound is?” She asked quietly, accepting his slow, resigned nod. “Hands on the wheel...does he have a gun, elf?” She saw the redhead nod rapidly. “Lift it out...very slowly...it’s cold and I don’t want to slip on this trigger...cheap gun...empty it onto the seat...is there another one?”

“He went inside to pay,” Eloise said softly.

“Unlock her door,” Mariah ordered, the click barely heard in the bustle around the gas pumps. “Wrap up in the blanket, elf, we need to hide that red. Stand over by my bike,” she said with a nod at the blanket the woman lifted from inside when she climbed from the back seat. “You...turn the car off...hand me the keys, nice and slow...” leather clad fingers wrapped around the jangling keys. “Good boy...now...pop the trunk.”

Mariah stepped back from the door, opening it and watching the main entrance to the quickie mart.

“No...don’t even open your mouth...I’m not interested,” she said simply, nudging him carefully with the gun in her palm. “I have a license for this...I bet you don’t have one for yours......now...get into the trunk...please...no noise...”

She closed the trunk and let it latch, dropping to her heels and using her finger nail to release the air from the tire near her. She stood up and moved to Eloise.

“Are you okay? Can you see inside the window? Which one is his partner?” Mariah followed her gaze.

“I’m much better now, thank you. He’s wearing the grey sweatshirt thing...they thought they would get money if...if they took me,” she only had one of the red gloves, both hands holding the heavy blanket tightly closed.

“There’s another helmet inside the case on the back of my bike...get it out and put it on...hide that hair,” Mariah suggested, leaning casually against the gas pump, her gaze never leaving the partner. “Do you know if he has a gun?” She sighed when the redhead nodded.

Mariah stepped up when the other man approached the car, her smile bright and voice light. “He said he had to go to the restroom...” she took a step toward him, letting him see the gun. “Now...no moves...” her hand patted his sides and back, the gun pulled free and dropped into the car after flicking the safety in place. “Let’s join your friend...”

“This isn’t your...” He swore when she brought her free hand up and grabbed his ear.

“No noise. I’ve had a long, long day...and I’m tired and I’m cranky.” She opened the trunk of the car, gesturing once and offering one arched eyebrow when he hesitated for only a moment. She slammed it down, replacing her gun in the holster and latching it in place. She moved efficiently, emptying the two guns onto the seat, raising the window and locking the car doors.

Mariah moved to her bike, straddling it and helping the redhead get on behind her. She had her phone out, tapping in 9-1-1 and handing it to the woman behind her who removed the helmet and accepted the phone.

“I’ll take you back...tell them we left the keys to the car on the gas pump and we’ll be...where ever you need to be returned

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Mar 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465822390

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Mariah Peyton

WindSwept Narrows

Book Eleven

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2011 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re 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 this author.

Chapter One

Thick, long dark brown hair tumbled from the solid black helmet, leather gloved hands hooking it on the back bar on the large motorcycle. Something was definitely off. Mariah Peyton moved toward the gas pump, one finger raised to her lips as she met the wide blue eyes watching her from the back seat of the car on the other side of the filling island.

She sighed thickly. Her hand went to the heavy zipper down the front of the black jacket, lowering it slowly and reaching inside as she approached the driver of the car. She tapped lightly on the window, a brightly deceptive smile on her face.

Wide brown eyes surrounded by a cloud of dark brown, a little exposed cleavage and they fall all over themselves. Men were such gullible creatures. She leaned over a little, a view of the low front of her top momentarily distracting him as he wound the window down.

He froze in place when the familiar sound clicked in his ear.

You know what that sound is? She asked quietly, accepting his slow, resigned nod. Hands on the wheel…does he have a gun, elf? She saw the redhead nod rapidly. Lift it out…very slowly…it’s cold and we wouldn’t want my finger to slip on this trigger…cheap gun…empty it onto the seat….is there another one?

He went inside to pay, Eloise said softly.

Unlock her door, Mariah ordered, the click barely heard in the bustle around the gas pumps. Wrap up in the blanket, elf, we need to hide all that red. Stand over by my bike, she said with a nod at the blanket the woman lifted from inside when she climbed from the back seat. You…turn the car off…hand me the keys, nice and slow… leather clad fingers wrapped around the jangling keys. Good boy…now…pop the trunk…

Mariah stepped back from the door, opening it and watching the main entrance to the quickie mart.

No…don’t even open your mouth…I’m not interested, she said simply, nudging him carefully with the gun in her palm. I have a license for this…I bet you don’t have one for yours…now…get into the trunk…please…no noise…

She closed the trunk and let it latch, dropping to her heels and using her finger nail to release the air from the tire near her. She stood up and moved to Eloise.

Are you okay? Can you see inside the window? Which one is his partner? Mariah followed her gaze.

I’m much better now, thank you. He’s wearing the grey sweatshirt thing…they thought they would get money if…if they took me, she only had one of the red gloves, both hands holding the heavy blanket tightly closed.

There’s another helmet inside the case on the back of my bike…get it out and put it on…hide that hair, Mariah suggested, leaning casually against the gas pump, her gaze never leaving the partner. Do you know if he has a gun? She sighed when the redhead nodded.

Mariah stepped up when the other man approached the car, her smile bright and voice light. He said he had to go to the restroom… she took a step toward him, letting him see the gun. Now…no moves… her hand patted his sides and back, the gun pulled free and dropped into the car after flicking the safety in place. Let’s join your friend…

This isn’t your… He swore when she brought her free hand up and grabbed his ear.

No noise. I’ve had a long, long day…and I’m tired and I’m cranky…and I’m not a real happy camper when I’m cranky. She opened the trunk of the car, gesturing once and offering one arched eyebrow when he hesitated for only a moment. She slammed it down, replacing her gun in the holster and latching it in place. She moved efficiently, emptying the two guns onto the seat, raising the window and locking the car doors.

Mariah moved to her bike, straddling it and helping the redhead get on behind her. She had her phone out, tapping in 9-1-1 and handing it to the woman behind her who removed the helmet and accepted the phone.

I’ll take you back…tell them we left the keys to the car on the gas pump and we’ll be…where ever you need to be returned to, Mariah said tiredly.

Yes…this is Eloise Paddington…I know…the men who took me are locked in their trunk at the gas station, she gave them the address quickly. No…I’m going home…I have a ride…yes, I’ll speak with the police there… she closed the phone and handed it back with a sigh. Questions…always questions…

I know the feeling, Mariah said quietly. Mariah Peyton.

Eloise Paddington…thank you very much for your help.

No problem… she slid her helmet over her head and tapped the one Eloise held, waiting until it was in place. Hold on and guide me to where you want to go…I’m not familiar with the area…it’s changed a great deal since I was last here.

It’s not far….are you just visiting? Do you have a place to stay?

After I filled up, that was my next destination. Lots of motels along the highway, Mariah answered easily.

My family has a very large house…we have some quarters we can offer you, Mariah, Eloise said firmly. Please…it’s safe and warm…

That’s kind of you, Mariah answered without accepting, quietly following the directions and riding for several quiet minutes before pulling below the overhang. People began swarming from inside the lowest level of the huge pavilion. You live here?

Oh, no…this is the family business, she said, lifting the helmet and sliding her booted foot to the ground. She had just dropped the helmet into the case when she saw him, tall, angular features pulled into a glare of grim fear and anger. Morgan! She took off at a run, crossing the concrete and launching herself into the open arms.

Mariah kicked the stand into place and stepped onto the concrete, hooking the helmet on the back of the bike. A smile touched her lips as she watched the reunion. She didn’t know the full story yet, but the ending was obviously happy and that’s all that mattered to her.