Claws & Curves (Garrett Clan Series - Book 1)

By Gabrielle Demonico

Screwed over and driven into bankruptcy by her conniving ex, curvy Jess Martin thinks she's just been given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get out of crushing debt and set herself up for the future.

Jess, a freelance newspaper columnist, has been hired to pen a biography about the reclusive and wealthy Garrett family. As part of her research, she must travel to the family estate, which sprawls over one hundred thousand acres in the Oregon high country.

Upon her arrival, Jess finds herself drawn to Calvin Garrett, the man who's hired her and one of four heirs to the family fortune. He's handsome, rich, classy and totally out of her league. That's a good thing because if she wants get paid for her work, the last thing she needs in her life are wild, lust-filled trysts with strange men in beautiful places.

Seriously. She doesn't need that.

However, in spite of her determination, the universe seems to have other ideas in store.

During a much needed break from her research, Jess wanders the property and encounters a bear... of a man... Andy Wallace. The Garretts' hunting guide, Andy, is the complete opposite of Calvin. He's rugged, cocky, impossibly handsome and the owner of the greatest butt Jess has ever seen.

Worst of all, he is exactly the sort of trouble Jess doesn't need in her life right now.

Before poor Jess even realizes it, hot men, an ancient curse and even the emergence of a bitter rival all conspire to make the assignment of a lifetime quite possibly the last one she'll ever have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gabrielle Demonico
• Release date: Aug 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310902062

Gabrielle Demonico

Thank you to all of my readers for your support! I am so grateful to each and every one of you for purchasing my titles. It means so much to me that you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy creating them. For those of you new to my work, you’ll likely be surprised by the variety you see. All I can say is that I have a sixth smut sense that knows no bounds! The plain truth is that I have a great passion for each of the tales I create. So, no matter which one(s) you purchase, you can be sure that I’ve done my best to deliver you a sexy, spicy tale. To keep up-to-date with my latest releases, please visit my website at (www.grdemonico.com). Thanks again! :)

Book preview

Claws & Curves

Garrett Clan Series (Book 1)

by Gabrielle Demonico

Copyright 2014

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

All participants in this title are 18 years of age or older.

***

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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 person. 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.

***

He’d cheated and lied.

Worst of all, the son-of-a-bitch dragged her down with him. Even though they were no longer together, she was still saddled with the heaviness of his presence. Forging her signature, he’d racked up nearly $100,000 in debt in her name.

But, thanks to her skillful, yet pricey, attorney Barry M. Blythe, Esq., she’d managed to get that reduced to the paltry sum of $78,342.12. Left with little choice but of a lifetime of indentured servitude or filing for bankruptcy, she’d decided with much regret upon the latter. Or at least, that was her plan when she arrived at his office. Even though she hadn’t piled up the debt herself, the idea of getting out of it this way went against her nature.

As always, Counsel Blythe maintained his pithiness with an explanation of her options. She often wondered how someone could speak with so few words and be so rich. All told, she’d racked up nearly $10,000 in fees to the salt-and-pepper-haired fellow seated across from her. Clearly, she’d chosen the wrong line of work as a freelance newspaper columnist.

So you understand what I’ve explained to you, Miss Martin?

With her hands in her lap, Jess Martin picked at her twelve-day-old nail polish. Peeling off tiny bits, rolling them between her fingertips and collecting them in her palms, she replied, Yes. I do.

Very well.

The attorney’s hands folded in neat assurance. Mr. Blythe gave her a courteous nod, slow and final. After all, this was like any other bankruptcy case to him.

But it wasn’t that way to Jess, not at all.

This was her life.

Reaching down, he gathered up the stack of papers which represented her ticket out of serfdom. Of course, the trade-off was a black mark against her disciplined financial life.

The air in the office was a little too cold, just enough so she noticed. Looking across a large credenza, Jess noticed photo after photo showing Mr. Blythe glad-handing with city dignitaries and local celebrities. Those images, along with the sweeping views from his twenty-story office window, conveyed a commanding bit of social proof. Combined, it lent an authority to his tone and his assurance that bankruptcy made sense in her case.

Even though Jess felt she was in no position to question it, she found that as the moments ticked by, she couldn’t help herself. Discomfort welled up inside and brought her to the edge of the fine Italian leather chair she sat in across from him. After nearly blurting out her query , she paused for a moment, placed her palms flat on the desk and let out a smooth, discreet breath.

What… if I say ‘no’? What happens then?

The lawyer’s eyes peeked up over the tops of his lenses like little moons. All motion from him ceased. …to the settlement? Is that what you are asking?

Emboldened for the moment, Jess gave a stiff, affirmative nod. Yes, to the settlement.

Wwwelll, he began. Of course, we’d have to contact each of the creditors, work out payment plan arrangements. Then there’s the matter of additional late fees, penalties and the like. It will be quite costly. I’m sorry Miss Martin, I’m afraid I don’t understand. I was under the impression you were satisfied with the details of what we’ve worked out here.

In a strange way, Jess almost felt like she was letting him down. I was. I mean, I am.

Jess grabbed hold of the cool, smooth fabric of the chair and shoved herself to her feet. She marched away from the area in front of his desk and before she realized it, cut a frantic pace in a five-foot by five-foot rectangle near the entrance to his office.

Bastard. she muttered under her breath as she walked. Jess ran her fingers through her wavy, thick hair and gripped a handful of it mid-scalp.

I’m sorry? the lawyer said with an elevated tone.

Realizing she’d cursed her ex out loud, Jess stopped and swiveled her head towards Mr. Blythe.

I wasn’t talking to you, Barry. Sorry about that.

Placing his hands flat on his desk, Mr. Blythe nodded and pushed himself into a standing position. Her mind too preoccupied with decisions she’d never imagined she’d have to make, Jess only noticed his movements in the periphery. Even so, there weren’t many of them. In fact, he remained quite still for several seconds and then stirred to life once more. Picking up a large manila envelope from his desk, the attorney leaned towards Jess and extended it in her direction.

Miss Martin, I was told to give this to you at the conclusion of our meeting today. To my knowledge, the individuals who supplied it have no awareness of your financial situation. In any case, I don’t think they will mind I’m giving it to you now, so long as you read it.

Jess wrinkled her brow in confusion. What is it?

Without replying, he lifted his chin in her direction and nodded for her to do as he instructed.

Uncertain, Jess flipped the envelope over and pried apart the small metal clasps. Folding back the top of it, she slipped her fingers inside and grabbed hold of a single sheet of paper which she pulled out and read. A minute or so later, she looked at the lawyer. I don’t understand. What is this?

The attorney cleared his throat and lowered his head, peering out at her over the lenses of his bifocals once more. Jess started to think he must have learned that his last year in law school. They must teach them that sort of thing for dramatic effect. Yet, his demeanor suggested no discomfort with delivering news of this sort. In fact, he showed no more emotion than he might if he were ordering takeout over the phone for a late night at the office.

The letter should be fairly clear, Miss Martin.

Jess felt her hand begin to tremble. Saliva drained from her mouth and left her with nothing more than a dry swallow. Her voice cracked. Someone wants to pay me $250,000 to write a biography about them?

Yes. He replied with the same matter-of-fact tone.

In the wake of his deadpanned response, her eyes traveled between the letter and the attorney’s unflinching stare.

I’ve also been instructed to inform you that if you choose to accept this offer, you will have to travel across the country first thing tomorrow. You will have to stay in the location until the project is completed and lastly, you will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. I have that here. Should you accept and sign the agreement before leaving here, $125,000 will be wired to your bank account tomorrow.

The man’s face etched a smile at the final bit of information. It appeared like a series of small cracks, an earthquake-like shift across a face that seldom shared such an expression.

Seems like quite the generous offer. Wouldn't you say?

Yeah, I would. How did they know I’m a writer and that I would need the money?

Miss Martin, that’s not something I’m at liberty to disclose. I’ve only been instructed to present the offer to you for your consideration. Nothing more. Speaking as your attorney, I would advise you to strongly think about it.

Reaching down, he patted the stack of papers related to her bankruptcy. I can get the hearing extended for you if you decide that you don’t want to pursue the bankruptcy at a later date. In the meantime, I’ll contact your creditors and let them know that if they’re willing to wait you’ll be in a position to pay your obligations. And seeing as how it’s cash, I might even be able to negotiate a further discounted settlement. Of course, you’ll need to accept the offer first.

Jess chewed her lip. Right, the non-disclosure. I’ve never signed one of those before. What does it say?

Mr. Blythe nodded his head. Reaching across the top of his desk, he picked up a piece of paper and extended it in Jess’ direction. There’s not much to it really. The primary thing you are agreeing to is not to share any information you come across while doing your research. Other than that, it’s fairly standard.

Taking the paper from his hand, Jess scanned it with her eyes. As he said, there wasn’t much to it. A couple of paragraphs and some places for dates and signatures.

I have to sign this before I leave?

Yes, the attorney replied. It’s the only way the funds will be released to you. If you change your mind, just call me and let me know. Otherwise, a designated representative of the family will be at your residence tomorrow morning at nine o’clock to pick you up.

Family? Jess replied as she placed the agreement down on her lawyer’s desk. What family?

In due time, Miss Martin, he said. Once you are at your destination, all of that will be revealed to you.

Shaking her head, Jess picked up a pen that lay nearby. After a few quick strokes, she clicked it shut and turned back towards Mr. Blythe with the paper in hand.

Here you go.

Her lawyer spun the page back towards his face. Excellent choice, Miss Martin. I’m sure this will turn out to be a wonderful decision for you.

A weary smile came to her face. I hope you’re right, Barry. I could use a bit of that in my life for a change.

***

Leaving her attorney’s office, Jess’ mind clouded with confusion. As she crossed the parking lot on the way to her car, the smell of rain wafted into her nose. She’d lived in Texas long enough to know that when the air carried the scent it did then, heavy and damp, the storm would be fierce and the rain torrential. Or, as her part Native American grandmother liked to say, The rain is comin’ down harder than a cow pissin’ on a flat rock.

Twenty minutes later, Jess drove into the edge of the weather front. Iron-colored thunderclouds towered tens of thousands of feet upwards. Large drops, big enough to count at first, splashed and splatted on the windshield. Pulling up to a traffic light, Jess pressed her foot against the stiff resistance of the brake pedal just as the skies opened.

Reaching down and switching on her wipers, Jess stared blankly through the gloom as the mechanical arms swished back and forth. The only one she could afford to replace, on the driver’s side, squeaked with efficiency while the other, worn down by time and neglect, left a wide swath of raindrops on the passenger’s side, partially obscuring her vision.

As she waited for the light to change, Jess glanced across to the passenger’s seat at the manila envelope. She took a quick peek at the red light before reaching over, grabbing it and pulling out the letter once again. Her eyes traced the strings of little black letters which represented her chance to change her life forever. Convincing herself something was too good to be true wasn’t a habit Jess had experience with in her short life. That was especially true when it came to her love life and the man responsible for her current state of misery, her ex, Tom.

Now living with his mother, Tom moved out several months earlier. As the stoplight switched from red to green, Jess released her foot from the brake and shook her head in disbelief. Everyone, all her friends and family, told her he was nothing more than a lazy so and so, good for nothing, insert any synonym for useless, man. Never again would she be lied to, not ever. The next guy who tried it would feel her full wrath, the one meant for Tom but never delivered.

As if being abandoned by him wasn’t bad enough, she’d followed him to Abilene from her home in Lubbock about a year earlier. With no one and nothing, aside from her freelance gig at the Abilene Independent, there wasn’t much keeping her there. Pulling into the parking lot of her apartment complex, Jess wrestled with her hesitation. With any luck, a stiff cocktail and a good night’s sleep would give her the clarity she needed to make her decision.

Getting ready the next morning after a good, but not great night’s sleep, Jess picked at her eggs, which she’d over-salted, again. After washing it down with a half cup of coffee and brushing her teeth, she sat at right angles on the edge of her sofa, staring at her luggage. Relax, she chided herself as she tried to keep the notion that they picked her for the job in the forefront of her mind. It wasn’t the other way around. Besides, if she really didn’t want to do it, all she had to do was explain that to whoever was showing up to