Capturing Kate

By Marie Kelly

When Kate Pallen is invited to New York to meet with a father she has never known, she has no idea what lies in store for her. After a failed kidnap attempt, she must go into hiding with the one man who seems immune to her man-eating ways.
Kai Conners, bodyguard to the rich and famous, is still reeling from being betrayed by the woman he thought himself in love with. Now his past is catching up with him, and he has the added complication of dealing with Kate, who is beautiful, smart, funny and far too much in his head.
Can Kate and Kai work together to keep her alive without succumbing to the intense attraction burns between them both.
Excerpt
Pulling her hand from his, Kate could feel the frustration building within her as she stepped back from him, a snarl coming to her lips, “What’s wrong Kai? Don’t I do it for you? Do you prefer needy little daddy’s girls?”
She knew she was being unfair, but his rejection of her stung, the feeling of being trapped once more eating at her as she wrapped now-shaking arms around herself, glaring at the man who stood silently watching, his mouth now grim, his voice low. “Enough Kate. I know that you are feeling restless right now but what you are suggesting is a bad idea, dangerous even and I am telling you to calm down and choose a movie.”
Kate flung her head back, a harsh half-laugh leaving her. “TELLING me? Who the hell do you think you are? You are a glorified babysitter, and believe me, I have not needed one of those for more years than I can remember. I am more than capable of looking after myself.” With those words thrown at him she moved to the door, determined to be out of the room, away from him.
His hand grabbed her once more, this time hauling her around, making her cry out in surprise before he pushed her none-too-gently against the wall, halting her progress, Kate gasping in stunned shock before her arms flew to smack him. His hands grabbed her wrists before she could touch him, both then pulled above her head as he lent in against her, trapping her against the wall.
Struggling as much as she was able, Kate could feel the panic and frustration at being trapped within the small room swamp her, a shrill, high-pitched cry leaving her lips before his mouth clamped down on hers, the sound swallowed up as she continued to fight him.
Kai had only meant to restrain her, the way she exploded against him taking him by surprise as she struggled, her thrashing arms flailing against him as he imprisoned them securely above her head. The scream which left her lovely mouth had to be silenced, Kai knowing that even in the low budget hotel, a woman’s screams would attract attention – attention they did not need. With his arms holding her raised, he used the only other part of him that could be used to silence her, his mouth, covering hers stifling the sound.
Kate fought him, desperately trying to tear herself free, but he continued to hold her securely, her body plastered against the wall and against the hardness of him as she was completely unable to move, every part of her immobilised by him. As his kiss softened, his tongue sliding along hers, the screams turning into small moans as he shifted to grasp both her wrists in one hand while the other slid around her waist, pulling her even closer against the hardened heat of him.
She felt herself go limp, the fight fleeing from Kate as his kiss fired up other reactions, her body melding against his, the desire to escape from him disappearing as she succumbed to the insistent slide of his tongue. The hand holding her wrists dropped to comb through the long silky strands of her hair, Kate’s arms dropping to wrap around his neck, she losing herself in the taste of him, the smell of this man – this man she hardly knew, losing herself in the desire which swamped her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: Aug 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311587541

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

Book preview

Capturing Kate

By Marie Kelly

Published by Marie Kelly at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Marie Kelly

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 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.

Visit the author website:

www.romancemarie.com

Marie Kelly

Other titles

Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure

Captured

Kidnapped The Wrong Sister

My Son

Blackmailed For Vengeance

Mia

The Unwilling Mistress

The Wedding Deal

The Billionaires Mistress

Blackmailing the Billionaire

Saving the Billionaire

Substitute Starlet

Her Two Tycoons

The Billionaire’s Blackmailed Heiress

Billionaire’s Second Chance

Secretary with Benefits for the Billionaire

Billionaire’s Revenge

Billionaire’s Society Mistress

The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride

Blackmailed Merger

Chapter One

Kathryn Pallen stood at the window, her beautiful brow furrowed in deep thought as her straight white teeth savaged her bottom lip. A long sigh escaped her as she stared unseeingly into the darkness of the night. Outside, all was still and silent, the serene view in total contrast to the way her insides churned, turmoil and disquiet filling her.

Her head flicked round, hearing the man on the bed turn in his sleep, coldness seeping into every part of her as it always did after she took a man home. She could feel the need to have him gone, to once more be on her own, self-loathing filling her as a shiver ran down her spine. She needed to take a shower, to feel clean, her mind wondering how best to wake him and have him leave, disgusted with herself that she did not even remember his name.

Sighing heavily once more, she chastised herself. Why did she do it? Why did she bring these macho morons home? They would approach her with their cheesy lines, their intentions barely hidden as they leered lecherously at her wonderful body, and she would let them – encourage them even.

She scowled as the handsome blond man stirred, sitting up in bed. He had earlier declared himself to be a banker, Kate not believing him as he was unable to even calculate the percentage for the tip. Hey... What time is it?

His sleepy voice resulted in another sigh leaving her as she pasted on a smile, moving to sit beside him on the bed, her eyes dropping to read the luminous dials of her watch. 2:30.

Dammit. The man was instantly awake sliding from the bed as he grabbed his clothing from the floor where each item had fallen in their frenzied lovemaking only hours earlier. Sorry babe, I have to go. You understand.

Kathryn could only feel relief as she nodded, It’s fine – no problem.

He moved to drop a kiss on her mouth, what she presumed he thought a charming smile on his lips. I’ll call you. Promise. Kathryn nodded, not really caring if he did, knowing that if he did she would brush him off. Hearing the door shut with a soft click, she exhaled a breath of relief, her hand reaching out to open the drawer by the side of the bed, her fingers pulling a sheet of paper from within. Once more her eyes scanned the few words, the anger and bitterness at each one clenching her stomach before she sat back, allowing some semblance of calm to settle on her. She had to change, needed to change, this time her look more thoughtful. Perhaps the means lay here, her eyes once more reading the note.

Dear Kathryn:

This is a difficult letter to write. I know that you have no idea who I am, or perhaps you do – who knows what your mother told you – but I am your father. My name is Antonio Spirelli.

I understand this must be a huge shock to you, but I need to see you, need to explain. I have enclosed first class tickets to New York. The flight is for Thursday, and I have booked you a room at the Hilton. The return is open, because it is my hope that you might stay for longer and give us the opportunity to get to know each other. I would really like to meet up with you on Friday and I can only pray that you will give me the chance to speak with you.

Dropping the letter onto the bed Kate stood, her mind made up, as she moved to the shower – come 9:00 that morning, she would be on the New York flight.

Kai Conners woke with a start, his body coated with a fine sheen of perspiration, the residual effect of the nightmare. His hand automatically touched the puckered scar on his shoulder, his other rubbing his eyes, trying to wipe away the memory of her face. A pained groan left him; it had been six months, his body completely recovered, so why did he still dream of her? His mouth tightened knowing the answer. His job in Special Forces had seen him wounded on many occasions, some more life-threatening than others, but when she shot him, it had been more than his body she injured. He had trusted her, damn it. In truth, he had been in love with her. How could he have been so wrong? Bitterness once more swamped him as he jack-knifed from the bed, needing to rid himself of the memories.

Quickly, Kai pulled on shorts and a vest top before he padded his way to his private gym, making for the punching bag. Wrapping protective tape around his hands, he took a deep cleansing breath before performing a scissor jump, his leg slamming against the hard hide, the ‘thump’ sound reverberating around the room, he giving a small satisfied smile seeing the way the pendulous bag swung with the ferocity of his connection.

For the next hour, he practiced kicks and punches till his body complained, the pain cleansing his mind of the memories from the past, those memories more painful than any physical hurt. Finally catching sight of the time, he moved to the shower, knowing his day was going to be a busy one, looking forward to his meeting that evening with an old friend and client.

Kathryn moved through the glass doors, the sudden brightness making her blink before her brown eyes swept around the interior of the up-market bar. Taller than average at 5’6, she stood with the confidence of a woman sure of herself, many male eyes turning at the stunning brunette who had just walked in.

Moving towards a table central to the room, her perfect body swayed sensually, the dress she wore modest and elegant, the ultimate in chic, her long black hair pulled into a knot on her head. Wearing stilettos, her long legs moved with assurance, this woman portraying an air of sophistication to all those watching her, none aware that inside she felt sick, nervous and full of a panic which she was struggling to keep hidden beneath the cool persona she tried so hard to portray, only her dark eyes revealing the battle raging within.

Kate! She ignored the first call, her attention still focussed on searching the area. However, the next cry, Kate Pallen was much closer. The sound of her name over the muted noise of the bar stopped her in midstride, a surprised look rushing to her features. Only those close to her ever referred to her as Kate and she spun around to see who had called. With wide eyes, a bubble of laughter rose to her mouth seeing the man quickly descending upon her.

Dante? She threw herself into his arms, his winding around her waist, enveloping her as he pulled her against himself, lifting her high in the air, his handsome face breaking into a heart-stopping smile.

My God Kate, it is good to see you. As he released her, she smiled softly seeing the way his eyes rose to look behind her, warmth filling her knowing why. Are you with somebody?

She heard the hope on his tone before she shook her head, disappointment which he tried to hide entering his eyes, her voice soft, No, sorry Dante, Samantha is still at home.

He tried hard not to show his disappointment as a small smile touched his sensual mouth, Kathryn once more admiring his good looks, knowing that he was one man she would never hit on. While it was all finished, Dante had been the love of her best friend Samantha’s life, their breakup still shrouded in mystery.

Her eyes rose to look behind him as the tall stranger coughed slightly, Dante giving a small laugh as he stepped back, introducing the man beside him. Sorry, my apologies. May I introduce a friend of mine - Kai Conners.

The stranger took her hand, his large, firm and warm as he shook it quickly, Nice to meet you Kate.

She smiled warmly back, his voice like honey trickling down her spine, the unmistakable Australian accent making her lips curl wider, thinking that it suited him so well. It is nice to meet you also, her lovely eyes taking in everything about him. Tall, even taller than Dante, with dirty blond hair and brown, almost golden, intelligent eyes which sent tremors through her, she admired Kai him.

With an amused thought she wondered if Dante knew anybody who was not drop-dead gorgeous, Kai the epitome of an Aussie surfer, his broad shoulders and slim hips contained within designer jeans and shirt, a leather jacket pulled over both.

At any other time she would have been all over the handsome Australian, Kathryn not a woman who shied away from going after what she wanted. Her appetite for men was well known to Dante she knew, the Greek’s voice pulling her eyes from Kai, aware as he had silently watched her too, a slow sensual knowing smile filling his features. Kathryn gave an internal sigh. At any other time, her lustful thoughts broken by the knowledge that this was not any other time.

What brings you here Kate, business or pleasure?

Kathryn gave Dante a nervous return smile as she pulled herself taller, presenting a more neutral expression on her face. Business... I’m meeting somebody.

Flicking a quick look around the room, knowing that the contact would be there soon she had not wanted to be seen in the company of another man. Painting a large hopefully reassuring smile on her face she stood back, I really should get a table.

Dante grinned back at her. Not so fast there Miss Pallen, fishing a card from his pocket. This is my number. Phone it when you can and let’s catch up. Kathryn gave a warm return smile as she nodded, inclining her head to the man who stood silently watching all that was going on, his eyes narrowing slightly, before giving her the faintest hint of a smile as she turned and moved towards the central table which had just become available.

Sitting, Kate ordered a soft drink, her brown eyes flicking nervously to the door as each new person entered the bar. As men approached her, she quickly, politely, but firmly declined each and every advance, not aware as her hands clung to the glass.

From the other side of the room Kai Conners watched the stunning brunette, a frown on his handsome features. Pretty girl, his voice sounding bored as Dante flicked a mocking look at him, his eyes full of laughter.

Beautiful girl, he corrected, his friend’s lips quirking as he took a drink of his beer inclining his head.

OK, beautiful girl, a small laugh leaving the two as his expression became more quizzical, But not one you are interested in, said more as fact than a question as Dante smiled once more nodding softly.

Nope

Kai looked once more at the woman still sitting by herself. So, something to do with this Samantha she mentioned?

Dante lifted his bottle, his expression shutting down. Don’t go there Kai, his friend giving a nod, knowing better than to push. For a second there had been silence before Dante began to talk about some business he needed help with, Kai the best security man he knew. Kai, while listening attentively, found his attention dragged back time and again to the woman still sitting by herself, his eyes constantly monitoring the area.

Kai owned one of the most exclusive security companies in New York, providing bodyguards and security for the rich and famous, he himself having an impressive pedigree with years in special services both abroad and domestically. He had survived and prospered on his ability to not only perform well under fire and deal calmly with situations which would have sent lesser mortals running for cover, but also for his sixth sense. Many of his colleagues had joked about his ‘spider sense’, he seeming to smell out trouble before it actually happened, and right now his spidey senses were tingling. Something was not right. In fact, something was seriously wrong.

Still listening to Dante, he continued surreptitiously to watch, his eyes narrowing even further as a man slid into the seat opposite her, this time Kate not coldly asking him to leave as she had done on earlier occasions as singletons would sidle up to her. This time she moved forward to talk intently to the man. Kai’s calculating eyes slid down the newcomer, grimness straightening his lips. No, he did not like this one little bit.

Kathryn looked up in surprise as the man, dressed in a black suit, sat down facing her. Tall, muscular, but slim with eyes fixed on her, she had been about to ask him to leave as he drawled softly, Miss Pallen?

Her eyes widened in relief, Yes.

The man gave a minute smile. Thank you for coming all this way. We apologise for the cloak and dagger approach, but unfortunately it really was necessary. May I get you a drink?

About to refuse, he rose, moving quickly to the bar, Kathryn scowling at his retreating back. She did not want a drink – she wanted answers, frustrated as he moved away.

Returning with two bottles of beer he held them out to her, allowing her to choose one for herself. Frowning softly she finally took one, her eyes darting around the room, What is going on? You told me that my father was in trouble. A father, I might add, that I have NEVER met.

The stranger regarded her somberly for a few seconds, seeming to be trying to work out how best to approach the woman whose picture had done her little justice. Your father is in trouble Miss Pallen and he needs to make sure that you are safe. He has hired me to protect you and fill you in on the situation.

Kathryn’s eyes widened in disbelief. Protect me! Why the hell would I need protection?, the words hissed out in an angry whisper.

Please stay calm Miss Pallen. The stranger’s eyes darted from side-to-side in case anybody had overheard her outburst. My name is Jensen and your father is in protective custody with the government. His last employer was a powerful man who is now facing some serious prison time because of your father’s upcoming testimony. He is looking for any leverage to get to your father and he found out about you. I am here to ensure that you are protected from this man.

Kathryn sat back, shock on her lovely face as she swigged a large mouthful of the beer, her eyes unseeing as she let Jensen’s words sink in. After several moments, her brows furrowed, her look moving to the stranger, her voice wary, You told me that if I showed up that I would meet my father HERE.

Nodding, he confirmed her instructions.