Captured by Fate, Max & Kate Series

By Lisa Powell

Max never thought love would be possible for him. In his line of work it was too dangerous. He never had a relationship that lasted more than a few months, he never wanted one. Then fate stepped in. Max was doing fine on his own, until is ordered to work with a spitfire Kate. This five foot nothing woman came into his life and turned it upside down. He is a hard and brutal man and puts Kate through hell. He tried everything he could to run her into the ground, to make her quit. But she is tough, real tough. Then Max saw something in Kate and he begins to back off. He doesn’t realize she has already captured his heart.
Kate loved once and it almost destroyed her. She vowed never to love again. She only uses men now. They are nothing but a play thing to her. Kate vowed never to love again. Love only brought her pain, hate, rage and anger. She was running away from a past life that haunted her. She buried the pains deep, so deep that some of her memories were lost. She wanted to start a new life when she ran into Max. Now when he gets close her body shakes and shivers. She gets covered in goosebumps. She wanted to stay away from him, but for some reason, something she couldn't control, kept pushing her to him. She tried to fight it, but the feelings were too strong.
Max tried to figure out why Kate felt this way about love. She is hiding something, just like he is. Can these two repair their lives? Are they strong enough to make it through? Will their secrets destroy each other? Find out as their relationship unravels.
It’s more than fate that brought them together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Powell
• Release date: Jun 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311899552

Lisa Powell

Inspiring is a GREAT Feeling: Everyone thinks their books will change the world. They want to become famous and make millions. But what about inspiring others? Being an author/writer is more than just writing. It's about inspiring others. Here's my story. I went to get my taxes done, I know everyone groan, I use the same person every year he is in his late 70's. He was talking about writing a book a couple years ago. I told him I was a writer/author and we talked for a while. The next year he was contemplating about the different avenues in which to publish and how much it cost. We talked more. This year I go there and he smiled. 'I published my book.' He went over to a drawer and pulled out his book. He tells me, if it wasn't for me, he would have never taken that first step and published. It's a boy scout book, with camp fire spooky stories. With all the legends and how the camp came to be. He was a boy scout at this camp. The camp is still open today, he made is money back and all proceeds go to the camp. He wrote an inscription to me and handed me the book. My husband was so proud and I was almost speechless. I may not be famous or a millionaire. My books may not have changed anything, but being a writer did plus, he saved me money on my taxes, *grin* That was a great feeling, me inspiring someone. Someone who indeed is very profitable in selling his book. I guess it stems back when I first started out looking for answers, before I published. I asked an indie author a couple questions. Someone, everyone loves and I to loved her books. But she got snotty with me and made me feel like an idiot. Well dah! I have never done this before, I don't know what I am doing. I don't buy her books anymore either, just because of that fact. So at that point I decided I would never do that to someone else if they asked for help or information. And it has paid off, in my eyes. Facts about me: Favorite person-Husband Favorite color is - red Favorite vehicle - ford (69 mustang mach1 boss 429) Dream Car. Favorite foods - bacon & bbq ribs Favorite time of year - spring Zodiac sign - Pisces Movies - Overboard, 27 Dresses, The Ugly Truth, Pretty Woman, Under Siege 1&2, Comando extra... Music - Areosmith, Poison, ACDC, Little River Band, Boston, Pink Floyd, Pat Benatar, extra...

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Prologue

Damn-it Greg! How could you do this?  Max roared at his foreman.

Settle down Max. I had to hire her, minority reasons. Besides you’re the only one without a partner.

There is a reason for that Greg. Max glared at him. He couldn’t believe he is getting a partner, a female at that. Max was furious.

It’s either her or Sam, make your choice.

Max glanced in Sam direction glared back at Greg. He turned and stormed away.

Max, take it easy on her. Greg yelled at him. Max stopped and turned  back around.

I never took it, easy, on anyone and I don’t intend to now! Max turned back around and started walking back towards his truck. He could hear Greg shouting things to him. He just put his hand in the air as if to tell him he wasn’t listening. Max jerked open the truck door then slammed it shut. A woman, a damned woman! He hit the steering wheel.  You will regret this Greg. He sneered under his breath. He started his truck and took off to the job sight.

Greg stood there. He had a grin on his face. Max had no idea what was going on. Greg also knew by the end of the season, Maxs new partner Kate, will have done something no other woman was able to accomplish, capture Maxs heart. He felt he owed Max after all these years. The grin slid away from his lips when he thought about the consequence’s it could bring.  He was taking a risk, a big risk. Not only to risk a friendship, but the risk could destroy the ‘Society’. Greg thought about this long and hard. He felt it was the right thing to do. But even Greg can’t predict the outcome. He just hoped for the best.

****

What have I gotten myself into? Kate said out loud to herself. She couldn’t believe Tracy talked her into getting this job. But she needed a job and wanted her independence. That meant a great deal to her. Maybe it would help her remember parts of her life that somehow she lost. 

Kate’s so nervous her stomach is tied in knots. She needs to calm herself down. She runs a warm bath and puts in some bath oil, she made herself. It always seems to sooth her mentally and physically. And now she needed it mentally.

The thoughts of working with all those men somehow dug up some deep uneasy feelings, feelings she couldn’t describe and it terrified her. She didn’t know if she was ready for this. But Tracy insisted she needed to get out and try different things. She told her something might help trigger some of her memories. Kate agreed. The least she could do was try. As she started to relax, she smiled. You can do this Kate!

***

Well is everything all set Tracy?

Yes Greg, it is.

This is going to be tough. Greg sighed.

I know Greg, but they both need to learn the truth.

I agree Tracy, but they need to learn it on their own.

Just remember, no interfering and…

I know, I know, everything has to be believable, everything. Greg was silent for a moment. Only a few people know what’s going on.

Understood.

Well let’s get this show on the road. Greg sat back in his chair. He was in deep thought. He knew Max and knew how ruthless he was. But Max was good at what he done. He was the best. He also knew it was time for him to move up. But that would take a lot of preparation. Greg knew Max was ready, but he wanted him to have a chance at love before he made a choice. Greg also knew he had to play his role perfect. No one could suspect a thing.

Chapter

Listen up, the foremen bellows. All the men gather around the meeting area. It’s time for the mornings talk.

We have 20 miles of road, a 3 lane highway to finish. Drillers all holes are standard 18 inches apart… Everyone is listening to the foreman as he told them the specs of the job. On this job there were a lot of holes to be drilled. All the drillers had a partner, except one. No one ever wanted to work with him. He was rough, tough, crude and did better on his own.

Max is a man of few words and had fewer friends. He wouldn’t stop for rain, heat, breaks, nothing. He just kept on working and wore men to the ground. No one could keep up with him and no one wanted to work with him.

Max is big and strong, he had no problems handling the drill by himself. Usually it took two men to run the drill one on each end. One who ran the controls, the other held the drill in place, while it drilled into the old road. The men would take turns running each end of the drill. It gave the other a break. Sometimes the drill would get stuck, into the concrete road, and it had to be shaken loose. Most of the time it took both men to get the drill loose, but not for Max. With one powerful shake or kick and the drill would break free. He was all about work. He pushed hard, worked hard. He always pushed himself to the limit. He was the best and everyone knew it.

After the job started and the first couple weeks past. Everyone was finally getting over from being sore from the tedious work. Max was ahead a little like always. Everyone always put bets on who would finish first. It was a nice size prize, if you won it. And of course, Max always won. No one could beat him. He couldn’t understand why the men bet. The men bet on everything though it didn’t matter what it was. Max thought it was their way to amuse themselves.

One morning the foreman starts his talk. Listen up, he bellows. We have a new employee, everyone looked around. They see this young woman standing off to the side. Everyone looks at her. She isn’t much taller than 5ft and 110 lbs. She seems nervous. Some men smile and nod. Others just shake their heads and turn back around. Since everyone is paired up, I am putting her with Max, the foreman says.

Everyone gets quiet and looks at Max. He looks at her, glares at the foreman and heads for the truck.

Someone calls out from the crowd. Trying to kill her on the first day?

Everyone started to laugh and parted. As she was walking up to the foreman, she over hears some of the other workers betting.

How long do you think she will last?

I give her fifteen minutes or less. Someone chuckled.

Yeah, especially with Max. Did you see the look on his face!

She heard laughter as she walked by. This upset her. They weren’t even going to give her a chance! She went up the foreman and asked, Where is Max? He pointed in Maxs direction and she went to the truck.

My name is… she started.

Max cut her off. He looked at her and glared, If you have to go to the bathroom do it now! And then he looked away.

She stood there frozen. His tone was cold she shivered and it frightened her.

Hurry up where getting behind! he snapped.

She jumped she turned and quickly headed for the port-a-jon.  When she returned he looked like he was angry, What took you so long? he sneered at her. She didn’t know what to think, she wasn’t gone 2 minutes. She quickly jumped in the truck and Max sped off. Gravel went flying everywhere.

They finally got to the area where they were to start drilling. Max wouldn’t speak to her or look at her. He acted like she wasn’t even there. He had such broad shoulders and was very muscular and strong. She could tell he wasn’t just buffed out and filled with air, like body builders. He worked hard to get his tone and his shape. He was a true hard worker. She could hide behind him twice and you wouldn’t be able to see her. She watched him as he moved around. Her body shivered for the first time in a long time. She didn’t know why and it puzzled her. She didn’t know what she was in for. Whatever it was, she wanted to be ready. She closed her eyes took a deep breath and started her day. Thanks a lot Tracy!

Max hooked everything up. Kate was watching intensively, she tried to ask questions, but he just glared at her. She tried to tell him her name again, but he walked away.  He took her to the drill explained what to do and then he started it up. It was loud and she jumped. Max threw her some ear plugs. Use them! he shouted. When the drill started to pound into the concrete, it even got louder.

Max ran the controls while she held the drill in place. Holding the drill and shaking it loose, when it got stuck, was harder than running the controls. It was a very hot day and the sun was beating down on her. The dust from drilling the holes is blowing right in her face. She is thirsty from the heat and all the dust.  She is bent over most of the day. Her body started aching. She looked up and saw the look on his face, the smirk. She knew he was going to try and make her quit. At that time she made up her mind. No one was going to tell her or make her do anything ever again. She is going to do what it takes to keep this job. No matter what pain she has to endure.

The first time the drill got stuck, Kate tried to shake it loose, but the drill wouldn’t budge. Max stood watching for a second. Then he went over and with one powerful kick, it became loose. Kate looked up at him.

He just glared at her and just shook his head. …This is going to slow me down, he thought.

Kate’s body is burning and aching with pain. She can barely open her hands. She needs a break. But Max, he only stopped long enough to move the truck and compressor forward. She would quickly take a drink and they would get right back to work. He did stop for lunch though. He did have an appetite. Kate had to go to the bathroom, but she didn’t dare ask to go. When lunch was over right back to work they went.

Kate did learn a little trick on shaking the drill loose. And she was getting better at it by the end of the day. Max was very impressed that she learned the trick so quickly.

When the day was finally done everyone could see Kate could hardly move. No one thought she would show up the next day. Max thought for sure she was done and grinned. He accomplished what he wanted to do.

That night when Kate got home her body ached and burned with pain. Her hands were blistered and sore. But she wasn’t going to give up. She soaked in a warm tub soothing her muscles. As she relaxed, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. Why was he so interesting to her? Why is she reacting like this? Something was there, something deep, but what?

The following day everyone was surprised to see her there, especially Max. She looked up at him and grinned.

You’re still here I see, he grumbled and left.

The name is Kate! she quickly shouted as Max walked away. But he acted like he didn’t hear her or cared.

Max broke men on the first day and they never came back. He thought he wasn’t pushing her hard enough. So he was going to take it to the next level.

Kate was fighting every inch of pain in her body. But she wasn’t going to let this man beat her down. Her hands where so blistered and sore she could hardly open them. But still, she grabbed that drill and held on. The vibrations coming from the drill is making her hands numb. She was squeezing the handles so tightly just so she wouldn’t lose her grip. Every day Max seemed to be pushing her harder and harder. But she wasn’t going to give into him. She was going to prove to him and herself, she could handle this job. No one was going to push her into quitting.

Max pushed her harder and harder every day. Hoping she would cave, he played no mercy. He was cruel and mean. He had her doing things that were uncalled for. He was holding the drill, making it harder for her to get it unstuck. She was giving it everything she had to get it loose. Max was actually enjoying this. Seeing this five foot nothing women giving all she had. Trying to shake the drill loose and he would grin. He thought for sure she wouldn’t be back the next week.

The following week came. And when Kate walked up, everyone just looked at her. And then they looked at Max. He had such a surprised look on his face. What the hell! He was in shock.

No one has ever lasted more than three days with this man. She is a female and lasted one week already. Everyone was shocked and just staring! They all saw how hard he pushed her. He even pushed harder than he did the men, and she still is there. The men started re-betting on how long she would last now. She is a lot tougher than they first thought.  Still she never complained, she just did her job and went home.

On this particular day it looked like it was going to rain. When they got to the drilling area and everything got hooked up. Kate looked up at the sky. She spoke up and asked him. What do you do when it rains? 

Max turned and looked at her and said. You get wet. And he started the drill as he glared at her. It started raining an hour later.

Kate saw everyone else heading for the trucks. But not Max, he kept right on working. She held the drill in the rain. She was cold, wet and she started to shake. But she never let go of the drill. They kept right on working through the rain.

Then the first strike of lightening hit and when it did. Max turned off the drill. Kate stood up, she was soaked and cold. Max looked at her standing there shivering.

Now it’s time to sit in the truck. He turned and left her standing there.

What a jerk!

Kate went over and turned off the compressor and got into the truck with Max.

They sat there in silence. The windows became fogged because of their breathing. Kate couldn’t stand it she cracked her window. She was cold and found her over shirt and slipped in on. She sat there staring out the window, watching, as it rained. The storm lasted for about an hour, neither of them spoke. Kate kept shivering but she wasn’t cold anymore. She didn’t know why. When the storm was over, they got out started everything up and went back to work.

When Max got home that night, he lay in bed and dreamt of her. How she looked standing in the rain, cold shivering. He fell asleep with a smile on his face. When he awoke he had a deep feeling, he yearned for her. He wanted her, maybe it was from the dream he had?

That morning, after the morning meeting, everyone got ready and headed out to their drilling spots. Max and Kate got to their drilling spot. They got out hooked everything up and started the day. Then the compressor just up and quit. Max and Kate went over to see what was wrong. Max saw the problem right away. Kate had no idea what was wrong.

See that wire in there? Max pointed.

Kate looked inside the compressor, she saw the wire off. Yes, she replied.

It has to be put back on. The nut fell under the compressor and you, got to find it. He smirked.

She just looked at him. She knew he was up to something, but what? …This is ridicules…Kate thought, but she did what Max told her to.

Max watched her as she got down and crawled under the compressor, Nice. He smiled. Max was just being mean. He had a bunch of nuts in the side box of the truck. He just wanted to see if she would actually get down on the ground and crawl under the compressor.

Kate was mumbling under her breath looking for the nut. She looked and looked for it. She jumped and almost hit her head when he started yelling.

Were getting behind hurry up and find it! Max snapped at her.

Kate is getting more and more nervous. …Where is that damn nut! She let out a breath when she finally found the nut and handed it to him. Now she was really dirty. Not only was she covered in dust, she had spots of oil and grease all over her.

Max grinned. I can’t reach that wire in there. He just wanted to see what he could get away with and how far he could push.

You have to get inside there and put that nut on.

Me?

I don’t see anyone else standing here, do you?

You. Kate mumbled.

Max folded his arms across his chest and glared at her. Are you daft woman?

Kate rolled her eyes then looked around. She saw other guys get in them, so she didn’t think it was too big of a deal. She got inside the compressor and grabbed the wire. She held it up for Max to grab. He got really close to her and she started to shake.

Max felt her shake. He thought maybe she was scared of confined places. So he hurried and fixed everything, he backed away. When she tried to get out, her foot got stuck.

Hurry up and get out of there, it’s not break time! he yelled as he walked away.

Kate had one foot on the ground, trying to get the other unstuck.

Max turned back around to see what was taking her so long. He saw she was struggling. He went back to see what she was doing. He saw she was stuck, he started to chuckle. But as he got closer, he had a straight face again. He went up to her and grabbed her foot. He felt her starting to shake again.

She quickly unlaced her boot. She took her foot out and moved away.

Damn him!

Max finally freed her boot. He threw it on the ground and growled, Quit messing around. We are losing time! and he stormed away.  Max thought about her shaking again. He realized it was when she was around him or when he got close to her. Maybe she was scared of him? He shook his head and thought, for sure she would quit now. He smiled.

Kate put on her boot and started up the compressor. Max pushed her even harder to make up time. It was a long hard day and Max was just being cruel to her all day long.  She hoped in the morning things would be better.

Chapter 2

The next morning everyone, still, couldn’t believe Kate was there. She would look at Max and give him a wicked grin. He would grumble and way away. Everyone would laugh. But by now her hands were really bad. They were blistered and bleeding. When she went to grab the drill, they just started to bleed. She paid no mind to the pain and kept on going. She was focused. Nothing was going to make her cave to this man, even if it killed her.

Max noticed the blood soaking through her gloves. He looked at her, but she never once glanced up and she continued on. It was time to move the truck. Max moved it. Kate went and got a new pair of gloves. It wasn’t long before blood was seeping through the new pair of gloves. Max just kept looking at her. Kate made no sign of the pain she was feeling. She was doing her job. Max didn’t know what to think of her at this point.

Finally it was lunch time. Max shut down the drill and they headed for the truck. Kate reached in opened her lunch box. But instead of pulling out something to eat, she grabbed bandages to wrap her hands.

Max walked up behind her. He startled her when he said. Let me see your hands. He could see the pain in her eyes on her face when she turned around.

She quickly turned around and looked up at him. She put her hands behind her back. They are fine! she snapped at him.

Max pulled both her arms from around her back and looked at her hands.

Kate tried to fight him, but that did no good. She couldn’t have stopped him if she wanted. When he looked at them they were all blistered and bloodied. And she never complained, not once. He just stood there and looked at her. He couldn’t believe she didn’t say anything. He felt her body shake then he spoke.

Why didn’t you say anything? he questioned.

I need this job and don’t want to be fired, she replied. …like you care?

But they have to hurt, he sounded sympathetic, as he looked into her eyes.

Kate yanked her hands away. Don’t pretend to be concerned. I know you don’t like me or want me here. I just want to do my job and go home. She turned back around and started to bandage up her hands. She grabbed something cool to drink and went and sat down.

Max just stood there looking at her. This five foot nothing woman, who put up with more abuse and pain, then any one he has ever worked with. She was unbelievable, a firecracker. He grabbed his lunch and went and sat down beside her.

So your name is, Kate? he questioned. He has been working with her for almost 2 weeks. He didn’t care to know her name.

She took a sip, looked at him. Katrina, everyone calls me Kate. She stood, time to go back to work, and she walked away.

Max looked at his watch and was surprised at the time. Lunch went fast and he didn’t get a chance to eat. Kate was standing at the drill waiting. The others have already started. She could hear the pounding of the drills and see the dust.

Amazing… Max walked over stood in front of her and looked down at her. Let me show you how to run the controls. He stepped off the side and walked to the control end of the drill. Max knew this would give her hands a break, from pulling and holding the drill. He didn’t know why, but for some reason, he had a feeling she wasn’t going to break.

Kate stood there for a second not knowing what to think. She didn’t know if he was going to try and trick her or what. She was scared of him, but didn’t want to show it. Kate took a deep breath and stepped off and went to where he was standing. He explained how to run everything. Kate has been watching him so she knew most of it. Max went around the other end. Kate started up the drill and they went back to work. She couldn’t believe how much easier it was to run this end. Everyone saw she was running the controls. Max never let anyone, run the controls. You could see the men nodding in their direction. Max pretended he didn’t notice but he did.

Greg watched from afar. He smiled. Well now we are getting somewhere. He turned and left things started looking up.

By the end of the week Max was a little sore. Damn! His back ached. He forgot what it was like to