Winter

By Jalissa Pastorius

Christina Moore grew up as a child genius. Her parents need to exploit her talents exposed her to a cruel world at an early age. Emancipated, she completed her master’s degree at the age of seventeen and her Doctorate at the age of twenty-one. Working as an associate professor, she never had time for the opposite sex. One steamy night with handsome devil changed her life forever.
Billionaire Matt Dallas, was sick of women. They were nothing but a means to an end. He learned this lesson the moment he was born. Women were cunning and always had a hidden agenda. His old flame Natalia reinforced that lesson, leaving him with a broken heart. and a dark perception of the world—it would take someone special to penetrate the fortress around his heart. melt his icy heart.

When these two meet passions soar as they get lost in each other. Reality storms in reminding them of their lives outside of each other—all too soon they’re back to work with their memorable night lingering in their hearts and minds. What will happen when Matt discovers something so profound and life altering that it leaves him breathless. Join them as they unearth a heart to find out that it is no longer full of ice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jalissa Pastorius
• Release date: Dec 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310018350

Jalissa Pastorius

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. Burrowing myself into the mysteries of books and exploring their unique worlds is what I do best. Books are essentially an imprint of the author’s soul that’s left behind—well I tend to think so. I have two children (Dobermans) Lily and Rose and a endearing husband who listens to me rattle non-stop about my adventures. I join wattpad to pursue my dreams of writing and bam here I am. I’ve become a pathological writer as my husband puts it. I am sweet, a little sarcastic and I enjoy creating new worlds and adventures for people to explore.

Book preview

By Jalissa Pastorius

Book One of a Heart Series Romance

Previous published as Heart of Ice

Two characters barged into my mind, filling it with impressions, scars, and horrors. They created a home. Their demands were simple. Tell their story. Studying the two through shrewd eyes, I debated knocking the girl out. Surely, I was fast enough to escape. Soon as the thought fluttered across my mind, I discarded it. Looking up at the glacier of a man in front of me, I realized there was no hope. Alas, I began their story.

Beseechingly, I urge you to read their story.

WINTER

Copyright 2014 by Jalissa Pastorius

Published at Smashwords

This novel is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. All rights reserved; the right to reproduce this book or any portion thereof in any form whatsoever in any country whatsoever without the express permission of the author is forbidden.

***

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 are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

For those who dare to dream, to embrace their nightmares and face adversity. Join the men and their counterparts for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Jalissa Pastorius

Title Page

Copyright

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

About the Author

Other Books: Steel

Prologue

He laughed as his associates patted him on the back in congratulatory fashion. It was a splendid occasion to be joyous; he just secured a major contract. He supposed being a billionaire helped a little. Take that, mother; he was never good enough for her. He'd proven to them all he could run the company.

Glasses of champagne flowed as everyone celebrated his success. He sipped his champagne, appearing relaxed, cool and collected. No one would ever suspect the bundle of nerves festering in the pit of his stomach. The ring weighed heavily in his pocket, feeling like an atomic bomb. He'd been focused on work lately and securing the contract with Stark Enterprise. Surpassing the expectations of people wanting him to fail was critical. He desired to show them he earned the right to be here, and not because he was the president's son. Natalia talked about marriage, and he wasn't ready at the time with his busy schedule and latest projects, but she would see that it was worth the wait. When his father relinquished the company, it was only worth a couple of million, with his innovative thinking and implementation; he was able to turn it into a billion-dollar industry. He smiled, thinking of the executives sneering at him from behind their crystal flutes. Now, they were forced to acknowledge him. He did it. Wrapping up celebrations with his associates, he was ready to get home to his soon to be wife.

Getting out of the car, Matt made his way to the penthouse. He had no issue with spending money; he worked hard to get where he was. Just because one was born from millions didn't mean one had access to them. However, at the age of twenty-five, he was one of the richest men in the world; not only in money but in life too. Entering the penthouse, he looked for Natalia. When he didn't see her in her usual spot—the media room watching a chick flick, he searched the bedroom. His heart raced furiously in his chest and drummed in his ears as tremors shook him to the core. What if she said no? No. He was Matt Dallas. There was no chance she would utter such a word. Now was the time, she had stuck by his side, and he was ready to commit. There were those who speculated settling down at twenty-five was too soon, but he was happy. He didn't have to worry about women dating him for his status or money. Natalia was all he needed. He wiped his sweating palms on his pants and pushed the door open.

Why?

He stood silently, in stupefaction, unprepared for the scene before him. His woman! His! S-she shamelessly rode the man beneath her as he gripped her hips firm in his hands and thrust into her. With her head thrown back and eyes closed, Matt watched as she cupped her breasts and met each thrust. What was this? The air whizzed past his lips, his lungs hurting, his chest in agony. Pain. His heart seemed to have collapsed in his chest. He stood frozen, his body reeling from tumultuous emotions, disbelief etched in his mind. He'd given her everything! Everything! When she opened her eyes and spotted him, rage ignited, tearing through his veins, ravaging, leaving nothing behind. How dare she?! Was he not enough?!

Get out, he breathed, his words echoing around him, thudding against his skull. He could be civil. He couldn't afford to lose control. She could get her shit and get off his property. He rolled his neck, resisting the urge to think about the tabloids should they uncover such sordid details. The guy beneath her sensing something wrong bucked her off him. Taking one look at Matt's furious expression, he grabbed his belongings and ran.

Baby, I ca-- Ignoring her excuses, he rang for security. When Natalia opened her mouth to try to reason with him once more, he snapped. What excuse could she possibly give him to justify her actions? He thought she loved him!

I said, get the fuck out! he roared, his voice tearing from his throat. The monster sat in its cage waiting for the day he returned to open the door. No, he couldn't let it win. He stormed around watching the surprise flash across her face before being replaced by fear. She'd never seen this side of him. Only a few witnessed this side, and they, well, some things were better left unsaid.

Mister Dallas, we're coming in!

A ferocious smile stretched across his face at the shock and fear in Natalia's eyes. Grim satisfaction bled from his pores seeing her escorted out his home in the nude. When the door closed and he was alone, he trembled. The fury was so potent that he could taste it on his tongue. No longer able to bite back his agony, he roared. Screaming, he shattered everything around him. Photos, lamps, novelty items—anything he could get his hands on, he destroyed it.

Fucking bitch, he gasped, hating how his throat trembled, and sobs threatened to overwhelm him. His throat throbbed painfully as he swallowed the wails wanting to burst free. This bitch! He bit his knuckles, unable to suppress his cries. His nostrils flared while his eyes burned. All the memories, the times spent here! Why?! Shaking his head, he backed away from the shattered pieces into a wall. Sliding down, he cried for the first time.

Chapter 1

Four years later…

Matt sat in his office, crunching numbers. Over the years he buried himself so far into his work that he had little time for anything else. The company was growing at an alarming rate, and the urge to reign as king within the business world weighed heavily. Now, he worked out of the New York location instead of Toronto. His eyes burned from exhaustion, and he pressed the pads of his fingers into them to ease the pain. It was practically time to call it a night. He probably was the last person in building working, not including the housekeeping staff. Hearing the door to his office open, he groaned, glancing at one of the few people that dared to approach him.

C'mon, cut that computer off and let's go out. You've been here long enough.

There's so much to do, I really need to wrap up these reports. You go ahead without me, he said, finally acknowledging his friend's presence. Collum Davenport was a heartbreaker. Women flocked to him like a moth to a flame only to get burn. Somehow, they always managed to lick their wounds, coming back and begging for more. They never learned. Collum wasn't a bad-looking fellow. Possessing hazel eyes and sun-kissed skin, he was designed to lure women in.

Work that you create! Look at yourself, Matt. You're wasting away. They call you the man of ice. You're a glacier, freezing everyone out, he said, placing his palms on the cherry oak desk and looking Matt in the eye. He worried about his friend. His behavior was not normal—never smiling, eyes like ice; he was living an unhealthy lifestyle. He worked so hard to get where he was in life and not even able to enjoy it. His situation proved that wealth didn't bring a person happiness. Matt Dallas was one of the wealthiest men in the world, and it meant little to him.

Matt hated everything Collum said. He wasn't wasting away. He simply had met no one that intrigued. Was he as boring as Collum portrayed him to be? He would prove him wrong. Matt hoped he didn't regret it.

Fine, I'll accompany you tonight.

Collum blinked slowly at Matt. Did he hear him, right? He could've sworn Matt said he was going out with him—meaning that he would hang out, which would entail adult like beverages, women and no work. Collum would try his best to get him to come out of his shell. He would take him to a nice lounge. It had a pleasant seating area where he could relax if he felt uncomfortable dancing. It was just the thing to get Matt back to his pre-Natalia life. He smiled at the implications that would follow. It was time to show his friend the better things in life.

***

Christina Moore gathered her belongings as she finished her lecture. A few of her students lingered. She hoped they would hurry. Her eyes scanned the stadium seating, her eye twitching in anticipation of escaping. She still found it strange to be lecturing college-level seniors, who were older than her. It was disconcerting when they approached her to ask her out. Student and teacher relations were strictly against policy. She didn't plan on losing her job, and nor was she interested in any of the students pursuing her. Threatening to fail them always worked for her. She didn't make it this far in life with just her looks. Pronounced as a child genius at the tender age of eight, the world was hers for the taking. However, her parents took advantage of her at a young age, exposing her to a cruel world early on in life when she was supposed to believe in fairytales. Now, she was jilted as the rest. People always had a hidden agenda, and couldn't be trusted. Deep down, she still wished for her knight in shining armor to sweep her off her feet. She snorted at the thought. Turning off the lights in the lecture hall, she gave it one last look. Rolls of chairs ran across the room in a stadium fashion, gleaming under the fluorescent lighting. The silence stifling. She sighed, time for home. There was a cup of tea with her name on it.

Tossing her things onto the passenger seat, she grinned climbing into the car. The one thing she splurged on was her vehicle. It was her baby, an Audi A7 sedan. The interior was a mixture of brown and beige, and sleek designed. Shoving the key into the ignition, tension ebbed from her as symphony music blasted from the speakers. She hurried home.

Pulling into the car garage, she exited her vehicle with all her items and made her way to her little abode. She was lucky to snag the condo when it hit the market. It was in a prime location, just five minutes away from Vanderbilt University where she worked. Entering the building, reception greeted her as she made her way towards the elevator. When she opened her door, Sarah—her self-proclaimed best friend was already there raiding the fridge.

Sarah, what are you doing?

Look tea! she shouted, pointing to the pot on the stove. Christina fought the smile threatening to consume her face.

Shouldn't you be studying? You know your exams are coming up.

I know! Your place is the place for studying. You're the only twenty-one-year-old I know with a badass condo and a freaking luxury car. Now, all we need to do is find you a man. Like this one! Christina stared at the magazine Sarah whipped from behind her back. She didn't understand why she spent so much time reading that junk. Studying the playful smirk on the guys face, she rolled her eyes. Definitely not her type. But what exactly was her type? And why did she need a man at such a young age? She should be out in the dating scene. She snorted, rolling her eyes at Sarah.

Nice try.

How can you not like this one? You're incorrigible!

Good, you're using your brain.

Chris! We all can't be child prodigies like you. Christina ignored Sarah as she continued to whine. She poured herself a cup of tea and grabbed her tablet. She was ready to escape into the world of fantasy. Who didn't love a good werewolf novel? Having someone destined to be your partner and take care of all your needs. She couldn't wait to sink into the story.

Hey! she shouted when the iPad was snatched from her.

C'mon. Sarah, give it back! I'm tired.

Not until you promise to go out.

I don't want to, she pouted.

You're still a virgin for crying out loud! You are going to end up like the old lady who lives in her shoe.

Sarah, I'm not casual like that.

I'm not asking you go out and get ravaged tonight! I want you to get out. It's not healthy; you're living in a fantasy world. It's the only one you know. You shouldn't be so detached from reality. Christina rolled her eyes. If Sarah was going to go all psychoanalytical, she would have to go out just to get her to shut up.

Fine. Sarah squealed, pulling her toward the bedroom. Christina just hoped she wouldn't regret it.

***

Matt sat in the jet, furious. How could he let this idiot talk him into something? He bit his tongue to keep from knocking the smug look off his face. He hadn't been this angry in years. Not since the time he stormed into his condo, beat him senseless and called him a coward. Letting Collum hit him had brought some feeling back. Matt had been numbed. Wallowing in self-pity, it still burned that Natalia cast him aside so easily to run into the arms of another man. He hadn't seen her since. He all but fled the city. He was glad for the company's expansion.

Where are we going? he inquired. He finally got past his anger and now curiosity was besting him.

Collum smiled, he knew Matt would come around. He always had a horrible temper. He was glad that this time Matt didn't take to his fists. The beating Collum gave Matt was only because Matt allowed it.

Nashville, Tennessee.

What so special about Nashville? Matt mumbled.

Everyone knows who you are. We need to go somewhere where the media isn't hounding us. We'll stay in a regular hotel and go to a nice normal club. No one needs to know that one of the wealthiest men alive is in their neck of the woods. Plus, I want to test out that southern hospitality, he said, giving Matt a devious smirk. Matt groaned, this trip was probably more about Collum than him. They chuckled as Collum poured them both a glass of champagne.

To southern hospitality.

Collum had more he wanted to talk to his friend about, but he didn't want to push his luck. Maybe if Matt was drunk enough, he wouldn't be so mad.

Matt, you know I always have your best interests in mind.

Matt studied his best-friend, unease slowly filling his limbs. This would not bode well for him.

Go on.

I took the liberty of booking you a cabin in Colorado—all the bells and whistles. You used to love skiing. I want you to enjoy yourself, and if you happen to see a little lovely and wish to invite her too, then do it. This was all said in a rush. Matt studied his friend through shrewd eyes. What could Collum be up to?

The company?

Will not go down in flames without you for two weeks.

Two weeks?

I want you to take a break and just enjoy life again. C'mon, Matt.

Matt rubbed his eyes. Collum had a point. He hadn't had a vacation in ages. He missed the free feeling the slopes gave him. And he loved the mountains and their breathtaking views. He should thank Collum; he could enjoy his solitude.

***

Christina studied her reflection in the mirror. A light smokey eyes shadow accentuated her eyes making them pop. Nothing too glamorous, she enjoyed the natural look and drew the line at foundation. She was twenty-one for crying out and wasn't interested in contouring her face. A little lip-colored gloss, her long black hair pinned up and she was good to go. A daring little black strapless dress hugged her frame. She looked amazing, but if she was stunning, Sarah was gorgeous. Her thick wavy blonde hair looked like golden clouds hugging her or golden waves that she could surf on. Christina chuckled at the thought. Her eyes scanned her best friend, noting that she opted for a dark smoky eye with a