Tame Me (Alpha Four, Book 2)

By Mia Dymond

Relaxed, laid-back spa owner Kat Abbott isn't immune to confrontation - being the daughter of a federal judge has taught her not to cower in the face of challenge. Former Army Ranger, demolitions expert, and member of Alpha Four, Jace "Chaos" Taylor has made it his life's mission to obliterate evil, despite being haunted by shadows of the past. Thrown together by a madman's vengeance, Kat and Chaos find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Both accustomed to calling the shots, their relationship is complicated, to say the least. Yet, when evil takes the upper hand, the couple must overcome obstacles that threaten to separate them forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Dymond
• Release date: Aug 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310499340

Mia Dymond

I write contemporary romance novels with sexy, alpha males and females with attitude to boot. I live in a zoo,hold down a full time job, and am trying to coax my creative muse from her cage. So BEWARE, the madness may rub off on you!

Book preview

Tame Me

Alpha Four, Book 2

By

Mia Dymond

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 Mia Dymond

Published on Smashwords

Cover photo: | Dreamstime.com

Cover by Dara England

* * *

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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This e–book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e–book 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 you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to wherever you bought it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

CHAPTER ONE

I’ll kill him myself.

Sergeant Jace Chaos Taylor stood at parade rest and practiced great self–discipline to prevent himself from reacting to the other man’s statement – especially since he was fairly sure there was absolute truth in the words. Intimidating by sheer size alone, Federal Judge William Abbott caused even the bravest of men to cower. Never mind that he stood over six and one–half feet tall, the judge had a good three inches on him and his deep, booming voice shook the walls.

And he was pissed.

He took several more seconds to analyze the interior of the judge’s chambers, just in case he might have to prevent the judge’s quick departure. The other man sat behind a massive executive’s desk, in an equally massive black leather chair that actually left several inches between the top of his head and the chair’s headrest. Positioned in the middle of the rather large room, both pieces of furniture occupied most of the free space with no viable option for a hasty exit. And, although bookshelves covered three of the four walls, unevenly–stacked piles of thick books rested on the floor in front in no apparent rhyme or reason, building a makeshift obstacle course almost impossible to maneuver without skill. His analysis was quick and simple. The place was a life–size jigsaw puzzle; no one would exit quickly without breaking his neck.

Chaos very slowly shifted his weight from one foot to the other and considered his response very carefully. Although he shared the other man’s sentiment, logic must prevail – for everybody’s sake.

Leave that to me, Sir.

His answer seemed to make the other man even more agitated and in the next few seconds Chaos wasn’t entirely sure the judge would agree. Seconds became hours and the clock on the wall didn’t do much to help – the annoying tick tock of the secondhand only added to the stress.

Without a choice, he took a deep breath and prepared to wait out the other man.

Judge Abbott finally released a hard breath. I hope it won’t be necessary for either of us, son.

Time will tell.

He shifted his weight back to his original side, wary that his next statement may not exactly lighten the mood. He mentally shook his head. Who was he kidding? His suggestion would trigger a full–fledged hurricane, namely the wrath of one Kat Abbott.

Someone needs to brief your daughter, Sir.

I’ll gladly leave that to you, Sgt. You’re armed.

His insides shook while he nodded his agreement and feigned calm. Although he’d spent a fair amount of time around the judge’s daughter, he didn’t know her well, but what little he did know was enough. The woman would not take this news sitting down.

How much Intel do you want me to reveal?

Everything. She needs to know the severity of the situation.

An ambush, then.

If that’s what it takes.

You’re sure about that?

Absolutely, the judge answered without hesitation. There are no negotiations where Kate’s safety is concerned.

He fought the urge to smirk at Kat’s given name. He was willing to bet not too many people other than the judge got away with calling her Kate.

Agreed.

Judge Abbott leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. You appear hesitant.

Not hesitant, Sir. I can keep her safe, I’m just concerned about her reaction.

Hell yeah, he was concerned. Concerned that she’d live up to her nickname, dig those claws right into him, and rip him to shreds.

She doesn’t have a choice.

I think she would argue that conclusion.

Doesn’t matter. Until we find out who’s behind this, she’s all yours.

He didn’t know whether to thank the judge or run like hell. Yet as tempting as that was, he’d never abandoned a mission. Never. And he wouldn’t start now.

I realize my daughter can be a little difficult, Judge Abbott continued, but she’s also very intelligent. She won’t hesitate to follow orders once you explain the severity of the situation.

Again, he resisted the urge to utter a string of expletives. Obviously, they weren’t talking about the same woman. If it was one thing he knew with absolute certainty, Kat Abbott took orders from no one.

Until now.

He released a hard breath. Where is she?

At the spa.

Daaayyaammm. The testosterone–draining spa. Out of desperation, he dug deep for another alternative other than the most obvious. Perhaps he could coax her out. In fact, he always had a ready supply of smoke bombs in his truck. Five seconds, maybe six, and she’d run from the place like a scared rabbit. He allowed himself a momentary feeling of satisfaction until reality kicked satisfaction right in the ass. She probably had a gas mask tucked away in her very feminine, very pink spa. Without an ounce of panic she’d pull it over her face and then track him down like a big game hunter.

I need to brief my team, he said finally. Is it possible to send a car for her?

It’s possible, the judge agreed, but I think you had a better idea when you suggested an ambush.

Chaos took a few seconds to determine if Judge Abbott was serious or seriously messing with him. The other man’s face remained devoid of amusement. Tiny lines wrinkled the skin of his forehead. His pulse visibly moved the vein on the left side of his neck. Judge Abbott was dead serious.

I’ll have her sequestered by this evening and advise you of our location then.

Shall I arrange for a safe house?

No, Sir. You and I both know she won’t agree to solitary.

No, she won’t. I’ll await your call.

He gave a small nod of agreement. I’m headed to her now. I’d appreciate it if you’d give my captain a call and send back–up.

Once outside Judge Abbott’s chambers, he closed the distance to his truck with long, sure heavy steps, pissed off that his nerves screamed in panic beneath his skin. Body guarding was not in his immediate skillset; his teammate, Rebel, was the tracker for crying out loud. He played with fire – blew up anything that happened to get in his way – obliterated the target from several hundred feet away if necessary. No, people skills weren’t exactly at the top of his list. He preferred a methodical approach to most tasks, a clean and disciplined routine with an absolute ending. And, if the target gave him hell, he blew it to high Heaven. Somehow that plan didn’t work with people. He knew that for a fact.

Chaos stabbed the button on the remote to unlock the driver’s door and then slid behind the steering wheel before he slammed the door. Hard. Damn the captain for sending him in. He released a hard breath and leaned back against the seat while tortured, raw memories surfaced.

"You worry too much. I will be fine. My father’s men are trained to protect me."

"I said no Melaina, and I meant it."

Her sweet smile and bat of her sexy, long eyelashes damn near took him to his knees. It is my mother’s birthday. I will come back to you, Jace. I promise.

"No."

"Yes." She placed a finger across his lips as if she could silence him.

"Those men aren’t trained in mortal combat. Although truthful, the reasoning sounded desperate, even to him. I am."

"There will be no combat. I will go straight to the florist and then to my father’s house. I will call to reassure you I am safe."

"You are not safe outside these walls. Fear hardened his words. You’re as good as dead if you leave."

"Sshh. She tapped her finger against his bottom lip. Don’t say such things."

"The truth hurts."

"I prefer to go with your blessing."

"I won’t give it."

Another smile graced her beautiful face while unmistakable hurt clouded her gaze. I’m sorry to hear that.

And then he watched in horror as she turned and walked out the door.

Two hours later, her screams echoed off the walls of his brain.

With sweat on his brow, he slapped the steering wheel with both hands. Somebody had a death wish. Challenging him was crazy dangerous; challenging Kat Abbott proved definite, certifiable insanity.

Kate Abbott hung up the phone after booking yet another massage and filling up her schedule for the next two weeks. Business was good at Relax and Renu. Too bad she didn’t have a little more downtime – she just might make time for a little relaxation of her own. And, if she had her way, Sgt. Jace Taylor would participate.

Unfortunately, the man didn’t know the meaning of downtime. One would think that with a nickname like Chaos, Sgt. Taylor would be a regular party animal; however, that was not the case. No, Chaos reminded her more of a great white shark – quietly methodical, watching and waiting for the exact moment to strike. And when he did, he created a whole new kind of chaos – this she knew firsthand. She’d ambushed him during her friend, Sophie Graystone’s engagement party and dragged him onto the dance floor. Much to her surprise, the man definitely had moves and she oughta know. They’d danced most of the evening and by the time they took a break, they both could’ve smoked a pack of cigarettes.

She giggled under her breath. Pity he didn’t relax more often.

The bell over the front door interrupted her stroll down memory lane and since she stood at the appointment desk with her back to the door, she had plenty of time to wipe the mischievous grin from her face. Her visitor, though, intervened. She had approximately thirty seconds to react before a very large hand closed around her biceps.

She glanced up to see Chaos standing beside her. Speak of the silver–tongued devil.

We need to talk, he said quietly.

Still somewhat shocked at his domination, she attempted to push words out of her mouth. Unfortunately, her tongue refused to cooperate.

Alone, he insisted.

She had just enough time to glance around the empty reception area and frown before he dragged her down the hall to her office – how he knew where it was, she didn’t know. By the time she sat in her cushy, leather, executive’s chair, the shock began to fade and annoyance took its place. Who did he think he was to issue orders?

You need a massage, she drawled.

He actually grinned through the look of utter seriousness that covered his handsome face. Not this time. He released a hard breath and then squatted in front of her chair. Kat, I don’t want you to panic when I tell you what this is all about.

Panic? Did he not realize she was the Queen of Calm? Panic wasn’t even in her vocabulary – others panicked, she simply inhaled deeply and gathered strength.

Okay, she told him.

Someone wants to kill you.

Although the words that Chaos spoke made perfect sense, she didn’t quite understand what he said. Probably because her blood boiled so loudly it gurgled in her ears. Suddenly, the room began to spin and her head felt like a balloon, threatening to float off her body.

"Did you say kill me?"

Some sort of mumbled expletive left his lips just before a hand pressed the top of her head until she leaned between her knees.

Breathe.

Impossible. Air refused to fill her lungs and she continued to gasp, well on her way to full hyperventilation.

Kat, he barked. Raise your head and look at me.

She managed to lift the now leaden balloon that she supposed was her head and meet his emerald green eyes. Eyes narrowed in concentration. Eyes swimming with authority.

In. He laced their fingers then prompted her to follow his lead as he took a breath. And out. He released the air. Again.

She did as she was told, finally settling into what seemed to be an acceptable breathing pattern. Soon, the noise in her ears subsided.

Who?

I don’t know, he answered while his fingers still wrapped hers, but I’m going to find out.

How?

Don’t know that either.

She paused for a second until she finally felt normal again. You’re just full of information, aren’t you?

I have information but you don’t need specifics.

I beg to differ.

Of course you do, he mumbled.

Spit it out, Chaos, I’m a big girl.

Honestly, I don’t know much at this point.

Although she wasn’t thrilled with his answer, she did appreciate his straight–forward answer. So, what happens in the meantime?

In the meantime, that beautiful body is mine.

***

He released a long, slow breath as he tossed the disposable phone into a nearby trash receptacle, satisfied that he had put the wheels of revenge in motion. Any moment now his call would make them all scramble like ants under a rock.

He snickered and gave himself a mental pat on the back. The threat on the judge’s daughter’s life had been an absolutely brilliant move and he had purposely been evasive about details so that the judge would squirm in anticipation. After all, business was business; something precious had been stolen from him and he intended to repay the favor.

He glanced over his shoulder to assure no one was curious about his appearance in the neighborhood. Finding an appropriate place to conduct business in Everglade Springs had been difficult. Miles of sandy beach lined with cement sidewalks stretched around the town, leaving few out–of–the–way nooks and crannies; he had merely settled on this one. Tucked into a narrow alley between two office buildings in the heart of downtown, the small but pristine corner provided adequate privacy. And as luck would have it, the bums hadn’t congregated, choosing the warmth of the sand instead.

Convinced he hadn’t drawn attention to himself, he climbed into his car, stuck the key into the ignition and drove away from the curb. He then reached across the seat for yet another phone and punched buttons.

"I’ve made the call, he said into the mouthpiece. Don’t let her out of your sight."

"That won’t be easy."

"Why?"

"She has a tail."

"That’s no surprise to me. How do you know he’s her associate?"

"I’m parked just down the block from the spa. He’s hard to miss. He’s a big sonuvabitch and he’s obviously ticked. Barged into the place like a raging bull."

He released a low chuckle. Good. Don’t lose them.

"This complicates things. Are you sure it’s worth the aggravation to get this broad?"

He took a moment to consider the other man’s question. He knew going in his plan was risky but still he intended to carry through. Absolutely.

"Do you still want me to go in and scope out the place?"

"No, not yet. Just watch and I’ll make contact again soon. Wait for my call."

He disconnected and then tapped his chin with the phone, encouraged by how quickly the pieces of his plan were falling into place. He had fully expected the introduction of a bodyguard, it just happened more quickly than he thought. Now he would turn up the heat.

Of course the judge had connections, that was a given, but curiosity nudged him. Had his research been accurate? Did his associate’s hesitancy to confront the guard confirm his identity?

He pushed the questions to the back of his mind as he dropped the phone into the passenger seat, turned