Atlas

By Alyne Roberts

Stella lost everyone and everything important to her. After all the lies and hiding, she's ready for a fresh start somewhere where her brother’s enemies won’t find her. One last night out turned into her worse nightmare. The morning she should be moving away from all the painful memories, she finds herself a captive by exactly who she was running from.

Atlas is determined to finish what they started. Stella is unknowingly the key to solving the unanswered questions her brother left behind. Taking advantage of their sexual chemistry at the club, he forced her to his lake house. He promised her protection but Stella made a promise of her own: Trust no one, especially the man responsible for ruining her life.

What happens when Stella’s life depends on trusting Atlas? What happens when keeping Stella is risking everything he worked for? What if neither one is willing to let go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alyne Roberts
• Release date: Nov 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311866363

Alyne Roberts

Alyne lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat. Working full time in an office all day, she spends her nights reading, writing or watching TV marathons. She loves coffee, animals and country music. Find Alyne at: Website: www.AlyneRoberts.com Twitter: @AlyneRoberts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyneRoberts

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Copyright © 2016 Alyne Roberts

All Rights Reserved. 

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

Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms.

Cover by: R.B.A. Designs

Editing: Beyond The Cover Editing

According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.

― Plato, The Symposium

PROLOGUE

Stella

Have you ever shot anyone, Daddy? I asked.

I was sitting on the kitchen counter with my legs dangling down, kicking the cabinets. Mommy hated it when he let me do this. My dad stopped spreading the peanut butter and looked back at me.

Why would you ask me that? he asked, his eyes laced with concern.

I shrugged. Kelly said that cops have guns and shoot people.

My dad wiped his hands off on a towel and came over to me. He hefted himself up onto the counter with me and I stared at him with wide eyes. Mom was gonna be so mad. He could probably change her mind though. Daddy was good at that.

Well, Kelly is right that cops have guns, he said. But I don't go running around just shooting people. I only shoot when I have to.

Why would you have to? Daddy always said no matter what, you never hurt someone else.

There are bad guys out there, he explained calmly. It's my job to protect everyone from the bad guys. Cops sometimes have to shoot them to do that.

Kelly said guns are bad. She's in second grade so she's pretty smart.

Guns are bad if they are in a bad person's hands. Sometimes, good people have to do bad things to save others from bad things. I'm a good guy, but I would do anything to keep you safe. Even if that meant hurting someone who deserved it.

I wrinkled my nose and looked up at my dad's face. My tummy hurt when I thought about bad guys trying to hurt him.

Why do you have to do it? I asked. My words were getting caught in my throat.

Because, baby, my dad said as he put an arm around me. Everyone has a role and a job in this world. Mine is to keep people safe. I feel good because I can save people's lives.

Like a hero?

He laughed. Yes. Kinda like that.

What's mom's job? I asked. What does she do if dad is so important?

She is a mother. A wife. She is my support and brought me two beautiful children. It's because of those children that I fight bad guys.

I laughed when he pulled me closer to his chest. But dad, that's not right.

What's not?

She only gave you one beautiful kid. Ace is pretty ugly, I managed to say through a giggle.

I heard that, butthead, my brother said as he came into the kitchen.

He tossed his baseball mitt on the table and picked up my sandwich. Before I could stop him, he took a massive bite out of it.

Hey! I yelled. That was mine.

You snooze, you lose, he said with a full mouth.

I was ready to launch at him and take my sandwich back when Mom came through the door.

Really? On the counter? she asked with a stern look.

Dad and I hopped off and gave her our best smiles. They usually worked. Dad's was the best. She turned to look at us and, as I knew she would, she smiled back. Just like that, we are out of trouble. Daddy shot me a wink before I ran off to get my sandwich back from Ace.

All gone, he said, holding up his empty hands as proof. He stuck his tongue out at me.

Gross. It was covered in bread and peanut butter.

I looked back at Mom and Dad but they were holding each other and paying us no attention. I remembered that Daddy said she was his support. Maybe he needed support right now. My eyes welled up because I was still hungry and no one could make me another peanut butter sandwich.

I shoved my older brother and stormed to my room, slamming the door behind me. I ran to my bed and grabbed Unicorn and held him close. Hugging always made Mom and Dad feel better, but it wasn't working for me. I tossed the stupid stuffed animal across the room just as Ace poked his head in my door.

No boys allowed! I yelled at him. I was so mad at him that I started to cry again.

Here, he said, handing me a plate.

I took it from him and stared down at the sandwich. There was peanut butter oozing out of the sides. The crust was torn off but not like Daddy did it. It was ugly, but I was hungry, so I took a bite anyway. My lips and teeth stuck together from all the peanut butter and I swore I tasted a piece of crust. I looked up at Ace and smiled wide.

Fank you, I mumbled, trying to pry my mouth open. Iff better ‘n Dad's!

Really? he asked, his eyes wide in surprise.

Yeah, I said, spitting a little. More peanuh-budder.

Ace nodded and walked out of my room. His head was held high and he looked so proud. I chowed down on my ugly, messy sandwich and imagined my brother would be just like my dad one day. Like Daddy, Ace would make it his job to protect people from the bad guys. He would be a hero. Mommy and I would always be safe.

I

Stella

I had to admit, I looked fucking hot. I never got to dress up or make myself look good lately. My best friend, Liddy, insisted that we go out tonight as one last girl's night. It took some convincing, but I gave in and even let her dress me and do my makeup. I would miss her like crazy when I left. We would be sure to make our last night memorable.

Promise to have fun tonight, Liddy said to me as we took the elevator down to the ground floor.

Promise, I agreed.

Good. You've been through enough in your life. You need some fun, Liddy said, bouncing up and down impatiently.

Liddy was right. The last eight months had been the worse of my life. Some fun and dancing was the least I should do. Everything I owned was in a U-Haul truck on the way to the opposite end of the country. Tomorrow, I would leave the only city I had ever known, and hopefully all the bad that tainted it for me. One last night with my best friend was the perfect way to say goodbye.

My excitement grew as we got out of the cab and approached the bouncer at the entrance of one of the hottest clubs in Chicago. I could already hear the pounding of the bass from inside and it filled me with energy. Giving one quick look at Liddy and me, the bouncer ushered us right in. It was a weeknight so the line wasn't too bad, but I still felt like I was someone important walking inside.

I linked arms with my best friend, and we walked in like we owned the place. Sweaty bodies were grinding against each other as the loud music drove them. I looked at Liddy with wide eyes as she tugged me toward the bar. I was so excited that I was bouncing in the high heels I had borrowed. At the bar, people yelled over the music to bartenders who scrambled to get everyone good and wasted. It didn't take long for one to appear before us.

I couldn't hear what Liddy had ordered, but in a few seconds four shot glasses were being slid across the bar to her. Her blue eyes sparkled at me in mischief as she handed me a shot.

To your last night in Chicago, you bitch! she shouted before throwing her head back and downing the clear liquid. I followed, choking on the burn.

Shit! I coughed. Tequila.

No holding back tonight, Stella! For once, just let loose.

We downed our other shots, though it burned less the second time. Maybe my throat was numb from the first one. A grin stretched across my face as we weaved through the crowd. A determination to enjoy tonight filled me. I promised myself I wouldn't worry about tomorrow. I wouldn't think about the goodbye. I wouldn't fear the move I would be making in the morning to San Francisco.

We found a little space for our two bodies to wiggle into, and we started to dance. As the alcohol warmed my body, the heat and people brushing against me didn't bother me. Everything was perfect. I didn't think it was possible for me to enjoy anything anymore, but here I was.

Music washed over me.

Thoughts left my head.

Emptiness was consumed.

The heavy bass thumped through my body as sweat trickled down my neck and my hair stuck to my face. I felt the burn in my cheeks and the exhaustion in my limbs. I didn't care though. I didn't care about anything in the center of that dance floor.

Liddy grabbed my arm, breaking my blissful trance, and pulled me toward the bar. We bumped other grinding bodies and weaved our way through the thick mass of people dancing. I was in desperate need of water and some more alcohol. After a few dozen accidental grabs and apologies, we made it the bar. It was even more crowded than before and I drummed my nails on the bar impatiently.

Here you go ladies, a bartender said as he slid two water bottles and two shots of a bright blue liquid to us.

We didn't order yet, I yelled at him over the music.

From the guy over there, he shouted back to me and pointed to the opposite side of the bar.

Liddy and I both leaned over the counter to get a look at the other end. Already calmly watching us, sat a man in a dark suit.

Holy shit. He's hot, Liddy said in my ear.

She wasn't kidding. In the dim lighting, I could only guess he was maybe late twenties. His dark hair was styled neatly and his wide body screamed control and power. A chill ran down my body when one corner of his lips tipped up.

He likes the blonde, the bartender added with a wink at me.

Go thank him, Liddy said with a playful shoulder bump.

I shook my head and downed the shot. No. I'll never see him again, I hissed through the burn.

Exactly, she deadpanned.

I took another glance at the stranger at the other end of the bar. He was still watching, and I wasn't sure if it made me feel excited or nervous. When he stood and started toward us, I held my breath. I had been alone for so long, I wasn't sure how to socialize with handsome men. Especially with one very much out of my comfort zone. He was sexier, more powerful and more intimidating than any college frat boy I had ever flirted with before. I could tell all of this from just one look across the bar.

Last night. Live it, Liddy whispered in my ear before sneaking off.

I watched her exposed back disappear into the crowd. Her words echoed in my head as I forced my feet to take me to the stranger. She was right. I should live. He watched as I approached and I prayed that I didn't fall on my face. His intense focus made me nervous, as did attention from anyone. I thought of turning around and abandoning the whole idea, but soon I was standing right in front of him.

Thanks for the drink.

You're very welcome, his deep voice rumbled in my ear.

A grin stretched across his handsome face and his hand reached for mine. I put mine in his expecting a handshake, but he surprised me when he lifted my hand toward his lips. I swore I could feel my jaw unhinge and fall open as I watched plump lips come closer to my skin. I pulled in a deep breath and he shocked me further by twisting my wrist and placing a soft kiss on the inside of my wrist. It was intrusive, erotic, and exciting all at the same time.

Let's find somewhere less crowded, he said and started to pull me away from the bar without waiting for me to agree.

Unlike when Liddy and I had tried to make our way anywhere in the club, the crowd parted for him. I didn't know if it was because he was known or if it was the power and the demand to be respected that radiated from him. One look at the man pulling me by the hand told me he was someone to admire and fear. It was the latter that had my heart beating and my throat dry. After months of solitude, any excitement had my body feeding off of it. I was unable to stop from devouring his attention and the way this stranger made me feel.

He led me up some steps, and a bouncer nodded as we passed. The music was a more bearable volume up here, but we still had the view of the dance floor. I stood at the railing and looked into the sea of people. I wondered if Liddy was down there dancing with a cute guy. She always lived without worries or regard for the consequences. Most of the time, I was jealous of her bravery and confidence.

I felt a tickle down my arm and the chill of a glass being wrapped in my fingers. I could sense him behind me. He wasn't quite touching me, but he may as well have been. His presence was felt on every inch of my skin. I lifted the cool glass to my lips to distract myself. The sweetness mixed with the burn and I let it wash away the nerves.

Are you cold? he asked behind me.

I shook my head and turned to face him. In the improved lighting, I could see his face better. His eyes were dark, and he had a straight nose and chiseled jaw. His suit was tailored to his body and had to cost more than several months of my rent. A scent of clean linen and fresh air complemented his groomed and perfect appearance. He was perfect and I swallowed, feeling entirely out my league.

He rubbed his hands up and down my arms, sending warmth through me. I was stuck staring at his deep, mesmerizing eyes when I noticed his smirk. With my fair skin, I was sure he could see the blush creeping into my face and spreading down my neck and chest. He confirmed that thought when his finger traced the low cut neckline of my dress, grazing the tops of my breasts.

So soft, he said in a low voice. My head started to swim with the sensations.

How long had it been since I had been touched like this? Was it sophomore year in college with my last boyfriend before my life went to shit? Was it last year when I still had it in me to touch myself and enjoy it? Was it even before that when my mother would stroke my hair like she used to every time she saw me? Inside, the smart and fearful girl that I had become was telling me this man was a dangerous stranger, but the girl with life in her still soaked up his presence.

What harm could it be anyway? I planned to leave the next day for another state. I would start over and never see him again. It didn't matter if he thought I was easy or never called me after. In fact, that would be for the best. I promised Liddy, and myself, that I would give myself one last good memory in this city.

Dance with me? I bravely asked.

His eyes sparkled, and his hands firmly gripped my hips. Without the crowd of dancers, this was intimate and sexy. It felt empowering and reckless; something I hadn't felt in so long. I pressed my body to his and placed my hands on his hard chest. I could feel a steady heartbeat under my palm. It kept me grounded. It reminded me that we were both real and alive.

Even alone, the temperature rose between our bodies but it only made me cling closer to him, like I needed him to keep me from melting. One hand roamed up the open back of my dress, smoothed down my spine and played with the ends of my hair. With every thump of the bass, I grew more confident, and the little voice in my head who told me to be careful fell off her barstool. Having his hands on me and feeling how he liked it outweighed anything else.

He wiped some sweat off my forehead. Before I could cringe with embarrassment, he sucked the thumb he used into his mouth. His eyes closed and I could hear his low moan over the music and my pounding heartbeat. When they opened, they were burning with a fire and intensity I hadn't seen or noticed before. His other hand reached between us, pressing a fresh, cold glass to my lips.

Needing to cool down, I drank the cold liquor without hesitation. My eyes didn't leave his as I drank it down, letting it both numb and cool me. He watched the movement in my throat and I felt a strange sense of power over this man in front of me. I leaned into him to feel the hard intake of breath he took at the contact. The inner slut inside me grinned. I could do this to a man. I was stronger than I looked.

Not that strong, I mumbled as I swayed, losing my balance and needing him to hold me still.

What's that? he asked with a sly smile.

I feel like jelly, I giggled.

You're alright, he assured me while he gripped my hips firmly. I got you.

My head swam and my stomach rolled. The lights were too bright and the music became too loud. My limbs were too heavy to hold me up and I felt like I was suddenly melting, but not in the hot way.

II

Stella

My head pounded as I woke up. Every time I went out with Liddy, I ended up with a hangover. This morning was worse than ever. The pain was not just in my head, but my entire body. I didn't dare to move, in fear that I would just make it worse. I tried to remember how much I had to drink, but the memories were fuzzy.

Nothing felt right. The sheets on my skin were softer than my own bare mattress I was used to. My head was heavier than usual and I was positive that I had been sleeping too long. Slowly, I started to remember