Memory Betrayal

By Deborah Ann

Memory Betrayal is the story of college student Elliana Brandt and her twist of fate journey with wealthy CEO Grayson Dane.

Before her mother’s passing, Elliana Brandt vowed to finish high school, focus on college, and save herself for a man deserving of her. After all, it was her mother’s dying wish that her daughter not make her same mistakes. As a reminder of that vow, Elli wears her mother’s old wedding ring. Never did either of them expect that vow to lead to devastating betrayal and heartbreak, when a tragic accident leaves Elli assuming she is married to a near stranger.

The stranger, the wealthy Grayson Dane, who himself never believed he’d love, knows the truth, but goes along in hopes that Elliana really will fall in love with him. He simply can’t let her go...

Share Elliana and Grayson’s story of unexpected love, betrayal, heartbreak, past secrets, and healing.

‘Memory Betrayal’ is full novel length, 450 print pages.

Elliana Brandt avoids men like Grayson Dane as one would the plague.

Womanizer Grayson Dane has never met a woman he didn’t like, or that he couldn’t have.

So when a chance meeting brings him to her rescue and disinterested Elliana simply thanks him afterwards and leaves, stunned Grayson goes out after her, snatches her from the sidewalk before she can hail a cab, and forces her into his Escalade, unaware of the tragedy he was about to inflict on her, or that he’d wake up in a hospital bed, her at his side, with everyone under the impression that she is his wife. Including Elliana herself.

The ball was already rolling, what could he do...?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deborah Ann
• Release date: Dec 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311455574

Deborah Ann

Deborah Ann lives in Northern California with her husband and their two children, where she has enjoyed a long career in the Beauty Industry.After years of reading with her children and passing on a love for books, Deborah was inspired to write 'The Destiny Series'. ('Destiny' bk1 & 'Fate's Path' bk2 ~ Young Adult Romance.) What started out in the beginning, as a celebration of a loving, young, innocent friendship and the affecting separation after a move, spun into a mythical journey of the loving binds of friendship, deep family ties, and an intoxicating fairy tale romance, with the power of love that knows no bounds.'Memory Betrayal' followed, with a leap from young adult romance, to adult romance, and her latest releases 'The Deal' & 'First Sight: The Deal Prequel', a light and sexy contemporary romance. And while it can be a balancing act at times, Deborah sneaks in as much time as she can to slip into the lives of her characters, and the magical world in which they live...

Book preview

Memory Betrayal

~ Book One ~

Deborah Ann

Brief Synopsis ~

Memory Betrayal is the story of college student Elliana Brandt and her twist of fate journey with wealthy CEO Grayson Dane.

Before her mother’s passing, Elliana Brandt vowed to finish high school, focus on college, and save herself for a man deserving of her. After all, it was her mother’s dying wish that her daughter not make her same mistakes. As a reminder of that vow, Elli wears her mother’s old wedding ring. Never did either of them expect that vow to lead to devastating betrayal and heartbreak, when a tragic accident leaves Elli assuming she is married to a near stranger.

The stranger, the wealthy Grayson Dane, who himself never believed he’d love, knows the truth, but goes along in hopes that Elliana really will fall in love with him. He simply can’t let her go…

Share Elliana and Grayson’s story of unexpected love, betrayal, heartbreak, past secrets, and healing.

‘Memory Betrayal’ is full novel length, 450 print pages.

Memory Betrayal ~ Reviews

First of all…great looking cover…catches your eye! Deborah Ann is a captivating, imaginative, and creative writer who has put together an outstanding novel with an awesome story line. Hard to put down…keeps you going.

~ Goodreads reviewer…Vicky ~ 4 stars.

Love this book! When is book two out, I want more, love Grayson?

~ Goodreads reviewer…Meledy ~ 5 stars.

Deborah Ann is an amazing author and this book blew me away just as her other ones have.

~ Reviewer…Book Lover ~ 5 stars.

Their book was delightful and had me laughing at times. I would recommend it to anyone as a cute and light read.

~ Reviewer…Roberta ~ 5 stars.

Grayson and Elliana play out their wedded bliss and had me flipping those pages! Loved it!

~ Reviewer…Danielle ~ 4 Angel stars!

Copyright

~

Copyright © 2013 by Deborah Ann

All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976,

no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in

any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system,

without prior written permission of the publisher.

~

Destiny Publishing-Hester

P.O. Box 494661, Redding, Calif. 96049

~

First published edition, October 2013

~

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity

to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

~

ISBN ~ (Smashwords Edition)

~

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

This eBook remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not

be re-sold, reproduced, copied, distributed 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.

Dedication

~

To my family, friends, and readers,

with gratitude for their support…

Acknowledgment

~

A special thank you to Brittany,

for her clever graphic abilities, and to

my willing and supportive first readers…

Thank you.

Table of Contents

Cover

Memory Betrayal

Copyright

Dedication

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Epilogue

About The Author

Watch For

Follow Me

Other Books

The Deal

Chapter One ~ Excerpt

Destiny

1. New Beginnings

Also Available

If there is anything better than

to be loved it is loving…

~

Anonymous

Chapter One

"Smells like ‘Sex on the Beach,’" Grayson Dane quipped over the lively crowd and loud music, flirtatiously staring to the angelic beauty before him.

One delicate, dark brow arched above Elliana Brandt’s wide, violet eyes. Excuse me?! Certainly she did not hear the attractive man’s remark correctly.

Mr. Dane looked to the beauty with wicked amusement. The drink…soaking your dress? He gestured to the front of her dress, his gray eyes raking over her body: her pale lavender, cocktail soaked dress clinging to the front of her, leaving little to Grayson’s imagination. He knew it was inappropriate to be ogling her like he was, but he couldn’t stop himself, the young woman was beautiful, innocently so.

A flash of heat reared under Elliana’s skin. She hated these things, almost as much as she hated these places and the men who frequented them. But Kat was her closest friend, her roommate, and as maid of honor it was Elli’s required duty to show the bride-to-be one last, single ‘girls gone wild’ night out. That was how she came to be so unfathomably, unbearably uncomfortable, fleeing to the restroom for a reprieve. But as luck would have it, more discomfort and humiliation was hurled upon Elli, when a lecherous drunk standing at the bar grabbed hold of her en route, his groping hands feeling her backside and squeezing her rear. In Elli’s frantic attempt to free herself, she swung with great momentum, her flattened palm connecting solid with the handsy drunk’s temple, stunning him. Abruptly released from his clutches, Elli was sent careening, smashing into a tipsy, two fisted drink toting girl passing by, dousing Elli with the drinks she was carrying. The colorfully tattooed and pierced girl angrily spewed out a string of profanity, spectacularly cursing Elli out before moving on. It was more than Elli could take; her eyes welled with tears, frozen in place looking to her soaked and ruined, syrup covered dress, when the attractive man with the clever drink remark stole her attention.

Elli blinked back her well of tears, her voice shaky, Is that supposed to be funny?

Shit! Tears! You’re an ass Grayson, making an angel cry. No…that was in poor taste. I apologize. His hand tenderly touched her arm as he moved closer, taking pity on her. Let me help you. He grabbed the nearest cocktail waitress, pressing her for towels.

Thank you, Elli spoke faintly, an appreciative smile warming her features.

Christ, even her voice is angelic, Grayson thought, shrugging from his suit jacket. He swung the much too large jacket over the angel’s shoulders, tugging with reluctance at the lapel, making sure to cover the front of her. He was sorry to see the soaked dress and the revealings of her body shielded, but he certainly didn’t want to share that view with anyone else. Grayson wanted to keep it, and her, his alone.

Thank God that beautiful image was so vividly burned in my memory.

Elli blushed, her tentative, violet eyes peering up to him through her long, dark lashes, noticing now how truly gorgeous the man was: shimmery blond hair, sensual gray eyes, flawless tanned skin, strong jawline, magnificent bone structure, and tall—the perfect height, not towering over her but big enough to comfortably fit within his arms, secure beneath his broad shoulders, and rest her head on his chest.

Grayson gave her a heart melting smile, reaching his arm around her shoulders and tucking her in close—as if he’d just heard her thoughts. He turned his head back, glaring at the drunken bastard seated at the bar. Yeah, that’s right asshole, you’re lucky the angel needs my help, otherwise my fist would be rearranging your slimy face right now, making her smack upside your head feel like a love tap.

Grayson led Elli to his private table, right away seating her in a chair. He grabbed the damp towel, leaving the dry ones on the table.

Elli, in some sort of shock up until now, finally found her voice again when she saw the good-looking man gesturing toward her neck with the towel. I can do that, she asserted.

Nonsense, you are unable to see the area. Not to mention, if I let you do it yourself, then I would be unable to enjoy the wiles of your beauty myself, and delight in being close to you. He smoothed the cool, damp towel over her neck, gently removing the sticky spirits from her skin. Definitely ‘Sex on the Beach,’ I would know that scent anywhere.

Holy crap, Elli thought, struck with another flash of heat. Can skin catch fire…? Spontaneously burst into flames and combust, maybe?

Grayson noticed the flush of the angel’s skin and haughtily grinned. He was getting to her, just as he did most women. She would be unable to resist the effects of his charm, he knew, and soon be his.

I am quite certain you are an angel, but even an angel such as yourself must have a name?

Elli gulped, the towel rubbing between the open V-neck of her dress. Her heart sped up beneath his touch, at the same moment catching the scent of the spilled drinks. The attractive man was right, ‘Sex on the Beach,’ she’d know that fruity, sweet scent anywhere—her drink of choice when she entered college, until indulging in several too many and puking them up for the remainder of the evening; no, she’d likely never forget that smell.

Name…? he prompted, looking to her expectantly with a delicious smile.

Whoa! Elli’s lashes fluttered, Eh…Elliana.

Elliana— her name seductively rolled off his tongue, a lovely name, for a lovely angel. He reached to her hand, tenderly holding it as he raised her arm and slid the towel along. And do you have a last name, Elliana…?

Not so fast, Mr. Sauvé. Elliana will do.

A fascinated smile presented itself on Mr. Dane’s face. As it should be, I must earn that right. Well, Elliana, I am Grayson Dane. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. His fingertips flirtatiously tickled across Elli’s palm, grazing something cold and hard on the way to her fingers. Shit! He glanced to her hand, a sickened feeling striking his gut.

You’re married?

No, Elli murmured. It was my mother’s.

Was?! And do you wear the ring as a deterrent—because it could be?

I wear it as a reminder—a vow. She slipped her hand from Grayson’s, her eyes turning down.

Grayson wanted to ask about the vow, but with the way Elliana withdrew, he’d visibly touched on an upsetting subject. He’d assumed the angel was alone, for only single girls looking to hook up came to The 207 Lounge. This club is known for it. An incredibly stupid assumption; of course a woman this beautiful is not here alone. Truthfully, she is of a higher class than the usual, uh, clientele of women. Her reaction to the groping drunk at the bar was proof of that.

What kind of idiot would bring his girl here? Only a complete jackass, that’s who.

Where is your date, Elliana?

Elli’s surprised eyes swung to Grayson, taken back by the somewhat harsh tone in which he spoke. That would be the one with the veil, on stage, singing poorly with the band. She innocently smiled.

Grayson chuckled with relief. Bachelorette party, huh?

She is the only one who could get me to enter a club like this, Elliana divulged. I don’t usually frequent such places. They make my skin crawl.

Of course they do. She is too angelic for the meat market, and clearly doesn’t belong—as I thought.

Grayson reached behind Elliana, tossing the soiled towel on the table and sweeping a clean one into his hand. He handed the towel to Elli. For your legs, he said. Though, I would be happy to clean them for you as well. A mischievous grin marked his features.

Yeah, I bet you would. Elli nervously gnawed on her bottom lip, the flash of heat again burning under her skin.

Grayson tenderly slipped his finger along the inside of her lip, freeing it from under her teeth. That takes away from your beauty, he murmured.

Holy crap! Elliana’s lip sparked from his touch, her insides tugging as the sweet taste of his skin, mixed with the fruity drink remains, burst in her mouth. She dropped the towel.

Grayson Dane’s gray eyes smoldered in their look to her. I’d very much like to dance with you.

Elli’s breath caught. Impossible! My skin is sure to burst into flames at that. I need to get away from this guy. She steadied her heart.

Thank you. But I should be getting home to change. And salvage my dress.

The good-looking man was taken aback by the words the angel spoke; rejection was a thing Grayson Dane was unaccustomed to.

Hmm… We’ll see about that.

Grayson’s one leg moved between Elli’s knees as he leaned, his hands clutching the table on either side of her. I was really hoping I could get you to dance with me, he whispered, his cheek lightly touching to Elli’s while his lips met her ear. You are nicely covered by my jacket, thus no need to change. And I promise to protect you from the advances of other men.

And who will protect me from you?

It is not other men I fear now, Elli breathed.

Ahh…As it should be, Grayson thought. He pressed a hand to Elli’s back, peeling her from the chair as he straightened upright. He was greatly looking forward to holding the angel close. And as luck would have it, a slow song resounded through the club, all but clearing the dance floor. People don’t come here for romantic slow dances, it’s more of a bump and grind kind of place.

I am not a very good dancer. You will be sorely disappointed.

Fortunate for you, I am a superb dancer. His lips curled into a wickedly seductive grin.

Elli swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.

Grayson Dane tucked Elliana into his side as he led her ahead, sure to protect his delicate angel as promised. He stopped in the center of the low-lit dance floor, the murmured reflection of colored lights casting a kaleidoscopic glow over their features.

Elli began to tremble when Grayson moved to unbutton the jacket she was wearing—his jacket. She flinched and pulled back. But Grayson held her fast.

Relax, beautiful angel…I said I’d protect you. I just want to be able to feel your closeness.

Holy Mother of Christ.

Elli felt her ragged breath, her insides alerting her to run from this man, but her feet unyielding, uncooperative. She instead focused on Grayson’s soothing gray eyes as she felt the jacket open up and Grayson’s arm slip inside, snaking around her back and pulling her to press against the front of him.

That’s better, he murmured into her hair—the delights of jasmine indulging his senses—his other hand clutching hers and holding it preciously to him as he swayed with Elliana on the dance floor.

The fire beneath Elliana’s skin extinguished, and her jagged breath calmed to a smooth rhythm, feeling complete serenity in Grayson Dane’s arms.

Elli’s nearly closed eyelids suddenly flew open, catching sight of Kat at the edge of the dance floor, giving her a quizzical look. Elli immediately pulled back, distancing herself from Grayson.

Shit, I’m losing her, thought Grayson, feeling the angel tense in his arms. He slid his hand to the small of her back, affectionately rubbing his thumb back and forth, and inadvertently feeling the likes of her intimates underneath: a lacy triangle, he could imagine the thin strings of lace attached and the parts of her that they hugged.

Nice, Kat mouthed, Armani. Elli assumed she meant the jacket—Katrina is fluent in all things designer. She gestured the tugging of lapels, "And hot," Kat added, just before Elliana turned her gaze away.

Everything all right? Grayson asked her, showing a dangerous smile, sure to melt her.

It’s time I go.

Aren’t you enjoying yourself with me? He sounded like a wounded little boy. I am quite enjoying myself with you.

Oh my. It’s not that. Elli’s violet eyes looked up coyly through her fluttering dark lashes, meeting the sparking gray of Grayson’s.

Then let me take you. I will be a perfect gentleman.

Right. I don’t take rides from strangers.

I am hardly a stranger at this point. The words floated past his lips in a hypnotic swirl, nearly entrancing Elli beyond response.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, clearing Grayson’s magical charm from her head. I…uh…came with friends, and I need to leave with those friends. But thank you for your kindness…and your help. Elli shrugged from Grayson Dane’s jacket and handed it back to him. And thank you for the use of your jacket.

Though quite stunned, Grayson caught her wrist as she stepped off.

Elliana’s eyes swung to him, a severe, blatant warning. You need to let me go!

What’s wrong with this girl, she can’t get away from me quick enough. I’ve never had this response before.

Grayson respectfully, but reluctantly, let loose of his angel, watching as she bolted to her friends with an unfamiliar feeling coming over him.

Kat’s grin was like a beaming force, lighting Elli’s way to her. Oh no, I know that look, relentless Kat! Spill it…that guy is gorgeous…of godly proportions gorgeous! Kat’s words assaulted Elli as she approached her.

Elli blushed, nervously biting at her bottom lip, the action quickly reminding her of Grayson’s earlier reaction to her nervous gnawing of her bottom lip, the spark of his touch, and the taste of his skin. Elli blushed harder, her breath erratic. There’s nothing to say.

Are you kidding me? Thought Kat. The flush of your skin, clamming up, that says it all, my dear friend. At least tell me his name? I assume it’s not Mr. Armani, or Gorgeous God.

It doesn’t matter, Elli said determinedly. I’m never going to see him again.

I’m not so sure of that, Kat quipped. I saw the way he looked at you…you got under his skin. As I think he did yours.

Elli gave her a curious look. I’m not going to let some strange guy, no matter how good-looking he is, pick me up in a bar.

Kat gazed back at her with an expression of empathy now. You have to let someone in, Elli; it’s been five years. You can’t continue to let the past destroy your future. She touched a compassionate hand on Elli’s wrist. He looked decent. I am not saying go home with him, maybe a date. At least give him your phone number.

Elli felt it best not to mention how her skin nearly erupted in flames in the man’s presence.

Meanwhile, Grayson Dane was in a state of insurmountable twisting. Women don’t pass him up…Ever…which made him want Elliana that much more.

The angel is different—as I first felt.

In an attempt to draw her back, Grayson cleverly sent Elliana a drink.

It would at least keep me in her thoughts, he figured.

Grayson observed Elliana from his table across the room, a luminescent, angelic glow surrounding her and causing her to stand out amongst the rest.

A scantily clad cocktail waitress with ruby red lips, heavily charcoal lined cat eyes, and a ratted nest of hair—straw-colored, that looked straight from the fifties—slinked up beside Elliana, all but blocking Grayson’s view. She was holding the tray with Elliana’s drink, but made no physical attempt to give it to her, not that Grayson could see anyway. She appeared to be conversing with Elliana…

Katrina’s eyebrows rose, "‘Sex on the Beach?!’ she said in reference of the lone drink on the waitress’s tray. That’s a gesture if I ever saw one."

Elli rolled her eyes, fighting back her urge to smile. He is determined, if nothing else. "Tell the gentleman thank you, but I’m not interested in his ‘Sex on the Beach.’"

The waitress appeared incredulous. Are you sure? She turned to face Grayson’s direction. Look at him, honey. You don’t say no to a man like that!

Elli averted glancing toward Grayson—she already felt the heat of his gaze on her—but Kat and the rest of the party took full advantage of the opportunity to gawk at him.

Grayson gave a polite wave and flashed the ladies an award winning smile, relishing in the moment. Now these women know how to respond to a man, he thought smugly.

His friend’s not bad either, Katrina remarked.

Friend?! Elli’s head shot Grayson’s direction in reaction, before she thought not to. I assumed he was alone, in want of a pick-up and a quick exit. Her breath caught at Grayson’s stare, hardly noticing the handsome friend at his side. Elliana wanted very badly to turn away and draw her eyes from Grayson’s wanting stare, afraid her eyes might also flame.

You don’t turn a man like that down, the waitress repeated.

Let him in! Kat pushed.

Elli drew in a deep breath, rescinding her eyes from Grayson’s wanting stare, her focus now determinedly back on the waitress. Please pass my message on to the gentleman, and return his drink to him.

The waitress spun on her heels, shaking her head in disbelief.

Maybe he’ll share his ‘Sex on the Beach’ with her! She is certainly less inclined to turn him down. My heart, on the other hand, can’t take a man like that. He would ruin me.

Grayson watched the waitress step away from Elliana, the drink still in place.

Christ…what’s it going to take? That usually works. He ran an anxious hand through his hair. I’m not leaving without the angel. Or at least her number, he determined.

Kat suddenly caught sight of Elli’s dress. That’s why she was wearing the God’s jacket, she realized. What happened to your dress?

Long story—it is because of that that I need to go.

It’s almost closing time anyway. And Rodger texted me a bit ago and said that Booker passed out. She rolled her eyes dramatically. He is such a wuss when it comes to drinking. We’ll have to pick him up on our way home.

You stay for the last hour, Elli urged her friend. Or, even stay the night upstairs in the hotel suite with the rest of the girls. I can take a cab and see to it that your overindulged fiancé makes it home safely.

Kat’s hands sat on her hips. You’re sure? Because I’m fairly certain that overindulged fiancés are not a responsibility of the maid of honor—Leave it to you to over excel at that, too!

Elliana smiled, giving a kind hug to her friend before she made her escape, an escape she hoped would evade notice from the persistent and good-looking, skin fire starting, Mr. Dane…

Chapter Two

Upon Elli’s exit from The 207 Lounge, she noticed the lobby bar entrance still had a lingering line of people waiting to get in—she also noticed the myriad of loitering hookups desperate to hail a cab, realizing it would be awhile before she could hail one herself. They appeared undaunted about their public displays of affection, have you will, all but having sex on the curb. Elli thought it rather distasteful, albeit provocative, and knew she certainly couldn’t tolerate standing beside them for long.

If it wasn’t for her promise to Kat—that she’d pick up Booker—Elli would be walking; it is her preferred choice of transportation.

Deciding she’d likely go unnoticed if she jumped ahead of the preoccupied couples, Elli stepped from the curb to the street, ready to grab an upcoming cab. But as she did, the sky opened up with a gush of rain, abruptly sending everyone crowding toward the street around her. With a quick spark and flash of heat, Elli felt an arm scoop around her waist.

Come with me, a smooth voice spoke, slipping Elli from the crowd toward an awaiting black Escalade.

"No! What are you, stalking me now?" Elli jerked from Grayson’s hold, her heart still recovering from the quickened pace his touch had induced.

He grinned. I see it as protecting you; that swarm nearly swallowed you up.

Her eyes flashed. I’m a big girl; I can take care of myself!

But why should you have to, he pressed closer, his lips whispering at her ear, when I’m happy to do it for you.

Oh my! Elliana gasped in reaction, her entire body seeming to erupt in to flames. Smooth Elli.

Uh…Thank you, but I’ll walk just the same. She steadied her hand on his chest and nudged him back. I’m rather fond of walking.

Don’t be ridiculous, it’s raining, you’ll catch your death, Grayson Dane argued. "And it is not safe for an angel to walk the night among sinners.

Is he for real? I’ve managed quite well so far. Now let me go!

I can’t do that. And I won’t take no for an answer.

Argue this out in the car, I’m getting soaked here!

Elli spun to the impatient voice with shock—she hadn’t noticed Grayson’s handsome friend holding the door open.

Grayson’s arm again scooped around Elliana’s waist, and he swiftly pulled her into the backseat alongside him, the door slamming shut behind.

Let me out! demanded Elliana, struggling to get free.

The SUV quickly sped off, the doors snapping locked.

This is kidnapping, let me go! she charged.

You are far from a kid, Grayson returned, a suggestive smirk delighting his features.

Elliana gave Mr. Dane an infuriated glare, perturbed with the fact that she was trapped in a backseat with the likes of this sexy man. But at least he was no longer touching her, which was something.

Where shall we take you? His gray eyes warmed, Of course, you are more than welcome to come home with me.

Not a chance, you forward ass!

Ocean Ridge Vistas, Elli told the driver, I have to pick up my friend’s fiancé. She’d get out from there, Elliana figured—seek refuge in Rodger’s condo—no way does she want this man knowing where she lives.

Grayson appeared amused at Elliana’s words. "So you were going to walk and pick up an intoxicated friend?"

I never mentioned he was intoxicated. How did he know that? In annoyance, Elli looked out the tinted window, the falling rain pooling in the San Diego streets.

Please don’t be upset. Grayson cupped Elliana’s hand with his. I had a nice time with you tonight. Though, I was offended that you returned the drink I ordered for you.

Elli swiftly slid her hand from Grayson’s fiery hold. Is that why you came after me, couldn’t handle a little rejection? She gave him a cold glance.

I came after you because I enjoy your company; it’s not often one happens upon an angel. I thought I had made that clear.

An angel? Elli fought the urge to roll her eyes. I would think you’d have preferred the company of that waitress I sent back to you. She seemed quite enamored with you, and willing to engage in what I assume you are after.

Ouch! The angel knows how to hurt a man. And on a typical night, I would have to agree, that is what I’d be after: sex, devoid of any emotion. But this night, with the angel, it’s different; something new has evoked in me. I know she feels it too—the seething connection between us—I see how she flushes at my nearness. Something is holding her back.

Grayson was set to remark on Elliana’s comment, when her gaze swept past him: her innocent, violet eyes wide, fraught with terror: her angelic face askew with horrified alarm: her sudden cry piercing to the very soul of Grayson’s being…

"Noooo…" Elliana cried in a piercing shrill, seeing a tow truck hit the flooded intersection and hydroplane, now careening sideways toward them. Elli grabbed hold of Grayson Dane—a man that up until mere hours ago was a complete stranger; now, seeing life flash before her, that life seemed impossible to be lived without Grayson Dane—and pulled back, quickly yanking him out of harm’s way.

But his seatbelt wouldn’t allow it, his upper body only bent with hers as the tow truck crashed into them, the Escalade now also sliding, speeding in to a streetlight and wrapping around it—the sounds of metal contorting, the pole ripping from its foundation and crushing across the roof of the Escalade where Grayson’s head had been, now pinning him at his back.

Beautiful angel… Elliana heard, everything fading into silence.

And in the blink of an eye, it had happened…

The Escalade had stilled, the streetlight resting across the remains of the hood and roof: the tow truck, a twisted heap of metal intertwined with the driver’s side of the Escalade: the only sounds lingering in the night silence were the eerie settlings of metal creaking, rain tapping, wires snapping, electricity sparking, steam hissing, and the agonizing groans and final gasp from Grayson Dane’s handsome friend at the wheel…

Grayson looked in shock at the tragic scene before him, his beautiful angel in an angelic slumber. Elliana—Angel, can you hear me? The words were spoken in a painful murmur.

Elli’s eyes opened to Grayson’s worried gray eyes—his smiling face a dreamy sight—then his eyelids closed, and his head fell to her chest. "Grayson…? Grayson Dane…?" No, no, no… Don’t you do this to me! Elli’s pleading sob would have chilled even the hardest of hearts, the darkest of souls.

She tried to wiggle to give Grayson a shake, but it was a failed attempt. She could hardly move, the weight of Grayson’s body resting on hers, her left arm smushed between them and her right pinned in-between Grayson’s back and the caved in roof; which she now realized was throbbing with pain, and wet. "Come on Grayson…you good-looking, arrogant ass. I’ll give you anything you want—anything—just wake up…Pleeeease…!" she sobbed.

When he still didn’t move, Elli decided—out of pure panic and desperation—to try what she was sure would get a man like Grayson’s attention. She gulped, then kissed his hair, moving in frantic haste to his forehead, her eyes closing as she kissed along his face, finally pressing her lips to his, praying for a kiss back.

But nothing, his lips still.

Tasting the salt of her own tears, Elli moved her lips from Grayson Dane’s unresponsive, perfect mouth. As she did, she caught the smell of smoke. Something’s burning…? Oh God, the Escalade…! Crap…it’ll explode…!

She wriggled the arm pinned between her and Grayson, till at last it was unwedged. Careful of Grayson’s possible injuries, Elli scooted sideways, slipping slowly out from under him. With the extra space the removal of her body allowed, her other arm—throbbing and trapped between the roof and Grayson’s back—suddenly freed as well. Elli was now able to see that the wetness she felt was blood—but not hers, Grayson’s, she thought with alarm, seeing a large piece of glass sticking out from his back.

There was no time to dwell on that now; she had to get him out first.

Elli looked around the remains of the Escalade, quickly seeking a way out. All the doors were smashed in, but the back passenger door didn’t seem as bad as the rest. Her right arm in unbearable pain, she reached her left to the handle, lifting and pushing.

Damn it! Jammed.

She had no choice; the back hatch was the only option. She would have to drag Grayson. She frantically fumbled to unlatch his seatbelt. Then, with everything in her—and the help of a whole lot of shock and adrenaline—Elli climbed over the back of the seat, bent back over and wedged her arms under Grayson’s. She yanked and yanked at him, sliding him over the seat back on his stomach.

Oh, god of all gods, that is a lot of blood, she thought, now able to see more of Grayson, his back soaked with blood, glass shards protruding everywhere. Please help him…I take back everything I said about him earlier...let this beautiful man make it through this, please? Let help arrive quickly, before he loses too much blood.

Elli grabbed for the latch at the base of the hatch. But there wasn’t one. Her eyes rolled to the heavens. Really, this is your idea of help…?

Quickly realizing she’d have to break the window, she searched for something sharp enough to do the job. When she found nothing but a laptop, she considered her options: laptop, or her spiked heels? It wasn’t a difficult decision. Elli hoped Grayson would forgive her for the loss of his laptop—it was to save his life, after all. Without remorse, she threw the laptop at the center of the window and spun to face away. The laptop crashing to the street, Elli turned back, using the heel on one of her shoes to knock out the rest of the glass. She reached her good arm out and unlocked the hatch, then pushed it open, pulling Grayson Dane to fall to the street with her. Elliana dragged him a little farther, until reaching the sidewalk—glass pieces cutting and tearing at their skin—sure to be clear if an explosion occurred. The initial tragedy behind them, and the faint sound of sirens in the distance, Elli held her arms around Grayson’s blood soaked body and closed her eyes, for what she thought would be a brief moment of rest…

Elliana and Grayson were found tenderly tangled together in the falling rain…

The dark days and nights quickly passing...

And from the wreckage of tragedy, life would start anew…

Chapter Three

Elliana Brandt woke to confusion: unsure where she was, who the woman in the casual matching blue pants and shirt was, and why she was with her.

Hello, honey, she greeted Elli cheerily. I’m Veronica, a nurse at Saint Christian’s Medical Center. You’re in the hospital, dear.

Nurse…? Hospital…? Am I missing something here…?

Can you tell me your name?

Name…? Elliana’s brows crinkled. Of course…what kind of question is that? My name is…ah…my name…umm, uh… Christ, I don’t know it!

That’s okay. It’s normal to be a bit disoriented after an experience like yours.

Experience like mine? What experience is that? Why am I in a hospital?

Nurse Veronica’s face was stoic, unreadable. Let me just call the doctor first, he’ll want to see you. She stepped to the door and spoke across the hall to a gal at the nurses’ desk—who quickly made a call—then returned at Elliana’s side. You were in a car accident; you and your husband were brought in three nights ago. Her eyes flicked across the room.

Elli’s eyes swung to follow, settling on the man in the bed beside her, hooked to an array of machinery. Husband…? I’m sure I do not have a husband, certainly I would remember if I had. Then again, I don’t even recall my own name. She glanced to her left hand, confirming there was indeed a wedding ring. What happened to me? Why can’t I remember anything?

Before Nurse Veronica could answer, the doctor swooped in close to Elliana.

Elli gulped. Oh my. He was tall, slender, sandy-haired with natural blond streaks, and young; very young, too young to have completed med school and be practicing on his own, she thought.

Hello, I’m Dr. Michael Myles. How are you feeling? His boyish features warmed with a pleasing smile as he leaned to Elli and shined a small light in one of her eyes.

Elli stared ahead, trying to avoid eye contact with the visually appealing doctor.

You have a unique eye color. He commented, twitching the light back and forth over each eye.

Elli fought to remember her eye color, but her memory would not have it.

Elliana Brandt’s lovely violet eyes had been an endless source of conversation since she was a small child. People young and old, close relation or new acquaintance, would marvel at the combination of her dark hair and violet eyes. The unwanted attention typically caused Elliana to cast her eyes down in awkward embarrassment, and this day, today, was no exception.

Elli’s eyes caught the young doctor’s deep green eyes, her cheeks pinkening on cue and her eyes darting to the bed sheets. Please tell me what’s wrong with me? I hurt all over.

We’ll need to run more tests, now that you are awake, but your memory loss appears to have been brought on by the traumatic experience you suffered.

What exactly did I go through, she thought, and it clearly includes this man sharing my room—MY HUSBAND?!

What do you remember? The doctor leaned even closer, his fingertips skillfully feeling over Elliana’s scalp.

Elli racked her brain. Nothing, absolutely nothing there. Not that this doctor hovering over her helped her thoughts any…or her breathing for that matter. Wow!

Do you remember where you were coming from, or where you were going?

Elli shook her head. Nothing, she murmured. I don’t even remember that man over there that you refer to as my husband. You’d think I’d remember him.

He gave her an empathetic smile. You’ll remember in time. It may take hours, days, weeks, or… he trailed off when Elli’s eyes widened. Your mind will unlock when it’s ready, and your memories will return. He took a step back. You suffered a terrible car accident; you and your husband were the only survivors.

Only survivors?! Were we not alone? Could friends or family have been with us? Elli wondered. Or did we hit another vehicle, strangers?

Emergency responders found you both outside the car. They weren’t exactly sure how you got there, but think it was you who saved your husband’s life; as well as your own. You were very lucky to have made it out when you did. The vehicle you were driving in exploded and was found in flames.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the small hospital room alerted with alarms and beeping.

He’s crashing! The nurse yelled of Grayson.

My husband.

What’s wrong with him?! Elli shrieked, the panic in her own voice surprising even herself. Her legs swung to the side of the bed, with intensified pain, ready to go to her husband’s side.

Nurse Veronica’s arm snapped to Elli’s chest, stopping her before she stood. Stay put! she insisted. We’ll find out. He’s lost a lot of blood, and his internal injuries were extensive.

It may be his kidneys or spleen, Elli heard the young doctor say.

Give him mine! He would surely do the same for me; I am his wife, after all.

Calm down, dear. The nurse was at Elli’s side now, a kind hand patting her arm. They’re going to take your husband down to the OR and help him. I’ll stay with you.

Elli’s eyes began to weep for this man she didn’t even remember. I’m serious, I will give him anything I have: blood, organs, whatever he needs! she told the nurse. The man’s lifeless body lay flattened on the bed as they wheeled him past. He is all I have…please save him…don’t let him die! she begged Dr. Michael Myles on his rush out of the room, tears streaming from her frightened eyes.

Nurse Veronica stabbed a syringe into Elli’s IV tube, pushing the contents in quickly.

Elli felt the groggy affects instantly; a sedative, she thought. Take whatever you need to save him, Elli mumbled once more: her eyes blurring, everything falling from focus, she closed them.

You’re still healing yourself, you may not be strong enough to… the nurse’s words trailed off, muddled in Elli’s mind.

When Elli woke, she was again startled and confused about her whereabouts, but was quickly sickened when it all came whirling back. She turned to the bed beside hers, her husband’s bed—gone. Her eyes closed. Oh, please, God of all…

He’s still in surgery, Elliana heard, her eyelids flying open, her head shooting toward the door; Veronica, her nurse, standing there. Your husband’s hemorrhaging from his spleen, as a result of trauma to the splenic artery and vein. It is being repaired. But he has lost a great deal more blood. You mentioned that you were willing to help…?

"Yes, anything I can do!" Elli jumped in.

The nurse moved to Elli’s bedside. I’ve already had your blood tested; it’s a match to your husband’s.

I’ll do it, can we start now?! Elli sprang to the side of the bed. Ouch!

Veronica laughed at Elliana’s eagerness. Then thought about the great love this husband and wife must share, to be so willing to give of herself to him. Before we proceed, I need to explain the possible side affects you could experience. In addition, we’ve yet to discuss your own injuries sustained in the accident.

Elliana was sure she didn’t care about her own injuries; she just wanted to get on with aiding her husband and quickening his recovery.

As you’ve realized, your right arm is in a cast, your forearm…

Elliana’s patience was waning. I don’t need the medical facts now; please just get to the chase.

You broke your arm and severely sprained your ankle. The nurse flipped back the sheets, and Elli looked to her dangling legs. As you see…

Yeah, as I see, someone used my legs for stitching practice.

The rest of you is fairly unscathed, considering the accident you were in. As with your legs, we found a lot of glass in your hair and scalp and on your arms and hands, but few stitches were needed. I’m sure you noticed pain in your abdomen…you have a few stitches there as well, in addition to a lot of bruising—common seatbelt injuries. You also arrived with a deep wound on your lower abdomen, below your left hip, which required a great deal more sutures. Veronica thought of the oddity of that wound, reflecting how her husband curiously had the same wound, but on the opposite side. That should cover it for now. But donating your blood could leave you weak, and slow your own healing progress.

Thank you for explaining. But I’d like to proceed. Elli slid from the bed, bearing her weight on her good foot.

Where do you think you’re going? The nurse snapped, swiftly assisting Elli back in the bed.

She cowered. I thought I was going to my husband. The blankets tucked around her with a firm and confident hand.

You’ll donate from here. I will see to it being processed, and bring your donation to the operating room myself.

That won’t do; I need to be with my husband, Elliana feverishly argued, but Veronica would have none of that.

The best place for you is right here in this bed. As soon as the transfusion has completed, he will be brought back here.

Nurse Veronica then left Elliana, to gather the necessary items for her blood donation.

~ * ~

Elliana lay there, waiting for the man that was

Reviews for Memory Betrayal

[Jan · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

not only did I dislike the writing style from everyone's point of view - and I do mean everyone!, but where in the world is book 2 in the series? not found anywhere and this books has the main character abstaining from sex with Elli because of something in his past for half the book, then only to take her virginity and mentioning how he'd abstained because of that secret but never disclosing it.
Bad form!