Indivisible Souls: Book 3 of the Bound4Ireland Series

By Tricia Daniels

Falling in love with Olivia James is about to bring on a shift in the balance of power in Ethan’s world. Like no other woman in his life, Olivia James challenges him with her strong will and sharp sense of humor. She’s the woman that makes him want more, the kind of girl that would make any man think about forever. She’s the only woman who has ever made him feel ‘right.’ Tortured by a turn of events, he returns to Ireland alone, his spirit broken. It forces Olivia to finally submit to the truth. Ethan O’Connell leaves her wanting, desiring his love, needing it to feel alive and whole. The universe will not be denied love. Tenacious in effort, it anchors their souls together and strengthens Olivia’s belief. In a switch of roles, She sets out to fix things in his world and heal his broken heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tricia Daniels
• Release date: Dec 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310088834

Tricia Daniels

Tricia Daniels lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada, where she raised three kids as a single parent. Creativity and imagination is something there is never a short supply of in her home. Between her quick wit and wicked sense of humor she found that she has a passion for writing steamy romance novels. Her goal is simple, tell her story, warm a few hearts, shed a few tears, share a silent chuckle, and occasionally, make people blush.

Book preview

Prologue

Liam stares at his brother’s new bride. Unable to fight his jealousy, he blurts out the secret that he’s kept. Maybe you should be resting. You don’t want to lose another baby.

Elizabeth holds her breath, staring at her brother-in-law in horror.

Owen turns to her, his face turning pale. Another one? he asks, confused. You’ve been pregnant before?

Elizabeth closes her eyes, and then looks up at him with a pained expression. She knows this is going to be extremely difficult for him to hear. Yes, she whispers, feeling ashamed. I was only a few months along and something went wrong. I lost the baby. She fixes her eyes on Liam’s glower. I didn’t think anybody knew I was pregnant, let alone that I had a miscarriage.

Owen looks back and forth between his brother and his wife, feeling uncomfortable about the glances they’re exchanging. I thought you said you weren’t with anybody else after I left? Anger starts to redden his face as he wonders if there’s something they need to tell him.

Elizabeth fusses with her wedding ring, twisting and turning it around her finger anxiously. Her silence frightens him. His mind races with thoughts he’d rather not consider, but he needs to know. Elizabeth? Were you with someone else?

No, I wasn’t. She looks up to meet Owen’s anxious gaze. A salty tear rolls down her face and dampens her lips. There’s never been anybody else. Only you.

Owen’s eyes frantically search her face, as he tries to make sense of what she’s just said. His heart pounds, sending the blood rushing through his ears so loudly that he can’t think straight. He needs clarity. He needs it now. Elaborate, he demands.

Remember the night we got caught in the rain? she asks him.

Yes, we made it to the cabin on the west ridge. His mind goes back in time to recollect the moment. It was the first time I made love to you. He smiles, as the memory momentarily chases away his current anxiety.

Elizabeth nods, and tries to return his smile. A sudden torrent of tears stream down her cheeks, making her bottom lip start to quiver. Her voice squeaks, as she barely chokes out the words. It was your baby I lost, Owen.

Stunned, Owen stands frozen, unsure how to react. Elizabeth breaks down into a hard sob, pulling him out of his daze. He grabs for her, banding his arms around her to steady her, as her legs wobble. Shhhhh, it’s okay. Feeling her anguish, he tries to soothe her, holding his lips on the top of her head. I’m here now. I’ve got you. Smoothing his hands over her body, he sways her gently until she settles. When he releases her, he wipes the remainder of her tears away with his handkerchief. His face contorts into an angry expression, as he glares across the room at his brother. You knew? He starts walking toward him. YOU KNEW, and you didn’t send for me?

Liam nods his head, returning his brother’s heated glare. If you knew, you would have come home to her.

DAMN RIGHT! I should’ve been here, Liam. You should’ve told me.

You had just started medical school. If you came home, you would have stayed with her. It would have ruined your career. He pauses. It would’ve ruined your life. It’s the reason I destroyed your letter, Liam confesses.

His statement catches Liz’s attention. What letter?

The two boys engage in a stand off in the middle of the grand living room of the Jameson home. Owen’s hands form tight fists at his sides.

Liam’s mouth forms a villainous smirk. The letter he left for you, asking you to join him in London. The one where he asked you to marry him at the end of the first semester.

Elizabeth’s eyes fly open in surprise, looking to Owen in shock. She watches the anger pulse through every tensed muscle in his body as he struggles to control himself.

Please understand, Liam continues, I love my brother, although, he doesn’t see it. I wanted him to live his dream and go to school to become a doctor. He had a chance to work at the finest hospital and leave behind this shithole of a town. I didn’t want him trapped here by a simple little country girl, who managed to get herself knocked up.

Elizabeth’s stomach drops, and her chest fills with heartache.

You BASTARD! Owen growls.

Before Elizabeth can register what’s happening, Owen unleashes several hard punches. Hitting his brother with brute force, he sends him to the floor. Jumping on top of him, he pins Liam to the ground and continues to pummel him.

Elizabeth screams and tries to pull him off. STOP! she pleads.

Out of breath, he looks up at her. Please stop, she begs, wiping his bloodied lip from the only shot Liam managed to get in.

There’s something in her eyes that calms the beast inside him. She’s the only thing that can soothe his temper. Getting to his feet, Owen releases his grip from his brother’s shirt and lets him drop hard back on the floor.

I didn’t think anybody knew. Elizabeth watches Liam struggle to his feet, her mind focusing on a lost detail. Now it all makes sense. You were there after it happened. It was you who sat on the side of my bed, holding my hand as I cried. They had me heavily sedated, but I remember now. When I woke up, you were gone. I thought I imagined it.

Owen walks the floor, still aggravated. Is that true? he asks, licking at his swollen lip.

Liam rubs his jaw, staring at her, seemingly annoyed at her sudden recollection. Yes, Lucy called to let me know Liz had miscarried and lost a lot of blood. Things didn’t look good. I got there as soon as I could to donate blood so they could give her a transfusion. It took a long time to get her blood pressure stabilized.

Elizabeth becomes a little emotional. They never told me that. There’s something else, she begins. When I left the hospital they told me that my bill had been paid in full. I never knew who or why, but thank you.

Liam wipes his bleeding nose and shakes his head. It wasn’t me, Liz. I didn’t pay the bill. I would have, but when I came back, you had already gone home and someone else had beaten me to it.

Well then who? she asks confused.

I did.

Startled, their heads all snap toward the figure standing in the doorway.

Dad? Owen asks in shock.

The Jameson patriarch wanders slowly into the room. Yes.

You paid the bill? Elizabeth asks.

Yes, I got the same call from Lucy. I had a feeling that the baby was Owen’s. But when I got to the hospital and saw Liam sitting on the side of the bed, I wasn’t sure anymore. All I knew at that moment was that both my sons seemed to be very much in love with you.

Owen stiffens beside her, looking over at his brother with a probing look.

Liam shakes it off. Don’t be ridiculous, Father. I’m not in love with her.

Suddenly reality hits Owen. For fuck’s sake! Was I the only person who didn’t know?

Your mother doesn’t know, his dad assures him.

Of course I knew, comes a woman’s voice from the doorway. Who do you think made Lucy call you?

Feeling overwhelmed, Elizabeth puffs out a breath of air and cradles her stomach. Oh, just great. Turning pale, she closes her eyes and grimaces.

Owen senses her anxiety and reaches down to hold her hand. Are you okay? Maybe you should sit down.

Chapter One

Getting to his feet, Ethan paces like a caged animal. The dull thud of the hurled phone connecting with the stone wall is barely audible over the barrage of Irish curse words. Chest heaving, he looks down at the cracked screen. He’s done. This time he’s going to let her go, for good.

Thousands of miles away in a small brick building, hidden in Toronto’s downtown core, Eva sits in the darkness with her crystal ball, watching this tragedy unfold. Distraught, she carefully selects a few potions and lights a candle. Closing her eyes, she begins to chant.

The cool autumn air around Ethan becomes very still. Leaves stop rustling and hang motionless, as time seems to come to a halt. The hair on the back of his neck stands at attention as a warm breeze creeps in and gently wraps itself around him. The unmistakable scent of lilac washes over him, calming his nerves like a magical elixir. It’s a calm that stays with him for a fleeting moment before an overwhelming feeling of angst prompts him to turn slowly. He swallows hard as the row of lilac bushes, in full bloom, comes into view.

Ethan blinks several times, whispering to himself, That’s impossible. His eyes follow the alternating pattern of purple and white along the pathway to the humble cottage that, only a few moments ago, was a pile of rubble. Walking toward it, he pushes open the heavy wooden gate and walks into his past. Memories come flooding back to him at lightning speed, as the magic of Ireland unfolds around him. The sound of fluttering wings and a familiar song catches his attention as the small green bird lands on the edge of the birdbath, near the brightly painted red door. The heart shaped marking on its bright white chest is an unmistakable sign. The universe is no longer gentle with its messages. A meadow of daisies dance and sway in the wind making his heart pound in his chest. He feels it. The connection. Olivia. Their love.

Rushing back to the stone wall, he picks up her phone and becomes frustrated that, in his anger, he’s destroyed the only hope he had to keep track of her. The wind picks up, sending a shiver across his skin. Branches of the trees at the end of the lane bend and creak, revealing a small sign nailed to the trunk. ‘FOR SALE.’

Ethan bolts toward the car and takes one last look at the magic. Thinking about what she’s done makes his heart hurt. It’s a pain like nothing he’s ever felt before. He would never have allowed her to make that decision, had he known. That’s precisely why she didn’t tell him. It’s his fault. He’s made her feel as if she had no choice. It doesn’t matter now. What’s done is done. It doesn’t change the fact that he loves her. Always has. He hits the gas hard, leaving behind deep ruts in the dirt.

Sitting in the back of a cab, Olivia curses as she frantically digs through her purse, looking for her phone. The roar of jet engines overhead makes her heart pound. The driver watches her curiously, as she dumps out the entire contents of her bag on the back seat.

Miss, we’re here, he prompts as he fiddles with his radio, trying to clear a strange static that has suddenly disrupted the transmission.

Something inexplicable grabs hold of Olivia. An invisible force tangles around her soul, pinning her against the seat. At that moment, she’s certain that she must be at death’s door. It’s the only explanation as to why her past life is flashing before her eyes, holding her hostage: a brightly painted red door, lilacs, a little green bird, and Ethan.

Miss?

Olivia looks up, obviously in distress.

Miss, are you okay?

She fights it, pushing the memories out of her mind and pulling herself out from under the force that’s weighing her down. As she demands her release from the spell that tries to consume her, she begins to feel dizzy. Breathless. It seems like forever before she finds her voice. Yes, sorry. Beads of perspiration start to dot her forehead. Emptying her wallet, she passes everything she has to the driver.

Take it, she says sadly, I have no need for it.

He looks at her suspiciously. Are you sure, you’re okay?

Magically the static clears and an announcement from the cab company comes over the radio. The driver turns to listen, adjusting the volume so he can hear the details. A large reward is being offered to the driver who picked up a young woman destined for the airport. He quickly turns his attention to his passenger, only to find that she’s gone.

Cutting it close, Olivia hurries through the concourse, looking for the departure gate. She’s thankful that she checked-in online before she left. Her legs start to feel weak as she makes her way down the boarding tunnel, and the weight of her carry-on suddenly becomes too much for her. Dropping it from her shoulder, she looks up to see the captain heading toward her, looking alarmed, as her knees bend and she hits the ground.

As he reaches her, she quickly attempts to get to her feet. I’m okay, she assures him. I’ve just been rushing to make the flight and I forgot to eat.

Holding out his hand, he helps steady her. I’ve forgotten a lot of things in my day, but I’ve never forgotten to eat, he says concerned. Let’s take a moment and make sure you’re really okay, before we get this bird in the air.

He guides her through the airplane doors like a fragile child. Get her a cool compress and a glass of water. We’ll delay take-off for a moment, he says to the waiting flight attendant.

She nods and takes over, steering Olivia to a bench reserved for the in-flight attendants at the back of the plane.

Really. I’m fine. Just embarrassed, Olivia insists, as she wipes the sweat from her brow with the cool, damp cloth she’s given.

No need to be embarrassed. That happens to me sometimes at that time of the month.

That time of the month? Olivia asks confused.

Yes. The attendant discreetly directs Olivia’s attention to the small blood spot that has soaked through her pants. Do you have a change of clothes and supplies in your carry-on? If not, I’m pretty sure we have what you need.

Oh, I didn’t realize. Olivia fidgets uncomfortably, finally acknowledging the growing ache in her back. I have everything I need in my bag.

I’ll tell the captain that you’re okay and we’re good to go. You can step into the washroom to get cleaned up.

Thank you. Closing the door behind her, Olivia gets changed in the cramped space of the airplane restroom, fighting the tears for as long as she can. She’s rinsing out her soiled clothes when there’s a loud knocking on the door.

Miss James? We need you to get to your seat now. The captain is ready to depart.

Olivia wipes her nose and opens the door. Yes, of course. She follows the attendant to her assigned seat and settles in. As she buckles her seatbelt, the captain welcomes everyone to the flight and apologizes for the delay. Leaning her head back, she tries to calm the developing headache that’s beginning to throb.

The two flight attendants rush to the front of the plane. There’s a brief commotion as they pull open the heavy doors. The passengers peek up the aisles curiously. A man in a suit rushes into the cabin, seemingly flustered. Olivia’s heart skips a beat. She doesn’t know why she thought she’d get away. Maybe, deep down she doesn’t want to. Undoing her seat belt, she moves to the edge of the seat and her eyes fill with tears. He’ll insist she come home, and she will obey. She swallows hard and tries to remember in which compartment the attendant stowed her carry-on.

Sir, please calm down, the flight attendant demands.

His voice becomes loud and agitated. Don’t tell me to calm down! he warns.

Her heart squeezes so tightly, it feels like it’s about to burst. It’s not him. A tear escapes, slowly rolling down her cheek. She brushes it away as she slides back into her seat.

Excuse me, he says, with an unmistakable accent.

Olivia looks up at the young, handsome Frenchman. Although he’s still clearly agitated, he attempts a courteous smile. Still reeling over her disappointment, Olivia glances over at the seat beside her.

Oh, of course. I’m sorry. Getting to her feet, she steps into the aisle and lets the muscular, young man into his seat.

Finally, the captain begins his take-off. As the plane jockeys down the runway, Olivia feels the panic building inside her. The blood pumps quickly through her veins, as if it’s trying to match pace with the jet engines. Closing her eyes, she tries to remember to breathe. It seems like forever before the plane is in the air and starting to level out.

If it’s okay, can I have my hand back now? he requests in the most adorable French accent.

Olivia turns and locks onto his steel grey eyes. The most infectious smile curls slowly on his lips. A smile that quickly washes away the memory of the uptight, agitated man that made a last minute entrance. She looks down at the armrest of the seat to see her hand on top of his, gripping it tightly.

You’re concerned? No?

No. I mean, yes, Olivia says embarrassed, quickly releasing his hand.

You’re safe, ma Cherie.

Olivia’s face warms. I’m sorry.

He nods. Whom are you leaving behind? Friends? Family? A lover, perhaps?

Olivia looks away. All of the above.

I see, he says, seeming to be genuinely regretful for her. Well, Cherie. He’s a fool to let you get away. He obviously doesn’t deserve you.

He doesn’t know I’m gone, she says regretfully.

Then he is an even bigger fool.

The captain turns off the seatbelt sign and gives the okay for personal electronic devices.

Ah, he grunts. Finally. Reaching down beneath his seat, he pulls out his laptop.

Olivia blinks wondering if her eyes are playing tricks on her, but it’s no mistake. Across the top of the case is the unmistakable logo: Aurora Technologies. You work at Aurora?

Mais, oui! You know them?

Olivia frowns. You could say that.

I’ve just been hired and I have a lot of work to do. There’s been a… how do you say? An incident, which gives me opportunities.

What time does she arrive? Ethan demands without a formal greeting.

Ethan? What time does who arrive?

Your sister, he growls impatiently.

Olivia? Arrive where? Confused, she searches her cell phone to see if she’s missed a message.

Ethan races back into the city at a dangerous speed. Megan, I know she’s on a flight to Halifax. So how about we skip the part where you pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.

I’m not pretending. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why is Olivia is on her way to Halifax?

Stop it! Ethan yells in to the phone, finally losing his cool. How could you let her do it, Megan? How?

Ethan! What are you talking about? Fear begins to rush through her veins.

You know what! he growls, becoming more frustrated.

Is my sister okay? Just tell me, please.

How could you let her terminate the pregnancy? You could have at least insisted that she talked to me first. That was MY baby! I deserved to know she was pregnant. I deserved to have a choice in the matter.

Ethan waits for a response, but there isn’t one. Angst washes over him, making his stomach tighten. Jesus. She didn’t tell you either.

No, she didn’t, Megan finally answers, the shock clearly audible in her voice. I had no idea.

Fuck! Ethan scrubs his hand over his face. Okay, Meg. I know she’s on her way to you. She left her phone in my car and the flight details were on it. Ethan pauses, looking at the screen as an incoming call interrupts them. Megan, I have to go.

Ethan, you have to know that I wouldn’t have let her go through with it. That’s why she didn’t tell me.

Ethan sighs, You’re right. Fucking stubborn woman, your sister is.

Do you think she’s okay?

I don’t know, Meg. God, I hope so. Frustrated, he hangs up without saying goodbye and answers the other call. Where are you?

I’m at Aurora, John replies. Where are you?

I’m on my way back into the city. Olivia is gone.

I know, John says sympathetically. She left Shannon a note. She had a bad feeling when she left this morning and went home to check on her. Are you okay?

No! I’m not fucking okay. Are you daft?

What’s your plan?

Meet me at the airport.

Ethan, you’ll never catch her. That flight was in the air half an hour ago.

I’ve got to try, John. Just meet me there.

John McCabe is standing at the departure gate when Ethan bounds into the terminal at full speed. It’s gone, Ethan. I’m sorry.

Ethan’s jaw clenches before the usual barrage of curses escape his lips.

It might not be a bad thing that you didn’t see her. Let her settle a little bit. Come to terms.

Oh, and then what, McCabe? You think she’s just going to come home?

John ignores the hint of ridicule in his tone. Yes.

I wish to fuck Shannon hadn’t let her go alone.

Those two are pretty close, but I’d be shocked if Shannon would be hiding this for her. I don’t think she knew.

No?

John raises a brow. You’ve met Shannon, right? Is there anything about her that makes you think she’d allow her to make a decision like that on her own, and then cover it up for her?

Not really, no.

Ethan, I’ve seen the note, all she said was that she was feeling homesick, and she needed to spend a few days with her sister. I don’t think she told anyone. She left all her stuff here. I think she planned to spend a few days away, and then come back and carry on. Nobody would have known if we hadn’t found her phone and looked up the clinic.

If that were the case, why the secrecy from me? Why not just say I’m going to spend time with my sister?

John scowls, as he states the obvious. You know why, O’Connell. You would have tried to stop her.

Ethan looks around at his surroundings, searching for something. What time is the next flight to Halifax?

Three p.m. tomorrow.

Ethan shakes his head, growling.

I think you should consider staying here and looking after business at Aurora. There are some very sensitive issues there right now.

She’s on a plane back to Canada.

Yes, but… John begins to reason. Ethan, this new kid that Aurora has brought in is hungry… driven. There’s some speculation that he’s been brought in for a reason.

Suddenly, John has his full attention. So much so, that for the first time in hours, he’s not thinking about Olivia. His face becomes stoic, almost calm, as he considers what John is suggesting. He nods his acknowledgement. You think the plan is for him to replace me.

Yes, I think there’s a very good chance that if you don’t focus, and get back on track, that will happen. Taking off right now, might not be a good decision.

Ethan hesitates, anxiety washing over him. He knows that he has to make a choice: Olivia or his career. Normally Olivia would win, hands down, he begins to reason with himself. If John’s instincts are right about this young kid from France, he could lose his career as well. Then where would he be? Still, not going after her doesn’t seem right.

She’s on her way to her sister’s place, isn’t she? John leads.

I believe so, yes.

Okay, so let’s have Megan send a message when she arrives so you know that she’s okay. We can arrange to have a new phone activated with her sim card, so she has it when she’s ready to talk to you.

John… Ethan interrupts.

I know what you’re going to say, Ethan. A few days, to get your stuff in order, isn’t going to change the decision she made or the outcome. She obviously needs to be with her sister right now.

Ethan shakes his head, still wrestling with John’s suggestion. He doesn’t like it at all. Since Olivia James came in to his life, he’s had very little control over anything. Figuring out this relationship is more than frustrating.

A few days, Ethan. Talk to her on Skype to satisfy your need to know that she’s well. Ask her what her plan is for coming home. If you still feel you should go, I’ll get you on a flight.

It sounds perfectly logical, but why does he want to say no? Internal struggles have never been an issue before. In the past, he’s always known exactly what to do; decisions are always logical and unemotional. Ethan nods his consent. I’ll make sure that she’s well, and then put to rest the concern that the board of directors have about my ability to do the job. Then I’ll get her back home to me.

That’s a good plan, John assures him.

Have you met this new kid? Ethan asks curiously, as he walks toward the exit.

Yes, John follows, still feeling tense. Ethan is known to change his mind. He reminds me a lot of the younger you.

Fuck. That’s not good.

Agreed.

Ethan gets an odd, uncomfortable feeling, walking down the hallway of Aurora Technology’s Dublin office. The executive offices are all empty, and yet he knows that they’re all in the building. Secretaries and personal assistants avoid eye contact with them, making John suspicious. Ethan reads a message on his phone and becomes agitated.

What’s going on? John asks.

I don’t know. Ethan walks toward the meeting room. That was Carter wanting to know why I wasn’t at the meeting.

What meeting? John picks up his pace.

The one going on right now, apparently. Ethan pushes open the boardroom door and stands completely still. Heads turn to stare at him, and the room falls under complete silence.

Mr. O’Connell. Please, come in and join us. Charles Hammond, CEO of Aurora Technologies gets to his feet. We were just discussing the business plan for Australia. Carter Brant is with us via teleconference.

Hello, Ethan, Carter says politely.

Carter, Ethan acknowledges, maintaining eye contact with the CEO. Seems that I missed this meeting request.

We just assumed you were busy. You have a lot going on right now. He returns Ethan’s intimidating glare.

John looks around the room at the faces of the other men. They pretend to busy themselves with checking phone messages and writing notes. Not one will look up and establish eye contact. Guilt fills their expressions. There’s not one man in this room that hasn’t enjoyed the rewards brought to the company through Ethan’s hard work and determination over the years. How quickly loyalties falter. It’s a message that keeps repeating itself.

Chapter Two

Her breasts press firmly against his muscular back. The canter of the powerful draught mare forces her to hold tightly around his waist. Nearing the river, Owen settles the powerful beast to a walk and enjoys the warmth of the feminine body wrapped around him. Even at this slower pace, her soft flesh rubs against him until he comes to a complete stop. Dismounting, he leads the horse to a small tree, What are you doing? he asks, as he watches Elizabeth swing her leg over the saddle.

"I’m getting down."

"Stay put, I’ll help you."

Ignoring him, she sits sidesaddle.

"Liz. He glares, unimpressed. Tugging on the rein, he makes sure the mare is secure. Stay where you are! I’ll help you down." Content with his knot work, he returns to her.

"I can get down by myself," she says annoyed.

"Yes, I know that. Is there a reason why we continue to have this conversation on a regular basis? Reaching up, he places his hands on her waist and gently lifts her, guiding her off the saddle and into his arms. She grins as he lowers her feet to the ground, enjoying the sensation of her body as it slides down his. He lets out a low throaty growl, I don’t know why you’d ever want to deny me of that pleasure." Taking her by the hand, he leads her toward the edge of the river.

Elizabeth runs her free hand along the leather rein on the way past. Lovely knot work, Mr. Jameson.

Owen turns, giving her a haunted look. She can see the unspoken desire in his eyes.

"A useful skill for keeping girls from wandering away." She stops and pets the mare on the nose, glancing over at him with a teasing look.

Tugging her into his arms, he