His To Guard

By Diana McKinley

Since meeting photographer Chloe Montgomery, Ross Ackerman has had little interest in any other woman. She’s been on his mind constantly and, given the chance, he would love to build something amazing with her. His greatest obstacles are her brother Lawton, his FBI teammate, and the fact that Chloe lives in another state. Still, even those hurdles won’t prevent Ross from pursuing her.
Returning from a heart-wrenching mission overseas, Ross rejoins his team and learns that Chloe has been left shaken by a wealthy client. Knowing what he must do, he boards the next flight hoping to get to Chloe before things spiral out of control.

Chloe shares what she’s overheard about her client’s misdeeds with her family and quickly gets the news that Lawton is sending Ross to watch over her. Chloe knows Lawton is aware that she’s sworn off men after several failed relationships. Still, if there was one man whom she could choose to guard over her, it would be Ross Ackerman.

As the true danger which Chloe has inadvertently linked herself to is revealed, their lives and safety intertwine in powerful and meaningful ways, opening the door to the love Chloe has always dreamed of and the partnership Ross has always hoped to for.

CONTENT WARNING: Explicit Sex

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diana McKinley
• Release date: Dec 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370943531

Diana McKinley

As a lover of the written word, in all its forms and variations, Diana McKinley is excited to enter the realm of authoring erotic novels. Through years of reading and looking for strong male and female characters alike, across a myriad of genres, she decided that sometimes you have to write the tale in your heart in order to finally see the kind of hero or heroine you've been searching for. She loves humor and a happy ending though sometimes her characters have to go through insurmountable odds together to achieve their bliss. She hopes that there will be something for everyone who relishes a satisfying erotic story in her books. Come along on the journeys and enjoy the ride! You can learn more about Diana's writing at http://dianamckinley.com/

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sir? Would you like something to drink? A snack perhaps?

Ross Ackerman cracked first one eye open and then his other, trying to see through the haze his almost-nap had induced within his field of vision. Damn but did he need some prolonged rest. Preferably, for at least a solid twenty-four hours. Maybe even forty-eight. Hell, he thought, why not go for seventy-two while he was still somewhat dreaming. Might as well go big.

Obviously, though, he wasn’t going to find that kind of deep sleep on his flight home. Not with the overly attentive flight attendant trying to find ways to keep him alert and talking to her. This one definitely had an agenda – and, unfortunately, it was him.

Still, it wasn’t in Ross’s nature to ever leave a lady hanging, so he relaxed and gave her one of his lazy grins. He saw her eyes widen as they roamed over his face. Ross just shook his head. He couldn’t help the fact that her response to him was typical among most of the women he met, whether they were single or not. Ross took it in stride as he always did and rolled with the flow, hoping to give her just enough so she wouldn’t feel slighted, yet not enough to lead her on.

No, ma’am, but I thank you for the offer, he said, his voice gruff as he tried to sound lucid. I’m just gonna get a little shut-eye while I can. You know, before we land and I see the whole family.

He watched as her eyes flickered down and she took a quick peek at his left hand. Nope, he thought, no ring there, sweetheart. She glanced back up, and Ross continued to hold his relaxed grin, hoping she’d move along sooner rather than later.

If he doesn’t want anything, I’d like a soda please, the middle-aged man next to Ross interjected.

Ross angled his head toward his neighbor and clicked his tongue, still grinning at the attendant.

See, problem solved, he quipped and then let his head fall back against his headrest with a soft thud.

Ross closed his eyes and tried to stifle the wide yawn that still escaped and made his jaw pop. He listened as the man to his right thanked the attendant for the soda and then he heard her asking the couple in the row behind him if they wanted a beverage or snack.

I think she’s hoping to take you home with her once we land, the man next to him said conspiratorially.

Ross grunted and let his head roll to the side. With regret, he forced his eyes open again. A slow smile settled on his full lips as he blew out a soft chuckle.

It’s not even within the realm of possibility, friend, Ross said and smiled a little more.

Well, don’t let on until we land, the elder man said with a teasing lilt to his voice. If she thinks there’s hope, then she’ll keep coming around, and I won’t be forgotten.

Yeah, but that means no nap for me, Ross countered, playfully affecting a pout.

Close your eyes, son. I’ll vouch for your nap and keep her from waking you up again.

That sounds like a perfect plan to me, he sighed. Ross wasted no more time as he stretched out his long frame as best he could and closed his eyes once more.

Even the first class seat – which his superior, Hollington, had surprised him with – didn’t let Ross completely feel comfortable. It wasn’t easy to make room for his six-foot-three frame, especially when he was so dog-assed tired. No, what he really wanted was that plush bed he’d been steadily fantasizing about for the last few weeks. Weeks when sleep had remained elusive and fractured at best.

He had put off resting for the last eighteen hours, in part because he had so damned much to do before he saw U.S. soil again, but more importantly because he didn’t want to fall asleep and see glimpses in his dreams of what he had most recently witnessed overseas. Who would, Ross asked himself?

This was the part of the job that got to him the most – the aftermath of a mission. The downtime that was filled with inaction and made you pause just long enough to think about everything you’d witnessed and been called to do in the name of justice.

Normally, Ross was solid – even when an assignment was over. He had learned long ago how to balance his decision to serve his country with the emotional toll such service could cause in even the most stalwart of souls. Through the years, Ross had retained his innate moral core and the values his family and military superiors had instilled within him as he grew from boy to man. And with his current career as an agent on one of Gregory Hollington’s hand-picked FBI teams, devoted to tracking and apprehending child predators, Ross was even more dedicated to serving the most innocent citizens of all, no matter what obstacles he had to overcome.

Yet, even with his unending sense of optimism and Ross’s unfailing belief that his days were being spent in the pursuit of what was right and just, this last case was the most harrowing of his career and its effects were still sending ripples out into all of his teammates’ lives. His latest assignment overseas had stemmed from their efforts to dismantle the empire of a master manipulator of people and a true predator of children and women on multiple continents – a man named Rafe Davidson.

When Hollington first broke the news to Ross and his teammates that the criminal, whom Tara Weston had uncovered and thought to be a pimp and someone involved in the Miami sex slave trade, was none other than one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals, they had all felt their hearts plummet to the soles of their feet. Every agent worth his or her salt knew the man’s name and Rafe’s unfailing ability to worm his way out of any and all charges ever leveled against him.

So, when Tara’s compassion and astute investigative journalism skills probed in all the right places, they had their proof, and the opening Hollington had searched years for in order to take Davidson and his empire down to its knees. But dismantling such a far-reaching empire was proving to be no small or easy task. Hence, Ross’s month-long trip abroad and his current weariness.

Still, it was good to be going home. To a place where he’d be able to catch his breath a little before the next task concerning Davidson was handed to their team. And just knowing that his brothers-in-arms were waiting for his arrival before a few of them had to leave on their own personal missions, made some of the tightness in Ross’s chest ease a bit. He knew realistically, though, that it would take a while for him to distance himself from all he’d seen of late.

The rest of the flight passed in a haze as he slumbered and woke intermittently. Once Ross felt the plane slowing in its descent, he pushed himself upright in his seat and took one last glance at his phone before he had to turn it off. A text from his field partner, Braden, put a smile on his face as he slipped the phone back into the pocket of his button-up shirt.

As the plane touched down and then slowed to dock at a jetway, Ross heard the man beside him start to chuckle under his breath. Without looking up, Ross knew why and he couldn’t help but grin too.

She’s looking this way, isn’t she? he murmured.

Oh, yeah, the gentleman replied and continued to laugh softly.

Ross grunted and waited a few more seconds before he stood and stretched. He heard a few too many creaks and pops in his body from the slight movement. Too many for his age, he thought, humoring himself. Ross reached into the overhead bin for his carry-on and then slipped the large backpack over his shoulder. He was about to turn around when he heard the flight attendant clear her throat.

Slowly, Ross pivoted and gave her the attention she was seeking.

She leaned in just enough that Ross knew she hoped her words would be heard only by him, though he was also aware that everyone around him was watching this little scene play out, not wanting to miss a second of their exchange.

I, um, don’t usually do this… but I’d like to know if you have time to get a drink at one of the airport restaurants before you leave the area?

Well, Ross thought, she certainly didn’t have any qualms about making her intentions known. He had to hand it to her – it took guts to go after what you wanted so boldly, and he respected that. Too bad she wasn’t who or what Ross was looking for, though. No – there had been someone else of late whom Ross had found himself thinking about more and more, no matter how much he tried to let the attraction fall by the wayside. So, it was time to let this woman down in the easiest way he knew and take all of the sting out of his rejection.

I am flattered, ma’am, he said and smiled with a slight shake of his head, I really am. But you see, my partner – Braden – is waiting to pick me up and take me home. And I don’t think he’d appreciate me stepping out on him or making him wait while we had a drink and chatted.

Oh! she breathed and took a visible step back, her eyes going wide. I am so sorry. I didn’t realize you were… she trailed off and blushed furiously, suddenly at a loss for words.

That’s okay, Ross said as he slid to his left and closer to the door, which had just opened. Most people don’t think I have a partner, but I do. You have a nice day now.

Ross dipped his chin and then strolled off of the plane, chuckling to himself. Braden was gonna kick his ass when he heard that Ross had once again employed his patented use of their professional relationship to avoid getting entangled with a hopeful woman. Ah, but it was worth it, Ross thought, just to see his reaction. He slipped his sunglasses out of his backpack and propped them atop his head as he left the jetway and spotted none other than said partner waiting just ahead of him, leaning against the wall and typing away with his thumbs on his phone.

"Hey there, partner," Ross quipped and grinned at the perturbed look on Braden’s face as he walked up beside him.

You did it again, didn’t you, Braden stated, more than asked.

What? Ross feigned misunderstanding, to which Braden just rolled his eyes and growled softly.

Idiot! Braden huffed under his breath. "I am not your partner."

Sure you are.

Ugh, come on! Let’s get your bags and go home.

Ross chuckled and draped his arm over Braden’s shoulders. Home sounds divine.

"You are not funny," Braden said in clear warning.

A warning which Ross ignored, as usual.

Ah, come on, dear. Don’t be like that.

I swear, one of these days I’m going to sic the IRS on your tail and knock you down a peg or two.

Let ‘em look, Ross played. I haven’t a thing to hide.

No, I didn’t think you would, Braden said, immediately solemn.

Ross knew his field partner was far too serious, and he took it as one of his duties in life to help Braden loosen up a little and learn that playful banter was the norm among friends and actually encouraged. Something his teammate hadn’t learned through experience during his stiff upbringing. Braden’s family was the antithesis of Ross’s, where happy chaos and banter flowed effortlessly any time they were all together. Which, sadly, seemed rare these days now that he and his brothers were all gainfully employed in different careers.

I just know what a pain in the ass they can be when they set their mind to it, Braden went on to add and stepped out from under Ross’s arm. And if they investigate, then maybe you’ll feel just a little of the struggle I go through on a daily basis while being paired with you.

I love you, too, Ross said and paused beside the luggage carousel designated for his flight. He crossed his arms over his broad chest and rocked back on his heels. Partner. He just had to add that in for good measure.

Braden pursed his lips and slowly shook his head. That small amount of movement was enough to have Ross laughing out loud.

Just you wait. If nothing else, I’m calling Cam and telling him about this. Braden nodded once firmly.

You do that.

He hadn’t talked with that particular brother since he left Virginia nearly a month ago, so Ross looked forward to hearing from one of his younger siblings. Ross suspected Cameron and his fiancée, Heath, would get a good laugh out of his predictable stunt, but they’d never let Braden know. No, everyone in his family had taken Braden under their wing from the moment they met him, just as he had, and they would protect his feelings at all costs. Even if they had to feign irritation with Ross to do so.

A few minutes of companionable silence passed before he saw his cases coming down the conveyor. Ross stepped forward and snagged two large suitcases as they passed by, and grinned when Braden immediately took one from him and began to exit the airport at his side.

Thank you, Ross said a little more sincerely. I’m wiped and almost dead on my feet.

I could tell, Braden said quietly. He cut his eyes over to Ross before they had to part for a few seconds and walk around a couple moving at a much slower pace. You look like you haven’t slept in ages. But, then again, I know why.

Yeah, Ross muttered.

He said no more as they strode through the building and out to Braden’s company issue SUV because it wasn’t needed. Braden had provided some of the technical and tactical support during Ross’s mission overseas, and they’d talked with one another each and every day. Braden knew full well what had gone on and why Ross looked like something the cat had drug in.

Once inside the vehicle, Ross reclined his seat and closed his eyes while Braden drove them to the Fort Lincoln townhome where Hollington had stationed them. It was on the same block as Lawton, Ethan, and Tara’s home, and shared by Ross and three of his teammates – Braden included. From there, they guarded over two of the key witnesses they’d rescued during Davidson’s case. One remarkable young lady named Leah, who was their primary witness, and a teenager named Monica, who was chomping at the bit to add in her statements to help nail Rafe Davidson to the wall.

Members of Hollington’s second team within their taskforce were also based now in a few of the neighborhood’s residences to provide adequate back-up. No one wanted Leah or Monica to be taken from their protection, or Tara for that matter. First and foremost, because they all cared about the ladies and were determined to see no further harm come to them. But also because they knew what their testimony meant to finally ending Davidson’s reign of terror – Leah’s most especially.

We’re here, Braden said quietly, so as not to jolt Ross from his short-lived rest.

Ross forced himself upright and rolled his head around, cracking his neck a couple of times for good measure. He yawned again and scrubbed a hand over his stubbled cheek. Looking around, Ross saw that his teammate, Garrett, was standing just outside the garage, his eyes surveying the surrounding area as Braden pulled inside to park. He had hoped that they wouldn’t still be in such a heightened state of alertness, but then again, how could they not be. Nothing was completely settled for them until Davidson was convicted and firmly locked away for the rest of his sorry days.

As the garage door began to lower, Ross stepped out of the vehicle. He saw their other teammate, Kaden, step inside the garage from the mudroom with a wide grin on his face. Ross returned the smile and dipped his chin in greeting.

You look like shit, man! Kaden said unrepentantly and laughed as he walked forward to greet him.

Ross couldn’t help but laugh in response. Nice to see you, too. He shook his head as he opened the rear hatch and reached for one of his suitcases.

Kaden was quickly by his side, relieving him of it. Braden was the next to reach into the back of the vehicle, and he snagged the second case before Ross could. Ross exhaled at length, glad that they weren’t making too much of their effort to take care of him for a while. He lifted his backpack and fell into step with them as they entered the house.

Kaden slapped his hand on Ross’s shoulder and gave him a squeeze as he steered Ross into the kitchen. He handed Ross’s suitcase over to Garrett, who had just come in through the front door to join them.

Hollington is here at Lawton’s place, Kaden informed him. He wants you to get freshened up and then come over for a communal dinner. He’ll debrief you after we’ve all had a chance to catch up and you’ve had a few hours to catch your breath.

Is Tara cooking? Ross asked, knowing that if she was, then he was in for a treat.

She most certainly is. Kaden smiled, as happy about the impending home-cooked meal as was Ross.

Lawton and Emily are helping, Braden chimed in, not wanting their teammate to be left out. And so is Leah, he added.

Oh? Ross asked, surprised to hear that bit of news. He arched an eyebrow and let his gaze slide to Garrett and then to Kaden.

Yep, he saw the quick flash of pride in their eyes at the mention of their charge’s name. Ross wasn’t fooled for a second about their hope for something more with her. But like all of his teammates, Ross knew it was a long road on which Garrett and Kaden were treading to win her affection. And rightly so.

Leah had very little reason ever to trust a man again after what Davidson had put her through. To hear that she was working with Tara on their meal’s preparation was a good sign that she was willfully trying to come out of the protective shell she’d built around herself.

Yes, she is, Kaden replied with obvious pride in his voice. You’ll be impressed, Ross. Tara has made it her mission to teach Leah and Monica how to cook. She said that when her friends finally left this place, they’d be able to feed themselves any dish they wanted.

Well then, by all means, let me shower and change so I don’t hold us up any longer. I’m starving. Ross patted his stomach and readjusted his backpack over his shoulder.

Didn’t they feed you on the flight? Garrett asked, smirking at Ross.

You can’t call what they serve on airlines food anymore, he grumbled. That shit’s like a tv dinner or something. They just zap it in a microwave and plop it down in front of you.

Even in first class?

Ross could hear the obvious taunt in Kaden’s voice when he posed that question.

Yeah, Garrett drawled and leaned back against the counter. How was first class all the way from Barcelona?

Ross smiled wide. Better than the military transport plane I was stuck on going over there.

Kaden and Garrett chuckled as they each acknowledged the truth in that statement.

Well, go get refreshed, Garrett stated, getting back to business, as was his tendency. We’ll walk over there as soon as you’re ready. Marissa’s team is already with them.

Give me ten, Ross said and gave them a two-finger salute as headed for his room on the second floor.

While he showered and changed into a comfortable t-shirt and pair of well-worn jeans, Ross thought about what he and Hollington needed to discuss. He had given his boss daily updates while overseas, but he knew he had to go through a mandatory debriefing to wrap up this portion of the case they were building against Davidson. But with all the evidence Ross had helped to collect of late, he was certain that they now had enough to bury the scum for life.

Hell, Ross thought, a hundred lifetimes of imprisonment wouldn’t even begin to touch the punishment Rafe Davidson deserved for all the heartache and pain he’d caused.

Ross took the time to snag a second, smaller backpack from his closet. He placed the three portfolios of documentation he’d prepared inside, along with a case filled with five external hard drives. He was more than ready to hand his reports and evidence over to his superior, hoping that the transfer of it all into Hollington’s capable hands would help remove some of the burden from his shoulders. Ross had barely been able to stomach what he’d found overseas, and he needed to wash his hands of it all for a while.

After stepping into a pair of comfortable deck shoes, he slipped his phone into his backpack and made his way back downstairs. Ross had yet to call his family, but he knew there would be time for that later in the evening once the business at hand was taken care of. Ross found his colleagues in the kitchen still, sitting around the island and talking with one another. Braden was the first to rise, but Garrett and Kaden were only a few seconds behind him.

Ready? Garrett simply asked.

Oh yeah, Ross replied, forcing a smile on his lips, which was far from his normal laid back approach to pretty much every situation.

Garrett eyed him closely, his hazel eyes narrowing just a bit.

Come on; let’s get this show on the road. Ross angled his head toward the foyer, turning away from his teammate’s close inspection. Time for fellowship and some damn fine food.

Ross began to walk toward the front door, intent on keeping any of the guys from scrutinizing him too much. He was far more comfortable looking for ways to keep them all laughing than he was delving into how he was feeling or coping. Damn but if the thought of such a thing didn’t make Ross shudder from head to toe as he opened the door.

Chapter 2

Now, Howard, take Elspeth’s hand and walk with her over to the large oak. Just go at your own pace and I’ll follow, Chloe Montgomery instructed in the most soothing voice she could manage, intent on keeping her main client calm. Miss Elspeth had already thrown two spectacular fits that afternoon alone, and Chloe was in no hurry to witness a third. Thankfully, neither outburst had been directed at her.

She watched through her lens as her two subjects began to meander along a brick path leading deeper into the walled, private gardens of the expansive Haverbrooke estate. The unparalleled grandeur of the space inspired Chloe’s creative side and made her want to abandon the current task of documenting the bride-to-be’s love for her betrothed in favor of capturing the lush scenery. Though, the more time Chloe spent with the couple, the more she was sure it was Howard who was the one smitten and Elspeth was using his affection to keep him in line.

The poor man was simply a means to an end for the young heiress but, sadly, Chloe thought he couldn’t see that through the haze Elspeth had cast over him. It was not, however, her place to tell the groom that his fiancée was a first-class bitch. If Howard Dunnavant couldn’t see that for himself, then Chloe certainly wasn’t going to be the one to speak what was so plain to anyone with half a brain. Just one more pose, Chloe thought to encourage herself, and then maybe she could come up with an excuse to walk away from them and try to capture the amazing landscape all around her.

Howard stopped with Elspeth in front of the century-old tree, and he clasped both of her hands in his. Chloe continued to snap photo after photo while he gazed down into his love’s eyes. Chloe allowed herself a brief smile, knowing that for at least one member of the soon-to-be wedded couple, this was real.

Being on the outside looking in always gave her a unique perspective on her many and varied clients. Through her lens, Chloe could detect the subtle changes that sometimes flickered across a person’s countenance before they could bank their emotions away – those which most people missed with just a cursory glance. She could also see their joy, their hopes, and often their pain when she examined them with an artist’s eye, all while trying to capture everything in the time it took to press a button and open her camera’s shutter.

And thankfully, for her own self-preservation, the skill set came into play at that very moment because Chloe could easily see that Elspeth had tired of the current pose and was about to voice her displeasure. Chloe moved quickly to head off her tantrum before it had time to gather steam.

Perfect! Absolutely perfect, she praised and walked over to where the two stood.

Are we close to being finished? Elspeth asked with a slight whine to her voice. She began to tap the left heel of her designer pumps against the brick pavers. We have a dinner engagement in three hours, and I need to start getting ready for it. With a flick of her wrist, Elspeth settled her long blonde hair over her shoulder and looked from Chloe to Howard.

Howard settled a hand on Elspeth’s upper arm and smiled over at Chloe, waiting for her to give them permission to end the photo shoot.

Three hours? Who in the heck needed three hours to get ready for dinner, Chloe wondered? She worked diligently to stifle her surprise, not wanting to be the cause of a scene. She did, however, see the wonderful opportunity Elspeth had just dropped in her lap. Chloe did an inner victory dance, so happy was she that things were working out in her favor after all.

Of course we can call a halt to everything if you have other plans, Chloe said with a smile. We already have so much from our time together today, that I doubt we’ll need a third session before the ceremony next weekend.

She wanted to emphasize the word third, but Chloe’s professionalism kept her from driving the point home that no other bride she’d ever worked with before had been as demanding as the one currently in front of her. And that was saying something because Chloe had worked with some exceptionally picky brides in the past.

See, my dear, Howard said, placating Elspeth, we were able to take care of this final task and still have time left for our event tonight.

Yes, she sighed and batted her eyelashes at him. Well, if you don’t mind finishing up with Chloe here, I’ll go ahead and start preparing.

Of course. He nodded and bent to brush a kiss across the petite debutante’s forehead.

Elspeth turned and touched Chloe’s hand as she sauntered past them on her way back to the main residence of the sprawling property.

Howard chuckled as he watched her go, and then he stepped closer to Chloe.

Chloe looked him in the eye and saw only kindness there. At slightly over five foot ten, she was exactly his height and the fact that they were on an even playing field, so to speak, normally had men looking at her as though she were an anomaly. Thankfully, Howard Dunnavant did not appear to be one of those men. He seemed like a genuine sweetheart, and his compassion was in full evidence after his fiancée’s abrupt departure.

Please excuse Elspeth, Chloe. I think the closer we come to next Saturday, the less patience she has for anything outside her normal routine.

Thank you, but don’t apologize, Chloe chuckled and took a step back. I have worked with many engaged couples, and nothing is out of the norm for me now.

Then you must have the tolerance of Job, he quipped.

They both laughed softly at his statement.

Perhaps. If it wouldn’t be an imposition, Chloe began, sure that Howard would work with her, I’d love to spend the remainder of our scheduled time capturing some of the landscape around us. I think I might be able to use images of the beauty which surrounded Elspeth during her childhood, in your reception’s final slideshow. How does that sound? she asked, smoothly leaving the decision in the groom’s hands.

Oh, I think that would be perfect! Howard brightened considerably and looked around them before refocusing on Chloe. And I think it would also be a lovely surprise for Elspeth’s parents, too. Go ahead and spend all the time you need out here and I’ll let Mr. Haverbrooke know that you’re staying behind to work for a while longer.

Very good, then. Chloe grinned, so happy that she’d been given the freedom to have the entire network of gardens to herself. I hope your evening event is a success, Howard. Take care until I see you all next Saturday.

We will, and thank you – for everything. Tonight is just another dinner in a long line of pre-wedding obligations, but it’s something we can’t sidestep. He shrugged one shoulder and then shoved his hands into the pockets of his dress pants. Howard’s cheeks began to flush after his confession.

I understand, Chloe said sympathetically. Though, in truth, she could not really relate to what Howard was going through.

Chloe had seen many outrageous weddings over the course of her young career, but the joining of the Haverbrookes to the Dunnavants was unlike any nuptials she had ever witnessed. It honestly looked like a merger of two corporations, rather than a joining of two lovers. Every aspect which Chloe had observed to date was stilted and businesslike in nature – handled with a clinical precision that bordered on stifling. Exactly what she didn’t want for herself if she could ever find a man who wanted to build a life with her and then stick around to live it.

Well, then, she said and sighed, trying to shake off her brief mental lapse, I won’t delay you any further. Goodbye, Howard.

Bye, Chloe. Howard smiled as he dipped his chin. With an almost abrupt turn, the flustered man made his way back toward the Haverbrooke’s rambling, three-story manor.

Chloe forced herself not to chuckle over his embarrassment as she strolled to a shaded bench where she had left her bags of supplies. Now that she was no longer in Elspeth’s presence and not so worried about her appearance, Chloe swept her shoulder-length hair up into a clip, hoping it would help cool her off in the stifling summer heat.

Once her neck was bare, she slid the strap of her professional Canon DSLR over her head, letting it rest against her chest, and then she retrieved her trusted old Pentax K1000. Its familiar weight made her smile as she held it. Chloe then fished out a small case containing extra rolls of film and a few empty memory cards, and slung the slender cord over her neck, too. Knowing the rest of her gear would remain safe there, Chloe left it all on the bench and began to walk in the opposite direction Howard had taken, going deeper into the family’s private sanctuary.

"Amazing," she whispered aloud as she traversed the brick pathway which led to a small wooden bridge arching over a stream.

It took Chloe several minutes to take her first photo because she paused continuously, awed by the incredible beauty around her and unsure of where to start. She knew that it would be impossible to capture everything she was seeing, but Chloe was determined to try. That thought had her grinning and lifting her camera for her first shot.

It was that tenacity which often made Chloe’s photography stand out from her peers’ work in the local art community, for when others would call it a day and pack up their gear, Chloe would find her second wind and look for more. More one-in-a-million moments that simply needed someone to capture them and then share them. She considered it a blessing to find those moments and save them as best she could so that others might experience them right along with her.

And therein lay the challenge for Chloe – to actually try to replicate on film the totality of her experiences. Realistically, Chloe knew she could never capture everything she felt when taking a shot. She couldn’t harness the smells around her, the temperature, nor even the way in which her emotions responded to what she was gazing at through her lens at any given second.

Yet, Chloe tried to do all that with each photo she took. She tried to bring that depth to her work, hoping that others who viewed her prints would be just as moved as she might have been when taking them. Chloe supposed it was something all artists aspired to – to hope that their work conveyed their passion and made a person feel something while gazing at a singular moment in time.

With no real destination in mind, nor any time constraints weighing on her, Chloe sank deeper into the gardens and into the peace her art brought her. She lost all sense of time and direction as she discovered and photographed a plethora of different colored daylilies, butterfly bushes, plum leaf azaleas, and even crape myrtles which were still in bloom.

A small pond graced with a copious amount of waterlilies kept Chloe’s attention for quite a while with all the dragonflies that dipped and played across its surface, as did an entire series of raised flower beds filled with American beautyberry bushes. It was a challenge for her to try and capture on film the small goldfinches which flew over the bushes, looking for a meal, but such fun too. Enough so, that Chloe lingered there even longer than she had at the pond.

After moving to the opposite side of the beautyberry patch, Chloe found a tiny, one-room stone building settled among massive oaks and dogwoods. She thought it might be used for storage by the groundskeeper, but whatever its purpose, the structure was simply lovely with its red-trimmed roof and windows. Chloe ran her fingers over its smooth rock walls as she walked to the rear of the cottage, marveling over the attention to detail its builder had given it.

She smiled as she noticed an abandoned bird nest sitting on a branch which touched the edge of the building’s roofline. A single soft feather trembled along its rim from the slight breeze skimming by, and the tree’s leaves framed it effortlessly. It was a perfect image to capture – that of life created and moving on while other life remained behind ready to shelter the next generation. Chloe lifted her camera just as an angry voice startled her, causing her to fumble and nearly drop her Pentax.

Why in the hell are you here? a man said in a terse tone.

There was a deep chuckle, but no other verbal response.

Chloe clutched her camera to her chest and plastered herself against the wall, not willing to move an inch and be spotted from the one, lone window to her left. A window which was currently halfway open.

I told you never to come here!

No. You told me never to come to your parents’ home. You didn’t specify that their property was off limits.

There was a rustling sound and then a harsh grunt, as though someone had just been shoved up against the wall rather forcefully. Chloe tried to steady her breathing, for fear that the sound would somehow give her presence away.

You know damn well it is! Now you listen to me and listen closely. You also know very well that we cannot be seen together, especially not before Elspeth’s wedding. So your little stunt today will get you nothing. Nothing! Do you hear me?

She knew that voice, now that she was focusing and not panicking. It was Elspeth’s elder brother, Trystan, who was furious with the other man.

Oh, I hear you, all right, the response came sounding none too worried, smooth even. And now you’re going to hear me. You’re late, so you have one week after the ceremony to produce the next payment. Go one day past that, and your loved ones will know exactly what you’ve been up to with your share of the family inheritance. Is that clear enough for you, Mr. Haverbrooke?

Get out! Trystan seethed. "And don’t come back! You’ll have your payment, but it will be when I call you and not the other way around. You know damned good and well it takes time to get things through."

We’ll see, the man chuckled. Have a good afternoon, young man.

Out! Trystan thundered.

Whoever he was arguing with left the stone building, because Chloe could hear the sound of footsteps retreating along the pea gravel pathway leading away from the building. She sucked in a deep breath as Trystan let out a frustrated roar. Chloe knew not to move from her hiding spot until both men were long gone, so she remained right where she was, praying that Trystan would leave sooner rather than later.

Son of a bitch! he exclaimed, making her wince.

The window next to Chloe rattled as the cottage’s front door was slammed shut. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound of Trystan storming off in the opposite direction of the mystery man.

Holy. Shit, she mouthed silently. A full body shudder stole through her frame while she listened for any sounds indicating the two men were coming back. After several minutes of relative silence, Chloe began counting slowly to fifty before she allowed herself to take one step away from the building.

Chloe swallowed past her nervousness and forced herself to leave her sheltered hiding place. With slow and measured steps, she retraced her path back through the gardens and lush landscape, hyper aware of every sound and shadow around her, until she was once more at the bench where she had left her gear. Chloe noticed how badly her hands trembled as she packed her cameras away, but knew there was no way to still their involuntary motion. She hated conflict and now she just hoped to escape before she had to witness any more.

With a bag over each shoulder, she began to make her way around to the large parking area next to the Haverbrooke’s five-bay garage. Chloe started to breathe a little easier when her hand landed on the wrought iron gate which separated the gardens from the walkway leading her to freedom. Just a few more steps, she told herself, and then she would be home free.

Miss Montgomery?

Oh, damn. Chloe knew without turning around that it was Trystan behind her. And as much as she wanted to bolt, she was sure that such a rash action on her part would give him every reason to believe she had overheard his tense meeting in the stone cottage. So, she plastered on her most professional face and turned to greet him.

Yes, Mr. Haverbrooke, it’s me. How are you this afternoon? Professional, Chloe thought. Keep it professional and make a graceful exit.

I’m well, thank you, he said with a decided edge of caution to his voice. Trystan inclined his head all while studying her eyes closely.

Glad to hear it. I’m just heading out now, so I suppose I’ll see you next week at the wedding. She made her words a statement rather than a question, hoping that he wouldn’t feel the need to draw out the conversation and study her further. Chloe kept one hand on the gate as she looked slightly upward into his eyes, determined to appear composed as she held her ground against the polished man.

Trystan took a step closer.

I’m sure you will, he said. I just spoke with Howard in the kitchen, and he said you were out photographing various spots in the garden. Did you find anything of interest while on your walk?

Chloe slowly inhaled and tried her damnedest to look calm. He was clearly fishing, and it was up to her not to take the bait he was offering. She affected a faraway look and smiled.

I did. I found the most interesting display of panicle hydrangeas – I only know those because my grandmother has some at her house – and I spent an obscene amount of time trying to capture on film the bees and butterflies that were hovering around them. She named that patch of plants specifically because it was on the opposite side of the property from the little stone building. Your family’s estate is simply stunning, Mr. Haverbrooke, Chloe added. Truly, it is.

Still, he watched her closely, and Chloe met his probing stare head-on without faltering. She knew she couldn’t waver now because there was a very good chance her safety depended on her steady demeanor. Finally, after several intense seconds, she saw his posture relax a little.

Thank you, he replied and then reached past her to unlatch the gate himself. And call me Trystan, please. When I hear myself referred to as Mr. Haverbrooke, I think you’re speaking to my father.

Chloe tried not to shiver when Trystan’s arm brushed against hers. She gave him a brief nod and the best attempt at a smile she could muster.

Of course. Thank you… Trystan.

You’re welcome, he murmured as she squeezed past him. Trystan didn’t budge an inch.

Chloe did not look back as she walked to her vehicle. She deliberately focused on each footstep she took, making sure she didn’t rush over and just throw her bags in the back of her SUV so she could get the heck out of there. She could still feel Trystan’s eyes on her, so Chloe lingered at the rear of her SUV and carefully packed her gear away before closing its hatch and then sliding in behind the wheel.

With a deep, steadying breath, she started the vehicle and began to roll down the tree-lined drive slowly. Chloe glanced briefly at her watch and realized that she was almost late for dinner at her grandparents’ house, which left her little time to shake off the way she was feeling. She pinched the bridge of her nose, knowing that there was no way for her to hide her emotional state from them or her younger brother, Elijah, all of whom could read her like a proverbial book. It would just take one look, and her family would see it all.

Crapola, Chloe said in disgust.

What had promised to be a peaceful, perfect afternoon had certainly turned into the exact opposite. As she waited for the estate’s heavy gates to roll open so she could turn onto the main road, Chloe said a silent prayer that maybe Elijah wouldn’t feel compelled to call in their elder brother, Lawton. That would really complicate her life, and Chloe was determined to let it all lie for now. Trystan might suspect she had overheard his heated conversation, but he didn’t know for sure. And as long as he had no concrete proof, then, in her mind, there was no need to call Lawton and inform him of what had taken place.

At least Chloe hoped she could reason with Elijah and deter him from sounding the alarm when there was no cause to do so. She laughed before she could stop herself. Who was she kidding? Elijah was going to call Lawton the second he found out what had transpired at the Haverbrooke estate. And then… Lord save her.

That was the last thing Chloe needed now – her older brother coming in to save the day. Trystan would surely know something was up if Lawton came rolling in with his badge in one hand and his firearm in the other. Chloe had her own firearm, thank you very much, and she didn’t need Lawton brandishing his. They had been taught by the same father how to protect themselves at any given moment, and Chloe