Broken: Strand Brothers, #3

By Lora Ann

Learning to find strength in brokenness…

Fashion designer Sofie Fields may seem to have a perfect life from the outside. The wounds she carries are the emotional kind, and since she refuses to get close to anyone, they remain. She once knew a great love, but a sequence of events forced her into a choice she thinks is unsurvivable. A loveless marriage leaves her empty, damaged. The only light is the step-daughter she clings to and adores. After her divorce, Sofie is certain the love from her past is lost forever. A deathbed confession changes it all.

 

Alex Strand is a successful attorney and the middle child who is in one way or another helping out his brothers, Nik and Even. All the Strand brothers are known for their Viking-like stature along with good looks, but Alex is by far the one who turns the most heads. His movie star appearance coupled with laid back charm is beyond appealing, yet if one cares to look deeper they will see it's a façade. Alex hides secrets well until the skeletons he's kept begin to break out, one by one.

 

The game to catch a madman continues. Alex is desperately in search of evidence necessary to bring down Senator Caleb Reynolds once and for all. What he doesn't foresee is how his past and present will collide with enough force to shake his foundation.

 

Hearts need to be mended.

Time is running out.

Obstacles are placed.

Do Alex and Sofie have what it takes to overcome?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Greatest of These, LLC
• Release date: Jun 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781536500257

Book preview

Broken

(Strand Brothers Series, Book 3)

Lora Ann

Broken

(Strand Brothers Series, #3)

Lora Ann

Broken

Published by The Greatest of These, LLC

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locals are entirely coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2015 by Lora Ann

Cover design by Sam J.D. Hunt

http://www.sjdhunt.com

Purchased stock photo from www.123rf.com

This book has violence, graphic language, and sexual content. There are references to abuse/torture, human trafficking, and domestic violence. If there is even the slightest possibility this might be a trigger for you, then this is not the book for you to read.

Please note that any and all references to BDSM, the BDSM lifestyle and community are not from actual knowledge. These references are completely from the writer’s imagination and in no way reflect real life, nor are they intended to be deemed as actual. No one should attempt any of these references personally.

This is book 3 of the Strand Brothers Series. You can read book 1 for FREE here:

Books by Lora Ann

––––––––

Strand Brothers Series:

Branded, book 1

Bound, book 2

Broken, book 3

Bliss, book 4, Epilogue Novella

The Strand Brothers Complete Series: Box Set

Spinoff Series:

Beautiful Ashes Trilogy

Dark, book 1

Fire, book 2

Light, book 3

Beautiful Ashes Trilogy: Box Set

Crossover Series:

Brothers of War Novels 1–3

Judgment: Kian (part 1 of The Judgment Duet)

Judgment: Lars (part 2 of The Judgment Duet)

Mitch: Formed in Fire (Brothers of War, 3)

As I Love You

(standalone)

Price Inc Series

Stryker: Blurred Lines

Dedication

This book is for all those who have ever been broken or are currently struggling with brokenness. Know that true beauty comes from things we cannot see, and that nothing is as it seems. For it is in brokenness that we truly grow and discover that the big mess of jumbled pieces actually has purpose and meaning. Stay strong and know you are not alone.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3 NIV

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Disclaimer

Free Book

Dedication

Scripture

Prologue: Alex

Chapter One: Alex

Chapter Two: Sofie

Chapter Three: Alex

Chapter Four: Sofie

Chapter Five: Caleb

Chapter Six: Alex

Chapter Seven: Sofie

Chapter Eight: Alex

Chapter Nine: Caleb and Lilly

Chapter Ten: Sofie

Chapter Eleven: Alex

Chapter Twelve: Sofie

Chapter Thirteen: Lilly and Caleb

Chapter Fourteen: Alex

Chapter Fifteen: Sofie

Chapter Sixteen: Alex and Aimee

Chapter Seventeen: Caleb, Lilly, and Aimee

Chapter Eighteen: Alex

Chapter Nineteen: Sofie

Chapter Twenty: Alex

Chapter Twenty-One: Sofie

Chapter Twenty-Two: Alex

Chapter Twenty-Three: Sofie

Chapter Twenty-Four: Alex

Chapter Twenty-Five: Sofie

Chapter Twenty-Six: Alex

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Zane and Caleb

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Alex

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Caleb and Viviane

Chapter Thirty: Sofie

Chapter Thirty-One: Alex

Chapter Thirty-Two: Viviane and Keeley

Chapter Thirty-Three: Alex

Chapter Thirty-Four: Viviane and Keeley

Chapter Thirty-Five: Sofie

Epilogue: Alex

Play List

Acknowledgements

A Special Note

About the Author

Books by Lora Ann

Prologue

Alex

Hey! I said no pushing in line. I see that crap again and you’ll be thrown out of the waterpark. I leveled a look at the two boys attempting to stare me down. Who the hell did those dudes think they were dealing with here? Sure, most likely they were only a couple years younger than me. Still, I was one of three boys, fighting came natural to me. My brothers and I had been in trouble more than once for handling issues with our fists. Mom definitely had her hands full raising us hellions. Before my mind could wander into the mess that was my life, at the moment, one of the punks decided he could take me. As if! He pulled his fist back as I stepped forward, grabbing him before it made contact with my jaw. In a quick maneuver, I twisted his arm backwards, causing an Ow! from him. Once gaining control of the situation, I held him in place as Sofie radioed security. Meanwhile, punk number two started talking smack to her. Idiot! The girl took no lip from anyone—anytime. Sofie placed a hand on her gorgeous hip and with the other one, pointed at the guy’s face as she read him the riot act.

I don’t know who you think you are speaking to me that way, buddy. But I’ll have you know, no one gets away with it, she railed at him.

He threw his head back and laughed at her feistiness. Big mistake! By the time I realized what was going on, she had him on the ground, pinned. Through gritted teeth she warned, Stay put. Or I will make sure there are no children in your future. To emphasize the point, she dug her knee into his groin until he whimpered. God, she was sexy as sin pissed off and handling herself with no qualms. Sofie didn’t bat an eye at the fact the guy underneath her was a solid thirty pounds heavier and a good four inches taller. I’d had the pleasure of watching her in action a few times now. She never ceased to amaze me.

In less than five minutes, the cavalry showed up. And our misfits, for the day, were escorted with hands zip-tied behind their backs into the security office. I knew for a fact they would then be hauled off the property. Unfortunately, that meant Sofie and I had to go have a conversation with the park manager and our direct supervisor. If charges were filed, we had to talk to the police. At this point in my life, I didn’t relish speaking with law enforcement. One of the reasons I had made the decision regarding my education. I planned to discuss it all with Sofie. After all, she was as much a part of my future as my family.

*****

Later that night while sharing a pizza, I broached the topic I’d been pondering for a solid month. Can I run something by you? I asked, leaning forward and catching some sauce that was at the corner of her mouth. I then sucked my finger clean, giving her a heated gaze.

With her eyes half-mast, she replied, Anything.

Well, you know I have another three years at Sac State.

Yes. We agreed that’s where I’ll attend, also, after I graduate high school.

Sometimes I found it hard to remember that she was younger than me—though not by much, only two years. Her seventeenth birthday was in a couple of days. Sofie had been held back due to her mother passing away when she was eight. Something we had in common, surviving the loss of a beloved parent. Sofie’s mom had been very ill with cancer, whereas my dad was taken suddenly in a freak accident that involved an injured elephant. He had been a well-known zoologist as well as a loved father and husband. My mother still cried herself to sleep every night. One of the reasons I had to leave home for a while. Her broken heart weighed on me. I wanted more than anything to take my mother’s pain away—to mend her somehow. Yet, I’d come to realize that wasn’t a job for her son. All of that on top of my older brother, Nik, still being in prison didn’t help matters any. Mom looked weaker and weaker each time I saw her, which was often. Despite the tragedy and sadness that consumed my family, we were a tightknit group. Now I had my younger brother, Even, to contend with. Little shit had gotten himself into some trouble. While I knew he was acting out—negative attention was still attention—Mom didn’t need another son to worry about.

I pulled myself from my musings and took Sofie’s hand in mine. I want to go into law.

You mean law school? she queried.

Yes...which translates into transferring.

Where to, exactly?

Stanford.

Oh. That’s a really good school, Alex. Though it doesn’t have what I need. Plus, I’m a year away from graduating.

I knew she was right. Her dream was to run a fashion and design company. The best school for that was in San Diego. She had family there. So her overprotective, extremely strict father would allow her to go there.

Hear me out, babe. What if you apply to the Academy of Art in San Fran?

She exhaled loudly. You really want us to stay together?

I hauled her onto my lap, causing my cock to stand at attention. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you, I whispered in her ear.

Her sharp intake of breath told me she clearly heard what I was saying. She grabbed my face and held eye contact. Are you proposing to me?

With my teeth raking across my bottom lip, I declared, Not yet, before leaning forward and kissing her beautiful mouth. Everything about her was gorgeous, though she didn’t see herself that way. Just one of the many reasons I had fallen in love with her. Yes, we’d only known each other for a little over a month, but I knew she was the one.

Against my lips she murmured, I’m ready, Alex.

That pulled me up short. For what?

With a boldness she had never displayed before, her hand stroked my throbbing erection. This.

Oh, hell. I wasn’t completely sure. We had made it to second base, but neither of us had been ready to go all the way. Yet, losing my virginity with my future wife seemed more than appropriate. I licked along her jaw. Are you sure, So? We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.

Her breathing increased as she rubbed me through my shorts. You want to, right?

God, yes, I proclaimed, laying her back onto the floor and kissing her as anticipation zinged through my veins.

Unsure of what we were doing, at first, and clumsy. But eventually, instinct took over. I would never forget the look on Sofie’s face as her precious barrier broke. While she winced from the pain, I did my best to hold steady and not come. Finally she rocked into me, and that was the cue I needed. Being our first time things were a little awkward, though I had never felt elation like that. I held her close, baring my soul. Sofie, you have given me the greatest gift. I want you to know that I’ll never take it or you for granted. I pulled her face off my chest, looking into her eyes. I love you. You are mine now, I vowed, "and I will always take care of you."

Tears slid down her cheeks. Alex, you are my whole world. I love you, too. I know you will protect me and never leave.

Chapter One

Alex

Sixteen years later

Fuck, Nik. I can’t take this anymore, I admitted to my older brother as we stepped outside the hospital for some fresh air.

Alex, I really don’t know what to say at this point. I mean, you’re incapable of donating any more blood. Ari needs another transfusion. What other option is there?

There wasn’t when you really got down to it. Ari was going to die without it. Poor kid had been through enough for three lifetimes. Who knew I would feel so connected to the teenager when emergency personnel had first lifted her out of that mine over a month ago? Then again, the thought that Nik’s arch enemy had had his hands anywhere near that child made me see red. The man was a menace to society. One that had to be brought down before another woman I cared for was harmed. Senator Caleb Reynolds had proven his predilection to torturing women. First Aimee was his victim, until she’d shown she was a survivor and would not tolerate a dictator. Of course, that was what set him off on her. Then there was Keeley, who still wouldn’t confess that it’d been him who had abducted her and held her prisoner. God, the things he had done to her was enough to make your skin crawl. And that was just the few pieces she’d chosen to share. Unfortunately, her road back from hell was going to be rougher than most. Keeley not only had to deal with the trauma of torture, but also with the feelings developed for her captor. Add that on top of her heroin recovery, and you had one hell of a cocktail. Clusterfuck.

Nik stood before me snapping his fingers. I guess I’d disappeared into my own head for a while. What had he asked me? Right. We don’t. I nodded. Go for it. She has to have blood. We might as well use every means possible to find a donor.

He clasped my shoulder. I know this isn’t easy for you, brother.

E walked up to us and chimed in, Look at the bright side, maybe we’ll find her birth parents.

But do we want to? I inquired, What if they sold her?

Nik steepled his fingers in front of his mouth. What if they didn’t? he countered. What if there’s more to the story?

I scoffed, You and your damn hope.

Honestly, to see my brother happy and whole after all he’d been through was an amazing thing. He had learned to forgive himself after years of guilt and pain. Nik’s redemption was a sight to behold, along with his gorgeous wife’s. Her shame over choosing a life of prostitution was something she fought hard to overcome. They really were a perfect match. And I’d be lying without confessing that envy filled me every time they were around. They had a beautiful thing that I wanted, too.

E clapped my back. Alex, you need to forgive them no matter the story. People do desperate things when faced with difficult situations. It’s in the past, man. No point getting worked up over it now.

I shot back, The fuck? E, you of all people must hear how crazy that sounds coming out of your mouth.

He grinned. Let’s just say, I’ve seen the light.

Understatement magnified times ten. I never thought I’d see the day my baby brother would admit there was a God. Much less find salvation. Yet, thanks to his stunning fiancée, that was what had happened. How far both of my brothers had come still blew my mind. Goes to show what the love of a good woman could do for a man. However, that went the other way as well. The love Nik had for Aimee and Even had for Lacey left me in awe. I’d once thought I had that, only to be proven wrong in a most horrendous way. Before traveling back to that moment in time, I pulled myself to the present with a sharp, no! You will not think about her. I turned towards E and smiled. That you have, brother.

Nik added, It’s wonderful to witness.

I could only nod. What more could I say, they had both found true love. On the other hand, I had not. I wouldn’t let myself be that guy. The one jealous of what his brothers had. I was fully aware of the journey taken to get where they were today. It was hard work. At times, painful. But in the end, love conquered. That was a hope I still wanted no matter how jaded I’d become. I confirmed, Yes, it is, nodding for emphasis.

E fired back with, Enough with the mushy shit. We’ve got a kid to help. Let’s do this.

By the time evening arrived, Ari had had a blood transfusion.  More than anything, I wished this meant there would be no additional worries about her, but that’d be a lie. She was still a very sick girl, and the doctors had done all they could. We were now waiting to see if this had worked. After visiting her for a little while, I went to grab some coffee. I rounded the corner and stopped short. What the hell? My eyes must’ve been playing tricks on me. Obviously more tired than I had thought. The woman standing there surely wasn’t from my past. That’d just be cruel and unusual punishment. Although when she made eye contact and I saw the recognition pass over her face, there was no denying it anymore.

She cleared her throat. Alex? What are you doing here?

Really! What right did she have to ask such a question? Suddenly the song Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison came to mind. The woman standing before me brought forth more hurt and anger than I was willing to deal with, now or ever.

I stepped around her and acknowledged, Sofie. Why I’m here doesn’t concern you.

Are you... she gasped, My God, you’re still upset with me. Not a question, my curt response and demeanor said it all.

I don’t have time for this, I replied, walking away from her.

All of a sudden, her hand was on my shoulder. You have some fucking nerve, Alex.

That reaction shocked the hell out of me. The Sofie I once knew wouldn’t have used such coarse language. Then again, she’d never been allowed. Had been raised to believe that swear words were only used by the unintelligent. Puh-leeze. I had found that the most honest and trustworthy people were those who were passionate. Using strong language just showed they meant what they said. Unlike those who hid their true agenda, like the woman who had her hand on me. I slid out from under her grasp. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t touch me again.

Her hand dropped with an, Oh, I see, tacked on with not a little surprise.

I glanced back at her. No, I don’t think you do.

Wow, Alex. I never thought I’d see this day come.

Makes two of us. Go ahead and leave, so we can put this unpleasant experience behind us.

No! You don’t get to tell me where I can or cannot be.

I rounded on her. You’re right. What you do and who you do it with is none of my concern any longer.

Her face contorted in anger. Wait just a damn minute there, mister. You have no right to be mad at me.

Seriously! Who the hell was she kidding? Don’t I? My brow arched at the question. Sofie really did have some kind of nerve pretending she was innocent.

I would think after sixteen years you could find some sort of forgiveness in your heart, don’t you?

Hardy har har, sweetheart. You did the unforgivable.

As tears began to slide down her cheeks, I walked away. I had no time in my life for the bitch. That bridge had been burned years ago, and I would in no way be rebuilding it. C’est la vie.

*****

With coffee in hand, I went outside for a breather. My thoughts were a jumbled mess after seeing Sofia. God, sixteen years later and it still felt like yesterday. We had planned to elope in Washington State once we learned she was pregnant. There, you only had to be seventeen and she was covered under the special circumstances term they had. I should’ve been scared shitless, but wasn’t. I had already known she was the one for me. Sure, a baby and marriage was going to make things more complicated, yet it was welcomed. I had planned on telling my mother after we had wed. Not due to fear, but Mom was so worried about Nik and E that she didn’t need to be worked up over me, too. Yeah, I’d had it all figured out. Except for one thing—I should say one person. Who knew Sofie was capable of that kind of betrayal? I never saw it coming. So for her to stand there in that hallway and say I had no right to be upset, pissed me off more. I threw the coffee out over a bush with a vivid curse, turning to go back inside and find the woman who had destroyed my life. She wasn’t getting off that easily. About time I let Sofie know her actions had consequences.

Whoa there, cowboy. A small feminine hand met my chest. What the hell has you in such a tizzy?

I looked down into the eyes of Shannon, the detective I’d had the privilege of working with, as well as sharing a few heated nights of passion. I attempted a smile, capturing her hand and bringing it to my lips. Nothing my favorite redhead can’t fix.

Cool your heels, bubba. I’m here on business. She winked, letting me know the possibilities that waited once she was through with whatever case had brought her here.

Anything I can help with?

Yes, actually, she said, backing away and beginning to walk towards the entrance.

I followed suit, matching my long strides to her shorter ones. While holding the door open for her, I examined her tiny yet firm ass in action. Casually, I adjusted my cock before we walked down the hallway. So...how can I help?

This is about Ari. Her voice now held a professional tone.

Fuck me. What about her?

She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face me. I’ve found her birth parents.

I seethed, Who the hell are they, Shannon? I swear when I get my hands on those two.

She swallowed hard and glanced away. Before I could demand more information, Sofie joined us.

I’m sorry to interrupt, Sofie said as she reached us.

Shannon glanced sideways and answered, You’re fine. How may I help you?

I was not so kind. Barely leashing in my wrath, I bit out, What the fuck do you want, Sofie?

She squared her shoulders and stood firm in the face of my disdain. You don’t ever speak to me like that again, Alex.

Shannon coughed to hide her giggle. Damn women. Sofie held out her hand towards Shannon and introduced, I’m Sofie Fields. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

I’m Detective Shannon McLeary, and the pleasure is all mine. I believe I own at least three of your remarkable creations.

Sofie blushed. Wow. I just never know who I’ll run into that knows my designs.

You have amazing talent and a keen eye for color and texture, Shannon gushed.

Thank you, Sofie humbly replied.

I stood there glowering at the woman who had ripped my heart out all those years ago and never gave it back. I thought some piece of it was still there to share with Shannon. Now, I wasn’t so sure about that.

Before I could spout off more venom, Sofie continued, Yes, well, I believe I overheard you discussing my daughter.

What? Daughter? Who? I inquired gruffly.

Shannon pulled out her tablet, clicked on something and passed it over to me. I damned near dropped it when I saw what was on that screen. My eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, and I knew my mouth was hanging open like a big mouth bass. As my eyes lit on Shannon, I managed, Is this some kind of mistake?

Afraid not, Alex, she replied with a look of apology and pity in her eyes.

Not what I wanted to see. I fucking loathed pity. Sofie had edged in next to me and covered her mouth when she read the screen. She hadn’t been fast enough. So her audible gasp with the Bastard, was loud and clear.

What did you just call me? For the first time in my life, I wanted to harm a woman. No, that wasn’t right. Harm wasn’t what I was feeling. Shock. Rage. Bitterness. Sadness. Pain. I needed an outlet. Never, ever would I take that out on anyone, especially a female. A woman I had once loved with all my being.

Sofie’s eyes met mine as tears trekked down her lovely cheeks. It’s true, she whispered.

Something about the way she stood there so vulnerable made me react in a way I didn’t know I was capable of. Instead of railing at her or demanding she explained this debacle; I pulled her into a hard embrace and let tears fill my eyes.

Shannon politely cleared her throat and added, I’ll be in the waiting room when you’re both ready. She reached over and removed the tablet from my hands. The only sounds I heard were her tiny heels clicking on the linoleum and my heartbeat spazzing at the revelation that had just been presented. Okay...maybe it had a little to do with the beauty in my arms, but I couldn’t let myself go there. This changed nothing. Abso-fucking-lutely nothing. Yeah, man, keep feeding yourself that bullshit; you just might believe it by next millennium.  No matter how you looked at it, this was fucked up eight ways to Sunday. How the hell would I explain this to my family? Although, it did tie up some loose ends that had plagued me for some time now. A daughter. I had a daughter. Suddenly the hallway pitched and stars filled my vision. Last thing I heard was, Omigod! Alex...

Chapter Two

Sofie

The last thing I had ever expected was to run into Alexander Strand when arriving at the hospital. Never mind the fact that he was now passed out cold at my feet. I knelt down, gently smacking his cheeks. C’mon, Alex. Wake up, I demanded.

Before I knew it, there were several nurses and at least one doctor surrounding us. They hefted Alex onto a gurney, taking him down the hallway and through some double doors. What the hell had just happened? I understood the shock factor of the news he had received, but something told me there was more to the story than I realized. Detective McLeary joined me in