Stryker: Blurred Lines: Price Inc, #1

By Lora Ann

A look…

A touch…

A taste…

But they know it can never be.

For all those things scream—FORBIDDEN.

Betrayal sinks her vicious claws in, shredding Landon's heart.

Refuge is found working on the farm with his dad and raising his beautiful little girl. But tucked inside is a secret he holds tight.

Wounds that crave tender loving care.

Her adorable young cousin…the balm she seeks. Bliss turns to the only family to ever show her kindness.

Sparks explode into an inferno.

The heart only knows who it desires.

And love has an uncanny way of blurring the lines.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Greatest of These, LLC
• Release date: Aug 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386639237

Book preview

Stryker: Blurred Lines

Lora Ann

Stryker: Blurred Lines

FIRST EDITION August 2017

STRYKER: BLURRED LINES © Lora Ann 2017

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part or whole of this book may be used, reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work via electronic or mechanical means is a violation of international copyright law and subject the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. If you are reading the ebook, it is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share the ebook, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Please do not participate in piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

The characters and event portrayed in this book are fictional and/or are used fictitiously and are solely the product of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to persons living or dead, places, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

Cover by Mason Sabre @ Mac Bros Book Stuff

https://www.facebook.com/SabreBane/

Stock photo purchased at Adobe

This book has violence, graphic language, and sexual content. There are references to abuse/torture 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.

Books by Lora Ann

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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)

Ravanna: A Raven’s Bond (Brothers of War, 4)

As I Love You

(standalone)

Price Inc Series

Stryker: Blurred Lines

Special Acknowledgments

A very special shout out and THANK YOU to my lovely Patrons whose rewards get them top billing!

Sherry Bruyette

Jenny Shepherd

Suzanne Gangarosa

Wendy Wignall

Rin Barcal

Helena Hoorn

Sherri Comer

Note: Link is in the contact section if you’d like to check out this exclusive group.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Disclaimer

Books by Lora Ann

Special Acknowledgements

Dedication

Scripture

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Epilogue

Playlist

Special Note

Acknowledgements

About Lora Ann

Connections

Dedication

For those who have found true love, may it be wrapped in passion and sealed in beauty—forever. And for those of us still waiting, remember, it is worth the wait!

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted... So she took some of the fruit and ate it.

Genesis 3:6a NLT

Prologue

An eerie grate brought the elevator to a halt. Landon couldn’t help the nervous chuckle that bubbled up and out. The building gave off an I-have-a-dark-secret vibe on a day full of sunshine. But at night, in the dead of winter where everything was frozen, it took things to a sinister level. His eyes darted around a corner as his mind played tricks on him. A shadow lurked as a haunted tingle traveled his spine, and he found himself speaking out loud to ward off anything that should not be there. Listen. I just need in my office for two minutes, then you can do whatever it is you do when no one is around. His laugh was dry at that concept.

He shook his head at his imagination getting the best of him. Common problem he’d suffered from since childhood. A smile crept up the corners of his mouth at the loving memory of his mother defending him to his dad. She’d always believed he could do something spectacular with ‘such a gift’. His shoulders lifted in a shrug. He was a success. Maybe not the way she’d envisioned, but he felt she would be proud of what he’d amassed by the young age of twenty-five. A booming company, a gorgeous wife, whom he loved dearly, a best friend as his partner, and the greatest accomplishment of his life—his beautiful daughter. Life was good. And it was only getting better as his partner reached the coveted all-time bestseller list.

Ashton’s charisma was beneficial to their business. Landon recognized they wouldn’t be where they were if it’d been him in the spotlight. He was reserved, private, didn’t show his emotions well. But he damn well could spot an amazing writer from the first line they wrote. A talent like no other, making him a formidable headhunter if he ever decided to go that route. Another chuckle escaped as he spoke to the empty office, I don’t take orders well. Being my own business man is exactly where I should be. But... he trailed off, searching. He would not win husband of the year.

Landon found himself parked in his chair wondering where the hell he’d put her gift. He was late. And his wife would make sure he knew that over and over. A frustrated sigh followed by his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he considered her last words to him. You never have time for me. God, and that look she’d given him tore his heart out. He was driven, a workaholic, but he loved her. Bottom line, she was right, his family should come first. Being at the top of the publishing industry didn’t mean shit if he neglected his girls. His plan was to take a step back. Ashton agreed, even though the man didn’t have a family of his own. He stood, chuckling. As if his best friend would ever let himself be saddled with one woman or father any children. That was a comedy waiting to be written.

His eyes scoped across the space where he saw a glass catch the moonlight. He snapped his fingers with the ah-ha. In a few long strides, he was behind the bar pulling the jewelry box free from behind the napkins. He opened it, admiring the bracelet. Tess had dropped not so subtle hints on how it matched her necklace and earrings. With a snap of the box, he stashed it in his suit pocket and hurried toward the door. A glance at his designer watch told him he was well past fashionably late. His steps ate up the hallway as he rushed to catch the open elevator.

An odd moan stopped Landon in his tracks. Good Lord, the building really was haunted! But then a distinct pounding sound drew his attention. His stealthy gait took him in the opposite direction, where he came to a halt at a voice he knew. Tess was here? Then another arrogant one made him stand at attention. Why would his wife be there with his best friend? Everything happened at a rapid pace, like a racecar taking lap after lap at breakneck speed. Yet, the act transpiring, before his eyes, would forever be burned into his memory as it went into slow motion.

Tess was spread-eagled on a conference table as Ashton pounded into her. His bare ass on full display.

Without a word, Landon grabbed ahold of Ashton’s shoulder, yanking him free of Tess. His fist landed square across the bastard’s jaw before he realized what was happening. He didn’t stop there and struck again with enough force blood splattered onto Tess. She screamed, STOP! Landon, omigod, you’re gonna kill him!

He spun with deadly intent in his gaze. His entire body shook with rage. "I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction," he grit out.

She slid off the table and knelt beside Ashton. Her gaze rose to Landon’s. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

He barked out a humorless laugh. You wanted my attention. His arms held wide-open. You’ve got it.

Ashton mumbled, If you’d done your job, she wouldn’t have needed me.

That earned him another punch. The crack bouncing off the walls, along with Tess’ screech. Landon spat out, You can have her.

She realized what he was saying and groveled, Landon, please. We can work this out. Think of Savannah, she implored.

He was right in Tess’ face, hauling her to her feet. "I am thinking of her. I will not let my daughter be raised by a slut."

Her voice shook. You can’t take her from me. Daddy will make sure of that.

I will spend every damn dime I have fighting for her. You can count on it. A vow made, not a threat. Landon would move heaven and earth for his baby girl.

Tess’ grin was downright cattish. You can try. But I’m the one who comes from money. I’ll tie it all up in the courts for so long, she’ll be eighteen before you even have a chance. Venom spewed from each word as she grabbed a towel to help Ashton.

Landon couldn’t stand there a moment longer. The beast within him was about to snap his leash. Deliberate steps took him toward the door where he paused. I’ll. See. You. In. Court.

Chapter One

Five years later.

Fluids mixed with blood brought to mind things only found in death, not what it was—life. A beginning. But the miracle would become a tragedy if they didn’t hurry.

Dammit, Lan! This calf will die if you don’t get your shit together, his dad growled. Landon knew he was right and tugged harder. The calf was breech and they were about to lose both. Another yank, with all his weight, finally did it, and Landon held the newborn in his arms. See there, son. Working the land has toughened you up.

Landon looked down at his nasty self. Dirty was too clean of a word. But he understood where his dad was coming from. Gone was the pristine business man who spent an hour and a half at the gym daily. In his place was a man he thought he’d never want to be. Funny how one could run away from their destiny to have it knock them on their ass when they least expected it. You’re just jealous, old man, he teased.

His dad chuckled. I can hold my own, boy.

He took the calf over to her mother and set her down to make sure she nursed. An odd tug filled his heart as the animal rooted around the teat. A precious memory surfaced. The most beautiful and natural thing was to watch his daughter on her mother’s breast. But then a dark cloud covered it. Of course Tess didn’t want to breast feed for long, even though he pleaded for Vanna’s sake. And there was his ex-wife in a nutshell—all about her. God, he missed his sweet little girl. She would be home the next day, only visiting her mother during the scheduled time. His dad pulled him from his musings. Let’s go grab a cold one in the barn.

I think we’ve earned it, Landon declared.

Hell yes, we have.

They sat on hay bales and took long pulls from their bottles. You meeting Miss Marianne tonight for dinner?

His dad shot him a wry grin. Don’t wait up.

He chuckled. You get more action than I ever have.

Son, a gentleman does not kiss and tell. He polished off his beer and stood. But I can tell ya this, don’t believe everything these local yokels say about me, okay?

He stood and clapped his back. Never did, Dad.

His father tipped his hat without another word and walked toward the house. Landon grabbed the bottles and tossed them before finishing up. He knew his dad worried that he was hiding from life at the farm. But the truth of it was, his father could no longer handle the workload. He came home just in time to save it from ruin. Only days from the bank taking it all. The land had been in his family for over fifty years. His granddad’s dream. Now his dad’s. And though Landon fought like hell, it would soon be his. A legacy to leave Vanna if she chose to keep it.

Yet, he was restless. He laughed out loud, scaring the chickens. His father thought it was nothing a good woman couldn’t cure, as if that was such a simple solution. He hadn’t even dated since the divorce, and honestly, didn’t see a problem with that. Not just any woman was going to fit in with his complicated life. And he had to think of Vanna, first. He refused to parade women in and out of her life. Plus, he didn’t feel it was acceptable to sleep around. What kind of foundation would that leave for his daughter? Yeah, not one he cared to think about. Single was good.

A strange sound caught his attention. He cocked his head to listen closer, definitely footsteps. But who would be out there so close to sunset? Dad? Did you forget something? His hand wrapped around a pitchfork as he cussed under his breath for not grabbing the shotgun that morning. With the snakes and such, it was a rookie mistake, especially at that time of day. Landon eased around the corner, listening intently. All he heard was cattle. He shook his head at his imagination, running amuck, and turned.

Oh! she squealed.

His arm shot out to keep her upright. Jesus! She struggled from his grasp and ended up on her ass. Now that’s why I was trying to hold on to you, he assured, offering her his hand.

She looked down. Sorry. You startled me.

He angled his head at the recognition of her voice. Do I know you?

She tucked her head further down. Her voice barely above a whisper, she answered, Yes.

Her body language told him she was having second thoughts, as if it was a bad idea to be there. Look at me, he directed, warring with his instinct to lift her face to his.

Piercing green eyes met his as he gasped, My God, Bliss? noticing the mottled mess that was her face, What the hell happened to you?

Her gaze darted back toward the ground where she toed the dirt. Doesn’t matter.

Oh, it sure as fuck does matter! His voice full of wrath.

She took a step backward and cried, I was an idiot, okay?

Landon took a deep, steadying breath, not wanting to scare the poor girl. You hungry?

Her head bobbed as she fought not to look at him.

Damn, how had he forgotten he was covered in something downright disgusting, matching the godawful stench? His hand gently wrapped around her elbow, testing. How did you know where I was? He inquired as he led her toward the old farm house.

A sweet grin lifted the corners of her busted lips, and he fought the rage rising to the surface. I could never forget this place, she declared.

If his memory served him correctly, she’d only been out there once right after his wedding. They entered through the back door and he pulled out a chair for her at the table. Sit. When did this happen? He gestured toward her face.

Little over a week ago, she sighed.

Give me five minutes to clean myself up.

*****

Bliss sat there taking in the familiarity of the kitchen. The smell brought tears to her eyes, of a simpler time in life, when her biggest concern was passing a test or what she’d wear to the dance. Landon walked back in tossing a towel toward the washer. His hair tousled, and his red T-shirt slightly damp from where he didn’t completely dry off in his rush. How did she forget he was drop-dead gorgeous? Damn, he was lickable. Her eyes darted away before he spotted the lust dancing there, reminding herself, this man was off limits. Forbidden.

He poured both of them a glass of iced tea and straddled a chair next to her. Boyfriend do this? His head tipped toward her, indicating her misshapen face.

She scoffed, Ex.

Recent breakup?

Her sneer met his interrogative gaze. If three months is recent.

He shot to his feet. You were still in school?

Her eyes widened as he grabbed a shotgun. Um...what’re you doing?

His chuckle was dark and scary. Taking care of business. He bolted out the back door.

She jumped at sound of gunfire. Oh, this might’ve been a bad idea. Her heart hammered as he stormed back inside. What was that for?

Coyotes.

You killed one, she screeched.

Scared it off. His head cocked. Would it upset you if I did?

Well... she pondered that.

He fingered the keys hanging on the hook. Answer my question, he demanded.

She shrunk back from his assertiveness. No. I finished school.

He leveled his gaze on hers. But you were still living in the city?

Yeah. Intern position.

Landon busied himself with pulling out some chicken and veggies from the fridge. You need to get back soon? He continued to gather information from her.

She couldn’t help but wonder if he were contemplating a little man-to-man with her ex. The prospect made her heart skip a beat. Nothing for me there. Her voice carried a hint of all the mixed emotions scrambling around inside her.

Tell me what happened, he commanded as he chopped.

Something in his tone made her feel like a puzzle he needed to decipher. I don’t remember you being so bossy. Speculation laced her words. He’d always been so kind, a true gentleman.

He grinned slightly, as if her still having a backbone was good. You weren’t around a whole lot, he pointed out.

That’s because I don’t care for Tess.

"I know my reasons for feeling that way. But I’m curious as to yours." He angled a sideways glance her way.

Well, now she wanted to know his, other than the obvious. Was he fighting for balance for his daughter’s sake? She’s a selfish bitch, Bliss muttered under her breath and noted, there was no argument from him.

When did you see your aunt last?

Christmas. Oh my God! Vanna was so adorable in her red sequined party dress.

She sent me pictures, he said, turning away.

She couldn’t blame him for hiding his emotions. It had to be so hard rotating holidays like that. She sighed, Never gets easier, does it?

He slid the chicken into the oven and turned with a bowl of salad. She hopped up and he ordered, Sit back down.

She fussed with the hem of her shirt, not making eye contact. You used to be so...

Easy to manipulate. He set the large bowl down and grabbed them each a salad bowl and forks.

Her head shook emphatically. I never once thought of you as a doormat.

His gaze met hers. Seems you and I suffer from the same condition.

Mmmm, she wiped the drop of dressing across her bottom lip. This is really good. Your own recipe? He locked on to her glistening lips. Didn’t it bother him they were swollen and bruised, she wondered. But there was no mistaking that look he had of wanting to taste. God help her, she wanted to invite him to do just that.

It was my mom’s, he answered.

Oh. I wish I’d known her.

She was a special lady. Love danced in his saddened gaze.

What did you mean about the same condition? She hoped by changing the subject it would help.

Falling for people who are no good for us. His gaze leveled on hers. I want the bastard’s name, Bliss.

There’s no point. He’s a douchebag, and I moved away. Besides, I don’t need my big bad uncle riding in to save the day.

His temper rose. "If I want to kick his ass, you don’t get a say. His balls obviously never dropped if he’s willing to hit a woman. And technically, I was your uncle-in-law."

She smiled slightly. That’s really sweet of you, but he’s not worth it. For the record, it was always weird calling you uncle when we’re so close in age.

I’m older by what? She watched in fascination as he tried to do the math. Bliss was a gangly junior bride’s maid in his wedding party. But the odds were, he did not recall her tender age.

Seven years, she answered.

There’s a quite a difference from twenty-three to thirty, he affirmed.

Suppose that’s true with most women in their early twenties. But I’ve always been older than my physical age. She finished off her salad and grabbed his bowl, standing then walking over to the sink.

He hurt your leg, too?

Damn, she must’ve been limping again. Hell no, she snapped out as she washed the dishes. I fell in my lame attempt to kick him.

He fought the chuckle, I’m fucking proud of you for fighting back, and praised her.

She gave a slight shrug. Looked a lot easier on TV than it actually was.

Hey, he stood and walked over to her, you didn’t just let him use you as a punching bag. That says a lot.

Maybe, she sighed, Still feel stupid for ever getting involved with his sorry ass.

The timer went off indicating the chicken was done. He pulled it free and admitted, I get that, too.

She supposed he did. His story with her Aunt Tess was one she didn’t have a lot of details on. But he’d always been so sweet to her, which was why he was the second person she thought of when she threw a few things in the trunk of her Honda and left the city behind. Vanna had been the first. She craved her hugs. Her little cousin was the light that led her there. Uncertain of many things, but two were crystal clear: She would never go back to St. Louis, and moving