Redeemed: Trap King Trilogy, #3

By Sophia Hampton

Redeemed is book 3 and finale in the Trap King Trilogy!

I RAN, BUT THERE WAS NOWHERE TO HIDE.

I’ve done everything I could to put the hood behind me. But every time, the hood finds its way back. I was desperate. Out of options.

Marius Rich was supposed to help.

He wasn’t supposed to dive between my legs. Wasn’t supposed to break all my walls.

Leave me quivering and begging for more.

He shattered the world that I built around myself, pulled me into a world of trouble that I never saw coming.

A world of trouble that I don’t want to come back from.

Not when he holds me with his strong hands, his hard voice burning in my ear:

“Mine.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBook Publishing World
• Release date: Nov 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386708889

Book preview

REDEEMED: Trap King Trilogy Book 3

By Sophia Hampton

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I RAN, BUT THERE WAS NOWHERE TO HIDE

I’VE DONE EVERYTHING I could to put the hood behind me. But every time, the hood finds its way back. I was desperate. Out of options.

Marius Rich was supposed to help.

He wasn’t supposed to dive between my legs. Wasn’t supposed to break all my walls.

Leave me quivering and begging for more.

He shattered the world that I built around myself, pulled me into a world of trouble that I never saw coming.

A world of trouble that I don’t want to come back from.

Not when he holds me with his strong hands, his hard voice burning in my ear:

You are mine.

Chapter 1

Shella accepted Artie Marx’s invitation and flew up to New York on the shuttle. Marius was right. They had been drinking way more than was her norm and she felt it now that she had not had a drink in just a few days. Her body felt like she was recovering.

She chose a simple Elle Tahari business suit for the meeting. Nothing too flashy but nothing too conservative either. Artie Marx was dressed to the nines in Armani business casual and Italian leather loafers. He looked good but a bit worn as well. They had never met before but he kissed her European style on both cheeks as if they were friends about to catch up. He held her chair for her so she could sit down.

Bada bing, he remarked. If I had known you were this good looking, I would have crashed and burned and made a comeback a lot sooner.

That’s kind of you to say, I think, she gushed, feeling just a bit starstruck. I am curious, Mr. Marx.

Artie, please. Mr. Marx was my famous cousin once removed or something, he said.

The Mr. Marx? Shella asked.

The one, the only. So what is your question? he asked.

Why me? How did you come to choose me? I am all the way in Washington DC. Surely there are plenty of New York firms –

Well that’s just it, he said. I wanted someone who didn’t have a dog in the hunt, if you know what I mean. I just wanted a firm that would do business with me. Not make a name off of my bad choices.

I understand. I am completely discrete. But how did you get my name? she asked, dying to know who recommended her.

Well, the connect is an affluent person who does business here in New York but who’s from DC. I happen to know them through recovery so I would rather not disclose their identity. They said you would have some insight to the delicacy of my situation and would respect my privacy totally.

Absolutely. No matter what the client’s situation, privacy is my rule of thumb, replied Shella now burning with curiosity who the mystery person was. But I am an events person. I do promotions, PR as well as help you make your mark with entertaining. But if you just are looking for someone to put together a business development dinner –

Do you need to see where I would like to have it or do you need a few days to think about it? he asked awkwardly.

Mr. Marx, is this it? Am I hired? She blinked.

Well I want to do this by your book but yes, he said.

Just like that? Shella was trying not to sound too skeptical.

Ms. Langston, I don’t have very many people I can trust at this point. Largely due to my own activities, I grant you. I was assured I could trust you.

Slowly Shella thought she was getting it. I understand. Of course, you can trust me. I will have my assistant forward the standard documents. It’s a very straightforward agreement. And yes I would like to see the venue.

Great, we can go over now, he said.

To be honest, I was under the impression this was just lunch. I was going to catch the shuttle back after we met. But I will have my assistant change my travel.

Is there any possibility you can stay over? We can look at the house then no rush, he said.

Shella thought something was up. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was definitely not straight.

I am going to check with an appointment I had later on this evening to see if I can re-schedule, she said quickly. She stepped aside and texted Marius.

Marius said he was flying up on a late afternoon shuttle. He said to tell the comedian to put the house walk-through until early dinnertime. Marius was going to join them. Shella smiled. A tinge of the romantic heat that she had felt for him flickered in her belly. She smiled from ear to ear.

Perfect. I will take you to dinner. I forgot to tell you I am a shameless flirt, he grinned.

I think you've said, just not in so many words, Shella remarked.

Say that’s pretty good, he laughed.

So I am going to stop this for now. I just got a text from my assistant that I have a room at the Millennium.

My driver and I will take you over, said the comedian.

Something made Shella say no. Actually, I have something I have to take care of first so I will taxi over.

Marx was mildly suspicious. Okay then. I will have my driver pick you up.

He stood up, gave her another kiss on both cheeks and paid their bill.

Shella went to the MoMA’s design gift shop under the pretext she was shopping for her client. She didn’t feel great about this gig suddenly. She would give him another shot, see what Marius thought and then decide. But as of that moment, it was a no.

As soon as she felt comfortable, Shella caught a cab to her hotel and checked in. The whirlwind change of travel and the change of plans caught up to her. Shella made sure her room was secured – something still did not feel right – and took a nap.

The bed felt really good. Being able to power nap when she was wiped out was one of Shella’s favorite experiences. She wanted to be fresh when Marius arrived. She was out like a light as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Chapter 2

Shella was definitely anxious when she crawled into bed. Her mind sought a medicinal fantasy dream that only she and Marius could create. She dreamed Marius met her at the MoMA, but it wasn’t the MoMA.