Her Captured Heart

By Jan Graham

Clay isn’t sure kidnapping a woman for her own protection is a wise thing to do. Still, it’s what his boss ordered, and as a mercenary, he’s accustomed to following commands. Protecting one petite woman should be an easy task, but once Ebony arrives at his secluded home he realizes outside enemies aren’t the only danger threatening her. His lust and overwhelming desire to hear her scream his name as she orgasms beneath him might prove too potent to resist.

As if being the daughter of a notorious criminal wasn’t hard enough Ebony is forced to face some harsh realities. If she can believe her kidnapper and the father she once thought dead, her life is in danger. She’s currently the target of people trafficker’s intent on selling her into slavery. Her ex-husband isn’t just a crazy lunatic who thinks she’s hiding millions from him, he’s a serious threat and possibly wants her dead. And, while dealing with all the above, she’s trying to resist her attraction to the man who’s holding her hostage. Nobody’s life can be this crazy. Can it?

As Clay battles to convince Ebony he’s telling her the truth, danger creeps perilously close to the isolated property he thought no one would ever find.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jan Graham
• Release date: Sep 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9780648415633

Jan Graham

Writing a bio that lets readers know who you are is tricky because I describe myself in so many ways. Like my books I fall into different genres, all of which depend on my mood and inspiration at the time. I am a writer, submissive, orphan, widow, sister, aunt, friend, Netflix addict, and sometimes, a wild child. I live in Australia where I spend as much time as I can writing and creating books I hope people enjoy. My writing currently falls under a variety of genres including BDSM, contemporary romance and romantic suspense, but who knows where my literary future will lead. That’s going to be the next exciting chapter.

Book preview

Her Captured Heart

A Mercenary Heat Novella 1.5

Jan Graham

Smashwords Edition

Her Captured Heart

Copyright © 2018 by Jan Graham

ISBN-13: 978-0-6484156-3-3

Cover design: Willsin Rowe

Editor: Sandy Ebel – Personal Touch Editing

All rights reserved:

This book is not to be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the copyright holder.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

Disclaimer:

The material in the book is for mature audiences only. It contains sexually explicit content and language that may offend some readers. Its intended readership is strictly 18 years and older.

The story contains sex scenes, a M/F romantic pairing, and non-graphic mild-level violence.

Publication History:

This is a new publication by the author and copyright owner.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

Current and New Books by the Author

Chapter One

Only a few hours into the flight home, Clay received the order to return to Sydney. The fact he didn’t know why they were doing an about-face didn’t perturb him. His military training prepared him for the job he’d held for the last six years—receive an order, follow it.

His boss, Marcus Delany was as formidable as any commander he’d served under in the Royal Australian Air Force—RAAF for short. He gave a command and expected compliance, without question. Well, questioning did occasionally occur, but generally, it was a trust-the-boss-had-it-right kind of deal. Clay was cool with that although sometimes, like today, he would have preferred the decision came before they were nearly halfway home to Bali.

Clay and his constant companion, Adrian Belvoir had more frequent flyer points under their belts than he cared to think about. Shame he couldn’t claim them for a holiday. All the points gathered were in his boss’ private jet and given the idyllic location where he and Adrian resided—a beachside fortress on the outskirts of Denpasar—Clay lived a holiday lifestyle twenty-four-seven. So, what was the point really?

He had no family to speak of, having grown up in foster homes since the tender age of six. Unlike some, the foster care system worked well for him—each family kind and caring although numerous over the years. Still, family was what you made it, and Clay’s current adopted family were the other members of the mercenary unit Marcus ran. Of course, over time, Adrian had also become a friend and father figure to him. Adrian had mellowed over the years he’d known him. No longer the angry, ex-crime boss, he’d settled comfortably into this bizarre form of witness protection.

Clay would protect the man with his life, and he’d nearly had to in the beginning. Nowadays, life was sweeter, more relaxed. Adrian’s new identity and the fact his enemies were either incarcerated or dead made Clay’s job so much easier—although he did miss the adrenaline-charged action of the first few years as a babysitter.

Something wrong? Adrian asked as Clay returned to the luxury cabin of the jet after assisting the pilot to implement the change of course. He could fly the aircraft himself, but Marcus insisted on a pilot, enabling Clay’s attention to remain on Adrian at all times.

We’ve been called back. More details to follow on arrival, Clay replied.

Adrian nodded, taking another sip of the single malt from his tumbler.

What’s our ETA?

Six. Weather and landing allocations permitting, Clay responded, taking up position in the leather recliner next to Adrian. If he was lucky, he’d be able to grab some snooze time before they landed because once they hit the ground, there was no telling when he’d sleep again. The latest mission involved taking down a sex trafficking ring on two continents—Australia and Asia. If they were going back, Clay assumed Marcus required him to work some aspect of that mission. It would make a pleasant change from the nanny role he’d grown accustomed to.

When he reopened his eyes, it was to see the lights of the runway as they landed. He’d done more than nap during their return to Sydney. As the curious saying went, he’d ‘slept like a log.’

Take Adrian and the luggage to the chopper, Joe, Marcus instructed the pilot, I need a private word with Clay.

Even though he sounded as in control as ever, Marcus looked worried. A deep frown creased his brow and concern filled his usually unyielding eyes. The helicopter sitting ready on the pad not far from the hanger they’d pulled up near registered in Clay’s peripheral vision but he never dreamed it was for them. When Adrian was in Sydney, Marcus always kept him close, secluded in the four-story private mansion and work headquarters in Vaucluse Marcus called home. Another flight, albeit a short one given the chopper, didn’t make sense. It also indicated his first assumption about inclusion in the current mission was incorrect.

The cotton candy colored manila folder Marcus withdrew from his briefcase drew Clay’s attention. And not just because of the girly pink color which stood in stark contrast to the hardened man holding it.

Clay flicked through the contents. The surveillance photo of an attractive brunette caught his eye. She was stunning.

We have an issue with the number of women targeted for collection by the sex trafficking mob, Marcus explained. Hex is currently out grabbing this particular target and will deliver her to you down at the Highlands safe house by mid-morning. You can read the full dossier on her once you’re down there. For reasons that will become obvious, I don’t want Adrian to see it. Not yet at least.

Marcus telling him to read the file later was fortunate considering Clay remained transfixed on the woman he’d soon have living under the same roof. His cock stirred at the sight of her. He’d either been without a woman for too long, or this adjunct to the current mission was about to pose an interesting problem. Would it be inappropriate for him to seduce a target? Hex did it all the time, but Clay wasn’t like his womanizing colleague. He always conducted himself professionally. It was the core component of his training—job first, personal life second.

Who was he kidding? Since becoming Adrian’s private minder, a personal life was nonexistent. He’d become the most boring thirty-five-year-old on the planet. His daily routine consisted of household chores, maintaining his weapons collection, working out, reading, playing chess—he remained undefeated in the game much to Adrian’s displeasure—and experimenting with new recipes. Yes, he cooked and enjoyed the process. After all, two men who’d never cooked for themselves in their life couldn’t live on ramen noodles, frozen dinners, and takeout alone. They needed to eat something that resembled real food, and both he and Adrian became quite skillful home chefs over the years.

So, what’s the deal? I know you wouldn’t call me back for just anyone, Clay watched his boss intently.

It’s Adrian’s daughter, Marcus stated. I think it’s time we gave him a pleasant family reunion. Play it carefully though, make sure they’ve both settled into the safe house before breaking the news to them.

Just great, Boss, Clay couldn’t help but let his frustration show, because the last family reunion you organized for Adrian went so well. Adrian’s son ended up sectioned to a psychiatric facility.

This is different. His son’s a psychopathic killer, she’s not. Ebony is an innocent caught up in a mess I helped create. The fact she’s targeted is a problem we need to deal with, so why not let Adrian help? It could be the making of them, Marcus smirked.

Yeah right. This was going to be a pleasant walk in the park—not. First, Adrian would be furious Clay didn’t tell him about his daughter from the get-go. An angry Adrian wasn’t a joy to be around. Second, they were effectively about to kidnap Ebony for her own protection. How would he explain to a terrified woman her supposed dead father was alive and well in the next room and looking forward to getting reacquainted? What was Marcus up to? This thing had nightmare written all over it.

I’m not sure this is a clever idea, Boss. I mean, I see your reasoning but really! Why don’t we just secure Adrian at your place, then I’ll look after Ebony down at the safe house? Keeping them apart could be the best thing for all concerned. He suspected it was the best decision for him. He didn’t do family drama or family anything for that matter. Not because he didn’t want to, he simply didn’t know how.

This isn’t up for discussion. The decision’s made. You get both.

Marcus spoke in his don’t-fuck-with-me tone, so Clay did what all good soldiers do—gave a nod of understanding accompanied by a quick, firm, Yes, Boss.

Marcus followed up Clay’s agreement with general housekeeping shit. Sasha was currently stocking the safe house with everything they’d need, ready for their arrival. She’d leave the SUV with them and return to the city on the chopper. If he needed anything else, not that they should, Clay would use the company credit card.

I’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve wrapped everything up here, and Ebony is no longer in danger. Until then, good luck. Marcus turned and made his way to the car, leaving Clay wondering how the hell he would make this situation work.

As he walked to the chopper, he laughed out loud. Just when he’d readied himself to get back into the adrenaline-filled action of a live mission, his boss sidelined him once again—another babysitting job. He was starting to feel like an overpaid nanny, instead of the highly skilled, take no prisoners mercenary Marcus hired.

* * * *

Ebony shuffled to the car, her feet throbbing, back and head aching from pulling a double shift at the mini-mart. An elongated sigh left her lips as she sat in the driver’s seat. Savoring the ability to relax her head back, she took a moment to regroup. In twenty minutes, she’d be home and in bed, maybe less, given the early hour and the fact she’d be traveling in the opposite direction of the peak rush hour.

Turning the key in the ignition elicited a big fat nothing. Bloody car. If only she’d been able to keep the Lexus she’d once owned. That was gone, however, along with the house and other fineries her inheritance once brought. Now, she worked for minimum wage, lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment that wasn’t flash, surrounded by furniture purchased as a package deal from a discount furniture chain—all of which she’d assembled herself. At least that was a new skill to add to her list, ‘learning how the other half lives.’

If she’d known her ex had a serious gambling addiction, she’d have stayed away. She certainly wouldn’t have said I do in front of a truckload of friends at one of the most expensive wedding venues in the city. The problem with addictions of any sort was until the person was out of control, no one really noticed. Yes, she knew he liked to visit the casino, go to the races, and do whatever else allowed him to feed the gambling money pit he worshiped, but she never believed it was a problem. Not until he’d mortgaged the house and almost drained the bank accounts dry.

It wasn’t all his fault, she’d enabled him. Allowing him to control the finances because she really didn’t understand figures and investment portfolios wasn’t her wisest move. She should have taken more interest, checked up on his activities, and not signed paperwork without reading it first. So here she