Flame: Fierce, #2

By Clarissa Wild

This is book 2 in the Fierce Series, and the conclusion to Autumn and Hunter's story. It is recommended that you read book 1 first.

When trust is challenged and desire takes control, is love enough to conquer fear?

When geeky book nerd Autumn Blakewood falls for the cocky, confident fighter Hunter Bane she knows she's in for life. Their undeniable connection, fueled by the desire to protect, grows stronger every passing second. However, the need to feel cherished threatens her college graduation, family bonds, and future, tearing her apart, but she won't give up on Hunter so easily …

After he was abandoned by his family, Hunter Bane struggles to cope with daily life. Having a learning disability turns every task into a challenge. With his brother now free, Hunter feels the pressure to succeed and take care of the people he loves, forcing him to choose between college and a job. Hunter's devotion to Autumn keeps him on the right path. His infatuation with her turns lust into passion, drawing out his alpha tendencies. But with affection comes admission, putting a strain on their relationship as secrets are exposed and unforeseen circumstances spiral out of control.

Being complete opposites, their love is flaming hot, but it burns away all inhibitions, unveiling the fears that were locked deep inside. As past and present collide, difficult choices must be made. Can Autumn and Hunter's love survive this ultimate test?

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REVIEWS

"I fell in love with Hunter and Autumn's undying love they have for one another is the kind of love you want for your own." -- Elaine's Love of Books

"There were parts of this book that I never saw coming and loved them so much. Then something else would happen and I would love the book even more." -- Steamy Book Momma

"I was absolutely floored by this second installment in the Fierce series." -- Anna S.

"This book will make you want to read it all in one sitting with a bottle of wine." -- Goodreads Review

"This was Hunter & Leafy's phenomenal ending to FINDING & WORKING to keep their FOREVER one true love" -- Beautifully Broken Book Blog

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clarissa Wild
• Release date: May 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311747747

Book preview

FLAME

CLARISSA WILD

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When trust is challenged and desire takes control, is love enough to conquer fear?

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When geeky book nerd Autumn Blakewood falls for the cocky, confident fighter Hunter Bane she knows she’s in for life. Their undeniable connection, fueled by the desire to protect, grows stronger every passing second. However, the need to feel cherished threatens her college graduation, family bonds, and future, tearing her apart, but she won’t give up on Hunter so easily ...

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After he was abandoned by his family, Hunter Bane struggles to cope with daily life. Having a learning disability turns every task into a challenge. With his brother now free, Hunter feels the pressure to succeed and take care of the people he loves, forcing him to choose between college and a job. Hunter’s devotion to Autumn keeps him on the right path. His infatuation with her turns lust into passion, drawing out his alpha tendencies. But with affection comes admission, putting a strain on their relationship as secrets are exposed and unforeseen circumstances spiral out of control.

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Being complete opposites, their love is flaming hot, but it burns away all inhibitions, unveiling the fears that were locked deep inside. As past and present collide, difficult choices must be made. Can Autumn and Hunter’s love survive this ultimate test?

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Visit Clarissa Wild’s blog for other books.

© 2014 Clarissa Wild

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

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FLAME PLAYLIST

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

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

EPILOGUE

FLAME PLAYLIST

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Music plays a big part in my writing. For FLAME I used a whole lot of new songs, but you might find a few that are familiar to you from FIERCE/FURY ;) Check them out!

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Everything by Lifehouse

Between the Raindrops by Lifehouse ft. Natasha Beddingfield

Alibi by 30 Seconds To Mars

Savior by 30 Seconds To Mars

How to Save a Life by The Fray

Perfect Life by Red

Hold Me Now by Red

Pieces by Red

Start Again by Red

Work Bitch by Britney Spears

All Is Full Of Love by Björk

Another Love by Tom Odell

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

Team by Lorde

Glory and Gore by Lorde

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder

Small Bump by Ed Sheeran

Never Stop (Wedding Version) by Safety Suit

CHAPTER 1

GOOD BEGINNINGS

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Autumn

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A bright golden sun blinds us as we wait in front of the prison entrance. The sky is blue, pink, and red, colored by the radiance of the sun, reminiscent of a painted canvas. With my hand on my forehead, I stare ahead into the distance. The dark concrete building sends chills down my spine. Wired fences surround the premises, an eerie warning to those outside as well as inside.

A gentle squeeze of my hand reminds me Hunter is here, right beside me. I have nothing to be afraid of. He cocks his head sideways, looking down at me with an easy smile on his face. A smile that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Our hands are clammy, and I can feel him twitch. The fine creased lines on his forehead show his restlessness. His jaw is clenched and his eyes dart back to the fence, keeping an eye on the only visible door. Tension ripples off him like fumes from a stoked fire. He probably can’t wait to see his brother, but at the same time he seems anxious. Concerned.

His thumb caresses the back of my hand, a warm, comforting reassurance that everything will be okay, but I should be comforting him instead. I tangle my fingers through his, huddling up against him. Placing my head against his shoulder, I take in his soothing scent. There’s a smile on my face, because even though we’re in a horrible place, we’re finally doing what Hunter’s been waiting for all this time: seeing his brother be freed.

A cold breeze wafts past us. I shiver. I should’ve put on something warmer, but I got lost in the hectic pace of it all. When Hunter got the call that his brother was being released, he jumped at the opportunity to pick him up. He didn’t even want to take a shower before rushing out, which is so unlike him.

I rub my hands together and cling to myself. Hunter turns around toward me and says, You cold?

It’s nothing. Forgot we’re nearing winter, I say with a chuckle, trying to laugh off my stupidity.

Here, he says, taking off his coat and draping it over my shoulders.

But now you’ll get cold, I say.

Nah, I’m a freaking radiator. You know that.

You sure? I ask, raising my eyebrows.

He lowers his. Keep it on or else ... For a second we just stare at each other, until a sly grin slowly creeps onto his face and I burst out into laughter. His threats always make me laugh. Not because they’re funny, but because I love it when he gets rough with me. They’re more promises than threats. Bad, sexy promises.

When the door clicks open, our ears perk up like those of a Labrador. The noise immediately draws our attention. I hold my breath, and Hunter squeezes my hand tight. He inhales a deep breath when a guy about his size steps out, his blond hair and rough features reminding me of Hunter. They do look alike. I only saw his photograph, but it really is striking.

A smile builds on Hunter’s face, and his eyes light up when he sees his brother stepping out of the gate. For a moment he’s nailed to the ground as his brother comes toward us, bags in both his hands. Without saying anything, Hunter lets go of my hand and starts walking toward him, his pace increasing with each step. They meet halfway. His brother drops the bags to the ground and opens his arms.

Tears fill my eyes, but sadness isn’t their cause. Happiness swells inside me. Seeing the two boys embrace in a manly bro-hug brings me peace. Hunter’s finally got what he wanted. The look in their eyes is intense, filled with silent, unspoken emotions. I can tell from a distance. When his brother takes a quick peek at me, I freeze and blush.

They turn around and Hunter smiles at me while his brother picks up his bags and walks after him toward me. Leaning against the car, I try to act casual when they approach, even though I’m nervous as hell. Goose bumps cover my skin, but I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or from my anxiety. I want to make a good impression, but new people always scare me, because I don’t know what they’ll think of me. Insecure should be my middle name.

Hunter’s brother comes toward me and drops one of the bags on the ground, holding out his hand. Hey, I’m Jessie.

I shake his firm, tough hand. Autumn Blakewood.

The gleam in his gray eyes draws my attention like a magpie to a shiny jewel. His brilliant smile reminds me of Hunter’s, but Jessie’s smile isn’t as cheeky. From the corner of my eye I can see his arm and shoulder are covered in tattoos. His hand feels warm and trustworthy, and I feel like I already know him well enough to relax. Weird. I never experience this.

So ... You’re Hunter’s girlfriend?

My eyes widen, heat flustering me. Wha—

Jessie laughs. Not the talkative type I see.

I ... uh ... I stammer. I feel overwhelmed by his abrasiveness. God, he reminds me so much of Hunter, it’s freaky.

Hunter steps forward and puts his arm around my waist, pulling me closer like he’s staking his territory. All mine.

I feel almost embarrassed being marked as his publicly like that, but I have to admit I kind of like it. He’s finally at a place where he can freely tell the world he’s with me and that I’m his. I love being his.

Jessie winks. Good for you. You two look cute together. Although, I must say this is a surprise, Hunter.

Hunter laughs and shakes his head. Why? Am I that predictable?

No, I’m just surprised she actually wants you as a boyfriend.

Hunter punches his brother in the shoulder, and I chuckle.

He’s not that bad, I say.

Hunter looks back at me, squinting like he’s testing me or something. Not that bad, huh? Don’t you mean fantastic? He wriggles his eyebrows, making me laugh even more.

Jessie leans forward and whispers into my ear, I’d watch out with that one, if I were you. He’s bold and has a tendency to bite.

Then he opens the door to the driver’s seat and steps inside. Hunter grabs the two bags lying on the ground, opens the trunk, flings them inside and slams it shut again. Then he opens the door to the back seat and gestures for me to get inside like a real gentleman. I’m still chuckling, and yelp a little when he smacks my ass as I get inside. I don’t want to admit that I like him being naughty, but I do. The bite is just that little extra I need to make my life so much more interesting.

Hunter gets into the passenger’s seat and we drive off.

Feels good to have my car back, Jessie says, tapping the steering wheel. Although this baby has seen a lot of nasty things.

Hunter snorts. Obviously. If it wasn’t for the fact that we needed it, I would’ve dumped it long ago.

Hey, the gang brought some good things too.

He shakes his head. They’re the reason you were in jail. Nothing’s good about that.

That was partly my own fault. And you got to go to college thanks to the money.

Yeah, well that’s all over too, I guess.

Jessie briefly glances at his brother while driving. I’m behind him, trying to pretend I’m not here, because this conversation feels awkward. I don’t think I’m supposed to be around to hear this.

What is? Jessie asks.

The gang.

I’m not sure what to think about that.

What? Hunter spouts. You’ve got to be kidding me. They were nothing but bad news. I’m glad I got the leader behind bars.

You know he’s not the only one behind this. The gang is so much bigger. And now they’ll probably go after us.

No, they won’t. The police will roll them up for good. Those assholes are finally getting what they deserve.

Dammit, Hunter! Jessie slams the wheel, and I jolt up in my seat. He’s just as explosive as Hunter.

I tried fucking everything to keep you out of this and provide you with a good future, but you had to go and involve yourself with them, Jessie says.

I did what I had to do! You think I wanted to join them? Of course not! But it was the only way to get you out.

I never asked you to get me out!

Now they’re up in each other’s faces, the car swerving on the road. I’m just sitting here, cowering in the backseat because I’m terrified we’ll get into an accident if they keep this up.

Guys?

What? they both yell, scowls on their faces.

I back away and point at the road. Traffic.

Jessie’s eyes shoot back to the road, and he manages to stomp the brakes just in time. Shit!

We come to a screeching halt in front of a traffic light. I barely manage to stop myself from bumping headfirst into the seat in front of me. With his hands clamped around the steering wheel, Jessie snorts, and Hunter sighs, settling back into his seat.

I exhale loudly.

If I hadn’t joined the gang, you’d still be in jail, Hunter murmurs, crossing his arms while staring out the window.

You could’ve also not joined the gang, like I begged you to, so you’d be safe, Jessie says, his jaw clenched.

I got you out, didn’t I? That’s all that matters, Hunter retorts.

Now they’re both avoiding each other’s gazes, and I’m left wondering what the hell happened to that brotherly love they felt only minutes ago. They must really love each other if they can go from bro-hugs to fighting within moments, just because they both care too much for each other. Endearing.

But you’re both safe now. Alpha Psi will cease to exist as a gang, Hunter will go to college, and you’re out of jail, I say, trying to talk some sense into them.

They both throw glances at each other, sighing loudly like neither of them wants to call it truce. So typical.

You both wanted the best for each other. That’s something to be proud of. Don’t fight about it.

Hunter grumbles, frowning.

Please, I add.

It’s silent for a while. They both stop talking, and even sighing, although that almost makes me think they’re just holding their breaths to go at it again. It’s the most uncomfortable silence I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ll be glad to get out of this car once we get to our destination. Wherever that is. Hunter never told me where we’re headed, and as I was too caught up in our plans, I forgot to ask. Getting his brother out was our goal, and now that we have him, I have no clue what we’re going to do.

After a while, Jessie breaks the silence. Look. I appreciate you getting me out of jail, all right? I just didn’t want you to have to go through what I did just so you could free me.

Hunter looks him in the eye, and they stare at each other for a few seconds. I get that, I really do, but I wasn’t going to let them take you away from me. No way.

Hunter looks down at the carpet flooring of the car. And I’m sorry I fucked everything up. That I screwed up in college. That I accepted the deal with Agent Williams to get you out. I infiltrated Alpha Psi, but did a lot of horrible things to gain their trust. I’m sorry for everything, but I had to do it. I needed you back, he says.

It breaks my heart hearing him say that, because I know how much he went through for his brother. How much he was willing to sacrifice for him.

Jessie reaches for Hunter and pats him on the shoulder. I’m sorry you had to go through all that just for me.

They smile at each other, and I can finally relax again, knowing they’ve settled their squabble.

I won’t fail you again, I promise, Jessie says.

You didn’t fail me. You did everything for me. That’s why I needed to do this. I wanted to make you proud of me, but getting you back was more important to me. You’re the only one I have.

Jessie smirks. That’s not true. He cocks his head and gazes at me for a second. You have her, too, now.

A flush spreads across my cheeks, and I freeze. What?

Hunter laughs. Hmm ... you’re right.

I just smile a cheesy smile at both of them.

Well, I’m just glad to have you back, Hunter says, grabbing Jessie’s arm.

So am I, little brother, so am I.

So, where are we going? I ask, to change the topic so they won’t argue anymore.

Jessie and Hunter look at each other, and Jessie shrugs. Home, I guess.

Rubbing his temple with his fingers, Hunter says, I’m not too sure about that.

I lean forward, but Hunter turns his face away from me. I swear, I thought I could see him blush.

Why not? She’s your girl, right? Jessie asks.

Hunter clears his throat while I suck on my lip. I’m not sure what they’re talking about, but I’m dying to find out.

You can’t keep pretending forever. You’re gonna have to show her one day.

Show me what?

Hunter sighs. I don’t know ...

Oh, c’mon. The house is not that bad. Besides, she doesn’t seem like all those other girls you used to hang out with.

Now Hunter’s sinking back into his seat like he’s ashamed. I’m making faces just from the thought of seeing him hang out with other girls.

Yeah, well that’s all in the past now, he says, swallowing.

I’m relieved, but I’m intrigued, too. I want to know where they live, and now that they’re being so reluctant, I’m even more interested in seeing it. I wonder why Hunter doesn’t want me to see. What’s he afraid of?

I want to see where you live, I say.

Hunter bites his lip.

Please? I say, pouting at him. He bursts out in little chuckles and reaches for my face with his index finger, gently caressing my cheek.

All right.

Jessie laughs and scratches his beard. Can’t wait to see this happening.

What? Hunter snaps.

Don’t mind me. I’ll just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Hunter punches his brother against the shoulder. It’s your fucking fault our house looks like that!

Hey, I’m a busy man, I have a job. Or ... had.

So? That doesn’t mean you have to live like a pig, dude.

What can I say? I’m a dirty man. He wriggles his eyebrows, just like Hunter always does.

I snort. You two are more alike than I thought.

Hey! Hunter says, poking me.

See? Even she can tell. You’re a pig too. You’ll feel right at home.

It is my home, fuckwad. You just turned it into a dump.

It’s not my fault you can’t keep your clothes in one pile!

Hunter gapes at him. I’m always cleaning your shit, and you know that.

Oh, here they go again. I roll my eyes and groan. I wonder if this is normal for them. It probably is, but I guess that’s a good thing. It means I have nothing to worry about, because they still seem like best buds. Those two will be A-Okay.

CHAPTER 2

HOME SWEET HOME

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Hunter

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When we arrive at our house, my stomach feels like it made a cartwheel. My house is not something I like to show anyone. It’s clearly a dump, and I know she’ll be baffled when she sees it. Everyone always is. They don’t want to say what they think, but I can already tell from the faces they make that they think it’s pathetic. I don’t like that look. The pity.

So I never bring anyone home with me. Never. Leafy ... Autumn ... is the first. Probably the only one, too.

We get out of the car, and I hold open her door while my brother grabs his bags. She steps out and graciously takes my hand like she’s invited to a ball or something. I give her a lopsided smile, uncertain of how I should feel now that she’s going to see where I live for the first time. It feels like the protective layer I built around myself is slowly being peeled away. I’m still scared to show her the real me. At every turn she could walk away. I can’t let that happen.

I clear my throat as she grabs ahold of my hand and squeezes it lightly while she looks up at the house. It’s a shoddy wooden shack at most, and the garden looks like a giant unkempt jungle. My brother and I practically built half of it ourselves. It used to be a neglected house, long abandoned. We patched it up to make it habitable. It was all we had. We came here to start a new life. I don’t remember much of it, I was only seven years old, and my memory isn’t something that works perfectly. It was back when my mother was still with us. I wonder where she is now ...

I study Leafy’s face precariously while she gazes at my home, waiting for it to sink in. I’m poor and have nothing to live for except her, but I will fight and work for her love. Can she accept that?

And then, out of nowhere, a smile lights up her face. It’s the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. Like she’s not even astonished or even remotely surprised that this dump is where I grew up.

It looks cute, she says, and she pulls my hand. It’s cold, let’s go inside and get warm.

Christ. Just this. This is why I love her. Her easiness and acceptance is what puts me at ease and tempers the awful thoughts in my head about not being good enough.

My brother smirks at me as he walks in front of us, sometimes cheekily looking over his shoulder. The look on his face tells me he thinks this is funny. Like he never expected me to actually do what I told him I’d do: find a girl that will stay with me, regardless of all the shit.

He opens the door and holds out his hand. After you, he says, winking at my girl.

Chivalry won’t get you any bonus points with her, I muse, placing my hand on her shoulder to stop her from peeking inside too much. I want to be there when she witnesses the mess, so I can at least explain it.

My brother laughs. Common courtesy.

I squint, a devilish smile on my face. I know you too well to believe that bullshit.

You still afraid I’m gonna steal your broads?

Hey! Leafy says, swatting my brother on the arm. I’m a girl, not a piece of meat.

He playfully backs away. I had no intentions. Trust me.

I see you’re as sly as your brother, she says, crossing her arms.

Us? Nah, he says, laughing some more.

See? Told you she’s feisty, I say with a wink.

Perfect counterweight for you then.

Leafy goes into the house, and I follow her. As I pass my brother, I whisper, Jealous?

He laughs and slaps me on the back while he walks after us, closing the door behind him. You wish.

Ha. You wouldn’t stand a chance with her. She’s mine.

She’s all yours, Jessie says. But if you want a wrestling match just in case, I’m all game.

A rumbling laugh escapes my mouth, but when I see the junk we left behind in the house my happiness subsides. A heavy feeling weighs down my chest. My brother throws his bags on the floor. Dust particles fly up into the air, floating through the room like a cloud. This place hasn’t been cleaned in ages.

Clothes are still scattered across the floor. The paint on the wall is cracking, chips of it lying on the creaky board floor beneath it. The crumbs my brother left on the old green couch are still there, as if time stood still.

Leafy shivers and rubs her arms as she walks around, carefully assessing every part of my house. I feel vulnerable, but I know I have to go through this. I want our relationship to work, and for that I need to show her the real me. She has to see this.

It’s cold, so I turn up the radiator to get the temperature to a more acceptable level. She picks up random clothes lying on the floor and makes a face before dropping them again, wafting her hand in front of her face.

I chuckle. I wouldn’t touch those if I were you. I point at my brother, who’s casually unloading his bag. You never know where that’s been.

Eew ... Leafy says, scowling.

Dude! My brother shoves me and throws one of his used shirts on top of my head. It smells like shit. Go wash my clothes will ya?

I frown and throw his sweaty shirt back at him. Go wash them yourself, lazy.

Hey, I’ve been in jail. Give me a break.

I roll my eyes. That’s supposed to be an excuse?

"Maybe. I was thinking of using