Protected by Shadows

By Aliyah Burke

Valentino Cassano is a man who lives in shadows, lies and secrets. He works for a group that he can't tell anyone about. When the ugliness from that world affects the woman he's had a thing with for a few years, he refuses to let her face it alone.

Lexy Camden loves her life as a veterinarian. However when everything gets turned upside down and Valentino inserts himself into routine for more than a few days things get complicated...fast. The feelings she'd been ignoring for so long won't give her a moment's peace.

As the danger to her escalates, and part of Valentino's past comes out, will they have a chance to be a real couple or will it all be shattered with the simple pull of a trigger? Valentino has lost a lot and has no plans to do so again, now if he can just convince Lexy to give him another shot.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781781848470

Aliyah Burke

USA Today bestselling author Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by six Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs.

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A Totally Bound Publication

Protected by Shadows

ISBN # 9781781848470

©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2013

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright November 2013

Edited by Rebecca Douglas

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2013 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Burning and a Sexometer of 2.

This story contains 272 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 9 pages.

In Aeternum

PROTECTED BY SHADOWS

Aliyah Burke

Book three in the In Aeternum series

She’s everything he wants and all he knows he shouldn’t have. When danger strikes, will he give it all up or is he doomed to live the rest of his life without her?

Valentino Cassano is a man who lives in shadows, lies and secrets. He works for a group that he can’t tell anyone about. When the ugliness from that world affects the woman he’s had a thing with for a few years, he refuses to let her face it alone.

Lexy Camden loves her life as a veterinarian. However, when everything gets turned upside down and Valentino inserts himself into her routine for more than a few days, things get complicated…fast. The feelings she’s been ignoring for so long won’t give her a moment’s peace.

As the danger escalates, and part of Valentino’s past comes out, will they have a chance to be a real couple or will it all be shattered with the simple pull of a trigger? Valentino has lost a lot and has no plans to do so again. Now if he can just convince Lexy to give him another shot…

Dedication

Thanks to everyone who asked me for Valentino’s story. I hope y’all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. To my husband who never fails to support me with my dream. I love you. And, as always, last but never ever least to those who have served or are serving in the armed forces, my thanks for your unending sacrifices you make to keep us safe.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Ferrari: Ferrari S.p.A.

007: Ian Fleming

Mossberg: O.F. Mossberg & Sons

Mitsubishi Spyder: Mitsubishi Group

Chevy Tahoe: Chevrolet, General Motors

Hello Kitty: Sanrio Co., Ltd.

Keurig: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc

John Deere: Deere & Company

Pepto-Bismol: Procter & Gamble

Panera: Panera Bread

Chrysler 300: Chrysler Group LLC

MASN: MASN Sports

Chevy 2500: General Motors Company

Glock: Glock Ges.m.b.H.

NCIS: CBS Television Studios

Catwoman: DC Comics

Underworld: Screen Gems

Coke: The Coca-Cola Company

Tomorrow: Chris Young, Frank J Myers and Anthony L. Smith

Walther PPK: Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen

Mercedes-Benz: Daimler AG

Sherlock: Arthur Conan Doyle

Heckler & Koch, MP-5: Heckler & Koch

AK-47: Izhmash

Jaguar F-Type V8 5: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd

SIG: SIG Sauer Inc

Smith & Wesson: Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.

Dukes of Hazzard: Warner Bros Television

Muzak: Muzak Holdings

Chapter One

Somewhere deep in the Alps

Valentino Cassano downshifted and allowed the car, a smoky black Ferrari, to drift around the tight corner before shifting again. The beautiful scenery whizzing by meant nothing to him. He focused on the same thing he always focused on when not working. Hell, even times when he did work.

Lexy. Alexsa Camden.

She had taken front and center stage in his thoughts ever since the first day he’d met her. A spitfire. A Southern spitfire.

Nothing mattered. Not the fact he had killed a man less than ten minutes ago. Nor that men would most likely be trying to find him to make him pay. He could care less. Came with the job.

Ahead, a few cyclists had him easing off the accelerator. They dropped back and made it easier to pass. He waited until they maneuvered the next corner before gunning it and flying around the small group.

Valentino slowed down and followed the speed limit as police cars approached in the other lane. They raced up the road, lights flashing and sirens wailing. He surreptitiously checked his rear view as he trailed behind an old split-rail truck hauling livestock. Chicken feathers blew by like falling snow. Unfortunately, the smell wasn’t equivalent.

Whipping around the truck, he continued on his way to the quaint village nestled in the Swiss Alps. While not as busy in the summer as it was come winter, there was still hustle and bustle…enough for a tourist to just be another tourist and not stand out.

Parked at his hotel, he unfolded his body from behind the wheel, tugged on his suit jacket and headed in after closing the door. He gave a sharp nod to the female concierge as he strode through the tiled lobby. A blush skated up her cheeks, yet he never slowed. She held no interest for him, despite her numerous and blatant advances during the course of his stay.

Today he was checking out and heading to Eiger. He’d always wanted to see the north face in person. Now seemed the opportune time. Pushing into his room, he briefly paused and took a habitual cursory glance about. Nothing appeared out of place, but some practices had become ingrained over the years. At the closet, he withdrew his suitcase and began packing. As he closed the lid, his thoughts returned to Lexy.

The steam rolled around them as the hot water cascaded down from multiple showerheads. Her back to the tiled wall while he thrust in and out of her slick pussy. Hard. Fast. Deep.

She had her legs wrapped tightly about his hips and she undulated against him, taking his cock in deeper. Her fingers tangled in his hair and he buried his face along the graceful curve of her neck.

He kept one hand splayed on the wall and one gripping her ass. Her moans were throaty and each one made him harder. He couldn’t get enough. Therein lay the problem, it would never be enough.

Her hair was plastered to her head and her skin was flushed from the combination of heat and passion.

Oh, God, she groaned, flexing her internal muscles around his cock.

His reply was just as guttural—it flowed up from deep in his chest, as he continued to drive into her. She pulled his hair, raking her nails along his skin causing stings of pain. It urged him on. Harder. Faster. Deeper.

His release barreled down upon him.

More! she cried, her back bowing. He tried to hold off a little longer. It wasn’t going to work. Fire flowed through him, edging along his need to conquer and possess this woman. Her vaginal walls flexed again and his roar raced free to mix with her cry of pleasure as they crested together.

The phone rang, shattering his memory like a bullet to glass. Wiping his face with one hand, he blew out a frustrated breath. Lust rocketed through him. His cock strained against his slacks, wanting out. Craving release. Even his palms were sweaty as he reached for the phone.

Hello?

A message for you, sir, at the front desk. Would you like it brought to your room?

No, thank you. I’ll pick it up. He replaced the receiver, stared out of the window then headed for the door, bags in hand.

Your message, sir. The man slid it to him as he signed his bill.

Thank you. Have them bring up my car. He walked to a chair then sat, bags at his feet. No one was behind him and he opened the envelope before pulling out the single sheet of paper.

Zurich

That was the only word. He stifled a yawn and put the paper inside his suit coat pocket. He wasn’t going. Not this time. Somehow, he would find a way to stay away.

Your car is ready, sir. May I take your luggage?

Of course. He pushed to his feet and left. Soon he was driving away. Utilizing the hands-free feature of his phone, he said a name and waited for the call to connect.

Yes? The male voice was deep and gruff.

Done.

Any problems?

He shifted gears and the car responded perfectly, leaping forward with more power and speed. No.

We’ll be in touch. The call ended.

Tossing the phone down, Valentino tried to let the beauty of his surroundings sink in, but it seemed a fruitless endeavor. Not even when, much later, he sat at a bar staring out at the north face of Eiger did the majesty register.

Finally made it to the Eiger, I see.

At the deep Southern drawl, Valentino glanced up to spy Beau standing there. Beauregard Lee Jackson, to be precise. A drink in his hand, the man flashed a grin before sitting down beside him.

Hello, Beau. He sipped his vodka and sighed.

Did you just get in?

Few hours now. Why?

You’re wearing a suit.

Familiar words. His brothers were always on him about the fact he wore suits so often. Nothing wrong with wearing one.

Slicing his gaze to the left, he took in Beau’s gray and green flannel shirt, jeans and cowboy boots. When one first met him, they tended to think hillbilly, faced with his dress and slow Southern drawl. It gave Beau the advantage—Valentino knew this man was one of the most deadly he’d ever met. Beau knew at least fifty ways to kill a person with his hands alone, and he could get very inventive with ways to hurt a person. Valentino had seen Beau in action and it wasn’t a pretty sight. However, he wasn’t scared.

They worked for the same agency, Theta Corps—a covert group who did their part to keep the world safe. Filled with ex-military, hackers and others at the top of their game, the agency was so secretive, not even his family knew what he did. They thought he was an investor who traveled a lot when in truth, he was more like 007.

How’re ya doing?

He finished his vodka and waved for a refill. Masters send you?

Masters was the head of Theta Corps, and he took the wellbeing of each of his men and women seriously.

Nope. Beau winked and grinned at a blonde who strolled by in an overly tight pair of pants and sweater. She’s a purdy little darlin’. His drawl came in thick, dripping like molasses.

Of course Beau thought so, he would chase anything that carried two X chromosomes. Valentino nodded his thanks for the refill. Then what? he asked carrying on the previous conversation.

Beau gave a frustrated sigh. Wanted to check on you, man. We used to be friends. Green eyes pierced him. Remember what those are? You hang out occasionally, have a few drinks and laughs. No? I can see why. Ever since—

Don’t go there, Valentino warned, fingers tightening briefly around his glass.

"Why not? Damn it, man. Don’t you miss life? It happened, but that’s no reason to shut everyone out."

Let it go.

Beau allowed his beer to settle on the counter with more force than normal, the only clue to anyone he was irritated. What? Gonna take a swing at me? You know I’m right, Valentino. I’m willing to risk it, if it means you’ll show some fuckin’ emotions.

Valentino raised a brow. You angling for a mani-pedi day together? He locked away the unwanted memories. Firmly.

Beau gave a short grin. Not really. I was thinking more beer and pool. Perhaps you not in a suit. He shook his head. I’m worried about you.

Don’t be. I passed my last psych eval.

You haven’t let her go.

Again the memories pushed, creeping from the shadows.

"You need to let it go." Valentino clenched his jaw.

No. She was a vile bitch who—

Bam! Valentino slammed his hand on the bar. Beau. His tone was barely over a growl.

—doesn’t deserve to run your life or dictate your happiness.

He snarled and Beau held up his hands in apparent surrender.

You’re not the only one who lost someone that day, Valentino, but the rest of us have carried on.

The recollections pushed harder and he grimaced. I’m carrying on.

No, you’re not. Your friends miss you. We’re here for you.

Beau strode away and in the window’s reflection, Valentino watched him slip an arm around the blonde from earlier and escort her from the room.

Memories pounded and he knew no amount of vodka would keep them at bay. Shoving back from the bar, he grabbed his glass then drained the rest in a gulp. Then he turned to the door, tossing some bills down to cover his drinks.

It was after midnight when he knocked on a hotel door. The light poured from the crack as it framed the woman there. Lexy arched an eyebrow at him.

It’s late.

Her scent wafted about her, tantalizing him. He struggled to be stronger, only to give up. The moment he’d headed for her, he’d known he was weak. He put a hand on her door, shoved it open to where he could enter and kicked it closed behind him.

And? He went to work on his suit coat, removing it while taking in the way her little lavender cami nightie covered her.

Nothing. Are we done with pleasantries?

Her acerbic tongue lashed against him and he jerked her to him. Yes. Then he devoured her mouth with his and partook in the one thing with the ability to silence the memories.

Her.

* * * *

Somewhere deep in the Appalachian Mountains

He stared at the man who’d dared try to betray The Watchers. There was no empathy in him. The group had been carefully cultivated with an extremely clear purpose—to return the country’s misguided government to how it should be. When those serving did so at the leisure of the people. They should fear their countrymen, not be feared by them. In essence, to be in office was a privilege—those in that position should always remember it was the public who put them there, and the public should have the right to keep them in or remove them.

Rolling his toothpick between his lips, he stroked his goatee with the thumb and index finger of his left hand. Then he walked forward, the woodland ground making very little noise beneath his feet. The man who hung there had no marks on him. After one complete circle, he stared into blue eyes.

Raymond, he said, without a trace of any accent. I am truly disappointed in you. He withdrew his large Bowie knife from the sheath on his leg and used it to slice off a chunk of fresh, crisp apple.

I’m sorry, so sorry, Raymond babbled.

Right, right. Of course you are. Look at me. Do I appear upset? Another bite.

No, sir.

He paced as he ate the apple, mulling over his next option. None of that indecision showed on his face, however—he was confident in that with his years of experience. After two more circles around Raymond, who had his hands tied over his head, feet firmly on the ground, he stopped. Even Raymond’s eyes were full of fear, and beaded sweat gathered on his skin only to roll toward the fertile ground beneath their shoes.

Because I’m not. This is the face of a disappointed leader. I believe you will still be useful to us and our cause. I mean, you do want to help us still, don’t you?

Yes. Yes! Anything, I’ll do anything.

A sadistic grin turned up his mouth. You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that, Raymond.

After a final slice of the apple, the sandy-haired man plunged his knife deep into Raymond’s chest cavity. His eyes gleamed as he rotated the blade and cut down, effectively gutting him like a pig. Raymond’s intestines spilled out, almost hitting his shoes. You will leave them a message they will never forget.

He wiped his knife off and returned the blade to its sheath before tossing the apple core and smoothing his hands down his linen pants.

Take a picture of him, be sure the background is blurry enough they can’t make it out. But leave him hanging. In fact, take two. One first of his unmarked face. Just to give them a bit of hope. Follow it up with the rest, his guts spilling out to the ground. Send it to the appropriate people, for they are surely wanting to know why their snitch hasn’t checked in by now.

The two men who’d been there, silent against some trees, stepped up to do his bidding as he continued along the narrow path he’d taken to get there. At the end sat a small house.

There were several, filling the area, since the path led to their commune. Each one blended into the terrain and would be difficult to spot from the air. They had places like this everywhere—some even in plain sight. Their time was coming. The Watchers would be celebrated and honored in stories of how the American people got their country back.

He walked to his window and peered out. Like busy worker bees, or perhaps solider ants, people scurried about. The door behind him opened and a black-haired woman with flawless porcelain skin stepped through. He took the sheet of paper she handed him before he opened it and read the words written in perfect script.

Trevor, the new recruits who passed are waiting to hear from you.

He stepped closer to her side and ran a hand down her perfect, heart-shaped face with those china-blue eyes.

Thank you, my love.

Her smile, so slight, frail almost. He didn’t care—he was beyond paying her any further attention and even took his gaze from her. Trevor Mansfield was mentally reviewing his welcome speech, as he always did before meeting the new recruits. It didn’t matter how many times he’d given it. It was part of his routine.

Trevor left the woman and strode out of the very door she’d entered. It was time to receive and embrace even more believers into the fold.

* * * *

Zurich

Lexy smiled and nodded as she made her way through those gathered. It wasn’t often that the attendees actually got to choose where to have their yearly meetings, but thankfully for this one they had. And Zurich had won of all the choices they’d been presented with. She dodged another person, stifling her yawn. Sleep hadn’t happened after Valentino Cassano had shown up at her door around midnight. She was pleased they’d long since passed the part of wondering if each was clean and he knew she took the shot for birth control, so condoms weren’t an issue.

The fact he’d arrived had shocked her. But then he usually showed when she didn’t figure he would.

Stepping off the elevator, she wondered if he would be gone. He wasn’t the type to hang around for cuddling the following day. She unlocked her door and had depressed the handle when someone called out, Dr Camden.

Glancing over her shoulder, she paused at the sight of Dr Joshua Shatten crossing the dark red and tan carpet. His brown eyes twinkled as he neared.

Hello, Dr Shatten.

I saw you slip out and thought I missed you. It’s so good to see you. He gave her a hug and kiss along her cheek. He wore dark slacks and a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up, showing his muscular forearms.

And you. How’re things? Lexy replied.

We’ve actually just expanded our facilities. If you agree to dinner with me, I’d love to tell you all about it. He grinned.

Dr Shatten had a large veterinary practice in Georgia, and she loved talking about how others ran their practices versus how she did. Sounds great. After the last presentation, let’s grab a bite.

Wonderful. Save me a seat. He strode away after another kiss on the cheek.

She gave an absent wave as she pushed into her room. Josh was a nice enough man, but—

Lining up your next fuck before you even get rid of me? A deep growl came from the corner.

Ignoring the erratic kick of her pulse, she released the door and waited for it to swing shut behind her. Only then did she look for him. He stood there, partially hidden by shadows. It didn’t matter, her body responded instantly and furiously.

’N here I thought you’d be long gone. She decided to ignore how pleased she was to find him there.

She put her key card down and sashayed over to the chair in the sun, across the room from Valentino, and sat. Idly hooking one leg over the arm, she swung it back and forth as she picked up and perused the menu. She’d not eaten at this morning’s meeting and her stomach was rebelling at her decision.

You stayin’ for breakfast?

Are you fucking him?

She sniffed and gave him a brief glance. Not any of your business. She flipped the menu. Breakfast?

Lord, this pretense was becoming more and more difficult. Acting as though she were indifferent and okay with being a booty call. Not that she minded the sex. Not at all. Valentino was an incredible lover. The problem was emotions—hers to be specific. They were growing each time she met up with him.

He pushed away from the wall he’d been leaning against. She felt the visceral reaction, stronger than usual. He’d showered, and the ends of his black hair curled against the tanned skin of his shoulders. She tightened her grip on the menu merely to keep from reaching for him.

Dark blue slacks, his only article of clothing, hung low on lean hips. She traced the white scar that stretched along his left hip visually—as she had before with her tongue. Then the one on his torso. The memory of the saltiness of his skin beneath the swipe of her tongue flooded her and she nearly moaned.

Are. You. Fucking. Him. The words fell from kissable, bow-shaped lips.

Her core temperature skyrocketed. Her skin burned where his gaze touched her. Swallowing back her ultra-feminine reaction to such an alpha male display, she faked a yawn.

Got it. No breakfast for you. She grabbed the phone and placed her order, never once taking her gaze from the scowling man before her. By the time she’d hung up, his hands rested on the arms of her chair. He’d boxed her in. Honestly, she didn’t mind. What? Up for a quickie before you leave?

He hadn’t yet shaved, the morning bristles darkening his sun-kissed skin.

Can you just answer a simple question?

Man, she wanted to trail her fingertips along that shadowed jaw and do her best to take the pain he tried so hard to hide from his eyes.

Of course I can, darlin’, she drawled, thickening her accent. I think it should be questioning whether or not I will.

Lexy. A growled word.

And what a growl. It was like he’d reached beneath her panties and played with her clit. She shuddered before lowering her leg and sitting up, putting her lips right by his.

Val.

His eyes narrowed and she hid her grin. He hated that nickname.

Answer me.

She tucked some hair behind her ears and canted her head. I’ll answer if you tell me what’s up with this.

She reached out to touch the ring that dangled from the gold chain around his neck. He never took it off, so far as she knew. He had her wrist clamped in his callused hand before she even made contact.

Don’t. His hazel eyes were hard as granite and his voice threaded with danger. He’d completely shut down.

A chill settled over her, but all she did was shrug. Guess you won’t know then. Time passed with them locked in that stare.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Room service.

Tugging free of his hold on one hand, she pressed against his chest with her other. Move. He did and she headed for the door. She took the time to shore up her emotions and keep her own hurt inside. It would never do to admit she felt for him, or allow him insight into that knowledge.

Thank you, she said, signing her receipt after her food had been wheeled in.

Ma’am. The man took his leave and she lifted the lids one at a time and groaned with anticipation. They’d offered scones and bagels at the morning meeting, but she loved her big breakfasts and had decided to wait until she returned to her room.

Large fluffy waffles, scrambled eggs, potatoes, crisp bacon—she wouldn’t touch limp—savory sausage links and a bowl of fresh fruit. Topped off with orange juice and aromatic coffee. She was more than just content. Yep, she was officially in heaven.

Ignoring the scowling man by the window, she chewed on a slice of bacon while turning on her music. Loud. She danced back to the cart and wheeled it to the table where she sat and began to enjoy the delicious food.

She had one foot on the chair, propped beside her other thigh. As was her wont, her mind drifted to work. More specifically, this conference. Her good mood vanished along with her music and she glared over the rim of her coffee mug to the man who’d committed the offense.

Turn it back on.

It’s obnoxious.

So leave. She stabbed a piece of sausage and ate it then washed it down with more coffee.

I want an answer. He moved toward her, every inch of him predatory.

She hated how quickly she responded to him. Both physically and emotionally. Mug down, she reached for her phone and sent the command for more music. She smiled as White Snake resumed, filling the room.

Valentino paused before continuing to her. When he placed his large hands on the table, she stifled a whimper and took another bite of waffle. It wouldn’t do for her to recall the pleasure he’d brought her with those hands.

Tell me.

She ate some egg and tipped her head back while chewing, taking her time. Once she’d swallowed, she put her fork down only to shake her head and pick it up again.

We fuck when we meet, Val. Nothing more, nothing less. That is the extremely clear, very defined definition of our…whatever this is. An arrangement, I suppose. It’s physical, not personal. Never personal. He’s made sure of that.

He reached for her final piece of bacon and she snatched it from his grasp. His gaze narrowed.

Should have ordered something if you were hungry.

He sat, dragging the chair closer until one of his knees touched hers. All this because I won’t tell you about the ring?

Yes. "No. All this because, again, it’s physical not personal. I don’t ask you who or how many you’re fucking, and you don’t get to ask me."

The music changed to KISS and she wondered how much more of this she could really endure. She focused on her waffle and ate another bite, determined to enjoy her breakfast. Valentino watched her the whole time, body rigid and tense. While she did what she did best—pretended it didn’t bother her in the slightest.

After she’d finished, she put everything back on the cart and rolled it out into the hall, smiling at the staff member who went past. Stepping back into the room, her gaze located Valentino. He had put on his shirt, though it hung open as if to welcome the sun against his skin. Perhaps it was for her. She wasn’t bashful and looked to her heart’s content.

Come here. He gave his order in a low tone.

She obeyed and stood before him, digging her toes into the plush carpet. He was silent as he stared at her and she waited for him to say what was on his mind. He didn’t. He cupped her cheeks and allowed his thumbs to skim over her lips, his eyes almost gentle.

She found herself mesmerized, holding her breath so as not to break the spell. Her fingers itched to touch him, smooth across his well-defined torso. But she didn’t move.

His phone rang and