When Dae Breaks

By Nikki Rose

It was just supposed to be a girls' night out. She never guessed the trouble she'd get into—or the man who would save her.

Rachel Dae fell fast for Ian, the tall, dark and sexy man who saved her outside a local club. But when her childhood-crush-turned-best-friend Anthony needs her help dealing with being a newly single dad, unresolved feelings ignite, jealousy peaks and tempers flare as they spend time together.

But, Rachel's life is about to get a lot more complicated. One mysterious call changes everything when a distorted voice on the phone forces Rachel to choose between crossing an ethical line to send an innocent man to prison or risking the lives of everyone she loves.

Reader advisory: This book contains a scene of attempted sexual assault.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Feb 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781786862952

Nikki Rose

For as long as she can remember, Nikki Rose has enjoyed writing stories. For years, writing was just a hobby for this South Carolina native. It was a way to let out all the stories floating around in her head. After one of those stories took on a mind of its own, outgrowing even the parameters of a single book, Rose knew she had to pursue her dream. Married to her high school sweetheart and best friend, Rose feels she is truly living out a romance story of her very own. As a stay at home mom of two, she is blessed with the time needed to work on her writing career full-time while her kids are at school or in the wee hours while normal people sleep. She considers herself a music obsessed chocoholic and hopeless romantic who enjoys weaving romance stories with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense.

Book preview

WHEN DAE BREAKS

NIKKI ROSE

When Dae Breaks

ISBN # 978-1-78686-295-2

©Copyright Nikki Rose 2019

Cover Art by Cherith Vaughan ©Copyright February 2019

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

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 2019 by Totally Bound Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Totally Bound Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

It was just supposed to be a girls’ night out. She never guessed the trouble she’d get into or the man who would save her.

Rachel Dae fell fast for Ian, the tall, dark and sexy man who saved her outside a local club. But when her childhood-crush-turned-best-friend Anthony needs her help dealing with being a newly single dad, unresolved feelings ignite, jealousy peaks and tempers flare as they spend time together.

But Rachel’s life is about to get a lot more complicated. One mysterious call changes everything when a distorted voice on the phone forces Rachel to choose whether to cross an ethical line to send an innocent man to prison or risk the lives of everyone she loves.

Dedication

For my husband, who showed me that true love really does exist. And to my family, for always believing in me.

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

Facebook: Facebook Inc.

Chateau de Paraza: Château de Paraza

LSATs: Law School Admission Council

Coke: Coca-Cola Company

Volvo: Volvo Trademark Holding AB Corporation

Disney: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Frozen: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Hakuna Matata: written by Jimmy Cliff and Lebo M.

Something’s Got a Hold On Me: Etta James, Leroy Kirkland & Pearl Wood

The Little Mermaid: Hans Christian Anderson, Disney Enterprises Inc.

Thermos: Thermos LLC

Hulk: Marvel Characters Inc.

Jeep: FCA US LLC

Boy Scouts: Boy Scouts of America Corporation

Tarzan: Edgar Rice Burroughs and Disney Enterprises Inc.

Superman: DC Comics General Partnership

Swiss Army Alpnach: Swiss Army Brands Limited

iPod: Apple Inc.

Prince Charming: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Cinderella: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Chapter One

The distant street light cast deep shadows in the alley. I stepped outside, sliding an abandoned beer bottle into the doorway to keep it cracked open. Regretting having drunk so much after only a bag of pretzels for lunch, I leaned against the brick wall to steady myself and dragged in a deep breath.

Even in summer, the night was pleasantly cooler than inside the club. After a few breaths to clear my head, I decided to call it a night. I just needed to find Sarah and let her know I was leaving. I headed for the door when a dark-haired man in a black sportscoat stepped into my path. I stopped just short of bumping into him and forced a polite smile. Mischief danced in his dark eyes while he scanned my body. My heartbeat pulsed in my ears and my only thought was of getting out of there.

Excuse me. I sidestepped to make my way around him but he shifted, effectively blocking the door.

No problem, beautiful. He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me hard against him. I pushed against his chest, but he held me tight. His smoldering gaze bored into me with intensity as he leaned in to kiss me. The sickly aroma of liquor and cigarettes invaded my senses and I recoiled with disgust.

He brushed his lips against my ear with a husky whisper. I was watching you in there. If you can move like that on the dance floor, I’d love to see how I could make you move in my bed. Lascivious intent dripped from each syllable.

The nerve… I tilted my head back to glare at him. He, however, seemed amused by my outrage. The corner of his mouth lifted in a sly smirk but his gaze remained heated.

I wasn’t sure what to make of the guy. At first, I’d thought he was just a typical drunk—overbearing and too confident. But in that moment, I looked into sharp eyes. There was no drunken haze, no sluggishness in the way he held himself.

You’re comin’ with me, he said.

Oh, no, I’m not. I tried to push myself away again but his grip on my waist was a vise. He turned, forcing me between him and the rough brick wall that scraped my back. I pushed and squirmed in his grasp. He pressed his unyielding body against me and twisted his fingers into my curls with a sharp tug, sending pain through my scalp.

Or, we could do this right here, he said, his words filled with venom.

With a tight grip on my hair, he claimed my mouth. He forced his tongue past my lips. My stomach turned. I fought in vain. He dropped his hand from my waist to the hem of my dress and burned a trail up my thigh with his sickening touch, pushing the fabric upward, leaving me exposed. I closed my eyes in helpless frustration. Then, there was nothing—the hand on my thigh, the fingers in my hair, his mouth pressed against mine—torn away so fast that I fell back against the wall.

Dazed, I looked around for an explanation. I was drawn to the sound of quiet groaning. My assailant lay on the ground, holding himself up on his elbows. I followed his saucer-sized gaze to a muscular, towering man in a charcoal suit. My breath shuddered as I glanced back and forth between the two men. I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. I was completely frozen in place.

"Get out of here! Lárgate!"

The sudden thunder of the new arrival’s voice made me jump. His dark stare burned into my attacker, who stammered and began to crab-walk away from us. Finding his footing, he ran down the alley toward the street.

The moment he was out of sight, I turned back to the man who had come to my rescue. Tears welled up in my eyes but I blinked them away. His gaze softened the moment he turned to me, and every sign of anger melted into concern.

"Dios mío, are you all right?"

Before I could blink, he was at my side.

He cupped my shoulder with a firm hand. The connection sent a jolt through my body and my breath caught in my throat. I looked down at his hand on me and managed a nod. His ragged breath drew my eyes back to his face.

Thank you, I croaked.

He smiled half-heartedly, "Ven. Come." With a gentle touch, he took me by the elbow and led me back inside.

The flashing lights and thumping beat enveloped us the moment we stepped back into the club. My mysterious rescuer tipped his head toward an empty table.

Sit. I’ll get you a drink.

Working on autopilot, I nodded and sank into the soft leather, relishing the coolness against my overheated skin.

The sound of a throat being cleared pulled me from my daze. I couldn’t help but smile up at the man who had saved me. He set a bottle of water in front of me. His deep, penetrating gaze never left mine as he strode around to the opposite side of the table and sat down. With an appreciative smile, I lifted the bottle to my lips, took a large drink and placed it back on the table.

Thank you, I murmured, just starting to find my voice again.

He sank into the chair and ran his fingers through his dark, swept-back hair. His chocolate gaze heated when he looked at me and leaned forward as he spoke. You sure you’re all right?

Yes, thanks to you.

I’m just glad I was there. His voice grew firmer than I’d heard it before. You should never go out into a dark alley alone.

I needed some fresh air.

That’s no excuse for putting yourself in danger. You get someone to go with you or you go into a public area. His stern tone took me aback.

My slack jaw snapped closed. I didn’t know what else to say, so I took another drink instead. He seemed satisfied with my response—or lack thereof.

Several minutes passed before our silence was broken by his deep rumbling voice. I’m Ian Knight, by the way.

Rachel, I automatically answered. His complete change of direction had thrown me.

Nice to meet you, Rachel. The way he rolled the R in my name made me breathless.

I didn’t like the solemn turn the night had taken and wanted to lighten the mood, hoping to forget all the what-ifs running through my mind. So, you make it a habit of rescuing girls in dark alleys?

Not just alleys. His voice was nonchalant. A small lift at the corner of his mouth hinted at a smile.

Oh, no, of course not. Sometimes they’re locked in towers, right?

Sometimes, he shot back, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

The haze of shock I’d felt in the alley finally began to clear. It was as though I was seeing this man for the first time. His suit accentuated the lean, rippling muscles underneath and a slight five o’clock shadow had me itching to run my fingers over the tiny prickles. I squirmed, darting my tongue out to wet my dry lips, and tried to ignore the stirring of something deep in my core.

So would that make you my knight in shining armor? I’d spoken the words before I could stop myself.

He quirked his eyebrow and the corners of his lips curled up. Yeah, I haven’t heard that one before.

My cheeks heated as embarrassment crept up my face. The unintentional pun was so corny. Who knew how many times he’d heard that? Good job, Rachel. I had just made myself look like a complete—and unoriginal—idiot.

Oh, no, I wasn’t even thinking of your last name when I said that. I just meant that…well, you know, all the rescuing and stuff, acting all heroic and whatnot. I tried to backtrack but my words tumbled out of my mouth in a pathetic clutter.

And whatnot? His teasing smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

With a confident nod, I smirked through my humiliation and repeated, And whatnot.

His rumbling laugh warmed me. The initial tension melted away and our conversation began to flow with ease. I lost all sense of time until Sarah and a guy she knew named Wilson came over, hand in hand.

Hey, Rach, we’re going to head on out. It’s almost last call. You coming? Sarah glanced between me and Ian.

Oh, yeah. Well, it had started out as a girls’ night. I couldn’t help the disappointment in my tone. I wasn’t ready for the night to be over. My attention turned to Ian and I said with an apologetic tone, I really should be going. It’s late.

Ian leaned toward me. His gaze remained locked on mine but he directed his voice at Sarah. I’ll be seeing Rachel home tonight.

I gave her a smile and shrugged. Guess I have a ride. I stood, hugged her and whispered in her ear, I’ll text you when I get home.

Sarah gave me a squeeze and nodded before letting me go. Ian stood and placed his hand on the small of my back, sending a jolt of electricity through me. He looked down at me with a sexy, knowing smile and I melted.

Ready? He motioned toward the door.

Ready. I plucked my purse from the chair.

What the hell am I doing? I just met this guy!

I couldn’t tell if it was nerves or excitement that made me tremble. We walked to the parking lot without a word. He took out his keys and a chirping sound echoed through the quiet summer air. The flash of headlights from a sleek black sports car caught my eye in the dark lot.

That’s his car? Oh, I’m in way over my head here.

He must have some serious money, which made me wonder even more what he was doing with a middle-class girl like me. He helped me into the car before moving around to take the driver’s side. The car purred to life and Ian pulled onto the street.

Here. Ian pushed the buttons on an impressive touch-screen navigation system until it showed a place to type in the destination. He motioned toward the screen in offering.

A man of few words. I glanced at him while typing in my address. There.

He raised his eyebrow at me and appeared amused. I find you learn more being quiet than talking. If you’re quiet, others tend to fill the silence.

Or they sit awkwardly, I countered.

Touché. There was amusement in his glances.

This car is amazing. I ran my hand along the sleek lines of the door panel. Everything about the car screamed decadence. I wondered if it was a reflection of the man who owned it.

Thank you. He really wasn’t very talkative now that we were alone. We settled into a strange silence while I fought the urge to fidget. The quiet only fueled my anxiousness at being in the car with a man who was practically a stranger.

What am I thinking?

Every once in a while, I would catch Ian glancing in my direction. While he focused on the road, I studied his profile. He was so handsome. His sharp features were pure masculinity.

Maybe he’s a model?

He looked back at me and caught me staring.

Geeze, I must look like such a creeper.

I needed to come up with something to say. The silence was killing me.

So, you live around here?

The East side. He glanced at me before continuing to watch the road.

Well, okay then.

We settled back into an uncomfortable silence for the rest of the ride.

As we approached my building, my heart began to pound with anticipation.

Will he walk me to my door? Will we kiss? Will he want to come in, stay the night? Oh my God, is this what people go through when they have a one-night stand? Is this what he thinks this is?

My mind raced with too many questions.

I had no idea what to expect or what I should say. I fidgeted with my hands in my lap.

Say something. Anything!

I didn’t have time to think of something, though, before he pulled into one of the parking spots along the street. He parked, turned off the car and unbuckled his seatbelt. My breathing grew heavy. My head buzzed at the idea of him in my apartment. He turned to me for a moment, scanning my face and pausing on my lips before gazing into my eyes.

He didn’t wait for me to invite him up or to make a move to get out. I’m walking you up, he declared.

All I could do was nod before he got out of the car, rounded to my side and opened the door for me. He offered his hand and guided me out of the car. Always the gentleman—except that there had been times he’d stared at me and I’d seen something different, a hint of something feral in his gaze that had sent a thrill through me and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up like prey sensing a predator’s gaze.

We made our way up the stairs to my third-floor apartment without a word. We stopped at my door, he faced me and I averted my eyes. I distracted myself by fumbling through my clutch for my keys. Bracing his hands on either side of me, he pinned me between him and the door without letting his body touch mine. His heat was distracting and his presence commanded my attention. I turned my timid gaze up to meet his. He gently caressed my cheek, brushing down my jaw to the side of my neck.

His intense stare held me. I melted into the dark pools of his eyes as he leaned in closer. I closed my eyes and held my breath. My heart pounded so hard that he would have been able to feel it if he were to press against me.

What are you doing tomorrow?

I opened my eyes, startled.

Oh, um…

That busy, huh? Ian’s expression lightened for a moment, followed by heated determination. Lunch. Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up here at one.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. He hesitated, closing his eyes in some sort of internal battle. Taking a deep breath, he opened them again.

He stepped back, putting a bit of distance between us. Taking my hand in his, he lifted it to his lips. His warmth barely brushed over my knuckles but radiated through my whole body. His smoldering gaze threatened to melt me when he looked at me again. My heartbeat rose and I had to take a deep breath to steady myself.

I’m not sure if he sensed the feelings he invoked in me or just lost whatever battle he’d been struggling with. He moved so suddenly that it caused me to gasp. He cupped the side of my neck and dove in to claim my lips. The kiss was passionate, needy and desperate. My insides clenched the moment he took over my mouth with his tongue. He maintained complete control of the kiss, guiding me and igniting my whole body. He reached his free hand around to the small of my back and pulled me against him with a firm grasp.

I wondered if he’d come inside, if the night would stop at a kiss or if there would be more. He was nothing like other men I’d been with. He was darker in the most delicious way. I knew that if I slept with him, I would never be the same. There was an intensity to our attraction that told me I wouldn’t leave unscathed. Being with him would mean plunging head first into a dark abyss, not knowing how it would end but wanting it so badly that it didn’t matter.

To my dismay, he found the strength to pull himself back. I leaned against the door jamb for support, not trusting my legs to hold me up. He leaned his forehead on mine as we struggled to compose ourselves.

Try not to need any more rescuing before tomorrow.

I rolled my eyes at him, my lips curling into a playful smirk. Not making any promises.

He laughed and pressed a chaste kiss on my lips before backing away. I didn’t retreat into my apartment until well after he’d disappeared behind the bend in the hallway toward the elevators.

Chapter Two

The sun danced through my curtains, waking me from the most wonderful dream of Ian’s lips on mine.

I turned to check the time on my cell—nine-twenty a.m. An unread text message dated from the night before summoned me. It was from Anthony, one of my best friends.

Anthony and I had known each other forever, it seemed. His family had moved next door to mine when I had been in junior high. He’d been a freshman in high school in a new city but had fallen right into place. I’d had the biggest crush on him from the moment I’d seen him helping his dad carry moving boxes into their new house. I’d been just a kid to him then, even though we’d been only three years apart. Somehow we’d managed to become best friends along the way. We’d been distant for a while after Anthony had graduated from high school and had gone into the marines. But we’d reconnected after running into each other at a local coffee shop while I’d been in college. It still amazed me how we had been able to pick up right where we’d left off as best friends.

Hey. U sleeping?

I was curious about the late-night text. He knew I was usually in bed by ten-thirty and usually didn’t call or text me after ten. Of course, the night before, I had been at the club. I must not have heard the text over the loud music. I shot off a quick reply.

Just got ur txt. What’s up?

Knowing him, it could be a couple of hours before he woke and responded if he wasn’t working. But my phone chirped from my nightstand while I was in the bathroom.

Just wakin up?

Yeah, was out with Sarah last night.

Thanks 4 the invite :P

Figured u’d b w/ Jess.

Me and jess r over.

Over? Omg… What happened?

Long story. Can u do lunch?

Can’t do lunch :( Dinner?

A pang of guilt shot through me. Instead of being available to my friend when he needed me, I was getting ready to go out on a lunch date with a guy I’d met the night before. An incredible, sexy, God-like man who saved me like the knight he is.

Sounds good. Gigi’s @7?

Perfect. C U then

Was it wrong for me to feel happy about the break-up? I couldn’t stand Jess. Anthony deserved someone so much better than her.

Someone like me?

I shook my head and chased away the thoughts that hadn’t popped up in a long time.

What is wrong with me?

I had accepted the fact that Anthony and I would only be friends a long time ago—good friends, the best of friends, but only friends. Anthony was in pain over breaking up with his long-term girlfriend—the mother of his daughter—and here I was only thinking of myself.

I called Sarah to fill her in. It was just how the dynamic was between the three of us. We were all close. Unless specified, it was understood that information would be shared between us.

Hello?

Shit. She must have still been asleep, by the raspiness of her voice.

Hey, Sarah, did I wake you?

"Yeah, it was a long and hard night."

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Wilson still there?

Uh-huh.

Tell him I said hi.

I heard some indiscernible mumbling on the line.

He said hi and for you to let me get back to sleep. Apparently, I’m going to need my energy.

I could practically hear her lazy smirk.

Okay. I was going to tell you that Anthony and Jess broke up, but I guess I should let you go rest instead.

Wait, what? Are you shitting me?

He texted me last night but I didn’t get it till a few minutes ago.

I can’t believe he finally pulled the trigger after six years with that bitch. Wait! Did he end things with her or did she leave him?

I don’t know any details yet. We’re meeting for dinner tonight.

I can’t believe it. I mean, I’m glad. She was way too self-absorbed. I never understood why he would stay with a girl like her. He could do so much better.

The idea of Anthony finding someone better bothered me. I blamed it on my protectiveness as a best friend.

You know why he stayed with her, Sarah. They have a kid together. Anthony is all about honor and duty and all that stuff he learned in the marines.

I don’t give a shit if they had a kid together. That was no reason for him to put up with her all that time. The girl drinks like a fish and leaves him to take care of Belle anyway. He might as well be a single dad.

Sarah was right. After Anthony had gone off to join the marines, he’d gone through a wild phase. When he hadn’t been in training, he’d spent most of his free time drinking, partying and having one-night stands. During that time, we had lost touch. He had been busy training in some godforsaken place and partying, while I worked on graduating and starting college. Somewhere in the string of one-night stands, he’d managed to knock up one of the party girls…Jess.

Jess was a beautiful brunette with tan skin and long legs. All the guys had fallen over themselves to get to her, but Anthony had scored her attention at a bar he and his fellow marines had stopped at while on leave. He’d had that great all-American-guy look that girls always went for—brown hair, hazel eyes, muscular and strong. Seven weeks after their night together, Jess had called Anthony to ask him if they could meet. Thinking it was her attempt at a second hook-up, Anthony had agreed to dinner. That was where she’d dropped the bomb. He was going to be a dad.

That moment had been a turning point for Anthony. He’d quit partying and had devoted all his time to Jess, their future child and his career. Anthony had always been a great guy, but I guess it had taken that shot of reality to really wake him up. Other than the occasional ‘Like’ on Facebook, Anthony and I hadn’t really been in touch at the time. Even with such a limited view into his life, though, I had seen the almost instant shift.

Jess had been an even bigger partier than Anthony. When she’d gotten pregnant, she hadn’t had much of a choice but to slow down on all that. Jess loved the attention of it all, being pampered and cared for by Anthony and being doted on by both sets of their parents, even though the timing wasn’t ideal.

Eight months later, Jess had given birth to a beautiful baby girl who had Anthony’s eyes and a wisp of her mother’s dark hair. They’d named her Isabelle. It hadn’t taken long for Jess to fall right back into her wild party days once again, leaving Anthony to bear the brunt of the responsibility. He was an amazing dad and had taken on the role with ease.

He loved Belle with all his heart, but Jess’ wild partying had definitely put a strain on things. Anthony hadn’t married Jess, but he’d felt obligated. Anthony wanted Belle to grow up with both parents, so he’d stayed in the relationship long after it was probably emotionally healthy.

Rachel? Earth to Rachel? Sarah’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

Sorry. I still can’t believe it.

I know. It’s gonna be hard on him and Belle, but I really think it’s for the best. They’ll be better off without her, and we’ll help them until they get over the rough patch, Sarah said.

Sarah could be wild, crazy and even