Bow To Fate: Bow, #1

By Heather Lovelace-Gilpin

At the age of 22, I am the deadliest woman to walk the earth. Except for Sloan. She may have taught me everything I know, but she keeps some secrets to herself to keep that title. Trained since birth to take Sloan's place when Sloan herself can't do it and eventually, take over my father's empire. But that wasn't the plan. I had dreams, aspirations, love. Tragedy turned me into the girl you shouldn't take home to meet the parents. The girl who will steal from them if you do.

I am one of the evils in the world. Standing beside me is the other. We are the De Lucas. Cross us and it will be the last thing you ever do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Lovelace-Gilpin
• Release date: Jul 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393129936

Heather Lovelace-Gilpin

A creator of all things fun, thrilling, and horrifying. 

Book preview

Definition of Bow to fate:

⚔️ bite the bullet;

⚔️ endure pain bravely;

⚔️ be forced;

⚔️ cross the Rubicon;

⚔️ face the music;

⚔️ have no choice;

⚔️ know no alternative;

⚔️ leap into the breach;

⚔️ pay the piper;

⚔️ seize the opportunity;

⚔️ stand up and take it;

⚔️ suck it up;

⚔️ swallow the pill;

⚔️ take one’s medicine; and

⚔️ take the rap.

Chapter 1

⚔️

Stella

Rarely do I make her bleed. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear she’s the devil in disguise. The woman has no heart, the cruelest person I’ve ever stood toe to toe with, and damn grateful we’re on the same side. 

That’s your freebie, Little Girl. Next one, you will pay.

I gave her a nonchalant shrug, bouncing to keep my heart rate up. To say I’m scared is an understatement.

You should just admit you’re getting old, Sloan. Retire. Let the young uns take over.

She gave me a dangerous smile, circling me again, and I mimicked her movement. We’ve been training like this for as long as I can remember. Which is why at 22, I’m easily the deadliest female that has ever walked the earth. Minus Sloan here. She may have taught me everything I know, but she hasn’t taught me everything. There are some tricks she keeps to herself to keep that title.

I kept my fists up, watching for the familiar twitch in her arm. And here it comes. I ducked, taking the brunt of it to my bad shoulder. I dropped my arms, holding a gloved hand to it.

Fuck, Sloan. I grumbled, rubbing the spot. How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t hit the fucking shoulder.

She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

Perhaps the young un should just throw down her gloves and walk away. She bobbed her head back and forth in her condescending way.

I hate you.

You should. Because here in a few seconds, I’m knocking your ass to the ground.

She made her move, she’s going low, and I brought a knee up. I thought for sure I had her, but she spun around on her heels, grabbed a hold of me, slamming me to the ground. It knocked the wind out of me and I stared at the crystal blue sky, feeling pain shoot through my body.

And now her face is blocking the cloudless sky. She’s grinning from ear to ear, a smudge of blood just below her lip.

You need help?

She’s taunting me. It’s just what Sloan does. It’s how she really gets underneath my skin.

Yeah.

She held out her hand, I reached up with mine, and when I had a firm hold, I swung my leg around, knocking her to the ground beside me. I heard her soft oomph, and I gloated on the inside. 

Well done. Sloan said, turning her head to look at me. You’ve learned a few tricks while I was away.

MMA is an amazing sport.

You can’t fool me, Kid. I know why you watch it. A bunch of buffed up men in short shorts.

And tattoos. I said dreamily, letting out a sigh. You think they can fuck as long as they can fight?

Up went her eyebrows before she let out a laugh.

I’m not all that impressed with three, three-minute rounds. But hey, whatever floats your boat.

Point taken. But if they can fuck as hard as they fight...

God, Kid... She jumped to her feet, offering a hand again. You got issues.

I’m 22 and live on an island with you, Dad, and Mom. Other than the few men Dad keeps around, there’s no action here. I took her hand, and she easily pulled me to my feet.

Since you’re spoken for... Sloan glanced around. perhaps you shouldn’t be talking that way.

Perhaps Marco should invest in the little blue pill then.

Estrella...

I turned to see my mother. As always, she’s wearing a beautiful dress, the swoosh swoosh sound of her skirts one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever heard. And no surprise when I caught the few men loitering around, following her every move. My mother is beautiful. And I’m not just saying it because I’m her daughter. My mother should have been a model or a movie star with her Spanish good-looks, her feminine curves, her sweet nature, and strong accent.

Mamá. I greeted, leaning over to kiss both cheeks. ¿Qué te trae por aquí en el calor?

Tu padre quiere hablar contigo.

I resisted the sigh.

Gracias, Mamá.

De nada.

Good afternoon, Esmerelda. Sloan greeted, giving her a nod.

Hola, Sloan. Mom said in return. I watch you with my daughter. You too rough.

I bit my lower lip to keep my smile hidden, Sloan raising her eyebrows again.

Did you see how she tricked me...

I taw. Mom said smugly. Tat my girl.

Mom still has a hard time with the English language. I’ve tried teaching her, but it only frustrates her. She knows enough to get by. Besides, I enjoy being able to have one-on-one conversations with her since I’m trilingual.

You wanted to see me, Sir? I said once I had his permission to enter his office.

Victor De Luca looked up from his massive desk, looking like the powerful Italian mafia boss.

Have a seat. He spoke in a heavy Italian accent. He waited until I sat in the red leather chair across from him, his eyes traveling over me.

Sweat glistened on my skin, hair plastered to my forehead, and I couldn’t help feeling somewhat self-conscious since he sat in an Italian suit that cost more than most make in a week.

I was working with Sloan, Sir...

He nodded, sitting back in his chair.

Today is the anniversary.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Anniversary. Isn’t an anniversary something to celebrate rather than mourn?

Yes, Sir.

I hoped he would have forgotten. Lord knows I wish every night the memory would fade, but when you lose someone you love so much, it’s hard.

Marco asked permission for you to leave the island this evening. I leave it up to you whether I grant or deny.

I opened my mouth to say deny. The thought of spending an evening with another man didn’t jive well with me. And then decided it’s a test.

Grant, Father.

Dad nodded, flashing me his smile. Which means I passed.

A boat will take you to the mainland at 7:00. Sloan will accompany you to Marco’s home and return you when you are ready.

Thank you.

Dad’s dark eyes regarded me impassively across the large desk.

Sloan briefed you on your next assignment?

We went through the details this morning. Odd. Dad’s never questioned before. Is there something she didn’t tell me?

I’m sure she told you everything. I wasn’t sure how you felt returning to Oregon especially with the...

Oh, please don’t call it an anniversary again. I hate that fucking word. And yes, it seems Sloan forgot to mention it.

She didn’t tell you.

No. I said, my voice dropping. She didn’t.

I can send someone else...

I shook my head. I know if he ever did, I would never go on another job again.

It’s all right. I appreciate your concern, I really do. It will be nice to see my old stomping grounds. 

Are you sure, Stella?

Yes, Father. I stood to my feet, he copied me, and I watched as he walked around the desk to stand in front of me.

Very important you don’t screw this up.

My smile’s a little tense, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

You leave tomorrow morning.

Yes, Sir.

He leaned forward to kiss both cheeks. Something he does whenever I’m leaving for a job. Almost like he doesn’t expect me to make it back. And his lack of faith in me only wants me to prove him wrong.

Send my best to Marco.

I will, Sir.

⚔️

Cooper

I spotted the voicemail and held my cell to my ear. As soon as I heard the businesslike voice, I mumbled a curse word. Seems Natasha went on another shopping spree and since I’ve put a cap on her debit card, the bank wanted to let me know they declined it. Which means I will have hell to pay when I get home.

As soon as I finished with that voicemail, it went into the next one. And there’s Natasha. Yelling at me over the phone, demanding to know why the card was declined. She needs those shoes for dinner tonight. I don’t know why a woman thinks she has to have three thousand dollar shoes just to have dinner with her family. And if she wants them so fucking bad, she should ask her brother for them. He can afford it a lot better than I can.

Everything okay?

Nope. I dropped my phone back onto the bench. Natasha seems to think she needs three thousand dollars shoes to have dinner with her brother.

Clyde glanced around the gym where we both work and motioned for me to follow when he caught the curious stares. I did, running a hand through my sweat soaked hair.

This kind of relationship isn’t healthy. Not for you, not for Natasha, and certainly not for Astrid.

I nodded, pacing the small room, rolling my neck around on my shoulders.

Just buying my time, Clyde. Until Henry can guarantee I get full custody, I have to stay.

Clyde rested against the desk, crossing his arms over his chest. We’ve been through this. A bazillion fucking times now. And let’s be real here. I haven’t exactly been honest when it comes to Natasha and her brother. In my defense, I didn’t know until after I knocked her up.

I don’t like seeing you like this, Cooper—

It’s been a tough couple of days. Natasha isn’t the only reason for it.

Clyde nodded. I clenched my jaw, avoiding his eyes, wishing now I would have called off. Six years and the dark cloud still hangs over my head. Clyde patted my shoulder. I don’t tolerate being touched much. My stint in the Marines made me a lot harder than I was before heading in, but Clyde and Henry are the exception. They took me in when no one else would. No one knew how to deal with my anger. Clyde did.

The door to the office opened and Matt Wilson lifted an eyebrow.

Sorry. Clyde gave him a smile. 

No problem. He looked at me and then Clyde. Everything okay?

Fine.

I brushed by him, spotting my 3:00 appointment waiting for me. I replaced my anger with a smile, hearing Clyde tell Matt I’m having a rough day. Rough day isn’t how I would classify it. And based on Natasha’s tone of voice, it will only get rougher.

But I pushed it aside and focused on the busty brunette for the next hour. I never thought in a million years I would end up as a personal trainer for a gym. Not exactly my calling, but since I went into the Marines instead of college, high school is about as far as I got in education. I would still be a Marine if it wasn’t for the roadside bomb. I was hit with shrapnel, nothing life threatening, but they discharged me. I receive a nice check from the Marines every month and what I can’t cover, my job here as a personal trainer does. Unless you’re dating Natasha Okulov and then it’s barely enough to make it to the end of the month. My security work for her brother helps, but even then, it barely covers the expenses when she’s on her spending spree. And there’s the payoff I haven’t touched. If Natasha talks me into these fucking shoes, I might have to. Because shit’s already tight this month.

And there’s Astrid. My world. The little girl who can drop me to my knees. I didn’t plan on having her, I didn’t even want kids. So when Natasha came to me after we slept together a few times and told me she was pregnant, I lost my fucking mind. After a week of letting me calm down, we talked about our options. I was pushing for an abortion, I even offered to pay for it, but she wanted to keep it. A visit from her brother and my perspective changed. 

Taking off. I called out when I returned from the locker rooms. I’m showered, Natasha can’t stand the smell of me after working all day.

Clyde threw a wave, and I returned it, heading to my Jeep Wrangler. It’s seen better days, I could have taken better care of it. My first car and Clyde and Henry bought it for me.

I let myself in our expensive condominium. Lucky for me, her brother pays the rent. 

I’ve been a bad bad girl, тигренок.

тигренок is her pet name for me. Tiger cub in Russian. Can’t say I like it much, drawbacks on dating a woman twelve years older than my twenty-two. Her hand cupped the front of my jeans and I lifted my eyebrows at her. Definitely not the reaction I was expecting.

You know what I want. She whispered seductively, leaning in to graze my jaw with her lips.

Natasha has particular tastes, things she likes, and although it’s not something I’m into, I do it for her. She stepped back and untied the sash of her robe, letting it fall to her feet. She stood naked, her voluptuous body beckoning me. She smiled, the smell of her musky perfume filling my nose.

Where’s Astrid?

Asleep. She worked on my belt. I need it bad.

My breathing picked up. I have issues with what she wants me to do, I’ve tried to explain it to her a hundred times, but she doesn’t see it the same way I do. She tells me it’s different. I’m not doing it to hurt her. I’m doing it for her pleasure. Thing is, I enjoy it entirely too much, and it’s hard to stop when I finally get started. 

She brought my hand up and ran her tongue along my fingers.

You want to. Natasha whispered. Don’t you?

Not particularly, but it’s been a while since Natasha and I fucked. She stepped back and now she’s leaning over the couch, her ass up in the air. I stared at it, dropping my jeans to the floor, knowing as soon as I’m done, she will want me to ram it in.

Now. Natasha breathed.

I brought my hand back and smacked her hard on her tan skin. The sound it made, the way it echoed in the room, my dick throbbed.

Another.

I gave it to her, hearing her moan in that soft, sultry tone of hers.

Don’t stop.

I brought my hand down again, putting a little more strength into it, hearing her cries fill the room. Her ass is turning a nice shade of pink and I continued, my hand stinging. I don’t know how many times I spanked her, her skin glistening from the light sheen of sweat. I waited for her to tell me to stop and when she did, I grabbed a hold of her hips, ramming myself in just the way she likes. She likes it rough, she wants it hard, and that’s how I gave it to her. I held off as long as I could, but there’s only so much a guy can take before he explodes. I did, pumping everything I had into her and she got off, clenching down on me. She cried out, slamming back against me as hard as I’m slamming forward. 

Bedroom. She breathed.

I pulled out, swept her off of her feet, and carried her to the back of the house. I tossed her onto the bed and the entire process started all over again. She’s scratching, biting, while I spanked her ass hard until small red welts started to form, and then I fucked her senseless.

When we finished, we’re both bathed in sweat. I’m chillin’ on the bed when she shoved me.

You stink.

I rolled my eyes, throwing my legs over the edge of the bed.

You pissed about the debit card?

Do I seem like I am?

No, but doesn’t always mean anything.

She sighed.

No, тигренок, but I want more allowance.

I can’t give you more, Tasha. I barely make ends meet as it is.

Then add more clients. Her Russian accent is heavy and sometimes it takes me a minute to understand the English words she spoke.

I already have more than I can handle. I stood to my feet, naked. Maybe you should get a job.

Those dark blues rested on me.

Careful, Cooper. You don’t want to upset me before I stand before my brother.

Chapter 2

⚔️

Stella

Marco surprised me with dinner on the terrace. A romantic little setup looking out over the ocean during sunset. We didn’t say much, we don’t really have a lot in common. He’s not interested in the jobs I do or how hard I train and I can’t say I’m interested in the things he does. He’s older than I, his father a close friend of mine, and I had a crush on him like you wouldn’t believe when I was younger. Whenever his family visited us in Oregon, he would get stuck taking us to our swimming hole and I remember times when I would flirt with him. I even stripped bare ass naked once to grab his attention, but he just rolled his eyes and returned to his phone. That was before I realized I had feelings for my best friend.

More wine?

I glanced over at him and set my wine glass down.

Thank you. 

I lifted my wine glass and drained it in two swallows. This was a bad idea. I can’t keep my head straight, finding myself drifting off, wishing more than anything he’s the one sitting across from me.

You’re a million miles away, il mio amore. He leaned over to brush strands of hair stuck to my cheek. The same way he used to...

Oh my God, Stella! What the fuck are you doing... Stop fucking thinking about him.

A sound caught my attention, adverting my eyes over the water. Fireworks from a nearby boat flew into the sky, breaking open to reveal beautiful colors.

Someone’s having one hell of a party. I turned to look at Marco and my heart caught in my throat.

He’s on one knee, holding a jeweler’s box open to reveal one hell of a diamond engagement ring. I see his lips moving, I hear his voice, I can make out bits and pieces. Words like I love you, make me the happiest man alive, marry me, Stella.

My wine glass slipped from my grasp, shattering onto the terrace floor.

Are you fucking kidding me? I snapped as soon as he stopped talking.

Marco’s expression fell.

Stella...

I jumped to my feet, ignoring his protest, his adorable clumsy attempt to stop me as I headed back inside his house.

I didn’t mean to upset you.

I’m rambling in Italian and Spanish, reaching for my purse, clenching my other hand into a fist. And yeah, I’m tempted to knock his teeth right out of his head. A wedding proposal on the worst day of my fucking life. Do these people not have a clue how hard this day is for me? Jesus fucking Christ...

Stella... He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. What is it?

I stared at his confused expression and my anger left me. How is he supposed to keep track?

Of all days you had to do this, you had to pick today.

He cocked his head and then recognition flashed through his eyes.

I am so sorry. He brought my hands up to his lips. You don’t have to answer. Just know I want more than anything for us to be together.

And now I feel like the biggest bitch alive. Marco kissed my hand, looking like I’ve kicked him in the balls. For being ten years older, he doesn’t look it. Good looking and because I need to forget, because shit isn’t sitting right with me, I dragged his jacket down his arms, letting it fall onto the floor. Marco stared at me in surprise, my fingers searching for the buttons on his shirt, silently cursing they’re so fucking small.

Stella...

Shh... I interrupted, lifting onto my toes to kiss his freshly shaven jaw.

He’s a good kisser. Patient, skilled, his tongue caressing mine with the softest strokes. In seconds flat, we’re naked, falling to his bed.

It’s a hit or miss with Marco. Italian men are the best lovers, so the saying goes, but my experience, not always. Marco is the slow lovemaking kind of guy, taking his time, which I’m sure to some women, is ideal. Not for me. I like feeling the power of a man’s arousal, his strength when he gives me everything he has. Sometimes, I can guide Marco in the right direction, not much, but enough to get some pleasure. It didn’t matter what I did this evening. Raking my nails across his shoulder blades, moving my hips to get him to pick up his pace, nothing worked. But he has a nice size dick and despite the gentleness, I still felt the twinge of an orgasm, shifting slightly to get him to hit the one spot.

Oh yeah, that’s it... 

Marco whispered something in Italian I didn’t quite catch, and then he’s done. He slowed his pace and my eyes snapped open.

Marco... I whispered, hoping he gets a clue.

I am so close. A few more pushes, and I will feel so much better.

He lifted his head to kiss me.

Sei così bravo.

Keep going. I tightened my legs around him.

He smiled and started to move again. Only he’s soft. Just my fucking luck.

Give me a few minutes. Marco whispered, pulling out and now he’s stroking himself.

Forget it. I waited for him to roll off. I’m going to shower.

I drank too much wine. He sat back, his cheeks flushed from his orgasm.

I gave him a small smile and closed the bathroom door. I balled my hands into fists, squeezing my eyes tight. I pressed myself against the door, rubbed my clit, moving my hips to the rhythm of my hand. When I got off, I bit my lip to keep from crying out, my sex clenching, waves of pleasure coursing through me. I need to work this shit out. I shouldn’t have to get off in the bathroom after having sex with the man I’m dating.

My husband if Father gets his way. He hasn’t kept it a secret he expects me to marry Marco and give him a grandson.

I showered quickly, removing his smell before returning to his bedroom. I dressed, feeling his eyes on me.

How long will you be gone?

When the job’s done.

You’re being evasive.

I just don’t have an answer.

La mia bellezza testardo... He murmured, pressing his lips to mine.

My stubborn beauty. Something he calls me often. He drew me in close, his hands roaming over my body, and I know where this is leading. Which experience has shown he doesn’t have the stamina to get a woman off, how can he possibly go again?

I have to go.

I headed for the front door. I sent a text to Sloan and no surprise when she’s sitting in the driveway.

Did you know he was going to propose?

Sloan glanced over at me.

I heard rumors.

I shot her a glare.

And you didn’t think to give me a head’s up?

And spoil the surprise.

She turned her head to smile, it fell from her lips as soon as she saw my expression.

Whoa, Kid. You look pissed.

I am! I screamed at her, spinning around in my seat. I didn’t need this shit. Not today!

Sloan swerved the car to the shoulder, slamming it into park.

What the hell is wrong with you?

I didn’t answer, leaning back in my seat, staring straight ahead.

Stella...

Don’t. I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I just want to go home. Forget tonight ever happened.

So I take you said no.

I didn’t say anything. I yelled at him like I yelled at you.

Why?

How can I accept a marriage proposal from a man I don’t love as much as the one that was taken from me today?

Sloan sat in silence, her hands resting on the steering wheel. I waited for her smart ass remark, tell me to buck the fuck up.

I don’t think Marco took that into consideration. She finally said. I don’t think he meant to do it out of spite...

I know.

And you can’t really fault the rest of us for not remembering. She went on. Unlike you, some of us are moving forward in the direction our paths are taking us. She turned her head to look at me. I advise you do the same. It’s been six years...

I forced the lump down my throat.

Marco is a good man. He will provide for you...

He’s lousy in bed. Took care of myself in the bathroom.

I don’t have to sugarcoat things with Sloan and even though this is a conversation most wouldn’t have with their aunts, it’s not like that with us. She’s the one person I can tell everything to and not worry about her passing judgment.

Invest in a vibrator.

Shouldn’t have to.

The rest of the drive is quiet. Sloan drove us to the dock, we boarded the boat, the one that will take us to the island my father purchased six years ago. It’s about twenty miles from the Florida Keys, it offers the security my father requires, but it’s not easy when someone gets a little stir crazy. Leaving the island requires permission, something my father doesn’t always grant, and it usually requires security detail.

Any chance you can get a prescription for Viagra?

Sloan glanced over.

Cialis might be a better choice for a man like Marco.

I smiled. I love my aunt knows exactly what I’m talking about.

I like the idea he might have an erection for longer than four hours.

Sloan threw her head back and laughed.

"God,