The Missing Billionaire

By Marie Higgins

 

Caught in the crosshairs of corruption, Zack Greyson becomes the unexpected linchpin in a high-stakes battle against human trafficking, pitted against a powerful U.S. Senator and his ruthless enforcers. Placed under the protection of the FBI, Zack's safety rests in the hands of Agent Whitney Lawson, but as danger closes in, he questions if she's his savior or his downfall.

Hunted and forced into hiding, Zack and Whitney must navigate a perilous journey to bring justice to light. Yet, amidst the chaos, their shared struggle ignites a fiery passion, forging an unbreakable bond in the crucible of adversity. As the countdown to the trial ticks away, Zack confronts the chilling reality that his fate hangs in the balance, teetering between the embrace of love and the cold grip of death. Will their love be their salvation, or will it lead them to a deadly end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Higgins
• Release date: Oct 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9798223695530

Marie Higgins

Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com Since Marie Higgins was a little girl playing Barbies with her sister, Stacey, she has loved the adventure of making up romantic stories. Marie was only eighteen years old when she wrote her first skit, which won an award for Funniest Skit. A little later in life, after she’d married and had children, Marie wrote Church roadshows that were judged as Funniest and Best Written. From there, she branched out to write full-length novels based on her dreams. (Yes, she says, her dreams really are that silly) Marie has been married for twenty-six years to a wonderful man. Together, they have three loving daughters and several beautiful grandchildren. Marie works full time for the state of Utah, where she has lived her entire life. Marie plans to keep writing, because the characters in her head won’t shut up. But her husband smiles and pretends this is normal.

Book preview

Zack Greyson was in the right place at the wrong time. Now he’s the FBI’s key witness in a human trafficking case against a U.S. Senator, and the senator’s henchmen are out to kill him. The FBI places Zack in protective custody and assures him they’ve sent their best agent to guard him... Or is Agent Whitney Lawson their worst agent? Because of her, Zack is discovered and they are both forced into hiding. With stakes running high in a life or death race to the trial, Zack and Whitney find their passions racing as well. Zack knows that one way or another he’s destined for entrapment... he just hopes it’s Whitney’s and not the wrong end of a bullet.

ONE

So, she botched up an assignment. It hadn’t hurt anyone. Not really. To err is human, right?

Not according to the FBI.

Agent Whitney Lawson tightened her fingers around the steering wheel as she drove slowly through John F. Kennedy International airport’s parking lot. She wasn’t here to catch a perp or even a suspect. Oh, no! That kind of assignment was way above her now. Two weeks ago she would have been undercover, or on a stakeout, or making arrests. Those were the important assignments.

But now... she was a babysitter. Seriously!

Although Zack Greyson was one of the country’s wealthiest men – according to a popular magazine – he wasn’t exactly a baby. Unless you were a love-crazy stalker and sighed baby-oh-baby, where have you been all my life when looking at his picture.

Because Whitney messed up on an assignment two weeks ago, her boss forced her to play guard-dog to a billionaire. Zack was the key witness to the trial-of-the-year in New York City and was supposed to be in hiding. Senator Sterling had been arrested for conspiracy to commit murder, for fraud, and for running a human trafficking ring.

Zack Greyson’s association with the senator had been ongoing for six years until Zack accidentally observed the senator commit two out of three of these charges. Zack was now in danger. The FBI had wanted the billionaire to enter their Witness Protection Program, but Zack had declined, stating he could hide just fine without having the FBI run his life.

Whitney rolled her eyes. Just because the man had loads of money didn’t make him the Almighty and untouchable. The FBI suspected that the senator had put a hitman on his payroll, and her unit worried that Zack might wind up dead.

She’d fought like crazy not to get this assignment, but obviously, had lost. It was now up to her to watch over Zack Greyson and make sure he was hiding well enough. But he wasn’t. If she could find him each time he moved locations, she was sure the hitman could find him.

A movement from a parked truck caught her attention. She slowed her black SUV, watching carefully as the man exited his new Chevy truck. He reached into the uncovered bed of the vehicle and grasped a forest green wheelie suitcase.

The popular celebrities’ magazines always used three words to describe him whenever they talked about Zack Greyson: tall, brawny, and gorgeous. She had her own way to describe him: arrogant, built-like-an-ox, and too conspicuous.

For someone who was trying to stay hidden from the senator’s hitman, the billionaire failed miserably. He could have at least colored his hair or worn secondhand clothes instead of designer brands. But Zack’s dark brown hair was still shoulder-length, he wore his usual classy, button-up long-sleeved shirts that somehow showed off his muscles – and drove top-of-the-line, brand-spanking-new vehicles. He grabbed a black leather jacket off the seat of his truck and shrugged it on before heading toward the terminal.

Grumbling, she circled back around the lot, hoping to find a parking stall. She had to stop him from getting on the airplane. Hopefully, between now and just before he checked in, she’d think of something clever. There was no way she could keep an eye on him if he left New York City.

Whitney found a parking place and scrambled out of the SUV as not to lose Zack. She probably looked suspicious by not having luggage, but she couldn’t worry about that right now. Her mind scrambled for a way to convince him that leaving the city was a bad thing right now, and that he really needed the FBI’s help.

Throngs of people crowded the terminal. She groaned. Finding him would be harder now.

Skimming her gaze around the different sections of the terminal, she noticed many loved ones saying good-bye to their families. Couples embraced and kissed before one of them left to enter the security section.

Because Zack had a lot of money, he’d probably checked in online, which meant he’d be in line to check in his baggage. Yes! This was what he’d be doing right now, she just knew it.

She pushed past people on her way to the baggage check-in desk. Thankfully, a long line of people stood waiting. And, standing taller than anyone was Zack Greyson.

Whitney breathed easier as relief washed over her. But what should she do now? Would walking up to him and flashing her badge be the key to convincing him not to leave?

Oh, Tommy, a woman nearby wailed as she threw her arms around the man in his twenties who stood in line for the security check station. I can’t believe you’re really leaving.

Cami, please don’t cry. He kissed her briefly on the mouth. I’ll be back to get you. I just need to secure a job and find us a place to live, first.

The curly-haired blonde woman nodded. Her make-up smeared down her cheeks from her tears. Okay. I’ll miss you.

He gave her one last hug before moving into the line.

Whitney rolled her eyes. She’d bet twenty-bucks that Tommy never returned for his girlfriend. Men! She would never understand them.

Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she sucked in a quick breath. Dare she do something so obnoxiously... stupid? But, she was desperate. She couldn’t botch another FBI assignment.

She hurried toward Zack, trying to psyche herself up for the ridiculous play-acting she was about to perform. Three feet away from Zack, she let out a cry and screamed his name.

Several people standing in line jumped and swung their gazes toward her. Zack looked over his shoulder, and when he saw her, his eyes widened. She wasn’t sure if he’d remember her from when her unit had talked with him two months ago, but she kept on with her performance, regardless.

Oh, Zack, she sobbed and launched herself against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was taller than most of the women in her office, but she still had to raise up on tippy-toes in order to get in a good hug this way.

What...

How could you leave me like this? she said quickly, not wanting anyone to know that she wasn’t who she proclaimed to be. I’m sorry about our fight, Zack. I’ll do anything you want, just don’t go. Stay and we’ll work this out.

His gaze narrowed on her, and his mouth twisted in a humorous grin. "You’ll do anything?"

She didn’t dare voice her hardened thoughts right now because of his reaction. Anything. She pressed her check against his – at least she tried to – and whispered, we need to talk away from the crowd.

Slowly, his arms wrapped around her waist as he brushed his lips over her ear. She wasn’t sure she liked how close their bodies were now... or the fact that he’d made goosebumps rise on her neck.

Why are you doing this? he asked in a low voice.

Whitney withdrew slightly. Please, Zack. Tell me you’ll stay. I can’t live without you. When she hugged him again, she said softly, I don’t want to draw too much attention, so please do as I say. We need to talk.

Once again, he lifted his head and peered down at her. This time, his gaze wandered over her face slowly as if he was trying to recognize her. There was a spark of interest in his teasing gaze, and she knew he’d figure out who she was eventually.

Darling, you know I have to leave, he said grinning widely.

She liked that he was following along, however, things were going the exact opposite of how she’d envisioned. This was not fun and games, so why was he playing like it was?

Please, Zack... The tone of her voice became edgier.

Tenderly, he cupped the side of her face. Tell me you love me. Tell me I’m the only man for you.

Whitney clenched her teeth. He’s got to be kidding! She wasn’t about to say that!

Murmurs from the people behind her encouraged her to say those three magical words. What had she gotten herself into this time? As much as she detested what was happening, she reminded herself that she did this for the badge. She was a great FBI agent, and she would not mess up another assignment.

Forcing herself to grin, she tried to get into character again. It was more difficult now than it had been a few moments ago. I... love you, Zack. You are the only man for me.

His expression relaxed, which made his brown eyes twinkle. I love you too, darling.

Before she knew what he was doing – or could stop him – he lowered his mouth to hers. The second their lips touched, the small crowd around them cheered. Good grief! Was this really happening?

Zack’s mouth moved slowly over her so gently, it took her breath away. Her heartbeat quickened and her legs suddenly grew weak. His strong arms tightened around her waist, holding her intimately against his body, and all she could do was let him kiss her. But she just couldn’t allow herself to get into the moment.

He broke the kiss, and she sighed with relief. But when his mouth moved to her ear, his warm breath on her neck made her shiver with delight.

You started this, lady, so you’d better play along before our fans figure out the truth.

Inwardly, she groaned. He couldn’t be serious... Yet, his mouth returned to hers and their kiss continued. Gads, he was really going to make her do this, wasn’t he?

This is for the job! She tightened her arms around his neck and kissed him. In her mind she tried to imagine the most desirable man she’d ever met, but all she could picture was Zack’s face and his dreamy, twinkling brown eyes.

His large hands slid over her back, caressing softly and bringing heat into her body until she relaxed. Against her better judgment, she participated in the bold kiss.

What had started out to be a simple kiss, turned urgent. The velvety heat from his tongue caressing hers in the most inappropriate way made her mind whirl. In fact, she felt as if she floated in his arms. The sounds of cheering slowly diminished, and all she could hear was the erratic rhythm of her heartbeat.

Just as she started to enjoy the kiss, Zack slowed down the urgency until only soft pecks were on her lips. He withdrew and stared deeply into her eyes. Dang, he was gorgeous. The phrase baby-oh-baby, where have you been all my life popped into her head.

Snap out of it, Lawson!

Blinking herself to awareness, she glanced around, preparing to meet the curious gazes of the crowd. But... they were not in line any longer. They were against a side wall