Entirely Improper: Worth of a Billionaire Series, #2

By Lexy Timms

Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself…

 

Ginny is in the Amazon rainforest—on the research project Ryan is funding—when she's kidnapped. Antonio Gotti is a cartel boss responsible for illegally logging in the rainforest. He knows she's connected to Ryan and demands a hefty ransom.

 

Before Antonia can collect, Ginny tries escaping while at the same time Ryan is staging a rescue. Is the cartel boss going to outsmart them? Will they survive and if they do, will they find each other again?

 

 

Worth of a Billionaire Series

• Perfectly Imperfect
• Entirely Improper
• Stupidly Illogical

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadow Publishing
• Release date: Aug 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223533610

Lexy Timms

"Love should be something that lasts forever, not is lost forever."  Visit USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, LEXY TIMMS https://www.facebook.com/SavingForever *Please feel free to connect with me and share your comments. I love connecting with my readers.* Sign up for news and updates and freebies - I like spoiling my readers! http://eepurl.com/9i0vD website: www.lexytimms.com Dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids, Lexy Timms loves writing in her free time.  MANAGING THE BOSSES is a bestselling 10-part series dipping into the lives of Alex Reid and Jamie Connors. Can a secretary really fall for her billionaire boss?

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Worth of a Billionaire Series

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Perfectly Imperfect

Entirely Improper

Stupidly Illogical

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Entirely Improper Blurb

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WORK UNTIL YOU NO LONGER have to introduce yourself...

Ginny is in the Amazon rainforest—on the research project Ryan is funding—when she’s kidnapped. Antonio Gotti is a cartel boss responsible for illegally logging in the rainforest. He knows she’s connected to Ryan and demands a hefty ransom.

Before Antonia can collect, Ginny tries escaping while at the same time Ryan is staging a rescue. Is the cartel boss going to outsmart them? Will they survive and if they do, will they find each other again?

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Contents

Worth of a Billionaire Series

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Entirely Improper Blurb

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Worth of a Billionaire Series

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Chapter One

Ginny

AS I STOOD IN THE HEART of the Amazon Rainforest, a mixture of excitement and concern coursed through me. The lush greenery that surrounded our small group of scientists seemed strange against the backdrop of a forest that had once been ruthlessly clearcut a decade ago. Nature’s determination to reclaim what was lost never ceased to amaze me. It was a sign of hope. Before I came to work on the project, I gave myself a crash course on all things Amazon. I had no idea it was a hotbed of criminal activity. We had guards to keep us safe while we worked, which was just a little concerning.

Our team consisted of me and the four other scientists along with local guides and our armed guards, which made me feel like I was in a prison yard. They patrolled back and forth, staring into the dense foliage. Despite the somewhat creepy situation, the surroundings made up for the guns. I loved working with the other scientists. We all had our areas of expertise and meshed well. Sarah, the botanist, was carefully inspecting the leaves of a nearby sapling. She documented the new growth patterns and took pictures. Mark, the geologist, was busily tapping away on his tablet, recording data on the soil composition and its changes over time. And then there was Alex, the ecologist, who was engrossed in observing a group of ants marching in a line, likely on some mission imperceptible to us humans. It made me smile to see everyone working and doing what they loved. It was so much better than the solar project.

I glanced down at my own equipment, ensuring that my camera was ready to capture any significant discoveries. I was mostly in charge of keeping everyone working together. Surprisingly, I had the most experience working on projects like this one despite being a few years younger than the others. The air was thick with humidity, and the calls of exotic birds and insects provided a constant soundtrack to our work. I couldn’t help but be in awe at the intricate web of life that existed here, adapting and thriving despite the difficulties it had faced. I found myself getting distracted by the many sounds and trying to identify what critter was making them.

Sarah straightened up from where she’d been hunched over with a big smile. This is incredible, she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. The biodiversity is returning at a remarkable rate. It’s as if the forest is healing itself.

Mark chimed in with a nod. The soil composition is changing too. The microbial communities are evolving as well. This soil is rich and fertile.

Alex, who had finally torn himself away from the ants, nodded in agreement. The insect population is rebounding. He slapped at his neck as one of his little buddies snacked on him.

We all went back to our individual work, trying to get as much done as we could before dusk. We had to be out of the rainforest before it got dark. There were human and animal predators we didn’t want to mess with. A bittersweet feeling settled over me as I quietly logged samples and tucked them into a case to be transported to a research facility. The exhilaration of being here was undeniable. Yet despite the incredible experiences and discoveries, there was a persistent longing that tugged at my heart.

Ryan, with his warm smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, was constantly on my mind. Our connection was soul deep. I hadn’t fully admitted it to myself, but my feelings for him had evolved into something deeper. I was almost afraid to acknowledge how much I cared about him. Loved him. I wanted to be near him. I was dying to get back to camp and hide away in my tent with him again.

Working here was a privilege. The opportunity to study and protect this place was beyond anything I could have imagined. But there were moments when my focus wavered. My focus was drowned out by thoughts of Ryan. I would catch myself drifting, a smile forming as I recalled our time together. We barely had time together before I rushed away. I wasn’t sure that was the best choice for a new relationship. I didn’t want to lose him. I was crazy about him. I thought about telling him how I truly felt, but I didn’t want to freak him out. I didn’t want him to run in the opposite direction because I was moving too fast.

As I worked, my thoughts constantly strayed to him. I imagined walking hand in hand with Ryan along the shoreline of his estate with the waves crashing against the rocks as seagulls soared overhead. I pictured us exploring hidden trails and talking. We’d had a couple of weeks together, and it wasn’t enough. We had made the most of every minute before I left, but I wanted more.

As much as I cherished the Amazon rainforest, it was impossible to deny the yearning that pulled me toward home. I longed to be back in Rhode Island. I couldn’t believe how homesick I was for a place I’d lived in for less than a month. It wasn’t the home; it was the man. I knew he would stay in the Amazon with me while I worked just so he could look out for me, but he had responsibilities back home. It would be selfish to ask him to stay.

Ginny, this thing is broken again, Shelly muttered, her frustration palpable in the way her brows furrowed and her fingers tapped impatiently on the damp surface of a fallen tree trunk. I knew the equipment better than any of the others. I felt like I was spending most of my days fixing things that malfunctioned in the wet climate of the Amazon.

I sighed inwardly, setting down the vial of soil samples I had been cataloging. Shelly and I had formed a sort of symbiotic relationship; she handled the biological side of things, while I dealt with the finicky technology that was supposed to make our work easier. Yet the constant battles with humidity, unpredictable rain showers, and the sheer wildness of the rainforest had turned every day into a struggle to keep our equipment operational.

I crouched beside her, my fingers deftly taking the device from her hands. Let’s take a look, I said with a half-smile, my voice a mix of sympathy and determination.

She gave me a grateful nod. Thank you, she laughed. I’m not sure how we would even do this project without you.

With nimble fingers, I opened the casing and began inspecting the inner components. It was a familiar dance—like an old mechanic working on a classic car.

Looks like a moisture build-up again, I mused.

Shelly’s lips quirked into a rueful smile. I swear, this rainforest has it out for our technology.

I chuckled softly. You would think they would make this stuff a little better. It’s not like the equipment was meant to sit in a nice, dry lab.

After a series of careful adjustments and a few muttered curses under my breath, the device finally showed signs of life. Its LED lights blinked to existence, and a triumphant grin spread across my face. I think we’re back in business, I announced, a sense of accomplishment tingling in my fingertips. It was good to feel useful.

Shelly let out a relieved breath, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned back. Ginny, you’re a lifesaver.

It’s all part of the job, right?

Seriously, you’re a huge help, she said. Thank you.

Of course. I checked the time and realized we were running out of daylight. We’d only gotten half of what we needed.

The day had been long, and the fading sunlight was basically the alarm saying it was time to pack up. Our team began to gather our equipment to get ready for the trek back to basecamp. The soothing hum of the Amazon was familiar now. I barely heard it.  A feeling of exhaustion mingled with excitement to see Ryan. He was flying home tomorrow. I wanted to make the most of our time together.

My hands were busily securing the straps on my backpack when I heard a tense whisper behind me. I turned, catching sight of Shelly’s alarmed expression. Before I could react, her voice trembled with urgency. Ginny, something’s not right.

Confusion wrinkled my brow as I turned to follow her gaze. But my confusion quickly turned to shock as I saw one of our fellow scientists and our guides, their faces contorted with a mix of fear and determination, brandishing guns. Panic seized my chest as I instinctively took a step back, my heart racing. They were pointing them at us!

What’s going on? I stammered, my voice betraying my attempt to sound cool.

Before anyone could answer, chaos erupted. Masked figures armed with guns emerged from the trees, their movements coordinated and threatening. My breath caught as they closed in on us, their intentions clear. This was exactly what we had been warned about.

A heavy knot of dread settled in my stomach as my mind raced. I was afraid to acknowledge what was happening because it was a reality that terrified me. Were we being kidnapped? I knew how common it was for Americans to be snatched and held for huge ransoms. If they figured out who I was connected to, it would be very, very bad. My brain was struggling to accept what was happening. People like me didn’t get kidnapped. Yet here I was, my heart pounding in my chest, my senses heightened by the danger that surrounded us.

Time seemed to stretch as the armed men herded us together, their heavily accented words sharp and commanding. Fear mingled with a determination to stay composed, to assess the situation and find a way out. I exchanged glances with my fellow scientists, the questions and uncertainty mirrored in their eyes. I couldn’t understand why Sarah was holding a gun. She was a scientist.

Go! one of the men shouted and pushed Shelly forward.

Stop it! I shouted back and caught her before she fell.

The masked man shoved me as if to make a point. My first reaction was to fight back, but I had a feeling that might not be the best option. I was very outnumbered. And they had guns. My big mouth and temper were not going to do much good.

Are you okay? I asked Shelly.

Fine. What is going on?

I don’t know, I whispered.

The men were speaking in Spanish behind us. I picked up every other word, but they were talking way too fast. Do you know Sarah? I asked.

I just met her, she replied.

Is she even a fucking scientist? I muttered. Bitch. She better not let me catch her alone.

Stop talking! I felt another shove and decided it would be better if I listened.

As the masked figures led us deeper into the forest, every step felt like a surrender to the unknown. My thoughts flitted between Ryan and staying alive. I was pissed at myself for not paying attention. Pissed that I’d let myself get kidnapped. I was scared. Terrified for myself and worried about Ryan’s reaction to finding out what had happened. I had seen him lose his shit when a guy grabbed my wrist. I could only imagine what he would do if these men hurt me or worse, killed me.

I had to be smart. I was trained to observe. That’s what I would do. Then I would find a way to escape. The forest grew denser. I did my best to pay attention to the direction we were being walked in, but it was confusing. Everything looked the same. The sun was setting, and I was struggling to identify any kind of landmarks that would help me find my way back when I escaped.

Only then did the thought cross my mind that I might not escape. There was a real chance the goodbye kiss I’d given Ryan that morning was the last kiss I would ever get.

Chapter Two

Ryan

MY FRUSTRATION LEVEL was giving me heartburn. My eyes burned with a lack of sleep and rage. I knew I shouldn’t expect much, but the local law enforcement wasn’t making me feel any better. They seemed to have a lot to say about the gang activity plaguing the heart of the Amazon. According to them, it had become a public spectacle, an open secret that everyone knew about but no one dared to confront. As I stood there listening, my arms crossed tightly against my chest, their words gnawed at me like a persistent itch. I had billions of dollars and could buy anything I wanted—except Ginny’s return. I couldn’t wave a magic wand and bring her back to me. It infuriated me and had me wanting to scream from the rooftops until someone gave me what I wanted.

What did you expect, anyway? the officer drawled, his tone dripping with a mix of cynicism and irritation. Bringing all this expensive equipment into the damn rainforest, sending women out into the field alone, especially in that disputed territory that was once carved up by some ruthless cartel.

They weren’t alone, I snapped. They had guards, and it wasn’t just women.

The one person that had escaped and made it back told us the guards were part of the kidnapping crew. If I got my hands on them, I would kick their asses until they couldn’t walk again. The simmering heat of anger surged within me, my pulse quickening as my temper flared. My heart felt like it was caught in a vise, squeezed by the enormity of the situation.

Everyone is for sale. He shrugged. Happens every day.

I struggled to maintain my composure, to keep my voice from shaking. I’m not interested in excuses. I’m interested in results. If you’ve got gang activity running rampant out there, it’s your job to put a stop to it and find our people. They are here to help you! The least you could do is make sure they’re safe!

Ginny. My thoughts circled back to her, out there somewhere alone in that treacherous jungle. Fear clutched at my chest, mingling with the anger that coursed through my veins. I couldn’t bear the thought of her stranded and terrified. I couldn’t let my mind go down the dark road it kept pulling me toward. I couldn’t let myself picture what the kidnappers might be doing to her while we stood around with our thumbs up our asses.

If they’ve laid a finger on her, I began, my voice lowering to a dangerous, icy tone, I promise you, I won’t rest until every last one of them pays for what they’ve done.

My gaze locked on to the officer’s eyes, an unspoken challenge passing between us. I knew the fight ahead wouldn’t be easy, that the Amazon held its secrets close, and danger loomed in every shadow. But Ginny was worth it, every ounce of effort, every drop of determination. I dared him to try and warn me against killing the fuckers that had touched her.

I didn’t give him a chance to say anything. I had to walk away before the lackadaisical law enforcement felt the brunt of my temper. I was going to handle this one way or another. Money bought mercenaries. I would hire someone willing to do the job