Mistaken Identity: North Security And Investigations, #2

By Clara Kendrick

This is the second book of the North Security And Investigations series containing 81,000 words of romantic suspense.

 

Betrayed by Blood. Mistaken for Dead. Resurrected by Love.

 

Four days before her death, Tina Wellington's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Gage Camble—new sexy member of the country club—and they immediately hit it off. One day later, Tina's prospective romance with Gage is shaken to the core upon meeting Ethan Parker, part of the security team that her father, State Representative Roger Wellington, hired for an upcoming rally on gun control. Tina is hit with the infamous "thunderbolt" when her eyes meet Ethan's for the first time. The effect is mutual and the two unexpectedly succumb to an explosion of passion and emotions neither are prepared for.

 

Ethan is floored by Tina Wellington, confused by these sudden overpowering feelings he's never experienced before with anyone. When Tina shows up at his door late one night, wanting to be with him again, he can't resist. Except for this time, as their passion is sated, he realizes something is wrong…the feelings and emotions that swept him away two days earlier—are gone. His heart is in shambles as he struggles to figure out what happened, how something so strong and consuming could just disappear without a trace. His troubled mind and heart receive clarity when he encounters Tina at the rally the next day—along with her twin sister that Ethan didn't know existed. When the reality of his actions set in, he fights his feelings for Tina—which are still burning strong—and rejects her advances, convinced that whatever could have been…can be no more. His guilt turns to remorse in an instant when, later that night, Tina Wellington is shot and killed…and Ethan's world comes crashing down.

 

Now, Ethan—along with the rest of his team—have been hired to protect Tina's sister, Tonya, who betrayed Tina in the worst way; a betrayal that inadvertently placed Tina in the vulnerable situation that ended up taking her life. Ethan can hardly look at Tonya without feelings of bitterness, pain, and anger overflowing. And to make it all worse…every time he lays eyes on Tonya, he sees Tina's face, keeping the wounds in his heart raw and bleeding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clara Kendrick
• Release date: Jun 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9798224868827

Clara Kendrick

Discover the captivating world of Clara Kendrick's romantic suspense. With her masterful storytelling and skillful blend of intrigue, romance, and passion, Kendrick draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the very end. Get ready to be swept away by her thrilling and steamy tales of love and suspense. Signup and follow at: Books2read.com/ClaraKendrick Facebook.com/AuthorClaraKendrick

Book preview

Prologue

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From across the street, camouflaged in the darkness, the man watched the young woman in the white pantsuit exit the restaurant and walk with her boyfriend to his car. Her blond hair flowed like silk around her shoulders. She was very beautiful with the body of a goddess. His crotch throbbed from recent memories of that body beneath him, writhing in sexual ecstasy.

He waited until they drove away from the restaurant before he started the truck then followed after them. The boyfriend’s car left the heart of the city and took a rural route outside the city limits that led deeper into the countryside. The man kept his distance and almost lost them when they turned onto a side road. He had to backtrack when he realized they weren’t in front of him anymore and discovered the turnoff. He shut off the truck’s headlight and rolled slowly down the dirt road. For a sizable vehicle, the engine hardly made a purr.

He spotted the car up ahead, parked in a patch of moonlight. He guided the truck off the road and into the trees, shut it off, then exited the vehicle. He closed the door gently and from beneath the rear of his denim jacket, he withdrew the handgun and checked the clip, then tucked the weapon away and walked through the trees toward the parked car.

The cool evening breeze played with his short blond strands as he crept between the tree trunks then paused in the deep shadows. The young woman and her date climbed out of the car and moved around to the front, taking a bottle of wine with them. They talked for a few minutes then began to get up close and personal.

The man watched with irresistible male interest as the woman opened the front of her outfit exposing breasts he had seen before. The throb between his legs strengthened when their clothes began to come off and they sank to the grass as the young man pushed inside her.

The man stepped out from the cover of the trees. The thick soles of his hiking boots sank into the soft grass and earth; leaving footprints? He would have to get rid of them. But he could afford to buy more later. Regardless of the reward for what he was doing here tonight, it surprised him that he was so calm and together. No doubts. No butterflies. No churning intestines. No fear. Anyone observing him might deduce he’d done this before. He hadn’t. In fact, he hadn’t even thought about doing something like this. Not once. Yet, he hadn’t balked when the notion came up for the first time.

The scenario had played out in his head a thousand times over. He was comfortable with what he had to do. It wasn’t an act of hate or jealousy or anything negative. It was simply a means to an end. He had nothing against the girl or her date. In fact, the young man wasn’t part of the deal, he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He didn’t make the rules, and it wasn’t his fault that they had to be taken out of the picture. He didn’t feel guilty for what he was about to do and didn’t suspect he would feel guilty afterward. He rarely felt guilty about anything he said or did. He believed that if a person had a good reason for their behavior, then guilt shouldn’t even come into it. Just because some people didn’t understand the reasoning didn’t make it wrong. No one person could be understood by everyone. It was a silly expectation on anyone’s part. And he wasn’t silly.

He approached from the rear of the car as the young man’s grunts deepened and his thrusts quickened. A shaky breath left the man. He didn’t make his move. Not yet. Let the young man finish his final fuck; it was the only decent thing to do. One last hoo-rah before checking out. And besides, he didn’t mind the show.

Their vocals fueled his erection. He thought about working one out while he waited for them to finish but decided against it. His jacked up sexual adrenaline would make everything all the more intense. Not that he got off on violence; it was just the rush of it all that got him going.

He massaged his throbbing crotch fiercely as the young man finally bellowed and gave it up.

Dragging his hand over his warm, slightly damp face, he tugged the gun from the back of his pants, approached the post-orgasmic couple, and began emptying the weapon into the two occupants before they even realized they were no longer alone.

Chapter 1

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4 days earlier

The elevator doors opened, and Tina Wellington stepped out into the second-floor corridor. It was a decently posh apartment complex that her sister lived in; Tonya wouldn’t take up residence in a middle-low class neighborhood, not even if her life depended on it.

Door number 210 opened as the elevator doors closed behind Tina. She knew whose apartment it was before the occupant made an appearance; Mason Kentwood. Tonya had told her plenty about the man. Tina had only encountered him in passing and had never spoken to him. She didn’t know if her sister’s impression of Mason Kentwood was accurate, but Tina suspected Tonya was blowing it out of proportion when she insisted the man was constantly trying to get her into his apartment, making lewd remarks, implying that once she got a taste of him, it would spoil her for all other men. Her sister thought every man wanted to get in her pants, so even a friendly gesture from someone of the male persuasion would be interpreted as a come on.

Tina glanced his way when Mason stepped out; mid-twenties, dark hair with blond highlights, facial scruff—not unappealing—and shirtless, exposing a lean, athletic torso, and wearing jeans with a half-open fly, revealing white briefs underneath. In appearance, the guy was attractive enough with a decent body. Tina was surprised that Tonya hadn’t jumped the guy the first chance she got. He was certainly her type.

Good morning, Ms. Wellington. Mason leaned against the doorframe and absently scratched his rippled abs.

Morning, Tina offered with a small, polite smile and kept walking. Despite thinking her sister was over-exaggerating Mason’s behavior, Tina nevertheless didn’t want to give him any wrong impressions, either. If she showed herself too friendly, would he take it to mean more than it was?

You’re looking particularly fetching this morning.

Thank you. She suspected Tonya would have just ignored the man, but it wasn’t Tina’s nature to be rude.

If you’re not in a hurry... Mason’s tone was casual, not too forward, though definitely singed with suggestion. ...why don’t you join me for coffee? It’s nice to start the day off with a friendly chat over coffee, don’t you think, Ms. Wellington?

Tina quietly cleared her throat and cast him a quick glance. Thank you, but I am in kind of a hurry. Maybe another time? Why had she said that? She would not be having coffee with Mason Kentwood, ever. She didn’t know why, though. What was wrong with the guy other than Tonya’s aversion to him? Honestly, Tina didn’t know why her sister was so turned off by the man. Again, Tina wasn’t convinced her sister was being entirely truthful about the man’s behavior. He was clearly a flirt and probably the type that wouldn’t hesitate to approach a woman in a bar or club and hit on her, but that described thousands of men. Tina didn’t get a creepy vibe from Mason. Shit, she felt more uncomfortable around her sister’s boyfriend, Dante, than Mason Kentwood.

Another time. Mason smiled and nodded, then pointed at her. Gonna hold you to that. He winked, then backed into his apartment and closed the door.

Tina didn’t know if she should be unsettled by the man’s offer; it was just coffee. She wondered again at her sister’s attitude toward Mason. As long as the man was good-looking and had money, Tonya didn’t usually require much else to get her in his bed. So, why not Mason Kentwood?

It was a simple fact; her sister was highly promiscuous. Some would probably use the term slut, but Tina didn’t care for it herself, even if it was accurate. It had surprised her when Tonya had hooked up with Dante Matheson and began dating him exclusively; not only because Tonya wasn’t the boyfriend type but also because Dante was only twenty-one, two years younger than Tonya, and her sister almost always went for older men—if only a year or two older.

It baffled Tina that Tonya would go for Dante Matheson at all. Besides his age, his entire persona wasn’t Tonya’s type. Maybe it was true love. When love struck, it disregarded all of a person’s preferences. Or so Tina had heard. She was no expert on the subject of true love. She’d had her boyfriends, and even one or two she had thought she was in love with. But it hadn’t been love. She’d always dreamed of experiencing that Thunderbolt, love at first sight, kind of thing. She wasn’t convinced it actually existed but hoped it did. What a rush to look into a man’s eyes for the very first time and just know he was the one? Your true love. And see it in him that he knew it, too?

Tina approached her sister’s door at the far end of the hallway. Tonya answered before the echo of the doorbell chime had faded inside the apartment.

Mason asked me in for coffee, Tina said as she entered.

Ugh. Tonya rolled her eyes and flipped her silky blond strands over her shoulder and closed the door. She had poured herself into a strapless white dress, the hem of which ended mid-thigh, exposing her shapely legs. The thin fabric hugged her perky, braless bosom. High heels set her a couple inches above Tina and her face was flawless—and would have been even without the makeup. She looked ready to pose for the cover of a magazine.

Tina had been envious of her sister since middle school—even though they were identical twins. Tonya knew how to present herself in a manner that drew attention, especially from men. It wasn’t just her sexy attire, but her entire personality. Tina might be her mirror image and acquired plenty of attention herself, she still felt invisible next to her sister. Not that she minded so much. Tina had never been much of an attention-hog. It had bugged her when guys she happened to like gradually gravitated toward Tonya. But that was in high school. She didn’t date fickle boys anymore.

You didn’t talk to him, did you?

Huh? Tina blinked, bumped from her thoughts. Who?

"Mason."

Oh. Well, he said good morning, so I said it back.

Tonya shook her head. No. That just encourages him. You need to ignore him or he’ll become a leech.

I think he’s kind of cute, Tina smirked, knowing it would goad her sister.

Oh God, Tonya groaned. Don’t even go there. So, he has a nice body and decent face—that doesn’t make him fuckable.

Tina smiled. Since when? I thought looks and money made the man.

"Yeah, well, not all of them."

Why don’t you like him?

I told you why. He’s too pushy.

You like forward men.

Tonya shook her head. "I like it when they have a classy, cool forwardness, she said. Not the forceful I’m-doing-you-a-favor-by-wanting-to-screw-you kind of forward. If anything, I’d be doing him a favor. I mean, look at this body. She gestured at herself. No man is doing me a favor by wanting this."

You’re definitely a looker.

Tonya laughed and slung her arm around Tina. You’re just saying that because you look exactly like me.

Tina looked her up and down. No, you definitely have something I don’t. You’re way sexier.

That’s only because you don’t try harder, sweetie. You have all the equipment, you just got to learn how to use it. She kissed her cheek. Want me to teach you?

I don’t think so, Tina laughed lightly. I’m good.

"You may change your mind when you get a look at the new member who just joined the club. Hot."

New member?

Gage Camble, Tonya moaned. "Sexy as hell."

Tina raised a sculpted eyebrow. You do remember you’re already involved, right?

So? I can look...and lust...and drool.

Does Dante agree?

Who cares, Tonya smiled. I’ve got him wrapped around my little finger. She walked Tina to the door. I’ve also got lunch reservations at the club. She wagged her brow. You have got to hook up with this guy.

What? Why me?

Because I need to do this hottie vicariously through you.

Tina grimaced. That sounds...icky and dirty.

Tonya grinned darkly. Doesn’t it, though?

•

The sisters took a table outside and ordered drinks and a light lunch. Tina gazed around the veranda. So, is Mr. New Guy here?

He will be, Tonya assured, then sighed. This isn’t a good time for me to have a boyfriend.

Tina frowned. "If that’s how you feel, then why do you have a boyfriend? Why did you decide to date Dante exclusively? She smiled and sipped her cold drink. That’s so unlike you to commit to just one man."

I don’t know. Tonya shrugged. Dante’s kind of like a needy puppy. Even when you just want to throw him out because he’s so annoying, you end up feeling sorry for him and let him stay inside.

So, you’re still with him because you feel sorry for him? Tina asked doubtfully.

What? Can’t I feel sorry for a guy?

Historically, no.

Well, true, Tonya admitted. But Dante’s different. Most of the guys I offload are arrogant jerks who think they’re God’s gift to women. Dante isn’t like that. She smiled. He worships me.

Tina nodded. Yes, I noticed, she murmured. But you are going to break up with him eventually, right? Don’t you think the longer you wait, the harder it will be for him? What if he asks you to marry him?

Marry him? Tonya laughed. We haven’t been together that long.

Two months and counting.

Tonya leaned forward and smiled. "Don’t worry about it. We’re just having a good time together. He isn’t that serious about me. Trust me."

Are you sure? Tina wondered. She saw the way Dante looked at her sister; the guy was in it to win it.

As if on cue, Dante Matheson appeared by the bar, ordered a drink, then headed their way. Ah, the twin beauties. His grin dominated his face. He was handsome, Tina had to give him that. His sun-bleached, wind-blown hairstyle and deep golden muscles reminded Tina of a surfer, though she’d never seen Dante out on the waves. He approached wearing knee-length khaki shorts, sandals, and a loose tank top that showed off his impressive biceps and glimpses of his thick chest. His legs were nicely developed as well, and his thigh muscles flexed with each step. Physically speaking, it was easy to understand what Tonya saw in him. But guys with Dante’s good looks were a dime a dozen around the club. And many of the truly gorgeous men were those in their mid-to-late twenties; typically, Tonya’s preference. Why she’d chosen to commit to Dante remained a mystery to Tina.

Hey, handsome. Tonya turned her face up for a kiss and received it before Dante took the chair next to her, scooting a bit closer. Tina hadn’t missed the veiled disappointment on her sister’s face the instant Dante had appeared, a disappointment which Tonya skillfully concealed now as she smiled at her boyfriend. Tonya hadn’t tried to pretend why she’d brought Tina to the club, and Dante’s presence put a damper on her sister’s intention of openly drooling over the new guy.

How come you didn’t call me to join you here? Dante asked.

Maybe I wanted some quality time with my sister. Tonya scrunched her nose and smiled, giving him a peck on the lips.

Dante glanced at Tina then back to Tonya. Want me to leave?

When Tonya started to answer with a yes, Tina intervened quickly. No. You can stay. We’re just having lunch. It isn’t as if we’re going to be exchanging top secret information or anything.

Dante chuckled and asked Tonya, So, it’s okay if I hang out with you?

Of course. Tonya shot her sister a discreet disgruntled look.

Tina smiled back and took another sip of her drink. Regardless if she wasn’t entirely comfortable with Dante, Tina still felt for the guy; he really liked Tonya, and she was certain his feelings for Tonya were far more serious than Tonya was giving them credit for.

You know what? Tonya picked up her glass. This fruity concoction isn’t doing it for me. She smiled sweetly at Dante. Could you go get me an iced tea instead? She kissed him with light passion. Please, baby?

Dante moaned. Anything for you, angel. He kissed her again and took the glass as he stood up. You want something else? he asked Tina.

Oh. No, thank you, she smiled. I’m good. She was pretty sure Tonya had been good too but was just looking for an excuse to send Dante away from the table for a minute.

Be back in a flash, Dante said and headed over to the bar like a well-trained dog.

What are you doing? Tonya threw at her sister as soon as Dante was gone. I don’t want him hanging out with us today. He’s going to be a serious cock-blocker.

Well, isn’t the job of a boyfriend Tina asked, "to block any cock that tries to get close to his girlfriend?"

Tonya groaned. You are no fun, you know that? How can we look alike and be so different? I don’t want to have sex with the new guy, but I do want to lust over him a little bit.

I thought you had Dante wrapped around your little finger? You acted like he wouldn’t have an issue with you drooling over someone else.

Tonya made a face at her sister. Yeah, yeah. He might not be cool with it if he’s right here watching me drool.

So, don’t drool.

Easy for you to say, Tonya snorted. You haven’t seen Gage Camble yet.

I’m not convinced I’ll be as impressed by him as you are.

Yes, you will.

Tina glanced over at the bar where Dante was talking to a very good-looking guy that Tina had never seen before. She smiled and nodded in that direction. That wouldn’t by any chance be your hottie, would it? Talking to your BF?

Tonya twisted around quickly and visibly shivered. Yes. Her eyes widened and she turned back around, leaning forward with a grin. "Shit. Dante’s bringing him over."

Compose yourself, Tina laughed lightly.

I don’t know if I can. She took a couple deep breaths then straightened up and adopted a nonchalant air as the two men approached.

Have you two met Gage Camble? Dante asked the girls. He just joined the club. He motioned to each of them. This is Tina and Tonya Wellington.

Gage reached out his hand to Tina first, a charming smile on his gorgeous face; okay, so maybe she was as impressed as her sister. A pleasure to meet you, he said, gently squeezing Tina’s hand with just enough pressure to send a zing through her belly button. She gazed into his eyes, hoping against hope for the thunderbolt—how incredible would it be if this man turned out to be her true love? His eyes were the softest of blues and quite inviting...but lacked the effect she was looking for. Not that he wasn’t boyfriend-worthy—she’d still date him in a heartbeat. Not all true loves manifested with the thunderbolt; he could still be the one.

It’s a pleasure meeting you, too, Tina replied with a warm smile.

Gage shook Tonya’s hand next and the girl looked like she might melt into a puddle right there in her seat. Please, join us, Tonya invited, reluctant to release his hand. Tina half expected her to give him Dante’s seat, but she refrained, though it was surely what she wanted to do.

Thank you. Gage took the chair next to Tina. Wellington? As in Roger Wellington, state representative?

He’s our daddy, Tonya quipped.

Gage nodded. I have much respect for him. He’s done a lot of good for this state.

We’re very proud of him, Tina said.

As you should be. Politicians get a bad rap, but they’re not all rotten to the core. He smiled.

Tina smiled. No, they aren’t.

"So, who’s your daddy? Tonya cooed a little as she touched her tea glass to her cherry blossom lips. Anyone we know?"

Franklin Camble.

Before he could say more, Tina’s brow arched. "Franklin Camble state prosecutor?"

Gage smiled. You know of him?

Yes. I follow all the huge televised trials. She laughed quietly. He’s scary in the courtroom. Incredible, though. I’d definitely want him on my side.

Yeah, Gage chuckled. He can be ruthless at trial. But I guess you got to be.

Tina wants to go to law school, Dante spoke up. I thought you two might get along.

Law school? Gage nodded. That’s great. We can always use another good attorney.

Are you studying law, as well? Tina asked him.

Gage rubbed the back of his neck and smiled. Actually, no. My dad was hoping I’d follow in his footsteps, but though I know the law backward and forward, it isn’t my passion.

Leaning forward, Tonya rested her chin in her palm and flashed a sensual smile. "Pray tell, what is your passion, Mr. Camble?"

Way to be discreet, Tina thought. She glanced at Dante whose cheerfulness wavered as he followed Tonya’s licentious gaze to Gage.

Gage gave no indication that he was picking up on Tonya’s flirting and replied, Actually, I’m thinking of going into politics. He smiled at Tina. I’d love to sit down with your father sometime and pick his brain.

I’m sure he would be glad to talk with you. Tina returned his smile as their eyes locked for a moment. Even without the thunderbolt, Gage Camble’s soft blue gaze had a way of quickening a woman’s heart. I’m sort of his PR assistant, handling the lesser matters. His appointed PR liaison takes care of the main political stuff. But I’d be happy to set up a casual lunch meeting.

Or... Tonya jumped in. You could accept our dinner invitation and meet him yourself. She squinted conspiratorially at Tina. You could be Tina’s dinner date.

Oh. Gage was caught off guard, being put on the spot. He looked at Tina. Uh...would...that be okay with you?

Tina shot her sister a chiding look then smiled at Gage. Absolutely. I think it’s a wonderful idea.

"Am I invited to this dinner party?" Dante threw the question out there with a joking tone, but his eyes remained serious as they rested on Tonya’s face.

Tonya rolled her eyes. "Of course. That should go without saying. You are my man. You’re always invited."

Just checking, Dante chuckled softly, though his humor seemed forced. He suddenly appeared regretful about inviting Gage to join them as Tonya blatantly gazed at the man dreamily. Tina could hardly blame him. Gage’s beauty surpassed Dante’s by leaps and bounds, but Tonya’s behavior was nevertheless uncalled for. Again, Tina sympathized with Dante.

•

Dante challenged Gage to a tennis match and the two men headed off for the tennis court. Tonya watched them go, eyes glued to Gage’s rump. "God, he is so damn sexy. She faced her sister. If you don’t do him, I’ll be forced to, because a man as delicious as that demands to be laid."

Again, Tina pointed out. Need you be reminded that you already have a boyfriend? Dante didn’t look too happy with you, by the way.

Oh, posh. Tonya dismissed her with a flick of her delicate fingers. He’ll get over it. Maybe he’ll kick Gage’s ass on the court and feel better.

Tina sighed and picked up her glass.

What? Tonya stared at her. Can you seriously blame me for drooling over the man? I noticed you were doing some drooling yourself.

Of course, I don’t blame you for thinking he’s sexy, Tina said, took a drink, and set her glass down. "But at