[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Miles' shoulders slumped with his uncertainty. His mood turned darker.
A second later his form took to the night sky like a bullet. He'd never been a quitter. He would never give
Hope a reason to ever stop loving him. He'd 167
Faith V. Smith
make sure she was loved in return every day every hour no every minute of her life.
He soared over rooftops and smiled as his ears picked up on parents listening to children's prayers. His
vision blurred with moisture when he spied goodnight kisses between a little girl and her daddy, and he smiled
as a young couple hurried to separate when a porch light came on.
Yes, life would be good. He'd see to that. And he knew the perfect place to take Hope for their
honeymoon. A place that would show her who he was, where he came from, and build the beginning of a
lifetime of memories. ****
Guy shut down the computer and turned off the desk lamp. He'd gotten a lot accomplished tonight
courtesy of Hope's security guard not showing up for work. The figures he'd downloaded and gone over
judiciously would pump his bank account up even more. He'd never planned on going this far, but Sam
Morgan, as well as his precious little wife had been so trusting. He remembered how blown away he'd been
when no one had caught him stealing his first piece of jewelry. He also couldn't believe his luck in finding a
buyer right away on the black market. Since then he'd cached away several priceless objects. It had been so
easy coming up with bogus bills of sale for lower amounts, then just sitting back, and watching his profits rise.
But now, Hope was a threat to his extra income. Guy didn't need her digging into the family business. He'd
hidden his trail. His quest to make Hope dependant on him by telling her about the missing items had
backfired. He'd never dreamed she wouldn't just allow him to handle it, cry on his shoulder, and then be so
grateful that she'd fall right into his arms. Instead, she'd tossed him out of his new office. Guy laughed, he'd
conveniently forgotten 168
Dunbar's Curse
to give her the extra key he'd had made and stashed to her parents' old office.
The little His mind reeled against calling her that name. A name he reserved for the sluts who jumped
willingly into bed with him for money. He still wanted Hope, and he would have her before she conveniently
died.
But first, he needed to get rid of the man who stood between him and his object of desire. The plan had
eased into his mind and then taken concrete form after receiving the wedding invitation. After all, a man
inconsolable over his missing love would do anything even commit suicide.
169
Faith V. Smith
Chapter Fourteen
Hope forced herself to breathe. Christmas Eve and her wedding day were less than a week away. The
last fourteen days had been more than hectic. Miranda's help with the wedding plans had been invaluable. It
seemed as soon as the invitations went out the days started flying by. When not working, she'd been finalizing
dress alterations. She'd barely seen her future groom. When not sleeping, Miles dogged Guy's footsteps. His
frustration had led to a few tense moments when her manager had shown up on Hope's doorstep one evening
last week. She didn't think she'd ever forget the visit, or to be more factual, the confrontation.
Of course it hadn't help that she'd been in the shower when the doorbell rang leaving Miles to answer
the door. Hope had walked blindly into their verbal match wearing her nightgown and robe just in time to hear
Miles' colder than death words.
 I told you Evans, Hope is not available.
 And I told you I wanted to talk to her. Guy's tone was nothing like what Hope was used to. She'd seen
his mild-mannered Clark Kent attitude slip several times over the last few weeks but never the fuming and
acidic quality he now conveyed. Miles' snarl compelled Hope into finding her tongue.
 Hi Guy. I'm sorry you had to wait on me. She ignored Miles' wide-eyed stare.  I hope you came by to
say you would be coming to the wedding.
170
Dunbar's Curse
She watched as both men got their emotions under control. The tick in Guy's jaw stopped, and the bit of
fangs she'd glimpse from Miles were now hidden. Good, just maybe there wouldn't be any bloodshed.
 Actually that's why I'm here. Guy cleared his throat.  I'd like to talk to you privately.
Miles' growl was low but dangerous so much for no violence. Hope caught his arm in a firm but what
she hoped appeared an affectionate grip.  I'm sure that could be arranged, but now might not be such a good
idea. We are due at the Kensingtons' for dinner in about an hour. Why don't I come to Morgan's tomorrow?
Guy's face went from an unbecoming shade of raspberry to an almost pleasant expression.  Yeah, that
would be good. We could have lunch. The look he shot at Miles caused Hope a few seconds of trouble as she
tried to keep her vampire on a short leash.
 Fine, how about around one?
 I'll look forward to it. The new girl I hired will be back from her lunch by then.
 I wasn't aware you'd hired anyone else.
 Well, sure, Hope. Someone has to be up front when I'm in the back. You said you didn't want the
business to be unattended.
Hope wanted to strangle Guy, but Miles looked like it wouldn't take more than one word from her and
he'd beat her to it. She counted to three under her breath.  That's fine, Guy. I just hope she's not going to be
hovering over you like the last secretary did. Guy's face turned red again.  You don't have to worry about that.
She's at least sixty with grandchildren.
Hope didn't dare look at Miles. If she did, she'd lose her battle with laughter.
171
Faith V. Smith
 Great. I guess I'll see you tomorrow.
Guy had said his goodbyes and left just a few moments later. Miles wasn't as easy to dismiss. It had
taken her almost an hour to calm him down. At least he hadn't gone out looking for Guy with fangs and claws
drawn.
Hope forced herself to forget about what happened last week, turned off her office light, and grabbed her
briefcase. She was already late leaving the hospital and had a dozen things to do at home and just maybe,
she'd get to see her fiancé for a few minutes before he flew off for the night. Dusk had fallen while she sat in her
office and now night draped the Savannah sky in a cloudy, foggy darkness. Headlights from passing cars
glowed eerily as she walked home. The night was mild for this time of the year, but the dampness seeping into
her light jacket reminded her this unexpected warm spell would quickly pass.
Nightfall came early, but at least this year she wasn't alone. Miles' presence at home had thawed Hope
from a frigid state of drifting though life to a woman who now looked forward to the future. Her nights would be
full of the man she loved and that was all she cared about.
She turned the corner onto her street. Not much farther. Miles should be up and if she hurried, she might
convince him to stay in after he gave her, as of late, a hurried but extremely thorough kiss. Hope's pace
quickened. She was almost to the house when a cat's loud meow caused her to jump. She stopped for a
moment to allow her heart to settle down. Life had been good for the last few weeks. No more phone calls, and
although the men who had attacked her were still on the loose, Hope hadn't really worried about it. In fact, that
was one of the reasons she decided to walk home alone tonight.
172
Dunbar's Curse
Miles might not meet her at the hospital every night, but someone, Zacke, his partner Gideon, and even
Hawk had all taken turns babysitting her when she left work. This evening was different, she'd forgotten to call
and let someone know when she was leaving. Anyway, those men were probably miles from Savannah by
now.
A whoosh of air caressed her back an instant before a hand descended on her shoulder.
 Hope! What do you think you're doing? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]