Stand Alone Book

For years she looked over her shoulder in fear of seeing his face, of being taken back to her previous life.

When a gentle old man takes her under his wings, she couldn't have been more grateful. Especially when he introduces his handsome single son. One which takes a special interest in her. 

She fears to create new relationships, it's a scary thing to do with the past looming over her shoulders. 

When her past catches up to her, she must make a decision to live adventurly with the man who has taken her in during her time and the man who has held her heart for five years. 

Sitting on the sidelines for years she tries to mend not only her heart and soul but her body. Time passes and a friendship beings, that is until the day she was hoping would never come actually happened.True love tested, tarnished and destroyed as cheating, lies and murder plagues her new life, one she had prayed for years to have.  

Chapter 1

"Amelia, do you have the binders ready for the 11:30 meeting?" Mr. Clark questions through the phone.

"Yes Sr. I'm heading to the conference room now to set up. Do you need anything before I go?" I ask politely. Picking up the stack of binders I wait for his answer.

"Yes. I need you to bring in the usual from the break room." His husky voice slithers through the speaker. If I could bottle it and sell his erotic tone I would make millions. I've seen women literally quiver in their heels as his accent caresses their delicate skin.

"Will do Sir." I answer as I click the mouse on my desk, putting my computer to sleep. Being a CEO's personal assistant all the information on my computer is confidential. A few years ago a jealous employ figured if she could black mail Mr. Clark he would marry her. Needless to say she was arrested on the spot.

"How many times do I need to remind you to call me Ethan when we are not with Clients?" Smiling I hear the small sigh come from his kissable lips. Lips I've and all the females in the building have dreamt of kissing over the years.

"A million more times Mr. Clark." Laughing I press the tiny red button on the phone receiver, ending the call and heading to the conference room to place the binders down.

This meeting is extremely important to Ethan and this company. We've been working on this deal with Cole Hendrix for the past two years. Invested millions. If Cole doesn't give Ethan what he wants it could mean the end of his company or at least half of it. Stock would drop dramatically, nearly bankrupting Ethan.

I know how important it is to Ethan and all his employee's for this deal to go through. It could mean the end of my career with him if we lose it.

Over the past few years, Cole Hendrix has bought stock in Ethan's business under an anonymous name. Ethan had no idea it was him buying them until our last meeting with Cole three weeks ago when Cole himself informed us on that little detail. To say we were surprised would have been an understatement. Ethan went berserk on Cole.

I quickly called security and had the fight broken up. Before Cole left he harshly reminded us that if we didn't get our gears in order, this time next year we might as well be looking for a new job. The threat read loud and clear in mine and Ethan's ears. From that moment on he has been in business mode. Slightly joking with me in private. Once in public it's strictly professional.

Walking towards the brick room I start brewing two pots of coffee as I take the flavorful liquid creamers and mugs to the conference room on a tray. Placing them down, I stare out at the beautiful sky. Fifty story's up doesn't scare me one bit that is unless I'm not blocked in by four solid walls.

The first time I entered the top floor I nearly had a heart attack looking down at the ground through the glass windows. It took a few months for me to get used to it.

I've worked for Ethan Clark for the past six years of my life and I've loved every moment of it. At the tender age of twenty, I was a complete disaster. Ethan's father found me one day during his daily run. Dirty and dingy I looked like a homeless person roaming the park. Instantly taking pity on me he brought me back to his penthouse, shoved me in the shower and demanded I clean all the dirt off.

Afterwards he personally took me shopping for a new wardrobe, professional and casual. I had enough to fit a full walk in closet. Begging to pay him back did no good. He told me I would be working for his son as his personal secretary and money was no issue to him.

That night we ate dinner with his son Ethan and my life truly began. They demanded I stay with them at the penthouse until I had enough money saved up to buy my own penthouse. Of course I informed them I wouldn't need such an elaborate place to live.

I soon learned it wasn't because of how beautiful the scenery was. Within the first two months of working for Nathan and Ethan ClarkI was threatened, robbed and nearly assaulted in my apartment. After I called Ethan crying my heart out he forced me to move in with him, I did without complaint. The attack scared me half to death. Walking the streets at night for the first two years was a no go, unless Ethan or a bodyguard was with me.

That was another thing I haven't been able to pay the Clark men back for. Not for the lack of trying mind you. I believe Ethan receives pleasure from ripping up the checks I give him.

Within the past six years we have become extremely close. Not dating close, though not too far off. It's obvious to each and every person that sees us together that his feeling for me are more towards a lover than a friend. I try not to give him opportunities to make a move. As his assistant it's extremely hard to do.

Setting a coffee pot at each end of the table next to a box of pastries, I make sure everything is neat and perfect. Cole Hendrix is a perfectionist, I learned that during the first meeting. He nearly chewed my head off when I didn't give him two copies of the deals details. Arrogant man!

"Amelia?" Jumping slightly, I place my hand on my heart.

"Ethan! Don't' scare me like that." Turning around my eyes widened when I realize it's not Ethan, but Cole. "Oh Mr. Hendrix, please forgive me. I didn't realize it was 11:30 already." Stepping around the table, I extend my hand to him. Being professional means everything to Ethan and I won't disappoint him today.

Taking my hand he squeeze it, before bring it up to his lips for a kiss, which latest longer than it should. Blushing I softly retrieve my hand. "No worries Amelia. I'm actually early."

Gulping I try to calm my beating heart down to a normal pace. From the first glance I caught of Mr. Hendrix I've had a deep crush on him. He is my weakness. His pretty hazel eyes pierce right through to my bones. I have a hard time surveying him without blushing. It happens whenever I fantasy's about brushing my lips against the stubble on his chin or flicking his ear lop with the tip of my tongue.

While in front of him I try not to drive my thoughts into darker fantasies.

"Would you like me to retrieve Mr. Clark? He is in his office." Taking a step around him, I head towards the door without stumbling. He sets my nerves on high.

"Actually, I'm here to see you." Freezing, I turn around wide eyed.

Did I hear him right?

"Me? Whatever for Mr. Hendrix?" Why in the world would he want to see me? I'm no one important. Yes, I'm Ethan's assistant, but I have no push in this company. Actually that's a lie. Nathan and Ethan value my thoughts deeply. They listen when I voice my option.

"I've been watching you closely Amelia. Haven't you noticed?" Standing my ground he walks around me, as if inspecting my attire. "When I set my eyes on something I desire, I stop at nothing to get it." Brushing his fingers down my cheek, I try to suppress the shiver of pleasure it sends throughout my body.

Am I dreaming? If so I better not wake up.

"What do you desire Mr. Hendrix?" I whisper. Forcing my eyes to stay open, I take a step back. If he continues to touch me, I might cave. Or act rashly.

"It's not what I desire, Amelia, it's who I desire." Closing the gap between us, he brings his face next to mine, sending warm air against my neck. His lips inches away from my face.

"Who do you desire Mr. Hendrix?" I breathe out. What is he doing to me? Does he know how badly I want him to kiss me? I don't care if it's on the lips, it can be the neck for all I care. I just need to feel his touch. The warmth of his lips grazing softly down my heated skin.

"You Amelia. I desire you and I always get what I desire." Breathing deeply I try to process his words. Moving away instantly he goes towards his seat at the end of the table.

"Amelia, is everything ready for the meeting?" Ethan utters as he walks into the room. His head buried in a folder he was carrying. Stopping in front of me, he squints his eyes at my lost facial expression. Clearly he hasn't seen Mr. Hendrix yet. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" Snapping the folder closed he reaches out to brush his fingers down my pale face.

Bobbing my head up and down, I sluggishly move out of his way. He needed to realize we had company.

The moment my body is two feet away Ethan clears his throat, clearly irritated. "Mr. Hendrix, I hadn't realized you were here."

"My last meeting ended early and I was close by. Figured I'd head on over instead of driving around the city for another fifteen minutes." Ignoring me, he faces Ethan. After shaking his hand he reaches for a coffee mug.

"I hope you weren't too bored while waiting?" Ethan glances at me. I wonder if he knew Cole desires me. In which way I have no idea. Does he want to have sex and only sex or more of a permanent relationship?

For crying out loud, I had no idea Cole craved me in the first place. This isn't good. If Ethan finds out Cole is vying for my affections he will likely punch Cole in the face once or thrice. I need to keep away from Cole until this deal is done and over with. Once the papers are signed Cole can't hold anything above my head.

"Amelia here kept me quite occupied." Glancing between Cole and Ethan I notice a tension that wasn't their minutes ago. I pray they keep their damn mouths shuts about me and get on with this meeting.

"Are you alright sweetheart?" Ethan steps up against my body. His strong hand rubs circles on my aching back.

"I am Ethan." Smiling I try to portray through my eyes for him to cut the crap. I know him like the back of my hand. He is trying to piss Cole off.

"If you need your hot compress I'll have Richard head to our penthouse and retrieve it. I know your back has been aching for a few days. You do not need to suffer through the pain." Choking back a gasp I glare at Ethan. Why in the world would he utter those words? Does he know what that could do to this deal?

"I am fine Ethan. No need to send him home to get one. If it gets worse, Ill kindly ask him to stop at the drug store two blocks down." Hearing a soft growl, I swing my head towards Cole. Did he just growl at me? Shocked to see narrowed eyes striking Ethan, I don't know what to do.

"We have a deal if you promise to tell me if it gets painful. I don't care if we have to stop in the middle of the meeting to take a break. We will." Smiling he pecks my cheek. His lips lingering closer to mine than normal.

Rolling my eyes, I realize he is trying to piss off Cole and I have no doubt its working.

I hug him slightly before pulling away as Cole's and Ethan's men enter the room. Straitening my dress suit, I sit down next to Ethan. From here on out, its business talk, nothing else.

Chapter 2

We've been sitting in the conference room for over three hours going over the tiniest details. Before Cole or Ethan sign the contract they each demand to know exactly what it entails. Any loop holes are taken out and replaced.

Cole is in the construction business. His men have built half of New York. He is an extremely proud man because of it. Who wouldn't be? His great granddad started the business and its been handed down two generations. If my family built a city I would be arrogant and egotistical as well.

On the other hand Ethan's father built his company from the ground up. Each company needs security. Celebrities demand personal bodyguards on a weekly basis. Nathan decided to put adds out for strong, built men who weren't afraid of facing danger in the face. Sure enough men lined the streets for days. Apparently it took Nathan and his best friend Anthony River two weeks to document and interview each individual. I'm glad I wasn't here for those.

Ethan provides celebrities, business men, military and of course Cole Hendrix with security. The best in the world. Right now the Multi-billion dollar contract involves Ethan's security protecting Cole's company and sites. Which includes over nine hundred sites across the world.

Cole's company doesn't build solely in New York, he is the main contractor for all of the US and overseas. If the military needs buildings built they call him up. He definitely isn't the lowest bidder, that's for sure. Though his materials are hard core. You request a bullet proof door, that's what you receive.

It may cost you a pretty penny, which is why Cole is doing this deal with Ethan. He needs men to follow the transportation trucks and make sure they get to their destinations. Recently he's had four trucks gone missing.

I have a feeling Cole will sign this deal with Ethan no matter what. He needs the security otherwise he will lose clients. No one wants to pay millions of dollars for merchandise they won't receive.

"I believe that sums up this meetings. Are you ready to sign the contracts?" Ethan's voice brings me out of my day dreams. He knows after an hour of listening to lawyers and them speaking I start to day dream. A girl can only take so much gibberish.

Ethan's lawyers do the main work anyways. I'm practically hear to intervene if the deal goes bad or a few punches are thrown.

"I have one more detail that needs to be fulfilled to complete the contracts." Grinning evilly Cole stares straight at me. What could he possibly want now? A tiny shiver races down my spine as his hands clasp together on top of the table. He sure looks full of himself.

"Cole, we've gone through the contracts. There isn't anything I don't know about." Irritation can be heard in Ethan's voice. He wants this deal done and over with. A load off his shoulders and Cole out of his building for good.

Staring Cole down, I can't help to gaze at his handsome structure. Strong jaw, demands respect. Bold hazel eyes bring women to their knees in pleasure. It's hard not to notice his dark charcoal hair when a blonde bimbo is running her hands through it. During functions I've had to attend with Ethan I've secretly watch Cole nearly drown in multiple of women's mouths. It's as if they will die if they can't devour each other, no matter if they are in public or not.

Cole Hendrix is the number one bachelor in New York, second place belongs to Ethan. Having both competing for my hand, isn't a good idea. I can see the tabloids tomorrow already. Handsome CEO's competing for the slut's hand.

"This detail isn't in the contract. It's a request I want fulfilled, but not written down." Being evasive is apparently Cole's favorite thing.

"Spit it out man. What the hell do you want now?" Gasping at Ethan, I'm surprised he spoke that way to Cole.

"Now, now Ethan. Remember you need my signature on that contract for it to be legal." Now he is messing around with Ethan. Dammit Cole, tell us what you want!

Sliding a piece of paper into my hands, he leans back with a satisfied smirk. With shaking hands I lift the white binder paper up. Gasping at the words written I crumple up the paper and throw it at his head, missing by at least a foot.

What an egotistical jerk! How dare he believe he can barter for my hand and body?

"Amelia are you alright dear?" Ethan places his hand over mine in a comforting gesture. I can't come up with an answer. What does Cole think he can get from me? I won't willingly lay in bed with him.

"I believe she has come to terms with my small proposition, Ethan." Leaning forward he rubs the pad of his thumb over his bottom lip. The evil smirk turns into a heated one, as if he is disrobing me with his eyes.

"I don't understand Cole. How does this involve her?" Taking my hand in his, he stands up. Ethan wouldn't allow it would he? Nervously glancing at him, I try and gage his reactions.

"For the next two months I want Amelia to be my girlfriend." Smirking at me, he stands up and clasps his hands behind his back.

"No way in hell Cole. I know the type of man you are. You're not touching her with a ten foot poll." Sighing with relief internally, I take a step behind Ethan. I knew he wouldn't throw me to that wolf.

"Think about it Ethan. Without her, there is no deal. I promise..." Before Cole could finish speaking the intercom beeped from the table's phone.

"Mr. Clark, pardon my interruption, but we need Miss. Amelia downstairs. It's Hunter, he needs her."

"Christine, is he alright?" Shaking, I grip onto Ethan's hand with all my might. Please be alright.

"Amelia, a mail carrier brought a letter to me addressed to Hunter. I gave it to him thinking it was harmless. Once he opened it, he started screaming. I'm sorry. I never meant to scare him." Her voice wobbled. She's scared.

"What did it say, Christine ?" Please no. It couldn't be. Not after six years.

"It's an image of you and Mr. Clark laughing together. His arms wrapped around your waist as you two watch Hunter playing at the park. In the background is a man holding a gun at the right angel to make it appear as if it's next to Mr. Clarks head. Hunter believes someone is aiming to kill his father."

Without thinking, I dash out of the conference room and to the elevator. The nursery is fifteen floors down. It holds all the young children, whose parents would rather pay for childcare in this building than an outside group.

Pushing the down button repeatedly, I try and force it to hurry up.

"We will get to the bottom of this Amelia. I promise, Hunter and you will be safe." Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. "No one can penetrate my penthouse. Round the clock guards will be stationed outside the doors. Hector and Luca will become yours and Hunter's personal bodyguards." Spinning me around, he forces my wobbly chin up. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." Pressing a kiss to my forehead I squeeze my eyes closed to stop the tears from falling.

Hearing the dinging of the doors opening I rush inside and press the tiny button with the number 35 sketched on it. Before the doors close four bodies rush inside.

Surprise echoes' my face as I gaze upon Cole and his bodyguard. "Who is Hunter?" Why did he follow us?

"What's it to you?" I spit out. How dare he barge in on my personal life? I won't become his girlfriend. Ethan can lose his business for all I care, I won't date a slim ball.

That's a lie. I don't want Ethan to lose his life's work.

"You're my girlfriend Amelia. I need to know if there is a threat to your life. We can't have a jealous male coming after me because I'm kissing your neck." Without thinking, I slap him as hard as I can. The look on his face is priceless.

Before he has the chance to utter a single reprimand, I'm out the elevator door, rushing towards my son. The moment he sees me our bodies connect. Squeezing the light out of him, I say reassuring words in his ear.

"Mommy, we have to save daddy. He can't die, mommy. I need him. Please protect him. I can't lose him, mommy." Pulling him away at arm's length, I brush the tears rolling down his smooth baby skin.

"No one is going to harm Ethan, I swear baby. You know he has bodyguards who will take care of him." Kissing his forehead, I carry him over to the couch.

Watching Ethan, I notice his tense stance as he speaks with Christine. Cole evidently believes he can force himself into my life. He followed us inside the room and is standing next to Ethan listening with a grave expression.

Rocking Hunter back and forth in my arms I sooth him until he has fallen asleep from crying. Brushing a lock out of his eye, I force the worry out of my mind. We will be ok, we have to be.

Before I met Nathan Clark I had run with the wrong crowd. To say I fell in love with a bad boy would be putting it nicely.

"Amelia?" Ethan questions.

"He is asleep." I knew we would have to speak about the picture and that wouldn't happen if Hunter wasn't asleep. Dreading his words, I brace myself for the horrible news.

Sitting down next to me he brushes his fingers through Hunters silky bronze hair. "It's him." Those two words scared me more than being alone and pregnant.