Chapter 10: Bullets for My Valentine

Blistering winds bit at Alexa’s face, the only part of her body that was exposed as she laid in wait near the old refinery. Thanks to Gavin’s discovery, she had left a blackmail letter for Mayor McLintock. If she wished to keep her name out of the papers with regard to the conspiracy, she’d be wise to deliver half-a-million dollars in small, unmarked bills to the designated location at noon.

The plan was to get the mayor or her cohorts to expose themselves, allowing Alexa to get definitive proof of their involvement. Thirty minutes past the scheduled meeting time, she heard the distinct sound of leaves and gravel crunching under tires. A dark colored SUV was pulling into the lot. Three men exited the vehicle. Two searched the area while the third waited near the driver’s side door.

Chapter 04: Silent Knight

Alexa was pinned down behind the car, taking shots from an unseen attacker to her right. Meanwhile, Curt was returning fire in the same direction. He was shielding himself on the porch, providing Alexa with much needed cover. “You’re gonna have to get away from there, Alexa,” he shouted over the gunfire. “I don’t know how much more that engine block can take before the thing blows.”

As the words escaped his mouth, the smell of gasoline met with Alexa’s nose. Looking beside her right shoulder, she saw the fuel tank had been punctured and a steady stream of gas was pouring into the gravel beside her. “Curt?” she shouted in a shaky voice.

“I got you, Trouble. Just run to me. I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Chapter 03: Bad Blood

Alexa’s eyes opened to darkness. It had only been a few hours since she joined her husband in bed. Gavin’s smooth chest was beneath her fingertips as he held her against him; his breathing slow and even. She smiled, feeling his arm squeeze around her tighter. He always knew when she stirred.

Quietly, she pulled away from him. Dark eyes peered up at her as she stood naked at the side of the bed. He leaned up for a moment, fully alert but, barely awake. “You ok?” he mumbled, running a hand over his face.

“I’m fine.”

“Well, come back to bed,” he whispered, his gaze slowly trailing down her body.

“I’ll be right back.” She touched his hand and his fingers tangled with hers before she slipped away. The shirt on the floor was nearly pushed beneath the bed and she grabbed it before walking away, pulling it on just as she opened the door.