LOGINShare
Chapter Six - Mixed Messages
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Chapter Six
Nate and Kim anxiously exited the elevator on the floor just below theirs. The hallway was thick with officers and detectives. Not to be outdone, several apartment owners were keeping tabs on things by peeking through the security chains at the top of their doors.
Nate wrapped a protective arm around Kim’s waist as they pushed their way toward the apartment that Alyssa had been staying in.
“Nate!” Alyssa’s voice rang out above the throng. “Thank God you’re here.”
Pushing past the officers she had been speaking with, Alyssa rushed forward and threw her arms around Nate’s neck. Kim, having been pushed aside by Alyssa’s display, found her elbow being caught as she found her balance.
“Are you alright?” A decidedly male voice asked her.
Kim glanced over to see a handsome man in what she’d guess to be his early thirties. He was dressed in faded jeans and a t-shir
Related chapters
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Seven - Ms. Vixon 208
Chapter Seven“What happened next?” Mandy asked as she switched baby Charlotte from the right breast to the left.Kim snatched another piece of Mrs. H’s freshly baked banana bread before answering. “What could she say to that? It’s obvious she’s hiding something, and Agent Tabor feels that she’s in danger, so he wants to keep her close to his side.”“Do you think Alyssa is in danger?” Mandy asked.Kim thought about the swarming officers and detectives in the hallway of Alyssa’s floor. Then she pictured the ransacked apartment. “I do. I was so angry at her for coming on to Nate, but now I don’t know if she was really coming on to him. I feel stupid for making such a big deal of things.”“What do you mean?” Mandy asked with a frown.Kim thought for a moment. “You know when someone is just clueless about everyone and everything around them?&r
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Eight - Panic
Chapter EightScott fought the urge to laugh as his suspect/new roommate tried to figure out the coffee maker. In the twenty-four hours they’d been together, she’d managed to surprise him more times than he could count.He was grateful to admit, at least to himself, that he’d misjudged the girl.When they’d first met at the scene of the break in, Scott had taken Alyssa Vauban as a flighty socialite who’d bitten off more than she could chew. Granted, it didn’t help that she appeared to be velcroed to a known married man who was trying to politely extricate himself. Scott had felt the sorriest for the very pregnant wife in tow. It had all the hallmarks of a home wrecker scene from a bad television program.It just went to show that you should never judge a book by its cover. Alyssa Vauban might have been every bit as high maintenance as Scott thought she was, but she wasn’t just another social climber, looki
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Nine - Swanky Places
Chapter NineThe rhythmic sound of the basketball smacking against the gym floor grounded Nate. It was like old times: playing ball with Elliot when they were kids.Of course, that had been at the community center with no net and a bent rim. These days he played twice a week in Manhattan’s most exclusive gym for the rich and famous.“Where’s your head at?” Elliot teased as he scored yet another basket on Nate. “We both know that I’m mediocre at best, and yet here I am handing you your ass.”Nate rolled his eyes. “So, I let you have a few points.”Elliot snorted. “It’s sixteen to four. That’s not a few points, genius. What gives?”“It’s just a case I’ve been working on,” Nate replied, snatching the ball back and taking it out of bounds to reset the play.“Does this case happen to include an extremely hot ex-girlfr
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Ten - Bonding
Chapter Ten“He’s got a great ass!” Kim said with a knowing wink.“Well, now this I’ve got to see,” Mandy added,Alyssa felt a surge of affection for the sisters who had ignored her previous poor behavior. Not only had they treated her with kindness, but they acted as if they were longtime friends.Alyssa cringed as she thought of how she had run to Nate with all of her problems. She hadn’t given two fucks about how it might appear with his new wife.And despite all of that, Kim and Mandy had comforted her and made her laugh more in the last hour than she had in the previous year.“Am I wrong?” Kim challenged, looking to Alyssa to confirm her statement.Alyssa thought of Agent Tabor’s ass. Damn, there wasn’t one thing about the man that wasn’t enticing.Shaking her head, she answered, “His ass is something to write home about.”Ma
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Eleven - Dancing Eyes
Chapter ElevenMuch to Alyssa’s horror, her body chose that moment to hiccup. Her newly manicured hands quickly covered her mouth as she blushed prettily. “I’m not drunk.”Scott’s eyes softened and a slight smile teased his lips. “I’m not shaming you, Alyssa. I was just surprised. I hope you had a good time with Mrs. Brand and Mrs. Livingston?”Alyssa nodded. “Yes, they were lovely. It seemed, at least for a short time period, that everything was normal again.”“I can imagine,” he said dryly. “I don’t suppose that you want to tell me what caused things to go off course?”Alyssa felt that wall she’d erected between them slam back into place. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. It was just some random break in.”Scott’s lips pursed as he eyed her warily. Instead of pushing her further as he had the night before,
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twelve - Trouble in sight
Chapter TwelveAlyssa’s heart felt like it was pounding so hard that it could come straight out of her chest. She was tempted, horribly tempted, to share what had happened with her uncle. However, it wasn’t something that you talked about out on the city streets.“Tell me,” Scott encouraged, taking her hand. “Let me help you.”“You can’t help me,” Alyssa choked out. “I’m not just being evasive or acting like a spoiled brat. You don’t know, and I can’t tell you. Look, let’s just go back to your apartment.”Scott hesitated only a moment before nodding and escorting Alyssa to where the car was parked.Neither spoke as Scott made his way to the driver’s seat and locked the car doors. Alyssa noted the way Scott checked the mirrors and surrounding buildings. His back was ramrod straight as he started the car and pulled away from the curb.Was he upset
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Thirteen - Soggy Floors
Chapter ThirteenThird Trimester: Night Sweats. You might think those are only reserved for menopausal women but think again, my pregnant friend. We aren’t talking about merely being damp. Some women experience sheet-drenching, pajama-soaking night sweats. Never fear, there are some ways to help alleviate the symptoms. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy or restrictive clothing, sleep on a towel, and keep a clean sheet handy.The closer they were getting to the baby coming the more anxious Nate was becoming. He tried to hide it from Kim. After all, he reasoned, Elliot hadn’t turned into a complete idiot before Charlotte was born, had he? No, and Nate wouldn’t either.Tucking his latest parenting book into his briefcase, Nate opened the door to their apartment and called out to his wife.“Kim? I’m home. Where are you?”A muffled reply came back. “In here.”Nate kicked his shoes o
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Fourteen - The Hospital
Chapter FourteenDr. Jarvis exited surgery and headed down to the emergency room nurse station to check in. “Were you able to find any family for Mr. Tabor and Ms. Vauban?”Alexis, head nurse, nodded and said, “Sort of. We attempted to contact Ms. Vauban’s uncle, but he seems to be unavailable. However, I was able to reach someone who put me in touch with her lawyer.”Dr. Jarvis winced. “Surely she’s got somebody out there. What about Mr. Tabor?”“He has a sister coming in from Ohio, who should be here in the next few hours. Mr. Tabor just happens to be special agent Scott Tabor in the white-collar unit. His handler’s already here and swearing up a storm in the ER waiting room. Apparently, he’s the one who connected Ms. Vauban with Elliot Brand, and from there they found her lawyer.Dr Jarvis’s brows shot up. “Elliot Brand, of Brand Enterprises? I wonder what the connec
Latest chapter
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Epilogue – One Year Later
Epilogue – One Year Later“Does this dress make me look slutty?” Alyssa asked, pulling out the ninth dress from her closet to model for her best friends, Mandy and Kim.“Absolutely!” Kim said happily over her third glass of wine.Mandy rolled her eyes. “Ignore her. She’s a lush these days now that she’s not nursing Auggie anymore. The dress is perfect, as were the last eight. Honestly, Alyssa, you could wear anything.”“I am not a drunk,” Kim replied as she leaned over to pinch her sister Mandy. “I’m merely a connoisseur of fine wine. And I’ll have you know, I’ve learned on TikTok that most moms imbibe during the day. I think a few drinks with my girls at night is nothing.”Alyssa shook her head, lips twitching. “I can’t believe you now have a million followers on the platform. Maybe Mandy’s jealous.”Kim hooted playfully
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Thirty-One - Get a room.
Chapter Thirty-OneKnock, knock, knock.Alyssa’s eyes flew to the front door. Fear laced with adrenaline raced through her veins. This meeting could go a myriad of ways for all of them. Alyssa counted seven men in the house with them. She had no idea how many were stationed around the property.Scott was sitting beside her. His face looked terrible; the cuts and bruises had developed into a bloody mess. Despite everything he’d been through, Scott’s concern and attention had been on her wellbeing. If she didn’t love the man already, that would have sealed the deal.But as it was, Alyssa knew she was head over heels in love with Scott Tabor.One of Frank’s men opened the door.Alyssa’s breathing hitched when she saw Nate Livingston and Elliot Brand entering Frank’s home with the horse and rider statue in Nate’s hands.She looked over to her uncle who was practically salivating.
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Thirty - Undercover
Chapter Thirty"That's it?" Kim exclaimed when she saw the statue. "What's so important about this old thing? He's missing his head!""Likely that makes it worth more," Mandy added, clearly not very impressed with the ancient artifact.Nate and Elliot had successfully retrieved the horse and rider statue the following morning and returned to Nate and Kim's apartment. The time was approaching when the exchange was to take place."Whatever it's worth, I'd far rather have Alyssa and Scott," Kim replied."I don't like the FBI using you two as bait. Surely there is a safer way to do this exchange."Elliot kissed Mandy's temple. "They’ll be with us the entire time.""That housekeeper heard that someone in the FBI is crooked," Kim pointed out. "How do we know they aren't setting you two up for something terrible?"Nate squeezed her cold hands. "I promise you. I won't do anything to jeopardiz
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Nine - A Horse?
Chapter Twenty-NineNate and Elliot walked into The Grind just as Freddy was closing up.“Hey, I’ve got a fresh pot back there. Would you like some?” he asked.“That’d be great,” Nate replied. “I am so damn tired, I don’t know what's up from down anymore.”Freddy finished locking up and then went to the counter to pour three cups of black coffee. He brought Elliot and Nate theirs before going back and picking up his own.His brow was knit with concern as he asked, “Still no sign of them?”Elliot shook his head. “Not a trace. Mandy and Kim have gone back to the penthouse. I really hoped to at least get a lead on where they could be, but it’s as if they’ve vanished into thin air.”Freddy took a sip of his coffee before adding, “Agent Jackson has been here every day this week. I don’t know what he thinks I’m hiding. He even asked
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Eight - Weak & Sluggish
Chapter Twenty-EightAlyssa awakened to the sharp stinging pain coming from her shoulder. It took just a few moments to remember that the pain was caused by a bullet wound.“Scott?” she called out, trying to clear her fuzzy head.Her head and shoulder pounded in rhythm with her heartbeat. Her body felt weak and sluggish. As the room came into focus, Alyssa realized that she was in Uncle Frank’s home. This was where the nightmare had started for Alyssa.“You’re awake,” a man’s voice noted.Startled, Alyssa turned her head to see a man in his fifties, wearing a white lab coat, coming toward her. He appeared to be a doctor, but Alyssa knew things were never what they appeared to be.“Who are you?” she demanded, shrinking away from him.The doctor raised a brow. “I am Dr. Carmichael, your uncle’s private physician. You’ve had quite the time of it. How are you feelin
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Seven - Roller Coaster
Chapter Twenty-Seven“Who is the smartest baby in the world? You are, that’s who!” Kim cooed as baby Auggie stared back at her. His big blue eyes, so very much like his mother’s, held wonder as he gazed about his new world.“The smartest and the bravest,” Nate agreed, leaning over to quickly kiss his wife before taking Auggie from her arms.He tried to avoid brushing against her cracked and swollen nipples. Breast feeding had ended up being the roller coaster of a lifetime. They now had a lactation specialist coming in every day to help out.Kim reluctantly gave him up as she put a top back on. She was thankful that she did, because just a split second later, Mandy and Elliot walked into their apartment. It wasn’t that Kim was embarrassed about her body or that she wasn’t for breast feeders everywhere. It was only that she didn’t want her brother-in-law to see her boobs. Her feminist sensibilities di
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Six - Higher ups
Chapter Twenty-SixAlyssa stared at the man who had single-handed attempted to destroy her life. “Why?” she asked at last. “What is so important to you that you killed our family and who knows how many others?”Frank frowned. “What does that matter?”“I think I deserve that much,” she said with far more confidence than she truly was feeling. “After all, I know you arranged the deaths of my grandparents and parents. I saw you slit that man’s throat. It’s clear you have no qualms with murder. I think I deserve to know why.”Frank eyed her for a moment. “You do know that with your face and my connections we could have had it all.”“That’s the saddest part,” Alyssa replied. “I did have it all, until you took it from me. So why? Was it the money? Drugs?”Frank rolled his eyes and made a flitting gesture with his fingers. “Do y
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Five - Blood on your hands
Chapter Twenty-Five“Help! Help!” Alyssa yelled as she pounded on the locked panel. But no matter what she or Scott did, the door remained immoveable.Their only illumination had come from a small candle they’d scavenged behind the bar. Thankfully they were no longer in total darkness. However, the small amount of light cast long shadows and added to the trapped feeling that was clawing at their throats.“Are you sure there isn’t another way out?” Scott asked while searching the walls for anything that might free them.Alyssa rested her head between her fists against the closed panel. Her breathing was labored, and defeat was written on every inch of her.“There is no other exit,” came her muffled reply. “I’m such an idiot. I never should have brought you down here.”Scott gave up his search and instead moved over to where Alyssa was standing dejectedly. With his front to he
His to Protect: Billionaire's Secret Agent Chapter Twenty-Four - el accidente
Chapter Twenty-FourThird Trimester – As your baby continues to grow and develop, they will begin to open their eyes and gain more weight. Congratulations to you, Mom! You and your body are preparing for delivery. Soon you will see your baby face-to-face. A wave of nausea awakened Kim in the middle of the night on her 274th day of pregnancy. At first, she thought nothing of it. Being roughly the size of a whale, Kim was used to all of the crazy shenanigans that pregnancy had surprised her with. For example: swollen ankles, crazy dreams, acne, leaky breasts, and more.But a reprisal of her morning sickness? It just seemed unnecessarily mean.Getting up from bed, Kim waddled into the bathroom to pee. Before-pregnancy Kim maybe got up once in the night to use the bathroom. In recent days she’d been getting up four or five times a night—another blessing of pregnancy.All the baby had to do was pres
