Hitman on Campus - Lara Swann

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Hitman on Campus A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Copyright © 2016 Lara Swann All Rights Reserved This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, dialogue and everything else are products of the author‘s imagination. Any similarity to people or events, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Please note: This copy of Hitman on Campus also contains a bonus book, Hitman’s Captive! This means that Hitman on Campus ends approximately 50% into this book – but rest assured, Hitman on Campus is a full-length 80,000 word novel.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

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Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Table of Contents A Note from Lara Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Epilogue

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Mailing List About the Author

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

A Note from Lara This book has been a while in the making, and I wanted to take a moment to say a special thanks to everyone that‘s supported me patiently over the last few months. My family, as always, for the laughter and fun times they‘ve brought to all the life changes I‘ve made this summer; My ever-amazing cover artist (seriously, check the cover out guys!), who has put up with endless messages about my progress or lack thereof and never fails to talk me down; The writers who inspire me and lift me up – I‘m forever proud to know you all; My Advance Readers, for their patience in receiving this book - and going above and beyond to read it fast and support the release; And you, for picking it up and giving me a chance, yet again. I had a lot of fun with this one, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter One Caleb A loud ringing drags me out of the sleep-haze I‘m in and starts a painful throbbing right behind my eyes, making me groan as the mother of all hangovers begins. It takes me a moment to work out that the noise isn‘t coming from inside my head, and then my hand stumbles around as I mutter a few curses and try to find the bedside table. Fuck. They know better than to bother me the night after a hit. This had better be fucking important. I shift the girl to my right out of the way and finally seize the damn phone, squinting through blurred vision at the number. Double fuck. My father. One of the only bastards I‘d pick up for at this time. ―Wha‘ the ffuu—‖ My dry mouth can‘t make the words come out right, but my father isn‘t listening anyway - probably a good thing, since I don‘t know what the hell I‘m saying either. ―Caleb. Boss wants to talk to you. Now. So get rid of the girl sucking your cock and move your ass out of bed.‖ ―There‘ss no—‖ Oh. I bite back a groan as hot lips close around my morning wood. So that‘s what the wriggling had been about. My hand reaches down to land in her hair and my eyes close automatically, my body ready to lose itself in the easy pleasure before my father‘s words finally make their way through my fuzzy mind. I can‘t help but laugh. He really does know me well. Probably because he does the exact same shit too. I pull the girl off, ignoring her muttered protest, and return what limited attention I have to the phone call.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Ughh…‘kay…‖ It takes me a moment to realize he‘s already hung up and then I let my head crash back onto the pillow, throwing the phone in the approximate direction of the table. The answering thud tells me that it‘s landed on the floor and I groan again, squeezing my eyes tightly shut. I‘ve done a lot of fucking hard things in my life, but getting up right now? That‘s asking a helluva lot. The two girls on either side of me start shifting, restless from the disturbance despite the ungodly amount of alcohol that should have put them under - and even in this state, my eyes travel admiringly over glimpses of soft, warm curves. For one brief moment I consider closing my eyes again, pulling the pretty blonde back over my cock and spending the day indulging in every hangover cure I know. Just for a moment. Then I picture keeping Patrick Sullivan waiting, and that‘s enough to spur me into the slow-hobbled kind of action I can manage right now. Reluctantly, I push the blonde half-lying over me onto her friend and try not to get distracted by the way their bodies immediately wrap around each other. Then I grab the edge of the bed like my life depends on it - which it probably does - and swing my legs over and my body into an upright position. My stomach immediately roils at the motion, nausea assaulting me as my head spins and I curse yet again. This is a fucking stupid idea. I grab for the glass of water on the bedside table and by the time I‘ve downed it, I feel like standing won‘t kill me. Probably. ―Where—‖ ―C‘m back t‘ bed…‖ The girls finally notice I‘m leaving as I stagger around the room looking for the clothes I discarded the night before - and, damn it, wherever my phone landed. ―Wish I could, babe…fucking wish I could.‖ I mutter, not really caring if they hear me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Instead, I pull together my wallet, keys and phone and give them a wave they probably don‘t even notice. ―Thanks for last night, girls. Was fun.‖ I get maybe one confused look before I shut the door and turn my attention to dealing with the way the floor is trying to trip me up as I make my way down the hallway and out of my apartment building. I have no idea whether they‘ll still be there when I get back - or, hell, what time that‘ll be. But since I don‘t even know which I‘d prefer, I‘m not going to waste time dealing with them. When I get out of the small, run-down apartment building, I hail a cab and give him Sullivan‘s business address. It‘s only a few blocks from here and as the cab lurches into rush-hour Baltimore traffic, my stomach turns at the rough choice of transport. I roll down the window for some air, and then quickly reverse the motion as fumes assault me and add to the growing nausea. Usually I‘d walk, and despite being in dire need of the fresh air and a little time to clear my head, I can‘t risk it in this state. I‘d probably take a wrong turn and spend half an hour wandering around in a blur. I‘ve been too focused on simply getting this far without vomiting to have any idea how long has already passed since my father‘s call. Probably too long to be good. Well, what do the fuckers expect?! They know the shit you get up to after a major job... But Sullivan is a demanding bastard. And it doesn‘t go well for the guys that piss him off. I might be able to get away with more than most, but the sorry, I was fucked up on booze and women excuse isn‘t going to fly. So I suck it up and try to fight my way to some form of awareness on the short ride over. It takes until we‘re halfway there before it even occurs to me to wonder what the hell this is about.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I hope to god it‘s not some emergency hit that needs to be taken care of now - because I might be able to get some pants on and stagger my way over to Sullivan‘s office, but there‘s no way I can give that sort of performance today. I might be one of the premier hitmen in the city - with a near-perfect record despite my young age - but right now, your average street thug could best me. He wouldn‘t even have to try hard - a little yelling, and I‘d be on the floor. But if this was an emergency hit, there‘d be no reason not to call my father instead - from the sound of it, he‘s already there, and he‘s one of the few that can best me. Not to mention, he‘s not hungover. So this is something else. The pounding in my head flares in pain as I struggle with it, and I remember that thinking isn‘t a great idea right now. Nothing I can do about it anyway. Sullivan will tell me what he needs, and I‘ll accept. Hopefully with a little sleep and a few days to recover first, but saying no to the boss of the Irish mob isn‘t an option. ―Hey, man—‖ The cab driver‘s irate voice breaks through my confused thoughts, and I glance up to see that we‘ve come to a stop for something other than the constant traffic lights of the city. The large building that houses Sullivan‘s office looms in front of us and I run a hand through my hair as I mutter an apology for my distraction, then fumble some money out of my wallet. ―Sorry. Keep the change.‖ I open the door and step out, taking a moment to settle my stomach from the ride before I continue the one-step-forward game that‘s got me this far. As I get buzzed in and start the long ascent of the large staircase that dominates the center of the building, I slowly realize that I am starting to feel a little better. Not take-on-the-world good, as I‘m used to, but enough to face Sullivan. Thank god. This place used to be a simple apartment building - with two or three apartments branching from the corridors on every level - but when Sullivan took

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

over the penthouse here, the mob started buying up the rest of it, and now it‘s a pretty good headquarters for all the most important members of his family. My father is waiting at the top level, just before the corridor to Sullivan‘s office, and he pushes himself off from the wall as he sees me. His silvering brown hair and dull blue eyes set in rough, strong features are nothing like my own jetblack hair and bright green eyes, or the finer features I usually cover with a rugged line of stubble. That slightly delicate set to my face sets me apart from the typical street thug look most of these guys have, and I used to resent not looking tougher - until I grew into the tall, broad-shouldered build my father did give me, and became deadly enough that no one looks twice at me anymore. Now, it just makes me wonder occasionally what my mom must have looked like. My father steps closer before giving me a long look up and down and then wrinkling his nose in a way that tells me I must look and smell pretty bad. I give him a crooked grin and nod towards the door down the hall. ―So, ya‘know what this is about?‖ For once, his face stays pretty serious as he nods, unaffected by my antics. ―I‘ve got an idea. Just go in, listen, and accept the job.‖ ―Yessir.‖ I give a mock-salute. Did I just slur that? Shit, am I still drunk? ―—outta there as soon as possible…look like shit.‖ I struggle to refocus on what he‘s saying. ―That bad, huh?‖ I give a grunt of laughter. I hadn‘t bothered to check the mirror this morning. ―Must‘ve been some night.‖ There it is - that familiar twinkle of amusement, as if he knows exactly what I‘ve been up to. I‘m pretty sure he does - hell, I‘ve spent most of my life following his not-so-pure example.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Bonding over shit like that with my father might be unusual for most guys and maybe it would be different if I had a mom to worry about - but he‘s raised me with the only life he‘s ever known. And she hadn‘t wanted anything to do with us. The moment she‘d found out about what Gerard Stone was involved with, she‘d gone ape-shit about having a hitman‘s child. I‘m not sure how much he ever really cared for her, but he fought like all hell for me - there was no way she was getting rid of his child. They‘d come to some agreement that she‘d go through with it, and then he‘d take me and we‘d both disappear from her life. And since then, he‘s raised me the only way he knows how - teaching me everything he knows and setting me up for a major position in the Irish mob. So I enjoy our unique relationship and have fun with all the shit we get up to - but I never forget what he‘s done for me. I flash him another grin before moving past, towards Sullivan‘s office. I don‘t usually get this fucked up, so yeah…it was a good night. And after the way I‘d silently taken care of one of Sullivan‘s rivals the night before, I‘d deserved it. I knock once, and get a curt invitation to enter before stepping into the large office. Patrick Sullivan - an average-looking man with hard, calculating eyes looks up from behind the large mahogany desk and pins me with a glance, as he always does. Sometimes it‘s hard to believe just how much power and influence this mostly-ordinary man has - and other times, it‘s hard to believe anything else. Today it‘s the latter, and I move forward slowly - carefully. Not just because I‘m all too aware that I might trip and fall flat on my face, but because that‘s the sort of behavior Sullivan prompts. My heart speeds up just a little, as it usually does in his presence, and I get that familiar tension that tells me everything I do here is just as important - and skillful - as my ability to kill without being seen or heard.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Caleb.‖ Sullivan stands and comes around to the other side of his desk to lean back against it, and I immediately know something is different. I‘ve received a dozen orders for a man‘s death from behind that desk straightforward, no-nonsense requests. And Sullivan has never started like this - or narrowed the space between us. An uncomfortable feeling forms in my stomach - more than the slight tinge of nausea that‘s still there - and I wish for the hundredth time that I‘m feeling just a bit sharper this morning. But I‘m not, so I follow my father‘s advice and just nod keeping quiet, and letting him speak. ―I‘ve got a…special kind of job for you.‖ His eyes drill into mine, as if registering every little reaction, but I‘m pretty sure I‘m in too much of a daze to give one. ―I‘ve received several death threats recently - on my daughter‘s life.‖ Oh. So this was personal. I nod immediately. ―You want me to take the guy out.‖ My voice doesn‘t rasp or struggle, and I‘m momentarily impressed with myself. Until Sullivan shakes his head, eyes narrowed. ―No. We don‘t know who it is.‖ I frown. Death threats usually came with a warning to back off from something - or give something up - that lead you nicely back to the man responsible. ―Whoever the fucker is, it‘s obvious he‘s doing this to mess with me. Here.‖ He hands me a few papers and I glance down automatically. Then I freeze. The picture - the girl - looking back at me stops everything. Rich blond hair swings around her shoulders as she glances over to a point nearby the camera, showing sparkling blue eyes and an easy, happy smile that lights up her face. Her back is to the camera, but there‘s just enough profile to make out the hot curves on her tall, lithe body.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Simply put, she has the sort of natural, stunning beauty that most girls would kill for. But that‘s not what catches my attention - I‘ve known stunning women. I‘ve known jaw-droppingly gorgeous girls. Hell, I make a habit of spending a lot of time with them. But this one…even from the photo, I can tell she‘s not aware of it. There‘s no provocative swing to her hips, no teasing smile or the twinkle of I‟m fucking hot knowledge in her eyes. And the idea of that is so unbelievable that I‘m left speechless. Speechless - and more, as my cock twitches uncomfortably in my now-tight jeans. ―I know.‖ Sullivan‘s tone is grim, and belatedly drags me out of my stupor. ―I was shocked when I saw them, too. We‘ve got a real problem here.‖ I glance up at him, trying not to look as bemused as I feel. Then I look back down at the paper and finally register what we were talking about before she appeared. Which makes the blond bombshell his daughter. Shit. I recoil as if he can read my thoughts, and then try hurriedly to unthink everything that just went through my head. Shit shit shit. Guiltily, I force my eyes away from the photo and finally see the words that Sullivan must have been referring to. “Pretty little thing…so innocent. Does she know who her Daddy really is?” Something inside me chills, and it‘s enough for me to forget my preoccupation with her photo. Instead, I start flicking through the other papers he gave me - letters, I realize. “Life is so fragile, don‟t you think, Patrick? I‟m sure she‟d be…hurt…to know you‟ve never found it precious, too.” “Have you ever lost anything that truly matters to you, Patrick?”

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Each comment is accompanied by another photo, but I‘m distracted enough now that I barely notice the way every angle seems to enhance my first impression of the girl. Okay, maybe not distracted enough. But at least I‘m not just standing here ogling her in front of her father anymore. I look back up to Sullivan, my frown a reflection of his own expression. The comments are disturbing enough, but the real problem is that there‘s no demand accompanying it - no sign of blackmail or anything that gives us a way in. Just pure hate-mail. Someone who doesn‘t just want to kill Sullivan‘s daughter, but wants to terrorize him with it first. For no other reason than some unknown grudge against Sullivan - and, maybe even the Irish mob itself. It‘s not exactly surprising that Sullivan‘s made this kind of enemy - but the real question is, who has the balls to actually act on it? And to send letters announcing the intention first, to provoke whatever Sullivan might do to protect his daughter. That‘s if this is even a real threat, which isn‘t guaranteed. Fuck, what a headache. ―I‘ll kill him for you when you find the guy.‖ I confirm to Sullivan. Surprisingly, I find that I want to. I‘m usually fairly indifferent about my kills, but the idea of someone wanting to take out that sort of sweet, beautiful girl from the world bothers me. Maybe Sullivan would expect loyalty to drive me instead, but hell, he runs the Irish mob in Baltimore - he probably deserves this. I could easily imagine him ordering something similar for someone else‘s child - who knows, maybe that was what happened to this guy. The want-to-bekiller‘s grudge is almost certainly justified. I‘ve never really cared about the right and wrong of it all, but I‘m not going to fool myself into thinking I‘m on some good side here. But the girl…she doesn‘t deserve this shit. And for some reason, that matters right now.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―…okay?‖ Sullivan finishes, and I blink at him as I realize I don‘t have a clue what he just said. ―Uhh…sorry—‖ I shrug in apology and his frown deepens, but he lets me get away with it. ―I said I didn‘t call you in here to talk about killing him. My daughter starts her second year of college next week, and I can‘t have her exposed and unprotected while I hunt for this bastard. I need you to keep her safe until we find the fucker.‖ I blink, and only just catch myself before asking him to repeat it again, sure that between the pounding headache and my dunk confusion, I‘ve misunderstood something. ―I don‘t know shit about keeping anyone safe.‖ I say bluntly, disbelief overriding caution. Sullivan just folds his arms and narrows his gaze at me. ―You‘re good enough at setting up kills - just work out what you‘d do, then stop it.‖ That is not how that works. Except I don‘t say it - because he knows that as well as me. Sullivan may be a lot of things, but he isn‘t an idiot, and he knows hitman and bodyguard are two very different skillsets. But the set of his shoulders and the intent look in his eyes makes it clear that he‘s going through with this regardless. ―She‘d be far safer if you just brought her in here, boss.‖ I reason, clutching at anything that might change his mind about this fucking terrible idea. ―Surely she won‘t mind missing a couple weeks of school if you explain her life is in danger?‖ ―She doesn‘t know about this - the Irish mob - any of it.‖ His admission is grim, but it carries a heavy note of warning too, and my stomach turns. So what you‟re saying is you want me to go play college student while trying to protect your daughter from an unknown threat, without letting her know any of that is going on?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My outraged expression probably gives away exactly what I‘m thinking, but I don‘t come close to saying it. It‘s obvious that‘s exactly what he‘s expecting from me, and there‘s only so far I can push. Especially with his daughter‘s life on the line. I‘ve never quite seen Sullivan like this before, and I instinctively know I‘m not getting out of this one. The last thing I want to do is play bodyguard, but I take my father‘s advice and give Sullivan a quick nod instead. If you already know your fate, there‘s no point fighting. I can process what it means when I‘m not hungover as fuck and likely to get myself killed by saying the wrong thing. And more than that…the image of Sullivan‘s daughter is fresh in my mind, and even if I‘m going to make a terrible bodyguard, some part of me refuses to leave her to fend off threats she doesn‘t even know about. Who knows, maybe a couple of weeks of college life could even be fun - hot girls, awesome parties - the kind of innocent life I‘ve never even thought about. Sullivan gives me some more details that I hardly pay attention to - time, place, logistics - and then I turn to go, my head feeling like it‘s about ready to explode. Sullivan‘s voice stops me with my hand on the doorknob. ―I‘m trusting you with my daughter, Caleb. Don‘t let me down.‖ Great. I give a brief acknowledgment and then walk decidedly away from Sullivan‘s office, needing to put some space between me and this crazy plan. There‘s only one cure for this kind of gods-forsaken hangover. More alcohol.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Two Alana I drive past the proud University of North Carolina signs and iconic buildings, smiling at the thought of being back on campus as I pull up in front of the large dorm building that will be my home for the next year. There are already a few students and their parents walking around - lugging boxes up stairs and settling into their new accommodations - but not as many as the next few days will bring. I‘m here a little early, but I like it that way. I get a chance to check out the books I‘ll need from the library before the usual rush, read up on my first few classes, and avoid the last-minute panic that usually unfolds. Plus, I get a little time to settle in before the crazy start-of-term parties that always kick off and turn previously respectable dorm rooms into a mess of half-naked bodies, alcohol and chaos. That‘s not exactly my favorite thing, but I‘ve been looking forward to being back on campus all summer, so even that thought can‘t deter me as I finally shut off the engine and step out to survey my over-full car. Another student-and-mom couple passes me and I feel a little pang as I remember the fun my Mom and I had last year in setting everything up. I‘m not the type to get homesick, but it gave me something to cling onto when I was feeling nervous about starting college. Now that I‘m in my second year I have no reason to be nervous, so when Mom mentioned a conference that she was desperate to go to this weekend, I‘d said it wasn‘t a problem. And it shouldn‘t be a problem. But those slightly awkward-anxious butterflies are back again as I glance up at the stately building and wonder who I‘ll be living with this time around.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

C‟mon girl, you‟re fine - and it can‟t be worse than having Bryan around last year. I shake off the silly insecurities and remind myself that at least I‘ll be seeing Mel and Lily soon. I pull out the first box and look back up at the large building, smiling wryly as I eye the tall windows near the top. Of course, I told Mom it was fine before I knew I was on the third floor… Convincing myself that the exercise will be good for me, I nudge the trunk closed with my hip and stride over to the main door, which has already been propped open by another a student before me. By the time I get to the third floor, I‘m not out of breath, but I definitely wish I didn‘t have to make this trip twenty times. At least you lucked into a single room this year. The „college roommate‟ experience is definitely not all it‟s cracked up to be. My eyes dart around the corridor, looking for my room as I walk past the kitchen and common space. Thirty-one…thirty-three…thirty-five… Shit. I stop abruptly as my expected view of thirty-seven is blocked by a man leaning against the doorway. And not just any man. The ridiculously-sexy type - with a rough, powerful body and ruggedly handsome face looking back at me. The kind that would make any girl stop and stare. Bright blue eyes, perfectly curved jet-black hair and a line of stubble around his jaw that‘s just made for sex. My eyes dart down to check him out before I can stop myself, and it‘s immediately obvious that isn‘t the only part of him made for sex. Fuck me. It‘s meant to be a curse, but as the thought enters my mind I feel the beginnings of a blush creeping up my neck. Thank god I didn‘t say that out loud.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My eyes dart back to his face, and the cocky grin there tells me he knows what I was looking at - and, hell, maybe what I was thinking, too - and my blush deepens. I curse myself for being ridiculous. I don‘t act this way around guys. Especially the dangerously attractive ones. They‘re always bad news. ―Ugh, sorry—I was just looking for…‖ My words stumble over themselves as I fight against my stupid reaction to seeing him standing there in front of me. ―A room?‖ He raises one eyebrow, which effortlessly turns devastatingly handsome into sinfully naughty. There‘s an amused glint in his eyes and I swear I see him shift a little in the doorway, as if he‘s implying… ―My room.‖ I say firmly, before quickly adding, ―Thirty-nine.‖ His firm lips flicker into an arrogant smile and he gestures further down the hallway. ―Well, hon, unless they changed the system mid-hall, that‘d be over there…right next to mine.‖ My stomach flutters at whatever he put into that final comment and I force my eyes away from his, moving past with a quick nod and refusing to continue this…whatever this is. It‘s 11am on my first day back on campus. It‘s completely unfair to expect me to deal with such overt sexuality - or my response to it - right now. Instead, I juggle the box on my hip as I fish for the key I picked up this morning and push it into the door. Just before I open it, I can‘t help myself - I glance back in his direction. That fiery-hot gaze is still fixed on me, and my pulse stutters as his lips curl up into a small smirk. ―Don‘t worry, hon. I won‘t say a word about whatever I hear happening in there.‖ He drawls, amusement dancing in his eyes. ―What?‖ I start, convinced he didn‘t just say that. Then, feeling flustered and outraged simultaneously, I retort without thinking. ―Sure - I don‘t think anyone‘s going to care about my week-long studying marathons.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Wait, did I just tell him nothing else happens in here? Well…it doesn‟t. But still, no need for him to know the sex-less state of his new neighbor. ―See? That‘s exactly the sort of thing you don‘t want getting around.‖ He shifts, turning towards me with a different kind of light in his eyes. ―Though if you want any help—‖ I shove the door open and step in before he can finish that thought, my heart pounding as it slams shut behind me. Yep, definitely didn‘t come prepared to be propositioned like that today. And what kind of guy thinks it‘s okay to talk that way? To someone they‘ve just met. Who they‘ll be living next to for the rest of the year. Ugh… I put the box down on my desk and try to control my breathing, reminding myself that I really can‘t stand that sort of guy. However hot he might be. Sexy guys always think they can get away with anything - however inappropriate, misguided or just plain stupid it might be. And who wants to be with some full-ofhimself, cocky asshole? Most of the campus, from what it looks like. Yeah, well - not me. He can have his pick of the ridiculous bimbo girls who‘ll flatter his ego. Hell, it‘s not like he‘s actually interested in me anyway. Probably just trying to get a rise out of the flustered, nervous looking girl who came by. Bastard. With that resolved, I take a breath and open the door again, hoping that he‘ll have disappeared into his room by now. Nope. He‘s still standing right there. In an empty hallway. There‘s literally no reason for him to be stood around like that. At least this time, I feel more annoyed at seeing him than overwhelmed. ―What are you still doing out here?‖ I glance over as I start to move past, determined not to let him affect me this time.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

You were just surprised last time. Now, you know better. Except the roguish smile as he sweeps his hair back from his eyes doesn‘t help. ―Oh, just waiting.‖ ―What for?‖ I frown, while simultaneously cursing myself for taking the bait. ―The overprotective parent to come past. Just to give me an idea what I‘m up against.‖ He grins at me as I stare back in disbelief. Yeah, typical sexy asshole. I manage to refrain from rolling my eyes and start walking past instead. I am so not looking forward to dealing with this all year. Especially with that traitorous part of me still wanting to sneak looks even if he is a jackass. He continues as if I‘m not trying to leave. ―Haven‘t seen anyone though. Are you here by yourself?‖ ―Yeah.‖ I glance back, wishing I could bring myself to ignore him. Instead, I get pithy. ―Don‘t worry, though, I‘m more than capable of defending my own honor.‖ I wince internally the moment it comes out. His comments are bad enough now I‘m harking back to the dark ages as well? With comments that aren‟t even accurate. The thought comes as my mind skips back to the two self-defense classes I took once, as I wonder whether I can remember any of them. I think I decided screaming loudly would be a better option. That counts, I‘m sure. His eyes flick over me again, and I try not to let my body heat as they come back up to my face. ―I‘d like to see that, hon. But until then…want some help with those boxes?‖ That does get my attention, and I stop to look back, suddenly unsure. Maybe asshole was too hasty. None of the arrogant dicks I know on campus would make an offer like that…even if it might be to get in my pants.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I hesitate another moment, then the thought of hauling my car-load up here myself - with this guy watching - decides me. ―Ah, sure, actually. Thanks.‖ He gives me another smile and gestures me ahead of him, leaving me thoroughly confused as I make my way back down to my car. I can feel his eyes on me and my body tingles with an awkward response, ready for…something I‘m not going to think about. I don‘t even understand what he wants - unless it‘s some fucked up ego-boost from screwing his dorm-mate the night she moves in. Either the usual way, or just through mind-fuckery. But he doesn‘t say anything more as we reach the car, picking up several boxes as if he doesn‘t even notice the weight. I look back and forth between him and the car that will very soon be empty if he keeps up that pace, before deciding that he‘s not doing it to show off. Feeling more uncertain, I grab my box and we head back up the stairs. From the strange intensity that springs up between us as I walk up the stairs, I‘m pretty sure he‘s staring at my ass. I mean, that‘s the reason to let a girl go first, right? And I‘m not sure whether to call him out on it or let myself feel flattered. I‘m not used to that kind of attention - attractive guys staring at me the way he is…just doesn‘t happen. At least not since those ugly rumors got around last year… I push away the spark of irritation that causes - and any thought about what he may or may not be staring at - and try to break some of the strange tension between us. ―I‘m Alana, by the way.‖ I shoot him a quick smile in introduction, realizing I don‘t even know this guy‘s name yet. ―Caleb.‖ He nods. Okay, not the type to carry much of a conversation. ―So…what are you majoring in?‖ I ask over my shoulder, impressed that I‘m not breathing heavily yet. ―Biology.‖ Caleb replies easily.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I almost stop on the stairway, and turn to look over at him, cocking my head. ―First year?‖ That‘s my major, and I don‘t recognize him. ―No, hun. Second.‖ He shakes his head with a laugh. I frown again. ―That‘s my major too…our class isn‘t that big.‖ He comes up behind me and I start walking again before we‘re both standing awkwardly. ―Yeah, I transferred over from Maryland.‖ His voice has turned conversational now, and as the sexual heat slips from it, I start to relax a little. ―Ah, okay. What was it like over there?‖ Now my breathing is getting heavier, but I don‘t want to kill the easy conversation, so instead I ask him open, leading questions. He doesn‘t seem to be having any trouble with lugging triple my load up these stairs. Of course not, with that body… Caleb starts talking about Maryland, giving me mostly generic information, but despite asking a few questions, I‘m not paying much attention to what he‘s saying anymore. Instead, that deep voice washes over me and my mind drifts as I start to reassess my earlier judgment. Maybe he‘s not as bad as he seemed at first…maybe he just doesn‘t have a clue how to speak to women. Hell, judging by the looks of him, I doubt he‘s ever had to do much speaking around them before. Living next to him all year could be okay…it might even be quite nice… ―Thanks for doing this, Caleb. You really didn‘t have to.‖ I interrupt whatever he‘s in the middle of talking about as we start up the stairs on our third trip, then feel suddenly awkward at how little attention I‘ve been paying. I just liked hearing him speak. I give him a crooked smile over my shoulder, but it looks like he hasn‘t noticed. Instead, the heat in those eyes are back as they travel down me, and my

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

body gives a light shiver as I turn back to focus on the stairs ahead of me, slightly less steady. ―Oh, it‘s no problem. I‘m sure I can find some way for you to return the favor.‖ Then he winks at me. My face flushes and I almost spin on the spot to confront him. He did just want to get in my pants, the asshole. ―Like, you know…showing me ‗round campus or something?‖ Caleb continues as if I‘m not about to launch into an attack, and his eyes twinkle at me as I stop short. He‘s obviously teasing me. The bastard. But the mental insult doesn‘t have any sting to it as the heat in my face fades into something more pleasant. I only wish I knew more about flirting - it doesn‘t seem fair for him to be having all the fun. I narrow my gaze at him and answer non-committally. ―Mm, maybe.‖ No way will I promise to spend more time with him without thinking about it very carefully. He grins back and I shake my head at him. As I turn back to the stairs, my foot catches on the top step and my body goes sprawling forwards, the box spilling out of my hands. ―Hey!‖ Caleb catches my arm faster than I can think, stopping me from faceplanting into the floor, and I look up at him, a little bemused. ―You okay?‖ I look at the way he‘s shifted all three boxes onto his other arm and knee to grab me with a little confusion, and he slowly lowers me back to the floor, letting me support myself as I nod. ―Yeah, thanks.‖ I glance up at the box spilled across the hallway - and then my face goes beet-red. Fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He looks up a second later, to see my panties sprawled out in front of us. And not pretty, lacy panties either. I‘m talking full-sized, comfy lounge-at-home panties. The kind for long days of studying and sitting on my ass. My eyes dart helplessly over the mess, face burning. God, there might even be a couple of granny-panties in there. I scramble forward furiously, trying to gather them up as I wonder if it‘s possible to die of embarrassment. Please don‟t say anything, please don‟t say anything, please don‟t— ―What‘re these?‖ I glance over from where I‘m scooping as much as I can back into the box to see Caleb dangling one from his finger, looking at it with a slight frown. What the hell? Does this guy have no boundaries?! ―Give me that!‖ I snatch it from him with a glare. ―What the hell do you think they are?‖ ―Well, I kind of know, but…‖ He answers as if it had been a real question, looking over the remaining panties on the floor with interest. I stuff them back in the box as quickly as I can, still glaring at him. ―Don‘t fucking tell me you‘ve only ever seen thongs and g-strings before?‖ He grins, and I want to strangle him all over again. Of course he has. Of course no girl he‟s ever been interested in has dared to wear anything else…hell, they probably all love that bunched-up uncomfortable feeling. ―You could always show me. I wouldn‘t mind seeing…how they work…‖ He‘s doing that devouring me with his eyes thing again, but this time I just want to slam the box over his head. How the fuck does he think they „work‟? They work like any fucking panties. But I don‘t say it. I am not having this conversation. Instead, I jump up as quickly as I can and continue walking with what little dignity I can muster.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He chuckles behind me and I see red, ignoring the fact that he shifts those three boxes back to both arms easily - ignoring that he effortlessly stopped me breaking my head on the floor while still carrying more of my stuff than I thought sensible. Alternating between thinking he‘s a dick and thinking he‘s a nice guy is driving me crazy and I breathe a sigh of relief when we finally carry the last box to my room. I just want to get away from him and forget about what just happened. As I turn in my doorway, he gives me another of those scorching smiles. ―So, want to get to know each other better?‖ He raises an eyebrow and I have to fight the way my stomach wants to drop at the sight of him - leaning against the wall opposite, crotch perfectly outlined by the way he‘s tucked one ankle behind the other, and biceps bulging from the lifting he just did. Ignoring that, I scowl at him instead and fold my arms. ―You know, getting to know people might go a whole lot better for you if you didn‘t speak to them…like that.‖ ―Why?‖ The way he asks that is infuriating and endearing at the same time as if he‘s truly confused by the question. ―Because some girls don‘t like being made into sex objects.‖ I say. He shifts forward, body flowing sinuously and reminding me of a predator as he steps close to me - not quite touching. My breath catches despite myself. ―Nonsense, Alana. Every girl likes feeling desired like that…‖ His voice rumbles, and I curse the way the flip in my stomach agrees with him. ―Not by arrogant jackasses.‖ I retort before that feeling can catch up with me. ―Good thing I‘m not a jackass then.‖ He doesn‘t deny the arrogant part, giving me that sinful smile instead. I feel torn between wanting to hit him and feeling ready to fall into his arms - and from the way his eyes are glittering, he knows it, and is standing there enjoying my impotent frustration.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Is this how it is for all those stupid girls you mock? Simply driven mindless by hormones and lust and…fuck it. ―Well, thanks for the help.‖ I cut us off abruptly, needing to end this. ―Maybe if you get over yourself, I‘ll show you around campus sometime.‖ I shut the door before I realize I‘ve made the offer, and then lean back against the wall of my room, taking a ragged breath and running a hand through my hair. I can‘t believe I just said that. The last thing I want to do is spend any more time with Caleb. Especially after spilling all my fucking panties in front of him. Then I groan and wonder how the hell I‘m going to get through the next year with him living next to me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Three Caleb ―No, nothing, boss.‖ I walk steadily away from the track field, further towards the trees - and privacy - at the end. It‘s 6am in the morning and there‘s no one in sight, but these calls always put me on edge. Sullivan grunts in response. ―Fuck it. You‘ll have to stick there a little longer.‖ My gut tightens as he voices what‘s become painfully obvious, and this time I just grunt my acknowledgment. There‘s silence for a moment and I continue walking at a decent pace, keeping my blood pumping despite the interruption to my morning run. ―She‘s alright, though?‖ ―Yes, sir.‖ I make sure to keep my voice steady. She‘s infuriating. Intoxicating. Unbelievable. The least fun of anyone I‘ve ever known, with the hottest fucking body…and her attitude… But yes, she‘s fine - and Sullivan doesn‘t need to know anything else. ―And she doesn‘t suspect anything?‖ ―No, sir.‖ I recite the same answer I‘ve given every day this week. These responses are starting to become automatic. He grunts again. ―Okay, I‘ll let you know if we get an update.‖ Then he clicks off and I try not to sigh in aggravation as I put the phone away. Instead, I start running again, bringing my pace up much quicker than I should.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Fucking „you‟ll only be there a week…c‟mon, we‟re the Irish Mob, no one can hide from us…‟. It‘s already been a week, and I‘m going out of my fucking mind. I signed up to a few days of parties and hot college girls - not following some uptight girl to lectures and classes and god-help-me the fucking library for weeks. All while thinking about every possible way a hitman with half my skill could kill her - without me being able to do a thing to stop it. Sullivan has really lost his mind over this. It‘s such a fucking stupid plan. And she‘s messing with my head. Sure, staring at her all day in lectures was fun at first. Seeing that intent, puckered expression she gets when she‘s concentrating…the way she flicks her hair behind her when she gets overly excited about understanding some of the incomprehensible symbols the professors drone on about all day…the sparkling, animated way she chatters on to her friends as if she‘s oblivious to anything else… But I‘m not used to watching from afar - especially when I absolutely can‘t make plans to get any closer. No matter how tempting the idea of seducing her and showing her just what that kind of heart-stopping beauty is for seems. She‘s off limits. Sullivan‘s daughter. And whatever my mind might insist on fantasizing about - and shit, it does that a lot - that‘s all I can indulge in. A dirty little fantasy. Hell, if Sullivan knew that much, I‘d probably be missing my balls already. Which is why I haven‘t spoken to her since I fucked up that day she moved in. I hadn‘t planned on provoking her. Or seducing her. Or staring at her like that… But, fuck, how else am I supposed to react to a girl who looks like that? Especially with that prissy, innocent-as-thou attitude. I‘d even meant what I said to her - I figured I could act the new guy on campus, make a friend, get an excuse to stick around her for a while. Instead, I‘d blown that out of the water by looking through her panties.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

The rest…probably wasn‘t my fault. I mean, how was I supposed to know that‘s not how you talk to women? Apparently. I‘m still not sure I believe her about that. Every woman I‘ve ever met has been more than fine with it. But it clearly isn‘t how I‘m meant to talk to her. Damn it. The panties though…well, I could‘ve guessed that was a bad idea. I just couldn‘t resist. And even now, the thought of her modeling those, of prancing around in too-big, innocent panties and then peeling them off to reveal silky-soft skin… Fuck. I pick up the pace, running faster around the track and wishing for a proper training session as my blood pounds from lust more than exertion. Yeah, after that introduction, I was pretty much fucked. No way I can start acting like I want to be an innocent friend now. And since I can‘t risk what might happen if I act the way I want to around her…I‘ve kept my distance. I decided it wouldn‘t hurt to do that for a few days, a week at most - but now…I bite back the stream of curses that‘s right on the tip of my tongue. I‘m bored, and frustrated, and pissed off for even being here. A quick glance down at my watch shows me it‘s almost 6.30am and I need to start heading back. Gritting my teeth in annoyance, I surge forward and try to get myself sweating at least a little. The hour I snatch in the morning to do this can‘t compare to the intense training regime with my father back in Baltimore - hell, I don‘t even have the gym to enjoy because it would take too long and attract too much attention. And apart from this time of day - too close to daylight and with people starting to move around for a killer to strike, but early enough that Alana won‘t have left her room before I can get back to follow at a distance - I can‘t take any more time to train. If this goes on for much longer, I‘m going to be unfit as hell by the time I get back to what I should be doing, and watching all my prowess and focus slip away in the drudgery of following Alana around campus isn‘t my idea of fun.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

And I‘m just waiting for her to start getting suspicious. Sure, it helps that I‘m officially in all of her classes - and enough students head to lunch, and the library, for me to get away with everything else so far - but I‘ve started catching her glancing over at me. And not in the hot picturing-you-naked way that I‘d like. Shit. I finally slow and run a hand through my hair as I settle into a fast walk that will cool me down and take me back to the small room next to Alana‘s, wishing for a punching bag to take some of the pent-up frustration out on. How the hell do normal people manage to deal with shit without releases like that? Maybe girls and booze works for them. But I‘ve got no chance at that either, since it turns out Alana is the most boring girl I‘ve ever met - even if she is smoking hot. No chance of crazy parties or slutty college girls to enjoy here. I glance up at her window as I walk towards the dorm building, the closed drapes reassuring me that I‘m back in time before I head inside and jog lightly up the stairs, already picturing another tedious day in the back of a lecture hall. Then I pause as I reach the third floor and see her coming out of her room wrapped in a large towel covering entirely too much and leaving only a glimpse of her smooth, long legs. What I wouldn‘t give to see her clutching one of those toosmall towels around that delicate body, the kind where any little movement threatens to expose either more cleavage than most girls are comfortable with…or the sweet flesh between their thighs. My cock twitches at the thought, and as my eyes finally rise from the fluffy towel, I catch another one of those slightly bemused looks in my direction. Shit. She caught me staring. Again. Hey, what the hell…I‟ve never cared about that before. Forcing myself to refocus, I give her a broad smile and return my eyes to their slow wander down her body, imagining what I‘d see if I walked right over there and ripped the towel off - and letting her feel every one of those thoughts.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

This time when I meet her eyes, that sweet red flush is creeping up her neck and I continue walking forwards. ―Up early today, hun?‖ I ask casually. ―You tracking my movements now?‖ She raises a brow, and despite the lightness of the accusation, my gut tightens a little. ―It‘s hard not to notice you passing, babe.‖ I flash her a grin and let my blatant interest cover any other suspicion she might have. But I don‘t need to worry - she‘s already moved on, giving me a lingering glance of her own. ―Doesn‘t seem like it‘s all that early for you.‖ I wait until her eyes return to my face, then spread my arms as I give her a knowing smile. ―Like what you see?‖ ―Sweat and unwashed guy odor? No thanks.‖ Her nose wrinkles, but from the way her cheeks redden I don‘t believe her. ―Girls like that kind of thing.‖ I insist. ―Then I suggest you try looking for those girls in some other hallway, Caleb.‖ She turns around to walk towards the shared shower rooms and I‘m momentarily distracted by the way she says my name. Some combination of exasperation, amusement and…something else. Something that makes me want to tell her to say it again and again, until I can work it out. It takes me a moment to shake that strange feeling off, and by then she‘s disappeared into the shower room. I shake my head with a small laugh - whether at her or myself, I‘m not sure - and push the door to my own room open, surprised that my irritation of only moments before has disappeared. What the hell is it about her? I have no idea, but I already know I‘m not spending another day watching her from a distance. The fact that she‘s Sullivan‘s daughter might have kept me in line for a week, but I‘m done with caring.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I need a reason to be close to her, and trying to get in her far-too-big girly panties is the perfect cover. Sure, if Sullivan finds out, he might string me up for it - but I‘ve never let that stop me before, and a week is about as long as I can bring myself to stick to the rules. Of course, there‘s also the small risk that I actually do want to get her in bed. But I can deal with that too. And if not…at least I‘ll be having some fucking fun.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Four Alana ―Are you girls shitting me? Don‘t tell me none of us had any fun this summer?!‖ Mel exclaims far too loudly, throwing her hands down on the table in an exasperation which seems to run right through her and make even the curvy, jetblack hair sitting on the top of her head bounce. I wince and look around, hoping she doesn‘t attract too much attention. ―Well, there was this cool astronomy conference—‖ Lily‘s enthusiasm cuts off abruptly at Mel‘s pointed look. ―Um, no…maybe not.‖ She catches my eyes briefly and we both stifle a laugh at Mel‘s sudden determination to swap hot guy stories. Probably just the natural frustration of signing up to work at an all-girl summer camp and not realizing that meant none of the staff would be male either. ―Alana, c‘mon, you at least had the summer to yourself - and it was your first summer without Andrew, right? You must‘ve had fun with that! Can‘t you give us a couple of fun anecdotes? Saucy stories? Something?‖ She gives me an exaggerated big-eyed expression and I can‘t help but laugh. Andrew was my wannabe-lawyer ‗boyfriend‟ from high school, but since our time together largely consisted of falling asleep over essays and papers or occasional texts about work experience, it was hardly the most thrilling experience I could‘ve asked for. It took until I arrived here last year to realize there was nothing that made it worth maintaining and we split pretty quickly after that. Which changed exactly nothing about my life - or my summer. I answer with a good-natured shrug. ―What‘s so bad about reading up on a few papers and classes, lying around in the sun and volunteering with my Mom? I‘ve got plenty of fluffy puppy stories, y‘know.‖ She gives a dramatic sigh while I nibble on a fry. ―Puppies might be cute, Alana, but at least tell me there were a couple of guys in there too?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Hmm, well, there was one…sweet, and funny, and he kept asking after me…‖ I let myself trail off almost absently as I play with my food. ―Yes?‖ Mel‘s voice rises an octave as her eyes gleam at me. ―Pity he was sixty, really.‖ I meet Lily‘s gaze and we both burst out laughing, while Mel chucks a fry at me. I keep grinning, and after a moment she joins in too, shaking her head again. ―I don‘t know why I even bother with you two, you know.‖ Mel gives a wry smile. ―Not that I‘m any better, I s‘pose. I just…feel like we ought to be doing more. Living it up a little.‖ ―I did actually have a good time with my parents, Mel, honest. It was fascinating.‖ Lily perks up in the momentary silence, tucking her long brown hair behind her ears and fiddling with her glasses for a moment. She‘s quieter than Mel and I, usually preferring to listen rather than talk - until you get her started on the intricacies of chemical physics, anyway. ―I know, babe, but don‘t you wonder whether there‘s more to life than science seminars and conferences?‖ Mel‘s eyebrows raise, but I can‘t help smiling. As the daughter of an astrophysicist and chemical engineer, Lily probably hasn‟t considered much else. Mel glances over at me for support when Lily doesn‘t say anything, and I lean back to look at her properly. ―What‘s really going on, Mel? You don‘t usually care about any of that stuff either.‖ I say that stuff with a glance over at the popular kids gathered around a couple of tables at the end of the food hall. They told us all those cliques would disappear when we got into a good college - that everyone would be intelligent and eager to learn, but…so far, it seems like they were full of shit. There are still the cool kids, the geeky kids, the sporty ones - and the clubs, frats and endless societies only seem to make it worse. I love Mel and Lily to death, and we‘ve had a great time, of course, but it doesn‘t change that sometimes it still feels awfully similar to high school. I glance over at Mel again. At least, I thought we were still having a good time.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Nothing‘s going on. I just…it‘s our second year of college, and don‘t you wonder whether we‘re doing it right sometimes? This is meant to be the best time of our lives - partying and boys and drinking and craziness.‖ She gives me an imploring look and I feel a strange tug of unease. None of that sounds like my idea of fun at all, but…I‘ve wondered the same thing more than once. Lily shares another side-long glance at me, but this time she‘s frowning and I know she‘s thinking the same thing. ―Shouldn‘t we at least try that stuff? You know, make some bad decisions, date the wrong guy, get in trouble—‖ Mel continues. ―You‘re really selling this.‖ Lily laughs, and Mel shoots her a grin. Unbidden, my mind jumps back to Caleb earlier this morning. Sculpted body barely covered by a tight t-shirt and shorts, tattoos running down his arms and muscles bulging from obvious exertion, with a light sweat that made his tanned skin gleam. Girls like this kind of thing. The flash of his cocky smile as he said it. The way the heat in my stomach agreed with him even as I denied it. Why the hell would I like that? And the fact that he just seemed to know it made it all so much more infuriating. He would definitely be a bad decision. Exactly the kind of thing Mel‘s talking about. Why does that make her proposition seem so much more attractive? ―Alana?‖ Lily‘s voice startles me, and I try not to look up too guiltily as she continues. ―What do you think?‖ I blink stupidly for a moment and try to shake the silly-lust feelings off again. ―Um, about what?‖ She shrugs a little self-consciously. ―I was saying I think I agree with Mel. Maybe we should make a pact this year - to have a bit more fun. And try new stuff.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My eyebrows rise instinctively. Lily wasn‘t the one I was expecting to hear that from. But I‘d been feeling the same thing the last week or so. And if I was honest with myself, part of the reason I hadn‘t said anything was because I didn‘t know whether that thought was coming from me…or the hot new dorm mate I hadn‘t been able to get out of my head. ―Okay. Sure, why not?‖ I smile at the two of them. Feeling a little like a ridiculous school kid, we put our hands in the middle of our half-eaten lunch and clasp them together. ―To this year!‖ Mel says grandly, and I manage to resist glancing around in embarrassment, grinning at her even as I feel my cheeks turning pink. Lily nods officially. ―And having fun!‖ They both look at me, and I figure what the hell. ―And hot guys!‖ Then we burst out laughing and shove at each other a little, my face still red. But I‘m grinning, and thinking to myself how much I love these girls. At least we can be insecure and unsure about college together. ―So, Alana…going to introduce me to your friends?‖ The now-familiar cocky voice interrupts the brief merriment, and I can feel him coming up behind me in the same moment that I register Mel and Lily looking up in confusion. That already tells me what - or who - is behind me, and my pulse stutters annoyingly in response. What the hell is he doing here?! I want to turn around and hiss it at him, because the last thing I want is Mel asking the dozen questions that are already flitting through her eyes but before I‘ve got a chance, he‘s already grabbed the chair next to me. He swivels it around before straddling it to lean forwards against the chair‘s back, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I didn‘t think guys actually did that. And I sure as hell didn‘t realize it made their crotch look that good. Not that I‘m looking. Not at all.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Well?‖ My eyes dart guiltily back to his face as he asks the question, shooting me a shit-eating grin and I think I‘d rather hit him than introduce him to anyone, but Mel‘s already giving me a who-the-fuck-is-this and what-haven‟t-youtold-us look. There‘s no chance of getting out of this now. ―Um…Caleb is living in the same dorm as me this year.‖ I want to sound irritated and get rid of him, but instead it just comes out awkward. Exactly how I feel. Ugh. ―And…these are my friends. Mel and Lily - we‘re all on similar courses.‖ They say their ‗hello‘s and I‘m still trying to work out how to make it clear he‘s not needed here - and understand myself why I‘m so desperate for him to leave - when he reaches over and steals a fry. ―Hey!‖ I scowl at him. ―Just checking they‘re safe to eat, babe.‖ He gives me an unrepentant grin back. ―You‘re about half an hour too late for that…‖ I deliberately pull them away from him and avoid looking at Mel and Lily, who I‘m just sure are giving each other looks right about now. ―Heh, sorry ‗bout that - I‘ll make sure to arrive earlier next time, shall I?‖ The amusement in that deep voice ripples through me in a not-so-unpleasant reaction that only puts me more on edge. ―What are you doing here, anyway?‖ I say almost accusingly, still not meeting Mel‘s questioning eyes. In a moment she‘s going to start bursting out with her own questions, and I‘d rather not be subjected to that awkwardness. This is not the kind of guy that usually comes to sit with us. ―Came to call in that debt.‖ He adds a wink to the comment, and suddenly my cheeks are flaming - for no reason whatsoever. ―Ohh?‖ Mel jumps it straight away, her tone indicating that she very much hopes it‘s as saucy as his attitude implies. ―What does Alana owe you a debt for?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Just a bit of heavy lifting.‖ He responds easily, while I wonder whether his voice has actually been made for sex, before I catch Mel cocking her head curiously at me. ―You didn‘t tell us about that…‖ Her tone of voice implies that I definitely should have. ―Why would I tell you about someone helping me move in?‖ I act as if I‘m completely oblivious to her point, while realizing that this probably counts as exactly the sort of fun anecdote she‘d been asking after earlier. ―So how can we help you in return then, Caleb?‖ Lily breaks in and even though I wish this conversation would end already, it‘s much better than the backand-forth with Mel. ―I‘m new here - transferred this year. Alana promised to show me around a bit, help me make some fri—‖ ―I didn‘t promise anything.‖ I protest, then continue under my breath to him. ―I said I‘d consider it if you got your head out of your ass. Which I‘m not convinced of—‖ His laughter and the amused shake of his head - as if he thinks I‘m joking interrupts me, before he spreads his hands to indicate all of us. ―So, c‘mon, girls what‘s fun around here? The least you could do is tell me where all the good parties are at.‖ This time it‘s all of us exchanging awkward glances. Yeah, this guy doesn‘t know what he‘s doing here - we‘re really not the right people for those questions. And I would‘ve thought that was obvious. Mel - forward as ever - laughs and shakes her head. ―Yeah, babe, you‘re asking the wrong girls.‖ His brows raise and she continues with a thumb over her shoulder. ―Not our scene. I think you‘re looking for those tables over there - they‘ll hook you up, I‘m sure.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He looks from us to the groups of jocks and hangers-on Mel just pointed to, as if considering for a moment. ―Alright.‖ He stands up in one smooth movement and starts walking in that direction before we can say anything more. ―Hey—‖ Mel calls after him - those aren‘t the kind of guys you just walk up to - but he continues obliviously. But then, even as we‘re still staring at each other in confusion, he sits down among them with the kind of confidence that isn‘t even deliberate and strikes up a conversation. And the guys move over and make room for him, slapping him on the shoulder a moment later - then he‘s talking and laughing as if he‘s known them all his life. ―Well, that was brief.‖ Lily says with slight bemusement. ―Thank god for that.‖ I mutter. Mel just laughs at my reaction. ―And why is that such a good thing, hmm?‖ ―Isn‘t it obvious?‖ I retort, ―He‘s infuriating, and arrogant, and…and completely inappropriate! That‘s why I didn‘t mention it - I didn‘t think he‘d even come ‗round. He so doesn‘t fit with us - see?‖ I gesture back over towards him and then go back to my fries - now cold, thanks to his interruption. But despite the obvious relief that the awkwardness is over, I‘m kind of pissed off that he just left like that. And confused about why he even bothered with us in the first place - of course we weren‘t going to get him invites to the hottest parties on campus. ―He didn‘t seem so bad…‖ Lily comments, ―And hey, we agreed—‖ I look up to point out it‘s largely irrelevant now, only to see Caleb headed back in our direction. What does he want now?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Mel and Lily notice my pause and glance over their shoulders, then turn back with naughty, suggestive expressions that only make me laugh. ―Okay, that‘s sorted.‖ Caleb slides back into the chair next to me he‘d claimed earlier, and we all look at him blankly. ―House party Friday night - Joe‘s place.‖ I blink, then glance between him and the guys now waving to us from across the hall. I have no idea which one is Joe. It can‟t have been that easy. Can it? ―Really?‖ The same thing is clearly crossing Mel‘s mind, and she answers before Lily or I can get a word in. ―Okay, sure. Yeah, we‘ll totally be there. Won‘t we girls?‖ She gives us both intent looks, and Lily turns sheepishly towards me, clearly interested in the suggestion. I almost can‘t believe these are the same two girls I spent first year hiding out in the library with, relieved we‘d found a way out of the awkward parties and idiotic-drunken conversations most of the other students were having. ―Umm…we could think about—‖ I start. ―Oh, c‘mon, Alana,‖ Lily interrupts, ―It could be fun - and we were just saying how—‖ ―Okay. Alright, I‘ll give it a go.‖ I cut in before she can mention anything about the pact we just made - this is already embarrassing enough without Caleb hearing about that. Even if this whole idea really isn‘t my scene. I‘m all for having a little more fun, but watching everyone get too-drunk at a college party definitely wasn‘t what I would‘ve picked… ―Great.‖ With our reluctant agreement, Caleb rises easily and gives the table a little wave. ―See you Friday, then.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He turns to leave while I‘m still busy processing everything that just happened - but as he walks past, his hand brushes lightly across my shoulder and I have to fight an instinctive shiver of response. I twist around to stare after him, disbelief and need flaring in me simultaneously - but he‘s not even looking back at me, the bastard. Cursing myself for the completely inappropriate response, I turn back to the table - only to see Mel and Lily looking straight at me. ―What?‖ I say defensively, knowing what‘s coming. ―He likes you, babe.‖ Mel‘s smile widens, even as I shake my head emphatically. ―He‘s probably like that with everyone - typical cocky college guy, you know what they‘re like.‖ ―Mmhmm…‖ I can feel Mel‘s incredulity and brush it off before she can say anything more. ―Besides, I definitely don‘t like him. He‘s really not my type.‖ I might not know what my type is, but there‘s no way it‘s him. Mel and Lily ease up a little, letting the conversation turn to other things as I bury myself in the last of my food and try to ignore the way my blood pulses at the thought of Friday night.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Five Caleb I start regretting it before we even arrive. The moment I see Alana and her friends waiting for me, I know I‘m screwed. She‘s wearing a strapless shimmery-gold dress that hangs to mid-thigh and hugs her curves just right, with her hair curling around her shoulders and revealing little glimpses of perfect pale skin that make me want to step up to her, run a hand through that artfully mussed hair and nip and nuzzle at her neck. All the blood leaves my head in an instant, and the nerves I‘ve been fighting with all day suddenly explode as I wonder how the hell I‘m going to get through this while she‘s actually showing off that smoking hot body of hers. I‘m supposed to be protecting Alana - and here I am taking her to a college party full of drunken guys and loud music and dark rooms…it‘s a disaster waiting to happen, and I can just feel it. I don‘t say much as we walk along to the frat boys‘ house just outside campus, barely even noticing the girls‘ excited-nervous chatter as I‘m too distracted by the contrasting images of the seductive sway of Alana‘s hips in front of me - and the ever-darkening thoughts of how someone might try to kill her on this fun little outing. ―Soo…what should we be expecting at this party?‖ Mel grabs my arm and leans in almost conspiratorially as we walk down the street to the large house at the end. She seems like a lovely girl - definitely the liveliest of the three - and her raven hair spills across my shoulder as she smiles up at me. But instead of answering her, I have to fight my instinctive reaction to break away and pull a gun out. Which is not what a pretty girl should be doing to me except tonight, I‘m too on edge for anything else.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Forcing myself to take a breath and deal, I glance down at her, surprised at just how uninterested I am in the attention, even after that initial reaction. Only to notice her sneaking more looks at Alana than at me - making me wonder what the hell is going on. Alana either feels those glances, or something else, because she drops back level with us and I forget about her friend as I barely manage to stop myself from putting an arm around her shoulder - which I‘m pretty sure would just piss her off. Plus, if I start that, I might not stop - and I can‘t risk that tonight. ―Too-loud music, too-drunk people, shouting and sweat.‖ Alana answers for me, but her eyes are sparkling despite the irreverent words. Unfortunately, that‘s exactly what I think it‘ll be like, too. ―Wow…why‘d we never consider doing this before, girls?‖ Lily comes up behind Alana, laying her arm across her friend‘s shoulder - exactly where I‟d wanted to be - with a light laugh that quells my momentary surge of jealousy. Their obvious enthusiasm makes me smile, regardless of my doubts about the evening. Mel leans in front of me to give them both a grin. ―Don‘t worry - Caleb here‘ll look after us. Won‘t you, babe?‖ Her eyes are wide and not-quite-innocent and I swear I can feel them all looking at me, an expectant attention just waiting for me to step in and act as the guy they think I am. The college party guy, ready for a good time. And I can‘t help feeling almost responsible for that - I‘m the one dragging them along to this, so it‘s hardly fair to bail now. C‟mon, bastard, get yourself together! ―Sure thing.‖ I slip my arm around Mel‘s waist, giving her a wink as I let myself slide back into the role I‘m supposed to be playing. Not that being a seductive heart-throb is much of a role to me. Though for some reason, flirting with Mel like that feels strange - even if it‘s just fooling around - and as we approach the end of the street I let my arm slip away, using it to

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

gesture at the house practically vibrating from the deep bass tone of whatever speakers they‘ve hooked up. Not quite some of the clubs I‘ve been to, but not a bad effort for students. ―Whatcha think, girls? We at the right place?‖ A high-pitched scream cuts me off, followed by a scantily-clad girl running across the lawn in front of us, clutching her chest and chasing after a couple of guys laughing and waving a black lacy bra around. From the indignant shrieks and slight glaze of her eyes, she‘s obviously loving it - though as my gaze travels over Alana and Lily, it occurs to me that might not be so obvious to them. To our right, another couple of guys lean against the wall clutching cheap beer and raise it in our direction a moment later, hooting something incomprehensible. The expression on Alana‘s face tells me she might be seriously considering my question, but before she can say anything Mel grabs them both by the hand and charges ahead. ―Ohh, no you don‘t!‖ Her voice is breathless and laughing as she pulls them along, her enthusiasm not dampened in the slightest. ―We‘re doing this, girls - a night of freedom and fun!‖ I laugh as I watch their exuberant gait up to the door, something about the idea of Alana‘s uptight attitude meeting a party full of drunk college students teasing me for a moment. Then they disappear inside and my brief merriment is interrupted by the now-familiar beat— Oh-shit-oh-shit-oh-shit. That happens any time she leaves my sight. I jog to catch up, then push past the couple on the verge of making out in the hallway, relieved to find the three of them only a few steps inside. Alana turns back to look at me - not nearly as affronted by the half-naked guys or loud music as I was expecting - and I force myself to relax under her curious gaze.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Not planning on waiting for me?‖ I cock my head at them, but my words are lost in the sea of noise and the deep pounding beat that seems to shake the house. ―Let‘s get something to drink!‖ Mel shouts at us, her voice barely rising above the music. ―What?!‖ Lily yells back. ―I said - let‘s get a drink!‖ Mel leans in closer to us, and I finally see Lily nodding. This is why I never bother to talk at parties - well, that and I‘ve never needed words to get a girl interested. Alana shakes her head as Mel tries to pull her away. ―I‘m good! I‘ll stay here!‖ She gestures at me, and Mel gets a look on her face that I could only describe as devious as she grins and nods. Alana rolls her eyes as they leave - a silent communication that I can read far too well. Now if only I could follow up on her friend‟s obvious encouragement... Then they disappear and I‘m left alone with Alana. Which should be a good thing, I guess - if for no other reason than that it‘s far easier to make sure nothing happens to her when we‘re one-on-one. Except I suddenly realize it‘s awkward as fuck. She‘s just standing there, looking at me and then around, clearly out of place and unsure about this whole thing, even if she was trying to act enthusiastic earlier. And I‘m left with a whole lot of guilt about whether I should be showing her a good time - corrupting her in all those sweet ways I‘ve been picturing - or keeping Sullivan‘s precious daughter innocent and naive. She‘d definitely be safer that way - from stupid college pricks at least, if not hitmen and mafia dogs, and I‘m sure this wasn‘t what the boss was picturing.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I take another look at her, the slightly puzzled line across her forehead and unsure-but-game expression in her eyes and - fuck it, you‟ve got a role to play. I give her my best cocky grin and step closer, putting an arm around her with the excuse of bending closer to speak into her ear. To my surprise, she doesn‘t even step out of it. ―You sure you don‘t want anything?‖ ―No, I don‘t really drink.‖ She shrugs as I give an inward sigh. Of course you don‟t. Instead, my grin sharpens. ―Dancing it is, then.‖ And before she can react, I‘m pulling her towards a group in the middle of the living room - it‘s cramped and crowded, but it‘s maybe a little lighter in here. Just in case. The college party guy slash hitman-bodyguard might be a hard thing to balance, but hell, I‘m going to at least try. To her credit, Alana does actually get into it. And dancing with her is fucking hot. The way her body moves in that shimmering dress, it‘s almost as though I can see what she‘s hiding underneath and imagine those soft curves shifting under me instead of right there beside me. Waiting to be touched and taken and enjoyed. It‘s hard to keep it innocent, and I find myself moving closer, taking her hand and letting her twirl around with a light laugh, then bringing her in, just a bit closer. I‘m getting hard, right here in the middle of the house, but it‘s far too dark for anyone to notice so I pretend I‘m safe, and focus on trying not to freak her out with all the things I‘d normally be doing at this point. This is the most innocent dance I‘ve ever had. She has to be the most unconscious cock-tease I‘ve ever known too, and the way she grins up at me - life and happiness shining from her eyes - I can‘t decide whether I want to protect that sweet naivety forever, or take her right here as we‘re dancing.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Unfortunately, it‘s almost immediately obvious that I‘m not the only one with that idea, and as I catch guys checking her out and sidling up towards us, every protective instinct starts boiling inside me. And not because I think they‘re about to fucking kill her. I‘m not even sure why I care. I never have before. But I‘m not entirely sure Alana can take care of herself, and she doesn‘t seem to have a clue just how much attention she‘s attracting. Plus, usually I get to smirk at them, then casually step it up a level and start making a real move, showing everyone else just how out of my league they are. Which is the one thing I can‘t do here. So I just glare at them - and mostly, it works. I can be pretty intimidating when I want to be. But there are still the couple that come too close, that look too long, and set my body on edge. It‘s enough that I‘m about to suggest we take a break, when Mel and Lily come back to find us, looking a little tipsy and happy and relaxed. ―Hey, babe! I‘ve got to show you something!‖ Lily grabs Alana‘s arm and before I can react, she starts dragging her away, giggling a little. I make to go after them, only to have Mel get in my face. Her cheeks are tinged a little pink and she has a slightly high-and-mighty look on her face as she leans into me. Maybe she‘s more than a little tipsy. ―Hey, you.‖ She grabs my arm and I fight the instinct to throw her off and follow Alana, my gut tightening. I don‘t have time for this even if she is Alana‘s friend. ―I know you like her. Aand that‘s great…I‘m happy…but, listen here. You better treat her right. Don‘t…don‘t hurt her…‖ Seriously? I stare at her for a moment. I‘m really getting the protective-close-friend speech? Fuck that shit.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I don‘t want anything to happen to her—‖ Mel‘s staring at me like she‘s trying to decipher my ulterior motives, and all I can think about is the sharp fear in my stomach at letting her out of my sight, even for a moment. ―Then don‘t fucking leave her alone in a party full of drunk college guys.‖ I snap back, breaking her hold easily and pushing past the people that have reformed in front of us, ignoring the spluttered protest behind me and trying to find Alana and Lily. Which is damn hard in a party full of drunk students, even if I‘m better than most at elbowing and slipping my way through. It‘s too dark in here, even if I feel like I‘d recognize Alana in a heartbeat anyway, and there are too many people. The music is too loud. And I can‘t think beyond the constant beat of horrific images in my mind. I finally make my way out of the throng of dancing people and look around, having no idea which room they headed to. I should have asked Mel. But I couldn‘t wait for that. I find myself in full fight-mode as my head swings around and I scan every area, my body tense and alert and ready to act. It‘s a ridiculously over-the-top reaction, but I can‘t help it. And if it means I find her, I don‘t care. I finally catch a glimpse of them as I push through into the kitchen area - just in time to hear a startled scream and see an overbearing guy grinding himself up against Alana‘s back, running his hands down her and copping a feel. My vision goes red instantly, and despite the endless time it felt like it took to get here, I‘m over there in an instant. Alana‘s whipped around and I‘m pretty sure she‘s about to lay into the guy, but I don‘t give her a chance. I pull him back and throw him up against the wall, getting into his face without a moment‘s hesitation. I want to punch his lights out, but I‘m pretty sure these college kids have never seen my kind of violence, and scaring Alana off would be even worse than letting this dickhead get away unscathed. So instead I grab the collar of his t-shirt and push him back again, holding him there and letting him see the murder in my gaze. He‘s muscled and fit, but

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

obviously not a trained fighter and the wide-eyed way he‘s looking at me makes it clear he knows he‘s outclassed. ―You fucking asshole. Stay the hell away from her. You got that?‖ I snarl it at him, leaning forward again and watching as he splutters and coughs from the pressure. When he nods quickly, I scowl and finally push him away from us, watching as he staggers backwards and then disappears. I‘m still fighting the blood lust and adrenaline surging through me, and I take deep breaths as I try to calm down. Why the hell am I so wound up? A distant part of me is dimly aware that I‘ve done far worse than he tried and I was usually successful, too. Fuck it. A few people are looking over at us uncertainly, but most are either too drunk or simply don‘t care, and a quick withering glare at those that do puts an end to the attention. It‘s harder than I would have thought to look back at Alana - part of me wondering what I‘ll see in her eyes - but I steel myself and do it anyway. Most of the red-haze has vanished now, and I‘m slowly calming down. She looks slightly shocked - whether at what he tried, or at me, I have no idea and I‘m not entirely sure I want to find out. ―You okay?‖ My voice still comes out rough, but at least the question shows I‘m not about to unleash violence on her or Lily. She relaxes slightly as she nods, taking a breath of her own. ―Ugh, yeah. I think so.‖ Her voice doesn‘t waver, and I‘m secretly proud. Maybe she can hold her own better than I thought. ―Do you want to go outside?‖ I ask, more for myself than for her. I want to get away from the noise and the people and the heat.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She nods again and I lead them both to the back door, slightly relieved at the breeze when we finally get out and I can lean against the walls of the house. Alana seems to relax as well, and we‘re silent for a moment as Lily puts an arm around her again. I ignore my own urge to do that, and just try to filter everything out. Mel bursts out a moment later. ―Oh my god! I heard…what happened?!‖ She looks between us all, but my eyes are half-closed now, and I just ignore them as Lily and Alana fill her in. I can feel the uncertain glances in my direction, but there are no overly violent or crazy descriptions of me, so I convince myself I haven‘t traumatized anyone. Yet. Though I‘m starting to wonder whether that will still be true by the time I leave. I‘m obviously not cut out for being around normal kids. When Mel has finished exclaiming about it, the conversation shifts to other topics, but I filter it out and don‘t join in. They don‘t try and pull me into it, either maybe because they get that I‘m cooling down, or maybe because they‘re not entirely sure they want to talk to me anyway. So long as they don‘t try and leave, I don‘t care. I‘m too distracted by the reminder of what I‘m really doing here. My attention is on the shadows in the garden and anyone who tries to come too near not that there are many of them. I guess word got out fast. Good. After a while, when everyone‘s nerves have settled, I can tell Mel wants to go back inside, and to my irritation, she suggests it only a few moments later. The last thing I want right now is Alana back in that house. ―So…you think you‘re okay to go back inside? Pretty sure no one‘s going to bother you now, anyway.‖ The last with a quick glance at me, but I don‘t sense any animosity. Instead I give her a slow grin, making it clear that I think that‘s a good thing. It is a good thing, even if the way I react to these situations might not be.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Alana shrugs a little. ―You go ahead. I need a bit more time, but you don‘t have to stay with me.‖ ―No, that‘s fine. We can stay.‖ Lily responds immediately, and I suddenly realize she wants to go too. For some reason I hadn‘t pictured the quiet girl enjoying herself here. ―No, really, go. I can stay here with Caleb for a bit.‖ Alana insists, then gives me an almost sheepish look. ―If you‘re okay with that.‖ They all look at me, and I shrug with a smile. ―Sure thing, hun.‖ Score and score. I couldn‘t have asked for a better decision. I have no idea how she knew I had no interest in going back inside - or hell, maybe she just thought I‘d be more interested in staying with her. She wouldn‘t have been wrong. Mel and Lily share a look. I can‘t work out whether I‘m more exasperated or amused by those, but Mel gives a cheery smile and a wave and I can‘t really fault her. ―Okay, sure. Have fun, you two.‖ I scowl at that as they disappear. She‘s not wrong about what I‘d like to be getting up to, and I‘ve never resented the encouragement before - but it‘s frustrating as hell not being able to act on the implication. Alana shakes her head, but she seems more amused than anything as she leans back against the wall beside me. I can‘t help looking over at her, seeing the way her blond hair whispers around her shoulders, wanting to touch and comfort as I couldn‘t earlier. ―I‘m sorry.‖ I say, though I‘m not sure what for. Maybe for my outburst. Maybe for bringing her here in the first place. She shrugs as she looks up at me, an unexpected fierceness in her expression. ―I can take care of myself, you know. I could‘ve handled it.‖ ―I‘m sure you could have, hun.‖ I smile and finally do put an arm around her shoulder, even as something inside me breaks at her words.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

If only she knew what might be coming after her. The strange thing is, I almost believe her when it comes to drunk college guys. Maybe she isn‘t as naive or helpless as I thought. She relaxes into me, and my arm tightens almost instinctively, wanting her close. Like this, I can catch hints of the vanilla-spice fragrance she wears, and it fucking kills me. For one brief moment, I‘m overtaken by a longing for something I don‘t even understand. Then I push it away and force myself to look up into the garden again, watching shadows. I‘m here for one purpose. I need to remember it. The sooner I can get her away from this cursed party, the better. And the sooner I can get the hell away from this cursed job, the quicker I‘ll have my life back on track. ―I was kind of glad for the excuse to get out, to be honest. This isn‘t really my kind of fun.‖ She wrinkles her nose as she looks at me, and I grin because it‘s cute and sweet and just her. Of course this isn‟t. ―It‘s better when you drink.‖ I advise her. The nose wrinkle gets more pronounced, then it clears as she blinks at me suddenly. ―How come you didn‘t, then?‖ I maintain the grin, but only just, as my stomach twists. I‘m really not made to be an undercover agent, huh? I don‘t think everything through far enough, I‘m too obvious, and then too paranoid about discovery. I go with a half-truth, because aren‘t they meant to be the best kind? ―I felt I had a duty of care.‖ I make my voice sound officious, and hope she takes the self-mocking response without question. She gives me a not-quite-sure look, but before she can say anything else, I change the subject. ―So what‘s your idea of fun, then?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I figure she must like to do something other than studying and reading and lectures and micro-biology. I hope. She settles back against me with a small smile, and I try not to make my relief too obvious. ―Ohh, I don‘t know…I prefer calmer stuff, and smaller groups than this. Walking and finding beautiful places, or having really great conversations with a few people. Helping out at animal shelters and playing with cute puppies. And food. God, I love food. I‘d much rather go out to dinner than a party, any day.‖ She grins at me, even as my incredulity grows with every comment. I almost feel like we‘re on some whacked out dating show. She likes long, romantic walks along the beach, dinner dates and sweet baby animals, and generally being a good person. He likes parties, sex and drugs, martial arts and violence - oh, and makes a living killing people. I force that thought out of my mind and struggle to concentrate on what she‘s saying. I don‘t even know why I‘m thinking about dating. Like, what the hell, brain? Of all the things that are never going to happen… Then I catch another guy leering at Alana - too drunk to notice my hostile presence beside her - and I feel myself about to lose my cool again. She‘s still looking at me for a response, probably expecting some cocky remark, but instead I seize on the last thing she said. I don‘t want her here any longer. ―Okay.‖ I give her a grin. ―Let‘s go to dinner then.‖ She blinks at me, and that puckered line appears across her forehead as she frowns. ―What?‖ I get a strange little thrill from the impulsive decision. ―You‘d rather go to dinner than be at a party - I said okay then. We‘ll do that. C‘mon.‖ I push away from the wall and she hesitates for a moment, then catches up to me quickly. ―Just like that?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Yeah, just like that, hun.‖ That‘s the kind of person I‘ve always been. ―Okay, okay, wait.‖ She pulls at my arm, and I turn to face her, still smiling. ―We can‘t just—I need to tell Mel and Lily.‖ ―Sure. Let‘s find them, then.‖ I reply, and we head inside together. I feel a small flash of guilt at completely forgetting about them. I‘ve never been to clubs in a group before - at least not a group I couldn‘t just ditch. I keep Alana close to me and my arm around her shoulders, quietly grateful she‘s not objecting to that, even though no one comes near us. Navigating the maze of people is as irritating as it was before, but we find them quickly - dancing with a group of guys in the living room. I almost don‘t recognize them from the two girls I met in the lunch hall, and I‘m momentarily impressed by what a little bit of alcohol can do. It makes me remember why I actually like this scene. Alana pulls them away from the group and yells close to their faces. ―We‘re going to get food!‖ They both nod and I make to leave, before she continues. ―Do you want to come?!‖ What the hell? What kind of girl invites her friends out on a date with her? I mean, it‘s not a date. It can‘t be a date. But considering everything…I would‘ve thought she might have taken it that way. And I can‘t help feeling a little offended that she hasn‘t. Her friends are obviously thinking the exact same thing, because I catch the confused glaze on their faces and then Mel pushes her towards me. ―No - we‘ll stay here!‖ Alana hesitates between us, obviously suddenly confronted with something she isn‘t sure about. ―But—‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Just go! Have a good time, babe!‖ Lily adds, grinning and waving before turning back to the guys they left. Mel takes the hint and does the same, leaving Alana standing there looking at me. I almost want to laugh, but instead I take her hand and pull her along with me. When we get outside, I finally shoot her an amused look. ―Didn‘t want to be alone with me?‖ She blushes a fierce shade of red, and I just laugh. ―No! It‘s not that. I just…thought they might be hungry.‖ She finishes lamely. ―Ah, of course.‖ I don‘t believe her for a second, and she knows it. ―So where are we going?‖ She quickly changes the subject, and considering how many times she‘s let me get away with that, I let it go easily. At least she agreed to come out with me alone. I‘d half-expected to be shot down immediately. ―You know this town, hun, you‘ll have to tell me.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Six Caleb ―This is the first date I‘ve been on.‖ I say lightly, my eyes sparkling with amusement as I look over at Alana opposite me. We‘re sitting in a quiet Italian restaurant away from the main high street, and I have great line of sight out of the front window. Now that we‘re out of that god forsaken party house and alone, I feel much more relaxed and I can‘t resist teasing her - especially after she deliberately invited her friends to join us. Maybe my pride wanted to retaliate a little after she evidently didn‘t want to come out alone with me, but now that I wasn‘t constantly on edge and could let the hitman-protector-bodyguard role slip into the background, I felt like having some fun anyway. ―Really.‖ Alana doesn‘t disappoint, raising an eyebrow in that high-andmighty way of hers. ―You expect me to believe you‟ve never been with a woman?‖ I laugh easily, giving her my best arrogant smile. ―No, that‘s not what I said, hun. I‘ve just never taken one on a date.‖ She snorts, that familiar mixture of exasperation and amusement dancing in her eyes. ―This isn‘t a date. But, hey, since you‘re so inexperienced, maybe I‘ll let you practice a little. First lesson - don‘t open with how much you‘ve slept around.‖ She grins back at me and I twirl the pasta around my fork, pretending to be sophisticated. ―And why isn‘t this a date?‖ I make my voice innocent, but I know my expression is anything but. ―I only came with you to escape that party - this can be your apology for taking me in the first place.‖ She retorts, and I have to stop looking over at her as I feel my cock begin to harden.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I love it when she‘s this confident and spirited, even if it is about pushing me away. I‘ve only known her for a week - and, hell, I haven‘t exactly spent much time with her in that time - but it feels like it‘s been a lot longer. I‘ve seen how she reacts when she‘s excited or outraged, the tinge of pink across her cheeks when she‘s embarrassed. The way her eyes twinkle in amusement, then shift and deepen into the beginnings of arousal. Not that she‘d ever admit it. ―So, you really didn‘t like it, huh?‖ I ask, wondering why I‘m secretly relieved. A couple of days ago I was cursing her for being so boring, and now I want her to stay away from the college lifestyle I was hoping to join? ―Not much, no, though Mel and Lily seemed to be having a good time.‖ She takes another bite of chicken and pauses, considering. ―You didn‘t seem too happy either, actually. What was it - too tame compared to…where are you from, again?‖ ―Baltimore.‖ It slips out before I have a chance to think better of it, and then I curse myself. Sure, I grew up there, but that‘s way too close to home. Alana isn‘t supposed to know anything about me. I‘m not even meant to be talking to her. ―Ohh that‘s nice, I like it over there - my Dad lives out that way, so I‘ve visited a few times.‖ Alana continues obliviously, and then my sudden confusion overwhelms the momentary alarm. ―You don‘t live with your Dad?‖ I ask stupidly, my mind jumping to Sullivan even as I know that‘s the last direction this conversation should go in. She just shrugs in response. ―Nah, my parents split a few years after I was born. But it‘s okay, just what I‘m used to - I still get to see him, and I know he cares for me even if it didn‘t work out between them.‖ I didn‟t know that. She smiles almost shyly at me, and I suddenly realize that she probably doesn‘t talk about this stuff much. And she shouldn‘t be - not with me. ―Oh, okay.‖ My mind goes blank as I cast around for a way to stop talking about Sullivan. ―Um, how‘s your chicken?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Great. Real smooth. Idiot. ―Ah…it‘s good.‖ I swear I can see the brief flash of disappointment, and then she closes off from me again. We continue eating, this time in a slightly awkward silence and I curse myself again. Obviously, that was the wrong thing to say. I might not do the whole dating thing, but even I know how this is supposed to go. She opens up a little, shares something personal, and I give her something back - some anecdote of my own, or something to show I can relate. Not a meaningless comment about her fucking chicken. Except this isn‘t a date. And I can‘t understand why I keep trying to get it right. It‘s not like I‘ve ever been interested in dating, or relationships, or anything other than a bit of fun - even with women who weren‘t completely off limits because of their father. And no matter how much I want to, I can‘t say „my Mom ran off when I was little, didn‟t want anything to do with us, so it must be nice your parents had a good enough relationship you still get to see both of them‟ or even „where‟ve you been in Baltimore? You should come down more often, there‟s this lovely little place…‟. Because then she‘ll ask about my Mom - or my Dad, and I‘ll say too much - or hell, she‘ll even start visiting Baltimore more often, and Sullivan will skin me alive, and if we ever actually ran into each other there…it‘s hopeless. Impossible. So instead, I continue the meaningless small talk as if I‘m another dumb, hot guy who can‘t hold a conversation. At least I still get to play the role of hot. ―Well, now that tonight‘s adventure is over, what‘re your plans for the rest of the weekend?‖ I ask, trying to sound at least a little bit interested in the question. At least it would give me an idea of what I‘ll be doing for the next couple of days. Alana just shrugs, but now that I‘ve managed to think of something to say, she‘s a little more open again. ―Not much. I want to get a head-start on Professor Hart‘s seminar questions, so I‘ll probably be holed up in either my room or the library for most of it.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Oh, fuck my life. No one told me I‟d be spending so much of this time stuck inside and bored…even at the weekend? C‟mon, Alana, give me something! ―What about you?‖ She doesn‘t seem to notice my internal groan, or if she did, she‘d expected me to react that way to studying. Oh shit. I‘m meant to have independent plans too. This was a stupid conversation starter. Like all of them. There‟s a reason you‟re not meant to be fucking talking. I have no idea what to say, so I settle for honesty. It‘s pretty much all I know how to do anyway. ―I don‘t know how you do all that time stuck inside. Why don‘t you come for a run with me instead?‖ I suggest. More time together, probably with less talking, and I don‘t end up going fucking crazy. Best idea I‘ve had all day. Alana smirks at me over her glass of water. ―Is that your way of saying I need to lose some weight?‖ ―What?‖ I blink. ―No, of course not. You‘re perfect as you are.‖ Perfect? What a fucking stupid thing to say. Even if it‟s true. What the hell is she thinking, anyway? Lose weight? I‟m never going to understand women. ―Perfect as I am?‖ She laughs. ―Second tip of the day, Caleb…some bullshit cliche won‘t save you from implying a girl is fat.‖ ―Ah, fuck it, that is not what I said.‖ I‘m not sure if I‘m more annoyed or confused about how she‘s taking this. ―You know, going on a date is starting to seem like far too much effort.‖ She grins. ―Well, why else would I want to go running?‖ ―You said you like walking.‖ I point out. ―So it‘s just—‖ ―That‘s completely different! Running is actual effort.‖ She retorts.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―That‘s actually kind of the point. It gets some adrenaline and life flowing through you - that sort of physical effort makes you come alive. Work off the lethargy of sitting and studying all day - plus, it‘s got the benefits of walking too you could enjoy the cool, crisp air and we could find somewhere nice—‖ ―Okay, okay.‖ She holds up her hands in surrender. ―Thanks, but getting red-faced and sweaty and out of breath isn‘t my idea of a good time, so I think I‘ll just stick to my original plans.‖ And suddenly I‘m not thinking about running anymore. Not at all. Red-faced and sweaty and out of breath…fuck. ―Ohh, it isn‘t, is it?‖ I can‘t help myself. I go there. I grin slowly at her, and when she doesn‘t quite get it, start expanding. ―Baby, I promise, if I got you redfaced, sweaty and out of breath…we‘d be having a good time.‖ Her eyes widen, and then she exhales sharply as she finally get it, turning back to her meal with a decisive response. ―I‘m studying! That‘s all! Enjoy your run.‖ She shoves a piece of chicken into her mouth as I chuckle quietly, watching as her face turns a very pretty shade of pink. Red-faced already. One down… But I don‘t push it, even as much as she‘s tempting me right now. In fact, that‘s exactly the reason I have to shift the conversation back to safer grounds. ―Tell me.‖ She looks up suspiciously at my voice, and I lean forward almost conspiratorially, ―Do you really understand anything Professor Hart…or any of them…are saying? I swear it‘s all just a made-up language to fool us.‖ She laughs, and relaxes slightly, and I get a small thrill at accomplishing that. ―Yes, I do. And if your focus wasn‘t on finding the best parties in town, and drinking and partying, maybe you would too.‖ She grins, her intense scrutiny of the chicken subsiding.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Is that why you don‘t drink much?‖ I tilt my head, still curious about that. If she was going to try the partying, I would‘ve thought she‘d do it properly. ―Maybe after you see Mel and Lily can have a little alcohol and not flunk out, you‘ll change your mind.‖ I‘m still grinning and teasing, but even I can sense something shift between us as I say it. ―I‘m still not convinced they won‘t.‖ She makes an attempt at the quip, but it‘s half-hearted and her easy confidence slips as she looks off to the side. I wonder what I‘ve done wrong now and I‘m about to apologize for whatever it is, when she sighs and I get the feeling that it‘s not me at all. So I wait. When she turns back to look at me, it‘s slightly awkward, and there‘s a hesitancy there that I don‘t like. ―Are you okay?‖ I ask softly. ―It‘s silly…I just had a bad experience when I was younger.‖ She gives me a small smile and shakes her head. ―It‘s not even a big deal - I just kept it to myself for long enough it kind of seems that way, I guess.‖ I watch a her take a sip of water, unsure how to respond. ―I didn‘t mean—‖ I start. ―I know, it‘s fine.‖ She interrupts. ―As I said, not a big deal. But the first time a friend from school dragged me out to a party - you know, typical cool underage drinking - I had way too much. It felt good, and I was fascinated by that bubbly light-headed feeling, so I figured, why not?‖ I nod slowly, not quite sure why she‘s suddenly talking to me about this, or why it seems like the air has become so close and heavy. But hey, if she wants to swap stories of over-indulgence and mass hangovers, then— ―And there was a guy there - to be fair, he was probably as drunk as I was, and I was probably dancing on top of him at some point, so, y‘know, it‘s not hard to see why he got the wrong idea. But—‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Oh fuck. I don‟t want to know this. I really don‟t want to know this. I can already feel the anger simmering, almost waiting for the chance to explode, and unease tightens in my stomach as she continues. ―But things got scary for a few moments there. Like, really scary. And so—‖ ―What happened?‖ I ask, stupidly. But I can‘t help myself. I‘m getting that same red haze I got earlier, but so much worse - and this time, so impotent. How can I beat the fuck out of a kid from years ago? ―Nothing.‖ She gestures dismissively, but her eyes are distant and I don‘t like it. ―Nothing, okay? But for a few moments, I thought…well, I thought something would. And it wasn‘t even that—‖ ―Alana…‖ I grind it out. It‘s driving me crazy how casually she‘s talking about this. Her eyes flick back up to me, seeming almost confused at whatever she sees on my face. ―It was fine. Really. A friend - the one that took me out in the first place - she found us and barged in, so nothing happened. You‘re missing the point. It wasn‘t even any of that - it was how it felt when…when he was…it was just how fucking helpless I was. Because I couldn‘t think, couldn‘t feel, couldn‘t do anything. It was like one big, hazy fog where my limbs were heavy and everything was difficult. Like I was fucking paralyzed or something and just…ugh. I don‘t want to get that out of control again. So I don‘t drink, basically. Because now that fluffy-fun-lightheaded feeling just reminds me of being so completely helpless in my own body.‖ I‘m so far past the point of caring about whether she drinks, it‘s unbelievable. My whole body is tense and hurting from the need to keep it restrained, to stop myself from bursting out of my seat and making a scene like some crazed person. I feel like a crazed person. How the fuck am I supposed to just listen to this and act like it‟s no big deal?!

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I‘m meant to be protecting her, and I don‘t care that this happened years ago or even that she thinks she‘s over it - the images of someone scaring her like that won‘t leave my mind, and all I can think about is how badly I want to find the bastard and make him regret the day he ever laid a hand on her. She‘s looking at me for some response, and I know I need to say something but none of the thoughts rushing through me are even remotely acceptable. ―If I ever find that bastard, I‘m going to leave him unable to walk for weeks.‖ My voice is low and dangerous, but even as she stares at me in shock, I can‘t help it. That‘s the tamest possible interpretation of the murder running through my veins, and I‘m silently pleased it didn‘t come out as a death threat. ―Caleb…shit. I—that‘s really not why I told you about it.‖ Alana‘s eyes are wide and slightly disbelieving. ―You can‘t—just say stuff like that.‖ ―Fuck it, any decent guy would.‖ I snort and shake my head - she can‘t be that sheltered, not with Sullivan… ―Hell, you must‘ve heard worse from your father at the time.‖ It comes out before I can think better of it, but even as I regret bringing him into the conversation again, the image of his reaction to all of this suddenly overwhelms me. He must‘ve— ―I didn‘t tell him - he wasn‘t even there at the time.‖ She gives me a strange look as she continues. ―But god damn it, Caleb, he‘s a straight-laced accountant from Baltimore - he wouldn‘t have said anything of the sort. You‘re the only guy I know who might start throwing threats like that around.‖ I stare at her for a moment. An accountant?! The image clashes so hard with the Sullivan I know that I have to force myself not to immediately object. Fuck it. Really? Fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Then the rest of her words sink in and something inside me chills - he doesn‟t know. About any of this. ―Why didn‘t you tell him?‖ I ask without thinking, and the strange expression on her face deepens. ―Really?‖ She laughs, but there‘s no humor in it as she shakes her head at me. ―Why would I? It would‘ve just upset him, ended any chance of me going out again, and there was nothing anyone could do about it anyway. How many teenage girls do you know that would‘ve done that?‖ I don‘t answer. I‘m too busy trying not to panic over having this completely unwanted, dangerous information thrust on me. I want to ask what the hell she thinks she‘s doing, telling me things like this. Information that Sullivan would expect me to pass on - and I already know I‘m not going to. I can‘t imagine breaking her confidence, even if I never wanted it in the first place. And I know what he‘d do. Of course she never told him. Of course she doesn‘t know what his reaction would‘ve been. If she had, that guy would have disappeared shortly afterward. I should know. I do enough of the disappearing. Even years on, he‘d probably find a way. For this. For his daughter. I‘m suddenly not hungry anymore, and the weight of what I‘m doing here is crashing down around me again. Every time I almost forget for a moment, start to relax or have a good time…there‘s some reminder. She‘s his daughter. And he is…who he is. Which is not some fucking innocent accountant. ―You know, I really can‘t work you out, Caleb.‖ I look up again to see Alana looking at me, the previous distance in her expression replaced by a considering gaze as she watches me. ―I‘ve told a couple of people what happened, back then…sometimes they ask why I didn‘t go to the police…or talk to my Mom…or

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

the school. You‘re the only one to start making threats and asking about my out-ofstate father.‖ ―And?‖ I tilt my head at her with a small smile, as if I‘m just amused by the comment, but my heart starts thumping harder against my ribcage. I just need to stop fucking talking about certain things. Or anything. A small frown-line appears across her forehead as she concentrates, and it‘s enough to sharply remind me just how damn pretty she is - and lift me out of my unhelpful preoccupation with Sullivan and the mob and…everything I need to stop thinking about. ―And…you‘re just different, somehow.‖ I also need to get her to stop thinking about that, before it gets too dangerous. But the worst thing I could do is deny it, so instead I lean back and let my smile widen. ―Maybe I am, hun.‖ I look her up and down, and that‘s enough to get her ever-so-slightly flustered and distracted again. God I love the way this girl reacts to me. And how obvious it is. ―Maybe that‘s a good thing.‖ I want to draw us back to that light-hearted, easy banter of the beginning of the evening, but it doesn‘t quite work. She‘s still looking at me with that far-tooperceptive gaze, as if I‘m a puzzle she‘s trying to figure out. And there are still shadows and memories in her eyes that I want to banish. So before she can respond, I decide I‘m done with this conversation. It‘s been too heavy and dark and altogether confusing, and I need to get back into a safe area again. So I ask a question that I just know will get a reaction out of her. ―So, this date‘s going pretty well, huh? You promised me tips, remember.‖ I‘m pretty much just giving her an excuse to insult me some more, but right now, I‘m missing that about her. Those sweetly disparaging remarks with all her fire and spark behind them. And after this far-too-serious conversation, I want to see that again. She obliges immediately, leaning back with a laugh and shaking her head at me. ―Yeah, not so much, buddy. You‘ve clearly got a lot to work on.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I raise an eyebrow and she starts ticking things off on her fingers. ―Opening with how much you‘ve slept around, calling me fat—‖ ―I didn‘t call you fat!‖ I interrupt. She continues as if I hadn‘t spoken. ―…making inappropriate comments…‖ ―Girls like those.‖ I inform her. ―…and threatening serious violence—‖ ―That was in your defense!‖ I object again, but relax a little when she moves on without dwelling on that. ―Yeah, sorry Caleb. I might have thought you were hot initially, but after all that, even your infuriating charm won‘t save you. Gonna have to try harder for the next girl.‖ ―Ha! I knew it.‖ My grin widens. ―What?‖ Those frown-lines appear again. ―You think I‘m hot.‖ I don‘t even want to avoid the smug satisfaction in my voice. She rolls her eyes. ―Of course that‘s what you take away from that.‖ ―Well, what else matters?‖ I‘m teasing her, but it‘s so much fun I can‘t help myself. ―I‘m not even going to…‖ She shakes her head again, but she seems more amused than annoyed. I finish the last bit of my pasta and then give her another look. ―Maybe you‘re right, though. Maybe I should just avoid dating. You know…focus on what I‘m good at. I‘ve never needed any of this before.‖ I gesture around at the restaurant to make my point, watching the way her eyes dance as she looks at me. I fucking love seeing that expression on her face.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―You‘ve never tried to find a quality woman before.‖ Alana says, then immediately groans. ―Ugh, and I can‘t believe I just said that. We‘re not commodities, you know.‖ I‘m still smiling, but somehow her words go right through me, to some part of me that secretly agrees with her. I don‘t like it but…sitting here, laughing over dinner with Alana, it‘s hard to deny. Not one of my dime-a-dozen women have come close to eliciting what she brings out with every light comment. She‘s clever and feisty and somehow able to avoid my charms. My innuendos go straight past her more often than not. And despite myself, it‘s as intoxicating as it is infuriating. Damn it. I make some non-committal reply, but I can‘t get that thought out of my head as we finish up dinner and start walking home. And every time I look down at her beside me, my pulse pounds harder in my blood again. Thank god I didn‘t have alcohol, or this light-hearted walk would be truly impossible. She‘s temptation itself, and as she laughs and obviously enjoys our casual banter, it‘s all I can do not to pull her into me and claim her mouth as mine. It‘s late now, and the quiet streets and cool night air only make her vibrancy and life seem to echo around us. I‘m vaguely aware that I should be watching the shadows and paying attention, but all I can think about is how…normal tonight seemed. How simple and free and nice it was just to go to dinner with an innocent college girl. I turn back towards the college campus and Alana doesn‘t even hesitate as we turn away from the direction of the party - and her friends. That won‘t start winding down for a long time, and I feel selfishly pleased that she doesn‘t want to find them again. I have no idea what they‘re up to, but Mel seems like she can take care of herself - and probably Lily too. ―I‘ll be a gentleman and walk you home, shall I?‖ I smile at Alana as we reach the edge of campus, and she elbows me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I‘d be impressed if that offer wasn‘t entirely because you live right next to me.‖ She wrinkles her nose again and laughs at me. ―Might as well take what you can get, hun.‖ Impulsively, I reach out and wrap an arm around her waist, the way I‘ve been wanting to all evening. To my surprise, she presses herself up against my body, and my heart jumps into my throat. I‟m not meant to be doing this. This isn‟t how it‟s supposed to go. We cover the short distance to our dorm building in a silence that‘s far more comfortable than I want to admit. And I try to ignore that I can feel every sweet breath she takes, smell that unique vanilla-spice scent that I‘ve already come to associate with her, and feel the heat of her body burning mine. When we get to thirty-seven - my room - Alana tilts her head at me, but I continue forward, gliding us the next couple of paces to her door. ―See? What did I tell you - I‘d walk you home.‖ I grin at her, but when I meet her eyes, there‘s far more than amused banter sparking there. ―Mmhmm…‖ She murmurs, looking up at me with big fuck-me eyes, and my half-hard cock stiffens instantly. Oh fuck. I know that look. Her head is tilted just so, her breathing getting heavy enough that her lips are starting to part…she‘s waiting for me to kiss her. Expecting it. Wanting it. And every part of me wants to oblige. The sudden heat and desire is overwhelming. I even have the perfect excuse - an end to our date and the practice she promised… But I can‘t.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She‘s light and laughter and life, and as badly as I want to kiss her…the need to protect her is even stronger. Even if it‘s from myself. ―Goodnight, sweetheart.‖ I give her a crooked smile, then turn without another word. My door is only a few steps away, but I feel her confused-disappointed stare sliding down my back for the rest of the night.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Seven Alana ―Your sex-god is back there again.‖ Lily says casually, adding a couple of books to the pile in the middle of our table and sitting back down. I groan and try not to look back towards the shelves of biology textbooks she just came from. ―He‘s not my anything.‖ I insist, burying myself in the suddenly incomprehensible symbols in the book in front of me. And they need to stop stop calling him that. Mel had mentioned it once, in her overly dramatic way - and for some stupid reason sex god had stuck. I mean, maybe the name fit, but— ―Not with that attitude!‖ Mel interrupts, ―I don‘t understand you - something must have happened on that date…maybe you just didn‘t pick up on it. But I‘m sure he‘ll work out you have no clue—‖ ―Mel!‖ I hiss at her, glancing around - the library is far too quiet for this conversation, and it‘s been happening for the last three days. ―Can we please stop talking about this? I said I‟m not interested! It wasn‘t a date, nothing happened and I don‘t want anything to!” Well, two out of three are true… But my mind instantly flashes back to that crazy-intense moment with Caleb - looking up at him in the hallway, full of anticipation and need and want, just standing there like an idiot waiting for him to make the move that I know he‘s about to. Knowing that I should stop him, and knowing even more that I‘m not going to. Completely overwhelmed by how much I want his lips on mine. And then…nothing.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I‘d been wrong. He‘s not interested. Which is a good thing anyway - because he‘s so totally wrong for me. Even if I can still feel the frustrated lust of being left there, staring after him with heat simmering in my body. We hadn‘t even done anything and I had no idea why I was so turned on and wanting more…but all I could think about was his body pressed against mine, surrendering to that passion… And after he just left, I hadn‘t even been able to go back into my room and get it out of my system with my favorite vibrator - not with him right next door, and those comments about how he could hear everything. There was no way I was going to give him the satisfaction of thinking that might be about him. Even if it would have been. Fuck. ―We‘ll stop talking about it when you stop flushing pink every time I mention him. Then you‘ll convince me you‘re not interested.‖ Mel smiles triumphantly at me and I know my face reddens even more at the idea of her catching a glimpse of what I was just thinking about. Damn body. Betrays me every time. ―Mel, I mean it. He‘s so not my type - his opening line on that definitely-nota-date was about how many girls he‘d slept with! You know I‘ve never gone for the infuriating, cocky guys who only want to have a good time, party, drink, fuck college girls…‖ I‘m emphatic enough about it that Mel actually pauses. Maybe I‘ve finally won this argument. After the rumors Bryan started last year, they both know I‘ve got good enough reason to stay away from those jerks. But Lily‘s considering tone interrupts that thought, ―I know you hate those guys, Alana, but…c‘mon. However asshole-sexy he might be, Caleb‘s different from them - even I can see that. How many of those idiots on campus d‘you know that never miss a lecture, and spend all their time in the library? I swear he‘s here as often as us.‖ I blink at that, and this time I can‘t stop myself from glancing over at him. He‘s wearing a short-sleeved shirt today, but somehow his figure looks even better

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

when it‘s not outlined by the tight t-shirts he seems to prefer. It‘s somehow less intimidating, and makes him seem far more approachable than usual. I look back at the table before he can catch me staring, but my heart speeds up just from that brief, darting glance. Damn it. And Lily‘s right - I‘ve never seen any of those assholes here in the library. Which is half the reason I fell in love with it last year. After the rumors Ryan started, I wanted to be as far away from them as possible. But Caleb is here. Every god-damn day. Who the hell is this guy? ―Alana?‖ Lily‘s voice breaks through, and I look up at her. ―Sorry, nothing.‖ I shake my head. ―Just…thinking about what you said. You‘re right. Maybe he‘s not like them…but I don‘t get him at all.‖ ―Well, there‘s one simple way to fix that,‖ Mel grins, and Lily‘s mouth curves up in a smile to join her. ―You could always go over there, and y‘know speak to him? Maybe get to know him better.‖ She doesn‘t quite wink as she says it but her voice makes the implication obvious anyway, and I laugh. ―You‘re not listening to me - really, there‘s no point. Nothing happened between us on Friday.‖ I insist, ―He‘s just not interested - you were wrong about that, guys.‖ As disappointing as that might be. Coming to terms with that over the last few days hadn‘t been the easiest thing I‘d done here, but I was getting over my injured pride - or I would be, if Mel and Lily didn‘t keep reminding me. ―Hmm…‖ Lily looks back over at him, and I hiss at her to stop doing that. ―Are you sure, Alana? He keeps looking over at you.‖ ―Yeah, babe, tell us what you talked about.‖ Mel adds, ―What did he say? There must‘ve been something there. He didn‘t invite you out or anything at all?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I laugh and shake my head. ―Unless you count wanting to go on a run together, nope, nothing.‖ Of course, Mel‘s expression immediately leaps at that. ―He wanted to take you on a run? Why didn‘t you take him up on it then, you idiot! Definitely interested.‖ ―Yeah,‖ Lily continues enthusiastically, ―He probably had the place all picked out…a light run to a beautiful, secluded location, all decked out with—‖ ―Yeah, sure, Lily.‖ I say sardonically, reaching over to shove her lightly as I laugh at them both. ―The way he was talking about it - he was definitely more interested in the run than me. And that‘s about my last idea of fun, ever.‖ But now that they‘re obsessing over it, I can‘t help but wonder. Was he planning something like that? Did I get it completely wrong? I think back to the sparkle in his eye, the way he described running, and…nope. I‘m pretty sure all he was thinking about was the exercise. At least until he started making those coarse innuendos…but that didn‟t mean anything either. Stupid semi-sexual comments seem to be his default response. ―I really think you‘re being too dismissive here, Alana.‖ Mel sighs dramatically at me. ―I‘m starting to wonder how we‘re ever going to get through to you.‖ ―Yeah, girl - what if he gave all the signals, and you just wrote them off like that. And now all he can do is follow you around, pining uselessly over his unrequited feelings…‖ Lily‘s wistful voice trails off as she rests her head on her palm in such a hopeless-romantic movement I have to fight a fit of giggles. ―Believe me, Caleb does not seem the kind of guy to pine over anything. He‘s more the take-it-by-the-fist type, I think.‖ I grin crookedly at them. ―And what if coarse assumptions like that are the reason he‘s never been able to connect with someone before? Maybe he was hoping you could be

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

different, but now…ohh, the poor guy…‖ Lily‘s hand drops to her heart, before Mel elbows her in the ribs. ―And when did you become the crazy romantic, babe?‖ Mel asks. Lily just grins back and cuts the fake-heartfelt actions. ―Hah, sorry…I think I saw too many romantic period dramas with my Mom over summer. But still…what makes you so sure he‘s not interested?‖ I haven‘t told them about the kiss-that-wasn‘t yet. The whole thing had been too awkward for me to want to repeat out loud - and besides, it would‘ve only added fuel to their insistence that I was into him. But with them pressing so hard, it just comes out. ―He didn‘t kiss me. When we were stood outside my door…he could have, but he just…walked away. He wasn‘t into it, guys.‖ There. Now they know. At least that settles it. ―That‘s it?!‖ Mel stares at me. ―That‘s why you‘re so convinced about this? Oh, for fuck‘s sake, Alana.‖ ―What?‖ I frown at her, annoyed. ―You tell me that after insisting that this thing wasn‘t a date - even inviting us along, damn it - swearing up and down that you don‘t like him and rejecting his invitation to go running…after all that, you‘re surprised he didn‘t kiss you? He was probably just taking you at your word, babe!‖ Mel exclaims, too loudly yet again, but this time I‘m not even irritated about it as her argument reaches some small, hopeful part of me that I hadn‘t even realized existed. ―You think?‖ I ask slowly. ―Ugh, yeah, even I‘d agree with Mel there. Maybe he‘s a gentleman.‖ Lily‘s smile has far too much sweetness and hope in it. I just snort at the idea. ―I‘m pretty sure Caleb isn‘t a gentleman.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Well, we don‘t know. He‘s an enigma.‖ Mel declares. ―And you‘re never going to find out if you don‘t try. Believe me, babe, the ball is one hundred percent in your court, now.‖ I can‘t believe they‘re convincing me. But they are. I‘m pretty much twitching with the instinct to look over at him, and somehow going over there is suddenly becoming a good idea. ―I‘m not sure…‖ My brow furrows, but it‘s obvious my objections have run out of steam. ―Why don‘t you invite him to that dance show on Saturday?‖ Lily suddenly suggests, ―We were all planning on going anyway.‖ ―Ohh, that‘s a good idea!‖ Mel enthuses, ―And Lily was thinking of inviting…ohh, what was his name again?‖ ―Thomas.‖ Lily suddenly turns shy, and I only just recall the comments between them about a guy Lily had made out with at the party. ―And I haven‘t decided yet…maybe.‖ God, have I been that preoccupied? ―Thomas? Is that the guy you kissed on Friday?‖ I ask, relieved for the brief interruption to facing the idea of going to talk to Caleb again. ―Yeah. He‘s sweet, and…it was nice. But I‘m still trying to work it out.‖ She smiles over at me and shrugs a little. ―Wait a minute, why haven‘t we been focusing on this all week? Lily‘s the one who actually seems to have done something.‖ I shoot Mel a look that she returns easily. ―Because she‘s not in denial and doesn‘t need help.‖ Mel gives me a sweetsarcastic smile. Wow. That‟s the first time Lily‟s love life has been rated higher than mine. Maybe I really do need to do something about this…

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I want to feel offended, but I can‘t quite pull it off. Instead, I just feel happy for Lily - she deserves to have someone sweet to be thinking about. Mel, on the other hand… ―And what about you, then?‖ I arch an eyebrow. ―At least Lily and I have options we‘re considering at the moment. Maybe we need to focus on helping you, instead?‖ If we‘re going to play this obsess-over-guys game, I‘m going to make sure Mel gets at least as much grief about it as I have. ―Ohh, I don‘t think you girls need to worry about me.‖ Mel gives a secretive smile that quickly turns into an all-out grin. ―I‘m perfectly capable of finding my own fun. In fact…I did only last night.‖ ―No way!‖ Lily gets in before I can, and I feel my own eyes widen in surprise. ―Okay, Mel, how is this not today‘s topic of conversation? You need to tell us everything!‖ I insist, curiosity getting the better of me. ―Oh no, babe, I‘m not letting you get distracted that easily.‖ She laughs and gestures behind her to where Caleb is sitting. ―Go over there and make nice with the guy who obviously wants to get in your pants, and then I‘ll give you the fun stories.‖ I grumble at her, but my heart rate ticks up again and suddenly, whatever she‘s got to say, I can barely think about it anymore. Damn it, she‘s probably right - I‘m just looking for distractions. Even if they sound fascinating. And I do want to go over there. ―Okay, okay. I‘m going.‖ I give in, but I don‘t even register their responses as I get up and decide to work out whether Caleb really might be interested - or if scorchingly hot flirtation is just his default setting.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

* * *

I try to ignore the way my heart thuds in my chest as I walk over to where Caleb sits - only a few tables away from ours, and in direct line of sight of our table. Thank goodness I hadn‟t looked up as much as I‘d wanted to, or he would have known exactly what we‘d been talking about. Or, rather, who. He looks up from what he‘s doing when I‘m a couple of paces away and it feels like his dazzling green eyes go straight through me. Stop that, Alana. You‟re being ridiculous. Since when has this guy come to affect you so much? Shaking off the feeling, I give him a smile and glance down at the desk briefly - to see the paper his pen is hovering over covered in doodles and drawings. The rest of the table seems to hold an unopened textbook, and nothing else. ―What are you doing here, Caleb?‖ The question slips out automatically, the same thing I‘d wondered aloud to Mel and Lily earlier. He‘d never seemed like the kind of guy to take studying seriously…but he had come to the library, at least. To do…nothing? ―Daydreaming about not being here.‖ He gives me a rakish grin, and I can feel my lips quirk upwards as they want to respond. I laugh and shake my head. ―I don‘t understand you at all.‖ He sets the pen down and leans back, properly focusing on me now, and I realize I‘d forgotten the pure power in that arrogant gaze. ―Want to get to know me better then?‖ Something shivers down my spine, and I tilt my head a little, forcing my response to be casual. ―Well, I was coming to ask if you were going to the dance show on Saturday.‖ ―Are you going?‖ He fires back.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I glance back over my shoulder instinctively, towards Mel and Lily, then nod. ―We were planning to, yes.‖ He gives me a long look before responding, eyes gleaming. ―Then yes, I think I might come along.‖ Seductive bastard. How does he manage to put so much meaning into simple conversation? And I belated realize that with the way I phrased it, I have no idea whether that counted as an invitation or not. Is he coming with me or just coming? Ugh - maybe it doesn‘t even matter with him. ―Okay then.‖ I nod, but hesitate before turning to leave, glancing down at what he was working on. ―You‘re really not studying?‖ I know there‘s a silly part of me that just doesn‘t want to leave yet, but also I can‘t work him out. And I can‘t help wanting to know more about him. To understand all these strange contradictions. Maybe I‘m just fascinated by the enigma, as Mel put it, even if the man himself turns out to be wildly inappropriate for me. ―No point.‖ He shrugs, ―That micro-cell-whatever might as well be Latin for all I know.‖ ―Oh c‘mon, it can‘t be that bad.‖ I insist. Most of these first few weeks is going over old ground anyway, unless whatever they taught him at Maryland was really that useless. Which it shouldn‘t be - it‘s got a decent reputation. ―Hmm…‖ His eyes light with mischief as he gives me a considering look. ―Well, maybe I‘m just not properly motivated. If I joined your study group, though, I‘m sure I‘d find it more…interesting.‖ ―Umm…‖ Shit.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I can‘t tell if that‘s a serious request, or if he‘s implying something else entirely. But regardless, there‘s no way that would be a good idea - for my concentration, if nothing else. ―No? Well, you could always offer to tutor me…one-on-one.‖ His grin widens. I can feel my cheeks heating and scowl back in irritation. ―Why does it feel like everything you say means something else?‖ There. I said it. If he‘s going to make everything sound so…dirty…then I‘m damn well calling him out on it. I might not do all these innuendos, but I‘m not just going to let him have his fun with me. But he just laughs at that - a warm, lovely sound as it rolls out of him, genuine and open. Then he pushes his chair back and stands up, coming around next to me and looking down with a different kind of heat in his eyes. Everything within me contracts, and he suddenly feels both too close to me, and not close enough. His voice comes out low and deep as his head dips and his eyes sparkle at me. ―Because I‘m very good at sending certain signals, Alana…and, however much you might claim otherwise, your body wants to pick up on every little one.‖ Fuck. I have to fight the shudder that wants to make it‘s way through my traitorous body and prove his point. Instead, I break that too-tight tension between us and take a step back. I‘m not sure why I‘m resisting, but he‘s entirely too sure of himself, too cocky, and these things don‟t work on me. I‘ve never fallen for stupid comments and heated looks before, and I‘m not going to give him the satisfaction of thinking that shit works. My hand catches on the desk as I put more space between us and I look down instinctively, distracted again by the intricate drawings. At least it would be something else to talk about than his endless double-meanings and come-ons.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I guess it settles the question of whether he‟s into you or not…unless he‟s just like this with every damn girl. ―You‘re pretty good at those, you know.‖ I shift the paper closer. ―What are they all?‖ Wild student, avid library-goer and…artist? I have no clue. ―Tattoo designs.‖ He follows my gaze, and the heat slides back into amusement as he lets me change the subject. ―I was trying to decide which one I want next.‖ ―Next?‖ I glance back to him, my eyes immediately going to the glimpses of tattoos snaking out of his short-sleeved shirt. ―Yeah, next.‖ He grins, following my eyes briefly before his hands start working down the front of his chest. Then his shirt is off and I‘m stood there staring like an idiot. Partly because his naked chest is a thing of complete, glorious beauty. And partly because he just stripped in the library. ―Caleb! You can‘t…just—‖ I stutter, ―This is the library—someone might see!‖ He laughs again, then grabs my hand before I can protest further and pulls me back with him into the towering shelves of books. I resist for just a moment, and then I‘m stumbling after him breathlessly, sudden adrenaline surging through me. ―Better?‖ His arch look has me laughing with him, even as I pull back and he lets me go. ―Caleb!‖ I can‘t even form a coherent argument anymore. I just seem to be repeating his name in disbelief. ―What? You wanted to see, didn‘t you?‖ His eyes are twinkling back at me and as much as I‘m trying not to, I can‘t help staring at his chest.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

It‘s shadowed here in the back of the library, but the hard ridges of his muscles are obvious, with striking black lines creating complex patterns and pictures across his shoulders and pecs and completely mesmerizing me. Heat spreads throughout my stomach and I have to resist the urge to clench my thighs together as I take him in. The poor lighting and seclusion here just make it more exciting, and I‘m torn between wanting these daring, exciting moments and finding them completely outrageous. This isn‘t me at all. So why do I like it so much? I can‘t work it out. And I can‘t work him out either. He‘s like nothing I‘ve ever known. One moment playful and kid-like, laughing and pulling me along with him in big, attention-grabbing gestures. But now, alone and hidden in the back of the library, he‘s got a rougher feel to him rugged and…inexplicable. And I don‘t even want to be this fascinated by it. ―So?‖ Caleb interrupts my racing thoughts, ―Are you going to tell me which one you like?‖ I look at his chest again - why can‟t I stop doing that? - and then force my gaze away, glancing back over my shoulder. ―Your drawings were back there…‖ I start uncertainly, feeling completely unbalanced. I‘m still not sure whether I‘m really here, actually doing this. ―That‘s okay.‖ His voice, low and seductive, draws me back to him, and he steps closer. ―I can tell you what I was thinking.‖ He starts outlining his idea for an eagle just under his collar bone, wings dipped in a dive and claws outstretched, his hands tracing imaginary lines over his skin. I can‘t take my eyes off them. But I‘m not imagining the eagle - I‘m picturing

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

my fingers following his, my mouth and lips tasting and touching every part of him. I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning at the thought - and he‘s not even touching me. He‘s not doing anything. And this time he isn‘t even making stupid comments. Until where we are hits me again, and I jerk myself out of those daydreams, the absurdity of it all washing over me. ―Caleb…we‘re in the library.‖ I say, my voice hushed again. ―So?‖ He interrupts his monologue and raises an eyebrow at me, as if my objection isn‘t obvious. ―So this isn‘t what it‘s meant for.‖ I think of my books and papers and the half-written seminar answers waiting for me back at my desk. I can‘t tell whether I‘m longing to get back to that, out of the sudden awkwardness I feel - or if it feels far less interesting in comparison. ―It‘s the best use I‘ve seen so far.‖ He grins at me, completely irreverent. I shake my head again, bemused, but glad for the interruption to the deep, sensual tone he‘d used to talk about his tattoos. ―You know, you don‘t have to be here if you don‘t want. There‘s hardly much point in coming and pretending to study.‖ I point out. ―True.‖ He smiles again, his hand dropping from the black ink as his eyes flick over my body. ―But maybe there are certain advantages to be had here.‖ My skin prickles again, but I can‘t help myself. ―Like…what?‖ He steps closer. ―Well, I was certainly enjoying the view.‖ I think back to his table, directly opposite ours - to the point that I had to actively avoid looking over there half the time. Maybe he hadn‘t been doing much avoiding.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My cheeks heat, and twin spikes of excitement and uncertainty rush through me. ―So what…you‘re stalking me now?‖ I mean it as a joke, but the moment I say it, I‗m suddenly uneasy. I do keep seeing him around - I mean, that‘s probably because we‘re on the same course and live right next to each other, but…he‘s also felt dangerous from the moment I first saw him. What if he‟s the scarily obsessive type or something? But for some reason, as I look up at him, that thought only makes my pulse beat harder. Which is ridiculous. I‘ve never been the type of girl to get turned on by being alone with some rough, seductive guy. ―It‘s only stalking if you don‘t like it, hun.‖ He shifts closer to me, and I can‘t breathe from the intensity of his body so close to mine. His deep voice runs through me, stirring every half-asleep nerve and setting it on fire. ―Do you want me to leave you alone?‖ No. I don‟t. I can‘t believe it, but I don‘t. And he knows it without me saying a thing. I take a step closer and look up, my eyes catching on the slight stubble around his firm lips as I imagine the burn of them pressing against me. The intensity spikes between us and the shrinking gap between our bodies becomes alive as he leans down towards me. Fuck. I want this. To hell with what I should do. I lift my head to his and my hand comes up to finally touch that rock-hard chest I‘ve been staring at, gliding along his abs as the power of his burning gaze threatens to swallow me whole.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His lips are hovering right above mine, my whole body tense and waiting for the kind of kiss I‘ve been longing for…when my hand falters against an uneven ridge, a flaw in the perfect muscle of his chest. I pause instinctively as I feel the shape of the ragged skin there, then blink as I realize he‘s frozen against me. After a long, tense moment, his hand moves to cover mine and slowly draw it away from that place under his ribs. His mouth lowers again, but my mind is racing too fast now, distracted by the unexpected discovery. ―What—?‖ I get in, before his lips have a chance to close over mine. He stops again, his breath hot on my lips, and I‘m torn by the conflicting needs of my curiosity and desire. Then he makes the choice for me and steps back, head tilted with a strange light in his eyes as they meet mine. With more than a foot between us, my eyes drift downward and I finally see what the shadows, tattoos and defined muscles masked only moments ago. A couple of long, twisted scars marring the perfect golden skin under his ribs, that reach around to his side. The hint of an older, smaller puckered scar just above his kidney, almost as if from a…bullet?! ―Where did you get…‖ I ask, wide eyes meeting his again. I can‘t help the sudden images that come to my mind. Violence. Danger. That‘s exactly the air he has around him again now, and as the now-familiar arrogant smile spreads across his face, I can almost see the rest of him close off from me. ―Oh, you know. Around.‖ His voice is amused, but he shrugs his shirt back on and slowly starts buttoning it up. I guess that means we‟re done with the about-to-kiss moment again? ―Around?‖ I persist. I probably shouldn‘t, but I can‘t help myself. My curiosity has always gotten the better of me, and it seems insatiable around him - I want to know just who he is.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Yeah, typical everyday heroics, those.‖ He grins at me, but it‘s his typical retreat behind sharp-edged humor. ―Rescuing cats out of trees, helping elderly ladies across the street…that sort of thing.‖ I scowl at him, ―Sure, I‘m going to believe something like that. Why don‘t you just say if you don‘t want to answer?‖ ―Why do you ask so many god-damned questions?‖ He softens it with an exasperated smile, but I feel a little guilty anyway. Maybe I‟m just not comfortable with how crazy-in-lust I feel about someone I don‟t know or understand at all. But I don‘t say that. Of course I don‘t. ―See you on Saturday, hun.‖ The last of his chest disappears behind his shirt, and he gives me a casual wave as he turns and leaves. What the hell? I stand there staring after him for a moment, unable to believe that he just left me here alone after…all of that. Then I wonder whether I scared him off entirely. Maybe it wasn‘t fair, prying like that. But he sets off all my warning bells - crazy heat followed by a lingering suspicion. I‘ve never reacted this strongly to anyone. And now I‘m left with this burning need again. Fuck. At least I can probably assume he‘s into me now…and he didn‘t cancel our maybe-date on Saturday. That‘s a good thing - isn‘t it?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Eight Caleb I knock firmly on Alana‘s door with a certainty that says nothing of the tension buzzing inside me. I‘m only assuming she‘s still interested in going with me to this dance show, since we haven‘t exchanged a word after I left her abruptly that day in the library. I think I was hoping that I might not end up being here today - that something would happen, or change, and I could get the hell out of here and back to Baltimore. But, no. Still watch and wait, we‟re working on it, Caleb. Because watching Alana for days is a great idea for someone trying to forget about how fucking close her lips had been. How sweet the light scent of her body was. Or the wariness in her eyes after she touched my scars. God damn it. That was enough to remind me what a fucking bad idea this is and keep me away for a while longer. But now I‘m waiting outside her door, and I just know whatever self-restraint I might have had is going to disappear in her company. As it has every fucking time. The door opens a moment later and Alana blinks up at me - looking stunning in a short black dress that hugs every beautiful curve, strappy high heels and whatever make-up born miracle has made her eyes double in size. Oh yes. Goodbye self-control. ―Caleb?‖ She pauses, uncertain. ―I came to pick you up.‖ I give her a winning smile as I lean against the doorway, not trying to hide that I‘m looking her up and down in the slightest. Heat appears in her eyes as she picks up on that, but she makes a show of frowning at me. ―You‘re planning on driving to the end of the road?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Well, I was just going to offer you my arm,‖ I start, amused, then look her over as if considering. ―But if you‘re going to be pedantic about it…‖ I step forward and hook my arms under her knees and back, lifting her until she‘s cradled in my arms. She shrieks and starts wriggling, but it‘s easy to hold onto her as I grin down into her outraged face. ―Caleb! Let me go!‖ She demands. ―I wanted to pick you up.‖ I point out, inordinately pleased with myself, as I turn and start walking down the hall, as the weighted door slams shut behind us. ―Wait! I wasn‘t ready - my bag, and—Caleb!‖ She starts slapping against my chest, but I‘m enjoying myself too much. ―You look perfect, hun. You‘re ready.‖ I say casually. She turns red, but I can‘t tell whether it‘s because of the compliment or the outrage. Probably both. I hope both. ―Caleb, put me down this instant! I am not going with you to the show like this.‖ She insists, still squirming around in my arms. My cock is already stiff in my pants - she‘s too near and moving too much and too god-damn hot like this for any other reaction, but at least while she‘s furious at me I‘m not thinking of the blue balls I‘ve been suffering for god-damn weeks. ―What?‖ I ask innocently, ―Girls like to be picked up on dates. I‘ve done some research, you see. Since you made it clear that I needed to last time.‖ ―Argh! That‘s. Not. What. That. Means.‖ She grinds out, as if she doesn‘t know that I‘m teasing her. ―And we weren‘t even going together! Who said this was a date?!‖ I just laugh at that, my voice full of genuine humor as I stop walking for a moment. ―Oh we weren‘t, were we? That wasn‘t how you meant this?‖ It‘s amuses me endlessly the lies she likes to tell herself, and at the heat in my eyes, she stills for a moment and glances away.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Well, maybe.‖ She admits, ―But - not like this! God-damn it, Caleb.‖ She finds her ire again, but at least she‘s quit hitting me - just glaring up instead. ―Would you rather have my arm instead?‖ I ask sweetly. ―Oh, fuck you.‖ She mutters as I finally tilt her upright again, keeping careful hold of her waist. It puts us wonderfully close together, her body pressed against mine - or at least, it does until she pushes away from me again, folding her arms and looking at me like I‘ve grown a second head or something. ―What?‖ I smile easily. She keeps up the pretense of irritation for a couple of moments longer, then it cracks and she laughs and shoves at me. ―You‘re such a bastard, Caleb.‖ ―The best kind.‖ I agree, grinning at her and finally taking her arm to steer her the rest of the way down the hall. ―Hey - I really wasn‘t ready, my bag…‖ She starts. ―I told you. Not important.‖ I continue walking, and to my great surprise she actually comes with me. Maybe with a glare or two, but she follows my lead. That‟s a first. Maybe it won‘t be quite so impossible to keep her safe after all, if something ends up happening— No. Not tonight. Don‟t think about that tonight. It‟s screwed up enough of your time with her. Tonight, I just want to have some fun. Even if I‘m already convinced a college dance show isn‘t going to be my thing. But Alana will be there - and that‘ll be good enough. We meet up with Mel and Lily part-way down the road - or, rather, they meet up with us.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Mel runs towards Alana from the side of the road before I can stop her, exclaiming loudly, ―There you are, girl! I‘ve been calling and calling - don‘t tell me you‘re too absorbed with him to pay the slightest attention to us anymore.‖ ―No, I just—don‘t have my phone on me.‖ Alana responds in an aggravated voice, and I laugh to myself. ―What? Why ever not?‖ Lily adds, coming up behind Mel at a more sedate pace. ―Don‘t ask.‖ Alana mutters, shooting a dagger-glance at me. But she doesn‘t shrug my arm off. I just smile innocently at them while Mel glances between us. ―Don‘t tell me you two have had a lover‘s spat already?‖ Her friend asks directly. ―Mel!‖ Alana hisses, going bright red. ―Don‘t worry - I won.‖ I wink at Mel and continue walking again, letting Alana continue to sputter adorably next to me. What is it about this woman that just sets my heart beating? God knows. But if tonight goes at all well, maybe I‘ll find out by the end of it. I glance down at Alana again and smile to myself at the furious look she gives me back. Seems to be off to a good start. I‘m surprised just how happy and light-hearted I feel as we hand over our tickets and make our way inside the college theater. The girls are chatting to themselves - about some guy called Tom - but I‘m just enjoying the press of Alana‘s warmth against my own as we make our way down into the stalls. ―So are you meeting him here?‖ Mel, incessant asker of questions, keeps her usual staccato beat up.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Maybe Alana‟s not so bad about that after all, if that‟s what her friends are like… ―Umm…maybe.‖ Lily responds, glancing around. ―I think he said he‘d come find me during the break.‖ I look over at her again as I notice that for once Mel‘s attention isn‘t on Alana. ―You‘ve met someone as well?‖ I ask, curious. ―What do you mean as well?!‖ Alana interrupts, and I grin at her. ―Don‘t tell me we‘re back to that this isn‟t a date nonsense.‖ I say, with a mock-despairing note. ―Well, I‘m not sure it is, Caleb. I mean, we didn‘t even buy the tickets together.‖ Alana points out. I glance over at Mel, giving her a long-suffering look. ―All these expectations. I seriously don‘t know how you girls think guys have a clue about this stuff.‖ Mel just laughs at me, ―Sorry, Caleb, I‘m not taking your side on that one. It‘s just simple etiquette to pay to take a girl out.‖ She turns back to Lily, but I lean down to comment in Alana‘s ear. ―I wouldn‘t have thought you‘d be one for that little stereotype, hun…‖ ―I‘m not!‖ She objects, ―Or at least, not the way she made it sound…‖ Interesting. Maybe my feisty girl likes those gestures after all… ―I‘ll buy you an ice cream in the interval then,‖ I promise as we all sit down together. She gives me a strange look. ―This is a college performance, Caleb. They don‘t sell ice cream in the interval here. What sort have you been to?‖ ―Well, I‘ll take you out to the campus shop after then. Happy?‖ I tease her even as I ignore the question.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Why are there so many things to catch me out? It‘s not like I ever got the chance to go away to college and learn this shit, I‘m making it up as I go along here. But she just rolls her eyes at me and settles down. My gaze darts around the theater and stage as it does when we go anywhere, and I frown a little at the billowing curtains, but after a few weeks of nothing happening, I can‘t deny my vigilance is wavering. I‘m made for fast, hit-and-run action, not standing around waiting for something to happen. It isn‘t in my blood. I do high intensity, crazy moments followed by a nice, long downtime. And without those moments…my body gets set into relaxing a bit, and it‘s damn hard to convince it otherwise. If he had anyone else, Sullivan should‘ve replaced me a week ago - but he doesn‘t, so he‘ll have to live with the slightly sub-standard alertness. Not that you‟re going to be telling him that… Alana squeezes my hand as the lights start to dim, smiling up at me, and something strange goes through me as I think of how different her thoughts must be to mine - and how oddly sweet it is to be here, doing completely normal things with a girl who knows nothing about who I am. Almost as if my life were normal. Then the bright lights flick onto the stage from above, and the music starts, and push that thought from my mind. Instead, I relax and manage to settle in to enjoy it for all of two minutes. Then I remember exactly who the fuck I am and what I‘m doing. And the pretty lights and dramatic music - the bodies and shadows flying and leaping all over the stage - suddenly mean something completely different. Danger and deception and the chance for some unknown killer to strike. Fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I look over at Alana, but she‘s smiling and watching the show, with just an occasional muttered comment to Mel or a glance at me. She‟s safe. I tell myself that, but I don‘t quite believe it. How can I when I know there‘s someone waiting to hurt her? When I look around and see every tiny possibility for danger and violence? For someone unexpected to attack before I have a chance to do a thing about it? My pulse starts thudding in my chest again, and my eyes keep darting around the theater. I can‘t see anything. Not enough. It‘s dark and the flashing lights make it impossible for my vision to adjust. And I can‘t hear anyone approach. The music is too loud, too insistent, thumping and clashing and powerful and dramatic. There are shadows leaping from every side as groups form and separate on stage - some taking to the aerial equipment and having me cursing under my breath. This is impossible. It would be the perfect time to strike. I can see myself doing it a hundred times over. Can see the shot, the disappearance, the panic and confusion - or hell, if I‘m lucky, everyone mistaking it for a part of the show. Why the hell are we here?! Except this one hadn‘t even been my idea. It had been hers. I should‘ve told her no. I should have suggested we do anything but this. Fuck. Why didn‘t I think about this? A sharp crack sounds reverberates through the theater and I can‘t help myself, I cry out, my head whipping around to Alana and my body tensing, ready to send us both ducking to the floor. Except she looks fine, apart from a little appreciative shock. No blood. No screaming.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Fuck. I‘m tense all over, when that fucking sound happens again. I look up and see the movements on stage, the dance group acting out some dramatic clash between two groups, the gunshot-sound coming again and again… Oh for fuck‟s sake. This would be the perfect time. If this guy is going to act, it would be now. ―Caleb?‖ Alana murmurs in my ear, and I jump. I actually fucking jump. Stupid damn body, stupid damn tension, too tightly coiled and ready to spring. My eyes are wide in my head and I can feel my pulse exploding. I wanted moments of crazy-intensity instead of nothing happening? What the fuck was I thinking? ―Caleb, what is it?‖ Alana‘s voice picks up, ignoring however rude others might find the disturbance. ―Nothing, Alana, it‘s nothing.‖ I murmur back, pissed beyond hell that she‘s noticed something is up. Of course she‟s noticed. You‟re about ready to explode. I need to tell Sullivan once and for all that I‘m not up for this. A hitman is not a bodyguard, and I don‘t know how in hell to handle it. ―Your arm has gone tight as a wire, Caleb, and your breathing is crazy fast. What‘s wrong?‖ She insists, leaning into me, trying to get a better look. Another gunshot sounds and I grab for her instinctively. Fucking hell. ―Fuck it, Caleb, talk to me. You look about ready to have a panic attack.‖ Alana‘s concerned words finally get through to me. ―I…‖ I seize the only thing I can think of to get us out of here and away from whoever might harm her. ―I, yes…I need to get out of here.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She takes one more look at me, then nods without another word, standing and squeezing past Mel and Lily and the other people in the row. I follow, still trying to look around the damned theater, thinking what a bad idea it is to be standing and making ourselves targets… When we get into the aisle, I pull her to me. I don‘t care what she thinks, I‘m not having her walking out exposed like that. To my surprise, she doesn‘t even object as I shift us so that my body blocks hers from the nearest speaker - that‘s where I‘d stand if I were a gun man. Maybe she thinks I need to feel her close for comfort or some shit. Hell, maybe I do. When we finally make it outside with no incident, and I can breathe in the cool night air and lean against the outside of the building, some of that tightly coiled tension starts to relax - just a little. The music and sound effects are muted out here, I can see and there are random people passing on the street. So much safer. ―Are you okay?‖ She asks again. This time I nod, still looking around us instead of at her. My breathing is calming a little, and I take long, deep breaths to try and convince my body to shift out of fight-or-flight mode. ―What happened?‖ She persists. I look over at her, but can‘t quite summon any of my familiar amusement. I have too many images in my head of her lying injured and bleeding on the floor. I want to make some comment about her asking too many questions again, but I can‘t bring myself to. Not when I can see the concern and worry on her face, and she came out here with me without objecting once. Just because she cared. I push that thought away. I have to play the part here, make this something useful. ―I…‖ I glance away, partly deliberately, and partly because I don‘t want to meet her eyes as I tell her the half-lie. ―I don‘t like loud noises. Darkness. Flashing lights. Not like that.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I can feel the disbelieving look for a few moments - I did drag her to loud, dim college party only a week ago. But something about me obviously convinces her - maybe the fact that she probably really did think I was having a panic attack in there. ―Okay…‖ She moves towards me, pressing close as if to offer support or comfort. It shocks me enough that I almost startle away from her, looking down with wide eyes. My body can‘t quite adjust to sudden-death-hitman-mode combined by warmth and comfort and company. She gives me a small smile and wraps an arm around my waist, squeezing lightly. ―That‘s okay. We don‘t have to go back in.‖ She continues, showing no issue with my complete lack of response. After a moment, I manage to get over my shock at the violent reaction I had to both the dance show and her quiet acceptance out here, and I let myself lean into her. My head instinctively fits over hers, and I inhale the warm scent of her hair, letting that center me again. I‘m still on half-alert, but I feel so much better it‘s almost painful as my body lets its rigidity go. I breathe deeply. ―Thank you, hun.‖ I should feel awkward or embarrassed. I‘m not the kind of guy to get spooked at shadows - hell, anyone back home would have a field day with the idea of it - and I should feel weird about her thinking that. But maybe because I know exactly what could be lurking in those shadows, and just how real that is, I‘m not self-conscious at all. And if this means we don‘t linger in dark alleyways, or go to loud, distracting events? My ego can take the damage. ―So, what do you want to do instead?‖ I ask softly, brushing her hair back behind her ear with one hand as she looks up at me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

For once, I don‘t mean it to be suggestive. But it comes out like that anyway - especially as she presses into me again, sparkling warmth shining in her eyes. ―Well…you could take me back to my room.‖ She murmurs, and all I can think about is that I don‘t want to let her go. I don‘t ever want the warmth pressed against me to fade. I brush my lips across the top of her head, and something in me lightens a little. ―Okay.‖ I agree. No clever comments this time, just a rising anticipation as all my earlier tension shifts and I just know it wants that sexual release I haven‘t had for far too long. Going back to her room is a good idea. We‘ll be safe there. At least so long as Sullivan never finds out.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Nine Alana Caleb doesn‘t let go of me as we walk back towards our dorm, and I let him keep his arm wrapped around my shoulders. I tell myself it‘s because he might still be in shock and I don‘t want to break that human contact if he needs it. But I‘m fucking lying to myself. My heart is beating hard in my throat, my body is on fire from having him so close and knowing where we‘re going - and my mind is racing. I just keep remembering those scars - and feel a stab of guilt at how carelessly I pressed him for an explanation. It doesn‘t stop my mind from trying to jump to all sorts of conclusions, but at least it‘s enough to stop me from voicing them. With the way he acted tonight, there‘s clearly something up. Maybe he has PTSD from some traumatic event... Maybe he was assaulted. Maybe he had a rough time in his youth. Maybe he was in some sort of gang. Fucking hell. Stop thinking. ―Are you alright, Alana?‖ Caleb looks over at me, squeezing my shoulder. ―I‘m sorry about how I reacted back there. I didn‘t mean to startle you - or for us to miss the rest of the show.‖ ―No, no, it‘s fine.‖ I say hurriedly. I won‟t ask. I won‟t ask. I won‟t ask. I give him a brief smile instead. ―Just so long as you‘re alright now.‖ For once, I actually manage to not fucking ask.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He nods and smiles back, and I let out a small breath. He certainly seems a hell of a lot better. His body has let go of that tight-wired tension and there‘s a warmth and heat to him that had disappeared earlier. A warmth and heat that you‟re looking forward to seeing more of… I smile a little more fully at that thought, and press closer to him, enjoying the strength of his body against mine, and the way it makes me feel so snug and secure. All that strength, and underneath… There was definitely more to Caleb than I‘d seen. Mel and Lily were right this wasn‘t some typical college meat-head. And instead of sending me running, the scars and that almost-panic-attack only intrigued me more. I wanted to know everything about him. Get under his skin. In more ways than one. ―What are you thinking about?‖ Caleb asks, the cool night breeze shifting my hair back enough to look up at him. ―I…umm…why?‖ I stall. ―You almost missed the turning.‖ He nods behind us at the road. ―Oh.‖ I blink, looking back in surprise. ―Well…I was just thinking that you‘re a very mysterious guy.‖ I try to twist it a little, not wanting us to linger on things that might just make him uncomfortable. However curious I might be, I don‘t want to have him close off from me again - and more than that, I don‘t want anything to spoil the sweet warmth between us right now…or what it might become when we get back to my room. He smiles broadly at that, and I let out a slightly relieved. ―I hear girls like mysterious.‖ I laugh easily. ―You seem to have a lot of ideas about what girls like.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Am I wrong?‖ His hand starts running down my shoulder lightly, caressing my arm and making goose-bumps jump up across my body. ―Maybe not this time.‖ I can‘t take my eyes off him as we approach the dorm building. I‘m pretty sure tall, dark and mysterious isn‘t my type. But, the way nerves are sizzling across my body right now, maybe I‘m the one that‘s wrong. I feel his eyes on every inch of my body as I walk up the stairs in front of him, and butterflies jump in my stomach. What on earth has happened to me that I want this so much? He walks past his room without a second glance, and I turn as we finally reach my door. I can see the shadow of his slight stubble, his hair mussed and ruffled around his brow after our walk home - but it‘s the deep, intent look in his eyes that pins me there. He takes a step closer, one hand resting against the side of the door while his body blocks the rest of the hallway. A thrill runs through me and I know I should feel intimidated - but I don‘t. If anything, I need him closer. Over me. Pressing me against this door the way they do in films or books or— ―Well, you‘re back at your room now…‖ Caleb murmurs, his voice fire and ice along my skin. ―Are you going to leave me here all alone again this time?‖ It‘s a murmured challenge, but I can‘t help the hint of vulnerability I feel as our eyes spark against each other. If he leaves me with one more almost-something moment, I swear I‘m going to scream. ―Not for a second.‖ His low voice runs straight through me, and then suddenly he‘s over me. Doing everything I was wishing for a moment earlier.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His hand runs through my hair, cupping my head and tilting it up towards him as I lean forward in anticipation. One step closer and then his mouth closes over mine and— Oh, god. He‘s soft and sweet and sensual and seductive all at once. Rough stubble scraping against my chin and framing a slow kiss that deepens and builds into a fierce passion. I‘m torn between wanting to melt against him, or push and grind and touch every part of that rock-hard body. His other hand comes up to cup the side of my face, and I don‘t get a choice - my body folds into his and I can feel his rock-hard cock pressing against my thigh. My pussy clenches hard in response, and I can already feel the beginnings of wetness. Just from this chaste fucking kiss. And then suddenly - it‘s not chaste anymore. His mouth opens mine, and his tongue glides in with light, delicate strokes that become fevered and needy within moments. He‘s taking over and I can barely breathe - it‘s all I can do to clutch onto him and force him closer to me. Who the hell thought kissing could be like this? I have one moment to think that I‘m completely and utterly out of my depth here - that fumbling around with my last boyfriend, or experimenting with kissing boys when I was younger, has given me nothing that could possibly prepare me for this - and then his hand shifts, glides down my side and makes me shudder before it slips past me to the door handle. The door disappears from behind me and I have a moment of weightlessness before I‘m in his arms, halting my fall as he all but carries me into the small college dorm room. Our lips leave each other for a brief second, and I can‘t help but laugh at the feeling, my whole body on fire and excited in a way I‘ve never felt before. Fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I might have teased and bullied him about his playboy attitude, but fuck me if the results aren‘t unbelievably good. Maybe I won‘t be complaining about that again. Maybe. The door shuts behind us and before I have a chance to jump him, his eyes dart around the room and I see that familiar warm-amusement underneath his burning lust. ―Not quite the neat-freak I imagined, then.‖ He‘s grinning at me, and I finally stop looking at him long enough to follow his gaze. And notice the discarded bra and a couple of dresses lying over my rumpled bed, the bag I‘d abandoned on top of a couple of stacks of paper on my desk and the still-open pots of make-up beside it and my furiously-blinking phone. I whirl back to him in affronted dignity, stepping closer and poking his chest. ―Well, maybe If I hadn‘t been abducted things would look a little better around here.‖ His arms come around me instantly, sliding down my back and caressing my ass before he captures my finger in one hand and brings it to his lips to kiss. Heat pools immediately in my stomach and my moment of outrage disappears in the face of overwhelming lust. God-damn, this guy knows how to completely throw off every thought I have. ―I‘m very sorry.‖ He says, looking completely unrepentant as he pulls me closer to him. ―I‘ll help you clear it up.‖ Tidying my room is the last thing on my mind as his mouth closes over mine again, and I press myself up against the firm muscles of his chest. I moan - unable to help myself now - and shift against him as his tongue goes deeper inside me, tangling with mine and leaving every part of my body aching for more. This close, I can feel his need as his cock hardens against me, and my pussy clenches in matching desire. ―Caleb…‖ I murmur, unable to breathe, or think, or talk in the slightest. All I can say is his name.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He backs me up to the bed, and I can‘t believe how ready I feel for this. I haven‘t had casual sex with a near-stranger…ever. And I held off with Harvey for months. I open my eyes to see Caleb‘s bright green ones burning back at me, and I can‘t even contemplate the willpower I‘d need to resist this man in that way. I want him now. ―I fucking want you, Alana.‖ His voice growls in my ear, an echo of my own thoughts, and I feel my thighs moistening at the need there, the honesty there. It might be the sexiest thing a guy has ever said to me. I nip at his lips, kiss him again, not able to respond properly except with my own insistent passion as I open his mouth to me yet again. His hands come down to grip me, hold me, and then he‘s leaning down and I‘m off the floor - entirely in his arms and suspended over the bed. My breath comes out of me in one quick whoosh and I laugh breathlessly as I feel him shift under me, his arm sweeping down to scatter my clothes to the floor. Then I land on it and find myself staring up at him stripping off his t-shirt. Ooh, yes please. I don‘t realize I‘ve said it out loud until he laughs at me and slows down, making a show of taking it off and gradually revealing each gleaming inch of hard packed muscle. My pussy spasms again, and my entire body wants him pressed against me, my skin flush against his. My breath catches in my throat as I watch that lustful, arrogant grin, and finally take it as the sexual confidence he richly deserves. Then the bed shifts under me as he crawls onto it, propping himself up above me with one last sweep of his hand to remove an offending dress. I glance over at it, amused despite the hot tension running through me. Or maybe because of it. I don‘t think I‘ve ever felt this light and free while simultaneously being so in need. ―If that‘s your idea of helping me clear it up…‖ I start.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Hey, I never claimed I was tidy. It‘s as good a place for that as any.‖ He grins at my outraged expression, then darts in to kiss me and any thoughts of my nice dresses crumpled on the floor disappear completely. Instead, I take full advantage of the fact he‘s now half-naked, my hands roaming greedily over his body and my own arching up into him as he takes the kiss deeper. He reaches down to my breasts, cupping them and running his thumbs over each nipple, teasing and sending sparks straight down to my pussy. His cock presses in between my legs, with far too many layers of clothes separating us, and I grind against it in anticipation, my breath climbing higher as passion builds inside me. Caleb leaves a trail of kisses down my neck, his stubble tickling my throat as he nips there, then suckles in a way that has me whimpering. He grinds against me at that sound, and his deep voice murmurs in my ear in response. ―I want to make you feel so fucking good, Alana.‖ ―Oh, god.‖ I moan, surging up against him and crying out at the beautiful friction between us. ―Too many clothes. Fuck it, Caleb, I want you.‖ He grunts at my complaint and then his hands are on the side of my dress how the hell did he know to go there? - releasing the zip with an ease I swear I‘ve never managed myself, before smoothly pulling it over my head. I blink and realize I‘m suddenly looking up at him in just my bra and thin, silky panties. The heat in his gaze makes it obvious he‘s noticing the exact same thing, and then he groans as his hands run over my body, stirring every crazy need I‘ve ever had. ―Fuck, Alana.‖ He mutters, ―Your body…you‘re so damn perfect.‖ A shudder runs through me at his words - I don‘t care if they‘re just horny hyperbole, they feel real, and no one has ever made me feel the way Caleb is right now. The way he‘s looking at me like he wants to memorize and devour every part of me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I pull him back down - he needs to start getting on with that right this instant. He takes the hint and then his mouth is gliding down my neck, over my collarbone and towards the tops of my breasts, licking and nibbling and kissing making me melt with pleasure with an ease that I‘d find infuriating if it wasn‘t so damn good. ―Oh fuck, I want you.‖ His voice vibrates against my skin, and every passionate word makes me come alive. ―I‘m going to make you feel so damn good. Better than anyone ever has before.‖ I shudder at the promise, clutching onto his shoulders as his hands and mouth converge on my breasts and I feel like I‘m about to die from need. He reaches underneath me to undo the clasp of my bra, and then my breasts spill out of it and into his face. He catches one tit in his mouth, suckling hard while his hands tease both breasts, and the pleasure and desire he lavishes on them has me writhing against him. ―I think…you‘re already there.‖ I gasp. He looks up at that - dark, dangerous, and intent in a way I‘ve only seen in flashes - meeting my eyes. ―Oh, no, Alana. I‘ve barely started.‖ I shudder again, and have one brief moment to wonder whether I can even take his idea of making me feel good, before I‘m swept away by everything his clever hands and mouth are doing to me. Every stroke of his tongue has my pussy clenching hard, the wet patch on my panties growing as I gasp and try not to die with pleasure before he‘s even inside me. Then one hand runs down to my pussy, his full palm pressing flat against my panties and making me squirm deliciously against him, wanting so much more. He‘s giving me the hint of the kind of pressure and attention I need, but not nearly enough. Not by a mile. ―Caleb…‖ I plead, my voice coming out high and desperate.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

The look he gives me as he smiles and kisses me is full of heat and completely merciless. ―These aren‘t what I was expecting…‖ His hand caresses me through the panties, fingers circling over the wet patch there and making me buck helplessly against him. ―I thought you were going to show me those other ones, you know…I was quite intrigued.‖ He says casually, and I‘m not sure whether I‘m more pissed off that he can still think and talk, or that he‘s getting off on driving me crazy while he does it. It takes me a moment to work out that he‘s talking about my panties, and then I flash back to the memory of that embarrassing-as-hell moment on the stairs when I spilled all my belongings over the floor, and my eyes widen. ―Asshole…‖ I mutter, pressing myself against his hand even as I do. He‘s making me feel too good to get hung up on that again. Though of course I‘m wearing something nicer for an evening out. Especially when you thought it might end…like this. ―Maybe some other time.‖ He continues lightly, but the heat in his eyes tells me that he needs this as much as I do - even if he‘s better at controlling it right now. He presses his fingers into me, bunching up the panties around them and making me feel insane with my growing need. ―If I don‘t…kill you first.‖ I gasp, but I‘m not thinking about the panties anymore. I‘m thinking that if he doesn‘t fuck me soon, I‘m going to die. He grins at me, his mouth kissing the corners of mine and then wandering down my body again, nuzzling in between my breasts and making me so hungry for more. ―Caleb…fuck, I need…‖ His mouth wraps around my nipple and suddenly I have no idea what I need. Except that it‘s this. ―Oh, fuck.‖ I mutter as his hand effortlessly slides my panties down and over my knees, leaving my wet, needy pussy exposed to the air - and to him.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He comes up to kiss me again, and I give him back everything that he‘s been doing to me in that one, passionate kiss. My tongue spars with his insistently, my breath coming hot and fast as my hips buck against him. His fingers dance across my clit and sparks flash behind my eyes, that deep heat in my stomach becoming electrified and tense. ―Caleb…‖ I murmur again. I can‘t stop saying his name. It‘s like some other force has taken me over, making me wanton and wild and a slave to the passion he‘s stirring within me. I‘ve never felt anything like it. ―Caleb, I want…more…‖ I nip at his lips, desperate to get him to listen - for once, god-damn it, listen to me! ―Are you sure, Alana? You‘re sure you want to do this?‖ He leans back to look at me, those beautiful, shimmering green eyes taking on a serious glint for a moment, as if after all this I could possibly have any other answer. The question takes me by surprise, and I have a brief instant to appreciate that maybe Mel and Lily really are right - maybe Caleb is a good guy. But then I start moving forward before I can even think about it, and I‘m grinding against him and holding him tight to me. ―Fuck, yes. I want you…inside me.‖ I insist, in a breathy pathetic way I‘m sure, but it‘ll do. Anything will do, just to finally have that throbbing ache inside me filled. My eyes dart down to his tight jeans, the hard outline of his cock there, in greedy anticipation. I‘ve never spent much time thinking about cock before, but I‘m suddenly desperate for it in a way I‘ve always thought people exaggerated. Turns out, maybe not. Not if you find the right guy. He kisses me again, claiming my mouth passionately, before his fingers in my hair gently pull me back and he uses one hand to slide his belt off and his pants down. I have a moment of lucidity to appreciate just how much practice he must have had at this - I‘ve never seen anyone so graceful or at ease in getting us both naked.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

And then his cock springs up into view, and I gasp again in spite of myself. I don‘t exactly have much experience, but I always assumed my ex Harvey was about average. And if he was…then Caleb is bigger than average. Quite a bit bigger than average. My pussy contracts instinctively, and I bite my lip in anticipation, feeling myself wet and ready for him. He catches the gesture, and I feel him hesitate against me. ―You‘re not…a virgin, are you, Alana?‖ The edges of alarm in his expression make me laugh, and I shake my head. ―No. Maybe I don‘t know what I‘m doing quite as much as you, but you‘re not going to hurt me.‖ Did I just say that? Did I really just tell him I don‟t know what I‟m doing? But I can‘t even bring myself to feel awkward about it. Not in this haze of lust where the only important thing is feeling him against me. And it‘s not like I‘m telling him anything he hasn‘t already worked out. ―Do I need…?‖ He glances down again, and it takes my slow, stupid brain a moment to work out what he‘s not-quite-saying. ―No.‖ I blink. ―I‘m on the pill.‖ I don‘t tell him it‘s more to control my painful-as-hell periods than because of the likelihood of casual sex, but as his serious expression sparks with heat again, I suddenly appreciate those murderous cramps for the first time ever. It means I‘ll be able to feel him. Really feel him. He relaxes against me, kissing me again, and when we press against each other this time I get the unique pleasure of feeling skin-on-skin everywhere. His silken cock stroking against my entrance and making my pussy clench tight in response. I can barely believe how desperate I am for him - for that large, throbbing cock. ―Caleb…I need…more,‖ My breathing stumbles at what the combination of his hands and mouth over my body is doing to me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He starts moving lower again, leaving little kisses on my stomach before his head hovers over my waiting pussy and I realize what he‘s about to do. ―No…Caleb…‖ I reach down, tugging his head back up towards me. ―I need you…inside me. Now.‖ I can‘t take anymore - I feel like I‘m about to explode and I want to do it with him buried deep inside me, stretching and filling me properly. ―I want to taste you, Alana.‖ His voice is hypnotic, insistent, but I can‘t stand another moment of this aching, needy pulsing within me. I shake my head. ―Next time.‖ Next time? What the hell am I talking about? Just what am I assuming here? But I don‘t have a chance to question my words - I‘m too intent on this. I tug Caleb again, until he‘s back above me. ―I want to make you feel fucking amazing, hun.‖ His deep voice runs straight through me, a rough promise that sets my nerves on fire. ―Then do,‖ I look up at him, challenging. ―Fuck me. Make me scream, Caleb.‖ I‘ve never screamed for anyone before, but I can already feel it there, at the edges of my sanity, just waiting as I shift into position underneath him. That‘s enough to bring his focus back to exactly what I need - my challenge making his eyes narrow and his posture turn dangerous again. God, I love seeing that - the power, the pure strength of him. I had no idea I cared about that in the slightest, until I met him. Until he came close, pressed up against me, and seduced me with those darkly hot kisses. As if he can read my mind, his mouth takes mine again, and I feel his cock pressing against my entrance. Everything in me tightens in anticipation for receiving him, and I cling onto his shoulders, the beautiful muscles shifting underneath me as he moves and slowly glides inside. ―Fuck, Alana…‖ He grunts against my ear as he holds me close.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

The large head of his cock opens me up more easily than I‘d ever have guessed, and then the sweet friction of his thrust lights up every part of my body and leaves me gasping helplessly. My curse joins his as he stops deep inside, gives me a moment to adjust, and then starts slowly fucking me while I squeeze down hard against him. The intensity of it makes me cry out, with my body moving helplessly in time with his, despite the overwhelming sensation - I just want more, more, more. I never knew that I could be this greedy or hungry for anything, but I am. He fills that deep, empty ache inside me entirely - and more. Every press of his cock stretches me, and that pleasant burn awakens every nerve I have. His hand comes down to stroke and tease my tits while his mouth claims my own, and I can‘t believe he can possibly coordinate so much pleasure - that there‘s any way he can control himself so well while I‘m just melting and collapsing against him. ―Caleb…Caleb…Caleb…‖ I‘m murmuring his name, and I can‘t even stop myself. His mouth is whispering at mine, at my ear and then down my neck and shoulder, to that sensitive joining that leaves goose-bumps all over my body. I get hot-and-cold chills just from the things he‘s doing to me, and all that delicious heat inside me starts building, spreading a desperate warmth through me. ―I…I can‘t…‖ I don‘t know how much more of this I can take. He‘s saying something in my ear, but I have no idea what. I can‘t think. Can‘t breathe. All I can do is feel. And it‘s beyond my wildest imaginings. His voice changes - a question. I have no idea what, but I murmur my assent anyway. At least I think I do. Fuck. When did I become this useless? What the hell has he done to me? And then I feel him tense against me, the long slow strokes of his cock hardening and picking up pace inside me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Then suddenly he‘s fucking me - really fucking me - and I‘m wrapping my legs around his hips and throwing my head back and rising up to meet every sweet, delicious thrust of pleasure. ―Fuck, Alana…fuck…you…god-damn…‖ Strings of words reach me, but I‘m so far gone that they don‘t mean anything, except that Caleb is right there, as desperate and hot and passionate as I am. The pressure inside me builds, and he angles his thrusts to bump up against my sensitive clit. Little sparks start shooting through me, and then - through my haze of passion and need - his voice comes heavy in my ear. ―Scream for me, Alana. Let me hear you.‖ That penetrates everything, and as his thrusting gets impossibly faster, all I can do is obey. I feel everything within me tighten and tense - before it releases in the purest form of energy I‘ve ever felt, riding through me in rough waves of pleasure and passion. I hear myself screaming from some distant place outside my body and then my mind goes whitens from the intensity of it all. It explodes through me, and my whole body shudders under him as I hear his own grunt, the impossible pulsing of his thick cock inside me, and then a stream of heat as he groans and my pussy clamps down as if it never wants to let him go. Maybe it doesn‘t. Maybe I don‘t. Fuck. Since when did sex make me this crazy? But I can‘t even keep thoughts in my head long enough to worry about them - all I can do is let go. Let him take me and hold me and keep me safe through the most intense thing I‘ve ever felt. I guess he does a good enough job of that, because when my mind slowly drifts back to my body, I‘m lying there in his arms and I‘m still breathing. Just about. It‘s ragged, harsh breathing, but it‘s there. ―Ohhhh…‖ I moan lightly, then shudder again as I shift and realize his thick cock is still buried deep inside me. I wince a little at how full I feel, knowing I‘m

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

going to ache tomorrow, but I don‘t really want to ask him to move. I can‘t think of anything better than lying here under him like this. ―You were amazing, baby,‖ He murmurs in my ear, and in my post-orgasm haze, I actually think he means it. ―Unbelievable.‖ I smile up at him as my breathing finally starts to slow, and then he gently shifts us until he‘s out of me and I‘m resting my head against his chest, his arm keeping me close. ―You too.‖ I say, stupidly. I realize I have no clue what to say after mind-blowing sex with a guy I barely know. But I also realize that for once, I don‘t care. And I don‘t need to say anything. I let out a soft sigh and lean into him, snuggling closer. Maybe Mel was right. Maybe I was an idiot not to do this sooner. Maybe we all should‟ve been fucking like rabbits all along. I‘m vaguely aware this probably isn‘t the time to be thinking about Mel. But I seem to have lost all control of my mind, and holding onto any thought has become impossible. Caleb smiles down at me, and somehow, when I look at him, he seems different. Not quite the arrogant jackass who has spent the last few weeks teasing and provoking me. I try to remind myself I‘m probably being ridiculous right now, and it‘s not the time for my mind to start spinning a-mile-a-minute. But that‘s what it does anyway. I don‘t know how long we lie like that, perfectly content and at peace. But it‘s Caleb that breaks it. He shifts, turning with hot eyes on me yet again, and leans in for a kiss. ―So, hun…next time?‖ His grin widens as I stare at him. Next time?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He moves over me again, and my pussy clenches in instinctive response even if my mind can‘t keep up. I moan at the thought, but he‘s already moving, running kisses down my gleaming, naked body as he gets closer to my sensitive entrance again. He pauses just above it, looks back at me with one eyebrow raised, but I‘ve already acquiesced. I don‘t think I could refuse him anything right now. Instead, I laugh, full of lightness and simple pleasure. ―Okay.‖ I grin. ―Next time.‖ Why the hell not?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Ten Caleb When we finally stir out of the endless cycle of sex-and-sleep the next day, I expect to regret everything. To feel the weight of the world closing in on me. To find my mind racing with the possible consequences. To have images of Sullivan‘s disapproving, murderous glare flashing behind my eyes. But none of that happens. Instead, when I look down at Alana‘s thick, shining hair sprawled across my chest, her sleepy expression and blissed-out eyes…I find myself smiling. And I wouldn‘t change a damn thing. ―We should really get up.‖ Alana says languidly, stretching like some graceful feline before slumping down against me again. My hand wanders down her shoulder, gentle caresses that come almost unbidden after endless hours of passion. ―Hm, you want to try it against the wall or something now?‖ I respond with amusement. Alana might have been outraged by every innuendo and sexual comment I‘d made a few days ago, but when it came to actually acting on them…my god, she‘d been unbelievable. Fiery and passionate and up for just about anything I could think of. After weeks of frustration with watching her from afar, able to do nothing nothing but sit and stare and imagine…last night - and hell, this morning - finally gave me the chance to act. I‘d let loose every pent-up need and lust I‘d been hoarding, and Alana had taken all of that and more. She‘d wanted it more than any girl I‘d ever known, and for all her prissy attitude, she‘d had no hesitation in showing it once we were curled together. My body aches in delicious ways that even my best workouts

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

couldn‘t give me, and I can‘t remember the last time I felt such a strong, warm lassitude all over. We‘d spent the night alternating between those impossible moments of redhot passion and the sweetness that came after as we collapsed into one another‘s arms - drifting off together, but it never lasted long before one of us stirred and reignited that smoldering heat. If it wasn‘t that I felt more relaxed and rested this morning than I have in weeks, I would have believed we hadn‘t had any sleep at all. ―No! I mean we should do something useful, you incorrigible bastard.‖ She laughs at me, bright eyes looking up at me through her hair. ―No…we definitely shouldn‘t.‖ I state with complete certainty. ―We‘ve been in bed for…hours.‖ Alana points out, while her hand plays idly with the light spattering of hair on my chest. ―So?‖ I ask, folding one hand behind me and leaning against my elbow as I prop myself up and look at her properly. I‘m about awake enough to talk, at least. ―That‘s what lazy Sunday mornings are for.‖ ―I‘m pretty sure morning disappeared hours ago. God, Caleb, I haven‘t done anything today.‖ She sounds mortified, but I don‘t believe she is for a moment. ―Ohh, really?‖ I bend down to kiss her, my tongue playing lightly with hers before I sit back and give her a broad, knowing smile. ―Because I think you‘ve done lots of things. In fact, you‘ve been very…effective. Would you like me to remind you?‖ She laughs, for once ignoring the huskiness that comes back into my voice, and pushes lightly at me. ―Caleb, I mean it.‖ I take that as a challenge, and deepen the kiss, one hand wrapping around the back of her neck while my leg hooks over hers. I give her one moment…two…then practically feel the way she melts against me. I fucking love the way this girl reacts - that sweetness that comes from watching passion overtake all those reasonable objections.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Her breath hitches in her throat and she arches against me, her warm, waiting pussy grinding against my crotch and making my cock stiffen again. I keep us like that for a long beat and then finally withdraw, feeling the gleam in my eyes as I take in her freshly disheveled form. ―So do I.‖ I give her a long, slow smile, every part of me alive with invitation. ―Oh, god,‖ She practically moans, ―If we start this again…‖ ―What‘s wrong with this?‖ I ask innocently, letting my hand run down her back, over the soft skin until I reach cup her firm ass and pull it just a little bit closer. She gasps and I can already feel the wetness of her eager pussy against my thigh. This time, when I reach in for a kiss, she doesn‘t resist, and after a few moments, her arms wrap around my neck and she returns the kisses with matching passion. Her pert tits press up against my chest and I revel in the wonder of having this woman naked in my bed for so long. My hand shifts around, cupping her pussy and using light, teasing strokes to have her squirming against me. I deepen the kiss, feeling her breathing become more erratic now, and know from the way that blissed-out expression is creeping over her face that she‘s ready to give in again. Then she breaks off the kiss and rests her head against the side of my neck again, squirming just out of the reach of my fingers. I grunt in disappointment, but her eyes are laughing as she looks at me. ―Caleb, you‘re impossible!‖ She protests, ―We can‘t just have sex, then lie around in bed together until we want more sex.‖ ―Why not?‖ I ask with genuine confusion. That seems like the perfect way to spend the day to me. ―Because…‖ She pauses for a moment as she searches for an answer. ―Because I‘m hungry.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I laugh at the sudden certainty of her announcement, flipping her over and pinning her under me again as I kiss her. I can‘t keep my hands off this woman. And her determination to be so reasonable about these things drives me crazy. ―Okay, okay…‖ I give in. Now that she‘s mentioned it, my stomach agrees with her argument and I can accept food is a valid point. ―We‘ll order pizza.‖ ―Seriously?!‖ Alana laughs in disbelief. ―Seriously.‖ I say with deliberate firmness, then switch to seductive promise. ―We‘re not leaving this room until I‘m done with you.‖ ―And when will that be?‖ She asks, slightly breathless now as she watches me, eyes hot and wanting. ―I don‘t know…‖ I smile at her, ―I guess we‘ll just have to find out.‖ I lean down to kiss her again, my hands already on those perfectly formed tits, but she squeals and pushes at me. ―No - no! Not until you order me pizza!‖ She insists, laughing. I sit back, raising an eyebrow, even as I‘m already reaching for the phone. ―Getting demanding now, are you?‖ ―I just know it‘ll never happen if I let you continue with that.‖ She retorts. I‘m not entirely convinced that would be a bad thing - my body is pretty good at surviving without those inconvenient basic needs if it has more interesting distractions to focus on - but I‘m impressed enough that I sort-of-won this argument so I‘m not going to give her a reason to change her mind about staying here with me all day. And pizza only makes good things better. I order - double mushroom and pepperoni - and then turn back to her with a smile. ―There, one appetite sated, and now…‖ I settle back beside her on the bed again, tracing my hand over her exposed body.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Hey, hey - I‘m not sure ordering counts. We haven‘t actually eaten yet—‖ ―Good point.‖ I slide down again, placing little kisses and nips along her soft skin as I make my way between her legs. I fucking love it down here. Touching, tasting, pleasing her like this. The sounds she makes as I flick my tongue over her clit and slide my fingers inside…it‘s pure joy. ―Caleb! I—ohhh…‖ Her objection fades into a long sigh, as it has every time I‘ve tried this. ―You‘re so hot, Alana. So god-damned perfect down here.‖ My hands separate her thighs easily, and then I hover over her entrance, warming her with my breath before my tongue darts out to tease a little. Alana moans above me, her hips shifting and her legs coming over my shoulders as I start licking her slowly - long, deep thrusts that take the delicious wetness from her lips all the way up to the center of her pleasure. She‘s making those little, half-anticipatory, half-pleased gasps now and moving just a little against me, and it makes my own cock stiffen to hear it. God, it‘s been too long since I spent a good, long time pleasing a woman. Making her cry out and scream for me. And fuck it, Alana does that so well. ―Caleb…‖ Alana moans, ―I…ugh, I mean it. The pizza—‖ Fuck the pizza. I continue, pressing two fingers inside her as I feel her sensitive pussy tensing and rippling under my attentions. She gasps again, and her hips surge up against me. Fuck, yes. This is what I want to feel. ―Fuck…Caleb…what if—they‘ll arrive—‖ She tries hard to be coherent, but I‘m not sure she quite makes it. ―We‘ve got time.‖ I look up at her, meeting her eyes in one searing gaze. ―And I can feel how much you want this. I‘m not stopping until you‘re cumming all over my face, Alana.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She shudders at my words, and I see a tinge of red on her cheeks as my head dips again. Whatever she pretends, she fucking loves it when I talk dirty and tell her exactly what I‘m going to do to her. I continue with renewed passion, increasing my pace until my tongue is working frantically in time with her breathing, her gasps and moans. I‘ve got two fingers inside her, where my throbbing cock wants to be, feeling her contract and shudder under me as I push them deeper inside her, curl them and stroke her most sensitive places. ―Fuuuck…‖ She grinds out, and I know she‘s close. ―C‘mon, Alana.‖ I growl against her pussy, alternating the vibrations with the soft breath and the force of my tongue against her. I flick my tongue around her clit and reach up to stroke and tease her breasts with my spare hand, caressing her while maintaining my rhythm and driving her further - higher, higher - and then finally over that edge. She cries out above me, muffling herself with her arm as a shudder runs through her whole body and her pussy clamps down on my fingers like it wants to keep them in there forever. I groan with the power of it, my own cock stiff and desperate to be inside her now, to be surrounded by the warm wetness that‘s covering my chin. ―Fuck, Caleb…‖ She mutters it, slumped back against the bed now, and I take one last taste, cleaning her up, before I move upwards to join her and pull her back into my arms. ―You fucking bastard…‖ I grin. I love how open she is about what I do to her, how much that sensible part of her tries to resist…and never succeeds. ―You didn‘t like that, hun?‖ I ask, amused. She pushes at my chest lightly, still loose-limbed from pleasure. ―You can‘t just…do that.‖ ―Mm, and why not?‖ I think I‘m genuinely curious. I‘ve never met a girl who tried so hard to find reasons not to fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Because…because the pizza could‘ve arrived.‖ She finishes lamely. I turn to look at her - really look at her, trying to work her out. Her face is still suffused in pleasure, and she‘s relaxing languidly in my arms - not actually bothered about what we just did at all. In fact, quite the opposite. ―What?‖ She asks, catching my intent gaze. ―Do you really want me to stop, Alana?‖ I make it a serious question. ―I…‖ She glances away, another flush coming to her cheeks as she bites her lip. That would be a „no‟, then. And suddenly, I think I get it. I roll on top of her, the movement bringing my hard cock up against her warm pussy, and making me bite back a groan at the sudden need that flares within me. She shivers at the sensation, and I smile down as the familiar heat in my eyes meets hers. ―No, you don‘t want me to stop at all. You just don‘t like the way it overwhelms all your firm control and reason. Or at least, you think you don‘t. But really…you love when I overpower all of that - make you lose every sense and thought to pure passion. Letting go, finally relaxing…you want me to take you past all that tightly wound logic, every time.‖ I announce it triumphantly, grinning at her and feeling uniquely pleased with myself. She stares up at me, eyes wide, but as she opens her mouth to say something - there‘s a hard knock on our door. ―Pizza‘s here.‖ I laugh at the frustration on her face as I jump up and find a towel of some sort to wrap around my waist. She pulls the covers up to her neck as I saunter back through the mess we‘ve created of her room. These dorm rooms aren‘t really large enough to properly enjoy a day holing up away from the world, but it‘s worked okay so far. Just not a lot of stretching room.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

The knock sounds again, and I pull it open, smiling at the way the delivery guy steps back at the sight of me mostly-naked in front of the door. ―Thanks, mate.‖ I fumble out a twenty and take the pizza as his expression gradually smooths over again. ―Keep the change.‖ His eyes try to slide past me, and irritation briefly flares - but I‘m big enough that there‘s no way he can catch a glimpse past me, and I shut the door with a last nod. ―Ready to eat?‖ I ask as I turn, dropping the pizza box onto the bed. Alana winces, ―That might stain, you know. And it‘s certainly going to stink up the place.‖ ―You‘re a student - the smell of pizza will add to the ambiance.‖ I open the box, ignoring her objections, and inhale deeply. God, there‘s something good about that fresh, warm scent of pizza. I take a piece out eagerly, my stomach rumbling at the sight of it, and start eating before I notice that Alana‘s laughing at me. ―What?‖ I try not to speak with my mouth full, but damn it, the pizza requires immediate attention. ―I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen someone react with such enthusiasm.‖ She shakes her head as she takes a piece at a much more sedate pace, and I just grin. ―There‘s nothing better than sex followed by pizza, girl. We‘re living the dream right here.‖ I get half way through my first piece before I finally start to slow down. If she‘s not careful most of it will be gone before she finishes her slice. She laughs again. ―Well, at least it‘s distracted you from the amateur psychology bullshit.‖ ―Hah, you didn‘t like that?‖ I tease her. ―Seemed quite a good theory to me.‖ ―You‘re such an arrogant jackass, you know that?‖ But she‘s smiling, and I love the way she looks when she‘s pretending to be outraged.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Best kind, I promise.‖ I take another piece, and a mushroom takes a nosedive onto her bed covers as I pull it towards my mouth. ―Caleb!‖ She snatches it up and glares at me. ―I knew this was a bad idea.‖ ―I‘ll pay for you to have it all cleaned.‖ I promise, feeling the slightest bit remorseful. ―Just stop worrying and enjoy the damn pizza for me, okay?‖ I can more than afford it with what the compensation I‘m getting for being here. The student life might be billed as fun and games, but the poor as fuck aspect definitely isn‘t for me. ―Hmph,‖ She reluctantly agrees, but relaxes a little and takes another slice. We continue eating in a comfortable silence, both of us letting our stomach‘s overpower the casual banter that seems to spring up between us whenever we‘re not fucking. After we get past the halfway point of the pizza, Alana finally sits back and slows down a little, watching as I continue with abandon. I‘m not even partially sated, and I‘m starting to wonder if I should have ordered a larger size. When was the last time I ate? Before that show last night? Fuck. ―So I thought casual sex was meant to be more of a one-time thing?‖ She asks, her tone amused. ―Maybe this is a one-time thing.‖ It comes out before I can stop it. And this isn‘t at all what I want to talk about - but if we‘re going to, I‘m definitely not making it out to be something it can‘t. To my surprise, she‘s not bothered at all by my words, just looking back with a mischievous smile of her own. ―I don‘t know…I‘d say it‘s been at least a six-time thing…‖ I laugh at that, thinking back to the way last night went, my gaze sharpening on her. ―Mm, how much casual sex have you had before this?‖ ―None.‖ She answers without hesitation.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―So maybe I figured we‘d speed up your education quickly.‖ I grin. ―Is that what this is, then?‖ She asks, amusement sparkling in her eyes. ―Don‘t you feel educated?‖ I run my free hand along her thigh, caressing lightly as I raise an eyebrow at her. ―I figured I‘d help you out, you know - in exchange for those dating tips.‖ She laughs at that, shaking her head as she considers me. ―So if you‘re teaching me casual sex, and I‘m teaching you dating…where does that leave us?‖ My stomach flips at the casual question. I don‘t want to think about any of that - nothing serious, nothing at all resembling what is this, what are we doing. I can‘t think about what we‘re doing or the world might fall in on me. I just want to enjoy her, and everything this is right here and now. Hell, I could be gone at any moment anyway. ―Having a whole load of fun, I‘d imagine.‖ I answer, giving her a sardonic smile before I shift closer and kiss her lightly. She breaks away at looks at me for a long moment, but I don‘t say anything more. What else does she expect? She‟s been saying I‟m this kind of guy the whole time. Eventually, she gives me a shyer smile than I‘m used to, and leans in to finish the kiss. I shift closer to her, enjoying the heat of her body against mine again as my cock hardens in interest again, the pizza forgotten. We get closer together, and I relish the feeling of having this girl in my arms again. For a moment there, I thought our fun-times might be done, but Alana doesn‘t seem to be one of those girls fixated on labeling and understanding exactly what we‘re doing here. Which is a good thing, because I haven‘t got a clue. I finally move the pizza box down to the floor - joining any number of our clothes - and pull her against me again. Food was great, but it already feels like too long since I‘ve had her gasping beneath me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She nibbles against my lip before tilting her head back to look at me. ―Are we seriously not leaving this room today? Mel and Lily will be wondering what the hell happened to me.‖ ―I think Mel and Lily know exactly what happened to you.‖ I can feel my eyes spark at that thought. ―And haven‘t you ever done that before? Spent the whole day shut away in your room, just ignoring the world.‖ I do it after pretty much every hit - girls and booze and then usually bingewatching some rubbish on TV. But I don‘t want to think about that either. I don‘t want anything else to intrude on me being here, right now, with Alana. ―Yeah, all the time - to study for exams.‖ She wrinkles her nose and I can‘t help but kiss the puckered expression on her forehead. ―Not exactly the most fun times.‖ I laugh. Of course. ―Well, then I‘ll show you what it‘s really for.‖ I wrap my arms around her and pin her legs with mine, our bodies entangling with the sheets again as she laughs breathlessly with me.

* * *

―No, Caleb - I really have to go. And so do you!‖ Alana bats my hands away and moves quickly away to the other side of the room, her half-dressed form tempting me unfairly. ―Ohh, c‘mon. We‘ve got a little time…‖ I stand up, fully naked, my cock straining upwards for her already.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She gives me one long look, but her expression is more harried than fiery. ―No, we really don‘t.‖ I fold my arms. ―You had no problem with it yesterday.‖ Somehow, my let‟s stay here and ignore the world plan had worked yesterday - I got a perfect night-and-day-and-night with Alana tucked up in my arms, under my body, writhing and squirming against me… My cock throbs again, and I try not to curse. This morning was not looking near as promising. ―We didn‘t have lectures yesterday!‖ She says, waving her arms emphatically, as if that means something. ―Hun, you can miss one, it‘s not like it‘s a big deal. Everyone else does it.‖ I try to reason. Shit, I‟ve never had to talk a girl into fucking before. But it‘s more than that, and I know it - I just don‘t want her to go out there again. I don‘t want us to leave this little bubble where she‘s safe and I‘m getting laid and we don‘t have to face whatever reality the fucked up world wants to throw at us. Where I don‟t have to walk around with constant images of how she might get killed flicking through my mind. ―I‘m not everyone else.‖ She throws me a glare, and I know this isn‘t working - but it‘s pricking my temper anyway. Why the hell can‟t she be like every other college student? I change tack, coming up behind her as she pulls a brush through her hair like it‘s mortally offended her. Or something has. I wrap my arms around her and start placing little kisses along her neck. ―Okay, okay, I‘m sorry, hun. But it‘s just one lecture, and there are so many things we could—‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―It‘s not just one lecture, Caleb!‖ She whirls around to face me, then breaks out of my arms and backs up a step. ―Look, it might not mean anything to you, but my father is paying a fortune for me to be here, learning all of this. He‘s worked hard all his life putting money away to give me this opportunity, and I‘m sure as hell not going to let him - or anyone else - down!‖ I just stand there for a moment, briefly too stunned to respond. ―Maybe it‘s not the same for you,‖ she continues blindly, ―but if your father put in half the effort mine has to get you here—‖ I laugh. I can‘t help myself. It comes out ugly and bitter and completely derisive, but I can‘t hold it back as I stare at her. This stupid, naive girl. Who hasn‘t got a god-damned clue. Ranting and raving about living up to the dirty money that got her this place. The same money that‘s put me right here too. For fuck‟s sake. My coarse reaction cuts her off, and she just looks at me for a moment, wide-eyed and unseeing. When I finally stop, there‘s a long moment of silence - and I‘m actually fighting with myself not to blurt it all out. To tell her how ridiculous she sounds. I can feel the irony and frustration and resentment building in me, wanting that outlet. ―Caleb…‖ She starts, obviously unsure. Then my phone cuts both of us off, shocking me out of that long, drawn out stare. Sullivan. Fuck. I blink, then jump to search for it immediately. This isn‘t a call I can miss.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Fucking hell. Fuck fuck fuck. ―I have to take this.‖ I say brusquely, as I finally retrieve it. ―Go ahead you‘ve got your lecture to get to.‖ She gives me one last confused glance. Go. Fucking hell go. I can‟t answer this with you here. Get out of here. I ignore the fact this is her room, and I‘m effectively trying to kick her out. I just need her to leave. ―I‘ll make sure it‘s locked on the way out, okay?‖ I try desperately to think of a good reason for this. ―I don‘t want my call making you late - go ahead, I‘ll catch up later.‖ I talk casually, as if we weren‘t just in the middle of an argument - as if I hadn‘t just been on the edge of telling her everything, and for the worst reasons. Despite all that, she finally obliges, giving me an uncertain look on her way out, and then I‘m slamming the answer button. Sullivan is going to fucking kill me if this goes dead— ―Caleb? Where the hell were you?‖ Sullivan grunts in my ear immediately. ―Just talking to your daughter, boss.‖ At least that much is true, ―Couldn‘t pick up with her around.‖ ―You‘re talking to her?‖ I can hear the frown in his voice. ―I‘m not sure that‘s a good idea, Caleb - it would be too easy to slip up, make her suspicious, if you get too close.‖ Yeah, you‟re fucking right about that. Pity about how we‟ve spent the last forty-eight hours then… I reign my out-of-control mind in hard and fast. Sullivan is too good, even over the phone, and this is a secret I‘m going to have to take to my grave - or it‘ll take me there.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I‘m living next to her, boss - I just saw her as I came out for morning lectures.‖ I try and keep my voice calm and casual - professional - but I can‘t take my eyes off the door Alana just left through. That one motion, even more than Sullivan‘s call, had sent reality smashing back into me. I‘d wanted her out of here…now all I can think about is the fact she‘s out of my sight. Unsafe. Unguarded. No one to watch her back. ―—careful, you‘re in a…position…‖ I can‘t focus on what Sullivan is saying over the sudden rushing of blood in my ears. Adrenaline surges through me as I think of Alana - all alone. Fuck. I need to get moving. She might be a pain-in-the-ass naive girl, but…she should have someone protecting her. Keeping her safe and blissfully innocent. ―Boss,‖ I interrupt. God-damn, I never interrupt. ―Do you have an update for me? I need to go now, if I‘m gonna be able to stick close to her. I don‘t want her out there alone.‖ Also true. And genuine enough he‟ll probably forgive the disrespect. There‘s a moment of silence on the phone, then another grunt. ―I just called to tell you that you‘ll be sticking around there a bit longer - we haven‘t got any leads yet.‖ That‟s news? It‟s becoming fucking standard procedure - every week, he needs another week of this crap. ―Sure thing, boss.‖ I hesitate, then add, ―Are you looking into whether the threat is credible, too? I mean, nothing‘s happened…‖ ―I think it‘s credible.‖ Sullivan‘s voice is harsh on the phone, and there‘s something else there too. ―I got another message this morning.‖ Chills run down my spine, and my body practically burns with the inaction. Anything could be happening out there. Fuck this.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Understood, sir.‖ My response is crisp and clear, no sign of what‘s going on with me. One. Two. I‟m not going to push him again. I‟m not going to. Three… ―Good. Okay. Get after her then.‖ Sullivan‘s last order finally comes through. Thank god. ―Oh - and Caleb? Sounds like you‘re doing a great job. Really, I appreciate it.‖ He clicks off, and even with my need to get after Alana, I‘m left staring at the phone for a moment. Sullivan doesn‘t say shit like that. He just doesn‘t. Fuck. I‘ve no idea what that means. And then I‘m suddenly swamped with an uncomfortable feeling of…guilt? That‟s not something I ever feel. My eyes flick around at the rumpled sheets, the chaos we‘ve made of Alana‘s room, the obvious evidence of our passion. My body starts moving, shrugging clothes on within moments before I dart out of the door. It‘s used to acting under pressure, out of instinct and without guidance - which is a damn good thing, because my mind feels slow and confused, too conflicted about everything I‘ve just done. I don‘t regret it. I can feel that as clear as day. This weekend has been one of the best of my life. And Sullivan…hell, I don‘t owe him that much. Not after everything I‘ve done for him, and being left in this shit-hole for weeks. It‘s just that I might end up dead for my trouble, that‘s all. But I‘m not the kind of guy who can play by the rules and toe the boundaries even if I tried, so to hell with that. I just…don‘t know what the fuck I‘m doing. I was meant to be gone by now. A quick screw, no one needs to know about it, then out - done, back to Baltimore.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Now I‘ve got to stick around and keep talking to Alana. And there‘s no way in hell that can happen anymore without us fucking like rabbits too. Ah, fuck it - go hard or go home, Caleb. I‘ll take this shitstorm as far as it goes. And just fucking hope Alana and I make it out alive.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Eleven Alana I sit in the lecture hall and stare straight ahead. Dutifully copy down everything the professor writes on the board. And don‘t hear a single word. It‘s the first time I can remember being so unfocused - my mind buzzing with how I left Caleb this morning, what we did together this weekend, what the hell is going to happen now, just…everything. Ironically, after everything I snapped at Caleb earlier, it‘s turned out this is the one time I don‘t actually want to be here. Not that I‘d take whatever morning-fucking-routine he was expecting instead. Who the hell does he think he is anyway?! Maybe we had fun, but this is my education, damn it! Mel and Lily keep looking at me, too, and I can only guess at the stream of questions I‘m going to get when this finally comes to an end. I disappeared for the whole weekend, and now I just know they‘re expecting every detail. That thought makes me flush again as my mind skims back to the sweet, seductive pleasure of the weekend - Caleb‘s sure expertise and confident sexuality…the things he showed me, did to me, let me do… Fuck. I‘ve never been a sex-crazed college girl before. I go to lectures. I focus. I study hard. There‘s no way I‘m changing that now. Even if part of me feels sorely tempted. Despite Caleb‘s ridiculous temper this morning. His strange behavior. The brief glimpse of pure…condescension in his face for a moment there.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

God, what was that about? I keep thinking that I really don‘t know anything about this guy. And then I keep thinking that I don‘t even care. Fucking hell, Alana. Stop it. I force my eyes back to the slides looming over us at the front of the lecture hall, but I‘ve zoned out and I haven‘t got a clue what Professor White is saying anymore. When did this become so hard to follow? ―Psst…Alana…‖ Mel whispers beside me, and I glance over at her. “What the hell happened to you this weekend?” Oh no. Definitely not. ―We can‘t talk about that now.‖ I hiss back. ―But, I want to—‖ Mel starts, her voice creeping up an octave, as I knew it would. ―After.‖ I interrupt hurriedly, looking around. ―I‘ll tell you after.‖ I‘m not entirely sure I intend to keep that promise, but there‘s no way I‘m becoming the set of girls whispering and disturbing everyone at the back of the lecture hall. Though, since we‘re right at the front, there‘s no chance of at least part of that. I glance at the clock instead. Only thirty minutes in? Oh, fuck it, if all I‟m going to do is spend this time thinking about him, maybe I should‟ve stayed with Caleb this morning. If only to yell at him some more. Then I look over my shoulder, back towards the rear of the lecture hall, instinctively wanting to search him out. But it‘s dark back there and I can‘t see anything. He probably isn‘t here anyway - he made his view on the value of education clear this morning.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I hesitate at that, wondering if I‘m just being unfair. He was just having a good time and maybe he got carried away, didn‘t want to let the weekend end. It‘s hardly the worst crime - probably pretty normal, for a college guy who just got laid. But you‟re not like that. And he can‟t get pissy at the idea of you going to lectures. It‟s fucking ridiculous. Ugh. This sort of over-thinking never happened with Andrew, and Caleb is just a casual one-weekend thing. Maybe. I lean my head on my hands and force myself to stop thinking about him. The way we left it this morning, he‘s probably realized that the girl he hooked up with is actually the super lame type planning on passing exams and doing well instead of fucking every moment of the day or night. And that‘ll be the end of his interest. Nice and simple. A bit of fun, as Mel said. And hey, at least I finally got to experience fucking good sex. By the end of the lecture, I‘ve just about managed to convince myself that‘s exactly what‘s happened, and I think I‘m feeling pretty good about it. I mean, how often does someone like me get to hook up with the hot, mysterious guy on campus and have mind-blowing sex for a weekend? So when Mel accosts me outside the lecture hall, I actually feel halfway ready for the questions. Empowered. All those things girls are meant to feel about sex and men these days. Even if I‘m going to have to borrow their notes for the whole of that lecture. ―So?‖ She starts. ―So what?‖ I retort out of habit more than anything. ―Oh c‘mon, Alana. What the hell—‖ ―Um, Mel?‖ Lily interrupts, ―Can we at least head towards the lunch hall before you start this?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I laugh as Mel huffs. ―I thought you wanted to know as much as I did!‖ ―I do,‖ Lily grins and starts walking, glancing behind her as she does. ―But I‘m starving, and I‘d rather be sitting down with food for this kind of story.‖ ―Alright, babe.‖ Mel gives a surprised laugh and takes my arm as she starts following after Lily. ―What‘s gotten into her?‖ I mutter to Mel, watching Lily‘s back a few paces ahead of us with a little admiration. Lily‘s always been more than happy to go along with whatever Mel or I are doing - and I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen that kind of lascivious smile on her face as she looked back at me. ―Ohh, that boy was over at hers last night.‖ Mel pretends to roll her eyes, but she flashes a grin at me, and I can tell she‘s excited. ―Thomas—something. You know, I think the attention is good for her—‖ ―Are you two talking about me?‖ Lily glances back over her shoulder, then finally falls into step on my other side now that it‘s obvious we are following her. ―Yes,‖ I say at the same time Mel says ―No‖ with a cheeky grin at Lily, who sticks her tongue out in response. I laugh. ―What are you two? Twelve?‖ ―Not if Lily got up to what I think she did last night.‖ Mel quips, and Lily elbows her as we walk into the lunch hall. Their antics make me laugh, and I can‘t remember the last time I‘ve felt so free and light-hearted. Even after the strange way I left things with Caleb this morning, I can tell I‘m feeling good from our weekend. Sexy and fun, and on top of the world. Mel was right about having more fun this year - and from the way their eyes are shining too, it‘s been good for all of us. We settle down with food, the familiar hustle of students around us as we grab a few comfy chairs and sit around a low table.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Okay, now you really do have to tell us.‖ For once, it‘s Lily who insists as I dig into my sandwich, pointing a carrot in my direction with a dramatic wave. ―Me?‖ I grin at her, thinking of Mel‘s earlier comments. ―It sounds like you‘ve got just as many stories to tell.‖ To my surprise, she doesn‘t blush in the slightest, laughing instead as she returns my grin. ―I‘ll tell you anything you want to know. But…there‘s not much to say. Tom came over last night, that‘s all - he was sweet, made me dinner, and…we had a good time.‖ I meet her gaze with an even smile. ―Sure. And that‘s all that happened between Caleb and I too - we had a good time.‖ I wonder briefly how ordering pizza stacks up against making dinner, instinctively comparing Caleb with this guy I‘ve never even met. Probably not quite as impressive. But then, the things Caleb did with the time he saved there…mm, I think that definitely counts for something. ―To hell with that!‖ Mel exclaims. ―You were gone the whole freakin‘ weekend, girl. Didn‘t pick up your phone once. If I hadn‘t been so sure I would‘ve been interrupting, I‘d have been knocking your door down to check you were still breathing, babe.‖ Lily and I laugh, amused as ever by Mel‘s enthusiasm, and I shake my head at her. ―I would have been interrupting something, wouldn‘t I? Please at least tell me that.‖ She entreats. A small thrill runs through me again as I think back on our passion-filled weekend. ―Yeah, okay. You definitely would‘ve been interrupting.‖ I admit, to her hoots of laughter. ―Yess, I knew it! Finally, girl.‖ Mel exclaims, sitting back to eat with a smile on her face. ―What do you mean, finally?‖ I narrow my gaze at her.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Oh, c‘mon. You‘ve been sore about guys ever since Bryan made those comments…‖ She shrugs, and I feel a flare of annoyance. ―It didn‘t have anything to do with that.‖ I insist, ―I was just…focused on other things last year.‖ I‘m pretty sure that‘s true. I mean, sure, Bryan wiped out any attention I might‘ve gotten - and by the time the rumors cleared up, my interest in guys had disappeared - but I was focusing on my course work. Just like Mel and Lily. ―Well, I‘m glad you managed to clear your schedule for Caleb.‖ Mel‘s expression is still happy and light, and it shifts my mood back again. ―So…was he good?‖ I laugh at that. I think it‘s the question I‘d been waiting to hear from her since I slipped into the lecture a couple of minutes late. I have no intention of answering it. But, somehow, when I meet her eyes, I can‘t help the smile that breaks out over my face, and I just know that says everything. Her grin widens and Lily laughs next to me, making me turn furious shade of red for a moment. God damn it! That was not meant to happen. But I relent anyway. ―Yes, okay, he was good. Very good. We had a good time.‖ The best I‟ve ever had…by an awful long way. But I‘m not going to say that. ―Must‘ve done, if you were at it the whole day, too.‖ Lily says beside me, ―That is what you were doing in there, right?‖ ―We had some pizza too.‖ I add, but I‘m sure my expression says it all. ―Hah, oh girl, that‘s amazing.‖ Mel grins again, ―So when‘re you seeing him again?‖ This time I really do hesitate, and then just shrug. ―I don‘t know. Not sure I will.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―What?‖ Lily frowns. ―Well, you said it yourself Mel, this was just a bit of casual fun. So…maybe that was it. A day of an awful lot of fun.‖ I say reasonably, ignoring the slight disappointment that still twinges in me at the thought. At least the lecture gave me enough time to decompress and come to terms with that idea. ―Yeah, but…you liked it, right?‖ Lily continues, ―So, why not?‖ ―I don‘t know.‖ I start, but then it comes out anyway. ―We left it a little…awkward this morning.‖ ―What happened, babe?‖ Mel‘s voice turns softer immediately - behind all her exuberance, she really does care. And I‘m done thinking about this alone anyway. I just shrug. ―He got pissy about me coming out to the lecture. It was stupid and my education is more important than all that. What we did may have been fun, but…not worth screwing up my degree over.‖ ―So tell him that - he‘ll get it.‖ Mel suggests. ―I did.‖ I respond immediately, ―And now that he‘s realized I‘m not the kind of girl to fuck twenty-four seven, that‘s probably the end of his interest. I mean, that‘s obviously the sort of girl he goes for - this thing with me was just a fluke.‖ Mel snorts and shakes her head. ―I doubt it, babe. Have you seen yourself? You‘re fucking gorgeous - and he‘s had his eye on you from the start.‖ I laugh, but the unexpected compliment makes me feel good anyway. That‘s one nice thing about Mel‘s directness - occasionally her saying anything that crosses her mind works out well for you. ―Yeah, honestly Alana - I don‘t think you‘re giving him enough credit here.‖ Lily chimes in. ―He‘s a guy. He was horny, getting laid…of course he didn‘t want that to end. It doesn‘t mean he‘s trying to sabotage your education.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Plus,‖ Mel adds, picking up steam. ―Like you say - he‘s probably not the kind of guy that girls just walk out on the next morning. Bet it injured his ego - but it‘ll probably just leave him wanting more. Seriously, girl, you‘ve got this.‖ I roll my eyes at her description of men, but they‘re making me feel better, and I grin anyway. Even if nothing more happens with Caleb, I know I‘ve got these two - and I don‘t need much else. I still feel uneasy about what happened this morning - their explanation doesn‘t quite fit with the vibe I got from Caleb, and the memory of the way he looked at me is just…unsettling. But maybe I‘ll give it all the benefit of the doubt, and see what happens. It‘s just another layer to the enigma that is Caleb. ―Hey.‖ I whirl around at the deep voice behind me, part of me hoping to see Caleb even as I know instinctively that‘s not his voice. ―Tom!‖ Lily grins, and the guy walks past me to put an arm around Lily‘s shoulders, squeezing and smiling down at her. ―Hey, everyone - this is Tom. Tom, these are my friends, Alana and Mel.‖ Lily makes quick introductions, and I try not to stare at him. You‟re Tom?! I manage to give a quick ―hi‖ instead of saying that, but it‘s difficult. Tom is about three-hundred pounds of muscle, over six feet tall, and built like a fucking machine. He‘s either on the football team or a fucking bodybuilder, and he completely dwarfs Lily. ―There‘s an open-air film showing just outside town in a couple of days,‖ Tom says, mainly to Lily but with a glance to include all of us, ―A group of us are going and I thought I‘d come by and see whether you‘d like to join.‖ ―Yeah, I‘d love to.‖ Lily responds immediately, and Mel seconds it. Taking the cue, I nod along, still confused as hell. ―Awesome.‖ He gives Lily another smile, bending for a quick kiss, before waving at us and making his way back to the other end of the food hall.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―That‟s Tom?” I finally get to exclaim. That‟s the romantic guy Lily kept talking about? The one who‟s “nice” and “fun” and “sweet”? ―Yes, why?‖ Lily looks over at me, obviously confused. I glance at Mel for backup, and she just laughs. ―Yeah, maybe I should‘ve warned you.‖ Mel says brightly, ―I caught a glimpse of him at that party.‖ Lily looks between us both, before Mel finally answers her. ―It‘s nothing, babe, just…‖ ―We didn‘t think that‘d be your type.‖ I finish for her, smiling at my small, be-speckled friend. ―Oh,‖ Lily seems to consider it for a moment, then asks, ―Why not?‖ Mel just laughs again. ―I love you, girl. I really do. And he seems great.‖ Lily frowns back at us and I just shrug, smiling and happy for her, but completely unable to explain how strange it is to see my mostly-ordinary, geeky friend with a guy like that. I love Lily to bits, but she‘s never been someone to turn heads - and I suppose that just shows my own biases more than anything. I feel oddly pleased for them both for going against all my unconscious assumptions. I guess Mel was right - Lily doesn‟t need any help at all. ―Yeah.‖ I agree, ―He does. I just guess he wasn‘t quite…what I was expecting.‖ Lily grins. ―Well, maybe you‘ll both get to know him a little on Wednesday. Hey - you could invite Caleb too.‖ ―Mm, maybe.‖ I say, noncommittally. Something in my stomach flutters at the thought, but I try to ignore it as Mel makes a show of groaning.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Don‘t tell me that I‘m going to start becoming the fifth to your double-dates now, guys.‖ She complains. ―You‘re the one that insisted on setting us up.‖ I point out, ―Guess you‘re just going to have to find your own guy.‖ She grins, and her eyes flicker upwards as she considers. ―Mm, working on it.‖ ―Ooh, do tell.‖ I jump on that. She laughs and shakes her head, ―In good time, all in good time.‖ Lily rolls her eyes and switches the conversation back to our plans for Wednesday evening, and we continue chatting until the next lecture. I even manage not to think about Caleb for most of it.

* * *

By the time I get back to my room after the long day of lectures and seminars, I‘m tired and feeling irritable with how I left things with Caleb. I haven‘t seen him all day, and there was part of me that had hoped he‘d come up and apologize, or just…you know…something. And then I keep wondering whether I should be the one apologizing. Which is so not what I need to get into right now. There are tests to study for, and seminar questions to answer and at some point I need to start thinking about my research project… I push the door open, wishing my mind would shut up, and then just stop in the doorway. The bombshell I left has been completely turned around. No sign - or smell of pizza boxes, all the clothes lying around have disappeared, the bed is straightened and the whole place looks a hell of a lot better than it was before I even had Caleb over.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

It‘s clean and fresh and neat. Which isn‘t quite me, even at the best of times. I glance over to Caleb‘s door, a little bemused, but he‘s not there obviously. When did I start expecting him to find him there, leaning against the doorway and watching me? I hadn‘t even noticed how much I‘d started looking for that recently, those half-amused, half-hidden eyes of his as I walk past in the morning. The way he looks at me. My pulse leaps just thinking about it. Can I really miss something so quickly? Am I going insane? I shake it off and step into the room, catching a glimpse of paper fluttering on the bedspread as I get closer. Sorry for being an ass. The scrawled writing wraps around an unexpectedly lifelike picture of a guy‘s ass. I stare at it for a moment, picking the paper up and flicking it over to see if he‘d written his name. Instead I get: If you‟d rather, I can go back to being a dick. Accompanied by an even more impressive drawing of a throbbing, veined cock on the other side. I feel myself standing there in disbelief for a quick moment, and then I just laugh. My cheeks heat and I shake my head at the idea of Caleb leaving this. It‘s exactly the sort of thing he would do. Arrogant prick. But something in my chest eases at the light-hearted gesture and within moments, I‘m knocking on his door. He answers immediately, glancing at the note in my hand before giving me a broad, wicked smile. My lips curve up in response.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Very funny, Caleb…‖ I cross my arms and look up at him, but my eyes are already alight and somehow things are better just being around him again. ―It was.‖ He smirks at me, then reaches out and pulls me closer, making me stumble into him and semi-reluctantly wrap my arms around him. ―And you thought so too. Come to take me up on my offer?‖ I take a deep breath, inhaling his unique scent, and relax a little bit. Why the hell does this feel so much like making up after our first argument? I keep trying to remind myself we‘re not actually together. We just had sex that one time. Five times. Maybe more. Whatever. ―Maybe.‖ I murmur, and he lifts my head to look at me, eyes burning as they meet mine before he takes me in a fierce kiss. I melt into it without another word, stepping closer into his arms and pulling his body to mine. I can‘t believe how much I want it. Maybe the lectures were more important, but now that they‘re done…the rest of the work can wait until after this. His tongue tangles with mine as he pulls me back into his room - a quick glance around tells me that whatever effort he put into mine, he didn‘t spare on his at all. But that just amuses and pleases me a little more, and move back with him, tearing at his top while he lifts my skirt. ―Fuck, Alana.‖ His voice grinds against me, and the need there sends a little thrill through me again. Maybe it wasn‘t just me who was messed up after leaving like that today. ―Are you going to show me that dick, then?‖ I challenge. I would never have been so forward a couple of days ago, but now…now I can‘t think of anything else. I try to steer us towards the bed, but he doesn‘t move an inch. Instead, he pushes back - and pure solid muscle has me pressed up against the wall in an instant.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Ohh, god…‖ I breathe, as his eyes spark fire and his mouth dips to suckle and tease at my neck. One hand catches mine and forces them up above my head, and I‘m already wet for him. Wanting him. Thinking of that inked cock and wondering whether he modeled it on himself. ―I can‘t believe you kept me fucking waiting for this.‖ He growls in my ear, and I shudder. This time, I have no inclination to argue with him. I can‘t believe I kept us waiting either. ―Why the fuck didn‘t you come and find me then?‖ I shift under him, pressing my hips as far forward as they‘ll go, my skirt wrapped around my hips and just my already-wet panties exposed. ―What, you wanted me to take you in the back of a lecture hall?‖ He asks, darkly amused. ―Would you have liked that, hun? The good little student, trying desperately to muffle her cries of pleasure from anyone passing?‖ Moisture floods my panties and I moan out loud. I‘m pretty sure I don‘t want that. Pretty sure. But fuck me if he isn‘t convincing as hell. And the image drives me crazy. ―Fuck, Caleb…you‘re so…‖ I grunt at him, tugging at where he‘s got my wrists trapped and wanting more. ―Sexy?‖ He suggests, grinning at me. ―Hot? Unbelievably amazing? The best you‘ve ever had?‖ ―I‘ll go with unbelievable. And impossible.‖ I scowl at him, but I‘m struggling not to laugh. He‘s outrageous. In all the best ways. ―God damn it, fuck me already.‖ I complain, pressing up again. Caleb would be the last person I would‘ve expected to hold back and talk.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I don‘t know, babe…‖ He looks me up and down, ―I quite like seeing you like this. Just enjoying the view…‖ I growl and launch myself at him as best I can, swinging my legs up to wrap around his hips and relying on him to catch me since I have no leverage with my arms like this. He obliges - laughing and supporting my ass against him, before finally pressing me against the wall and kissing me deeply. ―You‘re so fucking hot, Alana.‖ He mutters. ―Don‘t you dare stay away from me like that again.‖ The demand is dark and intoxicating, and I refuse to think about whatever might be behind it now. Instead I moan and arch up into him again, and he finally finally - opens the clasp of his jeans and pushes them down. His cock springs up between us, and I can‘t help comparing it to the inked picture he‘d left me, making me laugh even as my hips grind against him. Caleb pushes forward and kisses me roughly, my back pressed up against the wall as I try to hold onto him with my legs, wishing his cock was rubbing against more than just my panties. He seems to have the same thought, because he glances down and then his expression turns fierce, his mouth hovering over mine as he causally reaches down and rips them off me. I stare at him for a moment, taken out of the wild passion by the sheer absurdity of it. And— ―Hey - those were nice, Caleb!‖ I protest. ―I told you I wanted to see the others.‖ He grins at me. ―Besides, didn‘t you want me inside you?‖ Then his cock is against my entrance and I lose any ability to argue. I want it too badly.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I just moan and flex my arms against where he‘s holding them, trying to reach forward to get closer and kiss him. He pauses for a moment, impossibly still as he looks into my eyes - and then he‘s finally moving. He thrusts into me hard and if we hadn‘t spent the last few days fucking I‘m pretty sure my pussy wouldn‘t have been able to take it - but as it is, it feels perfect as he opens me up and stretches me, mouth clashing with mine as he slams me back against the wall again and again. It‘s crazy over-the-top mind-blowing sex, the kind I never would‘ve expected to have, but I‘m loving every second as I try to gasp for breath. My lust rises up hard and fast inside me, and I‘m slamming my body up into him, craving more. His thick cock shifts inside me, angling just right, and then it‘s hitting the perfect spot every time. My breathing hitches and gets higher with every thrust, and my body spasms against his, every part of me pressing forward and into him. Caleb‘s eyes are wild as they meet mine, passion flushing his features and I pull my legs in ever closer, wanting to feel him, wanting him stretching me in every possible way. ―So. Fucking. Hot.‖ His words are hot grunts in my ear, and they send shivers down my spine. He finally releases his grip on my arms and pushes me even harder against the wall, surging forward while I clutch his shoulders closer to me, seeing stars behind my eyes as sparks shoot through me with every…perfect…stroke. ―Ohhh, fuuuck…‖ I finally grind out, and then everything explodes within me, white pleasure overwhelming everything else. I can hear his ragged laugh as if from a distance as his teeth clamp down on my neck, cock spasming inside me while my pussy clamps down hard. That sends another series of shocks through me and I find myself humping helplessly against his hips as I come down from the intensity, body shaking in his arms.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

What the hell happened there? My head finally sinks back against the wall, and after a few moments Caleb withdraws and lowers me back down to the floor again. His muscles are tight and beautifully taut, but a quick glance shows me he‘s barely worked up a sweat. God damn, the stamina on this guy. I‘ve got hair stuck to my head with sweat and I‘m pretty sure my muscles can‘t support me right now… Not that that matters, since he just leads me over to the bed and pulls me down into his arms again, lying beside me and looking at me with those warm green eyes. He kisses me a little, which seems to be his go-to for recovery - not that I‘m complaining. I‘m still trying to work out how we ended up in bed. Again. ―So…I take it my apology‘s accepted?‖ Caleb asks lightly. ―I‘m not sure that really counted as an apology…‖ I retort. ―Seemed to satisfy you.‖ His eyes twinkle at me, and I can‘t help laughing, worming my way closer to him again. Is it really that simple? Shit, Mel might be right. Maybe I do just over-think everything. And maybe this time, it can just be simple. ―Yeah, okay.‖ I say, ―But Caleb…I really do have to study.‖ I look up at him, suddenly serious again, but this time he just nods. ―I know.‖ His lips curve up into a smile. ―I‘ll try not to distract you…much.‖ I shake my head at him, but I‘m smiling and enjoying this. I hadn‘t realized how good it could feel to simply lie with him, and I‘m not ready to let this thing with Caleb become a simple weekend fling. ―It wouldn‘t exactly hurt you to study either, you know.‖ I poke him as he makes a face at me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I think it might.‖ He quips. ―I mean it…we‘ve got exams coming up soon. I don‘t mind helping if you like - if there‘s a few concepts that you‘re struggling with, I‘m pretty good at explaining this stuff—‖ He leans in to kiss me, cutting me off, but when he breaks it again his face has turned serious. ―Don‘t bother - seriously Alana, I‘ll just slow your studying down and I‘m not interested. You focus on what you‘re good at…and I‘ll focus on what I‘m good at.‖ He says the last with a wandering hand down my thigh, and I have to clench my legs together at the immediate response from my pussy. I kiss him back, but then I shake my head. ―That‘s not a very good plan for the exams.‖ ―I don‘t care about the exams.‖ His body is shifting closer to mine, and his voice goes deeper the way it does when he starts getting aroused again, but he isn‘t making any sense and I can‘t get past it. ―C‘mon, you don‘t mean that. You can‘t just be here for the college parties and casual sex.‖ I insist. ―Why not?‖ He responds. ―Because…‖ I stumble, not sure whether he‘s actually serious. ―Well, I‘m sorry about the way I said it this morning, but…it is fucking expensive. And this is a pretty intensive course. If you just want to party, why didn‘t you pick an easy major? At least that way, you‘d come out with some sort of degree.‖ ―Maybe I didn‘t have a choice.‖ His voice is lower again, but not in his usual aroused way, and something along my spine tingles. ―What do you mean?‖ I ask. ―God, you‘re persistent, aren‘t you?‖ He sighs. ―Yes.‖ I say with a smile, trying to lighten the mood again. I‘m pretty sure he‘s getting annoyed, but I can‘t help myself.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I‘ve always been this way - my father used to tap me on the nose after a familiar barrage of questions, smile and say that one day my persistence could cure cancer. After that, I‘ve never managed to convince myself it‘s a bad thing - even if Caleb‘s expression now is telling me it might be. He‘s quiet for a long moment, and then looks up at me again - but there‘s more distance there than before as he shrugs. ―You love this science stuff, Alana, and that‘s great. But I‘m only here because my father insisted, okay? I‘m crap at it, and I‘m perfectly happy acknowledging that.‖ I feel a sudden burst of sympathy for him, and then guilt at rubbing my own father‘s support in his face this morning. Maybe that‘s why he acted so strange. ―Okay.‖ I nod. ―I‘m sorry.‖ He gives me a small smile and leans in to kiss me again. ―Don‘t be. I don‘t mind - just the way it is.‖ I frown at that. ―It doesn‘t have to be, you know. What would you rather do instead?‖ This time the sigh is more aggravated and he rolls his eyes at me, pulling back. ―I don‘t know, Alana. Maybe I‘ll think about that when I flunk out of here, hmm?‖ He gives me an ironic smile and shifts back against the headrest, hooking one ankle over the other and grabbing his phone. ―Look, I‘ve got a few things to sort out. Why don‘t you get on with your studying, and we‘ll meet later, okay?‖ Well, that‘s a dismissal if ever I‘ve heard one. I want to argue - only he‘s kind of right about me studying, and we already argued once today and really…he doesn‘t owe me anything. I was just trying to help. And understand just a little more about him. ―Okay.‖ I get up too, wishing he hadn‘t closed off from me like that. But somehow knowing that if I leave it and meet him later, as he suggested, he‘ll be back to sexy-and-hot-and-playful again.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

That makes it better - except for the massive wall inside him that I can‘t see past.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twelve Caleb I come to a stop and narrow my eyes as Tom leads Lily to the couple of deck chairs in front of us, facing the large screen up ahead. They‘re decked out in pretty fairy lights, with a thick rug beneath. ―Hmm…I feel outdone.‖ I complain. ―What, because he made some effort and you made none?‖ Alana teases beside me, her hand in mine. ―Yes. Doesn‘t seem fair to me.‖ I shake my head as she laughs. ―Lily was kind of right about him - he seems a sweet guy.‖ She comments. ―And I‘m not?‖ I raise an eyebrow. ―Not in the slightest.‖ Even in the twilight of the evening, I can see the grin on her face, and my cock starts to stiffen immediately. ―Good thing sweet is the last thing I want to be then.‖ I mutter, then I step toward our chairs and casually knock one over. ―Hey - what—‖ Alana starts. ―There - now I‘ve made special arrangements for us, too.‖ I scoop her into my arms and sit down in the one remaining deck chair, settling her on my lap and wrapping my arms around her sweet, soft body. She laughs again, her voice light and happy in the night air. ―I‘m not sure this counts—‖ ―You were just saying you‘re cold. This way I get to keep you warm all night.‖ I murmur in her ear, and I‘m sure I don‘t imagine the way she shudders and then squirms back against me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Okay then.‖ Her voice has turned breathy, and the bulge of my jeans settles in between her ass as I keep her pressed close to me. Yeah, this is the perfect way to be watching this. The film - Terminator I think she said it was - starts playing and I feel her slowly relax into me. ―Where‘s Mel?‖ I whisper. I‘m surprised I care, but I‘d thought I‘d see her here tonight - and somehow I‘ve started feeling almost protective of Alana‘s little band of friends. Probably some side effect of spending so much time with them - while constantly alert for Alana - the last few weeks. ―She said she had other plans for tonight.‖ Alana whispers back, and I feel her shrug against me. ―She still won‘t tell me what they are.‖ The tinge of curiosity in her voice has a wry smile tugging at my lips. This girl does not stop with the questions. I should be avoiding it at all costs, but I‘m almost starting to find it sweet. The determined look she gets on her face, that glint in her eyes…it just makes her hotter. Even if the questions are fucking dangerous. I know I‘m struggling to think of semi-plausible answers that don‘t make me feel like crap for lying to her, and eventually, she‘s going to work out that my story doesn‘t make any sense. If she doesn‘t already know it. All I can hope is that I disappear before that happens. She‘ll be pissed, sure, but it‘s better that way. And it needs to happen soon - before I start thinking too hard about those questions. What do you want to do? Who are you? What are you doing? Why? Fuck. Guys like me don‘t think about shit like that, and it‘s not healthy to start. I just do as I‘m told. Follow orders. Live as I was brought up to do - and at least I‘m living. I get my fair share of respect, power, money…what more could I want?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―You okay?‖ Alana twists around to look at me. ―Huh?‖ I blink down at her. ―You got all tense.‖ She says. ―Ohh…yeah, I‘m fine. All good, baby.‖ I squeeze her close and cuddle up again, forcing my mind back to the show and Alana in my arms. Maybe pulling her onto me like this was a bad idea…except it wasn‘t. I fucking love her body against mine. I just need to pay attention and enjoy it. I look back towards the film, watching Sarah and Kyle in the diner while my hands play over Alana‘s body, enjoying the way she shifts into me, biting her lip and glancing around us. It makes me smile, and I lean down and start kissing the side of her neck and face as all hell breaks loose on screen. This time, the gunshots don‘t bother me - the tinny sound coming through the speakers sounding nothing like they should in real life - and besides, Alana feels close enough to keep safe. Just about perfect. “Come with me if you want to live.” The catch phrase somehow takes me by surprise, and I glance up towards the screen again with a weird feeling. I always thought it unlikely that Sarah would trust a complete stranger just like that, but… ―Would you do that?‖ I murmur into Alana‘s ear. ―What?‖ She whispers back. ―Go with a complete stranger if he claimed it would save your life. Would you believe him?‖ I can‘t help my curiosity. And I can‘t help thinking that‘s exactly what I might be expecting of her at some point soon. Would she trust me enough to save her life? Or would she fight me every step of the way?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

A chill runs down my spine and I fight back the shudder. I‘m not meant to be thinking about these things. ―I don‘t know.‖ She finally says. ―I might be just as afraid of him - I always thought he must appear insane to her. But maybe…‖ I bite my tongue to keep from pressing further. From telling her she could trust me, with something like that. How can I expect her to trust me, when she doesn‘t have a clue who I am? ―Why?‖ She asks after a moment, clearly oblivious to the darker direction of my thoughts. I want to tell her my initial thought - that it always seemed a weird reaction to me. But I don‘t. In case one day I need her to react exactly that way. Instead, I try to make light of it. ―Maybe I‘m working on my pick-up lines.‖ I tease, and she laughs lightly, the sound muffled as we try not to disturb anyone around us, but still beautiful. That eases me for a moment, but suddenly I‘m not in the mood to sit here and watch chases and assassination attempts and crazy robots. I let my hand wander up to Alana‘s pert breasts, starting to palm and stroke there as she freezes against me. ―Caleb!‖ She hisses. ―Mmm?‖ I continue regardless, my cock stiffening again as I feel the weight of her in my hand. God, her breasts are so beautiful. I want one in my mouth already. ―You can‘t…not here. There are—someone might see!‖ Her eyes are wide and she‘s glancing around us. ―It‘s dark, hun - and what do you think all the other couples here are getting up to?‖ I say, amused. Then I lean down to whisper in her ear. ―Besides, not so different from being in the back of a lecture hall, fooling around…and you seemed to like that idea.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Caleb!‖ She exclaims as quietly as she can, and I can feel the heat reaching her cheeks. Fuck, but I love playing with this woman. I stroke a hand down her arm. ―Or, if you‘d rather, we could just slip out. You weren‘t so interested in this film anyway, were you?‖ I suggest. ―It‘s barely started!‖ I can hear the trace of amusement in her voice. ―We can‘t leave already.‖ ―Tom and Lily already have.‖ I point out, nodding towards where the pretty lights are now surrounding empty seats. ―What?!‖ I feel her start against me. ―When did that happen?!‖ ―About ten minutes ago.‖ I murmur, appreciating my over-the-top attention to everything around me for a nice reason for once. ―You know, there‘s a small copse of woods just below here - it‘s a beautiful way to see the stars.‖ ―How do you know that?‖ She looks at me incredulously. ―Maybe I did prepare for tonight after all…in my own way.‖ I grin at her, and her face flushes again. There‘s a long pause, and my hands resume their wandering unhindered before she finally takes a deep breath. ―Okay then.‖ She swallows as she says it, and I can hardly believe she‘s actually agreed. Who would‘ve thought Sullivan‘s innocent daughter could be convinced to disappear into the trees for sex? Fuck. No. Not Sullivan‟s daughter. Alana. Don‟t you dare start thinking of that. ―You‘re beautiful, girl.‖ I mutter, unable to help myself. ―So fucking perfect.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

It‘s a stupid comment, but moments like this just make everything swell within me, and I can‘t contain it. I tilt her head and kiss her - long and deep before wrapping my arms around her and standing in one smooth motion. I take us off to the side and out of the way, then wrap a hand around her waist and walk us down and away from the open-air cinema. ―I can walk myself, you know.‖ Alana is breathless and excited beside me, and it stirs my blood too. ―I know. But it‘s dark, and I don‘t want losing your footing and falling.‖ I say. ―Before you get to fuck me, you mean?‖ She comments. ―Well, at all. But especially before I get to fuck you.‖ I squeeze her closer, inhaling the scent of her hair and increasing the pace just a little. I can‘t wait to have this woman under me. Again. It seems to be the only thing that lets me forget everything else. It‘s a short walk down to the trees I‘d mentioned, and when we step into their cover, the noise and lights behind fade and it‘s just us, the stars and the flickering shadows around us. Alana gives a breathy laugh, glancing around us. ―It‘s pretty dark in here, huh? Feels like we‘re the only people around.‖ She says in a hushed voice. I shoot her a grin, ―Let‘s hope we‘re the only ones around.‖ Even in the dark I can feel her flush, excitement and nerves obvious. Strangely enough, being here is having the opposite effect on me. Sure, I‘m hot for her, and turned on like fuck to be out here - but as we get away from lights and noise and people, I‘m starting to relax. That might be where I usually thrive - places I can be anonymous, disappear and use all of that to my advantage, but I‘m realizing for the first time that having someone to protect is flipping that on its head. It‘ll be impossible for anyone to sneak up on us out here, giving me some perfect time alone with Alana.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

After a few minutes of walking, we finally get to the place I‘m heading for and the trees break apart for a small clearing, the branches overhead sparse enough that light rays of moonlight reach the ground. I tilt my head at her and smile as that reveals a couple of blankets with brass lanterns framing the setting - better than fairy lights any day - and a couple of petals scattered around. I can‘t take all the credit for that - I passed a few nicely manicured gardens on the way in here and couldn‘t resist, but still, I thought it was a nice gesture. Since when I‘ve started making nice gestures, I have no idea, but I seem to be allin on playing out this little college romance fantasy now. Alana stops still beside me, glancing between the nice setting and me with an honest look of disbelief and confusion. I can‘t exactly blame her for that, but it‘s starting to make me uncomfortable. This was probably a bad idea. Then her hand comes up to her mouth and she laughs, a beautiful silvery sound, before shaking her head. ―Wow, Caleb…maybe Lily was right.‖ That breaks my brief moment of tension, and I cock my head at her. ―Right about what?‖ ―That time you offered to take me for a run - she said we‘d probably end up somewhere super romantic and nice.‖ She says lightly, taking my arm and leading me over to the blankets. I vaguely remember the conversation we had at dinner, and feel a little stab of guilt - that really had just been because I wanted to go for a run. Fuck it, I still do. Getting back up to proper fitness is going to kill me after this stint. ―Yeah, well, I think I was mostly interested in the run there, babe.‖ I admit. ―Hah! I knew it! Thank god I said no.‖ She exclaims, flopping down on the blankets. ―Hey, ow!‖ I laugh as she rubs her ass, ―It is still hard ground under there, hun.‖ ―Maybe this isn‘t as nice as I thought it was…‖ She wrinkles her nose, and I lie down beside her before she can object further, bringing her down with me and tangling our bodies together, side-by-side.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I‘ll distract you then, hmm?‖ I murmur, running my hand through her hair and kissing her until she sighs and relaxes into me. The kiss expands from there, and my leg moves between her thighs, making her gasp as I nip at her lips and meet her tongue with my own. Her arms wrap around me and I‘m lost in the perfect scent and feel of her body against mine. ―Fuck, Alana…‖ I mutter, unable to help myself. ―I can‘t get enough of you.‖ I feel the shiver under me, and bring her even closer even though I know she isn‘t cold. ―God, Caleb.‖ She looks up, and then around at the trees again, ―Are we really doing this? Here?‖ I smile, my hand gliding down her body and slipping under her top as I lean forward. ―Ohh, I think you like it.‖ My mouth kisses along her chin, up the delicate bones of her face until it‘s pressed against her ear, my breath warm. ―Knowing there are people only a few minutes‘ walk away. That anyone could be passing outside this little copse of woods. Knowing you‘ll have to muffle your cries, that we‘ll have to be quiet…‖ My hand slips under her jeans and into her panties to let me slide a couple of fingers into her pussy. ―Fuck, you‘re soaking wet.‖ I murmur. I knew she was into it, but still…feeling it is beautiful. She squirms against me as I grin down at her, a sensual light in her eyes as I take my hand away and slowly suck my fingers into my mouth. She moans lightly as she watches me, her pussy wriggling against my thigh and driving me crazy. ―You taste fucking incredible, girl.‖ My voice has gone husky and deep, and I know I‘m not going to be able to keep this slow, seductive pace up for long. ―Do you think you can be quiet for me?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I shift over her, pressing her down underneath me and pushing her jeans and panties down, and it‘s like all the air leaves her body as she opens up to accept me, spreading her legs wide and biting her lip. ―I…I don‘t know.‖ Alana‘s face is flushed and her breathing is already coming quickly - eyes darting around, and then losing herself in me. My mouth curves up into a smile as I slip the button on my pants and let my aching cock rise into place at her entrance. ―I‘ll help you with that, then.‖ I murmur, then slip a couple of fingers into her, stretching and playing lightly, feeling her juices slide over my hand. Her breath catches in her throat and she bucks against me - already desperate, already wanting it. ―Caleb…‖ It‘s a broken, unsure, and heated word. And I can‘t get enough of it. I finally withdraw my fingers and then move them up to her face, leaning down to kiss her. ―Here, these will muffle the sound.‖ I give her a slow smile, and watch as her eyes fasten eagerly on them, sucking my fingers into her mouth and swallowing around them. I watch the way her throat works hungrily, my mind flashing back to picturing her mouth on my cock, the passionate way her eyes close in bliss, just like…fuck, yes, just like now. That‘s enough for my desire to throb hard through me, and I only give her a moment before thrusting forward, entering her tight pussy and feeling it squeeze around me. Oh fuck yes. I don‘t think I‘ve ever felt a girl as good as Alana. I start hard and fast, not giving her time to recover and watching as her eyes widen, her body tensing with need and sudden pleasure. I‘m doing my best to keep quiet myself, but even I can‘t help grunting at the way she feels, bringing my head down to her neck so she can feel my own passion.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I catch the barest sounds that escape from where she‘s still sucking hard on my fingers, muffled moans and gasps and cries that have my cock pounding hard and my blood searing with fire. ―Fuck, Alana…‖ I kiss and bite at her neck to stop myself from saying more, feeling the way she shudders under me. Her hands come around my shoulders and her nails bite into me as I hold her steady on the ground and thrust into her again and again. I can‘t keep this up much longer - it‘s too much, too hot. Being out here at night, under the stars with my good college girl, where anyone could hear us. Alana‘s breathing is fast and frenzied beneath me, her hips rising up to meet every thrust and her pussy clenching down on my cock. I can feel the way her heart rate is racing, her need matching my own and her pupils dilated with passion. I bring my other hand around and take her nipple in my fingers, squeezing and pulling and rolling it between them in the way she can‘t resist - and that‘s all it takes. Her head flies back and she brings her hands up to cover the fingers still inside her mouth as she screams wordlessly. I can feel it vibrate against my hand and…fuck…I can‘t take it any more. I thrust hard into her as her pussy clamps down on my cock, welcoming it in, locking it there and making me feel fucking amazing. That need shoots through my body and straight out of me, everything within me releasing as I clutch onto her, my mouth replacing my fingers to meet hers and taste our mutual passion. I explode within her as I thrust again and again, holding her close as aftershocks ripple through her and she tries to curse against my mouth, the pleasure overwhelming every other instinct. When I‘m finally done, I pull out of her and roll over to my side, bringing her with me and nestling her head against my chest. She lets out one last shuddering breath and then curls into me, one hand running down my chest as she gets comfortable. I wrap one of the blankets around

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

us, even though we‘re still mostly clothed, and prop my head on an elbow, looking up at the glimpses of moon through the trees. ―It‘s beautiful here.‖ Alana echoes the thought in my mind. ―You‘re beautiful here.‖ I tuck a stray hair back from her eyes and smile down at her, but it feels a little different from my usual charm. She laughs and I look down at her - my eyes tracing her soft body with more interest than I‘ve ever had for the night sky. ―I mean it Alana…you‘re stunning.‖ My lips trace her face again, kissing her eyes, her cheeks, all the way to her mouth. ―How come a girl like you isn‘t already taken, huh?‖ ―Probably because guys are jerks - and idiots.‖ Her expression shifts to distaste, and I raise an eyebrow. ―Oh?‖ I ask. She just shrugs, then gives me a wry smile. ―I was living opposite a guy named Bryan freshman year - you know the type, center-of-the-world arrogant football player. When I rejected him, he thought the only possible reason was that I must be gay. Which I would‘ve just had a laugh over - except he told everyone he knew, and those big-star football players have a lot of friends. So for the first semester, everyone thought I was a lesbian, and then when it finally died down…I was so not interested anymore.‖ I just look at her for a moment, and then I laugh at the absurdity of it and pull her closer into my arms. ―Yeah you‘re right, babe. Idiots. But I‘m pretty glad right now that they all lost out.‖ She finally laughs along with me, and kisses me back. When she looks back up at me, her eyes are gleaming again. ―Mm, and maybe I am too.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Thirteen Alana I finally set my pen down and glance over at where Caleb is lying on my bed, doodling. It‘s been several hours. More than time for a break from studying. You seriously used to do this all day and not even notice the time pass? These days, it seems all you can think about is your next break…and everything it offers. I bite my lip as my pussy clenches at the thought. Caleb has been as good as his word - no more hassling me about studying. But he does seem to insist on hanging around, looking fucking gorgeous and tempting me with that perfect sight down his back to the curve of his ass. I‘ve never thought about sex this much before. And I‘ve certainly never had it quite this much. But even if I‘d never say it - I think he might be right. This is good for me. And I‘m getting enough done - not that he‘s studying at all. If he keeps this up, he‘s going to fail. Which, I don‘t know, maybe he wants. It‘s impossible to read him sometimes, and after last time, I haven‘t pressed further. I haven‘t even asked what we‘re doing. I think we‘re dating now. It feels like it. We‘re practically joined at the hip - he spends all his time with me, we go out and do things together, or with Mel and Lily. But Caleb would probably run a mile if I said it. And I‘m not sure it matters to me, or if I even want that, so why push? Then he shrugs his shirt off and has my immediate attention. ―What‘re you doing?‖ I walk the tiny distance from my desk to the bed, looking at him with curiosity.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His eyes flick up to mine, heat simmering there as his mouth curves into a smile. ―Well, I was going to try and work out where I want this next tat, but now that you‘re over here…‖ He pulls me down onto the bed beside him, and I laugh, glancing over the drawings. ―A shield, huh? That seems a little different.‖ I say, running a hand over the patterns on his chest. ―Yeah, maybe.‖ He shrugs. ―Would probably work best on a shoulder or arm here…‖ He traces the outline on his left arm and I follow the gesture with my fingers before spreading them over his shoulder, running my hand down his back and getting entirely distracted. He grins at me, bringing my hand back and kissing the fingertips. ―Ever been curious about getting one? What would you pick?‖ He asks. I laugh and shake my head. It‘s never once occurred to me to get a tattoo. And my parents would probably kill me. ―Aw, c‘mon - want me to draw something for you? You‘d look awesome with a little ink.‖ His eyes are sparkling and I can‘t tell whether he‘s just teasing me or not. Then he strips my top off before I can say anything, pushing me down onto the bed and kissing me deeply. ―Caleb, you can‘t—‖ I try to object, but I‘m a little breathless. ―It‘ll be fun.‖ He grins, ―And I know what I‘m doing - it won‘t smudge, just stick around for a couple of days…give you a little taste of how pretty that pale skin would look with a few strokes of ink. What do you want?‖ I shake my head, but now I‘m grinning too. Why not?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Caleb seems to have that effect on me. ―Okay, okay. Maybe…a butterfly or something?‖ I grasp loosely at the idea. I‘ve honestly never thought about this before at all, but that seems pretty standard, right? He rolls his eyes at me, but acquiesces. ―If you‘re sure…‖ Then he shifts on top of me, his hips pinning me in place. I arch up into him instinctively, wanting to feel that familiar pressure against my pussy and he laughs again, pushing me back down and placing one large hand on my shoulder to keep me there. ―None of that quite yet, baby.‖ He murmurs, leaning down to run his hand over my collarbone. ―Wow…you really must be serious about this stuff.‖ I say. I don‘t think he‘s ever turned down my advances for anything before. He doesn‘t answer me, frowning in concentration before he finally brings the pen down to my skin. ―Hey! That tickles…‖ I squirm at the first contact, laughing lightly, but his firm hands hold me in place. ―You have to hold still, you know.‖ He says with a smile. ―I know, I know, just…‖ I take a breath and nod for him to continue, trying to distract myself with how good he looks on top of me like that. Focused and concentrated, the rough lines of his face seeming a little smoother and his tussled hair lightly skimming his brow. It takes far longer for him to draw than I expect, but after a couple of strokes the light pressure dissolves into something almost pleasurable, in its own way. Maybe it‘s just having his hand on me, our skin so close to touching, but I feel myself relaxing and getting lost in the foreign sensation for time he spends on it. By the time he‘s done, the air has become strangely intimate and my thoughts have moved far beyond tattoos.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―There.‖ He announces, ―All done. What do you think?‖ He lets me up to turn and face the mirror on the wall, and I gasp. I think I was expecting something a little simple and silly - a small outline of an open butterfly, like children draw. Instead, he‘s drawn one perched as if on top of my collarbone, wings upright and intricate, looking as if they‘ve been caught on the edge of fluttering. I can almost imagine it doing just that - those wings shimmering and taking flight. ―It‘s beautiful.‖ I say, my fingers reaching up to touch it, then hesitating in case it hasn‘t dried yet. His hand comes around from where he‘s sitting behind me and touches it lightly, looking at me in the mirror. ―It suits you. It would be perfect with a little bit of color - not much, just a bit of emphasis and flourish…but I don‘t have the pens for it.‖ He grins at me, kissing lightly along my neck and making me shudder. I turn around and smile up at him, somewhat bemused. ―Thank you. It‘s actually really nice.‖ He laughs and tucks a hair behind my ear. ―You sound surprised, hun.‖ ―Well, you know, tattoos aren‘t really my thing.‖ I smile, still feeling strangely warm and happy at the gesture. ―Maybe they should be.‖ He murmurs, his hand tangling in my hair and bringing me in for a kiss. I sigh deeply, my hands running down his naked chest and enjoying the feel of those wonderful muscles as we get closer. ―Caleb…‖ I pause, tilting my head and catching his gaze. ―Am I ever going to know anything more about you?‖ My hand skims over the scars on his chest, wondering - always wondering. And something flickers in his eyes. ―There‘s nothing to know.‖ He shrugs.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I shake my head. ―You know what I‘m talking about. Like…where did you get these?‖ He takes my hand from where it‘s tracing those marks and kisses the fingertips again before meeting my gaze. ―Does it matter?‖ He asks, his voice soft. Yes. I don‘t know why, but it does. Maybe not for what we‘re doing at the moment - for this casual enjoyment and hot sex. But I want to know who he is. I want to get past that invisible barrier. I hesitate, and see my chance slipping away as I do - then I go for it. ―Yes, Caleb. It does.‖ I say it gently, but I‘m determined, and he holds my gaze for a long moment. Then he brings me up to kiss him again - softly, gently, and I wish I could work out what it means. What it all means. When we separate, his expression is almost distant. ―Maybe. Maybe at some point…you‘ll know more.‖ He murmurs, holding my cheek in his hand. Something in my chest squeezes tight, and I want to press, but before I can he shrugs and moves back, giving me an almost apologetic smile before obviously changing the subject. ―Didn‘t you say you‘d arranged to meet Mel and Lily this afternoon?‖ I let it go. Because I got this far. I‘d talked about it without him freaking out or disappearing or getting harsh and cold. That‘s progress, right? Enough for today. And also, he has a point. ―Yes. Shit, yes, when did it get so late?‖ I shift off the bed and start packing books up into my bag while simultaneously throwing my top back on.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Don‘t worry. They‘ll just think we lost track of time having sex or something.‖ His green eyes are sparkling at me again when I poke my head back out of my top. ―Great.‖ I mutter. He‘s probably right. It‘s not the first time. I watch him slowly buttoning his shirt back up and have a moment‘s regret that‘s not what we were doing. Then my hand comes up to my shoulder and I smile to myself, oddly pleased with the mark he left on my skin. ―You know, I‘m really not sure why you come along to our study sessions.‖ I comment as we leave the room, heading down the hallway and out of our building. ―Would you rather I not?‖ He teases, one hand running down my spine and making me squirm nicely. I have no idea how he keeps making my heart skip like this, but I just can‘t resist him. ―Well…we might get more done.‖ I say. ―No fun in that, baby, I assure you.‖ He smiles down at me, and I stretch up to give him a quick kiss, loving the way his body feels against mine. At least Mel and Lily haven‘t complained about him joining us - or all the distractions he usually brings. ―Hey, man!‖ I look up at the call, my gut tightening with a familiar annoyance and revulsion. ―Wouldn‘t waste your time on that dyke.‖ I can feel Caleb‘s arm stiffen around my waist as I roll my eyes at the sneering football player swaggering towards us. ―Get lost, Bryan.‖ I mutter, trying to get us to start walking again. Bryan is so not worth the time or effort, and I‘m beyond this shit now. I thought the fucker had given that game up already.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Bryan, huh?‖ Caleb says from beside me, his tone considering, but with a sharpness in his eyes that makes me uneasy. ―Yeah, c‘mon, it‘s not worth it.‖ I try and drag him forward again, but he ignores me, his gaze fixed on the other man. Bryan grins slowly at him, nodding. ―Yep, that‘s me. Seriously, pal, just offering you a word of advice—‖ Caleb lets go of me and starts walking towards the other man, looking him up and down, and I get a sudden feeling of danger. Something about him has shifted - becoming predatory, threatening. And I can‘t even tell what it is. ―Caleb, wait—‖ I try, stepping towards him, but he waves me back. ―So in a fucked up way, I should probably be grateful to you, asshole,‖ Caleb starts, and I see Bryan tensing, a slow frown appearing. ―Since if it wasn‘t for your idiocy, there‘s no way Alana would‘ve been single right now. But…‖ He‘s three hundred pounds of muscle and even Caleb‘s impressive form looks small against him. What the hell is he doing? ―You‘re still a bastard.‖ He continues, apparently oblivious to the sudden anger on Bryan‘s face. ―And I‘ll be fucked if I‘m going to let you say another word about her.‖ ―You fucking—‖ Bryan starts, shifting forward threateningly, but Caleb‘s fist is already swinging right for him. It connects with a crack and I jump back, startled, staring at them both in shock. Bryan yells, his hand coming up to the blood streaming from his nose, before he turns to look at Caleb, surprise and pain shifting into fury. He staggers forward, diving for Caleb, who side-steps easily and punches out again, this time hitting Bryan‘s temple while avoiding the flailing limbs directed back at him. Another couple of quick punches that I don‘t see properly and Bryan‘s on the floor, groaning and shuddering.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Caleb—‖ I‘m not sure what I want to say, or do. I just feel like I should intervene somehow. He ignores me anyway, kneeling down and grabbing Bryan‘s hair. ―You get my point, fucker?‖ Caleb‘s voice is menacing and quiet, and a chill runs down my spine as I stare at him. I‘ve never heard that from him before. ―Fucking…kill you…‖ Bryan‘s face twists into a scowl as he spits it out, only to meet Caleb‘s fist again. I wince at the following shriek, and glance around, knowing we‘re about to start drawing attention. ―How about now?‖ I barely catch Caleb‘s quiet follow up, but I hear Bryan whimper and guess Caleb got the response he wanted as he stands up, dusting himself off as if nothing just happened. When he turns back to me, his expression has shifted back to a pleasant mask and he offers a small shrug and a smile, taking my arm again. ―Shall we go and find Mel and Lily?‖ He asks casually, starting to steer me away. ―Wait, shouldn‘t we—‖ I start, glancing back over my shoulder at the dazed form of Bryan on the ground. It should upset me to see him there - I should be horrified, I‘m pretty sure. But even though I thought I was over this months ago, there‘s some small part of me that‘s gratified to see him like that. To see Caleb‘s response and know that maybe those rumors might finally be behind me. ―No. We‘ve done everything we needed to here.‖ Caleb responds easily, and I let him start walking me away. I bite my lip and glance up at him, wondering about who he is and all the things I don‘t know. Thinking about how terrifying he seemed for a moment there and wanting to know why it isn‘t bothering me. I glance behind me again as we leave. ―I‘m not sure I approve of your methods, Caleb.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I shouldn‘t. I really shouldn‘t. But I fucking hate Bryan. He looks down at me, smiling slowly. ―But you kind of like the results, right?‖ ―Well…‖ I purse my lips together for a moment as we walk. ―Does that make me an awful person?‖ I‘m pretty sure Caleb isn‘t the right person to ask that question to, but I do anyway. He laughs and squeezes me closer. ―No, not at all.‖ Then he bends down and kisses me, lingering a little - soft and gentle and all the things he wasn‘t just moments earlier - before we leave to meet my friends. No doubt this will be another point for Caleb in Mel‘s mind, too.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Fourteen Caleb I shut my door behind me and turn towards Alana‘s, familiar lust rising within me as I start thinking about what we might get up to before lectures begin today. Then I freeze before I‘m halfway there. What the fuck— ―Oh, Caleb!‖ Alana turns towards me with a smile, looking back at the man standing with her. Sullivan. The fucking boss of the fucking Irish Mob. Oh hell no. ―This is my father - he came down to visit for the day.‖ She gestures towards me, ―And Dad, this is Caleb. He‘s—‖ ―Living next to your daughter, sir.‖ I force out, shooting her a quick look before she can get any further. I have no idea how she was planning to introduce me, but I sure as hell can‘t let it happen. ―I transferred to North Carolina this semester, and she‘s been kind enough to show me around a bit.‖ I steel myself before I meet his eyes, keeping my expression carefully blank. Hopefully whatever else he sees in there he‘ll mistake for what the fuck are you doing here?! Without telling me?! My heart hammers as I wonder briefly whether he‘s checking up on me. Whether he knows. But Sullivan just gives me a tight smile and nods, and I take the chance to get the hell out of here before she can say anything more revealing.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I‘ll leave you both to catch up then. See you around, Alana.‖ I wave, then turn and walk away, ignoring both pairs of eyes on my back. I pause once I‘m around the corner and out of sight, taking a quick, calming breath and trying to stop my body going into adrenaline-fuelled fight mode. Sullivan will have to live with me leaving Alana unprotected while he‘s here - I‘m sure he can understand that. What I don‟t know is what Alana will tell him. I made it pretty fucking clear not to, but Sullivan isn‘t an idiot and Alana doesn‘t really have any reason to oblige… Fuuuuck. I take another breath and continue walking away, getting out of the building and into fresh air again. I won‘t go too far - no doubt Sullivan will want me close enough to reach - but I‘ll stay out of sight and away from them. This is going to be a fucking long day. With potential torture and death at the end of it. Fan-fucking-tastic. I continue to take deep breaths and force myself to calm down, and when Alana and Sullivan finally leave the building, he isn‘t apoplectic with rage or looking particularly murderous, so I try to relax a little. Even if it is fucking hard. What the hell is he doing here? I‟m meant to be watching out for her…confronting me unexpectedly like that…it could‟ve blown everything for him, if nothing else. Maybe he didn‘t expect to see me. Maybe he thought I wouldn‘t say something stupid in shock. Maybe…ah, fuck it, I‘ve never been able to work Sullivan out. I play with the phone in my pocket and for the first time contemplate calling my own father. He might know. And with Sullivan here, it‘s not like I can‘t take a few minutes…I‘m surprised how much I miss my old man. The training, the shit talk and fucking around. I haven‘t been back to Baltimore for…at least a month now. Too long.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

But I don‘t. I just follow, and try not to watch, and try not to make myself obvious. And curse everything to hell. I‘m right. It‘s a long fucking day. And worse, it‘s too much time alone, thinking. Seeing Sullivan like that…it‘s enough to shock me out of whatever stupor I‘ve been living in with Alana. I don‘t know what the hell I was thinking, but somehow it all got away from me - going to lectures, messing about with her and her friends, having hot sex and being with her practically twenty-four-seven…it was almost enough to make me forget about my life. About who I really am, and what I really do. All those questions I only just manage to avoid from her. Now they‘re living and breathing right in front of me - all the answers she wants, right there with her father. I don‘t know how I could have forgotten it. Or what the hell was wrong with me for ever getting into this. By the time Sullivan leaves Alana and looks for me outside, I‘m confused in a way I didn‘t think I could be. But at least I‘ve calmed down enough to be coherent. ―Caleb.‖ Sullivan‘s intent voice catches my attention as he approaches. ―Boss.‖ I nod, trying to act normal. ―Didn‘t realize you were coming down today.‖ He shrugs, and I realize for the first time how tired he looks. ―It wasn‘t planned. But after the last few weeks…I wanted to see her.‖ Something in me relaxes a little at that. Of course. ―You haven‘t got any leads?‖ I ask.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―No,‖ Sullivan shakes his head, ―But the messages keep escalating. I think the bastard is dragging it out deliberately - trying to put me through hell first. It‘s working, too. Fucker.‖ I nod again, feeling a little awkward. I have no idea what to say to him about this - it‘s the kind of conversation Sullivan might have with my father, but…not me. I‘m just there to do a job - not to confide in. ―I‘ve got everyone looking at it now, though. Going through anyone who I might‘ve pissed off…fucking long list, that.‖ He grunts. ―I‘ll let you know if I see anything here, but so far…there‘s been nothing.‖ I say, feeling like he‘s expecting more than our standard order and acknowledgment routine. Nothing you‟ve seen anyway…and has your attention really been focused on that recently? Sullivan slaps me on the shoulder and nods, giving me a grim smile. ―Thanks, Caleb. I know it‘s been a while, but you‘re doing a great job out here Alana didn‘t seem even the least suspicious about having you around.‖ ―You, err…asked her?‖ I say before I think better of it, my stomach fluttering at the idea of that conversation. ―I probed a little about if she‘d seen or noticed anything or whether there was anything bothering her. I doubt she would‘ve seen anything to lead us to the bastard when you haven‘t - she was more likely to pick up on you being around than that, but it was worth asking for either answer.‖ Sullivan responds. ―Ah, yes…right.‖ I agree. No direct questions about me? So far, so good. ―Are you planning to stick around for much longer?‖ I ask, after a moment‘s silence. ―No. I need to head back - just wanted to catch up with you and see if anything had changed.‖ He says.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Sure. I‘ll let you know if it does.‖ I glance towards the door again as I speak - Alana usually heads out to the library or dinner with Mel and Lily about this time, and the last thing I want her to see is us talking together. ―Good man.‖ He nods, slaps me on the shoulder again and walks off, one look back over his shoulder at the building I‘m living in. I‘m not sure what to make of any of it - that‘s the first time I‘ve ever seen Sullivan act that way. This must really be getting to him. I‘ve never known an issue he hasn‘t been able to handle in a matter of weeks - and this is about his daughter as well. The daughter I‘m fucking. And suddenly I have no idea what to do about that. I slowly walk towards the building doors, heading up the stairs as I try to get my head around it all. Living here, with nothing happening beyond keeping up a general alertness, it was almost easy to forget what all this about. The threat on Alana‘s life. The hitman waiting to kill her for her father‘s crimes. My place in the Irish Mob. But somehow…she made me forget all that. Get caught up in passion and fucking and…who knows what else. Light-hearted college bullshit. A life that isn‘t mine. And I‘ve been fucking stupid about it. I reach my room just as Alana comes out of hers. ―Caleb—‖ She starts, walking towards me. I stop and turn, already knowing what she‘s going to say. She tilts her head, expression disturbingly neutral. ―Your neighbor, huh?‖ I give her the answer I‘ve been thinking through all day with a shrug. ―That was your father. I‘m really not interested in the meet-the-parents routine, hun.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Her gaze narrows, as I expected it would, but she just folds her arms and looks at me for a long, painful moment. My heart thumps hard in my chest and I wonder what the hell is wrong with me. Maybe I can‘t get away from Alana, but I‘m starting to think I should‘ve forced a hell of a lot more distance. Then she just nods, accepting it, and I stare at her in surprise. I was definitely thinking this would be a pissed-off-what-the-hell-are-we-doing kind of conversation. ―I was just about to head to the library, but I‘ll be back in a few hours. I‘ll see you when I get back?‖ She asks. ―Ah…‖ I hesitate, ―I might take a rain check on that today. Got a few things to sort out.‖ It‘s an obvious pushing her away move, but I don‘t care. I need the space, even if I will have to follow her around regardless. She pauses, then just nods and turns to leave. I watch her back as she goes, an uncomfortable sinking feeling in my gut. Everything that was clear only hours ago seems increasingly murky, the boundaries that I thought were there now blurred and confused. And I haven‘t got a clue what to do about it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Fifteen Alana ―What‘s wrong, Alana?‖ Lily‘s soft question finally draws me out of staring unfocused into the distance, and I glance up at her. ―I…don‘t know.‖ I don‘t even try to pretend there‘s nothing wrong - a glance at the clock tells me it‘s been an hour and I‘m not sure I‘ve even read the questions we‘re supposed to be working on. For once they both stay silent, just waiting for me, and it takes me another long moment before I sigh. ―My father came to visit today.‖ I start. ―And…that wasn‘t fun?‖ Mel asks, brow furrowing. Clearly not where she‘d expected the conversation to go. Not what I‘d expected either. ―No, it was. Seeing him was good.‖ I clarify. Though even that had been weird. He‘d been…off. All on edge, and not nearly as interested in my studies as he usually is. ―So, what‘s up then?‖ Lily asks. I take a breath and finally say it. The thing that‘s been on my mind all day. ―He met Caleb this morning—‖ ―Ooohh‖ Mel starts, and I roll my eyes at her. ―Yeah, that‘s the thing. It wasn‘t ooohhh, it was…meh.‖ I say, ―I started to introduce him and it ended with „yeah, we live next to each other - she‟s showing me around‟.‖ ―Oh.‖ Lily finishes. ―Exactly.‖ I sigh.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―And you wanted…something else?‖ Mel asks cautiously. ―That‘s the thing - I don‘t know. I didn‘t think I wanted anything. But…after that, I don‘t know.‖ I run my hands through my hair, staring off into the distance again. ―It‘s just that after all the time we‘ve spent together…maybe I was getting the wrong idea? It started feeling like more than casual nothing. I mean, how can you spend pretty much twenty-four-seven with someone and not start thinking it meant a little more? Not happily-ever-after, crazy love sort of thing, but…worth acknowledging at least.‖ I look up at them both, and I‘m not sure the sympathy in their expressions helps at all. ―Did you…ask him about it?‖ Mel finally asks. I nod, then shake my head. ―Yep - and got nothing. He doesn‘t want to meet my father, doesn‘t want to get involved in my life. I should‘ve known better, right? I mean, there‘s still so much I don‘t know about this guy.‖ There‘s a long moment of silence, and then Lily reaches over and squeezes my shoulder. ―I‘m sorry, Alana.‖ She says. ―Yeah, well…more fool me, right? I knew what I was getting into.‖ I say, trying not to feel bitter about it. ―Still,‖ Mel adds, ―With how you guys have been practically joined at the hip, it was natural to assume…I mean, we did…‖ She trails off and glances towards Lily, and that just makes me feel worse. ―I was honestly having a good time though - the sex is fan-fucking-tastic, to put it bluntly, and he‘s a fun guy to be around. And I‘m not sure I even need more than that.‖ I try to justify, repeating the muddled thoughts that keep circling in my own mind. ―That was what you got together for.‖ Lily perks up, always keen to put things in a more positive light.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I still don‘t know the first fucking thing about him, though. All this time and I feel like I‘ve gotten closer…only to realize how little I really understand him.‖ I mutter. ―That‘s the case with men the world over.‖ Mel philosophizes. ―You never really know what they‘re thinking—‖ ―No, I mean—‖ I cut myself off. For some reason I don‘t want to mention the scars, or the weird freaking-out behavior, or…any of the strange things about Caleb. They‘re his secrets, I guess, and I don‘t want to betray them. ―What do you mean?‖ Mel pursues, and I just shrug and sigh. ―I‘m not sure what I mean. I‘m not sure what I‘m doing anymore. And how pathetic does that sound, right? Lost over a typical playboy guy, like every college girl gets.‖ I take a long drink of water before looking up at them, knowing my face is flushing. I‘m not sure why being like everyone else bothers me so much - probably some misguided sense of vanity. Or maybe just that I saw these mistakes from miles away, yet I still fell for them anyway. ―Well,‖ Mel says decisively, ―These things happen. Sometimes…things get confused. But that‘s okay - you just need to work out what you want. Then you‘ll know what to do about it.‖ I snort, ―Sure, that simple, huh?‖ ―She has a point, Alana.‖ Lily continues, ―Sounds like you want more than just the sex now. Which is okay, you know? Maybe it complicates things, but everything has a way of getting complicated eventually. And if you really want that, pretending otherwise is probably worse.‖ I chew my lip as I think it through, feeling entirely uncomfortable but knowing I‘ve only got myself to blame for it all. ―Lily‘s right, Alana.‖ Mel adds, ―You should tell him.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―And watch him run a mile?‖ I raise a brow. ―If that‘s his reaction…isn‘t it better to know?‖ Lily asks. I snort, ―Well, it would kill the awesome sex I‘m getting at the moment.‖ I‘m joking about it, but that‘s really the crux of the problem - isn‘t it better to have what I do at the moment, than tell him and risk losing it all? ―I think the no-strings, casual sex is over, babe.‖ Mel responds, ―The moment you realize you want more…that‘s it.‖ ―Well that‘s encouraging,‖ I grumble, ―Remind me why we got into this in the first place? If I recall, it was all your fault.‖ ―Hah, I‘ll take the blame for a month of getting laid any day of the week.‖ She grins at me, reaching across to squeeze my shoulder, and I feel myself relax a little. ―I guess I did get that.‖ I smile back, shaking my head at them. ―I‘m being stupid, aren‘t I?‖ ―Only about as much as expected when you‘re taken by a guy.‖ Lily says with a laugh. ―How about you and Tom?‖ I ask, taking the opening to change the subject. ―How close are you guys to these sorts of problems?‖ ―Oh, I don‘t think I need to worry about that for a while. We‘re still casual.‖ She grins. ―Are you sure about that, Lily?‖ Mel leans over and pokes her. ―Maybe you are, but I‘ve seen the way he looks at you. You might be having this conversation sooner than you think.‖ ―Oh, god.‖ Lily looks up at that. ―You don‘t think so, do you?‖ Mel just laughs, ―I know, right? Who would‘ve thought you‘d end up being the heart breaker, huh?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I laugh with them, but I can‘t shake my own uncomfortable feelings. Maybe I needed to talk about it, but thinking about things ending with Caleb…talk of broken hearts, dashed hopes…it‘s suddenly too much. ―Thanks guys.‖ I say, ―I…you‘re probably right. I need to find Caleb. Tell him that what we‘re doing can‘t be nothing anymore.‖ My expression must give me away, because Mel leans over to me and squeezes my shoulder. ―It‘ll be okay, babe. There‘s no way he‘s going to give this up - he‘s just being a typical guy, scared of anything more. You‘ll get him to come around.‖ I smile and nod, but secretly, I‘m wondering. There have been too many times when he‘s closed off from me - withdrawn and shut me out. I think maybe we have something together, but then…that happens. And if he can do that so easily, then when I push for more from him…I can‘t help but think I‘m just going to get the same response. But they‘re right. I can‘t pretend like it doesn‘t mean anything anymore. I like Caleb. He makes me feel happy and light and free - and I‘ve never felt so satisfied in my life. Maybe he‘s not the right guy for me. Maybe I‘m not for him. But we‘ll never know unless we actually consider it. Now I just need to work out how the hell to tell him.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Sixteen Caleb I spend the next few days avoiding Alana. Which isn‘t easy when I can‘t let her out of my sight. But that‘s where being the hottest young hitman in the Irish mob comes in, so I manage…just about. I know she wants to talk - she‘s said as much. And it‘s not hard to guess what it‘s going to be about. I just…don‘t know what to do with that. She either wants to call this whole thing off or…she wants more between us. Which is impossible. Completely impossible. But I don‘t want to hear it - either option. I don‘t want whatever we‘ve got to be over just like that, even if we‘re not exactly seeing each other right now. So I told her I need some space and time. But I don‘t know what to do with that either. Except think. All those questions she never stopped asking…who am I, what do I want, what am I doing… The things I thought I knew the answer to. You‟re an Irish mob hitman. A cold blooded killer. A thug for hire. Her father‟s errand boy. That‟s what you were born for - and you‟re fucking good at it. Get it through your head. I‘ve never questioned any of it before. But now I have a million what ifs running through my head. What if that isn‘t who I am? What if I did something else? What would I do? And…would I be able to be with her?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

No matter how I try to kill it off, that thought keeps coming back. It gnaws at me, keeps me up at night, and has me cursing and throwing punches in the small space of my dorm room. It takes several days to realize it‘s not going to go away. Even if it‘s impossible. Stupid beyond belief. Deadly and dangerous. The damn thought is still there. What if, what if, what if… And for the first time, I‘m seriously considering telling her. Everything. All the answers to those endless questions. Enough to get me killed. Enough to make her hate me. Enough to wreck everything between us for good. But at least she‘d know. I wouldn‘t feel the weight of my lies every time I saw her, hanging over me every moment. And maybe after that completely destroys her interest in anything more…I‘ll stop feeling these damned things. It‘ll just make it near impossible to protect her - that‘s what‘s holding me back. Not the thought of seeing the disgust and betrayal in her eyes. Not that at all. I sigh as I climb out of bed - alone, again - and consider watching her from a distance for another long day. It‘s worse than it was at the beginning when I was horny and bored. Hell, it‘s not even horniness anymore. Or at least, not much. The phone rings as I‘m in the shower and I frown, realizing for the first time that I haven‘t heard from Sullivan for the last couple of days. How did you not notice that? What the hell is wrong with you? ―Boss.‖ I answer as I step out, dripping wet, and grab a towel. ―Caleb.‖ Sullivan‘s voice is a little hoarse. ―Is Alana okay? Is she with you?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I glance around the tiny en suite, prompted to look for her despite the obvious. ―No, why?‖ I ask, ―She‘ll be sleeping - it‘s 6am.‖ He can‘t expect me to be in her room at this time…even if a few days ago I would‘ve been. ―Yes, of course. Can you check for me? Right now.‖ Sullivan insists, and a chill runs down my spine. Oh god. What‟s happened. If something happened to her while I was— I rush out of the dorm, the towel barely wrapped around my waist and hesitate when I get to her door. I can‘t knock now - who the hell knows what she‘ll say seeing me like this, after she‘s been trying to talk to me for days. And with Sullivan on the phone. So instead, I slip a card between the edges of the door and work until the lock clicks open. For the first time, I feel weirdly uneasy doing that. Like I‘m intruding. Which, of course, I am. But I‘ve done it so many times before, and…hell, it‘s hardly the worst I‘ve done. And it‘s for her own good. So I slide the door open and glance inside, adrenaline rushing through me. Only to see her bare form tangled up in the covers, breathing easily. The slight outline of her breasts, her smooth stomach…and suddenly, my pulse is on fire and need surges within me again. I haven‘t seen her like that for too long. Just a few days, sure, but far too long. I swallow. ―Caleb?‖ Sullivan repeats, and I shake myself out of it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Taking a couple of deep breaths, I shut the door and retreat back to my room. ―She‘s fine. I just saw her. What‘s going on, Sullivan?‖ I ask, my body still tense and alert - whether because of seeing her again or Sullivan‘s weird behavior, I‘m not sure. There‘s a long pause on the other end of the line, and the unease sitting in my stomach gets worse. ―I got another letter today.‖ Sullivan finally says. ―I‘ll send it across to you.‖ I wait, and then the familiar ping of the phone announces the message. I bring it up immediately, and then go still. It‘s another photo of Alana - only this time, with her father next to her in a cafe. ―Is that—‖ I start. ―From a few days ago. Yes. That was where we went to eat.‖ He says. Shit. ―Have you seen anyone around, Caleb?‖ He finally asks. ―When you were watching us that day, or…at all?‖ I run a hand through my hair, shaking my head even though he can‘t see me. ―No, sir. Not at all.‖ And that more than anything is concerning - I‘m good at this stuff. Maybe I wasn‘t cut out to be a bodyguard, but there shouldn‘t be someone here watching Alana without me knowing about it. Another long pause. ―I…‖ I start again, with no idea what I‘m trying to say. ―I‘ll keep a look out.‖ It‘s a stupid promise. That‘s what I‘m supposed to be doing anyway. And we both know it‘s obviously not good enough.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

That‟s what you get for sending a hitman to do a bodyguard‟s job. But I don‘t say it. Sullivan has enough going on. Plus, I‘d rather stay alive. ―I‘m ramping up the search - again. But we‘re not getting anything. This is fucking me up, Caleb.‖ Sullivan finally says, his voice tired, and something twists inside me. ―I‘ll keep her safe.‖ I say without thinking, then realize how deeply I mean it. Whatever I have to do, I‘ll protect Alana. Maybe I‘ve fucked up all sorts of things with her, but I‘ll make sure she ends this alive and safe. Even if it fucking kills me. There‘s a long sigh at the other end, and I don‘t think Sullivan caught whatever inflection I put into that. Probably a good thing. ―I know, Caleb. I‘m…thinking about pulling her in. Just in case. Taking her out of college and keeping her safe until this blows over.‖ He says. Telling her everything. He doesn‘t say it, but we both know that‘s what it would mean. It would be impossible to keep it from her if he goes that far. I take a deep breath, nodding again. ―Whatever you decide, boss. I‘ll wait for the call.‖ ―Okay. I‘ll let you know.‖ Sullivan‘s voice turns crisp and authoritative again, and I relax a little on hearing it. I hadn‘t realized how uneasy I‘d felt with him struggling. ―Call me if you see anything - anything at all.‖ ―Yes, sir.‖ I say. He grunts a final acknowledgment and hangs up, leaving me sitting in my towel on the bed, my own mental state in tatters. My eyes gravitate towards my phone again - the image there staring back at me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

If this assassin has been here, taking photos of Alana with her father…how long before one of us together appears? Hell, the bastard probably has them already. Just hasn‘t realized how damning it would be to send Sullivan pictures of his daughter‘s new lover. Which means that he doesn‟t know who I am - yet. But the idea that it could happen at any moment tugs at me. One innocuous photo and Sullivan would know anyway. Then Alana would find out everything…from him. It takes me a moment to work out that‘s the only part that bothers me. The thought of her finally knowing the truth - of an end to the lies and secrets - feels almost like relief. But having her father reveal who I am and what I‘m doing here…I can‘t stand that. Not anymore. Not after everything. She deserves to hear it from me - even if that means seeing her look me in the eye and tell me how much she despises what I‘ve done. I sigh and start to pace, even though the room is barely big enough for three strides, letting all these messed up thoughts finally come together. I have to tell her. It doesn‘t matter that the photo might not come, or Sullivan might not bring her in. I can‘t just disappear without a word anymore. I don‘t know why, but I can‘t do it - I‘m not even sure I can go back to the mob. Though after she finds out what her father‘s involved in and confronts him…I won‘t have a place there anyway. I‘ll probably be face-down in a ditch somewhere, and her infuriating questions about who I am will be completely irrelevant. I take one last look at the phone in my hand, think about the man on the other end of it - the things he‘s given me, the opportunities I‘ve had. Whatever

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

semblance of loyalty I should owe him. What it might do to him to have his daughter find out his real life. Then I think of Alana, laughing and messing around with me, pulling me by the hand to some college show, jumping and wrapping her legs around me while she kisses me passionately. Innocent and happy and fun. And there‘s no contest. I‘ll deal with whatever shit her father throws at me or fail and end up dead - but I won‘t lie to her anymore.

* * *

Even with that resolution, it still takes me most of the day to work myself up to it. Not to mention, I‘m distracted by thoughts of a concealed hitman watching and planning - constantly scanning for any sign of the man who could be right here, taking his cursed photographs. When I finally commit to it, I wait until Alana packs up from the library, and leave my own unobtrusive position to approach her as she heads for the doors. ―Alana.‖ I call, stepping up to her quickly. ―Can we talk?‖ She turns to meet me, but when she glances up, her face is a mask. ―Yes?‖ ―No, I mean - properly. Can we go somewhere?‖ I ask, glancing around. The idea of someone watching us has me completely on edge. ―I‘m meeting Mel, Lily and Tom for a show on campus. Some circus thing by one of the societies here.‖ She says, her voice disturbingly neutral. I guess I deserve it - I have been avoiding her. But fuck it, the idea I‘ve screwed this up already…

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―It‘s important, Alana. Will you come with me?‖ I ask again, trying to stay focused on her and not whoever might be overhearing us right now. We‘re still in the middle of the library entranceway and there are too many people passing. She hesitates, something in her expression finally shifting, and I can‘t help it - I‘m suddenly there, my hand threaded through her hair and bringing her into my body again. I feel her resist for a brief moment, and then she relaxes - just a little. ―I‘m sorry I‘ve been distant, baby. I just needed to think about things but…I want to talk now. About everything.‖ I kiss the top of her head, and something in me breaks at the idea that it‘s probably the last time I‘ll be doing that. When she finds out… But she deserves the truth. That‘s good enough. It will have to be. She sighs against me and leans into me again, eventually nodding. ―Okay, Caleb. We can go somewhere.‖ I caress her cheek, and run my hand down to stroke her neck before finally breaking the embrace and giving her a small smile. We head out of the library and I don‘t say anything as I look for somewhere private to talk. I can feel her shooting curious looks at me, and my nerves are riding higher with every moment that passes, testing my resolve. This might be the fucking hardest thing I‘ve ever done. ―Where are we going?‖ She finally asks, after I‘ve walked us halfway around campus, rejecting every little nook I‘ve seen so far. ―I just want somewhere…private.‖ I say. ―Caleb, we‘ve passed a dozen private spaces. What are you looking for?‖ She stops, forcing me to stop with her. And I realize she‘s right - nothing I‘ve seen could possibly contain the reaction I expect from her. But then nothing could. There is no fucking „right place‟ to tell someone their father runs the mob, their life is in danger, and they‟ve been fucking a complete stranger.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Fuck. ―I don‘t know.‖ I belatedly reply, realizing she‘s waiting for an answer. ―You‘re right.‖ Taking a breath, I walk towards the nearest bench and sit down. If I don‘t do this now, it might never happen. She gives me an unsure look, but if anything I think my strange attitude is only making it obvious that what I have to tell her is important, and she comes to sit beside me without much more hesitation. There‘s a long moment of silence as I try to work out how to say this. I‘ve never been good with words. ―Are you okay, Caleb?‖ She seems genuinely concerned as she looks up at me, and that only makes it worse. Why the hell do I feel so guilty? I‟ve lied and worse all my life, and now…? What the hell has this girl done to me? I give her a small smile and shake my head. ―No. I‘m not.‖ I take her hand, feeling it‘s smaller warmth in my own as I take another quick breath. ―I‘m sorry - about everything. I hope you‘ll believe that. But I couldn‘t…keep it from you anymore.‖ Alana‘s eyes cloud over as I speak, and I can almost feel the wariness growing - along with the genuine care that she‘s given for the last month. ―You don‘t…‖ She bites her lip as she looks up at me. ―You don‘t have to say anything you don‘t want to, you know. I mean, I want to know, but…that wasn‘t…we don‘t have to—‖ I put a finger to her lips. If she keeps talking like that, I might take the fucking out. ―No, baby. I need to tell you. I‘m just…sorry.‖ I say, everything within me contracting to focus on her. To hold her eyes and do this. ―About everything.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She tilts her head at me but doesn‘t say anything, and for some fucked up reason her eyes seem brighter - more open, more trusting, where they were uneasy before. And I have no idea why the fuck that is. But it‘s enough for me to start. ―I‘m not…who you think I am. I—‖ A loud crack splits through the evening air and I tense, startled, my gaze darting around as I shift instinctively closer to Alana. It comes again— Crack. A gunshot. It sounds like a fucking gunshot. ―Shit.‖ I jump up. ―Caleb!‖ Alana grabs my arm and tugs. ―Calm down. It‘ll just be the circus group starting - they‘re using the field over there.‖ She nods towards an area obscured by a couple of buildings and I try and take a deep breath, looking down at her, unconvinced. ―You think?‖ I ask, straining every sense to try and work it out. ―Yeah,‖ She nods, ―It‘s okay. What were you saying?‖ Everything in me still wants to bolt, and it doesn‘t feel right - a couple of shots, then silence. Like my worst nightmares. But I was wrong about…pretty much every other time I‘ve freaked out here. And I know part of me just wants to avoid this conversation. ―Okay,‖ I sit back down. Crack. Crack crack crack. Then I finally pick up on it - the sound of screaming filtering across the distance. And not the good kind. Fuck. No. Not now. Oh, fuuuck no.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Alana‘s phone goes off almost at the same time as mine, and that‘s all it takes for me to be up again, pulling Alana to her feet while she‘s still looking in the direction of the noise, confusion masking her face. ―That‘s not a fucking circus. C‘mon, Alana, we need to go. Now!‖ I pull on her arm, but she digs in her heels and looks up at me, wide-eyed and confused. ―Caleb - what the fuck?!” She pulls back against me, forcing me around to look at her. I curse the timing of it all, but give her a brief moment of consideration. ―That‘s a gunman on campus. We need to get out of here. We need to run, Alana.‖ I pull again, and she finally starts moving with me - not running, not yet, but at least following my fast walk, her head still spinning around behind her. ―What do you mean? How do you know? Caleb — Caleb!‖ She fires off insistently, and I resist the urge to pick her up and slam her over my shoulder. This wasn‘t meant to go like this. I was meant to spot the guy before he ever made a move - but then, he was meant to be near me, targeting Alana. This doesn‘t make any sense. Except that she was meant to be over there watching the circus, maybe. My phone rings again - and hers - and I slam the cancel button. Sullivan must‘ve got a tip off, or heard something, but he can wait. Right now nothing comes before getting Alana out of here. ―That‘s Mel. I should answer. Find out what the hell is going on.‖ She fumbles for her phone, and I give up on making a mad dash to the car in silence. Instead, I finally stop and spin around to look at her, catching her hand before she can find the phone. ―Don‘t. Alana, listen to me, please. That man - we need to get out of here. Right now.‖ I‘m looking straight at her now, meeting those confused, conflicted eyes, and whatever she sees on my face seems to stop her for a moment. ―Please just trust me on this. Let‘s get out of here, and then we can talk.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She bites her lip and I can see all the questions storming in her eyes. Questions I‘m going to have to find an answer for at some point. But not now. Please, not now. ―Just let me get you out of here.‖ I repeat, stepping forward and bringing her lips to mine. Trust me. Just this one last time. She hesitates again, glancing back towards the noise, before shuddering and nodding. ―Okay. Okay, we‘ll get out of here first.‖ Thank fucking god. This time I do pick her up, cradling her in my arms and against my chest before breaking into a dead run. She exclaims at the rough movement, clutching onto me and staring up wide-eyed. ―Caleb, put me down, I can run too - it can‘t be faster for you to carry me—‖ I ignore her. It is faster, adrenaline surging through me and my limbs moving faster than they ever have, on fire with need. After a couple of minutes she seems to realize it too. ―Fuck, you‘re fit. When the hell did you get this fit?‖ Her commentary would amuse me if I wasn‘t so preoccupied with what I‘m doing. There are people swarming everywhere now - chaos and confusion, murmured discussions, staff running around, a couple of people yelling and trying to create order. I run further, ignoring them all, and after a few minutes the crowds of students shift into the usual groups, laughing and talking - looking up in confusion as we pass, and only slowly becoming aware of the disturbance we‘re leaving. I always find the ripple of news and shock and action through the surrounding people fascinating, but not this time. This time all I can see is shadows and danger and hidden killers. I try not to stay out in the open too much, but speed

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

is more important - most likely, whoever is after Alana is behind us. And possibly firing into the wrong group of people. ―Caleb - where are we going?‖ Alana continues, endless questions that I barely process. She finds out the answer when we reach the parking lot and I finally set her down beside a large SUV. Dark windows, heavily armored - not that anyone else would know that - and monstrous looking. I unlock it with a press of the key, and unlike similar cars, its lights don‘t flash in welcome. ―Get in.‖ I say hurriedly, still looking behind me. Alana gives me an unsure look, but finally obliges, slipping into the passenger seat. If I was doing this properly, I‘d have opened the back and put her in there myself - lockable, safe, secure. But I can‘t do that. Not anymore. I jump into the driver‘s side and start the engine, speeding out of the lot before she‘s had a chance to grab for her belt. I‘ve ignored mine. ―Caleb!‖ Alana yells, staring at me in disbelief. Even with that, something in me relaxes, just a little. A glance in the rearview mirror has the college starting to disappear behind us, and I breathe deeply. It happened. He came. And now we‘re getting away…safe enough in this thing that I actually think I might have done it. Kept her safe. ―Caleb!‖ Alana shouts again, and my attention flicks onto her momentarily. ―What the hell is going on?!‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My body is still pumping adrenaline while my mind calculates threats and rushes ahead to our back-up plan. I was meant to spot the hitman - take him out before he could make a move on Alana, then just disappear and leave the college to make whatever they could of it all. She‘d never see me again, never know she was the target or what had really happened. But if that didn‘t work…my next priority was to get her out. Keep her safe. Until he could be found and dealt with, and Alana was safe again. It would compromise a lot, but it would keep her alive. The car tears down the road and I start breathing easier as I put more distance between us. ―Caleb, where the fuck are we going?‖ Alana asks again, looking more than a little spooked now. ―Somewhere safe. We‘re just getting you somewhere safe, then I‘ll explain, okay?‖ I say, hoping that she‘ll leave it at that. It really isn‘t a conversation I can have like this. I need to make sure she‘s safe - secure - before she has to deal with all of this. I can‘t have her freaking out as I drive down these streets. ―Explain what? What is going on?!‖ I can hear her getting aggravated, and I reach over to squeeze her leg, running my hand down it and meeting her eyes for a moment. It‘s been fucking ages since I‘ve felt her, and despite everything my cock twitches at just that brief touch. God, I‘ve missed her. Well, that‟s over now. Forget it. She‟s going to want you fucking dead - and her father is probably going to oblige. ―Everything I was about to tell you.‖ I say softly. It‘s the truth - one of the few things that is. ―I promise, I‘ll tell you everything. Just let me get you somewhere safe first.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

She looks at me, then around at the streets we‘re passing and the interior of the large car. I can see her hesitate, more questions on the edge of her tongue, and I squeeze her leg again. ―Do you trust me, Alana?‖ I ask. It‘s a fucking shit card to play. Because she‘s about to find out just how thoroughly I‘ve betrayed every kind of trust she might have placed in me. But I do it anyway - because just this once, it will work. And the only thing left to me is making sure she gets out of this alive. She takes another deep breath, holds my gaze, and slowly nods. ―Yes, I trust you, Caleb.‖ Her hand comes to rest on mine, squeezing my fingers between hers. I take a shuddering breath and nod, letting my hand slip away and turning my attention back to the road as she settles back into her seat, seeming to calm a little. You‟re a fucking bastard, Caleb. A fucked up asshole. ―Like that film, huh?‖ Alana‘s voice comes a few minutes later, deliberately lighter as she tries to smile at me. ―‘Come with me if you want to live.‟ Guess the answer is yeah, I‘d do that.‖ Something hysterical tries to bubble up inside me, but I clamp down on it, closing my eyes for the two seconds my attention can lapse on the highway. Then I give her a hollow smile back, feeling like everything within me is splintering into pieces. ―You‘re so fucking special, Alana. You really are.‖ My voice is low and raspy, but I think she hears it anyway. It‘s the last chance I have to say anything like that and have her believe it, and I‘ve never told her, so…I do. And then I turn back to the road and spend the rest of the drive coming to terms with everything I‘m about to lose.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

My position in the mob. My father‘s respect. Probably my life. But most of all…Alana. Her trust and affection. I should have told her earlier. But I didn‘t. And this is one set of consequences I can‘t avoid.

Lara Swann

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Seventeen Alana By the time we pull up in a quiet residential area that I don‘t recognize, I‘m feeling distinctly uneasy. And not just about what happened on campus or our mad rush to get away from it. I keep shooting glances at Caleb, but he refuses to meet my eyes, and after refusing to tell me anything spent the entire journey in silence. When he asked me to trust him, I was surprised to find that I did - that it wasn‘t so hard to just say ‗yes‟ and wait. But now…it‘s getting harder. It doesn‘t help that he seems to have closed off from me again - his face and eyes distant and detached, with no trace of his usual cocky humor. I‘m getting more uncomfortable, and I actually breathe a sigh of relief when we leave the car and he unlocks the mid-sized detached property in front of us. I follow him in, shooting a glance around at the other houses around, none illuminated in the evening twilight. Does anyone even live around here? I barely make it inside before I‘m asking, ―Where are we?‖ I‘m just impressed I kept the questions back for this long. ―Somewhere safe.‖ He walks through the place as if he knows it, opening a door that leads to a moderate sitting room - comfortable couches and a large TV mounted on the wall. ―I thought you were going to answer my questions.‖ I say. I don‘t want to be too accusatory about it, but I‘ve reached my limit. Caleb nods. ―I will.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He gestures to one of the couches, but I‘m not sure I want to sit down and relax. ―Just tell me.‖ I say instead. ―There‘s…quite a lot to explain.‖ He shrugs, still not really meeting my eyes. I fold my arms and stare him down. I‘m done with this routine. ―So shoot. You‘ve got me here all alone, I‘m listening.‖ He sighs and runs a hand through his hair, but nods again, remaining standing with me. Then he finally meets my eyes - but nothing I see there makes me feel better. The warmth and familiarity are gone, and instead he looks almost like a stranger - expression blank and neutral. ―I‘m not a college student, Alana.‖ Caleb finally says, ―I‘m…part of the Irish mob, and we‘ve been receiving threats on your life since college started again. What we heard on campus, the gun - the man on the other end of it…he was looking for you.‖ I just stare at him, squinting a little. What the hell is this? ―But you‘re safe now - we can stay here until he‘s found, and then you‘ll be…fine.‖ His words slow down and I can tell he‘s waiting for a reaction, but…I just don‘t get it. ―What?‖ I finally ask, looking around the room dubiously. ―Caleb, if this is your idea of some stupid prank, it‘s really fucking messed up. And it was never even going to work on me - I mean, c‘mon…‖ ―It‘s not a prank, Alana.‖ His deep, serious tone finally makes me look up at him again, but I still shake my head. ―You expect me to believe someone wants to kill me? Me? I mean, the most I ever did was piss Bryan off, and even then, you did worse to him—‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―It‘s not you.‖ He takes another breath, and it‘s obvious he‘s finding this difficult, even if I‘m starting to feel a little delirious. ―It‘s to get at your father.‖ ―My father?‖ This prank is getting worse and worse. ―He runs the Irish mob in Baltimore, Alana. He‘s the one getting the threats on your life. That‘s why I ended up at your college, looking out for you - until he could find the guy.‖ Caleb actually manages to say all that with a straight face, but I swear I‘m about to start laughing. Or break out in hives. I try for a moment to picture my father - the straight-laced accountant who buys me milkshakes and listens with attentive incomprehension as I talk about my science stuff - as a mob boss. And fail completely. But that tingle of unease is creeping back up my spine - and as I notice the intent way Caleb is regarding me, it gets worse. What the fuck do I really know about this guy? And I wonder whether maybe he believes this whacked out story. Fuck, I know nothing about him, and he‘s certainly…different enough. He could be fucking delusional. Or…anything else. Have I really just let him take me to some empty house in the middle of who-knows-where? ―Umm yeah, okay Caleb.‖ I start, trying to ignore the slight edge of panic. I meant it when I said I trusted him earlier. But…the guy that I trusted seems to have all but disappeared. Replaced by this expressionless, distant man. ―Alana?‖ He asks, watching me carefully. I swallow. ―Look, can you just take me back to campus please? I really think…I think I need to be getting back there now.‖ He frowns, ―Did you hear anything I just said? Are you okay?‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

What the fuck? Am I okay? No I‟m not fucking okay - I‟m alone…in an empty house…with a guy who might be a psycho. ―Yeah, fine. Look, this was all very…interesting, and all. But I‘m done. I don‘t care whether this is your idea of a fucked up joke, or what, but I want to go back.‖ I start to back up a little. ―If you didn‘t want me to ask you any more questions, you could‘ve just fucking told me - you didn‘t need to…take me here, and…completely freak me out—‖ ―I‘m not trying to freak you out.‖ I swear I can see the strain on his face, before he finally lets out a long breath, ―God damn it, you really don‘t believe me?‖ He asks it as if this would all be perfectly reasonable to believe. At least there‘s a hint of the man I thought I knew there, which reassures me just enough to respond. ―Yeah. No, I don‘t.‖ I say, ―I know my father. A hell of a lot better than I know you, and—‖ He grabs the remote halfway through my sentence, and flicks the TV on before I can finish it. “…news, there has been a shooting at the University of North Carolina this afternoon…casualties are unconfirmed, and the suspect has not been apprehended…heavy police presence…” I stagger a little as I watch the aerial shots of the campus I was at only an hour earlier - covered with police tape, groups of white-faced students and professors, reporters and cameras and flashing lights. Oh my fucking god. What the hell happened? I stare at the screen for a long moment, barely taking in the commentary before glancing between that and Caleb‘s emotionless face. ―What…what happened?‖ I finally ask, knowing my eyes are wide and I‘m breathing heavily. ―Oh fuck, Mel and Lily! They were at that display, or meant to be…‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I pull out my phone, belatedly remembering Mel‘s repeated calls, and my blood chills as I start to dial her number. Only to have the phone pulled out of my hand. ―No, that‘s not safe, Alana. You can‘t call anyone.‖ I stare at him. ―What the fuck?! Give that back - Mel called me a dozen times, something could‘ve happened to them!‖ I try to grab it from him, but he evades me easily as he responds with an unnatural calm. ―If she‘s calling you, then she‘s probably fine.‖ ―You don‘t know that - and Lily and Tom, too. Fuck it, don‘t you care at all?” I glare at him, and after a moment something finally cracks, because he starts pressing buttons. Then my voicemail comes up, followed almost immediately by Mel‘s voice. „Alana - where the hell are you? We went to look for you when you didn‟t show up, so we weren‟t there when…it…fuck, when it happened. But there‟s people everywhere and we can‟t get back - please fucking tell me you‟re not there. That you‟re okay. We‟re off campus now, in Bob‟s Diner. Why the fuck aren‟t you picking up your—‟ Caleb clicks it off. ―They‘re fine.‖ ―You call mass hysteria fine?‖ I ask scathingly. ―I need to call her, let them know I‘m okay—‖ ―You can‘t. Not right now. Let things settle first - they‘ll forgive you if it keeps you alive.‖ He says, and I feel like raging at him. ―Fuck it, Caleb. What the hell makes you think this is about me anyway? Sure, there was a shooting, but you‘re not going to convince me it was because of my father—‖ ―You‘re impossible sometimes, you know that, right?‖ He mutters, and I‘m about to continue my rant when he slips my phone away and pulls his out.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Here, we‘ve been receiving these letters for a while - this is the most recent.‖ He shows me his phone, and I freeze. It‘s an image of a letter - with a photo of Dad and I, and big bold letters saying „Too late to tell her all your secrets now, Patrick‟. I stare at it, but my eyes blur almost instantly, unfocused and disbelieving. ―What. The. Hell.‖ I practically expel each word on a breath of air. He pulls the phone back, and the motion startles me enough to look up at him. And for the first time, I consider - actually consider - that he might be telling the truth. That this might be real. I stare at him, and the weird delirious feeling I had earlier starts to give way to something much worse - real horror. I take a step back, looking at the man whose shared my bed - and so much more - over the last month. Images of our passion, the casual fun and simple pleasures flickering through my mind, with a now-constant echo. What the fuck. What the fuck. What the fuck. It can‘t be true. It really can‘t. Not even in the wildest explanations I created for Caleb‘s strange behavior did this occur to me. Not the mob - or my father. ―Who are you?‖ I whisper at last, eyes locked on him. A sad smile ghosts across his face, and then it‘s gone and his expression is neutral again. ―That‘s more of the reaction I was expecting.‖ ―Damn it, answer me!‖ I yell. I can‘t help it - everything is flashing through my mind at an alarming pace, and I feel like I‘m about to go insane. ―Who I said, Alana. I‘m part of the Irish mob - a hitman for your father.‖ His mouth quirks upwards, ―Or, in this case, hitman-turned-bodyguard. A fucking terrible idea, but at least I managed to get you out of there.‖ Hitman. Bodyguard. What the actual fuck.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I think about my father, about the idea of him mixed up in this craziness, and it doesn‘t make sense. But I can‘t stop replaying that brief moment I tried to introduce Caleb to my father…my father‘s edginess the whole time he was with me…Caleb‘s scars, his attitude, his near panic attacks at the party and the theater… Everything I thought I knew about him. The time we had together. The way I‘d started to feel…all lies. All fucked up, twisted lies. Then something else occurs to me, and I have to fight the knot of anger and revulsion in my stomach. My fists clench and my eyes go wide as I stare at him. ―All that time together…everything we did…you‘re telling me my father sent you for that? To…to fuck me and…and…‖ I don‘t even want to repeat the other stuff. The parts that were more than just fucking and physical release. To my immense satisfaction, he winces, ―No! Fuck, of course not. That was…‖ ―All your own idea, huh?‖ My anger is getting the better of me now, I‘m practically spitting the words out. ―Thought it would be a good way to get close to me - to follow whatever fucked up orders you were given?!‖ Something flashes across his face, and I can tell I‘ve hit the nail on the head. I‘m just not expecting the sudden wave of hurt that overwhelms me at the truth of it. That‘s what he was doing. Fucking stupid girl. Never should‟ve gone near him. Knew it from the start. ―It wasn‘t like that!‖ Caleb protests, a spark of emotion finally penetrating that distant gaze. ―I mean—‖ ―Fuck it. I don‘t want to hear it, you fucking asshole.‖ I spit out. ―I‘m getting out of here. Away from—all of this.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I swivel and stride out of the room, towards the front door - only to find it locked when I get there. ―You can‘t leave, Alana. Not until Sullivan finds the guy behind all this.‖ Caleb‘s voice comes from behind me, perfectly dispassionate again. I turn on him, glaring. ―I‘m not staying anywhere with you.‖ Another flicker of his expression, but I ignore it - I hope to god it‘s hurting him. It‘s not like whatever small amount of guilt he might feel about all this can compare to the anguish and regret that‘s lingering just at the edge of my awareness, only momentarily pushed aside by pure fury. I shove back past him, into the sitting room and up to the large windows at the front, trying those instead. Locked as well. Angry, I scream and pound on the glass, expecting it to give way in an explosive shatter that matches my state of mind right now. Instead, all I get is a dull thud. ―They‘re reinforced. This is a safe house, Alana - I‘m sorry, there‘s no way out.‖ Caleb, behind me once again. Following me around. Like he‘s followed me all fucking semester. I was just too dumb to see it. Only you could‟ve thought that was because he was actually into you. Fucking hell, girl. ―Get the fuck away from me!‖ I yell, flinging my arms up as if they‘ll scare him away. Everything inside feels like it‘s about to explode. I can‘t take this. The thought of my father…of Caleb…of all the lies that my life has been based on. I still can‘t believe it‘s real, but with every moment it sinks further, I remember more…moments with my father, even my mother - questions, my endless questions.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Why did you and dad separate? Have you ever considered…you know, getting back together? What do you do, dad? Where do you work? Can I come visit? Caleb steps back into the corner and just watches, and I can‘t stand it anymore. The idea of being locked in this house…with him…after everything. I scream again, and storm up the stairs, hoping he won‘t follow. I have no clue what I‘m trying to do - I just need to be away. I fling open doors until I find a bedroom, then I dive inside and slam it behind me. Maybe it‘s childish, but I need something. Some distance. Anything. The open wardrobe catches my eye and I step up to it, my mind still reeling. Clothes - all my style, all my size. Fuck me. This really was planned. It really was about me. I glance at the closed door again, wondering if he is there. Whether he‘ll be behind it, listening, waiting, watching. How the hell didn‘t I find him creepy before? He‘s a fucking killer. How did I think there was warmth and compassion and amusement in those eyes? I shudder, hard, then sink to the floor. The bed is only a few paces away, but I can‘t make it. I collapse, sobbing and crying and shaking as I watch my life tumble down around me, everything I thought I knew a lie. My father…a complete stranger. So why the fuck is it that Caleb‟s deception bothers me more?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Eighteen Caleb The next couple of days are as bad as I expect them to be - maybe worse. It‘s hard to tell when everything seems so desolate and empty. I call Sullivan after Alana disappears upstairs, and for the first time I barely register his anger that I ignored his calls. My mind is too busy replaying my conversation with Alana only moments before, and I can‘t bring myself to care about Sullivan. Getting Alana away was more important than updating him, and even he can‘t argue with that - whatever stress it might have caused him. I‘m barely paying enough attention when he starts talking about potential leads to remember my own concerns. But this is the one part of the call that actually matters - tracking this fucker down and dealing with him, so that this threat against Alana is gone for good. ―I‘ve been thinking about the attack, and it doesn‘t make sense, boss.‖ I think I might have interrupted him, but I‘m not sure. My mind is fucking hazy right now, and I feel dazed with everything that‘s happened. Not the attack and flight - I‘ve been expecting those for weeks - but the way Alana looked at me, the things she said, the obvious betrayal on her face. It shouldn‘t bother me so much - I knew what would happen when I told her. It‘s exactly what I expected. But it still feels…like something has been ripped out of me. ―Go on.‖ Sullivan replies after a long pause. ―He hit the circus event - when Alana wasn‘t even there.‖ I start. ―You told me she planned to be there.‖ Sullivan responds immediately.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Yes, she did. But, I mean - fuck, if my target didn‘t appear I wouldn‘t start shooting at random people. What kind of hitman do you know who‘d blow cover without getting a firm ID of his target?‖ I ask. Sullivan pauses again. ―So you think it might be an amateur? That‘s useful, I can work with that.‖ I hesitate. That wasn‘t exactly what I was thinking. ―I don‘t know. If he can sneak around taking photos without me noticing…he‘s something, at least. But the way this attack went down is bothering me.‖ I finish lamely. I haven‘t worked it out yet. I just want Sullivan to know so he can work it out. He‘s better at that shit than me. ―Okay. Good point.‖ Sullivan responds, ―But leave it with us for now - focus on Alana, the safehouse, anything that happens over there. And call me if anything happens. Anything at all.‖ ―Yes, sir.‖ I respond automatically. ―I‘m sending you support as well - Kevin will be there shortly. You need someone to split the work with, and now you‘re not on campus…we can get away with it.‖ ―Kevin?‖ I ask without thinking. I don‘t recognize the name. ―Stephan‘s out of action this last week, and Kevin‘s stepped up well. He knows the case, has been working on it at this end - but you‘ll lead at the house. You‘ve spent more time with Alana, and fuck, I wasn‘t expecting you to be able to stonewall her like that. If there‘s even a chance of getting through this without her finding out about the mob…I‘ll take it.‖ I should fucking hope I‟m leading. I‟m not letting another fucker I don‟t know near her. Stephan‘s alright - nothing special, but Sullivan has always relied on him but Kevin…you don‘t trust anyone in the mob until you‘ve worked with them

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

dozens of times over and you know their game. And even then, you never really trust them. ―Yes, sir.‖ I don‘t bother repeating any those thoughts. It‘s a blatant lie that I‘ve managed to keep anything from Alana - but I was never going to tell Sullivan everything I‘ve revealed, and besides…the moment they see each other again, I‘m a dead man anyway. At least this way, I probably get to stick around long enough to see Alana safe. He clicks off and I return to ensuring the safe house is exactly how I left it all those weeks ago when I first arrived. Everything in place. Ready and prepared plenty of guns, ammo, food…no reason to go out. I don‘t see anything of Alana in the hours it takes Kevin to appear, and I don‘t try to disturb her. I answer the knock at the door cautiously, one hand on my gun. He might be one of us, but that‘s no reason to let my guard down. ―Caleb.‖ He says, nodding. ―I‘m Kevin.‖ I nod back, looking him over - older than me, with lanky brown hair and not quite as fit, but then he wasn‘t raised by my father. Our eyes meet, but I can‘t see much from the black depths looking back at me as we measure each other up. He breaks it first. ―How can I help?‖ I allow myself the brief flicker of satisfaction, surprised I‘m still capable of feeling anything after the day‘s events. But it‘s nice to see my position in the mob hasn‘t faded despite my time away - I might be young, but as a highly trained killer, not many mess with me. Yeah, your position is perfectly intact…for a couple more days. Idiot. ―Watch the outside, the entrances, the neighborhood. Let me know if you catch anything.‖ I say. He blinks, surprised. ―You don‘t want me inside at all? We could split—‖ ―No. Just me inside.‖ I don‘t explain. I don‘t need to.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Kevin pauses for just a moment too long before nodding. ―Okay, sure. Let me know if you need me or want to change it up.‖ He finally says. I nod and turn back inside, shutting the door and locking it again. I feel on edge and uneasy, and I‘m not sure why. Too much time spent watching shadows and suspecting everyone, I guess - and this fucked up thing with Alana. This fucked up thing that makes the next few days with Alana awkward as hell. When she finally comes out of her room to rummage around the kitchen for something to eat, her eyes are red and blotchy and there are tear streaks all down her face. It twists something inside me to see it, and I want nothing more than to take her in my arms and make it all better - but I can‘t. Even offering to make her something to eat just gets me a glare and a slightly hoarse fuck off. It kills me, but I do just that - fuck off and leave her to it. I‘ve already screwed up her life enough, no need to burden her with how I‘m feeling now. I tell myself that I‘m meant to be over this - expecting it, resigned to it. But it still hurts like there‘s a fucking avalanche pressing down on my chest. It‟s okay. As soon as Sullivan finds out, it‟ll all be over anyway. It‘s not quite a reassuring thought. She spends the next couple of days wandering around the house, dipping into a few of the things her father had brought here - books and DVDs - and staring listlessly out the window. Punctuated by scathing looks if I come anywhere near, or her suddenly dashing back upstairs. I followed her the first few times that happened - to stand outside her door listening to the racking sobs and crying inside, letting the guilt tear into me in the same way. It takes everything I have not to burst in, to pull her into my arms and hug and console her - make everything okay again. But I know that nothing I can say

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

would help - I can only make things worse. So I let her deal with it alone, and wait for it all to be over. This might be the hardest fucking thing I‘ve ever done. It‘s not until the third day of this routine that she actually comes to find me, with that bittersweet mix of vulnerability and strength in her expression. ―How long am I going to be here for?‖ Her voice is still hoarse, but determined - even if she doesn‘t quite look at me. ―I…don‘t know. A few days, hopefully.‖ I shrug, trying to seek out her eyes. It feels like forever since she‘s been in the same room as me for more than a few minutes, and I know I‘m being ridiculous, but I can‘t stop staring at her drawn face, picturing tracing it with my lips again. ―You don‘t know?‖ She asks again, persistent as ever. ―We‘ll be here until they find the fucker who sent those letters - now that he‘s shown something of himself, it shouldn‘t be long. But…they were meant to find him within a week or two of me being at the college, and that…didn‘t happen.‖ I say, probably talking too much, but I‘m just happy to be having an actual conversation with her again. She pauses at that, her hands clenching and unclenching, but I let her work through it without interruption. ―I want to talk to my father.‖ That determined tone comes back again. I hesitate. ―I‘m sure he‘ll talk to you when this is all over.‖ ―No, I want to talk to him now. He seriously just left me here…with you…for days? Why the fuck hasn‘t he come to see me after everything that‘s happened?!‖ Her voice rises, and I can feel her getting angry. Because he doesn‟t think you know anything. I think that, while letting the instinctive evasive answer come to my lips. Then I stop. I‘m done lying - to Alana at least. The least I can do is be as straight as possible with her now.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I look directly at her, even if she‘s glancing off to the side instead of at me. ―I wasn‘t exactly supposed to tell you everything I did. He thinks you don‘t know anything about…him.‖ ―I…what?‖ That throws her off guard for a moment, and her eyes flash to mine - beautiful sapphires masked with hurt and weariness. ―What does he think I know?‖ ―Pretty much nothing. That there‘s a threat on your life and you‘re here until it‘s safe.‖ I respond, watching the play of emotions over her face. ―What, you somehow thought you could keep it from him? That I wouldn‘t confront him about all this the moment I see him?‖ She seems caught between anger and confusion. ―No, I‘m sure you will.‖ I say, the first trace of amusement in my voice that I‘ve felt in days. I couldn‘t imagine Alana doing anything else. She takes it the wrong way, eyes flashing immediately as she waves somewhere in the air between us. ―I‘m guessing he doesn‘t know about any of this either, then.‖ ―No, he doesn‘t.‖ I confirm. It‘s not like that isn‘t obvious - of course I‘m not going to tell Sullivan that I‘ve been fucking his daughter. But she seems somehow surprised. ―But you…like, work for him, right?‖ She asks, and I can‘t tell whether she‘s actually interested or if she just wants to yell at me and be angry for a bit. Either way, it‘s better than it has been for days. I nod. Work for is a mild way of putting it, but still accurate. Her eyes narrow. ―I could tell my father what you did then, soldier. How you seduced me, fucked me…everything.‖ She‘s angry and hurting, it‘s obvious in the coarse, rough tones and I want to reach out and touch her so badly. Wrap that spitfire in my arms the way I would

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

have before - kiss her and let her know how sorry I am, how this was never meant to happen this way. But I can‘t. Not anymore. The distance between us feels overwhelming, and I won‘t force anything more on her. ―You could. I probably deserve that.‖ I say neutrally. The only surprising part of her threat was could. It‘s always been a given in my mind, and I‘m resigned to whatever fate I‘ve created for myself in this mess. ―He‘d never trust you again.‖ She says harshly. I blink at that, looking at her blankly. ―He‘ll kill me.‖ The idea lost its shock and fear a while ago. As far as I‘m concerned, the worst has already happened. She recoils at the thought though, stepping back and staring at me as if I‘ve grown another head. ―No…‖ Her face pales, voice turned soft and disbelieving, ―My father would never do that…‖ I stare at her, a strange laugh bubbling up inside me as I realize she still has no idea what her father is capable of. What it means to be the boss of the Irish mob. But I don‘t let it past my lips - she may be in denial, but this isn‘t her world and she‘s already got far too much to try and process. I‘m not going to blame her for refusing to acknowledge everything it means. So I just shrug and turn away, letting her think what she wants and work it out for herself. Alana is a clever girl. I just hope she isn‘t the kind that will spend her life hiding from the truth. There‘s a long moment of silence, and then the door to the room slams and I‘m alone again, too many thoughts and feelings circling.

* * *

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

The door to my bedroom crashes open and I‘m awake instantly, crouched and gun in hand. “You fucking bastard.” My eyes adjust quickly to the dark and I look up at Alana, chest heaving and tears streaming down her face. ―Alana? What happened? What‘s wrong?‖ I still keep my grip on the gun, looking for any sign of danger or invasion, but there‘s nothing. “What‟s wrong?! Fuck, you‘re what‘s wrong.‖ She shudders, voice hoarse. ―I fucking hate…this.‖ I breathe deeply, trying to piece my physical and mental senses back together as I slowly rise from my crouch, lowering the gun to the bedside table. This isn‘t about someone trying to kill her. But I realize I have no idea what to say. You‟re right? I‟m sorry? Everything I think of sounds stupid. ―What the hell were you thinking, Caleb? Why screw with me like that?‖ Her voice shifts between angry and hurt, and I have to stop myself for reaching out for her. I‘m not sure she‘s really looking for an answer - but it‘s the first chance I‘ve had to give her one. To try and explain any of what I did. ―I…wasn‘t thinking. I‘m sorry, hun, it just happened. And I thought it would be a quick fling - that I‘d be gone within a week, nothing more than that. Ah fuck it.‖ I shrug, feeling strangely helpless about it all. There‘s no way to say I was bored and frustrated and you were hot without sounding like a complete asshole. Which, to be fair, I probably am. It‘s just never bothered me before.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―But you weren‘t!‖ She snaps out. ―You weren‘t gone in a week, and instead you…you pretended to be something you‘re not. And I fucking hate it - I hate you, whoever the fuck you are. You…you made me fall in love with someone who isn‘t even real, and now—now you‘re a fucking expressionless, emotionless bastard. Everything I thought…just gone…‖ I stare at her. And keep staring. “What?!” It comes out quiet and intent, my breath caught in my chest. I‘m not sure she even knows what she said. But I can‘t stop hearing it. I can‘t take my eyes off her. And finally, for the first time in so fucking long something makes sense. ―What what, bastard?‖ She scowls up at me, but even in anger, she‘s so completely stunning. I don‘t hold back anymore - I couldn‘t keep myself away from her and distant a moment longer even if I wanted to. I step close and pull her into my arms, ignoring the way she stiffens and protests as I crush her to me, sinking my head against hers and breathing deeply. Something deep inside me relaxes as I inhale her natural scent again. ―I fucking love you too, Alana.‖ I murmur it against her hair, and she freezes in my arms, her head wrenching up to look at me. If I wasn‘t so caught up in it all, I‘d laugh at the expression on her face - but instead, I lean in and kiss her. Hard. Desperate. Like I can‘t take another moment without her lips on mine. She resists for one brief moment, and then suddenly she‘s kissing me back just as hard. I can taste the salt of her tears at the edges of her lips, and it‘s a messy, wet thing, but there‘s nothing I want more right now than her heat against mine. Everything that was tense and unhappy and empty inside me suddenly fills with a desire hotter than I‘ve ever known and I groan with the power of it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

My hard cock presses against her as if it had never left while we clutch at each other - hard and unforgiving, strong hands demanding more, more, more. ―Fuck, Caleb.‖ Alana grunts out, still sounding pissed. ―You have a fucking terrible way…of showing it.‖ I lift her easily in my arms, and her legs come around me without thinking, her fingers clutching my shoulders and scratching down my bare back. ―Then…let me…fix that…‖ I murmur, pressing her back against the wall, the loud thump there only matching my solid heartbeat. I can barely believe this is happening, but it doesn‘t matter - I‘ve got her in my arms again. Finally. At last. And she doesn‘t fucking hate me. Or, at least, she loves me too. And she‘s talking to me. And kissing me. And… ―God damn it, Caleb.” She groans out, rubbing herself against my hard cock and sucking my lips in between hers. ―You are such an asshole.‖ I grunt in acknowledgment, too distracted by the way her hips are grinding close to me, nearly making my head explode from the sudden, insistent need. ―I…would…never…‖ She pants, in between hard, fast kisses, ―Have…fallen…for…this…‖ My tongue is too tangled with hers to try and answer and I tear at the thin night shirt she‘s wearing, hearing it rip satisfyingly and fall to the floor before she moans and arches up into me. ―That was a fucking nice…shirt…‖ Her breath catches as my mouth comes down on her breasts, sucking desperately. The feel of her hard tits in my mouth again is almost too much, and I press her hard against the wall, my tongue flicking and darting between them, teeth teasing and playing. She cries out against me, hands clutching at my hair, the sharp edge of pain only driving me further.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

We‘re rough with it, but we need to be - there‘s too much between us. I can still feel her anger and hurt surrounding us - my own guilt and frustration adding to it. ―I would always have fallen for you, baby. Fuck it, I couldn‘t deal with not having this.‖ I say roughly. It‘s not a declaration of love - it‘s a reluctant admission of something I didn‘t even know I could feel. But it‘s impossible to deny. And I don‘t even want to. Not when she‘s in my arms, moving like this - her now bare pussy hovering over my hard cock. ―I can‘t believe what you‘ve…done to me, Caleb.‖ She mutters, halfresentful, half-desperate. ―I fucking need you too.‖ Then she pulls my head back, our eyes meeting in a flash of lust and so much more. She leans in and nips at my lips, before growling against me. ―Tell me you‘re real Caleb. That I know who the fuck you are. I can‘t…I can‘t do this otherwise.‖ She insists, and I press her back against the wall again, my mouth nipping and licking and sucking at the tops of her breasts, working alone her collarbone to her neck. ―You know who I am, Alana.‖ I look up, meeting her eyes. Determined to give her something after all I‘ve put her through. ―You were the first fucking person to ever know.‖ She shudders against me, gasping at the words, and I can‘t wait anymore. I lift her just a little, and when she comes down - it‘s to seat herself on my cock, taking all of it in one slick, easy motion. We groan together, our heads coming close again to kiss and tear at each others‘ bodies, while my hips work hard, thrusting deep inside her. It‘s been so fucking long, I can‘t speak. I can‘t say how good it is or what I want to do with it - with her - at all. All I can do is grunt and grasp and fuck and touch and bury myself inside her. Again and again and again.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

It‘s not elegant or slow or romantic - it‘s a violent explosion of a desperate need that‘s been building far too long. It‘s rough and angry and everything we haven‘t said to each other over the last few days. ―Fucking…bastard…‖ She mutters again, but the more she says it, the more it becomes an endearment. Affectionate. Amused. ―Beautiful girl.‖ I whisper back, no longer hesitant to say exactly what I‘m feeling. ―My perfect girl.‖ She moans, and I can feel her pussy contract around me as she starts to get close. I run my hands over her breasts, kissing her deeply again as I increase the pace, feeling my own need surging higher and higher. ―I‘ve fucking missed this.‖ I grunt as her breathing becomes more erratic. ―Me…too. Should never have…stopped talking to me.‖ She murmurs back, barely focused. ―I know. I wanted to tell you - everything.‖ I start, but her mouth covers mine and anything else I might have said is cut off. I can‘t think about explanations and apologies now anyway. I moan and shift against her. ―Fucking…need…it.‖ She demands, her kiss getting heavier and less focused as her focus turns inward, on the way I‘m pressing forward, hitting her sweet spot every time. ―Oh, god, Caleb…‖ She pants, and I have a moment of elation as I lose myself in it all - as I stop trying to think, trying to talk, and just give into the passion I thought I‘d never get to see again. I wrap my arms around her, drawing her away from the wall and step quickly over to the bed. She writhes and twists in my arms, not convinced at the interruption of our natural rhythm when she‘s so close and needs it so badly - but then I have her down against the bed and I‘m there on top of her, thrusting deep and pounding into her the exact way she needs it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Her pussy contracts around me a moment later and she screams - the only thing I need to send me hurtling over my own edge, my hard cock pumping furiously against her beautiful, shuddering pussy. It feels like the pleasure goes on forever - like it will never stop - every nerve in my body reacting and responding to what we just did. By the time I get control of myself again, I‘m barely holding myself up above her, but I still can‘t help but take the time to lean down, to kiss and nuzzle at her blissed-out expression. When she finally stirs, I move us until we‘re both in the bed, curled up around each other as we were only a long week ago. I pull her into my arms and clasp them hard around her, my heart beating at a rate that echoes the disbelief in my mind. Everything is too hazy to work out how the fuck I just got her back - but I know I‘m not going to let her go again. Not for anything. She relaxes against me and a few moments later I can hear her breathing start to even out in sleep. I don‘t even try to join her. This is too fucking special to miss out on. She loves me. And fuck it, somehow you love her too.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Nineteen Alana I wake up slowly in Caleb‘s eyes, looking up through bleary eyes to see him already awake. It takes me a moment to work out where I am, what I‘m doing - and then to remember last night - and I‘m immediately unsure how I feel about it. Apart from the physical release and satisfaction, anyway. But the way he‘s looking at me… ―You‘re smiling.‖ I say stupidly, my fingers reaching up to trace his lips. But he is…in a way I haven‘t seen before. Not arrogant or cocky or amused. Just smiling. His expression open and— ―I‘m happy.‖ He says lightly, leaning in to kiss me, ―I‘m not sure I even knew what that was, until I lost it the last few days.‖ I kiss him back, feel the way I relax instinctively into him, but I can‘t quite fight the instinctive unease. I remember the passion and pleasure of last night - the release of so many different kinds of tension…but after everything that happened? How can that be enough? ―Caleb…‖ I say, stopping him before he can deepen the kiss and we get carried away…as we always do. ―What is this?‖ I look up at him, meeting his eyes - but even they‘re different. Sparkling and open as he smiles down at me. In answer, he takes my hand and kisses it, ―I love you, Alana.‖ That simple statement takes my breath. I know he said it last night…but last night was different. And after spending so much time with him closed off and unassailable, the idea that he‘d just openly state that…it‘s hard to believe.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

And intoxicating. Absolutely seductive and impossible to resist. I feel myself sink further into his embrace, relishing the warm muscles of his body, the light friction of skin against skin. Even if I don‘t quite know what it all means. He starts to kiss me again, and I give into it for a few long, blissful moments. But my head won‘t shut up. ―What about…everything else?‖ I wave vaguely around us. ―What about it?‖ He murmurs back. I bite my lip. I‘m not sure I want to talk about it all - especially with him. But when he asks, I can‘t help myself. I‘ve spent the last few days alternating between rage and heartache, trying to work out what all this means for my life - and what the hell to do about it. I haven‘t reached many conclusions, but some are non-negotiable. And Caleb…Caleb complicates things. If I can even forgive him. But every moment I spend around him, I feel myself getting closer to that. The fear and anger and hurt of betrayal slowly slipping away. That shouldn‘t be possible - there‘s some perverse part of me that thinks he should have to suffer more, do something, win me over…I can‘t just act like everything he did is okay. But so much of it is disturbingly okay, that I don‘t know quite where that leaves me. You love him. Fuck it. And you even told him. I start chewing on my bottom lip and bury my head in his chest again. I don‘t know how any of this is going to work. ―What is it, baby?‖ Caleb strokes my hair back behind my ear - the gesture so achingly familiar that I shudder. Oh, fuck it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I look up at him, considering, and for the first time let myself explore the idea of him. With me. Us. The thing I wanted so innocently only a week ago, that now means something entirely different. ―After this is over, I don‘t want anything to do with it, Caleb - my father, the mob, any of it.‖ I finally say. It‘s at least partly a challenge. A ‗so how does this work?‟. But it doesn‘t bother him. He just leans in and kisses my forehead, nodding. ―After you, maybe I don‘t either.‖ He responds, as casually as if he isn‘t talking about giving up his whole life. ―Really?‖ I frown and look up at him. ―That easy?‖ He shrugs, ―Well, not quite that easy. There are certain…reasons…it might be hard for me to leave. But I‘m damn well going to try.‖ ―My father.‖ I say immediately, the things he said the other day immediately flashing through my mind, making me uneasy. I look up at him again. ―What you said…about him. You…didn‘t actually mean that, did you?‖ Caleb doesn‘t say anything to that, but he meets my eyes, and that‘s answer enough. I can‘t quite believe it - not my father - but the more I‘ve thought about it…the more I‘ve thought about what actually being a mob boss would mean… I shudder at the idea of him doing something like that - to Caleb - and Caleb holds me closer. ―What‘s…what‘s he like? My father?‖ It‘s an inane question to ask, but it‘s been circling in my head these last few days. Who is this man I‟m supposed to know? ―He‘s…very good at what he does.‖ Caleb says quietly, and doesn‘t elaborate.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I wonder who he‘s trying to protect - my father or me. And then I think about it for a moment, and decide that maybe it‘s for the best - maybe I don‘t want to know. ―How about you? You‘re…a killer, right? Are you…good at what you do?‖ The questions are so uncomfortable to ask or think about, but I can‘t help it. I can‘t get the contrast of who he is out of my head. He doesn‘t shy from it though, kissing my forehead as he answers. ―I was, yes.‖ Was. He really is serious about giving it up. I bite my lip again and finally say what‘s on my mind. ―I don‘t - I don‘t like that Caleb.‖ I‘ve never thought about it before in my life - my stance on killers, mobsters, thugs…whatever you want to call them…has always been so clear and unambiguous I‘ve never needed to give it any thought. Bad people. Wrong. Criminals. Now…it‘s a little more murky, but it‘s still there. And I can‘t quite work out how to deal with the fact that I‘m in love with a killer. ―I know.‖ His voice is soft, gentle, and his hands move lightly over my skin as we talk. Even with the dark subject, the knowledge of who - what - he is…my body shifts further into his, relaxing against the firm strength of his muscles. Is it enough that he‟s giving it up? That he won‟t be a killer anymore? Does that make up for whatever he‟s done in the past? I‘m not sure, but I‘ve always claimed to believe that people can change - that they deserve to be allowed the chance to. I‘m silent for a long moment, and then I find his hand, twining his fingers in mine, and give him a little smile.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―We‘ll face my father together - when it comes.‖ I say. For the first time since I woke up, I feel him hesitate, but he nods anyway, remaining silent. I‘m not sure how long we lie like that, everything trying to settle in my mind, like pieces of a puzzle with too many rough, sharp edges. Not quite comfortable. Not quite okay. But…with a feeling it might fit together at some point. ―Do I really know who you are, Caleb?‖ I break the silence a while later, enjoying being able to simply voice everything that‘s on my mind. There‘s something strangely comfortable between us at the moment, feeling like he‘s open and accessible for the first time. ―I still don‘t know anything about you - not really.‖ ―What do you want to know?‖ He murmurs against the top of my head. ―Everything.‖ I say automatically. ―Okay, then I‘ll tell you.‖ He responds, kissing me. ―What, now?‖ I blink at him. How did it all start feeling so easy? He laughs, a warm, pleasant sound. ―There‘s nothing else to do here nothing but enjoy ourselves and talk.‖ His hand starts wandering again, reminding me what he means by enjoy ourselves, and I lean into his touch, my own hands and mouth starting to do the same. It‘s strange to wake up with the whole day ahead of me, just for…this. ―What about this guy, though?‖ I finally ask. ―The one threatening me don‘t you have to do something?‖ ―Hun, if he comes near, he‘s fucking dead. I won‘t ever let anyone hurt you.‖ Caleb growls in my ear, and it sends a warm feeling shooting through me. ―But…your father‘s dealing with that. All I‘m supposed to be doing is keeping you

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

in the safehouse…and don‘t sex and conversation sound like fucking fantastic ways to do that?‖ I laugh at that, unexpected, but a different kind of release from all the explosive sobbing of the last few days. ―Still working for my father?‖ I tease, surprised I even feel ready to go there - but it‘s at least partly a dig. He winces, and I get some small satisfaction from that, before he takes my chin and kisses me deeply, meeting my gaze. ―I think I stopped working for your father the moment I fell in love with you. But for the moment…it doesn‘t hurt to keep up appearances. And it just so happens, I agree with him on the keeping you safe point.‖ ―Mmhmm…‖ I murmur, kissing him back. ―And we could be here for weeks, right?‖ ―If it‘s anything like how the rest of this has gone - weeks and weeks…‖ He nibbles at my lips. ―Shit.‖ I say suddenly, pulling back. ―I‘m going to be so behind on lectures. Are you sure this wasn‘t just a plan to get me in bed with nothing else to do for a while?‖ He laughs, ―That‘s my girl. You‘re definitely feeling better if you‘re back to thinking about that again.‖ I grumble at him, and he kisses me again. Deep and passionate and with such a sweet longing. I never thought it would feel this easy between us again. And when the kisses subside, he does what he said he would - he starts telling me everything. His childhood, being raised and taught by his father, his life in the mob…the words flow into touches and kisses and passion, and back into words again, as we do exactly what he promised.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Sex and conversation. My two new favorite activities.

Lara Swann

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twenty Caleb I listen to the sound of boiling water, humming a little as I fetch mugs and root around in the cupboard for tea. I‟m actually fucking humming. It‘s a joke - utterly ridiculous - but I can‘t shake it. I feel high and I haven‘t even touched drugs since I got to North Carolina. It‘s just Alana. Just the stunning woman currently warming the bed upstairs, waiting for me to crawl back in with her and hold her close again. Even with the sickness bug she picked up yesterday, she‘s still as passionate and fiery as ever. And I‘m ridiculously happy just to be making tea, holding her and taking care of the woman I love - spending the morning lying together in bed until she feels better. It still doesn‘t feel like me, but I don‘t care. This is the first time I‘ve ever had anything like this - and I‘m not going to stop and question it. I spent too long conflicted about my feelings for Alana, and now that I know…I‘m not giving her up. Not for a moment. Whatever the consequences. The realistic part of me knows it‘s only a matter of time before I do face those consequences - being happy doesn‘t mean the world is suddenly a good place - but until that comes, I‘m going to make the most of every last second here. These moments are worth whatever Sullivan does to me afterward, and as long as I‘m still breathing, I‘m going to fight to be with her. Yeah, as long as you‟re still breathing… Someone pounds at the door and I look up, startled, shifting instantly to alertness as I come around from behind the counter.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I only shrugged on pants to come downstairs, but my gun is ever at my side, and my hand hovers over it as I move slowly towards the door - the loud pounding starting up again. Kevin should have warned me if someone was approaching. What the hell is going on? Then I catch a glimpse of who‘s at the door from the camera panel beside it, and freeze again. Okay…bad news. I open it anyway, my hand still on my gun, and look up at the two massive enforcers Sullivan likes to keep around with him. ―Caleb.‖ Sam‘s deep voice rumbles out of his chest, and I meet his eyes evenly. ―Have you found something?‖ I ask, even though I know - just know - this isn‘t about the fucker threatening Alana. ―Sullivan wants to talk to you.‖ He says instead, and gestures towards the long black sedan car parked outside. A quick scan with my eyes shows Kevin watching nearby, and Usher Sam‘s backup - eyeing me suspiciously. His gun is actually in his hand, which tells me my chances of getting out of this are slim to none. That‘s fine. I was never going to try and avoid this anyway. I can‘t help glancing back towards the stairs though - towards Alana and where she‘s waiting in the bedroom. Did she hear the banging on the door? We‟ll face him together. I know what she‘d intended, but it was never going to happen. This is between Sullivan and I, and it was always going to be. So I nod to Sam, and follow his lead - moving between them down towards the car.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

How the hell did Sullivan find out? It‘s probably not important, but I still want to know. I find out a moment later. Usher nods at Kevin as he passes. ―Sullivan says thanks - and that he‘ll have someone over for additional security in a few hours.‖ Kevin nods back and I feel my blood start to boil. What had the fucker been doing to work that out? I mean, we haven‘t exactly been discreet, maybe we were too loud? But…still…I feel uneasy about it. And about leaving him here alone with Alana. But a glance at Sam tells me I‘m not going to be able to object, so I grit my teeth and slip into the car. I wanted to at least be able to stick around long enough to make sure she‟s protected, damn it. ―Caleb.‖ My father‘s voice cuts off that thought, and I look over at him on the seat next to me, while Sam and Usher climb into the front and start the car. I have a moment of sentimentality - I haven‘t seen him for over a month and then I‘m over it. ―Dad.‖ He looks at me for a moment, clearly expecting me to say more, but I don‘t. ―Please tell me that dumbass was wrong.‖ He finally grinds out, eyes flashing at me. I could play coy - draw this out, ask what he‘s talking about. But I know. And I‘m not going to deny it. So I just shake my head, leaning back in the comfortable leather seats and wondering what on earth to tell my father about any of this. ―For fuck‘s sake, Caleb!‖ His limited control shatters, and the words explode out of him. ―What the fuck did you think you were playing at? Even I can‘t protect you from this one. Sullivan‘s daughter?! My god…‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I blink, momentarily confused as I look over at him. And then I realize - he just thinks this is another one of my stunts, my irreverence and bad behavior. Testing boundaries and seeing what I can get away with. Fuck, I never deluded myself that I‟d get away with this… So I tell him, because he‘s my father, and because I plan to tell anyone who‘ll listen. However stupid I know he‘ll find it - Gerard Stone isn‘t exactly the settling down kind. ―It‘s not like that - it‘s not just…fucking. I love her, Dad. I don‘t expect—I know what it means. What he‘ll do. But that‘s okay.‖ I give him a crooked smile, ―It was worth it.‖ He stares at me. Actually stares. I meet his eyes evenly. I‘m not afraid. Or at least, not much. Pain and death aren‘t exactly appealing, but I accepted this a while ago. One shot to convince Sullivan to let me go back to her - to let us have a life together. It‘s worth the risk of losing everything - if I can‘t be with her, I don‘t want any other kind of life anyway. ―You fucking idiot.‖ He finally says. ―If you ever want to make it out of this, don‟t say any of that to Sullivan. And the moment she mentions it…fuck, you‘re screwed.‖ I shake my head. ―That‘s exactly what I‘m going to say to Sullivan. I‘m going to tell him I want to be with her - and I‘ll deal with whatever answer he gives.‖ His disbelief is like a living thing between us, the way he‘s staring at me setting me on edge. ―It‘s been less than two months since I saw you. Less than two months. And this is what happens?!‖ His voice is scathing. ―A little time in college and suddenly you‘re acting like one of those stupid kids—‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Maybe those stupid kids have got it right.‖ I fire back, getting angry myself now. I don‘t know what I expected from him - not really to support me, not with this. But we‘ve always had a good relationship - the only real one in my life until Alana came along - and it hurts to see it blow up like this. ―And have you - for one small moment - considered what she‘s going to do when she finds out? About you. About the mob, and…everything else. She‘ll ditch you faster than you can blink.‖ He says, derision lacing his tone. ―Or were you going to conceal it forever?‖ Oh. That comment snaps the anger out of me, and my eyes slip away from his for a long moment, before I force them back. ―She already knows.‖ I say quietly. If I‘d thought he couldn‘t be any more shocked, I was wrong. I can almost feel the stunned stillness descent on him, letting the background noise of traffic and the stop-start of the car back into my awareness. ―You told her?‖ It‘s the barest hint of sound - and not even accusatory. ―Yes.‖ I say simply. I‘m not going to hold back anymore. I‘m done with the lies and everything else. Either we find a way forwards or…not. He doesn‘t say anything for the rest of the journey, and I stop trying to work out what he‘s thinking. My father is Sullivan‘s man through and through, and I feel momentarily bad for putting him in this position, and openly admitting betraying the man he owes everything to. But then my attention returns to that man - to Sullivan - and whatever is on the other end of this journey.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

We head into the center of town, and I belatedly realize Sullivan must be working here instead of in Baltimore - probably to deal with the shooter on campus. When we pull up in front of a large building, complete with double glass doors and a sweeping entranceway, my father doesn‘t join me as I‘m accompanied up the wide stairs. He doesn‘t say anything to me, either, and I wonder if this is the last time I‘ll see him. Maybe he‘s thinking the same thing. That makes the anticipation buzzing within me worse somehow, but I try to calm my nerves. Sullivan isn‘t a good man to face at the best of times. Sam takes my gun - somewhat belatedly it seems to me. I would‘ve removed it before I entered the car, but maybe my status in the mob counts for something. How close you can get to the boss carrying a gun. New way of measuring it, that‟s for sure. Then he pushes the door open and I straighten my spine, walking in. I catch a glimpse of the papers and photos littering the large table in the middle of the room before I see Sullivan standing behind them. When I do see him, I almost do a double-take. The strong, awe-inspiring man I remember seems shrunken and worn - his face haggard, with large circles under his eyes. The moment he sees me, some element of the commanding presence returns, but something in me twists at seeing him in such a bad way. Fuck. You‟re not the only one all this has been getting to. ―Caleb.‖ He starts, his tone measured, while I‘m still trying to work out what the hell I want to say. I‘ve had the whole car journey, days of thinking about it, I‘ve known this was coming and now…I‘ve got nothing.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

A familiar tingle of fear dances down my spine, and I‘m momentarily surprised - I thought I was beyond that. He walks over to me as I wait, my eyes on his. I should probably say something, but I‘m pretty sure the moment I do everything is going to come out, and I can‘t do that right now. There‘s a long pause as he just looks me over, and then he takes a deep breath, almost as if he‘s trying to convince himself of something. ―I‘ve heard…some pretty damning rumors lately.‖ His eyes are on me, as sharp as ever, and I almost can‘t believe I thought he looked tired. ―You did a good job for me at the college - you got her out. And I can see how people might get confused…‖ I blink, surprised at the direction he‘s taking this. ―So,‖ He gives me a searing glance, ―Tell me you‘re not sleeping with my daughter, and I‘ll put an end to the rumors.‖ I stare at him for a moment. I‘m not sure whether he knows and is trying to give me an out - I somehow can‘t believe that - or whether he truly doesn‘t believe it. Either way, I wasn‘t expecting that kind of trust - and it makes me feel even worse for what I‘m about to say. I take a deep breath, and then slowly shake my head, trying to show him how desperately I mean this. ―I love Alana, Sullivan. I‘m sorry, it‘s fucked up and shouldn‘t have happened, but it has and—and I want it. I want to spend my life with her.‖ Whatever remains of it. I see a momentary flash of shock in his eyes, quickly covered up, and then his expression closes off. ―You want what?!‖ The anger is expected, but it still reverberates through me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I want to love her, to take care of her, to protect—‖ I try, but he cuts me off immediately. ―You presumptuous little bastard.‖ He practically snarls it, ―You think my daughter is going to want to spend her life with a killer for hire? My Alana? What the fuck have you done?!‖ I swallow. ―I‘m leaving the mob, Sullivan. Whatever happens, I can‘t do this anymore—‖ ―And you think that‘d make everything okay? That she‘d never find out—‖ His fists are pumping hard at his sides, eyes wild, breathing hard enough that he can‘t continue. Everything in me twists at what I know I have to say, and I close my eyes just briefly first. ―She knows. I told her.‖ I force myself to look back at him, to watch what it does to him. I broke his trust, it feels perversely right to have to deal with knowing what that means. ―Everything. I couldn‘t lie to her any—‖ “You did what?!” His voice is cold and hard, and the pure murderous rage on his face has chills running down my spine. I‘ve never seen him like this before. ―I‘m sorry, but—‖ I barely see the flash of his fist before it lands - despite with all my skill and training, I couldn‘t have caught it even if I‘d wanted to. He connects with my cheek and sparks flash behind my eyes. I catch my balance, try to speak again, and then the next one wipes me out - pain explodes through my head, and everything goes dark.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twenty-One Alana The door to the sitting room opens as I‘m pacing up and down, one hand pressed to my stomach. The nausea hasn‘t quite subsided, but I‘m preoccupied with wondering where the hell Caleb has got to. He didn‘t tell me he was going out, and he‘s been pretty damn insistent on staying by my side the whole time. I look up, expecting Caleb - and then stop in a hurry when faced with the stranger in front of me. It takes me a moment to remember that someone out there is trying to kill me, and then fear slides slowly down my spine. ―Alana?‖ He asks, and I wish I could read his dark eyes better. ―Yes.‖ I say slowly, wondering if I‘m supposed to be giving even that much information. ―I‘m Kevin. Did Caleb mention me?‖ He says, and I instantly feel better. He knows Caleb. ―No - do you know where he is?‖ I ask. Maybe now I‘ll get some answers. He frowns at that, then shrugs. ―He went to see S—someone. But we need to get out of here now, I‘m going to take you somewhere safer, okay?‖ ―He went to see my father?‖ I ask, picking up on the way Kevin corrected himself and guessing. Why the fuck would he do that? Without me? Kevin recoils at that. ―He told you?‖ Oh shit. I forgot I wasn‘t supposed to act like I knew this stuff.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Well, fuck it, if Caleb is talking to my father, they‘ll all know that soon enough anyway. ―Yes. Are you going to tell me what‘s going on? When is he coming back?‖ I ask. Kevin is still staring at me. ―And even after you knew, you—‖ He cuts himself short, but unease pricks me again. ―I, what?‖ I narrow my eyes at him. Just who is this random stranger? One of my father‘s men, I guess. But I don‘t like the way he‘s looking at me. Not at all. ―Nevermind.‖ He finally says, ―We need to get out of here - we don‘t have time for this.‖ ―Why?‖ I ask again, ―What‟s going on?” ―Fuck it, you ask a lot of questions, don‘t you?‖ He mutters, obviously irritated. ―Just come with me.‖ I get irritated just as quickly, my hand pressing harder against my stomach as the agitation makes my nausea flare again. ―I‘m not going anywhere until Caleb gets back.‖ I insist. Kevin grinds his teeth together. ―This place isn‘t safe anymore. He‘ll be pissed if he has to come back and get you from someplace risky.‖ I hesitate. That‟s certainly true. ―Okay, but let me speak to him first.‖ I try to compromise. I‘m not leaving here with a man I‘ve never met before without reassurance of some kind. ―I can‘t do that.‖ Kevin‘s tone turns darker and he shakes his head. ―If you really do know about all this, just what do you think is going to happen when he sees your father, huh?‖ My blood chills and I step back a pace.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He‟ll kill me. The words reverberate in my head, casual and emotionless. ―He wouldn‘t…‖ I still can‘t quite believe it. Not that my father would do that. And not to the man I love…the one who kept me safe… Kevin gives a condescending laugh. ―You really have no clue, do you?‖ It‘s the same vibe I picked up from Caleb a couple of times - stupid, naive girl, doesn‟t have a clue about how the underworld works. Only this time, it feels far worse. I clench my fists and stare him down. ―Then let me talk to my father first. I‘m not going anywhere with you until I‘ve spoken to someone.‖ Not to mention, the need to speak to him is practically setting my body on fire. To get there first, before…anything happens. Do something to stop what Caleb and Kevin think is so obvious. Caleb…what the fuck did you think you were doing? ―Why the hell did he leave like that?‖ I say it out loud, angry and annoyed and beyond that, scared. Scared that he‘s left and is never going to get the chance to come back. ―I‘ve had enough of this. Were you this fucking difficult with him, too?‖ Anything pleasant slips from Kevin‘s tone, and I bristle immediately. ―Or did he just use…other incentives…to make you compliant, hmm?‖ His eyes skim over my body and I fight the immediate urge to cover myself even over the perfectly respectable clothes I‘m wearing. I shudder at the look there - and then anger flares again. “How dare you?!” I grind out, ―If my father knew—‖ ―Yes, yes, your father. Just come with me - now. Or we do this the hard way.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His hand shifts to the gun at his side, and I suddenly freeze, really looking at him again. I step back instinctively, wary in a way I wasn‘t before. ―You‘re not my father‘s man, are you?‖ His eyes darken as they meet mine, and then he does shift the gun out of its holster, and I swallow hard. ―Sorry, princess, no luck this time. And if you say another fucking word without getting your ass over here, I‘ll leave you bleeding out on the floor.‖ The threat is sinister, no pretense at anything else now, and I actually believe him. I swallow back the objections I want to voice, even as my mind races to try and form some kind of plan - to work something out. But the sour rush of fear makes it impossible to think, and I can‘t see a way to avoid any of it. So I take a small step forward. And pray that Caleb comes for me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twenty-Two Caleb I drift back into consciousness slowly, grunting instinctively at the pain and tugging against my bonds. It takes me a few moments to remember what the fuck is going on - but when I do, I stop struggling and sink back against the chair I‘m tied to. A quick glance around the abandoned warehouse tells me the thugs working on me have left - for now - and gives me a chance to make a quick assessment of the damage. My body feels swollen and abused, but after a few minutes I realize the beating isn‘t as bad as I‘d expected. Cuts and bruises everywhere - but they didn‘t start with cutting off fingers or breaking bones. Yet. I breathe deeply and wince at the sharp pain in my chest. Okay, probably no broken bones. I can‘t quite vouch for my ribs. I stretch my fingers and tug again at the ties keeping me pinned to the chair, but they‘re solid. Sullivan‘s guys don‘t do shoddy work. Not that I‘m convinced I‘d even try anything. This is exactly what I expected - and hell, probably deserve. The rage on Sullivan‘s face flashes into my mind again and I sigh. I betrayed him and probably destroyed his relationship with his daughter. The only question is how long he‘s going to take punishing me for it before he lets me die. I let my mind float as I sit there, retreating to the brief memories I made with Alana - and I still don‘t regret a damn thing. Maybe not telling her sooner - not going to Sullivan myself, as soon as I knew what I wanted. But having that brief time with her? It was worth this shit.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I have no idea how long it‘s been when the door flies open. I glance up, expecting Sullivan‘s thugs to be back for the next round, and blink through blurred, swollen eyes as I try to make out the figure standing there. ―Caleb.‖ It‘s Sullivan‘s voice, and I turn towards him instinctively. Has he come to watch? I try to respond, but my lips are split and my mouth feels stuffed with cotton, so the only thing that comes out is a vague groan as I twist my head to try and look in his direction. He grunts - seemingly in annoyance - and stalks closer. ―We can argue about this shit - Alana‘s disappeared.‖ That‟s enough to snap me out of the painful haze I‘m in - every muscle tensing at the same time as cold fear washes through me. ―Whaa…‖ I manage to get out, spitting blood. I don‘t even need to ask the question - Sullivan is already talking, as someone else comes to cut through the bonds. ―When the guy I sent to assist Kevin arrived, they were both gone. No sign of Kevin‘s body or any sort of resistance so - we‘re looking into him being our guy.‖ Sullivan‘s voice is hard and tight, but even that doesn‘t match the sudden red-hot murder that overtakes me as I hear that and those dark, unreadable eyes flash through my mind again. ―It would explain a lot - he was supporting the case and I suspect was part of the reason it didn‘t go anywhere. He had access to me, knew what we were doing…positioned himself to guard her at the safe house. I just still don‘t know why—‖ ―Affhhlaana…‖ I force out. I don‘t fucking care about Kevin. Apart from wanting to kill him with my bare hands, I don‘t give a fuck why he‘s doing this - Alana is who we should be talking about right now.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Sullivan eyes me, but finally grunts and nods. ―We don‘t know where she is - not yet - but if we finally know the fucker responsible for all this…we have something to trace. I‘ve got everyone on it and we should hear something soon.‖ I grunt with my own annoyance. Nothing? Really? Fucking hell. ―I want you going after her with me, Caleb. The…other stuff aside - you‘ve kept her safe so far. I need you back on it. Everything else - that can come after she‘s home.‖ His tone is demanding and rough, but I can hear the need underneath it. I‘m just surprised he‘s even talking about what comes after. More beatings and then left face-down in a ditch is what I‘m assuming. It doesn‘t matter. The only thing I care about is getting Alana back safe - if we do that, Sullivan can take whatever pound of flesh he likes out of me. I just nod at him, my awareness of how much that simple action hurts starting to dim as the adrenaline starts taking over - and the idea of Alana in danger. Taken. And who knows what else. The door to the warehouse crashes open again, and we both look up as Sam strides in - followed by my father. ―You‘ve traced him?‖ Sullivan asks immediately. I feel my father‘s eyes roam over me, but neither of us acknowledges the other - and my attention is too fixated on Sam beside him. ―Not exactly.‖ Sam says, handing over a piece of paper - another letter. ―We found this.‖ I crane to look over Sullivan‘s shoulder, and my heart stills at the sight of Alana tied to a chair in an almost mirror position to the one I was just in - only in front of a table, in a smaller place than this. Explosives strapped to her chest - a terrified look on her face. The only words there are all I need to commit myself fully and completely.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

„Come watch your daughter die, bastard.‟ Someone is going to die today, that‘s for sure - and not Alana. ―Address is on the other side - back in Baltimore.‖ Sam adds matter-offactly. ―That fucking bastard.‖ Sullivan snarls, crushing the paper in his hand. ―Fine, if he‘s going to make it this easy - I‘ll bring the whole weight of the Irish mob crashing down on him.‖ He turns abruptly, striding suddenly towards the door, and my heart stops as my still-lethargic mind tries to process it all. ―No.‖ I say automatically. He twists back to me with a renewed fury, eyes flashing at the challenge, but I force myself to continue anyway, thinking out loud. ―You can‘t go after him. This is about you, Sullivan. He stuck close to you, watching you receive each of those letters and not doing a damned thing for weeks except enjoying your reaction. If you go, he‘ll kill her - he‘s just fucking told you that. He wants you to see. If you don‘t go…who knows. Maybe he‘ll talk, slip up…something that gives us a chance. With a bomb? There‘s no other way.‖ I try to walk towards him, but stagger a little and stop, watching for his reaction. Letting him go after Kevin is the wrong thing. I just know it. ―So if I don‘t go…what the fuck do you suggest? Leaving her at that fucker‘s mercy?‖ Sullivan demands, and I can feel him balancing on the edge of the decision, ready to go either way. I take a deep breath, then wince again at my ribs. ―I‘ll go. Act like I got free and that I‘m not with you - maybe play up being pissed at you myself. This is some twisted revenge thing - I don‘t think he‘ll want to hurt her until you‘re around to see it.‖ I expect him to argue and dismiss it, but to my surprise Sullivan pauses. And the objection comes from a completely unexpected place.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Caleb, look at you.‖ My father‘s derisive tone matches the way his eyes flick over my body. ―You‘re in no fit state to do anything right now.‖ My fists clench at that, even if I know exactly where he‘s coming from - he taught me, he spends every single fucking day perfecting his ability as a trained killer. He can read what someone is capable of at a glance. And he‘s right, I‘m not up to much like this. ―That will help - make it…more convincing. Less of a threat, too.‖ I insist. I know I‘m right. I know I can do this. And I‘m not risking Alana‘s life because I‘m hurting a bit. ―I agree.‖ Sullivan‘s voice adds to mine, and I blink in surprise at the support. ―Okay, Caleb, let‘s work this out. And get my daughter back home.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twenty-Three Alana ―Why are you doing this?‖ I try again, ―What do you have against my father?‖ Kevin glances over at me from the other side of the table, where he‘s leaning back in his chair and propping up his feet on the tabletop, then turns his attention back to the gun he‘s oiling, and I think he‘s going to ignore me again. We‘ve been sat here for hours now - on top of the endless hours I spent tied in the back of a van. And he hasn‘t said anything since he came back from wherever he‘d disappeared to and merrily announced “any moment now, princess.” The pure terror I‘d felt initially has slowly given way to boredom and weariness, even as I struggle to force myself to think of a way out of this nightmare. The idea of the wires wrapped around my chest still threatens to send me into a nervous breakdown, so I ignore that as best I can. My hands have gone numb and tingly from where I‘ve pressed and pulled them against the rope, too, but he doesn‘t care. The only plan I‘ve thought of so far is to get him to talk - to convince him, somehow, not to do this. Though when he looks at me, I swear I can see the glimmer of madness sparkling behind those terrifying eyes, and I wonder whether I have any chance in hell of getting through this. My cheek still stings from his response to my earlier questions, and I eye the gag on the table with suspicion - but after I threw up all over his van on the way here, I don‘t think he wants to risk me choking on my own vomit. I don‘t think he believed my complaints of sickness until then - and he was pissed about the mess. For someone who‘s decided to kill me, he seems very determined to keep me alive - at least for this little bit longer. I‘m trying to think of a way to use that, but beyond feeling a little more safe to test and talk, nothing occurs to me.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Do you have any idea what your father does, princess? The kind of man he is?‖ Kevin responds after so much time, it startles me. I blink, suddenly wondering what the right answer should be - but I don‘t know, so I just go on instinct, and hope I‘m not about to get myself killed. ―No.‖ I shake my head, ―I don‘t.‖ ―Didn‘t think so.‖ He agrees, giving me a sardonic smile I try not to look at. Even glancing at the man sends shivers running through me. I‘m not sure I want to know, but if talking about it will somehow get through to him… ―He wouldn‘t hesitate at this, you know - a little kidnap, extortion, murder…he‘s done it all before.‖ Kevin says casually. I swallow, wishing I could deny what he‘s saying. Do I know my father at all? ―Is that…what this is about?‖ I ask, quietly, not wanting to spur sudden anger at the questions. He laughs, harsh and bitter. ―No…no, not that. But you‘re the one thing he cares about, right? Only way to make the bastard actually feel something.‖ My eyes fall on the detonator he‘s left on the table, easily within his reach but impossible for me like this, and I struggle not to despair. ―You should have seen him, the last few weeks. All that pride and confidence…eaten up by worry and despair. I finally found something that could bring that utterly implacable man down. Beauutiful.‖ The lightness in his voice contrasts with the dark words, and my fists clench again. The more I hear, the less likely it seems that I‘ll be able to talk him out of anything at all. ―You were…you were part of the mob?‖ I still don‘t understand - if he did work for the mob, then…what could my father have done to him to cause this?

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―For years. Took a long fucking time to get to where I needed to be.‖ He pushes away from the table, starts walking up and down the gutted house. ―You were planning this for years?!‖ I stare at him, the slim hope I‘d had souring within me. ―All my life.‖ He shoots a grin at me, but it‘s a horrific thing - empty and barren. ―What…why?!‖ I‘ve stopped holding back anymore, disbelief overriding caution. He turns and looks at me dead-on for a long moment, and I wonder whether he‘s finally realized he‘s actually talking to me now. But instead his gaze turns distant and he looks around the burned out room of the old house we‘re waiting in. ―Because he‘s never understood that the games he plays…the blood money he makes…there‘s real lives at the end of all that. Real people. Just trying to get on in the world - that‘s hard enough as it is, we don‘t need him fucking it up too. Now that you‘re here…maybe he‘ll see what it means to be one of those simple people, trapped in the middle of a game.‖ He reaches over and grabs the detonator off the table, grinning manically at me. ―Not long now, princess, until I‘m playing my game.‖ ―You‘re mad.‖ The thought slips out without thinking, too long at the front of my mind not to voice. He stops stock still, stares at me - and his thumb plays with the button on the detonator. My heart does little spirals in my chest, but I refuse to look away. Then he laughs again. ―Mad. Yes, probably. Your fault, girlie. Yours - and your bastard father‘s.‖ ―Not mine.‖ I seize on that, insistent. ―Whatever he did, I‘m sorry - but I had nothing to do with it. I didn‘t even know about any of this until you sent those letters! And I can‘t stand it either - I hate what he is, what he‘s done. I‘m not my father. Just one of those people you mentioned - caught up in fucked up games.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I figure it‘s my only chance to get him to listen to me - to talk him down. By showing him I‘m just the same as him. It doesn‘t work. He looks over at me, considers for a moment, and then nods. ―Yes, probably true, girlie. But he needs to know how it feels.‖ I‘m about to argue further when something beeps within the room. ―Show time, baby.‖ He announces. Kevin grins and swivels to face the door, gun in one hand trained on it, and the other holding the detonator. And I try my best to hide the terror coursing through me. Is it my father? The moment Kevin has been waiting for? The doorway is open, but from where I‘m sat I can‘t make out the figure approaching until he makes it just inside - moving slowly, almost…limping? ―Hey, stop there. What the fuck.‖ Kevin‘s angry voice penetrates before I finally recognize the man in front of us - and my heart leaps. Caleb. Then I work out why I didn‘t recognize him before - his face is swollen to all hell, and there are cuts and bruises all along his arms. His usual self-assured posture has disappeared, the poise I‘m used to disrupted by the way his body bends and shifts awkwardly as it moves with obvious injuries. What the hell happened to him?! I bite my lip to keep from gasping, or crying out, or saying anything at all. I have no idea what the hell he‘s doing here, but the terror of moments before is already easing - just from seeing him here. Even bruised and battered. He tilts his head up, eyes sweeping over me briefly - then he steps back in shock.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―What the…what the hell is all that?‖ His voice is hoarse, but unwavering his eyes fixing firmly on Kevin. ―Exactly what it looks like. Make another move and I‘m blowing her straight into hell.‖ He raises the detonator in one hand, gripping it with a tightness that has my gut twisting. ―Drop the gun.‖ Caleb stops abruptly, dropping the weapon that was still at his side anyway and just watching as Kevin takes a deep breath. ―Where the fuck is Sullivan?‖ The man next to me demands. ―How the hell should I know?‖ Caleb shrugs, ―I wasn‘t about to stick around and find out. Expecting him, are you?‖ Kevin grinds his teeth together, but despite the tension I see there, his gun doesn‘t waver from Caleb in the slightest. “What are you doing here, Caleb?” ―I came to find her.‖ He nods towards me, but still avoids actually meeting my eyes. ―Well I‘m sorry to have interrupted your little amusement, but I didn‘t set this damn thing up to get you laid.‖ His hard voice has a slightly amused lilt to it. ―Didn‘t think I‘d see you again, either - can‘t believe Sullivan didn‘t kill you.‖ ―I didn‘t stick around for that part.‖ Caleb‘s tone is grim, eyes slowly moving around the room. ―Just long enough to get the shit kicked out of you, eh?‖ Kevin smiles, unsettling as ever. ―So how the hell did you find me then, if you‘re not with Sullivan?‖ I feel sick at what they‘re casually talking about - the thought that my father could do something like that to Caleb. That he‘s bruised and battered…because of me. Somehow, that even overwhelms the sharp fear that I‘m going to die - here in this burned out, run down place. ―This is your house, Kevin. You didn‘t exactly cover your tracks, did you?‖ Caleb‘s voice is mocking, a hint of his usual amused arrogance coming back.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Not the sort of attitude I‘ve seen since he told me he loved me. The thought of that tugs at me, but I can‘t focus on it now. Not with Kevin pointing a gun at Caleb and holding that detonator. ―I wasn‘t trying to, dumbass.‖ Kevin snorts a harsh laugh, then gestures wildly around with the gun. ―Yeah, it‘s mine. Fucking nice legacy, don‘t you think?‖ ―Looks like a shithole to me.‖ Caleb says bluntly, and I feel Kevin tense. ―Well, it would‘ve been different if Sullivan hadn‘t come around. Was going to be the finest fucking bakery in Baltimore - before he burnt it to the ground. Did you hear about that, huh? Imagine you were in diapers at the time - I wasn‘t much older. Did you ever hear whether he knew my parents were still inside at the time? I could never find out, all those years…never knew whether it was murder or just good ol‘ extortion.‖ Kevin‘s eyes are flaming now, his gestures getting bigger and more dramatic as he talks - waving the gun and detonator in every direction. Every time he does it gives my heart palpitations, wondering if he‘s going to lose control, if that thumb will slip… I‘m still struggling to deal with his story - to imagine what it must have been like, seeing the place I‘m being kept in in a whole new light. As a bakery. All that time, trying carefully to coax some reason out of him…and Caleb gets it with one barbed, derisive comment. ―No, I never heard that little story.‖ Caleb looks around, his face impassive and clearly unimpressed. ―Probably dozens like them - can‘t imagine it even registered. Doubt the murder was deliberate - but wouldn‘t have been a loss for the mob, either.‖ Kevin‘s face turns red, and for a moment I actually think he‘s going to shoot Caleb, who is walking casually closer, still looking around the property with a detached curiosity. Then he suddenly relaxes, a slow smile spreading across his face. ―Exactly. It‘s nothing to you fuckers. The ruin of three innocent lives…happens every day,

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

right? Not even worth remembering. Well, I‘m going to make sure he remembers this.‖ He cocks the gun, and centers it right on Caleb. ―And if you move another fucking step, I‘m blowing your head off.‖ Caleb stops - but not in the same blood-curdling way I freeze up at the words. Casually. As if he was going to anyway, and nothing is at stake here. What the fuck is he playing at? Coming here beaten halfway to hell, now unarmed…this isn‟t going to work. I swallow, and speak up for the first time since Caleb arrived, focusing on Kevin again. ―And if you kill me - how are you any better? I haven‘t done a fucking thing, and you‘ll be ending my life. You‘ll be no fucking different to my father.‖ He spins around at my voice, shifting to keep both of us in his sights, and I think for a moment he might hit me to shut me up, but instead he just laughs. Long and chilling. ―Oh, girl - I am no different to him. That‘s what growing up on the streets the life he forced on me - made me. A cold-blooded killer, playing fucked up games. But at least I know it - and this time, he‟s the one that‘s gonna lose.‖ His eyes shift towards the door, off both Caleb and I for the first time, and he smiles. ―Anytime now.‖ Caleb takes that brief moment to dive forward - and I scream, ready for the explosion that will end my life. Kevin whirls around with the sudden movement, his arm going wide as the gun tries to track Caleb and rings out one, twice— Until Caleb is suddenly right there, in front of him, coming up in a movement faster than I would have believed possible from the way he was staggering earlier. Kevin cries out, and all I can see is the detonator clutched in his whiteknuckled grip as I sit there helpless, waiting for it to go off, praying, pleading…

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His thumb slams down on the button and I squeeze my eyes shut, expecting a wave of heat, noise, blackness…something. Instead, I open them a long moment later, my heart racing hard enough to explode out of my chest, my breathing thin and hysterical. To see Kevin on the floor, blood gushing from his throat and the gun kicked over towards me. I look at the bomb on my chest again, everything in me tight and tense as I wait for some delayed reaction. For it all to go wrong. For my life to be over. ―…Alana!‖ I blink to find Caleb kneeling in front of me, his hand on my face. When did that happen? Black spots appear in front of my eyes and I struggle hard to breathe, trying to focus. He‘s doing something with the wires - and the rope cutting into my arms and legs - but I can barely see. My eyes are blurry, and my vision narrows to a tunnel as my mind drifts. Then my head‘s being pushed between my knees and I‘m finally able to hear his voice again. Gentle. Caring. Warm and open. Nothing like it was only moments before. ―It‘s okay…you‘re safe…I‘ve got you. Just breathe. Breathe, Alana. Never going to let anything happen to you. You‘re safe.‖ The soft litany washes over me and slowly, my vision starts to come back. He kisses my head and strokes my hair as the blackness at the edges of my sight starts to disappear. Another few moments and I realize I‘m crying - whimpering in a long, whining sound that I don‘t recognize as coming from me. He‘s still talking, saying something, but I can‘t focus on anything other than the deep, reassuring tone of his voice.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He came. You‟re safe. It‟s okay. It‟s okay, Alana. I‘m not sure whether they‘re his words or just in my mind, but when I finally get my breathing under control I lean forwards, wanting to be in his arms again. I practically fall off the chair before he catches me, scooping me up and rubbing my abused limbs. I belatedly realize my wrists are cut, and I can barely feel my hands but the blood…that can‟t all be mine. ―Shh…you‘re alright.‖ He murmurs, his arms wrapping around me and keeping me close. I lean into the warmth and I have no idea how long we stay like that before I finally feel sane enough to look up at him. And then immediately wince. As bad as I thought his face was when I saw it earlier - it‘s worse up close and in person. I reach up without thinking, running my hand along it and slightly disturbed by by the barest sensation I feel - those ropes really fucked up my hands, but at least something seems to be coming back now. ―Ohh, Caleb…‖ I sigh, ―You‘re so…hurt.‖ He blinks at me, and then laughs in genuine amusement. ―Me? Yeah, nothing to worry about, hun. Barely feel a thing, now you‘re safe.‖ I frown, my mind finally starting to work again. ―My…father did that?‖ He hesitates, then just shrugs. ―I deserved it. It‘s okay, don‘t think about it.‖ My frown deepens, but I‘m distracted by the pool of blood slowly seeping towards us, and my eyes follow it to Kevin lying on the floor, small spurts of blood still pumping from his neck. ―What…happened?‖ I finally ask. ―I…I saw him…him press the…‖ I thought I was dead. I should be dead. Caleb meets my mouth in a soft kiss, made strange by his swollen lips and the slight metal tang of blood.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I cut the wire when I came up. The detonator couldn‘t do anything. It‘s okay, you‘re safe now.‖ He repeats again, but I‘m still staring over at Kevin, clinging to Caleb. I can‘t quite process what almost happened, but I let myself take several deep breaths, relishing the feeling of safety in Caleb‘s arms. I‘ll get over this - I will. And right now…all I have to focus on is having him beside me. ―Are you okay, Alana?‖ It‘s a stupid question, but it makes me feel better anyway and I give him another quick kiss as I start to slowly breathe normally again. I‘m with him. Alive. It‘s better than I thought possible only moments ago. So I nod, burying my head against his chest for a moment before giving him a shaky smile. ―I look a damn sight better than you.‖ He laughs again and it‘s a beautiful sound to hear. Made even better now that we‘re past…everything that just happened. He slowly raises us to a standing position, keeping his arms around me. I hesitantly try putting weight on my legs, and am surprised to find they work moderately well. Better than my hands, at least. Sighing, I lean into him and inhale the warm scent of his body. I thought I‘d never get this again. He seems to echo my sentiment, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me to him tight. He grunts a moment later, and I hear wheezing as he breathes, but he doesn‘t let go, even though I‘m pretty sure his ribs are a mass of bruises. Just what did my father do to him? I try to ignore the question - ignore the guilt. Which is made much easier when he leans down to my ear. ―Fuck it, Alana, I love you. You‘re never leaving my sight again.‖ He shudders, his voice rough. ―I thought I‘d lost you, baby.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I lean my forehead against him. ―Me too. I hoped, but…god, Caleb, you scared me. How the fuck did you do that?‖ ―One of the few advantages to everything I‘ve done…I can fucking keep you safe.‖ He‘s so vehement about it that I can‘t resist teasing. ―I thought you were no good as a bodyguard, hmm?‖ I murmur, and it feels good when his intent expression shifts into a smile. ―Yeah, well—‖ Then he stiffens and swings towards the door, tense and ready again. I step back in shock and sudden fear, following his gaze. To see my father striding in, a couple of guys behind him. He looks straight at me and I freeze, somehow completely unprepared to confront him right now. I feel exhausted and unstable - too many whacked out, powerful emotions dancing through me. I was just about holding it together in Caleb‘s arms, but now…I don‘t know what to do with how I feel at seeing him here. Angry. Afraid. Hurt. Resentful. Betrayed. His eyes slip over to the scene behind us - Kevin sprawled beside the table we‘re stood behind - and then to Caleb, standing there next to me. I can almost see his expression darken. ―Get the hell away from her.‖ It‘s a muttered threat, and for some reason I see one of the guys with him wince, but that one comment crystallizes my confused emotions. Caleb‘s eyes narrow and he opens his mouth to say something - I have no idea what - but I get in there first, my fists clench as I step forward. My legs nearly collapse under me, and Caleb grabs for me, keeping me upright - but it doesn‘t stop my tirade in the slightest.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Don‘t you fucking dare!‖ It comes out harsh and angry, and my father‘s eyes snap to mine, shock written there. ―I don‘t know who the fuck you really are but from what I‘ve seen, I want nothing to do with it.‖ ―Alana—‖ He starts. ―No. You think anything you can say makes up for what you are - what you do? And I just had a…fucking crash course in that.‖ I gesture wildly to Kevin, knowing I‘m out of control, but not caring in the slightest. Everyone is just watching me wide-eyed, so I‘m letting it all out. Everything that‘s been brewing inside since I found out. His angry order just gave me the excuse not to even try to understand anymore. ―I almost died because of some fucked up thing you did years ago. Years ago. You couldn‘t find him because you don‘t even remember it - just another everyday murder, right? So how many other people are waiting to fuck me up because of your shit? Do you have any idea…have you even considered…how much you‘ve risked my life, even if you don‘t care about those you‘ve actually hurt?‖ I‘m shaking now, and I feel Caleb‘s hand on my back, soothing - but he doesn‘t say anything. He lets me rage. And the thought of him just makes it worse. I glare at my father, but he isn‘t even trying to say anything anymore. He‘s just standing there, staring at me - stunned. I reach behind, find Caleb‘s other hand and grab it in mine, squeezing hard. ―I‘m alive right now because of Caleb. And I love him. And…and you come in here…and you…you…‖ I can‘t even say it. I can‘t describe what he did to Caleb or how much it hurts to know my own father is capable of that. And so much more. To the man I love. ―Alana…‖ This time it‘s Caleb, his voice soft in my ear as he shifts uneasily. I squeeze his hand again and mutter, ―No, it‘s okay. This is not fucking happening. I won‘t let it.‖ It‘s about the only thing I can think or feel with any clarity right now. And I have to let it out, or I‘m going to break down with everything that‘s happening.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I raise my voice again, staring at my father. ―It‘s not fucking happening. I‘m leaving with Caleb and…and if you touch him again…I‘ll never fucking forgive you. For any of it. I love him. And…and…I‘m having his baby. You‘re not fucking beating the father of my child.‖ I feel the shock ripple through Caleb behind me, his body going completely stiff, and I pray he doesn‘t freak out. I have no idea where that came from. It‘s been on my mind, but…I wasn‘t going to say it. I squeeze his hand again, hard, and I‘m relieved beyond words when he squeezes back. I turn back to him, feeling myself starting to shake - or maybe I was all along - ignoring the way everyone else is looking at me. ―Take me home?‖ I ask softly, whatever strength and resolve I have starting to slip away. I can feel sobs building in my chest and just know I‘ll crash if I have to face them all a moment longer. He wraps his arms around me and nods, not looking at my father either. Instead, he picks me up, cradling me in his arms again. I feel him flinch at the effort in his current condition, and want to tell him not to bother - I can walk - but one look at his face tells me it would be pointless. So I let him, and just lean into the warmth of his body, burying my face against his chest. I realize belatedly that we‘re in Baltimore and the only home I know here is my father‘s - but I‘m sure Caleb will find somewhere. I don‘t look at my father on the way out, but no one stops us. It‘s not until we‘re a few minutes down the road that I feel Caleb breathe in heavily, lowering his head to my ear. ―You‘re pregnant?‖ His voice is hoarse, but when I look into his eyes there‘s none of the horror I expect - instead, a kind of quiet awe. I shiver and glance away for a moment, biting my lip.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Well…umm…‖ I start, before looking back at him with a shrug and a small smile. ―Honestly? I think it‘s just a sickness bug, but when the nausea stuck around…I wondered. And, well, I haven‘t taken the pill since we left campus. But…probably not. I mean…I don‘t think it happens that fast, you know?‖ I can‘t read the expression on his face - I don‘t think it‘s bad, but I just continue talking. ―And the moment I thought it - I just knew it would be enough to get my father off our backs. He won‘t do anything now. So…we‘re safe.‖ I smile at him, still a little shaky, and I‘m surprised to catch a flash of disappointment in his expression before he smiles back, giving a small laugh. ―I think we‘re safe anyway, hun. I‘ve never seen anyone speak to Sullivan like that. And you‘re his daughter - he was never going to hurt you.‖ The awe is back in his voice, and I feel strangely warm on hearing it. ―I think I‘m just a little delirious…‖ I say, but my mind is elsewhere. On the way he reacted. On the way I felt at the idea - however unlikely. It‘s nothing I ever expected to want or feel, but for some reason, in the aftermath of this crazy fucked up week - it feels right. ―You know,‖ I start, something slightly hysterical bubbling inside me. ―If I‘m not actually pregnant…and it‘s just a sickness thing…we could always, well, fix that before my father can find out. Just, you know, in case.‖ He stops walking, and I freeze for a moment, wondering if I‘m actually going crazy. I peek up at him, hesitant, and then blink at the dazzling smile that spreads across his face. He leans down to kiss me, long and deep and never-ending. And I never want this feeling to end.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Chapter Twenty-Four Caleb ―So you‘re really leaving then.‖ I spin into a crouch at the voice behind me, body alert and ready before I recognize my father leaning against the doorway. Taking a deep breath, I let myself slowly relax as I stand again, despite the unease that makes its way through me. I haven‘t seen him for over a month - since Alana and I returned to her mother‘s home in Philadelphia. And after the way we left…I‘m not sure quite what he‘s here to do. So I just nod, returning to throwing things into boxes. If he wants a fight…well, I could never best him when I was training daily. After the last few months? I haven‘t got a chance. One of the things he always taught me - when you have no chance, stop worrying about it. Learn to let go of control just as easily as you take it in every possible situation. Even now, I still have his voice echoing in my head. I suspect I always will. He doesn‘t say anything, and after a few moments the silence grows awkward - something that never used to happen between us. I won‘t apologize for anything that happened, and I simply don‘t know what he expects of me now. ―How‘s Alana?‖ He finally asks. I give him a sidelong glance, ―Who‘re you asking for?‖ He sighs, ―You, mainly. I know she…matters to you.‖ ―I love her.‖ I say tightly.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―Yes, that.‖ He responds, the conversation clearly uncomfortable for him. But I think he‘s making an effort, and I relent a little. ―She‘s very well. They both are.‖ We went for a scan just last week - and the sight of the baby growing inside her fills me with a kind of joyful terror I never could have imagined. It makes me smile just to think about, and somehow - that eases something between my father and I. ―I‘m glad.‖ He says, and there‘s something in his voice that makes me turn towards him. ―Really glad, Caleb.‖ There‘s a wistfulness in his face I can‘t quite understand - until he looks at me with a strange affection. ―I think the time Mia was pregnant with you was one of the best of my life - and, I guess, also the worst.‖ I stop still at the mention of my mother. He never talks about her. ―I did the best I could for you, you know - and I don‘t regret it for a moment. But I‘m sorry if it wasn‘t the life you would have chosen.‖ He meets my eyes, and for the first time I get a sense of vulnerability from the man I always thought was god-like in his ability…and everything else. The admiration and appreciation that I‘ve always felt for him surges within me, and I suddenly realize how much I regretted the idea of leaving on a bad note with him. I understand why Alana feels the way she does about Sullivan…but my father has never lied to me. Only supported and encouraged as much as he can, and made the best of the situation we were in. I step up to him and finally smile, relieved that he‘s not here to criticize or judge me for what I‘m doing. ―Thanks, Dad. And…I‘ve always been grateful for everything you gave me. You didn‘t have to, but you always cared. Thank you.‖ I say. ―I‘m glad…you‘re okay with my choice.‖

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He smiles back, clapping me on the shoulder and shaking his head. ―No, boy. I never have. I think, if I‘d had the chance, I might have chosen the same.‖ I look at him and see the truth there - and suddenly his attitude makes sense. The reasons he tried to dissuade me from Alana - and his shock when she confronted Sullivan. Mia took off the moment she learned of his involvement in the mob - and he had to fight tooth and nail to have me at all. I immediately feel bad for him, and immensely grateful for everything Alana has accepted about me - and where I came from. He catches my expression and gives a brief, hard laugh. ―Nah, it‘s okay don‘t worry about me, Caleb. I have a good time here. And Sullivan has almost forgiven me for what you‘ve done.‖ I laugh at that, but I‘m not sure I really feel it. ―Speaking of - I promised I‘d ask.‖ He raises a knowing eyebrow at me, ―Has her attitude changed at all?‖ I shrug, and shake my head. ―She doesn‘t want anything to do with the mob, Dad, you know that.‖ Since we left for her Mom‘s, Sullivan has tried several times to reach her and she‘s rejected every one. The first few times she flew into a fit of rage about it, too, though that at least seems to be mellowing. He nods. ―I know. But I had to ask. I‘m not sure Sullivan is ever going to accept not being able to see his grandchild.‖ There‘s something more behind that comment, and I pause as I realize it, looking up at my father and the scarcely concealed pain there. ―I…hope you‘ll visit. When my child is born, and - and in general.‖ I offer, and I genuinely mean it. I don‘t want anything to do with the mob anymore, but I don‘t want to write my father out of my life. He‘s all I had for so long, and now that I know he doesn‘t despise me for what I‘ve done, I‘m not giving him up.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

I read the shock in his face, and the way it quickly dissolves into genuine relief and pleasure. ―What about…‖ He starts, and I shake my head quickly. ―Alana can do what she wants with Sullivan - and the whole mob - but you‘re my father. You‘ll always be welcome.‖ I insist. And I know Alana will support that just as much as I do. Maybe he‘s a hitman, but she knows how important he‘s always been to me. He blinks quickly, then steps forward and wraps me in a hard embrace, ruffling my hair the way he did when I was small. ―Thank you, Caleb. I…hah, I can‘t wait.‖ When he steps back, his eyes are dancing with delight. ―A child again. You‘re not going to be able to keep me away.‖ I grin back, ―I hope not. I really hope not.‖ We smile at each other for a long moment, and I‘m surprised how much more at ease I feel now. ―I‘ll leave you to pack then, and…I‘ll see you soon.‖ He claps me on the shoulder again, and turns to go - a spring in his step that I don‘t remember seeing…for a very long time.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Epilogue Alana I lie exhausted in bed, watching the bubbly chatter and excitement of everyone around me and thinking that - despite the lingering aches and bone-deep weariness - I‘ve never felt better. Every time I look over at the little baby girl now gurgling with laughter at Lily‘s fingers wriggling in front of her eyes, I feel the deepest contentment I‘ve ever known. Who could‘ve thought one little child could do that? Especially now that they‘re here and I can just lie back and watch, enjoying all the people I care about surrounding me - almost as happy for me as I am myself. ―You know, I think I have an apology to make.‖ Mel comes to sit beside my bed, and I glance over at her. ―Hmm?‖ I raise an eyebrow. I can think of at least a dozen apologies she could be making. ―All those objections that getting involved with some bad boy would end up wrecking your degree…well, I wasn‘t exactly expecting you to go off and get pregnant when I dismissed them.‖ She gives me a wry smile. I laugh, long and loud, and shake my head at her. It‘s probably not what I would have chosen a year ago - but then, a year ago I didn‘t have a clue what was really important in life. I reach over and squeeze her hand, my eyes drifting to little Katarina again. I can‘t stop looking at her. The wonder and awe that I created this little, impossible ball of life is still riding high within me. I don‘t know if it will ever fade.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I‘m not sure I can complain about that anymore, Mel.‖ I say. ―And besides, I‘m still working on my degree - they were really good about me taking a couple of online courses, delaying it a little. I‘ll be a scientist before you know it.‖ ―Not if Caleb has anything to say about it.‖ She snorts, ―Did you hear him saying he wants at least three more?‖ I eye Katarina warily, ―Yeah, he hasn‘t quite run that past me yet. I‘m just waiting until we take her home…we‘ll see what he says after a few months of sleep deprivation.‖ ―Nonsense,‖ Lily says, bouncing her up and down, ―She‘s a little angel. And have you seen the way he looks at her? Honestly, Alana, I‘m not sure he even looks at you that way.‖ ―Hah, thanks.‖ I mutter, shaking my head. ―Where is he anyway? I swear he hasn‘t left my side once since she was born - and now the moment I get visitors, he‘s disappeared!‖ ―Yeah, maybe there was a reason for that, babe.‖ Mel comments, ―He probably didn‘t want to leave you all alone.‖ ―Mm, maybe.‖ I say, but I can‘t help smiling. As much as I‘ve complained about it being annoying as hell, I secretly love the way he‘s refused to leave me alone throughout my pregnancy - I didn‘t even know it was possible to be as protective as he has, but I guess after what we went through last year, and the kind of life he‘s used to, it makes sense. The door opens a moment later, and Caleb walks back in, his face creasing in a smile the moment he sees Katarina - and then me. ―Ah thank goodness,‖ Mel says dramatically, turning to Caleb, ―Alana was just complaining that you weren‘t around. I really think you need to spend a bit more time around her - clearly feeling neglected.‖ I sputter in outrage, glaring at Mel, but Caleb just fucking grins. ―I can do that.‖ He says, eyes sparkling as he comes towards me, leaning down for a deep, hot kiss.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

Oh fucking god. I‘ve missed those. It‘s only been a few days, but I‘m ready to get out of the hospital and back to everything I‘ve missed back at home. And now that the baby belly is gone…my eyes glitter with the same possibilities reflected in his face. ―I just had to pop out to get something, baby.‖ He smiles at me. ―But I can make sure it doesn‘t happen again.‖ ―Better have been fucking important.‖ Mel teases, and Caleb shoots her an amused look. I swear sometimes those two are on a wavelength even I haven‘t penetrated. ―It was.‖ He turns to me again, taking my hand as he smiles down at me. My heart melts at the expression on his face - so full of warmth and happiness and the same contentment I haven‘t been able to shake for months. Then he drops to one knee and reaches into his pocket - and my heart skips a beat. ―In fact, if you don‘t mind…‖ His mouth skims across the back of my hand, and then he pops open the black velvet box. ―I was thinking I could follow you around for the rest of your life.‖ Someone squeals - not the baby - but I can‘t even focus beyond the rush of warm blood in my ears, and the sparkling ring in front of me. I look up at him, feeling moisture prick my eyes as everything overwhelms me. I pull him to me, over the side of the hospital bed, and take his mouth in mine - a long, hard, passionate kiss that I never want to end. Except I break it, because…because I can‘t stop saying ―yes‖, in a thousand different ways, with a thousand different emotions rushing through me. All of them pure bliss.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

He slips the ring onto my finger, and we exchange another impossibly heated kiss, my whole body tingling with desire and anticipation by the time he finally withdraws again. It takes me a good few minutes to realize Lily and Mel are still in the room and bubbling with congratulations and well wishes. And - god help me - plans for the wedding. I just lie there and let it wash over me, Caleb sitting on the bed at my side and his arm around me as they chatter excitedly. I lean back and rest my head against his chest, and feel like I‘m never going to stop smiling. Not ever.

* * *

When they finally leave, I curl up with Caleb, both of us watching Katarina sleeping in the cot to the side of the room. ―Thank you, hun.‖ He says, ―I can‘t fucking believe it…I never even thought it was possible to be this happy.‖ I smile contentedly at him, the exhaustion tugging at the edges of my consciousness, but not wanting to give in yet. Not when I could have a few more moments awake, with him. Then I remember something, and poke him. ―Hey, Lily told me you‘re planning three more children already.‖ He considers that, then frowns. ―Hmm, not sure where she got that idea from. I definitely said four.‖ I snort, ―Any idea what that‘ll do to me, you bastard?‖ He just gives me a winning smile. ―Make you the happiest woman around?‖ I laugh and shake my head, but I have the sneaking suspicion he‘s serious. And as my heart skips a beat, I wonder whether he might be right…

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―How were they, anyway? I was a little too…preoccupied…to hear their news.‖ He says. ―Oh, both good. Thrilled to hear that you‘re opening a new tattoo shop - Mel already has a dozen ideas for her first tattoo and I didn‘t think she even liked them. And Lily is finally getting more serious about Tom, thank god for that. That man has the patience of a saint.‖ I mutter. Caleb laughs. ―Maybe she made enough progress with her dissertation to have space to think about him. And Mel? Has she told you who this mystery guy of hers is yet, or do you still think she‘s making the whole thing up?‖ ―Ohhh!‖ I exclaim, ―I forgot about that - god, Mel.‖ ―What?‖ He smirks at me and I shake my head, remembering that piece of news. ―She‘s always one for a scandal. Apparently the guy she wouldn‘t tell us about last year was one of the professors - a young, virile professor, from the sounds of it.‖ I say, amused. ―Really?‖ He laughs. ―Yeah - but she‘s moved on from that now. Apparently his TA was more appealing.‖ I grin at him as he laughs and leans in to kiss me. The kiss lingers rather longer than I thought it would, and I sigh happily when he finally breaks it. ―I‘m so glad they could come down. There‘s nothing better than having everyone I love around.‖ I murmur, my eyes drifting closed. A knock at the door startles me out of the light doze, and Caleb frowns as he stands to answer it. I force my sleepiness aside and focus on the door. ―Hey…is this a good time?‖ I can‘t quite place the quiet voice, until Caleb turns towards me and I catch a glimpse of the man beyond - Gerard, his father. I nod, and Caleb steps back to let the other man in. He comes in with a broad smile, holding flowers and stepping lightly as he notices Katarina sleeping.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

―I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen you with flowers, Dad.‖ Caleb says, his voice amused. The older man shrugs and gives me a quick smile, putting them down on a table as his attention turns to the cot at the side. I smile back, but it turns into a yawn as I settle back. ―Want to see your granddaughter?‖ I offer. He nods, not quite keeping the obvious eagerness from his face, and I gesture over to the cot. I haven‘t seen much of him since we moved out to Philadelphia, but despite what he might be associated with, I can‘t help liking the guy. He always seems so happy to see Caleb and I together, and I know he‘s been anticipating Katarina‘s arrival with almost the same eagerness as Caleb. Caleb steps up to him and they talk quietly together - impressively not waking Katarina as they do. I watch for a little bit, but I‘m struggling to stay awake, and drift in and out to the sound of deep, reassuring voices. I feel the same warm buzz of having loved ones around me with him here as I did with Mel and Lily, and that surprises me. When they‘re done, I manage to rouse myself to say goodbye, and the wonder in his expression has me smiling. ―Sorry I‘m half-asleep,‖ I murmur, and Caleb comes to rest a hand on my shoulder. Gerard shakes his head, grinning at me. ―Don‘t apologize - you‘re amazing, girl - you and your beautiful new daughter.‖ He grins at me, and I don‘t think I‘ve ever seen him this energized - every harsh line of his face shifting, becoming pleasant and engaging instead of the cold look he often has at a distance. ―You‘re welcome anytime.‖ I say, still keeping quiet for Katarina, and I mean it.

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

His smile somehow gets even deeper. ―I‘ll leave you both to sleep.‖ When he‘s gone, Caleb comes to lie next to me, somehow forcing the hospital bed to accommodate both of us by pulling me into his arms. I‘m not objecting in the slightest as his fingers thread through my hair and I snuggle against his soft warmth. There were a few complications with the birth, so I‘m here for the next few nights - but somehow, the charming bastard managed to wrangle his way into unlimited visiting hours. There haven‘t been many times the past year that he‘s let me sleep alone, and I‘m grateful beyond words. ―So, what‘s the word from Baltimore?‖ I ask with a wry glance, then yawn deeply again. Damn pregnancy and birth - who knew it could make you so fucking tired? Or maybe it‘s the endless people buzzing around to congratulate us. Or Katarina feeding every few hours. Maybe this is just how life will be from now on. I smile inadvertently at the thought of that. Wouldn‟t be a bad thing. Caleb shrugs, ―Sure you‘re up to it?‖ It only takes a scowl for him to sigh and relent, wrapping his arms tighter around me. Every time this subject comes up - which is pretty much every time his father visits - he seems to feel the need to protect me from it. It‘s endearing, but starting to feel completely unnecessary. ―It‘s…interesting news, actually. Dad thinks Sullivan is really thinking about what you said when you left - your safety…Katarina‘s…apparently, the thought of the new granddaughter he can‘t come and visit is hitting him pretty hard. Actually thinks he might start wrapping up his involvement in the business.‖ Caleb tells me quietly, hands wandering across my body in a warm, comforting way - that would almost certainly turn into something more if we were home. I blink up at him, then just give a non-committal, ―Mm‘kay.‖ I have no idea whether it‘s true - whether my father will ever change, and even if he did…whether I could forgive him. But as my eyes drift closed again, I

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

don‘t think it matters. I had all my real family here today. I‘m surrounded by all the people I love and care about here, and that‘s more than enough for me. Caleb‘s mouth nuzzles against my hair and head, then down along my neck, and I moan deeply, arching up into him and wanting more even as I feel exhaustion finally overtaking me. I wish I could stay awake just a little bit longer and enjoy this moment some more, but I seem to fall into sleep every spare moment these days. My thumb rubs over the new ring on my finger, and I feel myself smile instinctively. When I wake, Caleb will be right there waiting for me. And I‘ll get this blissful moment again…and again and again. For the rest of our lives together.

THE END

Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

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Hitman‘s Captive: A Bad Boy Romance

Lara Swann

About the Author Lara Swann writes hot, sexy romance with a touch of humor and a lot of passion. She has a thing for wounded alpha heroes and the fiery women who steal their hearts. Her relationships are funny, sexy and spicy, and she gets as many thrills in pitting her characters against each other as she does when they eventually come together in an explosion of heat. When she isn‘t living in one of her many fantasy worlds, she attempts to focus on her respectable day job in a large, too-expensive city and dreams of a lake house in the country.