Page 3 of Wicked Rush

Chapter Two

Braelynn’s once steady hands trembled as she stood in front of the floor length mirror. Her thoughts churned as she recalled the day she’d been shot. Although her physical wounds had healed, she remained very much in danger. Closing her eyes, she called to mind the piercing blue eyes that had stared down at her. Lars’ calming presence had soothed her even as she’d lost consciousness on the beach.

When she awoke in the hospital, she’d been shocked to find him still at her side. Cognizant of her situation, the need to protect him had superseded her desire to tell Lars the truth. She’d lied, telling everyone she didn’t know him. It had nearly killed her in the hospital to refuse Lars permission to visit her, but she’d known that initiating a relationship with him would put him at risk.

For months, she’d been working undercover for Garrett Emerson, seeking to expose her corrupt uncle, Armand Giordano, and recover stolen research. When her uncle repeatedly questioned her about her attack on the beach, why she’d followed his shady business associates from the office, she’d played dumb, insisting she’d merely left the building at the same time. Braelynn had explained that she’d planned to visit a friend in Imperial Beach and had coincidentally traveled the same route. She downplayed Lars’ involvement in her rescue, saying that he’d been nothing more than a stranger on the beach that day, one who she’d thanked briefly but had no desire to know.

Trained as a marine biologist, Braelynn had dedicated her life to studying and exploring the ocean, searching for new species. Her love of animals had kept her from taking more lucrative assignments. Observing large fish and mammals in their natural environments, she couldn’t stomach the thought of keeping the great beasts in tiny aquariums for circus tricks.

After obtaining her doctorate she’d accepted an internship in the Caribbean, working with Chase Ellsworth. Together they’d made a key discovery, and he’d convinced her to leave the field to go work for Emerson Industries. He’d explained they could use a specialist of her caliber to assist in the development of top secret technologies that would help the nation’s armed forces. It was in the hallways at Emerson where she’d first seen Lars, watching him from afar.

Having her credibility called into question by the CEO of Emerson Industries had been devastating. Nearly nine months ago their data and samples had gone missing. She’d vehemently denied the accusation, but Garrett claimed they’d had video of her stealing. He’d had a longstanding feud with Giordano, and had initially suspected his involvement. Once they’d discovered Braelynn’s relationship to her unscrupulous uncle, she had no choice but to accept her fate, agreeing to infiltrate his company and recover the research.

Estranged from her uncle, it had been difficult for Braelynn to reestablish a connection. But after several attempts, feigning complaints about Emerson Industries, she’d been able to convince him to hire her, securing a position within Giordano’s private company, Bart-Aqua. Due to their strained relationship, the one condition of her employment was that no one but her bodyguard and her uncle’s mistress knew of their familial relationship. Within the walls of Bart-Aqua, Braelynn was simply a researcher, nothing more, nothing less. Initially working in a lower level position, she slowly gained his trust. With each promotion, she gained access to secure rooms within the building and was closer to accomplishing her mission.

The day she’d been shot, it had been an impulsive decision that had proved far more dangerous than she’d initially thought. Outside her uncle’s office, she’d overheard the strangers discussing an exchange of data. Suspecting they were talking about the stolen data she was trying to retrieve, she’d foolishly followed them as they left Bart-Aqua. As they drew closer to the border, they’d spotted her tailing them. Panic set in as they’d swerved their car and began following her.

Exiting the main highway had done little to deter them. By the time she reached the coast, she’d mistakenly thought she’d lost them. She’d pulled her car along the side of the cliff, hoping to hide inside one of the sea caves on the rocky beach. But before she was able to make it down the stairs, they’d begun shooting at her.

Who have I become?Braelynn blinked, her thoughts drifting back to this evening’s event. Tonight was her first public appearance since the shooting. Barely recognizing her reflection, she attempted to shake off the stress. The black silky dress, slit up the side, clung to the curves of her body. The scar from her injury could be seen underneath the delicate shoulder straps. While only a small reddened lesion remained, she’d be forever reminded of her attack.

Braelynn ran her fingers over her long brunette hair, her nerves on edge. She’d carefully straightened her naturally curly hair, slicking it back on the sides, and had applied a light lip gloss. She considered her beauty both a weapon and weakness, hating that her uncle viewed it as a commodity to be used as he wished. She was expected to charm clients at his expensive charity gala, to wine and dine with a smile on her face.

Braelynn shuddered as the doorbell rang. Shane Whitman, her uncle’s private security guard, had come to escort her to the party. After the shooting incident, he’d been assigned to protect her at events. At Bart-Aqua, he kept watch over her activities. She’d attempted to flirt to gain his favor. Feigning interest, she’d successfully rebuked his advances, all the while gaining special treatment, which had allowed her more time to look for the data she sought.

Braelynn took a deep breath, the loud knocking reminding her that she needed to go. Wrapping her fingers around the cold brass knob, she painted on the friendly smile she wore every day to work and opened the door. Shane greeted her with a hard stare, annoyed she’d taken too long to answer.

“Your uncle expects us there on time, princess.” As Braelynn brushed past him, he touched the small of her back and she swiftly stepped out of reach, avoiding further contact.

“Pet names are for children and lovers.” She turned to meet his gaze, giving him a coquettish smile, concealing her irritation. “And last I checked, neither applies.”

“While you do intrigue me with your fiery responses, I prefer princess.”

“Don’t break our deal, Shane. You’re one of the few people at the office who calls me Braelynn.” Within the sterile corporate environment, staff had been directed to call her Dr. Rollins. While she hadn’t been comfortable with the formality, the rules were strictly enforced. Braelynn glanced around Shane, taking in the sight of the stretch limo.

“We can’t be late. Your uncle is a stickler for punctuality.”

“I know my uncle better than anyone, and I also know traffic on the I-5. This time of night, it should be clear. We have plenty of time.” Reining back her anger, she allowed Shane to shut the front door, and approached the waiting car, hoping she didn’t topple over in her three-inch heels. She gave the driver a brief smile as he ushered her into the limo.

“Why are you so contrary this evening?” Shane slid inside, sidling up next to Braelynn.

“I’m sorry. I had trouble sleeping last night.”

“You work too much.”

“So does everyone else. I don’t want to be treated any differently.” Braelynn’s stomach clenched as he ran his hand along the side of her thigh. Ignoring his advance, she reached for the console and moved to the seat across from him. She’d rather ride backwards and stare at his face for the next twenty minutes than allow him to touch her again.

“You were injured.”

“I’m fine now.”

“I’m just sayin’. Maybe you shouldn’t have jumped back into work this week.”

“I need this.” Braelynn didn’t have time to wait until she healed emotionally. Critical research was on the line to be sold, and Garrett never ceased the pressure, expecting her to retrieve it in a timely fashion.

Braelynn clutched her champagne flute, scanning the room, taking in the sight of the elegant affair. Violet orchid arrangements sat atop white table linens. Sparkling white lights danced throughout the potted palm trees that lined the seaside patio. The roar of the ocean was offset by music streaming from the live band playing on the stage.

As she made her way across the deck, smiling at guests, Braelynn sensed the eyes watching her every movement. Shane had assured her that none of her coworkers knew of her shooting but she couldn’t be certain the rumor mill hadn’t carried the news. Shrinking into the darkness, Braelynn leaned against the railing and turned to the beach, captivated by the flickering lights of a passing ship.