Reunited
*come together or cause to come together again after a period of separation or disunity.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Also By Jodi Kae
Reunited (Saved By Love, #3)
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
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Epilogue:
Revenge
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Author’s Bio
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Also By Jodi Kae
Romance suspense by
Jodi Kae
Reunited
Copyright © 2016 by Jodi Kae
Reunited is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved
Warning
This book contains scenes of violence, mild sexual content, graphic language, and other aspects that some may find disturbing.
Reader discretion is advised.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Warning
Chapter One - Fate
Chapter Two - Obsession
Chapter Three - Meet
Chapter Four - Chance
Chapter Five - Perfection
Chapter Six - Enigma
Chapter Seven - Search
Chapter Eight - Intuition
Chapter Nine - Hide
Chapter Ten - Loss
Chapter Eleven - Suffering
Chapter Twelve - Survive
Chapter Thirteen - Rescue
Chapter Fourteen - Solace
Chapter Fifteen - Sight
Chapter Sixteen - Family
Chapter Seventeen - Home
Chapter Eighteen - Begin
Chapter Nineteen - Reconnect
Chapter Twenty - Indulge
Chapter Twenty-one - Betrayed
Chapter Twenty-two - Nightmare
Chapter Twenty-three - Crazed
Chapter Twenty-four - Unstable
Chapter Twenty-five - Matrimony
Chapter Twenty-six - Ecstasy
Chapter Twenty-seven - Elated
Epilogue
Chapter One
Fate:
*the course of someone’s life, or the outcome of a situation for someone or something, seen as outside of their control. *be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way.
~Savage~
What happens next is shocking, even to me. I have never believed in love at first sight. I mean come on, what guy would? Especially for one like me who grew up in the foster care system with no family to call my own. I was taught at a very early age never to want or ask for anything because more than likely you would not receive. Wanting only left me disappointed and heartbroken. Knowing I didn’t want to end up a statistic had me working my ass off for everything I have: a career, a home of my own, financial security and vacation time. At twenty-four years old, I feel stable for once in my life.
My partner, Jax, is the typical badass FBI agent and we get along great. His career started with the Navy Seals and mine with the Police Academy. Even though we started out differently before joining the FBI, we think alike; both of us determined to rid the world of terrible people. The last few cases we have been on together involved abuse in foster homes and it hit too close to home for me. Knowing this, Jax asked our boss to put me in for an early one-week vacation, so I am headed to Miami to stay with my childhood friend, Tag.
Miami is the place to go if you’re single. With a view to die for on Miami Beach Boardwalk and nights of endless pleasure to be had with no commitments, it’s just what I need; you can’t get better than that. The ocean water is blue-green and the beach is dotted with women who dress in very little, making the views all around spectacular.
Tag and I walk down from his condo and neither one of us can look straight ahead. Our bobble heads giving me whiplash as we gawk at the women in all directions.
“Shit! Dude, I have lived here for six months and I’ve never seen the beach this crowded.”
“I have two words for ya, Tag. Spring Break.” Tag and I were in the foster care system together and we stayed in touch after high school. He was the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had. From the age of 12 to 18 we were neighbors, both of us in foster families. Six years was the longest amount of time that either one of us spent in one home. I honestly believe that if it weren’t for him, I would have spent the last six years of my childhood in many different homes. We kept each other grounded and out of trouble. Hell, half of our neighborhood families had one or more foster kids living with them, so it was dubbed Foster Lane. After high school, I headed to Boston in search of familial roots and Tag headed to Miami in search of a surfers dream, but we have always stayed in touch. He purchased a condo right on the boardwalk claiming his revolving door policy is working out well for him.
“Holy mother nature! Would ya get a look at that?”
Stepping down onto the sand, I glance at Tag to see that he has pulled his glasses off and is staring intently at the water. Turning my head in that direction, it is not the ocean that captures my attention, but a blonde in a red bikini that is barely covering her perfect rack. “Dibs.”
“Goddammit, Bro, I saw her first.”
“You shoulda called it.” I know it sounds childish, but Tag and I have the same taste in women, and the only way we kept from beating the shit out of each other was to call dibs. It is an honor code we live by and the reason we have remained friends to this day. To both our disappointment, an overly tan, steroid freak with dark blonde hair strolls up and plants one on my dream woman. Steroid Joe moves the blonde to the side so he’s not squinting into the sun and I get the perfect view of a perfect ass. “Holy mother nature is right.”
A wave of jealousy slams into me as Steroid Joe slides his hand down to cup said perfect ass, then dissipates when she slaps his hand away. He throws his hands in the air and begins a heated conversation with the perfect blonde. Anger swamps me as I watch her shoulders curl in like she’s trying to make herself seem small and insignificant; less of a target. Before I know what I’m doing, I am marching across the beach to put this jackass in his place, but the last of their conversation stops me in my tracks.
~Livvy~
This beach is pure heaven. If I had it my way, I would move to Miami and live on this beach. I needed a vacation to take a break from school, work, and my pressuring mother. When I think of her, moving here sounds more appealing by the second. Jonathan brought me here for a different reason than I came. I am hoping to get to know him better; he is here hoping to get into my pants. Six weeks is definitely not long enough for me to know if John is the one. He is nice and attentive but only on a physical level. He never asks me questions about myself because he is always too busy talking about himsel
f and his gym schedule. He takes me to dinner or a movie at least twice a week, but it always ends in him trying to get fresh and then stomping off when it doesn’t go his way. My mom has made me so nervous about men in general, saying, “They will use you and throw you away. None of the good ones stick around because there are no good ones left.” For this reason, I have avoided the opposite sex, until Jonathan. He was so sweet and respectful in the beginning, but two weeks into our relationship he started pressuring me about sex. He convinced me to come to Miami with him saying we needed time away from my mother and her influences. He promised me a pressure free weekend, but in the same sentence, said he wants to take our relationship to the next level. I’m sure that means something different to him than it does to me.
“Hello, Sexy. Have I told you how amazing that suit looks on you?”
He presses his lips to mine and aggressively tries to force his way inside, all while sliding his hand down to cup my ass. I have no problem with the intimate touches, but right here on the beach where he makes me feel like an object is definitely not the right time or place. Reaching down, I lightly slap his hand away, “John, not here on the public beach; not with all the children around.” I laugh, hoping to lighten the mood, but instantly see the explosion that’s about to come my way. Over the last few days, he has tried to take things too far for my comfort and I have put a stop to it. By the look on his face, his patience has just run out.
“What the hell, Liv? When will be the right time? We have been here for three days, and I’ve only gotten a little groping action and a few make-out sessions, but you brush me off every time I try to get close to you. What the hell do I have to do to warm you up to me? I thought we came to Miami so we could have some alone time away from that prude of a mother you have. Now I’m afraid that she isn’t the only prude and you plan to hang on to your “v” card until old age sets in. Well, I’m not waitin’ around any longer. You either come to the room prepared to show me how much you love me, or I’m leaving your ass here. You can find your own way home.”
“John, I’m sorry......... I’m just not ready.” The last part of that sentence just fades into the wind because he’s already walking back to our room. Does he really think he can coerce me into having sex with him? Shit, shit, shit! I want to go back to our room to pack my things and leave, but with the way he’s been acting, I’m afraid he won’t let me out until he has what he came for. Great, I’m stuck on the beach with no clothes and wearing a tiny bikini that showcases my ample ass and cleavage. This is why you shouldn’t let men pick out your clothes.
Gathering up my towel and purse, I head down the beach to look for a swimsuit cover or a dress. What the hell am I going to do for the rest of the day and tonight? Our flight leaves tomorrow at noon, together. That will be a fun trip home.
“George’s, Liz speaking.”
Hey, Liz, I need some advice.”
Hi, Sweetie. How’s Miami?”
“It was perfect until about twenty minutes ago. Jonathan got a little frisky on a public beach, so I pushed him away. He left me on the beach and threatened that if I don’t come back to the room with him, we’re through. What should I do? I know I’m definitely not going back to the room with him. However, I can’t go there to get my things either. Tell me what to do, Liz.”
“That stupid prick. I knew there was something off about John. Sweetie, don’t you dare go back to the room until you need to get your things for the flight home tomorrow. I would send George down there to kick his ass, but tonight’s karaoke night, and you know how rowdy things get on karaoke night. He wouldn’t dare leave his precious bar. Do you need me to wire you some money to get another room? I have a friend who lives about an hour away that I could persuade to come get you for the night and take you to the airport tomorrow.”
The more I think about it, I decide that I don’t want to go home early. This is my vacation too and I am not going to let John spoil it for me. I will pull up my big girl pants and make the best of the rest of my time here; it’s only twenty-four hours, right? “No. Thanks, though. I can stick it out here for the night. I’m close to the airport and I’ll just grab my things in the morning. If I need help figuring out a place to sleep, I’ll call you back. Love you, Liz. Say hi to George for me and don’t let him corner you in the back room again; I’m not there to interrupt this time, even though you wish I wouldn’t have.” I hang up and continue my trek down the beach in search of more appropriate clothing.
Chapter Two
Obsession:
*the state of being obsessed with someone or something. *an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. *the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, or need.
~Savage~
That stupid prick has no idea what he just walked away from. Perfection. She has the body of a goddess and the voice of an angel. She only spoke a few words but the sound pierced me like cupids arrow and now I’m following her like a stalker.
“Dude, wait up. What the hell man, are you in a trance?”
“Sssshhhhh! Good hell, Tag, she’s gonna hear you. That prick of a boyfriend of hers just said some shitty things to her and then threatened to leave her. Well, I plan to swoop in and save the day.”
“By being a stalker? Dude, you are one of the best-looking men I know. If I swung that way, I woulda hit on you by now. You have a killer career; a house of your own and women fall at your feet everywhere we go. It’s embarrassing that you have resorted to slinking behind cabanas and beach umbrellas. Just go up to her and introduce yourself. She’ll fall in love with your looks alone.”
“Tag, did you see that woman? Did you see that douche she walked away from? This is going to take every trick in the book just to get her to look my way. She is the perfect 10, a rare package, and I want her to see me, hear me and feel me in every way. This is going to take some crafty maneuvering. Just come along for the ride, Bro. Maybe she has a sexy friend.”
“Shit! Dude, this sucks. I’ve been reduced to third wheeling, waiting for you to find me scraps.”
“Never in a million years have you ever been a third wheel and I’m sure you’ll have any woman eating out of the palm of your surfer boy hand in minutes. Now keep up, she’s getting away.”
~Livvy~
The red sundress is a perfect match to the bikini I want to take off and burn, but it has proven impossible to find a bra and panty shop on Miami Beach Boardwalk. Trying to find a place to sleep tonight so I can avoid John will be the more difficult task. The several texts from him have proven that it was a smart choice to avoid him for the night.
11:22 a.m.: Where the hell r u
11:24 a.m.: If you don’t come 2 me now we r through
12:46 p.m.: I can’t believe I wasted 6 wks
12:51 p.m.: Probably as crazy and cold as ur mother
1:01 p.m.: Glad I didn’t waste a condom
I spend the afternoon eating from beach vendors, buying sunscreen, wading through the water and watching over my s
houlder. I love to people watch, but I can’t help the feeling that I’m being watched myself. I have glanced around all day, and my eyes have fallen on a gorgeous man multiple times. He has dark brown hair that is a little long on the top, and his eyes are so light blue that they glow even from a distance. We seem to be traveling in the same direction, so I wonder if he is a tourist as well. If only I were a confident enough woman just to walk up and say hi, but where would that conversation lead? ‘Oh, by the way, I came here with my boyfriend and he dumped me because I won’t have sex with him. Also, I have issues because of my mother and I’ll probably never be able to have a normal relationship for fear that all the good ones leave. Maybe John is right, and my fear of men will have me dying a virgin. What the hell is so great about your virginity anyway? It feels as though I have missed out on life in my twenty years clinging to my sacred hymen.
A paper flying in the wind sticks to my leg. I reach down to pull it off and send it on its way when the heading causes me to take a second look. HAPPY HOUR!!!!! Hottest new club in town! Grand Opening Tonight! Well, I have no place to sleep, so I might as well enjoy my last night in Miami burning away some sleepless hours.
~Savage~
Everything about this woman calls to me. The way she walks, the way her hips sway, and the way she shyly looks down when she catches someone staring at her. It seems as though every male eye on the beach has looked her way but then decided she was out of their league and moved on. Maybe she is out of my league too, but I can’t seem to walk away.
To my disappointment, she found a sundress to cover up that perfect body. It’s a perfect match to her bikini, so it almost looks like the strings on the top of her suit belong to the dress giving the appearance that she is bare under there. My body stiffens at the thought of what is under that little scrap of material. Shit! I have it bad.
“Dude, are we seriously going to follow her around all day? Why don’t you just go introduce yourself and see where it leads?”
She has been lounging under a cabana for an hour, and I was just getting up the nerve to introduce myself, but Tag had to go and jinx me by opening his big mouth. She stands up and heads for the water, stripping of the little dress as she goes. Okay, maybe he didn’t jinx me. She splashes in the water and I envy every little drop that rolls down her body. Holy shit! What is wrong with me? I have never noticed such things before about any woman. Sure, I’ve seen beautiful women but not the perfect woman for me, until now.