Atonement: The Hunter Mercenary Series (Book One) Read online

  Or it was going to be one hell of a mess.

  Time would tell.

  Stella woke up with the irritating alarm going off right by her head. At first, she didn’t know what the hell was going on. She was hoping he’d let her sleep through the rest of the night so she could hide.

  She was ashamed of herself.

  He was trying. It wasn’t Zayn’s fault that she had a fantasy in her head what her relationship would be like and reality and an abduction had ruined it.

  She was being a bitch, and she knew it.

  Well, it stopped here.

  She was going to apologize to him, and they could talk out their future.

  She was better now.

  A nap was important when you were on emotional overload. All she needed was to regroup and figure out what she wanted in life.

  Him.

  Stella wanted him.

  Her big Native man was the key to her happiness, and she’d be fine with him. He was so sweet and gentle, and that’s what her heart needed.

  As she hit the off button on the alarm, she noticed it was Zayn’s phone. She picked it up, and her picture was saved as his wallpaper.

  It caught her off guard.

  This was proof that the large man, who lived his life as a Marine and then a mercenary, was a gentle giant. While people saw the badass tough guy, she saw the truth.

  Stella stared at the picture. It was the two of them sitting on the couch at the house on Chartres Street. She was smiling, and he was smiling too.

  They looked happy.

  She could see herself with him in fifty years.

  Only him.

  Before it was all about the career, the job, and being the best. Now she’d settle for being his. Before him, she had to fill her life with all kinds of challenges. Now she could just fill her life with love, and her cup would overflow.

  Stella saw the reality.

  And it was him.

  Yeah, she owed him a huge apology for her behavior in his vehicle. That wasn’t like her. She knew the lack of sleep and stress was playing with her reactions.

  She was back to herself.

  “Zayn?” she called.

  The silence of the place made her nervous. She knew that she’d always be like that.

  The abduction…it terrorized her.

  “Zayn?” she called again.

  Then, she heard it.

  Someone was playing guitar—and well too. She was curious, and then she heard him singing to her.

  She rushed from the room and looked down over the loft railing to see him below. There was her sweet man, and he was leaning against a wall, one foot braced with the guitar resting on his knee. She was captivated with his big hands moving over the neck of the guitar and making such beautiful music.

  She couldn’t breathe. No one had ever done that for her. It was so…romantic.

  As she stood there, he kept playing, serenading her.

  Her heart skipped.

  This was a moment to remember. This day would be forever in her heart and mind.

  Honestly, she wasn’t focused on the words. Stella was focused on him.

  He wasn’t wearing a suit jacket, just the white shirt open at the neck, and gone were the black cargo pants and jeans. In their place was a dark pair of dress pants that made her heart quicken.

  He finished the song.

  “Hey, sweetness.”

  “That was really amazing, Zayn. I don’t know what to say to that.”

  “You deserved a song when you woke up. I felt like sharing that with you.”

  “I’ll never forget it. That was beautiful.”

  “How about you come down?”

  She looked around and tucked her long black hair behind her ears. “What did you do to your home? Did you decide to redecorate?”

  Before it had been neatly organized, but he’d moved things around for some reason.

  She came down the stairs, and he met her at the bottom. He handed her a bunch of red roses.

  “Oh, Zayn! They’re gorgeous.”

  “Not as beautiful as my sweet Stella. They aren’t even close. When I touch your skin, it’s softer than those petals, and your scent lingers forever on my mind.”

  She wanted to melt right there.

  While others looked at him and saw big, ruthless, and even killer, she saw this.

  Zayn Thundercloud was amazing.

  Stella was blessed.

  “Can I ask the occasion?” she asked.

  “Well, you mentioned that you wanted a whirlwind romance, and you’re about to get it.”

  He took his phone from her and set a timer.

  “Our first date is going to be a movie.”

  “Pardon? Are we going out? Like this?” she asked, pointing at the simple clothes she was wearing. She was NOT date worthy.

  “In a way, and you’re perfect.”

  He took her hand and led her to his couch. On the table was a bowl full of popcorn and one soda with two straws.

  It was sweet and romantic.

  This man staggered her.

  “It’s not safe out there for you, so we’re going to keep this close to home.”

  That she got.

  The rest?

  He was confusing the hell out of her, and she was beginning to believe that was the plan.

  He sat her down, hit the play button, and let the scary movie play.

  “It’s our first date, and I’m nervous. I’m wondering what you’re doing here with me. You have the soul of an angel, and I’m beyond lucky that you joined me tonight,” he said, touching her cheek.

  She didn’t know what to say. Stella went to kiss him on the cheek, and he pulled away.

  “We aren’t doing that on our first date!”

  Stella began laughing.

  The look on his face was of a horrified man, terrorized by her blatant hussy advances.

  She couldn’t love him more.

  He was a funny man hidden behind all that strength and toughness. She fell in love in that moment. There was the moment she’d never forget. She’d always look back and remember he wouldn’t make out on the first date.

  It would be classic Zayn.

  “I’m old fashioned. I believe in treating a woman like a lady, so let’s have our first date before you try to get into my pants.”

  She laughed even more, and when he grinned at her, the sharp cheekbones and the deep dark eyes captivated her.

  “Yes, let’s have our date.”

  They sat there, and cautiously, he dropped his arm over her shoulders.

  “If I’m being too forward, let me know.”

  She giggled. “No, I think you’re good.”

  It was amusing since they’d already begun a sexual relationship, and here he was trying to give her the awkwardness of that first date.

  He was sweet.

  They snacked on popcorn and shared a soda. Just as they were beginning to get involved in the movie, the timer on his phone went off.

  “Oh well. Our first date is over.”

  “What?” she asked. “It’s over? It only started ten minutes ago!”

  He stood up, took her by the hand, and walked her back to the stairs.

  “Can I have my popcorn at least?” she asked.

  He laughed. “Maybe later.”

  She let him lead the way.

  When he placed her on the bottom step of the stairs, he stood in front of her.

  “I had an amazing night with you, Miss Harrington. Will you go out with me again?” he asked.

  She was so damn confused. “Zayn,” she said.

  “Will you, Stella? You’re the most beautiful woman in the world. Please go out with me again.”

  She could see he was being dead serious, so she opted to play along.

  “Absolutely. I would love a second date with you, Mr. Thundercloud. I can’t wait.”

  “Now’s the time for that nervous first kiss. Every guy dreads this moment. It’s when the woman will make or break his n
ight. I was terrified to do it. That’s what I want you to remember. I was afraid you’d break my heart.”

  His words undid her.

  “Never, Zayn. Never.”

  He moved closer. She was standing on the stairs, and he was facing her. They were mouth to mouth.

  Slowly, he gave her a tender kiss. It was just a meeting of lips, sharing that moment.

  When he broke away, she was staring into his eyes. They were filled with so much love that it staggered her.

  He backed away.

  “Oh look. It’s time for our second date.”

  She laughed. “What are you doing?”

  “You wanted whirlwind. I’m giving you exactly that. Stay with me on this one. I’m working on a schedule here.”

  She could see that.

  He picked up the second bunch of roses and handed them to her.

  Zayn gave her some time to sniff them.

  Then he was back on his plan.

  “Hello, Stella. What do you want to do for our second date?”

  “Have sex.”

  “Oh! Ice cream. That’s a splendid idea,” he said, ignoring her suggestion. Oh, he wanted that, too, but he wanted to give her this more.

  She laughed as he shot that option down.

  He led her to his kitchen. In it, he’d placed all kinds of sundae fixings on the counter.

  “What kind of sundae would you like?”

  Stella studied them, and she tried to decide.

  “Are you feeling fruity or saucy?” he teased.

  This man staggered her.

  “Always saucy. I’ll have hot fudge, of course.”

  “A woman after my own heart.”

  He made them a huge sundae, and then came around the counter. Leading her to the table, he pulled out her chair, put the sundae between them, and then sat.

  “Thank you for this second date.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  He grinned. “Date two is an important connector date. On date one, there are nerves. On date two, it’s less scary. By the next one, I promise date three will be better.”

  She laughed. “I do love ice cream, so this is pretty good from my standpoint.”

  He began feeding her the sundae, and she did the same thing. When she held up the cherry for him, he just watched her.

  “What?”

  “If I died right now, Stella, I would be the world’s happiest man. You have made my life so much better.”

  Her heart skipped.

  “I never thought I’d meet someone like you. I never believed this joy was possible for me. I was so far gone, and now I can see the path. I want to walk it with only you.”

  “Oh, Zayn.”

  Tears filled her eyes.

  With his thumb, he wiped the one that slipped free away. Stella placed her hand over his on her cheek. That tenderness was amazing, and she’d never forget it.

  “What’s your middle name?” he asked.

  “Rebecca. That was my grandmother’s name,” she said, going back to her sundae. What’s yours?” she asked curiously.

  “Thomas. I was named for my uncle. He died before I was born. I never got to meet him, but my mother loved him, and that’s how she chose my name.”

  “I love ‘Thundercloud’. It’s a beautiful name. It’s romantic and draws up all kinds of silly girlhood fantasies.”

  He smiled at her.

  Zayn was glad she liked it. Honestly, he planned on giving it to her. He wanted to share that with her one day.

  “How’s the sundae?” he asked. “Chocolate-y enough for you?” he asked.

  “That is NEVER a possibility. There is never enough chocolate.”

  He happened to agree.

  The timer went off.

  “Our second date is over.”

  He held out his hand and led her away.

  “Um, my ice cream…”

  He led her to the stairs where there were two bunches of roses sitting from the first two dates. He’d clearly put so much thought into this.

  “Thank you for being my date. Will you go out with me again?” he asked.

  “Of course. What’s next?”

  “The goodnight kiss. By the second date, the man is so much more relaxed. This is the moment when he realizes if he wants this woman more than anything. If you get past the second date, you start building something bigger than both of you. I knew at this second I wanted more with you.”

  That staggered her.

  Even though they’d already had sex, he was giving her all the moments they’d missed. He was giving her a giant gift, and she understood now.

  He was giving her a courtship.

  A whirlwind one—like she asked.

  “Does the woman know?”

  He grinned. “Usually after the first kiss.”

  He tugged her forward, and she landed against him. In his arms, he kissed her. It was more passionate than the last kiss, but still, he held back.

  There was that hint of trepidation.

  She loved their courtship. There was no way she’d ever forget it. This was her fondest memory in life.

  Then he set her mouth free. “You taste like chocolate. That’s a good date.”

  He righted her and then walked away.

  When he came back, there was a third bunch of roses. It made her smile.

  “Where are you taking me on our third date?” she asked.

  “Tonight, we’re going dancing.”

  She laughed. “I have never met another person quite like you,” she admitted.

  He was glad.

  He held out his arm.

  “You look lovely. Thank you for joining me on our next date,” he said, leading her to his office. He hit the music when they walked in, and he held her in his arms as they danced.

  She rested her head against his chest.

  “I think I like this date the best.”

  Oh, he did too. She was touching him.

  “Is this the date where we have sex?” she asked, laughing.

  He gasped in mock horror.

  “I don’t do that kind of thing until I’m married. What kind of guy do you think I am?” he asked, dipping her.

  “An amazing man. I’m clearly a lucky girl. Who gets three dates in one night?”

  He whispered in her ear.

  “There are more.”

  “Really?” she asked, staring up at him.

  He smiled, and then spun her out, making sure to have her good and tight. He didn’t want to ever let go of her hand, and that was saying a lot considering that he was willing to give up this life to be with her.

  He was going to go straight.

  For his Stella.

  The music continued to play.

  “On this date, I’m more daring. I’m thinking about the woman I’m holding, and already, I know she’s the one. I can tell by the way she clings to me, making me feel like she needs me. I can tell by the way she smiles at me, making me feel like the only man in the world.”

  Her heart was skipping.

  “On this date, I’m ready to make that commitment and only see you. There can be no one else. You’ve captivated me.”

  “Oh, Zayn,” she said, as he swayed her around the room.

  When he dipped her again, this time he stole a kiss.

  “I know I should wait, but the whole night has been magical, and I couldn’t help myself.”

  She kissed him back.

  He smiled down at her as she was still being dipped. “You are lovely.”

  Yeah, she loved him.

  She loved him so much.

  When he pulled her up, the timer went off, and he began walking her to the stairs.

  “What’s next?”

  “Dinner. We’ve dated a while now. We’ve seen countless movies, spent the night making out on the couch, and we’ve even gone bowling.”

  She laughed.

  “Your idea. Indians don’t bowl. We shoot. I humored you because clearly, I’m smitten.”

  He l
ightened her heart.

  Today, she’d lost her stepmother, but he’d given her something more special.

  Memories.

  Like her father had with her mother.

  “I loved our date. You’re a good dancer, Zayn Thundercloud.”

  He grinned. “I am suave. The ladies are knocking down the door for a giant Indian. It’s exhausting as I evade them. It’s the bad boy killer persona.”

  She laughed at his sarcasm.

  “Well, here,” he said, handing her a box. “I bought you something for our next date. Will you go put it on?”

  She would do anything for him.

  All Stella wanted in life was him.

  This man.

  His silliness.

  His protectiveness.

  His everything.

  “I can do that.”

  “When you finish, come on down. Our last date is upon us, and I feel the need to surprise you.”

  She took the box and headed up the stairs. The second she disappeared, he got to work.

  It was time to set the scene.

  And pray for the best.

  It was time to blow her mind.

  When she got to his room, she placed the box on the bed. When she opened it, there was a lovely white dress. It was something she’d definitely wear.

  It was classy.

  It was pretty.

  It made her heart skip.

  She pulled off her clothes and slid into the dress. It hugged her form, coming to her knees as it showed off her body. It was so pretty and feminine.

  He’d picked the perfect dress for her. She could tell he was observant and knew her.

  He really knew her.

  She couldn’t imagine what this date was going to be, but she was beyond excited.

  “Are you ready for me?” she called.

  “I’ll never be ready for you, Stella. You’re that miracle I never saw coming.”

  “Oh, Zayn.”

  She came down the stairs, and he was standing there in a tuxedo. He looked so handsome with his hair braided down his back, the fit of the material across his strong chest, and the flower tucked into his lapel.

  “Are you ready for our almost last date?” he asked.

  “I thought you said this was the last one. Where did the almost come in?”

  “I lied. I’m a horrible boyfriend.”

  “Is that where we are? Boyfriend and girlfriend?” she teased.

  “Yes, and no, we haven’t gotten naked. I’m a very patient man, and a saint.”