He's Captured My Trust (Captured Series Book 2) Read online

  He's Captured My Trust

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Books by Karen Frances

  About the Author

  He’s Captured My Trust

  Copyright © 2015 Karen Frances

  All rights reserved.

  Published by: Clydeside Publishing

  All characters, incidents, and events are fictitious, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental. This work is based purely from the author’s imagination.

  All songs, song titles and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  Cover Design by Aimee Bell, Author Design Studio

  www.authordesignstudio.co.uk

  Proofreading by

  Nichole Straus, Perfectly Publishable

  www.perfectlypublishable.com

  Interior Design and Formatting by

  Christine Borgford, Perfectly Publishable

  www.perfectlypublishable.com

  This is for everyone who believed in me,

  even when I doubted myself.

  You’ve inspired me to follow my dream.

  Don’t look back; you’re not going in that direction—only forward.

  Never in a million years did I think I would be writing acknowledgments for my second book, He’s Captured My Trust. When I did this the first time around, I suppose I still had my doubts about putting He’s Captured My Heart out there. I had fallen in love with Libby and Alex, but would anyone else?

  The answer to that has been yes, based on the reader messages I’ve received. Your e-mails and messages of support on all the social-network sites have been truly appreciated, along with the reviews that you have taken the time to write. Reviews mean the world to authors. So to all the readers who took a chance on me, a new author, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. XXX

  Bloggers, from the big guns to the small ones and everyone in between . . . where would authors be without them? I can’t list you all, but you do an amazing job. Elusively Ella’s Bookish Blogginess, what can I say? You have put me in touch with so many people who I now class as friends. For that alone, I will always be grateful. I class you as a dear friend, and I hope it won’t be too long before we get the chance to meet properly. Summer’s Book Blog, I’ve said it before and will continue to say it. Your five-star review was the first I received from the blog tour. It gave me the belief that I could do this. I can’t wait to meet you ladies in person next year, but I’m sure there will be a whole load of conversations before then. Mia’s Point of View, thank you so much for reaching out to me, wanting to stay in touch with this newbie author, and believing in my story. I hope we get the chance to meet in person soon. So to all the book bloggers, thank you for the work you do reviewing and promoting new authors such as myself. Thank you doesn’t seem enough. XXX

  Aimee Bell at Author Design Studio (www.authordesignstudio.co.uk), you have been a godsend to me since I started my journey, from the website design to the book cover of He’s Captured My Trust and all the extras in between. And all the advice you have given me, it’s always taken on-board. Thank you. XXX

  All the team at Literally Public Relations, you have been fab. But special thanks to Helen, who has always been at the end of a phone call to listen to my concerns, reply to my messages, and generally put me at ease through what, has been an emotional roller coaster. I’m also so grateful we finally got to meet up in London. I have a new friend for life. Thank you. XXX

  To the team at Perfectly Publishable, thank you for your work on both He’s Captured My Heart and He’s Captured My Trust. I wish I had found you ladies sooner, but better late than never. Thank you. XXX

  To my gorgeous friends, I would be lost without you all. Thank you for your love and understanding through everything I’ve gone through, the last year has been an emotional one for us all. You’ve all given me so much that you don’t even realise—the support and the kick up the butt when it’s been needed. I love you ladies dearly and I truly cherish our friendship. XXX

  To my family, thank you for everything, from watching the kids to advertising and listening when I’ve needed to talk and for allowing me to run ideas past you all. For all your support and encouragement, which means a great deal to me. All my love. XXX

  My children, my life. My girls are still too young to know what type of book Mummy has written, and my husband says they’re not allowed to read it until they are at least thirty. Good luck with that. They have been angels in giving me the peace I’ve needed. My boys . . . what to say about them? My boys are all older and aware of the type of book I’ve written. They have all been so supportive in what I’ve done—not embarrassed, but proud. That being said, I’m still hoping they don’t read it. My five kids are my life. The love I have for them is unconditional. XXX

  To my husband . . . the last year has been a roller coaster for us both. We both took a change of direction in our careers, and it’s made a difference in our family life. We are getting a lot more time together as a family. Your support and understanding is truly appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to spend many late nights with Alex. Thank you for taking kids out when I’ve been in the middle of writing and needed some peace and quiet. Thank you for everything you do. I love you. XXX

  Libby and Alex’s story in He’s Captured My Trust has been overwhelming to write at times, with lots of tears, laughter, and happiness. I hope you, the readers, enjoy it. XXX

  Alex

  I SIT AT THE END of the table, tapping my pen against it, watching my team around it. Michael is sitting watching me, frowning. I lost track ten minutes into this meeting, and I’m about to lose patience with them all. Is no one capable of doing the job I employ them to do? No wonder this deal isn’t done and dusted yet, when I can’t even get my own people on-board with my plans. The issues they are all still discussing have already been addressed. This is old news. They sound like a bunch of kids squabbling over a god damn toy.

  “Get. Fucking. Out. All. Of. You.”

  Everyone looks at each other with panic on their faces.

  “Now.”

  One by one they leave, whispering under their breaths. Do they think I’m that stupid? That I don’t hear what they’re saying? But right now I am way past the stage of caring.

  “Mathews, that’s one way to clear the boardroom. What’s up, man? If you were a woman, I would say you had PMS. Seriously, you got something you want to share?” Michael laughs at me as I walk toward the window and stare blankly across the city skyline.

  I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t even be in this country. I should still be in Scotland with Libby, spending time with her, getting to know more about her. Running my hands through her dark silky hair as she lies curled up in my arms sleeping. I know my trip was ultimately a business trip, and I did get that end of it tidied up nicely, but who would have thought that I, Alexander Mathews, would have fallen so hard and so fast? Work hard and play harder was always my motto, and it didn’t matter who I was doing it with.

  I never wanted any strings attached. But Libby can attach strings to me
any day. I want her here with me. I never imagined I could feel this way. Love? I never believed in it until I met her. She has changed my whole outlook on life. Before, there were many women, and if I’m honest, they were good for only one thing—a means to an end. The only constant one outside my family was Katherine, and now even that friendship is fucked up.

  “Alex, for fuck’s sake. You need to focus on the job at hand, or you’ll lose this deal and all the money you’ve ploughed into it. I get that you’re upset, angry, whatever you want to call it, about Libby, but do something about it.”

  “Like what? I’m still needed here to sort through this mess.”

  “You are, but if you don’t get your act together, there will be nothing to deal with. You are losing the plot. Do something. Anything. Phone Phil. Maybe see if she can come here. I don’t care what you do, but tomorrow I want you back in the office with your game head on, and I want you to get the details ironed out for this deal before you lose any more staff—or friends.” Michael walks out of the boardroom, leaving me to my own thoughts.

  My thoughts in the last few weeks have all been about one beautiful Scots girl who has stolen my heart. Fuck. It broke when I had to walk away from her and come home to deal with this mess. Michael is right—I know he is. For the first time, Michael does really make a good point.

  I was a complete ass leaving her the way I did. A fucking note, telling her I was gone. It still surprises me she’s given me the time of day. She was ill after the attack from that bastard Jeff, and I left her. I still managed to leave after saving her from him. Fuck, I have my own nightmares about that day.

  I hear a scream. It sounds like Libby. Michael and I look at each other and dash through the kitchen. I crash through the door to the store room. The scene in front of me. Is unimaginable. Libby on the floor, lots of blood and that bastard Jeff with his pants open. ‘Get the fuck off her’ I shout as I lunge toward him. Dragging him as far away from Libby as possible. ‘You. Think. It’s. Okay. Just. To. Take. What. You. Want.’ I shout in-between every punch I throw at him.

  An idiot, that’s what I am. But I need to stop dwelling on the past; try and focus on the future. The sort of future I want, and Libby has to be a part of that. I just need to find a way of making that happen.

  I leave the boardroom and head back toward my office, passing Grace, who is getting ready to leave for the night. Don’t know what I would do without her. She always goes that extra mile.

  “I’ll be off now, Mr. Mathews. See you in the morning.”

  “Before you go, could you get Phil Stewart on the phone?”

  “I’ll try, but you do realise it will be nearly eleven in the UK?”

  I nod as I walk back into my own office. I slump into my chair. I do need to sort my head out. Michael is right, and what’s more, he’s the only one who dares tell it to me straight.

  “Mr. Mathews, I have Mr. Stewart on the line. Will there be anything else before I leave?” Grace asks through the speaker.

  “No, Grace; that will be all.”

  “Alex,” Phil says, “you need to sort out timing issues. I was heading to bed. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

  “I know. Sorry. How’s Libby?”

  “I’ve not seen much of her, but I know how busy she is at the hotel.” He pauses. “I’m sure you’ve spoken with her more than I have.”

  “Yeah, I’ll get to the point. Libby must be able to take a few days, right? A long weekend, even?” I ask, sounding hopeful.

  “Of course it could be arranged. Why?” Phil sounds sceptical.

  “I want to bring her over here.”

  Phil agrees that the short break will do Libby good. We talk for a few more minutes, trying to sort out details for Thursday if I can arrange the flights. We agree not to tell her until the last minute.

  When I hang up, I am pleased, to say the least. Maybe this will keep Michael off my back. God, I have missed her. I then realise I haven’t heard from her yet today. She usually texts to say she’s on her way home. I phone her, and a few moments pass before she answers.

  “Libby, is everything all right?”

  “Sorry, it’s been a long day. I am still at the hotel,” she replies, sounding tired. “Not sure when I’ll even finish.”

  “You sound tired, baby. How nice would it be to get a back massage when you finish?”

  “It sounds great, considering I’ve been here since before six this morning. But keep hold of that thought for a few more weeks for when you’re here. I’m sure I’ll be looking for a whole lot more than a back massage when I finish work.” I can almost see the wicked smirk that would be on her face.

  “You have a wicked mind, Miss Stewart.”

  “Only where you’re concerned.” She sighs. “I better go. I still have some work to do. I might even end up spending the night here. Can we talk longer tomorrow?”

  “Of course. Till tomorrow. I love you.”

  “’Night.”

  Fuck, that girl drives me insane. The number of hours she’s putting in at the hotel is not healthy. She’s going to make herself sick, and she’s still supposed to be recovering . If she were here with me, she wouldn’t need to put the hours in at work. She can’t hide it. I know she’s using work to escape, but fourteen-plus-hour shifts are no good for anyone. Now, will a few days here with me help or hinder that? Only time will tell.

  Thursday, 13th November

  “ALL PASSENGERS, PLEASE RETURN TO your seats and fasten your seat belts. We are about to begin our descent.” The voice echoes through the plane, rousing me from my sleep. A sleep I’ve obviously needed. I stretch. The nerves are settling in again. I was nervous as I boarded the plane on my own at Glasgow airport for the first leg of my journey to New York. I can’t remember the last time I took a trip alone; actually, I don’t think I’ve ever been on my own. Now I’m not far from my final destination: JFK airport in New York. I glance around the cabin, and, from what I can see, I’m the only woman travelling on my own. It’s all businessmen and a few couples.

  I still can’t believe I’m doing this. I still have doubts. Not about my feelings but about how this will work out, if it can even work out. Truth be told, I’m pushing the doubts to the back of my mind, because I do want to try.

  I’m also excited.

  “You managed to get some sleep, then?” a man with a thick American accent asks.

  “Excuse me?” I turn to the man sitting smiling across the aisle from me.

  “I always have great intentions of sleeping on the plane but never manage it,” he tells me. “So how’d you manage it? You’ve slept since the flight took off from London.”

  “I am so sorry if my snoring kept you awake.” I snigger at him.

  “Your snoring was the least of my problems. Have you seen who’s sitting beside me?”

  He seems rather rude! I lean forward a little to look over. An elderly couple is sound asleep. The man’s hand is in what I presume is his wife’s lap. I let out a small, nervous laugh.

  “These two, between the snoring and the shouting,” the man says. “He has a hearing aid, and his wife shouts every time she speaks to him.” He smiles. “By the way, I’m James. And you are?” He holds his hand across the aisle.

  I shake it. It’s only polite. “Libby.” He’s a bit on the forward side and rude. It kind of adds up, then. He does remind me of a certain someone. Forward. Rude. American.

  “How do you do, Libby?” He still has a grip on my hand. “I’m sure if you hadn’t been sleeping, my journey home would have been much more enjoyable.”

  I can feel myself blush at his words, but I’m also a bit uncomfortable.

  The last man who held my hand this long should be waiting at the airport for me when we land. Alex. I can’t wait to see him; and from his phone calls, he feels exactly the same way. I’m hoping James lets go soon.

  James maybe senses my discomfort, as he lets go of my hand.

  The first week after Alex left was hard. Really to
ugh. I wasn’t on speaking terms with my parents or Ethan, and I was still recovering from the attack and subsequent infection in the wound on my back. I’ve been led to believe is healing up nicely, but I know I’ll be left with a nasty scar. Then again, I still count myself lucky. A lot worse could have happened that day. My anger with my parents didn’t last long. I can’t stay angry with either of them for long, so after a lot of tears were shed, we all made up. I was still hurt that they had kept the truth from me, but they are my family after all.

  As for Alex, his note left me devastated. Kieran sat and comforted me for hours. I was so glad I had him that night. He comforted and took care of me when the only arms I wanted to be in were gone. Alex called me the minute he landed back in the States after seeing my message. He was gutted that he had to leave, but then, it was business he left for. He then made good on his promise. He called me every night when I finished work, and we talked for hours, which must’ve interfered with his work commitments, considering the time difference.

  He was persistent, as he had said he would be. He was determined I was coming to the States, and now, here I am, even though he’ll be back in Scotland in two short weeks. I didn’t even know I was coming here. He and my father plotted with Kieran, organising my time off and making sure the hotel was covered for my long weekend break away. I only found out about it last night when my father handed me my flight tickets.

  Talk about a surprise.

  “So, Libby, you didn’t tell me how you managed to sleep,” James asks.

  “Just overtired, I guess. I suppose the fact that I’ve been working a lot lately helped. I didn’t know I was coming to New York until yesterday.” I don’t want to divulge too much information. At the end of the day, I don’t know this man.

  “I can only presume with your beautiful accent that you’re from bonnie Scotland.” He’s a big flirt. He is also quite good-looking. Not on the same scale as Alex, but, then again, I don’t think there’s many who would be, not in my eyes anyway. James reminds me a bit of Stephen, with his blonde hair and tanned skin. Stephen and my brother have been friends for years, and he has always openly flirted with me, always hoping there would be something more between us. I have only ever seen him as another brother. He also runs the fitness club in the hotel.