Stone Mended (The Stone Book 3) Read online

  Stone Mended

  Renee Harless

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright ©2016 Renee Harless

  This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental. Names, places, and characters are figments of the author’s imagination. All trademarked items included in this novel have been recognized as so by the author. The author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  All rights reserved

  The author has taken liberties with the English landscape to add to the story.

  Cover Design by: Meagan Harless

  Photographs: Shutterstock - Andreas Gradin, Morguefile

  Website: reneeharless.com

  Facebook: authorreneeharless

  Twitter: Renee_Harless

  Instagram: renee_harless

  Table of Contents

  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

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Blinding light fills the cavernous room as I barely find a second to catch my breath through the searing pain sifting through my body. I don't have a chance to study the faces surrounding me or analyze their frightened and concerned gazes. As my pain is overcome by anxiousness, I close my eyes and lose myself in the moment.

  We're all waiting.

  Waiting for movement, a sound, any form of life.

  Then it happens. A scream. A high pitched, blood curdling scream coming from an offset area of the room.

  Panic fills my chest as the pain ripples through me once more. I clinch my eyes tight and bear down against the stiff mattress.

  A second, different scream from the opposite side of the room quickly follows, jumpstarting a flurry of activity in the shrinking room.

  I release a shuttered breath knowing that those screams seal my fate. Before I have a chance to react further a deep, dark voice filters into the room. A voice that I know belongs to my savior.

  Concern evident in his tone as he utters, "Oh, god."

  Chapter 1

  Alex and I are seated on the plane headed back to London, hoping against hope, that we aren’t bombarded by the paparazzi when we land. We had already anticipated our quick wedding in the Caribbean causing quite a stir with the media, but with a magazine releasing the demeaning photos of our personal life, we are now sure that a large group will be awaiting our arrival.

  Beside me, Alex gently lifts my hand from the armrest and places a delicate kiss on my knuckles. My attention turns towards his handsome face and I take in his eyes and mouth both set in a look of despair and embarrassment mirroring my own.

  "I'm so sorry, darling. I swear to you I'll get to the bottom of this. You've been through far too much to deserve this kind of embarrassment."

  "I just don't understand why someone would do this, Alex. What do they have to gain?"

  "Money. It will drive people to do disgusting things and my family is an easy one to use to make a profit."

  "But can we fix it? Make it go away? Something?" I ask with urgency in my voice as I clench Alex's hand which still holds my own.

  "I'm not sure what we can do, but Gregory is going to look into it."

  Gregory is Alex's amazing head of security and he and his family have become good friends of ours. I love his wife Maria and their daughter Anna.

  The flight attendants have promised to keep the other patrons from bothering us as we make our way home. I can feel the curious glances and stares of those seated close by and the strangeness begins to overwhelm me. My hand grasped in Alex’s is my talisman and I take solace in the strength of my protector.

  Closing my eyes I think back to how we got here; the chance meeting, the short affair, the kidnapping, the relocation, the familial betrayal, quick engagement, the even quicker wedding, and finally our blissful honeymoon. My wonderful husband made sure that our seclusion from the world was amazing. Unfortunately the recent turn of events has brought forth another series of bad luck that we can’t seem to escape.

  A quick jolt of the plane brings my musings back to the present. With a soft kiss to my head, Alex suggests that I relax and try to get some sleep, but I’m too worried about the types of photos that have been released to completely shut down.

  A nudge at my knee alerts me that we are landing at our layover.

  “We’re here already?”

  “Yes, love. You seemed to be sleeping so peacefully. Follow me when we exit the plane. Gregory was able to charter us a private jet for the flight home to minimize any press scrutiny.”

  “Oh, ok. That was smart of him. I’m not sure I’m ready to be hounded by the press about our relationship.”

  “It’s none of their business, Mallory. Just ignore the vultures.”

  Easier said than done, I think to myself.

  Alex looks completely at ease as we exit the plane, in his thigh hugging jeans and Henley shirt, the brim of his baseball cap pulled low. My attire, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. The cotton Capri pants and t-shirt that I opted to wear for the flight are now wrinkled and stretched out and my hair has a distinct flat marking from where I rested pressed up against Alex’s shoulder.

  Walking with my head down as we exit the tunnel into the terminal I can hear security working to keep the press at bay, but the two guards aren’t much to the fifty or so reporters I can see in my peripheral. Grasping my hand around Alex’s bicep as we try to snake around the other passengers and reporters I don’t notice the young woman with a scowl on her face, foot extended into my path. I lose my balance as my feet make contact with her leg, sending myself and my duffle bag careening into the person’s rolling suitcase in front of me. Luckily, Alex catches me by the waist moments before my chin would have collided with the solid suitcase body. Turning quickly I search to find the culprit of my fall, but no one pays me any mind, except for the reporters flashing their lenses in my direction at hundred flashes per second.

  “Are you alright, love?” Alex questions.

  Looking into his eyes, I notice his concern and quickly try to lighten the mood by jokingly saying, “Just clumsy me. I need to pay better attention.”

  With a chuckle Alex rights me on my feet and we continue to make our way to the area where the private plane waits.

  “Hello, sir, ma’am. My name is Frank and I will be your pilot today. This lovely lady next to me is Rebecca she is my wife and my co-pilot. We’re pleased to have you join us today,” says the smart looking man in his crisp blue shirt and navy pants.

  His knowing eyes crinkle along the edges and I find myself immediately liking him.

  “Thank you, Frank and Rebecca. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Again, thank you for flying us on such short notice.”

  “Don’t mention it, sir. This will give us an opportunity to have a short vacation overseas. Plus, we’ve never flown royalty before,” he says with a chortle as he finishes shaking Alex’s hand.

  “Well, Frank, I don’t know if I’d consider us royalty, but we’re pleased none-the-less. Is the aircraft ready to go or do you need to continue your flight check?”

  “We’re ready to board when you are, sir.”

  Alex guides me onto the plane and we take our seats in the plush couch re
sting against the wall of the craft. Once we’re buckled in the plane quickly takes off and levels out to the correct altitude. Unlocking our seatbelts, Alex turns us both so that we lie on the cushion, my back to his chest, allowing us to catch more rest for the long flight.

  ***

  Gregory’s weary face meets us at Alex’s house. Or rather our house now that we’re married, which will take some time to get used to. He addresses us somberly as he helps us to carry our luggage indoors. Maria, his wife, and their daughter Anna are waiting in our kitchen with some hot tea all hoping that Gregory can offer some good news about the breach of our private residence.

  Once we’re all seated around our rather large kitchen table Alex simply stares in his good friend’s direction awaiting the verdict.

  “Seventeen, sir. I was able to find seventeen listening and video devices. All in various locations in and around the house. I couldn’t trace any finger prints to the devices, but whoever planted them knew your home well. They were all strategically placed for optimal sound and viewing. I’m working with a few higher ups to trace the devices’ feed. I hope this will lead us in the right direction. It seems though that once the pictures were released the feed was dropped. I’m assuming it was due to the fact that you would have some knowledge about their placement.”

  “How did this happen?” Alex all but growls out. His shoulders are bunched near his shoulder, a vein throbbing in his neck. His hold on his anger is taking all his strength.

  “It’s tough to say, sir. Everyone that has been in your home has either been a long time employee or signed a non-disclosure agreement. As you know I perform security checks daily, but I haven’t been on the lookout for any technology such as these. I had no reason to suspect this was going on.”

  I reach for Alex’s hand, knowing that his anger could quickly spiral out of control. At my touch I can feel his fury dissolve. I’m glad to know that I have this affect on him.

  “There is one more thing, sir, that I think is very interesting and may help us narrow down any suspects. Unfortunately, the feeds began soon after Mallory arrived. I don’t feel that that is coincidental.”

  “So what are you saying, Gregory?”

  “I’m saying that this allows us to narrow down a time frame to look into who may have been in your home.”

  Alex nods his head as Gregory turns in my direction.

  “I am so sorry, my dear. If there is anything I can do to help put your mind at ease you let me or Maria know.”

  “Thank you, Gregory. I just feel so violated, you know? What gives a person the right to spy on someone like this and then bring it forth to the public? It’s disgusting,” I voice as I try to hold back my tears.

  Noticing my pending breakdown, Alex gently caresses his hand along the back of my head. Gregory and his family nod in my direction as they exit through the back door to their own home.

  We sit for a few more minutes, simply staring at the table, me tracing the fine wood grains with my finger.

  Alex breaks the silence with a comforting smile on his face.

  “Despite the timing, I do have a surprise for you, if you’re up for it. By the way, welcome home, Mrs. Stone,” Alex says as he stands up from where he was perched on his chair.

  I turn my head to glance at him and offer a saccharine smile in return. Following his lead, we retreat to the lower level and he stops in front of the dungeon door. Producing a golden skeleton key from his jean pocket, Alex takes my hand, turns it over so that my palm is facing upward and places the cold metal in my hand.

  “This is all for you, my love,” he whispers as he strokes his fingers through my hair. “I want our new life together to be full of warmth and serenity. Please, go ahead.”

  With a bit of excitement I turn around to face the door, put the key in the lock, and slowly open the heavy wooden door. What inhabits the other side simply takes my breath away.

  The once darkened walls have now been painted a soft cream color; brass fixtures further add warmth to the large space. The black leather horse, of which I had become very familiar, has been refurbished in soft buttery leather. Sinking further into the room I skim my hands across the aforementioned piece. Its supple texture feels decedent against my fingers and my insides clench as I think about resting against the material. A few of the darker pieces have been removed, such as the cage and replaced with a chaise lounge and a brass medallion, similar to the one at Alex’s apartment in Baltimore, Maryland. Finally, my gaze falls upon what used to be the cold and menacing gynecological chair. In its place I find a reclining leather chair with stirrups attached at the feet. Everything in the room remains the same, only the color has been changed. It’s a beautiful room.

  “I had this done while we were away. I hope that you like it,” Alex asks nervously, shuffling a bit from side to side. It’s cute to see him nervous.

  “It’s breathtaking, Alex. It’s exactly what I would have chosen.”

  “Thank you, beautiful; I’m glad.”

  Walking up behind me, Alex places his hands on my hips, pulling me tight against his chest. He slowly rubs his jean-clad erection up and down my behind.

  Whispering into my neck he says, “I know you’ve had a rough couple of days, but I really really want to fuck you right now. Are you up for it?”

  As his sweet breath tickles across my skin, I know that this is what I want, what I need. Without saying a word I simply drop to my knees, resting back on my heels, and face forward with my hands placed gently on my thighs.

  Alex gently strokes my head lovingly as he says, “Good girl.”

  Without turning around I can only picture what Alex is doing behind me. I can hear the rustle of the soft cotton from his shirt moving across his skin as he eliminates the article of clothing. Both shoes make a soft thud as he removes each one from his feet. The faint sound of zipper skimming down the teeth soon follows and my heartbeat picks up in anticipation.

  Unlike previous encounters in this room, Alex doesn’t keep me waiting. He swiftly comes to stand in front of me, half-naked and absolutely gorgeous, and tugs at my hair to lift my head towards his penetrating gaze.

  “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Removing his hardened cock from his boxer briefs, I lick my lips in anticipation. A growl releases from deep in Alex’s throat at my gesture. Taking his penis in his right hand he moves it to my lips as he commands me to open up.

  As my mouth opens to accommodate his large size Alex offers one more command, “You’re turn.”

  Rising up onto my knees, I reach behind Alex’s thighs, gripping tight, and suck his manhood to the back of my throat. His musky smell triggers my need and I work to bring him to his release. Hollowing my cheeks and sheathing my teeth with my lips I take him as far as I can and then practically release him from my lips at every bob. At his shallow growl and quickened breath along with his signature taste, I can feel myself dripping in wetness, my panties soaked from this one act. Without a word I can taste Alex’s release as it glides smoothly down my throat. It’s salty flavor only increasing my need for him.

  Without much hesitation, Alex scoops me up from the floor and into his arms where he deposits me onto a white silken covered bed tucked away in an alcove. Taking note of my surroundings I find silken ties draped through hooks in the ceiling and walls of the niche. Alex’s hands glide across my legs, up to the waistband of my pants before hooking his fingers into the material and dragging them along with my panties away from my body. Sliding his hands from my ankles to my stomach, he works to move my shirt farther up my chest. Moving forward to straddle my belly, Alex makes quick work of removing my shirt and bra as well. With his glorious chest in my direct line of sight, I can’t help but to heat up as I imagine running my tongue over all the dips and valleys of the hardened muscles. Grabbing my attention, I can feel the satin material rubbing against my wrist where Alex is looping it to spread my body against the bed.

  Alex kneels in front of me on to
p of the bed and drapes one of my legs onto his shoulder. Grasping another piece of fabric secured higher along the wall, he wraps my knee to keep my legs in an upright position. After repeating the process on the other side of my body, he moves to crouch between my risen legs and licks his lips as he stares at my wet and swollen womanhood. Reaching forward he slides one finger up and down my slick folds. I can hear him whisper the word beautiful at the same time that I release a deep moan from deep within my chest. His gentle but seductive touch sets my body on fire and I crave more of his caress.

  Continuing to slide his fingers up and down, spreading my wetness, he occasionally inserts a finger an inch or two into my core but quickly removes it; driving me mad. Completely removing his touch from my body he traces his fingers along his lips before sucking my essence from them.

  “God you taste good,” he moans before shifting backward to bring his face even with my pussy.

  Without a moment’s hesitation, Alex begins to stroke inside my center while he licks around my folds until he comes to my hidden pearl. Flicking with his tongue a few times, I wiggle my hips to bring his mouth closer. Understanding my need, he takes my clit between his lips and begins to suck while simultaneously adding another finger into my core and crooking those digits in a come-hither manner against my sensitive spot.

  As I feel my orgasm begin to grow, I rock my body against Alex’s face, hoping that he hurries my need for release. But instead he sits back onto his heels and shakes his head.

  “Tsk, tsk, Tsk, Mrs. Stone. No climax until I’m buried deep inside you.”

  I whimper as I reply, “Please, sir. I need…”

  Rubbing his hands along my inner thighs, so close to the spot I need him, Alex asks, “What do you need, beautiful?”

  “You, sir. I need your cock in me, sir,” I say eyes squeezed shut ask I rock my body, hoping for farther contact to my center.

  Alex removes his hands, and with a shift in the bed, I open my eyes to find him perched on his arms above me, rocking his penis against my core, coating itself in my wetness.