Chloe: Tainted Ink Series Novella 1.5 (The Tainted Ink Series) Read online

  CHLOE

  A TAINTED INK NOVELETTE

  The Tainted Ink Series

  Copyright © 2014 Michelle Horst

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people.

  As an author I love what I write and I wrote it for you. If you want to use any part of the book and you are not sure just email me @ [email protected]. Or you can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichelleAnnHorst I’m one of the friendly ones.Quote it if you want, please tell your friends about it, create super-hot trailers and teasers. And please leave those awesome reviews!

  Michelle Horst (2013-10-30). Chloe.A TAINTED INK NOVELETTE

  (The Tainted Ink Series) Kindle Edition.

  Also by Michelle Horst

  THE TAINTED INK SERIES

  http://www. amazon. com/Wake-Me-Tainted-Ink-Book-ebook/dp/B00GDOP3NQ/ref=asap_bc? ie=UTF8

  Wake Me up

  Twenty-two-year old Emma runs from a devastating life. Wanting to escape her demons with the help of her crazy friend Chloe, she travels halfway across the world.

  Alone, Emma must make a fresh start in the small town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She doesn't let anyone near her, until Aiden.

  Aiden gives her a glimpse of what love really is like, but then their little world is shattered when their lives collide and Emma gets caught in the middle.

  Will Aiden cross an ocean for Emma?

  CHLOE – A Tainted Ink Novelette

  http://www.amazon.com/Chloe-Tainted-Ink-Novella-Book-ebook/dp/B00O6Z4QAK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

  I’m the people pleaser.

  I’m the party girl.

  I’m the friend that says, “Just another one.”

  But then comes Zac with his broken heart and I can’t make him just another one.

  This book is not your usual romance. It doesn't have the ending every romantic dreams of. Sometimes fires burn so hot that it destroys what could've been.

  VAALBARA SERIES

  http://www. amazon. com/Vaalbara-Visions-Shadows-Michelle-Horst-ebook/dp/B00KOZYQ56/ref=asap_bc? ie=UTF8

  Visions and Shadows

  Shaken by the ruthlessness of the enemies she faces, Alchera learns she can really only trust one, her guardian. The bond she shares with Raighne can be both calming and confusing, and confusion is the last thing she needs as she has to race to fulfill her destiny. With an uncertain future and no past to speak of, Alchera comes face to face with her worst enemy – the shadows growing within her. Who will be the one to guide her back when all seems lost, Raighne her guardian or Carter, the man who is a threat to her life…

  DARK BOUNDARIES

  Coming FEB 2015

  Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads - https://www. goodreads. com/book/show/24490654-dark-boundaries

  He stole me.

  He broke me.

  I'm being auctioned for Fifty thousand dollars.

  Now, I don't belong to anyone but strangely enough I wanted to belong to him.

  It's his eyes . . . I lost myself in them

  Dedication

  This one goes out to my girls.

  Every single one of you light up my world.

  Acknowledgements

  I want to thank God for being there every step of the way and making this series a reality.

  Thank you to Ronald and Sheldon, my lovely family, for being so patient with me.

  Patti, your covers rock as always. I swear I’m addicted to cover shopping with you.

  Kristine ~ my super-amazing PA, I’d be lost without.

  My Beta Readers, Riza Matias-Gumboc, Jill Sava (thank you for also arranging the cover release), Liza Flor Dequilla , Misty Lingle, Amy Preston Rogers, ladies you’re all kinds of awesome. Thank you for giving up the time to read Chloe, making teasers and pimping for me.

  Mary, thank you for taking a look at Chloe and the awesome teasers and swag you’ve made.

  Kelly Marshall-White, Kelly Fletcher, Sharon Betts, Rhiannon Matthias and Kristine McGinnis, thank you for being the best supporters and pimpers out there!

  My fellow authors, the ones who inspire me – Kirsty Dallas, Yessi Smith, Lee Casey, Neeny Boucher and Penelope Ward – I live for your next release.

  Drika, thank you for being there for me, always.

  And most important – the readers and reviewers – thank you for each of you. You make writing worth wile.

  ~*~

  WARNING

  This book contains graphic scenes of sex, violence and strong language. I can’t stress that enough.

  If you are agreeable with these terms then I hope you enjoy the book. This book is to show how a couple get over their hurt and fear. Some scenes may be disturbing to some readers, they are intended to be disturbing so that you will understand Chloe and Zac’s hurt, their suffering and anguish, but also how they chose to overcome their difficulties.

  This book is intended for mature, adult readers who are 18 and older.

  Happy Reading ;)

  I’m the friend that says, “Just another one.” – Chloe

  Chapter One

  Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaKr98ktoxU

  Chloe~

  “Oh, Sunshine, that baby is Big Ben.” I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively. Emma’s face pinches with confusion, and I know I should stop but she’s so easy to take the piss out of.

  “But it’s so … ah …big,” she tries to chuckle, but gives up with a nervous gulp. She cups her hands over her belly and caresses it lovingly. She’s due to pop in three weeks and I mean pop. My best mate’s gone and gotten the size of a baby beached whale. I take in Emma’s glowing complexion, her blonde hair that’s up in a messy ponytail, and sparkling green eyes. She looks so happy. Unlike the last time I saw her back in the U.K., when I had to get her away from that bitch who dared to call herself a mother. I’m so glad she’s making a new life for herself here in South Carolina with Aiden, she deserves to be happy.

  This visit is long overdue and with the baby on the way, it was a perfect excuse for me to come to America for the first time, and visit with my best friend.

  “Surely that doesn’t all fit, you know, up there?” Her eyes bulge huge.

  I bite the inside of my cheek to hold the laughter back. “That’s nothing, Sunshine. Want to see my favorite? I keep this big fella for special occasions.” Lifting an even bigger vibrator from my luggage, Emma’s hand flies to her mouth. “I present The Eiffel Tower!” Her cheeks stain a rosy pink. I should stop but she’s making it so easy.

  “Bloody hell, Chloe! That thing should have its own set of kidneys and lungs.”

  I can’t hold back anymore and sink to the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter. I missed this with Emma, our days of laughter when we were studying together at the nursing college.

  “Sounds like y’all are having fun in here.” Aiden steps into the room with a broad smile on his face. His eyes rest lovingly on Emma before he glances in my direction. He frowns lightly but soon amusement settles on his handsome face. Emma really got herself
a dishy bloke. They sure make the blokes different here in America to what I’m used to in England. They make a stunning couple.

  “I wanted to know if you’d like something to drink,” Aiden’s eyes drop to the vibrators I’m holding and he starts to laugh, “while you finish … ah … unpacking? We’re thinkin’ of putting some steaks on the grill.”

  “Just two sodas, love,” Emma gets out, while trying to control her laughter.

  “Hey, talk for yourself! I’m not the pregnant fairy here. I’ll have a beer,” I quickly rectify her.

  “Are you getting the order or flirting with your wife?” someone else says, and then he comes into the room. Sweet baby minions! Talk about a tall drink of hot and deadly handsomeness. I could have some fun with this blue-eyed hunk.

  “Emma, your photos are all bollocks. They don’t do Zac any justice.” I launch forward like girl on a mission, one that’s found a man to devour. Emma told me all about Zac’s past and how he lost his wife, Laurie, four years ago. He needs some cheering up and I’m just the right woman for the job before I head back home to England.

  I throw my hands around his neck and press my lips hard against his unyielding ones. When I pull back, it’s only to see a shocked face staring back at me. His eyes flit from one vibrator to the other on either side of his head, then back to my face.

  “It’s just vibrators, Zac. Girl’s got to have some fun, right?”

  ~*~

  Chapter Two

  Kings of Leon – Use Somebody

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRgFeZa_I48

  Zac~

  Crazy. That’s the first word that comes to mind, this woman is all kinds of crazy. Just like Aiden would say. Talking about Aiden, I glance to him, lift an eyebrow and dart my eyes in the brunette’s direction, who finally let go of me and put her choice of weapons away.

  Aiden leans against the wall, tucks his hands into his jeans pockets and makes himself comfortable.

  I tilt my head and give him the wipe-the-amused-smile-off-your- fuckin’-face-look. True Aiden style he only smiles bigger. Little shit. I’m going to make him do all the paperwork for the rest of the month. Some brother he is. I know next to zero about women, then enters crazy over here and I’m looking for my running shoes.

  I glance at my watch and smile at Emma. I’m getting myself out of here in one piece while I still can.

  “What half-arsed excuse are you going to use to get away?” Crazy chick zooms in on me again. “You’re seriously going to bail on me? I can see you’re eyeing your watch. That’s so rude, Zac,” she confronts me right there. Damn, I’ve never met anyone as forward as her.

  “Does your mouth come with a filter?” I hit back. Normally I would keep to myself but I can’t stop the response. I call ‘em as I see ‘em, and she’s rubbing me up the wrong way.

  Her smile widens. “I’m just yanking your chain.” She reaches a delicate hand out to me. “Chloe Fletcher. It’s a pleasure finally seeing you in person.” She winks as I take her hand.

  “Zac Hutches,” I reply and then feel stupid, she obviously already knows who I am. I’m not sure if I should kick my own ass for forgetting Chloe was coming – or still make a run for it.

  ~*~

  She. Has. Not. Stopped!

  It’s like she suffers from some verbal sickness, one where she says everything that comes to mind.

  She’s killing me. Slowly.

  We’re supposed to be relaxing outside by the pool, grilling a few steaks, but it’s hard to relax when I don’t know what to expect next from Chloe. I take in a deep breath and enjoy the silence while Chloe and Emma are inside getting more drinks.

  A soft chuckle from Aiden alerts me that he can see the women through the glass door and then my quiet moment shatters.

  “You weren’t joking, Sunshine.” Chloe makes herself comfortable on the arm of my chair and I just know it’s coming already.

  “About what, love?” Emma asks all innocently, mischief twinkling in her eyes.

  Both of them, I’m going to make both Aiden and Emma pay for this.

  “Zac being the silent type.” Chloe runs a finger down my bicep and I have to resist the urge to grab her and throw her in the pool. “You think under his silent demeanor there’s a man begging for some fun and action?”

  “That’s it!” I get up and grab Chloe at the waist, easily lifting her tiny body over my shoulder. The damn woman hardly weights anything. She should eat more and talk less!

  She grabs hold of my belt and hums all husky, “Oh, caveman style. I like this side of you.”

  I definitely underestimated her, because when I try to throw her into the pool she yanks and I lose my balance. It’s a tumble of limbs as we plummet into the refreshing cool water. I have a moment of silence under the water and prepare myself for her going off at me for ruining her perfect make up and hair.

  I hardly have time to surface when Chloe’s on top of me. “That’s the spirit! Let your hair down a bit,” she laughs as she places both her hands on my shoulders. She’s too small to push me down, but I give her points for trying.

  I look up at her laughing face and shock vibrates through me. No. Hell to the no! Smokey-brown eyes capture mine. Her hair hangs wet around her face and with my hands on her hips, I realize just how breathtaking she is.

  But I’m not going through that kind of pain again, so I do what I always do when I see a beautiful woman – I withdraw.

  I let go of her and swim to the edge. In a flash I’m out and drying my clothes as best I can.

  “Ah … forgot something at the office. I’ll catch y’all later.” I leave them all with the feeble apology, but I don’t care, I just need to breathe. I need to calm down. The woman has me in a flat spin and she’s only here one day. How am I going to cope for three weeks?

  “She’s just another pretty face in an ocean of many,” I mumble to myself as I walk away.

  ~*~

  Chapter Three

  One Republic – Stop and Stare

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA1LYTWtVQ0

  Chloe~

  My eyes drift over to where Emma is sitting happy at Aiden’s side. It’s just gone past nine and I’m bored out of my mind. We did all the catching up there was to do and now I’m watching them fawn over each other.

  “Bloody hell, no. I can’t do this married life shit. Give me Zac’s address, I’m going to go ruffle his feathers some more.”

  Aiden looks mostly surprised, but Emma gives me a cautious look. “Take it easy on the poor man, he’s used to keeping to himself. He’ll come around when the time is right,” she tries but fails to change my mind.

  “Bollocks, time waits for no one. I can understand he’s sad, but the more you sit and wallow in your sadness, the worse it gets. The man needs to get out and live a little.”

  Emma intensifies her look, giving me one eyebrow popped high. I know she’s not buying a word I’m saying. Emma is worried about me, worried that I’ll party myself to death. But truth be told, I’ve never been better.

  “Fine, I’ll take it easy on his arse, but he’s still going out with me. I’m not staring at the two of you all night.”

  Their laughter follows me out of the room as I quickly go to put on other clothes. I go with a pair of jeans and a matching jean jacket, zipping it just high enough so it will show a lot of cleavage. I want Zac’s eyes focused on my twins and what better way than to not wear a bra with only the jacket. I finger comb my hair into the way I want it and with a touch of lip gloss, I’m out.

  ~*~

  Emma’s lending her car to me, so at least I can come and go as I please. It was a good idea to get my license to drive over here. I follow the instructions I got from Aiden on my way out and a few minutes later I park outside Zac’s house. I can’t see much of it in the dark, but it’s just as big as Aiden’s. I strut up to the front door, feeling confident about busting Zac’s arse, and ring the bell.

  It takes a few seconds before the door opens and I lose
my breath. The bloody man has to answer the door shirtless! Abs-a-mania! I realize that I’m staring and wave at his chiseled chest.

  “You always open the door dressed like that?” I push by him, walking into his home. I don’t care if I’m invited or not, I want to stir Zac’s life up a little.

  “You always barge in on people?”

  “Yes, I do. Go get dressed. I want to go out and need a partner in crime,” I answer full of bravado. I twirl around in his living room, taking in the sleek décor of steel and leather. I’m guessing he moved or did a major clean out after Laurie died. The only sign of her is a photo on the mantelpiece.

  Zac is still standing by the door, keeping it wide open. He’s shaking his head. “No. No, to all of it, the partner in crime thing and going out. Next time don’t waste your time and call, I’ll tell you no over the phone.”

  I stand rooted in the middle of his living room and tilt my head to the side. It’s going to take a lot to get this man moving, might as well pull out the best I’ve got. “You can either get dressed and come with, or I’ll take off my jacket and make myself at home.”

  He slams the door closed and stalks toward me, impatience written all over his face. “Take of the jacket and do what you want, I have a date with my bar. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

  I start to unzip my jacket and by the time I hit my navel Zac’s eyes are jumping between all the bare skin I’m showing and the zip. “You have got to be fuckin’ kidding me!” he growls, and then stalks away.

  I unzip the jacket all the way and let it hang half open, giving him the best view of my cleavage he will ever get. He’s taking on the wrong girl here. I’ll strip to get him out of this house.

  When he notices me behind him, he spins on his heel. “Come on, zip it up.” He gives me a dark look and heads for a bar. I watch him pour two drinks and he quickly throws the one back with a few gulps.