EXCERPT

MOUNTAIN’S CAPTIVE

By

Michelle M. Pillow

 
Chapter One

"Devon, I'm here." Chloe Masters looked dazedly around the Las Vegas hotel lobby. The brilliant lights of the strip glared through the hotel's massive front windows but she hardly noticed through the dark lenses of her designer sunglasses. From her place on the phone booth floor she could see the feet of numerous tourists sauntering past. Not one of them distinguished her as the drunk, miserable woman who crouched in the corner of the small cube. "I made it."

"What took you so long? Your flight got there four hours ago. I know because I called the airport to check."

Chloe flinched as Devon Wentworth's sobering voice boomed out of the phone. Devon had a way of talking too loud when she was agitated.

"Devon, you have to understand. I wanted to enjoy my last night of freedom," answered Chloe with a slight slur, as she closed her eyes against the overbearingly bright lights that peeked through the edge of her glasses. "I walked around the casinos trying to regain my composure. You wouldn't have me making a bad impression, would you?"

"Why, what are you wearing?" Devon's authoritative voice inquired sharply. "Please tell me it's not sweatpants. I was afraid that you were going to do something like that. That is why I bought you that little white dress."

"What does it matter?" Chloe snapped in return. "I don't care what he's wearing."

"It matters because this is going to be your new life." Devon softened her tone before continuing. "Chloe, I went to a lot of trouble arranging this for you, despite what it might do to my reputation if it was found out. I would be scorned out of every prestigious law firm in New York. My career would be over. We have been through this. I can't change your father's will."

"I know, Devon. Believe me, I know. It wouldn't be his if you could," Chloe interjected. "You're a good friend to me."

"I gave you every chance to back out and you said that you were confident that you wanted to go through with it." Devon sighed in frustration. Chloe could hear the honking of horns behind her friend's voice.

"Tell me again," Chloe paused and gulped, "about him."

"He's everything you requested--adequate looking, smart, and by his background check we know him to be loyal and discreet. He also comes from old money, so he won't have a use for yours. Though I don't know how much he's worth exactly. His financial information is well protected." Devon's voice cut out. "Damned cellular phones! Chloe are you there?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Chloe slurred.

"Hmm. The best part is he also agreed to the prenuptial." Devon's stout voice vibrated in her hand. She was using her most professional courtroom tone. "You haven't been drinking, have you? You know you can't hold your liquor. What will Paul think if you go to him intoxicated?"

"I just had a little on the plane." Chloe gave a short laugh as she set down her glass of scotch and soda. "And a few in the casinos."

"Stop. I can hear the ice tinkling in your glass. You're going to need your wits about you. You don't want him to think you are a lush and back out, do you? He's your only chance."

Chloe moved her head away from the phone to make a childish face at the receiver. She readjusted herself on the floor and blinked heavily when a group of tourists wearing bright yellow jackets passed too close.

"Chloe, are you listening to me?" Devon sighed again in exasperation.

"Yeah, I'm here." Chloe took another drink, this time crunching on an ice cube as she reached the bottom of the glass. A piece of her wayward blond hair fell over her eyes. As she swatted at it, her watchband got caught in a tangle. "Damn it."

"Chloe?" Devon's voice cut out again. "What'd you say? I didn't hear you."

"Nothing."

"Fine," Devon huffed before lowering her voice and slowing her words. "Now, Chloe, I want you to dial Paul's room and tell him that you're there. Then I want you to finish what you went there to do. Ten years will be over before you know it. When it is, you'll have your freedom back and this nightmare will be over. Until then, maybe you could come to an arrangement with him."

"Yeah, I know and with the right plastic surgeon I won't look half bad in ten years." Chloe set the empty glass on the ground. "I'll call you tomorrow with the horrible details."

"Fine. Remember, it's room three, five, eight. Got it? 358." Devon sighed, refusing to dignify her friend's ill humor with a comment. "Congratulations and good luck."

"Yeah," Chloe mumbled against the phone and hung up.

"Yeah, good luck," she mumbled to herself. Chloe shook her head and hugged her knees to her chest.

She took a deep breath before ambling slowly to her feet. The liquor had taken more of an effect on her then she had realized. She was drunk and didn't care. Somehow, she knew that it was one of the reasons why she had picked Vegas--free liquor. The other reason was the quick and painless ceremonies offered by the numerous chapels.

Pausing for a moment, she let the numbing effect of the liquor take over her mind. She closed her eyes, wishing that Devon would call her back and tell her she didn't have to go through with it. But she knew it would never happen, just as she knew that she couldn't turn back.

Chloe made a beeline through the blur of the crowd to the white courtesy phone. She stared at it, wondering if she should run and get on a flight back to New York. If she did, no one would know of her selfishness. Well, no one but herself. Taking a deep breath, she realized that there was no other choice. She had to do it. There were a lot of people depending on her.

Chloe picked up the phone and held it to her ear. She tried to punch the buttons, but her fingers shook so badly that she dialed the wrong number. Hanging up she cursed. "Come on, Chloe. Three, Five, Eight. Time to be a big girl."

She picked up the phone and tried again.

"Hello," an irritated masculine voice answered.

Chloe gasped at the low rumbling sound. Shivers racked her spine as she pulled the phone back to look at it in stunned amazement. Paul sounded nothing like she had imagined. That one word echoed bravely in her head, capturing her voice in her throat. Swallowing over the lump that formed behind her tongue, she breathed heavily and put the receiver to her ear.

"Room service?" the voice questioned sharply.

Chloe closed her eyes as the sound fell over her like a stirring caress. She didn't know what to say. Her breath came out in uneven pants as she tried to speak. Her body felt like it was on fire.

"Hello?" the voice asked in growing curiosity in response to the nearly obscene breathing. Chloe could almost hear the interested smile in his reverberating tone, as he whispered, "Who's there?"

"Yes, it's me. Sorry I'm late. I'm in the lobby now waiting for you. I need you to come down so we can do this." Closing her eyes to the hollowness that threatened to consume her, she ignored the pleasure she derived from hearing his voice. Chloe swallowed hard. "I'm wearing a white dress."

She hung up the phone with a decisive clink so she couldn't back out. Almost falling to the ground in uneasiness, she narrowed her eyes and turned to the elevators. Spotting a waitress passing through the lobby, she absently waved her over and swiped a drink from her tray, not caring what it was.

Downing it in three large gulps, she set the glass back down with a thud. The waitress looked at Chloe in confusion, but smiled when the woman drunkenly threw a fifty-dollar bill on her tray and grabbed another drink.

With a wave of her liquor-laden hand, Chloe dismissed her. But the glass never made it to her lips. Looking across the lobby dimmed by dark sunglasses, she froze.

Gasping, she set the glass down by the phone, untouched. She tugged insecurely at the tightly fitted hem of her short skirt. A disturbingly piercing hazel-green gaze met her from across the crowded hall. She suddenly felt very exposed. Lifting the glasses from her eyes, she winced as the light hit her vision. The sounds of the busy lobby faded completely, as she started toward the closing elevator door. Her heart raced, beating a fearfully erotic rhythm through her veins.

"This can't be Paul," she muttered under her panted breath. She suddenly wondered why she didn't insist on seeing a picture first. "He's too big."

Dazedly, her hand moved to the dip of her exposed cleavage. She could feel the rounded tops of her own breasts and quickly pulled her hand away. Unable to stop her feet, she took a hesitant step forward. Cocking her head to the side, she stumbled to a stop and waited for him to come to her.

Paul's stride was relaxed and sure as he confidently came through the crowd to reach her. He wore a business suit, very appropriate for what they were about. His brown hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, falling to his shoulders in soft waves. A smile curled on his lips as his eyes dropped over her in appreciation. His penetrating gaze exuded sexual prowess and intent. Chloe shivered, never having been looked at as if she were about to be devoured.

As he stopped in front of her, she swallowed audibly and tried to smile. Paul towered above her head so she was forced to lean back to look at him. Instantly, her eyes found his parted lips--firm and inviting. Drunkenly she swayed. Her knees weakened.

"Oh, hey," he said with a short laugh. "Are you all right?"

Chloe shivered and briefly closed her eyes. He put his hand on her elbow to keep her from falling over.

Yes, she thought when she heard the disarming voice from the courtesy phone. This is definitely Paul.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed how close he had drawn to her. She could see the beginnings of evening stubble on his strong jaw. Breathing in his earthy scent, she answered weakly, "Yeah, I--"

Paul suddenly grinned, a naughtily delectable movement. His voice drew into a low, husky murmur, as he asked carefully, "Are you here about the contract?"

"Yeah," Chloe sighed in relief. She was glad to have her mind on something she was able to comprehend. The emotions fluttering though her brain were causing too much havoc. "I was afraid you weren't the right man."

"No, I'm afraid I am," he stated with a smile. "You're not disappointed are you?"

Chloe saw in his eyes that he already knew she was anything but. Glancing over his shoulder, she shook her head and mumbled, "No, of course not. Though, you're not what I expected."

"So, where do you want to do this?" His eyes daringly dipped over her form.

"I have a car waiting outside if you like," she returned. He smiled and nodded his head. Looping his arm through hers, he kept her steady as he led her outside. Belatedly, she added, "We could go there."

Chloe felt his heat soaking into her skin like a sudden blaze of tempestuous fire. Her midsection lit with liquid heat in response. Suddenly, she became all too aware of the heady desert air on her breasts and legs.

"I must admit I have never done this before," he said. "I mean over a paid contract."

Chloe laughed lightly in confusion and pointed at the awaiting limousine. "Well, Paul, I…."

"Everest," he interjected.

"Oh," she frowned, confused. "I'm sorry, I…."

"Don't mention it," he dismissed her mistake easily with a wave of his hand.

Paul Everest Lucas, thought Chloe. She couldn't help herself as her eyes strayed to his athletic backside. He leaned over to open the limousine door for her. Interesting name for a very interesting man.

As the car began to move, Everest leaned over her seat and hit the window button to block out the driver. Chloe tilted her chin in surprise. His thick neck came close to her cheek and she saw the steady beating of his pulse under the smooth texture of his skin. Then, as he sat back, he began to remove his jacket. Chloe watched in avid interest. The car jolted over a bump and she gasped in surprise.

"You don't mind if I get comfortable, do you?" he asked. Setting his jacket aside, he took off his tie. His lips lined with a devilish smirk and his eyes glittered with promise. "I've been in business meetings all day."

"No. Of course not," she answered. Turning to the mini-bar, she poured them each a glass of champagne and handed one to him. Drinking it a little too quickly, her gaze stayed boldly on him as he undid the top button on his shirt.

"I have to tell you that I have had a little too much to drink tonight," he admitted. "So you must forgive me if I'm not too chivalrous."

"Yeah, me too." The limousine bumped and champagne spilled over her chin and down her throat. Chloe licked her lips, watching as his mouth parted in moist offering.

"Come over here," he said, finishing off his drink with one swallow. The glass slipped from his fingers onto the floor. With a low rumble coming seductively from his throat, he motioned her to him.

Captured by his penetrating gaze, Chloe obeyed the command. Opening her mouth, she was about to speak as she sat next to him. She had no time for words. His mouth crushed passionately to hers. Chloe gasped in surprise as she felt his tongue instantly in her mouth. She could taste the stout hint of expensive whiskey on him. His hands grasped her shoulders to keep her from backing away.

"You're a damned sexy woman," he growled against her mouth, as he continued with his deep kiss.

Her fingers shook at the admission, loosening their hold on her champagne glass. Small drops of liquid dripped onto his back before the glass fell to the car floor. It noisily clanked into his discarded glass as the car started and stopped. Everest didn't even notice.

Forcefully, he pushed her to lie back on the seat. His tongue traced over her teeth, exploring her and demanding she explore him with a returned kiss. Discovering the taste of champagne on her neck, his mouth followed the delicious trail. His hands found their way to her legs. Running his fingers over her calves, he massaged them gently before working his way up to her inner thigh. "Those lawyers must know what they're doing, for the moment I saw you I wanted to rip your clothes from you. I'll have to remember to thank them."

"I," Chloe began, but couldn't finish. She was too drunk to think straight and his confident hands felt way too nice against her skin. Everest urged his hardened arousal against her. She was helpless against the firm press of his body, under the slanting of his mouth. Moaning, she ran her hands into his shoulder length hair, pulling it free of its tie.

He chuckled in careless enjoyment against her lips as he broke off the kiss. His hand strayed to her neck to pull the thin dress strap from her shoulder. Tugging it down over one arm, he unveiled her lacy white bra.

Everest groaned in masculine contentment and lightly traced a line over the curves of her breasts. When she sighed in approval, he circled her nipples into hard peaks, leaving them behind lace as he continued lower. Staring mischievously into her aroused eyes, he inched his hand up her skirt. The material bunched around her hips and he growled in delight. His eyebrows rose slightly as he found the matching white panties.

"Mmm," he licked his lips. He rubbed his fingers over the white lace covering her hot center. Chloe jolted in surprise. Chuckling, he nuzzled his face near the top of her breast. Tracing his tongue in a hot wave along the edge of her bra, he murmured hoarsely, "How about we take off our clothes?"

With an expert shift of his hips, his raised manhood was firmly placed against her inner thighs. Chloe moaned as he skillfully thrust himself along her in a slow, controlled stroke. Her hands found his masculine chest. Every inch of him was hard, unrelenting muscle. She fumbled to unbutton his shirt, moaning when she discovered his smooth, bronzed chest.

Giving up on the buttons, she was about to unzip his pants when the car lurched unexpectedly to a stop, startling them with a surprising jolt. Everest rolled off of her and landed on the floor with a thud, barely missing the glasses. Chloe sat up in astonishment, trying to cover herself.

"Are you all right?" she questioned when she had regained her wits.

Before he could answer, the limousine's driver lowered the window between them. Completely aware of what he had interrupted, he said with a chuckle, "We're here, ma'am."

Chloe nodded, taking a deep breath. Glancing longingly at Everest's protruding member pushing against his pants, she uttered, "Can you give us another minute?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I have another client to pick up later tonight. You only have about fifteen minutes here before I have to take you back to the hotel. They're waiting for you inside." The driver turned and stepped out of the car.

Quickly, Chloe covered herself. With a blush fanning her delicate features, she closed her eyes.

Everest growled as he crawled back up on the seat. Leaning to her, he stroked his thumb over the racing pulse at her slender neck. Reluctantly, he mumbled, "Well, I suppose we had best get business over with. Though, you'll be coming back to the hotel with me, right?"

Chloe nodded. Swallowing hard, she said, "I have nowhere else to be."

"Good," Everest sighed in relief. Then, taking a deep breath and then another, he asserted, "I need a drink if I'm going to be forced to wait."

He grabbed a bottle of hard liquor from the bar. Taking several gulps, he swallowed it to combat his raging desire. Then, handing the bottle to his companion's outstretched hand, he watched as she followed suit.

© copyright August 2004, Michelle M. Pillow

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

 REVIEWS

4.5 Flames

"This is a great book to read if you love stories that start off as a mix up. Everest is a sexy man with an alpha attitude that will have your toes curling. Chloe is a strong yet weak willed heroine, who will make you want to scream. Together this couple is explosive both in bed and out of it. Everest's grandfather and his match making ways bring about comic relief. The sex is hot and this couple compliments each other perfectly as the city girl and the country boy. I recommend this book if you want a great read with a great plot."

Reviewer: Angel Brewer
August 30, 2004

Enchanted in Romance

 4 UNICORNS!

"Mountain’s Captive is a sweet love story between two loners that come together in passion ....  The well-developed characteristics of Chloe and Everest make them easy to fall in love with.  Michelle M. Pillow’s secondary characters are equally wonderful. ...  I recommend Mountain’s Captive if you like a sweet romance."

Nikita

Romance Reviews Today

"MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE is an offbeat, humorous tale about life's funny quirks...

MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE is Michelle M. Pillow's first foray into contemporary romance, and she has done an excellent job of capturing the reader's interest. Ms. Pillow has crafted a witty story with quirky characters and situations, and readers will root for Chloe and Everest to make it as a couple. I highly recommend MOUNTAIN'S CAPTIVE for anyone looking for a fun tale."

 AWARDS AND RANKINGS

2004 CAPA - Best Contemporary