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  As he moved around her wheelchair, she caught his hand.

  He stilled.

  “Damon, please,” she whispered.

  A deep sigh filled the silence, but he didn’t look at her. His anger trembled through her.

  “Please, what?” He finally turned to gaze her, his eyes were pain-filled. “I’m no good for you.”

  Brook told herself she wouldn’t cry, but tears stung her eyes. She shook her head. “I don’t believe that.”

  He moved quickly, settling his hands on each side of the chair. By his angry expression, he wasn’t moving in to kiss her.

  “You made a wasted trip, Ms. Stone. You were nearly killed because I wasn’t honest with you.

  She reached up and caressed his cheek. He flinched, but she was determined. “I know you were afraid—”

  Damon snorted as he stood. “Afraid? I botched this from the beginning.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Maybe if I’d been honest, you wouldn’t be sitting her in a wheelchair with your feet bandaged.”

  “Or maybe I’d be dead,” she said softly. “You couldn’t have predicted the future.”

  He leaned forward again, glaring, and his nostrils flared. “But I did predict one thing right,” he said and she frowned. “Your disappointment. I’ll never forget the look on your face in the hospital. I wasn’t your hero, Brooke. I failed you and I won’t make that mistake again. Go and enjoy your life.”

  Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Then, why are you here? Why stay close to me? Why send Donavan to look after me?” He had to cave eventually, right?

  “Because no matter my failures, I still need to be close to you, but this is the last time we will ever see each other.” He heaved a harsh breath. “I’ll see you out.”

  As he tried to pull away, Brooke’s hands sank into his damp hair, and her lips planted over his lips. The surprised sound in his throat turned into a groan. His tongue rolled with hers, making her shake with familiar lust and need. She twisted her hands in his hair, tugging him closer.

  Damon fell to his knees in front of her, yanking away. Between his flushed face and torn expression, he struggled. “I can’t do this with you, baby,” he grated, his face contorting with his struggle. “If I touch you, I’ll never survive goodbye.”

  She raised her chin. “I’m not leaving.” She reached up to caress his face. “I love you, Damon.”

  If anything, he paled, appearing sick. “How?” he asked with a measure of disbelief. “How can you love a liar?”

  One tear fell. Then another. Brooke didn’t bother to brush them aside. He had earned her tears, and she reveled in their cleansing power. “Who do you see when you look at me?” she asked, not bothering to answer his question.

  His breaths quickened, and his eyes narrowed. “I know what you’re doing and it won’t work.”

  A watery smile curved her trembling lips. “What am I doing?”

  “I loved Olivia, but she’s not you. I never worried about her like I do you. I never needed to reassure myself she was okay and stay close to her,” he whispered. “She was the beginning of my story—”

  “I want to be your last page, Damon,” Brooke interrupted, her hand smoothing over his chest. His warm skin felt divine under her hand, his heart pounding against her palm. “You’re everything I need. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Each moment I see you, I stop breathing for a second. You make me crazy,” he said, his hand caressing over her arm to her face. He cupped her cheek, smoothing away her tears. “When I first met you, I had every intention of telling you the truth, but the words left me. The more time I spent with you, the more I wanted you—and the further I moved away from telling you the truth. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

  She linked her hands with his. “Then live life with me, Damon, because I can’t imagine another moment without you.” Her face took on a gleam of happiness. “Nothing takes the pain away like true love.”

  He brought up their linked hands and smoothed her skin against his face. A soft smile curved his lips, his sea beauty eyes filling with something wicked. “Where to, Ms. Stone?”

  “Anywhere—as long as it’s with you.” Her hands traveled up around his neck, caressing his damp hair. “We have a new beginning. Let’s begin now.”

  Damon moved to his feet, scooping her up in his arms. He nuzzled his cheek against hers “I love you, Brooke.”

  THE END

  About The Author

  Beth Mikell is an avid reader and writer across many genres. She is a native Floridian, yet at thirteen, her family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, she traveled to many countries such as Brazil, Turkey, and Iran. When it comes to writing, Beth likes to weave tales about love, loss, and rebuilding hope, either in fiction or poetry. She finds the most challenging part of writing to be the end—saying goodbye is never easy.

  Find out more at www.bethmikell.com. Follow my blog and receive email updates for the latest.

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  Thank you for taking the time to read Beneath Her Skin. I'd really appreciate it if you could spare some time to write a review for my book. It will help me reach more people. Thank you for your support.

  Best wishes, Beth M.

  Beneath Her Skin Amazon Link

  Other Booksby Beth Mikell

  Shawn Angel Mystery Novels

  On Paid Leave (Book 1)

  Romance Novels

  A Serenade with Beauty (A Kurdish Love Story)

  Second Chances (Romantic Suspense Novella)

  Aftermath (Romantic Suspense Novella)

  Beneath Her Skin (Romantic Suspense)

  Essence (Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novella)

  Love Unplugged (Short Story)

  Knights of the Imperial Elite Series

  The Imperial Arm (Book 1)

  The Atonement (Book 2)

  Armed Judgement (Book 3)

  Knights of the Imperial Elite (Boxed set)

  Immortal Stain Series

  The Nysein: Salvation (Book 1)

  The Nysein: Release (Book 2

  The Nysein: Glimmer (Book 2.5)

  Also Beth Mikell writing as Jessa Ely

  Desperate Whispers

  A Rude Awakening (Love & Lies Book 1)

  A Beautiful Chaos (Love & Lies Book 2)

  The Kale Alpha (A Wolf Shifter Novella)

  *Each story is a standalone, regardless of series*

  **Some books are available on Kindle Unlimited**

  Want more romance?

  Check out my FREE stories on Wattpad. Vote while you’re there. Leave me reviews or comments. Download the Wattpad app for easy convenience.

  Coming 2017

  Under the Sun

  Author Note: A portion of Under the Sun crosses the timeline of Beneath Her Skin and some familiar characters make a reappearance.

  Jennifer West lives a vibrant life, taking risks in her personal life…one man at a time. Her horn bee mentality is about to bite her in the butt. On her quest to find Mr. Right, she meets Jake Donavan. Finally—a man with some serious sex appeal. Yet he falls under the Mr. Wrong category. He’s an ex-black ops agent, working head of security for S-Tec. Her curious mugging sends up a red flag and Donavan works behind the scenes to discover her attacker, but Jennifer fights against his investigation. There is something she doesn’t want him to discover, yet no secret can stay buried forever. As her stalker closes in, Donavan shows Jennifer his gentle side—a man he hasn’t allowed himself to be in a long time.

  Whatever their allowed happiness, danger will find them...

  Prologue

  Jake Donavan’s boss, Damon Sinclair, asked him to follow Ms. Stone.

  Stay close, he had said.

  When she had entered a familiar building, Donavan had burned with shock. Was the Big Man Upstairs taking out his pound of flesh for his choices? He certainly thought so as he stared up at the expensive apartment complex.

  He immediately whipped his phone o
ut, dialing S-Tec Security, reaching Kirk Mitchell, the head honcho. He wasted no time with his request.

  “Mitchell, I need to verify an address.” He rattled off the location.

  The other man huffed. “Hugo is more than capable of such remedial tasks.”

  Kirk Mitchell was an A-Class prick, but he tolerated him for the sake of his job. “Just do it,” he bit out, hearing the clack of the keyboard.

  Kirk huffed. “It’s called Skyros Apartments and the list of tenants is extensive. Which door number?”

  “Penthouse.”

  More silence, and then Kirk said, “It’s leased to a Jennifer Anne West.”

  “Cross check that with Brooke Stone,” Donavan said, wondering how deeply he was screwed.

  “Brooke Stone? You know she’s—”

  “I know who she is to the boss man,” he growled. “I just need to know if there is a relationship between the two women.”

  “Wow,” Kirk murmured under his breath. “Testy much.”

  Mitchell had no idea.

  “According to my records,” Kirk said, clearing his throat. “Ms. Stone and Ms. West attended Penn State together. And—”

  “That’s all.” Donavan killed the call, not bothering with more. He wasn’t in the mood. He didn’t need to hear that the two women were sorority sisters or whatever. He knew he was fucked.

  He stared thoughtfully up at the building, memories swarming his mind. He’d been there a month ago.

  Her name was Jennifer.

  He hadn’t known it before now. At any given moment, he could have searched her out and discovered her name for himself, but he hadn’t. He’d stubbornly wanted their time together to be the height of memorable, and knowing her name would have tainted his experience. In his mind, he’d built her up as a magical fairy—something precious and beautiful. And unattainable for anything lasting. Sometimes he relived each moment with her, only to tuck her away for safekeeping. Such torture didn’t help, especially when fate wanted to kick his ass for walking away.

  After nearly two hours of waiting, Jennifer, Ms. Stone, and a swarm of women exited the building. He knew his place and he knew his job, but a sharp pain hit Donavan in the chest when he saw the woman who’d haunted his dreams.

  His gaze was glued to Jennifer. She appeared so lovely. Each woman wore the same kind of shirt, exposing the shoulders. Jennifer’s was blue. She looked so vibrant and sassy. Her red hair brushed her shoulders, so sweet and innocent, but he knew how explosive she was. She’d shaken him down with her lips and hands, leaving a permanent mark on his soul.

  But he couldn’t tell her.

  He had a job to do.

  Protect Brooke Stone.

  Swallowing back his lust, desire, and wishes, he focused on his mission. He’d do what he needed to do.

  Part One

  ~ 1 ~

  Bel-Air - May

  Jennifer West strode down Main Street with her Penn State girls—the ones she loved and trusted with her whole heart. Especially Brooke Stone. She eyed her best friend, loving how beautifully confident she appeared in her purple halter and badass jeans. Yep, her girl looked hot and she needed this night to blow off steam. Life had thrown her girl a shit-ton of curveballs after losing her uncle to cancer and a wad of bills to pay.

  But no more.

  Tonight Jennifer and Brooke would shake off their hectic workweeks and have some much-needed fun.

  Mike was just what Jennifer needed. He was about average height with wavy brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. So lean, the guy could work a pair of jeans. They’d met after her decision to try skydiving; a feat she’d truly enjoyed. He’d been her instructor, and they’d hit it off. One drink. Two drinks. They’d ended up parting their zippers.

  He met her and her girls at the door of her favorite bar, Looney’s. His team of dudes swarmed the front entrance, looking all hot and magnificent, like a surfer squad of yumminess. This would be a great night, full of fun and excitement.

  She had faith.

  He snatched her up in his arms, laying a hot kiss across her lips. Nope. He did absolutely nothing for her—just like their night had been. Stale. Lifeless. Forgettable.

  She knew deep down, she couldn’t continue this path of guys and too many nights, but she hated to think her life would boil down to her own company in her high-rise apartment...alone. Yet she wasn’t game for more forgettable moments either.

  Something had to change.

  As her party people moved ahead of her to enter Looney’s, she lagged a bit. Not that she minded. There was no reason to appear too eager.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Jennifer saw him. The him she thought she’d never see again.

  Donavan.

  He is here?

  Her lusty reaction flamed.

  She chalked up her horn bee response to him as normal. He hit at least 6’4 of pure muscle—the kind that resembled The Rock, but hotter. His close cropped hair added to his sexy factor too. The pure chocolate sin of his eyes held a darkness beyond color, a mystery she’d never solved in their brief time together. He had a Roman nose with high cheekbones down to firm lips, a mouth that knew every inch of her. They had met about a month ago and hooked up. She wouldn’t think about him now. Maybe he’d leave if she ignored him.

  She had to forget him and she’d make herself. Her brain was on board with that concept, but tell that to her heart. Giving herself a mental shake, she would turn a corner on his dark and dangerous vibe, filing his onetime night under ‘Hopeless.’

  Donavan’s dark eyes were narrowed and his firm, drive-me-wild lips were set in a firm line. He towered over her, making her feel all soft and feminine.

  He is too close.

  She hated that she cared.

  He invaded her personal space, his hand enclosing her wrist in a firm grip. “I need to speak with you, Red.”

  Jennifer jerked her arm away. “I have nothing to say to you,” she volleyed, taking a step forward, trying to escape him.

  “What game are you playing at?” he growled. “I have something serious to say to you.”

  He crowded her, as if he were trying to intimidate her. Her jaw hardened. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

  She knew she was being bitchy, but he chose now to act as if he gave a crap? That he knew her? No, not happening. Butt hurt, she would not be. As far as she knew, he didn’t even know her name. That wasn’t grounds for an urgent conversation.

  Underneath Looney’s lights overhead, his jaw ticked and his lips thinned. “Don’t play the ‘I don’t know you’ card, Jennifer. I wouldn’t have reached out if wasn’t important.”

  She bristled. How long had he known her name? Taken off guard, she didn’t want to deal with him right now. She twisted away before he could say another word. She had serious doubts that she’d hunt him down to rehash their time together.

  What is the point?

  Mike met her inside, his hands circling her waist. He drew her close and kissed the end of her nose. “Is everything okay, baby?”

  Jennifer pasted on a smile, wishing he were the big oaf she’d left outside. Such were pipe dreams.

  “Absolutely,” she said in a bright tone, hoping to sound convincing. She smoothed her hands up his arms, leaning close. “Do me a favor tonight.”

  He nodded. “Name it.”

  “My friend, Brooke, needs some extra fun tonight.”

  His eyebrow went up. “You thinking a threesome?” He shrugged. “I haven’t had one of those in a while. I’m game.”

  She rolled her eyes. “No. Jeez, you perv. I was thinking that you could ask some of your buddies to help her out with some body shots. Make her feel special.”

  A grin curved his lips. “Point her out and we’ll handle the rest.”

  That was easy, she thought. Anything for her best girl.

  “Let’s go get some drinks,” he murmured.

  Jennifer tried to pretend her encounter with Donavan didn’t matter. Yet she found herself looking for him.
Her eyes sought him out, finding a heap of disappointment when she couldn’t locate him in the sea of nameless faces.

  After ordering some drinks with Mike, Jennifer threw a wink at Carlos, the bartender. She’d been here enough to know him and they’d recently begun chatting online, but he was like all men—wanting into her panties. She wasn’t feeling it. Not anymore.

  As she and Mike made their way over to their table, she found one of Mike’s friends next to Brooke. Jennifer shooed him away, flopping down in his chair, leaning close to Brooke’s ear. “You okay, baby doll?”

  She nodded. “Fine.”

  Her friend didn’t appear fine. Jennifer pulled a face. “Good fine? Or angry fine?” She worried about her. If Brooke didn’t lose her doom and gloom expression soon, she didn’t know what else to do. Her friend had been battling too much stress for one so young. At this rate, she’d need Botox soon.

  Her friend shrugged, not answering. Mike arrived with their drinks, a pitcher of beer for the guys and Red Silk Panties for the ladies. Now the fun could start.

  Grabbing two glasses of Red Silk, she handed one to Brooke and clinked their glasses together. Jennifer hardly had a chance to set her empty glass down before Mike was yanking her onto the dance floor.

  She hoped for a wonderful night—a night to forget all about Donavan.

  ****

  Donavan strode along the opposite street until the group of women stopped outside Looney’s.

  Talk about hair of the dog.

  He crossed the street, nearly losing his shit when some guy drew Jennifer up in his arms, laying a kiss on her lips.

  What the hell?

  He fisted his hands, ready to lay the guy out, but the look on her face told him she hadn’t minded. In the dark recesses of his heart, a pang boiled, festered, and then bubbled out to shake him. A little voice whispered in the back of his head...