Dark secrets platinum se.., p.1
Dark Secrets (Platinum Security Book 4), page 1
Dark Secrets
Kelly Myers
Copyright © 2021 by Kelly Myers
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Also by Kelly Myers
Daddy Knows Best Series:
My Secret Daddy || Yes Daddy || Forbidden Daddy || Billionaire Daddy
Searching for Love Series:
Frenemies with Benefits || Breaking All The Rules || Fake Heartbreak || Against All Odds
Platinum Security Series:
Dark Kisses || Dark Riches || Dark Sins || Dark Secrets
Contents
Also by Kelly Myers
Blurb
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
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Excerpt: My Secret Daddy
Other books in this series
Invitation to join Kelly’s Newsletter
Blurb
He’s a bad boy in danger.
The same man I should stay miles away from.
I’ve got no intention of falling in love with Bastian.
But he’s taking my heart… piece by piece every single day.
I want to trust him. I want to tell him how I feel.
But there’s no way our reality will allow that.
Bastian is wild.
I know because I work for his older brother.
Little did I know that I would be dragged into his life.
But then he showed up at my doorstep with a knife wound.
My jaw dropped to the floor.
My heart began to palpitate.
And I only had one choice… to take him in.
Something tells me that he’s out to harm me… If I can’t trust him with my heart, can I at least trust him with my life?
Chapter One
Harlow
I sit in a satin-trimmed chair at the edge of a cliff in Malibu and feel a smile tug on my lips as the celebrity wedding of the decade begins. Despite everyone in town wishing they had an invite to beloved starlet Easton Ross’s nuptials to her former bodyguard and bad boy Jaxon Wilder, only a handful of close friends are present.
And, I am lucky enough to be one of them because I recently began working at Jax’s company, Platinum Security. There’s no question he had a rough time getting the business up off the ground and nearly had to close, but when Easton hired him to protect her from a stalker, his reputation and clients increased dramatically. Enough so, that he could hire more people, including me. And, now, we’re like a little dysfunctional family.
The small office in East Hollywood is dominated by alpha males with plenty of deadly government training that provides them with a certain skill set to work as bodyguards, locators, investigators, troubleshooters and any other shady job clients pay them to do. They consist of former Navy SEALs, ex-CIA operatives and Jax himself was LAPD. Until he was let go for bad behavior. Although, in my book, revenge isn’t necessarily bad.
Sometimes, it’s deserved.
Until I came along, the ragtag group of anti-heroes was seriously lacking in one major area. Besides estrogen. And, that’s someone with hacker skills. I had worked with Griff Lawson when he was CIA so he referred me to Jax and now here I am.
And, lucky for them. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m the best of the best. I can find anything by digging deep online. The Dark Web is my best friend and coding keeps me sane.
Lately, the estrogen in the office has increased, though. These macho men have been falling like dominoes and meeting their matches. Love is definitely in the air and I glance over where Lexi Ryder sits next to me. Her fingers are entwined with Griff Lawson’s and they are next in line to walk down the aisle.
On the other side of them sits Ryker Flynn, his gaze glued to Avery Archer-Flynn who is closer to the action, snapping pictures. She’s a former CIA analyst turned photographer and Easton asked her to shoot the wedding. Ryker and Avery recently came back from a dangerous adventure down in Columbia and my head is still spinning from their complete 180-degree flip from hate to love to marriage.
But, there’s no denying how good they look together. And, from what I know, all the men at P.S. had been haunted by troubled pasts and demons. Until these amazing women came into their lives and helped them pick up their broken pieces.
And, here I sit, by myself. No boyfriend. No date. Not even the possibility of a special someone.
That’s kind of how it’s been the past 30 years. I was never the girl who always had a boyfriend. I didn’t go to my prom in high school or date fraternity guys in college and I never really fit into any of the cliques or social circles. I’ve always been more of a loner and prefer my laptop to a relationship.
Lately, though, I can’t help but wonder what it might be like to meet that special someone. Problem is, I’m never interested in anyone for very long. A date here or there, maybe a hook-up, but then I lose interest and would rather be nose-deep online.
Is something wrong with me? I wonder. Have I been wasting my best years and one day I’m going to wake up, be 50 years old and completely alone?
God, that’s depressing, but at this rate, it’s exactly where I’m headed.
It’s hard for me to open up, though. I hate being vulnerable. I’ve always been tough and a tomboy. I grew up with two older brothers, both former military, and they taught me how to be strong, independent and swear like a sailor. I’m not some weak, wilting flower who needs a man in her life or she has no purpose, no identity. Like my Mom before she died. I know who I am and I know what I want.
Unfortunately, I just can’t seem to find it.
Honestly, until I saw it firsthand for myself at Platinum Security, I questioned if real, all-consuming love actually existed or if it was just something Hollywood and romance novels sold to desperate hearts. As nice as those movies and books may be, they don’t keep you warm on a cold December night. And, even here in Southern California, the temperature drops in winter and I need to pull out my flannel sheets because there is no male body in my bed to keep me warm.
Other than my brothers who I don’t see very often because they don’t live near me, I’ve never had a good male role model to look up to. My Dad, the infamous Robert Vaughn, is a thief, a liar and an inmate serving 10-15 at the California State Prison in Lancaster.
Yep, good ‘ol Daddy had quite the career as a successful thief until the law finally caught up with him. He’s served five years of his sentence and I’ve never visited him. He emails me every blue moon, but I don’t write him back. I have nothing to say to the man who broke my Mom’s heart and left his family.
The ceremony is short and sweet. Before I know it, the priest pronounces Jax and Easton husband and wife. And, Jax drops his dark head and kisses Easton like she’s the very oxygen he needs to breathe. When a lock of his hair falls forward, she pushes it back with a slim hand and they share a smile.
We all burst into applause and whistles as they turn and face us, holding hands.
“May I present to you-- Mr. and Mrs. Jaxon Wilder!” the priest announces.
I can’t help but smile. I’m happy for them and wish them a lifetime of love. I know they both have had rough roads to love and deserve every good thing life has to offer. As they walk down the small aisle and pass us, Griff tosses Jax a salute. “Way to go, Jaxston!”
Only Griff, I think, and laugh. Jaxston is the name given to them by the media and Jax hates the attention and spotlight that they’re thrust into at times. But, when you marry America’s Sweetheart, it comes with the territory. That’s why Easton made sure the wedding was small and quiet. If helicopters and paparazzi showed up, she claimed Jax would leave her at the altar.
But, we all know that is not true. From the look in his dark eyes, the man is head over heels in love with the raven-haired beauty.
I feel kind of bad, though, because I know Jax really wanted his younger brother to be here, but there’s no sign of him. Not that I know what he looks like since he never comes around. Hell, Easton hasn’t even met her new brother-in-law yet.
I don’t know much about Sebastian Wilder other than he sounds like a wild card and a loner. A lost soul. Probably a lot like Jax before he met Easton.
Men like that…
I shake my head. I know them too well. My Dad was always involved with the wrong people and it didn’t take him long to turn to a life of crime. He’s extremely intelligent and likes to challenge himself. It’s a shame he didn’t put his talents to better use like my brothers and the men at P.S.
But, no, my Dad became a renowned thief. The feather in his cap and, ironically his downfall, was the job where he managed to steal $20 million in diamonds from a Saudi Arabian prince who's worth an estimated $14.3 billion.
Sure, that was a drop in the bucket for the p rince, but to the average person, twenty million in diamonds is life-changing. But, I don’t think my Dad did it for the money. Like I said, he always appreciated a good challenge.
The funny part is, they may have gotten my Dad, but they never found the diamonds.
And, as much as my Dad and I have always had a tempestuous relationship, I can’t help but admire him just a little. But, I would never admit it. He’s clever beyond comparison and charming beyond measure. I think I inherited his cleverness, and I’ve taken that cunning, quick-wit and savviness and turned it into the most amazing hacking skills you can imagine.
Dane and Rafe, my brothers, inherited his charm. No doubt about it. They’re both extremely tall, athletic and possess a magnetism that can dazzle even the most cold-hearted women. Trust me. I’ve seen it.
I am the complete opposite. Zero charm, a little rough around the edges and I’m pretty damn sure that no man is stopping in his tracks to admire my boring brown hair and plain Jane looks. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I do well with what I have, but when I look at Easton, Lexi and Avery, they all have some striking feature or two that sets them apart from everyone else.
Easton’s green eyes sparkle like emeralds; Lexi’s copper hair resembles the stunning autumn foliage; and Avery looks like a Victoria’s Secret model with her angelic looks, bedhead blonde hair and cornflower blue eyes.
And, here I am. Harlow Vaughn, normally hunched over a computer, brown hair in a ponytail, dull blue-gray eyes probably behind a pair of glasses and not a stitch of makeup. I’d blame it on the fact that I grew up with two brothers, but Lexi also has a brother and she isn’t nearly the tomboy that I am.
I just don’t care about makeup, perfume and dressing up. I’m comfortable in my sweatpants, t-shirt and slippers. A little too comfortable and that’s why I decided to finally pry myself out of my dark apartment and force myself to go into an office to work.
I’m 30 now, but the last five years or so, I’m kind of embarrassed to say, have been me and my beloved computers in the spare bedroom in my apartment. Totally absorbed in work. I have a lot of connections and people know to contact ShadowWalker, my handle, when they need a job done.
I don’t want to be like my Dad, but, damn, how can I ignore the similarities? I spend all day on the Dark Web, involved in shady undertakings for clients who I never physically meet. We just exchange information online and I start digging through all my illegal back channels. After I find out what they need, and I always do, they wire me payment.
It’s been a profitable, but lonely existence.
When Griff referred me to Jax, I wasn’t sure at first. Working in an office and for someone else made me think I’d lose some of the freedom I have. But, it also forces me out of my apartment and comfort zone.
Jax assured me that I could work as a freelance contractor for them and that I didn’t have to come into the office every day from 9-5 like a worker bee. So, I accepted his offer almost two months ago and so far it’s been pretty perfect.
It’s forcing me to meet people, getting me out of my dingy apartment and I’m really starting to make genuine relationships with the guys and their significant others. It’s also making me feel a little more legit because I have an office now, as silly as that sounds.
The work is still shady as shit which I don’t mind, but something about going into Platinum Security and sitting down at my desk with my mug of coffee makes me feel...more credible. And, appreciated. Jax, Griff and Ryker always make sure to let me know I’m doing a good job and that they wouldn’t be able to function without my hacker skills.
And, it’s nice to feel needed and appreciated.
After Jax and Easton finish their walk down the aisle, we all stand up and get ready to head over to Easton’s mansion up in the Hollywood Hills where there’s going to be a reception. I look forward to the endless flow of her favorite and very expensive French champagne Taittinger’s Blanc de Blancs. It’s going to be quite the celebration, I think. Especially since Ryker and Avery eloped recently and we haven’t had the chance to celebrate yet.
Yes, I’m looking forward to drinking some bubbly and mingling with my friends for the next couple of hours. Then, probably heading back to the office for a little late night work.
I have no idea that my life is about to change dramatically and the dark whirlwind known as Sebastian Wilder is about to tear into my life like a tornado.
Chapter Two
Bastian
I lean my shoulder against a tree, staying out of sight, and watch my older brother kiss his wife. They make a striking couple, but never in a million years would I have thought my big brother would get married. And, to a celebrity. I haven’t been around in the past year, but what the hell have I missed?
Apparently, quite a lot.
I’ve never seen Jax look so happy. His normally sad and haunted look is gone and he’s fucking beaming. No doubt about it. My big bro is in love. Deep, head over heels, can’t-live-without-Easton Ross in love.
I’m happy for him, but I can’t relate.
I’ve never been in love. Not even close.
And, that’s fine. No, thank you. Love is some intangible feeling that makes people do weird, out-of-character things. Plus, it makes you vulnerable and I hate feeling exposed, powerless and at someone else’s mercy.
Fuck that.
I’m a screw-up, I know it and can admit it. But, falling in love would just make me a fool, too. Just as the thought crosses my mind, my gaze falls on one of the guests. I didn’t notice her before because I could only see the back of her dark head. But, as Jax and Easton walk down the aisle and someone calls out, “Jaxston!”...she turns her head and laughs.
And, it’s low and breathy and captures my attention.
Whoever she is, something about her makes my pulse speed up a bit. Her long, thick chestnut hair hangs down her back and when I get a look at her face, I squint a little, trying to see her better. But, she’s too far away.
But, what little I do see, I like. A lot.
Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I watch my brother and his new wife head toward a black SUV with tinted windows and mentally congratulate them. I know Jax wanted me here so that’s why I made sure to come. But, the last thing I wanted to do was mess up his day and I have a tendency to fuck things up. Royally. It’s the one consistent thing about me. So, it’s better that I stay in the shadows where I’m most comfortable.
Out of sight, out of mind.
I want Jax to focus on his bride and their upcoming honeymoon. Not on his little brother who hasn’t shown his cowardly face since Maddy died a year ago. I press my hand over my heart where her name is tattooed. Madison. An ache fills me when I think about her.
Guilt, too, because I should’ve stopped the assholes who murdered her. I knew them, associated with them, and I blame myself for her death even though it wasn’t directly my fault. More like guilt by association. But, that doesn’t make it any more bearable.
Maddy was the middle child, stuck between me and Jax. Poor thing. We tortured her mercilessly growing up, but she dished it right back. She learned to be tough, play in the dirt and didn’t take our shit.
We were a close-knit group until our parents died in a head-on car collision when I was ten. Jax, Maddy and I went to live with our Aunt Rita and she did her best to try to instill some manners and religion, but we were a wild bunch. Jax and I slept during Sunday school and ran with the crowd who were known as troublemakers.
As the oldest, Jax believed his job was to take care of us and he took it very seriously. Even though we’ve always both been a couple of bad boys, Jax became a cop and was with LAPD for ten years. He always had this innate need to protect others so it wasn’t a surprise. Then, when Maddy died, he fell apart. We both did, but he felt it on a different level. When the shit went down, Jax vowed revenge, went after her killers and almost died.
