Heaven Sent

HEAVEN SENT

TRACEY DALZIEL-BUSH

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Tracey Dalziel-Bush

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This work is registered with the

UK Copyright Service:

Registration No284660900

ISBN-13: 978-0-9574679-2-7

Ebook Formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

For my father, William Dalziel, who is forever in my thoughts.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

With thanks to my mum Mary, sisters Jeanette and Sharon and also, Lynn Simpson, Norma Woods and Kirstie Gregson. And special thanks to Berni Stevens for her cover design. But most of all my sons for all the faith they had in me and all the encouragement they gave and also my husband who supports me unreservedly and who truly is Heaven Sent

Chapter 1

Lilia thrust her hands into her pockets as another shoulder clenching shudder gripped her. It was cold in the shadows and having hardly a stitch on beneath her coat wasn’t helping matters, but needs must. Her date had specifically requested a tall, vivacious, brunette who wouldn’t object if things got a little rough and for all intents and purposes that was exactly what he was going to get. He was late, but fortunately she’d been blessed with the patience of a saint.

Then a haughty, almost wicked smile teased the soft edge of her mouth as she recognised the sure, ever so confident rhythm of his arrogant gait. She drew a contented breath as her gaze drifted across the street to capture his approach.

He climbed the steps to his apartment block stopping midway to exchange pleasantries with a couple she presumed to be neighbours and, despite the man’s efforts to draw her away the woman seemed eager to chat. Lilia found the woman’s flirtatious laughter irritating. Apparently her partner did too, as he practically dragged her down the remaining steps.

She thought it funny how those who commit the most heinous of crimes were often envisioned as grotesque, nightmarish fiends that lurk in the shadows waiting to lure their unsuspecting victims to their doom, when in reality they seldom appear different from your average man on the street. Although, to be fair, Ramon, standing at a little over 6’.4’’ with a body toned by years of discipline, was far from average. Yet, it was his astonishing good looks that were most deceptive.

Fortunately Lilia wasn’t susceptible to his charm. She’d slain many sexual predators since her crusade began and would undoubtedly slay many more, but Ramon was the cherry on the cake. Infuriatingly he hadn’t even registered on her radar until he’d made the fatal mistake of taking the life of her closest friend. And, even though she’d witness the aftermath of many horrific crimes and considered herself hardened to such acts of depravity nothing could have prepared her for what Ramon had done to Gina.

Rage swept through her at the thought, turning her stomach over and leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, but it would serve no purpose to rub salt into such a raw wound, especially when she needed to remain focused. She released a deep breath and pushed the thought away as she stepped back further into the shadows

Ramon stood in the open door for a moment then turned back around. He couldn’t see her yet his penetrating gaze remained locked on her location nonetheless. She considered stepping out to greet him, he was expecting her, after all. Well, an extremely expensive escort with masochistic tastes, actually, but he’d still think it strange to find her lurking in the dark.

Then he smiled.

Her heart skipped a beat then began to pound so fiercely the quickening stole her breath away as she tried to focus on Ramon’s face. Was he smiling at her? It seemed he was. A cruel, taunting smile that had the hairs on the back of her neck bristling as an icy chill crept up her spine. But she’d be damned if she would heed the infuriating desire to run and hide. The twisted smirk was still on his face as he turned and went inside closing the door behind him with a casual flick of the hand.

Lilia was little over sensitive were Ramon was concerned, which was understandable under the circumstances yet totally unprofessional. She could have just shot him instead of getting up close and personal, but then she wouldn’t have the pleasure of seeing his face when she told him who she was. And, grisly or not, she wanted to see the life drain from him as she slid the long, thin blade of her dagger straight through his cold, black heart.

Despite her resolve it took a good five minutes for the dark, ever present need for retribution to disperse the overwhelming sense of foreboding that had engulfed her. Lilia emerged from the shadows and strode across the street, skipped up the steps and entered Ramon’s apartment block unhindered. She took the stairs rather than the elevator and although she’d practically sprinted up to the tenth floor she wasn’t out of breath when she knocked on his door.

She’d barely lowered her hand when the door swung open and the full force of Ramon’s penetrating gaze held her captive. His handsome looks were all the more sinister for knowing what he was capable of. Her heart slammed against her chest and her stomach swirled as a rush of adrenaline swept through her entire body, yet it did little to disperse the sense of unease looming over her. To her credit she managed an enticing smile.

Mr Blur, she said tilting her head slightly to one side, her teeth toying with corner of her lip, a playful twinkle in her eyes, I’m Pasha. Her fingers slipped through the belt of her coat and then eased it open. The black patent leather bustier clung to her like a second skin, flaunting the creamy swell of her breasts which peeked over the cups in an open invitation. The matching micro-mini was little more than a belt, revealing the pale, satin smooth skin of her thighs before they disappeared into thigh length patent leather boots.

Ramon had been waiting for this moment for what seemed an eternity, so a few minutes more, while she played out her masquerade was nothing. His gaze drifted over her. She was as sexy as hell, but it was her arrogance that inflamed him further. He dragged a long, slow breath into his lungs in an attempt to soothe the urge to take her right then and there.

You’re late, he said yet stepped aside to let her enter.

Lilia stepped inside, shuddering inwardly as the caress of a deathly cold hand crept up her spine. She bit down hard on the inside of her lip to dispel the sensation and tasted blood. She swallowed both the blood and her unease, as she was more than capable of dealing with Ramon.

Ramon closed the door behind her and ushered her into the main room. He took her coat, draped it over his arm then turned away. Funnily enough he was starting to enjoy her little charade. Pour yourself a drink, I’ll be with you in a moment, he said with a backward glance then made his way through to an adjoining room.

Lilia poured a large shot of Vodka into a tall glass, hoping to take the edge off her nerves and as there didn’t appear to be any mixers she swallowed it neat. The acrid, almost chemical taste scorched the back of her throat and she coughed dryly, her eyes watering as a warm glow spread through her. She hadn’t really thought about how far she was willing to go in order to achieve her goal yet the thought of Ramon touching her was more than she could stomach.

She put the glass back onto the counter and turned to survey the apartment.

The room was spacious with high ceilings and ornate plasterwork. His taste in furnishings was rather traditional, but as you would expect there was an array of hi-tech gadgetry. An obscenely huge flat screen television with the usual accoutrements, a state-of-the-art audio system and a lifeless laptop lay on the arm of a chair.

Logs crackled in the fireplace, their flames flickering across the black marble floor like lightning in the night sky. The temperature in the room was making her outfit even more uncomfortable. Even the draft from the open French windows did little to alleviate the heat.

Gossamer drapes danced in the breeze, swirling this way and that, like phantoms of the night they beckoned for her to join them. Lilia shuddered then pushed the notion aside. She’d waited long enough to get Ramon and tonight was the night, there would be no going back.

Ramon watched her every move from the hallway. Everything about her fascinated him and with that wealth of chocolate brown hair cascading down her back he wanted nothing more than to wrap the silken strands around his fist and hold her to him forever. He knew who she was and more importantly why she’d come, which served only to heightened his insatiable desire for her, and after tonight she’d be his for all eternity. Unable to resist a moment longer he glided toward her.

Lilia turned from the window to find Ramon behind her. She stepped back, the hairs on the back of neck bristling, but still managed an alluring smile. She wouldn’t allow him to set the pace, though, truth be told, she didn’t have a clue what to do next.

Why the hell hadn’t she just put a bullet between his eyes?

She glanced at the drinks tray as she swept a lock of hair from her eyes. There didn’t appear to be any mixers, she said, unable to think of anything else to say. Ramon didn’t respond, yet took a step closer to counter her retreat. Her stomach swirled as she raised a restraining hand to his shoulder. Be an angel and pour me a drink, she said, her fingers toying with the collar of his shirt.

A taunting smile curved the hard edge of his mouth as he took another step closer, his hands rising swiftly, knocking her arm away as he seized the sides of her head in an unbreakable grip.

Take it easy tiger, she cajoled yet there was no denying the trepidation in her tone. She needed to stall him long enough to work out how she was actually going to do this. Ramon was expecting a feisty romp so she wasn’t too surprised by his aggressiveness, it was the look in his eyes that alarmed her.

Lilia would fight him tooth and nail if she realized what was happening; fortunately her little charade was working to his advantage. His grip tightened as he sucked air through his teeth.

Lilia gasped as the pressure in his hands increased. He pulled her to him, lifting her off the floor so she teetered on the tips of her toes. His smile had slipped away leaving his face completely expressionless, a stark contradiction to the fierce, possessive glare of his eyes. She struggled to get free, only the more she struggled the tighter his hold became. She struck him in the face with her two clenched fists yet the impact barely registered on his face. Then, he smiled, a cruel, wicked smile that had her heart slamming against her chest. Frantically she reached for the dagger concealed in her boot, yet couldn’t quite get her fingers to it.

He swallowed her scream as his mouth pressed hard and aggressive against hers, taking her where she stood. She felt weightless yet the pressure in her head was unrelenting, then the room around her simply disappeared and she was plunged into darkness.

Something moved, slithered toward her, a presence so horrific it was inconceivable to think of it as human. It weaved through her legs, climbed higher, devouring her inch by suffocating inch. She screamed, but the sound was consumed by the void. Lilia fought, yet was powerless against such a formidable force. But her soul refused to succumb, refused to let the darkness take her and it screamed to Heaven for salvation before she lost consciousness.

Ramon swept aside her futile mind block to capture her every memory, every desire. Heat scorched him when he realized she was a virgin. So his little fire starter had never given herself up to the sins of the flesh, had never so much as felt a man’s touch. He shuddered with ecstasy. The need to take her right then and there was overwhelming yet he resisted and continued implanting his own depraved memories and desires.

He began the ancient incantation that would bond their souls together, but was thrust from her mind before he could complete the opening lines. A snarl curled his lip. And, despite the disturbance in the atmosphere he held her to him, savoring the warmth of her skin against his chest. The pleasure was short lived as the air thickened with menace and lightning ripped through the night sky like the flash of blades. He threw back his head and roared with fear and uncontrollable rage.

Contempt was stamped into the lines of Louis’s face when he materialized a few feet from Ramon. Louis didn’t recognize the man before him, it was the entity dwelling within him that he was familiar with. And, although Ramon was not without his own power it was pale in comparison to the power that exuded from Louis. He glanced to his right as a spiral of crystal particles danced and swirled to create a kaleidoscope of colour. The vortex stilled and there stood another powerful male. Louis’s groan was indiscernible then he turned the full force of his penetrating gaze back to Ramon.

Ramon’s arms tightened possessively around Lilia. What took you so long? he scoffed, hatred evident in his gaze. Perhaps you’re not the great hunter you think you are. He had the audacity to sound disillusioned.

Louis smiled. Yet here I’ am.

Ramon crushed Lilia against the solid wall of his chest. Rage consumed him, but even he wasn’t foolish enough to try to defeat two hunters. And, although the thought of leaving her behind enraged him further he had no other choice. He could find her easily enough and okay he wouldn’t have the element of surprise, but the thrill of the chase would be equally enjoyable.

He bent his head, whispering promises to her in an ancient tongue. His eyelids fluttered down as he inhaled her exquisite scent, nuzzling her neck like a smitten lover and then looked up and smiled at the contempt on both their faces. With a snarl he flung her limp body toward them, and with blurring speed shot through the open French windows.

Leon gave chase as Louis caught Lilia in his arms, lowered her to the floor and then joined the pursuit. Leon had taken to the air, but unfortunately Ramon hadn’t left as much as a vapor trail. Louis stood on the balcony, his mind focused as he scanned every soul in the vicinity, but there was no trace of Ramon. He smashed his fist into the balustrade, splitting the block of granite in two.

The cold marble floor was hard, but it was the pounding in her head that roused her from her stupor, and with every deep penetrating beat the pain increased. She could hear voices and although one sounded strangely familiar she couldn’t recollect to whom it belonged. She tried to clear her thoughts, to understand what was happening, but her mind was a whirlwind of confusion.

Ramon had seized her by the head, that much was clear. His grip so strong and unyielding she couldn’t break free. He’d kissed her, devoured her actually; the rest was a blur. A shiver ran down her spine just thinking about it.

She had a nagging suspicion he’d known her intentions all along.

Lilia stayed down, straining to hear as sure fingers sought assistance. Amazingly her stiletto dagger was still in the secret compartment of her boot. Even more surprising was that he hadn’t taken the custom made revolver from her calf holster. Smiling she slid the blade from its sheath and laid it down beside her, the gun she held on to. It was long and sleek, the weight and coolness of the steel reassuringly familiar in her hand.

She was back in the game.

They strode through the French windows to where Lilia lay. What are we going to do with the woman? Leon asked.

Lilia's heart raced as adrenaline rich blood swept through her. The odds were stacked against her, but she was willing to fight to the death as long as she took Ramon with her.

Louis shook his head as his gaze drifted over her. Her clothes left little to the imagination. He stepped astride her, leaned forward, took her by the shoulder and gently turned her over.

Lilia brought both hands up as she rolled over. With nothing more than a cursory glance she aimed the revolver at the blond haired man standing to her left. Her main concern was the man looming over her.

Louis couldn’t fail to notice the exceptionally long blade she’d pulled on him, or that the tip was a scant inch from his scrotum, but it was the defiance in her eyes that captured his attention. She was unperturbed by their presence and her unwavering, confident glare refused to release him. She had courage, he’d give her that. Odd, but he couldn’t drag his gaze from hers and no sooner had the idiotic notion crossed his mind did something inside him stir.

To her surprise he didn’t make a move in his defense, or utter a word in protest, he just stared right back at her with eyes so dark blue they were like the midnight sky on a clear, frosty night. A mop of lush black hair fell about his strikingly handsome face. It was hard to say how tall he was, but given her arm was at full stretch, the blade adding a further eight inches she was still short of his groin, making him at least 6’ 6". Now wasn’t the time to admire a well-toned, muscular body, and even if it was her eyes were reluctant to leave the allure of his mouth. She’d put money on him being a good kisser?

Her eyes narrowed. Had she lost her mind completely? She was lying on the floor, surrounded by two capable looking men with not a clue as to where Ramon was. So why was she focusing on his mouth? Probably because he was the epitome of masculine beauty. Yet, despite his heavenly good looks the sense of danger was inescapable.

Lilia stole a glance at his pal. He was leaner, an inch or two small with wavy, collar length sand blond hair. Amusement sparkled from sky blue eyes. She was tempted to ask what was amusing him, but let it go, because no matter how handsome they were, they hadn’t come to party.

Leon was intrigued by Louis’s reaction to the woman. He turned from him to find Lilia looking at him. Care to tell us who you are and what you’re doing here?

Louis’s gaze drifted over her, taking in every detail of the woman lying defiantly between his legs. Cobalt blue eyes held his gaze, one perfectly shaped brow raised at his close scrutiny. He drew a deep breath and dragged his gaze from her mouth. Her creamy complexion seemed translucent against the abundance of chocolate-brown hair flowing in waves to the floor behind her. Regardless of her cheap, wanton attire, she was the essence of natural beauty. His gaze drifted along her slender arm to examine the silver dagger she held firmly to his groin. A long, thin blade baring the symbol of infinity on both blade and hilt, an intriguing piece and one he felt sure he’d seen before.

Lilia couldn't keep the annoyance from her face or voice as her gaze flicked to Leon. None of your bloody business. She didn’t see Louis move and before she realized what was happening he’d taken the dagger from her. Defiance masked fear as she glared up at him, but she had no hope of controlling her swirling stomach.

Despite her bravado, fear and confusion washed over Louis in tangible waves. It had not been his intention to intimidate her yet judging by the accelerated beat of her heart, he had. He bent toward her and offered his hand. I’m Louis.

His familiar voice filled her with reassurance which was odd as she’d never laid eyes on him. She would definitely have remembered if she had. Reluctantly she re-holstered her weapon and took his hand.

He enveloped her hand in his and pulled her to her feet. And, you are?

Lilia, popped out before she could stop it. Pasha you idiot, Pasha. She glanced around the room. Where the hell’s Ramon?

Leon looked at Louis and then back to Lilia. That’s what we’d like to know, but first of all, what are you doing here?

I’m Ramon’s escort for the evening. She saw no reason to deviate from the original story.

Lilia, I know we’re living in violent times, but escorts aren’t usually armed to the teeth, Louis replied matter-of-factly.

Leon sent her a wolfish smile. We’re not police officers we just need to know what you’re doing here? There was no mistaking the demand in his tone.

Louis glared at Leon out of the corner of his eye then turned his gaze back to Lilia. It’s obvious you had an ulterior motive for coming here and I’m assuming by your penchant for weapons that you came to kill Ramon. What we need to know is who sent you?

There was an edge to his voice, now, an unmistakably dominance that unnerved her more than she cared to admit. They couldn’t possibly know she was there to kill Ramon. They were bluffing, right? A deep frown creased her brow.

Lilia hadn’t realized Louis was still holding her hand and snatched it away as if she’d been burned. She rubbed her palm on her leather clad thigh, but the tingling sensation lingered.

Louis gaze dropped to her thigh, he raised a brow, but the rest of his features remained unmoved. There is no need to fear us Lilia, we mean you no harm. We just need to know who sent you, his voice compelled her to give him the answers he sought.

It was a struggled not to blurt out the whole sorry tale. The agency sent me. One of those S&M trips, more rough than tumble, you know what I mean. But no matter how rough it gets the boss draws a line at us killing the clients. A fleeting smile fell short of her eyes. And don’t flatter yourself, I don’t scare that easily.

Leon laughed and then pretended to clear his throat when Louis glared at him.

See if he left behind anything of importance.

Leon didn’t bother to reply simply pushed himself from the wall he’d been leaning against and went to search the apartment.

Please forgive Leon's rude behavior, for this is an unexpected situation that neither of us is familiar with.

He was smooth alright, but she was nobody’s fool. Something sinister lay just beneath the veneer of civilized grace and charming sophistication. So where is he? Lightning flashed in her eyes, despite the trepidation in her voice.

Allow me to explain. Leon and I have been… Hunting was far too alarming. Searching for Mr. Blur for quite some time now and have only just located him here in New York.

A frown shadowed Lilia’s brow. She knew British Intelligence had a file on Ramon, God only knew who else was after him. Who are you? F.B.I. Interpol?

No, we’re not connected to those organizations. This is a private matter. One you may be able to assist us with, Louis replied.

She gave him her most congenial smile. She didn’t have a clue what was going on and she certainly wasn’t waiting around to find out. I wish I could, she lied, raising her arm to look at her watch, Is that the time already, I really must be going.

Louis stepped closer, the intensity of his eyes captivating her, drawing her into their fathomless depths. Her eyes glazed over, her breathing becoming shallow and she teetered as she fought to keep her eyes open. He reached out to steady her, wrapping his hand around her upper arm in a firm embrace. Her warmth seeped through his pores, taking the chill from his blood as it raced up his arm then flooded his chest, his stomach muscles clenched uncomfortably as an unfamiliar sensation gripped him. Not wanting to analyze the strange phenomenon further he set about retrieving the information she held within.

He raced through her mind fleeting over her entire existence to examine the events leading up to the present moment. Lilia was a professional killer, who’d been trained by the British Secret Service, but she wasn’t here for them, this was personal. She’d been tracking Ramon's movements for a while now and thought she knew all there was to know about him. She believed him a depraved, twisted individual, a sexual deviant capable of inflicting the most heinous of crimes. His most condemning was taking the life of her closest friend a year ago.

Her sorrow washed through him and hot on the heels of the pain and anguish was an unrelenting need for vengeance. Posing as a high class prostitute she’d entered Ramon’s apartment with the sole intention of plunging her silver dagger straight through his pumping heart, but unbeknown to her he’d had plans of his own. He’d ensnared her with his mind, sending her into a trance while searching for the light that burns so very brightly. Fortunately she’d lost consciousness and was unaware of the extreme peril she’d been in. She knew nothing of the preceding events until she’d come to and confronted them.

He was intrigued how this young woman had tracked the elusive demon when he’d failed to do so.

Lilia’s survival instincts kicked in and she stepped back in an attempt to put some distance between them, forcing him to release her arm. She shook off the unnatural sense of serenity. She was far from safe and needed her wits about her with this handsome charmer. Both brows rose into a perfect arch. Well, where is he?

After his failed attempt to take possession of your soul, he fled, Louis said without embellishment, nodding toward the open French windows. He hadn’t meant to tell her so bluntly, if at all. Luckily she didn’t seem to be taking him seriously.

Take possession of my soul, right. The sarcasm literally dripped from her words. She glanced over at the open doors. Oh come on, we’re ten floors up.

Louis’s expression remained stoical. The height is irrelevant. What is important is that you understand how precarious this situation is. Louis was unfazed by her derisive attitude and pleased he hadn’t frightened her with talk of possession.

Lilia strode out onto the balcony. Unperturbed by the cold night air biting at her bare skin she placed her hands on the balustrade and leaned out over the balcony, looking for anything that would serve as an escape route. There wasn’t so much as a measly ledge.

She went back inside, her gaze finding the dark intensity of his. She wasn’t sure what was going on or where Ramon was, but she sure as hell wasn’t waiting around to find out. I need to be going, Lilia said turning away from him in search of her coat. She was glad he didn’t try to stop her because skilled as she was in the art of combat, she knew instinctively that she was no match for him.

Louis’s gaze followed her around the room. Considering she’d encountering one of the most evil beings on earth she was relatively calm and collected. Obviously she was unaware of the threat Ramon posed. She didn’t know what a lucky escape she’d had.

Leon returned from his search, glanced at Lilia then motioned for Louis to join him.

What? Louis asked without taking his eyes from Lilia. Receiving no response he turned to Leon and what he held in his hand.

Leon handed a number of photographs to Louis. Looks like he’s been following her for a while.

Louis studied each photograph. On some Lilia was with family or friends, others showed her walking along a busy street or shopping at the local store. The most disturbing was the one of her entering what appeared to be her apartment. A deep frown shadowed his brow. Ramon didn’t usually play this sort of cat and mouse game with his victims, he took what he wanted then devoured them when they were no longer of any use. What the hell was he up to?

Lilia retrieved her coat from the stand and flung it around her shoulders as she watched Leon pass Louis a dozen or so photographs. They hadn’t divulged their interest in Ramon, which was fine with her because as far as she was concerned they