Polar Opposites (In Aeternum Book 4)
Read Polar Opposites (In Aeternum Book 4) Online
Authors: Aliyah Burke
Tags: #Erotic Romance Fiction
A Totally Bound Publication
Polar Opposites
ISBN #
978-1-78430-112-5
©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2014
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright July 2014
Edited by Rebecca Douglas
Totally Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing,
Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a
heat rating
of
Totally Sizzling
and a
Sexometer
of
2.
In Aeternum
POLAR OPPOSITES
Aliyah Burke
Book four in the In Aeternum series
Despite differences and difficulties, love is always capable of finding a way to take root and bloom.
Ivan Vinokourov wasn’t sure he’d ever get over losing the love of his life to another man. However, after he’s kidnapped, the woman sent to rescue him stirs emotions he’d believed were gone forever.
Bailey Hyde is an assassin for Theta Corps—that’s what she does, so she doesn’t understand why she’s being sent in for a retrieval. The man she’s tasked with rescuing is different, and she finds herself attracted to him. He’s a scientist, not the type she usually goes after. Still, he intrigues her.
Despite her misgivings about being involved with someone she’s rescued, they begin a relationship. He’s amazing yet they continue to butt heads over her work. When her past is revealed, Bailey isn’t sure of anything anymore, even Ivan. Can what they have withstand the fact that they are polar opposites? Or are they destined to go back to being alone?
Dedication
To everyone who’s been there for me, thank you. While writing tends to feel solitary, I know I couldn’t have done all of this without your endless support. As always, to the men and women who selflessly serve this country. Thank you for your sacrifices! God Bless!
Trademarks Acknowledgment
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Coke: The Coca-Cola Company
SIG: SIG Sauer GmbH
Glock: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
Mercedes: Diamler AG
Chrysler 300: Chrysler Group LLC
Seattle Marriott Waterfront: Marriott International, Inc.
Tarzan: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Walther: Carl Walther GmbH
Kahr: Kahr Arms
Doc Martens: Dr. Martens
Styrofoam: The Dow Chemical Co.
John Deere: Deere & Company
iPad: Apple Inc.
Chevy Malibu: General Motors LLC
Ford Edge: Ford Motor Company
NFL: NFL
Care Bears
: American Greetings Corporation, Inc.
Barney
: Public Broadcasting Service
Chevrolet Suburban: General Motors LLC
Chapter One
Christmas Island
“Ivan Vinokourov.”
Biting back his groan of irritation at being disturbed, Ivan turned his head, tipping it to peer over the tops of his shades. A large, dark-skinned man stood there, powerful arms crossed and reflective sunglasses hiding his eyes.
“Yes?”
Who is this man?
“I need a word with you.”
“Must be important if you tracked me down here.” There were around two thousand residents on this island. Most people who arrived here were outsiders—scientists or naturalists.
“It ain’t about the color of the sky, that’s for sure.” He lowered himself to the sand beside Ivan, apparently uncaring about what it may do to his pants. Silk, from the looks of them.
“So, what can I do for you, Mr…?”
“Kevin. Kevin McNeal.” He stared like Ivan should know the name.
Ivan didn’t, and merely raised a brow.
“I work for an organization called Theta Corps.”
He blinked. “Congratulations.”
“We want you to come work for us.”
Suspicion flared. “Why?”
“Your reputation precedes you.”
And flew as if it sprouted wings. Shifting on his chair, he stared out over the Indian Ocean and hooked his ankles. “What rep would that be?”
“Dedicated. Hard-working. Extremely smart, and one of the top physicists in your field.”
“Reputations can be falsified.”
“They can be. In this case, they’re not, Dr Vinokourov. We know it’s true.”
“And how do you know so much?”
“I know more than you probably think. I know of your training by Dr Thompson and your work with Dr Jaydee Cassano on electrogravitics.”
He shook his head. “Sorry, I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“I admire your commitment to keeping it a secret but I know Valentino Cassano, and Theta Corps does its homework.” He draped an arm over his raised knee. “You can deny all you want but we both know the truth. And that’s why I’m here. We want you to work for us.”
“What do you need?”
“A man of your talents would be extremely useful to our organization.”
Valentino Cassano. Jaydee’s brother-in-law. Nope. He didn’t need to be close to anyone—be it location-wise or friendly—who was close to her right now. Ivan shook his head and rose, his momentarily discovered peace spoiled for the present moment. “Thank you, but I must decline.”
“You’ve not heard what I have to offer you yet.”
“No need for me to listen or for you to waste your breath. I’m not interested. Period. Good day, Mr McNeal.” Ivan walked away and didn’t once look back. He’d meant what he’d said—he wasn’t interested. Why continue to torment himself with the knowledge of what he couldn’t have or who he would never be?
He didn’t return to his hotel room, it wasn’t where he wanted, or needed, to go right now. Instead, he made his way down the beach. He shoved his hands in his pockets and tried his best to forget the name of the one woman he’d loved. Jaydee Amos.
No, that’s not right, she’s Jaydee Cassano now.
He’d offered to marry her. He loved her. A foolish endeavor he now saw, for never had her emotions been as vivid as when they involved Giovanni. Part of him would always love her, he knew that. Nevertheless, it was past time for him to move on. Something else he knew.
Easier to say than to do.
It had been hard for him these past few years. To see the woman he loved married and with a family of her own. A family that should have been his.
Things fall as they do and there’s nothing that said she was to be mine or nobody’s.
Again, words that were easier to say than necessarily believe.
He veered from the shore and onto one of the numerous walking trails. Perhaps a visit to some fissure caves would do him good. All he knew was he didn’t need to go back and talk to some man who’d tracked him down.
Why me and why all the way out here?
It wasn’t Bali, or Monte Carlo. Hell, it wasn’t even Rio. It had been a deliberate choice for him to come here. And to have this man know about him and what he’d done, come here and track him down…? Yes, color him suspicious. He’d never heard of Theta Corps before. Didn’t do much interaction in regards to Valentino Cassano. Sure, he’d seen the man a few times—he’d married Jaydee’s friend Lexy. However, they weren’t personally friends.
He nodded at some people who were meandering by him. This wasn’t a gambling spot, or one for races. He had come here because it was for those who loved nature. He continued, stepping past others on the trail. Over half of this island was a national park.
Eventually he got lost in his musings as he explored and enjoyed his day. Passing by two women, he smiled at them, chuckled when one whispered to her friend, and giggled as her face flamed. Despite the blatant invitation in her gaze, he traipsed on, not wanting to follow up on her hollow offer. He needed something more than just sex and this woman didn’t have it, which was why to him, it was a hollow offer. Ivan was at the point where he wanted more than just meaningless sex with a stranger. He wanted to feel some type of connection with them—more than just a physical one. That woman barely got a physical one from him.
It wasn’t until later that afternoon that he headed back to his hotel room. He slowed when he saw a couple arguing on the trail.
Christ, can’t you keep it private? People don’t come here to listen to your bitching.
He moved to the other side of the trail to skirt around them when something hard clipped him in the back of the head.
Stars flickering, he dropped to his knees and peered behind him. No more arguing couple. They looked intent on causing him harm. The woman raised a gun, aimed it and pulled the trigger. He tried to yell but nothing left his mouth. Fingers on the side of his neck, he encountered the dart sticking out and swore moments before he succumbed to the darkness blanketing him.
* * * *
Santiago, Chile
The knock at the door made her pause. Bailey Hyde shoved home her boot knife and sighed. She tugged her jean leg over the black leather with a three and a quarter inch heel. A quick perusal of her attire then she moved to answer the person on the other side. She didn’t check to see who it was—only one person knew she was here. He’d sent her.