Limits of Destiny (Volume 2) Read online

  Limits of Destiny

  volume two

  Sharlyn G. Branson

  First Original Edition, July 2015

  Copyright © 2015 by Sharlyn G. Branson

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved.

  No parts of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author. This book is licensed for your personal use only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or death, or actual events is entirely coincidental. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, places, events and situations are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Edited by Cassie McCown of Gathering Leaves Editing

  Cover design © by Louisa Maggio at LM Creations

  Formatted by BB eBooks

  About Limits of Destiny – Volume 2

  The detonation of a bomb in Kraftberg’s hotel takes Alexander and Alexia to Dubai.

  Reminding her of the stories of Scheherazade, the beauty of the Arab world delights Alexia, but at the same time, she has to face the fear of losing her beloved.

  Their relationship continues to be threatened by the dark secrets hiding in Alexander’s past.

  Will they manage to overcome these challenges together?

  Will they discover who ordered the attack on Alexander’s hotel?

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  About Limits of Destiny – Volume 2

  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

  Author’s note

  Playlist

  About the Author

  1

  Mom, please don’t go. Please stay with me. I beg you. Mom.

  “Alexia, wake up. Alexia.”

  I opened my eyes and saw Alexander’s face above mine. He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. “Everything’s fine. It was just a dream.”

  My heart was beating fast. I dug my hands into my hair. “God, I haven’t dreamt about my mother in ages.”

  When she died, I dreamt of her every single day. She used to come to me in my dreams and tell me she’d always be with me. This time she was dressed as before, like a white angel. She told me to listen to my heart and keep my chin up in the face of adversity. Then I saw her leave and disappear into the light of the tunnel.

  Alexander was watching me sleepily, propped up on his elbow. He took my hand and kissed my fingers. “Calm down, baby. I’m here and I’ll take care of you.”

  You’ll take care of me, I repeated in my head, as if to grasp the meaning of those words.

  He pulled me in, placed my head on his chest, and gently kissed my hair. “Let’s sleep now and don’t think about anything bad.”

  I felt safe and protected in his arms, relaxed on his powerful, muscular body. I wanted us to stay like this, holding each other, forever. My eyes became heavy with sleep and I drifted off.

  * * *

  I woke up at eight in the morning. Alexander was still asleep and looked so relaxed. I wanted to caress his handsome face, strong, masculine chin, soft lips, sculpted muscles on his back and arms. My loved one who gave so much meaning to my life. I realized I’d started to pray to God to protect him and keep him safe because I was afraid for him.

  Quietly, I got out from under the covers and went into the walk-in closet. I took my one-piece red swimsuit and put it on. Then I tied my hair in a bun with a scrunchie and walked out onto the veranda. Swimming always helped me shake off depressing thoughts.

  Taking a deep breath, I tried to relax myself. I took off the cotton robe I’d wrapped around me and entered the Olympic-size pool from the steps. The water was pleasantly cool. I started to swim in a rhythmic breaststroke, hearing the muffled sounds of my arms hitting the water. I swam like someone was chasing me—I wanted to exhaust myself completely. When my muscles could no longer support me and I was left breathless, I relaxed on my back, floating in the pool. I watched the clouds and the birds fly past. Then I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind of all thoughts.

  “Alexia… Oh God, no. Alexia.”

  I heard Alexander’s scared voice, which startled me and made me swallow some water. I coughed intensely and shouted, “Alexander, I’m here.”

  * * *

  Alexander’s face was ashen, twisted in pain. I saw him pick up a cushion from a chaise and throw it on the grass with all his might and fury. As quickly as I could, I got out of the pool and wrapped myself in my robe.

  “You scared me to death,” he admitted. “I saw you from the window, floating spread-eagle on the surface of the water, and I thought… God, I’m losing my mind. All this stress is too much for me. I won’t have peace of mind until they find the fucking bastard who ordered the bombing.” He nervously ran his fingers through his hair.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” I hugged him, and he pressed me so tight against his body I couldn’t breathe.

  “If something were to happen to you, I don’t know how… What possessed you to swim at this hour?” His eyes glistened with unshed tears. I hadn’t seen him so scared before.

  “I wanted to unwind, to put what happened out of my mind. If I knew it would scare you, I wouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry.” I placed my lips on the curve formed by his neck and shoulder and inserted my hands under his T-shirt to feel the warmth of his skin. “I love you, Alexander.” I swallowed and felt a lump stuck in my throat.

  I stood on my toes to kiss his soft lips. He pulled out my scrunchie and my hair spilled down my shoulders and back. He kissed me in return, so gently I moaned in pleasure. His eyes expressed such great love that my eyes filled with tears. My entire body tingled when his tongue touched mine. The desire I always felt when Alexander was near me ignited. I wanted him. I wanted to feel his powerful body on top of mine. To calm him and tell him, while we made love, that everything would be all right. To remove the pain in our hearts, as if that would fix it all.

  * * *

  My life was going so well, and now it was a complete mess. My ex-boyfriend wanted to get back together with me. I had to leave my job. But the worst part was I’d only just found the love of my life, and now the threat of losing him loomed over me. I felt as if I were standing on the edge of an abyss. This whole uncertainty about the future and everything that was happening scared me.

  “What do you want for breakfast, baby?” asked Alexander, tearing me away from my thoughts. He came over and served me a cup of cappuccino.

  “You want to make me breakfast?”

  “Before you tell me exactly what you want, I’m offering warm French croissants.” He couldn’t hide his charming and infectious smile. Knowing Alexander couldn’t cook, I giggled quietly. It made me feel nice, seeing the efforts he made for my sake.

  I stood from the tall chair I was sat on and approached him from behind. Then I crossed my arms around his tight, flat belly and rested my head on his back. “Let me help you.”

  He turned around to face me and pressed his lips into the crook of my neck. “No, honey. Let
me warm up the oven and bake the croissants. I can do that at least.”

  “You’re cute, you know that?” Gently I nibbled his chin and ran my tongue across his stubble. I slid my fingers under his T-shirt.

  “Was the sex not enough for you, Miss Welson?”

  “You’re too hot and you make me want you all the time.” I blushed.

  “I know that feeling.” He tenderly kissed my hair. “But we must have breakfast and then go to your apartment. We’re flying out to Dubai this afternoon. Did you forget?”

  “No. I was just so happy about going there before, and now… after…” I didn’t have the strength to finish the sentence.

  “I know, sunshine. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to help the authorities catch the wretch behind this assault.”

  Reluctantly I let go of him so he could put the croissants in the preheated oven. “Now we just have to wait.” I sighed and took a sip of my coffee.

  “I don’t want you to worry about anything. Just think about nice things. I’ll tell you the plan I’ve made for Dubai. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I think it’d be better if you found out now. When I’m not working or dealing with the police, we’ll visit some wonderful places.” He poured himself another coffee and sat on one of the stools next to me, placing his hand on my knee.

  “I can’t take the suspense any longer,” I complained.

  He grinned and his beautiful blue eyes gleamed. “I’ve booked a room not just in Burj Al Arab, but also in Nasr Al Scarab, which is a hotel in the desert. We’ll go on a desert safari and to Abu Dhabi in a helicopter.”

  “We’re going to fly? Wow! Alexander, I’ve never flown in a helicopter.” I was beyond happy.

  “You’ll love it. The view from above is incredible.” He continued.

  “I have no doubt. It’s always nice when you’re with me.”

  Alexander took my hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it gently. He was deep in thought.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “About paragliding.”

  “Don’t tell me that…” I paused.

  “Don’t you want, when we come back from Dubai, to go and fly together? When I was a student, I did it quite often. I have a friend who does paragliding in Interlaken. What do you say?”

  “I say the thought of it scares me a little. On the other hand, it sounds exciting.”

  “You’ll like it.” He winked and flashed a crooked grin my way.

  “Would I fly with you or your friend?” I took a sip from the glass of fruit juice Alexander had poured for me.

  “With me, of course.”

  I looked at him skeptically.

  “Baby, don’t you trust me?” he asked and leaned his head to one side.

  “Of course I trust you. I’m just surprised you engage in such a sport.”

  “Don’t forget I’m Swiss and here—along with skiing and hockey—many men also paraglide.”

  In Switzerland, people participated in all sorts of sports. I’d seen with my own eyes how parents put their three-year-old children on skis or ice skates.

  “We’ll do it, baby. With you, I’d even do a parachute jump.” I stroked his stubble.

  My iPhone rang. It was Roberto. I wasn’t expecting a call from him. “Hi, Roberto. Are you back?”

  “Ciao, bella. I have so many things to tell you. Are you working tomorrow?”

  “No, I took a week off.”

  “Well, that’s a shame. We missed each other. Ugh! I’ll die of boredom without you.”

  I laughed aloud. “You’ll manage somehow. I’ll be gone only for a week.”

  “Even a week without you is too long for me. Are you with Alexander?”

  “Yes.”

  He whistled playfully. “Lucky guy.”

  “Basta.”

  “I guess you’re with him right now.”

  “Roberto…” I warned.

  “Sorry. Have a good time, then.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you in a week. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Our boss is leaving and we already have a new one.”

  I heard him sigh deeply. “Yes, I heard something like that too. Who is it?”

  “Ralph Egli.”

  His quiet gasp was barely audible. “Your ex?”

  “Yes.”

  “Get out of here… You’re kidding, right?” He sounded amused.

  “I wish.”

  “Ha, one more guy enamored with you.” He sniggered.

  “Stop that. It’s not a joking matter. If you must know, I’ve decided to quit.”

  “Oh, Alexia, please. You’d abandon me?” He couldn’t hide his disappointment.

  “Aw, you’ll cope.”

  “Come on now. Are you being serious?”

  “Yes, deadly serious. Look, I have to go now.”

  “Okay. Ciao, bella,” he conceded sadly.

  While I was on the phone, Alexander had served breakfast. He looked me in the eyes seriously and said, “Don’t try to deny Roberto is into you.”

  “Alexander, please don’t start this again. I have eyes only for you and you know that. I’m not interested in anyone—” I couldn’t continue because Alexander grabbed and kissed me so passionately he left me breathless.

  “I just know I’m right. You have the ability to make men lose their minds.”

  “Alexander, Roberto really is a very good friend and I care about him. He was the one who introduced to me work in the bank. He’s always supported me and helped me, and what’s more, he was the one who advised me to forgive you when you didn’t call me for three days.”

  “What?” He didn’t hide his puzzlement.

  “Yes, you heard right. When I was mad at you and didn’t want to see you anymore, Roberto was the one who, in his own way, defended you… I don’t know… You men always look out for each other… And he asked me whether I never compromise, which made me think and look at the situation in a new light. He may like me,” I admitted. “But he knows, to me, he’s just a good friend and will remain as such.”

  “Huh, I would never do that,” replied Alexander thoughtfully.

  “Because you’ve always gotten the women you wanted and have never been rejected. Let me say it this way. All women fall at your feet. Just a smile from you and they drop their panties.”

  “Wow, I hadn’t realized I have such power.” He laughed loudly, throatily. He was in a good mood.

  “Stop it.” I jabbed him lightly in the ribs. “You know full well you only have to snap your fingers and the woman is already in the bag. Not only are you lousy with money, but you’re also too handsome. Nobody can fail to notice this.”

  “Ah, what an interesting vocabulary you have, miss.” The grin wouldn’t leave his face. He was clearly having fun.

  “Don’t pretend it’s not true. You know your power very well.” I took a bite of my croissant.

  “I wasn’t so sure in your case.” He gave me a serious look. “And did you know,” he continued, “this is exactly what I found most attractive about you? That you didn’t seem to care about such things, least of all my money.”

  “I felt hurt, distressed… Shall I continue with the list?”

  “No, but I’m glad you let me in,” he said and placed a palm on my cheek. I pressed myself against it to better feel his warmth.

  “It wasn’t an easy decision, but I gave in because I was already in love with you. Nobody can resist your charm.”

  “The same applies to you.”

  “I’m not interested in anyone else.” I rested my head on his shoulder and put my lips on the base of his throat. “I only want you.”

  “Me too, honey, but you still refuse to believe me.”

  “If I had no trust in you, I wouldn’t be here now.” I stood from the chair and wrapped my arms around his neck. Needing to feel the strong energy radiating from his body, I held him tight.

  “God, baby, you make me feel like a teenager. As soon as I feel you next to me, I get hard.” As evidence, I felt h
is erection pressed against my thigh.

  “I’m glad I have such a strong effect on you. It means I’m not the only one who’s constantly turned on.”

  He sniggered and his chest shook with the laughter. Oh, how divine he looked when laughing…

  * * *

  Alexander’s private airplane was already waiting for us, ready for takeoff from Zurich Airport. Once aboard, I met the two pilots and the stewardess Katarina Busch. She was a very attractive woman in her thirties, with red hair neatly tied in a bun. Henry was also coming with us.

  When we were alone, Alexander gently grabbed me by the waist and asked, “Do you like it?” I could see the pride in his eyes.

  “Very much. You’ve made sure everything is perfect.”

  The airplane’s interior was incredibly luxurious. There were several large beige leather seats, tables, pictures, lamps, even a leather sofa. A separate compartment constituted a bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with a shower cabin. The design was stylish and modern, every last detail expertly crafted. This was hardly a surprise since Alexander was such a perfectionist.

  “If you want, you can take a nap in the bedroom. The flight will last around six hours. I have to do some work.”

  “I’d prefer to stay with you, if I’m not going to disturb you.”

  “To be honest, I was hoping you’d say that. When I’m with you, I don’t get so annoyed by work problems.”

  I went to sit by the window so I could watch the clouds while we were in the air, when Alexander grabbed me and placed me on his lap. I hugged him tightly and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

  “What, you only love me so much?” He stared into my eyes with pretend seriousness.

  “Didn’t you say you wanted to work?” I raised my eyebrow inquisitively.

  “Yeah, I was only kidding. Mmm… I like the way your jeans fit so tight around your ass.” His fingers restlessly darted across my thigh and butt.

  “Mr. Kraftberg, if you continue to touch me so intimately, we’ll have to move to the bedroom.”

  “Oh, that would be my pleasure, baby… but not now.” He stood and put me down on the seat next to him.