In Zach's Arms (Once a Marine, Always a Marine Book 1) by Kori David

trees and he held his breath when she seemed to look right at him.
    You feel me here, don’t you? Just like you could feel me in your apartment. Did you like the rose I left for you?
    The moment was lost when a large man with dark hair came outside and joined Elizabeth on the wooden porch. She turned away and went into his open arms. And when she turned her face up for a kiss, he could feel the anger swell.
    How dare she kiss another man.
    And yet, watching her stirred his body. He wanted to be the one kissing her, holding her…controlling her. He’d put in the time and effort to show his devotion and he would make sure she was property impressed.
    But she would have to be purified first.
    He waited until the man led Elizabeth back inside the cabin. Then he backed away carefully. It took him ten minutes to get back to his car and another hour to reach the little motel he’d rented for the week. It never hurt to be overly prepared.
    He shook off his jacket as he entered the shabby room. It served his purposes and when Elizabeth was purified enough for him, he would take her somewhere nicer. Pulling the duffle bag out from under the bed, he took inventory.
    Duct tape.
    Nylon rope.
    Tranquilizers.
    Whip.
    He nodded to himself as he looked at the rest of the supplies. He still needed a couple of things, but he had the essentials. His checked the 9mm Glock as well, making sure it was loaded and ready.
    The big man was a complication. He’d have to make sure to neutralize him or get him out of the way before he made his move. Elizabeth was his and it was time she found that out.
    She would learn.
    They always did.

Chapter 10

    It had taken Beth some time before she was calm enough to make the call. She’d insisted on doing it herself. And yet, she looked like she was going to throw up or pass out. Maybe both.
    And Zach was furious.
    He wanted this bastard caught and caged as soon as possible. Dead was preferable, but he didn’t want his girl to see him kill, if at all possible. He had too many marks against him as it was. He wanted to marry her and have a family, and Beth was scared. Scared of commitment and scared that Zach would somehow morph into some sickly controlling person that would keep her locked up.
    “Detective Wolfe is coming to get the box.”
    Zach turned at the sound of her tired voice. She stood with her arms crossed, staring outside the back sliding door.
    Moving towards her, he slid his arms around her and pulled her unresisting body back against his. She relaxed against him immediately. Her hair was soft against his face as he gave her his support.
    “When did he say he would be here?”
    “He said he was only an hour away. I guess he was headed here anyway to have me review and sign my statement. He decided not to mail it, after all; he said it was easier to just make the drive and get it filed. And I’m sure he’s going to tell me about the most recent break-in to my apartment. He wouldn’t want to do that over the phone.”
    Zach tightened his arms. “You are not leaving my sight until this is over.”
    “I’m safe here.”
    But he heard the tremble in her voice. “Don’t lie to yourself, Beth. You’re safe with me, not here alone. And since Jess and I have some business that can’t be put off, I want you with me.”
    Her shoulders stiffened.
    “Don’t freeze up on me.”
    She pulled away from him and whirled. There was fire in her eyes and, while he was glad to see her spunky nature returning, now wasn’t the time. She jabbed one of her slim little fingers into the center of his chest.
    “I need space and air sometimes. I can’t stay cooped up and I won’t be dragged around.”
    “This sick son of a bitch knows where I live. It. Is. Not. Safe.”
    “I have my phone and this place is a fortress of security. You’ve made it safe.”
    He could feel his teeth clench over her stubbornness. The woman was going drive him to drink. “That hasn’t stopped you from going outside and