Discharged from the military, Ray Lee finds himself as the bodyguard to the daughter of a wealthy man. He meets a lady whom he discovers he shares a similar past. Will they join forces to avenge their past predicament, or will they choose to move on?
CHAPTER 1: SEMPER FIDELIS.
Hateful eyes trolled the galant Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, Ray Lee. Everyone disliked him, even his superiors disliked him. He was an asset to the Corp, and there was no denying it.
Ray Lee's feats and achievements in the Corp were known by all, and even across the other branches of service. He had been awarded a medal of honor by the former president of the United States, for his selfless bravery on a mission in Afghanistan, a couple of years ago.
As such, his court martial was one that made news on major news channels all around the country.
Ray Lee sat on a chair situated outside the military court room, as they were on recess, with his head bowed down, and in dismay, when he heard a voice beside him.
"Hey buddy." A voice spoke, as a hand was placed on his shoulder. Ray looked up, slowly, and sighted a familiar face. It was Scott. As a matter of fact, that was the only face he wanted to see at that moment. Scott went ahead to sit beside Ray.
"It's time." Ray declared, as he looked at his wrist watch. "Let's get this over with." Ray said, as he stood up from his seated position, going back into the court room.
Scott sat in his seat, as Ray also sat in his, further away from Scott's. The military jury had confered and made a decision. Ray had pled guilty, without remorse, and was ready for whatever punishment.
"Corporal Ray Lee, stand up." The officer presiding over the court martial, Colonel Sanders, ordered. Ray stood up swiftly. His brown evening dress uniform was fitting on him. His muscular physique could be seen bulging from within the uniform.
Ray looked intimidating to most of the soldiers, and was intimidated by no one. Yet, he respected all who were worthy of respect, be you his superior, or junior. Ray's medals accounting for his achievements and heroic deeds hung on his uniform.
Colonel Sanders had hoped for a different outcome, but Ray wanted out, for good. Colonel Sanders knew for good that the Marine Corp would lose a valuable asset.
"Based on the evidences, and testimony from credible witnesses, and your own testimony, which didn't deny any of the charges laid against you, which includes dereliction of duty, a direct and willful disobedience of an order given by a superior, and assaulting a superior, you have been found guilty, as charged."
Colonel Sanders declared, as his heart broke from within, but he didn't express it outwardly. "You are hereby stripped of your rank as a Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, and discharged." Colonel Sanders continued.
As he spoke, two officers marched forward and began stripping Ray of his insignia and medals. Although Ray had been acting all tough, tears welled up in his eyes. What he lived and was willing to give his life for was being taken away from him.
Ray held back his tears from rolling down his cheek, as he sniffed in. He has learned to keep his emotions in check.
"For your years of dedicated and sacrificial service, you will not be jailed for any of these charges. You are to immediately hand over every valuable item that belongs to the Marine Corp before you vacate barracks. Thank you for your service."
Colonel Sanders ended reading out the verdict, as he slammed the mace on a wood, ending the trial of Corporal Ray Lee.
Ray saluted Colonel Sanders, as Colonel Sanders stood up to leave. The Colonel saluted back, and was escorted out of the court room. Everyone else in the room stood up to leave, staring at Ray. Some, in pity, while some found joy in his downfall. Chief of which was 1st Lieutenant Glover.
Scott walked up to Ray, and firmly grabbed his shoulders, consoling Ray. Just then, they were interrupted by a voice that Ray sure didn't want to hear. "Look what we have here. If it ain't the disgraced soldier." 1st Lieutenant Glover mocked Ray.
Ray closed his eyes as though he winced in pain, clenching his fists, and slowly turning around. Ray looked Glover right straight into the eye, as wicked thoughts ran through his head.
The duo, Ray and Glover, stood facing each other as though they were about to have a stand off in a kick boxing ring. Glover smirked scornfully at Ray, with disdain in his eyes. Ray stood seething with rage, but held himself back from punching Glover.
"So, how does it feel to be disgraced and lose everything, Corporal? Oh! I'm sorry, you're not a Corporal anymore." Glover scoffed, mockingly. The degree of punishment meted to Ray Lee wasn't exactly what he had hoped for, but then, Ray still got punished, so he relished in that fact, as a consolation.
"You've got what you wanted. Haven't you?" Ray asked, with a blank expression. "I always get what I want." Glover replied, still wearing that scornful smirk. "Yeah, you do. As long as daddy is the one pulling the strings from up there. Little Glover is nothing without his daddy, you spoiled little brat." Ray said, purposely provoking Glover.
"Knock it off, you two." Colonel Sanders stepped in. "But sir, he wanted to-"
"Enough! I don't want to hear a word from your mouth." Colonel Sanders yelled, ordering Lieutenant Glover, interrupting him. "Ray, my office. Now." Colonel Sanders instructed Ray.
Scott went along with Ray but stopped at the entrance of Colonel Sanders office, since he wasn't asked in, as Ray went in. Colonel Sanders sat down in his reclining chair and sighed, removing his cap, as he stared intently at Ray.
"So what now? What will you do as you return back to civilian life?" Colonel Sanders asked. Ray sighed, honestly not knowing what to answer.
Ray looked down, cracking his head to think, but nothing was forthcoming. "Well, all I know is, I'll survive. There's no doubt about that." Ray said optimistically. "That, I know for sure." Colonel Sanders affirmed.
"Thank you for your years diligent service to the Corp. I wish you all the best. Semper Fi." Colonel Sanders stood and saluted. "Semper Fi, sir." Ray saluted back. Both men showed respect for each other.
As Ray turned to leave, Colonel Sanders spoke out. "Soldier? Whatever you need, you let me know. Okay?"
"Duly noted, sir." Ray replied, cracking up a mild smile, and he continued outside the office of the Colonel. He truly was unhappy, and unsure of what laid ahead of him, but something more awaited him outside the Marine Corp.
_____
"So, this is it huh?" Scott, said sadly, as he stood with his friend Ray, at the bus station, as Ray was about boarding the vehicle to head home. Ray spent the previous night in a motel, as he wasn't expected to remain in the barracks for more than three hours after his court martial sentence.
"I guess my friend. Well, don't cry for me when am gone." Ray replied. "Thanks for everything man. Thank you." Ray appreciated, as they both hugged each other. "We'll be in touch." Scott said, as they broke their hug, and Ray walked into the bus. Ray nodded, with a smile, as he walked in and took his seat.
The bus began it's transit from Paris Island, Pennsylvania, to Miami, as Ray waved at Scott from the window. Ray sat back relaxing, as he went to his playlist and played some music. He wondered what awaited him at Miami, a home he hadn't been to for years.
Having suffered betrayal and injustice from the ones he trusted when he was most vulnerable, Michael Belsky shuts his heart from the subject of love, fully embracing a heritage of violence, affluence, and power, making him a force to be reckoned with in the business and underworld. With his rise to eminence, was also the rise of enemies. By virtue of an old agreement, Michael is compelled to take for himself a bride, but he chooses a stranger, Ivana, in defiance of his father, as she felt indebted to him. With time, Michael found himself falling helplessly for the cheerful and upbeat Ivana. But little did they both know that they both had secrets, and their lives were intertwined way before they ever met. Will their secrets and past come in between the love they've built, breaking them apart? Or will they draw strength and be even more bonded in love, facing the challenges that they encounter?
It wouldn't be out of terms to say that the life of the billionaire playboy, Trevor Munroe, was rudely interrupted on a fateful night, by a stranger. But falling in love with that stranger was the least thing he could ever imagine, even in his wildest fantasy. But such was the complication he found himself in. And being given an ultimatum by his father, he is left with no choice but to dance to the tone he had set. With time, secrets gets revealed and truths are laid bare. Will this love stand the test of time as loyalties are tried? Was all this but just a game? And did fate bring them together to tear them apart?
Abandoned as a baby, Trevor Rowe is no stranger to rejection, but he hits rock bottom when he finds out his partner's betrayal. Just trying to get by, he encounters a stranger, and his life turns around for good. Or for bad? Will his new found life and fortune be his undoing, or will he rise above it all and thrive?
A scorned and timid son-in-law of a small family, loving and pampering his wife, was all he wanted to do. Acknowledgement and care from his wife and family, was all he needed and wanted. What did he do when he didn't get what he needed? He endured, all because he was sold off to marriage but had to deal with it. One night, he stumbled on his wife and foster brother and saw what was meant to be kept hidden, but do they really want to keep their acts hidden? He became lost and felt betrayed, he wandered around and finally got to the only place he finds solace. After that night, he changed. He became stinkingly rich and divorced his wife. Wondering how this is a fairy tale? But it was no fairy tale, because with riches came it's tribulations. He had to hone his skills and became extremely cold hearted, controlling the largest mafia group in New York, with a chain of legal businesses. He became a killing machine, trampling his enemies and his ex-wife, wanting to find peace but he couldn't find peace. It was a completely new life for him. What happens when a new ray of light, shines on to his dark world? Will he embrace it? Or will he remain cold-hearted?
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?