Saved by a Viking (Saved #3)

1 Stay Close, Lisa

Lisa's P.O.V.

“You’re mine, Lisa. You can’t get away,” Branden hissed beside my ear as he held my throat tight. I couldn’t breathe, fear gripping my heart. My voice was nonexistent as his hand tightened around my neck.

Why do I always choose the shitty guys?

I closed my eyes, waiting to feel the pain of him all over me. He’d found me — again — or more like he’d followed me. There was no escaping him, and I refused to let my brother, Lucas, or his wife, Liv, know. They were happy right now. They had a kid and didn’t need to be involved in my mess again.

I needed to learn to fight for myself.

With Liv in mind, I gained some courage. If she could fend off men twice her size, so could I! Then again… probably not, seeing as I didn’t have as much experience as her—but it was possible. I gripped Branden by his shoulders to steady myself as I lifted my knee, meeting the dangling bits between his legs. His hand tightened on my throat further as he bent forward.

I pushed on him, but his grip would not relinquish. I hit the inside of his elbow, forcing his arm to bend. The moment his hand eased, I slid away, freeing myself. I didn’t waste a moment as I ran out of the alley he’d dragged me into. The adrenaline in my body kept me going until I was several blocks away.

Bending forward, I rested my hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath. The breeze caused my long, black hair to curtain over my face, blocking my view for a moment. I stood up, pushing it out of the way, catching the eyes of strangers who looked at me and then at my neck. I instinctively covered it with my hand, rushing towards my car.

I would hide it with makeup. The benefit of being rich was that you could afford the expensive stuff. I had the best concealer available.

The action of swallowing caused a radiating pain down my throat, burning where he had held me. My car was in view, just across the street, when the sound of my name in the distance stopped me in my tracks.

“Lisa!” a familiar voice called out, but I refused to turn and look. Whoever it was couldn’t see me like this. I pushed past the crowd, hearing the voice continue to yell out my name from behind. They were getting closer… probably walking faster to catch up. Within a few seconds, a hand lightly gripped my arm, catching my attention—literally. My steps halted, but I didn’t turn.

“Lisa, what’s wrong?” they asked, but I knew if I spoke right now, my voice would be too hoarse. I shook my head instead, looking down so that my chin could cover my neck. “Hey…I know we don’t know each other that well, but I can tell something is wrong. Tell me what’s the matter,” his powerful voice demanded with a stern—yet concerned—tone.

He stepped in front of me, giving me a view of his dark shoes with their uneven laces. The curiosity in me was too much, so I looked up, wanting to know who stopped me. Who was the man who could tell something was wrong, just from seeing my back?

Liv’s ‘adoptive’ father stood before me with his long, braided blonde hair matching that of a Viking’s… which was exactly what Lucas called him: Viking Man…for good reason, it would seem. I almost forgot how large his muscles were as they sat crossed over his chest. His sapphire-blue eyes studied me carefully, landing on the bruised mark upon my neck. I’d heard from Liv and Lucas about how protective Davis was of women.

I could see the anger brewing in him as his firm jaw clenched. He was a powerful Viking of a man with a heart of gold… A man who ran a whole underground fighting ring with a daughter of his own, and who took Liv in when she first arrived in New York. He hated abusers—being his own vigilante and beating them to a pulp, including Liv’s father at one point.

“Where’s your car?” he asked with his brows pinched. He was pissed, but he didn’t let it seep into his tone. His voice was steady and calm as he spoke to me… almost gentle.

I pointed across the street, unable to speak. My cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment, hating to be seen this way. A wave of shame washed over me, knowing he would see I was abused. I was not strong like Liv. She fought in his rings, but I didn’t even stand a chance against one man. I wondered what he thought of me. I must have looked so pathetic to him.

He slowly reached for me as if fast movements would cause me to run. His enormous hand wrapped around my wrist, carefully pulling me towards my car. After releasing my hand, he opened my passenger door, looking at me like I needed to get in. I cocked my head to the side with an arched brow.

“I’m driving you home, and then you’re telling me everything—starting with the name of the man that did this to you,” he explained, gesturing for me to get in with his head. There was a giant storm brewing in him… one I would never want to be on the receiving end of.

Reluctantly, I got into my passenger seat, handing him my keys as he held his hand open. I watched him circle the car and open the driver’s side door. The car was new, still having that strong leather smell inside. I had tried to mask it with a floral-scented air freshener, but it didn’t work, only causing the car to have a strange odor of leather and flowers.

Davis looked comfortable behind the wheel, as if this was his car and not mine. Was this something he did often—run into panicked women and then drive them home in their cars? He started down the road, taking the correct way without me saying anything.

How did he know where I lived?

The ride was silent, with me further sinking into myself. I felt a deep sense of shame the closer we got to my apartment—the one Lucas had stayed in previously. Dad had me move in there when he found out Lucas had moved out. He didn’t like that I lived outside the city. He wanted me close, to control me better.

Dad found out about their wedding the day after, while they were gone on their honeymoon. He was beyond furious, complaining about how marrying her did nothing to better his business. She didn’t have connections like Clover Camilo did. It seemed he wanted Lucas to marry the daughter of a businessman so that their companies could merge. He was calling a judge to force them to annul the marriage when I stopped him by offering myself in Lucas’ sted.

‘Stay close, Lisa, or I’ll make your brother’s new life hell. You know, I have the power to force her to divorce him if I want. It would be easy to make it impossible for her to find a job,’ Dad had told me as he hung up the phone that day.

‘You can’t do that! She’s worked hard for her career.’ It was one of the few times I had actually spoken back to him.

‘I can do whatever I want, Lisa. I have the power and the means to do so.’

‘That’s the mother of your grandchild. Don’t you feel anything?’ I thought I could pull at the strings of his heart—but I’d forgotten—he’d never had one. He was a heartless demon, disguised as a man.

‘All I feel is disgust. That’s no granddaughter of mine.’

His words confirmed that the only way to keep Lucas and Liv safe was to do as he said. Lucas has protected me all my life, keeping me safe from our father’s abuse… from his punches and kicks. It was my turn to protect him now.

I would live in this prison so he could be free.

Davis pulled into the building’s garage, parking near the elevator. He stepped out the instant the car was parked, opening my door for me before I had even unbuckled. Thankfully, no one was in the garage, or the elevator, to see the state I was in. We quickly entered my apartment as if someone was chasing after us.

“Tell me his name,” Davis immediately demanded.

I shook my head, not wanting to involve more people in my mess. That was two abusive boyfriends I had now had. Liv took care of the first already. I couldn’t keep having people clean up my messes.

“Lisa, tell me his name right now!” His voice was stern and demanding as he stood straight with his muscles flexed.

Normally, I’d be scared shitless. This was around the time one of my boyfriends would slap me across the face or punch me in the stomach, for being defiant. Somehow, I didn’t get that same fear as I looked at Davis. It was obvious his anger was not directed at me, but at the man who did this to me. I sighed, realizing he would not drop this.

“His name is Branden,” I answered, hearing my voice for the first time since leaving the alley. It was hoarse, as I suspected it would be, sounding dry and scratchy.

“Who is he?” he asked, with an expression so fierce it could cut a diamond. I felt bad for anyone who got on his bad side.

“An ex.”

“Where does he live?”

“What?” I paused, looking at him suspiciously. “Why?”

“Tell me where he lives, Lisa,” he demanded, ignoring my questions completely.

After a few minutes of silence, I gave in, giving him an address along with the places he hung out most and a general description of what he looked like. Davis seemed determined, like he had just received some kind of mission.

“Don’t worry about him anymore. He won’t bother you again. Here, I’m leaving my number with you. Call me if you ever need some muscle around — no matter the day or time — got it?” he asked, staring me dead in the eyes. He wanted to make sure that I knew he meant those words. I nodded.

“Got it.”

It seemed I had a new protector.

“Lisa, this is Christopher Darnell. He’s Frank’s son from the Darnell clothing line. Meet your future husband,” Dad said, as if having a contract marriage wasn’t the strangest thing ever.

It has now been a couple of weeks since I had my run in with Branden and then Davis. As promised, Branden had not bothered me since. I wasn’t sure what Davis did to make him stop, and I was certain that I didn’t want to know. I was just glad that it finally stopped.

I looked at the man before me with speculation, checking him out from head to toe. He was thankfully handsome, with a strong jawline that drew me in. Thick brown eyebrows furrowed above his dark green eyes, eyeing me with the same suspicion. His high cheekbones only added to his good looks. His light brown hair was styled in a purposefully tousled way that made you wonder if he’d really styled it or if it was naturally that way.

“Nice to meet you, future wife,” he said, showing me his beautiful pearly whites…a dazzling smile that practically glowed.

“Lisa is fine,” I corrected him. I could tell he wasn’t all that comfortable with this, either.

“Great, that’s out of the way. Now, you two have a dinner reservation tonight so you can better acquaint yourselves. I’m due for a meeting,” Dad chimed, as he grabbed some files off his desk. “Lisa, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He left Christopher and me standing alone in his office in an awkward silence. We stared at each other, unsure of what to do. He scratched at the back of his neck shyly as he landed those beautiful eyes on me.

“This is weird, isn’t it?”

“That’s a fucking understatement,” I smirked, causing him to smile.

“Glad I’m not the only one that thinks so. My dad’s threatening to cut me off and leave the business to my younger brother if I don’t go through with this. What about yours? What’s he got on you to make you do this?” he asked innocently.

“My brother. My dad was threatening to ruin the happy life he’s built for himself.”

“Well, shit—you’ve got a much nobler cause than I do. I feel like a dirtbag now.”

“No need. Your reason is valid to you and enough to make you do this. I’m not judging you.” I shrugged my shoulders as I excused his reason.

“I hope you don’t kill me for saying this, but I lucked out. You’re absolutely beautiful.” His compliment caught me off guard, making my cheeks flush pink.

“I could say the same.” I smiled. Were we flirting right now?

“I’ll see you for dinner, Lisa.” He bowed his head cutely before standing straight again and flashing me that almost playful smile.

After a few minutes of some light snooping, I left Dad’s office. He didn’t want me running the company and had kept me out of the business. He wanted whoever my husband would be to take over when he retired. In his mind, only a man could handle a business. Since he lost Lucas, it was now in the hands of whomever I marry. More like whoever Dad chooses for me to marry.

I didn’t want to do this, but I would. I could only hope that Christopher wouldn’t turn out to be a bad guy.

“Damn, Lisa, you always look so beautiful. Where are you headed, all dressed up?” Liv asked me as she took Abi from my arms.

I didn’t want to relinquish my beautiful niece, but I had only stopped by to drop off her favorite teddy she’d forgotten at my apartment. I was on my way to the dinner date Dad had planned for me with the future husband he’d picked for me. There was no time to stay and chat like I would have liked or I’d be late. I couldn’t resist holding Abi for a few more minutes, though. Her sweet cheeks were so kissable. The enormous bow in her strawberry-blonde hair was more than I could handle.

“I have a date,” I answered with a small smirk.

“Oh?” She raised her brow at me. “Good. I am glad to see you moving on. I can’t wait to hear about it later.” Liv smiled up at me as she sat Abi on her hip.

She had her flaming-red hair braided to the side, still the picture-perfect woman. Lucas came up beside her, kissing her temple, and then Abi. I watched as his lips sank into Abi’s cheek, making me want to do the same immediately. Sweet baby cheeks.

“Who’s the guy?” Lucas turned his attention to me, keeping his arm wrapped around Liv.

“Christopher.”

I didn’t want to say his last name, just in case Lucas knew it. I was sure he would have recognized it. He narrowed his eyes on me for a moment, seeing something was up—that I was holding something back—but he wasn’t sure what.

“Is he nice?”

“It’s a blind date. I figured maybe if someone else set me up, they wouldn’t be as bad as if I had chosen them myself.”

I mean, technically, it wasn’t a lie—but it wasn’t entirely true, either.

“Call me if you need me… or Rose.”

I still didn’t understand why he called Liv, ‘Rose’ all the time. It was really cute, but he only confused people by calling her that when they first met her. I doubted I would ever be lucky enough to find a love like the one they share. It was a love story unlike any other, and I was truly happy for them both. I just prayed that one day I would find a fraction of what they have.

“Will do.” I leaned forward, kissing Abi’s little cheek again. “I’ll see you guys later.”

I quickly hugged them both and hurriedly made my way to the car. I loved the way my BMW reflected the streetlights off its shiny black paint. Taking my place behind the driver’s seat, I blasted my music to keep my nerves from taking over.

I was running late by the time I arrived. I could see Christopher already seated at our table through the large glass windows of the restaurant. He looked rather annoyed with his jaw clenched and his hand fisted over the table. I felt my stomach sink with worry. What if he was just like Dad, too?

I entered the restaurant, letting the delicious intermingled smells of food waft into my nose. This place had a reputation for making the best meals. My stomach growled as the smell made my mouth water. I felt quite starved and couldn’t wait to eat. The hostess showed me to my table, just as Christopher spotted me. He stood up, smiling at me as his eyes roamed my body.

I was wearing a dark red dress with quarter-sleeves and a high-low hem. I paired it with my favorite pair of black stilettos and a black, clutch purse. His eyes lingered over my cleavage for a moment before meeting my gaze.

“Sorry, I’m late. I had to drop something off with my niece on the way here. She can’t fall asleep without her favorite teddy,” I explained, taking my seat across from him.

“No problem. I was worried you had stood me up, but I am glad to see you didn’t,” he said, smirking at me like I was the meal he was ready to devour. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you.” I smiled sweetly at him as I placed the cloth napkin over my lap. “You clean up pretty nice yourself.”

He was wearing a white button-down shirt, showing off more of his tanned skin. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, letting me see he had decently sized muscles. He had on a pair of black trousers and nice black dress shoes. He styled his hair neater than before, but it still had the same tousled feel.

“Good evening, can I take your order?” our server asked, with a genuinely friendly smile.

Christopher started right off the bat, not even confirming with me to see if I was ready. I hadn’t gotten the chance to look at the menu yet, although it seemed it didn’t matter as—to my surprise—he ordered for me, too. He ordered me… a fucking salad. A fucking salad.

Suffice to say, I was pretty peeved and interjected that I would have the same thing he was having instead… Steak and lobster tail, because he would soon learn, as my future husband, that I could order for myself. He looked at me rather stunned when our server left, almost as if he was mad I dared say anything.

“I’m a big girl with an immense appetite that can order for herself.” I raised a brow at him, showing him the annoyance I felt. His face softened, as if he just realized he looked upset. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Christopher, but currently—it was not good.

“I’m sorry, Lisa. I didn’t think you had looked at the menu yet, and most of the women I’ve dated have always liked it when I ordered for them,” he explained, trying to excuse his actions.

“You’ll find that I’m not like most women, Christopher.”

“Clearly—you’re a lot better.” He winked at me with a smirk, easing my frustrations a little too quickly.

“I’m glad you realize it.”

The rest of our dinner went better. We got to know each other more, and we actually had great chemistry. The conversations were simple and flowed naturally. We had some laughs and before we knew it; we had been sitting at our table for two and a half hours. The server asked us to order dessert or leave so that others could have the table.

“I’m not quite ready to let you go, Lisa. I’ve been enjoying my time with you immensely. Would you mind if we walked around the block once?” He held his finger up with enormous eyes. He looked like a small child as he cutely asked. I couldn’t deny those eyes, as green as a dense forest.

“I’m enjoying my time with you as well, Chris. Once around the block, we go.”

He enjoyed being called Chris more than Christopher, or so he told me partway through our date. We strolled the block while we talked further, but when we came upon our cars again, we both found we didn’t want to leave.

“Sit in my car with me?” he offered, realizing my shoes would not allow us to do much more walking. I nodded my head happily.

I thought, maybe this could actually work. I could be happy with Chris as my husband, if he really had to be.