Love In The Fast Lane Part 1

Love in the Fast Lane.

Melissa Kate.

Dedication.

To my darling husband, the quintessential motor-head. Thank you for taking this princess out of her castle and on to the track....

ACKOWLEDGEMENTS.

THIS JOURNEY STILL FEELS SO surreal to me, I can't believe I've been published!.

To my best friend, my husband and my biggest supporter Aravi, Thank you for always pus.h.i.+ng me to get writing. Your threats to change the WiFi pa.s.sword always seems to do the trick. Although you don't read my books, I know that you are my biggest fan. Your belief in me as a writer and as a person always inspire me to reach greater heights.

Vicki McGough, you are an absolute darling. Your editorial comments and guidelines have helped make this book publishable. If not for you, it would be like reading through spaghetti and meatball splattered pages. THANK YOU for your tireless efforts and your belief in this book.

My dear friend, Tharreshnee Govender, your hard truths have always put me back on track to where I need to be. I'm usually resistant to your bulldog-ish motivation techniques but it sure does get me to the finish line. n.o.body does tough love quite like you do.

Natasha Singh, you're a special friend, proof reader and my go-to beta bibliophile. Your thoughts and comments always seem to pick me up when I doubt the direction of my story. Nathan and Brielle have a brighter future because of you.

And to each and every one of my special readers, THANK YOU for your belief in my characters and their woven tales. I could not get to where I am without you.

CHAPTER 1.

BRIELLE WOODS CLOSED HER EYES and lifted her face to soak up the warm sun. She smiled to herself and took a deep breath, inhaling the salty Brazilian air. What an absolute pleasure to be carefree and relaxed for a change, her mind void of anything even vaguely resembling responsibility.

The last seven years had been a whirlwind of studying and exams and part-time jobs and building the foundation for her future, but this moment was all about taking a break. No stress about the next final or tuition to be paid or how to balance a third job on top of it all. No nail biting, stomach gnas.h.i.+ng or peptic ulcers about her life. For now anyway. Nope, this moment was all about ignorant bliss.

"With a smile like that, you better be having a dirty dream about a cabana boy." Emma Ross looked down at Brielle with a big toothy grin and a fancy c.o.c.ktail adorned with colourful straws and umbrellas in each hand. With her dark hair piled high on her head and her DKNY sungla.s.ses shading her brown eyes, her best friend was just gorgeous. And not just gorgeous in a simple kind of way either. No, Emma was runway-model type of gorgeous. She was tall, skinny and well-proportioned where it counted; that basically being her full chest and her pert, round a.s.s. Her auburn hair was soft and s.h.i.+ny and usually fell around her in effortless waves. It didn't hurt that she was charming as all h.e.l.l, too. Wherever she went she drew a crowd, so unlike Brielle. How the two had become friends was still a mystery to her.

The warm breeze tousled the tendrils around Brielle's face as she smiled at the G.o.ddess beside her. "Just soaking up the quiet time. It's so odd. I don't know what to do with myself."

"Well, babe," said Emma, handing a pink drink to Brielle and taking the adjacent lounger. "You have one more year until you qualify and this is your break before I never see you. I know what your life is going to be like in the next year, so this is our interlude for absolute fun and oblivion." She took a sip of her c.o.c.ktail and sighed. "So, no more thoughts of studies or exams or home in general. Just you and me in Brazil and some cabana boys for the next week, ok?"

"Cheers to that." They clinked gla.s.ses and looked out over the azure pool in front of them.

"How are you doing after the whole Nick incident?" Emma asked casually.

Brielle flipped her sungla.s.ses to the top of her head and s.h.i.+fted to look at her friend pointedly. "I thought we weren't talking about anything related to home."

Emma shrugged innocently. "Meh."

Brielle sighed and reluctantly let her mind wander to her ex. "Nick-the-p.r.i.c.k" she smirked. "This trip is my final cleansing of that douche. Catching his cheating a.s.s was the revelation I needed."

Even as she made the statement, her chest squeezed at the memory of the only man she had ever loved. Nick was everything she had hoped for in a man. He had become such a great part of her life and then she'd walked into his townhouse one afternoon to surprise him. Only she had been the one surprised to find him on all fours, thrusting deep into one of Brielle's study mates. He'd had her bound and gagged in some weird S&M contraption, which had shocked Brielle to her core. Even now she wasn't sure what she was more shocked about finding him cheating on her or discovering his fetish for kinky s.e.x.

She s.h.i.+vered at the memory and took another sip of her fancy drink. "I'm twenty-five and single and babe, we are in Brazil; I am definitely ready to mingle."

"Amen to that, sister," Emma grinned, revealing her perfect, pearly whites.

At that moment a waiter came by with identical drinks on his tray. "Compliments of the gentlemen at the bar," he said.

They looked over and the two okay-looking guys waved. Emma smiled and fluttered her fingertips back, accepting the drinks.

"Hey! What if those are drugged?" Brielle's eyes went wide, cautioning her friend. "I really don't feel up to getting roofied and sold into the s.e.x market in Brazil. I don't have a Liam Neeson back home ready to come and save me, all stealthy and ninja-like."

Emma giggled. "Relax, I just didn't want to be rude. Besides, getting free drinks; what a way to have a low-cost holiday." She winked, pulled her sungla.s.ses back over her eyes and adjusted her little pink bikini top. "But seriously, you can be such a prude. We are going to change all of that today."

"What do you mean? You can't just un-prude me. It's how I'm programmed."

"Well, tonight I was thinking we could go to this new club that opened on the strip. I heard it is the hottest thing in Sao Paulo now. Very upmarket and swish." She waved her perfectly manicured hand about to emphasize her point. "So, I booked us some spa time so we can preen and primp before the party. I figure we both deserve-a little spoiling. Plus, you could do with a haircut."

"What's wrong with my hair?" Brielle pouted and instinctively touched her blonde hair, tied in a knot at the back of her head.

"Babe, you are so beautiful, yet you hide behind your limp hair and loose clothes. Tonight, I recreate you."

"More like make me into Frankenstein's monster," Brielle mumbled, taking another long sip of her drink. She was going to need all the alcohol she could get to survive an Emma-induced primp-a-thon.

Later that night, Brielle entered Club Vesuvius and allowed Emma to lead her through to the bar at the back end of the club. She took in the dark leather finis.h.i.+ng of the lounging areas, the blue back-light of the bar and the sunken dance floor. No doubt about it this place was plush. She watched as a group of girls walked past her, dressed like models in their skin tight dresses. In fact, judging from their entourage maybe they actually were models.

Seeing them and all the other well dressed women in the club, Brielle was actually glad Emma had talked her into buying the pale gold c.o.c.ktail dress. Although it was a bit foreign considering her usual wardrobe, the dress definitely made her feel sophisticated enough to fit in with the current crowd. The new haircut didn't hurt either. All in all, Brielle felt like a new person. And tonight she was on a mission to let loose and have fun. She was in Brazil for G.o.d's sake!

She blew her newly cut long bangs out of her eyes and took the seat beside Emma at the bar. She watched as Emma made flirty eyes with the too-gorgeous barman.

"What will it be, Sweetheart?"

Emma leaned over and gave the tanned stud an appreciative view of her a.s.sets. "Surprise me."

One corner of his mouth curved up in a s.e.xy grin as he gave a slight nod and set to mixing and shaking something delightful.

Emma looked at Brielle and smiled. "You look absolutely phenomenal tonight babe. Who knew you had so much under all of that." She waved her arms about in Brielle's direction, emphasizing her point.

Brielle stared at her drolly. "Gee thanks, what a vote of confidence."

They turned back to the bar when the tanned stud returned with the drinks. Something blue and swirly in four tall shot gla.s.ses.

"Bottoms up!"

They clinked gla.s.ses and downed the double shots in quick succession.

"This place looks amazing," Brielle yelled above the music.

Emma nodded and gestured to the crowd. "Look at all these HOT guys. I'm in heaven." She twirled around as another four drinks were set before them. She gave the tanned stud a dubious look.

"It's from the group of guys at the end of the bar," he answered.

"Is it roofied?" Brielle asked instinctively.

Tanned stud grinned that s.e.xy half-smile. Oh Lord, he even had her hot and bothered. "No, Sweetheart. I made them myself. Roofie-free."

Brielle shrugged at Emma and downed her drink, causing Emma to raise her eyebrows and grin like a Ches.h.i.+re cat.

"What? I look different, I may as well just go with it."

The alcohol immediately loosened her up and she bobbed her head to some song by the Black Eyed Peas. She'd never heard it before and before she knew it, Emma had grabbed her hand and they were weaving their way to the dance floor.

The song was fast-paced and catchy. Brielle lifted her arms and swayed her hips, letting herself be a slave to the music. Emma looked at her and nodded approvingly. Ok, maybe she wasn't too bad at this dancing thing. She gave in to the music and before long, she found herself jumping up with Emma and singing along about it being a good, good night.

She was free and alive and with a big smile on her face, thought to herself, this is going to be an amazing vacation yet.

Nathan Wolfe lay flat on his back in his hotel room and stared at the stark-white ceiling. It had been a tough day and the news he just received was totally unexpected. In his twenty-six years he had been let down a lot but things had truly been picking up of late. In fact, he had been running a lucky streak. Maybe that was just it, pure luck and now his luck had run out.

He sat upright and the room spun a little, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since breakfast. Glancing at his watch, he was surprised to find it already 8pm. His head was pounding so hard it felt almost outside of his head. He ma.s.saged his aching temples but the pounding continued. He realized that the pounding was actually someone at the door.

Taking a slow walk to the door, he opened it to find Luca Jensen, his team mate, leaning against the jamb, looking every bit the proverbial playboy.

"You look like s.h.i.+t. C'mon, the run wasn't that bad today. Tomorrow will be a better day." He sauntered in past Nate and perched himself on the TV unit near the window. "Let's go get a steak and hit the town. I hear there's some new club a few miles away and there's sure to be tons of chicks just waiting to be wooed."

"Luca, you do realize that neither of us actually 'woo' anyone." He followed his friend into the suite and resumed his seat on the edge of the large bed. "Besides, I'm not up for a large social gathering of any kind." He didn't feel like telling the man opposite him that it had nothing to do with the bad practice-run the team had had earlier and everything to do with the phone call he received just half an hour earlier.

"Oh c'mon, don't be a spoil-sport. There isn't anyone else as young and good looking as me to play wingman tonight. How about we grab a quick steak and afterward you come with me to Club Vesuvius for an hour. If you aren't feeling it then, you are free to go with my blessings." He said it casually, like Nate had no option but to go. And he knew Luca, the man would not take no for an answer.

"Fine," he grunted, getting up to head to the shower. "But you are buying."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, bud!"

Brielle felt amazing. It had been years, actual years since she felt this happy and carefree. Admittedly, she did have a slight alcohol-infused buzz, but she didn't care. Whatever the reason, she was going to hold on to this feeling.

For too long she had been struggling and stressing, and had been working toward her future for seven long years. She was lucky enough that she hadn't had to pay her way for college tuition because of the many grants and scholars.h.i.+ps she had been awarded through the inst.i.tute. However, she had missed it last year and the financial strain was more than she could handle. She didn't have any family to lean on, and n.o.body that could help her with the finances, so she did what she could to build her foundation for her career. When her chiropractic qualification came through in the next year and she was a qualified doctor then this would all make a very funny story one day. Lucky for her, Emma had won an all-expenses paid trip and had taken her overworked, over-studied friend for a break. The vacation was just the interlude Brielle needed before the tension and anxiety of her final year took over her life.

Brielle was tired of being the only twenty-five year old in her circle of friends that was still in college. But she had one more year and then she would be a working-cla.s.s adult. Her career would pay itself off and all the personal sacrifices would be worth it. But for now, she experienced the pressure, the fatigue and the stress every single day. It was part of the reason why she chose to go on this holiday. She needed it. Her mind, body and soul needed it. She was one straw away from breaking the camel's back and G.o.d only knew how badly she needed to let loose.

Admittedly, it was day two of her vacation and it was working out to be exactly what the doctor ordered. Aside from the limber in her limbs as she danced, she couldn't deny that the appreciative looks the very good-looking male crowd aimed at her didn't hurt either. Fair enough, the b.o.o.b and hip hugging dress added to the appeal, but she didn't care. For once, she was hot and desirable and that did not suck in the least. So, this is what it feels like to be Emma, she thought to herself.

"You having fun?" Emma shouted above the music, swirling around in her little black dress that hugged every inch of her perfect curves.

Brielle nodded and laughed as one of Emma's many admirers twirled her around the dance floor. "I'm going to take a break, ok?"

Emma nodded and started to follow.

"No, you stay and have fun. I'll join you in a few."

Emma nodded again and returned to her crazed fans, soaking up every nanosecond of attention in true Emma fas.h.i.+on.

Brielle ordered bottled water and weaved her way through the thick crowd to one of the lounging couches. The long thick bangs were starting to irritate her in the overly warm club, and she once again blew them out of her eyes.

Tilting her head back, she took a long gulp as she scanned the crowd. She was amazed by the beauty of the people in this place. Such a variety of different cultures infused with the Brazilian natives. And the Brazilian natives were... beautiful to say the least. Men and women alike were curvy and tanned and had a rhythm unrivalled by any of the tourists.

There was a commotion by the entrance of the club and Brielle craned her neck to get a peek of the action. All she could see were cameras flas.h.i.+ng as some guys walked in. Probably some local celebrities or more models. Turning her attention back to the crowd, she watched Emma having the time of her life. The girl was practically b.u.mping and grinding with the Latin boywonder on the dance floor and, if not for her fair skin, she could have pa.s.sed for one of the locals with her sensuous dance moves. Emma threw her head back and laughed from her belly, a sure sign that she was in fact in her element.

She signalled to Brielle and met her halfway to the ladies restroom.

"Em, this was a great idea. This club is amazing. I feel like a different person."

Emma linked her arms with Brielle and merely said, "I know, I'm that good." She winked to brush off the arrogance of her statement as she stepped into a bathroom stall.

"I could do with some air though," Brielle stated, fluffing her hair in the mirror. The hair dresser had done a superb job on a long sleek Chinese bob and thick bangs. Barely recognizing her reflection in the mirror, she touched up her lip gloss, satisfied with the exotic creature staring back.

Emma washed her hands and twisted her long hair up away from her neck. "Shew, it is hot in here. How about one more dance and we take a walk on the boulevard?"

Brielle nodded her agreement as they left the restroom.

Emma grabbed her hand as she heard Rihanna's voice through the speakers, crooning about not stopping the music. They reached the dance floor and of their own volition, her hips once again started to swirl 'n shake. This place really had an effect on her usually slow body. Hands still entwined, Emma spun her around and she could feel the skirt of her dress hike up.

A group of people had joined them then and, as per usual, a hot guy came to dance with Emma. He whispered something in her ear and when she nodded, they too started a s.e.xy dance. He didn't look like a home-grown Brazilian but there was no hard and fast rule that attention was only to be given by the natives on this vacation. Emma attracted all types of attention. Like bees to honey.

Brielle smiled to herself. The dance floor got crowded and she soon got jostled away from Emma and the hot new guy, but she just went with it, not wanting to cramp her friend's style.

Brielle closed her eyes and let her body just feel the music, dancing in her own world. When she opened her eyes, she found that one of the club's patrons was dancing with her. With nowhere to go, she just continued to dance. She turned away from him but then felt his hot, rancid breath as he slurred in her ear, "That's a sweet set of legs. When do they open?"

Brielle's eyes nearly popped out of her head. What a cheesy, derogatory pick-up line.

Before she could react, he had grabbed her hips and had started to grind his pelvis into her.

"Hey! Get off me," she spun around and pushed at him, panic starting to rise. "Stop!"

He was tough for a drunk and reached for her again.

Before she could react, she was faced with a wall of solid muscle. "I believe the lady said back off."

The drunken idiot didn't have much brain capacity left and he once again tried to reach for her around the tall wall of muscle.

Her savior put a hand on the brute's shoulder and said menacingly, "I have had a s.h.i.+t day and will gladly toss you on your a.s.s and beat you into the pavement."

The drunk looked up-way up-into the face of the wall of muscle and smiled. He actually smiled with his crooked teeth. "Hey! It's you! Nate Wolfe! I'm sorry, man! I didn't mean to hit on your girl. Great season."

The moron actually saluted him and then turned and danced his way to his next unsuspecting victim.