Total Surrender

By Velvet Vaughn

COBRA Securities agents Hunter McGrath and Talia Cohen pose as husband and wife to infiltrate a mysterious cult, led by the charismatic Elijah. With little to go on besides the fact that Elijah, the self-proclaimed Keeper of the Light, only accepts married couples into the fold, they set out to contact a member whose parents are worried about the safety of their only daughter. But once inside the gates of utopia, they discover a killer among their midst and a plot far more sinister than they could have imagined. Soon they are ensnared in a web of intrigue and danger that threatens the success of their mission...and their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Velvet Vaughn
• Release date: Dec 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9780986165290

Velvet Vaughn

Velvet Vaughn was born in Indiana and spent fifteen years in communications, public relations, marketing and executive management in amateur sports. Articles she has written have been published in several magazines and reprinted in most major newspapers across the country. She served as editor, writer and designer for five sport magazines including one that was distributed to over 140 countries around the world, and one that was displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. To learn more about Velvet or sign up for her newsletter, visit her at http://www.velvetvaughn.com or http://www.facebook.com/authorvelvetvaughn.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 VELVET VAUGHN LLC

ISBN: 978-0-9861652-9-0

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Visit Velvet’s website at www.velvetvaughn.com and her Facebook Fanpage at www.facebook.com/authorvelvetvaughn.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my sweet cousins Diane and Lorna.

Acknowledgments

I would like to sincerely thank the members of my Velvet Vaughn Street Team who help spread the word: Cindi R., Debbie M., Gary A., Karen D., Karen J., Lisa B., Tammy T., Lisa B., Sharon W., Paulyn A, and Shelley C. I’m so thankful for all of you and truly appreciate your support! I would also like to sincerely thank my social media guru, Kristy O!

And as always, a huge thank you to my mom. I couldn’t do this without you!

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Epilogue

Notes

About the Author

Prologue

Talia Cohen closed her eyes as the plane taxied, picked up speed, and then lifted into the deep blue horizon. She was leaving the nation where she was raised, possibly for the last time. She didn’t have fond memories of the years she’d spent in Israel. She held no ill-will toward the country—it was a beautiful place filled with a rich, deep history. She just didn’t see the need to visit her father’s homeland anymore. Not even to stop by his freshly dug, flower-covered grave.

The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of highs and lows. The highs included the successful conclusion of her first assignment with COBRA Securities and meeting a certain tall, blond FBI agent she couldn’t erase from her naughty thoughts. She hadn’t even celebrated her role in taking down a murderous US Senator when her phone rang. Her father had suffered a massive heart attack, and his condition was dire. As the older daughter and heir to his company, she’d been expected to be by his side. She’d spent her entire teen years trying to do the exact opposite.

Talia’s American mother met her Israeli father when they’d been students at Duke University. They fell in love, married, and Talia was born the summer after they graduated, putting her mother’s plans for law school on hold. Her father had always been ambitious, and when Talia was one, he informed her mother they were moving to his homeland so he could take control of his family’s business. Having never discussed the possibility with Talia’s mother, she’d been blindsided. She wanted to raise Talia in America. Her mother refused to leave, her father refused to stay, and the divorce was final weeks later.

Her childhood had been a happy one, from what she could remember. Her memories were fuzzy, and the ones she did recall were mostly from pictures. When Talia was five, her mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She died a year later.

Losing her mother had devastated her, but what happened next almost broke her. Her father ripped her from the only home she’d known and forced her to move to his country, where she didn’t understand the language or the customs.

Adjusting to life in Israel had been difficult. Her father’s new wife, Rivka, had been remote, downright cruel, and she resented Talia. If she spoke to her at all, it was to chastise or criticize. When Talia was ten, Rivka gave birth to a daughter, Shira, Talia’s half-sister. Though Rivka tried to keep them apart, Talia adored Shira. She was the only highlight of otherwise painful teenage years. That was before her father made her join the Israeli Defense Force or IDF, and from there, Mossad, the national intelligence agency of Israel. In the blink of an eye, she was no longer a carefree, happy American. She was a toughened, battle-scarred Israeli warrior.

A little over a year ago, she’d been on a joint mission with a team of US Special Forces operatives when she encountered Grant Colton, a Navy SEAL. She had no idea her life was about to change once again. The mission hit a snag, and they’d had to hunker down in an abandoned building for hours. To pass the time, he told her about his brother’s successful security business he planned on joining as soon as he mustered out of the Navy. The company sounded intriguing, and her interest was piqued. As soon as she had access to the internet, she’d thoroughly researched COBRA Securities. She’d barely read two paragraphs when she decided it was what she wanted to do with her life. It was a definite bonus that the job would take her back to her birth country.

Talia had made initial contact, dropping Grant Colton’s name to get her foot in the door. After several phone interviews with both Grant’s brother Luke and his partner, Logan, they flew her over for an in-person interview. She’d been hired, contingent on passing the physical tests administered by another former Navy SEAL, Dante Costa.

She was passionate about fitness, so she didn’t mind pushing her toned body past its limits. She hadn’t yet finished the training when she’d been tagged to work undercover in bringing down a sitting United States Senator.

Talia loved her new job, and she was doing what she wanted for once in her life. The first opportunity she had to escape the domineering hand of her father, and she’d jumped at the chance. Her father had been livid. He thought as his firstborn, she’d eventually take over his company. She didn’t know what his business was and, frankly, wasn’t sure it was legal. He’d kept the details from her, intending to turn everything over to her when she joined him. That wouldn’t be happening now.

Inheriting his entire fortune, including the business, was a complete shock. Talia had assumed everything would go to Rivka, but she’d signed an ironclad prenuptial agreement. Rivka had been outraged that Talia inherited the estate, especially after how mad her father had been when she joined COBRA Securities. Rivka swore he meant to change his will, and he hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Of course, she had no proof, so she didn’t have a leg to stand on. It didn’t stop her from trying. The days following the reading of the will were filled with thinly veiled threats and outright hostility. Rivka knew Talia was a trained fighter, so she kept her virulent jabs of the verbal kind.

When Rivka realized her taunts wouldn’t work, she tried guilt. She insisted Talia was the reason for his heart attack. He’d been under a tremendous amount of stress since she abandoned him, Rivka claimed, until it was too much, and his body shut down.

That barb hit its intended mark. As soon as the call came through, Talia had wondered if her desertion contributed to his condition. She didn’t harbor any fantasies that her father missed her, but he was angry that a Cohen wouldn’t run his company once he was gone.

Rivka had coddled and pampered Shira so excessively, she was a spoiled princess. She’d been raised the opposite of Talia. Shira would not have to serve in the IDF because of a medical exemption. Secretly, Talia thought Rivka worked up the defense from the time Shira was born, claiming she suffered from anemia with the collaboration of a doctor who also happened to be a family friend. Shira was girly, delicate. She would never have the drive or fortitude to take over their father’s company. Talia was his only hope, and she’d disappointed him.

Water under the proverbial bridge now. She couldn’t go back and change things—wouldn’t even if she could. She was truly happy. Though she hadn’t been at it for long, she loved her job. Her coworkers were terrific, and they’d welcomed her with open arms.

At the recommendation of one of her father’s closest friends, she accepted a buyout offer for his company. Added to the fortune her father had amassed, she now had a portfolio that sported more zeros than she’d spent in two lifetimes. It was surreal.

She no longer had to work if she didn’t want to, but she did. It was her passion. Though they were no longer close, thanks to Rivka, she established a substantial trust fund for Shira. Her sister would never want for money. If Shira wanted to sit around and paint her nails all day, she could do so without worrying about a roof over her head or food on the table.

She hated to leave her half-sister, especially since she was stuck with a viper for a mother, but Rivka had poisoned Shira against Talia when she saw how close they had become. Talia hoped Shira would realize her mother filled her head with lies, but she didn’t hold her breath. The ball was in Shira’s court. Talia had set up the trust so Rivka couldn’t get her hands on the money. Once all the details were completed, Talia headed directly to the airport without looking back.

The sleek plane reached cruising altitude, and the fasten seat belt sign clicked off. Talia adjusted the lever to recline.

Would you like a beverage, ma’am?

Red wine. Thank you.

Free vino. She could seriously get used to first-class perks. She hadn’t decided yet what to do with the fortune. She didn’t want it. It felt like blood money. Her father couldn’t be bothered with her when he was alive. She certainly didn’t need all of it. She lived modestly, and her needs were simple.

An idea popped into her head, and she wanted to look into starting a foundation for children who’d lost a parent at a young age. Maybe a summer camp where they could meet with other children suffering from the same life circumstances. She would name the foundation after her mother. Sarah’s Children or Sarah’s Hope, something that would honor the woman who had made the first few years of Talia’s life happy.

The flight attendant placed the glass on her tray table, and she thanked her before taking a sip. The wine would help ease the worry plaguing her upon her return. She’d been gone for weeks, much longer than she initially anticipated due to the will’s stipulations. Not the best impression to make when you were new on the job.

Though her first and only mission had been successful, they might’ve forgotten her by now, maybe even replaced her. That thought made her shudder. This job meant everything to her. Her coworkers were the only family she had now. They’d accepted her from the beginning, forced her to open up, step out of her comfort zone and become more social. She had friends for the first time in her life. Female friends.

Now that she had money, she planned to talk to her bosses and purchase the plot of land she coveted with a picturesque view of the lake. Then she’d see if she could hire Hillary Billing’s fiancé, Reed Steele, to draw up plans for her dream home. She didn’t have champagne tastes, so it wouldn’t be a mansion but a place she could call home—something she hadn’t had since her mother passed away. And it would be her own.

She finished the ruby-red wine and settled deeper into the plush seat. The difference between First Class and Coach was ridiculous, and she felt guilty for enjoying the simple luxury of a comfortable chair and legroom. It was a stark contrast to some of the planes she’d ridden on in the military, where she was lucky to perch on a wooden crate. She’d had to thread her hand in a cargo net to hang on, and the bay reeked of farm animals and human sweat. Good times.

Talia woke with a start. The plane had begun its descent into Indianapolis International Airport. After raising her seat to the upright position, she stowed her tray table. She’d pick up her car from long-term parking, pay the fee and be home soon. She couldn’t wait.

Chapter One

Twenty. Hunter McGrath heaved the weights into the air for the final rep to finish his set with a burst of energy. He racked the bar and thanked his spotter, Mason Rossi. Rising to a seated position, he mopped the sweat from his face with a towel. His muscles burned in a good way, signaling a killer workout. He thought he’d been in great shape when he was with the FBI, but he’d become a finely honed machine since joining COBRA Securities a few weeks ago.

Dante Costa, the man in charge of conditioning and training, was nothing short of a sadist. The man didn’t seem to know the word pain. He made the men and women push their bodies past their limits to uncharted territory. The man had been a Navy SEAL, the best of the best, and he demanded the same of the staff. Hunter felt fitter and stronger than ever.

After a five-mile run on the indoor track, he stripped off his T-shirt as he entered the showers. He might have had extra incentive to look his best today. Talia was coming home.

He’d signed on with the agency right after the op where he’d met Talia Cohen. They’d joined forces to help bring down a sitting United States Senator, and in the process, Hunter developed a serious case of lust for the exotic beauty.

He had no problem admitting she was a factor in his decision to leave the Bureau. Not the only one, certainly, but working alongside her was a definite perk.

He’d looked forward to seeing her when he flew out to interview with Luke Colton and Logan Bradley, the founders of COBRA Securities. It wasn’t until he accepted the position and moved soon after that he learned her father had passed away. She’d been gone since, taking care of his estate. He didn’t know the specifics and his coworkers weren’t gossips, so he’d wait until she returned to offer condolences, which should be today. Her plane was scheduled to arrive from Israel, and as far as he knew, she wasn’t aware they were now coworkers.

He laid in bed last night, staring at the ceiling, wondering what her reaction would be. Would her mouth drop open in shock? Would her eyes round in disbelief? Would she be as happy to see him as he was to see her? Maybe she’d squeal and throw herself in his arms. He chuckled at the thought. Talia wasn’t a squealer.

What’s with the stupid grin?

He turned to see Ethan Addison and Sawyer Oldham stroll into the showers. His coworkers stripped off their sweaty workout gear and tossed them into a bin.

He wiped the stupid grin from his face. Nothing.

That’s not a nothing look, Sawyer alleged, his eyes narrowed. It’s a woman, isn’t it? You met someone.

What’s her name? Ethan pried. Do we know her? More importantly, does she have a sister?

Preferably two, Sawyer added.

It’s not about a woman. He pulled on a clean shirt and avoided their gazes. If they looked into his eyes, they’d know he was lying. Now, if you ladies will excuse me.

He brushed past them, their chuckles following him out the door.

It’s definitely a woman, Ethan said.

Yep, Sawyer agreed.

The cooler air felt good against his overheated skin. He couldn’t help it. The stupid grin was back in full force.

#

Talia was nervous. Anxious. Edgy. Her bosses had requested a meeting with her as soon as she returned. She didn’t even have time to stop by her apartment and unpack. That could not be good. She alternated between speeding and falling well below the legal limit on the drive home. Her mind raced as several scenarios played out in her head.

She’d kept up with her workouts while away, so she was ready if they had an assignment for her to tackle. She prayed that was what they wanted. A juicy new gig. But what if she’d been gone too long? Requesting so much time off was a lot to ask of a new employer. What if they thought she wasn’t worth waiting for, and they were calling her in to fire her? Sweat broke out along her forehead. She had to convince them to let her stay.

When Talia reached the compound, she punched in the code to the gate, even though her hands were shaking like a leaf. She stopped at the security booth to greet Tucker Nash, a gigantic bear of a man who handled the compound security. He stepped out of the booth to lean in her window and hug her. He’d lost both of his legs while serving in the military, but he didn’t let it stop him.

Talia asked about his family, and after he pulled out his phone and showed her the latest pictures like the proud father he was, she waved and headed straight for the offices. She parked, turned off the engine, unbuckled her seat belt, and then sat in her car, gathering her strength. Talia had never been a wimp. She confronted problems head-on. She was tough, and she was fearless. Talia hadn’t been afraid since she was six years old, and her mother took her last breath. Life had toughened her to the point of callousness. But the thought of losing the first job she truly loved turned her into a coward.

Bang, bang.

Ah! Talia jumped so high she bashed her thighs against the steering wheel.

Oops, sorry!

She turned to see Kai Costa’s grinning face pressed against her window, and she couldn’t help but return the smile, despite her heart having lodged in her esophagus. Talia didn’t frighten easily, and few people got the jump on her. She chalked it up to nerves at being back at the only place that felt like home in her adult life.

Shooing Kai back, she opened her door.

Welcome home, Talia. I’m sorry about your dad.

Thank you, Kai. She hugged him and then ruffled his hair. I can call you that, right?

Kai’s brows dipped in confusion. Uh, yeah, that’s my name.

You mean it has not changed to Superman or maybe Captain America?

A blush crept over Kai’s cheeks. So adorable! He looked exactly like a miniature version of his dad, Dante.

Oh, you heard about that?

She fisted her hands on her hips in mock outrage. They get the news in Israel, you know.

I made the news in Israel? He pumped his fist in the air. Cool!

When you save the President of the United States’ granddaughter from a child predator, yes, you make the news, not just in Israel but also around the world. The blush deepened to a fire engine red. Wolverine?

He shook his head but then nodded, his eyes wide. I could get some wicked sharp steel claws. He wiggled his fingers and cackled. Bad guys would flee in terror. Wait! I think I’d rather be Thor…no Daredevil! He demonstrated this by running full speed toward the limestone building in front of them.

Kai— Talia raced after him, afraid he would crash headfirst and crack his skull wide open. She stopped short when he literally ran up the side of the building, only to launch backward into a tuck and land on his feet beside her. He finished with a ta-da flourish.

Talia slapped a hand to her racing heart. Good grief, you almost gave me a heart attack.

Yeah, Kai said sheepishly. I did that to my mom the first time I showed her the trick.

And she did not ban you from ever attempting it again? Kai’s stepmother Taylor was a wonderful woman, and she adored her stepson, but Talia couldn’t see her encouraging his reckless ways.

When he didn’t answer right away, she cast a look at him to see the blush was back. She, uh, might’ve mentioned, uh, something about a grounding if I attempted it again. He grabbed her hand, his eyes pleading. You won’t tell her, will you? If I can’t work out on the obstacle course, I’ll die!

She narrowed her eyes in thought. I do not know. She rubbed her chin. You know, my car is awfully dirty. It has been sitting in a dusty parking lot for weeks. If it were to say, be nice and shiny by this weekend, I could consider not telling.

You’re blackmailing me? Awesome! Just so you know, I’m making Dan help me wash your car. It’s all his fault. He’s the one who taught me that move in the first place.

Talia chuckled. She could just see Dan teaching the move to Kai. Dan was the younger, rebellious brother of Logan Bradley, one of the founders of COBRA Securities. Dan was also the reigning US Ninja Warrior champion.

Why aren’t you in school, Daredevil?

Because I’ve got street smarts. He tapped a finger to his temple. I don’t need none of that silly book learning.

The kid was a riot! You do not, huh?

Nope. Also, it’s Saturday.

Talia rolled her eyes at herself. She’d been so worried about meeting her bosses she hadn’t even registered the day. So it is.

Someone called out Kai’s name, and she turned to see two of the other kids gathered by the outdoor basketball courts. He waved a hand and then said, I’ve gotta fly. I’m glad you’re home. He started to jog off and then stopped abruptly. Wait, you looked sad when I knocked on your window. Is it because of your dad?

She smiled to reassure him. No, Kai. I am fine.

Well then, do you know what Daredevil’s favorite part of the joke is?

The answer came to her in an instant. The punch line?

Kai snapped his fingers in disappointment. Dang, you heard that one.

He waved as he loped over to the other children. Even at his young age, Kai was sensitive to the feelings of others. He memorized jokes so he could cheer people up when they were sad. An unexpected sob caught in her throat, and she covered her mouth with her hand. If she had to leave, she would miss him so much. She barely knew him, and already he’d become important to her.

The lightness she felt talking with Kai evaporated like a drop of water in the Negev Desert. Worry settled in again. It was an unusual feeling,