Surrender - Elizabeth Knox Page 0,1

to my mother’s house.

My mind drifts to my mother and what I might face when I arrive tonight. My lifestyle allows me to provide the twenty-four hour care she needs with her late stage Alzheimer’s. The women who care for her are the real heroes, they’re dependable and trustworthy— so when Martina called and said she needed the night off to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, I did what needed to be done and agreed to cover for her.

Martina greets me at the door when I get out of my car.

“Good to see you Chase. Thank you again for the time off.”

I wave a hand in the air. “It’s nothing. You’ve more than earned it. Go, have fun tonight and happy anniversary to you both.”

“Oh. Thank you so much.”

“How is she?” I ask while Martina gathers her things.

“Today was a hard day. She’s resting a bit now before her next dose of meds.”

“Thank you. I’ll go check on her after I lock up.”

Martina leaves and I lock the door behind her then head into the living room. Mom is sitting on the couch staring at the tv so I take a seat next to her and try to make small talk.

It doesn’t take long before she grows agitated. I make note of the time and realize that she’s due for another dose of medicine. In addition to her Alzheimer’s she also deals with quite a bit of pain from arthritis and when her pain meds wear off— she tends to get angry.

“I’ll go get you some juice,” I tell her while patting her hand gently.

I walk into the kitchen and pull the juice and her meds from the fridge, pouring the last of the juice into a cup, and mixing the usual cocktail then grab a straw. As soon as I walk back into the living room, Mom is reaching for the cup. Slowly I watch her drink down every last drop.

Minutes later, her eyes begin to droop. I help her to lie back on the couch and apply two of her pain patches to her body to help ease her misery. Then I settle myself on the recliner next to her as she drifts to sleep. She doesn’t stay asleep long before she stirs and moans in pain.

“Hurts.” She groans.

“Okay, Ma. It’s okay.” I grab another pain patch and apply it, hoping it helps.

The last ten years have been hell. Watching this disease steal her away from me breaks my heart and I know deep down she hates it too. All I can do is pray that her suffering will end soon.

Chapter 1

Nora

It’s an excruciating night in the midst of September. If I were in Los Angeles, I’d love the weather, but alas, Las Vegas is nowhere near as lovely as my home. Instead of the valley keeping the temperature cozy, we practically roast to death with the most mind-boggling heat records.

If this were a normal night I’d be heading straight back to my house after such a long day in the office. I had a trial this morning, so per usual I went in early and reviewed all my materials again. I knew I’d have to put up a fight today and try to prove to the jury my client was innocent. In no way was it easy, but thankfully the jury sided with my client.

I’m a criminal defense lawyer, but not every one of my clients are cut-throat murderers. Some have made mistakes in life they wish they could take back, while others were merely defending themselves.

Tonight, I’m going out on a date. God it feels odd allowing that fact to run through my mind. Due to a bit of my past I haven’t been on the dating scene in a while. I’ve . . . experienced a lot in my life, and at my age I finally know what I want. It took me a while but I got to the point where I wasn’t willing to compromise. Many men in the past have tried to change me, so I kick them to the curb.

I’m a dominant woman.

I’m the type of woman who loves power in every aspect of her life. I know it’s the reason I became a lawyer, and it’s undoubtedly the reason I enjoy flogging the asses of men until they’re bleeding.

Blood isn’t my kink, but the way my man’s face shifts to pure pleasure when the leather strikes him . . . it’s riveting. At that exact moment chills run over