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  BAIT ME

  The Girl Power Romance Collection

  by Bella Jeanisse

  Published by Bella Jeanisse

  COPYRIGHT © 2020 by Bella Jeanisse

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher: [email protected]

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work, which have been used without permission. The publication/ use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Visit bellajeanisse.com for more information about the author and her works.

  Table of Contents

  BAIT ME

  BELLA’S BOOKS

  PREFACE

  DEDICATION

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  SNEAK PEEKS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  CONNECT WITH ME

  BELLA’S BOOKS

  The World of Velocity:

  Velocity:

  Rockin’ Rhythm – Ash’s book

  Shredding Dreams – Ian’s book

  Silver Strings – Bryce’s book

  Driving Reigns – Leo’s book

  COMPLETE

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  The World of Triple Threat:

  Triple Threat:

  Reckless

  Tragic Soul

  Triple Threat

  Triple Time

  Rubbed Raw

  Raw Reunion

  Chasing Chad

  Dual Desires

  Desires Delivered

  COMPLETE

  Wicked End:

  Wicked End

  Passionate Needs

  Sinful Needs

  Fulfilling Needs

  Prelude to a Wicked Wedding

  Gasoline:

  Gasoline

  Persistent Urges

  Evolving Urges

  Forever Urges

  Final Urges

  COMPLETE

  Silverblade:

  Silverblade

  Accidental Romance

  Forbidden Romance

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  Contemporary Romance:

  Bait Me

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  Erotic Tales:

  Double Dominance

  Insatiable Appetites

  PREFACE

  When I was asked to join the Girl Power Collection, I fell in love with the idea of books about women in male dominate fields. I have plenty of personal experience with this. I worked in the IT world for many years. Before that, I worked on Wall Street. Most of my adult life I have had few female coworkers. I get a kick out of showing people I can do what they assume I can’t. So far, I haven’t failed at anything I gave my all to.

  With all the new jobs opening up to women, you’d think the world would be more accepting of us. We still have a lot of work to do. I hope this collection gives you a taste of what it’s like to be a badass yet stay true to yourself.

  To find out more about the Girl Power Collection or check out the other books available, see our website: https://girlpowercollectio.wixsite.com/romance/buy-the-books

  DEDICATION

  To all the strong ladies in my life: my mom, daughter-in-laws, granddaughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends, coworkers and neighbors, I support you in everything you do! Never let anyone convince you that you can’t do something. Believe in yourself because I believe in you!

  Thank you to the amazing and loyal group of friends, betas, pimpers, inspirationalists, artists, proofreaders, and readers I have! You make the best team. I wouldn’t be doing this without you all. My star players are invaluable: Sandy, Traci, Sonia, LaDonna, Sarah, Anita, Patricia, Doris, Christa, Stephanie, Lisa, April, Stephanie, Coralee, Debbie, Ruby, Sarah, Gina, Camillie, Frances, Donna, Cortney, and Amy.

  This book touches on domestic violence without details. I know so many who have been a victim of it, myself included. There are many ways a partner or family member is abusive. None of them are acceptable. Don’t stay silent! You are not alone. You are worth saving. You can take the first step to a better life.

  National Domestic Violence Hotline

  Call 1-800-799-7233

  Available 24 hours everyday

  https://www.thehotline.org/

  (Local resources are also available.)

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Move!” Caleb Jensen bumped his sister as he guided the last crab pot into place on the Highlander.

  Roselyn Jensen waited until her oldest brother let the trap go to shove him to the deck. “You should know better!” She chuckled when he slapped the wood beneath him. “If you didn’t want me to show you up, you shouldn’t have taught me how to fight.”

  “She’s right.” Noah Jensen smirked from atop the stack. “You told Dad she could do this.” He confirmed the two pots under him were secure and leaned over them. “Stop pouting about it.”

  “Hey, be careful!” Roselyn hated when her brothers took chances while they were still on the Bering Sea, especially in mid-January when icing was a major problem. “Either get down or hang on, Noah.”

  Noah rose to his feet and stepped over to the next pot. “I’m good, Ros. Go police someone else.”

  Their other brothers, Phil and Adam, shook their heads. Neither would interfere unless they had to.

  “Roselyn!” Captain Rick Jensen shouted from the open door of the wheelhouse.

  She glanced up. “Yes, Dad?”

  “On this boat, I’m your captain!”

  For good measure, she jostled Caleb. “Be right back.”

  She navigated the deck carefully to the stairs. Her father’s expression revealed nothing, so she had no clue what he needed. As soon as she stepped inside, she yanked her hat off and shook her semi-short blue hair out.

  “What’s up?”

  Rick groaned. “I give up taming you, Spitfire.”

  “This is how you raised me.” She winked. As the only girl, he favored her to a degree. “I’m still your princess.”

  His stern façade melted. “That you are.” He pulled her in for a brief hug. “Good thing I have you to set me straight.”

  She smiled and recalled the many times he didn’t know what to do with her. Because her mother had died from a heart condition just after her tenth birthday, she’d spent most of her life on that boat with him and her four brothers. It allowed her to learn every job available. Their boat did salmon tendering and fished all the crab seasons. She’d started fishing to spend time with her father and stayed for the money.

  “Did you need something?” She patted his arm, worried it would be another health scare. He’d already had a mild heart attack. She couldn’t handle losing him.

  He nodde
d. “Got a call from Devin on the Passionate Dreams. They brought his deck boss to the clinic on St. Paul after an accident. He asked if I can spare anyone qualified to replace him.” He tilted his head. “Since our season is over, thought you might want to make a bit more money.”

  “And I’m the only deck boss you have to offer?”

  “That too.” Rick had tested his sons in the role and all failed. “They need someone serious who can dish out discipline. He has a young crew.”

  Roselyn debated the pros and cons. She knew Devin well but not his crew, since she’d never stepped foot on his boat. “How many greenhorns does he have?”

  “No new guys. He’s got the same crew from last year.”

  “OK, at least I don’t have to baby anyone.” She shrugged. “If he really needs help, I’m in. Is he meeting us in Dutch Harbor?”

  “Yep, he should be docking a few hours after we do.” Rick took a deep breath to quell the fear of leaving his daughter in the hands of another captain. “Please call me if anything goes wrong.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Nothing will go wrong, Dad.” She peeked out the window in the door. “I need to get back on the deck.”

  Caleb shook his head when his sister finally reappeared. “Why do you always get out of doing the hard work?”

  “Fuck you! I did every job on this damn boat.” She grabbed the closest pot when the boat lurched. “You get more time in the wheelhouse, so stop bitching!”

  Noah climbed down to the deck. “Don’t make me say she’s right again.”

  She sneered at Caleb. “I’ll be outta your hair when we get to Dutch.”

  “Yep, glad you moved out.” Caleb rolled his eyes. “Daddy’s little girl is too spoiled.”

  Roselyn pushed him hard enough for him to stumble. “I wouldn’t talk if I were you. Not many thirty-year-olds live at home. You need to learn to manage your money better. Like me.” She rarely acted her age. At twenty-five, she showed more maturity than all four of her older brothers.

  Caleb got back to work but didn’t drop the conversation. “But you moved to Shorewood, California. That name is so original. Woods to the east and water to the west. Sporting Wood would’ve been cooler.”

  “You would come up with that one. It’s simple and descriptive.”

  Noah chimed in with, “They should have kept La Madera.”

  Roselyn let out a chuckle. “You realize that just means ‘the woods’, right?”

  “Oh.” Noah shrugged. “I don’t speak a word of Spanish.”

  Caleb chuckled. “That one’s even lamer.”

  Roselyn replied with a frown, “I didn’t name the town, just find it a good fit for me.”

  “If it were up to you, I’m sure you’d pick Bayview.” Caleb’s face lit up. “On second thought, that would be a better name, since the view of the bay from your house is awesome.

  Noah shook his head. “Give up, Caleb. You couldn’t come up with something cool on your own.”

  No matter how much Caleb teased her, she loved Shorewood. She’d chosen the small city off Sureño Bay for its clean beaches, lack of traffic jams, large houses with big yards and plenty of fishermen.

  Within fifteen minutes, the crew stepped inside and removed their cold weather gear. First thing on the agenda would be food, then sleep. They had a long ride to offload their catch.

  “Ros, what’re you making?” Caleb sat at the mess table.

  “Not my turn.” She settled next to him and pulled out her phone. “What’re you making?”

  “Fuck.” Caleb gave Noah a pleading look.

  Noah scoffed. “Hell no! Your turn. You cook.”

  “Do we even have any food left?” Caleb rose to his feet and shuffled to the refrigerator. “Nothing.” He checked the freezer. “I can make frozen pizza.”

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  “Thought you were going home to get away from me.” Roselyn winked at Caleb as they approached Dave’s Tavern near the dock.

  Caleb grabbed the door and shrugged. “Wanted to blow off some steam first.”

  “You mean get a blowjob.” She chuckled and walked inside.

  Noah followed her. “Don’t let Dad hear you say things like that.”

  “And this is why I moved to California.” She headed to the bar and waved a twenty in the air. In seconds, the bartender passed her a shot glass. “Thanks.”

  Her gaze drifted to the other patrons while she finished off her whiskey. She hid the purpose of her tagging along with her brothers. They thought of her as a little girl. She hadn’t been that in many years. A few men seemed to fit the bill, but she needed someone who would be discrete.

  “Hey, babe. Can I buy you a drink?”

  Noah stepped in front of his sister and eyed the potential threat. “Need something, buddy?”

  “This your girl?”

  Roselyn pushed Noah aside. “Don’t need you to protect me.” She glanced up at the man. “I’d love another drink. Whiskey, straight up.”

  “Why do you bother?” Caleb rolled his eyes at Noah. “She can take down anyone in this room.”

  “And don’t you forget that,” Roselyn whispered to her brothers. When the young man handed her a shot glass, she clinked his. “Here’s to free drinks.” She drained it in a split second.

  Rick walked up to the group. “You’re expected on the Passionate Dreams in two hours.”

  “I know.” Roselyn laid a hand on her drink buyer’s arm. “Couldn’t waste this guy’s generosity.”

  “Hello, sir. I’m Kale, Kale Latu.”

  With a scowl, Rick assessed the young man’s intentions. “I know who you are. Keep your hands off my daughter.”

  “Dad, I’m not a kid. If I want to fu—date him, I will.” She tapped her glass. “I could use another.”

  Kale glanced at the older man, then back at Roselyn. “Are you sure?”

  “Yep, my family doesn’t dictate who buys me drinks.” Roselyn waved at her father. “Stop interfering. I like tall Samoan men.” With her five foot ten height, many men were shorter than her. She subtly looked Kale over. Damn, he’s exactly what I need right now! “Why don’t we find a spot far from these annoying people.” She waited for her next drink, then tugged him to the rear of the bar.

  When they found a table, Kale downed his shot and met her gaze. “So… do I have to worry about your brothers ganging up on me?”

  “Not unless you intend this thing between us to last more than an hour.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “I have a time limit?”

  “No, I do. I’m leaving on another boat in two. You have fifteen minutes to convince me I wanna fuck you.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Glad to have you aboard, Roselyn.” Devin shook her hand on the dock next to his boat.

  She nodded at the Passionate Dreams’ captain. “Happy to be here. The Bering Sea is my bitch.”

  “You’re too much.” He hid his laughter by turning away for a moment. “But seriously, not sure what we’d do without you. None of these guys can throw the hook for shit.” He glanced at his crew, barely visible on the deck. “Nick broke his arm bad. Good thing you guys were done.”

  “Perfect timing.” Her gaze shifted to the boat. It was bigger than her father’s. “As long as you don’t have any weird kinks in your equipment, it should be a smooth transition.”

  “Everything is maintained regularly, and the hydraulics are similar to what the Highlander has.” He waved at the hull. “Hop on board, and I’ll get you situated below. Oh, we got pots on a town soak. As soon as we throw the lines, we’re heading out to them.”

  “Fine with me.” She jumped onto the boat and followed Devin inside.

  When they reached the living quarters, Devin opened a door. “You can have Nick’s bunk.” He pointed to the lower bed. “Salvatore has the top.”

  “Ooh! Coed bunks.” She winked. “I’ll try not to fraternize.”

  His face paled. “Um…” He hadn’t thought of that. “W
ell… we’ve never had a woman onboard.”

  “Will you chill?” She slapped his chest. “I’m fuckin’ with you.” She cringed. “Sorry, Captain. Used to you sitting at the bar, not in the wheelhouse.”

  “Oh God,” he muttered under his breath as his cheeks reddened.

  She exhaled loudly. “No one has to know about that night in Anchorage. We were drunk.” She couldn’t help but grin. “It was fun though.”

  “That it was.” He nodded. “And in the past. I’m married now.”

  “Yep and I’m not looking for a roll in the hay. I expect to be paid for this trip. This is all business.” She tossed her bag on the bunk and slipped around him into the hall. “Time to get started.”

  Devin followed her upstairs without a word. When they reached the deck, he walked up to the crew. “Got us some help for the rest of the season. Ros will be taking over for Nick.”

  “Wait, you didn’t hire a greenhorn?” Salvatore Russo’s face screwed up. He’d expected someone who needed to learn the ropes of crabbing. “Can’t one of us run the hydraulics?”

  “Nope. You guys suck. Ros’s been doing this a long time.” He waved her over. “Meet Roselyn.”

  Salvatore’s jaw dropped. “But she has tits!”

  “Yeah, she’s a woman and the youngest deck boss in the fleet.” Devin frowned at the shock on everyone’s face.

  “But how can I trust she’ll have my back?” Salvatore stared at her. She stood a few inches taller than his captain, which intrigued him. It didn’t change his worry. He’d never met a female crabber.