So I've been lurking around here forever and I've always wanted to post stories but never had the courage until now. I've just gotten finished reading a series of novels by an amazing author, Julie Garwood. Seriously, she's awesome and you should all go read her stuff.

Anyways, one of the books I read really stuck out to me and I wanted to do a story based off it.

Now I'm not going to plagiarize her work cause that's horrible but her story is pretty much going to be a guide for the story I'm writing. The plot is going to be the same and the sequencing and events will be as well. I'm going to make it more modern, though, and I will make a lot of changes as far as dialogue goes.

I just want to reiterate that the story, Guardian Angel, belongs to Julie Garwood. I just really liked it and wanted to share it with the Naley fan base in a story because I think people will enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I do not own OTH or any of its characters. Also, the plotline and events belong to Julie Garwood (seriously, go read her books :)

Summary: The people in the town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, have been guarded ever since the pirate Pagan came ashore with his thieving ways. Nathan Scott has just lost his brother, Lucas, to the pirate and he is determined to obtain revenge. But what happens when the beautiful Haley James shows up on his doorstep asking for his protection against the cold world they live in. Haley has some secrets of her own, but she's determined not to let him discover them. Haley infuriates and exasperates Nathan from the very beginning, yet if he's not careful, the thieving little woman might just steal his heart.

1:28 a.m.
Friday, June 13

This town was dangerous.

A young woman shouldn't be left alone, especially at night when Pagan lurked about. It was rumored that he'd kill anyone and anything that got in the way of his thievery.

If she were smart, she'd forget everything they'd planned so perfectly and go home.

Unfortunately for her, she wasn't.

With a reluctant sigh, Haley James headed up the steps to what would probably be the biggest turning point in her life.

…

Nathan was sitting at the table in one of his many townhouses indulgently listening to his friend Tim drone on in meaningless chatter.

Unbeknownst to Tim, Nathan wasn't paying him much attention. No, his interest was preoccupied with something that he hadn't been able to face for months.

Lucas' face flashed into Nathan's mind and he forced himself to quash the turning feeling in his stomach. Lucas was gone and there was nothing that he or anyone else could do about it. Once he found Pagan and killed the bastard, the pain would ease and Nathan would stop hurting so much.

"Holy mother of God," Tim whispered, catching Nathan's attention.

Nathan's gaze followed Tim's, and Nathan let out a curse himself at the sight upon him.

She was an angel. She had to be an angel. There was no other way to describe her. Her golden hair fell long past her shoulders in disarray and her honey brown eyes shown with fear and unshed tears. Smudges of dirt and blood covered her face and her rosy lips had a cut in the corner of her mouth with blood dripping down the side.

Nathan noticed the way her clothes were ripped and her slight tremble. Yes, she was obviously afraid.

"What is your name?" Nathan asked promptly.

"Are you Pagan?" she interrupted.

"Who's asking?" Nathan sidestepped.

"Look, I don't have time for your questions. Just answer me this. Are you Pagan or not?"

Lord, she sounded frustrated. Nathan almost smiled.

"Yes, I am Pagan" he lied deftly. "What is it to you?"

"I've been told that you'd do anything for a certain amount of money. Is this true?"

"Yes," Nathan answered slowly. "What do you want?"

Haley walked up to them and emptied out all her money onto the table. Tim let out a low whistle and looked to Nathan with eager eyes.

"It's not much, but it's all I have. I'd appreciate if you'd accept it so that we could get on with the task," Haley said in a business-like voice.

"And what would that be?" Nathan asked cautiously.

"I need you to kill someone for me," Haley said in small voice.

Nathan didn't respond immediately. He must have read her wrong. She seemed kind and gentle but here she was asking him to murder someone for him.

"Who is it you'd like me to murder?" Nathan asked slyly. "A boyfriend, maybe? Your husband?"

"I don't have a boyfriend or a husband," Haley returned quickly.

Nathan didn't know why he felt relieved, but he did. "Well who do you want me to kill, then? I don't have all day."

"It's nighttime," Haley muttered. "Or if you really want to be technical, it's morning."

The look on Nathan face told her he did not appreciate her sarcasm. "Listen, either you tell me what you want or you can leave," Nathan said slowly, leaning in towards her face.

"Can't you just say you'll do it before you know who it is you're going to kill," Haley said, wringing her hands together while she looked frantically around the room.

"No," Nathan said sharply. Then he calmed down and said," I prefer to know who exactly I have to kill before I take action."

"Very well," Haley whispered. "I guess that's only fair."

Nathan nodded, letting her know he was ready for her answer.

Haley took a deep breath before she said in a clear and firm voice,

"I want you to kill me."

I really hope you guys liked it!! I'm kinda knew at the whole writing thing so try to go easy on me, although constructive criticism could be helpful too. Let me know what you guys think and review please!!

Please, please, please,

Leila