Always You By C.M. Steele ♥ Release Blitz

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Alexander Richmond didn’t expect to spend spring break with the most beautiful female he’d ever seen when he planned to visit his buddy. She was more temptation than a week of bikini clad women on South Padre Island. There was just one major hiccup. She was only sixteen. By the end of the week, he made the decision to wait for her to grow up. Two very long years.

 

Calista (Cali) Delaney was shocked at her immediate reaction she had to her brother’s best friend. The tall handsome Alex was too perfect. After the first week together, she fantasized what a life with him could be like.

 

In two years many things could happen and did, but will it stop Alex and Cali from being together?

 

Of Course not, but follow their love story through pain and tragedy and a whole lot of loving.

 

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Chapter 1

It was my final spring break before I graduated from college. Real life was just a stone’s throw away and I couldn’t wait for it. I drove my Lexus from Dallas to Irving. It may be spring break, but I wanted to spend it with my best friend instead of the beach. When Rob offered to let me stay at his place, I jumped at the chance at a normal, middle class, relaxing family visit. I hated the crowds and all the drunk bitches trying to crawl up my body, looking for a ride on my cock. With my bag in my hand, I made my way up their steps.

I was about to knock on the door when it opened and I saw the hottest female I’d ever seen. Now, I’d let her crawl up my body.  “Hi, you must be Alex. I’m Calista, but most call me Cali. Rob’s in the back.”

I paused for a moment—stunned. This had to be Rob’s little sister. He talked about her all the time, but never showed me a photo. Now I understood why; she was beautiful. The first thing that popped into my brain was that she was only sixteen. She didn’t look anything like a normal sixteen-year-old. Everything about her from the way she stood, to the curvature of her body made her look older. Even her face looked at least twenty-one. She stood there with her blonde hair in a tight ponytail, in skintight workout clothes. My body had an immediate and very inappropriate reaction to her. I didn’t know how to get my boy down. I wanted her and it was wrong. I never did anything wrong, so it pissed me the fuck off and like a prick, I took it out on her.

“Yeah, I am.” I swallowed deeply. “You know, you shouldn’t answer the door like that. It’s not safe.” I knew she took it the wrong way, when she looked down at her clothes like I disapproved. Granted, I did because that shit was too tight, but I was talking about the fact that she didn’t even look to see who was at the door before she opened it. I took in her appearance again because I couldn’t stop myself. Jealousy skirted through my mind, irrationally. She was technically a kid. It was not for me to even look at, let alone feel territorial over; but sure enough, I did.

“There’s nothing wrong with my outfit,” she snapped. “My brother’s that way. Excuse me, I’ve got to run.” She rushed passed me in a pair of yoga capris and a tight running shirt, making her way down a wooden path across the street from their home. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her ass bounced so nicely, I forgot she was just a teen. If I forgot, so did every other guy that she crossed paths with.

Rob came up behind me as I stared off into the distance watching her jog away from me. “So you met my sister.” He chuckled. “I told you men think she’s older. We’ve got a lot of trouble on our hands when she starts dating. Anyways, come on through, enjoy some food and let’s chill.”

I was still looking out the door when he closed it. “She’s fine,” he said, tapping my shoulder.

“Yes, she is,” I muttered under my breath. I let it slip and Rob shook his head.

“In two years, Alex. She’s legal in two years, but not before.” He gave me a look, warning me off. He knew I wasn’t a bastard toward women, but Cali was his sister. So it didn’t matter if I was perfect.

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” Fuck, get it together, I mentally chastised myself. Calista was a little girl.

“You’re not the first, Alex.” That jealousy came back again with a vengeance. He just gave me a smirk and walked to the backyard.

The entire time we sat in the backyard, having beers and eating steak, I was looking at the door, waiting for her to return. Participating in our conversation was damn near impossible when all my concentration was focused on when she would get back.

“Don’t you think your sister’s been gone a long time?” I asked.

“No, man. She’s only been gone about an hour. She should be back soon. She’s usually gone about an hour and a half.” Damn that was a long time. Cali needed a fucking treadmill. I was going to look into that Tread Climber when I got home.

~~~~~

Holy shit balls. I opened the door to the man who would steal my soul if I’d let him. Alexander Richmond was stupidly handsome. I couldn’t believe the way my body reacted the moment he smiled up at me. It didn’t last long, after the welcoming smile came the stone cold look that I noticed my brother give my friend Lydia anytime she was around. Immediately I knew what he was thinking. Rob thought Lydia’s crush on him was annoying and out of control. Did I look as pathetic as she did? Was I drooling like a silly school girl. I was a silly school girl, which was probably why Alexander was giving me that damn arched brow. He had to be about six three and built like a quarterback. His eyes were the brightest blue, brighter even than the Texas morning sky. They narrowed at me before he made a nasty remark about my clothes. What a fucking dick! There went that crush. Oh well, Danny Moore was still handsome, and he didn’t give me that ‘I smell manure’ face.

Spotting Rob, out the corner of my eye, coming from the backyard, I excused myself to go on my run. My brother would try to make me stay to be hospitable, and I needed to get my head together before I talked to the sexy jackass Alexander again.

My usual route to the park wouldn’t be good enough, I had to go the long way around, through a few hills. The spring breeze cooled my heated body the minute I hit the trail. Within the first mile, I had managed to calm down. I didn’t know why I was so riled up. Maybe it was because I was offended. My outfit wasn’t any different than any other runner. It fit me snug like it was supposed to, but he had a problem with it—like I was inviting trouble.

I ran harder than before, hating that I wanted to ask him why he was being mean to me. I was about three miles in when I was focused on the image of Alex’s face. He had light brown hair with pretty baby blues. His jaw was taut with a little bit of facial hair. I was meditating on the crooked smile he gave me when I opened the door and didn’t see the other person on a bike. Trying to avoid a serious tangle up, I tripped up on my own feet and twisted my ankle. In frustration and emotional defeat, I sat there thinking about Alexander and his stupid face. I mentally accused him for making me careless.

Starting to make my way back, I was about two miles from the house and close to the main path when I saw my friend’s older brother. “Hi Mark. I didn’t know you ran?” I asked. I knew he hated it, but maybe he thought he needed to workout.

“I just started. It’s harder than I thought. Are you okay?” he asked, noticing my gait.

“Just tweaked my ankle,” I told him. I didn’t want to go into details. God, I hated to be interrupted while I was running. When I ran, all I wanted was my music and to be alone with my thoughts.

“So, do you run often?”

“Every other day,” I said blandly, hoping he’d get the hint.

“Maybe we could run together sometime. Well, at least until I quit.” How did I know that was coming?

“Ha-ha. I don’t have a set time that I run, so it’ll be kind of hard to meet with your work schedule.”

“I can make time to run with you. Besides, it would be safer if you had someone to run with.”

He wasn’t getting the hint. Sometimes I wondered if he and Lydia were truly related. Mark was so different. “Truthfully, Mark. I like to run by myself. It clears my head.”

“That’s cool.” He looked down the path closer to his house. “I’ve got to go. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, thanks.” I gave him a half smile.

“Okay, don’t forget movie night. Lydia’s looking forward to it.” Somehow I had a feeling he was looking forward to it, too.

“You know I won’t.” He ran in the opposite direction. I liked Lydia’s brother, but the way he looked at me kind of unnerved me. It was like he wanted me—intimately.

I shook my head, wiping Mark from my brain, but unfortunately that brought Alex to the forefront. Damn it. I limped into the house, but no one heard me. I assumed they were all still out in the back, so I went to the upstairs bathroom. Looking in the cabinet under the sink, I couldn’t find the wrap for my ankle. I had no idea where Rob put it, so I had to shuffle back down the stairs to ask my mom. The moment I hit the backdoor, Alex’s eyes were trained on mine. I blushed looking away, but I could feel his presence. Fuck, he ruined me for anyone else—with just his concern.

~~~~~

It was almost dark when she came in sweating and limping. Her family was frantic with concern and invading her space, but as a stranger I had to stand back. I really wanted to knock them out of the way to take care of her. They laughed at me when I asked when she’d be back, but I was right; something bad had happened.

“What happened?” her mother asked.

“Some dumbass on a bike didn’t see me. I tried to get out of his way, twisting my ankle in the process.” She flushed with embarrassment when she noticed me standing there. Feelings of protectiveness washed over me the moment we made eye contact. I wanted to go find that dumbass and punch him in the mouth—accident or not.

“You sure it’s not broken?” I asked from the sidelines, wanting to take her to the hospital like they should be doing in my opinion.

“Yeah, it’s just swollen,” she answered, smiling back at me.

I gave her a little smile back, but grabbed my beer and headed to the kitchen to toss it, and get some air. We were in the backyard for fucks sake and I still felt like I couldn’t breathe. If she liked me even a fraction, I would be in a heap of trouble.

I slept in the guest bedroom down the hall from her, and it was the longest sleepless night ever. I was hard, but I refused to jerk off to her. Even though we weren’t that far apart in age, she was still a minor. I felt dirty for even thinking of it, but my cock didn’t care.

~~~~

The next day, she was sitting at the kitchen table working on some homework. She turned up to me with a smile and asked, “Hi, Alex. Are you hungry?”

“I am, actually.” I needed to get some coffee and out of this house. There was more temptation at this house than I’d ever had at spring break anywhere else. Cabo was sounding like a better option at the moment.

There wasn’t anything spectacular about her appearance this morning. She wasn’t dressed provocatively and she didn’t have any makeup on, but she looked perfect to me. I wanted to walk back out of the room, but I also wanted to stay, maybe even more.

“My mom made some bacon and sausage before she left this morning. What kind of eggs do you like?”

“You don’t have to cook for me. I know how to do it for myself. Doesn’t your ankle hurt?”

“No, it’s feeling better. The wrap is tight, and I need to move a little bit since it’s been up all night. Besides, you’re a guest in the house. My mom would beat me silly if I let you cook for yourself.” She smiled, then asked, “So, what kind of eggs?”

“Scrambled would be great.”

“Do you like anything particular in them? Onion, salt, pepper?” Wow, that was exactly how I liked them. I wanted to growl because I was getting carried away with myself.

“That sounds good.” I looked at her and wanted to kick my own ass. I watch her sexy legs as she cooked for me. I never thought of myself as an old fashioned man, but a woman in the kitchen seemed really nice. Two years.

~~~~~

I could swear he was watching me as I made his eggs. I was trying to hide my blush because just his presence did new things to my body; every nerve was going haywire. He was everything a guy could be. He was smart, handsome, and sweet. The way he asked about my injury showed how considerate he could be.

I had a crush on one of my classmates a few weeks ago, but that was long gone. My feelings for Rob’s best friend were a thousand times stronger than that, but it really wasn’t a good thing. We had nothing in common, and I was too young for him to even consider a relationship with. My ankle did hurt like hell, but if he knew that he wouldn’t want me to cook for him. I wanted to take care of him and show him I could be domesticated. In honesty a total waste of time because we couldn’t be together—but a girl could dream.

Maybe I was reading more into the looks and concern he showed me since he had arrived. I thought about the way he bit his lip in nervousness last night. Those strong lips…I wondered what would his kiss be like? I know it would be better than Rick’s that kiss was sloppy and gross. I wanted the kisses I saw in those hot, madly in love movies. Oh shit. What if he had a girlfriend or fiancée?

I was so lost in my thoughts that I burnt his eggs. It took that funky smell to hit my nose for me to notice. “Damn it,” I hissed, tossing the pan off the burner to cool. Shit, there goes my homemaker skills.

“What’s wrong?” He stood up in a flash and came too close for my comfort. He was all in my personal space. Damn, he smelled fantastic. I wanted to press into him, but I knew it was wrong.

I looked up into his beautiful eyes that were full of concern. My heart was thumping. “Umm…nothing really. I just burned the eggs. Don’t worry, I’ll make some more.” He looked at my mess and gave a look that was hard to describe.

I hurriedly turned away, tossing the old eggs into the trash, ducking past his huge frame that nearly boxed me in. He gave me a nod and thankfully didn’t tease me about it before stepping back to give me some space. I was already feeling out of sorts with him in the house. Only five more days and he’d be on his way back to school.

“Where’s the coffee?” he asked, giving me an arched brow.

“Oh, I can make it.” I put the pan down to get it started.

“No, Cali. I got this. You’re making my food as it is, but thanks anyway.” I reached up in the cupboard and pulled out what he needed. I involuntarily took in a deep breath, inhaling his scent when he caught me. He gave me a look and swallowed hard. Shit. I must have looked like a pathetic young school girl.

“Sorry, I love the smell of fresh coffee. I don’t drink it, but I love when it’s first brewing.”

“Okay.” I didn’t think he bought it, but he took a seat quietly at the table just as Rob walked in. After that, the conversation took a turn toward business after they graduated. I excused myself to work on my homework somewhere else.

~~~~

Damn, the day wasn’t getting any easier. I tried to avoid talking to her this morning. After catching her taking in my scent, I needed to sit before she spotted how hard she made me. It would have been fantastic that she was interested, but it was two years too early. Rob’s entrance was perfect timing. We started talking about my plans to join my father at his corporation in Dallas. I was happily following in my dad’s footsteps. Being in Dallas may be a great thing. I needed space from this sudden fascination with the little blonde beauty.

Rob and I were going to a Mavericks game that night. We were just about to walk out when Cali came bouncing down the stairs. “Where are you going?” Rob asked her in irritation. I wanted to ask the same thing. She was dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a super tight top that emphasized her breasts, which were huge. I had to bite back a groan. So damn sexy.

“I’m going to hang with a couple of friends tonight. We’re going to see a movie,” she said with a snotty, mind your business tone.

“Does Mom know?” Rob asked again, seeing what I was seeing. She looked like she was going to more than a movie—more like sneaking out to a club.

She rolled her eyes at Rob. “Duh. Seriously Rob. This isn’t, like, the first time I’ve gone out.”

“Just be careful.” I heard the concern in his voice, but he didn’t try to take her with us. I should have suggested it; I wanted to suggest it. Even though it would put me in more danger of falling for her, it was better than her going somewhere I couldn’t supervise. Just because I couldn’t fuck her doesn’t mean she couldn’t be having sex with someone her own age. I wanted to smash my head against the wall for my obsession.

“I will. Have fun boys.” She rushed passed us out the door to a red sports car and a tall man waiting for her. She gave him a super tight hug before he opened the door for her. There was a girl in the back, but Cali had shotgun. I thought that was weird, unless he was her boyfriend. I wasn’t liking that one bit. Cali should be coming with us.

“Who the hell is that?” I snarled, hating how jealous I was feeling, but it was unstoppable. I felt like running out there and knocking that smug looking motherfucker on his ass.

“That’s her best friend’s brother. He usually takes the girls out. Lydia is sitting in the back seat as usual.” He acted like it was no biggie, but if I had a little sister, I wouldn’t be letting her go out with an older jackass in a lame ass sports car. That just screamed predator to me. I didn’t have room to talk, but that didn’t mean I was going to run off with her. Now, when her birthday came, I’d make her mine. Until then…

“And you’re going to let her go out with him?” I was seething with anger. Rob was supposed to be her protector and my best friend. She was mine. If I could only stake my claim, then she’d be sitting next to us at the game getting treated like an untouchable princess.

“Are you jealous?” Rob asked laughingly. This shit wasn’t funny.

“He’s too old for her,” I grumbled as I watched the car pull out into the street.

“Yeah, and I warned him, too. He’s showed interest, but knows my parents won’t even consider it until she’s legal. I don’t want her with him, so don’t worry. I’ll put a good word in sometime in the next two years.” He smirked again.

So he was one of the masses when it came to Calista. She had a following that I was going to have to monitor. There wasn’t anyone that was going to stop me in two years, but until then she could meet someone her own age. “How many more are there?”

He laughed at me. “At least two. You’ve got a lot of competition.” He slung his arm around my shoulders, still chuckling. I pushed it off and we walked to my car. I didn’t drive a flashy sports car because I wasn’t that kind of guy.

He thought this was funny, but I sure as fuck didn’t. Two years was a long time, but one day she’d be mine.

After we got back from the game, she still wasn’t back. I waited up, bullshitting about the game with Rob and his dad. It was an hour later when I was told that she was spending the night. I drank a beer, then went to bed really fucking pissed off.

~~~~~

When I woke up in the morning she still wasn’t home, but then again it was only seven. Needing to clear my head, I went for a run. I didn’t give a shit that the skies opened up and unleashed a torrential pour on me. I ran and ran, hoping the burning in my lungs would stop the thoughts of her being in the same house with another man. I wondered if they had a secret relationship.

By the time I got back to Rob’s, she was back. I wanted to tear her a new one for not coming back last night but I had no right. And, damn it, she looked great this morning.

“Oh my gosh! You’re soaked. What the hell were you doing running in the monsoon out there?”

“Trying to clear my head. Excuse me.”

I walked past her, jealous and angry.

I had to take a hot shower so I didn’t catch a damn cold, when I really needed a cold one. That run only served to make me more possessive. I wanted to set some ground rules for the next two years, but I didn’t have any damn right.

I stepped out of the bathroom barefooted with a pair of gym shorts and tee shirt, towel drying my hair. Needing to pass her room to get to mine, I noticed her door was closed, but I could hear sounds coming from it.

Rob took his mom grocery shopping and her dad was at work. It was just me and her in the house alone. It wasn’t a smart move on their part, and I wasn’t sure I could handle being alone with her. The smart thing would be to run to my room and lock myself in until they came back. I wasn’t smart, it seemed.

She let out a loud cry and I could have sworn I heard my name. I rushed into the room thinking something happened. There she was laying on her bed, her eyes wide with her hand between her thighs. She was looking at me in full embarrassment. Her face was flush. Was it because she got caught or was that the way she looked when she came, chanting my name?

“Sorry. Fucking shit.” I walked the fuck out of the room before she could freak out.

“I…I…” I heard her stutter.

I got to my room as fast as I could, breathing harshly. My dick was about to fucking explode. She was fucking playing with her pussy while thinking of me. I pulled down my shorts, my cock stiff and thick. I was about to cum just thinking about her sweet little mound hidden under her tee shirt. I took my length in hand, giving it a few strokes. It wasn’t long before I came hard. Shame filled me up, and I refused to speak to her the rest of the day.

~~~~~

“Alex, can we talk about yesterday?” she asked meekly the next morning.

“I’d rather not.” My tone was harsh, but I didn’t want to talk about how beautiful she was when she came to visions of me.

“It’s just…”

I made her feel bad and I didn’t want that. It wasn’t her fault that I was too old for her. “Listen, I shouldn’t have rushed in there like that. We all do that. There’s nothing wrong with it,” I offered.

“So why are you avoiding me?” That was a good question.

“I thought you were feeling embarrassed about it. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable,” I lied. I was trying not to sneak into her room and commit a crime.

“Can we pretend you didn’t see me?”

“Definitely.” I answered too quickly and she took my meaning the wrong way. It was better that way, though, but I didn’t like the sad look in her eyes.

“Are you two ready to watch the Mavs play the Heat?” Rob asked interrupting us, something about it told me he didn’t like me talking to her alone. This would be the last private conversation I would have with her during my stay.

The rest of my time at her house only made me fall deeper into her spell. My heart was like a fly teased and taunted into her spider’s web. I knew by the end of the week I was in love and thoroughly fucked.

 

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C.M. Steele is a mother of three and a wife of one. Being a voracious reader of romance novels, she decided to create her own heroes to fall in love with. Although, the process was harder than she expected. There were times when she wanted to throw in the towel and go back to work in the business world, but it was the few readers that kept her going.

 

Now she’s living her dream of creating characters she loves and sharing them with other readers. She’s had moments of doubt and disappointment, but the voices in her head want their stories told, so she must go on. The voices are always naughty, bossy males. She knows they are never to be resisted so she must comply and tell their tales.

 

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After We Fall By Marquita Valentine ♥ Release Blitz

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Title: After We Fall

Series: Take the Fall #3

Author: Marquita Valentine 

Publisher: Loveswept

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Release

Date: April 26, 2016

 

Blurb

 

After winning raves for Take the Fall (“crackling with tension, intrigue, and romance”—Katy Evans) and When We Fall (“sexy, emotional, heartfelt”—Monica Murphy), Marquita Valentine ratchets up the tension as new beginnings lead to undeniable passion.

A tough cop with an even tougher past, Hunter Sloan has never let anyone stop him from getting what he wants—and he wants Evangeline Ambrose bad. With her gentle curves and raw vulnerability, Hunter’s beautiful, mysterious new neighbor awakens his protective side. Determined to do right by a woman who’s gone through hell and back, Hunter could be the one to take away the pain—so long as his own secrets don’t sink their relationship before it begins.

Having escaped an abusive marriage, Evangeline simply wants to start over in the small, quiet town of Forrestville. She’s also avoiding all contact with the opposite sex, because she just can’t trust her instincts when it comes to men—not even with the sinfully sexy cop next door. So why can’t she stop thinking about him? Hunter has darkness in his soul, and yet no one ever made her feel so safe. For all her best laid plans, Evangeline didn’t count on choices this hard—or temptation this hot.

 

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Marquita Valentine

 

Marquita Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Take the Fall, Holland Springs, and Boys of the South series, having sold more than a quarter of a million books around the world. She’s been called “one of the best new voices in romance” (Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews) and her books have been praised as “sexy, fun, and slightly addicting” (The Book Queen). When she’s not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys shopping, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high-school sweetheart, Marquita Valentine lives in a seriously small town in the south with her husband, two kids, and a dog.

 

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Finding Hope For Tomorrow (Tomorrows) By Katherine McNeill Crane

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Title: Finding Hope for Tomorrow (Tomorrows #2)
Author: Kathryn McNeill Crane
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Blurb
Every person’s life tells a story.
Some are uncomplicated, straightforward, and easy. Things fall into place with a simplicity that boggles the mind.
Others twist and turn, and every day is centered on fighting and scraping, yet never finding victory.

And then there are those who gain an inch only to be knocked back a foot. They love. They fight. They stumble. They fall. But through it all, they stagger to their feet, step back on life’s path, and push through until they win. For these people, happiness is not an illusion. It’s a truth, a promise, worth any effort, any scars, but just out of arm’s reach. It stands at the end of the path, taunting and teasing, tempting them to take one more blow.
And in the end, the battles make victory sweeter. More valued. More precious than ever imagined. More than any one person could hope.
This is Liam’s story.
Loyal, protective, shoulders stronger than Atlas’.

Broken, worn, battered.

Win or lose, he’s ready to fight for what tomorrow brings.

Life. Love. Healing. Hope.

Special release week price $2.99. Purchase your copy today!
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Finding Hope 1
Excerpt
Annie’s eyes widened and filled with shame. Her lower lip trembled as she whispered her apology. “Sorry, Uncle Liam. That wasn’t very nice of me.” Her body curled into itself, and she grew smaller right before his eyes. Tears slipped down her cheeks as her tiny voice cracked. “Daddy wouldn’t be very proud of me, would he?”
“Aww, honey.” His heart melted. That her first thought was of what her father’s reaction might be didn’t surprise him. He longed for the day when she would accept that Tripp wasn’t coming back to them.
Though she tried to be strong for her younger sisters, the burden was too heavy for Annie to carry. Like her mother, she still struggled fiercely with her dad’s death. As the oldest of the three girls, her father’s memory whirled through her mind on constant repeat. Even though more than two years had passed, she sometimes waited beside the door, hoping Tripp would walk through and sweep her up in his arms. More than once, Liam had caught her carrying on a conversation with her dad, reminiscing about the time they’d spent together. The past Christmas had hit her hard, and her uncle had spent most of the day with her tiny body snuggled on his lap, attempting to soothe her and encouraging her to enjoy the day.
No child should need coaxing to open her gifts.
He leaned down and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eyes. “Baby girl, if your daddy were here, there wouldn’t be enough room to hold the pride he’d have for you.” The sight of her glistening eyes and wet face slammed against his heart. Pain shot through him, and a single tear traced a path down his cheek. His voice cracked under the weight of his grief. “He would see you growing up, being such a good big sister, and helping your momma all the time.” He thumbed the tear from his ruddy cheek, lifted her off the floor, and carried her to the couch.
“And he would snatch you right up and tell you just how proud he is of you, how much he loves you.” His arms tightened around her, trying to calm her shuddering sobs. “I know I’m not him, and I never will be, but I love you, and I’m so proud of you. You’re such an amazing little girl.” He chuckled quietly and tickled her side. “Or maybe not such a little girl, as I’ve been recently reminded.”
His joking words produced the result he wanted. Blinking her eyes at a rapid pace, she looked up at him and cracked a small smile.
“Thanks, Uncle Liam.” She settled back against his chest, her words coming out in choppy huffs. “I really am sorry I was mean to you. I just miss him so much.” Her breath hitched, and her petite body melted against him.
“Oh, sweetheart, I know you didn’t mean it.” He brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “And just remember, there’s nothing wrong with being sad or missing your daddy. We all miss him, every single day.”
He may not be their dad, but he loved those girls more than life, and his primary goal was to ensure their happiness and wellbeing.
Liam squeezed her close as his eyes drifted to the kitchen doorway. Wrynn leaned against the doorframe and mouthed thank you. Her mahogany hair was tangled and unkempt. Stains dotted her sweatshirt. Liam wouldn’t be surprised if those were the same clothes she’d slept in the night before. What he wouldn’t give to see her happy and carefree again. Because grief had a way of aging a person, she looked much older than their twenty-eight years. Her pale face flushed as she wept.
Glad I have Wrynn’s girls to fill the empty. Don’t know what I’d do without them.
His thought made him grimace. He tried not to dwell on his lack of family, but at times, when he was with Wrynn and his nieces, it became harder to fight back the desire to have his own. He often wondered if he was meant to live his life alone because he’d yet to meet the right woman he wanted to share in his life, his love, his family.
“Okay, guys and dolls, let’s eat.” His sister’s hoarse voice broke through his musings.
He wrapped Annie in one arm, grabbed six-year-old Bekah in the other, and turned sideways on the couch to help Maggie climb on his back. Satisfied all three were safe and secure, he stood to his feet and lurched toward the kitchen with giant, fumbling steps. Giggles rang out around him. He placed Annie and Bekah in their chairs, then leaned forward and flipped Maggie over his shoulder. Lifting her above his head, he nibbled on her toes. As her laughter increased, he blew raspberries on her belly before sitting her down and strapping her in her booster seat.
More In The Series
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Searching for Tomorrow (#1) – Released Oct 13, 2013

Some people are blessed to find that one certain person who completes them. Wrynn’s yesterdays were what others only dream of having. She and Tripp were the best of friends before they even thought about love. They had the fairy tale life where ‘like’ turns into ‘love’, and ‘love’ becomes ‘happily ever after’…

What happens when life conspires against you, and snatches your soul mate from your arms?

… Only her forever love ended much too soon.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Wrynn boxes up her grief and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Wrynn relives her life with Tripp while struggling most days to get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Wrynn tries to find the joy in life every single day through her daughters, family, and friends. Her twin brother Liam has dedicated himself to helping Wrynn put her life back together after losing his own love. On the other hand, her mother-in-law lives to torment her at every turn. Wrynn can’t even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for her tomorrow.

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About The Author
Kathryn McNeill Crane
Kathryn is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her family. Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, she loves to travel, but can’t imagine ever leaving the mountains she’s come to call home. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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Josiah’s Love & Justice By Lucas X Black ♥ Release Blitz

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Title: Josiah’s Love & Justice Volume 1: Four Slaves
Author: Lucas X Black
Genre: BDSM
Release Date: April 24th, 2016
Cover Design: Tiffany Huegele
Josiah's Love & Justice
Josiah's Love & Justice Synopsis
Josiah Bailey is a successful attorney married to Molly, a physician specializing in sports medicine.  But that’s what they do to earn their livings, but not quite what they are in deeper places within.  Josiah has found a rather unique niche for himself and his interests in BDSM.  He works as a beadle, paid to punish and train slaves belonging to others, whose owners have difficulty doing so.
 
Trigger warning: Be advised this book has mature content, possible triggers, coarse language, and scenes of strict BDSM punishment, not suitable for under 18.
 
 
 
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Josiah's Love & Justice Excerpt
 
At his command, she offered her wrists to the cuffs dangling from the post, and felt her wrists bound once again.  In spite of her pain, Darla found herself wondering if she’d lost her mind or finally found it, finding herself wallowing in punishment and misery at her master’s decree and this evil beadle’s hand.  But she knew she was guilty of far more than Tim seemed to know about, and to be honest, things she prayed Tim would never learn she’d done.
But those thoughts were dispelled as the whip struck her anew, harsher than before, accompanied by Darla’s pained screech.  She howled again as the second lash of this punishment found her upper back, and then broke down sobbing as the lash struck her over and again, sparing her no mercy.  Eventually, the whipping ended.  For Darla’s part, it might have taken fourteen seconds, minutes, hours, or years.  She was absorbed in pain and shame and misery and in that span of time (in fact, only about three minutes) knew only pain and humiliation at the hands of the evil beadle her husband and master had brought into the game.
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Josiah's Love & Justice Meet The Author
Lucas X. Black is a lifelong dominant living in southern Texas, where he is engaged as a full-time writer.  He is formerly a paramedic of many long years’ experience, and often incorporates that knowledge base into his writing.  Away from home, he enjoys spicy and exotic foods, loves to fish, and loves going to the movies.  In his home, behind the closed doors of his dungeon, he is a sadist and humorist, in love with eliciting a range of sensation and reaction from his oh, so willing victims …
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Holidays With The Horde(Wheels And Hogs Book Four) by D.M. Earl ♥ Release Blitz

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Title: Holidays With The Horde (Wheels & Hogs Book 4)

Author: D.M. Earl

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 21, 2016

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Synopsis

Holidays with the Horde

Now that your holidays are over, and all the decorations are put safely away, let’s take a look at how the Horde spent their holidays.

Join Fern and Gabriel for Thanksgiving as they host a feast for the Horde and their friends. The Murphy’s table holds not only the Horde, but bikers, friends, and the biggest blessing in their lives the children. But be prepared. Not everyone is grateful for what they have.

~~~~~~
Wolf opens his home and heart for Christmas Eve dinner, showing a side of himself that up until now, he has kept hidden. Once again, the Horde and friends come together. Let’s see what, or more importantly, who, meets under the mistletoe for that Christmas Eve kiss.

~~~~~~

Christmas Day finds everyone at Des’ house, to experience their holiday in the woods. As everyone is enjoying each other’s company, who should appear with a sled led by deer? That’s right, it’s Santa Claus, with a bag full of gifts for everyone.
~~~~~~

Finally, on New Year’s Eve, Cadence makes one of Trinity’s dreams come true. With stars in the sky, and snow on the ground, celebrate with the Horde, as Cadence once again wears his heart on his sleeve.
~~~~~~

Enjoy this Ride the Horde calls Life, and see what is coming next for the Wheels & Hogs family.

Purchase your copy today!

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☆ Amazon US: http://bit.ly/HWTHUSA
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Excerpt

Gabriel

“Furn! Come on, wake up, Furn. We have to trow the turkury in the oven for Tanksgiving. Everyone is coming today, even Gramma, so we have to get ready. Come on, Furn. Pease?”

I hear the sweet little voice close to my ear, just as Fern starts to wake up. Chuckling, I pull Fern close, whispering, “Sugar, you better get moving before Emma decides to ‘trow the turkury’ in all by herself.”

Pulling away from me, Fern opens her eyes, and Emma’s face lights up before she squeals.

“Furn, you’re awake. Let’s go. We have work to do.”

She flies off the bed like a little hurricane and leaves our room. Thinking of her biological mother, Lydia, I silently thank her for the gift she left behind for us.

Throwing the blankets off, Fern grabs her robe and turns to me.

“Do you want me to start the coffee…oh, and can you see if Charlie’s up yet?”

“Sugar, for you I’ll do anything. I’ll get the coffee while you take care of the little princess. She’s so excited about the holidays. They both deserve it. It’s been hell for both of them since losing Lydia, so we have to make the holidays special for them this year. Ann should be here shortly, I suspect.” Ann’s their grandma, whom we share the kids with.

 

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About The Author

DMEarl

D.M. Earl lives in Northwest Indiana. She is an avid reader and will devour a book usually in a day. She reads anything from romance, contemporary, erotica and dark reads.

She also loves to ride her Harley next to her hubby. Also D.M. likes being outdoors either working in in the mud on her flower beds or garden or just hanging with her 10 four legged fur “kids.”

Connelly’s Horde is her first published work released July 3, 2014. This is a Novella in her series Wheels & Hogs. Cadence Reflection Book 2 released on November 21, 2014. Gabriel’s Treasure Book 3 in the series released on July 6, 2015. Book 4 is in the works hoping to release in Winter 2016. D.M. has already thought out Books 5 thru 8 so lots more coming from the Horde.

D.M. then started a second series, The Journals Trilogy which is a dark read filled with suspense and drama. Anguish #One released on May 11, 2015. Vengeance #Two releases on December 20, 2015. The final Book #Three will release also sometime in Winter of 2016.

Please check out her Author pages at:

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Email

The Wheels And Hogs Series

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Love’s Riff By Jenny Siegel ♥ Release Blitz

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Title:   Love’s Riff (Rebellious Youth Book #1)
 
Author:   Jenny Siegel
 
Genre:   Contemporary Romance
 
Release Date:   April 19, 2016




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~ Synopsis ~
Most girls deal with a bad break-up with a pamper session and a shopping trip. Not nineteen-year old Taylor Devlin. With her confidence at an all time low, she immerses herself in music. It isn’t just something she’s good at, it’s in her blood. 



So when her best friend convinces her to audition for an up and coming band, Rebellious Youth, she figures she has nothing left to lose. Only she didn’t plan on catching the eye of sexy-as-sin lead guitarist Cal Jensen. Taylor knows all about bad boy rockers and has absolutely no intention of going there, again. Even if Cal Does make her feel alive, in the same way getting lost in a riff does. But it’s hard to move past her own insecurities, and Taylor isn’t sure if she’s ready to let Cal prove that not all rockers are heartbreakers. 



She knows music can heal her heart, but what if only Cal can make her whole?

 

Love's Riff

 

 

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Heinous By Alexis Noelle ♥ Release Blitz & 5 Star Review

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Title: Heinous
Author: Alexis Noelle
Genre: MC Romance Standalone 
Release Date: April 18, 2016
Cover Design: Cover Me Darling
Enticing Synopsis

I was never meant to have a happily ever after.
It was a fate I accepted a long time ago.
Before he came for me, taking away who I am, I needed to escape.
Just for one night.
One man turned my entire world upside down.
I should have walked away, but something about him wouldn’t let me.
Now I’m lying to him.
He’s going to find out the truth, or my life will catch up to me.
Either way, I lose him.
It’s a thought I can’t bear.
People have always told me love is amazing and powerful.
They’re wrong.
It makes you weak…exposing your vulnerabilities…making you easy prey.
Love is heinous.

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Enticing review

5pawstarstrans

Alexis Noelle has yet to disappoint me with a book. She is an amazing author and writer. I have loved every one of the books I have read of hers. Alexis keeps you so thrilled to the end that you just can’t stop reading. Love the heart pounding excitement she put in her work.
Heinous is the story of Twisted and Nikki who come from a background of heartache and broken dreams.
Nikki has learned in life you can’t trust or depend on anyone. Making a vow to her that she would never follow her mother’s footsteps of being involved with and MC she finds herself doing just that. She sassy and says just what she thinks. Her sassy mouth is what leads her to darken Twisted path.
Twisted the VP of Deathstalkers MC is all alpha and is never seen with a women twice. Having sworn that he don’t need anyone or love in his life, he makes it clear that his is not looking for me then a little fun. That is until Nikki walks in with her no care, sassy attitude. She turns his world upside down, in the process showing him just what he always thought he would never need, LOVE!!! Now he can’t seem to get her out of his head.
But fate has other plans and what was intended to be a one nightstand end up being much more. These two are hot and you can’t get enough. Just as you start to put it all together you find out that you have so much more coming at you. Grab on tight for a great ride!
I loved every second of this read. You are going to enjoy so many emotions. The suspense of it alone is going to keep you reading!

Rondablue

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Enticing meet the author
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Alexis Noelle lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband, and three kids. On top a writing career, she is a full-time student and a full-time mom. She loves spending time with her kids, although she has to hide the computer from them when she is writing! She love being active and being outdoors, especially if it involves any kind of shopping.

She has always been passionate about writing. She loves to read romance books and feels like being able to lose yourself in a book is one of the more exciting aspects. The books she loves to read and write will be ones that make you feel for the characters. Ashley believes that you should have an opinion on every character in a book whether you love them, hate them, or think they are up to something.She also believes that the most important critic is your reader, so she loves to hear from the readers. She want her fans to be open & talk to her about what they want for the characters in the story, and what they would like to see happen.

Enticing also available
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Shift (The Disciples’ Daughters) By Drew Elyse ♥ Release Blitz

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Title: Shift (Disciples’ Daughters #2)

Author: Drew Elyse

Genre: Contemporary/MC Romance

Release Date: April 19, 2016

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Synopsis

Once a Disciple, forever a Disciple.

After the death of her father, Ash learned an important lesson: being a Disciple is dangerous. The club her father had loved, the club that had been their family, took him from her. She couldn’t stay and wait for the day it would take the man she loved from her, too. So, she left.
Now, she’s the one in danger, and the Disciples are the only ones that can keep her safe. She has no choice but to return to the club and the man she left behind.

A Disciple will fight like a savage for what is his.

Sketch has what he needs: his tattooing, the club, and his bike. Anything else would require a heart, and his was ripped out of his chest a long time ago. It wasn’t coming back.
At least, not until she did.
His heart isn’t the only thing Ash brings with her, though. She has a daughter. A daughter old enough to be his. A daughter Ash claims might not be. But in his heart, Sketch knows the truth. That little girl is his… just like her mom.

This biker knows one thing: a Disciple’s daughter’s return is about to make his whole world shift.

 

Purchase your copy today!

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Excerpt

Gabe

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Emmaline—Emmy, was Ash’s daughter. Ash had a fucking daughter. Ash…

“Three, but my birthday is real soon.” Emmy had to me.

Ash had a three-nearly-four-year-old daughter.

Ash left me almost five years ago.

I’d stopped doing the math on it, stopped tracking how long it had been since she had left me. I did the math then, though. Four years, seven months. Emmy was nearly four, plus nine months of pregnancy.

Fuck.

No.

She wouldn’t.

I tore out of the kitchen and flew through the hallway where I’d found Emmy, past the stairs, and out to the back deck.

Ash was there, standing in the middle of the yard, facing away from me. She looked different, the silhouette of her body more curved than I remembered and her curly blonde hair falling farther down her back. Still, I would have known it was her anywhere.

All around and in front of her, little sparks of light flashed and died away. Fireflies. She was watching them flicker around the yard.

Indian had called Ash firefly since before I knew her. He used to say it was because her smiles weren’t constant given how introverted she was, but when one came out, it was like a light shining out of her.

He wasn’t exaggerating. Not one fucking bit.

For a moment, the image of her transfixed me. I wanted to break out my sketchpad and commit the sight to paper so I would never lose it. I wanted to ink it into my own skin so it would always be with me.

Then, I remembered Emmy.

The rage returned, burning underneath my skin. Storming across the yard, I clenched my hands at my sides. I couldn’t touch her. I couldn’t be responsible for what might happen if I did.

Just as I got close, Ash looked over her shoulder at me and jumped at the sight. Whether that was because I was not who she was expecting or my fury was clear on my face, I didn’t know. Didn’t really fucking care.

“Is she mine?” I demanded.

“What?”

My heart was beating triple time in my chest. The shock to my system at seeing Ash’s beautiful face again was almost enough to break through the cloud of anger, but not quite.

“Emmy,” I explained. “Is. She. Mine?”

Ash went pale. “How did you—”

“She was out in the hall. Woke up and needed a drink. Funny thing is, she says she’s about to turn four. It’s been just about nine months more than that since you left. So, I’ll ask one last time. Is she my fucking daughter?” I roared.

Ash shrunk back, and answered in a small voice, “I don’t know.”

She…what? “You don’t know?”

Her eyes fell to the ground. “I would have told you if I knew for sure.”

She would have…

Holy. Fuck.

No. Not possible.

A ringing in my ears filled the silence in the yard. Emmy might not be mine. Ash didn’t know for sure who the father was. Ash…Ash slept with someone else. But the timeline…

She fucked someone else right after she left me.

I spent months—fuck, over a year—doing nothing but missing her, trying to find her. I didn’t touch another fucking woman until Ash had been gone for over eighteen months. But she…fuck.

How long did she even wait before letting some other guy in where only I had been?

A week? Two? Couldn’t have been that long if he might be Emmy’s father.

Fuck.

Ash still wasn’t looking at me and that was a really fucking good thing. I couldn’t see her face. Couldn’t see those eyes.

Without another fucking word, I left. I couldn’t be anywhere near her. I couldn’t handle the blow she just dealt.

About The Author

Drew

Drew Elyse spends her days trying to convince the world that she is, in fact, a Disney Princess, and her nights writing tear-jerking and smutty romance novels.
When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found over-analyzing every line of a book, binge watching a series on Netflix, doing strange vocal warm ups before singing a variety of music styles, or screaming at the TV during a Chicago Blackhawks game.
A graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a BA in English, she still lives in Chicago, IL where she was born and raised with her boyfriend and her fur babies Lola and Duncan.
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The Goodbye Girl By Mary E. Palmerin & A. Giannoccaro

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Title: The Goodbye Girl (Red Market, #2)

Authors: Mary E. Palmerin and A. Giannoccaro

Publication Date: April 18, 2016

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Synopsis

The Red Market is where every pound of flesh has a price tag tacked onto it. It is a place where money can buy you everything, even a heart.

Caesar has fallen and a new boss, Mateo, has risen; but he has lost his Lettie Doll and he doesn’t know where to find her. She stole his soul and now he must find someone to replace her. Just like her love, his new power is an illusion. The real force behind the Red Market is about to show her cards and no one wants to play her game.

Mateo and Lettie will both have to fight to find their love, but sometimes it is only found in death. You cannot go through life unnoticed by demise when you play with it every day. Sooner or later, it catches up with you and you lose.

**Graphic content warning. Taboo, violent themes prevalent throughout. Reader discretion is highly advised.***

 

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The Goodbye Man (Red Market, #1)

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On Sale for only 99¢!!

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The Goodbye Man

Dysfunctional empires were made to fall.

I am Caesar. Broken and conflicted. I am a man who gives false goodness to those who crave it. I provide solace to the ones who beg to be saved, giving them the goodbyes they want. But, my quiet little world is about to be shattered by the whispers from heaven and hell.

I am Mateo. Unlovable and unworthy. I am the boy everyone runs from. I keep love close to me in little jars of perfection, reminding me of a thousand goodbyes I never had to say, because I left them before they could leave me.

I am Svetlana. Dirty and Used. Birthed into brutality while still trying to comprehend my version of normal. I am an injured lamb, eaten by filthy wolves day after day. Just as salvation seems like it’s within reach, a goodbye from this awful world is all that I wish for.

 

About the Authors

A. Giannoccaro

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A. Giannoccaro

Author of the Colour series, a dark romance.

“Our skin is clothing enough to cover what we hide inside.”

 

Mary E. Palmerin

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Mary E. Palmerin

International bestselling author of the Monster series. Writer of dark, taboo tales. Lover of tattoos, art, and a hopeless book junkie.

 

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Rendered Speechless by Marilyn Faith ♥ Release Blitz

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Rendered Speechless
by
Marilyn Faith 
















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 He loves sex.
She is trying to avoid the male species.
 
He never cares who he sleeps with.
She is cautious.
 
Monogamy is a bad word to him.
Monogamy is what she wants.
 
With her mind saying one thing, and her body saying another, she finds herself wanting to know just what makes this sexy male the attraction women can’t resist.
 
Just when they thought they reached a common ground, both their pasts resurface, adding complication to the mix of confusion.
Will they have what it takes to survive the storm brewing? 
  
EXCERPT

I grasp her face with my hands, and I kiss her. I kiss her with all the pent up frustration I can muster, shutting up her bullshit. A moan escapes her lips, and I do all I can to steal all of it. That sound was for me, and me alone.



I feel a breeze as the door opens, reminding me that we are not alone. Reluctantly, I let her go, staring down into her dark eyes.



“I would never do anything to jeopardize your job,” I say emphatically.



Dazed, confused eyes stare back into mine before I make my leave. If I stayed any longer, I’d make a spectacle out of the both of us, and though I couldn’t really give a shit about myself, I wouldn’t want that for her.



But, one thing is certain … she will be mine.





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