Exodus

by Stewart , Kate

  He rubs his thumb along my cheek. “I did watch. That night you told me you hoped I was watching. I was. I have been the whole time,” he whispers softly, “I couldn’t look away.”

  A sob bursts from my lips as he draws us together, our foreheads touching. “I’ll make it up to you, every day I denied you, denied myself. I’ll make up for it for the rest of our punishment. Je t’aime, Cecelia. I love you so fucking much. Mon trésor.” His kiss isn’t gentle. It’s claiming, damning us both to the other for eternity. A punishment I’ll gladly live out and see through to beyond our lifetimes and the next. When he pulls back, I glance in the back seat.

  “What’s in the grocery bag?”

  “Breakfast. Ingredients for French toast.”

  I lift a brow. “Debatable. Cinnamon?”

  He dips his chin. “Two bottles.”

  I can’t help my smile. I buckle my seat belt and put the car in gear and glance over to him. “Fair warning, my place isn’t exactly a palace.”

  Not a palace but a waking dream.

  A vision I had the night Dominic told me he wanted nothing for a future. A vivid dream of a long driveway lined with Bradford pear trees that bloom white in the spring. A driveway that leads to a house on top of a hill floating in the middle of the mountains. A small house with lots of built-in bookshelves, cozy reading nooks draped with soft plush blankets and throw pillows. And behind it, a garden filled to the brim with every imaginable scent and color. I’d searched for nearly a month before I found something resembling what I dreamt of. The day I closed on it, I painted the front door blood red. And then I stocked the fridge with a rare wine. My last touch was adding my French Bulldog, Beau.

  After a long day at my café, feet aching, I sit in my garden with music drifting from every room of my house to where Beau and I sit on the patio overlooking new blooms. It might not be Roman’s palace, but it’s a real home—lived in. Comfortable. Untainted by secrets and lies. Aged, but untouched by the unforgiving world surrounding it. A sanctuary.

  Tobias leans over and runs a finger along my lips and down my throat, his eyes igniting with promise. “Does it have a stove where I can make you breakfast?”

  “Yes.”

  He trails his touch down along my breastbone as my pulse begins to rocket.

  Heavily lashed eyes sear into me as he whispers over my lips. “A bed where I can make you come, and often?”

  “Yes.”

  He presses his lips to mine and pulls back. “Then what else do we need?”

  “Nothing.”

  His smile cracks along with the sky, and it starts to pour, sheets of rain beat down on the windshield when I pull up to the main road and click my signal.

  I turn to Tobias as he eyes the water pounding on the hood and looks back to me. We share an ironic smile.

  We most definitely aren’t riding off into the sunset.

  He shrugs. “First of many. Merde, c’est nous.” Fuck it, it’s us.

  “It’s not a storm, Tobias,” I say, looking up at the sky. “It’s a blessing.”

  “I don’t want to live in a country with a brittle spirit, I want to live amongst soldiers.”—Dave Chappelle

  Ten years later

  Sean

  My phone buzzes again on the nightstand, and I silence it and lift to sit stretching my neck.

  “Jesus,” Tessa groans, burrowing deeper into her pillow. “Is that French son of a bitch not aware there’s a time difference?”

  “He doesn’t care.”

  “I’ll be calling his wife to air my issues.”

  “Might not want to if you still want to vacation there again this summer.”

  I run my hands along the fading wings on her back and turn her over, and she groans as I push her champagne blonde hair away from her face. Her blue eyes narrow with a clear grudge.

  “They’ll be back soon. And things will calm down.”

  “Like that means anything with your work schedule.”

  I lean down and kiss her, and she draws me to her as I slide my hand down her body, appreciating the difference between now and when we met. She’s given me three children and fifteen of the best years of my life. She still puts up with my shit and welcomes me home with open arms, asking me for zero explanation. She deepens our kiss, and my cock springs to life in my boxers.

  “Woman, don’t start anything I can’t finish.”

  “Then finish,” she taunts, drawing me deep into her. I lose myself briefly before reluctantly closing our kiss.

  “Hold that thought,” I whisper before drawing on her lips once more. When I pull away, I see the familiar worry that I’ve drawn out of her too many times to count.

  “Good night or bad night?”

  “Not sure.”

  “Come back to me.”

  “I will,” I try to assure her, but make no promises. She’s aware of the trade, so she doesn’t ask for any.

  “You’re going to be an old man one day, and then what?”

  I grab a smoke from my pack and strike my Zippo. “We’ll do old people shit.”

  “I said you, not me. And if you light that in this house, I’ll put a bullet in you before anyone else can.”

  Closing my lighter, I ditch my cigarette and stand, pulling my jeans with me. She stretches out, tossing off the comforter, fully naked, knowing what it does to me. “You’re cruel, baby.”

  She shrugs, a sleepy smile on her face. “I love you.”

  “I know.”

  I pull on a T-shirt and slide into my boots before I hit the safe in our closet. I grab my Glock and creep into the kitchen, using the porch light to check the magazine. When the kitchen light flips on, I turn to see my son watching me carefully.

  I drop my head. “Fuck.”

  “I’m fourteen, Dad. I’ve known for a while you aren’t just a mechanic.” He walks toward me and nods toward the gun.

  “And Jesus was just a carpenter and a messenger who washed feet. Look at what they did to him. Everyone needs protection. Go back to bed, Dominic.”

  He jerks his chin, a gesture so familiar it gives me pause, and I swear I hear his predecessor laughing at me from wherever he is. But this version of Dom looks a hell of a lot like me with dirty blond hair, my eyes, and on bad days, my attitude.

  “You know better than to question me.”

  “Dad, please, I’m old enough.”

  “Go to bed.”

  With that order, I step out onto the porch and light my cigarette, and sigh when I hear the creak of the screen door behind me.

  “I’m fucking scared, okay? I don’t know what you do when you leave at night or if you’ll come back.”

  “Language.”

  “Mom’s not here. And you’re fluent in fucks to give.”

  “Monkey needs to neither see nor do.” I inhale the smoke deeply, swearing this pack is my last.

  “She gets up the minute you leave, you know, and she paces until she sees you pull back up. Then she plays possum.”

  I do know, and guilt eats me raw as I exhale.

  He sits down beside me on the steps, nearly dwarfing my height as I crack my neck. I knew this day would come. I just didn’t think it would come so early.

  I look over to him as my own eyes plead with me, unbelieving of just how much of myself I see.

  I run my knuckles over his head, and he shakes me off. “You’re too smart for your own good. This isn’t something I want for you.”

  “If it’s good enough for you, it is for me. Dad, please, just tell me what this is.”

  I pull my cell from my pocket and begin to type out a text.

  “Whatever,” he grumbles and stands before turning toward the door.

  “Grab your shoes,” I order as I read the reply.

  Family first.

  “Sir?”

  “And the next time you whatever me will be your last.”

  He flashes me a smile. “Where are we going?”

  “For a drive.”

  He’s bac
k in less than a minute and flies out the door with his shoes untied. Once we’re in the car, Tessa steps on the porch with her arms crossed. From the driver’s door, I stare at her for a long minute with the question in my eyes, and she hesitates before she slowly nods in reply.

  Trust and permission.

  My love for her only grows, and I swear then and there that I’ll do whatever it takes to show her how much I need her, to continue to never make her pay for choosing me, or the life we have. But it all comes down to decisions.

  But for now, I still have a part to play.

  Dom bristles at my side as I pull out onto the abandoned road and turn on the radio. I drive for endless miles before he begins to stare at the side of my head.

  “Dad, we can go for a drive anytime,” he reminds me as I try to hold my smile.

  “It’s a decision.”

  “What is?”

  “To drive right now. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  I can sense his deepening frown in my peripheral vision. “I guess.”

  “There you go.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense.”

  “It makes perfect sense.”

  “Shit,” he sighs, slumping in his seat. “You go driving with a loaded pistol at night? This is the big secret? Pretty anticlimactic.”

  “I was your age when it started.”

  “That’s some epic tale, Dad.”

  “That mouth of yours,” I glance his way, giving him a look reserved for few, “can you keep it shut?”

  When he remains quiet for several minutes, I pull over and put the car in park. We idle on the side of the road, gazing on at the black outline of the mountains in the night sky. I turn toward him in the seat. “I guess what I’m really asking is, can you keep a secret?”

  THE END

  Listen to The Ravenhood Duet playlist

  First and foremost, I would like to thank every reader, whether this is your first book by me, or you’ve read my library, for taking a chance on this duet. This duet was most definitely a product of my wayward imagination, and I so enjoyed penning it, so thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart for reading.

  Thank you to my incredible group, The Asskickers, for roughing this year out with me. It’s been one hell of a ride, and without you, it wouldn’t have been bearable. I tell you every chance I get, but I’ll never miss the opportunity to put it in print. I love you. I love you. Thank you.

  Thank you to my incredible friends and author homies, who have supported me along the way, you know who you are, and I love you dearly.

  For my editors—

  Grey—Just the right amount of words structured in the best way could never, ever, convey my gratitude to you for the last five solid months of support. You’ve inspired me, lifted me, helped me so much in allowing myself to think outside the box. Not only that, our conversations and friendship grew, and I love the place we’re in. You are, by far, one of the most selfless, most hard-working gals, and let me be clear. I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU. Thank you for being the inspiring friend I needed and the expert in polishing the thoughts I couldn’t. I love you.

  Donna—You came into my life as the most positive person I’ve ever met. You continue to surprise me with your consistency in being the most amazing listener, the perfect sounding board, and with your knack of knowing exactly what words I need to hear and what words I’m missing. You are, by far, the most spirited, most beautiful of humans, and without you, I would be completely lost. Four thousand and forty-one miles separate us, and yet we are never apart. I live for our conversations. Your friendship means everything to me. Thank you for being there, without fail, every day. Your beauty is endless, and I’m so incredibly lucky to know you. This duet WOULD NOT be what is without you pushing me the way you always do, because you know I can do better. Thank you, thank you, I love you. I constantly pray I’m the friend you deserve, though I’m sure I’ll never measure up.

  For my team—

  Thank you to my beautiful French bestie, Maïwenn, for handling all of the translations. For taking pain staking efforts on your vacation to make this book possible. Your friendship is priceless, and you are, by far, one of the brightest lights in my life. Thank you so much! I love you, mon bébé!

  Autumn—Your dedication, your devotion, your BELIEF in me, your friendship are all things I cherish more than words can express. You’ve been a boulder, not a rock. You’re my protector, my confidant, and my hero. I love you with all of my heart. Thank you so much for all you do and all you continue to do to keep me glued. You, my love, are beautiful in every way. Thank you.

  Christy—So many books, so many memories. I could never have imagined we’d do so much together. I’m so thankful for your help, I could never thank you enough, but I’m mostly thankful for your steadfast friendship. I’m counting the days until we can again venture out together. We’ll always have Boston (BEST TRIP EVA), but I’m looking forward to many, many more.

  Bex—Another one bites the dust. And the fact that you continue to deal with me is a miracle and one I won’t ever take for granted. Thank you for sending it one more time, every time. LOL. Thank you for keeping me in check, for answering my crazy messages, for keeping us sharp, organized, but mostly for sticking with me. I love you, babe. Friends first. Always.

  Thank you to my amazing beta team—Kathy, Rhonda, Maria, Marissa, Maïwenn, Malene, Christy, Stacey. Without you, ladies, I would be clueless. Your encouragement keeps me. I love you all.

  To my awesome proofers—Bethany, Joy, Marissa—Thank you for double-checking and seeing what I can’t when I’ve blinded myself. I’d be lost without your eagle eyes and the laughs you give. Love y’all.

  Thank you to my KICK-ASS and ever-faithful ARC team. You ladies will never know just how grateful I am for your consistent faith and support. I love you all.

  Thank you to Stacey Ryan Blake for being there, for playing on my imagination and knowing exactly what to do. For your endless patience, but most of all for being a friend. Twenty-three books together, baby! And you have never, ever let me down. Your genius is apparent, and I’m so happy and blessed to call you a friend.

  Thank you, Sarah, of Okay Creations for bringing my vision for these covers to life.

  Thank you to my incredible family for always having my back. I’m so glad we have each other, even with the miles between us. I’m so proud to be a part of the Scott family and take so much pride in each and every one of you.

  Thank you to my sister, Angie, for skipping the movies and for the FaceTime that made EVERYTHING better. You lifted my head when I was too exhausted and kept it up. I love you.

  Thanks to my little sis, Kristan, for always making me laugh, keeping me organized, and for being there, always. Love you bear.

  Thank you to my incredible parents, Bob & Alta, who are now the best of my friends. You both are my heroes and continue to inspire me, to guide me, to console me. I’m so grateful for you both and love you more than I’ll ever be able to express. I would be so lost without you two.

  Thank you to my husband, Nick, who just so happens to be my real-life raven, my hero, and has the tattoo to prove it. I could not do a day of this job without your support. You keep me alive, you keep me centered, grounded, and mostly, you keep me happy. Fifteen years isn’t enough, and fifteen more won’t be either. I love you. Thank you for choosing me, mon trésor.

  USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

  Kate is a lover of all things ‘80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in
photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

  Other titles available now by Kate

  Romantic Suspense

  The Ravenhood Duet

  Flock

  Exodus

  Sexual Awakenings

  Excess

  Predator and Prey

  Lust & Lies Box Set

  Room 212

  Never Me

  Loving the White Liar

  The Fall

  The Mind

  The Heart

  The Brave Line

  Drive

  The Real

  Someone Else’s Ocean

  Heartbreak Warfare

  Method

  Romantic Dramedy

  Balls in Play Series

  Anything but Minor

  Major Love

  Sweeping the Series

  Balls in Play Box Set: Anything but Minor, Major Love, Sweeping the Series, The Golden Sombrero

  The Underdogs Series

  The Guy on the Right

  The Guy on the Left

  The Guy in the Middle

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