by René, Dani
“It’s time to make our life together, and I’d like to wake up every morning and have breakfast with you before we head off for our days,” she tells me with a one-shoulder shrug. She looks cute when she’s happy, the smile lighting up her face. This is the girl I fell in love with. The woman who stole my heart and soul.
“How are you feeling?” I ask her, stepping up and wrapping my arms around her. The softness of her curves makes my body react, and I expect her to pull away, but she doesn’t.
She smiles, looking up into my eyes. “I’m good. Better than I have been in a while. My therapist says I’m doing well, and I’m opening up more. Perhaps… Maybe you’d like to come with me?” she asks softly, the pain is still shimmering in her eyes. I wanted to suggest it, but I needed her to say it first.
Nodding, I say, “I think that’s a good idea. I’ll always be there for you, and if this will help you, help us move forward, then I’m all for it.” My hands grip her hips gently, my fingers enjoying the feel of her.
“I want to be me again, and I feel like this has taken so much from me, I need to find my power again.” Her words are filled with a confidence that I remember from when she was younger. Her feisty teenage self. And I love it.
“And you will. I know you will,” I tell her honestly. She’s always been strong, even if she cried, I would see the conviction in her pretty eyes that she would overcome whatever was hurting her.
“Breakfast is ready,” she announces in a lighter tone, and I step back, allowing her to take over and dish our food. My stomach grumbles, causing Autumn to giggle at me.
I help her set up the table with cutlery, mugs, and the French press, and soon enough, we’re enjoying her cooking skills.
“This is good,” I tell her.
“It’s only bacon and eggs.” She bites down on the buttery toast, and my dick responds with a jolt of need. Just the thought of being able to have her in ways I’ve been fantasizing about for years makes me feel like a horny teenager again.
“But it’s good.” Shrugging, I clean my plate of the delicious food before I chug back my coffee when I notice the clock on the wall. “And I’m going to be late.”
“Aww.” Autumn’s pout is too adorable, and I lean in to press my mouth to hers. She tastes of coffee, which is deliciously mingled with her sweetness. “What time will you be home tonight?”
“Not sure. I’ll send you a text when I know what the guys have planned. We have meetings about a new job that’s come in, so I might be away from my phone until lunch.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later,” she tells me, and I leave her to shower and get ready.
* * *
When I walk into the offices, Mark glances up, arching a brow at me the moment I settle at my desk.
“And that?”
“What?” I ask, knowing he’s probably asking about the stupid grin on my face, but I don’t play into the game.
“Don’t give me shit,” he tells me. “Is our Lover Boy getting some?” he teases, but they know how difficult it’s been with Autumn. I confided in Mark and Jackson about missing her closeness. Like Jackson told me, be patient, and it’s definitely paid off.
“Ha!” I shake my head. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
“You’re such a shit.” I get a slap on the back in camaraderie. “I’m happy for you both. It’s not easy getting through shit like that.”
“She told me she wants me to go along with her to see her therapist. Which I’m definitely going to do.” I can’t help my chest from filling with warmth at the thought of her taking the initiative. I always knew she was more grown-up than most adults, but her maturity in this situation has shone through.
“If she’s ready to take that step, have you in the room with someone she’s spoken to professionally, you shouldn’t worry too much. I’ve seen situations like these, and some girls aren’t as levelheaded. Not that I can blame them, but some take longer than others. Autumn seems to be a girl who’s stronger than most.” The thought of Mark knowing and seeing situations like this makes me sick to my stomach.
“When is my mother’s trial?” I ask, thinking about my mother, who I haven’t seen since I watched her get taken away in cuffs. Her lover, the asshole who stole Autumn, has also been locked away, but I won’t feel settled until I know my mother is also behind bars for life.
“I think Jackson said it’s in a week’s time. We’ll check up on it. I know your dad’s colleague was one of the main witnesses, along with three of the girls who have decided to take the stand. If Autumn wants to, she can still put her name down, and the state will accept.”
“I’ll talk to her, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I’ll let my girl decide.” We’re just finishing up our conversation when we’re called into the meeting, and I know it’s going to be a long day when I see two boxes of files waiting for us.
Epilogue
Autumn
Three Years Later…
It’s almost my twenty-second birthday, and I’m about to graduate with my hard-earned degree in musicology. To say I’m nervous would be an understatement, but everyone is here, even JD’s friends from work. After all, we’ve been through together, the guys have been like family to us.
The apartment will soon be filled with gifts, food, and friendly conversation. When we first moved in, we made it our home, and it’s become one of my favorite places to be. With the sun streaming through the windows, it warms the living room and kitchen, and in the evenings, the sun sets right into our bedroom, offering up a seductive, yet sensual glow.
“How’s my amazing girl?” JD whispers as he walks up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him. The heat of him makes me smile, and I lean into him, enjoying his touch.
After months of therapy, and JD’s relentlessness at giving me pleasure, allowing me to be in control when we’re intimate, I’ve overcome my fear and the pain that reminded me of what I’d been through.
I’ve fallen deeper in love with him, and I never thought it was possible. I smile as I turn in his arms. “I’m nervous, but I’m excited to get started on this new journey.”
Once I graduate, I’ll be working with young children who want to learn about music, who have dreams of making it big. When I chose my major, I didn’t think about what I’d be doing with it, but after my ordeal, I know I want to give strength to those who don’t have it.
I found my solace in music, and I’d like to give that gift to others. I still sing, but only for JD. His eyes sparkle with mischief as he looks down at me.
“I have a surprise for you,” he tells me before planting a kiss on my lips. We mold together, fitting like puzzle pieces.
“Where is it?” I ask, looking directly at him. He knows how I feel about surprises, but he always loves doing them.
“It’s not time yet. Be patient,” JD teases, kissing me quickly before the kitchen fills with Jackson and Mark who’ve brought me a gift.
“Congratulations, Autumn.” Jackson grins. “Don’t distract my Newb here too much tonight because we need him at work tomorrow.” They all chuckle, which has my cheeks warming.
“It’s not me you have to worry about; it’s him. He tends to keep me up late,” I jest, causing another ruckus of laughs to fill the room. I quickly got used to their teasing, and it made me feel like I had a few older brothers to be there for me.
“We can’t stay long, there’s a job we need to take care of, but JD’s got the day off to spend with you. This is an important day, and we hope you enjoy it to its fullest.”
“Thank you, that means a lot to me,” I tell them both earnestly. Jackson hands me the box, which is heavy. I don’t wait to open it, setting it on the counter and ripping at the paper like I do on Christmas mornings.
Inside is a computer bag made of pure leather and a small golden badge with my name engraved on it.
“We figured every teacher should have a good briefcase, or computer bag, and we wish you all the luck with your career
.” Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them back. I move toward each man, hugging them closely, as I thank them again. The thoughtfulness of the gift means so much to me, but I can’t find the words to express myself. Not right now with emotion clogged thickly in my throat.
When people show affection, it makes my heart fill with love. And I’ve felt more friendliness since I’ve been here, which has helped strengthen me through all the dark times I’ve had to relive while going to therapy.
Once the guys are gone, I head into the bedroom to get dressed. The graduation ceremony at school is taking place in an hour, and we need to leave.
I get ready with a smile on my face and a heart that is full.
* * *
JD
The party is in full swing. And I’ve still got the small gift I bought Autumn burning a hole in my pocket. She hasn’t had a moment to herself with all the students keeping her in conversations, but it’s time to have a moment with my girl.
Watching her get her degree fills me with pride. After all she’s been through, she shone like a star as she accepted the piece of paper that will soon allow her to venture on a path to follow her dreams.
I head into the crowd, my hand sliding along her waist, and I pull her to me. Two of the girls offer a smile when I ask, “Do you mind if I borrow my girlfriend?”
They giggle. “Not at all. We’re going to grab another drink.” Once they’ve walked off toward the kitchen, I tug Autumn all the way down the hall to our bedroom. Inside the room, I lock us in to make sure nobody will disturb us.
“Is this really the time for a quickie?” she questions. The sassiness that she gifts me makes my dick jolt, but she’s right; we can’t be doing that right now. As much as I’d like to.
I ignore her feistiness and ask, “Would you like your surprise now? If not, I’ll happily keep it for myself.” My teasing has her eyes widening in shock. Her mouth drops into an O, which looks cute when she glares at me with her fire that I’ve come to love.
“You can’t keep it for yourself,” Autumn huffs playfully, causing me to chuckle. She’s right, though. Her gift is far too feminine.
“Sit,” I tell her, pointing at the bed. She flops onto the mattress, and I move closer toward her. Pulling the box from my pocket, I hand it to her before I settle in beside her. I almost dropped to one knee, but it’s too early for that.
“What is this?” Her fingers touch the black velvet so tentatively, as if it will break. She flicks the lid, and inside is a necklace that I knew would be hers the moment I laid my eyes on it. “Oh my god, JD.”
The yellow gold is thin, but if you hold it up to the light at the right angle, I’ve had an inscription engraved on it. It would fit her much like a choker, so one would see it no matter what she’s wearing, and right now, I wouldn’t be averse to having her wear only the gift and nothing else.
“This is beautiful,” she whispers, picking up the necklace before setting the box on the bed. I wait for her to see it. Twisting it between her fingers, I know the moment she spots the writing.
“Do you like it?” I’ve been nervous giving her gifts before, but each time in the past, it’s been easier because we were friends. This means so much more. It shows her just how much I love her.
“I love it. I love you. This is everything I could ever want and more.” Her voice is a soft whisper that tangles in my heart. Her words remind me that I have her, she’s safe, and she’s mine.
“You’re everything I could ever want and more, songbird.” It’s the truth. The inscription reads "Forever yours, my Songbird". And I know, no matter what life throws at us, we’ll be together through the storm.
THE END
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Acknowledgments
I have to thank Corinne for inviting me to write in this world. It’s been such a wonderful experience, and I am so happy to have brought JD and Autumn to life. Thank you to Crystal as well for being there to answer any questions I had.
To my team the Captive Angels, who help promote me and my books, you ladies are as always, my angels. To my editor, Candice, thank you for all the hard work you did on this. My BETA reader, Allyson, you rock lady! And to my amazing proofreader, Brian at Illuminate Author Services, as always, it’s a pleasure working with you.
To my reader group, you ladies, and gents, are my solace in the crazy. Thank you for your love and support!
To the readers who’ve taken a chance on this story, thank you a million times over! It means EVERYTHING to me!
To the bloggers who help promote and review, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy days to help us authors.
Mad love,
Dani, xo
Books by Dani René
Stand Alones
Choosing the Hart
Love Beyond Words
Cuffed
Fragile Innocence
Perfectly Flawed
Black Light: Obsessed
Among Ash and Ember
Within Me (Limited Time)
Cursed in Love (collaboration with Cora Kenborn)
Cursed Angels (collaboration with Anna Edwards)
Beautifully Brutal (Cavalieri Della Morte)
How the Mind Breaks
The Devil’s Plaything
While She Sleeps (Dirty Heroes Collection)
Thornes & Roses Series
A Cut so Deep (Book #1)
Gilded Sovereign Series
Cruel War (Book #1)
Volatile Love (Book #2)
Sins of Seven Series
Kneel (Book #1)
Obey (Book #2)
Indulge (Book #3)
Ruthless (Book #4)
Bound (Book #5)
Envy (Book #6)
Vice (Book #7)
The Taken Series
Stolen
Severed
Four Fathers Series
Kingston
Four Sons Series
Brock
Carina Press Novellas
Pierced Ink
Madd Ink
Taboo Novellas
Sunshine and the Stalker (collaboration with K Webster)
His Temptation
Austin’s Christmas Shortcake
Crime and Punishment (Newsletter Exclusive)
Malignus (Inferno World Novella)
Tempting Grayson
Broken Series
Broken by Desire
Shattered by Love
The Backstage Series
Callum
Liam
Ryan
Forbidden Series
From the Ashes - A Prequel
Crave (Book #1)
Covet (Book #2)
About the author
Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of a dark and deviant romance. She lives in the picturesque city of Cape Town where wine is plenty, and the views are spectacular. She's also a proud member of the Romance Writer's Organization of South Africa (ROSA). When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design. She has a healthy addiction to reading, tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.
www.danirene.com
[email protected]
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