by TARA GALLINA
DARING FOREVER
Volume 1
TARA GALLINA
Free Reads
For the FREE bonus read SEBASTIAN - RISKING FOREVER: Vol 1 in his POV (see warning below), sign up here: https:// www.taragallina.com/
**WARNING – Sebastian's POV has spoilers that aren't revealed in RISKING FOREVER Ainsley's POV until mid-novel of DARING FOREVER. If you don't want to ruin the anticipation built in the series, wait to read Sebastian's novel until after you've finished RISKING FOREVER and DARING FOREVER.
For the next installment in the Forever Series, CLAIMING FOREVER: Vol 3, click here:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07NQKQZ88?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070
About the Book
The Forever Series is a new adult college romance that contains adult language and content. A bonus novel, Sebastian - Risking Forever: Vol 1, is available in Sebastian's POV for free here: https:// www.taragallina.com/
The toga party and sheet draped loosely around my body didn't make me kiss him. The alcohol and near attack by a drunk douche didn't make me either. I can't even blame it on the flirty dare Sebastian gave me a moment before I claimed his lips with a gentle kiss. While each contributed to the incident, I did it because I'm selfish.
For once in my life I took what I wanted. I didn't think about anyone else but myself. I wanted a kiss, and I got a lot more. I figured it'd be good. I just didn't know how much I'd grow to crave it—crave him.
No one can find out about us. If they do, I could end up homeless, friendless, or worse, in danger. It's not like what we do in secret changes anything—other than my feelings for him. He's as unattainable as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least now I know the truth about his family and why his life isn't his own.
He made me an offer I refuse to accept. If I don't find a way to separate my body from my heart when we're together, I'll end up as trapped as he is. ~ Ainsley
The Forever Series
At twenty, Ainsley knows it's time to follow her own dreams and not the future her mother planned for her—a future she never wanted. Losing her job couldn't have come at a worse time.
Sebastian Gianni isn’t the ideal boss, but he has a position to fill and Ainsley is desperate. The sexy twenty-two-year-old comes from money, owns a successful business, and graduates from college in three months. He has his life together in a way Ainsley could only dream.
No wonder her best friend is obsessed with dating him. Even his ex-girlfriend is determined to get him back, although threatening him seems like the wrong approach. Ainsley would be a fool to fall for the guy too.
By no means, should she trust him. He has more secrets than anyone she knows, which makes her wonder if the mafia rumors about him are true. It doesn't matter that he's a good listener, and sweet and protective at times. That playful flirty side he shares with her alone means nothing. Right?
When a kiss turns into a secret romance neither can give up, Ainsley learns the truth about Sebastian's corrupt family and why his ex-girlfriend won't go away. A future together is near impossible and comes with a risk that could get them both killed—or give them everything they've ever wanted.
About Serial Novels
RISKING FOREVER is a serial novel and one of three installments in the Forever Series. The story is continuous and meant to be read in sequential order. The average length of each book is around 160 pages in paperback and can be read in a few hours or less. For this reason, I've heard them referred to as lunchtime reads.
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author makes no claims to, but instead acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of any wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction including brands or products.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Copyright © 2019 by Tara Gallina Tara Gallina (2019-01-14). Daring Forever (The Forever Series book two)
Table of Contents
Free Reads
About the Book
The Forever Series
About Serial Novels
Copyright
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
CLAIMING FOREVER: Vol 3
Chapter 1
The Forever Series Collection
A Special Thanks
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1
ON THE BACK patio, I head for the couches. Nathan, Harper, and Riley are gone.
"Do you know where they went?" I ask the only girl left. She's the one in regular clothes. I forgot her name.
She looks up from her phone as if just noticing me. "Who?"
"Nathan."
"Your guess is as good as mine." She shrugs and returns her focus to her phone.
I slide mine out from my hip where I had it secured in my bikini bottom strap and text Harper.
Where are you?
While I wait for her response, I scan the people on the patio deck. Everyone looks similar in their white sheets. I head back inside. A mob of Romans get down on the dance rug in the family room, the music pumping. Spotting Harper would be impossible.
My phone vibrates in my hand with a text. It's from her. Finally.
In the game room.
She's there already? How'd she know about it?
Whatever. It doesn't matter.
I turn for the stairwell and sway, a little tipsy. I'm such a lightweight. On the second floor, I make a pitstop in the bathroom to check my hair and make-up. Really, Ains? Hoping to get lucky? The thought makes me laugh. I imagine what a kiss would be like with Evan, only my mind conjures Sebastian. I touch my chin and lips, remembering when he brushed his thumb over each. Don't even go there. I give myself an inner slap and leave the bathroom for the game room.
On the way, I pass by Sebastian's door. It's the last one on the right before you enter the hallway that leads to the big room above the garage. The door is closed. For a second, I think about knocking. He might be up there. He might also have company like his ex or some other girl.
Ugh. Brain why did you go there?
I make it to the double doors to the game room. They're closed too. I open one and poke my head inside.
All the lights are out except for flashing at the far end. On that side, a group of people sit on the large sectional. A movie plays on the screen. Something with Tom Cruise.
I close the door and walk over to join them. Smoke fills the air and I cough, my lungs growing tight.
I wave a hand in front of my face and stop by the couch. "You're smoking pot?" The question is directed at Harper. In high school she never had an interest in it.
"There she is. My new girl." Evan's voice sounds, but it's too smoky for me to pick him out of the people. "I saved a spot for you on my lap."
"Harper?" I say unsure of where she is as I continue to wave my hand in front of m
y face and cough. "I need to talk to you."
Without waiting for her response, I march to the other end of the game room where I can breathe. Damn that is strong stuff. Maybe it isn't pot but something else.
Instead of Harper coming over, Evan does. His eyes are glossy and red, and his movements are slow and sloppy.
"Where's Harper?"
"She left with her man before we lit up."
"Does Nathan know you're smoking pot or whatever in his house? It doesn't seem like something he'd be cool with." I've never even seen anyone with a cigarette here.
"He's cool with it, Sugar." Evan reaches for my hair. "This is sexy shit."
I back up a step.
He teeters forward and runs a finger under my toga where it crosses over my chest. "What'd you got on under that?"
I swat his hand away. "Nothing for you." Leave it to me to pick the druggy perv to flirt with.
I turn to leave, but Evan snags my hair. "Wait. You can't go yet. You just got here."
I pull my strands from his grasp. "Please don’t touch my hair."
"Oh. Sorry," he says as if he didn't know he was.
"You should go join your friends." I reach for the door handle. The movie blasts with explosions and loud music.
Evan looks over his shoulder. I slip outside into the hallway but only get a few steps before I hear Evan shout.
"Blondie, wait. You didn't tell me your name. You can't leave without giving it to me and your number."
Should I bother stopping? Maybe if I give him fake information he'll leave me alone. "Do you even have your phone?" I ask. Doubtful.
"I have an excellent memory." He taps his temple, a crooked smile on his face that makes him look more wasted than attractive.
I doubt he could remember his name. "Go get your phone and I'll give it to you." I nod at the double doors and fold my arms across my chest. When he leaves, I plan to take off.
He stops and sways as he stares at me. "How about you give me a kiss first."
Wow. I struggle not to crack up. Did that sound like a good pickup line to him? "How about not."
His features tighten, and he wobbles more. "You think you're better than me?"
"No. I think I should go. I'm sure Harper is looking for me." I back up, but he grabs my arm, his fingers digging into my skin.
"We're not finished."
Shock freezes me until my fight or flight response kicks in. "Let go of me!" I shove his wrist and jerk my body backward.
He stumbles, and his grip loosens enough for me to get away.
I spin to take off.
He snags my hair again, stopping me with a blaze of pain to my scalp.
I turn my head and glimpse his fingers tangled in several strands.
"What the fuck?" He shakes his hand as if trying to free himself from the matted curls.
For a moment, I debate what to do. Rip my hair out by running away—would that even work—or get him off me first and then run?
"Stop!" I shout as more pain sears my scalp. To my surprise, he does. Trembling, I work the strands from his fingers as quickly as I can. The second I'm free, I back up, afraid to take my eyes off him until I’m further away so he can't grab my hair again.
"Why you leaving?" he asks as if it's not obvious. He totters toward me, his long legs closing the distance fast.
I whirl and collide into a hard chest. The hit sends a sharp pain up my nose. Panic charges through me when big hands grab my arms. I suck in a breath to scream and inhale a familiar cologne.
Sebastian?
I glance up. He's here. I don't know how but he is, and I've never been happier to see him. His gaze hardens over my head, locked on someone he looks ready to kill.
Evan.
"Get the fuck out of this house before I tear your arms off."
Whoa. That's a bit violent.
"Look at her one more time, and I'll rip your eyes from their sockets," he adds.
I shiver at the fierceness in his voice, but I'm not afraid for me. With his hands gripping my arms and holding me close, I've never felt safer.
"Chill, man." Fear echoes in Evan's tone. "I didn't know she belonged to you. I'm sorry."
"Get the fuck out," Sebastian repeats with a calm menace that's more terrifying than when he yelled. He bends to my ear. "Can you make it to my room?"
I nod but whisper, "I don't want to leave you."
"Go. And wait for me."
I don't move.
"Ainsley, if I have to drag you up there, I won't get to make sure this asshole leaves, and I really want to escort him from the house." His body shakes as anger grates in his low voice.
"Okay." With reluctance, I slip from his hands and cross the few steps to his bedroom door. Opening it, I patter up the stairs and wait.
Chapter 2
CHILLED ALL OF a sudden, I huddle in the corner of the couch in Sebastian's room. When he gets here, I'm going to curl up in his arms. I don't care if I shouldn't. He's warm, and I need his comfort.
My phone vibrates on the cushion beside me. Without moving, I glance at the screen. A text from Harper shines in the dim light.
Where are you?
I can't deal with her right now. She'll want me to come to her and walking anywhere feels like too much of a chore.
I bury deeper into the cushions, wishing he had a blanket on the couch. I'm sure the covers on his bed are warm, but after I passed out in it without his permission, I'm not going near it again.
Closing my eyes, I wrap my arms around my legs, my knees tucked up by my chin, and wait for Sebastian.
I must have dozed off because I'm curled the other way surrounded by a huge pillow that's hard and warm—make that hot. I grab the sheet where it's tied at my shoulder and undo the knot. It falls over my legs as I push against the hard pillow, trying to get some cooler air over my body.
"What are you doing?" Sebastian's voice startles me.
The pillow shifts. Not a pillow. Him.
"Sebastian?" I turn, still a little groggy. "You're back." I cover his big chest with my body in a hug. "I'm so happy you're back. I needed your body heat." My voice is muffled by his shoulder.
He stiffens and then chuckles. "My body heat?"
"Yes. But I'm happier you're here, and I'm not cold anymore." I’m hot—too hot. I set my hands on his chest and push myself upright. My hair falls over half my face, the rest of it tickling my bare back. It makes me wonder about my ivy crown. Is it still on my head? I pat my hair. Must have lost it. My muscles groan with the movement. "Why am I so stiff?"
"I found you curled up in the corner of the couch asleep and shivering. That could be why." Sebastian's voice sounds hoarse like he was sleeping too. "Do you want some Gatorade? I got some for you, in case you were a little shocked, which I think you were given how I found you. You still might be, considering you're on my lap with your sheet down."
His words are slow to register. It's not until I look down that they make sense. Sebastian sits reclined on the couch, his hips near the end of the cushion while I straddle his waist. My bikini top is the only thing covering my chest because I untied my sheet.
Am I dreaming? I have to be. I would never do this. Sebastian would never be okay with this either. He even has his hands resting on my thighs.
"What are you trying to work out in that pretty little head?" He brushes my hair away from my face and behind my shoulder.
"I think I'm sleeping."
"Why is that?" Amusement flashes in his eyes, but the room is too dark for me to enjoy their unique colors.
"Well, I’m on you and you're allowing it. I would never do this in real life. You would never."
"How do you know what I would do?"
I shrug. "I know you wouldn't want me making a move on you."
"Are you making a move?" His hands tighten a little on my thighs.
Even in this dream, embarrassment warms my skin. "Sometimes I want to."
"Not all the time?"
"It wouldn't be r
ight."
"No. It wouldn't." His grip on my thighs loosens.
"Now this sounds more like the real you." I frown and flop from his lap onto the cushion beside him. I wasn't graceful, but this is a dream so who cares.
"What was that?"
"A fancy dismount."
He laughs softly and takes a bottle of Gatorade from the table. He twists the top off, has a sip, and then passes it to me. "Drink this."
"Why?"
"You are most definitely riding the aftermath of shock and leftover alcohol. It will help bring you back to reality."
"Reality." I giggle, though I don’t know why it's funny. I sit up and sip the drink. Sweet liquid with a light flavor I can't place quenches my dry throat. So good. I guzzle more, faster than I should. Some leaks from the corners of my mouth and drips onto my chest and down my cleavage. Once I've nearly emptied the bottle I come up for air, wipe my mouth, and stare down at my chest. "I made a mess," I murmur to myself and lift my eyes to Sebastian. "Do you have paper towels up here?"
Sebastian sits up, his eyes shifting from my chest to my face. "How do you feel now?"
Clarity returns to me. Oh, God. I lower the bottle to the table, my breathing coming in shallow puffs. "I wasn't dreaming."
"No." He licks his lips and holds extremely still, looking at me like I might bolt.
I glance in the direction of the stairs. If I could run, I would, but I worry my muscles lack the strength. They're shaky, although I'm not sure if it's from humiliation or like he said, leftover shock and alcohol.
Plus, my sheet is untied, and my chest is wet from guzzling so much Gatorade. Evan pops into my brain. "What happened downstairs?" I raise an unsteady hand and brush a stray curl from my eye.
"You mean with the guy you chose to flirt with?" he asks with a scowl, and I don't blame him for being mad. It was stupid.
