I gritted my teeth at Andi’s question. Did I have to relive that conversation? I’d rather not, but the choice wasn’t up to me. She needed to know that he’d finally confessed to what he did.
“Wesley admitted to setting up Mia. I don’t know how he got inside her suite or how he knew she’d be asleep, but he confessed to breaking in with that guy.”
Andi and Bentley glanced at each other. The news surprised them much like it had me. My temples thumped as I tried wrapping my head around this mess. Talk about a web of lies. I’d fallen into the trap.
“Wesley said the guy had instructions to plant the condom in Mia’s toilet. He swears the guy didn’t touch her, that he didn’t have enough time, and that she wasn’t his type. According to Wesley, the guy is gay.” I drew in a deep breath, not prepared to talk about the rest. There was no avoiding it because I needed answers. “Wesley said the police are making rape accusations. Is there something else I need to know?”
Andi hugged her arms. Something else was on her mind. I had a feeling she was about to tell me news I didn’t want to hear, as if I hadn’t heard enough tonight.
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re going to drop another bomb on me?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to worry you, but there is more information about this case than you realize. I begged Mia to talk to you about this, but she refused. She didn’t think you’d believe her.”
“About what?” My chest grew heavy. I could barely breathe. The oxygen I was taking in wasn’t doing my lungs any justice. The feeling grew worse as Andi pulled something from her back pocket. When her hand came into view again, she was holding a letter.
“Mia and I discussed what happened the night you thought she cheated on you. She never found the condom you claim was in her toilet. She didn’t use her bathroom that morning, and by the time she did, housekeeping had already cleaned her suite.”
“Wesley admitted he had the guy plant it, Andi.”
She held up her hand, signaling for me to wait. “Mia had no memory of that guy being in her suite, but she knew it was possible that the cleaning staff removed the evidence when they cleaned.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you need to hear all the details of what’s happened,” she answered. “Mia left the bar the night all of this happened because she was sick. After piecing everything together, she began to worry about what the guy had done while he was there.”
“What do mean?”
Why wouldn’t she just tell me already? It felt like she was dragging this out just to torture me. Then I noticed her face, the way it pinched as if she was fighting back the urge to cry.
“Andi, what aren’t you telling me?”
She blew out a shaky breath and met my eyes. “Mia went to the hospital after all of this came out. She had a rape kit performed.”
Her voice grew softer like she was walking away, making it difficult to hear what she was saying. She hadn’t moved. It was my heartbeat drowning out every sound. Andi confirmed my worst fears. Mia thought she had been raped.
“Wesley told me that the cops thought the guy raped her. So it’s true?”
Grimacing at my question, Andi handed me the letter. “This is a notification from the lab stating they received the samples and would be in touch with the results.”
Gawking at the paper in my hand, I unfolded it and read every word it contained. Andi wasn’t lying. Mia did have a rape kit performed. According to this letter, her results would be in any day.
“I can’t believe this.” My mind was spinning again. So much anger spiraled through me. Wesley had taken things too far. No wonder the police suspected he was involved in her disappearance.
“There’s more.”
I braced for the next reveal. It couldn’t possibly be as bad as what Andi just told me. At least I hoped it wasn’t.
“Mia had the test run because she doesn’t remember much about that night. After giving it some thought, she had another test performed a few hours before you made an ass of yourself in the bar.”
I ignored the dig she made at me and asked, “Why?”
“She suspected someone of slipping something into her drink. Gary called me when he got back to his office earlier. The info he had on his desk, it was the results of Mia’s drug test. It was positive.”
I fisted my hands. If Andi told me that Wesley did this, it would be the last push I needed to find him and punish him.
“You said she suspected someone. Right?” My throat constricted when she nodded. I was barely able to ask my next question. “Who?”
“Izzy.”
The reality of what she said hit me like a two-ton weight. It knocked the breath out of me. “So Izzy was in on this too?”
“We don’t have proof, but it’s looking that way. Judging by their history, it wouldn’t be the first time Izzy and Wesley worked together to ruin Mia’s happiness.”
“Fucking bitch.” I hadn’t just let Wesley come between Mia and me. I had allowed Izzy to do the same. I bet she was enjoying every second of this investigation, knowing her sister was missing. Hopefully, the cops had grilled her as hard as they had Wesley and me.
“I have one last thing to tell you, and this will be the hardest.”
A lump formed in my throat. No matter how many times I swallowed, it wouldn’t go down. My anxiety was strangling me. The sensation increased when Andi left Bentley’s side and walked closer to me.
“Gary had the lab test the blood on Mia’s shirt to see if the DNA matched hers. Those results came back too.” Her eyes lowered to the floor. “It’s a match. The blood on the shirt is Mia’s. All of it.”
The news ripped through me, unraveling every stitch of sanity holding me together. The pain was so immense I lowered myself to a chair in fear of my legs giving out. I didn’t want to believe any of this. Mia could not be dead.
I didn’t know what would happen past this point. A lot would depend on whether we heard from Mia and what the results of her rape kit proved. If the test came back positive . . .
Jail would be the least of Wesley’s worries. I would be at the top of his list because one thing was for sure. If Mia was dead, Wesley would be too.
I’d make sure of it.
* * *
Book 2 of the Rock-N-Roll Heiress series has a tentative release date in October, 2018. Until then, please check out other works by this author here.
Afterword
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time to read Love Desired. I hope you enjoyed the story. If you did, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
While Love Desired is the first book in the Rock ’n’ Roll Heiress Series, the story continues in book two, coming fall of 2018.
If you’d like to connect with me or keep up on my latest news, you can find me all over the web. I have a newsletter filled with goodies too. You can find the link to the signup form, as well as links to my social media, under the “Contact Information” section of this book. Also, I have other books available. To learn about those, please visit the section: “Also by Kelli McCracken”.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Acknowledgments
I have a great group of people working with me to perfect my books before they make it to readers. This is the spot where I give them a special shout out and let them know how much I value them.
To Rhonda, for beings an amazing editor and for always agreeing to take on my projects.
To my beta readers, for your keen eyes, feedback, and helpful emails.
To my Street Teams, for those who tell everyone about my books, for the ones who leave reviews, and those who dedicate time to promoting me.
To my super fans, for the continuous love and support you give me. You are the reason I hit ‘publish’. Thank you for taking on chance on me.
To Tracy, for being a friend who will liste
n.
To Elena, for being an amazing person who I could not survive without in this business. You’re my closest friend, and I love you my soul sister.
To my children, my reason for everything. I love you all so much.
To my husband, for your patience, understanding, and generosity. You are my best friend, my greatest ally, and the love of my life. I will love you forever.
Contact Information
Website
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Facebook
Author Fan Page
Kelli McCracken Reader Group
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About the Author
Kelli McCracken is an author of rock star-themed contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves penning a good, sexy romance that will stir the emotions and tantalize the senses. Kelli currently has four published series with many projects outlined and ready to be penned.
When she’s not writing, chatting with readers, or plotting her next story, Kelli loves to read, listen to music, and enjoy time with her family.
She resides in Northeast Kentucky, is the mother of four, and has been happily married to her husband, James, for fourteen years.
Catch up with Kelli on the web or email her at:
[email protected]
*Additional links under ‘Contact Information’.
Also by Kelli McCracken
Only in Time (Touched by Magic, Prequel)
He lied to protect her. She left to forget him. Neither expected the past to change their future.
Jonah McCabe has no time for love. As a prestigious L.A. record producer, his long days and short nights keep his schedule full and his bed empty. But when his current project leads him back home, Jonah is haunted by memories of Ally.
Ally Jacobs is getting the promotion of a lifetime. The only downfall is returning to her hometown and the past she's struggled to forget. When she runs into Jonah, the humiliation over his previous rejection comes barreling back.
As a series of mishaps bring them closer together, Ally must decide if Jonah is worth getting her heart broken again. And Jonah must reveal a painful truth or walk away from Ally forever.
* * *
Longing for You (Touched by Magic Series, Book 1)
Music isn’t his only desire
Theo McCabe’s teenage years were consumed by his fascination with music and Cassie Clarke. After a fight cost him both, he was forced to move out of state, leaving Cassie clueless to the truth. Now he’s back in Savannah, recording his first album. Six years hasn’t diminished his need for her, but with a deadline looming, he only has one shot to make things right.
Cassie doesn’t believe in fairytales or the myth surrounding her new antique hair comb. Legend says the owner will find its soul’s counterpart, but Cassie isn’t ready to fall in love. She’s eager to debunk the myth until she and Theo reconnect. Toned, tatted, and tenacious, he’s making it difficult to focus on her job or the fact that he’s her client.
Though Cassie doesn't want to fall for Theo, when he enlists her help in reuniting two of their friends, Cassie can’t refuse him or the chemistry between them. Theo is desperate to have one night with Cassie, but doing so means exposing his heart to the only woman who could break it. After all, he's not the only man in Cassie's life.
* * *
Colliding with You (Touched by Magic, Book 2)
This time he’s playing for keeps
Jesse Woods is in a crisis. Between his crazy ex-girlfriend and mobs of female fans, his life as a rock star is getting more dangerous. His only chance of having something normal is to find a new girlfriend, real or fake. When he reconnects with Cori Clarke, he wants her to be the one. She has no other choice after a secret he accidentally reveals leaves her in financial jeopardy.
As if watching her crush marry her sister wasn’t hard enough, Cori‘s tempted to return the antique bridesmaid’s gift her sister gave her. Legend says the owner will find fortune, fertility, and fortitude, but myths didn’t pay bills. Without financial support from her father, she’s willing to consider any job that will pay her tuition, even if it means being Jesse’s assistant. There’s only one stipulation. Cori refuses to be his latest fling.
Jesse knows he saved Cori from a dire situation. He didn’t expect it to dredge up old feelings. As much as he wants to give her the world, only one thing can guarantee she’ll be his. All it will take is one night with her, but putting his plan in motion could cost Cori her future.
* * *
What the Heart Wants (Soulmate Series, Book 1)
A recurrent dream. A fated encounter. A destiny neither can deny.
Heaven Lewis needs a break—from college, from relationships, from her life. After arriving in L.A., her vacation plans are thwarted by chaos. Encountering a celebrity wasn't on her to-do list. Neither is dating him. But the more time they spend together, the more his soul speaks to hers.
Dylan McBride is desperate to find the girl haunting his dreams. When he meets Heaven, her presence calls to his soul, awakening a desire so primal, he struggles to control it. A simple glance, a tender touch, even the sound of her voice electrifies his body. As much as he craves her, there’s more than lust drawing them together. Dylan can sense Heaven’s emotions.
As the mysterious connection between them deepens, Dylan uncovers a secret that proves his and Heaven’s destinies intertwine. Yet telling her the truth won’t be easy. Outside influences threaten to keep them apart, and a horrific encounter puts Heaven in danger. Dylan must find the courage to tell her the truth or risk losing the woman whose fate is linked to his.
* * *
What the Heart Needs (Soulmate Series, Book 2)
Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?
Dylan McBride thought he had it all when Heaven Lewis agreed to marry him. Yet the secrets surrounding them continue to build. Dylan’s father won’t accept his relationship with Heaven, but Dylan refuses to let his dad come between them. Even if it means giving up his life as a rock star.
His refusal brings a turn of events that may cost him Heaven’s life. The only person he can count on for help is Layne. While his best friend agrees to help, Dylan can tell Layne is keeping secrets of his own.
Amongst the chaos, Heaven is adjusting to her newfound abilities when she discovers they’re evolving. As if psychic powers aren’t enough to deal with, someone is making threats on her life. Threats that will unravel family secrets and put friendships to the test, all for What the Heart Needs.
* * *
What the Heart Takes (Soulmate Series, Book 3)
Compelled by fate, will he sacrifice everything to save her?
Dylan McBride has never liked hiding—from his fans, the press, or his father. He’s left with no other choice after his father threatens Heaven’s life. Protecting his wife and unborn child is the only thing that matters. He’d do anything to save them. Even tolerate a connection she shares with her Keeper, the man sworn to protect her, the man he used to call his friend.
Layne’s struggling with his pryrokinetic abilities, as well as accepting his role as Heaven’s Keeper. As if kissing her didn’t make things awkward enough, he learns that their connection is more complicated than he ever imagined. So complicated, it affects not only his mind, but also his soul.
Though he’s taken to his Keeper duties, Heaven senses a battle between Layne’s heart and soul. A battle that’s preventing him from accessing his abilities. There’s only one sure way to help him. Their friendship must deepen. But nothing is ever easy, and she soon discovers there’s a thin line between love, hate, and What the Heart Takes.
* * *
What the Heart Desires (Soulmate Series, Book 4)
Torn by desire, will loving her mean the death of him?
Dylan McBride's Seeker abilities have always kept him a step ahead of his father. But one step isn't enough when it comes to his wife and child. His confrontation with his father leaves him questioning everythin
g he knows, from his life with Heaven, to his part in the Supreme Trinity.
Layne is growing stronger, as is his Seeker. The more time he and Heaven share, the more he's able to control his Keeper abilities. But when new secrets emerge, he's forced to face the truth, as well as the emotions he keeps buried.
Among the death threats, constant hiding, and birth of her child, Heaven struggles to keep the peace between her soulmate and Keeper. More lies are exposed, threatening to destroy all that she loves. Will she be able to deny the truth once it's discovered, or will she give in to What the Heart Desires?
* * *
What the Heart Seeks (Soulmate Series, Book 5)
A love scorned. A heart enraged. A soul shattered.
Dylan McBride never knew pain until he lost Heaven. As if her betrayal didn't break his heart, his involvement in her death sends him spiraling into a web of darkness. Though his new abilities make him a threat to his father, they are also unpredictable. Killing his dad will be simple. Killing Layne won't.
Layne Perry's soul is shattered, along with his heart. After discovering the truth about the Affinity, he was ready to claim what was his—Heaven's heart and soul. Witnessing her death destroyed him. It's his duty to her daughter that keeps him alive, as does the promise he made to Heaven. He'll risk his life to protect his Seeker's child—from The Fallen, darkness, and even her father.
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