Memorized
Page 21
He was just a minor player in the grand scheme of things. Criminals from all over paid him to use his locations and to keep quiet about it. The evidence I was able to obtain on the flash drive helped reveal many of those names. The trial ruined the Banks Empire, dragging the name through the dirt and exposing their corruption. His properties were sold, the company liquidated, and his family went into early retirement.
I like to think that I lived the life of three different Willows. There was the Willow Thorne, born and raised in Montana. A single child with loving parents. She had few friends but dreams of making music her life. You could find her playing a beat up violin or hanging out with her parents. That young girl lost her parents when she needed them the most. That girl escaped to start a new life and make her parents proud.
The second Willow was my least favorite. At her most vulnerable state, she met a man she thought would make her dreams come true. Caught up in the charm and luxury, she became someone else. She gave up her dream of music and chose a career so she could work in one of her boyfriend's hotels. That girl lost her way until she finally saw the truth. By then, it was too late and her body was found, beaten and bloody, left for dead. That Willow Thorne died that day.
Eyes opened and a new girl was born. Although scared and frightened at first, she fought her way through. That girl never stopped kicking and swimming for the surface. She found her way through the dark and found the light. After defeating her enemies, she rebuilt. With nothing left but an old violin and a few people she loved, she won in the end. She was an improved version of the girls who came before.
I lived through all three lives and grew from each one. I will never again settle or deny myself of anything I want. I'm where I want to be and wouldn't change a thing. I used to think I lost everyone I loved when I left Montana to start over. Now, I have genuine friends who care about me. I don't have to pretend to be in love because it comes naturally and easily. I no longer look over my shoulder with paranoia. I'm at a peace I once thought I would never achieve.
It only took a month for me to move in with Landon when I felt strong enough mentally and emotional to stand on my own. I never wanted him to become a crutch, but he was my everything. I worked and saved my money to buy my own necessities. It took two months to build back up a bubble bath collection, but it was well worth it. Every night after school or work, I sink into the hot water filled with salts and bubbles while Landon rubs my feet. I got used to the constant movement of working at the café, but I'll never admit that to him. His massages are the highlight of my day. As well as what they lead up to.
I transferred back to a major in music, even though it put me behind in graduating. It will be worth it though because in the end I will be doing what makes me happy. Landon's research earned him a scholarship and he was published in several psychology magazines. The theory that the mind will block out what is associated with the traumatic event traveled fast and helped other doctors unlock the memories of other patients.
And now, one year after I stupidly walked into a building full of gun-holding men, I am still standing. I'm a product of my upbringing. I am a product of my own will and power. I am an example of the importance of having a strong support system. I am also staring at the people I love most as they try to hang a string of lights in the backyard of a house Landon and I just moved into.
"Damn it," Landon curses. "Give it more slack, Aaron."
"I can't," Aaron yells back. "It's too short."
Both boys have a ladder against a tree. All I wanted was one strand of lights between them, over the iron bench. After some more cursing, teasing from Paige, and me finally giving them the second set I bought, they got them hung.
"You think that was funny?" Landon asks as he swiftly lifts me up.
"I did actually," I admit with no shame what so ever. "I really enjoyed that you tried so hard for me."
"Well, I didn't want to tell you it wouldn't work," he argues.
"I know. That's why I love you."
"Enough to become Mrs. Willow Presley?" he asks.
My heart skips a beat, my ears perk up, and his words replay in my head.
"Marry me," he confirms. No knee dropping needed. Just his words and his arms around me is all that's needed. An expensive ring and grand gesture would be wasted on me. This is all that I need. The man I hopelessly and eternally love and my closest friends.
"Of course."
Alyne lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat. Working full time in an office all day, she spends her nights reading, writing or watching an entire TV series in a night. She refuses to grow up and loves Disney movies and anything with owls. She couldn't live without her coffee or her furry "children".
Alyne wrote her first novel titled "Light to the Darkness" in 2014, followed by the Conflicted Encounters Series.
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Books By Alyne Roberts:
Light to the Darkness
Conflicted Encounters Series:
Jolted
Impacted
Shaken
Memorized was a challenge but amazing to write. It was an idea I couldn’t wait to dive in to. I couldn’t have done it alone. There are so many people that helped me along the way.
My husband deserves a HUGE thank you for putting up with me when I set the unrealistic deadline. It’s because he did all the cooking, cleaning and left me alone all night that I actually pulled it off. And to my family for understanding that I fell off the face of the planet to hang out with Willow and Landon. You guys always believe in me and cheer me on.
I met some amazing people through writing. I have great beta readers that care about my stories as much as I do. I love you Ashley and Missy for reading every one of my books for me. Briana Gaitan is fantastic for her input and constantly allowing me to procrastinate and chat with you all night. You shall have a character named after you. And Steph Schiefer for all your help. You rock and we get to meet soon! I am lucky to have you girls.
As always, Romantic Book Affairs Design blew me away with this cover. It’s gorgeous and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for putting up with me.
Thank you Taylor with T.K. Editing. One day we will cure my issues with tenses. Until then, I need you!
Jen at Beyond the Cover for your proofreading skills. I may never learn to spell Willow’s last name so thankfully I have you.
Mary at Between the Sheets is amazing for putting together the cover reveal and blog tour. You have answered all my late night questions and did a great job.
Alone Angels - we are a small but powerful group. This is the first release I put you girls to work and thank you for sharing and having my back!
Last but not least, the girls in AHEOB. I have learned so much from all of you and value the wisdom and never-ending support.