Hidden in Lies
Page 19
Broken.
That’s what I am. Before, there were chunks of me held loosely together knowing there was a purpose behind my actions, behind staying with Cal. Now, I’m completely shattered, destroyed. Alex’s death will be something I’ll never get over. The wounds to my heart run too deep to ever be mended.
When there are no more tears and nothing left in my stomach, I sit in a catatonic state for God knows how long. My eyes aren’t focused on anything in particular as I stare straight ahead. I feel absolutely nothing, the pain so excruciating that my entire body has shut down to ensure that it keeps functioning. I’ll forever be trapped in this hell. Some people get their happily ever after, and I had mine within my grasp. But this isn’t a fucking fairy tale. My only source of happiness has been taken from me and I will never get to see, touch, smell, or feel him again. My biggest regret? I never told him I loved him. Because I do. With every cell in my body I love that man. I will live out the rest of my days in a numb stupor. I’ll play my part like I normally do, but I welcome death, where I will be reunited with the one man to make me feel alive.
Alex, I love you.
Forever.
Alex
WHEN I TOOK this assignment as an undercover detective, there are two things I never expected to happen: I’d fall for the wife of the guy I’m supposed to take down, and that my cover would be blown.
I should’ve just done my fucking job and put my feelings for Elizabeth to the side. At first, I tried. I fucking tried staying away and keeping things professional knowing my reason for being there was to gather as much evidence against Cal as I could. I lost focus being around her, and it’s about to cost me everything.
But my biggest regret?
I won’t be there to save her.
Elizabeth’s beautiful face is the last thing I see as I look down the barrel of a pistol.
Stayed tuned for the second and last book in the Lies and Truth Series, Uncovered by Truth.
Expected release date early June 2015.
AS ALWAYS, I have to thank my family first. My husband has been so supportive and pushes me to keep going. Thank you for believing in me and my writing abilities, babe. I love you!
Readers, y’all are awesome! The response I got from my first published book, Tackled by Love, was overwhelming. I am so thrilled you guys seemed to like it. It’s your enthusiasm for books and kind words that motivates me. I hope you guys have enjoyed Hidden in Lies just as much, if not more.
Laura Hansen, thank you for being such a good friend. You’ve been there for me personally and professionally, and I don’t think you know how much I appreciate that. Your advice always keeps me level headed, and your stories always make me laugh. I love you, girl!
Alexis Noelle, what can I say? You are such an awesome person and I love our completely random chats every day. I’m honored that you’re my Voxer spouse. Thank you for letting me bounce ideas off of you and helping me brainstorm when my brain shuts off. You have become one of my closest friends and I can’t thank you enough for always being there for me.
Jody Fraleigh, thank you for being such a kind, energetic, honest person. Your excitement throughout Alex and Elizabeth’s story was contagious. It got to the point where I would stalk my email, waiting for your response to whatever I had sent you. Thank you for your feedback and helping me through this journey. You are amazing!
To Judy Readsalot, thank you for taking the time to beta my book. I know I kept asking for a “star rating” update, but that’s because I know you won’t lie to me just because we’re friends. Your opinion terrified me, but was one I couldn’t wait to get. So thank you for your honest feedback. See you at Body Pump! ;-)
Ena Burnette, thank you for your friendship. I’ve grown close to you these last several months and I just want you to know that you are one awesome chick. I’m so glad we’re friends. Also, thanks for hosting a flawless blog tour with Enticing Journey Book Promotions! I’ll see you on our next lunch date!
To Nichole Strauss and Christine Borgford with Perfectly Publishable, thank you for editing and formatting a flawless book. The quality and attention to detail are amazing and I appreciate the time and effort you guys put into it. Thanks!
My stepmother, Donna Herpin, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis roughly 16 years ago. She’s been putting up a good fight against it, refusing to let the disease consume her. While I had a basic knowledge of how it hurts the body, I didn’t know much about the medications, what they do, and how much they cost. So thank you for helping me with that and letting me pick your brain.
I’d like to also thank Marisa with Cover Me, Darling for the spectacular cover! As usual, I had no idea what I wanted the cover to look like, but you nailed it. There are no words to describe how much I love this cover. It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see what you come up with on my next one. ;-)
Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the bloggers! As always, you guys are amazing and make what I do possible. Your support and eagerness to share with the world your love of books always amazes me. You guys rock!
RACHAEL DUNCAN IS an Army wife living in North Carolina with her husband and two kids. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in political science. After working on Capitol Hill for a short time, she realized that a career in politics just wasn’t for her. A couple years later, she rediscovered her love for reading and writing.
FIND RACHAEL DUNCAN ON:
Facebook
Twitter
Tsu
Goodreads
Website
OTHER BOOKS BY RACHAEL DUNCAN
Tackled by Love
Amazon