by S. M. Shade
“Dennis!” Mallory pretends to scold him.
“What? I ain’t kiddin, woman! I saw corn! I ain’t had corn in years!”
It’s at that moment, the stench really hits, rolling out of the bathroom and down the hall. The lady in her thirties clamps a hand over her mouth and races for the front door. She manages to make it to the street before throwing up. Neal follows her, asking if she’s okay, so we don’t get to see the other’s reactions after, but Mallory speaks up.
“They were right behind her. Didn’t even look in the bedrooms!”
“I think we can call this a success!” Denton announces, and everyone cheers.
I grin down at Jani. “Do you think they learned anything?”
Jani wraps her arms around me. “Don’t fuck with Violent Circle.”
“That’s right, baby.”
Epilogue
January
2 years later
“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” Cassidy says for at least the fourth time. “I’m going to kill Wyatt for opening a Scarlet Toys there.”
“It’s freezing cold all the time. Who needs sex toys more than people who spend so much time indoors? Besides, I can take classes while Noble works. It’s not forever.” I lean down to brush my hand over her daughter’s hair.
“She’s going to miss you, too.”
Yeah, moving to Alaska isn’t going to be easy. I’m leaving everyone I know and love, except Noble. I’m terrified and more excited than I’ve ever been in my life. It’s an adventure, an opportunity I never thought I’d get. When Noble was offered a research position at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, we were faced with a serious decision. He was tempted to pass it up and accept a lesser job somewhere else because of me, and I couldn’t let him do that.
I’ve spent the last two years paying off all my debt and saving money. With just myself to take care of and the well-paying position at Scarlet Toys, I got ahead quickly. Noble and I had plans to move in together after his graduation, but the Alaska thing came out of the blue.
I had already decided to go with him, and take the business classes I’ve been saving for, when Wyatt announced he’d been considering a few small towns in Alaska, and Fairbanks would be a perfect location to open his next store.
So, here we are, all packed up, ready to catch a plane tomorrow. Violent Circle has come together to throw us both a going away party tonight. I have one more night with all my friends before I move over thirty-five hundred miles away.
“You’d better video chat with me every day,” I warn Cass, before bending to talk to her two year old daughter. “You too, Kiera. Do you want to talk to aunt Jani on the computer?”
Her little face lights up with a smile. “Yes! I like the computer!”
I know she doesn’t really understand, but I’m going to stay in touch as much as I can. She looks up at me. “Aunt Jani, Alaska has polar bears.”
“I know they do.”
“Don’t get eat by a polar bear, k?”
Cass smiles and holds back a giggle. “Nope, I’ll stay far away from the polar bears.”
Kiera thinks for a moment, her chubby finger tapping her chin. “Are there frickin elephants there?”
My gaze jumps to Cass, who stares down at her little clone. “Kiera, don’t say frickin. It’s not a nice word.”
Kiera’s little forehead rumples and she runs off toward her bedroom, returning with a picture book of animals. Jumping on my lap, she opens the book and points to a page. “See, it’s a frickin elephant, Mommy. That’s not a bad word.”
Cass and I follow her finger to the picture in question, and I can’t stop the giggles from pouring out of me. Kiera stares at us both as we try to stop laughing, her expression growing indignant. “What? It is! Daddy told me! It’s a frickin elephant!”
Cass composes herself first, and hugs her daughter. “African elephant, hun.” She sounds out the word, and Kiera echoes her.
“No, there aren’t any elephants there,” I assure her.
I’m going to miss this kid.
Cass needs to put Kiera down for her nap, so I head back to my now empty apartment. There’s nothing there but an inflatable mattress, since all our stuff has been shipped to our new home. Since tonight is going to be a late one, partying with the whole neighborhood, I take the opportunity for a quick nap.
Noble wakes me, his hand brushing through my hair. “Hey, the party is starting. Are you going to sleep all night?”
Shit. I guess all the excitement of the last week caught up with me.
“Mmm, I’m awake. Did you get everything taken care of at WFUK?”
“Yep. They had a little going away thing. Got me a cake and everything.”
“That’s sweet.”
Noble looks down at me and it strikes me how much he’s changed. His eyes are the same bright blue, and the same blond hair hangs long over his forehead, but his jaw has become more defined. He’s lost the last of that baby-faced look and somehow transformed into this rugged, perfect male specimen.
“I never get tired of seeing that look,” he murmurs, kissing my neck.
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re thinking about my cock.”
I tilt my head, ignoring the obnoxious squeak of the mattress. “I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I wasn’t thinking of Lord Farquad at all.”
His teeth nip my neck. “Are those little dick jokes ever going to get old?”
“You spent six years being known as Porn Penis. I don’t want your ego to get too big.”
“You’ll be happy to have a nice big porn penis to keep you warm once we get to our igloo.”
Giggling, I push him off of me. “We aren’t moving to an igloo. Fairbanks is a modern city.”
He gives me the same grin that grabbed my heart two years ago. “Next you’ll tell me that we don’t need the tennis racket snow shoes I ordered.”
Giggling, I lean my forehead against his. “We’re really doing this.”
His breath is soft on my face. “We really are. Are you scared?”
“Terrified? You?”
“A little nervous, but with you by my side, I can do anything.”
“Together, we can do anything,” I correct.
“Oh, before I forget, keep an eye on Trey tonight. I found the tube of capsaicin he used on my toilet the first night you stayed with me, and I rubbed it into every pair of underwear he owns.”
I get to my feet. “You’re the best boyfriend ever. Let’s go. We have one more night of crazy.”
“I’m going to miss this place.”
“Me too, but maybe our new neighborhood will have people who throw dildoes into the yard, or run around naked.” I slip on my shoes, and grab my jacket.
“It won’t be the same.” He wraps his arm around me, and we head for the door.
Flipping off the light for the last time, I take one final look back.
“No, there’s no place like Violent Circle.”
THE END
Thanks for reading! If you’d like to check out more of my work, I have two books that are always free!
Everly, Book one of The Striking Back Series:
Amazon Link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UEVPO5G
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1073817328
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everly-sm-shade/1123243336?ean=2940152813722
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/everly-1
Landon, Book one of The In Safe Hands Series:
Amazon Link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H173WKO
iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1225344975
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/landon-sm-shade/1124433063?ean=2940154340769
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/landon-5
Acknowledgements
This book was so much fun to write, mainly because so many expressed interest in January and Noble’s story. And by expressed interest, I mean they messaged me with When the hell do we
get the next one? There’s no better feeling than knowing readers love the characters as much as I do.
To my betas, Veronica Ashley, Amanda Munson, Theresa O’Reilly, Bridget McEvoy, Lissa Jay, and Melissa Teo. Thank you so much for pointing out the embarrassing plot holes, mistakes, and typos, and keeping me from getting too ridiculous. You make me look much smarter than I am. Veronica, no one dies in this book, so there’s no need to pee on anything I own.
Melissa Teo is also the best damn P.A. I could ask for, and I’m so grateful for how hard she works to get my books seen. Every time she messages me with I have an idea, I’m excited and terrified to see what her brain has conjured up this time. It’s always epic. If you don’t know who she is, hang your head in shame and then go check out these groups:
Booksmacked
B.A.N.G.
The cover was created by Ally Hastings at Starcrossed Covers, who never fails to deliver no matter what weird stuff I ask for. Fuzzy pink handcuffs? Solo cup and ping pong ball? Sure, no problem. Thanks again, Ally.
The pretty formatting is done by Angela Shockley at That Formatting Lady. She’s awesome, but don’t everyone start using her because I need her free to work her magic. I’ll share, but just know I’m not happy about it.
To the Shady Ladies in my book group, thanks for making the group such a fun, drama free place to hang out. Thanks for getting my sense of humor and not thinking I’m crazy. Or at least keeping it to yourself if you do.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks to all the book bloggers, page owners, and group owners who work tirelessly to help me and so many other authors get their stories out there. We couldn’t do any of this without you.
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More by S.M. Shade
The Striking Back Series
Book 1: Everly
The first time I met Mason Reed, we were standing naked in a bank, surrounded by guns.
That should have been a warning.
An MMA champion, trainer, and philanthropist, but not a man who gives up easily, Mason is trouble dipped in ink and covered in muscle.
Growing up in foster care, I'm well aware that relationships are temporary, and I do my best to avoid them. After a sheet clenching one night stand, I'm happy to move on, but Mason pursues me relentlessly. Sweet, caring, protective, and at times, a bossy control freak, this persistent man has climbed inside my heart, and I can’t seem to shake him.
After saving me from a life threatening situation, he’s also won something much harder to obtain. My trust. But does he deserve it? Is his true face the one he shows the world? Or is his charitable, loving manner only a thin veneer?
This book contains sexual situations and is intended for ages 18 and older.
US Link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UEVPO5G
UK Link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00UEVPO5G
AU Link http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00UEVPO5G
Book 2: Mason
From the moment I saw her, I wanted her in my bed.
I should've stopped there.
Everly Hall burst into my complicated life and changed it forever. I'm a fighter, but I had no defense against this beautiful, stubborn woman.
Now, I stand to lose everything I have, everything I am. My secrets are dangerous, and put more lives at stake than my own. I intended to tell her in time, but my time is up.
Everything rests on Everly.
This is the conclusion of Mason and Everly's story.
Contains violence and sexual situations and is intended for adults 18 and older.
US Link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZDT5A1M
UK Link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZDT5A1M
AU Link http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00ZDT5A1M
Book 3: Parker
Hit it and quit it.
One and done.
Hump and dump.
That has been my philosophy on relationships for the last seven years. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a bad guy. I'm always upfront and truthful with the women I date. I don't promise them anything but a good time.
I could've gone on happily sleeping my way through the major metropolitan area if it wasn't for her. The dark haired beauty who haunts my days and keeps me awake at night. Strong and sweet, she makes me reconsider everything I believe about love.
Too bad she's completely off limits.
I've never been good at following the rules.
US Link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016YGYTFU
UK Link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016YGYTFU
AU Link http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B016YGYTFU
Book 4: Alex – An M/M Romance
Ninety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice.
He’s straight. Or he thinks he is.
A womanizer of the worst kind with a face and body that keeps a steady stream of willing women at his door, he seems happy to work his way through the entire female population. But there’s no mistaking the way he looks at me when he thinks I’m not paying attention.
One way or another, I’ll show him what he really wants.
This is book four of The Striking Back Series, but can also be read as a standalone novel.
Intended for 18 years and older. Contains sexual content, including sex between two men.
US Link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8RIV7C
UK Link http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B8RIV7C
AU Link http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01B8RIV7C
The In Safe Hands Series
Landon, Book One
Zoe
I’m not interested. I’m not interested in his blue-green ocean colored eyes, his lean muscular body, or that crooked smile that can be so infuriating. I have more important things to worry about, like how to keep myself in college and my sixteen year old brother fed and sheltered. We all know life is hard, some of us just learn that lesson younger than others, but that doesn’t mean I’ll give up. I intend to succeed and make sure my brother has the opportunities he deserves, and no privileged jerk is going to distract me.
Landon
I don’t date. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from celibate, but my condition makes carrying on any kind of normal relationship impossible. My life revolves around In Safe Hands or ISH, the underground hacker group I work with to track down and take care of predators and sex offenders who beat the system. I’m satisfied with my life until the day I meet the smart mouthed, compassionate, determined woman who opens my eyes to possibilities I never thought existed.
Amazon US Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H173WKO
Amazon UK Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01H173WKO
Amazon AU Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01H173WKO
Amazon CA Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01H173WKO
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1225344975
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/landon-sm-shade/1124433063?ean=2940154340769
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/landon-5
Dare, Book Two
Ayda
I hear him.
His deep voice and rumbling laugh. The bang of the headboard slamming the wall and fake screams from yet another woman. Derek is a pile of muscle and ink, a bad boy fantasy only a few layers of wood and plaster away. It’s all I expect or want him to be.
Until that irresistible voice begins talking to me.
Dare
I hear her.
The clicking of her fingers on a keyboard, her music or TV playing in the background. Her musical laugh and soft cries of pleasure, accompanied by a low, steady buzz. Ayda is a good girl who keeps to herself, and I have no business pursuing her, but I’m not a man known for doing the right thing.
I’m an ex-con. I’m a criminal.
And I want her.
US Link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17VBOT
UK Link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M17VBOT
AU Link https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01M17VBOT
CA Link https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M17VBOT
Justus, Book Three
Justus
I’m not conceited.
Really, I’m not. It just so happens I have a body a Greek God would be jealous of, and a face that could make an angel weep. Other than that, I’m just your everyday normal guy who happens to take his clothes off for money. Sure, I’ve had to dispose of a few guys for In Safe Hands, the organization I work for that helps track predators and child molesters, but other than that, completely normal.
Women flock to me, screaming and paying for the right to touch me, so why is this woman so stubborn? Sadie Belmont’s curvy body and sharp tongue have haunted me since I met her a year ago. There’s something about her that gets stuck in my head like a bad song, and I’m determined to find out why I want her so badly, and why she can’t stomach the thought.
