Embrace (Evolve Series #2)

by S. E. Hall

  Challenge me, dammit! Engage more than my dick!

  “What’s this get me?” I slur, shoving the bills at her.

  She kicks one ankle, then the other, getting my legs just as far apart as she wants them and climbs over them, onto my lap. “This,” she croons and starts to grind. Her attempt to pet my chest all sexy-like is an epic fail, snagging one way too long silver nail on my nipple ring. She better not rip my fucking shirt—I love this shirt.

  “How much to go in the back?” Two months on a farm is damn lonely.

  She cuts quick, nervous glances around, then leans into my ear. “Not my usual club, so not in here,” she whispers. “But for a hundred, I’ll meet you outside after.”

  Just when I’m about to finalize the exact details, “Shook Me All Night Long,” my favorite song ever, starts blaring. Now this dance I gotta see, moving Dracula Nails off my lap and outta my view to the stage, aka the flat area in this place.

  Spank me and put me to bed…who the fuck is that?

  “Zach?!”

  “Zach?!” I yell louder.

  “What?”

  “Who. Is. That?” I point to the, um, we’ll go with “dancer” for now.

  “Cause I know her? I think they said Karma or something, but I doubt you’d find her in the phone book under that. Why?”

  Look at him trying to be all smartass… Well, he fucked it up—who the hell uses a phone book?

  “No reason.” I bounce my shoulders in what I hope looks like casual nonchalance, never taking my eyes off her. That may blow my cover, but damn if I could look away even if I tried.

  I’m thinking it’s the beer, strike that, tequila goggles; has to be. I was just dogging every chick who came near me, ready to pay for a meaningless quickie, a scratch to an itch, and sheer perfection happens to strut in to my favorite song?

  Yeah, and when I’m done here, I’m gonna ride home to the Playboy mansion on my flying fucking dragon that I bought with my lottery winnings.

  This isn’t real and up close she’s probably a big mess with bad breath and a whiny voice…and herpes. Gotta be.

  But here’s what I do know, no guessing, no wishful thinking, no maybe to it—take it to the bank: her hair is so dark and shiny that you can damn near see reflections in it and it has purple streaks in it— hot as hell. AND, wait for it… IT. IS. IN. BRAIDS.

  Usually two braids or ponytails are known as “handlebars” in my language, but on this girl, they’re cute; cute, wet dream-inducing braids.

  Her eyes are as dark as her hair and hold the fear and anxiety of a kitten stuck in a drainpipe when it’s raining. I may never know where it came from, this instinct that up until this point I would have sworn on a stack of Bibles I didn’t possess, but I swear I hear her mind screaming to mine, “you’re big and strong! Protect me, Sawyer! Take care of me, hold me, make me unafraid!”

  That body of hers is tiny. Not frail, just petite, and tan and muscular…and her own. She turns it to the side and away from the onlookers and keeps her hands over her barely covered breasts like the tease is part of the dance, but it’s not. I’d bet you a nut this girl has never danced or stripped before in her life. And if she has, she should stop immediately, because she absolutely sucks at it.

  Those come fuck me heels she’s wearing? They’re two sizes too big and she’s never walked in them before. Also something she should stop doing immediately. If the teetering and wobbling didn’t draw attention to her shapely legs, it’d just be sad, but the legs are worth the painful show. Oh and fuck me, she’s skipping around in a circle, I hope she doesn’t think that’s a good cover for her lack of dance skills…skipping, for crying out loud.

  And lastly, she loves this song. She’s mouthing the words, keeping her eyes unfocused and on the back wall, dying for everything but the song itself to be over. And when it is, she runs like she’s on fire for cover behind the curtain.

  “Who was that?” I ask Dracula Nails, still standing beside me.

  “New girl,” she answers snidely. “First night, can’t you tell?” She laughs.

  “Yeah, I can.”

  “So, I’ll see you later?” She curls those inflated lips at me.

  “Maybe, if I see ya I see ya.” I get up, walking over to Dane. “Where’d you get these girls?”

  “Hell if I know; Brock hooked it up.”

  “So the company, it’s local to us, like in Statesboro?”

  “I think so, why?”

  “Find out for sure, I’m gonna hit the can. Be right back.”

  I really do need to take a leak, but somehow I veer off course, peering behind the curtain like the Great and Powerful Oz will be waiting to hand me the 411 on this girl. I don’t see him, or her, only several other scantily clad women who only remind me how different she was. I want to bust in a demand they tell me her name and where she is, but I’m forced to duck out and shove the curtain back when their escort/bodyguard/whatever guy spots me.

  No worries, Dane can find out for me, that man has scary ways of digging up the buried. I hurry back from the bathroom and catch him just as he’s hanging up his phone. “Well?”

  “Local company, kinda off the radar, Brock isn’t sure they’re on the Better Business Bureau, if you catch my drift.”

  “I don’t.”

  He leans into me, talking low and discreet. “I know nothing, and I’m going to say this: walk out of here and never speak of it again. I may also fire Brock for being a dumbass. It’s some on the side thing for one guy, mostly underage college girls needing money.”

  “Fuck,” I mumble.

  “Fuck is right. My name is never to be associated with this, ever. I had no idea and I’ll kill Brock if he jeopardized any of us in any way. You hear me?”

  “Wait, so college, as in our college?”

  “Yes,” he sighs, running his hand through his hair, mad as hell.

  “My old job ready at The K?” Wait, better yet… “I’ll replace Brock even.”

  “You always have a job with me, Sawyer, you know that. Just say the word.”

  “Word. I’m heading back early. Don’t fire Brock until I say, okay? I need to talk to him first.”

  “You just fire him when you have what you need. My hands are washed of this whole thing. Now get the fuck out of here and pay for the party in cash. No paper, you hear me, Sawyer?”

  “Got it. Go, man.”

  Look out, Skipper, Daddy’s coming home.

  Look for Entangled, Dane and Laney's Novella and Entice, Book 3, Sawyer's story! While you wait, connect with S.E. Hall and the boys and discover more about the Evolve Crew

  Twitter: @emergeauthor

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S.E.HallAuthorEmerge

  Emerge book trailer, by Lisa at Pixel Pixie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWooZtXiQN8

  Goodreads: http://bit.ly/19xitqD

  Dane facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanefromEmerge

  Evan facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Evan-Mitchell-Allen/409174755862025?directed_target_id=0

  Sawyer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sawyer-Beckett/227467650737311

  Emerge playlist: http://www.pinterest.com/emergeauthor/emerge-playlist/

  Embrace playlist: http://www.pinterest.com/emergeauthor/embrace-playlist/

  Other works by S.E. Hall—Emerge on Amazon http://amzn.to/18nKceN

  Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Emerge-Evolve-Series-ebook/dp/B00CTYIWGO

  Acknowledgements

  If I named every single person who helped me through this process, said to them what’s in my heart, my acknowledgments would be longer than my book…that’s how blessed I am! So, I will try to keep it short and sweet, but sincerely hope that I do my job as a person to let you each know how much you mean to me.

  When I wrote my debut novel, EMERGE, I never imagined the outpouring of love and support I would receive- it’s been humbling, mind blowing and truly moving! Every one of you who took the time to read, review, promote and rate Emerge
, THANK YOU. So many of you would stop by my page to tell me how the book touched your heart, the things in your life it reminded you of, the friends you recommended it to, the cool picture you found that was fitting, ask a question you had or just to say hi… I read them all and cried more times than I’m willing to admit.

  In fact, I’m crying as I type this, lol.

  My husband Jeff takes almost every burden off my shoulders. If he could figure out a way to bathe and eat for me, I think he would- that’s honestly about all he has left that he doesn’t do for me. He’s the best thing that has, or will, ever happen to me. If I could marry anyone in the whole world tomorrow, I’d pick him again. I love you babe!

  My girls- Lyndsey consistently makes me laugh and reminds me of how cool it is to be a young woman. How many people get a kid who’s also one of their favorite people to be around? Brooklyn teaches me kindness, empathy and tenderness. I love you so much Brookie! Shelby Jo shows me every day with her independence and strength what it truly means to be a superstar, your own person, running your game no matter what reward or lack of waits at the finish line. And Brittany, she reads for me, gives me beautiful babies to spoil and consistently demonstrates the value of speaking your mind!

  My family- again, one of those categories where you do NOT start singling people out and chance forgetting anyone. I will say, I have a pretty damn cool family. And by cool I mean crazy, loud, obnoxious, borderline psychotic and so much fun society can hardly stand it when we congregate in groups. But, they’re all mine and I adore them, wouldn’t trade you for anything!!!!! Cheers to floating tables!

  The women in my family are strong, independent, brilliant, hardworking and funny as &*^% - I taught them everything they know. The men in my life are kind, gentle when needed and strong as hell the rest of the time. They are examples of where the bar should be set on fathers, husbands, uncles, cousins, godfathers, protectors and leaders.

  Now that I said all that, I am gonna give a special shout out to my baby cousin Brandon…mostly because I’m so damn proud of him I can’t see straight- my U.S. Navy stud, but also because he read all my work, over and over and over…and never once complained.

  My homies- I have some ladies in my life who consistently restore my faith in humanity. The read my work, text me just because, make me baskets and buy me supplies, pimp me on whatever page I happen to point out and never refuse to been seen with me when I’m the only one wearing sweatpants and my hair in a bun, sans makeup or any apparent willingness to give a damn.

  Angela Graham, my friend, my CP- if you could tone it down with the cross-country trips where there is no internet, that’d be great lmao, because you’re the other half of my brain, my “detail” gal, my sounding board. If I hadn’t met you, there’d be no Emerge or Embrace, you’re simply that important. I love you girl.

  Samantha Stettner- Little lady, you make my life easier and happier. You help me so much, always giving me pep talks and ideas right when I need them, taking care of everything for me….Basically, you are my right arm. I so wish you lived closer where I could sneak up on ya and wrap you in a hug!!!!!!

  The Dynamic Duo of Toski Covey and Sommer Stein- for loving my work enough to take it under your wings and give it a fresh, amazing face!! The two of you are so wonderful, I can’t thank you enough! I am but the humble recipient of your visions…I just sit back and prepared to be awed!

  The Erins: Gotta Have Em’…..Erin Roth, my editor who has the eyes of an eagle and does the best job editing, even if she won’t let me say “awnry” lol. And Erin Long, my formatter, who I swear hears my emails coming in, even if in the middle of the night, while I’m in full blown panic mode begging her to change something right that second. She’s a speedy lil’ lifesaver!

  BLOGGERS- there is NO way I am naming you off individually. Knowing me, I’d forget one and it would keep me awake at night to have possibly hurt any feelings. Collectively- YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!! You change the lives of independent authors who had a story buzzing in their head, their heart, and took a chance on it- you take a chance of them, put your own jobs and families on hold for that spot of time to read their book and give back. SO many of you supported me, EMERGE, EMBRACE….and I’m proud to call many of you friends. Your ethics, integrity, selflessness, kindness and professionalism are recognized and appreciated!!!!

  My AMAZABETAS, HALL’S HARLOTS STREET TEAM, DANE’S DOLLS and My “Crew”- you know who you are and I hope, what you mean to me!!! If you don’t, I give you permission to kick my a** because I should be making you feel special every chance I get. You’re always there when I need a quick fix, an idea, an opinion, a laugh, a cry…if I never wrote another book, I’d still need you in my life. See, this is the part where all your names are coming up and I have something special to say, but….my hands are shaking too bad to type at just the thought of forgetting someone, so I’ll just say, I love you ALL!

  A-Team….no words sweet, wonderful lady!

  ***I reserve the right to amend, make excuses for, beg forgiveness on or act clueless in general when it comes to this message IF I did forget anyone.

  THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!

  xoxo S.E. Hall

  Embrace Playlist

  Endlessly—Green River Ordinance

  I Never Told You—Colbie Caillat

  The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face—Roberta Flack

  Red Light Special—TLC

  Wonderwall—Oasis

  Let Me Clear My Throat—DJ Kool

  Mama Said Knock You Out—LL Cool J

  Umbrella—Rihanna

  On The Road Again—Willie Nelson

  Rockstar—Nickelback

  Down On Me—Jeremiah & 50 Cent

  Fishing In The Dark—The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

  My Guardian Angel—The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

  Kiss Me—Ed Sheeran

  Hey Pretty Girl—Kip Moore

  Sideways—Citizen Cope

  While you wait, check out Book 2,

  Irreplaceable

  by Angela Graham

  Chapter 1

  Sweet Dreams No More

  In a haze of raw, undeniable passion, his strong hands gripped the backs of my thighs, torturously working their way to my ass, where his skillful fingers kneaded and teased me into surrendering to his every demand. His breath was thick and minty, with a hint of bourbon, and left me craving more. Goose bumps flared over my blazing skin. The weather outside was a numbing twenty degrees, yet I was heated from the inside out.

  A giggle escaped my lips when he lifted me from the ground, my legs finding their way around his waist as his seductive growl kissed my soul. My hands were relentless, snaking under his shirt and over the toned muscles of his back. My eyelids fluttered wildly in a vain attempt to hold his gaze. The harder I fought to watch his every move, the deeper I lost myself in our moment of hunger.

  Everything inside me screamed for more and I ached, truly pained with anticipation. Grinding myself against his hard body, I rolled my hips, demanding every part of him. The cool brick wall dug into my back, the thick coat I wore seconds earlier now lying abandoned on the blacktop beside us.

  A lurid groan spilled from my swollen lips when his hands dug into my hair, his lips nibbling the corner of mine, the searing passion between us uncontrollable. Forsaking all logical thought, I submitted to his reckless frenzy, my lips quivering as his hand slid down the front of my dress. He tore it open in one swift move, leaving me bare and at his will.

  “I need you, Cassandra.”

  Oh God, I needed him. I burned for his touch. It was the closest to serenity I’d ever felt, and I never wanted to lose it. His lips ravaged mine, taking my breath and eliciting panting when they began their descent down my jaw. His tongue ignited a trail straight to my breasts, which were on full display for his eyes only. The scruff of his jaw scratched across my skin, further awakening every hidden emotion and greedy desire I possessed.

  The world around us ceased to exist. He and I were all that matt
ered—all I felt, saw, and needed. Lost in the strength of his grip and power of his lust, I remained at his mercy, fisting his short waves of hair as he dropped to his knee.

  My head fell back, savoring his tongue working its magic down my stomach. A delicious purr spilled from my open mouth, expressing everything my brain couldn’t process into words. I wanted more. I wanted it all, but in an instant, the rough, needy clutch of his fingers and moistness of his mouth were gone; the indescribable emotions he’d awoken in me were no more.

  Dazed, I whipped my head back and forth, desperately searching the darkness that now engulfed me.

  “Logan?”

  Panic set in, filling my veins with fear-induced adrenaline. I reached down for the pieces of my tattered dress, the frosty air now stinging my clammy skin in his absence, only to find they were gone as well. There I stood, naked and vulnerable, alone in the night.

  “Logan, please…don’t leave me.”

  I stumbled forward, struggling to adjust my sight to see anything other than black. My hands smacked into another wall, and it hit me.

  The alley. I was in the alley.

  The air was pulled from my lungs, legs quaking as the harsh words he’d spoken replayed through me.

  “I want to fuck you. Here and now. I’m tired of waiting.”

  “Logan!” My hands shielded my ears, shaking my head to make it go away. Make it stop. He wouldn’t say that. Wouldn’t treat me like another whore.

  “Come back! Don’t leave me.” My words dripped into a slurred sob as tears sprung from my eyes, distorting my vision further.

  Where was he? Why would he leave me like this? He wouldn’t—not me. He cared about me. He had to be there…somewhere.

  “Logan, please!” I cried out, a cracked whimper pouring from my soul as I fell to my knees, helpless, terrified, and completely alone. Something in my heaving chest broke.