by Gabriel Love
Despite the knee-weakening pain blazing through me, I stood and waited for dad to get the ladder and get her down. When she was safe I told dad I needed to go to the doctor and promptly fainted.
Ana speaks softly and I know she’s remembering it too. “I never climbed again, but you were barely out of cast before climbing that damn tree again.”
“I don’t get it,” I say.
“You survived a fall that could have killed you and yet, from the ashes of the situation you became stronger, smarter, better. I didn’t.” She seems so sad I pull her into a hug. “Ashes. I like it. Do you?"
I nod.
But I have no words as her silent tears wet my shirt.
I focus back on Michael. “Ana told me a long time ago that I’m a Phoneix. When bad things happen I rise from the ashes, stronger and better than before. So she called me Ashes. Before she died, she was the only one who called me that. After, I wanted to keep the memory alive.”
He’s silent a moment. “She’s right, you know.”
I shake my head, not feeling it. “I still haven’t dealt with my feelings and anger toward Philip. I can’t face your brothers or family since that dinner. I’m scared they hate me. I-”
He hugs me tight. “My family loves you and so do I.”
The words leave me scrambling for my scattered thoughts. But nothing stays in mind as I stare at him. His gaze is locked on me and I feel like he’s watching me for a reaction.
I don’t know how I feel.
I’m torn.
I’m drawn to him, I love his quick wit, his confidence and willingness to laugh at himself. But the second I try to imagine life without him pain boils up inside. When I think about him, I feel warm, happy, safe. Loved, I suppose.
“I love you too,” I whisper, no longer unsure.
I have no idea what the future holds for us. But in this moment, I don’t care. I love this man and we’re going to enjoy what we have while we have it.
Against all odds, love has found a way.
***
Dear reader,
This story is very near and dear to my heart.
1 in 10 young people have experienced major depression.
If you know someone suffering, a little research can help you find the best way to comfort and help them.
If you yourself have depression, know that you’re not alone. A strong support system can help you find your way. It’s not easy, but remember, to the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.
Here are some helpful links:
For my US readers
For my Ca readers
For my UK readers
As I said, this story is one that I enjoyed writing. Because I enjoyed it, I’ve decided to make sure each of the Bannish men get their own happy ending. And if you need more of Michael and Ashes, don’t worry, they’ll make appearances in books to come.
Thank you and happy reading!
Other titles by Gabriel:
Stepbrother Damaged
It’s my fault my stepbrother lost his wife - and I didn’t even know it.
Sure, he’s got a right to hate me. To be nasty to me. To make me regret every breath I’ve ever taken.
And damn can he give an emotional beating.
But I’ll take it. Maybe I feel like I deserve it. Maybe I feel like it’ll help him somehow. Maybe it helps me justify the string of careless acts on my part that shattered his life forever.
Well, not just his life; his son’s life too.
I’m a goddamned monster.
When his son, Ben, decides to cling to me like a lifeline Nathan plays good dad and lets me comfort the boy. With both our worlds burning, we soon find ourselves over our heads in something far worse than the tragedies plaguing our lives.
Life is seriously cruel.
This heartbreaking, romantic story is intended for readers 18+ only.
Stepbrother Skin Deep
Welcome to Club Skin: Unleash the beast within.
Danica
“Let’s go the the club,” Jan said. “it’ll be fun,” she said.
Well, it’s better than hanging at home with my visiting step brother.
Another ten minutes with him and I’d likely slap that pretty boy smile off his face. If he makes one more joke about knowing how to fix my frigid attitude I might actually hit him.
He’s such a pig, I mean, he has a new girl every night and I’ve never seen the same one twice. I don’t think he’s qualified to give relationship advice.
But seriously, what the hell kind of club makes patrons wear masks? And why is it called “Skin?”
Troy
It’s good to be out of the house. My old man requested that I visit to get to know my new family. I’d rather be at Skin baring it all from behind a mask while thinking about an infuriating little red head who’s off limits. But that only makes me want her more.
When I spot my step sister I cringe. Isn’t she too young to be here? My nightclub is well known for the ten hour; everyone drops what they’re wearing and more often than not, they wear a stranger’s outfit home.
So why is darling Danica here?
About the Author
Gabriel Love works as a scorching hot fireman who knows how to work a hose. When he's not putting out fires, he writes steamy stories. His best ideas come during his daily five mile run on the treadmill, though he searches for inspiration everywhere. He’s a sucker for anything sweet, sexy, and has a secret passion for star-crossed lovers.
You can connect with Gabriel online:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @WriteGabeLove
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriteGabrielLove
