by J. S. Scott
EPILOGUE
Paige
A few weeks later…
“It’s finally over,” I told Sebastian as we watched the news report that Justin Talmage was being charged with several serious felony charges in Julie’s case.
“He’s just been charged and is being held in jail,” he said cautiously as he turned off the TV.
We were in our usual position, my back plastered against his front as we laid on the couch to catch the news.
I shook my head. “It really is over. These are charges his daddy can’t buy him out of, and there’s hard evidence. Plus, women are coming out of the woodwork to tell their stories about him. I can’t believe he’s gotten away with what he’s been doing for so long. So many women.”
So far, the count of previous victims was fifteen, none of them ever in a position to challenge Talmage, or were just too afraid to do it. Although none of them had any more evidence than I did, Julie’s case was so strong that Justin would be put away for a long time. I’d be there for the trial and to watch that happen.
The thought brought me nothing but relief. Julie was strong, and currently in counseling. She had the support of her family and her boyfriend, so she wasn’t going to break for any reason.
“He’s not as well-known here as he is on the East Coast,” Sebastian considered aloud. “So that will help.”
“I’m sorry about Julie, but I’m glad she’s alive and that Justin will finally get what he deserves this time,” I said sleepily.
“He deserves to be six feet under,” Sebastian grumbled.
I smiled. “I’m an attorney. I can’t agree with that.”
“You don’t have to,” Sebastian said as he tightened his arms around my waist. “I can hate the bastard that much all by myself.”
“I hate him, too,” I said calmly. “But what he did doesn’t rule my life anymore. He never did deserve that kind of power.”
I’d spoken to several of the women who’d been Justin’s victims. Some of them had moved on better than others. But I was determined that he’d never be able to take away my power again.
I laughed.
I loved.
I’d forgiven my parents and they’d forgiven me.
I was working the job of my dreams, something I was passionate about.
Most importantly, I had Sebastian Walker, the man who had taught me that sex wasn’t a useless or bad thing. In fact, it was downright orgasmic.
“I love you, Paige. You’re so damn brave after everything he did to you.”
“I’m not,” I argued, wiggling to turn around to face him. “You made me brave, Sebastian. I was pretty much stuck until you set me free.”
“You would have figured it out,” he answered with certainty.
Would I have recognized what Sebastian had seen almost immediately? I’d like to think I would have realized I was running away from life, cocooning myself to stay safe. “I’m glad it happened this way. I’d rather it was you.”
“We’ve helped each other, baby. That’s what love is all about,” Sebastian drawled lazily.
I sigh as I looked into his dark, beautiful eyes, seeing his love for me in his gaze. “I think I owe you.” I didn’t think I’d done nearly as much for him as he’d done for me.
He shook his head. “You love me. That’s pretty damn extraordinary.”
I smiled at him. “You’re easy to love.”
He grinned. “What woman could love an ex-player?”
“Me,” I stated simply. “Very easily.”
I understood Sebastian, just like he comprehended my actions.
“That’s why you’re mine, sweetheart. You sealed your own fate.”
“I know,” I said with a sigh, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I did good.”
He laughed wickedly. “See, to my way of thinking, that’s where you fucked up. You actually believe I’m a good guy, even though I was an asshole for a very long time. But it’s too late. You’re stuck with me. I’m never letting you go.”
His arms grew tighter, and although I knew he was joking, there was a very serious timbre in his voice.
I didn’t care about Sebastian’s past. He had been growing up and struggling with major issues. All that mattered was who he was now, and the fact that he’d rejoined life with a passionate nature that rocked my world.
Sebastian was possessive, but I actually loved that part of him, and I wouldn’t want him any other way. “I’m not exactly struggling to get away.”
I rubbed my body against him like a cat.
“You’re asking for trouble,” he growled.
“I know,” I answered in a sultry voice.
“Jesus. I love you, woman,” he rasped against my ear.
“I love you, too, Sebastian,” I said with a happy sigh.
I forgot about everything else in the world except the man I loved as he rose from the couch and took me with him. I knew he was going to prove just how much he loved me, and my body trembled with longing as I wrapped my legs around his waist and forgot the rest of the world for a while and just let our love and need completely surround us.
Sebastian and I had waited so long to find each other, and we were eager to make up for the years of loneliness we’d both endured.
My parents and Trace had been right. When you find the right person…you just know it in your heart and in your gut.
Our meeting wasn’t as perfect or as profound as I’d always dreamed it would be. But those were the dreams of a girl.
As a woman, my relationship with Sebastian was so much more than I ever dreamed it could be.
And when my fiancé took me to bed and loved me like no other man ever had, I realized that my reformed player was absolutely perfect.
~ The End ~
BIOGRAPHY
J.S. “Jan” Scott is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can’t seem to write them any other way! She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two very spoiled German Shepherds.
AUTHOR NOTE:
It’s estimated that one in four college-aged women will experience date rape. Over eighty percent of college rape victims know or are acquainted with their attacker. I think those are pretty scary statistics. It can be an emotionally crippling, terrifying experience to be assaulted by a man you know, and many women are too embarrassed or frightened to report the event. Rape is rape, whether you know the male perpetrator or not. It’s sexual activity without consent.
To avoid being a victim, always set your boundaries and your limits, and don’t be afraid or pressured into sex. No means no. Never feel guilty about leaving an uncomfortable situation. Tell a friend where you’re going and who you are with. Limit your intake of alcohol to one or two drinks. Never drink from community punch bowls, and never accept a drink from someone else. If you ever lose sight of your glass, don’t finish it. Make sure you always have emergency money for a cab if you need to quickly leave a bad situation.
If something does happen, report it immediately. Make it possible for police to gather evidence by going straight to the authorities. It might be scary and hard to talk about immediately, but you might be able to save another woman from the same fate in the future.
Please don’t be a statistic. Avoid situations where a date rape could easily occur, and please stay safe.
XXX ~ Jan
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Books by J. S. Scott:
The Billionaire’s Obsession Series:
The Billionaire’s Obsession
Heart Of The Billionaire
The Billionaire’s Salvation
The Billionaire’s Game
Billionaire Undone
Billionaire Unmasked
Billionaire Untamed
Billionaire Unbound
Billionaire Undaunted
Billionaire Unknown
The Sinclairs:
The Billionaire’s Christmas
No Ordinary Billionaire
The Forbidden Billionaire
The Billionaire’s Touch
The Billionaire’s Voice
The Walker Brothers:
Release!
Player!
The Vampire Coalition Series:
The Vampire Coalition: The Complete Collection
Ethan’s Mate
Rory’s Mate
Nathan’s Mate
Liam’s Mate
Daric’s Mate
The Sentinel Demons:
The Sentinel Demons: The Complete Collection
A Dangerous Bargain
A Dangerous Hunger
A Dangerous Fury
A Dangerous Demon King
The Curve Collection: Big Girls And Bad Boys
The Changeling Encounters Collection
