With a sly grin, she licks her lips, standing as I tuck my cock in my pants and button my jeans.
“Don’t do that,” she croons, reaching for my hand, but I shrug her off. “It’s my turn. I want that cock inside of me.”
“Sorry, sweetheart. Not tonight.”
Her jaw drops, but I just turn, pay my tab, and I’m out the door.
I’m a block from my house when Giovanni calls back.
“You have thirty minutes. You remember where to meet me?”
“I remember.” Pulling up in front of my condo, I shut off the car and rush upstairs.
“Don’t fuck this up. You fuck this up and we’re all dead.”
“I’m not gonna fuck this up.” I need this.
“Good. And you’re prepared to take the girl and run?”
“I’m ready.” Bending down, I slide a bag out from under my bed. I’d hoped this day would come, so everything is packed and ready to go.
“You need to let anyone know you’re leaving town for a while?” he asks.
It’s his subtle way of reminding me that I shouldn’t leave Shae hanging, or my brother, for that matter.
“No.”
“You sure about that?”
“Are you questioning me, Giovanni?”
“Watch your mouth with me, boy. I’ll see you soon.”
Ending the call, I fling the bag over my shoulder and walk out of my house, away from my fucked-up life.
I may not be an Ambrosi by blood, but I’m a DiMarco, and I’m about to find out what the DiMarcos are made of.
First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Tom. The endless amount of support and encouragement you give me while writing is truly amazing. Thank you for making sure the house stayed clean, the laundry got done, and the kids were fed. Thank you for taking over nighttime duty so that I could stay up late and write. Your love and support is what gets me through the day and I’m so incredibly thankful for you.
Mom and dad. Thank you for always supporting me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. And thank you for watching my kids when I’m desperate to hit a deadlines. I love you both more than you’ll ever know.
Keshia Langston. ‘Thank you’ seems so insignificant. We spent endless nights working through this plot. You encouraged me, supported me, and laughed with me. Your kind words, and friendship has been the highlight of many of my days. Thank you for always being there, no matter the question or concern. You mean so much to me and I love you <3 You’re my bae ;)
Kristen Proby. Somehow we managed to find each other in the chaotic Facebook world, and I am so happy we did. We literally spend every single day together, and it’s because of those sprints that I was able to finish this book. You kept motivated, and going. Beyond the writing, you’re also my friend, and I cherish you so very much. We can talk and laugh about anything and everything and friendships like that don’t come around very often.
Jessica Royer Ocken, my amazing editor. Thank you for being patient with me, and for taking my often scrambled prose and transforming it into something beautiful. Your opinion means the world to me, and I am so grateful that you edited this book. You’re stuck with me forever.
A big huge thank you to Sara Eirew for creating such a beautiful cover. You know my vision better than I do.
Stacey Ryan Blake, aka the best damn formatter in the world, thank you for making the inside of my books look beautiful. And, thank you for putting up with all of my last minutes changes. You’re amazing and you’re never getting rid of me ;)
Alissa Evanson Smith, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and helping me out with my cover reveal and release blitz. You are such a giving and selfless person and I’m grateful to you for all of your help.
Last and certainly not least, thank you to every single one of my readers and all of the bloggers. Thank you for taking the time to read my books and share them.
Photo by Perrywinkle Photography
K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.
A Touch of Fate Series
Where We Belong
Pretty Pink Ribbons
On Solid Ground – a Harley and Tyson Novella
Live Without Regret
Other Titles
A Lover’s Lament
The Truth About Lennon
Black Page 26
