by Ashley Jade
I'm not sure what she means…not until she says the next two words that I know I'll remember forever. “I'm pregnant.”
Epilogue (Ricardo)
Shame. It wounds us. It damages us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm not a good guy...I never will be.
And one day, I will explain to my child the way the world works.
I will tell them there are both good and bad people in the world and sometimes the lines get blurred.
I will tell them the truth...
I'm one of those bad people and sometimes in life...the bad guys do win
About the Author
If you liked the book, it would mean the absolute world to me if you left a review. It’s so hard for indie author’s to receive acknowledgment and reviews really make a difference for us.
But even more than that…I urge you to read the message on the next page.
I'm a lover of psychology, romance, erotica, dark romance, dark erotica, and anything thought provoking...except for math. I've always read books growing up, and after having a strange dream one night; I decided to just go for it and publish my first series.
Little did I know, I would end up falling head over heels in love with writing.
If I'm not researching, paying off student loan debt, or writing a novel- you can usually find me watching my favorite series on Netflix, stealing my man’s t-shirts, or pondering the meaning of life.
Check my page for future novels.
Also, feel free to start a discussion board/or leave a review if you're so inclined.
I value and appreciate all my fans reviews, thoughts, and discussions, as well as their time. Each and every single one of you are important to me.
Thanks for believing in me and giving me a shot. It has meant more to me than you'll ever know.
~ Happy Reading ~
For more news about what I’m working on next: Follow me on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Jade/788137781302982
Other Books Written By Ashley Jade
Blame It on the Pain
Blame It on the Shame- (parts 1-3)
Twisted Fate series (books 1-4)
Black Widow Club
The Best Deception
What Happens in the Dark (books 1-3)
Acknowledgements
Yup, this will be long. There's no way I can possibly thank each and every one of you, but I'm going to try. Each and every one of you are so important to me and there will never be a good enough way to thank you for all the support you've shown me. A simple acknowledgment in a book will do it justice, but I hope it matters all the same.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and soul. I really hope I'm not leaving anyone out. And if by some horrible chance I did...I'm so sorry.
Kathy and Sammie- 'Just Let me Read'-
First off, this series wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Kathy. The universe was aligned on that fateful day she decided to take a chance of some extremely unknown indie (I think it was the cover that pulled her in :p) and read 'Pain'.
There will never be enough words I could write to thank you for all that you've done. Ever.
Thank you for encouraging me, thank you for pushing me, thank you for for believing in me first.
Thank you for being you.
Sammy- Thank you for bugging me to keep writing and keeping me on track. Thank you for waitng anxiously for for 'Ricardo'. Thank you for your impeccable reviews. You were the first bloggers who discovered me and took me under your incredible wings. I'm very blessed to have you by my side.
Tanya- Woman...I love you. You're the wind beneath my damn wings and I seriously don't know what I would do without you (and it's not just because of you're amazing talent at making the best graphics and covers) it's because you keep me from falling apart.
I could NOT have gotten through these last few months without you. I told you when we connected that I was keeping you and I meant it. You're never getting rid of me and I'm so very thankful & grateful for you. (Insert one of our crazy gif's here.) p.s: I hope I did your Ricky justice and made you proud.
Jamie—I want to wrap you in a hug (and a cage) and keep you forever. (Don't lie, you'd love that shit) But for real, if you ever leave me I will find your ass and hunt you down and write a book about it.
But seriously, you can’t leave me, Bae. I love you. I can't thank you enough for everything you have done. You’re incredible and I’m so, so,SO fucking lucky to have you.
Shabby A and Laura L- Holy shit, ladies. Or rather, my 'Siskel and Ebert'
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't know what I did in another life to deserve the both of you...but whatever it is...I'd do it again in a heartbeat. In the 'book world'—I'm an indie, and very different from the usual. I definitely don't 'sit at the cool and popular table' with the other authors.
And yet, you've both support me anyway. It’s such a blessing to find two people like you- both in the book world and out of it. You ladies are my 'shooting stars' and two of the most gorgeous soul's in the world. Thank you for being there for me and not only ‘schooling me’ in regards to the indie world, but cheering me on.
Laura: I hope I gave you the ride you were looking for (Yeah, that sounds way dirtier than I intended it to.)
Shabby: I hope your 'big Ricky' was able to still claim and keep the spot in your heart.
And I swore I wasn't going to do this...but 'God bless the damn corn!'
And I hereby promise—I will never become a 'Pre-Maddonna' Twat! No matter what. ;)
Love you both to the moon and back.
Michelle B: Doll, you are one of a fucking kind. I'm so thankful I found you or rather, that you stalked my ass and made me love you enough to stalk you back.
Thank you for all you do, because I couldn't do what I do without you.
Di: We need more people and readers like you in the world. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for not giving a flying fuck if I fit into a certain genre and giving me a chance anyway. I love you as a person and I love you as a reader. You're one of a kind and if you ever change I will hunt your ass down along with Jamie. <3 You don't get to leave me either.
Thai: I love you and your 'hexes'. And you're the first person I know I can call when I want to kidnap Jamie and Di and when I need to hide a few bodies. ;)
Pennie: I didn't know my guardian angel in the book world had a name. But now that I know she does, I won't ever forget it. Or forget you. Thank you so very much for everything.
Erika: Can we shoot dandelions at people forever??!! Thank you for being so awesome it should be a crime and for always having my back. You're one of a kind and I'm so thankful for you. ‘Respect the bubble’. I love you.
Tanaka K- You're phenomenal and beautiful, and my life is so much richer with you in it. Thank you for believing in me.
Tracy C: Thank you for everything...and that includes pulling my head out of my ass at times. ;) Love you, babe.
Ashleigh Zavarelli- I love your face! Thank you for being so extraordinary.
Belinda, Nik, and Jadey: I love you girlies. You 3 are probably the only reason I would visit 'down under' (Annndddd that sounds wayyyy dirtier than I intended.) Butttt I know you girls love the dirty, so #noregrets
Jessica K- Omg, I owe you my life for finding that picture for the cover. Seriously, you have no idea. (I'm getting choked up just thinking about it.) I love you and your awesome teasers thank you for being so incredible.
Julie H- You are remarkable. Thank you for loving my 'crazy' as much as I love you.
Nicole A-Thank you for taking the time and having the patience to make this really shine.
Kimberly E and Tabitha R- I can't get enough of either of you and I'm so grateful and ecstatic to know and have you both in my corner. I love you ladies so hard. <3
Tammy D- Thank you so much for believing in me. Thank you for routing for me.
Danielle H- You're
amazing. I love you bunches! Thank you so much for everything.
Heather: You're a goddess! I love you. Thank you so much for everything.
Michelle M: I love you and your sexy 'knickers'. Thank you for all that you do.
Janice K: Love you, babe.
Tijuana: You’re amazing. Thank you for everything. <3 you.
Maria M: I hope I did your girl proud. ;) <3 you.
Janie B: You’re incredible. Thank you. <3 you.
Jeneane: My fellow ‘bitch’ for life. <3 you.
And to the rest of my 'Bat Cave' babes': Margie F, Janice B, Maari, Mari Ann, Hanan A, Nikki W, Rose N.
I love you ladies. I really can never thank you enough for supporting me. Thank you so much for believing in me even through those times where I didn't.
Becky, Sandy E, Sierra, Sandra, Janice, Diane, Marjorie, Wendy, and Natasha- You ladies are breathtakingly fabulous!
Cassie- You were my very first 'fan'. Starting all the way back from the days of the 'Twisted Fate' series. I will never, ever forget that. Thank you so very much. You're my 'MVP' for life!!! My acknowledgment to you will never change. And neither will you getting the first ARC before it's even an ARC.:p
And last but not least…the person who makes my world go round’. My ‘Hammie’—My heart and soul. I couldn’t do this without you, baby. My love for you knows no bounds…because we’d find a way to demolish anything standing in our way. You’re my ‘alpha’, my strength, my weakness, but most importantly…my everything.
Maybe you'll finally read this acknowledgment. ;) <3
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, I urge and I beg you to reach out.
You’re not alone…and I will pray for you every single day of my life.
Please, don’t blame yourself.
And just in case you never hear this…it’s not your fault. It’s NEVER your fault!
If you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault, again; I urge and I beg you to reach out.
It’s not your fault. It’s NEVER your fault! Please don’t ever blame yourself.
National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Child Sexual Abuse Helpline(Darkness to Light)
1-866-FOR-LIGHT (866-367-5444)
For rape & sexual assault victims call: 212-227-3000
or email : [email protected]
All calls are kept completely confidential.
And if you still can’t pick up that phone, you can always email [email protected] I’ll never judge you, I’ll just listen <3
