by Addison Jane
And I saw myself in her eyes.
I tugged at the restraints, wanting to scream and cry out for help as he cupped my face in his hands, so tenderly, so convincingly.
How could someone so beautiful cause so much pain?
“What do you think you’re doing?” I spun on my heel, turning toward the deep voice. He stood just a few feet away, his eyes watching me, his head tilted slightly to the right. His arms were folded across his chest, the intricate and detailed ink creating captivating patterns and pictures.
My heart thumped against my chest, heavy and hard like it could burst any moment.
I knew who he was. I’d done my research on the DePalma family, and he was the next in line.
Giovanni.
His sharp jaw line, defined muscles and the way his hair fell across his forehead was sexy and enticing. But I knew from experience that it was men like him who were the most dangerous.
“You gonna do something with that or is it just for decoration?” he asked when I didn’t speak. His comment was meant to be sarcastic, but the tone of his voice stayed the same, almost robotic. He stared at me, his whiskey colored eyes burning through me like I’d just taken a shot and my body was on fire. His right eyebrow was ever so slightly raised, daring me to move, like he would find pleasure in the challenge of dodging a bullet. It was as if he found some sick and twisted excitement in beating death.
I lifted my chin, refusing to let him distract me or make me second guess my decision. I was sick of allowing others to cause me pain, people like the DePalmas who just walked through life wreaking havoc and leaving others to suffer.
“It’s all your fault,” I growled, finally finding my voice. He raised his eyebrow and took a menacing step forward. I raised the gun and he stopped, his eyes flicking to the weapon before returning to me. “You don’t care what kind of pain you leave in your wake, you only care about family.” Even saying the word disgusted me.
He stood his ground, even with my gun aimed at his chest.
My aim wasn’t steady, but it was sure.
“Ava! What are you doing?” I heard Emerson call from behind me, worry in her voice. That alone almost made me melt into a puddle on the ground. I loved Emerson, she was my best friend, the one who didn’t care that I was a little bit out there, but would stand beside me anyway and at any time.
Tears stung my eyes, but I didn’t move them from where Gio continued to stare me down, his eyes burning holes through me, creating all kinds of different emotions inside me. I could feel the strength flowing off him in waves, but for some reason, I wasn’t afraid. I didn’t feel like he was out to use his power against me.
Not every guy is like him. Not every guy is out to hurt you.
I squeezed the gun a little tighter, frustrated with myself, annoyed with the way he was affecting me.
“You want to hurt them, you’ll have to go through me first,” he said casually. I saw his body tense, his muscles clenching, but his face was a mask of relaxation.
That was it.
I made a split second decision.
One that I might regret.
One that could rain hell down around me.
But I didn’t care.
I wouldn’t let myself be tricked again.
“Fine,” I said with finality.
Then I squeezed the trigger.
On a more serious note:
This book is a work of fiction but some situations discussed are of a sensitive nature.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of assault, please seek help or assist them to obtain help. Reporting the crime could possibly prevent another incident.
Crisis hotlines exist everywhere, so please don’t hesitate.
If you live in:
USA call RAINN- 1-800-656-HOPE
Canada call 1.888.407.4747 for help
UK call The Samaritans 116 123
Australia call Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Check out these books by authors
Addison Jane and KE Osborn
Deceit (The Vindicated Series Book One)
Addison Jane and KE Osborn
Click here to purchase
Covert, stealthy, cunning—I’m trained as a weapon. A lethal killer. I do what needs to be done in order to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
I’m never the same person twice.
It’s never been an issue.
But I underestimated her.
The beautiful woman next door. There’s something sexy about the way she watches me, eyes wide with an innocent curiosity. I find myself aching for her attention. I want her to look at me, but not when I’m covered in the blood of the man I just killed.
I live in the dark. She could be my light. I want her. And I know she feels it too.
When what I do puts her life in danger, everything changes. And I start to realize that maybe not all is as it seems. Every part of me screams to save her...
But what if I’m wrong.
What if she’s the one saving me?
This novel ends on a cliffhanger.
Liberate (The Vindicated Series Book 2)
Addison Jane and KE Osborn
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Lies, deceit, betrayal—everything has changed from the life I had. From the life I knew. I lost my team. I lost my livelihood. I never thought it could come to this.
I vowed to protect her.
I failed.
But it’s not over yet.
The agency made a mistake when they decided to take my life. Now I was free, and a man who answers to no one is a man who should be feared. I’m fueled by revenge, seeking justice for her, for me, and for the innocent lives I unknowingly destroyed.
Lily drew me from the shadows. She burned so brightly. She made me see clearly and filled me with warmth. But her flame was smothered and she was cast into the darkness.
I won’t let that be her end. I need retribution. I will take nothing less.
They may have won the battle, but I’m about to start a war.
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Addison Jane is a born and bred kiwi girl with a passion for romance and writing.
When she gets the chance she enjoys the little things in life such as reading, dancing, music, and Facebook, but her world really revolves around the little girl who calls her Mum. It’s an awkward balance between alpha males and Disney princesses, but it works.
Growing up on a small farm next to the beach will always make her a country girl at heart. But since moving away to a small town close to the city, she’s discovered a dangerous love for shopping.
Writing stories has been something that’s come naturally since she was young, and with the massive support of her friends and family, she finally decided to step out of her comfort zone and share them with the world.
She enjoys bringing her books to life with strong female leads, sexy, passionate men and a rollercoaster of twists and turns that lead to the happily ever after that her readers desire.
