“Okay. Let’s burn them.”
* * *
I cleared away our dinner things, and Dayton put Max to bed. The stack of Rochelle’s journals sat on top of the dining table—all ten of them. She’d certainly been prolific, her ramblings starting at the age of sixteen, long before I’d ever met her. From what I’d discovered, writing was her way of trying, desperately, to find herself, yet all the while being controlled by Sutton, making self-discovery impossible.
Thankfully, Max hadn’t been traumatized by his experience on top of Dayton’s building. For weeks afterward, I’d waited for the nightmares to start, but apart from the first week or two when he’d been more clingy than usual, he’d soon returned to his normal, happy-go-lucky self.
George had informed us that following Sutton’s death, another four women had come forward to report that he’d raped and beaten them, too. That made six women, plus me, who he’d violated—and for all we knew there could be more. It was a terrible club to belong to. The only good thing to come of it all was that I’d made a new friend in Kathy. She’d remained in New York after Sutton’s death, and Dayton, true to his word, had allowed her to stay living in the apartment and hired her into his company.
I heard Dayton coming down the stairs and greeted him with a smile. He held out his arms, and I went willingly. I couldn’t snuggle as close to him these days with Miss Bump taking up so much space, but I managed pretty well. He tipped up my chin and brushed my lips softly.
“Shall we?”
I nodded. Dayton picked up six of the books, I grabbed the other four, and we went outside. He’d already set up a garbage can in the back yard. I had no idea where he’d sourced it from, but I didn’t bother asking. It didn’t really matter, and I was used to things magically appearing where Dayton was concerned.
He dropped his six volumes inside, and I did the same with mine. Squirting a little lighter fluid on top of them, he instructed me to stand back. Then he lit a match and tossed it into the barrel. Flames instantly took hold. We stood a safe distance away and watched Rochelle’s life’s work burn. By the time the books had been turned to ash, a sense of peace had settled over me.
“You were right,” I admitted. “Burning them has given me closure.”
He settled an arm around my shoulder. “I’m sure we’ve had this conversation before. I’m always right.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “You wish.”
He laughed and hugged me to him. We stood for a while, watching the orange glow from the fire wither and die, allowing us to see the stars twinkle in the night sky. I shivered as the temperature dropped, and Dayton insisted we go back inside the house.
“Want a drink to take up to bed?” I asked.
He snagged me around my non-existent waist. “No, I just want to take you to bed.” His mouth covered mine, and he traced my bottom lip with his tongue before starting a dance that I knew so well but could never get enough of.
The dance that was ours and ours alone.
The dance of our love.
THE END
Author Notes
Thank you so much for reading Avenging Christa.
I’ve loved the experience of writing with another author. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore more in the future.
Mel Comley is simply one of the most generous people I know, both with her time and her advice. I value her friendship enormously.
I really hope Avenging Christa gave you the satisfying ending you were hoping for. Sutton Atwood is one of the vilest characters I’ve ever had inside my head. At times it was a pretty uncomfortable place to be. I can’t help feeling a twinge of sadness for Rochelle though. I wonder what her life would have been like if she’d had a different family?
I’d love you to get in touch and tell me what you thought of the Irresistibly Mine series. Do feel free to contact me via email, Facebook, Twitter or by signing up to my reader group
And if you have five seconds to spare, I’d love it if you’d leave a short review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews not only help readers discover new books, but they also help authors reach new readers. You’d be doing a massive favor for this wonderful bookish community we’re all a part of.
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Books by Tracie Delaney
The Winning Ace Series
Cash - A Winning Ace Short Story
Winning Ace
Losing Game
Grand Slam
Winning Ace Boxset
Mismatch
Break Point - A Winning Ace Novella
Stand-alone
My Gift To You
The Brook Brothers Series
The Blame Game
Against All Odds
His To Protect
Web of Lies
Irresistibly Mine Series
Tempting Christa
Avenging Christa
Acknowledgments
Sometimes when I’m writing my thanks to my amazing team, it feels a little bit like a broken record. But really, they’re so amazing that all I can do is wax lyrical about how lucky I am to have these terrific people as part of my team.
To hubs… thank you for putting up with me each and every day. For your patience when I go into myself because I’m talking to my characters instead of you! I couldn’t do this without your unwavering support. You’re my world.
To Mel… well, it’s over. (Crying emoji). I adored working on this duet with you. We should definitely look at hooking up sometime in the future. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll dip my toe into the thriller/crime genre. Sutton Atwood certainly gave me a good grounding! Evil bastard LOL.
To my critique partner, Incy—once again, my gratitude seems so paltry in comparison to the generosity you shower on me each and ever day. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
To Louise. Mon Capitan. I love and appreciate you so very much. Thank you for everything you do.
To Del - Foxy. Once again, your work on this book was outstanding. Those little comments that send my thought process in a different direction are invaluable. I hope we work together on many more projects in the future.
To my alpha reader, Allison. Your support for this series has been invaluable. I don’t have the words to express my gratitude.
To my ARC readers. You guys are amazing! You’re my final eyes and ears before my baby is released into the world and I appreciate each and every one of you for giving up your time to read—and point out the odd errors that slip through the net!
And last but most certainly not least, to you, the readers. Thank you for being on this journey with me. It still humbles me to think that my words are being read all over the world.
If you have any time to spare, I’d be ever so grateful if you’d leave a short review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews not only help readers discover new books, but they also help authors reach new readers. You’d be doing a massive favor for this wonderful bookish community we’re all a part of.
About Tracie Delaney
Tracie Delaney realized she was destined to write when, at aged five, she crafted little notes to her parents, each one finished with "The End."
Tracie loves to write steamy contemporary romance books that center around hot me
n, strong women, and then watch with glee as they battle through real life problems. Of course, there's always a perfect Happy Ever After ending (eventually).
When she isn’t writing or sitting around with her head stuck in a book, she can often be found watching The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or any tennis match involving Roger Federer. Coffee is a regular savior.
You can find Tracie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or, for the latest news, exclusive excerpts and competitions, why not join her reader group.
Tracie currently resides in the North West of England with her amazingly supportive husband and her two crazy Westie puppies, Cooper and Murphy.
Tracie loves to hear from readers. She can be contacted through the following platforms
www.traciedelaneyauthor.com
[email protected]
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracie-delaney
About M.A. Comley
M. A. Comley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of crime fiction. To date (April 2019) she has over 90 titles published.
Her books have reached the top of the charts on all platforms in ebook format, Top 20 on Amazon, Top 5 on iTunes, number 2 on Barnes and Noble and Top 5 on KOBO. She has sold over two and a half million copies worldwide.
In her spare time, she doesn’t tend to get much, she enjoys spending time walking her dog in rural Herefordshire, UK.
Her love of reading and specifically the devious minds of killers is what led her to pen her first book in the genre she adores.
Look out for more books coming in the future in the cozy mystery genre.
Facebook.com/Mel-Comley-264745836884860
Twitter.com/Melcom1
Bookbub.com/authors/m-a-comley
https://melcomley.blogspot.com
Avenging Christa: Irresistibly Mine Duet Book 2 Page 20
