by Dani Dundee
“You hate surprises.” And he’s right.
“But I like yours. I think. I hope…”
Back in the car, Devon’s behind the wheel, and he won’t stop talking about this mystery place he’s taking me to. “I discovered it this morning, researching the best places I can take you for lunch. I know you’ve been down, so I wanted to give you something extra special.”
All I can assume is we’re going outside of town to one of the gourmet cafes in nearby Loscove. I lean back into my seat and shake my head. “I love you for it. I’m a little disappointed though. We were aiming for normal, remember? And that got tossed out the window the second we got here. Is this how it’ll always be? Life will always feel over-the-top and extravagant? We can’t go anywhere without the media finding us. Our relationship will always be surrounded by rumors. People from my past will misunderstand and resent me. I miss the simple things, you know? I miss being able to walk around the block without anyone noticing me, or…I don’t know, running out of laundry money on the weekends.”
Devon laughs. “Really? You miss running out of laundry money?”
“No. But the feeling that comes with it.” He doesn’t get it. “It’s like a reminder that you’re living the human experience—all the ups and downs that connect us and make us similar. I miss that feeling of normalcy.”
He nods, but I still don’t think he gets it. How could he? His idea of normal lives on a different planet in a different solar system from mine. “Well, cheer up. We’re here.”
I look out the window, but we haven’t even left Lake Eaton. We’re driving down Main Street, past convenience stores and banks.
And then Devon turns right—into the drive-thru lane of our only fast food burger joint.
“What are you doing?”
He pulls up to the menu and orders us cheeseburgers and chocolate milkshakes. I’m sitting here, mouth agape like an idiot. Devon pays, pulls back out onto the street, and drives us another block down to a park where he stops the car again.
“So all that stuff about how you researched some fancy place for us? That was bullshit, right?”
Devon winks and kisses me before getting out of the car. I join him at the front where he leans against the hood, our food and drinks in hand. We’re facing a pond, and I watch as a bird swoops into the water, finding its own lunch. I take one of the milkshakes, savoring the sickeningly sweet taste.
“Being with me means accepting your life will be more chaotic than it ever was before.” Devon unwraps a burger and bites into it. “It’s true. And it won’t always be easy. But the lifestyle is what brings on the madness. You? Me? We can do anything—like eat off the dollar menu any time you need a sense of simplicity. You can be my girl next door. I’ll be however down to earth you need. That’s what true luxury is.”
He takes another bite, and I’m tempted to forget all about the food and demand we go back to the hotel. He’s never been sexier than he is at this very moment, understanding me like I never thought he could. Then his phone rings again, and I dig into my own burger.
“Who was that?” I ask after he hangs up.
“Caterer of our rumored wedding. Wants to know if we prefer vanilla bean or red velvet.”
***
CHAPTER SIX
Devon
Wow. “You look breathtaking.” Olivia’s wearing a dark purple bridesmaid dress—a shade that makes her light skin glow and her eyes sparkle. Her hair’s been curled and pulled back, and her makeup is sexy yet classy.
“Devon! You can’t be back here.” She looks around the room, which, to me, looks empty.
“It’s not like I’m the groom.” I pull her out the door, into the hallway of the bed and breakfast that’ll be hosting today’s wedding extravaganza.
“How’s everything going out there?” she asks, nodding toward a window. The ceremony’s taking place outside below a canopy of trees while the reception will be back inside an oversized dining room.
“Well, the bar’s not serving drinks yet, I’ve learned Marlena has about a dozen cousins—all fans of the Stone name, and her grandmother tried to kiss me.”
Olivia bursts out laughing.
“It’s not funny.”
“Yes it is. Here, I can help.” She disappears back inside and returns a second later with a flask, handing it to me.
“Wait. So the bridal party gets to hang out up here, getting tipsy, while I suffer through small talk with fan girls?” I take a swig from the flask. It’s whip cream flavored vodka—such a girly liquor.
She steps close, leaning her forehead into my chest. “Trust me. It’s needed. I’m trying to avoid Skyler like the plague. She’s given me looks of death all day, and I’m pretty sure she tried to trip me right after I stepped into my heels.”
“You sure that’s not just your poor coordination?”
She looks up at me, her eyes accusing me of betrayal. “Whose side are you on?” She smiles. “I do just fine in heels now that you’ve had me in them walking down the red carpet, thank you very much.”
A flurry of noise erupts from the end of the hallway as Skyler and Marlena come rushing down. Skyler’s on the phone yelling at somebody, and I see why Olivia’s trying to avoid her wrath. Marlena looks upset, judging by the smudge of makeup running down one of her cheeks. They pass through the door next to us, slamming it shut.
“Something’s wrong,” Olivia says. “I gotta go.”
I pass her the flask before she leaves. “Good luck.”
*
Olivia
It’s been about five hours, and I’ve managed to steer clear of Skyler, not saying a word to her. But I’ll do anything to make Marlena’s day perfect, even if it means interrupting their moment.
“What’s wrong?” I ask Marlena, who’s blotting a tissue under her eye. A woman emerges with a makeup case to fix the damage.
“The photographer just called. Said they accidentally overbooked the day.” She sniffs and takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “The photographer—I’d rather have the cake all screwed up than miss out on photos of today.”
As she stops talking to get her makeup fixed, I turn to Skyler, who’s still on the phone.
She yells into it, “I expect a full refund, and I’m leaving a nasty review.” She hangs up with a huff and sees me looking at her. “What?” she barks.
“Nothing. I want to help. Tell me how I can help.”
“I don’t suppose you’re a professional photographer.” She rolls her eyes at me as if my desire to help them is a massive inconvenience and turns around to make another phone call.
Screw her. I already know how I can help.
I run out of the room in time to catch Devon turning around the corner. “Devon!”
He swings around. “What’s wrong?”
I catch up to him. “You know our tabloid wedding? Were there any photographers that could get out here on short notice?”
*
Marlena’s finishing a pre-ceremony bridal shoot with one of the top fashion photographers on the west coast. Devon had made the call, and this woman showed up, complete with gear and her own crew, within forty-five minutes. Not even I could believe we were able to fix that problem so quickly, but I guess it’s one more perk of dating a celebrity.
Outside, the seats are quickly filling. It’s nearly show time. Peering out a window, I see Chase waiting at the altar next to a minister. The rest of the wedding party is gathered inside to walk down the aisle together, bridesmaids and groomsmen, the flower girl, the ring bearer, and of course, the beautiful Marlena. She’s wearing a lacy strapless gown and a short veil that only covers half her face. She looks like she stepped out of a different era.
“You ready?” I ask her.
“I’ve been ready for seven years.” Her face beams, and I’m thrilled for her.
Over her shoulder, I catch Devon at the other end of the hallway. Feeling extra romantic in this moment, I start toward him, wanting one more kiss before the ceremony starts.
Now’s not the time to be mean. “Hey,” I say.
“I just wanted a second alone with you.” His breath reeks of liquor. He plants his hand against the wall right next to me, leaning in much too close for comfort.
“Back off, Tyler.” What the hell does he think he’s doing?
“Look. I get it. You got this chance to be with a rich dude. You’ve got all these women jealous of you. Everything in life is being handed to you now. I get why that would appeal to you. But…” He leans in even closer. “But don’t you miss the old times? Us? Sneaking around. Skipping school. Naked in bed.”
A hand grips Tyler’s shoulder and rips him away from me.
“What do you think you’re doing, asshole?”
Devon is fuming. His fists are clenched, and I hurry to get between them. “He was just leaving. Weren’t you, Tyler?”
Tyler shrugs, a cocky smirk on his face. “Just catching up with my girl.”
Devon tenses up even more. “Say it again, fucker.”
“Don’t be upset I had her first, man.”
Devon raises his arm, but I grab ahold of him.
“Stop! The wedding’s about to start. He can’t walk in with a bloody face.”
Devon’s arm drops, his jaw set and eyes filled with hate and anger. I look at Tyler who has a satisfied grin on his obnoxious face.
“You’ve got him whipped real good, Olivia. When did you get all dominating? It’s hot. I’d get with—”
Before he can finish his next line, my knee collides with his crotch with enough force to make him double over.
“Fucking bitch!” he shouts, and now the entire wedding party is watching.
“This isn’t high school anymore, Tyler. Grow the hell up.”
With that, Devon and I walk away, leaving Tyler to recover on the floor. The coordinator is lining us up in the order we’ll be walking out. I hear the music change, signaling the beginning of the wedding.
Devon smiles down at me. “That’s my girl.” His lips meet mine, and the taste of him lingers on my lips long after he leaves to return to his seat.
“You,” the coordinator shouts to Tyler. “Over here. Get in place.”
That’s when I realize, the only empty space is right next to me. Oh, what the hell? I’m walking down the aisle with Tyler? He stops next to me, refusing eye contact. One by one, the bridesmaids in front of us link their elbows around their groomsmen’s arms. The first pair heads down the aisle, and we all step forward. I watch the coordinator hand Michelle a bouquet, and she and her escort leave.
Tyler and I are next.
This can’t really be happening.
“Hey,” I hear behind me.
I turn around to see Skyler, Miss Maid of Honor standing there. “What?” I don’t hide my attitude. I’m done with everyone’s crap.
“Thanks,” she says, looking down at the ground. “You got that photographer here fast. No one else would’ve been able to, and…it saved the day.”
I give a nod, nowhere near ready to call truce. Maybe later, but for now, let’s get through this wedding.
Tyler nudges me. The coordinator looks from me, to Tyler, and back at me with an expectant look on her face.
This is ridiculous.
Screw it. It’s for Marlena.
I loop my arm around Tyler’s and accept the flower bouquet. With a sigh, he and I walk out the door, headed down the aisle, but I get a deep satisfaction in the way he limps with every step.
*
Devon
“So I guess he got to walk you down the aisle, one way or another.”
Olivia’s arms are draped around my neck as we slow dance to an instrumental quartet. The ceremony was short and sweet, and the reception seems to be going well. Free drinks, good food, and all my attention on Olivia. Sure, part of that’s because I’m not giving Tyler another chance to get near her.
“Oh stop. You know I had no idea that was the plan.” Her cheeks are red from the reminder.
“Well, that’s the last time another man gets to do that. Next time, it better be me.” The words fall out of my drunken mouth before I consider them.
She stops dancing, her eyes wide. I don’t think backpedaling will work with this one.
“Did you just hint at us getting married? Devon Stone settling down?” She has a crooked smile on her face like she doesn’t know what to make of it.
“The tabloids think we’re eloping as we speak. It wouldn’t be so bad if it were true.”
She lets out a laugh. “When you put it that way, Mr. Romantic.”
“I mean…” What do I mean? Would I marry her? It’s too soon. But I’ve never had the thought cross my mind with anyone else. “Someday. Later. Much later…Maybe you’ll make me so lucky.”
“Hmm,” she says, leaning her head against my shoulder. I feel her breath on my neck, warming my whole body. “A Devon Stone wedding. All that glitz and glamour. I can only imagine.”
“It doesn’t have to be all showy. We can keep it…normal.”
She draws her fingers up my back, tangling them in my hair. Then kisses me. Her tongue teasing mine and making many promises for later. “Screw normal,” she says. “I love us.”
***
Go back to where Olivia and Devon’s whirlwind romance began with The Lust List: Devon Stone series.
Cautious Olivia has no interest in the lives of celebrities until Devon Stone—sexy tabloid favorite—insists she cater a party at his mansion.
FIRST TASTE
(The Lust List: Devon Stone)
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About Mira Bailee
Mira Bailee, author of the USA Today bestselling series The Lust List: Devon Stone, is a beer-brewing librarian who’s been writing leisurely, scholarly, and professionally for the past twenty years. While she's always maintained a high standard of chaos in her daily routine, The Lust List allows her to pass on some of her hectic lifestyle to her characters. Her storytelling balances humor and pleasure with sincerity and conflict, providing a wild ride of human emotions. In the past she studied filmmaking and screenwriting and determined what goes on behind the scenes is just as tantalizing as what's seen in front of the camera. This revelation is the basis for her inspiration for The Lust List.
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Table of Contents
Red Hot Candy
Table of Contents
The Things I Never Said by Jo Raven
Perfectly Equipped by Lacey Silks
Billionaires in Disguise: Rae, Kidnapped by Blair Babylon
A Fan-TAB-Ulous Night by Olivia Rigal
Take it Easy by Daisy Prescott
Before Flesh by Sky Corgan
Scorched into Submission by Daizie Draper
Pandora's Box by Sarah M. Cradit
Braving Love by SJ Mayer
Always Enough by Molly McLain
Mine In Dreams by Olivia Hardin
Like Home by Mira Bailee
Unshakeable by JC Valentine
Yearning to Yield by Pavarti K Tyler
First-Class Scoundrel by Liv Morris
Mated in Bearfield by Jacqueline Sweet
Le Moulin by JC Andrijeski
Jesse's Girl by Alison Foster
Dude by Gillian Cherry
Biker Billionaire's Bitch by Layla Wilcox
Swaying Fate by Irma Geddon
Gender Studies 101 by Dani Dundee
Disclaimers and Copyright Notices
UNSHAKABLE
by J.C. Valentine
UNSHAKABLE
by J.C. Valentine
UNSHAKABLE © J.C. Valentine 2015
Plans are made to be broken.
Once upon a time, the championship wa
s all that mattered to Donald Freyer, until cancer took it all away—his wife, his career—turning him into a bitter old man. Then Jami came along, showed him what it meant to care again. Gave him a reason to smile.
Blood isn’t always thicker.
With Jami and Ally preparing to bring a new life into the world, Don sees an opportunity to give them something they never had growing up: stability. This new lease on life is just the thing they need to ensure their family will thrive, but before he has the chance to follow through, that nasty thing called life rears its ugly head again. Now, Don is forced to fight for something greater than a championship belt. He’s fighting for his life.
CHAPTER ONE
Everything was changing. It used to be that everything was in its place, orderly, just the way he liked it. Now...now. Well, it wasn’t.
Staring at the walls of his cube of an office, at the countless memorabilia marking his time as a heavyweight, Don felt his life passing him by. This office, covered with layers of old paint, steeped in decades of gym smells, was all he had left. It was the only physical thing he had that said, Yeah he had been someone once.
And soon, it wasn’t going to be his anymore.
Jamison, the son he never knew he wanted, the boy he’d shaped into a man, a champion, had taken over the deed, making Don a silent partner.
He hadn’t felt so empty and adrift since the day his wife, Milly, passed away.
That was a day he’d never forget. It was the day he’d lost his heart, his soul, and the title. He’d spent years blaming everyone for the way his life went after that. But the reality was, if the cancer hadn’t taken her, she wouldn’t have stuck around. She hadn’t been cut out for the life of violence he led, and he hadn’t been cut out to be a husband. So, he went the way of most men who lost everything they cared about: he turned into a grouchy old man whose hatred was fueled by regret and started training the next generation to do what he couldn’t.
