by Autumn Grey
"No."
"No? This is my decision, Remington. I'm leaving." I stopped to contemplate my transport options, and then looked up at him. "Can I call for a cab, please?"
"You… are… not… leaving, Selene!" He grasped my forearms crushing me to his chest. "You can't leave."
"Don't do this, Remington. You have a son to think about, to keep safe. You don't know me well enough for you to risk that. "
"I know you well enough to protect you any way I can."
I stilled, stunned by the declaration. "You ended things with the other women. I want you to do the same. Please, please, Remington." I took his face in my hands, pressing my forehead to his. A face that hid scars I suspected ran deeper than the blood in his veins.
"You're not the other women. And I'm not ending anything."
I rose on my toes and pressed my lips to his, but he quickly deepened the kiss, his hands wrapped tightly around me.
"I will not risk you two." I pulled away and headed for the door. "Could you please tell Adrien good-bye for me?"
"Wait!"
I stopped and looked over my shoulder, my heart breaking at the defeated look in his eyes.
"I'll call Gilles to take you to the hotel." He grabbed his phone from the table and dialed, while climbing upstairs. He came back a few moments later with my handbag. "Could you please do me a favor? Give me a call when you get to your room?"
I nodded, reaching for my bag from his hands.
Gilles arrived a few minutes later. I climbed into the car without looking back. As the car started to pull out of the driveway, I finally looked out the window and saw Remington, his shoulders slumped forward, standing on the path leading to his house. I waved. He waved back, his shoulders lifted, and a look of determination crossed his features.
I turned away, my vision blurred, my body feeling like lead. Things had been going so well, until a crazy person with an insane agenda stormed into my life. And that damn letter.
Stupid me and my crazy heart.
My emotions were in a state of havoc, but I'd get them under control again. I hadn't known Remington long. I'd get over it. I had to. I'd get on with my life. Been there before.
Then why did I feel as though I had left my soul inside the glass and brick house?
To Be Continued. Obliterate coming January 2015
There are so many people that I would like to thank for being with me throughout this journey and even way before that.
My kids. Thank you for being patient with me, and for sensing when I needed space. For eating questionable foods and not complaining, especially when I was on a deadline for this book. I love you so much and I promise to be on mom-mode often.
My Alpha Reader, Amy . You read the very first draft of this story in all its messy phase. And you loved it and asked me for more. You, my lovely friend, are an amazing friend and my cheerleader. I love you.
To my lovely friend and cheerleader, Nanette. We chatted, we met, we partied, we conquered. Not sure where I would be without you. I love you.
Michele. Three little words that mean everything. I love you, and I can't wait to meet you one day. Thank you for the late night chats and for worrying about me.
Stephanie Witter, for helping me to clarify some French phrases and words. I'm so lucky to have you as my friend.
To Kitty Kats Crazy About Books. Thank you for organizing Teaser Tuesdays for Havoc and the blitz. I owe you a big one.
To Marion at Making Manuscripts. Oh my God, woman. I am in awe. Your feedback and the fact that you took time to read Havoc the second time around made me love you even more. Just, thank you. To Autumn Wordsmith Publicity for organizing the cover reveal, the blitz and for your feedback. Marion and Autumn, your feedback on Havoc pushed me to think deeper.
Amy of The Eyes For Editing. I have no words to sum up my gratitude. Thank you for squeezing me in to your schedule when I desperately needed help.
I want to thank Becky, Peggy and the team at Hot Tree Editing for taking this story and making it better. Much, much better. I can't wait to send my next story to you. You are amazing!
Last but not least, I would like to thank the bloggers who said 'yes' to my inquiry and took the time to help me spread word about Havoc. Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews, Agents of Romance, Bex 'n' Books, Jazzy World of ebook shelf, Smokin' Hot Book Blog, Hopelessly devoted 2 books, Love of things, Once Upon a Book Blog, Claire fully reviewed, The Violet Hour Book Reviews, Twin Sisters Rockin reviews, The Lusty Literate, Between the lines, Bad Boys and Bedtime Stories Book Review, Deliciously Wicked Books, Smitten With Book Heroes.
To bloggers all over the blogosphere; thank you for taking time to help authors in every way. Seriously, we wouldn't be here without you.
Autumn Grey is the author of the soon-to-be released contemporary romance, Havoc, Obliterate, Mend (Havoc series). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.
