by Alex Grayson
More laughter is heard throughout the room. Seeing my brothers and me dance like we are is an anomaly. It feels damn good to let go and be nonsensical.
More people join in, and soon the whole open floor is filled with outrageously dancing bodies. It goes from one fast song to another, and I know someone is purposely choosing these songs to keep the hilarity going. I look over to the bar and spot Mae. She has a big grin on her face as she watches us all make fools of ourselves.
Four songs later, I’m sweaty, thirsty, and ready to get the fuck out of here to be alone with my wife.
Wife.
I grin at the thought.
After telling Maisy I’m taking a break, I snag Ellie’s hand and haul her with me to the bar. She makes it there first and I cage her in with my arms, her back to me. There’re already two glasses of water waiting for us, Mae having seen us heading her way.
Just as I pick up my glass, Layla, who was sitting at the bar, jumps down from her stool and squeals. “She’s here! Oh my God! Holly’s here!”
She runs across the room and is out the door in seconds.
Ellie gives me a questioning look over her shoulder.
“She has a friend she met online. She’s been trying to get her to come for a visit, and I guess she’s finally here.”
Turning back, Ellie takes a couple of swallows, puts the glass down, and spins around. I bring my glass to my lips.
“You looked so silly out there,” she says with a smile.
I grunt around the rim of the glass, relishing the cool liquid rushing down my dry throat.
“I loved it.”
I set my glass down and lean my body into hers. “Yeah?”
She nods, biting her lip. “Yeah. It was kinda hot.”
I smirk. “Only kinda?”
“Hmm…. Maybe more like a lot.”
My body heats, blood rushing to my cock at the desirous look in her eyes. When her hands land on my shirt, her fingers bunching the material in her fists, I know it’s time to leave.
I skim my lips over her cheek until I reach her ear. “I’m taking you home.”
I pull back and grab her hand, intent on finding Maisy to say goodbye and to let JW know we’re leaving. We only get three steps before there’s a loud crash and a roar.
I jerk around and see Emo standing with his hands clenched at his sides, a chair on its side behind him. His chest pumps crazily, his complexion deathly pale, the hair that hangs over his forehead shaking as his body trembles. But it’s his expression that’s concerning. Agony like I’ve never seen before reflects in his black eyes as he looks out the window to our left.
I snap my head around, but whatever it is must be out of my range of sight because I don’t see shit. Trouble steps up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, and says something low in his ear. Emo knocks his hand away, his gaze still focused on whatever he sees outside. I edge closer to him, wondering what in the fuck happened. It’s not like him to go off the rails like this in public.
“Emo,” Trouble barks, trying to gain his attention. He throws a glance over his shoulder, frowning when he doesn’t see anything either. When he steps in front of him, blocking his view of the window, Emo shoves him away.
He stumbles back a step, but rights himself. “What the hell?” Trouble growls, undeterred by Emo’s shove.
The door opens, lighting a strip of the floor with sunlight, but my eyes are still glued to Emo.
Emo takes a step forward, his eyes turning manic, but Trouble steps in his path again. Emo emits a low growl, his arm swinging back to clock Trouble, but he sees it coming and catches his wrist, twisting his arm to lock it high up Emo’s back.
“Tell me what in the fuck’s wrong,” Trouble demands close to Emo’s ear.
Emo’s blazing eyes are now trained on the door as the light fades away. I snap my head in the direction he’s looking, and my heart fucking plummets to my toes.
“It’s her,” I hear Emo whisper, his voice cracking.
“Who?” Trouble presses gravely.
I look back at Emo, shock holding me immobile. He looks like he’s about to fall to his knees, the pain is so great on his face.
His eyes never leave the woman standing just inside the door, her expression just as tortured as his.
His voice breaks as he rasps, “Rella.”
The end… For now…
Emo’s book, Key to Hell, releases June 27th.
Pre-order HERE!
Acknowledgements
First, I’d like to thank my family for all the support they’ve given me over the years throughout my writing career. Thank you for putting up with my all my craziness.
Next is my girl, Marie. Everything you do, I love you for. Thank you a million times over!
To my editor, Olivia. Thank you for making my book baby readable!
My proofreaders, Erin and Emma, you ladies rock it hard! Thank you for making my baby shine!
A big thank you to my cover designer. Marisa, you amaze me with each cover I get back from you!
To the photographer and model for Judge’s cover. Jean, you are a master at capturing the perfect shot! And Kyle, thank you for looking the way you do, because you are my perfect Judge! Lol. And for being an all-out awesome guy!
My Jaded Angels. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and enjoying my work. Love you all!
To Enticing Journey and the bloggers who have shared my work, your generosity, support, and encouragement astounds me. Thank you for everything you do!
And finally, to my readers. It still amazes me that people actually like reading my work, and I don’t think that feeling will ever go away. I am honored and grateful beyond belief. Thank you so much!
OTHER BOOKS BY ALEX
The Jaded Series
Shatter Me
Reclaim Me
Unveil Me
Awaken Me
The Jaded Series: The Complete Collection
The Consumed Series
Always Wanting
Bare Yourself
Watching Mine
Hell Night Series
Trouble in Hell
Bitter Sweet Hell
Judge of Hell
Key to Hell
(Releases June 27, 2019)
Standalones
Endless Obsession
Whispered Prayers of a Girl
Pitch Dark
The Sinister Silhouette
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romances including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and three standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.
Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!
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