Exp1re

by Erin Noelle

  When I left for this trip a couple weeks ago, I would’ve told you I was a good man—one who was morally and ethically sound, a hard worker, self-sacrificing and generous, someone who searched for the best in every person and situation. Now, I’m returning a cheating, lying, selfish asshole who wants to quit work and grad school to spend every second of the next nine months making sure the last of Lyra’s days are filled with heart-warming smiles, breathtaking adventures, mind-blowing orgasms, and most of all, a bone-deep love so powerful it penetrates to the very center of her being.

  Though my wishes and desires are all in the name of love, my entire life will be upended and thrown into a state of bedlam. Everything academic I’ve worked so hard for these past eight years pushed to the side. The one person who stuck by my side through the roughest years of my life, believing in and supporting me when I gave her numerous reasons not to, abandoned without warning. And the promises I made to the woman who gave me life, who sacrificed repeatedly for her entire family, that only wants to be surrounded with more family to love and nurture, broken and forgotten.

  Then, on April 24, 2016, it will all come to an end, and I will be all alone. My back turned on my past, and my future reduced to an urn of ashes.

  The captain announces our upcoming arrival into Philadelphia International Airport and my mood plummets with the nose of the plane. I gaze out the small window at the city I’ve called home my whole life, illuminated by the waning hours of sunlight, and for the first time, I feel a disconnect. Now, any place without Lyra in it will never feel completely like home.

  I miss her so fucking bad I can’t stop my hands from shaking, but I bottle up the liquid weakness and focus on what’s in front of me.

  My legs move on autopilot as I trudge through the airport and retrieve my luggage a final time in baggage claim. I shoot a text off to both Annie and Ma as I wait for my Uber driver to pick me up to let them know I’ve landed safely and will be home soon, then turn off my battery-drained phone. The warring emotions inside me also battle the exhaustion from staying awake to watch Lyra sleep last night and traveling for almost eighteen hours, and I find myself dozing off during the twenty-minute car ride to my apartment.

  “This is you, bud,” the driver announces, jarring me awake as he pulls up in front of the red-bricked building I’ve lived in for over four years.

  I thank him and retrieve my bags from the trunk then roll the suitcases behind me as I pass through the lobby to the elevator, waving hello to Phillip, the guy on duty at the front desk, in the process. Thankfully, he’s on the phone and I don’t feel obligated to stop and talk about my trip with him. Right now, all I want is a hot shower and to pass out in my bed for at least a dozen hours. Tomorrow, I’ll deal with people again and the mess my life has suddenly become.

  The elevator zips up to the fourth floor and I slog down the long, carpeted hallway, stopping when I reach the white door labeled 4E. I inhale a deep breath to prepare myself for seeing Annie, hoping to be as physically and verbally evasive as possible without her catching on to anything being wrong. I can blame jet-lag for not feeling well and postponing the talk I’ve told her we need to have, buying me a little bit of time until I figure out exactly what I’m going to say to her and my mom.

  Not having my keys, I ring the bell and wait to hear the turn of the two locks while my gut tightens with unease. The door swings open, and instead of Annie greeting me, it’s my mom, who is oddly wearing a fancy dress and a smile from ear to ear. The last time I saw her in either was over a year ago when I was planning on proposing to Annie before Annie announced she was leaving.

  My face screws up with confusion as I step inside the foyer, dropping my bags to give her a hug. “Ma? What are you doing here? And why are you so dressed up? Do you have a date or something? Did Annie help you with your makeup and hair?”

  “A date?” Her numbers—011836—light up as she laughs too loud and shakes her head. “Of course not, honey. That’s ridiculous. Why would you think that? I bet your brain is foggy from all that time flying. Let’s go get you a drink so you can relax and enjoy being home.”

  She hooks her elbow with mine and leads me toward the living area, and immediately, alarms and flashing red lights go off inside my head, alerting me to the bizarreness of this entire situation. Where is Annie? Why didn’t my mom answer my other questions? And why is she rambling like a lunatic? Even if I wasn’t a math guy, this shit doesn’t add up.

  Before I can open my mouth and ask what the hell is going on, we turn the corner and a group of other well dressed, big-smiling people all yell, “Welcome home!” and start clapping as they stare at me. My confusion turns into chaos as I scan the crowd of familiar faces—friends from school, Annie’s parents, her brother and sister-in-law, my academic advisor, her coworkers, friends from church, my mom.

  I have no idea what the fuck is going on, why all these people are here, in my house, after I just returned from being gone for two weeks, but I’m pissed as hell and can’t do anything about it, because Annie, who knew I wanted to talk to her about something serious tonight, is nowhere to be found. Sure, I was planning on putting it off until tomorrow, but she didn’t know that.

  Doing my best to bottle my frustration in front of this audience, I paste on a baffled smile and ask, “Where’s Annie?”

  “Right here, waiting for you.” I hear her voice, but still can’t see her until the crowd parts down the middle to reveal Annie, wearing a gauzy white dress, down on her knees in the middle of our living room floor, hands behind her back.

  My stomach knots in the acid of reality. This can’t be happening. Please, God, tell me this is one fucked-up nightmare fueled by my anxiety of going home.

  “Come here, my handsome hero.” She smiles brightly—the 062171 glowing in her pupils remind me of the long life she’s destined to live—and waits for me to take the three most painful steps of my life so that I’m standing directly in front of her before she starts talking again.

  There’s nothing I can do or say to stop this. My chest constricts so tightly I’m afraid my ribs may have stress fractures.

  “From the day we met,” she says, tossing her curly blonde hair behind her shoulder and peering up at me with big brown eyes, “I knew there was something special about you. Instead of our relationship beginning with bouquets of roses and hand-held strolls on the beach, we had casket sprays and tear-filled walks at the cemetery. You’ve weathered more losses than anyone at your age should, and things haven’t always easy, but despite everything, we’ve always been there for each other when it counted.”

  Annie stops for a breath and to glance around at what I’m sure is a roomful of encouraging smiles. I have no idea what expression I’m wearing, but I’m just hoping everyone’s passing it off for shock. Because right now, I really am shocked speechless and stupid.

  “Last Monday at lunch, when I saw the news about the terrorist attack at the Pamplona airport, I broke down and lost it. I thought you were gone. I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know who to call, or where to go. I was an absolute wreck, thinking I was going to have to live the rest of my life without you.” Tears breach her eyelids and slide down her face as she sucks in a ragged breath, and my instinctive reaction is to reach out and comfort her as I swipe the wetness from her face with my thumbs. Guilt coils in my gut when I touch her, thoughts of Lyra in the forefront of my mind.

  “It was after I found out that you were not only alive, safe and sound away from the airport, but that you had saved another person’s life, too, that I knew I couldn’t wait another day to make you mine forever. That afternoon, I started making arrangements for these people around us—our closest family and friends—to join me here today to not only welcome you home but to witness my declaration of love.”

  She swings her arms around from behind her back and extends them between us, and my heart slams to a hard, cold stop when I see the black velvet ring box wrapped in her fingers. I want to spin around and run—straight out
of this apartment, out of this building, and out of this city—but my feet are cemented firmly to the floor. I may have fallen head over heels for Lyra, but I didn’t lose my decency as a human being. Annie doesn’t deserve to be made a fool of. Not right now, not like this.

  She opens the box and lifts it a few inches higher, the glow surrounding her nearly as illustrious as the shiny metal of the wedding band she’s holding up. “Octavian West, what I’m trying to say is I love you more than anything in this world and would cherish spending the rest of my life with you. Would you please do me the honor of marrying me?”

  To be continued in ETERN1TY, the conclusion of Tavian and Lyra’s epic love story…

  ORDER YOUR COPY HERE

  Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and three fur babies. When she’s not reading or writing romance novels, she enjoys winning at cards and board games, awkward people-watching in public places, and doing cartwheels at the most random times. She’s usually barefoot, is never without a song in her head, and currently holds the title of World’s Best Procrastinator.

  Her titles published include the Book Boyfriend Series, Dusk ‘Til Dawn Series, Luminous Duet, Fire on the Mountain series, and numerous standalone books that range from New Adult to Contemporary romance. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list as well as the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoellebooks.com, on Twitter @authorenoelle, and on Instagram @erinnoelleauthor.

  The journey writing this book was very similar to when I wrote my very first published work, Metamorphosis—no expectations, no timelines, no obligations. Each time I sat down at my laptop, it was just me and the characters, and I allowed them to guide me where they wanted their story to go. The ride Lyra and Tavian have taken me on has been exhilarating to say the least, and the best part is it’s not over yet! But like each and every one of my books, there is a clan of people on this trek with me, all playing different roles along the way to help and support throughout the ride. There is no way I can possibly express the amount of gratitude I have for them through mere words, but I’ll do my best.

  To my husband, for continuously encouraging and believing in me. Thank you for everything you do; the list is infinite.

  To my girls, who won’t be allowed to read this book for many years. Thank you for being so understanding when you get the same dinner three nights in a row and have to throw all your clothes in the dryer to get the wrinkles out because they’ve been wadded up in a basket for over a week.

  To my parents, for always pushing me to be my very best. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and always being there for me.

  To Jill Sava, for being the sanity behind the operation. Thank you for listening to me and being my voice of reason. You will always be my Bright Side.

  To Stacy Kestwick, for being an awesome bestie. Thank you for always having my back and motivating me. We’ve totally got this. This story is what it is because of you.

  To my JJL—Meghan, Mo, and Aly, for being the best tribe a girl could ask for. Thank you for not letting me quit when I wanted to, for your inspiration, and for the gazillion times you make me smile every day.

  To my MastaBetas, for being the funniest group of women I know. Thank you for being just as crazy as I am, for never judging me, and for not knowing what TMI means.

  To Kayla Robichaux, for being the best Twinnie and editor. Thank you for making my stories the best they can be and being an incredible friend.

  To Virginia Carey and Julie Deaton, my proofreaders. Thank you for polishing this baby up and making her nice and shiny.

  To Amy Queau, my kick-ass cover designer. I mean… look at them. They’re just frickin’ awesomeness. Thank you!!

  To Chelle Northcutt and Andee Michelle, my betas, and better yet, my friends. Thank you for the valuable feedback and continued support.

  To Tracy Banach, for sharing with me your personal experiences to better help me understand what flying is really like! Thank you for sharing your story.

  To my Ever Afters, for being the most amazing reader group ever. Thank you for your continued support

  To the Bloggers, for being the hardest working people in the business that get little credit and no pay. I greatly appreciate the time you spend reading, reviewing, and/or promoting the books we authors pour our heart and soul into. We couldn’t do it without you.

  Lastly, but definitely not least, to you the reader, for making this dream of mine come true. Thank you for reading (and hopefully enjoying!) my stories. You’re the main reason I continue doing this! Love you all!

  BOOK BOYFRIEND SERIES:

  METAMORPHOSIS

  Scarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life; relying on her books, music, and her best friend Evie for fun. During their first semester away at college, Scarlett and Evie concoct a contest to find their real-life book boyfriends. Scarlett quickly meets Ashton, Dylan, and later, Mason, and must figure out which one she wants before she ends up without any of them.

  Metamorphosis is the story of Scarlett's transformation from a young, naive girl to a strong, mature young woman and her search for self-discovery and true love.

  Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.

  AMBROSIA

  After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind.

  Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms. However, a lot can happen in 8 months…

  Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself. Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love?

  Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.

  EUPHORIA

  After a series of catastrophic misunderstandings and impulsively poor decision-making, Scarlett MacGregor finds herself once again torn between two loves, different as they may be. Lacking proper closure with their relationship, and accompanied by the overwhelming guilt for her role in his devastating downfall, Scarlett resolves to help Mason recover and reclaim his life as a budding rock star. However, now that he has finally claimed her as his, Ash Walker is bound and determined to keep her by his side, and he will go to any lengths necessary to do just that.

  Mason Templeton has hit rock bottom. He’s in love with a girl whose heart and soul belong to another and he’s partied his way off of an international music tour that was supposed to be his big break. Returning home for rehab, sounds like the worst possible way to start a new year, but when an unexpected friendship emerges, he begins to realize that maybe everything does happen for a reason.

  Euphoria is the third and final installment of Scarlett, Ash, and Mason’s self-discovering journeys to understanding the meaning of true love ~ the kind that begs for complete surrender.

  Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.

  TIMELESS

  Six years.

  Two people.

  One love.

  After the long awaited wedding of her dreams, Scarlett - along with her rockstar husband and their five year old twins - are finally putting down roots and settling into their first suburban home.

  While unpacking, they stumble across a box filled with photos spanning the previous six years, and they're catapulted down the proverbial Memory Lane.

  Join the couple on their reminiscent journey as they learn a picture is truly worth a thousand words, and the emotions they elicit are timeless.

  Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.

  Purchase The BOOK BOYFRIND SERIES Books Here

  EVERYTHING: A SINGED WINGS NOVEL

  (A S
PIN-OFF FROM THE BOOK BOYFRIEND SERIES)

  Music was part of my DNA, pumping hard through my veins, resonating deep within my bones. Not surprising, considering my dad was a global rock star and my mom had the voice of a fallen angel.

  With my twins sister by my side in our indie-rock duo, Singed Wings, we were ready to finally see our name in lights when we opened for the hottest act to sell out stadiums - Jobu's Rum Summer Reunion Tour.

  The life I'd always wanted was finally within my reach. All I had left to do was finish out my last semester of high school.

  But there was one problem: Ms. Sloan, the new art history teacher.

  The same Ms. Sloan I'd met as Belle, the sexy little pixie who'd captivated me at a New Year's Eve concert.

  The same Ms. Sloan who'd owned nearly every one of my thoughts since that night.

  With my dream gig dangling just on the other side of that cap and gown, all of my focus should've been on my school work and improving my music as I prepared for my big shot to rock the world…

  But I never expected her to rock mine first.

  And to change Everything.

  *Recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to sexual situations and mature language.

  Purchase EVERYTHING Here

  DUSK TIL DAWN DUET