neatly folded blankets. Towards the back were two large wine fridges and a glass hutch filled with rows of sparkling glasses. Chalkboard easels announced the week’s new releases in books and a few large wicker baskets were filled with more books, a drop and take system that would allow readers to take any book as long as they left another behind. He was so damn proud of her and couldn’t wait to see her turn her dream into a story of success.
The bell above the door chimed as it opened and someone stepped inside. “Sorry, we’re not open—” Sam cut off his words when he saw who was standing in the doorway. Anger and rage bubbled up as he shoved Emma behind her back ignoring her shocked, “hey!” and stalked forward to grab the man by the collar of his shirt.
“Marcus fucking Drake. What the fuck? You must be out of your mind to show up here,” he seethed. The sick, sadistic son-of-a-bitch that had been the leader of a twisted Black Market baby selling ring was now standing in front of him in Emma’s store. Seemed that he’d returned to his own looks as well since he was no longer a dead ringer for Gabe Thornton.
“Quite the opposite actually, Deputy Ridley.” Sam blanched at hearing his former title. “But I would like to know why the fuck you’ve got your hands all over my long-lost little sister.” Shock filled the air at his revelation and Sam turned to face Emma, who was as astonished as he was by Marcus’s words if the look on her face was any indication.
“Mother did a good job of hiding you, dear sister. But she sorely misjudged my resources and now here we are. I’d say we have a lot of catching up to do, wouldn’t you?” He flashed a cold grin. “Let’s get started, shall we?”
THE END
Acknowledgements
Jerzie, Charlee, Jessica – Here we are at book number four!! Who would have thought we’d have come this far together…it’s been amazing sharing this journey with you and each of you so much. I couldn’t ask for better friends than you xoxo
Toni Thompson –Thank you for putting up with all of my crazy requests! You’re an amazing friend and I’m so lucky to be equally lucky to have you as not only that but my PA! 2016 is going to be your year, lady!
River Savage, Gilly Jones, Alissa Evanson Smith – My girls. My whores. My very best friends. I love you guys so much and I’m so lucky that this book world brought us all together. I can’t wait for our reunion in Cleveland!! Thank you for being who you are and for always being there for me, having my back.
Lance Jones – You’ve become one of my bestest friends! I’m so lucky to have you not only on my covers, but as my partner as well. Thank you for once again being my muse…Sam is a complex character and having your help was priceless. Looking forward to working together more in the future! xoxo
L.J. Anderson at Mayhem Cover Creations – You are an insane talent, lady! Thank you for working with me so closely on all of my covers…I couldn’t be happier with what you’ve created for me. Thank you so much for helping me bring the story the best covers to portray my work. Love you!
Judi Perkins – I’m so happy that we met!! You mean so much to me and I value our friendship more than you know. Thank you for always being there for me and helping me through some tough situations. Oh and for Facebooking my epic chat fails lol. Flippity flippersons…that is all. xoxo
To My Betas – You ladies took this story and made it what it is!! I don’t know that I could have done it without you. Thank you for listening to my rambles and forcing me to work harder because you knew I had it in me. You are an amazing bunch and I’m lucky to have you. xoxo
Sirens – This is my favorite place in the world. My safe place, my comfort zone. I love how each of us supports each other and that we have a place to escape and be