So much unknown hangs over us.
Hunter gives me his attention, those blazing eyes like the deepest parts of the ocean. “We become strays together. I’ve always felt like a stray myself. Maybe you can teach me your ways.”
“I’m serious, Hunter. Where do we go from here?”
“We survive, Cat. We become stronger, and we survive. Together.”
Epilogue
Catalina
One year later. . .
“Thanks, Carrie! I’ll see you tomorrow.” I wave and hurry down the steps of the English building. I shouldn’t have stayed so late studying, but I need to get a good grade on this thesis paper. My scholarship depends on it. A brisk wind rushes past me, and I tug my backpack up my shoulder. Remind me why I chose a college that’s always windy? Keeping my head down, I hurry through campus. The sun will be gone soon, and I hate the feeling of being alone in the dark. It’s where monsters linger. And no matter how hard I try, they won’t go away.
Two more blocks.
The wind picks up, sending a chilly breeze through the old oak trees. A whistle hisses through the branches, and I tense, staring off into the forest. It’s just the wind. No one is out to kill me.
One more block.
I try to ignore the unease inside my chest. The oncoming panic of being wide open for the taking. Why did I walk home alone? I should have walked with Carrie or gotten a ride. It’s been a year. I need to get over this. I need to move on.
My building comes into view, relieving some of my discomfort. I know I’m being silly. Mr. Gibson is gone. Detective Hallstead assured us there was no way he could have made it out alive without seeking medical care. Due to his injuries, they presume him to be dead.
But I won’t sleep until they find a body.
Exhaling a massive breath of air, I jog up to my building’s stairs and reach into the side of my backpack for my keys. I’m sliding the key into the lock when heat presses against me from behind, and an arm locks around my waist. I open my mouth to scream when I feel his warm breath. The scent of mint and cigarettes, a habit he picked up to cope with his own healing from that night, fills my nostrils.
“So jumpy. Need a hot date to calm your nerves?”
I instantly relax and fall back into the comfort of his arms. “Sorry, I’m actually taken. My stepbrother’s inside, naked, waiting for me to ride him all nasty style. Raincheck?”
I squeal as Hunter tightly grips my waist, his fingers digging into my skin, and tickles me. “That bastard must be a lucky guy. Do you talk dirty to him?”
I turn in his arms as he takes my lips. “I do, and he likes it. He wants me to moan ‘Asshole’ while we fuck. It turns him on.”
“Mmmm,” he moans into my mouth. “Sounds hot. Maybe I can watch.”
My lips curve into a playful smile, and I wrap my arms around his neck. “Don’t you have homework? You should probably work on that. I can let you know how it goes. Or you can just listen. I’m a loud one when I fuck.”
“Damn, I’m hard as hell and about to fuck you on these steps. We better hurry up inside, or this whole campus is going to get a show.”
I giggle into his mouth as he bites on my bottom lip. “After you, brother,” I say, poking at the unconventional way our journey started. After the aftermath of Mr. Gibson, we came clean. We no longer had anything to hide. It took William some time to understand. He saw us for who we were: two kids drawn together by similar pasts and a traumatizing experience that blossomed into love. He accepted us and gave us his blessing. Mom wasn’t so willing. She couldn’t get past the disgust of us, even though we weren’t related. Maybe it was just because of me. Her hatred for me ran so deep, I don’t think we would have ever mended our relationship. William finally wised up and realized what a cold-hearted witch she was. He filed for divorce shortly before we left for college.
It’s a slow process, but Hunter and William are working their issues out. All isn’t forgiven, but they both are trying. As for my dad, the last time I spoke to him, he informed me Janette was pregnant. He seemed a bit spooked, which he should be. He doesn’t have what it takes to be a dad. But I know that my dad will be there, and I’ll be there for my half-sister or brother when the time comes.
Hunter pulls me from my thoughts when he smacks my ass. “Oh, no, after you, sis. I like watching your ass move up the stairs. When we make it to our place, I’m going to show you just how much.”
The anticipation always sets fire to my core. Knowing how high he’ll take me with his hands, his tongue, his cock. We were once two lost souls, begging to be seen and shown the love we deserved. Together, we escaped a life that was drowning us. We held on to one another and survived. We coped with the trauma, even though some days it seems Mr. Gibson will forever haunt us. But most importantly, we freed ourselves. From the rejection of our parents. The neglect. We fought hand in hand, and it made us better. Stronger. Whole.
“We better get upstairs then. I hate keeping my asshole stepbrother waiting.” My thighs quiver as I dash up the stairs. Hunter is close behind, and a knowing smile spreads across my eager face at what I have in store for me and just how greedy my stepbrother gets when he feasts on me.
* * *
The end
Sneak peek
Twenty-three hundred miles west…
“I can’t believe you’re willing to help me, Mr. Geller. These private sessions are going to really improve my grade.”
“I take pride in all my students, Rebecca. And please, call me Samuel. . .”
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About the Author
Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part-time superhero...
USA Today Bestselling author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, sons, and doxies. With her love for romance, and a head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor, and Happily Ever After's.
Illicit Hearts and Broken Virtues
BY A.R. BRECK
“Illicit Hearts and Broken Virtues”
A foster-father romance
* * *
All it takes is one moment; one simple breath, and everything you’ve ever known will change…
I never realized how deeply I was drowning until I was pulled to the surface.
The hopelessness I was submerged in faded the moment I met him.
Brutally handsome. Infinitely powerful.
Lynx.
President of The Seven MC. Ruthless. Killer.
There was blood on his hands, but it didn’t stop me from aching for his touch.
He shattered my innocence, and I’ve never felt more alive.