Closing my eyes, I whisper into the dark.
“One, we got away.” The shouts are getting closer…
“Two, I am loved.” A door bangs above me…
“Three, he’s going to find me this time,” I whimper. “Please… I need you.”
I’m roughly jerked from the corner, and I kick out, missing my target.
“She’s still feisty, huh boys?” the leader sneers, causing the other man to laugh, “Just how I like ‘em.”
He pulls me to his chest, grinding against me with a wicked grin as I fight his painful grip. Who knew such evil could hide inside such beautiful men.
“No! Don’t touch me! Stop!” I scream. Not again. Why didn’t I listen?
One, a flash of silver. I close my eyes. This is it.
Two, I fall to the floor and quickly crawl back into the corner, rocking. Be quiet… stay small… survive for them. I feel a hand on my arm and panic, swinging my arms, and scream.
“Lilabelle, honey. You’re safe now. I’ve found you.” That voice.
My eyes snap open, and I cry softly when he wraps me in his arms, exhaling, “Three, Papa, you found me….”
Upcoming Releases
Andrew- Twisted Redemption
Jaxx- Severed Bonds
Jonah- Tangled Melody
Abel- Crippled Devotion
Also from Winter Paige
Devastation Duet:
Shattered Lies (Book 1)
Broken Trust (Book 2)
Acknowledgements
What a ride. Two books from first word to paperback in two months is crazy insane, and honestly, I still haven’t processed it. I am going to give this another go… I know I will forget someone, sorry.
Diksha, AGAIN, you are my freaking rock, girl. You corral my ducks into a zigzag, attempt to keep me on schedule, and deal with my constant torment. YOU keep me going. Thank you for being you and me. Thank you for posting, researching, organizing, and trying your best to make me adult (I mean you failed at that, but you tried super hard). If it wasn’t for you, these books wouldn’t have gone any further than the scribbles on a shoebox. You pushed me and didn’t stand down when I pushed back. Thank you for being awesome Mrs. Costin Andrews… btw, I am telling him about Jonah. I love you, Bitch.
Jocqueline, you are an inspiration and, in all honestly, my hero. Thank you for your faith in me, your support, and for not strangling me for being the hyperactive squirrel that I am. Thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me back my confidence. You helped me believe in myself again.
Dawn, I can’t comma to save my life. You have taken pages of chaos and turned them into actual English, like whoa. Thank you for helping out a confused newbie. Thank you for putting up with my intentional use of phrases that make you cringe knowing I only do it for my own amusement. Thank you for correcting the grunts and moans – haha. Thank you for being the kickass English wizard that you are because, let’s face it, I’m garbage without you.
Trenda. You took a scuffed up rock and polished it into a gem. Without you, I would still be an unrefined mess of time jumps and skips. You turned me into what I am. Thank you for being patient, for focusing my ADHD, and seeing potential under the mess. I love you, lady!
To my family, I am a mess. I am a garbage human. I am 90% caffeine and sugar and 10% human-ish. Thank you for not complaining too much or calling CPS over the frozen foods and general filth… I love you all.
My inner circle: Katie, Nichole, Shonda, Morgen, Diksha, and Jayce… my Devastating Ladies! You all keep me going. Your tears feel my soul, and your yelly messages keep me writing. I love every one of you!
Morgen, the sender of all things good and wonderful… I’m out of candy… and Mamoa. Send halp!
Melissa Teo, LOOK AT MY COVERS!!! Just look at them, they are gorgeous! My gosh woman, you are a f’ing rock star! Thank you for always being there, for being brutally honest, and fixing what was broken. I love your face!
Alyssa, thank you for being my friend. For listening to my rambling and putting up with my crazy writing mood swings. Thank you for getting so dang excited when I published the first time. I’m not famous, but you made me feel like it. You are the brightest star, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you!
Amber and Krys, thank you for helping out clueless friend. Anyone who can do what you two have done when the only directions I send are ‘I don’t know. I am garbage. Do what you do ’cause it’s hella awesome,” deserves a medal.
To my readers: I cannot believe you are actual people… how is this real life? Thank you from the bottom of my twisted heart. I will continue writing as long as you all continue reading!
You all are the brightest stars!
Love Remembers,
Always!
Winter Paige