Breathless (23 page)

Authors: Kelly Martin

“Stop it, Hart!”

“Don’t you dare do anything stupid. You’ve got Lucien as a guardian angel. And Tina. You live and have that life you always wanted. You have those babies and those great-grandkids. You have your farm on the hill with the pond and the tree. You find someone to love. Someone who deserves it. Someone who isn’t a reject from Hell… but not someone with better hair than me.”

He smiles as a tear slides down his face. “You go on, Gracen because you deserve it. You owe it to me to make all of this mean something. You’re so strong. Stronger than I ever gave you credit for. Don’t you dare waste it. Don’t you dare go back into that room and lock yourself up behind that computer.

“Damn it, Gracen. Live. Live life to the fullest. Live until you’re old and white-headed and die peacefully in your sleep. You owe me that much.”

I know what he’s saying is right. It’s logical. My heart is killing me, though.

And here he said I didn’t have one.

“I love you, Gracen Sullivan. Thank you for loving me. It has been an honor and a privilege.” With that, and one last nod, Jessup Hart Blackwell, the love of my life in the strangest of ways, takes the knife and slides it deep into his stomach. He falls to his knees instantly.

I run to him, grabbing him by the shoulder to keep him from falling face forward onto the floor. “Please, Hart… please. Don’t…” His eyes are rolling back in his head. There’s never enough time.

“Stay with me.” I tilt his head back so I can see his face. It’s Sam’s face, but it’s Hart’s eyes, his soul, staring back at me.

Blood oozes from Hart’s mouth and his body is limp against mine. But his eyes, his eyes are looking right into mine. “I love you.” I don’t know what else to say. I don’t know what else to do.

With crimson lips, he smiles at me. “I know.”

To Be Continued in
Reckless
(Fall 2016)

A NOTE FROM KELLY

I
CANNOT THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH
for your love and support (and obsession) over the Heartless series. It has truly been an amazing experience. I love these books. I love the story, and I am so glad you all do too.

If you have a free second, I would love for you to leave a review on Amazon (and/or Goodreads). This helps other people see the book and maybe, just maybe, they will fall in love too.

Love y’all,

Kelly Martin, 6/10/2016

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K
ELLY
M
ARTIN
is the bestselling author of paranormal, contemporary, historical, and YA fiction. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When she’s not writing, she loves taking picture of abandoned houses, watching horror gamers on YouTube — even though she’s a huge wimp — and drinking decaf white chocolate mochas. She’s a total fangirl, loves the 80s and 90s, and has a sad addiction to paranormal TV shows. {Basically, she likes creepy stuff.} Her favorite characters are the very flawed good guys — and bad guys who don’t know they are evil.

If you ever have a question or comment, feel free to email her at [email protected] or [email protected].

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Other books by Kelly Martin

Paranormal

The Afterlife of Lizzie Monroe

The Heartless Series