Hold Me Closer: A Rebel Walking Novel (13 page)

I listen to my twin brothers banter back and forth on their way toward me. 

"You know he'll agree with me, Talon, you should just let me make the decision."

"I'm asking for one week.  I'm positive I know where Luke is now and I just need a week to get out there and talk to him."

"Luke will like this guy.  Hell, we don't even know if Luke will be back.  He's shown no sign of wanting to move on with the band."

"He'll be back.  I have to at least
attempt
to get to him.  Give me one week."

"That's it.  Then I sign him on.  I'll be pissed off if we lose him during the wait."

"Hey, guys, did you find someone you want to put on stage with ya?"

"Yeah.  This guy is badass and has perfect sound for us.  I just need to know Luke's intentions.  I'm pretty sure I found him in California.  I've been following up on a few leads we've been getting from fans and they seem to center around the same place."

"Are you making a trip out there?"  I turn to face Talon since he seems to be the most interested in Luke.

"Yes, I leave Monday."

"Hell, I'll go with you.  We need to get his ass back here and blow this shit up like it belongs."  Taron will always be Taron.  He seems impatient and self-centered, but deep down in there is a guy who
does
care, at least a little.

"Book me, too.  I'll go out for a couple of days.  Are we taking the girls?"

"Nah.  He's into some different shit.  I don't want Eaven to see in case it's as bad as I'm hearing." 

"That doesn't sound good."  I know now that I have to go with the guys.  I need to see for myself what's going on.

"Is Aiden coming out today?"

"He should be here anytime now.  He had physical therapy this morning.  He's been dealing a lot with the rehabilitation on that shoulder."

  "I'm still pissed at you about that whole ordeal.  If you were in that much shit, you should've let us know."  I know Talon means well, but he's insane if he thinks I would put this group in any danger. 

"You wanted me to bring that hell to your doorsteps?"

"No, but we could've been there to help you."

"It worked out okay the way we did it.  I'm just glad we made it out of that mess."

"Is her brother adjusting well?"

"He has his days.  She's worried about him, and I've seen a few signs that he's dealing with some deep shit.  I'm sure he's seen all sorts of hell.  I can't imagine trying to deal with that and return to regular life."  I stop talking just as I see Lyns walk out with the tray of hamburger patties.

Grabbing the tray from her, I also grab her ass in that short little dress she's sporting. 

"What the fuck, Holden?  Take it to the bedroom."  Taron's reaction has me laughing at the irony.

"That's hilarious coming from your ass.  How many times did I have to watch you and Ivy practically molest each other?"

"That's different.  Now, go wash your damn hands."  He takes the tray from me and begins to put them on the grill.  Kayde walks up behind us holding four beers.  He begins to pass them around and we all gladly accept.

"Damn, that hits the spot!  How's it goin', man?"  Taron extends a hand to shake Kayde's, then Talon follows. 

"Awe, it's been better, it's been worse.  Just glad to be alive."

"I can imagine." 

"Don't shake Holden's hand.  He just grabbed your sister's ass."  Our awkwardness is ended with Taron's dumbass comment out of nowhere.  I might kick his ass one of these days, but it definitely broke the ice when Kayde cracked up laughing.      

Lyndsey

It makes me so happy to look out the window and see my brother laughing along with the guys.  He doesn't seem to laugh much and I was hoping this cookout would get him out a little.  Gus has tried, too, but we just can't seem to get him to talk about it.  Maybe some things are better left hidden in the past when it comes to what he's been through, so I don't know whether to push harder or not. 

He refuses counseling.  I've tried to convince him, but there just isn't any getting through to him.

"What can I help with?"  Eaven breaks my thoughts when she enters the kitchen.

"Oh.  I think I have everything about ready.  How have you been?"

"Doing great!  How about my matchmaking skills?"

"Well, I'd say you're pretty damn good at it.  I never would've put us together, but it seems to work very well."

"I'm so happy for you guys.  Holden is so different with you.  I can tell he really loves you."  It seems like he does, but that's something we've never actually said to each other.  I don't want to rush him into it, because that's something that'll mean more to me if
he
says it first. 

"Thanks for saying that."  I stop talking when Ivy walks in with Heaven on her hip.

"This girl eats like her father.  How can I keep up with both of them?" 

"I'm sure when you have the next five children it's only going to get worse."

"You're out of your damn mind if you think I'm popping out that many babies.  I'll get snipped, snapped, burnt, tied, or whatever to keep that shit from happening."

"Awww, you don't want six little sweethearts?"  Eaven and Heaven both reach for each other when she starts talking in her little voice. 

"We've talked about having two, but he wants a boy, so we'll wait and see."

"Have you decided when you're going to get married?"  Holden told me about Ivy and Taron getting engaged the night Lilly died.  I'm curious if Ivy is planning anything yet.

"We decided that we're not in any huge hurry.  To us, being engaged is a commitment as strong as marriage.  I'm sure, in time, we'll take the plunge."

"How about you and Talon, Ev?  When are you going to try?"  Her face blushes and I already know the answer. 
She's pregnant.

"Oh.  Probably two."

"Bullshit!  Are you pregnant and hiding it from me?" Ivy beats me to the punch.

"I wanted to tell Talon first and I haven't had time to confirm it with the doctor.  It's just a sensitive thing for us; I can't announce it too early.  Please don't say anything to any of the guys." 

"Oh. My. God.  I'm going to be an aunt!"  Ivy screams in excitement and Eaven does her best to quiet her down.  These girls are great.  It feels nice to feel like I belong to a family.  A family that seems to be growing very quickly.

Luke Jacobs Coming This Summer

Fighting the Odds (Rebel Walking #5)

Aiden Coming This Fall

TBA (Rebel Walking #6)

Acknowledgments

I'll always say thanks first to the man who allows me to live my dream.  He puts up with me on the daily and there's no way there could ever be love stories from me if he hadn't shown me the love he has over the years.  

My children are so proud of their mom being an author and I'm proud of three of them for not being afraid to go for their dreams.  They inspire me daily to work hard for my passion and enjoy life.  I love to share this journey with them.... of course they get the 'G' rated version.

Tynna..... You make this all possible by single handedly keeping me organized.  I'm so happy this journey brought me to you.  I consider you a friend and I know for a fact that you have my best interest in mind at all times.  It's truly an honor to have you on team.

Julie..... Woman.... You listen to me daily about these characters and the things that go on in the life of an author.  I'm so happy we bonded under the table at a signing like 9 months ago over Fireball!  I knew that day you and I would get along just great!

Christine...... Wow!  You've quickly become someone I go to for advice and I can't tell you enough how much your friendship means to me.  I know we are no where near finished and it's exciting to see that happens in the future.

Jake.... This has been one hell of a roller coaster and you have been here for it since before book two released.  When we put our brilliant minds together... there's no stopping us and I can't wait to see what comes of us during this tour.  It's gonna be a blast and a once in a lifetime opportunity that we will not have missed!         

Nathaniel.... Nate.... Hotttt man on the cover!!!!  Thank you so much for allowing me to use your picture in my series.  It was love at first sight when I saw that picture!  Golden did a great job and I knew I had to have it the very second it went live!  I wish you nothing but success and I hope the fans don't make you crazy!

Tiffany.... My editor.... You put up with my crap.... I think I say that every time, but it's the truth.  You're the first one I trust with my babies and I love that I know you've cleaned them up!  I can trust your work and in this industry that is so very valuable.  Thank you for the late nights you put in for us authors!

Golden.... You're a badass.... which is the reason I use you for everything for my covers!  You manage to capture THE shot on each one of your models, but what I cherish most about you is your personality.  You've become someone I can trust in the industry and I appreciate all the help you've given me over the past few months!  I hope to have many more covers with you in the future!

Laura...  Your design on this series is spot on.  I love it and couldn't be happier with everything right down to the color scheme.  You're a beast at what you do! 

Street Team.... This book is dedicated to you.  I love each and everyone of you for giving up time in your life to help promote me and anyone affiliated with me.  I'm so proud to have this group of women as a go to at a moments notice.  Thank you for everything.

I have people I'd love to thank in my personal life, but I can't name them due to privacy issues.  There are a few that believe in me and have since the beginning.  They know who they are and they'll never know how much I appreciate their faith in me when this whole thing was merely an idea..... It's been almost a year since I hit publish the first time, look how far I've come.  It's because of these few people that I had the courage to do it in the first place. 

*************************

On the next page please check out a new author that I've became great friends with!  I've provided a sample of her first book for you to read!  Go check her out on Amazon and grab yourself a copy!  Gook Luck Maegan.... and thanks for all of your help in making this release a party to remember! 

Perfectl
y
<

Broken

Broken Series Book One

Maegan Abel

PROLOGUE

Waiting Game

Twenty-two black tiles surrounded by countless white. With the entire hallway ahead of me, all I see are twenty-two black tiles.

One. Two. Three. Four…

I start at one end of the hall, counting the black tiles again as I walk in a straight line to the double doors. Looking through the glass, I'm still unable to see anything.

One. Two. Three. Four…

I follow my path in the other direction, pulling out my phone as I walk. I press the button and frown at the screen. Still no word. I debate calling again. When I slide my finger to unlock the phone, I see the small splatter of blood crusting in the crease of the case. I swallow hard, tugging up the edge of my shirt to rub it away. The stiff cotton of the borrowed scrub top is useless, smearing the dark red across the white of the plastic case.

I stare at the streak, the macabre scene of the last few hours flashing in vivid detail through my mind. I can still smell the overwhelming tang of blood over the almost burning stench of sterile cleaner. I realize I've made it to the elevators again. This time, I see my blurred reflection in the matte silver doors. My messy hair doesn't hide the blood matting the strands. The tortured look in my eyes brings things into focus once again.

I slap my open hand against the door twice, my palm making a satisfying crack in the almost silent corridor.

"Open, dammit!" I hiss the words through clenched teeth, frustration boiling over into anger. "Ugh!" I slap the door again before turning away.

One. Two. Three. Four…

I pause as movement on my right catches my eye, drawing my attention to the tiny room.

O.R. Waiting Room

The movement was someone shifting in a chair. A small girl asleep on the lap of a young woman. I stare for a moment. There are definite similarities between them in the color of their hair and the shape of their faces, but the girl is too old to be her daughter. Sister, maybe? The girl stirs in her sleep and her little body shudders as she makes a face. Is she whimpering? The young woman is staring back at me with wide, frightened eyes. I probably look like some sort of morbid ghost pacing this hallway with blood streaked hair and a haunted expression.