I close my eyes, and for just a moment, I let myself feel the loss again, the devastation. Knowing I will never see my parents again, never hear them say they are proud of me and that they love me. When I feel the tidal wave about to take me under, I lock my emotions back down, pull on all my strength and turn around to smile at my sister.
***
Two torturous weeks I have followed her.
I've seen her happy, watched her squeal all girly shit with her sister. Laughed my ass off when they touched the fucking central park grass for ages.
When her sister isn’t looking, she breaks down, silently. Why is she in pain? Wanting to know almost has me introducing myself.
Fuck, this girl has power over me, and she doesn't even know I exist.
***
What a day! Every day in New York is full on and different. Today we visited Times Square, and it was amazing. Another place and another memory I will always cherish.
We get back to our room and drop to our beds exhausted. Our legs are killing us from all the walking. On our way back to the hotel, Sash and I decided it’s time to move on. The last two weeks have been wonderful, but it's time to see more wonderful places. New Orleans will be our next stop. We booked a flight for tomorrow night. Excited about heading to a new place, the air hums with our renewed energy, ready to leave New York with a bang. We settle on a rave party we saw signs for today. Bring on our final night in New York City!
***
Standing on the balcony looking out over the sea of dancing, sweaty bodies, all I can think about is her. I need to get her out of my head and feel another woman's warm pussy around my cock. Yeah, that will make me forget about her. I need to burn this energy off, so I don't go back to the hotel and wait around like a pathetic loser to catch a glimpse of her.
I’m scouring the dance floor, looking for any woman who looks like she will be an easy fuck, someone who won’t want the bullshit talking beforehand. That’s when I spot Mick walking up the stairs to the balcony.
"Well, fuck, you eventually decide to turn up when I ask. Where the fuck have you been for the past two weeks? You haven't answered any of my calls. Marco's been asking for progress reports, you find anyone?"
I have. She's perfect. But I can't do it. She's too innocent, too fucking special. "No, I didn't find anyone who matches what Marco wants," I reply, still scanning the dance floor.
“Well, I found someone an hour ago, and she is exactly what Marco asked for. She comes with a bonus as well, plucked them right off the street, easy as pie.”
Mick pats my shoulder and says, “So it's time to go home now."
Thank fuck, they finally found someone. I can leave this fucking city and stop my growing obsession for this woman from getting any worse.
I push back from the railing and follow Mick down the small hall and out the exit doors, where we walk down the stairs on the outside of the building. There're two black vans parked at the underside of the stairs.
"Take the second van, Jake. It has the package. I'll lead in the first van, with the bonus package."
I nod and walk to the van. Opening the door, I take a step in and freeze. All the blood drains from my face, and my heart completely stops. I'm looking straight at her, Lily Morgan. Bound and gagged, she’s staring up at me with wide, terrified eyes.
In the end, the innocent lamb was caught by the blood thirsty fox, just by another fox.
BOOKS BY EVIE HARPER
YOU LOVED ME
You Loved Me At My Darkest (Lily and Jake)
You Loved Me At My Weakest (Emily and Kayne)
You Loved Me At My Ugliest (Alexa and Joseph)
PORTLAND STREET KINGS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Evie is an Australian author whose passion for reading lead her into writing. Evie spends her days writing heartbreaking, suspense filled love stories with happily ever afters. Evie’s characters are strong alphas with even stronger heroines who bring sexy sass to the relationship.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As always I have to thank my wonderful husband and beautiful children who standby me and encourage me every step of the way.
To my dear friend, Ivy… Thank you for always being there for me. I would never be able to do what I do or exist in this industry without you being there to talk to every day! xx
To my wonderful editor, Becky… Thank you for your guidance, patience and support. I love working with you!
To Mandy… Thank you for always making time for me and my stories. I’ll be forever grateful to the universe that we crossed paths and you became my friend.
Huge shout-out to
To, Evie’s Collection… THANK YOU! For loving my characters as much as I do. You ladies rock and cause warmth to fill my chest and smiles to grace my face. :)