Cadence Untouched: A Dahlia Project Novel
Page 19
My mother turned me and led me down the stairs. When we passed the living room, I saw my father stand up from his recliner in the corner. I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t want to see the worry or disappointment sure to be written all over his face. My mother shook her head at him, a silent message to let us be. For that, I was grateful even if it was only a temporary reprieve.
She led me to the back porch where we both sat down on the wooden swing that hung from the rafters. We didn’t speak, only stared out at the storm. We rocked in silence as my mother softly rubbed the top of my head. My tears still hadn’t stopped, but the soothing motion of the swing combined with the feel of her hand running over my head seemed to have quieted the chaos in my brain enough so I could think.
I wanted to tell myself I’d be okay, but I didn’t think I’d ever really be okay again. What I’d been through over the past four months, all the things Fitz made me feel had irrevocably changed me. I would have worked through the darkness with him whether it be fallout with his father or jail time. I believed that when I chose to give him my body, my heart, and my soul. I realized now that he never would have given me the chance to stand by him. To be there for him.
But that was okay. I made a conscious choice. I couldn’t deny that I was scared of what was to come–terrified, actually. But I would never regret what happened between me and Fitz. He made me feel loved and cherished, even if it was for only a short time. I knew in my heart of hearts Fitz was my soul mate.
As the lightning flashed, my hand instinctively reached down to touch my belly. I supposed, in a way, life was like a book. It wasn’t all that different from the classic tales I loved to read. I didn’t get to write the ending that I wanted for my characters and could only accept what was already written on the page. For me and Fitz, the words weren’t written in our favor, but just knowing I would always have a piece of him with me somehow made everything alright.
Cadence and Fitz’s story continues…
CADENCE DEFINED
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One love. One destiny…
But it only takes one person to bring the house of cards tumbling down.
Seventeen years ago, Fitz Quinn stole the heart of Cadence Riley. He took her innocence and left her broken. When a twist of fate brings them back together again, she quickly learns even time couldn’t dim their chemistry. Fitz was sexier than ever–successful and provocative. He became the man she always knew he would be. The heat between them quickly became unbearable. Despite the promise she made to herself, she found the walls to her heart start to crumble and began to fall all over again.
But things aren’t the same as they once were. Cadence is the driving force behind a non-profit organization where she handles each case with the determination of a shark. Fitz is known as Washington’s fixer. He’s the CEO for a public relations firm–one that represents the politicians who fight against everything Cadence stands for. What do they say about opposites attract?
Finding themselves at a crossroads, Fitz needs to decide if going against his father is worth pursuing a second chance with Cadence. One wrong move and his reputation could be obliterated. For Cadence, she needs to forgive Fitz for leaving her alone all those years ago. But more importantly, she needs to decide if sacrificing her values is worth being with the only man she has ever loved.
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MUSIC PLAYLIST
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Thank you to the musical talents who influenced and inspired Cadence Untouched. Their creativity helped me bring this story to life.
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“Bullet the Blue Sky” by U2 (Joshua Tree)
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“Ordinary World” by Duran Duran (The Wedding Album)
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“One” by U2 (Achtung Baby)
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“The Best of What’s Around” by Dave Matthews Band (Under the Table and Dreaming)
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“High & Dry” by Radiohead (The Bends)
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“Far Behind” by Candlebox (Candlebox)
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“Love Comes Quickly” by Pet Shop Boys (Please)
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“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (So Tonight That I might See)
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“Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum (Grave Dancers Union)
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“Forever Young” by Alphaville (Forever Young)
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LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dakota Willink is an Amazon International Bestselling Author. She loves writing about damaged heroes who fall in love with sassy and independent females. Her books are character driven, emotional, and sexy, yet written with a flare that keeps them real. With multiple titles and a magazine publication under her belt, Dakota's imagination is constantly spinning new ideas.
Dakota often says she survived her first publishing with coffee and wine. She's an unabashed Star Wars fanatic and still dreams of one day getting her letter from Hogwarts. She enjoys spending time with her super-supportive husband and two witty teenagers, her two Labrador retrievers, and her spoiled rotten cat. During the summer months, she can often be found soaking up the sun on the Great Lakes with her family.
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Official Website: www.dakotawillink.com