Just an Illusion - Unplugged

by D. Kelly

  “Why is this so important to you?”

  She flashes my favorite smile, the one that tells me even after all these years I still make her happy. “Because the sum of my story and your story equals our story. And it’s always been our story, Sawyer.”

  The love in her eyes melts my heart, but her words soothe my soul in that place it aches every great once in a while. “Okay, Princess, but it’s not going to be three. I love you, and that will never change, but I’m also not the only loquacious one in this marriage.”

  She laughs, and I feel one of the babies kick against me when she does. I immediately drop my hand to her belly. The look of adoration she gives me when I do melts my heart and hardens my cock at the same damn time.

  Her fingers circle mine as she looks up at me. “I know, baby, and I promise I’ll get the rest into one book so we’ll have a trilogy and a duet that span the course of the tour and after.”

  “Maybe someday Nate will write a solo story about his life.” My words surprise me. Nate seems like a born entertainer, but he could take after Mel and become a writer. Or maybe he could do both.

  She sighs. “If he does, I hope he has a wonderful story to tell.”

  Me too. “He will, Princess. With you and Noah as his parents, his life will be great.”

  “Hey … stop that. I know converting your journal to book form has been difficult for both of us, but you’re Nate’s dad, too, Sawyer. Any greatness he has will be a reflection of us all.”

  The sincerity in her words astounds me. There are still moments when I feel unworthy of their love and of being the one who gets to raise Nate in Noah’s absence. But at times like these, when I’m overwhelmed by her love and support, I know I’m the luckiest man alive.

  “How are you doing right now? I know it’s been hard for you to do this again. You didn’t have to, you know.”

  “I wanted to do this for you, with you, because it’s important to you. And I’m okay. It was hard at first, and I’m sure I’ll still have my moments, especially on round two, but it’s …”

  “It’s what, Princess?” I whisper, before taking her lips with mine. Our tongues meet eagerly as we lose ourselves in each other for the briefest of moments.

  She sucks in a breath since she’s a bit oxygen deprived lately with the two little ones crowding her diaphragm. “It’s pretty amazing, actually. I gazed over your journals before when you were cleaning them up, and when you showed me things here and there, but reading them fully … it’s enlightening.”

  “Enlightening, huh?”

  “Don’t tease me. I’m learning so many things I didn’t know about you and how much you went through. About Noah and how hard things were between the two of you at times, but part of me is envious.”

  “Of what?”

  She rubs her belly and looks up at me. “It doesn’t matter how hard things got, the two of you talked about it. Maybe not right away, or all at once, but you both knew you’d still be there no matter what you said to each other. I hope these babies of ours have the kind of bond you and Noah did. It’s so special, Sawyer. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  I pull her into my lap so she’s sitting between my legs. This way I can rub her belly and shoulders, but she can’t see my face. I’m emotional about it all right now. “I’ve got a lot of regrets, Mel. Our bond was special, but I wasn’t a very good brother toward the end.”

  “Baby, that’s just not true.”

  “Come on, Mel, you can’t read those pages and tell me my actions were those of a loving brother.”

  She locks her hands on top of mine and leans all the way into me. “You know what I see on those pages? Two brothers who loved each other so much they were willing to sacrifice love. As much as you were hurting, you still helped Noah, made sacrifices for him, never told him to back off. And Noah, he may not have said so in as many words to us, but he told Anna he would have been happy for us if I chose you. We lost him way too soon, and Noah will always and forever be a part of me, just like he’s a part of you. But we survived, Sawyer. We fought through the darkness and made it into the light together. It wasn’t easy, and at times it can still be hard, but the two of us are in this together. Forever.”

  With a kiss to the top of her head, I inhale the scent of her shampoo while gathering my thoughts. There isn’t much else to say. “I’d be lost without you.”

  She tilts her head back and captures my lips with hers. “And I without you. Now, let me tell you what I looove about your book.”

  I laugh at the way she drags out the word love. “Tell away.”

  “You and Belle. I know you mentioned you guys were friends, but I always took it with a grain of salt. I never really realized you guys were friends. Belle, that sneaky bitch, God rest her soul, never let me in on that secret! But I love it. Oh God, Sawyer, do I love it more than anything right now. My best friend, my sister, she knew you, and she loved you. And not only that, she gave you her blessing. You have no idea how much knowing that means to me.”

  “You needed Belle’s blessing?”

  “No, silly, of course not, but knowing she gave it anyway … I can’t even explain the feeling that came over me. Nate isn’t going to be the only one learning from your side of the story. Cadence is going to get to see a whole other side of her mom through your eyes. I love it, Sawyer, I really do, and I can’t wait to pick up tomorrow right where I left off and finish it.”

  She seems happy, but I think she’s got a bit of pregnancy brain going on. “You do realize you’re about to get into the sad stuff? And you’re pregnant, maybe we should wait until after the babies come to pick up.”

  “Ha! You’re so cute. Do you think I’m going to have time to write anytime soon? We’re going to have four kids, five including Cady. I may not have given birth to her, but that girl is just as much mine as Nate is yours.”

  Not too long after our wedding, Darren finally had the mom talk with Mel. Man, I was not prepared for the amount of tears that conversation brought on. In the end, he asked Mel to be a mother figure to Cady, which was already a given but his words just about broke Mel apart.

  “Princess, can we move on to the entertainment portion of the evening now?”

  All the kids are asleep, and our time could be much better spent having sex.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  I pull her earlobe between my teeth and bite. “I want to do dirty things to you.”

  “My pregnant body isn’t gross to you yet?”

  “Are you fucking kidding me? Your body, pregnant or not, should be worshipped by me at all times.”

  She sighs softly as I work my lips down her neck. “I thought you wanted to do dirty things to me.”

  My cock pokes her from behind, and she moans as she presses against it. “Oh, I do, but I can worship your body like a temple and desecrate it all at the same time.”

  “Promise?” she pants as she writhes against me.

  “Absofuckinglutely.”

  Keep Reading for excerpts and more important information!

  Want more of D. Kelly? Join my mailing list! You’ll get all the updates right to your inbox and never miss a new release. - http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-list/

  Are you on Facebook? Come join my reader group! We’re filled with fun discussions, sarcasm, giveaways, and more!

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/239952459522719/

  Can’t get enough of The Illusion Series? Our reader group for EP is also our discussion group for all things Unplugged and Encore. Please join us for all things Bastards and Dangerous. –

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1916016678629629/

  If you’ve made it this far, you’re either excited Sawyer has another book coming or you’re not very happy right now. If it’s the latter, I apologize. In my reader group, and in the discussion group for EP, I’ve been extremely transparent as to what has been going on with Sawyer’s book. I’m not sure what I was thinking, but getting his story out in one book was im
possible. The next book, Just an Illusion – Encore, will hopefully release over the summer. I don’t have a release date yet, so the best way to keep up is to join my discussion group, my reader group, or, best of all, my newsletter.

  As for the rest of our Illusion Series crew, you will be seeing Darren’s book later this year. Next year, I’m hoping to bring you Jordan, Eli, and possibly Mac, but time will tell. These books will be part of an Illusion Series spinoff and will all be interconnected standalone novels. I’m excited to bring these characters to life once again and can’t wait to share them with you.

  In the meantime, keep your eye out because I have a new release coming out in April. Room 13 in The Last Resort Motel Series. This book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. If you read The Evolution of Us, this book is going to bring you more of Sage.

  There are lots of things on the way in the upcoming year, and I hope you’ll all be able to celebrate them with me.

  Thank you all for taking the time to read Sawyer’s book. Alternate POV books can be difficult to write and make fresh; I hope I did Sawyer justice.

  I probably say this with each book, but I mean it this time—this will be short and sweet.

  The indie book world is filled with amazing people who help with each and every release. I can’t possibly thank everyone individually, although I wish I could. Inevitably, I would forget someone and feel awful about it.

  I want to thank you all. Each of you who takes the time to read and share your love of books—thank you. Every blogger, booktuber, bookstagrammer, and professional who has helped me along the way—thank you.

  D’s Divine Divas – We might not be active anymore, but you ladies will always hold a piece of my heart. We developed friendships in this group that will last a lifetime. I will cherish you always.

  Dee’s Dirty Divas – You guys are the best. Thank you for being part of my life and being such an amazing and supportive group. I love you all.

  The Illusion Series groups – You guys keep me going in this world of Bastards and Dangerous. Your love for these characters is endless, as is my love for you.

  Dee’s Awesome ARC’ETTS – Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so blessed to have you all on my team.

  Ashley Griffieth – One day it will be me, you, and a couple of a cabana boys on a tropical island. Until then, we keep reading. I love you. Thank you for being my friend and my right hand.

  To anyone who is reading this—thank you. You’re all a part of my journey and I’m so blessed to have you.

  Lastly, to my family – Thank you for continuing to put up with me, especially when times get crazy. I wouldn’t be able to have a job I’m passionate about if it weren’t for your support.

  The most important thing you can do for the authors you love is leave a review and tell your friends how much you enjoyed their book. If you wouldn’t mind taking a few moments to rate and review this book, I would greatly appreciate it.

  Sincerely,

  Dee Kelly

  Keep reading for a sneak peek to The Evolution of Us

  The Evolution of Us

  one

  Holly

  I woke up with one thing—or rather, person—on my mind. Declan. Two years after our breakup, he’s the last person I should be thinking about. No one frustrates me more or gets under my skin as much as he does, but Declan threw down an invisible gauntlet last night and my mind hasn’t stopped spinning since.

  Deciding some exercise is exactly what I need, I throw on a cute pair of flip flops that match my sundress and take a final, approving glace in the mirror. With my sunglasses on and my purse in hand, I’ve decided to walk to the store. Hopefully, the walk will help clear my head and provide a much-needed clarity after my ex’s public declaration of love and devotion to me late last night.

  An hour later, I realize walking to the store was the first in a succession of three rapid-fire mistakes. Juggling three bags of groceries in front of my face while entering the elevator would be my second. Not lowering them to make sure the coast was clear before the elevator doors closed behind me was my third. An unfortunate trifecta, to say the least.

  “Hey, Holly.” The smoothness of his voice drizzles over my body like hot, melted butter.

  “Declan,” I reply coolly as the elevator ascends. I’d prefer to call him an asshole, but I do my best not to engage.

  Then, as if Satan himself is laughing at me for being stupid enough to get in an elevator with my ex, everything begins to shake, rattle, and sway.

  “Fuck!” I scream, scrambling to put my groceries down and take hold of the safety rail. The lights flicker on and off as the elevator comes to a sudden halt. Soon, we’re in total darkness as we continue to shake. Declan knows better than anyone how terrified I am of earthquakes and is by my side instantly. His hand covers mine, and for once I don’t push him away. If I’m going to die, being touched by Declan James is not a bad way to go.

  The shaking only lasts about a minute, and the backup lights have already come on. I reach over to push the emergency button and rattle off our building information to the dispatcher. I’m not sitting in this elevator with him any longer than I have to, but I’m told it could be up to an hour-long wait.

  “Relax, Holls, it’s just another day in Cali.”

  I try not to look at him because those cerulean eyes and jet-black hair of his make me weak in the knees and wet in places Declan shouldn’t affect me anymore. “Look,” he says, weakening my resolve not to look at him, “they’re saying it’s only a 4.6. That’s nothing. We’ll be out of here in no time.”

  Taking the phone he’s holding out to me, I’m looking at the webpage he’s got up when it rings and a photo of a beautiful blonde pops up on his screen. No matter how long it’s been since we’ve been apart, seeing other women with him always stings.

  “Take your booty call hotline back,” I grumble as I shove his phone at him. With a casual shrug, he dismisses the call.

  “That was just work.”

  “You don’t owe me any explanations, Dec.”

  “What if I want to?”

  Gripping the rail of the elevator car, I take a deep breath. Losing my shit on him is not going to be productive. “You lost that right two years ago.”

  He loosens his tie, something he does when he’s stressed. It’s a sexy fucking move and always turns me on, and he knows it. “We both needed a break.”

  “Says the man who’s slept his way through half the state.”

  “That’s not true and it’s not fair.”

  “Sorry, maybe I should say half the co-eds in the state. Would that make it more accurate?” My anger is growing by the second. I hate how much I continue to let him get under my skin.

  “You’ve had your fair share of one-night stands, Holls.”

  “Says who?” I snap back.

  With wide eyes, he inches closer. “Says all those guys going into your apartment.”

  “For someone who knew me so well, you don’t seem to know me at all. I may invite someone in, but that doesn’t mean I spread my legs and offer them an all-night pussy buffet. I have standards, Dec. Maybe you should get some of your own.”

  He laughs and flashes me a brilliant smile. His dark-framed glasses give him this whole sexy geek vibe, making him even hotter. God, I hate him … almost as much as I used to love him. “You said pussy. You must be really pissed at me right now, you hate that word.” He continues laughing, and it annoys the hell out of me.

  If we’re going to be here a while, I might as well get comfortable. Kneeling down, I dig through my groceries and pull out two bottles of water. I’d rather keep them to myself and let him suffer, but I don’t want to give him a reason to talk to me more than necessary. Then I find the chocolate chip cookies and open them up. These he doesn’t get.

  “Water?” I ask as he sits down next to me.

  “Sure, thanks.”

  He waits for me to offer him a cookie and shakes his head when I don’t. “I�
�m good enough for water but not for cookies?”

  “You said it, not me.”

  “Come on, Holly, you know they’re my favorite.”

  “Are they? I thought blondes with big boobs were your favorite?”

  Bitter much? Yeah, I am. After we broke up, Declan seemed to develop a type—a very specific one: big-busted blondes with long legs and teeth too white to be natural. Considering I’ve got dark-auburn hair and green eyes, I’m not sure what he was even doing with me in the first place. I used to consider myself pretty until the one man I thought loved me more than anything started dating the complete opposite of me. I know I’m self-deprecating, and no man should tear down my self-confidence, but Dec isn’t just any man. Once upon a time, he was my world.

  He bumps my shoulder with his, and his eyes reflect a rare sincerity that catches my attention. “You’ve always been my favorite, Holly. Chocolate chip cookies are a close second, and shapely blondes, while nice, are nothing in comparison.”

  Groaning, I hand him the bag of cookies; he can have them all if it will shut him up. After he takes a bite, he moans appreciatively, reminding me of the sound he used to make when he was turned on. I wonder if he still sounds that way … Dammit! I hate him for making me think of those times while I’m stuck with him and have no escape.

  “Holly, for real … are you ever going to forgive me? I miss you.”

  As his words trail off, the regular lights kick back on and the sound of the elevator coming to life is music to my ears. The voices of the LAFD come through the intercom letting everyone know the building and elevators have been cleared. We both stand, and before I have a chance to grab my groceries, Declan scoops all three bags up and holds on to them.

  “Why do you always have to try to be such a gentleman? I already know your true colors, Dec, you don’t need to impress me.”