Embraced in Ink

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Embraced in Ink

  A Montgomery Ink: Boulder Novel

  Carrie Ann Ryan

  Contents

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  Embraced in Ink

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  A Note from Carrie Ann Ryan

  About the Author

  Also from Carrie Ann Ryan

  Embraced in Ink

  A Montgomery Ink: Colorado Boulder Novel

  * * *

  By

  Carrie Ann Ryan

  Embraced in Ink

  A Montgomery Ink: Boulder Novel

  By: Carrie Ann Ryan

  © 2020 Carrie Ann Ryan

  ISBN: 978-1-947007-82-6

  * * *

  Cover Art by Charity Hendry

  Photograph by Jenn LeBlanc

  * * *

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author’s imagination.

  Praise for Carrie Ann Ryan

  “Count on Carrie Ann Ryan for emotional, sexy, character driven stories that capture your heart!” – Carly Phillips, NY Times bestselling author

  “Carrie Ann Ryan’s romances are my newest addiction! The emotion in her books captures me from the very beginning. The hope and healing hold me close until the end. These love stories will simply sweep you away.” ~ NYT Bestselling Author Deveny Perry

  "Carrie Ann Ryan writes the perfect balance of sweet and heat ensuring every story feeds the soul." - Audrey Carlan, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

  “Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to draw readers in with passion, raw sensuality, and characters that pop off the page. Any book by Carrie Ann is an absolute treat.” – New York Times Bestselling Author J. Kenner

  “Carrie Ann Ryan knows how to pull your heartstrings and make your pulse pound! Her wonderful Redwood Pack series will draw you in and keep you reading long into the night. I can’t wait to see what comes next with the new generation, the Talons. Keep them coming, Carrie Ann!” –Lara Adrian, New York Times bestselling author of CRAVE THE NIGHT

  "With snarky humor, sizzling love scenes, and brilliant, imaginative worldbuilding, The Dante's Circle series reads as if Carrie Ann Ryan peeked at my personal wish list!" – NYT Bestselling Author, Larissa Ione

  "Carrie Ann Ryan writes sexy shifters in a world full of passionate happily-ever-afters." – New York Times Bestselling Author Vivian Arend

  “Carrie Ann’s books are sexy with characters you can’t help but love from page one. They are heat and heart blended to perfection.” New York Times Bestselling Author Jayne Rylon

  Carrie Ann Ryan's books are wickedly funny and deliciously hot, with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. They'll keep you up all night!” USA Today Bestselling Author Cari Quinn

  "Once again, Carrie Ann Ryan knocks the Dante's Circle series out of the park. The queen of hot, sexy, enthralling paranormal romance, Carrie Ann is an author not to miss!" New York Times bestselling Author Marie Harte

  Dedication

  To Dan.

  We made this promise one night. Turns out we never needed it. I married my best friend far before my thirtieth.

  I’m so blessed that we had a decade together.

  And when I see you again, we can continue that journey.

  Acknowledgments

  Writing this book turned into a passion for hope. I write romance for a living, and yet sometimes I don’t feel all that romantic.

  Bristol and Marcus changed that for me. At least for the moments we had. And I could never do this alone.

  Thank you Chelle for connecting with this book to the point I believed again. You’re my best friend for a reason. Also, you need to get Bristol top. You know it.

  Thank you Jenn and your team for finding my Marcus! That trip to LA was so much fun and I wish we could do it again.

  Thank you Charity for this amazing cover! I don’t know how you keep doing it!

  Thank you Jessica, Staci, Kerry, Eric, Sarina, and Nana for being my sounding board. I might not talk about what my characters need, but you know what I need, and I’ll treasure that always.

  And thank you dear readers. These Montgomerys make feel like I’m part of a big family, and you’re a huge part of that!

  Happy reading, everyone!

  ~Carrie Ann

  Embraced in Ink

  The Montgomery Ink saga continues with an unforgettable romance where two best friends make a bet that could change their lives forever.

  Bristol Montgomery and Marcus Stearn have been best friends for so long, they sometimes forget when they weren’t as close as they are now. While friends and family think there’s something beneath the surface of their friendship, the two have always been steadfast in their stance on no heated looks or deeper feelings.

  The problem? Years ago, they promised each other that if neither of them was married by the time Bristol turned thirty, they’d marry each other.

  Even though both have long since decided never to force the other into an arranged marriage, circumstances and sheer stubbornness force them to refuse to back out of their deal.

  Now, they’re determined to get married—even as dangerous exes and feelings they deny, block their path.

  Chapter 1

  10 years ago

  * * *

  Turning twenty was an exercise in futility. You were no longer in your teens, but you still couldn’t have a drink to celebrate your birthday.

  Not that Bristol Montgomery was actually obeying that teeny tiny little law at the moment.

  She sipped her cheap champagne as she looked over the group of friends who had gathered for her party and tried not to grimace.

  She didn’t actually like the taste of champagne, but it was her birthday-slash-going-away-party, and she wanted to be fancy, classy, and the epitome of perfection.

  She’d have a Coke later to wash her mouth out.

  “Well, how is my baby sister?” Liam asked as he came to her side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she glanced up at him, grinning. He looked exactly like her other two brothers and cousins, though his eyes were different, looking more like their mother’s than the rest of the family.

  All the Montgomerys had dark hair and light eyes. The men were all big and built, the women mostly curvy, and her female cousins could probably break a man over their knee if someone dared to hurt their family. Bristol might not be able to do that, but she could try.

  “I’m doing fine.” She leaned into him. “How are you, Liam?”

  “Doing great. Mom knows how to throw a party. Though I am wondering why you have a glass of champagne in your hand when I do believe this is your twentieth birthday, not your twenty-first.”

  Bristol rolled her eyes. “Mom’s the one who poured it for me.”

  “Ah, yes, the who
le you’re-allowed-to-have-a single-drink-on-your-birthday-as-long-as-you’re-in-the-house-and-not-driving rule. I remember that.” He let out a breath, and she knew he was smiling above her head.

  “Just because you’re an old man who’s allowed to drink now, doesn’t mean you can try to lower your voice and pretend you’re giving me sage advice and thinking of the old days.”

  “I’m not old. I’m not even thirty yet.” Liam grinned, and she smiled.

  “Don’t tell Mom that you said thirty was old.”

  “Considering you’re the one who lamented over the fact that you were reaching old age at twenty, I really don’t think you have a leg to stand on.”

  Bristol grimaced. “I was having a bad morning. Plus, the fact that Mom couldn’t stop laughing at me as I said it probably meant she didn’t take me seriously.”

  “You’re the baby of the family. Of course, they’re not going to take you seriously when you lament about your age. They’ve already been through it all before.”

  “I am not the baby of the family, thank you very much. Aaron is still a teenager,” she said, speaking of their youngest brother. “Where is Aaron?” she asked, looking around for him.

  Liam shrugged. “Probably making out with a girl in a closet.”

  She looked at her big brother and rolled her eyes. “You would think since you’re the model and all, you would be the one making out with a girl in a closet. Or a guy.”

  Liam just smirked, shaking his head. “I don’t need to make out with a girl or a guy in my parents’ closet. I can rent a hotel room to get out of here. And I won’t tell you exactly what we’d be doing.” He winked, and she visibly shuddered—like she knew he wanted her to.

  “Gross. Don’t talk about things like that. I am pure and innocent, and I don’t need to hear any of that.”

  Liam threw his head back and laughed, and she flipped him off.

  “I’m the birthday girl, and this is my going-away party, you should be nice to me.”

  “I’m always nice.” He paused. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

  Bristol shrugged, not really knowing if that was the right answer or not. “I want to be okay. Though I’m a little nervous.”

  “You’re supposed to be. This is a big thing.”

  She looked at her big brother, then leaned into his side and sighed. “I thought you were supposed to help me not stress out about things like this.”

  “No, I’m supposed to help you with the big things. Just like the rest of your big brothers are, and your little brother, and your parents. You’ve got your BFF to help you feel better.”

  She looked over at her best friend, Marcus, who was hanging out with his sisters. He turned to glance at her over his shoulder and winked.

  She smiled and then looked back at Liam. “Marcus tells me things honestly, too. None of you guys only try to make me laugh and do your best to make me feel better.”

  “You’re about to enter a world where everybody is going to want a piece of you. They’re going to tell you that you’re pretty and you’re amazing, and then they’re going to want something. Maybe not money, maybe not fame, but they’re going to want you. And your soul, and your heart. So, you’re going to have to keep people around who tell you the truth and tell you exactly how it is.”

  Fear crawled up her spine, though she kept a smile in place. This was her birthday party mixed with her going-away party. She wasn’t going to look scared or worried. Because she was Bristol fucking Montgomery. She wasn’t scared of anything.

  Lies.

  “Well, that’s a pep talk.”

  Liam turned and hugged her tightly. She wrapped her arms around her big brother’s waist and held on for dear life.

  “I love you, baby sister. And even though we’re going into slightly different worlds, I know firsthand what happens when people see you differently. You are a nationally renowned cellist, and you’re about to be a world-renowned one. You’re going to play for kings and queens and dukes and duchesses. For celebrities and for the high-stakes people of the world. I’m so proud of you. However, if you need me, I will be there in an instant. Because you don’t have to do any of this alone. I want you to remember the Montgomery that you are, and know that we are flesh and blood, and all of us will always be here for you.”

  She wiped away tears, really annoyed with herself for crying. “I cannot believe you made me tear up.”

  He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back through the silk of her dress. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. In fact, I was going to give you this pep talk tomorrow or even when I saw you next in France or Venice because you know I’m going to visit you as much as I can.”

  “Really?”

  He scowled at her. “Of course, I’m going to visit you. You may be an adult and everything, and you may have a whole team that’ll be there for you, but your family will be there for you, too. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. And thank you. I know that it’s not going to be easy, but this is what I’ve been training for my whole life.”

  “And you are the best at what you do. I can’t wait to see where you go. But remember, if you need anything, we’ll be on a plane in the next instant,” he promised, pausing. “And so will your best friend.”

  He glared as he said it, and Bristol just laughed. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing that Marcus and I are still best friends after all these years.”

  “I don’t know. The first time you brought that boy home, I thought Dad was going to have a fit.”

  “I was like six.”

  “And his baby girl was going off to her bedroom, alone, with a boy.”

  “To have a tea party.”

  “Yeah, but that’s not what Dad thought.”

  “Oh, shush.”

  “I will not shush. I totally remember Dad glowering at Marcus for like the first year.”

  “Well, now he thinks of Marcus like a son, and Dad’s very grateful that Marcus and I are only friends. And the fact that Marcus will always be here when I get back.”

  Liam raised a brow.

  “What? What’s that look for?”

  “Marcus will be here because his job is here, and he likes being at home. While I know you want to see the world, don’t forget him when you’re gone.”

  Shock slid through her, so did an oily feeling that made her want to throw up. “I could never forget him. He’s my best friend.”

  “I know, but you’re going to change. You’re going to be a different person after this tour.”

  She didn’t like the sound of that. “I hope not too different. I like who I am.”

  “And we like who you are, too.” He frowned into his glass. “Just don’t take advantage of the fact that he’ll always be here when you come back.”

  She didn’t like this. Not the feeling his words pushed through her, and not what he was getting at. “What are you saying?”

  “I don’t know what I’m saying,” he said and then ran his hands through his hair. The style gave him this beach-boy look with his longer hair, and Bristol could actually see women looking as if they were ready to swoon behind him. The fact that her brother was an internationally famous model that women drooled over might make her a little queasy if she thought about it too hard. Still, she did enjoy the way women stopped whatever they were doing and ran into walls while looking at him.

  “I’m not going to take advantage of Marcus. I never have. We’re best friends. So, we have each other. I’ll always be here for him. If he needs me, I’ll drop everything.”

  “I believe you. And I believe that he would do the same for you. However, this is going to be the longest you guys have ever been apart. I don’t want you to get hurt if he changes along the way. Just like you’re going to change.”

  For some reason, her eyes stung, and she blinked away tears. “I don’t want to think about that, Liam. Stop it, okay?”

  She said the words quickly, and Liam nodded before he hugged her tight to him again. “I’m
sorry, I’m thinking about my own friends, I guess. They all want something from me, you know? I don’t have what you have with Marcus.”

  “You want me to kick their asses for you?” she asked, her voice a little hoarse. She didn’t want to cry, but she had a feeling she would if she thought about this too long.

  Marcus had been her best friend for as long as she could remember, and she didn’t like the idea that they might change and go in opposite directions. It wasn’t something she had planned for, and she had planned on a lot.

  So, she’d have to make something happen. Tell him that she was never going to change and drift from him. She would have to cement something, make it so they couldn’t walk away from each other.

  She had no idea what that was yet, but her mind whirled, and she did her best to come up with something.

  “Another glass of champagne?” Liam asked, his voice low. She knew he had to be worried about her if he was offering her more booze.

  She nodded, her gaze off in the distance. Liam murmured something, and then was back in the next instant, a fresh glass of champagne in his hand.

  “Don’t tell Mom.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry I’m an ass.”

  She shook her head, blinking so she could settle her gaze correctly. “You’re not an asshole.” She paused. “Okay, you are. Then again, so am I.”

  Liam laughed.