Wrong Side of Heaven
Page 25
“You’re my best friend. You know that, right?”
I didn’t. She’s never told me how she feels or what I mean to her. But hearing the words is like finding heaven.
“You’re mine, too, Winnie.”
“Then, I need you to let me go. And not hate me for what I have to do.”
I’ll never hate Winnie. I’m not capable of staying mad at her or pretending like I am. She might piss me off and make me crazy jealous, but at the end of the day, she’s still the girl I want. Stripping though? That’ll ruin her reputation. Even if she does it and manages to stay in the trailer, her life will never be the same.
“You’ll regret it.”
“I regret my entire life, Jasper. There’s no goodness left to save.”
When Winnie gets this low, I worry about the cutting. If she were wearing something less revealing, I’d check her pockets and make sure she wasn’t carrying any razors. I’m afraid she’ll do this tonight and then take things too far to numb the pain.
“Please, Winnie. Don’t do it. If not for yourself, then for me.”
She mouths, Thank you.
I don’t know what for. I didn’t do anything.
Then, she walks by me, glances at the flyer on the table, and picks one up. She holds her picture up, and it’s like she’s looking in a mirror. But her reflection doesn’t show the tears cascading down her cheeks. They’re her answer. Like it or not, Winnie’s taking Tess’s place tonight.
She leaves Ace’s place and heads toward the demons lurking in hell. If Winnie goes through with the plan, she’ll never be the same again. I didn’t think her life could get any worse, but it’s about to.
Ace said to call Mom for emergencies only, and I consider killing my brother pretty damn urgent.
“Jasper?” she says. “What’s wrong?”
“Mom, I’m coming home. I need you to watch Lydia.”
She doesn’t ask why, but she doesn’t have a chance. Our conversation is interrupted by a gunshot. Two more follow, and I scream.
To be continued in...
The Edge of Heaven
Coming April 12, 2018
Acknowledgments
Jovana Shirley, you amaze me. Working with you has given me the strength and confidence I need to tell each story. Thank you for your excitement for this book and for making it the best it can be. I am so lucky to have you on my team. I cherish your creative energy.
Marisa-Rose Wesley, you nailed my vision for this cover, even when you had so much going on. Thank you for capturing Winnie and the feel of this story. I love working with you.
Judy Zweifel, as always, you blew through the book and picked out every detail that needed attention. Thank you for your love of the little things and for making my work shine.
Emily Smith, I’m so glad Nina connected us. Thank you for your time, for all of your energy, and for holding my hand when I needed it. I love tackling releases with you! This is only the beginning.
Shari Ryan, thank you for encouraging me to write the story in my heart.
A huge thank you to my reader group—Gia Riley’s Books. You guys are rock stars, and I’m so grateful for you.
My beta crew—Tina Bell, Helene Cuji, Julie Gustafson-Monk, Sue Maturo, Katie Monson, and Kaitie Reister—You are my biggest cheerleaders and support system. Writing is more fun with you by my side. Thank you will never be enough.
Bloggers, I appreciate all of your support. Your promotion, likes, tweets, posts—it means everything to me. I couldn’t do this without you. No matter how big or small you are, your voice matters! Always remember that.
Lastly, a massive thanks goes to every reader. Thank you for buying my books, for reading my words, and for sharing this journey with me. You make my dreams come true.
About the Author
Gia Riley has been in love with writing romance since high school when she took her very first creative writing class. From the small but mighty state of Delaware, she’s a country girl at heart, traveling back to her roots in Pennsylvania as often as she can.
She’d rather pick truth than dare, bake than cook, and will always choose coffee over tea.
Just like life, her stories always have a mixture of heart and humor.
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OTHER BOOKS BY GIA
Lighter
Weightless
In Pieces
Rock the Boat
Rock the City
Stay Awhile
I’ll Make You Mine