by S. M. West
“Thank you.” I squeeze it in gratitude. Nodding, she returns the gesture and marches to the kitchen.
It’s almost two hours before Evan’s home and I don’t even let him put his pack down before I launch myself at him. His strong arms envelop me, and I laugh and cry into his neck, drinking in his scent mixed with smoke and an oily almond odor.
“Hey, I’m okay,” he soothes, rubbing my back and pulling me tight to him.
“Thank goodness,” I murmur, loosening my hold on his waist.
Evan still has me tucked to his side when Anna runs in for a hug and we both embrace her. She really is a tiny thing and my heart swells and warms at seeing how much her brother means to her already.
“Anna, it’s all good. We did what Franco wanted and now you’re with us.” He kisses the top of her head and she gazes up at him with a wobbly smile.
“Thank you so much.” She returns the kiss with one of her own before stepping out of his hold.
Tripp gives him a wry smile and shakes his head. “Never a dull moment with you, man. Call me.” He pats Evan on the shoulder and says, “And I’m glad you came back in one piece.” We all nervously chuckle at his poor taste in jokes.
Tommie’s on the periphery of the room, her eyes locked on Evan, disquiet evident in her dark, exotic eyes. She was worried, really worried. With my concern a thing of the past now that I have Evan in my arms, I’m able to see that this also took its toll on her. Evan sees it too, and he brings me with him as he walks toward her.
“Tommie girl, come here.” His gruff, low voice snaps her out of her fear-induced trance. She straightens and smirks before going in for a hug.
“Don’t ever fucking do that again,” she admonishes, while clinging to him.
Her head rests on his chest and her eyes on me. We share a mutual understanding. He has me and Anna, and he also has a sister in Tommie.
She’d burn the world for him. I don’t fully understand their bond but I’m not threatened by it; in fact, it’s the opposite. I embrace it, loving that Evan has her.
“I’m gonna leave you guys, but call me, Van. I want a debrief.” She’s all business as she gives both Anna and me a goodbye.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Anna’s next to excuse herself, but not without giving her brother another hug and thanking him, again, for all he’s done for her.
“Alone at last,” he says as he shuts our bedroom door. He comes to stand behind my back and his arms encircle my waist as I lean my head on his hard chest.
“Yes, finally, and I know what I want.” My voice is low and sultry.
“And what’s that?” he murmurs softly into my ear, his warm breath tickling the nape of my neck.
“Get in the bath, Evan Hart,” I command, and he chuckles.
“Damn, woman, you don’t have to tell me twice.”
§
Evan
I WATCH AS MY men file out of the large HC conference room. It’s been nearly twenty-four hours and we just debriefed on the Balducci operation.
The room is clear, except for Ry and Coop, when Tommie enters with Carys and Anna in tow. I don’t normally do this, in fact, never, but I promised Carys, and myself, no more secrets.
I contemplated not including Anna, but realized that was my ego talking. Anna’s eyes are wide open where the mob is concerned and I’m willing to guess she has a pretty good idea what took place.
Anna smiles at us, blushing when her eyes land on Coop. He nods in return, averting his gaze from me, as Ry clears his throat with a sly grin. Before I can dwell on what the hell that was, Carys plants a kiss on my lips and then glances from Coop to Anna with a knowing look. What the fuck am I missing?
Once we’re all seated, Tommie dims the lights and an aerial view of a shipyard is now visible on the screen.
“Our mission was to destroy Balducci’s latest shipment before his crew had a chance to distribute.” With the cursor, she points a black arrow at a row of shipping containers. “These, right here, were the target. Each container was rigged with explosives, which were to be detonated all at once. One batch went off early, while some of the team were still retreating.”
Tommie pauses and Anna looks to me, as Carys squeezes my hand. It had been a close call, but fortunately, I was far enough away that I was only thrown from the blast and nothing hit me. We’ve surmised that one of the detonators might have been faulty and went off while teams were getting into position.
“We’re investigating what happened, but it’s likely equipment failure that resulted in the early explosion.”
Tommie sounds so professional and removed, despite how shaken she was from the near miss. We had a long talk this morning and I hope I alleviated her fears.
She prides herself on being the best and by extension, working with the best. The thought that someone screwed up, resulting in the near loss of my life, pisses her off. Frankly, me too, but I doubt that was the case.
“We successfully destroyed all of it, and so far, there’s no indication that law enforcement knows of our involvement or that they suspect Mari, although I wouldn’t be surprised if his name comes up at some point,” Tommie says.
“I know you guys are good, but weren’t there cameras? How did you get in and out undetected? And how do you know that HC or one of you hasn’t been mentioned?” Carys asks.
My line of work fascinates her and my lack of sharing is evident in her curiosity. I prepare to respond, when Ry surprises me, beating me to it.
“We’re better than good, we’re fucking awesome.”
His smartass comment earns him a scoff and an eye roll from his sister. Carys is serious. She wants to understand and I’m more than happy to indulge her. Ry may feel differently, likely wanting to keep her away from this, but for me, her needs come first.
“Tommie intercepted the camera feeds with a loop of the shipping yard from an hour before we arrived. We’re also monitoring the FBI, ATF, you name it, as the investigation unfolds, so we can keep on top of any leads they may get,” I say.
“And we’ll continue to do so for the unforeseeable future,” Tommie adds.
“What was in the containers?” Anna asks.
“At first glance, it looked liked just stolen electronics, but on closer inspection, there were also drugs and firearms,” Tommie replies.
“What? Why would Franco want that destroyed? What if it was for the overall outfit? He’d be delivering a direct blow to the boss,” Anna says, puzzled.
“Yeah, that’s what we’re trying to figure out. We don’t know if any of it was intended for the Cavallo organization, or if Balducci’s doing this on the side. We’re looking into it,” I say.
“Thank you,” Anna says for the millionth time.
“Anna,” I start at the same time Coop says, “Stop that shit, you don’t need to thank us.”
Her cheeks redden and she glances down into her lap. Carys wraps an arm around her and adds, “They’d do it again, in a heartbeat.”
As I watch my sister, my gut twists because we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. I have every intention of finding out what Balducci is up to and why he and Franco are at odds.
We just need to lay low for a bit, until the dust settles. But I’m not done with Franco Mari, as long as he has his hooks in Anna.
Now
Carys
BEING IN THE TOWNHOUSE with Evan after all this time is strange. In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in others, it feels like it’s been a lifetime. Even having had renters, the place looks brand new. None of the little furniture we had is here; I sold it all when I sublet the place.
He walks purposefully toward the hallway, not stopping to look around or check anything. I quickly follow, wondering where he’s headed.
“Evan?”
At the end of the hall, before the master bedroom, he stops and stares at the wall, or more specifically, at the vent high up on the wall. Reaching into his pocket, he removes a very small tool, quickly unscrewing at each corner
and then pulling the grate from the wall. Sticking his hand into the hole in the wall, he searches for something as I look on, baffled.
“What on earth are you doing?”
He pulls out a small, bubble-wrapped package no bigger than the size of his palm and smiles at me, his heart-stopping smile that gets me every time. Like wildfire, my lips turn up and spread, although I don’t know what we’re smiling about.
“What is that?”
Not answering me, he extracts a knife from his pocket and cuts at the tape and bubble wrap. As he peels away the layers, a small blue ring box with a white bow is revealed.
Sucking in air, my fingers fly to my mouth and butterflies take flight low in my belly. My hand trembles against my lips and a shaky smile forms at what I think it is.
“Sweetness.” His voice is low and husky. “I don’t think there was ever a time that I didn’t love you, and my love for you is as much a part of me as my heart or my soul. Will you marry me?”
On bended knee, he holds the ring out to me. Water fills my eyes, and my entire body trembles with joy. This is a dream come true. It’s not about having a ring or being married; rather it’s about knowing Evan is here to stay and he’s mine, forever.
I eagerly thrust my trembling hand at him. My heart swells, my body buzzing with exhilaration as he holds my hand in his big, warm palm. His touch nearly undoes me.
“Yes,” I whisper.
I want to say more, but I’m at a loss for words. It’s hard to believe this is happening. I gave up on this dream nearly three years ago. I loved and lost, but staring down at his ruggedly handsome face, I win. We win.
Slipping the stunning ring on my finger is overwhelming and perfect. The shimmering lotus-cut central diamond with a crown of beadlike smaller ones surrounding the band catches both our gazes. He knows me so well; it’s elegant and at home on my hand.
Now standing, he crushes my body to his and his hands are everywhere as his mouth roves over my lips, jaw, and neck. My head is swimming with ecstatic emotions and heat spreads throughout me.
We pull back for a moment and our gazes mesh together. “I love you, Sweetness, always and forever.”
There’s a faint misting in his eyes and his megawatt smile blinds me. His lips press to mine and his kiss is hungry as my heart rockets and my belly twirls into a perpetual whoosh. With our lips, we vow to love and cherish each other forever. As we consume each other, salty wetness mingles with our lips and Evan pulls back with concern in his eyes.
“Why are you crying?”
“I’m happy. I didn’t think this day would ever come, and when I think about all the time we lost…”
“I know,” he says solemnly, briefly casting his eyes downward. “That’s on me.”
“Yeah, it is.” I laugh through my tears, my smile stretching across my lips.
“That’s why I don’t want to waste any more of it. I want to marry you and start our life together yesterday.”
“Oh, Evan.” I launch myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he hoists me up, my bottom resting on his forearms. “What if I’d sold this place?” I ask, though the thought never crossed my mind.
“Then I would have had to buy it back.” He chuckles. “But I knew you wouldn’t.”
“You’re pretty confident in that, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I know you—you wouldn’t do it.”
As he says the words, I realize he’s right. Even though I already know it, he’s just confirmed how well he knows me. We may not always see eye to eye and everything won’t always be perfect, but it’ll be us and it’ll be right.
§
Evan
FUCK, I CAN BARELY contain my joy at finally knowing this woman will be mine in every way possible. From the moment I stepped into the bar, I wanted to drag her here and propose, put my ring on her finger, and now it’s finally here.
The time apart, Greg, and all the other shit was my fault. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to her. She’s forgiven me and I am beyond grateful and thank fuck that she did. I never wanted to screw up like that again, and I’ll make sure that I don’t.
All of that doesn’t matter now—she said yes. We’re starting our future. She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re moving in here tomorrow and we’re getting married in weeks—shit, days, if I have my way. I’m not wasting any more time.
If things get rough or dicey and her safety is at stake, I won’t cut her out or leave. While I’ll always protect her, first and foremost, we’ll make decisions together. She’s my better half, the part of me I can’t ever lose.
We’re now in the bedroom, and there’s not a lick of furniture. I don’t give a fuck. With my lips all over her, I carry her to the bathroom, resting her bottom on the sink. Hastily removing her blouse, my mouth latches onto her bare breast and I suck her nipple between my teeth with a light tug.
Her back bows and she thrusts more of her breast at me. With another deep pull and suck, she mewls and I release her taut bud. My lips pucker and I blow across her wet, glistening peak as she moans, raking her fingers through my hair and curling them around my strands. She pulls hard, almost painfully, and the sting is a direct line to my cock as it twitches and lengthens.
Pulling her back to standing, I see she’s primed and all mine. Her pulse throbs in the curve of her neck, and her chest is rapidly rising and falling with her short intakes of air. She leans up, not liking our brief separations. Tipping my head back, I close my eyes and revel in the sensations of her hot tongue on me as she sucks on my nipple. She releases her mouth, our gazes meet, and then she flicks her eyes to my mouth.
Hurriedly, I lift her skirt, twining my fingers in the thin fabric of her underwear, twisting then ripping them to expose her sex to me. Her face is flushed, eyes sparkling and lips swollen and red. We fumble to unfasten my belt and pants and her hand slips in to wrap her slender fingers around me as she licks her lips with desire. With it still snug in her hold, she pulls me out and pumps my engorged cock a few times, her thumb swirling the bead of pre-cum over the tip of my head. Mother fuck, her touch feels so fucking good. My balls tighten as she lines me up with her entrance.
Swiping my fingers, I feel between her legs—she’s ready, wet with need for me. With one smooth move, my dick slides into her heat and with no preamble or buildup, I drive quick and deep into her.
“Evan,” she says on a sigh. “Harder, faster.”
Intense heat and pleasure steamroll over me and knock all sense out of me. Both of us are mesmerized by where we’re joined, perfect and made for each other. My cock is slick with her arousal, pumping in and out. Her fingers slide through her sex, grazing, stroking my cock on each withdrawal. Fuck, she’s adding to the bombardment of sensations that have my legs quivering as I propel us to the edge.
“I’m going to come,” she says on a pant as she clenches around me.
My moans are barely audible, captured in my throat as I wildly chase my orgasm. All thought and sound is suspended as I tense and she does the same. We collide and fall together, clinging to each other as our climax crashes into us with a symphony of ecstasy.
“Fuck, I love you,” I murmur into her neck as we embrace each other.
“I love you, Evan Hart,” she says wistfully.
Our declarations are not new, but they are profound and pure. Our devotion to each other, our steadfast love has stood the test of time, and while there were moments of uncertainty, we’re stronger for it. There’s only ever been her, my sweetness, and today is the start of another chapter in our lives. The sweetest is yet to come.
Want the next book?
Coop’s story is coming in 2018
It blows my mind to think that Blue is my third novel. Wow! When I embarked on this writing journey, I knew I couldn’t and wouldn’t do this alone, but I truly had no clue how many people it takes to make it happen.
To my heart, Mr. West, without your love and unwavering belief in me, none of this would be possible. You’re
my inspiration and the reason why I write love stories.
To my people, my tribe, Kim, Bella and Saffron, each of you are truly fabulous women. Your love and friendship mean the world. Thank you for holding my hand, listening to me rant and cheering me on when I needed it. Love you!
To my beta readers, Stephanie, Julia, Nicole, and Van, thank you for taking the time to read my words, and helping make Evan and Carys’s story the best that it could be. Your support and encouragement mean so much.
To the awesome ladies in the Suite, you’re all wonderful and make me laugh. Thank you for being you and making this writing gig all the more fun!
And a special thank you to my talented team for helping bring Blue to life. To my editors, Caitlin and Leanne, you’ve polished this baby and made it all the better. To Anna for capturing love in color and making each cover so beautiful! Jules, for working your magic to make the inside just as beautiful as the outside.
Last, but not least, to the bloggers and readers, none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for taking a chance on a new indie author, for reading, reviewing and spreading the word. I’m grateful for all that you do!
Suzanne xo
An indie author who writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotica and whatever her heart desires. She spends most of her time juggling a day job, being a mom and wife, and writing. On top of that, she's a self-professed junkie of many things including a voracious fan of music, a born wanderer, a wine aficionado and chocolate connoisseur.
For new releases, exclusive excerpts, giveaways and more, sign up for her newsletter.
Connect with Suzanne
Website: www.smwestauthor.com
Facebook: Author S.M. West
Facebook Group: S.M. West’s Suite
Instagram: @smwestwrites
Twitter: @SMWestAuthor
Follow on BookBub
Goodreads: S.M. West
Follow on Pinterest