“Sure. What is it?”
I glanced around the tour bus, making sure no one was listening to my conversation. Jason was on the phone, Ryan’s headphones covered his ears, and Bentley was talking to Doug. It was a good indication that they weren’t paying attention to me.
“You said other things aren’t matching up, but you didn’t say what. Is there a reason you can’t tell me?”
“Well, I would be breaking confidentiality . . . but considering the case, I will tell you this off the record. You cannot say anything until I have evidence.”
My pulse quickened. The more I thought about it, the faster my gut churned. “I give you my word, Chris.”
He cleared his throat a second later. “After going over the report for the procedure Izzy had, I discovered she wasn’t honest with all the details of her pregnancy.”
“How so?”
“Remember how I told you that we would test the tissue of the fetus’s remains to determine paternity?”
“Yes.”
“The report from the procedure says that the fetus was gone. The only thing that remained was the amnio sac.”
When the line went quiet, I processed what he’d told me. No matter how hard I tried, I didn’t understand what he was saying. Why would this make him suspicious about Izzy’s pregnancy?
“So what exactly does this mean?”
“From the looks of things, I’d say Izzy didn’t miscarry the night she fell down the stairs. If I’m right, Izzy suffered a miscarriage before that.”
Everything around me faded. I struggled to focus on what Chris was saying as a million questions spun in my mind. “How is that possible?”
“I don’t know yet, but I suspect it happened when she showed up at my office, bleeding.”
“But you heard the baby’s heartbeat.”
“Yes, but I also said it was weak. It’s possible, if not probable, that Izzy miscarried later that night. I’d say she passed the remains and didn’t tell anyone. Maybe she didn’t know.”
The longer I pondered his assumptions, the more I questioned if he was right. Had Izzy lost the baby that night? I didn’t see much of her after that incident. In fact, I’d left to find Mia after threatening Izzy that I wouldn’t come to any more of her appointments if she didn’t go through with the paternity test. The next day, I was flying to New York to meet up with Mia.
Izzy had plenty of time to hide any evidence that she’d suffered a miscarriage. Knowing as much made my stomach sink. I didn’t want to think the worst of my ex after what she’d experienced. There was no denying she’d been pregnant or that she’d suffered a miscarriage, but to think she lied about when it happened . . .
No. It couldn’t be true. I was standing there when Izzy fell down the steps. She did her best to start a fight with Mia, and because of that, she lost her footing and fell down the stairs.
At least that’s the way it appeared. At this point, I was questioning everything. Izzy had been so distraught that I assumed she had lost her balance when she swung at her sister. Now I worried it was something worse.
Had Izzy staged her accident and miscarriage to make Mia look responsible for her baby’s death?
Afterword
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time to read Love Damaged. I hope you enjoyed the story. If you did, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
The story doesn’t stop here. Love Damaged is the second book in the Rock ’n’ Roll Heiress Series, the story concludes in book three, coming January 2019. There is a preorder link at the end of the last chapter. Grab your copy early!
If you’d like to connect with me or keep up on my latest news, you can find me all over the web. I have a newsletter filled with goodies too. You can find the link to the signup form, as well as links to my social media, under the “Contact Information” section of this book. Also, I have other books available. To learn about those, please visit the section: “Also by Kelli McCracken”.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Acknowledgments
This is a special shoutout to the people that helped make this books possible, as well as the people who encourage and inspire me. Your time, dedication, and compassion are priceless. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To Rhonda, for your keen eyes, skills, and for always taking my projects.
To my beta readers, for your feedback, encouragement, and inspiring emails.
To my Street Team, those wonderful readers who tell people about my books, for the ones who leave reviews, and those who dedicate time to promoting me.
To my Backstage Pass Team, for the continuous love and support you give me. You are the reason I hit publish. Thank you for taking a chance on me.
To Elena, my closest and dearest friend, who keeps me sane and always has my back. You’re a huge reason I’m still publishing. I appreciate and love you, my soul sister.
To my children, who push my limits but also love me for the real me. I love each of you so much. You are my greatest treasures.
To my husband, for your patience, your generosity, and for sometimes being a pain in my ass. I’d never trade our life for anything. You are, and always will be, my best friend, my hero, and the love of my life. I love you.
About the Author
Kelli McCracken is an author of rock star-themed contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves penning a good, sexy story that stirs emotions and tantalizes the senses. Kelli Currently has four published series with many projects outlined and ready to be penned.
When she’s not writing, chatting with readers, or plotting her next story, Kelli loves to read, listen to music, and enjoy time with her family.
She resides in Northeast Kentucky, is the mother of four, and has been happily married to her husband, James, for fourteen years.
Catch up with Kelli on the web or email her at:
[email protected]
*Additional links under ‘Contact Information’.
Contact Information
Website
Newsletter
Facebook
Author Fan Page
Kelli McCracken Reader Group
Twitter
Also by Kelli McCracken
Only in Time (Touched by Magic, Prequel)
He lied to protect her. She left to forget him. Neither expected the past to change their future.
Jonah McCabe has no time for love. As a prestigious L.A. record producer, his long days and short nights keep his schedule full and his bed empty. But when his current project leads him back home, Jonah is haunted by memories of Ally.
Ally Jacobs is getting the promotion of a lifetime. The only downfall is returning to her hometown and the past she's struggled to forget. When she runs into Jonah, the humiliation over his previous rejection comes barreling back.
As a series of mishaps bring them closer together, Ally must decide if Jonah is worth getting her heart broken again. And Jonah must reveal a painful truth or walk away from Ally forever.
* * *
Longing for You (Touched by Magic Series, Book 1)
Music isn’t his only desire
Theo McCabe’s teenage years were consumed by his fascination with music and Cassie Clarke. After a fight cost him both, he was forced to move out of state, leaving Cassie clueless to the truth. Now he’s back in Savannah, recording his first album. Six years hasn’t diminished his need for her, but with a deadline looming, he only has one shot to make things right.
Cassie doesn’t believe in fairytales or the myth surrounding her new antique hair comb. Legend says the owner will find its soul’s counterpart, but Cassie isn’t ready to fall in love. She’s eager to debunk the myth until she and Theo reconnect. Toned, tatted, and tenacious, he’s making it difficult to focus on her job or the fact that he’s her client.
Though Cassie doesn't want to fall for Theo, when he enlists
her help in reuniting two of their friends, Cassie can’t refuse him or the chemistry between them. Theo is desperate to have one night with Cassie, but doing so means exposing his heart to the only woman who could break it. After all, he's not the only man in Cassie's life.
* * *
Colliding with You (Touched by Magic, Book 2)
This time he’s playing for keeps
Jesse Woods is in a crisis. Between his crazy ex-girlfriend and mobs of female fans, his life as a rock star is getting more dangerous. His only chance of having something normal is to find a new girlfriend, real or fake. When he reconnects with Cori Clarke, he wants her to be the one. She has no other choice after a secret he accidentally reveals leaves her in financial jeopardy.
As if watching her crush marry her sister wasn’t hard enough, Cori‘s tempted to return the antique bridesmaid’s gift her sister gave her. Legend says the owner will find fortune, fertility, and fortitude, but myths didn’t pay bills. Without financial support from her father, she’s willing to consider any job that will pay her tuition, even if it means being Jesse’s assistant. There’s only one stipulation. Cori refuses to be his latest fling.
Jesse knows he saved Cori from a dire situation. He didn’t expect it to dredge up old feelings. As much as he wants to give her the world, only one thing can guarantee she’ll be his. All it will take is one night with her, but putting his plan in motion could cost Cori her future.
* * *
What the Heart Wants (Soulmate Series, Book 1)
A recurrent dream. A fated encounter. A destiny neither can deny.
Heaven Lewis needs a break—from college, from relationships, from her life. After arriving in L.A., her vacation plans are thwarted by chaos. Encountering a celebrity wasn't on her to-do list. Neither is dating him. But the more time they spend together, the more his soul speaks to hers.
Dylan McBride is desperate to find the girl haunting his dreams. When he meets Heaven, her presence calls to his soul, awakening a desire so primal, he struggles to control it. A simple glance, a tender touch, even the sound of her voice electrifies his body. As much as he craves her, there’s more than lust drawing them together. Dylan can sense Heaven’s emotions.
As the mysterious connection between them deepens, Dylan uncovers a secret that proves his and Heaven’s destinies intertwine. Yet telling her the truth won’t be easy. Outside influences threaten to keep them apart, and a horrific encounter puts Heaven in danger. Dylan must find the courage to tell her the truth or risk losing the woman whose fate is linked to his.
* * *
What the Heart Needs (Soulmate Series, Book 2)
Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?
Dylan McBride thought he had it all when Heaven Lewis agreed to marry him. Yet the secrets surrounding them continue to build. Dylan’s father won’t accept his relationship with Heaven, but Dylan refuses to let his dad come between them. Even if it means giving up his life as a rock star.
His refusal brings a turn of events that may cost him Heaven’s life. The only person he can count on for help is Layne. While his best friend agrees to help, Dylan can tell Layne is keeping secrets of his own.
Amongst the chaos, Heaven is adjusting to her newfound abilities when she discovers they’re evolving. As if psychic powers aren’t enough to deal with, someone is making threats on her life. Threats that will unravel family secrets and put friendships to the test, all for What the Heart Needs.
* * *
What the Heart Takes (Soulmate Series, Book 3)
Compelled by fate, will he sacrifice everything to save her?
Dylan McBride has never liked hiding—from his fans, the press, or his father. He’s left with no other choice after his father threatens Heaven’s life. Protecting his wife and unborn child is the only thing that matters. He’d do anything to save them. Even tolerate a connection she shares with her Keeper, the man sworn to protect her, the man he used to call his friend.
Layne’s struggling with his pryrokinetic abilities, as well as accepting his role as Heaven’s Keeper. As if kissing her didn’t make things awkward enough, he learns that their connection is more complicated than he ever imagined. So complicated, it affects not only his mind, but also his soul.
Though he’s taken to his Keeper duties, Heaven senses a battle between Layne’s heart and soul. A battle that’s preventing him from accessing his abilities. There’s only one sure way to help him. Their friendship must deepen. But nothing is ever easy, and she soon discovers there’s a thin line between love, hate, and What the Heart Takes.
* * *
What the Heart Desires (Soulmate Series, Book 4)
Torn by desire, will loving her mean the death of him?
Dylan McBride's Seeker abilities have always kept him a step ahead of his father. But one step isn't enough when it comes to his wife and child. His confrontation with his father leaves him questioning everything he knows, from his life with Heaven, to his part in the Supreme Trinity.
Layne is growing stronger, as is his Seeker. The more time he and Heaven share, the more he's able to control his Keeper abilities. But when new secrets emerge, he's forced to face the truth, as well as the emotions he keeps buried.
Among the death threats, constant hiding, and birth of her child, Heaven struggles to keep the peace between her soulmate and Keeper. More lies are exposed, threatening to destroy all that she loves. Will she be able to deny the truth once it's discovered, or will she give in to What the Heart Desires?
* * *
What the Heart Seeks (Soulmate Series, Book 5)
A love scorned. A heart enraged. A soul shattered.
Dylan McBride never knew pain until he lost Heaven. As if her betrayal didn't break his heart, his involvement in her death sends him spiraling into a web of darkness. Though his new abilities make him a threat to his father, they are also unpredictable. Killing his dad will be simple. Killing Layne won't.
Layne Perry's soul is shattered, along with his heart. After discovering the truth about the Affinity, he was ready to claim what was his—Heaven's heart and soul. Witnessing her death destroyed him. It's his duty to her daughter that keeps him alive, as does the promise he made to Heaven. He'll risk his life to protect his Seeker's child—from The Fallen, darkness, and even her father.
When Adalyn shows Layne a future he knows is impossible, he resumes his search for Heaven. Yet, chaos prevails. A traumatizing secret is revealed, complicating Layne's life more than ever. He must form an alliance with other Psi and make amends with Dylan, the one person that hates him. The battle between them is far from over, bringing Layne to one conclusion. Those who fight hardest have nothing left to lose.
* * *
Heartstrings (Heart & Soul Series, Book 1)
Forgetting the past isn’t always a choice.
Jo Hayes is desperate for answers. After waking from a coma, she faces a harsh reality. Amnesia has stolen six years of her life. The only thing keeping her sane is her brother, Brighton, who vows to protect her at all cost.
As fear and confusion dominate Jo, she struggles to regain her memories. Pieces slowly emerge once she meets the mysterious Adam Hart. Something about him strikes a nerve she can’t ignore, and the more she’s with him, the harder she fights to remember.
While the flashbacks bring Jo closer to the truth, they leave her physically drained. If her memories don’t return naturally, the truth may destroy more than her mind. It may be the one thing that kills her.
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Love Damaged: Rock-N-Roll Heiress Book 2 Page 23