“Let’s go, then,” he said. “Before this place collapses around us.”
“Let’s go.” She beamed up at him. There wasn’t anywhere in the world she’d rather be than leaving this terrifying house, knowing that the man she loved would be fighting for her, with her, beside her, forever.
Cole’s arm encircling her waist, she wedged her body beneath his good shoulder so she could support his heavier weight as they stepped around Sebastian. She showed him the key and soaked in the pride that filled his expression. They staggered together toward the hidden panel that had been their agreed-upon rendezvous point if they were separated.
Strong and rugged and alive beside her, Cole waited while she swung the panel open. Then, flames at their backs as the fire progressed to the office, they unlocked and opened the outer door they’d run through as children. Cole pushed back the beautiful green of the ivy that obscured the darkness beyond, and they walked away from her nightmare, Esmeralda huddled safely between them.
The task-force team could deal with the rest of the devastation. The fresh start neither Cole nor Shaw had let themselves dream of was finally theirs. Hand in hand, their fingers tangling around each other’s, the nightmare finally over, they emerged into the clear night and the life they’d fought to begin anew.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank the talented Entangled editors who’ve given this story its chance to charm readers, and who’ve worked tirelessly to bring Shaw and Cole’s spooky mountain adventure to life. Nina Bruhns, Vicki Wilkerson, and Liz Pelletier—you’re the bomb!
I’d like to thank the best beta reader and critique partner in the world.
Anna Adams, you are a beautiful writer, editor, and friend. I’d be lost without your support and encouragement, our half-day phone calls, and the power writing/critique meetings that are the high point of every book you’ve helped me bring to life. This writer’s journey began ten years ago over lunch with you in a mall food court. You returned my very first critique and said that I had a unique voice readers would enjoy—which I took to mean that even though I had a lot to learn, I should keep trying to figure out what the hell I was doing. So I did, and you’ve nurtured my passion to tell stories ever since. You are the sister of my low-country heart and at the very core of my faith in my own ability to create. This year, I’m creeping up on having twenty published novels to share with readers—because of you, my friend, all because of you. TOA.
I’d also like to acknowledge Jen Talty, who’s a fountain of wisdom, experience, and support in the realm of digital book publishing, marketing, and promotion. Your help with branding and your long-range perspective on the digital presence of an author and her body of work have become almost as valuable to me as our friendship. I couldn’t be in better hands on both accounts. I’m so very grateful to have you in my corner.
About the Author
Nationally best-selling, award-winning author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world’s mysteries. Her passion is transforming these inner landscapes into rich storytelling. Also a workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach and editor, Anna’s creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. She wants you to stop, look, and keep digging, until you find the soul of your own fantasies. She speaks and blogs regularly about life, what makes her giggle and weep, the wacky world of writing, and all things that inspire her creative soul. Join her at www.annawrites.com/blog.
Her Forgotten Betrayal Page 22