by Dani René
“I do.”
“I know. That is why I need you to give this a chance. Don’t let love go. If you do, you’re letting that monster win. I know you’re not doing it intentionally, but in a way, you’re allowing him to rule your life.”
“He is, I know he is,” I tell her the truth.
“Then don’t.”
It’s been three months and I’m still running. Still hiding. It’s time to stop. Time to grow some lady balls and hopefully heal. I don’t know how, or if it will work, but I know I’m going to try.
Elijah
As soon as I walk into the room, I feel her. I’ve always known. Always been connected to her. Magnetized. But this time when I feel her, it’s different. I know it because when my eyes meet hers, I realize it’s not that long-lost love. It’s not chemistry. It’s nothing. There’s nothing there. She regards me with a look that confirms it. It’s over.
Strolling into the room, I notice Savvie sitting in the corner reading. I’m not sure where Mason is, but he’s clearly losing his shit if he’s letting her sit here and referee a match between Gia and me. I hold the dozen red roses out to her as I near her.
“You look pretty,” I tell the woman who’s still every part of me as I am of her. Giana. She does look beautiful. A cute dress hugs her curves which has an intricate pattern of roses. A soft blush paints her cheeks and I wish, ache even, to see that blush on her ass. Shaking my head, I stalk closer, finding a seat in one of the many chairs dotted around the room.
“Thank you for coming,” she says, as if I’m a fucking stranger. I don’t reply immediately. Perhaps I’m an asshole, but I’m angry. Not at her, but at our situation.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Look, I needed—”
“No, this is my time. I’m here because you pushed me away and I accepted it. I allowed you time off. I gave you everything you ever wanted and now, now it’s time for what I want. I love you, Gia. I’ll never stop fucking loving you. So it’s time you realize that as many times as you push me away, all the times you force me to choose between coming here and stalking you or staying home sniffing the clothes you left behind, I’ll always be here. No matter what.”
And I mean it. In all my brutal fucking honesty I mean it.
“I want to give you everything. A family, a home, kids, a dog, a cat, whatever the fuck you want, Gia. Just let me in. Give me one fucking chance to prove I love you. To make you see I’m no monster. I’m yours. As you are mine.”
I watch her for a moment. Only one second before she’s in my arms. The pain that’s been holding us both hostage for months falls away. We’ve kept it, held on to it. It’s become a goddamn security blanket, but she no longer needs it because I’m here. I think she needed it to keep herself safe. That’s when it happens. Her eyes tell me the truth. She finally says it.
Her lips part and the words tumble between us.
She takes the chance.
She confesses it.
She whispers, “I love you, forever.”
“As I love you, Gia,” I whisper in return.
Playlist
Your Arms Feel Like Home - 3 Doors Down
Dance With You - Live
Lightning Crashes - Live
Hemorrhage (In My Hands) - Fuel
Everything You Want - Vertical Horizon
Save Tonight - Eagle Eye Cherry
Comatose - Skillet
Tears Don’t Fall - Bullet For My Valentine
Fever - Bullet For My Valentine
Side Effects of You - Fantasia
Pieces - Red
Gang Up - Young Thug, 2 Chains
Find the playlist here
Acknowledgments
This book was an idea a long while ago and as it morphed in my mind, it turned into Whisper, book two of the Sins of Seven Series. Elijah and Giana have had one crazy ride. They burrowed themselves in my heart and I can’t believe you’re holding them in your hands. It’s not an easy feat getting a book ready for you, but I love every step of the journey.
I want to thank my beautiful BETA ladies who took the story, broke it apart and helped me polish it, Sheena, Melissa, Cat, and Joy, thank you for loving Eli and Gia as much as I do.
To my amazing editor, Shana, you are a diamond. I love you so hard for all you do for me. Thank you for falling for Eli and Gia and ensuring they’re polished to perfection for me.
My PA, Michelle who puts up with all my demands, thank you babe ;) I know you love me really. Right? LOL! Thank you for all you do.
To my Cinders, thank you for taking on a supporting role in my journey, you’re appreciated. Lots of love, girl! <3
My Dolls street team, thank you for always being there and supporting me. You ladies humble me with the love you show me. Tre, Sheena, Sarah, Susan, Tam, Lisa, TJ, Dawn, thank you again!
My Darklings, my beautiful reader group, you are my sanity in this crazy world. I know I’m never alone with you lot keeping me entertained. If I’m feeling down, you ladies cheer me up. Thank you for being amazing!
Lastly, my Captives, my review team, thank you for being my prisoners. As much as I do torture you with some of my storylines, you’re still there, willing and able to read and review. Thank you!!
To all my author colleagues, thank you for always sharing, commenting, and supporting me. I appreciate every one of you. Having a support system is important and you ladies provide that and so much more. I’m alway humbled by the incredible support from each one of you.
To ALL the readers and bloggers, from the bottom of my little black heart, THANK YOU. All you do for us authors is incredible. Reading and reviewing is demanding on your own time and you do it with a smile. Thank you so, so much. You are valued and appreciated for taking time out to show us so much love. #AllBlogsMatter #AllReadersMatter
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If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review. I’d love you forever. (Even though I already do!)
About the Author
Dani is a fan of dark romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It's from this passion that her writing has evolved from sweet and romantic, to dark and delicious. It's in this world she's found her calling, growing from strength to strength and hitting her stride.
On a daily basis she has a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in her head. From the feisty heroines she delivers, to the dark, dominant alphas that grace the pages of her books, she promises light in a world filled with danger and darkness.
She has a healthy addiction to reading, TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream
www.danirene.com
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Also by Dani René
Stand Alones
Ace of Harts
Love Beyond Words
CUFFED
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Taboo Novella’s
His Temptation
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Broken Series
Broken by Desire
Shattered by Love
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The Backstage Series
Between Love & Fire
Between Lust & Tears
Between Want & Fear
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Forbidden Series
From the Ashes - A Prequel
Crave (Book #1)
Covet (Book #2)
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Sins of Seven Series
Kneel (Book #1)
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