by Mia Hoddell
Nonetheless, I could no longer be the victim. I wasn’t going to leave my child defenceless or without a father, and if I had to fight for custody I would. However, I was done taking her abuse. I had enough evidence to prove how abusive Elora could be and I wasn’t willing to put my child in a situation where it had to grow up in a household with parents who despised each other. I didn’t want it growing up hearing what violence sounded like, and I definitely didn’t want my child to ever become the victim.
He or she wasn’t even born and already I was adjusting my life to accommodate them. A protective desire stronger than anything I’d ever felt burned within me. Whenever I thought of harm coming to my baby my rage was uncontrollable.
The fucked up situation between us needed to be resolved before the baby was born, and that was why I was standing on Elora’s doorstep, demanding she answer me.
“Elora, I know you’re home. Open the damned door.”
Finally a noise came from the other side—muffled cursing and the shuffling of feet. When the door opened, tortured eyes greeted me. Pain-filled and sleep deprived, there were faint red rings circling her eyes like she had been crying. For once her body looked frail. Her arms hugged her mid-section, but all of the actions appeared feeble.
My mind shot into overdrive, blowing my prepared break-up out of my head. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”
Her body stiffened. It was only a minute difference, but I was deliberately scrutinising her movements, trying to figure out what had happened in the space of a day. I saw the slither of guilt as it filtered into her gaze before a single blink erased it.
“Elora, what’s going on?”
“Uh…we need to talk.”
A sickening apprehension churned in my gut. Nothing good ever came of those words.
Dustin, we need to talk about our relationship. I don’t think it’s going anywhere.
Dustin, I’m sorry I hit you. I’ll never do it again.
Dustin, please take me back. I’ll never do it again.
The past phrases that always started with the words ‘we need to talk’ wouldn’t leave me alone. Although, this time it felt worse than all of them. I couldn’t explain why, but the uneasiness seizing my joints told me she was about to turn my world upside down again.
Stepping around her, I made my way cautiously into the living room. Not able to bring myself to sit down, I remained standing and folded my arms. I widened my stance and fixed Elora with a steely glare. “Tell me what’s going on. Is it the baby?”
She paced to the sofa and dropped down on to it with a huff. “It’s all taken care of, Dustin. There’s nothing for you to worry about anymore.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I’ve taken care of everything.”
Icy tendrils started to creep around my heart, smothering it in paralysing fear as her words seeped into my mind. “What have you done, Elora?”
“You can go now. I’m not your concern.” She waved a hand at me dismissively.
My jaw locked and my nostrils flared. “What about the baby? That sure as hell is my concern. If you think for one second I’m allowing you to keep me from my child then—”
“There is no baby, Dustin.”
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Acknowledgements
As always, a lot of people helped me in the creation of Chameleon Soul. The Chequered Flag series had been in my mind for a few months before I started writing book one. My drivers refused to leave me alone until I began writing Teo’s story, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me bring them to life.
First, and foremost, to my family. Whether it’s to talk me down off a ledge when things don’t go to plan or to celebrate when things go right, you guys are always there.
Secondly, to my betas, Kirsty and Lauren. Thank you for helping me work out the kinks in this story so I could bring the best versions of Raine and Teo to life.
Thirdly, to my wonderful publisher, Limitless Publishing LLC. Thank you for all of your hard work behind the scenes and for giving me the chance to bring this series to life. It wouldn’t have been possible without you. A special thanks goes to Lori for being a superhero when the unexpected happened. You managed to keep me sane and I’m glad to have you on my side.
To my brilliant editor, Felicia. Thank you for stepping in and making my manuscript all shiny and sparkly.
Also, a big thank you to my cover designer, TOJ Publishing Services, for creating an amazing cover I fell in love with as soon as I saw it.
To all of the authors I’ve met through Limitless and those I haven’t. You are a great support system and people I can turn to for help.
To all of the bloggers who share and promote my books. There are too many of you to name individually, and I can’t put into words how much your help means to me. I appreciate every single thing you do for me. You guys are amazing, thank you.
And finally, to my readers. Thank you for taking a chance on my work, sticking with me, and supporting me. Without you I couldn’t live my dream, and it means so much to me that you’re actually reading my books.
About the Author
#1 Amazon bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.
Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder and Not Enough.
Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an evergrowing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.
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