by Ivy Stone
Roamyn’s hazel eyes dip down and he curls a hand around the back of my neck. He pulls me in and seals our night with a tongue tangling, heart shuddering, reassuring kiss. The moment his lips disappear, I miss him. But he stays close, leaning his forehead into mine.
“Finally.”
I pull in a sharp breath. My heart soars.
“Finally,” I whisper back.
I’m flying high.
“You’re doing so well, Alison. Just a few more big pushes.”
Stretching. Tearing. Ripping. Motherfucking ripping in motherfucking places that should not be stretched. I’m being torn open from the inside out. Sweat drips from my sticky forehead. I blow out a big breath just as another contraction comes on. Pain grips me around back. My stomach tightens and I push. I roar. My throat scratches with the scream. I squeeze Roamyn’s hand probably hard enough to crack a few bones but he doesn’t complain. I squint through the contraction but I can still hear his calming words that are doing absolutely nothing.
“That’s it, baby. Shit, Ali. Her head’s there. Fuck. It’s a head. Ali. The baby’s coming.”
The contraction stops and I relax back into the hospital bed. Thankful for what will be a whole ten-second reprieve. I reopen my eyes to find the two nurses delivering my baby at my feet, and Roamyn, one hand tight in his hair while his eyes bulge almost out of his head as he focuses on what’s happening below.
My chest heaves. I try to catch my breath. “Roamyn. I think it’s safe to say that I know the baby’s coming.”
One of the nurses pipes up. “All right, Alison. Next push and we might be welcoming your baby into the world. Are you ready?”
I don’t get to answer her before my body tightens up. The pain comes on stronger. I push. I push harder. Longer and I don’t give up. And just when I think I can’t hear anything through my own scream, the sound of my baby’s cry breaks through.
The truth is I thought I wasn’t ready. Not a day goes by where I don’t struggle. Whether it’s self-worth, the thought of failure or relapsing, but I chose recovery. And every day I have to keep choosing it, again and again. Turns out, all I had to do was fall into the eyes of the baby boy I’d just given birth to and realize it doesn’t matter if I’m ready or not. Phoenix Tate brought a strength out in me I never knew I had. A strength I’ll use to fight for this life until my very last breath.
I’ll fight for him.
I’ll fight for Roamyn.
I’ll fight for me.
COMING SOON
Undefined (Unguarded Series #3)
Trey & Cassidy’s Story
Click here to add to Goodreads TBR List
Chris
Thank you for being my biggest supporter. For being my best friend. And for believing in my dreams as much as I do. You will forever be my always.
Summer & Nash
My everything. I love you both so much. When you’re old enough to read this, do one thing for me. Follow your dreams. Always.
Mum
Because where would I be without you. Thank you for always believing in me.
Evie
My book bestie! Every day you find a way to calm my nerves, encourage me and force me to believe in my work even when I don’t. I will value our friendship forever.
Tamara
Our chats have become an important part of my day, and your friendship has meant the world to me. You are awesome, chick. And a beautiful friend to have by my side on this journey.
My Squad Girls
The ladies who always have my back, who always support me and know how to make me smile! Thank you for being an incredible support network.
Evie, Tamara, Carly and Lana
Thank you for your honesty, encouragement and kind words. You guys ease my nerves and put the pressure on where it’s needed. Thank you for all of your help.
Kaylene
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you. Thank you for your guidance and pushing me to give my very best with Divided.
And a HUGE thank you to…
My amazing family. Readers, bloggers and fellow authors who have helped share Divided with the world. I am forever grateful. Ivy. x
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Click on the links below to add to your TBR list.
Exposed (Unguarded Series #1)
Divided (Unguarded Series #2)
Undefined (Unguarded Series #3) – Coming Soon
Untitled (Unguarded Series #4) – Coming Soon
“Mother. Lover. Dreamer.”
Ivy Stone is an Australian author. She’s a self-confessed lover of alpha males and happily ever afters. Getting lost in a fictional world is how she discovered her passion for writing. When she isn’t daydreaming up new romantic stories, she’s likely to be found spending time with her family.
Ivy writes sexy romance and is the author of the Unguarded Series. She also loves to hear from her readers.