by Toni Aleo
“Man, this sucks.”
“Surely it’s not a big deal. It’s not like you’re selling the stuff.”
“I’m moving it, though,” he confessed, shaking his head. “I just wanted to get my mom out of here.”
Gen smiled. “She doesn’t want to leave.”
He laughed. “Yeah, but maybe I could have given her a better life than working in the damn diner.”
“She loves the diner, though,” she tried, but he wasn’t listening. “It’s all over with anyway. We were caught—”
“No, listen—” She looked up, her heart still in her throat as his eyes held hers. “I’m taking all the blame. Those are my drugs. I didn’t tell you about them, okay?”
Her brows pulled together. “But I knew.”
“Gen, really. This is going to be bad. You aren’t this girl. The one that goes to jail for drugs—or anything else for that matter. Just trust me. Keep your mouth shut. Don’t even talk to them.”
“But—”
“No but, Gen. I’m this guy. You’re not. This has been fun, but you gotta trust me. Let me take the fall. You act oblivious to everything, okay?”
“Theo—”
“For real, Gen. Okay? You know I love you, right?”
Her heart sang for him. “Yes, I love you too, but let me—”
“Darling, I’m not the one for you. You deserve the world. And this right here is a godsend, I promise. I do love you, Gen.”
Before she could say anything else, the cops were closing in on them. And as she stood there, tears in her eyes, she knew she’d never see Theo Hudson again.
* * *
CONTINUE READING NOT THE ONE NOW!
Also by Toni Aleo
NASHVILLE ASSASSINS
Breaking Away
Laces and Lace
A Very Merry Hockey Holiday
Wanting to Forget
Overtime
Rushing the Goal
Puck, Sticks, and Diapers
Face-off at the Altar
Delayed Call
Twenty-Two
In the Crease
* * *
Bellevue Bullies Series
Boarded by Love
Clipped by Love
Hooked by Love
End Game
* * *
Taking Risks
Whiskey Prince
Becoming the Whiskey Princess
Whiskey Rebellion
* * *
Patchwork Series
(Paranormal)
Pieces
Broken Pieces
* * *
Spring Grove Novels
(Small-town romances)
Not the One
Small-Town Sweetheart
* * *
Standalones
Let it be Me
Two-Man Advantage
* * *
Misadventures
(Standalones)
Misadventures with a Rookie
Misadventures of a Manny
* * *
Assassins Series
Taking Shots
Trying to Score
Empty Net
Falling for the Backup
Blue Lines
Acknowledgments
MY AMAZING READERS!
I LOVE YOU!
Each time I have a book come out, y’all always find a way to amaze me. I can’t express enough how much I adore and love you. I am beyond excited for the newest installment in the Bullies Series. I have missed this series for a while. I know a lot of people wanted me to start with Aiden Brooks, but I wasn’t ready for him. I needed to set the groundwork for the next generation of Assassins. As much as I hate to age my favorite characters, I’m excited to write the kids and give them their own HEAs. Some will be Assassins, some Bullies, and some a brand-new series. Yes, a brand-new Toni Aleo series that is gonna be amazing! I am stoked, and you should be too. The cover, y’all…oh man. One word: Juicy. HEHE.
* * *
Ryan was a pleasure to write. I loved him, but Sofia was my girl. I pulled a lot from my daughter, and I gave Sofia a lot of my sissy’s mannerisms. While she is only ten, Sis has some incredible drive, and I wanted to show that through Sofia. I’ve wanted to write gymnasts since my daughter got into the sport two years ago, but I never could find the right time. But here we are. As much as I enjoyed this, I pray to God my daughter doesn’t do any of this, and if she does, she shouldn’t tell me until she’s married. LOL.
* * *
I have the best family a girl could ask for. My best friends are basically family, so they fall into this section. They’re all so supportive and love me even when I don’t deserve to be loved. I love them just as much.
* * *
My life manager, Holletta (not her real name, LMAO), is a godsend and continues to blow me away with her belief in me. She always wants me to do better, and she pushes me to do so.
* * *
My betas are the first to see these books, and they floor me with their comments. They yell, they scream, and they threaten me a lot, but I love them.
* * *
Heather Roberts and Franci Neill are a part of the Toni Aleo empire and keep it going. They are both so amazing.
* * *
It’s refreshing and a blessing to have such amazing people in my corner.
* * *
I am very blessed, and I don’t take that for granted. I can’t even find the words to thank everyone, but know that I am thankful, and I do love y’all.
* * *
As for my amazing readers who thrill me daily, I wouldn’t be who I am without you. Thank you.
* * *
Until next time!
Love,
Toni
About the Author
My name is Toni Aleo, and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness!
I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler, a gymnast & a Papillon. I am a huge Nashville Predators fan! Since losing Shea Weber to a trade, I’ll never give my heart to one player again. So I cheer for the WHOLE team, and I like it that way.
When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality, or being a taxi for my kids.
I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney, The Office, and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life, and if I could be on any show, it would be Supernatural so I could hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, I did mention I love hockey, right?
* * *
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