Salvation

by Ahren Sanders

  “Robbie, I need to tell you something.” She tells me about reading Natalie’s letter, and I tense. “Are you mad?”

  “No,” I answer easily. “I’m relieved.”

  “Me too.”

  I spin her, making her squeal and causing the people around us to laugh loudly.

  “Are you going to tell me where we’re going tonight?” she asks.

  “Tonight, we’re going to a hotel. Tomorrow, we’re going to Tahiti.”

  “Tahiti!?!”

  I pull her to the side and grab two glasses of champagne from a passing server. She takes hers and sips slowly. “How did you plan a trip to Tahiti without me knowing.”

  “Actually, it was a gift.”

  “A gift?”

  “A month ago, I received two round trip tickets and hotel reservations in my name for a resort in Tahiti. There was a note attached, telling me to take my beautiful fiancée somewhere tropical and treat her right. No name, no signature, no return address.”

  “No way.” She realizes what I’m saying.

  “I can’t prove it, but I suspect it was Dade. At first, I was furious, but when we couldn’t find any type of paper trail, Finn and my Dad talked me into accepting the gift. According to them, Dade owed us both.”

  “That’s wild.”

  “It is, but I suspect it’s a gift valued around eight thousand dollars.” I wink at her.

  She licks her lips seductively and lifts on her toes to kiss me quickly. “Good thing I planned on a tropical location.”

  I’m about to drag her away, when Declan catches my eye and gives me the sign. He heads to the stage, so I put our glasses on a nearby table and lead her back to the dance floor.

  As soon as she hears the first verse, her eyes grow wide and she gives me the smile that melts my heart.

  Declan sings “The Way You Look Tonight” as I sway her around exactly like the night at Raven’s wedding. She whispers a broken “I love you” in my ear, and I hug her close.

  Finally, years after an accident that shattered my life, I’m completely whole again.

  Finn

  I sip my beer and watch my best friend kiss his new wife in the middle of the dance floor. Since the minute he said ‘I do’ a sense of peace settled over me. He deserves every bit of wonder and beauty Ember brings to his life. One look at them and it’s obvious they are meant to be together.

  “So, besides Gabe, who’s next?” Max slaps me on the shoulder and hands me another beer.

  “Out of our group, I think we’re solid. Once Gabe and Harper tie the knot, we’re home free for a while. Unless Blake decides to marry Charlie’s crazy ass.”

  “They don’t count. If they get married, I won’t have to wear a tux.”

  He chuckles and clicks his beer to mine as Tripp joins us. “I’m thinking Finn’s the curse,” he says with a grin.

  “What does that mean?”

  “You were with Raven the day she met Declan. You were with Jimi the night he met Abbi. And you were with Robbie the day he met Ember. All of this is your fault.”

  “He’s got a point,” Max agrees.

  “Purely coincidences. You two asses are still single.”

  “And it’s going to stay that way,” he insists.

  “What’s that saying? The harder they resist, the harder they fall?”

  “Then you’re going down.” Tripp slaps me on the shoulder and smiles wickedly. “I can’t wait to watch.”

  I shake my head and grin slyly. “Pretty sure I’ll never get the disease… Who the hell wants all the mess?”

  I tried the love thing once, and that didn’t work out so well. For now, I’m perfectly happy being single and free. One thing’s for sure; it’ll take one hell of a wildcat to bring me to my knees.

  Acknowledgements:

  Each book I have written has presented a new challenge. Salvation was no exception. My family was incredibly understanding and did everything in their power to give me the space and time to try to get it ‘right’. A huge thanks to them for their extreme patience and support. I could not do this without you.

  There’s a team of ladies that deserves enormous recognition for all they do to keep my spirits alive, keep me laughing, and over-all, keep me sane during crazy times. Sloan, Amy, Vi, Cory, Emily, KK, Evette, Kathy, Ilsa and Gina- thank you doesn’t seem nearly enough to say. My gratitude runs deep.

  This never would be where it is without the work of Amber, Emily, Rosanna, Vanna, Amy, and Evette. Thank you for the time you invested in assisting me.

  Angels- Jeneane, Bee, Jaci, Daniela, Allison, Kimberly, Anna, Teresa, Helena, Jeana, and JC- you finally have Robbie… Are you Happy? Of course not! Finn is coming, promise. Love you ladies.

  There have been a lot of early morning and late night calls, texts, and messages that have grounded me. You know who you are, and I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.

  Anna and Kendra, my words and story are shaped because of your knowledge and dedication. Thank you for helping me with this story that meant so much to me.

  To the law student at Charlotte School of Law, you know who you are. My sentence may have been steep, but you helped me get it there. Thank You!!!

  Readers, I hope you enjoyed Robbie and Ember’s story. With all the options to choose from in the book world, I am honored you choose to read my work. Without you this would not be possible. Thank you for your messages, words of support, fan made teasers, and encouragement.

  For anyone I missed, it was a complete oversight…these things are emotional to me.

  To all the bloggers who have been supportive and promoted my work, you are greatly appreciated. I know how hard it is to manage a blog and all the social media that goes with it. You all handle it with ease and professionalism with endless support to Indie Authors. Thank you!

  Meet the Author

  Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing. They have one amazing daughter.

  Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand. I started writing my Surrender Series, in the spring of 2013 and have received incredible support from the Indie community. Throughout this year, I have been privileged to meet some amazing people that I am thankful to have in my life.

  Visit me online:

  Facebookwww.facebook.com/authorahrensanders

  Twitter: @AhrenSanders

  Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7182329.Ahren_Sanders

  Other Books by Ahren

  Surrendering

  Ravenel Hayes is focused, an excellent student, loyal friend, loving sister, and perfect daughter. Returning home to complete her MBA and be closer to her family, she has her future all mapped out. Until her path leads her straight into Declan Collins. The dark haired, tatted, singer with the sinful body is a distraction, one that’s way out of her league. He wasn’t part of her plan. But how can she avoid him when he’s literally knocking on her door?

  Declan Collins lives hard. His only emotional attachments are to his family and his band. He’s your typical bad-boy, lead singer who lives with no regrets. Hook up and head out is his motto. His ultimate goal is to take his band all the way to the top. Until he runs into a girl that stirs up emotions he didn’t think possible. There’s no way to deny their chemistry from their very first meeting. He’s not a relationship guy, but can she change his playboy ways?

  Jealousy, anger, stalkers, fame and fortune threaten to tear these two apart. Will surrendering to their love get them through the challenges they face? Or will i
t tear them apart?

  *Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

  Surviving

  Raven Hayes experienced a love she thought would last forever. Declan Collins consumed her from the moment she fell into his arms. Their love was what fairytales are made of. But when his band is given an opportunity of a lifetime, he made the one choice that would tear them apart.

  Walking away from him and leaving for the summer seemed to be the best idea to mend a broken heart. With the love and support of her best friend, the pain eases, but a decision has to be made. Is Declan her forever? Is she prepared to have a place in his rock star life?

  Declan’s broken when Raven leaves. She tamed him and taught him what all- consuming love is. So many factors tried to pull them apart, but his choice was the one to push her away and possibly into the arms of another man. Losing her is not an option. Now he’ll do anything to get her back. And this time she will never doubt the depth of his love and commitment to her.

  The journey to their happily ever after is paved with obstacles and challenges, will their love survive?

  Reed's Reckoning

  Reckoning- Noun

  “the time when your actions are judged as good or bad and you are rewarded or punished”

  Arianna ‘Ari’ Williams thought she experienced the depths of true love until the man of her dreams dismissed her with no explanation. Heartbroken and humiliated, she found herself changing the course of her life and picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. Now four years later, she has a successful career, amazing friends, and a young son with crystal blue eyes that reminds her every day of the love she imagined. Emotionally she has moved on but the wounds never healed.

  Reed Matthews has it all. Playing professional football was always his dream. Being one of the most successful wide receivers in the league comes with money, fame, and all the women he wants. Even with all his wishes coming true, he never stops thinking of the one woman that owned his soul four years ago.

  A chance encounter brings Reed to the realization that Ari Williams not only hid a life changing secret from him, but also things weren’t as they seemed all those years ago. He’s determined to get her back and build their lives together.

  When the truth behind their deception is revealed- friendships are tested, families are torn apart, and the one person behind it all is relentless.

  Can Reed protect those he loves and build the future he dreamed of?

  *Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

  Smoke Screen

  Stella Sullivan

  Bright. Dedicated. Loyal.

  The day I walked into his boardroom, I had no idea my life was about to change forever. It was supposed to be a simple proposal that would catapult my career. The chance to help Hurst & McCoy save one of their flailing business lines seemed simple enough. However, I never expected that one look at Maxwell McCoy would have me grasping for control. He’s demanding, charming, powerful; most of all he’s beautiful, inside and out. As hard as I fought against the attraction, he broke down my defenses. But he’s hiding things. Even when secrets, lies, and greed threaten everything I have worked so hard for, I couldn’t walk away. There’s no denying, the moment my eyes landed on Maxwell McCoy was the moment I became his.

  Maxwell McCoy

  Rich. Brilliant. Powerful.

  People only see me as CEO of Hurst & McCoy. The ruthless businessman whose mere presence demands respect. People don’t know I chose to leave a life I loved in order to protect my father’s legacy and reputation. When my company’s future was threatened, I had no choice but to seek assistance. The day Stella Sullivan walked into my boardroom was the day my heart started beating again. One business proposal, from the topaz-eyed beauty, changed my life. She tried to deny our unyielding chemistry, but I wouldn’t. I should let her go, but I didn’t.

  The smokescreen I created soon comes crashing down, forcing me to fight for everything I love.

  *Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

  For The Reader

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