by Harloe Rae
Raven’s sapphires sparkle. “I love the sound of that.”
“And I love you,” I murmur and press her against the wall. “Right where we should be to start our happily-ever-after.”
YES
Trey
THE COOL BREEZE whips faster, the gust sending specks of sand flying around us. I bend my neck back and allow the sun to beam down on me. My chest expands with a relaxed breath.
“You weren’t lying, Princess. This place is something else.” I pull her tighter against me.
Raven’s head bumps into my chin when she sways slowly. “Worth leaving Garden Grove?”
“With you? Abso-fucking-lutely,” I say without hesitation.
When she hums, the vibration travels through my arms around her. I manage to wrap her impossibly closer, wanting more.
“Told you vacations are a good idea,” Raven murmurs.
“You love being right.” I grunt. “And this is definitely one of the times I’ll admit it. But don’t get used to that.” Raven scoffs and I kiss behind her ear. “I was stupid to deny this before. Thanks for being patient and showing me the way. Shit is much better with you around.”
She laughs. “Such a wordsmith. And I’m always happy to be of service. I’ll drag out all over the world.”
“Don’t mind the sound of that.” My fingers dig into her sides and she wiggles into me. The friction gets my blood pumping, as always.
“You and me both,” she agrees. “I’ve never had so much fun getting . . . filthy.”
My hands roam down to her hips and squeeze. “You love those adventurous parts of me.”
“I do,” she moans. “Keep it up.”
“That’s never a problem where you’re concerned, Princess.” I thrust into her, proving my words.
Raven moans. “You’re insatiable. We just left the room after that epic marathon round.”
I squint while thinking about her bouncing on my lap. My dick gets harder against her. “Damn, that was hot as fuck. I’ll never get enough of your sexy ass, Princess.”
“Hmm, that sounds lovely. We should take trips more often.”
“I’m down with that.”
Her face tilts up to mine, those sapphire eyes lighting up my world. “You’re being so agreeable. The beach resort is good for you.”
I nip her shoulder. “You’re great for me. That’s all it is.”
“I’m turning you into a romantic gentleman,” she giggles.
“That’s debatable. And you better not tell anyone,” I say. “This is only for you.”
Pressure whooshes in my ears as I remember her surprise. The lust flooding my lower half distracted me from the main purpose of dragging Raven out here.
She shifts in my hold. “Dirty?”
I blink rapidly and look down at her. “Yeah?”
“You okay? You’re gripping me really hard. I’m not gonna run off.” Raven smiles and the tension seeps from my muscles.
“Couldn’t be better.” I turn her around so she’s focusing directly on me, exactly how it should be. My thumb strokes up her jaw. “I love you, Princess. You know that?”
Raven’s lips lift higher and she leans into my touch. “I love you more.”
I scoff. “Not possible. My life finally makes sense and I have you to thank. Shit finally feels just right, Raven. All because of you.” My palms rest on her ass, yanking her into me. Raven’s body rises against me with my deep inhale. “You’re so important to me.”
“Aww, you’re being sweet.” She stands on her toes, seeking my lips.
I groan into our kiss, getting horny all over again when she melts against me. Raven pouts after I quickly break away. I can’t deny her so she gets another swift peck.
Gravel settles in my throat. “I’ve never been an emotional guy or very good with expressing myself. But for you, I’m trying. Gonna give you plenty more today,” I say softly.
I dig in my pocket, rubbing the soft velvet nestled there. My heart hammers a wild beat, threatening to crack a rib. Raven watches while I pull out the small box with a trembling hand. With a flip of the lid, the diamond ring sparkles between us. She gapes, her wide eyes locked on the flawless stone. I remain silent, trying to clear my mind. The words wait on my tongue. I just have to spit them out.
She peeks up at me from under her lashes. “It’s stunning,” she whispers.
I want to pound my chest at her praise. “Fit for a princess. My filthy one.”
I ease down on one knee, the sand sinking beneath my weight.
“Holy crap,” Raven gasps. “Is this really happening?”
“Damn straight.”
Her palms press against her flushed cheeks. “I can’t believe it.”
“Want me to pinch you?”
Tears form in her blazing blues. She shakes her head, then nods. I reach out, squeezing the third finger of her left hand. She sucks in a sharp breath.
“Believe me now?” I ask, raising a brow.
Raven licks her lips. “O-okay, yes. Let’s do it.”
I chuckle at her enthusiasm. “There’s a few more things I wanna say, Princess. Let me talk a bit, yeah?”
She blushes a beautiful shade of pink. “R-right. Sorry,” she stammers. “I’m just so excited.”
“And I’m damn glad.”
I can hardly think with my pulse pounding through my temples. But I do my best. I squint up at her through the glaring sun.
“I’m not the sweetest, or most charming. But you get me, Princess. I want you to claim me forever. I’ll consume you in return. For today and all our tomorrows. I’ve kept myself numb, until you. Princess, you’ve brought me back. Or maybe I was never around to begin with. Either way, whatever joy I have belongs to you. Everything is better, because of you. Say you’ll be my filthy girl and marry me,” I say without a hint of questioning. There’s only one answer I’m willing to accept.
Raven was already agreeing halfway through my spiel, but she makes it official. “Yes, Trey! Of course. Yes, yes, yes!”
I smile and feel the expression cover my entire face. “Best damn thing I’ve ever heard,” I tell her honestly.
Sliding the metal band over Raven’s knuckle, I seal the deal. She yelps when I bite down gently on her fingertip.
“So naughty,” Raven purrs. I stand up and she folds into my open arms. For a few blissed-out moments, we get lost in a heated kiss. We’re a jumble of twisting tongues and reaching hands. Raven’s nails scratch along my abs and I growl low, nibbling her bottom lip. I have to force myself to pull back.
“Love you, Princess,” I say against her silky jaw.
“And I love you, Dirty. Forever,” she promises.
Everything is perfect. Except she’s wearing far too many clothes. Will I ruin the moment by suggesting we get naked? Raven beats me to it.
“Let’s go back to the room,” she suggests.
I tuck some hair behind her ear. “It’s like you’re reading my mind, Princess.”
I scoop Raven into my arms, spinning us around in fast circles, and a peel of laughter escapes her.
“Ready for this to be the rest of our lives?” I ask, jogging toward the hotel.
“You don’t have to carry me,” she giggles.
“My hands belong all over your body, at all times. Especially now.”
“All night long?”
“It’ll be my pleasure.”
“Such a gentleman,” Raven coos.
I brush my nose along hers, resting our foreheads together. “And all yours.”
THE END
Guess what? I’ve whipped up a little bit extra for Trey and Raven.
To read a few deleted scenes, click HERE!
DELILAH AND ZEKE are telling their story next in MISS, releasing late summer 2018. Until then, enjoy this snippet . . .
I storm out of my father’s house for the final time, ignoring the burn blazing up my side. I’m more than ready to get gone and wrench open the truck door. As I toss my duffle across the seat,
soft steps sound behind me. I know it’s her without turning around. My heart beats wildly, even faster than when he was threatening my life a few moments ago.
Will she understand? Here’s hoping.
I turn slowly and my breath falters at the sight of her gorgeous face painted with worry. My beautiful girl looks scared and I’d do anything to wipe the concern away. But I can’t stay.
My feet shuffle toward her and piercing pain radiates from my ribcage. I do my best not to wince. He got me good tonight, but never again.
“Where are you going?” She whispers.
“Away. At least for a while.”
A quiet sob hiccups from her throat. “W-why? I don’t want you to leave.”
I cup her jaw and tilt her face up. My eyes devour her porcelain perfect features. “The last thing I wanna do is be without you, Trip. But staying in that house, with him, is ruining me. I don’t wanna go but if I stay, there won’t be much of me left. He won’t stop until he’s destroyed me.”
“Take me with you,” she pleads. “I can’t make it without you, Zee.”
My shoulders sag under the pressure of her green stare. I hate disappointing her. “You gotta finish school, Trip. And you’re so strong. I’m holding you back, feeding off your goodness. You’ll do better without me, at least how I am now.”
Her bright gaze is fierce and pins me in place. “You take that back. If I’m strong, it’s only because of you. Having you here with me is the greatest gift.”
I stroke her velvet skin, letting her kindness sink into my soul. I let the memories of simpler times rush in, easing the agony slightly. Our younger selves were full of so much happiness.
“Remember the day we met?” I ask into the darkness.
She nuzzles deeper into my touch. “How could I forget? I still sleep in that ridiculous shirt.”
“And you stumbled in the grass rushing over to me. My little Trip.” She laughs, and a hint of a smile tilts her lips. “That’s right. Think of the good.”
“I know what you’re doing,” she murmurs.
“Is it working?”
Moisture coats her lashes as she blinks rapidly. “No”.
“Should I try harder?”
“Does that involve you sticking around?”
I don’t respond. Words can’t express the war waging in my heart.
Trip sighs. “Okay. I’ll be strong. For you.”
“For you too. Don’t let them win. Keep your head up,” I demand. A loud bang shatters the calm around us. I glance at house before focusing on her. “He’ll wake up soon. I gotta go now.”
My fingers twist a few locks of her blonde hair, committing the silky texture to memory. Her bottomless blue eyes are shining with emotion, and nothing I say will stop her tears.
“No. Please, stay,” she cries and clutches onto me tight. I suck in sharply when her fingers dig into the fresh bruises on my torso.
“Trip, baby. I can’t. He’s gonna kill me if I don’t get to him first.” I brush away the tracks streaming down her cheeks. Her tears slam into me harder than his fists ever have. With regret pooling in my gut, I lay out the truth. “I can’t survive there another minute. But know if I could, I’d do it only because of you.”
She stays silent because she knows it’s true. Living next door, she hears the constant fighting. When Trip clings to me harder, my teeth grind to force the ache away.
“Where will you go?”
“I have distant family spread all around. No one stays in contact with my dad, but they’ll take me in.”
“Are you going far?” Her lip wobbles, and my thumb presses against it.
I shrug, helplessness soaking into my bones. “I’m not sure. We’ll see when I get there.”
“Will you call me? Tell me where you are?”
“Of course. You’re all I’ll think about. You know that, right? I’ve always loved you.”
She sniffles and snuggles against me. “I love you so much, Zee. It hurts knowing you won’t be here tomorrow.”
“But it’s only temporary. We’ll be together again soon.”
Silence envelopes us, but my mind is screaming, and time has run out. I can’t leave her with nothing but a faded shirt. I fiddle with the chain looped around my neck. As always, my mother’s ring hangs from the center. I pull it off and place it over her head.
Trip gasps and grabs the silver links. “No. I can’t accept this. It’s all you have left of her.”
She’s right, of course. That necklace is the only possession I’ve ever cared about. I tug on the metal strand and tell her, “It’s to keep you safe. Like it has for me all these years. I don’t need it now that I’m leaving. Wear this and know I’m always with you.”
She’s crying openly, the tears pouring freely without pause. “I’ll never take it off.”
“That’s right. Hold on to it for me.”
Trip nods. “And I’ll wait here until you come back.”
A knot pulls tight in my stomach at her words. I don’t want her clinging to false hope, grasping at a future that might not come, but darn, a life without her isn’t one at all. So, I let us both believe.
“I’ll come for you soon. Don’t worry, baby girl. I’m gonna get a job and save up every penny. I’ll get us a cute little place we can share. And when it’s ready and you’ve graduated, I’ll come for you.”
“I believe in you. I know you’ll make this happen for us.”
Hopefully she has enough faith for both of us.
HOPEFULLY YOU ENJOYED my foul-mouthed mechanic and the girl who stole his heart. GENT was a really fun book for me to write.
I need to start off by thanking the readers. Whether you finish a couple books per year or read nonstop, I greatly appreciate you. Time is precious and any piece you carve out for reading is very meaningful.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year since I pressed publish for the first time. Here I am, twelve months and four books later. Wowza. I wasn’t sure this would ever happen for me and I wouldn’t have survived without the support of these amazing people in my corner.
To my husband and family for being the greatest gift a woman could ask for. I thank my very lucky stars each day that you’re in my life. You’re allowing me to fulfill my dreams and follow my passions and I couldn’t do this without you.
Talia is not only the most talented cover artist, but also an outstanding friend. She is patient when I don’t deserve it and always listens to me ramble about crazy ideas. Thank you for understanding my insanity and always knowing just what to say. Our random chats are my favorite!
Sunniva is a wonderful author and talented wordsmith. Her skills are boundless. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to edit my book. I love talking nonsense and extremely important business with you. I’ll never be able to express my level of gratitude for all you do. I owe you a million.
Michelle is bloody brilliant. You’re the most selfless person I’ve ever “met”. I always look forward to our chats and listening to your accent. Day after day, your encouragement keeps me going. I could never ask for a better cheerleader. I would be lost without you, my sweet friend. I’m really hoping to see you soon!
There aren’t enough words or adequate space to explain my gratitude to Ace. She’s been a constant from the start and has made me a better writer each step of the way. Thank you for talking me off the ledge and always answering my texts. Maybe I’ll visit you in Vegas.
Anne is a genuine and lovely soul. Also, she’s a kickbutt author. I’m so happy we’re friends. Your knowledge and wisdom are endless, and I’m so thankful you share it with me. Give Walter extra pets, okay?
Tijuana is an extremely bright spot in this beautiful book world. I’m talking blinding sunlight. I’m still pinching myself that you agreed to help me. Be my friend? That’s a bonus I didn’t see coming. You’re stuck with ME! Get ready for an epic swag pack. in awe of you.
Kate is one of the sweetest gals I’ve met in this magical book world. Thank you
for always being there for me when I need a friend. You’re fabulous!
Suzie writes swoony-alpha rock stars like no one else and she loves fiercely. Thanks for rooting me on! I’m a lucky duck to call you friend.
Victoria is one of the first authors I bonded with way back when. She’s fantastic and sweet and all the goodness. Have you met her sexy alphas? You’re an amazing support and I’m very thankful!
Sarah is a sensational blogger, reviewer, and beta. She’s a jack of all the trades. Your creative ideas made all the difference and I appreciate every moment you spent making my story better.
Lauren knows all the things and doesn’t let me slip. I’m so excited to see you soon. I miss your face! Thank you for all you do, for everyone.
Leigh makes me want to be better and work harder. You’re the greatest inspiration and truly extraordinary. Thank you for encouraging me. I hope we get to hang out one day for some Shen-anigans!
Nicole is always there with a listening ear. Your humor and drive are two things I need more of. Thanks for always being a true friend.
Madison has become a much-needed force and gives me the greatest motivation. Thanks for always being there with helpful advice and encouraging words.
Bobby is crazy amazing with ads and data and all the ways to build marketing success. Thank you very much for sharing your skills with me!
This book is dedicated to Megan, Shauna, and Jacqueline for a reason. They’re a fierce trio that I’d be lost without. I’m beyond words by your endless effort and selfless work for authors. I don’t know what I did to deserve all your help but I’m extremely grateful for it. Thank you!
Cindy is a wonderful friend and true confidant. I’m so grateful to have you in my life, friend! Thank you for always sticking by me and giving me positive words when I need them most.
Melissa knows just what to say to make me smile. Your graphics are almost as gorgeous as you. Thanks for being a genuine and reliable friend within all the madness.
Eric is an extremely talented photographer and he works so darn hard to promote us. GENT has a very gorgeous cover image because of you. I’m beyond words thankful that I saw your story that morning and snagged it up. You’re wonderful and I can’t wait for the next one!