I’m not sure whether to be enamored that he thought of me and got me this or horrified that he expects me to eat it. There isn’t an ounce of the entire thing that isn’t coated in chocolate syrup or chocolate chips. But I take it and smile at him.
“Thank you.”
“Whatever you don’t eat, I will,” he assures me, even though he has his own. “Why are you looking at me like that? You look all happy and shit and it’s freaking me out.”
“You’re so fucking weird.”
He starts laughing. “So are you.”
“Good. Sounds like we’re meant for each other, then.”
He moans as he pulls the spoon from his mouth. “Now… what do we want to do after this? See if mermaids are real?”
“I thought we were going back to a life of quiet?”
“Hell, no. I want fire and explosions. And I want you naked during it.”
“If I have to be naked, you have to be naked.”
“Deal,” he says with a grin.
We walk side by side, while eating the sweetest thing that has ever touched my lips. Occasionally, our shoulders bump—I’m not sure if it’s from sugar overload or the inability to stay apart. Every time they do, Menace hisses, like he can’t stand Havoc getting close to me.
“Who knew that gangly little annoyance that bugged me in that basement would turn out to be handsome.”
“Do you feel like a creep thinking back to my tiny body that you would one day ravish?”
He cringes. “Not until now! Dammit. You almost ruined my sundae.”
I grin as I lean over and kiss his cheek. “Nah. I don’t think that could ever happen.”
“I didn’t think this could happen either and now look at me. I’m like an ol’ house husband. Or a sex toy. Wanna have sex?”
I wave at the giggling children and happy families. “We’re not having sex here.”
Havoc groans. “Evil. They say I’m the evil one, but I would never deprive you of sex.”
“When we get back to the hotel, we can have all the sex you want.”
“Deal,” he says.
Who knew what hundreds of years together would lead to? While it would have been nice if he’d have gotten around to noticing me, oh, a couple hundred years ago, I’m not sure we were ready yet.
We still have plenty of years to spend with each other—our journey has just begun.
He grins at me as he bites into his chocolate donut.
And I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Just hopefully no more adventures like this one.
Author’s note
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Acknowledgments
While writing the book has always been the best part of any book journey, there are always so many more things that go into its journey. Thankfully, I have a wonderful team to help me every step of the way! I honestly couldn’t do it without them.
The first person I have to thank is Courtney who is there to help and work with me almost every step of the way. I couldn’t do it without her, and I owe so much to her for all she has done for me!
I also need to thank my wonderful parents who have always been there for me. And especially my mom who has encouraged me ever since I wrote that (probably dreadful) first full-length book in middle school.
The next person I need to thank is Savannah who was a big supporter for the second book because of her love of the first. I think the whole reason we met was over her love of Happy Endings! I’m thankful I had her to remind me that Miles and Havoc really did need more to their story!
I also want to thank Sam who was one of my first beta readers and has stuck with me ever since! She always has wonderful advice and finds things that I skim right past. She’s also been an amazing support and friend!
The next person I want to thank is Meredith for her help with the beta and for being there for me when I have questions about anything. I also have to thank her for making me laugh over her dramatic responses on Facebook!
I also need to thank Lori who is my proofreader and always does a fantastic job. Knowing she’s there to help me is a great relief, especially because she always has such encouraging words to say to me!
A huge thank you to everyone else who played even a little part in making my books ready for my readers. And a huge thank you to the readers who took a chance on me!
Also by Alice Winters
The Hitman’s Guide
The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love
The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes
VRC: Vampire Related Crimes
How to Vex a Vampire
In Darkness
Hidden In Darkness
A Light in the Darkness
Deception in Darkness
Dancing In Darkness (short story)
In the Mind
Within the Mind
Lost in the Mind
Demon Magic
Happy Endings
Familiar Beginnings
Seeking Asylum
The Sinner and the Liar
The Traitor and the Fighter
Standalone Titles
The Last Text
Dear Cassius
Other Titles
A Villain for Christmas: A Snow Globe Christmas Book 4
Rushing In (Ace’s Wild Book 3)
Familiar Beginnings Page 20