DarkSexyKnight

amodernfairytale

KatyRegnery

DarkSexyKnight

amodernfairytale

LooselyinspiredbythelegendofCamelot,DarkSexyKnighttellsthestoryofdinnertheaterknight

ColtLane,whomeetsdown-on-her-luckVerityGwynnontheworstdayofherlife.Evictedfrom

theirhome,Verityandherspecial-needsbrother,Ryan,mustfindjobsorriskbeingseparated.Colt,

whoisthefurthest-possiblethingfromawhiteknightinreallife,comestotheirunlikelyrescue,

quicklycementinghisplaceinVerity’sheart.

Colthasdark,deeplyburiedsecretsthatkeephissmilehiddenandhiseyesdown,whichhaskept

peopleaway...untilhemeetsVerity,whoseemsimmunetohisgruffmannersandtaciturnways.The

moretimeColtspendswithher,themorehelongsforhersweetnessinhislifeandyearnstobethe

knightinshiningarmorshesodesperatelyneeds.Certainhewillloseherifshelearnsthetruthabout

hispast,hemustdecideifhecantrustherwithhisyesterdayinordertobuildabeautifultomorrow.

DARKSEXYKNIGHT

Saleoftheelectroniceditionofthisbookiswhollyunauthorized.Exceptforuseinreview,the

reproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwholeorinpart,byanymeans,isforbiddenwithout

writtenpermissionfromtheauthor/publisher.

KatharineGilliamRegnery,publisher

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsoftheauthor ’s

imaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,livingor

dead,isentirelycoincidental.

Allrightsreserved,includingtherighttoreproducethisbookorportionsthereofinanyform

whatsoever.

CoverbyMarianneNowicki

DevelopmentalEditingbyTessaShapcott

CopyandLineEditingbyFirstPersonEditing

FormattingbyCookieLynnPublishingServices

Pleasevisitmywebsiteatwww.katyregnery.com

FirstEdition:June2016

KatyRegnery

DarkSexyKnight:anovel/byKatyRegnery–1sted.

ISBN:978-1-944810-03-0

ForDrew.

Therehasneverbeenamewithoutayou.

AndforGeorge.

Becausesomematchesaretrulymadeinheaven.

CHAPTER1

ColtonLanewatchedthemwalkintothejobfairtogether.Hecaughtthewaythegirl’seyesscanned
theroomfromthedoorwayoftheMarriottballroom,checkingoutthevarioustablessetuparound
theperimeter.Shewasatinylittlething,wearingasimple,sleeveless,cream-coloreddresswitha
blackbeltcinchedaroundthewaist,andherlightblondehairupinahighponytail.

Hecockedhisheadtotheside,staringather.Shewastooshortandsmalltobemodel-beautiful,

butshewastrimandhadaclean,fresh-facedlookthatwaspretty,thatmadeherseemvulnerable.He
shiftedhisgazeup,tothemanstandingjustbehindher.Tallerbyaheadandahalf,andeasily
weighinginatthreehundredpounds,hercompanionhadlopedinonherheels,hisjeanspulledup
toohigh,hisprematurelygrayinghairslickedintosubmission,hiseyesdown,hispostureslumped.
Theywereanoddpair,forsure,butdespitewhatheguessedtobeaboutadecade’sagedifference,
sheappearedtobeincharge.ThatwasthethingthathadmostcapturedColt’sattention.

Lynetteelbowedhiminthesidetogethisattention.“Coltstartedwithus—whatnow?—three

yearsago?Four?”

Coltshiftedhisattentiontothewomansittingbesidehimatthelongtablesetupforrecruiting

new“castmembers.”

“Fiveandahalf,”hemuttered.
“Fiveandahalf!”saidLynette,beamingatColtwithabright,can-dosmilebeforeturningbackto

thejobapplicantwho’dstoppedbytheirtable.“WehaverealemployeeretentionatTL’oC.Ican
promiseyouthat.Now,tellme,haveyoueverworkedaroundhorses...?”

TL’oCwasLynette’scheesywayofdescribingTLOC,orTheLegendofCamelot,toprospective

employees.Shestressedthat,unliketheircompetitors,TheLegendofCamelotmedievaldinnertheater
showwasacompanythattreateditsemployeeswithtenderlovingcare.(“Heck!It’srightthereinthe
name!”Cueeyeroll.)

ThemuscularyoungmaninfrontofthetablelaughedweaklyatsomejokeLynettemadeabout

beingaknightinshiningarmor,andColtgavehimawansmile.

“Isthatwhatyoudo?”thekidasked.
“AmIaknightintheshow?”
Thekidnodded,hisfingersunconsciouslypinchingtheapplicationthatLynettewastapping

againstthem.

“Yep,”saidColt,runningahandthroughhisshoulder-lengthblondhair.“Youstartoffasa

squire.Learntheropes.Sixtoninemonthslateryoucanstartworkingtowardbeingaknight.Getto
knowthehorses,studytheroutines.”

“I’veseentheshow,”saidthekid.“It’sawesome.”
Coltnodded,asheknewhewassupposedto,althoughtruthfullyitsomehowgotexponentially

lessawesomedoingitnightafternight,yearafteryear,holidaysandweekends,todrunkenrevelers
andscreamingchildren.

Goodluckhavingalifewhenyou’reaknightatTheLegendofCamelot,kid.
“Yeah.It’satonoffun,”hesaid,hisvoiceflatasapancake.

“You,uh,youhavetoworkoutalot?Tobeaknight?”
“Uh-huh.There’saweightroomatthe,uh,thecastle.Youcanuseitasmuchasyouwant.”
“Yeah,you’reingoodshape,”saidthekid,whowasn’tinbadshapehimself.
Coltwasrippedandheknewit.Whateverdissatisfactionhefoundinhisjob,hemadeupforin

thegym.Someoneheknewcalledithis“happyplace.”Ashethoughtofher,heflickedhiseyesback
towardtheoddcouplestillstandingjustinsidethedoorway,wonderingaboutthemandwishinghe
didn’tcare.

“It’sstrenuouswork,”saidColt.“ThoughLynetteherecantellyouthattheservershauling

aroundtraysfullofthirtychickenswithpotatoesandcorncobsarenosloucheseither.”

“Theservingwenches,”saidthekid,usinghishandstopantomimehugebreastsandchuckling

likeButt-Head.“Yeah.They’rehot.Perkofthejob,huh?”

Sure.Ifyouwanttoshitwhereyoueat.
“Youknowit,”saidColt,butonlyafterLynettenudgedhimunderthetable.Heturnedtoher.

“I’m,uh,Ineedtohitthejohn.”

Lynettegavehimanexasperatedlook.
Hehadn’tbeenherfirstchoicethisweekend.ArtieKingston,theHeadKnight,generally

accompaniedhertothesesortsofevents,pullingouthisbrightwhite,toothygrinandwinkingatthe
womenwhostoppedbyforserverapplications.ArtiewastheposterchildforTheLegendofCamelot
andworethemantleproudly.Colt,ontheotherhand,wasthereforthepaycheck.Andjoiningthe
headofhumanresourcesforthistwo-dayjobfairmeanttimeandahalf.Whenhesaidyes,hefigured
hecouldendurethetwoeight-hoursessionsforalittlemoregreen,right?Wrong.He’d
underestimatedthemind-numbingexperienceofencouragingadozenapplicantsanhourtotakean
applicationwhileansweringthesamequestionsoverandoveragain.Bynow,afternoonondaytwo,
hewasfriedandmorethanreadytogohome.

Lynettelookedupatthekid.“Well,whydon’tyoulookthisoverandcomebackifyouhaveany

questions,okay?”

Theprospectivesquiresmiledandnoddedbeforemovingontothetablebesidethem,whereMy

BigFatGreekDinnerTheaterwasrecruitingunwittinggroomswhoweren’tbeingtoldthey’dgeta
pieinthekissertwiceadayandthriceonSaturdays.

“Youcouldtrybeingalittlemoreenthusiastic,”grumbledLynetteasColtstoodup.“Igetitthat

you’rethe”—sheusedairquotes—“‘badknight,’butIreallydon’tappreciatetheattitude.”

Coltchokedbackamillionsarcasticresponsesbutoptedfor“Justtired”instead.Therealitywas

that,biggerpaycheckornot,heshouldn’thaveagreedtocome.Hedidn’thavethepassionforTLOC
thatsomeonelikeArtiehad.Pointoffact,hedidn’thavepassionformuchofanything.

Stayoutoftroubleandmakeadecentliving.HecouldhearhisauntJane’swordsfromlongago

echoinginhisears.

“Onecashierpositionlefttofill,butthat’sanADAjob.”Lynettestraightenedoutasmallstackof

applicationsandsighed.“Wedon’thaveenoughservers.Ifyouseeanyonelookingforajobwhile
you’reheadingoutandback,sendthemover,huh?Andsellit,Colt.Imeanit.”

“Yes,ma’am,”hesaid,pushinghischairunderthetable.
“Aren’tyouforgettingsomething?”shesaidmeaningfully,eyesstillsiftingthroughapplications.

“Ma’am?”
ShelookedathisLegendofCamelotcostumeslungcarelesslyoverthebackofhischair,thenmet

hiseyesdeliberately.

“Right,”hesaid,pullingthefauxfurcapearoundhisshouldersandgrabbingthehornedViking

helmetfromunderhischairwithasighbeforeheadingawayfromthetable.

Asheapproachedtheexit,helookeduptoseethegirlandhercompanionstillstandingthere

together.Hereyesflittedanxiouslyaroundtheroom,landingonhimandstaringathiscostume.She
cockedherheadtotheside,andhereyesnarrowedinpuzzlementforjustamomentbeforeherlips
tiltedupinasmallsmile.Asthedistancebetweenthemclosed,sheraisedhereyestomeethis.And
suddenly,withoutwarning,hisfeetstoppedmovingandhefoundhimselfstandingbeforeher.

“You’reaViking,”shesaid,hervoicedeepandsoft,ahintofwonderoramusementwarmingit

intoapurr.

Fornogoodreasonatall,thetimbreofitsurprisedhim.Shewassotiny,hehadexpectedittobe

higher-pitched.Realizingthatshewasolderthantheteenagerhe’doriginallyguessedhertobe,his
eyesdroppedtotheswellofherbreastsforananosecond.Hertitsweresmallbutfullunderathin,
light-coloredsundress—perfecthandfuls.Hequicklyliftedhiseyestoherfaceagainandguessedher
agesomewhereovertwentybutnomorethantwenty-five.

“TheVikingKnight,”hesaid,gesturingwithabobofhisheadtowardthetablewhereLynettesat.

“ForTheLegendofCamelot.”

“VikingKnight?”sheasked,hereyebrowsfurrowingasherlipswidenedatouch.“I’mnoexpert,

butIlovetheshowVikings.Weren’tVikingsandknightstwoseparatethings?”

Hercommentsurprisedhim.Hisrolewasoneofthelittleinanitiesabouthisjobthathe

especiallyhated,becauseshewasright—VikingswereGermanicNorseseafarers,whileknightswere
Europeanmountedsoldiers.ButTheLegendofCamelotwasn’texactlyconcernedwithhistorical
accuracy,whichhewasabouttosharewithherwhenhisattentionwasdivertedbythemanstanding
behindher.

“Theswordinthestone,theswordinthestone,”hewhispered,hisheadbentdown,hisbody

swayinginagentlerhythm.

Shelookedupattheman,stillsmiling,hersatinyvoicedeepandkind.“That’sright,Ryan.

Camelot.JustlikeinTheSwordintheStone.”TurningbacktoColt,herlittleshouldersbunchedupas
sheshrugged.“HelovesDisneymovies.”

Coltnodded,hisgazerestingonRyanforamoment.Themanappearedtobeinhisthirties,but

hewaschildlikeinthewayhespokeandinthewayherockedbackandforthwithquietexcitement.
Certainlyhewasn’tyouraveragethirtysomething,andwhiledisabledpeopledidn’tmakeColt
uncomfortable,hewasn’tsurewhattosay.Andfranklythesetworeekedofneediness,andColtwasn’t
inthehabitofhelpingstrays.Hehadenoughonhisplate.

“Yeah,”hefinallysaid,movingpasther,determinedtoleaveherandhercompanionbehind.

“Great,uh,greatmovies.”

Hehadn’tgottenmorethanthreepaceswhenshecalled“VikingKnight!Wait!”frombehindhim.

Whenhespunaround,shewassoclosetohimthathisfurrycapewhippedherintheface.She
stumbledbackward,buthishandsnakedouttosteadyherjustbeforeshefell.Ashisfingerscurled

aroundthebareskinofherupperarm,hiseyesslammedintohers,andclose-up,herealizedthatshe
wasalotprettierthanhe’doriginallythought.Freshandfreckledinagirl-next-doorsortofway,her
hairwasanalmostwhite-blonde,buthereyelasheswerelong,dark,andcurled,framingapairof
sweet,cornflower-blueeyes.Hisheartspedup,batteringrecklesslyagainsthisribs.

“Aretheyhiring?”
“What?”heasked,blinkingatherinannoyance.“Who?”
Hergrindeepened,showcasingtwopeekaboodimplesthatmadehereyesdance.“TheLegendof

Camelot.Aretheyhiring?”

Heshrugged,droppinghishandashesizedherupasapotentialcastmember.
Despitehisreassessment,shestillwasn’tquiteprettyenough(ortallenough)toplaytheprincess,

nordidshelookanywherenearstrongenoughtobeaservingwench,andColtknewthatLynette
wasn’tlookingforbartendersorgiftshopcashiers.Butwhensheblinkedathimwiththosepretty
eyes,thewordnodidn’tcome.

“Whatdoyoudo?”heasked,hisvoicegrufferthanheintended.
“I’mawaitress,”shesaid,unruffledbyhistoneorperusal.Sherolledherlipsbetweenherteeth,

lookingupattheman,whowasstillwhispering“Theswordinthestone,Camelot”overandover
underhisbreath.“Andmybrother,Ryan,isagreatjanitor.Reallygreat.Comesinontime.Does
everythinghe’stold.He’sreallystrongtoo.Doesn’tbotheranyone.Just—youknow,he’sagood
worker.Solid.”

Herbrother.
Ofcourse.
Sheandherbrotherwerelookingforworktogether,andfromthewayshe’djustbeenselling

him,heguessedthatitwasn’taneasyfeat.

Coltknewwhatheneededtodo.Heneededtogiveheralookthatsaid“I’msorry”andshrughis

shoulderstoletherknowhecouldn’thelpher.Heneededtosaynoandwalkawayfromherbig,blue,
pleadingeyesandmumblingman-childofabrother.BecauseColtonLanewasn’treallyaknight.In
fact,hewasthefurthest-possiblethingfromaknight.Hewasjustaguywhodresseduplikea
historicallyinaccurateVikingKnightandrodeahorseinadinnershow—ajobthathadgrownstale
fiveandaquarteryearsago.Hehadnobusinessgettingtangledupwiththesetwo.They’dbetrouble.
Hecouldfeelit.Andhedidn’tneedanytrouble.

“Please?”shewhisperedsosoftly,healmostthoughthe’dimaginedit.
“What’syourname?”heasked,everyinstinctstillwarninghimnottogetinvolvedwiththem,

evenasthewordsescapedhislips.

“Verity.”
Ofcourseitwas.Coltgroanedinwardly.
Verity.Truth.Hernamewasassweetandearnestasherfreckledface,whichlookedlikeithad

seenmoresunnydaysinthecountrythanhotnightsinthecity.Hesearchedherprettyeyes,feeling
hisresistanceweakenundertheirhope.

“Colton,”hesaid,holdingouthishand.
Shedidn’tlookdown.Hergazeheldhimcaptiveasshereachedout,slidinghersmall,coolhand

againsthisuntiltheirpalmswereflush.Andsomething—somethingindefinableandunexpectedand

very,veryinconvenient—passedbetweenthemasshepressedherhandintimatelyagainsthis.Hefelt
itinhisgut.Heknewitinhishead.Andhisheartbeataprimalrhythmthatithadapparentlyalways
knownyetnevershared.

Gaspingsoftly,heyankedhishandawayfromhers,frowning,buthelplesstodrophereyes

withoutofferingsomehope.

“I,uh,Iknowtheheadofhumanresources.Givemeaminute,okay?I’llberightback.”
WithalastglanceatRyan,hemutteredthewordfuck,thenturnedandwalkedaway.

***

Veritywatchedtheknightgo,hislonglegsputtingdistancebetweenthem,hishornedhelmetmaking
himeasytotrackthroughthecrowd.ForallofhisNordicgoodlooks,hewasdarkandbrooding,
edgyandmale.

Asexybeast.
Thoughshe’dalreadydecidedhisfacewouldn’tbegracingthecoverofGQanytimesoon,he

oozedsex.Overtly.Effortlessly.Likeifyouprickedhimwithapin,hewouldn’tbleedred,he’dbleed
orgasm.

Herheartthumpedwildly.Herhandwasstillwarmfromhistouch.Theeffecthehadonherwas

altogether...breathtaking.

“Ver ’ty?”murmuredRyan,hisdeepvoiceuncertain.“Wegettin’jobsnow?”
Sheclearedherthroatandblinked,turningtolookupatherbrother.Ryanwaseightyearsher

senior,andatthirty-twoyearsold,tracesofsilverhadjuststartedappearingathistemples.Hiseyes
werethesamesky-blueashers,buthisnosewasbulbousandhislipswereshiny.Shiny,becausehe
wasnervousandkeptlickingthem.

“Ihopeso,Ryan.”Shereachedoutandpattedhimonthearm.“YourememberwhatItoldyou?”
Heheldupthreebeefyfingerswithscrubbed-cleannails.“Usemypleasesandthank-yous.Look

peopleintheeyes.Nomumblin’.”

“That’sright,”shesaid,takingadeepbreathandlettingherhandslidefromhisforearm.“That’s

right.”

Sheturnedtofollowthedark,sexyknightwithhereyes,watchingashethreadedhiswaythrough

thejobapplicantsjammingthefaraisle,histall,broadVikingbodyunexpectedlygracefulashewove
aroundthepeopleinhispathuntilhereachedatabletowardthebackoftheroom.

Heplacedhishandsonhiships,andagray-hairedladyatthetablelookedupathim,

straighteningherglassesasshelistenedtowhateverhewassaying.Veritystared,herstomachin
knotsasthewomanpursedherlipsandshookherheaddismissively.ButColtonleanedforward,
placinghispalmsflatonthetableanddrawingclosertothewoman.Notimmunetohismasculine
bodysoclosetohers,thewoman’seyeslostsomeoftheirpinch,softeningassheglancedoveratthe
doorwaywhereVerityandRyanwaited.Afteramomentsherolledhereyesandsighed,giving
Coltonareluctantnod.

Veritygulped,wonderingwhathadjusttranspiredbetweenthetwoandwhyhe’djustadvocated

ontheirbehalf.Hedidn’tevenknowher,andshewasfairlycertainthatshe’dannoyedhimduring
theirshortexchange,sincehe’dcursedwhenhewalkedaway.Heowedhernothing,andyethe’dgone
outofhiswaytohelpthem.Itmadesentimentaltearsprickhereyesasshewatchedhimturnaround

andfacethem.Hehelduponehandandbeckonedthemover.

Blinkinghereyesandstraighteningherspine,Verityturnedtoherbrother,reachingoutto

smoothhisshirt.

“Ryan,youlisteningtome?”
“Yeah.Okay.”
Sheleanedupontiptoesandsmootheddownhiscowlick.“Wegottamakethishappen.You

hear?”

“Makeithappen.”
“Lookatmeintheeyes,Ryan.”
Helookedather,hislipstiltingupintoareadysmilethatshecouldn’tresistreturning.“Youlook

realprofessional.Realnice.Youansweranyquestionspolitely.Nomumbling.Onlyspeakwhen
you’respokento,okay?”

“Iknow,Ver ’ty.”
“Iknowyouknow,”shesaid.“I’mjustnervous.Weneedthesejobs,Ryan.Weneedthem,orelse.

..”

Hiseyes,whichhadbeenunguardedandcheerful,filledwithdread.Heswallowed,hisAdam’s

applebobbingashesearchedherfacewithachildlikedismay.

“Idon’tlike‘orelse,’”hesaidsoftly.
“Meneither,Ryan.Meneither.Soyoufollowallmyinstructions,okay?”
Henodded,andshegrinnedathim,buthestilllookedfearful.
“Showmeyourbestsmile,huh?Myfavoriteone.”
Hesmiledbackatheroncommand,thedismayfleeingasquicklyasithadarrived,hisshiny

teethsparklingandwhite,andshethankedtheLordthatherparentshadtakensuchgoodcareof
Ryan’steethwhilethey’dbeenalive.

“That’smyguy,”shesaid.“Nowfollowme.”
AsshewalkedslowlytowardthetablewhereColtonwaited,shesaidaquietprayerinherhead:

DearGod,pleasehelpmeandRyanbothgetjobsatTheLegendofCamelot,whereIcanlookoutfor
himandwecanstillmakesomegoodmoney.I’vedonemybestsinceMommaandDaddypassedon,
butasyouknow,sweetJesus,myluckhasneverbeenanygood.Help.Pleasehelp.Amen.

Goatsleapedinhertummyasshedrewclosertotheknight,herhandssweatinglikeshe’d

drenchedthemunderaspigot,butshefixedaconfident,serenesmileonherfaceassheapproached
thetable,stoppingbesideColtonandsparingaquicklookatherbrotherbeforeofferingherhandto
thewomanbehindthetable.

“Hi,”shesaid.“I’mVerity.”
“SoI’veheard,”saidthewoman,ignoringherhandandsizingherupwithasourexpression,

“butthereisnowayyouworkedasaserveratMedievalTimes.You’refartoosmall.”

Verity’seyesshottoColton’s,wideningwithsurpriseathislie.She’dneversaidthatsheworked

atMedievalTimes.Hedrewhisbottomlipbetweenhisteethforamomentbeforereleasingitand
narrowedhiseyesattheladybehindthetable.

“Didn’tsayshewasaserver.Saidsheworkedthere,Lynette.Youwerea,uh,acashier,weren’t

you?”

BeforeVeritycouldanswer,Lynettesnapped,“Well,Iwouldn’thavetoldthemtocomeoverifI

knewthat.Don’thaveacashierjobopen.”

“Sureyoudo,”counteredColton,glancingdownattheapplicationsonherdesk.“Yousaidyou

didbefore.”

“It’sanADAjob,”saidLynette,frowningupathim.“IfIdon’thireadisabledpersonforthejob,

wedon’tgetthetaxcredit.”SheflickedalookatVerity.“Andyoudon’tlookdisabled,honey.Small,
yes.Wheelchair,no.”

AtthementionoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,alightbulbwentoffinVerity’shead.She

twistedhernecktocatchColton’seyes,andhenoddedjustslightlyather—enoughforVeritytoknow
thathe’dplantedtheideainherheadandnowwasherchancetorunwithit.

“...so,I’msorry,”Lynettewassaying,“butIdon’tthink—”
“Thisismybrother,Ryan,”interruptedVerity,steppingasidesothatLynettecouldseehim

clearly.

Ryan,whoheardhisnameandknewhisline,stuckouthishandandgrinnedatthewomansitting

inannoyancebehindthetable.“I’mRyan.Pleasedtomeetcha.”

“Ahhh,yes.Nicetomeetyou,”saidLynette,takinghiscatcher ’smittofahandinherownand

pumpingitoncebeforelettinggo.Sheeyedhimwarily,thenlookeddown,shufflingthepaperson
hertable.“Now,I’msorry,but—”

“I’mRyan’sguardian,”saidVerityquickly.“Hislegalguardian.”
Lynettelookedup,herexpressioncaughtbetweenconfusionandsurprise.“O-kay.”
“He’slegallyincompetent,”shecontinued,tryingherbesttokeephervoicesteadyandherhopes

reinedin,“whichmeansthathecouldfulfillyourADArequirements.”

“Huh,”saidLynette,cockingherheadtothesideandgivingRyanashrewdlook.Hesmiledat

her,rockingbackandforthandofferingasmallwave.FinallysheturnedbacktoVerity.“Don’tget
mewrong.Heseemsrealsweet,butcanhe...Imean,canhehandleacashregisterinabusygift
shop?”

Verity’shopesplummeted.Therewasnopointinlying.“No.”
TheHRwomanlookedatRyan,answeringhiswidegrinwithareluctantbutsympathetic

grimace.“I’msorry,honey,but—”

“Joeneedshelpinthestable,”saidColtonfrombesideVerity.Hetookastepclosertoher,and

shecouldfeeltheheightandbreadthofhisphysicalpresencebehindher,fillingherstomachwith
crittersbutmakingherfeelsomuchlessalone.“Scooterlefttwoweeksago.Youneedtohirea
replacementtohelpwiththehorses.”

“We’renotrecruitingforthatjobtoday,”saidLynette,hertoneleavingannoyanceandheading

quicklytowardfrankirritation.

“Ilikehorses,”saidRyan,noddingenthusiastically.
“Hedoes.Beenaround’emformostofhislifetoo”saidVerity.Lynettesighedloudly,tiltingher

headtothesidewithexasperation.Butshedidn’tsayno,whichmadeVeritycontinue.“AndRyan’s
realgoodattakingdirections,ma’am.He’dbeontimeeveryday.I’dbesureofit.Hedoesn’ttake
breaks.Hedoesn’twastetime.Yougivehimajob,hedoesit.Yougivehimanotherjob,hedoesthat
onetoo.Bestemployeeyou’deverhave.Ipromise.Ifyou’djustgivehimachancetoshow—”

Lynetteheldupherhands.“IwishIcould,butit’sjustnot—”
“Comeon,Lynette,”saidColton,hisgravellyvoicerumblingashegesturedtotheolder

woman’sbosom.“Ain’tthereaheartsomewhereinthere?”

LynettejerkedherfacetowardColton’s,herexpressionmurderous.“Comeon,what?Joewould

havemyhideifIhiredsomeonewithouthissay-so.He’sbeeninchargeofthelivestockatthecastle
forfifteenyears—eversincetheAtlantalocationopened.Youthinkhe’sgoingtobeokaywithme
showingupwith...with...”ShegesturedtoRyanloosely,andVerityfelthertemperflare.

“Ryan,”saidVerity,flintinhervoice.“HisnameisRyan.”Sheturnedtofaceherbrother,“Come

on.Let’sgo.”

“ButVer ’ty,”hesaid,hissmilefading.“Yousaidweneedthisjob.”
Shegulped.“We’llfindsomethingelse.”
Behindher,ColtonwastalkingabouthowhewouldtalktoJoeandsmooththingsover,but

Lynettewasunmoved,shakingherheadandrepeatingthewordno.

Verityfacedherbrother.“No,Ryan.Nothere.We’lljust—”
“—findsomewheretoworkthatdoesn’tdiscriminateagainstdisabledpeople,”saidColtonway

tooloudlyfrombehindher.Heampeditupalittlemoretoadd,“LikeMedievalTimes.Orthe
TournamentofKings.OrExcaliburNights.”

VeritywhirledaroundtofacehimjustasLynettegaspedinoutrage,springingtoherfeet.“TL’oC

doesnotdiscriminate!”

“Allevidencetothecontrary,”saidColton,foldinghismassivearmsoverhischest.
Lynetteflickedherglancetothetablesoneitherside,whereherfellowrecruiterslookedonin

curiosity,thenliftedherchin.“Ican’t—”

“Yeah,”saidColtonfirmly.“Youcan.”
Lynetteclenchedherjaw,turningtoVeritywithnarrowedeyesbeforenailingColtonwithan

angryscowl.“Ifthisdoesn’tworkout—”

“Itwill,”hesaidsoftly,noddingonce,hissteel-grayeyesunwavering.
Finally,outofoptions,LynetteturnedbacktoVerity.“Yourbrother ’snameis...?”
“Ryan,”shesaid,curlingherfingersintofists,indignationgivingwaytohope.
Lynettefixedafakesmileonherfaceandturnedtohim,hervoicesuddenlylacedwithhoney.

“Ryan,how’dyouliketoworkwithhorses,honey?”

Henoddedenthusiastically.“Ilikeanimals.Lots.”
“Well,”saidLynettewithasniff,herforcedsmilequicklyfadingasshesatdowninannoyed

surrender,“withRyancomingonasstablehand,atleastwemeetourADArequirement.”

“Butyoustillneedagiftshopcashier,”saidColton,flickingaglanceatVerity.“Right?”
Verityheldherbreath,eyesfixedonLynette,whostareddaggers(andswordsandlancesand

javelins)atColton.

“Verywell,”shesaidtightly,glancingattheoglingrecruiterforMyBigFatGreekWedding

DinnerTheaterbeforeofferingVerityafrostysmile.“TheLegendofCamelotwouldliketoofferyou
ajobaswell,Miss...?”

“VerityGwynn,”shesaid.
“VerityGwynn,”mimickedLynette,sittingdownwithahumph.Shepulledtwoapplicationsfrom

apiletoherleftandhandedthemtoVerity.“Filltheseout.Youstartthisweek.Monday.Eighta.m.
Thecastleon—”

“Peachtree!Iknowwhereitis!”shesaid,takingtheapplicationsfromLynetteandbeamingatthe

pricklyolderwoman.

Shedidn’tcarewhyandshedidn’tcarehow.
Theyhadjobs!
Veritycouldn’thelpthepurerushofhopefuljoythatwarmedherfromwithin.Andwhensheslid

hereyestoColton’sface,damnifshedidn’tcatchtheglowofshiningarmorbrighteninghis
tarnishedgrayeyes.

CHAPTER2

ColtgotanearfulfromLynetteinthehotelparkinglot.Shethreatenedtofirehimandretractedthe
threatonlywhenheremindedherthathisbigsinhadbeenhelpingherfilltwoavailablepositionsand
meettheADArequirementshe’dbeenlacking.

“Don’tspinthisaround!Youhadnobusinessforcingthat...thathalf-witonme.Andmarkmy

words,ColtonLane,ifJoehasanissuewiththis,Iwillbesendinghimtoyouforafullaccountingof
today’sbullshit.AmIclear?Andfurthermore...”

Coltstareddownatherredface,wishingshe’dshutthehellupandgetinhercaralreadybut

unwillingtomaketheactualsuggestion.Ifhewantedtokeephisjob,he’dpushedLynetteaboutasfar
ashedaredthisafternoon...andfuckifhecouldfigureoutwhy.

Maybeitwasbecausethegirl—Verity—reallylookedlikeshecoulduseabreakandColtwasn’t

astrangertobeinginatoughspot.Besides,shehadthathugeman-childofabrotherfollowingher
around.Coltdidn’tneedtowalkamileinhershoestoknowthattheywereprobablyatightfit.

Ormaybeitwasbecauseshe’dimmediatelyrecognizedtheludicrousnessofhisroleasaViking

Knight,andithadmadehimfeelarareandimmediatekinshiptoher.

ThefirstyearheworkedatTheLegendofCamelot,he’dtriedtoexplaintoMorganFayette,the

productionsupervisor,thathavingaVikingKnightwashistoricallyridiculous,butshe’djuststaredat
himblanklybeforeaskinghimtopleasegethiscostumeonandgethisassuponhismountbeforethe
showstarted.

Ormaybeitwasbecause—andthisspeculationbotheredColtsomuchthathetriedtopushitout

ofhismindalmosttheseconditarrived—VerityGwynnwasexactlythesortofgirlthathequietly
dreamedofbutneverattracted.

HerefocusedonLynette,tuningbackintoherdiatribe.
“...andifyoueverpullastuntlikethatagain,Iwillhavenoproblemthrowingyourmoodyass

outthe...”

Hetuggedhisbottomlipbetweenhisteeth,tryingtolookcontriteashismindefficiently

producedapictureofVerity’sbright,beamingsmileforhistorment.Lightskin.Freckles.Pinklips.
Darklashes.Blueeyes.Deepblueeyeslookingupathimwithneed,withhope,withgratitude.

Hedidn’trealizehewasholdinghisbreathuntilheletitgoinasofthiss.
ThewomenthatColtattractedwerenothinglikeVerity.Theywereexperienced,overconfident,

sexed-uphuntresseswhosoughthimoutatthestablesaftertheshowtofulfillafantasy.Theywere
lookingforadark,sexyknighttothrowthemdownonthehayandhavehisway,andsometimes—
moreoftenthannot—hewashappytoobligethem,playingupthecharacterofVikingKnightwith
snarlsandgrowls,flexinghismusclesashepouncedonthemformeaninglesssex.

Afterward,intheawkwardfarewellthatfollowed,hefeltembarrassedbythewaytheylookedat

him—likeapieceofmeatthey’dboughtatthebutcherandsampledfortheirfleetingpleasure.These
quickassignationsdidn’tringtriumphant.Theylefthimfeelingresentfulandbrittle,usedand
disposable,andhehatedthequietlongingdeepinsidethatcriedoutformore.Heignoredit.He
silencedit.

Becausepetite,pretty,girlsnextdoorlikeVerityGwynndidn’tlookatboyslikeColtonLane.

Neverhad.Neverwould.Theywerelookingforsomegoody-two-shoescollegeboywhoworkedas
abankerorlawyerandhadneverbeeninanytrouble.Anditwasprobablyforthebest.Hell,he’d
probablybreakherinhalfwithhisbodyalone,andifshesomehowsurvivedthat,he’dfinishoffthe
jobbybreakingherheartwithhistaciturn,lonerways.Hewasbetteroffalone.Andagirllikethat
wasdefinitelybetteroffwithoutamanlikehim.

“...me!ImakethehiringdecisionsforTheLegendofCamelot,notyou!Doyouunderstand?

Colton!Areyouhearingme?Do.You.Understand?”

Coltnoddedhishead.“Yes,ma’am.”
Lynettehuffedangrilyassheopenedhercardoorandsnatchedtheboxofapplications,pens,and

flyersfromhisarms.“Neveragain!”

“No,ma’am,”hesaid,turningawayfromhercar.
“Stupidmuscle-head,”shemutteredassheslammedthedoorshut.
Alreadyseveralpacesaway,Coltonstoppedinhistracks,clenchinghisjawwithfuryasshe

pulledoutofherparkingspaceandheadedfortheexit.

“Fuckyou!”hebellowedassheturnedoutoftheparkinglotandontoabusymainstreet.Pulling

theasininehelmetfromhishead,hechuckeditacrossthelotandwatcheditbounceoverthetopsof
carsbeforefinallyfallingtothegroundwithaclatter.Herippedthefurcapefromhisthroat,hurling
itintoapuddleofgreasywaterontheasphalt,whereheleftit,soiledandabandoned.

Fuckher,hethoughtagain,asheyankedhiskeysfromthepocketofhisjeansandstrodetoward

hiscar.Whothefuckwassheanyway?Arecruiterforashitty,knock-offdinnertheater.Adried-up
oldhagwhocheckedouthisbodylikeaslaveringbitchinheat,thendressedhimdownforhelpinga
younggirlattheendofherrope.

Scowlingashefoundhiscar,heunlockedthedoorandslippedinsidetheveritableovenwithan

angrygrunt.

JuneinAtlantawasrelentlesslyhot,anditdidnothingtosoothehistemper.Butthethingis?He

wasn’tjustangryatLynette.Hewasfuriouswithhimselftoo.

Thelastthingheneededwastobeonsomeone’sshitlist.Hisonlyaiminlifewastokeephis

headdown,makemoney,andlivequietly,andhe’djustfuckedthatup,puttinghimselfonLynette’s
shortlistofpeopletocan.Why?Forapairofprettyfuckingeyes?Well,screwthat.MissDown-On-
Her-Luckandhergoogly-eyedsidekickcouldfendforthemselvesfromhereonout.Hewasfinished
playingtheGoodSamaritan.

“Don’tstickyourneckout,stupid,”hesaid,shakinghisheadasheturnedthekeyintheignition.
Heopenedthewindowstoletouttheheatandturnedtheair-conditioningonfullblast,feeling

beadsofsweatslipdownthesidesofhisfaceasheputthecarinreverseandedgedoutoftheparking
space.Rollingupthewindows,heheadedfortheexit,buthiseyeswerepulledtotheleftasthelight
turnedred.There,atthebusstop,intheblaringlate-afternoonsun,VerityandRyanGwynnstoodside
bysideintheswelteringheat,waitingforabus.AndbecauseitwasaSunday,Coltknewtheycouldbe
thereforawhile.

“Eyesforward.Don’teventhinkaboutit,”hemutteredaloud.Hestaredattheredlightthrough

thewindshield,tappinghisfingersonthesteeringwheelimpatientlyashewilledittochange.

Hislipstwitchedwhenhiseyesslidtotheleftagainasiftheyhadamindoftheirown.Anddamn

itifVerityGwynndidn’tchoosethatexactmomenttolookover,herprettyfacesplittingintoagrin
ofrecognitionasshewavedathim.Andfuckifhishanddidn’tliftfromthesteeringwheelandwave
thefuckback.

That’sallittookforhertosprintovertohiswindow,standingbesidehiscarwithaheat-

reddenedfaceandsparklingblueeyesasshepracticallypressedhernoseagainsttheglass.

Heflickedalookintotherearviewmirrorasthelightturnedgreen,butnoonewasinlinebehind

him,sohedidn’thaveanexcusenottorolldownthewindowandseewhatshewanted.

“Hiagain!”shesaid.
“Hey.”
“I’msogladIranintoyou!I’vebeenthinkingaboutyounonstopsince...”Shedroppedhiseyes

foramoment.Herbottomlipslippedbetweenherteeth,andifthat,coupledwithherwords,wasn’t
thesexiestthinghe’dseeninamillionfuckingyears,hewasn’tsurewhatwas.

Sheshrugged,herfacealittlebashfulwhenshelookedupagain.“Ijustmean...thankyou.

That’swhatIwantedtosay.Thankyousomuch.”

Herwordswerewarmandearnest,butitwashereyesthatdidallthetalking.Softandprofoundly

sweet,theyscannedhisfaceasifitwerehandsome,asifitweresomehowprecious,andhe
desperatelyfoughttheurgetoleanclosertoher.

“Noproblem,”hesaid.“Sheneededsomeonetofillthe,uh,theADAjob.So...”Hegestured

lamelywithonehand.“Workedout.”

“Itsuredid.Allbecauseofyou.”
Herwordsmadehimuncomfortable,andyethefeltanunexpectedmeasureofreliefwhenthe

lightturnedredagain,trappinghiminplacejustasacarpulledupbehindhim.

“Well...,”hesaid,lookingbackatthelightforasecondbeforeraisinghiseyebrowsather.
Sheleanedawayalittle.“Oh.Yeah.Youhavetogo.Ijustwantedtosaythankyou.You’rethe

kindestpersonI’veevermet,Colton.Ifeelsoluckythatyouwereheretoday.”

Shelookeddown,smilingathersmallwhitehandsonthewindowsillforasecondbeforeraising

herheadandsmilingdirectlyathim.Itwasthesortofsmilethatstartedinsomeone’sheartandtook
overherface,andthoughhedidn’tsmileback,hefeltsomethinggiveway.Asthoughhersmilewas
thekeytounhinginghisdefenses,hefeltthemdropashismouthopenedtospeak.

“Youneedaridesomewhere?”
WHAT.THE.FUCK?
Thewordsescapedbeforehehadachancetothinkthemoverorgivethempermissiontobesaid.

Whatthehellwaswrongwithhimandwhythefuckcouldn’themakeasmartdecisionaroundthis
woman?

Impossibly,hereyeslitupevenmore.“Youmeanit?”
No.Hegrimaced.Howcouldheretracttheoffernow?“Uh,sure.”
Shesearchedhiseyesdubiously.“Butwe’reallthewayoutinDecatur.”
Thereitwas—achancetosay,“Oh,well.Toobad.Takecare.”Buthedidn’t.Hefuckingdidn’t.
Heglancedupjustasthelightturnedgreen.“It’sfine.Getin.”
Heshrugged,reasoninginternallythatDecaturwasinthesamegeneraldirectionasStone

Mountain,wherehelived.

Shegaspedwithdelight,turnedherhead,andyelled,“Ryan!Wegotaride!Comeon!Beforethe

lightchanges!Comeon,now!”

Coltonleanedforward,watchingoutthepassengerwindowasherbiglugofabrotherloped

overtothecar,hisshirtstainedunderthearmsandaroundtheneckwithbig,wetpatchesofsweat.He
hesitatedatthereardoor.

“Getin,Ry.It’sokay.”
“He’sastranger,Ver ’ty.”
“Hegotusjobs.He’safriend.”
“Oh.He’safriend?Ididn’tknowthat.That’snice.”
“It’srealnice.Yougetinthebackandbuckleup,okay?”
“Yeah,”hesaid,openingthedoorandheftinghisbodyintothecar.“Wecantakearidefroma

friend,Ver ’ty.That’sokay.That’stherule.”

“Sureis,”shesaid,asthelightchangedbacktoredandthedriverbehindthemlaidonthehorn.
“Fuckyou!”yelledColt,rollingdownhiswindowjustenoughtogivetheguythefingeras

Verityslippedintothepassengerseatandslammedherdoorshut.

Shepulledtheseatbeltoverherchestandbuckleditbeforeflashinghimaridiculouslyadorable

smile,bothdimplesdentinghercheeks.

“Readywheneveryouare,”shesaid,foldingherhandsonherlapliketheyweregoingfora

Sundaydrive,which,technically,hesupposed,theywere.

“Fuck,”hissedColt,shakinghisheadasthelightturnedgreenandhesteppedonthegas.

***

“Ourfriendcussesalot,”observedRyanfromthebackseat.“Lotsofcussin’,lotsofcussin’,lotsof
cussin’.”

Verityjerkedherneckaroundtheseattolookatherbrother.“That’snotnice.He’sgivingusa

ridesowedon’thavetostandintheheatandchangebusesthreetimes.Youjustlookoutthewindow
andhushup.”

Shelovedherbrother.Truly,shedid.ButVerityhadawell-documentedcaseoflifelongbadluck.

Shebarelyhadadaywhenonethingwentright—shecouldn’tbearforRyantospoilitwhentwo
things,ajobandaride,hadactuallygoneherway.

“Okay,Ver ’ty,”hesaidglumly,hislipsturningdown.HeliftedhiseyestothebackofColt’s

head.“I’msorry,friend.Didn’tmeannoharm.”

“That’s,uh,it’sfine,”saidColton,hiseyesfixedontheroadahead.
Ryansighed.“MaybeIshouldtakealittlenap.”
“That’sarealgoodidea.Closeyoureyesandrest.”Veritysoftenedhervoiceandherexpression.

“Wegotthosejobs,Ryan.I’mrealproudofyou.”

“I’mreal...proudof...you...Ver ’ty...”
Heclosedhiseyes,andhisvoicedriftedoffasheleanedhisheadagainstthewindow.Watching

himforasecond,Verityfeltapangofguilt.Sheshouldn’thavesnappedathimtohushup.Hewas
right.Theirnewfrienddidcussalot.

Andsmiled...well,nowthatshethoughtaboutit,never.

ButVeritywasagoodjudgeofcharacter,andforallhisgruffwordsanddarkscowls,shehad

seenhiskindnessinaction,andshecouldn’tbelievethatsomeoneaskindasColtonLanecouldmean
themanyharm,cussingornot.

Straighteninginherseat,shefacedforwardagain,lookingattheirnewfriendaskance,and

checkingouthisprofilewhilehedroveinsilence.Asshehadobservedwhentheyfirstmet,hisface
wasn’tconventionallyhandsome.Hisfeaturesweretooblunttobebeautiful.Hisnosehadlikelybeen
brokenatimeortwo—itwasn’tstraight,anditwasslightlythickerontherightside.Squareand
strong,hischinjuttedoutalittlelikeitdaredanothermantotakeaswingatit,andtherewereseveral
scarsonhisface:adiagonalslashacrosshischinandanotherone,morepronouncedandcrescent-
shaped,onhisforeheadoverhislefteye.Hishairwasdirtyblondandshoulder-length,andtherewas
ascruffofblondgrowthonhisjaw.Asforhiseyes,theyweredeeplysetandhooded,whichmade
themlooksuspicious,thoughshe’dseenthemsoftenonceortwice,whichhadmadeherbellytighten
withanunexplainedyearning.

Hereyesslippeddowntothethickmuscleofhisneck,thenlower,tohischest,whichwashidden

behindatightgrayT-shirtthatallowedthecontoursofhisbodytobeimaginedifnotseen.Hewas
rippledwithmuscletone—withridgesthatcouldbeeasilycounted.Hereyestrailedoverthetanned
skinofhisbarearms,lingeringontheveinstwistingaroundhisforearmanddowntohishands.They
wereasbigasRyan’s,buttonedandrugged,thebonespronouncedandangularundertheskin.Her
motherwouldhavecalledthemfarmer ’shands,whichtheywere,shesupposed,sinceheworkedwith
horseseveryday.Sheimaginedthoseroughhandstangledinaleatherstrap,thensheimaginedthem
spanningherwaist,hisfingerslikesandpaperagainsthernakedskin.

Shegulped,flickingherglancelower,totakeinthehardlinesofhishipsandthighsinfaded

denim.Hercheeksflushed,leavinghergratefulthattheAtlantaheathadalreadycoloredthemred.No
doubteverymuscleinhisbodywasjustashuge,hard,andtonedastherestofhim,athoughtthat
madehermouthgrowdryasthelong-ignoredmusclesinherowncore—

“Whereexactlydoyoulive?”
Shejerkedhereyesfromhiscrotch,beyondthankfulthathewasstilllookingoutthewindshield

andhopingthathe’dmissedthewayshe’djustbeenoglinghisbeautifulbody.

“Oh,uh,we’re,uh,stayingataplaceon...Glenellen?”shesqueaked,grimacingather

breathlessness.Whenhedidn’trespond,sheadded,“Exit44offofI-285.”

“Gotit.”
Shetookonelastwistfulglanceathisfacebeforeshiftingherbodytofacefront.“So...Iguess

we’llbeworkingtogether.”

“Mm-hm.”
“Haveyouworkedtherelong?AtTheLegendofCamelot?”
Hiseyesnarrowedasheanswered.“Fewyears.”
“Soyoulikeit,”shesaidbrightly.
“Didn’tsaythat.”
“Soyoudon’t?”sheasked,cockingherheadtotheside.
Hestoppedataredlightandglancedoverather,hisfaceexpressionlessbuthard.“It’sa

paycheck.”

Shesearchedhiseyes.Sheknewtoomuchoftheirkindnesstobelievethattheyweretrulyas

unfeelingashewantedthemtoappear.“Isthereanythingyoureallylikeaboutit?”

Hedroppedhereyesandshrugged,hisbroad,thickshouldersholdingforamomentbefore

lowering.

Wasthatano?Amaybe?Afuckoffandleavemealone?Shesighedsoftly,rubbingherarmsand

wonderingifhewasgoingtoanswerherverballyorifashrugwasallshe’dget.

HeturnedontoI-20headedeastandreachedfortheair-conditioningknob,turningitdowna

little.

“Myhorse,”hesaidsoftly,likehewasn’tusedtogivingwordsaway.Hepausedbeforeadding,

“Andthegym,Iguess.”

Shefeltrelievedtohearhisvoice,toknowthathewasn’tjustignoringher,andshesloweddown

thepaceofherexpectationstoaccommodatehim.ColtonLanewasn’tachatterbox,clearly,butthat
wasokay.Couldbeokayifshesloweddowntoo.

“Youhaveyourownhorse?”sheasked,anxioustokeephimtalking.
Henodded.“Thor.Youknow...”
“Becauseyou’retheVikingKnight,”shesaid,grinningathim.And—ohmyGod!—wasitjusther

imaginationordidhisjawtwitchwithatouchofmerriment?

“Yeah,”hesaid,hisfacesettingquicklybacktostone.
“Andthere’sagym?Atthetheater?”
“Ruleone,”hesaid,givingheradrylookbeforeturningbacktothehighway.“It’snotatheater.

It’sacastle.”

“Um—”
“I’mnotanactor.I’maVikingKnight,”hecontinued,saltinhistone.“Andyoudon’tworkina

giftshop.You’reamerchant.”

“A...merchant.”
Henodded.“They’llcookupawholebackstoryforyouunlessyoucomewithoneprepared

tomorrow.Isuggestthelatter.I’veexperiencedtheformer.”

Thiswasintriguing.“Why?What’syourbackstory?”
“ThatI’moriginallyfromSweden,descendedfromVikings.”
“Whatelse?”
“ThatIwasarrestedforstreetfightinginStockholmandsenttoAmericatolivewithmy

grandparents.”

“Andthen...?”
“Igotintotroublehere.”
“Arrested?”
Hescoffed.“Manytimes.”
“Arealbadboy.”
“Apparently.”
Shegrinnedathim.“HowdidyoufindyourwaytoCamelot?”
Heslidhiseyestoher,nailingherwithadarklook.“Awoman.”
Shefelttheheatstartinhercore,lowinherbelly,spreadingouttowarmherpelvisandbreasts,

herthighsandneck,untilallofherfelttinglyandhot.Fromalook.OhLord.FromJust.One.Look.

Shegulped,hervoicebreathless.“Andthen?”
“Backstory,remember?”Hescoffedsoftly,lookingaway.“It’sjustastory.”
“So,what’syourrealstory?Imean,isanyofyourVikingKnightbackstorytrue?”
Hegaveherasidelongglance.“Whatdoyouthink?”
Hewasblondandgray-eyed:Swedishwasasgoodaguessasany.Hisfacewasrough.Sowashis

voice.Andhisbodyseemedalmostbuiltforfighting.Abadboy?Absolutely.Awomanleadinghim
astray?Certainlypossible.Butmoreliketheotherwayaround.

“I...Idon’tknow.”
“No,”hesaid.“Thestory’snottrue.”Then,underhisbreath,shewassuresheheardhimmutter,

“Notmuchofit,anyway.”Hisbottomlipslippedbetweenhisteethforamoment,andheworriedit
beforelettingitgo.“What’syourstory?”

“NothingasglamorousasyourVikingbeginnings,”sheteased.
Hewassilent,staringoutatthehighway,andVeritydecidedifshewantedtohearsomeone’s

voicefillingthespacebetweenthem,itmightaswellbehers.

“We’refromCamilla.Everheardofit?”Heshookhisheadonce.“Thoughtnot.Noonehas.”She

tookadeepbreathandsighed.“Wehadfiveacresoflandcoveredwithpecantreesandalittle
farmhouseonStrawberryRoadthatmydaddy’sdaddyboughtthedaybeforehemarriedmy
grandma.”

Outthewindowthehighwayzoomedpast,andVeritystaredatthecrispwhitelineonthegray

asphalt.Howdesperatelyshe’dwantedtoleaveCamilla.Butshe’dhadnoideahowharditwouldbe
tostartover,tostartanewlife.“Mydaddypassedonlastyear.Mymotherfollowednotlongafter.
Theywerelikethat,youknow?Alwaysdideverythingtogether.Evendying.”

Besideher,Coltonclearedhisthroat,whichshetookfor“I’msorry.”
Shesighedandturnedtolookathisface.“It’sokay.TheywereoldwhentheyhadRyan.Older

stillwhentheyhadme.Morelikegrandparents,really,whenIthinkaboutit.Theyneverreallyknew
me.AndIneverreallyexpectedthemtolastforever.”

“Yourbrother...”
“Gotkickedintheheadbyamulewhenhewaslittle.BeforeIwasborn.Idon’teverremember

Ryanbeingdifferentthanheisnow.”Sheturnedbacktoglanceatherbrother,athisfaceinrepose
andhismouthopenedwideashesnoredsoftly.“ButIsawpictures.Theysaidhewascleverasafox
whenhewaslittle.”

Inthepictureshiseyeswerewideandbright,mischiefdeepinthecrevicesofhisfacewhenhe

smiled.Shewinced.“Lifeisn’talwaysfair.”

“Amen.”
“Sonowyouknowmylifestory,”shesaid,forcingherselftobrighten.“Yougonnatellme

yours?”

“No,”saidColton,frowningasheshiftedtotheslowlane.
“Okay,”shesaid.“Iaskalotofquestions,butyoudon’thavetoanswerthemunlessyouwantto.I

don’ttakeoffense.Myfriendbackhome,Elaine,shecallsmeMagpie.Youknow,becauseI’mso
chatty.”

“Smartestbirdintheworld,”saidColton,turningoffthehighwayandstoppingattheendofthe

exitramp.

“Isthatright?”sheasked,grinningathim,delightedbythisunexpectedofferingintheirstilted

conversation.“Ididn’tknowthat.”

“Onlynon-mammalthatcanrecognizeitselfinamirror.”
“Well!”sheexclaimed.“That’sinteresting.SoifI’mamagpie,I’mchattyandsmart,huh?”
Hegaveheraquick,annoyedglancebeforepullingforward.“YousaidGlenellen?”
“Uh,yep,”shesaid,suddenlyfeelingself-consciousassherealizedhowclosetheyweretoher

destination.TheirtemporarylodgingsattheThriftyInnembarrassedher.Shewasn’tanxiousfor
Coltontoseethedumpymoteltheycalledhome.

Thefactofthematterwas,however,eventheThriftyInn,at$56.84pernight,hadbecomea

hardshipforthem.Veritydidn’thaveaworkingcreditcard,andhercashwasalmostgone.Shewas
hopingtobuyalittlemoretimetonightbytellingthefrontdeskmanager,Florence,thatsheandRyan
hadgottenjobsandshe’dbeabletopaytheirwholebillinaweekortwo.Well,ifshewasreally
honest,shewashopingtododgeFlorenceforafewmoredaysandthentellher.Thatwouldbebest
because,untilTLOCpaidthem,shewouldn’tbeabletocovertheirbill.

Turningaround,sheplacedahandonRyan’slegandshookit.“Wakeup,Ry.Almostthere.”
Hiseyesflutteredopen,andVeritymadesurethatshekepthereyesonhisbecauseshedidn’t

wanthimtowakeupdisorientedandfrightened.Shesawtheuncertaintypassoverhisfaceforan
instantbeforehisblueeyessettledonhers,andallworryslippedinstantlyaway.

“Hey,Ver ’ty.”
“Hey,handsome.”
“Wehome?”
Shenodded.“Almost.”ThensheturnedtoColton.“Youknow?Icoulduseafewthingsfromthat

Sunocostationrightthere.Justdropusoff?Wecanwalkfromhere.”

“I’mtired,Ver ’ty,”saidRyanfromtheback.“Idon’twannawalkbacktothemotel.”
ColtonflickedhiseyestotheEconoLodgeacrossthestreetfromtheSunoco.“Youstayingover

there?”

Sheswallowed,willingRyantolethergetawaywithonelittle,tinylie.“Yep.”
Nosuchluck.
“No,weain’t,Ver ’ty.We’restayin’attheThriftyInn,friend,”saidRyan,leaningforwardand

pointingright.“It’sdownthereaways,rightnextdoortotheMethodistchurch.Nineteenforty-four
GlenellenStreet.Nineteenforty-fourGlenellenStreetinDecatur,Georgia.Youtoldmetoremember
it,Ver ’ty,justincasewegotseparatedapart.Youforgot,butIremember.Nineteenforty-four
GlenellenStreetinDecatur,Georgia.”

“That’sright,Ryan.”Shenodded,hershouldersslumpingasColtonturnedrightontoGlenellen.

“Mayaswelljusttakeushome.”

CHAPTER3

Whatadump.

Coltwasshockedthatthewordsonthetipofhistonguedidn’tsallyforthashepulledintothe

weed-coveredparkinglotofarun-down,ramshackle,by-the-hour,no-tellmotelaboutahalfmile
downtheroadfromtheSunocostation.He’dseensomecrappyroadsidemotelsinhisday,butthis
onehadtotakethecake.

U-shapedandtwostoriestall,themotelroomshadidenticalonce-red,sun-fadeddoors,some

withnumbers,somewithletters,somewithdoorknockers,somewithout.Achipped,aqua-painted
railingwithverticalbarsoutlinedtheperimeteroftheupperlevel,whileunkemptcementpatios
addedzerocharmtothelower.Runninghisgazeovertheparkinglot,hesawafewsketchy
charactershangingoutbythefenced-in,emptyoutdoorpool,andanothercoupleofmenleaning
againstasodamachinethathadseenbetterdays.Helookeduptoseeamotherholdinghershrieking
babyonthesecond-floorbalcony,gesturingtooneofthemenbythepooltogethisassupstairs.

AsColtpulledintoaparkingspace,heglancedatVerity’sprofile,notingthebrightredcolorof

herface,theuptiltofherchin,andherrod-in-the-spineposture.Shewasembarrassed.He’dstakehis
lifeonit.

Hecuttheengineandturnedtofindhersweetblueeyeslookingupathim,guardedand

defensive.

“It’stemporary,”shewhispered.
“Hereweare,”saidRyancheerfully,reachingforthedoor.“Thankyoufortheride,friend.”
ColtwatchedasVerity’sbrotherexitedthecarandcarefullyclosedthedoorbehindhim,ambling

overtoaground-floorroomnotfarawayandstandingoutsidethefadedreddoortowaitforher.
WhenColtslidhiseyesbacktohers,hewassurprisedtofindthatshehadn’tmoved.Shestaredathim
desperately,searchinghisfacebeforeblinkingbacktears.

“Tornadotookthepecantrees,”shesaidsoftly.“Ididn’tknowthatyouneededtokeepup

paymentsonaninsurancepolicy.Didn’tevenknowwehadaninsurancepolicy.Daddynever...”She
lickedherlips,herperfectpinktonguedartingoutbeforehidingagain.“TherewasjustsomuchI
didn’tknow.”

Coltshrugged,uncomfortablewithsomuchemotion.“You’re,uh,you’redoingthebestyoucan,

Iguess.”

“Iam,”shesaid,blinkinghereyesagain.“We’vebeenfiredfromtwojobssincewegothere.We

just...”Shelookeddownatherlapbeforefindinghiseyesagainandofferinghimasmallsmile.
“Weneededtodaysobadly,Ican’teventellyou.Yousavedourskin.”

Heshookhishead.“No,Ijust—”
“Yousavedus,”sherepeated.Sheflickedaglanceatherbrother,thenlookedbackatColt.“I

wanttogiveyouafewdollarsforgas.Waithere,huh?”
“No,Idon’t...”

Shereachedout,placingonesmallhandonhisarm.
“Don’tshamemebysayingno,”shesaidsoftly.“I’llberightback.”

Hekepthiseyestrainedonherthroughthewindshield,hisarmburningwhereshe’dtouchedhim

—hotandcold,likefireanddryicemixedtogether.Hehuffedsoftly,shakinghisheadandrubbing
hisarm.Damnit,hecouldn’ttakemoneyfromher.Ifshewaslivinginaplacelikethis,shewasin
realtrouble.Whatevermoneyshehad,sheneeded.

Butshehadalreadysprintedovertoherbrother,reachingintoherpursefortheroomkeycard

anddippingitintothelock.Shepulleddownonthedoorleverandpushedforward,butthedoor
didn’tgive.Againshedippedthecard;againshetriedthedoor.Nothing.Shakingherhead,she
dippedthecardathirdtime,butwhenthedoordidn’topen,sheturnedleftandstartedwalkingata
cliptowardthemoteloffice,herbrotherfollowingatherheels.Shedisappearedintotheoffice,and
throughtheglassColtcouldseeheratthedesktalkingtosomeone.Afterafewminutesofheated
debate,sheexitedtheoffice,aduffelbagoverhershoulder,aboxinherarms,andherbrother
weigheddownwithanenormoussuitcaseineachhand.Theystoodthereinfrontoftheoffice,her
brother ’sfaceconfusedasitstareddownathers.Coltleanedforwardandrealizedthathercheeks
werestreakedwithtears,thenwatched,withhisheartinhisthroat,asshelettheduffelfallfromher
shouldertoherelbowandploppeddownonthebenchoutsidetheofficedoor.Stillholdingthebox
onherlap,shebentherheadforward,hershouldersshakingwiththeforceofhersobs.Ryan,who
stillheldthesuitcases,shiftedfromonefoottotheother,backandforth,backandforth,hislips
moving,hisfacefrightened.

Itdidn’ttakearocketscientisttofigureoutthatthey’djustbeenevictedfromthecrappiestmotel

intheGreaterAtlantaarea,andColtwaspositivetheyhadnowhereelsetogo.

“Actlikeyoudidn’tsee,”hemutteredtohimself,unabletolookawayfromhertrembling

shoulders.“Backupanddriveonoutofhere.”

Clenchinghisjawashehissedthroughhisteeth,hishandreachedforthedoorhandle,andhe

swunghisbodyoutofthecarbeforehecouldforcehimselfnotto.Hisshoesscuffedalongthegravel
fromthechippedcementsidewalkashewalkedovertoher.

“’Vic-ted,’vic-ted,’vic-ted,”whisperedRyan,staringdownattheground,stillholdingthe

suitcasesinwhite-knuckledhands.

“It’sokay,”saidColtgently,pryingthesuitcasesfromhisgrip.Hesetonedownonthesidewalk,

thentheother.

“Friend,”saidRyan,staringstraightahead,atColt’sneck.
“Colt,”heanswered.
“Stallion,”saidtheolderman,liftinghisheadtomeetColt’seyes.
“No.My...mynameisColton.”
“Yeah.Okay,”saidRyan.
Pullingouthiswallet,Coltopeneditandpeeledtwodollarbillsfromthefold.“Seethatpop

machineoverthere?”

“Ilikepop,”saidRyan,hislipswigglingupintoahopefulsmile.
“GogettwoCokes,okay?Oneforyouandoneforyoursister.”
“Yeah.TwoCokesformeandVer ’ty.FromColton,”hesaid.Thenheturnedandambledtoward

themachineattheotherendoftheU-shapedmotel.

ColtsatdownnexttoaweepingVerity,spreadingouthislegsinfrontofhimandcrossingthem

attheanklewithasigh.

Goddamnthesetwoanyway.Heapsoftrouble.Acoupleoffoundlingkittensinaworldfullof

wolves.Andwhatnow?Hesureasshitwasn’tgoingtotakethemhomewithhim,sohehopedthey
couldcomeupwithanalternatesolutionbytalking.

“Gotevicted?”
Shenodded,snifflingpitifully,herheadstilldown,tearsfallingintotheopenboxonherlap.
“Gotanyfamilyroundhere?Friends?”
Sheshookherhead,asoft,mewlingsoundofsorrowescapingherlips.
Hereachedintohisbackpocketandtookoutahandkerchief,gladthathisauntJanehadalways

insistedhecarryone.Hepusheditagainstherhand,andherfingersgraspedontoit,slidingthethin
fabricacrossthebackofhishandasshedrewitawayfromhimandwipedhereyes.

“Th-thanks.”Shelookedupathim,hereyesswimmingandcheeksstillslickfromtears.“You

don’thavetost-stay.We’ll,uh...we’llf-figureitout.”

Right.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”heasked.
Sheshookherheadandtookadeepbreaththroughhernose,usingthehandkerchiefonher

cheeksbeforefoldingitonherlapandhandingitbacktohim.“Idon’tknow.There’sachurchnext
door.Maybewecould...”Hervoicedriftedoff.

Helookedovertherustedchain-linkfenceatthedarkchurchandemptyparkinglotnextdoor.

“Listen,Icouldgiveyouafewdollars.Totideyouover.”

Herneckjerkedaround,andhereyeswidenedathissuggestion.“Ican’ttakeyourmoney.”
“Youcould,”hesaid,puttingthedamplinenbackinhispocketasthesundroppedlowerbythe

second,“oryoutwocouldcomestayanightortwowithme.”

Sheblinkedathim,herlipspartinginsurprise.“What?”
Fuck.Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck.WhattheFUCKareyoudoing?
Herubbedhischinwithhisthumbandforefinger.“Imean,it’sgoingtogetdarksoon,and—”
“No!Wedon’tknowyou.Imean,Iappreciatethehelpgettingthejob,andtheride,butwecan’t

just—”

Henodded.“Gotit.”
“Idon’tmeantoinsultyou,”shesaid,hoppingupfromthebench,stillclutchingtheboxinher

handsasthoughitwouldprotectherfromColt’sinappropriatesuggestion.

“I’mnotinsulted,”hesaid,anditwastrue.Infact,itwasthefirstsmartthingshe’ddonesincehe

mether.Whatsurprisedhimwasthat,whilehedidn’tfeelinsulted,hedidfeel,unaccountably,
disappointed.Whateveradventurethey’dbeenontogethertodaywasendinghere,andthoughheknew
itneededto,partofhimfelt...sad.Everythingwouldchangetomorrowwhentheyranintoeach
otheratwork.Aftertherumormillgotgoing,she’dstopmeetinghiseyes,startavoidinghimashe
passedherinthecastlehallways.Thatlookshehadthatborderedonheroworshipwouldquicklyfade
untilsheactedlikeshedidn’tevenknowhisname.Andpartofhimwasalreadymourningthelossof
hersweeteyesandreadysmiles.Nottomention,hefeltalittleworriedaboutthem,leavingthemall
aloneinthisshithole.Buthefiguredthatwasn’thisbusinessandtheyweren’thisproblem.Itwastime
tosaygood-bye.

Henoddedagain,risingtohisfeet.“Well,I’ll,uh,I’llseeyoutomorrow,Iguess.”

Nowthathewasleaving,shesatbackdownonthebenchandlookedupathimwithsadeyes.

“Tomorrow.Right.Andthanksagainfor...everything.”

Givingheronelast,exasperatedlook,heturnedaway,stridingbacktohiscar,callinghimselfa

stupidfoolforgettinginvolvedwithher,forhelpingher,forwishingthat—

“Oh,youwantthispop,dummy?Come’ngitit!”
Lookingacrossthemostlyemptyparkinglot,ColtsawRyanstandingbetweenthetwoshifty-

lookingmenhe’dnoticedearlierastheytossedacanofCokebackandforthoverhishead.

“That’sforVer ’ty,”saidRyan,reachingintheairfortheCokecanasitsailedoverhead.
“Foryourhot-piece-of-asssister?Well,now,youtellhertocomeoverhereandgitit,dum-

dum.”

“Yeah.Tell’ertocomeandgitit,”laughedtheotherman,throwingthecanbacktohisbuddy.

“Onherknees.”

Ryanjumpedupintheairasthecanwaslobbedoverhead,reachingforitwithoutvictory.
“Aw,fuuuuuck,”grumbledColt,shovinghiskeysbackintohispocket.Hesighed,openinghis

trunkquietlyandreachinginsideforacrowbar,thenmadehiswaydeliberatelyacrosstheparkinglot.

Asheapproached,oneofthetwoassholestorturingRyanlookedover,holdingthecaninhis

handwhilehesizedupColt.

“Goonbackthewayyoucame,”hesaid,tossingthesodafromhandtohand.“Ain’tnothin’here

concernsyou.”

“Actually,”saidColt,mimickingtheman’smovements,butwiththecrowbarinsteadofalittle

canofpop,“itdoesconcernme.”

Theotherfuckersneered,showcasingarowofrottenteeth.“Thatright?”
“Yeah,”saidColt,noddingslowly.“That’sexactlyright.”HeshiftedhiseyeslazilytoRyan.“You

okay?”

BigtearswelledinRyan’sbrightblueeyes.“Theytookthecana’popforVer ’ty.”
“Andnowthey’regoingtogiveitback,”saidColt,amenacinggrowlinhisvoiceashecuthis

eyestothedickheadholdingthecanofsoda.

Theredneck’seyesslitnarrow,andhislipcurledwithanger,butthenhisfaceclearedandhe

nodded,ameansmilespreadingoverhisuglyface.

“Yeah.Sure,”hesaid.“Hereyougo,dummy.”HoldinghisarmsouttowardRyan,theman

crackedopenedthesodacanandcackledwithgleeasthepopexplodedalloverRyan’sdressshirtand
pants,coveringhisfaceandhairinashowerofCoke.

Ryancriedout,shieldinghiseyes.
“Stop!”screamedVerityfrombehindColt,runningacrosstheparkinglot.“Stopit!Leavehim

be!”

Coltfacedher.“Staybehindme.”ThenheturnedbacktoRyan,jerkinghisheadtowardVerity.

“Gostandwithyoursister.”

“Yeah,”saidoneofthetwomotherfuckers,betweengaspsofhyena-likelaughter,“gostandnext

toyoursister,retard!”

ColtonLanehadalwayshadatemper.
Always.

Always.
Ithadgottenhimintotroublebefore,thattemper.Hefeltitnow,rageandfurychurninginside

likeatwister,turningandfrothing,boilingandfreezing—theheatreadyinghimtofightandthecold
strippinghimofanyhumanitythatmightmoderatehiswrath.

Inamovehe’dperfectedatwork,hebenthiskneesanddrewhisarmback,strikingforthwiththe

crowbaragainstthefirstone’sthighlikethehammerofThor.Asickeningcrunchsounded,andthe
manscreamedinpain,fallingtothegroundashisbrokenfemurgaveway.

Behindhim,Verityscreamed,butColtignoredher,advancingontheotherman,whosewide,

terrifiedeyesbeggedformercy.Hestumbledbackwardandfellontothecement,astainofwetness
spreadingacrossthecrotchofhisshortsandmakingapuddleontheground.Coltraisedthecrowbar
tostrikeagain—

“Colton!”shescreamedagain.“No!Nomore!”
Hegasped,thecrowbarhighoverhishead,muchhigherthanthecanofpophadbeenwhenthe

twomenwerethrowingitbackandforth.Frozen,asthoughhisbodycouldmoveonlyifshegave
himleave,hepantedthroughafogoffury,waitingforhertospeakagain...butshedidn’t.

Shedidn’tsayanythingatall.
Outofnowhere,hersmallhandslockedaroundhischest,embracinghim.Hersmallbreasts

pressedupflushagainsthisback,hercheekrestedonhisT-shirt.Hefelttheinandoutofherchestas
shedrewquick,evenbreathsbehindhim.

“Nomore,”shesaidgently,hervoicecalm,soft,andwhite,cuttingthroughtheraw,redhazeof

hisrage.“That’senough,now.”

Pantinginjaggedspurts,heloweredthecrowbarslowly,closinghiseyesandclenchingthem

shutforamomentbeforeopeningthemagain.Hiseyesshutteredbackandforthbetweenthetwomen
—onelyingonhisbacksobbinginpain,theotherwhimperinginapoolofhisownpiss.Coltgave
themeachahardlook,thenspatonthegroundbetweenthem.

WithoutlookingbackatVerity,hecoveredherhandswithhis,carefullypulledthemawayfrom

hisbody,thenheadedbacktohiscar.

***

Veritylookedattheuninjuredmancoweringonthegroundandraisedherchin.“Callanambulance
foryourfriend.Ithinkhemighthavebrokenhisleg.”

“Thatguyisfuckingcrazy!”hescreamedwithwild,frightenedeyes.
Sheadvancedontheman,fistsclenched,readytofinishwhatColthadstarted.“I’llcallhimback

hereandyoucansaythattohisface!”

Themanshookhishead,puttinghishandsupinsurrender.“No!Don’tdo...just...justgo.”
“Youshouldn’tpickondefenselesspeople,”shesaid,reachinguptoswipeatarunawaytear.

“Shameonbothofyou.Yougotwhatyoudeserved.”

Turningaround,shelookedupintoherbrother ’sfrightened,confusedeyes.“Comeon,Ry.”
“Wherewegoin’,Ver ’ty?”
“WithColton,”shesaid,takingRyan’shandandleadinghimacrosstheparkinglottoColton’s

car.

Histrunkwasopen,andhewasthrowingthecrowbarbackinsideassheapproached.

“Youroffer,”shecalled.“Doesitstillstand?”
“My...?”
“Youroffertoputusupforanightortwo.”
Hisbrowsfurrowed,butheleanedclosertoher,asthoughhecouldn’tpossiblybehearingher

correctly.“Afterthat...afterwhatjusthappened,youwantto...”

Shenodded,holdinghiseyes.“Getthesuitcases,Ryan.”Asherbrothercollectedtheir

belongings,shenoddedagain.“Notafterthat.Becauseofthat.”

Hiseyeswidened.“ButIjust...Ilostit.Youshouldbe...Imean,aren’tyou...?”
“Scaredofyou?”Shesteppedclosertohim.“No.”
Hewasn’thandsome.Notbyalongshot.Butnoone—notanyone—hadeversteppedintodefend

herbrotherlikeColtonLanehadjustdone.Soshewasn’tafraidofhim,andshecertainlydidn’tcare
thathiswasn’ttheprettiestfaceintheroom.Therewasevenashockingpartofherthatdidn’tcare
he’djustbrokenaman’slegwithasingle,lethalblow.She’ddealwithherfeelingsaboutthatlater.
Allshecaredaboutrightnowwasthefactthathehadhelpedthem,notonce,nottwice,butthreetimes
goingonfour.Herheartswelledwithgratitudeforthisstrange,gruffgiantwho’dbeenhersavior
today.

Shereachedupandcuppedhisleftcheek,restingherpalmagainsthishot,bristlyskinandtilting

herheadtothesideasshegazedupathim.

“Whoareyou?”sheasked,hervoiceabrokenwhisper.
Hiseyes,deepandgray,searchedhers,scanningthemlikehecouldn’tfigureherout.Finallyhe

shrugged,butitwasaweakmovement,likehewasjustasconfusedandoverwhelmedasshewas.

“Noone.Justaguy.”
Sheshookherhead.“No.You’renotjustaguy.I’vemetplentyofguys.You’re...different.”
“Here’sthesuitcases,”saidRyancheerfully,bumpingintoherasheluggedthemovertothe

trunk.

Shedroppedherhandandsteppedaway,staringatthegroundforamomenttogatherherwits

beforelookingupatColton.“So?Arewestillinvited?Tostayatyourplace?”

Insteadofanswering,Coltonreacheddownforthesuitcasesandheftedthemintothetrunk,

slammingitshutbeforegivingherahardlook.

“Gogettheboxandduffel,”shetoldRyan,withoutdroppingColt’seyes.Sheraisedher

eyebrowsinquestiononcetheywerealoneagain.

“Ijustbrokeaman’sleg,”Coltsaid.
“Isaw.”
“Youshouldn’tcomehomewithme.”
Sheheardhiswords.Shelistenedtothemandprocessedthemandletthemrollaroundinher

headforalongminutebeforedecidingthat,regardlessoftheviciousnessofhisattackonthosemen,
he’dtreatedherandherbrotherwithnothingbutkindnesstoday.He’dhelpedthem,savedthem,
protectedthem,and,ifanything,hisangeroverRyan’smistreatmentendearedhimtoherevenmore.

“I’mnotafraidofyou,”shesaid.
Hisfaceturnedfromconcernedtodeeplyirritated.“Howhaveyoustayedalivethislong?”
Fromnowhere,agigglestarteddeepinsideher,swirlingupfromherbellytoherthroat,tickling

hertongueandopeningherlips.Itdiedbeforeitcouldtakeflight,butitsintentiontiltedherlipsintoa
bigsmile.

“Idon’tknow.”
“Igot’em,Ver ’ty,”saidRyan,standingbesideher,holdingthebagandboxinhisarms.
“Getinthebackseatandbuckleup,Ry,”shesaid,stillgrinningupatColtonLane’sscowlingface

asanambulancesirensoundedinthedistance.“It’stimetogo.”

CHAPTER4

Colt’shousewasn’texactlyglamorous.

Thatsaid,itwascleanandtidyandalotbetterthantheThriftyInn.
He’dinheriteditfromAuntJaneandUncleHermanaftertheypassedon,afewyearsback.

They’dhadonlyonechild—hiscousin,Melody—butshewasn’tinapositiontotakecareofit,sothe
house,a1960sbrickCapeCodcottageonamainroadinStoneMountain,hadbeenlefttohim.

Ithadthreesmallbedrooms,abathroomupstairsandanotherdown,alivingroom,adining

room,akitchen,andabackpatio.HekeptthefrontlawnneatlymowedandmulchedAuntJane’s
hydrangeasbythefrontstoopeverysummer,buthedidn’thavemuchofagreenthumb,soheleftitat
that.Plus,withmostofhistimespentatTheLegendofCamelot,hedidn’thavealotoffreetimefor
gardening.

Forafewminutes,astheypulledoutoftheparkinglotandheadedbacktothehighway,he’d

beenworriedaboutthepoliceconnectinghimorVeritytotheman’sinjury,butshehadn’tuseda
creditcardforherstayanddidn’thaveapermanenthomeaddress.Themencouldhavetakendown
hislicenseplatenumberashepeeledoutoftheparkinglot,buthedoubtedit.Oneofthemhadstill
beenonhisback,andtheotherwasleaningoverhisfriendwithhisbacktoColt’scarwhenhelooked
backinhisrearviewmirror.Besides,guyslikethat?Itwasunlikelythepolicewouldbecalledora
reportwouldbefiled.Coltwouldbesurprisediftheyhadn’talreadyhadsometangleswiththelaw,
andhewasquitesuretheyweren’tinterestedindrawingattentiontothemselves.

VeritywasuncharacteristicallyquietastheydrovethefifteenminutesfromDecaturtoStone

Mountain,staringoutthewindowwhileRyanmumbled“pop”and“’vic-ted”fromthebackseatuntil
hedozedoff.Colthadn’tknownherlong,butaquietVeritywasnewforhim,andhewonderedwhat
wasgoingoninherhead.Shewasindesperatestraits,thatwasforsure,andprobablymorethana
littleapprehensiveaboutstayingwithhim,eventhoughshe’dinsistedshewasn’tafraidofhim.

IthadbeenawhilesinceColthadlostcontroltothedegreehehadtoday.Months,atleast.

WorkingasaVikingKnightallowedhimachancetofightinthearenaeverynightandtwiceon
SaturdaysandsomeSundays,andsure,itwasplay-fighting,butitstillburnedoffthesteamofrage
thathecarriedinside.

ButseeingthatredneckshitbagopenthatcanofpopinRyan’sfacemadesomethinginsidehim

snap.Allhisanger—allhisdeeplyburiedfury—hadrushedtothesurfacesofast,itshouldhavemade
himdizzy.Didhefeelbadforbreakingthatdickweed’sleg?Godhelphim,hedidn’t.Hopefullyafew
monthsinacastwouldmakethatassholethinktwicebeforehepickedonsomeonewhoclearly
wasn’tplayingwithafulldeck.

Sighingsoftly,heshotanotherlookatVerity,whoworriedherbottomlipbetweenherteeth.
“Youokay?”heasked.
“Yeah.”Sheturnedfromthewindow,herfacebrighteningwithasmallsmilelikesheknewhe

neededit.“Iwasjustthinking...lifeisrealstrange,isn’tit?”

“Guessso,”hesaid,turningoffthehighway,relievedtohearhertalkingagain.
“ThismorningIwokeupwithonelife,andtonightIgotosleepwithadifferentone.Whatelse

doyouknowcanchangethatfast?”

“Theweather,”hesaid,lookingoutthewindshield,stoppingforaredlight.
Hewassurprisedtofeelherpointylittleelbowjabhimintheforearm.“Didyoujustmakea

joke?”Shegasped,grinningathim.“Imaypassoutifyoudid.”

Hepursedhislips.“Noneedforthevapors.”
“Asecondjoke?”sheasked,laughingsoftly.“Wondersnevercease!”
Coltglancedoverather,watchingherdimplesastheydeepened,makingherlookimpishand

young.Hadhethoughtherplainearliertoday?Fuck,he’dbeenblind.Shewasn’tplain.Shewasn’t
evenjustpretty.Shewas...shewas...

“Lightchanged,”shesaid,andColtjerkedhisgazeawayfromher.
...different.
“Whatyoudidbackthere?”shesaid.
Hisfingerscurledaroundthesteeringwheel,bracinghimselfforcensureorfear.“Mmm.”
“Seemedlikemaybeyou’ddoneitbefore.”
“Ifightintheshoweverynight.”
“Oh,right,”shesaid.“Ididn’tthinkofthat.”
Theywerealmostathishousenow.
“Yousureyoudon’twantmetotakeyoutoahotel?Thereareacouple—”
“I’msure.”
“Okay,then,”hesaid,turningright,intohisdriveway.
Insteadofpullingintothedarkgarage,hestoppedinfrontofit,puttingthecarinparkand

cuttingtheengine.Hesatstillforamoment,waitingforhertosaysomething.Whenshedidn’t,he
turnedtolookather,andthesweetnessofherfacemadehisbreathcatch.

Shestaredatthemodesthouselikeitwassomethingspecialorbeautiful,herlipspartedandher

eyessoft.Hewatchedashergazetouchedsoftlyonthewhite-paintedbrick,thebrightblue
hydrangeasthatflankedthefrontsteps,thediamond-cutglasswindowsoneithersideofthefront
door,andthebaywindowinthelivingroom.

“Thisisyourhouse?”shemurmured.
“It’snotmuch,but...”
“Iloveit,”shesaid,turningtosmileathim.“Idon’tknowwhatIexpected.You’resuchagiant,I

guessIthoughtyou’dliveina...”

“What?Acave?Acastle?”
Sheshrugged,lookingbackatthehouse,herfacefilledwithwonder.“It’sjustanicelittlehouse.”
Hesighed.“I’maknight,notaking.”
Whenshedidn’trespond,heopenedhisdoorandleftherthere,poppingopenthetrunkand

takingoutthetwosuitcases.Peekingintherearwindow,hesawthatRyanwasstillasleep,sohe
closedthetrunkgentlyandpickedupthecases,headingforthefrontdoor.Behindhim,heheardher
cardooropen,andhelookedbacktoseeherfollowinghim.

“OkayifIlethimnapforafewmoreminutes?”
“He’llbeokay?”
Shenodded.“HesleepslikealoguntilIwakehimup.”

Unlockingthefrontdoor,heprecededherintothehouse,headingstraightupthestairs.“Isleep

downstairs.Youtwocanstayuphere.Bathroom.”Hegesturedtothedoorinthemiddleofthe
hallwayatthetopofthestairs.“Onebedroomleft.Theotherright.”

“DoesitmatterwhichoneItake?”
“Theleftonebelongedtomycousin,Melody.Mayaswelltakethatone,”hesaid,placingher

suitcasesonthecarpetedfloorofthesmallhallway.Hehadn’tredecoratedtheupstairsbedrooms,so
Melody’sroomwasstillwallpaperedwithbunchesofpurpleviolets,andhisoldroom,totheright,
wasstillwallpaperedwithairplanes.HefiguredRyanmightlikethoseoldplanescoveringthewall,
andhelikedtheideaofVeritywakinguptoflowerstomorrowmorning.

“Thankyou.”
Heturnedtofaceher,andsuddenlythetinyhallwayfeltsosmall,itwasliketherewasn’tenough

airforbothofthem.ShelookedupathimlikehewasSupermanandBatmanandeveryother
superherorolledupintoonestupidVikingKnight.Andthat’swhenheknew:hehadtobecareful.He
couldn’tgetattachedtoher.He’dhavetofightagainstitbecausethewayshelookedathimmadehim
feelinvincible—likeaherooraknightorjustagenuinelygoodguywhodidn’tjustbreaksome
asshole’sleg.

“Iwantyoutoknow,”hesaidquickly,gulpingsoftlybeforecontinuing,“whatIdidtothatguy?I

wasmad.ButI...I’dneverhurtyou...youoryourbrother.”

Shenodded,herexpressionserene,hervoicegentle.“Iknowthat.”
Fornogoodreasonhewantedtoyellather,Youdon’tknowthat!Youdon’tknowanythingabout

me!Youdon’tknowwhatI’mcapableof.Youdon’tknowwhatI’vedone.Don’tbesofuckingtrusting
oryou’regoingtogethurt!

Feelingascowlcomingon,helookeddownathisshoesandmuttered,“Ididn’tplanfor

comp’nytonight,butI’llseewhatI’vegotinthefridge.”

“Pleasedon’tgooutofyourway.”
“Nobother,”hesaid,takingasteptoedgepastherandheaddownstairs.
“Colton,”shesaid.
Hestopped,hishipflushwithhers,excruciatinglyawareofhersmall,softbodybesidehim.He

wassoclosetoherthathecouldsmellher—laundrydetergentandsunshineandkindnessand
goodness—andhefoughttheurgetoclosehiseyesandinhaleasdeeplyaspossible,tolockawaythe
memoryofthislovelygirlstandinginhishome,totuckitawayforanothertime,whenshewaslong
goneandhewasallaloneagain.

Hervoicewaswarmandsoft.“‘Thankyou’doesn’tseemlikeenough,butIdon’tknowwhatelse

tosay.”

Herememberedthefeelingofhersmallarmsembracinghimintheparkinglotofthemotel—the

wayshepressedherbodyagainsthis,extinguishingthefireofhisfurywithhergentlecalm.Without
awordshehadsoothedtheragingbeastinsidehim,hertouchtransforminghimfromamaniactoa
man.Whatpowerfulmagicshewieldedinsidehersmallbody,andhowdesperatelyhecravedits
peace.

Theywerebothstill.Unmoving.Barelybreathing,thoughhecouldfeeltheslightmovementof

herchestbesidehimassheinhaledandexhaledinshallowbreaths.Shewassoclosethathisskin

prickledwithawareness,withlonging,withexcitement,withoverwhelmingattraction,and,
ultimately,withacruelwarning:

Don’twantwhatyoucan’thave,stupid.
“You’rewelcome,”hesaidgruffly,brushingpasthertoheaddownthestairs.

***

Anhourlater,VerityandRyansatacrossfromColtonatapicnictableonhisbackpatioeatingtuna
saladsandwichesonhotdogbunswithpotatochipsandpicklesontheside.Itwasn’tfancy,butColton
hadpreparedithimselfandsetthesimpletablewithpaperplates,napkins,andthreecansofpop.
EverythingwasreadywhensheandRyanhadfinishedsettlinginandcomebackdownstairs.

Hewassostrange,thisunlikelyknightwhohadgrudginglytakenthemunderhiswing,helping

themgetjobsandgivingthemaplacetostay.Shehadn’tknownhimlongerthanahandfulofhours,
andhegrousedandhuffedandscowlednearconstantly.Yet,inhisownway,hehadsavedthemmany
timestoday,andVeritycouldn’thelpthewarmthshefelttowardhim.Wait,warmth?No,scratchthat.
Shelookedathimacrossthetableandfelthertummyfillwithbutterflies,makingherbreathless.
Whatevershewasfeeling,itwasfarmoreexciting,morecaptivating,moreintoxicating,than
warmth.

Nooneinherlifehadreallylookedoutforher.Hermotherwasforty-sixwhenshe’dhadVerity,

herfatherfifty-two.Ryanwastheirmainconcern,forobviousreasons,andVerity,byandlarge,was
lefttofendforherself.She’dspentalotoftimeatherfriendElaine’shousegrowingup.Whenshe
andElainestartedbuddingbreasts,itwasElaine’smotherwhotookthegirlstoWalmartfortraining
bras.Whenshegotherfirstperiod,itwasElaine’smotherwhoinstructedheronhowtousea
tampon.Herownmother,whilesweet-natured,hadherhandsfullwithtendingtoRyanandthefarm.
Andherfather,who’dmanagedthepecanfarmwithonlyRyanforhelp,justdidn’thaveawholelot
oftimeforhisdaughter.

Itwasn’tanunhappylife,really,butVerityhadgrownupfeelingstrangelylonesome.Shehada

goodfriend,parentswhomadesureshehadallthebasics,andabrotherwhofollowedheraround
likeapuppy.Butshedidn’thaveanolderbrother.Notintheconventionalsense.Notinthewayher
hearthadbeenpromised,byvirtueoftheirbirthorder.Notinthesenseofsomeonewholookedafter
herandprotectedherandmadesuretheotherboystreatedherright.Despitetheirbiologicalbirth
order,Veritywastheolderchildinherfamily,andbecauseofit,shewouldlongforanoldersibling
fortherestofherlife.

SotomeetColton,andforhimtohelpher,tobekindtoher,todefendandprotectthem,andgive

themaplacetostay?Hehadnoidea,ofcourse,buthisactionstodayhadinadvertentlyfulfilleda
longing—avisceralneed—deepinsideVerity’sheart,anditmadeherattachmenttohimquicken.He
wasolderbyafewyears,sheguessed,andsexierthananymanhadarighttobe,whichmeanthewas
wayoutofherleague,butshecouldn’thelpthefuriousflutteringofherheartwhenshelookedathis
faceacrossthetable.

“Mynewbedroomhasplanesonthewall,”saidRyan,breakingthesilence.“Ineverbeenona

plane,butIstilllikethem.”

“Itisn’tyournewbedroom,”saidVeritygently,givingColtonanapologeticlook.“We’rejust

hereforadayortwo.”

Coltonshiftedhiseyesfromhertoherbrother.“Gladyouliketheroom.”
“Wasitusedt’beyours?”askedRyan.
Coltonnoddedbeforetakingalargebiteofhissandwich.
“Ain’thadmyownroomsinceweleftStrawberryRoad,”saidRyan.“AndVer ’tysaysIsnore

likealoco—loco—uh,aloco—”

“—motive.”ShenoddedatRyan,thengrinnedatColton.“It’strue.Justbegladyourbedroomis

downstairs.”

“Oh,gosh!”exclaimedRyan,suddenlyleapingupfromthetableandknockingoverVerity’scan

ofpop.“Yougotrabbitshere.Ver ’ty,look!Ournewhousegotrabbits!”

Sherightedhercanandlookedacrosstheneatsquareofgreengrassinthebackyardtoseea

smallgroupofrabbitsattheedgeofthelawn,theirgrayfursoft-lookinginthelavendertendrilsof
lightfromthedyingsun.

Withsurprisinggrace,Ryanapproachedthem,stoppingseveralyardsawayandmumbling

unintelligiblewordsofreassurance.Thoughtheynotedhisgiantpresence,notoneofthebunnies
hoppedawayinsurpriseorfear,andVeritysmiled.

Afteramoment,Colton’sbodyshiftedbackaround,butVeritykepthergazeonherbrother,who

squatteddownonthegrass,inquietcommunionwiththefourlittlebeingswholookedupathim
curiously,maybeevenreadytoadopthimandinvitehimintotheirburrow.

You’regoodwithanimals,Ryan.Alwayshavebeen.Pleaseletthemseeittomorrow.
Finally,whenshecouldnolongerignorehimstaringather,VerityshiftedhereyestoColton’s,

gulpingatthebroodingannoyanceshefoundunderhishoodedgaze.Inaninstant,shesawherself
andRyanashemustseethem—anoafishman-childandhishelplessslipofalittlesister,who
couldn’ttakecareofthemselves,asweakandvulnerableasthosebunniesinthecornerofhisyard.

Andwithwhatcouldonlybedescribedascrushingdisappointment,shesawclearlythefrankness

oftheirincompatibility.Hewasamodern-dayVikingKnightwhocouldbreakaman’slegwitha
singleblow.Sexyandstrong,hesurelyhadhispickofgorgeouswomenwhocouldmatchtheir
beautifulbodiestohis.Coltonhummedwithelectricity,withenergy,withbarelyrestrainedintensity,
andVerity,withherplainface,tinybuild,andtrainwreckofalife,waslikelytheleastappealing
womanColtonLanehadevermet.

“Ipromisewewon’tstaylong,”shemurmured.“I’lltalktoRyansoheknowsthatthisisjust

temporary.I’msorryifhemadeyouuncomfortable.”

Coltondidn’tsayanything.Hejustcontinuedtostareather,hiseyebrowsfurrowedtogetherwith

annoyance,whichmadehercontinuebabbling.

“He’slikeachild.Hedoesn’talwaysunderstand,youknow,thewaytheworldworks.”
Sheglancedoveratherbrother,whowassittingonthegrass,hislegsspreadoutbeforehim

lazilyastherabbitssniffedathissize-thirteensneakersandcontinuedmunchingonthegrass.

“Ihavetogosomewhere,”saidColtonsuddenly.“I’llbegoneforanhourorso.”
“Sure,”saidVerity,scanninghisfaceforcluesabouthisabruptdeclaration,buttherewerenone.

“Icancleanuphere.”

Henodded,standingup.“It’sasafeneighborhood,butifI’mnotbackbeforeyouheadtobed,

lockup.I’llgetyouakeytomorrow.”

“Oh,Idon’tneed—”
“Whetheryoustayforonenightortwo,youmayaswellhaveakey.”
Ortwo.Twonights.Sothereitwas.Agentlewarning.Sheneededtofigureoutsomethingelse

forherandRyanbyTuesdaynight.

Well,maybeshecouldtalktoLynetteaboutanadvance.Ormaybe,nowthattheyhadjobs,she’d

beapprovedforacreditcard.Ifnot,maybeColtoncoulddrivethemtoalocalshelter?Theycould
staythereforawhileuntiltheygottheirfirstpaychecksandthenfindamotelsomewherenearabus
stopsothat—

“What’reyouthinkingabout?”
Hisvoicecutthroughthefrantichamsterwheelofherthoughts,andshejerkedherheadupto

lookathim.Heblockedmostofthesettingsun,whichhadtheeffectofmakinghimlooklikehewas
onfire—bathedinflames,butstandingtall.Sittingbeforehim,shefeltsosmall,solost,so
inconsequentialandridiculous,tearsburnedthebacksofhereyesandherlonging—tobesafe,tobe
settled,tobecomfortable,tobeunafraidofthefuture—wassooverwhelming,alumproseinher
throat.Itwasimpossibletoswallowoverit,soshelookeddownatthetableinmisery.

“Spititout,”hemuttered.
Hewasagoodman.Suchagoodman,infact,thatherworriesmighteventranslateintoaburden

forhim,andshedidn’twantthat.He’dalreadydonesomuchforthem,thelastthingheneededwas
somestrangewomanfallingapartathispicnictablebecauseshehadnowheretogo.Reachinginside
forthestrengththathadgivenherthecouragetoleaveCamilla,towalkintothatjobfairthis
afternoon,andtoacceptColtonLane’skindness,shepushedpastthelumpandblinkedbackthetears,
lookingupathiminallhissearing,godlikebeauty.

“I’mthinkingthatIhaveneverknownsomeoneaskindasyou.AndwhenIsaymyprayers

tonight,you’llbethethingIammostthankfulfor,ColtonLane.”

Hisjawclenchedashestareddownather,butotherwisehisfacewasinscrutable,hardandstillas

stone.

Finallyhenoddedonce—acurtjerkofhisneck—andsaid,“Don’tforgettolockup,”before

stalkingbackintothehouseandlettingthescreendoorbangshutbehindhim.

CHAPTER5

Coltlookedtohisright,whereVeritysatbesidehimonthewaytowork,wearingdarkjeansanda
yellowV-neckT-shirt,thetanseatbeltstrapcuttingthroughthesmallmoundsofherbreasts.

He’dsleptlikeshitlastnight.
Stayingoutlongerthanhe’dneededto,hehadn’tgottenhomeuntilteno’clock,tofindthehouse

darkandquietandthefrontandbackdoorslocked,ashe’drequested.Thekitchenwascleanand
smelledofthelemon-scentedcounterspraythatVeritymusthaveusedtocleanupbeforebed.The
kitchentablewassetforthreewiththepink-floweredchinaplatesthathadbarelybeenusedsinceAunt
Janepassed,andVerityhadleftanotethatread:Thankyouforsupper.I’lltakecareofbreakfast.V.
He’dstaredatthetableforalongwhile,feelinghisaunt’sgentlespiritintheroomwhereshe’dspent
somuchofherlifecookingforhersmallfamily.

AuntJane,withhercheerful,unevensmileandsparkling,lightbrowneyes,wouldhaveapproved

ofVerity.ShewouldhaverespectedthewayVeritywastryingtocareforherdisabledbrotheragainst
theodds,thethoughtasharpjabatColton’sheartevenasitcomfortedhim.

Hesighed,walkingpastthetableandheadingtohisbedroom,whichhadbeenbuiltasanaddition

ontheothersideofthekitchen.Downashorthallway,hepassedtwolinenclosets,abathroom,anda
walk-incloset,andfinallyenteredthelargemasterbedroom,whichhadamassiveskylight,aking-
sizebed,aflat-screenTV,atreadmill,andarackoffreeweightsandaliftingbench.

Hegrabbedtwosixty-pounddumbbellsandlaybackonthebench,reviewingthedayinhishead

asVerity’swords—ThismorningIwokeupwithonelife,andtonightIgotosleepwithadifferentone
—whisperedinhisears.Hedidn’twanttocareaboutherandRyan,buthedid.Hehad,fromthe
momenthe’dseteyesonthem.Tryingtostophimselffromgivingashitaboutthefoundlingduo
wouldbealosingbattle,butunderstandingthattheywere,asshe’drepeatedtwoorthreetimesat
dinnerlastnight,temporaryguests,wouldhelphimnotfeeltheirlossassharplywhentheymovedon.

Afterahundredpresses,whichsoakedhisbodywithsweatandmadehisbicepsburn,hereplaced

theweights,tookashower,andheadedtobed.Butsleephadbeenelusive.Verity’sroomwasn’t
directlyabovehis,butcloseenough,andhefoundhimselfwonderingwhatshesleptin...ifshewore
anightgown,likeAuntJane,orshortsandaT-shirt,likeMelody,ornothingatall,likeSandy,the
waitressfromTLOChe’ddatedforafewmonthsbeforeshe’dtakenajobinVegas.Andoncehis
brainhadfixedon“nothingatall,”hewasruinedforsleep,hiscocksemierectformorethananhour
beforehetookcareofithimself,Verity’sfacefrontandcenterinhismindashejerkedoff.After
that?Yeah.Heslept.Buthefeltlikeadirtbag.

Hewokeuptothesmelloffryingeggsandtoastingbread,andfoundVerityandherbrother

waitingforhiminthekitchen,sunny-side-upeggssteamyandbutteredtoastcutintotrianglesoneach
plate.Anditwasnice.Fuck,itwassonice.

Anditwasnicehavinghernexttohimrightnow,smellinglikesoapandbabypowderinthe

passengerseatonthewaytowork.Hecouldgetusedtohavingheraround—hersunnysmilesand
sunnyeggs,andevenherbrother,whomumbled“stallion”whenColtonwalkedintothekitchenand
gavehimagoofysmileoveramessymouthfuloftoast.Helikedthem,nomatterhowstupiditwas

forhimtogetattached.

“So,”saidVerity,turningtohiminthecar,“anyadviceforthefirstdayofwork?”
Ignorewhatthewaitressessayaboutme.
TellyourbrothertostickclosetoJoeandkeephisheaddown.
Don’taskforbreaks.
AndstaythefuckawayfromArtieKingston.
Heglancedather.“Notreally.”
“RyanandIarewatchingtheshowtonight.”
“Won’tyoubeworking?”
Sheshookherhead.“Lynettesaidwe’rejustintrainingthisweek.I’msupposedtomeetsomeone

namedBeverlyinthegiftshopandshadowherfromtwelvetofive,thenwatchtheshow.Ryan’swith.
..”Shereachedintoherpurseforanotepadandflippedapageback.“...hereitis:JoeSterns,uh,
fromtwelvetofive.Nextweekwestartfull-time.”

Mondaywastheslowestdayatthecastle,astherewasonlyafiveo’clockshow.Theentirecast

hadaweeklymeetingattwelve,thenfortheremainderoftheafternoonColtwouldbepracticingthe
battlescenes,warmingupThor,andworkingout.Aroundfouro’clockhechangedintohiscostume
andmakeup,andtheshowstartedpromptlyatfive.

AregularMondaynightshow.
ExceptthatVeritywouldbeintheaudiencetonight,whichmadehischestswellwithstupidpride.
“There’sacastmeetingatnoon,”hesaid.
“Yes.Lynettementionedthat.”
“You’llmeeteveryone.”
“Who’severyone?”
“Sixknights,sixintraining,twelvesquires,stablestaff,maintenance,KingArthur,Princess

Guinevere,Merlin,twofalconers...uh,merchants,barkeeps,servingwenches,andswains...
kitchenstaff,callcenterstaff,tickettakers,adminandsupport.”

“Howmanypeople?”sheasked.
“Alltold?Hundredandfifty?Twohundred?Thereabouts.”
“Wow.Ididn’trealize...”
“You’veseenthecastle?”heasked,glancingather.
Shenodded.“Sure.OnPeachtree.Youcan’tmissit.”
“Soyouknow.It’sabigplace.”
“What’sa...falconer?”
“He’stheguythattrainsthebirds.Youknow...toflyaroundthearena?”
“Birdsflyaround?”
“Twohawks.FredandGinger.”
“Duringtheshow?Isthatsafe?”
Henodded.“Itbetterbe.TheyflyaroundeverynightandtwiceonThursdays,Fridays,and

weekends.”

“Wow,”shesighed.“Ican’twaittoseetheshow.”
“Sitintheyellowsection,”hesaid,regrettingthewordsassoonasthey’dlefthislips.“Ifyou

can.”

Shegrinnedathim.Hedidn’tlookather,buthecouldfeelhersmilelightingupthewholecar.

“Isthatyoursection?Yellow?”

Henoddedonce,feelingfoolish.It’snotlikehe’dwintonight.Heonlywononceaweek,during

theSundaymatinee.Artie,theblueknight,alwayswononMondays,butatleastshe’dbecheeringfor
him,notforArtieoroneoftheotherguys.

“Thenyellowitis,”shesaid.Shepeekedaroundtheseatatherbrother.“Ry,youokay?You

nervous?”

“Ilikehorses,Ver ’ty.”
“Iknowyoudo,andyou’rerealgoodwiththem,Ry.Butyoumindyourbosstoday.Don’tgo

wanderingoff.Please,please,pleasepayattentionthebestyoucan.”

“Okay,Ver ’ty.”
“I’llcomeseeyouifIgetabreak.IfIdon’t,I’llcomegetyouatfive,andwe’llgetseatstowatch

theshowtogether.”

“I’llkeepaneyeonhim,”saidColton,grittinghisteethassoonasthewordslefthismouth.Stop

caring.You’vedoneenough.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,herhandreachingoutandlandingonhisarm.Herfingerssqueezed

gently,andheclenchedhisjaw,wishingshe’dpullherhandaway.Shewastoodistracting,making
himfeeltoomuch.Squeezingagain,sheliftedherhand.“You’resogoodtous.”

Coltclearedhisthroat,turningontoPeachtreeandwonderinghowthey’ddotoday.Veritywould

befine.Beverly,thegiftshopmanager,wasagossipybitch,butaslongasVeritykeptherheaddown
anddidasshewastold,sheshouldn’thaveanyissues.AsforRyan?Coltonwasn’tassure.JoeSterns,
thestablemaster,hadbeenwiththeshowsincethecastleopened,in1990,andwasaboutaskindas
theycame.Anolderman,hehadtherespectandaffectionofeveryknightandsquirewhospenttime
atTLOC.Theproblemwas,notalltheknightsandsquireswerekind.AndRyanwasn’texactlythe
pictureofefficiency.

Thenagain,herememberedthewayRyanhadsatwiththoserabbitsonthelawnlastnight—some

humanshadanimalsense,andfromwhathecouldgather,Ryanwasoneofthem.IfColtwasright,it
wouldmeanthatRyan’spresencewouldbesoothingfortheanimals,organicandcomfortable,and
thecastmemberswouldnoticethatandappreciateit.Atanyrate,Ryan’sjobwasprotected,insome
part,becauseofhisADAstatus.AndColtwasdeterminedtomakesurethattheotherknights,knights
intraining,andsquiresleftthegentlegiantalone.

Heturnedintotheemployeeparkinglot,parkedinhisusualspace,andturnedtoVerity.“You’ll

befine.Ifyourunintoanytrouble,I’musuallyatthestablesorthegym.Comefindme.”

Thatsmile.Thatsweet,perfect,goddamnedsmilethatmadehisheartclutch.Herememberedthe

feelofherpalmagainsthischeekyesterday,thefeelofherarmsaroundhiswaist,herbodypressed
againsthisback.

“Okay,”shesaid.
“Andmeetmehereatseventhirty.Aftertheshow.I’lldriveushome.”
Shenodded,hersmilewidening,herdimplesdeep.“Attheriskofsoundinglikeabrokenrecord

...thankyou.”

***

Thecastlebustledastheyenteredthroughthebackdoors,walkingdownalonghallwayandthrough
adoorthatledtothemainhall,where,Coltonexplained,theguestswaitedforthedoorsofthearena
toopen.Menandwomen,youngandold,passedtheminthehallway,sayinghellotoColton,who
answeredmostlyingrunts,andnotsosubtlycheckingoutVerityandRyan.

Asalways,Veritywasonherguardinanewsituation,tryingtofigureoutwhowasmean-spirited

andwhowouldleaveherbrothertoworkinpeace.Therewasalwaysarottenapple.Always.Thekey
wasfindinghim(orher)andwarningRyantostayaway.

Thenagain,inthissituation—unlikeothers,whenshe’dwalkedintoanewplacefeelingalone

anddefenseless—ColtonhadpromisedtolookafterRyan,anditfilledherwithsuchgratitudeand
reassurance,itwasawondershehadn’tburstintotearsinthecarandcriedalloverhim.

Becausethat’sjustwhatheneeded,right?Ahomeless,desperate,emotionalbasketcaseofa

womancryingandsnottingalloverhispristineblackT-shirt.ThankGodshewasabletoholdback
hertearsandreachforhisarminstead.

Openingalargedoorattheendofthehall,Coltonwaitedforhertowalkthrough,andshewas

abouttothankhimforhisgallantrywhenshegaspedinsurprise.

Three-storyceilingswerecutwithdarkbrowncrossbeams,fromwhichhungheraldflagsof

yellow,red,white,blue,andgreenbearingthearmsofancientclansandtribes.Crisscrossedswords
decoratedthewalls,andthebrickfloorbeneathhershoesaddedtothefeelingofDisney-style
antiquity.

Toherleftwasan“open-airmarket”—thegiftshop,sheassumed—stockedwithprincess

dresses,coronets,crowns,knightcostumes,plasticswords,mugs,shotglasses,andothersouvenirs.

Toherrightwasamassivewoodenbar,wherefiveorsixbartenderscouldeasilyworktoserve

thesixhundredguestswhoattendedeachshow.

Infrontofher,variouspeoplemilledaroundorconversedingroups,laughterandconversation

bouncingoffthewallsandcreatingacheerfulcacophony.Coltonnudgedherarmandmuttered,
“Comeon,”andshefollowedhimovertoanolderblackmanwhowastalkingtotwobuxomwomen
intightT-shirts.

“Joe,”saidColton,stoppingbesidethemanandhookingathumbatRyan,“thisisRyan.New

stablehand.”

“Goodmorning,Colt,”saidJoe,raisinganeyebrow.“YouknowDaphneandMarty,right?”
“Uh,yeah,”saidColton,then,afteralookfromJoe,added,“Hi.”
“Andwhoisthislovelyyounglady?”askedJoe,smilingwarmlyatVerity.
“Newmerchant.”
“Anddoesshehaveaname?”heprompted,likeafatherremindinghissontousehismanners.
VeritygrinnedatJoe,holdingoutherhand.“Verity.VerityGwynn.”
Joereachedoutandtookherhand,wrappinghersinhisrough,callusedpalm.“VerityGwynn...

VerityGwynn.AninvertedGuinevere.”

Sheshookherhead,delightedbyhisdeepdrawlandkindbrowneyes.“Justamerchant.”
“Colttaughtyouthelingo,”hesaid,flashingalookofsurpriseatColtonbeforereleasingher

hand.“ThisisDaphne,andthisisMarty.Sexyservingwenches.”

“Hi,”saidVerity,offeringherhand.
Thewomenshookit,offeringtentativesmilesatVeritybeforelookingthoughtfullyatColton,

liketheyweretryingtofiguresomethingout.

“Youtwoknoweachother?”askedDaphne,gesturingtoColtonwithherchin.
“She’sstayingwithme,”saidColton.“Herandherbrother.”
MartylookedoverVerity’sshoulderatRyan.“Hi,hon.I’mMarty.”
“Pleasedtomeetcha,Marty,”saidRyan,smilingatthefloor.
“I’mDaphne.”
“Okay,”saidRyan,shiftingbackandforthontheballsofhisfeet.
“Ryan,mynewstablehand,”saidJoe,reachingforRyan’sarmandclaspingit.“Youlookstrong.”
“Yep.Iam.AndIlistengood,”saidRyan,lookingupatJoewithhopeinhisblueeyes.“Ilike

horses.”

“Metoo,Ryan,”saidJoe.“Youeverworkwithhorses?”
“Yessir.Iworkedwithmulesandhorsesonmydaddy’specanfarmonStrawberryRoad.”
“What’dyoudoforthosemulesandhorses?”askedJoe.
“Imuckedtheirstallsandchangedtheirhay.AndIfed’emfeed.Watered’em.Ican’tshoe’em,

butIcanrubtheirnoseswhenthey’sscared.Andwhenmydaddysaysyes,Icangive’emcarrots,but
notcabbage.AndsometimesIsneak’emanapplewhenthey’s—”

Joechuckledwithglee,givingRyanafirmpatonthearmbeforeloweringhishand.“We’re

gonnatogetalonglikepeanutbutterandjelly,Ryan.Yes,sir.”

Veritywatchedthisexchangewithherheartinherthroat,barelyallowingherselftobelievethat

they’dfinallyfoundjobsinaplacewherethey’dbothbeaccepted,wheretheycouldfitinandmakea
lifeforthemselves.OverJoe’shead,shefoundColton’sface,hiseyesfixedonhers.

Thankyou,shemouthed.
Slowly,withoutdroppinghereyes,henoddedonce.
“Soareyoufamily?”askedDaphnefrombesideher.“YouandColt?”
“No.”
“Familyfriends?”
Verityturnedtotheverypretty,verybustywoman,whowasatleastaheadtallerthanshewas.

“Somethinglikethat.”

“Coltdon’thavemanyfriends,”saidMarty,handsonherhips,eyesnarrowed.“Sortaaloner.”
“Welook,butwedon’ttouch,”saidDaphne,checkingoutColtonwithhoteyesbeforegrinning

atVerityliketheCheshirecat.“Youhavetoadmit,he’sgotamightyfinebod.”

HercheeksflushedpinkbecausesheknewthatColton,whowastalkingtoJoeaboutthehorses,

couldprobablyheartheirconversation.“He’s...ingoodshape.”

“‘Goodshape’?He’snothandsome,butheishot,”saidMarty,lickingherlips.Shespokejusta

touchtooloudly,sothatColtonwouldhearher.“BuiltlikeaMacktruck.Probablyhunglikea
stallion.”

Verity’scheekswentfrompinktored,andshereacheduptopressherhandsagainstthem.“I

don’t...Imean...”

“Oh,youtwoaren’ttogetherlikethat?”askedMarty.

“We’rejust...”SheturnedherheadtolookatColton,whowasstaringatherwithhawkisheyes,

thenbackatMartyandDaphne,whowaitedforananswer.

Whatshouldshesay?Thatsincethemomentshemethim,he’dbeenherveryownknightin

shiningarmor?Thathiskindnesstoherhadledtoawildcrushthatshowednosignsofdying?That
theyweren’ttogetherlikethatbutthatshecouldbarelysleeplastnight,thinkingabouthiminthe
bedroomdownstairs—hishardbody,hishoodedeyes,andtheruggedscarsonhisfacethatshe
longedtopressherlipsto?Andfinally,thathewassofaroutofherleague,shecouldn’timaginea
scenarioinwhichhe’dchooseherovercurvy,confident,baggage-freewomenlikeDaphneand
Marty?

Thankfullyshewassavedfromansweringbyarollingmurmurthatroseupintheroomasthe

doubledoorsthatledtothearenaopenedandamanstoodbetweenthem,armsspreadtoholdthe
doorswideopen.HewasastallasColton,thoughnotasbroad,hislegswerelonginrippedjeans,
andhischestrippledwithmusclesunderatightwhiteT-shirt.Hishairwasgelledintoarunway-ready
style,andaviatorsunglassesshieldedhiseyes.

“Artie!”saidDaphne,chucklingaffectionately.“HelovesmakinganentranceonMonday

mornings.”

“Andheknowsfuckinghow,”saidMarty,gigglinglikeaschoolgirl.
“Sexonastick,”sighedDaphne.ShenudgedVerityinthehip.“That’sArtieKingston.Head

Knight.”

“Oh,”shesaid,watchingasheswaggeredintothehall.
FlickinghereyestoColton,shenotedthathisexpressionwasmorethunderousandannoyedthan

usualashetrainedhiseyesonArtie,whoswannedfromgrouptogroup,sayinggoodmorning,even
thoughitwaspastnoon.Whenhereachedthem,heslappedColtonontheback.

“Hail,fellow!Wellmet!”heexclaimed.“VikingKnightoftheNorthmen,howfaretheetoday?”

ColtonslantedhiseyestowardArtie,andArtiechortled.“Eh,fuckin’Colt.You’retooserious,man.
Lightenup.”

ColtonshruggedArtie’sarmoffhisshoulder.“Afterthemeeting,weneedtorunthroughthe

fight—”

“Well,well,well,”saidArtie,ignoringColtonashereachedupandremovedhissunglasses,

showcasingapairofhandsomeblueeyes.“Whodowehavehere?”

“VerityGwynnandherbrother,Ryan,”saidJoe,grinningatArtie’santicslikeanindulgentuncle.

“Merchant.Stablehand.”

“Verde,”saidArtie,takingherhandandpressingittohislips.Theyweresoftandwarmandsent

asmalltremorupherarm.“Likethecolor?”

“Verity,”saidColt,wholookedlikehewantedtokillsomeone.“Likethetruth.”
“Verity,”saidArtie,kissingherhandagain.“Verity.”Andagain.“Makemethehappiestknightin

Camelotandtellmeyou’resingle.”

ShelaughedatArtie’seasygrin.Hewassoimpishlycharming,itwasalmostimpossiblenotto

betakenbyhim.

“MeandVer ’tyliveatColton’shouse,”saidRyanfrombehindher.
Artielookedoverhershoulder,hisfacescrewingupforamomentasheassessedRyan.“And

whomightyoube?”

“Ryan,”repeatedJoe.“Newstablehand.”
“Mybrother,”saidVerity.
Artie’ssmileslippedatouchashestaredatRyan,butitwasbackinplaceassoonashecuthis

eyestoVerity.“YoulivewithColt?”

“Fornow,”shesaid.
“Indefinitely,”saidColtonatthesametime,whosteppedforwardtostandbesideher,hiship

brushinghers.

Andinthatcloseproximity,shefeltitagain—thatlightningboltofelectricityfromColton’s

bodytohers,anditblewArtie’sadorablenessstraighttokingdomcome.Shewassostruckbythe
differencesbetweenthetwomen,ittookamomentforwhatColtonhadsaidtoregister.

Indefinitely.
Indefinitely,meaningtheydidn’thavetoleavebytomorrownight,meaningtheycouldstayin

Colton’sneat,tidy,welcominglittlehouse,whereshewokeuptovioletwallpaperandRyanwatched
thesunsetsurroundedbyafamilyofrabbits.Indefinitely,meaningshecouldsaveupsomemoneyfor
adecentapartment,sothattheydidn’thavetostayinanotherdisgustingmotel.Indefinitely,meaning
she’dseeColtonatbreakfasteverymorning,hearhimturnontheshowerdownstairs,andknowthat
hewassleepingbeneathher.Indefinitely.Itwassuddenlythesweetestwordinalltheworld.

Butdidhemeanit?OhGod,couldhepossiblyhavemeantit?
HerhandslippedfromArtie’sassheturnedtofaceColton,andshesawtheearnestnessofhis

eyes,grayandclear,kindandsoftashestaredbackather.

“Indefinitely,”hesaidagain,thewordawhisper,meantonlyforher.
Withoutlookingaway,shereachedforhishand—hiswarm,strong,roughhand—andlacedher

fingersthroughhis,curlingthemuntilthepadsofherfingertipslandedonthebackofhishand,and
waitingforhimtodothesame.Hestaredatherinsurprise,buthisfingersdidn’tcurl,didn’tgrasp
ontohers.Rigidlythreadedthroughhers,theyremainedmotionlessuntilshestraightenedhersand
pulledthemaway,feelingfoolishandforward.

“Thankyou,”shemurmured,andhenoddedinhisusualtaciturnway,thenturnedhisattentionto

Lynette,whostoodupatapodiumandwelcomedthecastof“TL’oC”totheMondaymeeting.

“Sitinthebluesectiontonight,”saidArtie,whobenthisnecktowhispernearherear.
“I’msittinginyellow,”sherespondedwithoutlookingathim,thoughitoccurredtoherthatshe

shouldgositinblueafterColtonhadjustgently,butfirmly,rejectedher.

“You’redifferent,”saidArtie,thelowrumbleofhisvoiceamused.
“Howso?”
HechuckledsoftlyasLynetteremindedcastmemberstowritetheirnamesonanythingtheyputin

theemployeerefrigerator.

“Mostgirlssayyes.”
“I’mnotmostgirls.”
“LikeIsaid,different.”
Sheturnedtolookathim.“I’mnotlookingforanything.”
“Fairenough.”Artie’seyesdartedmeaningfullytoherhand,thenbacktoherface.“Butyoutwo

obviouslyaren’t...together.”

Verityraisedherchin,cockingherheadtotheside.“Sowhat?”
“SoIlikeachallenge,”saidArtie,runningthetipofhisindexfingerdownherbarearmwitha

cockygrin.“Gameon.”

CHAPTER6

Titaniumclashedagainsttitanium,Colt’sswordcreatingsparkseverytimeitcollidedwithArtie’s.
Artiehadalreadydefeatedhiminjousting—Colthadfallentothesandonthesecondjoust—and
JerryRodgers,whoplayedtheKing,hadorderedtheFrenchKnight(Artie,inchainmailand
traditionalknighthelmet)tobesttheVikingKnight(Colt,inafauxfurstoleandhornedhelmet)on
foot.

AtfirstArtiepickedupamace,slammingitagainstColt’ssworduntilColtmanagedtowieldit

away(whichreallyconsistedofArtiethrowingitbehindhimatanopportunetime),buthissquirehad
quicklysteppedforwardwiththetitaniumsword,andthebattlescenewasnowatitspeak,withArtie
andColtdoingtheirchoreographedmovesonthesand:

Artielunges.
Coltjumpsback.
Artiedoesatuckandroll.
Coltspins,kickingupsand.
Onandon,likeadance.Movesthatthetwomenhadperfectedinrehearsalsandperformances

foryears.Ateightoutofelevenperformances,Artiewon.AttheThursdayandFridaymatinees,the
GaelicKnight,Shawn,won.Andonceaweek—attheSundaymatinee—Coltwon.

HehadcaughtaglimpseofVerityandRyaninthehalf-fullstands.Theysatinthetoprow,away

fromthepatronswhosatinthefirsttworows,andhecouldn’thelpturninghiseyestoheratevery
freemoment.Sheclappedandshouted,smiledandlaughed,staredwithwonderwhenGingermade
herflightaroundthearena,andcheeredwhenitlookedlikeColthadachanceofwinning.

Alas,tonightwasMonday.
“Quithittingmesohard,”gripedArtiewhentheywereinaswordlock,face-to-face.
“Stopbeingapussy,”saidColt,pushingtheothermanawaywithatouchtoomuchforce.
Itwassilly,heknew,buthewishedhecouldwintonight.Hewishedhecouldpretendtothrowthe

redrosecrowntoawomaninthesecondrow,buthaveitsomehowenduphighinthefourth,where
Veritycouldgrabitandplaceitonherblondehead,andbringithometonightasatrophyfromhis
victory.

Clash.
Clang.
Sparks!
“Isaidfuckingquitit,Colt!”
“How’syourvagina?”heasked,puttingArtieintoanimprovisedheadlockbeforeshovinghim

downhardonthesand.

“Asshole!”
Artieleapedup,hiseyesnarrowed,comingatColtwithstrikeafterstrikethatwasn’tinthe

choreography,butColtfelthisbloodalightwithexcitementashestruckback.

Spark!Spark!Spark!
Thecrowdwaswilderthanusual—sensingtheintensitybetweentheknights,perhaps—ontheir

feetasArtiekeptcoming.

Coltknewwhatwassupposedtohappennext.HewassupposedtoletArtieknocktheswordout

ofhishand,fallbackonthesand,andletArtiepretendtostabhimintheheart.Forjustamoment,he
consideredfightingback,rollingonthesandandgrabbinghisswordsotheycouldkeepfighting.He
lookedupatVerity,atherbrighteyesandwidesmile,hersmallfistsintheairasshecheeredhimon,
anddamnit,hewishedthathecoulddoit,butanotherwoman’sfaceslippedintohismindatthelast
minute,andColtletArtiesmacktheswordoutofhishand.

Hefelltohiskneesasplannedbecause,nomatterhowmuchVerityneededhim,theotherwoman

neededhimmore.

ThecrowdhushedasArtiedrewbackhissword,thenthebluesectioncheeredwildlyashe

lungedforwardand“stabbed”Coltintheheart.

Coltfellback,deadonthesandasthearenaeruptedinchantsof“FrenchKnight!FrenchKnight!”
Artiestoodinthecenterwithhisswordheldhighinvictoryandaspotlightonhischestwhilethe

restofthearenawentpitch-dark.Coltsprangupintheblacknessandtrudgedthroughthesandtothe
sidedoor,slippingintoabackhallwayastheKingofferedtheFrenchKnighttheprotectionand
keepingofthePrincess.

Butthewords“AndnowourKnightmusthonoraladyofthecourt!”madeColtturnandspeed

throughthehallwaystotheequestrianentrancetothearena,wherehestoodagainstthewallinthe
tunnelwheretheystagedthehorses,andpeekedaroundthecornerjustasthePrincessplacedthered
rosecrownonArtie’slance.

Withnarrowedeyes,ColtwatchedasArtiekickedÉclairintoacanter.Hecircledthearenaonce,

thentwice,passingbythebluearea,wherehewassupposedtochoosealady,andstoppinginColt’s
area:yellow.Scowlingmightily,ColtheldhisbreathasArtiewavedtoawomaninthesecondrow,
thenthrewthecrowntoVerityintherafters.Crossinghisarmsoverhischest,Coltsneeredasshe
caughtthecrownanddidasmallcurtsy,placingitonherheadandbeamingdownatArtie.

Fuck.
Artiestolehismove.
FuckArtieKingstonanyway.
Withoutwaitingtoseethetailendoftheshow,whenthefiveremainingknightsparadedaround

thearenabehindArtie,ColtturnedandheadedbackdownthehallwaytotheKnights’dressingroom,
whereheslammedthedoorbehindhim.Strippingoffhiscapeandcostume,hehungitupinhis
lockerandplacedthehelmetintheoverheadcubby.Heunzippedhisbootsandplacedthemonthe
floor.Someonewouldbebytomorrowmorningtoshinethebootsanddustoffthecostume.

Standinginhisblackboxer-briefs,hestretchedhisarmsoverhisheadandreachedbehindhis

necktoloosentherubberbandthatheldbackhisshoulder-lengthdarkblondhair.Heshookitfree,
drewbackhisfist,andpunchedthelockerdoorwithallhismight,dentingitbadlyandbruisinghis
knuckles.He’dhavetopayforit.Hedidn’tgivetwoshits.

HereachedforhisjeansandT-shirt,steppedintothepants,andshruggedtheshirtoverhishead.

Generally,afterashow,heheadedtothestablestosaygoodnighttoThorandJoe,andpossibly
allowhimselftobeusedbyadecent-lookingpatronontheprowl,butnottonight.Hewasinabad
mood.Tonighthejustwantedtogothefuckhome.

Hegrabbedhiskeysandwalletfromhislockerandshovedthemintohisbackpockets,then

headedoutthedressingroomdoor,anxioustobegonebeforeheranintosomeone.He’djustassoon
besittinginhiscarthanseeVeritygushalloverArtiewhentheshowwasover.FuckArtie.Fuck
everything.

Hepushedopenthedoortotheparkinglotwithtoomuchforce,listeningasitslammedintothe

cementwall,andkepthisheaddownashestrodeovertohiscar.She’dbeoutinafewminuteswith
thefuckingrosecrownonherhead,maybewithArtie’sarmaroundhershoulder.Maybeshe’dask
ColttogiveRyanaridehomebecauseArtieaskedheroutfordinner.Andhe’dsayyesbecausehe
wasafuckingfool,andhe’dliethereinthedark,waitingtohearArtie’struckpullupinhisdriveway.
He’dtellhimselfnottoruntothewindowtoseeifArtiepulledherupagainsthim,toseeifshelet
Artiekissher,buthewouldn’tbeabletohelphimself.He’dwatch.He’dfuckingwatchasArtie—

“Greatshow!”
Wait,what?Hestoppedinhistracks,jerkinghisheaduptoseeVerityandRyanleaningsideby

sideagainsthiscar.Hercheekswerestillflushedwithexcitement.

“Youwereterrific!”
Helookedbackatthecastle,wherepatronswerejuststartingtofileoutintotheparkinglot.

“How’dyou...?”

“Getheresofast?”Sheshrugged.“Ifiguredtheshowwasprettymuchoverwhenyouweredone,

so...”

Shewasn’twearingthecrownonherhead,norholdingitinherhands.“Where’syourcrown?”
“My...?Oh,therosecrown?IgaveittoalittlegirlIpassedonthewayout.Shewaswearinga

princessdresswithnocrown.Ifiguredshehadmorerighttoitthanme.”Herbrowsfurrowed.“Oh,
gosh.Isthatokay?ShouldIhavekeptit?”

Thatwasthemomenthefeltit.Deepinside.Sodeep,itwasscary,likemaybeitwasalockthat

hadbeenthereallalong,butVerityGwynnsomehowheldthekey.Hisanger.Hisvolatilefucking
rage.Hefeltitdiffuse.Hecouldfeelitturningfrombright,hotred...todarkpink...topink...to
almostwhiteasthesoothingmusicofhersweetvoicequelledthefuryofthebeastinside.Andwhen
hedrewbreath,itdidn’tjerkandburn.Itwasdeepandsound,fillinghislungs.Andwhenheexhaled,
anyresidualangercaughtaride,spiritedaway.

Coltsmiled...occasionally.No,lessthanoccasionally.Therealitywasthattherewasonlyone

personintheworldwhocouldmakehimsmile,andhesmiledforherbecausehealwayshadandhe
alwayswould.Becausehe’dpromisedheralongtimeago,andhewasn’tonetobreakhispromises.

But,inoneblindinginstantofrarehappiness,asecondnameappearedonthatshortlistofpeople

whocouldmakehimsmile.Hefelthislipstwitchupinanunfamiliarmovement,asoftchuckle
escapingfromthebackofhisthroat,ashestareddownatVerity,whoseupturnedfacesplitintoa
surprised,beamingsmile,encouraginghimtosharehisown.Shakinghisheadashegrinnedather,
heinhaleddeeply,reliefwashingoverhimlikethelightrainthathadstartedtofall.

She’dgivenArtie’scrowntoalittlegirl.
Hispitifulhearttookflight.
“It’srainin’,Ver ’ty.I’mgettin’wet,”saidRyan.
Withoutlookingawayfromher,Coltreachedintohisbackpocketandpulledouthiskeys,

pressingabuttontounlockthecardoorssothatRyancouldgetinthebackseat.

“You’resmilingatme,”shesaid,herfacefilledwithwonder.
“IguessIam.”
“Noguessingaboutit,”shesaid,takingastepclosertohim.“AndIlikeit.Somuch.”
Raindropssprinkledoverherface,catchingtheglowoftheparkinglightsoverheadandturning

intosparklesonherskin,makingherfacelooklikeitwaskissedwithstarlight.

“Whydidn’tyoukeepthecrown?”heasked,hisvoicehusky.
“Becausetherightknightdidn’tgiveittome.”
Hisheartkickedintoagallopattheimplicationbehindherwords.Hesearchedhereyes,

knowingthathewasabouttodosomethingverystupid,buttotallyunabletostophimself.

“Youwanttogooutonadatesometime?”
Shegiggledsoftlyandnoddedathim.“Yeah.”
“Youwould?”
“Uh-huh.”Thenhersmileslipped,andshesighed,hereyebrowsfurrowing.“But...Idon’tlike

leavingRyanalone.”

Coltcouldunderstandthis.Franklyhedidn’tlovetheideaofleavingRyanallaloneathishouse

either.

“I’moffonThursday,”hesaid.“HowaboutIpickyoutwoupafterworkandbringyouhome?

AfterRyangoestobed,youcancomedownstairsandwe’ll,youknow,haveadate.”

“Atyourhouse?”
Heshrugged.“Whynot?”
“Okay,”shesaid,lookingupathim,hersmileshybutlovely.“Hegoestobedateighto’clockon

thedot.”

Coltsearchedhereyes,ignoringeverywarninginhisheadthattoldhimthiswasaverybadidea.

Allhecoulddowaslivefortoday.Hehadnoideawhattomorrowwouldbring.

“I’llbereadyat8:05.”
Shegiggledagain.“It’sadate.”
“You’regettingsoaked.”
“Idon’tcare.”
Hescowledather.“You’llcatchcold.”
“Maybe,”shesaid,reachingouttoplaceherpalmflatagainsthisT-shirt,directlyoverhisheart.

“Butyoujustsmiledatmeandaskedmeoutonadate.”

“Sowhat?”hegrowled,steppingtowardher,closingthedistancebetweenthemashereachedup

andcoveredherhandwithhis.

Shecockedherheadtotheside,herfaceslickwithrainwater,hereyessoftandinviting.“So

whateverhappensnext,itwasworthit.”

***

Veritywasatouchy-feelyperson.

Alwayshadbeen.
Huggingsomeoneorreachingouttotouchsomeone’sarmorchestorcheekwassecondnature

toher.ButColtonhadnotyetreciprocatedhertouches.Asidefromshakingherhandwhentheyfirst

met,hehadenduredhertouch,buthehadn’tvoluntarilytouchedherback.

Soitsurprisedherwhenhereachedupandcoveredherhandwithhis,pressingitflushagainst

hischestandholdingitthere.Shecouldfeelthethunderouspoundingofhisheartbeneathherpalm,
throughthewallofmuscleunderhisshirt.

Kissme,shethought,holdinghiseyes.Kissmenow.Kissmehereintherain,andletmeknow

you’restartingtolikemeeverybitasmuchasI’mstartingtolikeyou.

Verityknewsheprobablylookedinexperienced,andcomparedwithotherwomenherage,

perhapsshewas,butshewasn’tablushingvirgineither.She’dhadaboyfriendinhighschooland
anotherafterhighschool,whensheworkedasawaitressinadinernotfarfromCamilla.

ButTony,thehighschoolquarterback,haddumpedherforChloe,theheadofthedancesquad.

AndJohnny,theshortordercook,hadreallybeenmoreofaflingthatfizzledoutquicklywhenher
parentspassedawayandshequitherjobtotakecareofRyanandthefarm.She’dsleptwithbothmen
andregrettedneither,thoughshehadyettofallinlovewithsomeone,togiveherhearttosomeone.
AndthoughsheknewrationallythatwhatshefeltforColtonwasnotlovebutawildcrushbroughton
byhishotbodycoupledwithhiskindness,shecouldn’tstoptheintensityofit,orhowbadlyshe
wantedtotakeittoaphysicallevel.

Shehadurgeslikeeveryotherred-bloodedwoman.Andrightthisminute?ShewantedColton

Lane’sarmsaroundherbody,hislipsmovinginsistentlyonhers,histongueslidingintohermouth
ashepushedheragainstthecarandgroundhishipsintohers.Shewantedtofeeltheswellofhissex
againstherbelly,soshecoulddreamaboutwhatitwouldfeelliketohavehimburieddeepinsideher.
Herskinflushed,andunderheryellowT-shirthernipplesbeadedintotightpoints.Shewantedhim.
Bad.

Asthoughhecouldreadhermind,hiseyesnarrowed,andhebenthisheadtowardher.Reaching

forhisnecktoguidehimcloser,herfingerslandedontheslick,tautskinunderhishair,andshe
pulledhimcloser—

Thecardooropened.“Ver ’ty?Wegoin’home,orwhat?”
Shefroze,hereyessnappingopentofindColtonmereinchesfromherface,blinkingather,as

thoughshockedfromthesameconsumingfogoflustasshe.

“Um,”shemurmured,hervoicebreathyanddazed.“Yeah.Inasec.”
“I’mtired,Ver ’ty.”
“Coming,”shesaid,gulpingasshefoundColton’seyesfocusedonherlips,themusclesunder

bothofherhandscoiledandtense.

“Thursday,”hemuttered,hisbreathsoftonherlips,hishandslidingacrosshersasheletitfall

fromhischest.

Sherelaxedherpalmonhisneck,caressinghisthroatwiththetipsofherfingersasshetooka

stepawayfromhimandwhispered,“Thursday.”

Witharagged,frustratedbreath,shewalkedaroundthecartoopenthepassengerdoor.
“Verity,”saidColtonfromoverthetopofthecar.
Shelookedupathim.
“We’reabadidea,”hesaid,hisscowlbackinfullforce.
“Why?”sheasked.

Helookedlikehewasabouttosaysomething,butinsteadhisshouldersslumped,andheopened

hiscardoor.“Ican’t...”Hestopped,shakinghisheadlikehecouldn’tfindtherightwords.Finally
hesaid,“Youcoulddobetterthanme.”

Hadshebelievedhimunhandsomewhentheyfirstmet?Shestaredathimoverthetopofthecar

—athislonghair,squarechin,andbroadshoulders.Herbodystilltingledfromthekissthey’d
almostshared,andherheartclutchedfromhisquietdenialwhenhewas—ineverywayshecould
imagine—herlivingandbreathingknightinshiningarmor.

“Idon’tthinkso,”shesaid,openingherdoorandslippingintothecarbeforehecouldsay

anymore.

***

ButColtwasn’tsosure,andastheyrodehomeinsilence,hemulledoverthereasonswhygetting
involvedwithVeritywassuchavery,verybadidea.

Ithadstartedwhenhewasingradeschool:thequick,hot,redragethatwouldriseupinsidehim

likeaflashstormoverthesea.Hismotherclaimeditcamefromoutofnowhere—theslightest
provocationwouldbringonareactionsooverinflated,therewasnotimeforanticipation.Shecould
barelybraceherselfbeforehe’dswingintoafull-blowntantrum,whichoftenledtothedamageof
materialthings,likefurnitureorclothing,andsometimeseventhreatenedhersafetywhenaplateor
mugwentflying.Hisfather ’sanswertosuchepisodeswastoyelllouderandhitharderuntilColt
submitted,coweringinthecornerwithablackeyeandbruisedlimb,hisangersubsidingandtears
falling.Hismother ’sapproachwastotakehimtoapsychiatristwhilehisfatherwasawayona
businesstrip.

Atagenine,hewasdiagnosedwithaconditioncalledintermittentexplosivedisorder,acondition

inwhichachildorayoungadolescentisunabletoresistangryimpulses,resultinginexplosionsof
ragethataredisproportionatetothesituation,leadingtothepossibilityofdangerousordestructive
behavior.

WhenhismothersharedthisdiagnosiswithColt’sfatherandaskedforhispermissiontopursue

treatment,shewasbackhandedacrossthefaceforconsultinga“quack”andColtwastoldto“get
himselfunderfuckingcontrol,”orhisfatherwouldtake“treatment”intohisownhands.

Intheend,hismothertookthingsintoherownhands,sendingColtfromtheirhomeinSeattleto

livewithhersister,Jane,inAtlantathesummerafterhistenthbirthday.Thoughhismother ’splanwas
tohavehimstayforthesummer,hopingthedistancebetweenfatherandsonwouldcoolthemboth
down,Colt’sparentswerekilledinacaraccidentamonthlater,andheendedupremainingatAunt
Jane’sindefinitely.

Andwhilehisaunthadtriedtogethimtoopenupabouthisfeelingsforseveralweeksfollowing

theaccident,Coltsimplyhadn’tfeltverymuch—or,moreaccurately,hadn’twantedtofeelvery
much.Itwasalltoooverwhelming.He’dbarelygottenhisheadaroundthefactthathismotherhad
chosentosendhimawayandstaybehindwithhisfather.Howdidhefeel?Hefeltlikeignoringtheir
deaths,anddespiteAuntJane’spleas,herefusedtogotothefuneralwithher,optinginsteadtostayin
Atlantawithhisuncleandcousinthatweekend.Hefeltlikepretendingthattheywerealive,stillliving
theirfucked-up,corrosive,codependentlivestogetherinSeattle.

FinallyAuntJanegaveupontalkingtohimaboutthem,justasshe’dgivenupontryingtoget

himtoattendthefuneral.Shetoldhimthatwhenhewasreadytotalkabouthisparents,she’dbeready
too.Thatdaynevercame,however,becauseColtchosenottothinkaboutthem,andlivingwithAunt
Jane,UncleHerman,andMelodymadeiteasyforColttomoveon.

Unlikehisfather,UncleHermandidn’tbelieveinhittingback,andunlikehismother,AuntJane

didn’tbelieveinpsychiatry,shebelievedinaction.ShebelievedthatthekeytocontrollingColt’s
impulseswasinnerstrengthandnaturalsupplements,sounderhersupervision,hepracticedyoga
twiceaweek,tookSaint-John’s-wortdaily,anddranktwocupsofchamomileandlavenderteabefore
schooleverydayandbeforebedeverynight.

WithAuntJane’sgentlenessnurturinghim,Coltworkedhardtogetsomemeasureofcontrol

overhisoutbursts.Therewerestillfightsatschoolfromtimetotime,andfreak-outsoverhomework
assignments,butAuntJaneandUncleHerman’shomewassowarmandloving,Coltwasableto
developcopingtechniqueswhenhefelttheragebuilding—physicalexertionhelped,andactingin
plays,wherehecouldgivehisfuryfreereinplayingavillainorwarrior.

Plus,helearnedtoconcealhisoutbursts,lettinghisangerbuilduntilhewasina“safe”placeto

explode—thewoodshalfamilefromhishouse,inhiscaratthedesertedquarry,orinthebasement
ofhisaunt’shouse,wherehehadamuch-abusedpunchingbaghangingfromtheceiling.Allwere
safeplacestolethisangerburstforthuninhibited.

Butevenwhenrestrained,Colt’sangerwasstillhisconstantcompanion—simmeringinsidelike

akettleonanalways-warmstove.ByfollowinghisAuntJane’srecipe,hewasmostlyabletocontrol
himself,buttherewerestillsituationsthatfeltbeyondhiscontrol,andwhensomeonehecaredabout
wasthreatened,helostcontrolalmostcompletely.

Thefightshehadinhighschool(includingoneinwhichhebrokeafellowstudent’sjawand

another ’sarm)werealmostallinconnectiontohiscousin,Melody.Hewouldneverforgettheday
hisAuntJanesatdownwithhimatthekitchentable,twocupsofchamomile-lavenderteabeforethem,
afterthey’dreturnedfromthecourthouse.

“Youwereacquitted,”shesaid,toeingoffherSundayshoesunderthetable,“becausethejury

waspersuadedtobelieveyouwereactingbyproxyinself-defenseofMel.Shecouldn’tdefend
herself,soyoudidthejobforher.”

“Theyhadherhair,”mutteredColt,staringatthetable.“Theyhadherbythefuckinghair.”
WhileAuntJanegenerallyreprimandedhimforcoarselanguage,she’dletitslidethattime.
“AndthosestrandsofredhaircaughtbetweenBobbyCallahan’sfingersarewhatsavedyoufrom

prison.”

Coltnodded,rememberinghowitfelttogolookingforMelafterschoolthatday,onlytofind

heronherkneesbehindthecafeteriabytheDumpster,oneboyabouttozipdownhispantswhilethe
otherheldherponytailinhisfistsoshecouldn’tescape.Coltcouldbarelyrememberwhathappened
next.Whenhisbraincleared,Melwasbegginghimtostop,hersobsbreakingthroughthehazeofhis
fury,whileBobbyCallahanandStevenRileylayinbloodyheapsontheasphalt.

“Youloveher,”saidAuntJanewithsoft,heartbreakingsimplicity,andColtnodded,reachingup

toswipeawaythetearsthatgatheredatthecornersofhiseyes.“Itmeanstheworldtomethatyou
lovehersomuch,Colton,butyoucannottakeonthewholeworldforhersake.”

ButIwill,hethought.IwilltakeonthewholefuckingworldforMelifthat’swhatittakestokeep

hersafe.

“Ifyoudo,you’llendupinjail.Andifyou’reinjail,you’llbenousetoher,”saidAuntJane,

reachingforhishand.“Youunderstandme,Colton?Youhearme?”

“Ihearyou,AuntJane.”
“Here’swhatIneedfromyou,ColtonLane:stayoutoftroubleandmakeadecentliving.Canyou

dothatforme,son?”

Ithurtwhenshecalledhimson.Ithurtinagoodway.
“Ican.”
“Yourheartissobig,butyouhavetobecarefulhowmuchyoulove.Themoreyoulove,the

moreyouhavetolose,themoreyoustrikeback.”Shewasstaringathisface—hecouldfeelthe
severityofhereyesonhim.“OnedayIwillbegone,andIamcountingonyoutotakecareofMel.If
shedoesn’thaveyou,Colton,shehasnoone.”

Helookedupather,lockinghiseyeswithhers.AuntJanehadbeenhissalvation.Withouther,

he’dhavespenthischildhoodinjuvie,he’dhavegoneintofostercare,hewouldhavebeenutterly
abandonedafterthedeathsofhisparents.Thesimpleandseminaltruthwasthathewoulddo
absolutelyanythingforher.

“Melodywillalwayshaveme.I’llmakecertainofit.”
“Promiseme.”
“Ipromise,AuntJane.”
Shenoddedathim,hereyesandsmilesad,atoddswiththesteelinhervoicewhenshecontinued,

“Rememberyourpromise.Becarefulwhoelseyoulove.Becarefulthatlovingsomeoneelsedoesn’t
putyourpromisetomeinjeopardy.”

Hisaunt’swordsechoedinhisheadasheglancedoveratVerity,wholookedoutthewindshield

withadreamyhalfsmileonherface.

Shewasabadidea.
Suchabadidea,becauseintheveryshorttimehe’dknownher,she’dgottenunderhisskinin

wayshecouldn’thavepossiblyanticipated.

Becarefulwhoelseyoulove.Becarefulthatlovingsomeoneelsedoesn’tputyourpromisetome

injeopardy.

Therewasonlyonesolution,hethoughtresolutely,lookingawayfromVerity’sprettyface.He

couldhelpher.Hecoulddateher.Hecouldevenfuckher,ifthat’swhatshewanted.Butunderno
circumstancescouldhefallinlovewithVerityGwynn.

CHAPTER7

VeritysatbehindthecounteroftheTLOCgiftshoptakingprincessdressesoutofplasticbags,adding
apricestickertotheirlabels,andarrangingthemonhangers.She’dwantedThursdaytocomeso
badly,butnowthatitwashere,shewas...nervous.Excited,butnervous.

Thegiftshopmanager,Beverly,lookedoverfromwhereshewasarrangingplasticswordsina

woodenbarrelfordisplay.“Thinkyou’rereadytoworkarealshiftonSaturday?Getsrealbusyhere
forthefiveo’clockshow,withallthekids.Andthey’remostlybratswhogetwhatevertheywantby
havingtantrums.”

“Ithinkso,”saidVerity,lookingupafterputtingapricestickeronalightblue,glitteryprincess

gown.She’dgrownaccustomedtoBeverly’ssourpussoverthelastfewdays.“Ifinallyunderstand
howtodoavoidontheregister,andwheretofindeverythinginthestockroom.”

Shefinishedthelastdressandgatheredthepileofpink,yellow,mint-green,andbaby-bluetulle

inherarms,carefullyhangingthedressesonaracknexttotheflowercrowns.Fingeringonethathad
pinkrosebudswithhot-pinkandpowder-pinkribbons,shewonderedwhatColtonwouldsayifshe
camedownthestairstonightdressedasoneoftheservingwenches.Woulditgethimintoherpants
anyfaster?Becauseseeinghimdailywasdoingnothingtotaketheedgeoffherhungerforhim.

Chucklingsoftlytoherself,shewalkedthelongwayaroundthejewelrycounter,stopping,asshe

almostalwaysdid,totakealookattheVikingjewelry.ItsatbetweenthemedievalandCeltic
collections,andshefoundherselfdrawntoit,wonderinghowmanyladiesstoppedtobuyaringor
earringsafterwatchingColtonintheshow.She’dseentheshowthreetimesnow,alwayssittinginthe
yellowsection,andalwaysleavingafterColtonlosttoArtie.Itwasashamethatshe’dbeworking
duringtheshowonSundayandwouldn’tbeabletoseehimfinallywin.Thenagain,shethought,
fingeringanecklacethatboreacharmofthemythicaltreeYggdrasilinpewter,shegottoseehim
everymorningandeveryevening.

“Youlikeit?”
Hernecksnappedup,surprisedtofindtheobjectofherthoughtsstandingbesideherinfleshand

blood,lookingdownatthependantshewastouching.

“Where’dyoucomefrom?”
Helookedupfromthedisplay,andherheartspedup.Helookedhandsometonight.Therewasa

shadowofblondbeardonhisstrongjaw,andfromthiscloseshecouldseethedelicateblond
eyelashesthatwereoutofsyncwithhisotherwiserugged,unprettyface.Butwhenhiseyeswentsoft
onher,astheyjustdid,somethinginsideherclenchedhardinanticipation.Handsome.Yes.

Andhot.OhGod,thismanhadhotdowntoafinescience.
Hishairlookedshinyandsoft,heldbackinaponytailwithasimpleblackband,andhesmelled

likesoapandcotton,cleanandmasculine.InsteadofhisusualT-shirt,heworeawhitebutton-down
shirt,rolleduptohismidarm,showingoffthesexyveinsthatwoundaroundhismusculararms.His
jeanswerefadedandfithimlikeaglove,poolingalittleoverdarkbrownleatherthongs.Shestared
athisfeetforamoment,realizingthatshe’dneverseenthembefore,andsmilingbecausetheywere
anotherbeautifulpartofColton,completewithablacktribaltattooontherightonethatwas,ifshe

washonest,alittlebadass.

“Areyoustaringatmyfeet?”
“Youhaveatattoo,”shesaid.“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“It’snotmyonlyone.”
Sheranhereyesuphisbodylazily,finallymeetinghiseyes.“Wherearetheothers?”
Heleanedcloser,hisvoicealowgrowl.“You’llhavetofindthem.”
Herbreathcaughtattheinsinuationthatshemightbeinapositiontofindthemtonight.
“Doyouhaveany?”heasked.
“Onlyone.”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Really?”
Shenodded,herlipstiltingupathissurprisedexpression.“What?”
“Idon’tknow.Youseemsortof...sheltered.”
“I’mnotasshelteredasImightlook,”shesaid.
“Isthatright?”Hedroppedanelbowtotheglassdisplaycaseashelethiseyestracedownher

bodyslowly.Shecouldfeeltheheatofthemthroughhermerchantcostume,whichconsistedofa
royalblueandredprincessgownwithatight,gold-embroideredbodicearoundherchestandwaist.
Hiseyeslingeredonthesoft,smallswellofherbreastsbeforemeetinghereyesagain.“So?Whereis
it?”

Shedroppedherelbownexttohisandleanedinuntiltheywerealmostnosetonose.“Iguess

you’llhavetofindit.”

Hiseyeswidenedanddilatedtoblack,hisnostrilsflaringashestaredbackather.Sexybeast,she

thought.Thereyouare.

“Colt,quitleaningonmydisplaycaseunlessyou’rebuyingsomething,”saidBeverlywith

annoyance,walkingaroundthecountertofacethem.

“I’mbuyingsomething,”hesaid,withoutlookingawayfromVerity,whostraightenedawayfrom

himandblushed.

Thoughtherewasn’taruleintheemployeehandbookagainstdatingcoworkers(yes,she’d

checked),andeveryonealreadyknewsheandRyanstayedatColton’shouse,shewasn’tanxiousto
gettherumormillgrindinganymorethanitalreadywasbyaddingabuddingromancetothe
equation.She’djustassoontheykeepalowprofileuntilshefiguredoutwhatwashappeningbetween
them.

“What’llitbe?’askedBeverly.
ColtonpointedtothepewterYggdrasil.“Thatone.”
“Ah.Verity’sfavorite.”
“Oh,it’snotmy—”
“You’reonlylookingatitallthetime,”saidBeverlytartly,takingitoutofthedisplaycaseand

arrangingitinalittleblackvelvetbox.ShelookedupatColton.“Youwantabag?”

Heshookhisheadno,pullingouthiswalletandhandinghertwotwenty-dollarbillsbefore

tuckingthesmallboxinhisjeanspocket.

Beverlygavehimhischangewithashit-eatinggrin.
“Guessyoucangofortheday,”shesaidtoVerity,“sinceyour...ride’shere.”

ItoccurredtoVeritytosetBeverlystraightandtellherthatsheandColtonwerejustfriends,but

thewordfriendsoundedsohollowinherears—sodifferentfromthewaysheactuallyfeltabout
ColtonLane—shecouldn’tmakeherselfsayit.

InsteadshesmiledwarmlyatBeverly,unclippinghernametagandputtingitonthecounterin

frontofhersupervisor.“Thanks.Seeyoutomorrow?”

“I’llbehere,”saidBeverly,pickingupherphoneandtypingoutatextasVerityfollowedColton

awayfromtheshop.

“She’sgoingtotalkaboutus,”saidVerity.
“Everyone’salreadytalkingaboutus,”heanswered.
“Buyingthatnecklacewasjustmoregristforthemill.”
“Maybeit’snotforyou,”hemuttered.
“It’sunnerving...tobeatopicofgossip.”
Theywerehalfwayacrosstheemptyhallwhenheputhishandonherarmandstoppedwalking.

Sheturnedaroundandfacedhim,searchinghisface,surprisedtoseeangeretchedintohisfeatures.

“Areyourethinkingtonight?”heasked.
“No.”
“Becauseifyoudon’twanttohaveadatewithme,”healmostsnarled,“justsayit.Don’tblameit

onrumorsthatalready—”

“Stop.”Shetookastepclosertohim,surprisedbyhisoutburstandanxioustoreassurehim.Her

handwantedtotouchhim—tomovetohisarm,tohischeek,tohisneck—butBeverlywasstill
lookingon,sosheclenchedherfingersintoafistandmethiseyesinstead,pouringeverythingshe
wasfeelingintothewayshegazedupathim.“Ican’tstopthinkingabouttonight.It’sallI’vethought
aboutsinceMonday.I’vebeenlookingforwardtoseeingyouallday.I’mnotrethinkinganything.”

He’dbeenholdinghisbreathashewaitedforhertospeak,andnowhereleaseditinahiss,

noddinghishead.“Okay.”

Shesmiled.“I’dreachforyourhandrightnowifBeverlywasn’tlooking.”
“FuckBeverly.”
“No,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Weworkhere.”AndIstilldon’tknowwherethisisgoing.
“Fine,”hesaid,turningtowardthesidedoorthatledtothestables.“Thenlet’sgetyourbrother

andgosomewherewedon’twork,deal?”

“Deal,”shesaid,fallingintostepbesidehim,feelinghappyagainandexcitedabouttonight.“I’ve

beenmeaningtoaskyousomething.”

“What?”
“HowcomeArtiegetstowineverynight?”
“IwinonSundays,”heremindedher.
“Right,butdoesn’thewin,like,ninetypercentoftheshows?”
Coltonnodded.“He’stheHeadKnight.”
“Whynotyou?Haven’tyoubeenherelonger?”
“It’snotaboutseniority.Iwasn’tinterestedinmentoringtheotherguys.”
“AndArtieis?”sheasked,incredulityheavyinhervoicebecauseshehadseenagoodbitofArtie

thisweekandshewouldn’texactlychoosehimasamolderofyoungwarriors.Thewayhewalked

aroundthecastlelikeheownedtheplacemadehimseemsuper-conceited,andshegatheredhedidn’t
valuethesamediscretionshedidwhenitcametodatingonthejob.Sheoverheardtwobartendersin
theladies’roomtalkingabouthismostrecentconquests,whichsuddenlymadeherwonder...

“Haveyoudatedalotofwomenhere?”sheaskedColton.“Youknow,coworkers?”
“What’salot?”heasked,pushingopenthedoorandholdingitforher.
Two.One.Any.Herheartdropped.Hadtherebeentons?Andwait.Wasshejustanothercasual

workrelationshipforColton?Shebitherbottomlipbecausethethoughtwasso...painful.

“Nevermind,”shesaid,lookingaroundthepracticeyardforherbrother.Twoout-of-costume

knightsintrainingjoustedwithrubberlances.

“Doesitmatter?”askedColton,hisvoiceclosetoherear.
No.Sheliftedherchin.Yes,goddamnit.
Artieapproachedthem,hisColgatesmilefixedonVerity.Regardlessofherfrankandrepeated

disinterestinhim,hehadn’tbackedoff,andshewasbothcharmedandannoyedbyhispersistence.

“Ifitisn’ttheprettiestmerchantinCamelot,”hesaid,takingherhandandpressingittohislips,

ashealwaysdidwhentheyranintoeachotheratthecastle.Hewinkedatherbeforeflickingan
irritatedlookatColton.“Isn’ttodayyourdayoff?”

Coltonshrugged.“Imissedyou,Artie.Couldn’tstayaway.”
Artiepressedhishandtohischest.“Alas,VikingKnight,myheartbelongstoanother.”Thenhe

winkedatVerityagain.

“Ifyoutwowillexcuseme,”shesaid,rollinghereyesatthem,“I’mgoingtogolookformy

brother.”

ThequestionofColton’spreviousgirlfriendsstillniggledatherasshewalkedaroundthe

practicering.HadhedatedBeverly?Daphne?Marty?Oneofthemanyothersexywencheswithhuge
breastsandtinywaistswhowerehisperfectphysicalmatch?Thebartenderwithasnaketattooedup
herarm(asopposedtothesmallvineofwildstrawberriesonVerity’shipbone,whichsuddenlyfelt
ridiculouslysweetandsafenexttothetribaltattooonColton’sfoot)?Whohadhedated?Andhow
seriously?Andforhowlong?AnddidshepassVerityinthehalleveryday,smirking,remembering
howitfelttobeColton’schoice?Toliebeneathhim?Tofeelhiminside?Tofallasleepbesidehim?

Herjawclenchedandherjealousyflared,tightandhot,makingherheartrace.
Whydoesitbotheryousomuch?
ColtonLanedoesn’tbelongtoyou.
Shedidn’thavearighttothismuchjealousyoverapossibleex-girlfriend,andyetthethoughtof

himwithsomeoneelse—withanyoneelse—wasstrangelyheartbreaking,likeherhearthadalready
calleddibsonhis,regardlessofhowlongthey’dknowneachother.Itdidn’tseemtomatterthatthey
werestillnewtooneanother.Allthatmatteredwasthatshelikedhimmorethananyothermanshe’d
everknown,whichtoldhersomethingimportant:tonightwasn’tcasualforher.Whateverhappened
withColton,shedidn’twantittobecasual.Andshecouldn’thelpbutwonderifitwascasualforhim.

Herthoughtswerescatteredbythesoundofherbrother ’svoicenearby,andsheduckedintoa

nearbystableentrance,whereshefoundhimstandingbesideJoe,theirbackstoherastheylooked
intoastalltogether.Shebackedupagainstthestablewallbehindhertoeavesdrop.

“Heain’tpawin’atthegroundnomore,Joe.”

Joenodded.“That’sright.”
“It’sbeentwentyminutes,Joe,andheain’tpawin’.”
“He’slookin’realgood,huh?”askedJoeinhisdeepSoutherndrawl.
“Yeah.Hedon’thavethecolicnomore,”saidRyan,hisvoicefullofrelief.
“Oh,he’sstillgotit,son.Butitain’ttheseriouskind.YourememberwhatItoldyou?”
“Wegivehimthepainkiller.Ifhestopspawin’theground,thecolic’sgone.”
“No,Ryan.Ifhestopspawin’,meansthecolic’smanaged.Fornow.Meanswedon’tneedtocall

intheveterinariantonight.Meansmostlikelythehorse’llpasswhateverailshim.Butwestillneedto
keepaneyeonhimtomorrow,right?”

“Wesurewill,Joe.”
“’Causewhy,son?”
“’CausewetakecareofthingsinCamelot,sir.”
“Hoo-wee!”exclaimedJoe,pattingRyanontheback.“Yes,son.Wesurelydo.”
Verity’shandreachedup,flatteningoverherheartastearsburnedthebacksofhereyes.Every

time,withoutexception,kindnessmadehercryfasterthanmeanness,andwatchingJoetakeapatient
interestinRyanjustaboutleveledhertoablubberingmessonthestablefloor.

“CanItellyousomethin’,Joe?”askedherbrother.
“Youcantellmewhateveryoulike.”
“You’remybestestfriendinthewholeworld.”
JoeturnedtolookatRyan’sprofile,smilingatherbrother.“Well,now,Ilikethesoundofthat,

Ryan.Howaboutyoubemybestfriendtoo?”

Sofocusedonherbrother ’sconversationwithJoe,Veritydidn’thearColtonsidleupbesideher,

leaningagainstthestablewallnexttoher.Shedidn’tknowhewasthereuntilhetookherfreehand
andlacedhisfingersthroughhers,squeezinggentlyastheirpalmsfusedtogether.

Turningtohim,shefeltthewetnessonhercheeksandrealizedshewascrying,butsheletthe

tearsstaywheretheyfellasshelookedupintohisgrayeyeswithallthegratitudeandtendernessshe
feltforhim.

“Attheriskofsoundinglikeabrokenrecord...,”shestarted,hervoicetrailingoffasmore

tearswounddownherface.

“You’rewelcome,”hesaidsoftly,squeezingherhandagain.

***

TheydetouredthroughtheMcDonald’sdrive-throughforRyan’sdinneronthewayhome,pickingup
aBigMacandfriesashetoldthemabouthowtheGaelicKnight’shorse,Killarney,hadcolicand
howShawnhadtousethebackupmare,Sheelagh,fortonight’sshow.

Verityaskedherbrotherquestionsandchuckledinalltherightplaces,butColtcouldbarely

followRyan’sstory.HewastotallydistractedbyVeritysittingbesidehim,unabletothinkabout
anythingbuttheirdatetonightandthefactthathe’dhaveheralltohimselfforafewprecioushours.

It’strueshelivedathishouse.ButitwasalsotruethatsheandRyankepttothemselvestosome

extent.She’dgottenintothehabitofmakingthembreakfasteverymorning,andColtdrovethemto
andfromthecastleonthedaystheyworkedthesameshift,sotheyspentthattimetogether.Butonce
theywerehome,VerityandRyanoftenturnedinearly,stayingupstairs,quietasmice,asthough

anxiousnottobotherorinconveniencehim,whenthetruthwas,hewouldhavewelcomedtheir
companyonthenightshewashome.Verity’sespecially.

Itwasalmostsevenwhenheturnedintohisdrivewayandshutofftheengine.HewatchedVerity

asRyangathereduphisgarbageinthebackseatandjumpedoutofthecar.

“Seeyouateight?”
Asmileplayedatthecornersofherlips.“Areyoupickingmeupatthefootofthestairs?”
Heshookhishead.“Meetmeonthebackpatio.”
Hersmileburstforthasshescannedhisfacewithcuriouseyes.“Whatdoyouhaveplanned?”
“You’lljusthavetowaitandsee,”hesaid,openinghisdoorandheadingintothehouse.
Thatmorning,whileshewasatwork,hehaddriventoTargettodoalittleshopping:abarbecue

grillandawhitefabrictableclothandnapkins.AuntJanehadcollectedplentyofvasesthatshe’dleft
underthesink,buthestoppedatalocalfloristandboughtadozenlightpinkroses.Whenhegot
home,he’dsetthepicnictableonthepatiowiththenewlinensandAuntJane’spinkchina.Heputthe
flowersinoneofhervasesandplaceditinthecenterofthetable.Standingback,itoccurredtohim
thathe’dbemissingcandlelightaseveningturnedtonight,sohewentbackinsideandscouredthe
houseforcandlesbutfoundnone.WhathedidfindonabasementshelfwerewhiteChristmastree
lightsinfourorfivetangledstrings.Afterspendinganhouruntanglingthem,hefoundanold
flagpoleinthegarageandpoundeditintothegrassattheedgeofthepatio,thenropedthelightsfrom
thehousetothepoleinfivelinesthatmadeacheerfultriangleofwhitetwinklelightsoverthepicnic
table.

Oncehefeltthepatiowasready,hedrovetothegrocerystore,whereheboughttwosteaks,two

cobsofcorn,andtwobiscuitsfromthebakerysection.HerememberedhowAuntJanewouldslather
thecobsinbutter,rolltheminfoil,andplacethemonthegrill,andhefiguredtheycouldcookwhile
hegrilledthesteaks.Hedidn’tknowforsureifVeritylikedsteakornot,butsheatebaconfor
breakfast,soshewasn’tavegetarian.Nexttothebiscuits,he’dseenatinyfive-layercake,justenough
fortwo,andonawhim,he’dthrownthatinhisbaskettoo.

Hedidn’tknowmuchaboutwine,butheknewthatyouweresupposedtodrinkredwinewith

steak,sohepickedupabottleofMerlot.Nowhelookedatthebottlesittingonthetableandrealized
thathehadnoideaifVeritywasadrinker.Therewassomuchhedidn’tknowabouther.Really,he
barelyknewheratall.

Thoughhehadforbiddenhimselftofallforher,itastonishedhimhowattachedhe’dgottento

herinsuchashorttime.Melodyhadmovedoutsixyearsago,andAuntJanediedsixmonthslater.
Sincethen,hehadn’tmadealotoffriends,preferringtokeeptohimself.Franklyhe’dnevereven
realizedhowlonelyhewas...untilVeritycamealong.

Heuncorkedthebottleandleftitonthetable,thenpouredsomecharcoalintothegrill,dousingit

withlighterfluidandthrowingamatchintothepile.Itlitupimmediately,andhecovereditwitha
ventedtopbeforeheadingbackinside.Hehadenoughtimetorollupthecornandseasonthesteaks
beforeshecamedownstairs.

Asheworked,hethoughtaboutherquestionfromearliertoday—theonethathadgottenherso

quiet:Haveyoudatedalotofwomenhere?Youknow,coworkers?Heshouldhavejustansweredher
becausethetruthwasthat,whileheoccasionallyengagedinafanfuck,theonlypersonhe’dever

datedatworkwasSandy.

He’ddatedSandyforafewmonthsonandoff,buttheirrelationshiphadbeeneightypercent

physicalandtwentypercentwatchingmoviesandeating.Whentheirmoviewasoverortheyranout
ofthingstotalkabout—whichhappenedallthetime—they’dfuck.Sotheyendedupfuckingalot,
whichmadetherelationshippleasurablebutmonumentallyshallow.

Notthathehadn’tmissedSandywhensheleftAtlantatotakeajobatTournamentofKingsin

Vegas.Hedid.Atleastshe’dbeencompany,evenifthatcompanyconsistedmostlyofcoldpizzaand
bootycalls.Morethananythingelse,he’dmissedwatchingmovieswithsomeone.He’dmissedthat
formonthsaftersheleft.

WhenhefantasizedaboutVerity,whichhedidnearconstantlysincemeetingher,therewerea

surprisingnumberofdaydreamshehadaboutsittingnexttoheronhisbedandwatchingamovie.
Notevenfoolingaround—thoughhegothardatthethoughtofgettingphysicalwithher—justsitting
together:herwarm,smallbodynexttohis,holdinghands,astheywatchedamovie.

Withthecornrolledupandthesteakscoveredwithalayerofsaltandpepper,hecheckedthe

time:7:55.

Hustlingoutside,heputthecornonthehotgrillandthesteaks,whichwereonacoveredplate,on

oneendofthetable.He’dwaitalittlebitbeforestartingthem.HepluggedintheChristmaslightsand
tookthelittleboxfromhisbackpocketandplaceditonherplate.Someguysgottheirdatesflowers
orchocolates.He’dgottenVerityaYggdrasilnecklace.Hehopedshedidn’tmind.

Witheverythingready,hepickeduphisphonefromthetabletochoosesomemusic,buthefroze,

hisbrowsfurrowingatthenumberofmessagealertshefoundthere.Scrollingdown,hecounted
three,four,five,sixdifferentmissedcallsfromthesamefamiliarnumber.

Fuuuuuuck!
Shit,shit,shit!
Hestaredatthephone,andforjustasplitsecondheconsideredignoringthemessages.It

occurredtohimtojustpretendhehadn’tseenthem,becausehewantedtonighttobeabouthimand
Verity.Thequickonslaughtofshamewassharpandharrowingandmadehimhanghisheadwithself-
disgust.Walkingawayfromthehouse,outontothelawn,hehitthecallbackbutton.

***

Veritydidn’thavetoomanyprettythings,butonedressshe’dalwayslovedwasasimpleskater-style
dressshe’dorderedfromForever21lastyear.Asimplewhiteeyeletbodicewithasweetheart
necklineandspaghettistrapsgatheredintoashort,flaredwhiteskirtwithacoralbeltaroundher
waist.Itwassweetbutstillsexy,makingherwaistlooktinyandherbreastslookbiggerthanthey
were,andshefeltextraconfidentthefewtimesshe’dwornit.Shepaireditwithsomewhitewedge
sandalsboughtonsaleatWalmart,addedasterlingsilverbracelethermotherhadgivenherforher
sixteenthbirthday,thenheadeddownstairswithfluttersinherstomach.

Atthefootofthestairsshetookalookatherfaceinthemirrorbythefrontdoor.
Verityandherbestfriend,Elaine,hadalwaystakentheirmakeupseriously,practicinglooksthey

foundinmagazinesandwatchingtutorialsonYouTube,butshehadtoadmitthatevenElainewould
havebeenimpressedwiththejobshe’ddonetonight.She’devenedherbaseandtannedherfacewith
bronzer,thengivenherselfsmokyeyesandlipstheexactcolorofherbelt.She’dwashedandblow-

driedherlongblondehairuntilitlayshiny,straight,andlongdownherback.Notthatshe’deverleft
Georgia,butshefeltconfidentthatshe’dcapturedagenuineCalifornia-girllook:blonde,tan,sexy,
andbreezy.Andshehopedthatshelookedalittlelessgirlnextdoorandalittlemoresexkitten
becauseshereally,reallywantedColtontomakeamoveonhertonight.

Shewalkedthroughthelivingroom,intothekitchen,tiltingherheadtolookoutthebackdoor,

whichleddownthreestepstothepatio.Hereyeswidened,andshesmiledwithwonder.Werethose
twinklelightsropedoverthepicnictable?Sincewhendidthebackpatiohavetwinklelights?
Crossingthekitchen,sheopenedthestormdoorandsteppedoutontothelanding,gaspingsoftlyas
shelookedupatthewhitelightsoverherheadandthebeautiful,eleganttablewaitingbelow.

Thetablewascrispandwhite,setwiththepink-floweredplatessheusedforbreakfastevery

morning,andshinywineglassesshe’dneverseenbefore.Therewasavaseoffreshflowersbetween
theplatesinthesamepowderpinkastheflowercrownshe’dlookedatinthegiftshopearliertoday.
AndbyherplatewasthelittleblackboxthatheldtheYggdrasilnecklace.Theinformationcardinside
thelittleboxidentifiedthetreeasthecrossroadofheavenandearthinNorsemythology—thetree
wasboundtotheearththroughitsrootsandstretchedintotheheavensthroughitsbranches.

Shesighedsoftly,herbreathcatchingathowcarefullyhe’darrangedeverythingforher,andshe

felthercrushslipawayalittlebecause,inthatmoment,itstartedchangingfromsomething
superficialintosomethingmoresubstantial.Fromsomethingmerelywishfulintosomething...
possible.

Sheraisedhereyestothelawn,lookingforColton,andfoundhimwithhisbacktoher,onehand

rubbinghisforeheadinwhatappearedtobeconsternation,theotherholdinghisphoneuptohisear.

Althoughshewasn’tpositive,shethoughthelookedupset,andhischoicetotakethecallonthe

grasswithhisbacktothepatioindicatedthatitwasprobablyaprivateconversation.Therightthing
todowouldbetogobackinthehouseandwaitforhimtofinishthecall,thencomeoutsidelike
she’dneverseenhimtalking.

Buthercuriositygotthebestofher.Walkingtotheedgeofthepatio,shestoodafewfeetbehind

him,straininghernecktocatchsnippetsofhisconversation:

“TellherIloveher,tellherI’msorry,tellher—”
Herubbedthebackofhisneck.
“ButIcancomenow.Icandropeverythingrightnowandbethereintwentyminutes.Please,just

—”

Therewasalongpauseashelistenedtowhatevertheotherpersonwassaying.
“Right,”hesaid,hisvoicesofteranddefeated.“Yeah,Iknow.”
“No,”hesaid.“Don’tdothat.Ijust...I’msofuckingsorryI—”
Heinhaledandsighed,noddingatwhatevertheotherpersonwassaying.
“Okay.Yeah.”Hepausedforjustamoment,startingtolowerthephone,thenpresseditbackto

hisear.“Hey!Wait!Ifshewakesup,tellherI’llbetheretomorrow.I’llleavehereatdawnandslip
intoherbedroomandbethefirstthingsheseeswhensheopenshereyes,okay?Yeah.Bye.”

AndsuddenlyVeritywishedthatshehadn’tbeenlistening.
Shehadnoideawho“she”was,butsheobviouslymeantalottoColton.Notonlyhadheoffered

to“dropeverything”andruntoherside,butheplannedtogoandseeherfirstthinginthemorning.

No,notjustseeher,but“slipintoherbedroom.”

Whowasshe?AndwhydidVerityfeellikebustingintotears?
“Fuck,”mutteredColton,turningaroundtofindVeritystandingbehindhimonthepatio.
Sheraisedherhandlimplyingreeting.“Hi.”
Hiseyescombedherbody,buthedidn’tsmile,asshe’dimaginedhewould.Hetookadeep

breathandexhaledonahuff,shovinghisphoneintohisbackpocket.“Hi.”

Sheglancedatthetable.“Everythinglooksreally...beautiful.”
Henodded,lookingdownatthegrass,hisfacemiserable.
“Hey,”shesaid,takingasteptowardhim.“Areyouokay?”
“I’mfine,”hesaid,clenchinghisjawashelookedather.Afterstaringatherforasecond,he

stalkedovertothegrill.“Howdoyoulikeyoursteak?”

“Umm...Idon’t...howeveryoulikeyours.”
Hegrunted,takingacoveredplatefromthetableandkeepinghisbacktoherashepulledoffthe

foilandplacedtwosteaksonthegrill.

Alumproseupinherthroatasshewatchedhim.Hewouldn’tlookatherortalktoheroreven

acknowledgethatshewasstandingtherebehindhim,andithurt,becausetonightwassupposedtobe
special.Shelookedupatthetwinklelights,feelingconfused.He’dobviouslyputeffortintomaking
thiseveningspecial.Whywasheactinglikethisnow?

Theanswercameswiftly.
Becauseofthecall.Becauseofher,whoevershewas.Clearlyhewantedtobewithher,notVerity.

AndclearlybeingwithVeritywasn’tsoappealingtohimanymore.Shefeltfoolish.Shefeltlikean
inconvenience.Shefeltunwanted,anditmadehottearsburnhereyes.

“Wedon’thavetodothis,”shesaidsoftlytohisback,“ifthere’ssomewhereelseyouneedto

be.”

“Food’salreadycooking.Wemayaswelleatit.”Helookedatheroverhisshoulder,thenturned

backtothegrill.“Ican’tgiveyouaridetoworkinthemorning.You’llhavetotakethebus.”

Whythisfeltlikeaslap,shewasn’tcertain,butitdid.Itstung.Andittookheralongmomentto

remindherselfthathedidn’toweheranything.He’dhelpedhergetajobandgivenheraplacetolive.
He’dneversigneduptobetheirdailychauffeur.

“Okay.”
“Don’tbothermakingmebreakfast.”
“Iwon’t,”shesaid,butthosetearswereveryclosetofallingnow,andshecouldn’tbearto

embarrassherselfbycryinginfrontofhim.“Youknow?Ithink,um,maybeweshoulddothis
anothertime.Imean,Ifeellikesomething’sgoingonwithyou,andmaybe...”

Hervoicetrailedoff.Shestoodtherelikeanidiot,talkingtohisback,waitingforhimtoanswer,

buthedidn’t.Hedidn’tdoorsayanythingatall.Hecertainlydidn’ttrytostopherfromgoingback
inthehouse.

Shegulpedoverthelumpinherthroatandwalkedaroundthetable,headingforthestairsthatled

tothekitchen.Therewassomeoneelseinhislife,obviously.Someonewhowasfirstinhisheart,
whichmeantthatshe’dbeaflingatbest,andfranklyshealreadyknewshecouldn’thandleafling
withColton.Assoonaspossible,she’dfindsomewhereelseforherandRyantolive.

Shewasalmostonthelandingwhenshefelthisarmswraparoundherwaist,pullingherflush

againsthischest.Gaspinginsurpriseatthesudden,unexpectedcontact,shebackeddownonestepto
beclosertohim,andhisforeheaddroppedgentlytorestonthebackofherhead,hisbreathhotonthe
backofherneck.Heinhaleddeeply,hischestexpandingintoherbackashisarmsheldhertightly.

“Don’tgo,”hemuttered,hisvoicestrangledandgrave,pleadingandsorry,frustratedandweary

beyondhistwentysomethingyears.“Please,Verity...don’tgo.”

CHAPTER8

Hewasactinglikeanassholeandheknewit,butAuntJane’swords—Ifshedoesn’thaveyou,Colton,
shehasnoone—tormentedandshamedhim.

TonightMelodyhadhadnoone.He’dbeensodistractedgettingreadyforhisdatewithVerity,

he’dfailedhiscousin—hisfleshandblood,whomhe’dpromisedtolookafter.Andinstartling,
strikingclarityheunderstoodwhatAuntJanehadmeantwhensheaskedhimtobecarefulabout
whomheloved.Itwasn’tjusthistemperthatcouldgethimintotroubleandsidetrackhimfrom
Melody’sbestinterests.LovingsomeoneelsehadthepotentialtoimperilMelody’sprominenceinhis
life.PerhapsthathadbeenAuntJane’sprimaryconcernallalong—thatwhomeverColtoneventually
chosetolovewouldownhishearttosuchanextentthattherewouldn’tbeanyroomleftforMel.

Veritydidn’tfighthimwhenhereachedforher.Shedidn’ttrytobreakfree,andhisheartswelled

withhope.Thisgirl.Thiswomaninhisarms.Howbadlyhewanted—needed—hertostickaround.

Andwhileheknew,rationally,thatthoughtsoflovewerepremature,hislifewasn’ttypical—it

wascomplicatedbyhisfamilycommitments.Hebasicallyhadtochoosebetweentwopathswhenit
cametorelationships:afling,withzerocommitmentandnoemotionalinvestment,oropeningthe
tightlylockeddoorthatwouldshowcasehisbaggageinallitsenormity.Becausehavingaloving
relationshipwouldbeimpossibleunlesshewasstillabletohonorhispromises.Andhecouldn’t
honorthemiftheystayedhidden.

Sandyhadbeenafling,nothingmore,sohe’dneverutteredawordaboutMeltoher.Hehada

goodideaofhowshe’dreact,anditwouldhavemadehimfuckingfurious.Sure,he’denjoyed
Sandy’scompany,andshewasanenthusiasticfuck.He’devenmissedherwhensheleft,butitdidn’t
hurtwhensheleft.Itdidn’thurt,becausethey’dkeptthingsspicyandlight.He’dnevercomecloseto
lovingher.Infact,he’dhungoutwithSandyformonths,andhisfeelingsforherhadn’tcomecloseto
thefeelingshehadforVerityafterahandfulofdays.

NomatterhowmucheasieritwouldhavebeenforhimtostayemotionlessaboutVerity,he

hadn’tbeenabletoreininhisheartfromthemomenthelaideyesonher.Shewasdifferent.Special.
Anditmadetheentiresituationaboutathousandtimesmorecomplicated.

Thiswomaninhisarms,withhersunnysmilesandpatientheart,hadbroughtsomuch

unexpectedwarmthintohislonesomelife.Hecouldn’tletherwalkawayfromwhattheywerestarting
tonight,evenifitmeantwalkingthroughthatdoorandnegotiatingthemessofbaggageand
responsibilityontheotherside.Hecouldn’tlethergobackupstairstoherroomandclosethedoor
onthechanceofmorebetweenthem.Whatshehadn’tyetrealizedwasthatyes,he’dhelpedgethera
jobandgivenherandherbrotheraplacetostay,buthewasdefinitelygettingmoreoutofthe
arrangementthanshewas.Hefeltaliveforthefirsttimeinyears.Hefeltneededinawaythatwas
electric,notfamilial.Hefelt...good.Sohetightenedhisarmsandheldontoher,hoping—blindly,
desperately,evenagainsthisbetterjudgment—thatshewouldn’tleave.

Herbody,rigidatfirst,relaxedagainsthislittlebylittle,andrelieffloodedhisheart.Hepressed

hislipstoherhair,kissingthesilkenstrands,thenliftinghisheadsothatshecouldleanagainsthim,
thebackofherheadonhisshoulder,herlungsfillingandemptyingrapidlyunderhishands,which

layflatonherabdomen,hisfingerslockedtogetherjustbeneathherbreasts.

“Don’tgo,”hesaidagain,closetoherear,daringtosuckthetemptinglobebetweenhislips.She

gaspedwithpleasure,andhefelthershiverwhenhereleasedit.“I’msorry.”

“Forwhat?”sheasked,hervoicebreathless.
“Forbeingajerk,”hesaid,slowlyrunninghislipsfrombehindherear,downthesideofher

throat,tothetinyvalleywhereherneckandcollarbonemet.Therehekissedhersoftly,andshe
moaned—alow,tinysoundofpleasurecatchingarideonasigh.Hisbloodrushedfuriouslytohis
cock,makinghimlight-headedashekissedthatlittlehollowagain.

“Havedinnerwithme,”hemurmured,lettinghislipsslipoverherwarmskintoherbare

shoulder.“Please.”

Shetookadeepbreathandstraightened,raisingherheadandturninginhisarms.Drunkbythe

nearnessofher,bythesoftpressureofherbreastsbrushingagainsthischest,hedidn’tnoticeher
eyesatfirst.Hewastoofocusedonhermouth—onthelipshewantedtodevour,tolickandtasteand
exploreuntilsheslidhertongueagainsthisandbeggedforhishandsonherbody,andthenhe’d—

“Colton.”
Somethinginhervoiceslicedthroughhislust,andheslidhisheavygazefromherlipstoher

eyes,findingthemtroubled.

Sometimes“I’msorry”isn’tenough,hethoughtandflinched,leaningawayfromherand

droppinghereyes.“I’veruinedtonight.”

“No!No.”Herhandslandedgentlyonhisface,tenderlycradlinghisjaw.“Youhaven’truined

anything.”

Hetwistedhisnecktopresshislipstoherpalm,hopingherbreathwouldhitchandlovingit

whenitdid.Hewaslearningwhatsheliked,andeverytinylessonwasprecioustohim.Allhewanted
inthewholeworldwastohavemoredaystolearnabouther,toknowher,tohavethehonorof
lookingafterherforalittlewhilelonger.

“Then...?”Helookedupather,uncertainofwhatwouldhappennext.
“It’sme.I...Ihaven’tknownyouforverylong,but...”Shehesitatedbeforespeakingagain.

“ButIdon’tthinkIcandocasualwithyou.”Herlipstiltedupinasadsmileasshemadethis
confession.“IwishIcould.”

“DoyouthinkI’mlookingforcasual?”heasked,frowningashesearchedhereyes.
Shepulledherbottomlipbetweenherteeth,lookingupintohisfacewithheartbreaking

earnestness.“Ioverheardsomeofyourconversation,soIknowI’m...I’mnottheonlywomanin
yourliferightnow.And...”Shegulped,thencontinuedon,likeshe’dlosehernerveifshestopped
talking.“I’mjust...I’mnotgoodatsharing,Iguess.”Sheshrugged,herblueeyessadbutclearas
shestaredupathim.“We’veknowneachothersuchashorttime.Myfeelingsareridiculous.Iknow
that.ButIcan’thelpit.Ilikeyou.Ialreadylikeyou.IfIlikedyouless,maybeIcouldhaveaflingwith
you,butIjustdon’tthink—”

“Ilikeyoutoo,”heblurtedout,hisheartburstingatthesweetnessofherwordsandignoringthe

voiceofcautioninhisheadthatremindedhimhewasn’tsupposedtofallforher.“ThewomanIwas
talkingaboutonthephone?I’mnotromanticallyinvolvedwithher.She’s...family.”

“Oh!”saidVerity,blinkingathiminsurprise.“Oh.Ididn’tknow...”

Coltonnodded.“Shehasseizuresfromtimetotime.Hadabadonetonight.”
“OhmyGod!”shesaid,thepressureofherfingersincreasingslightlywithherworry.“I’mso

sorry.”

“Imissedthecallsfromher,um,hercaregiverbecauseIwasgettingreadyfordinner,and—”
“Andyoufeltbadaboutthat.”
Henodded.“Shedoesn’thaveanyoneelse.”
Hershouldersslumpedwithcompassion.“Isshegoingtobeokay?”
“She’ssedatednowandsleepingsoundly,butIneedtogocheckonherfirstthinginthe

morning.”

“Maybeyoushouldgonow.”
Heshookhishead.“No.She’sasleepnow.I’dbegoingforme—formyguilt—notforher.”
“Youshouldn’tfeelguilty,”shesaidgently.
“Youwouldn’tfeelguilty?IfRyanwasaloneandinpainandyouweren’tthere?”
Sheflinched,lookingdown.“Iwould.”
“Thenyouunderstand.”
“Yes...butthere’snothingyoucandonow.She’sbeingcaredfor.She’sasleep.You’llgointhe

morning.You’llfigureoutawaytomakeitokay.”

Herwordswereasweetbalmtohistroubledheart,andhewasgratefulforthem.Hecockedhis

headtotheside.“Soyou’renotgoodatsharing,huh?”

Hereyesflaredasasuddenflushofbrightredstainedhercheeks.Shewhimperedsoftly,letting

herhandsslidefromhisfaceanddroppinghiseyes.Hestillheldheraroundthewaist,butsheno
longerleanedagainsthim.Forlornlyshestareddownattheplacewhereherbreastsbrushedhischest.

“Verity?”
“YoumustthinkI’m...OhGod,ItoldyouIlikedyou...”Shehuffedsoftly,raisinghereyesto

histhroatasthecolorinhercheeksdeepened.“I...Ipracticallythrewmyselfatyou...sayingIcan’t
becasualorhaveafling...likeI’mlookingforsomebigcommitment.”Shegroaned,shakingher
head.“Thisisonlyourfirstdate!OhGod,youmustthinkI’mdesperateandneedyand—”

Hetightenedhisarmsaroundherwaist.“Lookatme,VerityGwynn.”Hecouldtellhowmuch

courageittookforhertomeethiseyes,andwhenshedid,herentirefacewasthecolorofripe
strawberries.“Youdidn’tthrowyourselfatme.Youdidn’taskforacommitment.Yousaidyoudidn’t
wantafling,andyouknowwhat?NeitherdoI.Yousaidyoulikeme,andthetruthisthatIlikeyou
too.”Hislipswobbled,andheletthemtiltupintoasmallgrinbecauseheknewhowmuchsheneeded
one,andhecouldn’thelpitanyway.VerityGwynnembarrassedwasoff-the-chartsappealing.“Faras
Icantell,baby?Wedon’thaveaproblem.”

Herlipspartedinsurprise.“‘Baby’?”
Heshrugged.“Youmind?”
“No,”shewhispered.Shesearchedhisfaceforamomentbeforelettingherselfgrinback,the

sightofthosesweetdimplesmakinghisheartsoar.“ButIthinkyou’retakingiteasyonme.”

Heleanedforward,pressinghislipstoherforeheadandlingeringthereforamomentbefore

drawingaway,hisownhappygrinstillsolidlyinplacebecauseshewasn’tleavingandshelikedhim
andshewasn’tlookingforafling.“Sowhat?Goaheadandletme.”

***

“Ihaven’thadsteakinages,”shesaid,smilingathimacrossthetableasshecutanother
mouthwateringpieceofperfectlygrilledsteakandsavoredit,closinghereyesandhummingasshe
chewed.“Mmmmm.”

“I’mnevermakingyousteakagain,woman,”hesaiddarkly.
Hereyespoppedopen,andshegiggled.“Whynot?”
“Becauseyou’rekillingmewiththoselittlenoises.”
Hercheekswarmedasifoncommand,andshereachedforherwineglass,takingasipasshe

watchedhimovertherim.

Ithadsurprisedherbefore,whentheywereonthesteps,thathehadn’tkissedher.She’dexpected

himto.She’dallbutgivenhimpermission.Butafterafairlychastekissontheforehead,he’dtaken
herhandandledhertothetable,pouringthemeachaglassofwineandaskingherhowsheliked
workingatTLOCasheflippedthesteaksonthegrill.

They’dtalkedaboutworkforalittlewhile,and,toherrelief,hevoluntarilyansweredher

questionfromearlierintheday.

“ThisafternoonyouaskedifI’deverdatedanyoneatwork.”
“Iwasjustwondering,”shesaid,feelingsheepish.
“Ididdatesomeone.Butitwasn’tserious,anditdidn’tlastlong.”
“Isshestillthere?”Verityaskedhim,crossingherfingersunderthetable.
Heshookhishead.“Nope.ShetookanotherjobinVegasawhileback.”
AndLord,butshe’dsmiledathimafterthat.Hewasfreeandshewasfree.Andtheylikedeach

other.Thingsthisgooddidn’tgenerallyhappentoVerityGwynn.Andsuddenly,here,now,something
goodwashappening.

“Nomorelittlenoises,”shepromised,placingherglassbackonthetable.
“Ididn’tsay‘nomore.’Isaidthey’rekillingme.”
“Well,Idon’twantyoutodie,”shesaid,butterfliesinherbellyasshenibbledonanearofcorn.
Hechuckledsoftly.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Toknowyou.Toreallyknowyou,andforyoutobeasgoodandsweetandrightformeasIhope

youare.

“Tofeelsafeagain,”shesaidinstead.
“Doyoufeelsafehere?”
Shenodded.“Ido.”
“Thenlet’sconsiderthatwishgrantedbecausenothingscary’sgettingthroughme.Whatelse?”
She’dtakenhershoesoff,andhe’dkickedoffhisflip-flopswhilehewasatthegrill.Nowshe

soughthisfeetunderthetablebecausehiswordsmadeherheartgallopandsigh,andshewantedto
touchhim.Sheranonetoeoverthebridgeofhisfoot,watchinghimsitupalittlestraighter,hot
awarenessdarkeninghiseyes.

“Whatelse?”heaskedagain,hisvoicegravelly.
“ForRyantofitinsomewhere.Youknow,tohaveajobandbeusefuland—Idon’tknow—maybe

evenhaveafriend.Someonelikehim.”

Coltonnoddedslowly,stretchingouthislegsunderthetableuntilhisfeetwereunderherbench.

“Likehim?”

Sheliftedherfeetandrestedthemonhislegs.“Slow.Sweet.”
“Developmentallydisabled.”
“Yeah.”Shetookadeepbreathandsighed.“Thismightsoundmean,but...Idon’twanttobe

everythingtohim.Iwanthimtohavehisownlife,youknow?Outsideofme.I’llalwayslookoutfor
him,but...”

“You’dlikefull-timecareforRyan?Like...inagrouphome?”
“No!”Shecringed.“I’dneverputhimina...ahome.Never.”
“Wait.That’snotwhatI—”
“No,Colton.Nowayinhell.”
Sheshookherhead,moreandmoreemphatically,rememberingtheplacesheandhermother

hadlookedatthreetownsoverfromCamillaafterherfatherdied.State-runandaffordable,butfilthy
andoutdated.Chippedlightbluepaintoncementblockwalls.MenlikeRyan,zonedout,staringout
barredwindowswhileagameshowblaredinthebackground.Noway.Notwhileshehadbreathin
herbodywouldRyanendupsomewherelikethat.Andhonestly?ItreallybotheredherthatColton
evensuggestedit.Hecouldn’tpossiblyknowwhathewastalkingabout,soitwouldhavebeenbetter
forhimnottochimein.

“Verity,I’mtalkingaboutaniceplacewherehecanlivewith—”
“Nice?”shesaid,drawingbackherfeetandsittingupprimly.“Placeslikethatdon’texist.”
“Ofcoursetheydo.”
“You’retalkingaboutlockingupmybrotherlike...likeananimal,likeaburden,like—”
“No.Iwouldneversuggestthat.Ijustthink—”
“Thinkwhat?Whatdoyouknowaboutitanyway?”shesnapped.
Instantlyremorseful,shebitherupperlip,chagrinedbyhermeannesswhenColtonhadbeen

nothingbutkind.Whenshelookedupathim,sherubbedherforeheadandtriedtosoftenher
expression.“Hotbutton.”Shetookaraggedbreathandsighed,tryingforasmall,conciliatorysmile.
“Newsubject?”

Thoughitlookedlikehehadmoretosay,henodded.
“Sorry,again,”shesaidsoftly.
Heshruggedlikeheroutburstdidn’tbotherhim.“It’sokay.”
Asmall,awkwardsilencestretchedoutbetweenthemforafewminutesbeforeheasked,“What

elsedoyouwant?Foryou,notyourbrother.”

“Hmm,”shehummed,cuttinganotherpieceofmeatandfeelingrelievedthathewastryingtoget

theirconversationbackontrack.“Moresteak.”

“Steak?”Hisgrinreturned—smallbutstillthere—anditmadeherhappy,madeiteasiertoput

theirpatchofunpleasantconversationbehind.

“Iloveitwhenyousmile.”
“Onlytwopeopleintheworldmakemesmile,youknow.”
Shecockedherheadtotheside,tryingtodecideifhewasbeingserious.“I’mone?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Andwhoelse?”

“Melody.”
Herheartlurched,butsheworkedtokeephervoiceeven.“Who’sthat?”
Coltontookasipofwine.“Rememberbefore?ThefamilymemberImentionedwhohas

seizures?”

“That’sMelody?”
Hissmilefadedalittle.“Mycousin.”
“Yourcousin,”saidVerity,layingherforkandknifeonheralmost-emptyplateandpushingit

aside.Sherestedherelbowsonthetableandleanedforward,closertohim.“I’mstayinginherroom,
right?”

Henodded.
“Howoldisshe?”
“Fouryearsyoungerthanme,”hesaid.“Twenty-four.”
“Sameasme.Andherparents?”
“Myauntandunclepassedaway.”
“I’msorry,”saidVerity.“Shehasepilepsy?”
Hestaredatherhardforamoment.“Shehasseizures,yes.”
“Before,whenyoumentionedafamilymemberwho’dhadaseizure,Ijustassumedthatshewas

older.Likeagrandmother.”

Heshookhishead.“Nope.”
“Areyouclosetoher?”
Hedroppedhereyes,takinganothersipofhiswine.“Yeah.Wedon’thaveanyotherfamily

aroundhere.”

“Isshemarried?Anykids?”
“No.Andno.”Coltonlookedupather,hisexpressionunreadable.Hisnextquestionmadeitclear

thathewantedtheconversationtomoveonfromMelody.“Whatelsedoyouwant?”

“Iwanttoseeoneofyourtattoos,”shesaidsoftly.
Inthesoftlightcastbythetwinklelightsoverhead,hetookhislowerlipbetweenhisteethand

grinnedather,hiseyesjustabouttwinklingtoo.

“WhatifItoldyouthey’reallininappropriateplaces?”
Sheloweredherchinandleanedcloser.
“I’daskhowmanyyouhave.”
“Three.”
Shelethereyesdiptohislap,thenslowlytrailupthecrispwhitefrontofhisdressshirt,pausing

athisthroat,againathislips,andlingeringonhiseyes.

“I’dsayyou’rebig,butI’mnotsurethere’senoughrealestateontheinappropriateplacesfor

threetattoos.”

Hisgrinwidened.“Youhaven’tseenmyinappropriateplaces,baby.”
Shechuckledsoftly,shakingherhead.“That’strue.”
Anewcurrentofawarenesssnappedandsizzledbetweenthem.Tension.Attraction.Want.Need.
Suddenlyhestoodupandsteppedoverthebenchhe’dbeensittingon.Hebackedupuntilhewas

standingattheedgeofthepatiowithhishandsonhiships,facingher,infullview.

“Youreallywanttoseeone?”heasked.
“Ido.”
Hishandsslidfromhishipstohisbeltbuckle,whichdrewhereyestohiscrotch.Behindthe

denimofhisjeans,shethoughtshesawtheoutlineofafairlysignificantbulge,butitwashardtotell
inthetwilightshadows.Still...hermouthwatered.Heclearedhisthroat,andshejerkedhereyesup
tomeethis.

“Seeanythingyoulike?”heasked,hisvoicehotandlow.
“Maybe,”shesaid,feelinghercheeksflushwithheat.Lord,butheknewhowtoflusterherwitha

fewwords.“Butifshowingmeatattoomeanstakingoffyourbelt,I’mnotsureI’mreadytoseeit
quiteyet.”

Didshewanthimtomakeamoveonher?Yes.Thememoryofhishotlipstrailingacrossthe

sensitiveskinofherthroatandshoulderswasrecentenoughtomakehersigh.Butwasshereadyto
havesex?Herbodywouldsayyes...butherheadknewthatitwouldbesmartertowaitalittle
longer.Afterall,ifthingswentsouthbetweenthem,shewaslivingwithhim.Itwouldmakethings
monumentallyincrediblyawkwardwhileshelookedforanewplace.

Besttreadcarefully,Verity.
Holdinghereyes,henoddedslowlybeforeturningaroundandpresentingherwithaperfectview

ofhisgorgeousass.

Youcouldbounceaquarteroffthatpieceofheaven,shethought,cuppingherchinin

wonderment.

Hepeekedatherfrombehindhisshoulder.“Youready?”
“Forwhat?”sheasked,smilingathim.
Shehalfexpectedhimtodrophispants,butinsteadhereachedbehindandgrabbedtwohandfuls

ofhisshirt,tuggingthetailfromhisjeans.Pullingtheshirtoverhishead,heleftthearmsonand
heldthebunched-upshirtinfrontofhisface.Hisbackwasasculptedworkofartonitsown,andher
eyeshungrilytracedtheindentofhisspineandtheripplesofsymmetricalmusclefromthewaistband
ofhisjeanstohisneck.

Andthere,onhisupperback,fromoneshouldertotheotherandcenteredbetweenthebladeswas

anothertribaltattoo,asboldandblackastheoneonhisfoot...andstrangelyfamiliartoher.

WhenVeritywasalittlegirl,hermotherhadshownhertheDisneymovieSleepingBeauty,but

unlikeotherlittlegirls,whoprobablylovedthesceneswiththefairiesandtheprincess,Verityhad
lovedasceneattheend,starringPrincePhillip,inwhichheescapesfromtheForbiddenMountain,
ridinghiswhitesteedtoAurora’sside.ButMaleficentusesherstafftohurllightningboltsatthe
castle,eachboltraisingathick,pitch-blackvineofthorns.TogettoAurora,Phillipmusthackhis
waythroughthethornswithhissword.Andhedoes.Andthenheslaysadragon.

StaringatColton’stattoo,shesuddenlyknewwhereshe’dseenitbefore:itlookedexactlylike

Maleficent’sthornvines,thesharppointsdeadlybutbeautifulacrosshistan,muscularback.

“Whydidyouchooseit?”sheasked.
Heshrugged,turnedaroundandlethisshirtfall,butnotbeforeshegotaquickglimpseathis

equallymuscularchestandabdomen.Nowwhowastryingtokillwhom?shewondered,resistingthe
urgetosigh.

“Iknowit’satribaldesign,”shesaid.“Buttome,itlookslikeavineofthorns.”
Hesatbackdownatthetableandreachedforonepinkrose.Liftingittohisnose,hebreathed

deeplybeforetearingofftwothornsandhandingittoher.

“Doyouhavearosetattoosomewhere?”sheasked,takingtheflowerfromhim.
“No,”hesaid,staringatheracrossthetable.“Ionlyhavethethorns.”
Hiswordswereinfusedwithdoublemeaning,butshedidn’tpushhimtoexplain.Liftingher

glasstoherlips,shefinishedthelastofherwine.

“Thankyoufordinner.”
“You’rewelcome.”Hepickeduptheboxthathadsatbesidetheflowersonthetableallevening.

Heopeneditandtookoutthenecklace.“Thisisforyou.”

Shepushedthevaseofflowersbetweenthemgentlytothesideandleanedoverthetable.“Putit

onforme?”

Heunclaspedit,drewitaroundherneckandfasteneditintheback,lettinghisfingersbrushher

hot,sensitiveskinbeforesittingbackandstaringatitnestledinthesmallvalleybetweenherbreasts.

“Itlooksgood,”hesaid,hisvoicethick.
Shefingereditgently.“Iloveit.”
“Good.”
“Nexttime,I’llcook.”Damnit.Tooforward.“Imean,ifthereisa—”
“Ihopethere’sanexttime,”hesaidsmoothly.
“Metoo.”
“Ihaveashowtomorrownight,twoonSaturday,andthematineeonSunday.Anychanceyou

wanttowatchamoviewithmeonSundaynight?Aftertheshow?”

“Here?”
Henodded.
“Youknow,I’venevernoticedaTVanywhere.”
“That’sbecausethere’sonlyone.It’sinmyroom.”
Oh.Ohhhhhh.“Um...”
Hereadhermindandgrinned.“Amovie,Verity.I’mnotgoingtojumpyourbones.”Hepicked

uphiswineglassandfinishedtherestofhisMerlot.“Unlessyouaskmeto.”

Thewayhesaiditwasatonceadorableandprovocative,andmadehersmileasherbreath

caught.“We’llsee...”

“Yes,wewill.”
Shestoodup,lookingdownatthetable—attheiremptyplatesandwineglasses,thevaseof

flowers,thestill-starchedlinens.“Letmehelpyoubringsomeofthisinside.”

Heshookhishead.“Nope.Thiswasmyshow.I’lltakecareofstrikingit.”
“You’resure?”
“I’msure.”Hestoodup.“ButI’llwalkyoutothestairslikeagooddate.”
“Okay,”shesaid,herheartbeatingamadrhythmasshewalkedovertothestepsthatledtothe

kitchen.Sheclimbedthemwithoutlookingback,butassheopenedthekitchendoor,hisarmreached
overhershouldertoholdit,andhereyesslidtotheveinthatwoundaroundhismusculararmlikea
vine.Sheimaginedtracingitwithhertongue,andashiversaileddownherspineashefollowedher

throughthelittlekitchenintothedarklivingroom.Atthefootofthestairs,shestoppedandturned
aroundtolookathim.

“Thankyouforhavingdinnerwithmetonight,”hewhispered.
Shenodded,toonervous,toohopeful,toformwords.
Kissme.OhGod,Colton,pleasekissme.
Inthemoonlightstreamingthroughthelivingroomwindows,shesawhisjawclenchandhis

eyesnarrowlikeithurttolookather.“Youcoulddobetterthanme,Verity.”

Sheshookherheadasshetookasteptowardhim,closingthedistancebetweenthem.Withevery

shallowbreathherbreastsbrushedhischest,makinghernipplespebbleintotightpoints.Shetilted
herheadbacktolookupathimandreachedforhisface,tenderlycuppinghistightjawbetweenher
palms.“Evenifthat’strue,it’stoolate.Itoldyou...Ialreadylikeyou.”

Hisarmsclampedaroundherwaist,hiseyessearchinghersfiercelyashepulledherhardagainst

thewallofhisbody.

“Ifyoudon’twantthis,sayso.Sayitnow.”Alethalgrowl.“Sayit.”
Shestaredupathimandsaidnothing.Andthen,asherheartflutteredlikeawildthingbehindher

ribs,shedeliberatelypartedherlipsandlickedthem.

Likeastarvingmansuddenlyofferedabuffet,hismouthcamedownhardandhungryonhers,

onehandslidingupherback,hisfingersplungingandthreadingthroughherhairtopullbackher
head.Hisotherarmheldhersmallbodytightlytohismassive,muscularform—sotightly,shecould
feeltherigidbulgeofhiserectionagainstherbellyandtherapidswellofhislungsashedevoured
herlips.

Herfingerscurled,hernailsflexingintohischeeks,demandinghiscloseness.Ashislipsmoved

harderonhers,shekissedhimbackwithawelling,risingfrenzyoflustthatrolledthroughherbody
likethunder,heatingheruplikefever.Low,desperatemoansofwant,ofgreed,ofinviolablefucking
needtomeetherdeprivation,roseupfromthebaseofherthroat,andhegroanedinresponse,
backingherupagainstthewallbehindherandwedginghiskneebetweenherlegs.

Onhertiptoes,shearchedherbackawayfromthewallashistonguesweptintohermouth,

makinghottearsspilloverthewellofhereyesasherfingersspreadandfroze,shockedbythe
intensefeelingofhishotvelvettongueslidingslowly,willfully,possessivelyacrosshers.Thenshe
gasped,plungingherhandsintohishairashegrowledintohermouth,thehandaroundherwaist
movingtoherassandcuppingtoshoveherforward.Herdressrodeuptoherhipsasshestraddled
histhigh,thewetnessbetweenherlegssurelydampeninghisjeans,herbreastscrushedagainsthis
chest.Theirtonguestwistedandtangled,theirsharedpantsofbreatharaggedsymphony.

Shearchedagain,grindingagainsthim,desperatetoquellthethrobofneedbuildingsavagely

betweenherlegs.Frustratedthatshecouldfindnorelease,shewhimpered,finallylettingherheadfall
backagainstthewall.

Hislipsslidfromhermouth,alongtheedgeofherjaw,toherthroat,tothecurvewhereherneck

andshouldermet,andthereherested,hischestheavingintohersashepantedagainstthebareskinof
hershoulder.

“Baby,”hesighed.“Verity.”
Hernamewaswant.

Hernamewasneed.
Hernamewastruth.
Reachingforherwaist,heheldhergentlyashedrewbackhisknee,supportingheruntilshe

openedhereyesandlookedupathim.

Herbreastsroseandfellquicklyasshetookshort,shallowbreaths,staringupathimwith

wonder.

“Goodnight,Verity,”hesaid,loweringhisarmsandsteppingawayfromher.
Forjustamomenthehesitated,hisdarkeyeslockedonhers,andshewonderedifhe’dpullher

intohisarmsagain.Partofherhopedso,butanotherpartofherwantedtheepickissthathadjust
irreversiblyshiftedtheaxisofherworldtobetonight’sfinale.

Asifhecouldreadhermind,hegrinnedwickedlyather,thenbackedawayintotheshadowsof

thelivingroom,hisfootstepsmovingtowardthekitchen.

“Goodnight,Colton,”shewhisperedintothedarkness,placingherpalmoverherheartasshe

watchedhimgo.

CHAPTER9

Coltsleptlikeshit.Again.

Thatkiss.
Thatkiss.
Thatwhite-hotfuckingkisshadshockedtheshitoutofhim.
Beneaththegirl-next-doorsweetnessofVerityGwynn,theresimmeredvolcaniclevelsofheat

thathadtotallyflooredhim.Coltwasn’tsurewhathe’dexpected,butshehadansweredhishunger
withafiercedesireofherownthatheneversawcoming.He’dfeltherarousal—thehardnessofher
nipplesthroughherdressandhisshirt,theheatofherpussypressedagainsthisjeans,thefucking
soundsshemade,thepressureofherhandsburiedinhishair,thewayshearchedagainsthimand
gyratedagainsthisthighwedgedbetweenhers.Thatkisshadescalatedsofast,itmadehisheadspin.
Anditmadehisbodywant.So.Much.More.

Butallhe’dgottenwasasuper-shittynight’ssleep.
Afterhe’dcleanedupthebackpatioandkitchen,he’dstrippeddownforbed,buthisbodywas

toowired,andhisfuckingcockwouldn’tgiveupitsfutilefuckinghopesformore.Snappingonthe
light,hebenchedforthirtyminutes,butthatdidn’treallyhelpeither,sohejerkedoff,clenchinghis
eyesshut,rememberingtheslideofhertongue,thewayshemoanedintohismouthandswallowed
hisgroansofpleasure,thewayshe’dfeel,tightandhot,ifthedaycamewhenhemadelovetoher.He
camequicklyinhishand,buthisfantasiesdidn’tquitandhehardenedagain.Ittookbeatingitagainin
theshowertofinallytaketheedgeoffhishunger,buthestillsleptlikeshitbecausehecouldn’tstop
thinkingabouther,hisfoolishfuckingheadimaginingalifethatincludedheruntilhefinallydrifted
offtosleepaftertwo.

Whenhisalarmsoundedat6:15,heslammedthepalmofhishandoverthesnoozebutton,but

thankfullyhe’ddisableditbeforebedlastnight,andthealarmcontinuedtoblareinhisearandforced
himtowakeup.

Melodywasupatseveno’clockeverymorning,rainorshine,andColthadpromisedtobethe

firstthingshesawwhensheopenedhereyes.Afterleavingherabandonedlastnight,theleasthe
coulddowasbethereontimethismorning.

Sighingdeeply,hepushedoffthecoversandreachedforthejeanshe’dwornlastnight.Hestared

atthedeniminhishandsforamoment,thenheldthemupbythewaistband,takingamomenttofigure
outwhichthighhe’dwedgedbetweenVerity’slegsandthenpressingthefabrictohisnose.Andfuck.
Hecouldsmellher.

Clenchinghisjawtightly,heclosedhiseyes,inhalingherscentdeeplyandthinkingshesmelled

somuchlikefuckingheaven,hecouldn’twaittotastehertoo.Hisbodytightenedinresponsetothat
sexyfuckingthought,andhepressedthedenimuptohisface,practicallybathingintheremnantsof
herscent.

Fuck.
Fuckfuckfuuuuuck.
Hewasfallingforher.Hard.

Disgustedwithhimself,heballedupthejeansandthrewtheminthelaundrybasket,thenopeneda

drawerandpulledoutanotherpairofjeans,draggingthemuphislegs.HegrabbedaplainwhiteT-
shirtfromthetopdrawer,thenpulledablackbutton-downshirtfromahangerinhiscloset,
shruggingitoverhisshouldersasheslippedhisfeetintotheleatherthongshe’dbeenwearinglast
night.

Fiveminuteslater,hewaspullingawayfromhishouse,hiseyesfixedonthestill-darkwindow

thatusedtobeMelody’sbedroom,andhehopedthatVerityhadenjoyedabetternight’ssleepthanhe
had.

Whateverthoughtshe’dhadaboutnotfallingforVeritywerelaughableatthispoint.Ithadn’t

takenlongforhimtogetindeep—hewasinwayoverhishead—andunfortunately,afterlastnight,
hehadzerointerestingettingbackout.Hisbodywasonfireforher.Hismindcouldn’tsetheraside
formorethanamoment.Hisheartracedwhenhethoughtofspendingtimealonewithher.Theonly
directionhewantedtomove,whereVerityGwynnwasconcerned,wasforward.

Andyettheirdiscussionlastnighthadaddedawholenewlevelofchallengetothepossibilityof

arelationshipbetweenthem.HeandVerityhadimportantthingsincommonthatshedidn’tknow
aboutyet,butthewaytheyhandledthosesimilaritieswaswildlydifferent.Sodifferent,infact,hehad
purposelykeptcertainvitalparticularsabouthislifetohimselfaftershe’dgottenupsetwithhim
aboutRyanandgrouphomes.Andnow,inthebrightlightofday,hewasn’tcertainhe’dmadethe
rightchoice.Hedidn’teverwanthertothinkthathewasdeceivingherbyomission.Butthereality
wasthatthesituationwasfuckingdelicate,andhedidn’twanttofuckitup.

Withalmostnocarsontheroadthisearly,hehadaneasytwenty-minutedrivenorthtoNorcross.

HeslippedhisaccesscardintothecardreaderattheentrancetoBonnie’sPlaceandwatchedtheblack
gateslowlyslideopen.

Heenteredthegatedcommunity,ashehadahundredtimesbefore,drivingpasttwoten-unit

condocomplexesoneithersideofthelandscapedroad,allfreshlypaintedasubtlegraywithbright
whitetrimandfrontedbymanicuredlawns.Next,onhisleft,wastheswimmingpoolandcommunity
center,withawidewraparoundporch,decoratedwithhangingbasketsofhot-pinkgeraniums,and
acrosstheroadfromthat,onhisright,wastheLaundromat,café,andsundriesstore.Turningright,
ontoWellnessWay,hepassedtwomoreten-unitcondocomplexesoneithersideoftheroad,circleda
roundaboutwithabubblingfountain,andturnedrightagain,ontoBraveryBoulevard.

PullingupinfrontofcomplexF(IsFor“Friendship”),hecuttheengineandlookedupatthetidy

buildingthatMelody,who’dbeenbornwithDownsyndrome,hadcalledhomesincesixmonths
beforehermotherpassedawayfromcancer.

Bonnie’sPlacewasexactlythesortofsafe,caring,moderncommunitythatVerityhadswornlast

nightdidn’texist.

Itwasagatedvillagefordevelopmentallydisabledadults,housingeightyresidentsineight

condocomplexesthatwerestaffedbyatwenty-four-hourCM,orcoachandmentor.ItwasMelody’s
p.m.CM,Dawn,whohadcalledColttotellhimaboutMelody’sseizure.ItwasalsoDawnwho’d
alertedtheon-calldoctorandseentohercarewhenherlegalguardian,Colt,wasnowheretobe
found.

Hecheckedhiswatch.Itwastenofseven,sohehustledovertothebasementapartmentthatthe

CMssharedandrangthebell.Afteramoment,Francisco,theon-dutyCM,answered,offeringColta
widesmile.

“Hey,man!”hesaid,reachingouthishand,whichwascoveredwiththesamesortoftribaltattoos

thatColtfavored.

Coltshookit,noddingathisHawaiianfriend,who’dbeenaCMatBonnie’sPlacesinceMelhad

arrived,shortlyafterhereighteenthbirthday.“How’sshedoing?”

“Justcheckedthemonitor.She’sstillasleep.”
“Dawnleftatfive?”
Francisconodded.“Yeah.”
“Ioweherflowers.Andchocolates.Andmyfirstborn.”
“Nah,”saidFranciscoasColtonfollowedhimthroughtheapartmenttothestairsthatledtolevel

oneandtwoofthecondobuilding.“Sheknewyoufeltbad.”

TherewereatotaloffourregularCMs—Dawn,Francisco,Brooke,andLamont—whostaffed

Mel’sunit,providingdirectionandassistanceforallmannerofday-to-dayneeds,includingpersonal
grooming,healthandsafety,communicationandsocialization,andhomemanagementskills,suchas
mealpreparationandhomemaintenance.TheCMsmadesurethattheresidentswereontimeforthe
shuttlethattookthemtotheirjobsinthelocalcommunity,andstayedinconstantcommunicationwith
boththeiremployersandparentsorguardians.

AlthoughtheresidentsofBonnie’sPlacelivedintheirownapartments,withtheirownbedroom,

bathroom,livingroom,andkitchen,italsoadoptedamodifiedgrouphomeapproachinthataCM
wasalwaysavailableinthesamebuildingandregularlycheckedupontheresidents.AuntJanehad
approvedtheinstallationofthreevideomonitorsinMelody’sapartmentsothatshecouldbe
monitoredforseizures.

Independencewithcare.Livingalonewithagiantsafetynet.
Passingthedoorthatledtothefirstfloor,theyclimbedtothesecondlandingandFrancisco

swipedhiscardoverthereaderthatallowedthemtoentertheupstairshallway.Therewerethree
apartmentstotheleftandtwototheright,withacommonroominthemiddleofthehallwaywitha
window-seatalcove,TV,gametable,andreadingarea.

“Youwantmetogowithyou?”askedFrancisco.
Coltshookhishead.“No,thanks.Igotit.”
Franciscoslappedhimontheback.“Stopbeatingyourselfup.You’reallowedtohavealife,you

know.”

“Ishouldhavebeenhere.”
“Youwillbe.Nexttime.”
“Thanks,man.”
Franciscowinkedathim,thenturnedbackaroundasColtheadedforthethirddoorontheleft,

swipinghiscardoverthereaderbesidethedoorbell.Thelightonthekeypadchangedfromredto
green,andasquietlyashecould,ColteasedintoMel’sapartment.

Inthemonthsbeforeshedied,AuntJanehaddecoratedtheapartmentwithlovingcare:afluffy

lavenderrugcoveredthefloorofthelivingarea,whichhadavioletloveseatandapurple-
upholsteredeasychair.ATVsatonastandinthecorner,andMel’sunithadslidingdoorsthatledtoa

smallbalcony,largeenoughfortwochairsandasmalltable,whereshelikedtoeatherbreakfast.
Crossingthelivingroom,Coltpressedhiseartoherbedroomdoorbutheardnothing,sohebacked
awayandheadedforthekitchen,openingthefridgetotakeoutfoureggs,butter,andmilk.

Hepulleddownabowlandwhiskedtheeggswithmilk,thenmeltedbutterinaskilletbefore

pouringtheraweggsintothehotpan.Asitsizzledandspat,hecheckedtheclock:6:58.Hepoured
twoglassesoforangejuiceandtookthemouttothetableonthebalcony,thenshovedtwopiecesof
oatbreadinthetoaster.Justastheypoppedup,heheardherbedroomdooropenandherfamiliar
voicesay,“C-C-C-Colton?”

Melodydidn’tspeaklikeatypicaladult.Herspeechwaslow,stilted,andsomewhatgarbledtoan

untrainedear,butsinceshe’dbeenallbutasistertohimsincehewasayoung,angrypreteen,Colt
didn’treallynoticeanymore.

“Gotbreakfaststarted,Mel,”hecalledfromthekitchen.“Juiceonthetable.Eggsdone.Buttering

thetoast.Youhungry?”

“Yeah.I’mhungry,C-C-C-Colton.”
Sheshuffledintothelivingroom,andhelookeduptocatchherstretching.Herreddish-blonde

hairwasstillintheFrenchbraidthatDawnmusthaveplaitedbeforebed,andherHelloKittypajamas
werewrinkled.

“Ihadas-s-seizurelastnight.”Sheclickedherteethtogether,lookingathimthroughherthick

glasses.

“Iheard,”hesaid.Hefinishedbutteringthetoastandcutitinhalf,placingtwopiecesonherplate

andtwoonhis,thenpickeduptheplatesandturnedtofaceher.“I’msorryIwasn’there.”

“Dawnwashere.”
“Iknow.I’mstillsorryIwasn’t.”
“It’s...okay,C-C-C-Colton.”
Hescannedherfacewithhiseyes.Herfamiliarfreckles.Herchappedlips.Herbrightblueeyes.

Herruddycheeks.Hercheerfulsmile.Andhedidwhathealwaysdid.Hesmiledbackbecausehe
lovedher.

“Readyforbreakfast,Mel?”
Hersmilewidenedassheturnedforthebalcony.“I’malwaysreadyforbreakfast,silly.You

knowthat.”

***

SinceColtonwasworkingtheeveningshow,hedidn’tneedtobeinuntilfouro’clock,whichmeant
thatVerity,whowasworkingthematineeshift,hadn’tseenhimsincelastnight.

Itwasprobablyforthebestbecause,afterlastnight’skiss,shewouldn’thavebeenabletokeep

hereyesoffhimifhewalkedbyorstoppedtovisither,andshedefinitelywouldhavetakena
bathroombreakrightaboutthetimeheenteredthearenatofightArtie,soshecouldwatchhimfight
forafewminutes.

Itwasimpossibletomiss—evenuponfirstmeeting—thatColtonLanewasaforcefieldofsexual

energy.Fromtheintense,angrysetofhisjawtothehard,coiledstrengthinhisframe,she’dbeen
mesmerizedbythehard-coremasculinityofhim.Butshecouldn’thavepredictedtheirmutual
chemistry.Itwasonethingforhimtobesexy—tomakeanywoman’smindbeelinestraighttothe

bedroomwhenhewasinsight—butitwasquiteanothertodiscoverthattogethertheywere
combustible.

Alldayshe’drelivedtheirkiss,daydreamingintospace,squelchinglittlewhimpersandsoft

sighsassherememberedthewayhishandhadmasterfullycuppedherskull,thewayhisarmhad
bracedherback,hiskneebetweenherthighs,hersoakedpantiesrubbingagainsthisjeans.Justas
she’dsomehowknownhewould,he’downedherwiththatkiss.Completely.

Butshe’dalsofelthisarousal,heardhisgroans,feltthepressureofhisfingersagainstherscalp,

andseenthedesperatewantinhiseyesbeforehedippedhisheadandclaimedhermouthwithhis.She
recalledthewayhe’dgrabbedheraroundthewaistwhenshedecidedtoleavethepatiobeforetheir
nighttogetherhadevenbegun—thewayhe’dheldontoher,slidinghislipsalongherthroatand
shoulder,begginghernottoleavehim.

Itwasintoxicatingforhertorealizethatthissexy,beautifulVikingKnightwithaheartofgold

wantedher,likedher,littleVerityGraceGwynnfromnowhere,whenitfeltlikehecouldhave
anyone.Sheleanedherelbowontheglasscaseasacustomerstoodbeforeher,tryingtodecide
betweenaCelticcrossandThor ’shammer,andVerityfingeredthecharmshehadn’ttakenoffsince
lastnight.

“What’sthat?”askedthecustomer.
Veritylookedupinsurprise,smilingattheyoungwomanasshereachedforthenecklaceColton

hadgiventoher.“It’stheYggdrasiltree.”

“Irish?”
“Nope.Norse,”shesaid.“Viking.”
Shesortedthroughthecharms,findinganotheronejustlikehersandsettingitonadisplaytray

ofblackvelvetonthecounter.

“Ohhhh.Whatisit?Youknow,like,whatdoesitmean?”
Veritygrinnedatthewoman,rememberingColtonclaspingitaroundhernecklastnightand

everythingthatcameafter.“TheybelievedthatYggdrasilwasthecrossroadsbetweenheavenand
earth.”

“Oh,wow.That’ssoromancey.”
“Mmm.Youbet.”
“I’lltakeit.”
“Wantachaintoo?”
“Yeah.Iwantittolookjustlikeyours.”
Veritywrappedupthecharmandchainandplacedbothinalittleblackbox,runningthewoman’s

creditcardbeforewavinggood-bye.

“Well,”saidBeverly,lookingaroundthealmost-emptymainhallasthelastofthematinee

stragglersheadedouttotheparkinglot,“Iguesswecanstartstraighteningupfortheeveningshift.”

“MindifIgotothebathroomfirst?”
Beverlyshrugged.“Don’ttakeforever.WeonlyhaveanhourbeforeAnnalieseandDesireeget

here,andthatbirthdaypartyoflittlebratsmessedupalltheprincessdressesandcrowns.Theyall
havetoberestocked.”

“Twominutes,”promisedVerity,grinningathercrotchetycoworker.

“SaveyoursmilesfortheViking,”shegrumbled.
“Beverly,”shesaid,“I’vetoldyou,there’snothingbetweenmeand—”
Beverly’seyesshotwithprecisiontothenecklacearoundVerity’sneck.“Imighthavebelieved

youyesterday...butnottoday.”

Verityfelthercheeksheatup,butsherefusedtobesorryorfeelembarrassedaboutthe

wonderfulthingthatwashappeningbetweenherandColton,soshedecidedtosaynothing.She
smiledagain,thenduckedunderthecounterandheadedforthebathroom.“I’llberightback.”

StillfingeringtheYggdrasilcharm,sheexitedthemainhallthroughthedoubledoorsthatledto

theemployeehallwayandwalkedtowardthebathroom,hopingColtonmightarriveafewminutes
earlyandshe’dgetaglimpseofhim.UnfortunatelytheonlyknightheadedinherdirectionwasArtie
Kingston,stillincostume,sweatyanddustyfromthematinee.

“Hey,princess!”hecalled,wavingtoher.
“Hi,Artie,”sheanswered,givinghimahalfsmile.Shedidn’twanttoencouragehim,butshe

didn’twanttogetareputationforbeinganunfriendlybitcheither.

“Whereyouheaded?”
“Bathroom.”
“CanIcome?”heasked,adevilishgleaminhiseyeashestoppedbeforeher,blockingherway.
“Tothebathroom?”sheasked,givinghimalook.
“Niceandprivate,”hesaid,grinning.
“Andsuperromantic,”shedeadpanned.“Thanks,butnothanks.”
“Aw!”hesaid,beatinghischestwithaflattenedpalm.“Youwoundme,milady.”
Shelaughed,takingastepforward.“Haveagoodrestoftheday.”
ButArtiedidn’tmoveoutofherway,andhisplayfulexpressionstraightenedasheputhishands

flatonthehallwaywallsoneithersideofthem,completelyblockingherway.

“Stayandchat.”
“Ineedtogetback.”
“YoucangowhenIsayso.”
Uneasiness.Veritygulped,lookingupathim.“I’minthemiddleofashift.Beverlywill—”
“Shecanwait,”hesaid,hiseyestrailingdownherbody,pausingatthesmallswellofherbreasts

inherprincessdressbeforeclimbingbackup.Hislookmadeherfeeluncomfortable.Dirty.“You’re
startingtohurtmyfeelings.Whenareyougoingoutwithme,gorgeous?”

Enoughwasenough.Shetookastepback,crossingherarmsoverherchest.“I’mnot.”
“You’reseriouslygoingtochoosethatNeanderthaloverme?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”Shelookedoverhershoulder,butnoonewascoming

downthehallway,andheruneasinesswasgrowingintosomethingmorelikelow-gradepanic.
“Pleaseletmepass.”

“I’mnotdonetalkingyet,”hesaid,hisvoicesuperficiallyaffablebutlacedwithtaunting

meanness.Heleanedforward.“Youknowwhat?Wedon’thavetogoout,Verde.Wecouldjustfuckin
thestablesaftertheshowsometime.”

Furylashedthroughher,andherchinsnappedup.Beforeshecouldstopherselforthinkbetterof

it,shewhippedherhandback,thenlauncheditforward,connectingwithhischeekwithaloudcrack.

“Whatthehell?”hedemanded,droppingonearmfromthecorridorwalltocradlehisbrightred

cheekwithhispalm.

“You’reafilthypig!Leavemealone.”
Hurryingpasthim,sheduckedintotheladies’roombeforehecouldgrabher.Shestoodwithher

backagainstthedoor,pantingwithangerandadrenaline.Forjustasplitsecond,sheworriedthatshe
mighthaveisolatedherselfinaplacewhereArtiecouldfinishwhathe’dstarted,soshewasrelieved
tohearthesoundofconversationbythesinks.

Well,momentarilyrelieved,anyway.
“GoforShawn...orSebastian.”
“He’skindashort.”
“Sowhat?He’shot.”
“Superhot.”
“NotashotasArtie.”
“OrColt.”
“Colt’sbodishot,buthe’saprick.”
“Yeah.Abigone.”
Snickering.
“Youknowhe’sgotabigone.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
“RememberSandy?Sheusedtoworkhere?Holyshit.Sheusedtogoonandonabouthisdick.

Apparently,he’shunglikeKingKong.”

Verity’scheeksblazedwithheatasshelistened.Shehadfelttheenormousbulgeofhiserection

againstherstomachlastnight,andSandyhadn’tbeenlying,butshedidn’tlikethewaythesewomen
weretalkingaboutColton.

“I’ddohim.”
“Youwould?”
“Yeah.Inthedark.SoIdidn’thavetolookathisface.”
“Youthinkhe’sthatbad-looking?Icould,like,forgivealotofuglyifhisdickwasamagic

wand.”

Veritycasthereyesdown,angerboilinginsideher.She’dhadjustaboutenoughofthis.Itwas

badenoughthattheyweretalkingaboutherColtonlikeapieceofmeat,butnowtheywerejustbeing
cattybit—

Wait.
Aslowsmilespreadacrossherface,eclipsingArtie’scrudenessandthegirls’meanness.Her

Colton.Hers.Andthat’swhensheknew—sawitinherheadlikeaflashoflightningorinblinking,
hot-pinkneon:

I’mgoingtofallinlovewithhim.
It’sgoingtohappen.
(It’salreadyhappening.)
Andthere’snotathingIcandotostopit,evenifIwantedto.
Acceptingtheabsolutenessofthesethoughtswithashakysighofsurrender,shetunedbackinto

thewomen’sconversation.

“Noone’sgoingtobeofferinghimamodelingcontractanytimesoon,that’sfordamncertain.”
Verityclearedherthroat,raisedherchin,andwalkeddownthedimcorridorfromthebathroom

entrancetothestallsandsinks.Assheroundedthecorner,bothwomen,whoworkedasbartenders,
butwhomVeritydidn’tknowbyname,stoppedtalkingandlookedoverather.

“Oh,hiiiiii,”saidoneoftheminasingsongvoice.
“Hey,Verde,”saidtheother.
Hercohortsnickered,thenadoptedpuppy-dogeyes.“Ihopeyoudidn’thearwhatweweretalking

about.”

“Idid,infact,”saidVerity,puttingherhandsonherhips.
“Aw,”saidthefirst,shruggingwithasorry-not-sorrygrimace.“Wedidn’tmeanit.He’snotthat

bad-looking.”

HerfriendsmirkedatVerity,thenturnedtoherpalandwhisperedloudlybehindherhand,“Inthe

dark.”

Veritychuckledsoftly,noddingherheadatthemforamomentbeforefreezingherfacein

disgustandnarrowinghereyes.

“Justremember...hisKingKongdickbelongstome.”Sheleanedcloser,loweringhervoiceto

apurr.“Andmarkmywords,girls,that’snoexaggeration.”

Theybothstaredatherwiththeirjawsdroppedandeyeswide,andsheleftthemlikethat,walking

pastthemintoafarstallandslammingthelockshut.

Afteramomentofsilence,oneofthemsaid,“Itakeitback.Iwouldn’tfuckhim.Iwouldn’teven

wanttobealonewithhim.Iheardhekilledsomebodyinhighschool.”

Veritywinced,holdingherbreathasshesatdownonthetoiletfullydressed.
“Truedat.Heonlygotoffbecauseofatechnicality.”
“Googleit,princess,”oneofthemcalledloudly,overthestall.
“Comeon,”saidherfriend.“Let’sgo.”
No.Way.
Killedsomeone?
Impossible.
Totallyfuckingimpossible...right?
Shelistenedtotheirretreatingfootsteps,hatingitthattheirwordshadsownaseedofdoubtwhen

themantheywerediscussinghadbeennothingbutkindtoherandRyan.Butshegulped,thinking
backtothemotelparkinglotwherehe’dbrokenthatguy’slegforharassingherbrother.He’dbarely
thoughtaboutit—justbroughtdownthatcrowbarlikethehammerofThorandsmashedtheguy’sleg
tosmithereens.

“Didhekillsomeone?”shewhispered,worryingherbottomlipbetweenherteeth.
Well,itwouldn’tbehardtofindout.Herphonewasinthepurseunderthecounteratthegift

shop,butshewassuddenlytornbetweenwantingtolookuphisnameandrefusingtolowerherselfto
suchmaliciousgossip.

Thenagain,shewaslivingwithhim.CouldshebeplacingherselfandRyanindanger?She

rubbedherforeheadandclenchedhereyesshutbecausetheideawasbeyondtroubling.Itwas...

frightening.

Bythetimesheleftthebathroom,herheartwasgalloping,andherfreshlywashedpalmswere

sweating.Shewalkedbackdownthehallway,totallyconsumedbyherownthoughts.Soconsumed,in
fact,thatshedidn’tnoticeanyoneelsewasinthecorridoruntilhe’dgrabbedherhandandpulledher
backupagainsthischest.

“Oh!”shecried,assumingitwasArtieandreadytofighthimoffuntilshetookasharpbreath

throughhernoseandrecognizedhissmell.Soapandcleanlaundry,alittlesweatandawholelotof
man.ThatwasallColton.Andwhatevermisgivingsshe’dhadamomentbeforeweretradedfora
crashingwaveoflustandaffectionandrelief.Hewashere.Holdingher.Anchoringher.Suddenlyshe
wasn’tadriftindarkwatersanymore.Justlikethat,shewassafeagain,justashe’dpromisedherlast
night.

“Comewithme,”hewhisperedclosetoherear.
“Ihavetogetback,”sheprotestedweakly.
“Twominutes,”hesaid.
Shenodded,lettinghimdragherintoajanitor ’scloset.Itwaspitch-darkandsmelledstronglyof

bleach.Shecouldn’tseeanything,butColtonstillheldoneofherhands,andshereachedoutwiththe
othertotouchhischest,flatteningherpalmoverhisheart.

“Imissedyoutoday,sunshine,”hesaid,pullingherintothewarmhavenofhisarms.
Sunshine.Oh,myheart.
Sheknewthatsheshouldaskhimabouttheterriblerumorshe’djustheard,butshecouldn’t.All

shecoulddowasclosehereyesandleanintohim,forgettingaboutArtie’scrudeofferandthecatty
bitchinessofthegirlsinthebathroom.

Hewashardandstrongbutsomehowmanagedtobegentle,rubbingherbackassherestedher

cheekagainsthischest.

“Longday?”
Forjustasecondshethoughtaboutunburdeningherheart,buthedidn’tdeservehersuspicion.

Aftereverythinghe’ddoneforher,hedeservedhertrust.

“How’sMelody?”sheasked.
“She’sfine.Wehadbreakfasttogether,Idrovehertowork,andthenIwentbacktoherplaceto

updateandfixafewthingsbeforecominghere.”

“You’reagoodcousin.”Agoodman,regardlessofwhatshe’doverheard.Evenifitwastrue—

evenifhehad,Godforbid,killedsomeone—therehadtobeareason,astory,alogicalexplanation
forwhathadhappened,anduntilshehadallthefacts,shewouldn’tallowherimaginationtorunwild.

“Ican’tstopthinkingaboutlastnight,”hemurmured,andshefelthislipspressdownonthetop

ofherhead.

“Meeither.”
“Iwantarepeat,”hegroanedasshewoundherarmsaroundhiswaist.
“Metoo.”
“Sunday?”
Shenoddedagainsthischest,takingadeepbreathandsmilingnexttohisheart.“Sunday.”

***

Verity’swillpowernottoGoogleColton’snamelasteduntilsheandRyanboardedthebusforhis
houseanhourlater.Plaguedbythethoughtthathecouldhavekilledanotherhumanbeing,shemade
surethatRyanwashappilysettledwithhisbanged-upiPodandaBaggieofGoldfishbeforeopening
theInternetbrowseronherphone.

Typinginhisname,shepressedenterandwaitedasaboutthirtythousandrandomentriespopped

up.HerlipstwitchedandsheaddedthewordGeorgiatoherquery,hopingitwouldnarrowthe
results,andsureenough,thefourthentry(andseveralmorebelowit)read“ColtonLane,Atlanta,
Georgia,acquittedonchargesofbattery.”

Shescrolleddownthescreen,lookingforthewordsmurderormanslaughteroranythingelse

thatmightverifyhercoworkers’outlandishclaims,buttherewasnothing,andshebreathedadeep
sighofrelief.Hehadn’tkilledanyone.Goddamnedbitches!ThankGod.

Thenagain,achargeofbatteryinhispastwasn’tsomethingtocheerabouteither.
Sheglancedatherbrother,reassuringherselfthathewascontent,thenleanedforwardand

clickedonanarticleasthebushummedalongtowardthehousethatColtonwasselflesslysharing
withthem.

Thearticlehadbeenpublishednineyearsago,whenColtonwaseighteenyearsoldandasenior

inhighschool.Apparentlysomefellowseniorshadbeenharassinghiscousin,MelodySpindler,and
he’dbeatthembothunconscious.He’dbeenacquittedbasedonadefenseargumentthatMelody,who
hadspecialneeds,wasunabletoprotectherselfandColtonwasprotectingherinthesamewaythata
parentwasallowedtoprotectachild.

Specialneeds.Hmm.Hereyeslingeredonthewords,andsheconsideredthemforamoment,

slidinghereyestoRyan,whowasenthusiasticallymouthingthewordsto
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”besideher.

LookingbackatthearticleforcluesaboutMelody’sparticularspecialneeds,Veritycouldn’tfind

any.BecauseMelodyhadbeenonlyfifteenatthetime,andaminor,detailsabouttheexactnatureof
herdisabilityandtheharassmentshe’denduredhadbeenwithheld.

AndthenVerityremembered:Melodysufferedfromseizures.
Ofcourse.Theharassmentprobablyhadtodowithherseizures.She’dbeenatargetbecauseof

herdisability.Poorthing.

Verity’sheartsurgedwithaffectionasallthepuzzlepiecescametogether.JustlikeColtonhad

cometoRyan’srescue,he’dprotectedhiscousininhighschool.Adarkknight.Anavengingangel.A
superhero.Arighteousvigilante.Someonewhofoughtforthosewhocouldn’tfightforthemselves,
whoprotectedthosewhowerevulnerable.

Ifthatwashiscrime,sheapplaudedit.Shewelcomedit.Itraisedhimupinherestimation,andthe

nexttimeacoupleoftroublemakingbitchesatworkthrewaroundwordslikemurdererorkiller,
she’dbeready.OhLord,wouldshebeready.

SatisfiedthatColtonwaseverybitaswonderfulasshe’dbelievedhimtobebeforeherrestroom

run-in,shesighedandclosedherbrowser,sittingbackinherseatandthinkingabouttheirshort
interludeinthejanitor ’sclosetthisafternoon.Afterthey’dreconfirmedtheirplansforSunday,she
slidherhandasideandrestedhereardirectlyoverhisheart,listeningtoitsstrong,evenpounding,
prayingthattherumorsshe’djustheardwerefalse.Hedidn’tkissher,justheldhercloseuntilshe’d

testedBeverly’spatienceenoughanddecidedshehadtogoback.Shepulledawayfromhim,and
withoutaword,heopenedtheclosetdoor,checkedtobesurethecoastwasclear,thengavehera
crookedgrinbeforesteppingintothecorridor.

Sherestedherheadagainstthebuswindow.
Rightnow,Sundayfeltlikeamillionyearsaway.

CHAPTER10

VerityandColtonhadworkedoppositeshiftsonSaturdaybuttheywerebothscheduledforthe
matineeshiftonSunday,soVeritywokeupelatedattheprospectofspendingmostoftheday
together,humming“WhistleWhileYouWork”asshemadeFrenchtoastforbreakfast.

Whiletheskilletwarmedupalumpofbutter,shelookedoutthebackdooratRyan,whowas

sittingonthegrass,enjoyingthecoolmorningbeforetheswelteringheatofthedaymovedin.He
leanedbackonhiselbows,grinningatthesky,anditoccurredtoVeritythatshehadn’tseenhimso
carefreesincethey’dleftCamilla.Awaveofhappinessmadehersmileassheraisedacoffeemugto
herlips,watchingherbrotherthroughthebackdoorwindow.

“Jesus,you’rebeautiful.”
SheglancedleftandfoundColtonstandingatthemouthofthehallwaythatledbacktohis

bedroom,staringatherwithanexpressionsomewherebetweenpainandpleasure.

“Inmyoldbathrobewithnomakeuponandmyhairinagrannybun?”
“Inanything,”hesaidsoftly,likeitwastrue.
“Goodmorning,”shesaid,grinningathimbecauseshewassohappyandbecause,inhereyes,in

everywaythatcounted,ineverywaythatmattered,hewasbeautifultoo.

Hesteppedforwardinaslightlystiffmorningswagger,hisbarefeetpaddingsoftlyonthe

linoleum.Bendingdown,hepressedhislipstoherforehead,thenleanedbacktolookather.“Nowit
is.”

“Youreadytofinallywintoday?”sheasked,herheartaflutterfromthetouchofhislips.She

crossedthekitchentotakeapieceofegg-soakedwhitebreadfromabowlandplaceitinthesizzling
poolofmeltedbutter.

HeleanedagainstthebackdoorandlookedoutatRyanforamomentbeforeturningbacktoher.

“I’vegotadatewithyoutonight.Ialreadywon.”

“Areyouthesamesurlymanwhowalkedacrossacrowdedballroomscowlingatmeaweek

ago?”

Heloweredhiseyes,hislipstwitching.“Areyouthesamechatterboxwhowouldn’tletmegoto

thebathroom?”

“Isthatwhereyouwereheadedwhenwemet?”
Henodded.“IneededabreakfromLynette.”
“Well,Iguessyougotalotmorethanyoubargainedfor,”shesaid,pickingupaspatulaand

flippingthetoast.

“AskmeifI’dchangeanything.”
Shecuthereyestohis,searchinghisface.“Wouldyou?”
“Nothing,”hesaid.“Notonething.”
“Meeither,”shesaid,tuggingherbottomlipintohermouth,“thoughI’msorryyouhadto,you

know,takecareofthoseguysbackatthemotel.”

Hercommentspilledoverfromherdreamslastnight,whichhadbeenaresultofhereffortsto

paintColton’scharacterandunderstandthemanypartsthatmadeuptheman.Sweetandbrutal.Tender

andfierce.Taciturnandpassionate.

Heinhaleddeeply,shrugginghisburlyshouldersunderatightgrayT-shirt.“Guyslikethathave

itcoming.”

“Iknow,butyoucouldhavegotteninalotoftroubleifsomeonehadseenorifthey’dcalledthe

cops,”shesaid,transferringthegoldentoasttoawaitingplateandaddinganewpieceofsoggybread
tothefryingpan.

“Buttheydidn’tcallthecops,”hesaid.“Becausetheywerewrong.Becausesomepartofthem

knewtheydeservedwhattheygot.”

“Ofcoursetheydid,”shesaid,rememberingherbrother ’shelplessnessasthementauntedhim,

“butitworriesmeforyou.I’dhate...Imean,I’dhatetoseeyouendupinjailfordoingwhatyou
thoughtwasright.”

Hiseyesnarrowedforamoment,andhisvoicegrewnoticeablygruffer.“Igetthefeelingyou’re

tryingtosaysomething,Verity,sohow’saboutcuttingtothechase?”

Wasshe?Wasshetryingtosaysomething?Why?Whatgoodwasopeningthiscanofworms?

Wasitguiltoverknowingabouthispastfromsomeoneotherthanhim?Worrythathecouldgetin
troubleonheraccount?FearthathecouldunleashthatrageonherorRyan?Orsomecombinationof
allthree?

“Acoupleofgirlsatworkmentioned...”
Hervoicetrailedoffasshewatchedhimflinch.Heraisedhischin,hiseyescoolingsofast,it

madeherheartclench.

“Youdon’tseemlikethetypetoputstockingossip.”
Damnit.They’dstartedoutthismorningtenderandflirtatious,andshewasruiningit.
“I’mnot.ButI’mstilllearningwhoyouare,andtheymentionedanincidentinhighschool,and

—”

“Andyoulookedmeup.”
Shenodded,feelingsimultaneouslyworriedforhisreactionandrelievedtocomecleanwith

him.

“Thenyouknowthat,one,Ihadcause,andtwo,Iwasacquitted.”Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshis

broadchestandstaredatherfromacrosstheroomwithhardeyes.“Ididn’tdoanypermanent
damage.Infact,Istillseethosetwofuckersaroundfromtimetotime,butyoucanbetyourassthey
thinktwicebeforebotheringsomeoneweakerthanthem.”

“I’msorry,Colton.I’veupsetyou,andIdidn’tmeanto.Ijust...”
Shedidn’tknowwhattosay,sosheturnedbackaroundtoflipthetoastinthepan.Ithadburned

whiletheyweretalking,andthecharredsidelookedupatheraccusingly.

“I’mnosaint,Verity,”hesaidfrombehindher.“Ifyou’retryingtoputmeonapedestalorfitme

withahalo,you’reoutofluck,baby.I’mjustamanwithamillionflaws,likealltherestof’em.I’ve
gotatemper,andit’sbadsometimes,andwhensomeoneIcareaboutisthreatened,yes,ma’am,Ihit
back.Yes,Ido.”Hepaused,andhisvoice,whichhadgottenworkedupashespoke,wasgentlerwhen
hecontinued.“YoushouldknowthatI’veneverhitawoman.I’veneverhitsomeoneweakerthanme
andcertainlyneverroughedupsomeoneforsport.I’vealreadypromisedIwon’teverhurtyouor
yours.ButIcan’tstandhereandlietoyouandtellyouthatifsomeoneisbotheringMeloryouor

yourbrother,thatI’lljuststandasideandletithappen.BecauseIwon’t.It’snotwhoIam.It’sjustnot
inmymakeandmodel.”

Shelistenedtohimtakeashort,quickbreathandexhalewithalongsigh.“I’mnotlookingto

changewhoIam,Verity,”hecontinued.“I’mtwenty-eightyearsold.IknowwhatIbelieve,andI
knowwhoIam.ButifI’mnotwhatyou’relookingfor?Hey,Igetit.Walkaway.Justwalkaway.It’s
okay.”

Hisvoicetrailedofftoawhisperattheendofhisspeech,and,withherbackstilltohim,she

clenchedherburningeyesshutforamomentasshetransferredthetoasttotheplate,thenturnedto
facehim,agiantlumptakingupmostofthespaceinherthroat.

“Idon’twanttochangeyou,”shemanagedtomurmur,blinkingbackthetearsinhereyes.She

clearedherthroat,reachingfortheYggdrasilcharmaroundherneckandtoyingwithitasshestarted
againinastrongervoice.“Ilikeitthatyou’reprotective.Ilikethatyoulookafterthepeopleyoucare
about.Ilikeyou,ColtonLane.”Shesearchedhisface,lookingforabitofsoftnessthatwouldassure
herthatherwordsweregettingthrough,butshedidn’tfindit,andthethoughtofhurtinghim,of
losinghim,twistedherinsidesintoknotssopainful,shesuppressedagasp.“Idon’twanttowalk
away.”

Hecrossedthekitchenintwostrides,pullingherroughlyintohisarms.
“Thankfuck,”hegrowled,restinghischinontopofherhead.
“I’mjustworriedaboutyou,”shesaid,sighingwithrelief.Sheflattenedherpalmsagainsthis

chest,marvelingatthehardcontours,desperatetotouchhisskin,tolearntheheatandtextureofit
underherfingers.

“Don’tworry,sunshine,”hesaidgently.“I’vebeentakingcareofmyselfforalongtime.”
“I’mgettingattachedtoyou,”shewhispered,likesayingthewordsgavethemapowershewasn’t

quitereadytoconcede.

“Metoo,”hesaid.“I’mrighttherewithyou.”
Shenestledintohisneck,closinghereyes,seekinghiswarmskinwithherlipsandpressing

gently.Hisbreathcaughtinashortgasp,andshedraggedherlipslower,pepperingkissesalongthe
baseofhisneck,lettinghertonguedartouttotastehim.Astrangledsound—halfgroan,halfgrowl—
emergedfromhisthroat,andhesuddenlyreleasedher,pushingawayandsteppingback,hiseyesdark
andwildashischestsurgedupanddown.

“Colton?”shewhimpered,wonderingwhathadjusthappened.
Thekitchendoorswungopen,andRyanwassuddenlystandingbetweenthem.
“Isbreakfastready?”heasked,grinningateachofthembeforemakinghiswaytothetable.“I’m

hungry,guys.”

Colton’seyesstillheldherscaptive.
“Metoo,buddy,”saidColton,hisvoicelikesandpaper.
Metoo,thoughtVerity,crossingbackovertothestove,herstomachaflutter,herheartpractically

bursting.

***

Inthefiveandahalfyearshe’dbeenperformingtheSundaymatinee,Colthadneverlookedforward
toitquiteasmuchashedidtoday.NotjustforhisweeklyopportunitytotheatricallykickArtie’sass,

butbecause,aftertheshow,luckybastardthathewas,hewasheadinghomewiththehottest,sexiest,
sweetestgirlhe’deverknown,andtonighthegottohavehertohimself.

Ithadtakeneveryounceofstrengthinhisbodytopushherawaythismorning,butasfarashe

knew,shehadn’ttalkedtoRyanaboutthemdatingyet,andhedidn’twantRyantofindoutbymistake.
Colthadlearnedthat,muchlikeMelody,Ryanthrivedonroutine,andthoughColtdidn’tthinkhe’d
objecttothemdating,hedefinitelydidn’twanttoupsetVerity’sbrother.Anyway,theywerestillnew.
Asmuchashehopedforthebest,itwasprobablyagoodideatoseewhatthenextfewweeksheldin
storebeforesharingtheirnewstatuswithRyanorMelody.

Plus,heneededtotellheraboutMelody,andtwothingsabouttellingVerityabouthiscousin

worriedhim.

Thefirst,whichwashismuchlesserfear,wasthatshe’dfeeloverwhelmedattheprospectofhim

alsohavingaspecial-needsdependent.ThoughhewasalmostpositivethatVeritywouldshareher
trademarkwarmthandkindnesswithMelody,shehadherhandsfullwithRyan,andtherewasasmall
partofColtthatworriedshemightbackawayfromhimatthethoughtofincreasingherownburden.
Hetrulydidn’tthinkthiswouldhappen,buthethoughtitcouldn’thurttobecautiousandpatient,and
choosetherighttimetointroduceVeritytotheidea(andtheperson)ofMel.

Thesecond,whichwasagenuineconcernforColt,wasthatVerityhadverystrongopinions

aboutlivingsituationsfordevelopmentallydisabledpeople.He’dknownherforaweekandseenher
insometrulydesperatesituations,buttheonlytimeshe’dsnappedathimorreallygottenherbackup
wasduringtheirdinneronthepatioafewnightsago,whenshesaidshe’dneverputRyaninahome.
Hedidn’tknowwhatherexperiencewithgrouphomeshadbeen,buthewascertainthatshehadnever
seenacommunitylikeBonnie’sPlace.Coltknewthatheifbroachedthetopicagain,she’dnotonly
shutdownbutlikelygetevenangrierthanlasttime.Theonlywayforhertounderstandthatthere
wereamazingplacesfordevelopmentallydisabledadultswasforhertoseeBonnie’sPlace.And
obviouslyshecouldn’tseeituntilhewasreadytointroducehertoMel.

Itwassortofaviciouscirclerightnow,andtheonlyanswerwastobepatient,tobuildtrust

betweenthem,and—whenandifthetimewasright—tointroduceVeritytoMelandBonnie’sPlaceat
thesametime.Andheknewtheyweren’tatthatplaceyet.

Sebastian,theRenaissanceKnight,elbowedColtintheside.“Youcoming,orwhat?”
Coltlookedupandrealizedhe’dbeenzoningout,andthelockerroomhesharedwiththeother

knightswasemptybutforthem.Itwastimetoheadtothestablesandmountupfortheshow.

“Uh,yeah.”
“Youokay?”
“Justdistracted.”
“Bettergetyourheadinthegame,”saidSebastian,whoworearedandwhitetunicwithared

featherinhishelmet.“Fullhousethisafternoon.Yourshow,man.”

Coltfollowedhisfriendoutthedoor,wishingVeritycouldbeintheaudience,butunderstanding

whyshecouldn’t.Guestsslippedouttothemainhallthroughouttheperformancetovisitthe
bathroomsandbar,sotherewasafairlybriskbusinessatthegiftshopduringtheshow.Someday
soonthey’dworkdifferentSundayshifts,andthenshecouldseehimwin.Tonight,ashe’dtoldherin
thekitchenthismorning,he’dalreadywonjustbyvirtueoftheirimminentdate.

“Goodluck,”saidSebastian,pushingopenthedoorsthatledtothestables.
“Huzzah,”Coltanswered,rollinghiseyes.
Stridingthroughthepracticering,heheadedforThor ’sstallbutwasdistractedbyaconversation

inthestalltohisleftashewalkedpast.

“KeeptheretardawayfromÉclair.”
“Artie,comeon,now,”saidJoe.
Coltstoppedinthedoorway,abouttwentyfeetawayfromwhereArtieandJoewerespeaking.
“Ifuckingmeanit,Joe.”
Coltclearedhisthroat,andbothmenturnedtolookathim.
“Isthereaproblemhere?”heasked,crossinghisarmsoverhischestashesteppedforward,

facingthem.

“Noproblem,”saidArtie,narrowinghiseyes.“Ijustdon’twantyourgirlfriend’sbrother

hangingaroundmymount.”

“Ryanknowshorses,”saidColt,choosingnottocorrectArtiewhenhecalledVerityhis

girlfriend.“He’sgoodwiththem.”

“Yeah?Well,someonegaveÉclaircabbage,andhe’sfartingliketheworld’sfuckingending.I’d

needagasmasktoridehimtonight.”

“Cabbage?”askedColt.“Doweevenhavecabbagebackhere?”
Joeshrugged.“Don’tknowhowitgotinhere,butArtiepointedoutsomeshreddedleavesthat

must’vefallenonthestraw.Horseain’tdigestin’itwell.”

Everyoneknewyouweren’tsupposedtogiveshorsescruciferousvegetableslikecabbage,

cauliflower,andbroccoli.AnexperiencedstablehandlikeRyanwouldhavedefinitelyknownnotto.

Coltcockedhisheadtotheside.“YouhaveproofitwasRyan?”
Artiesneered.“No,buthe’saretar—”
“ThenIsuggestyoushutyourmouthabouthimuntilyouknowforsurewhowasresponsible.”
Steppingforward,ArtiesizedupColtwithameanlook.“Areyoufuckingthreateningme,

Lane?”

Coltclosedthedistancebetweenthem,staringArtiedown.“I’mtellingyoutoshutyourfucking

mouthaboutRyanGwynnunlessyouhavesomesolidevidencethathedidsomethingwrong.You
hear?”

Theirstandofflastedforafewmoreseconds,untilArtiedroppedColt’seyesandtookastep

back.“Idon’thavetimeforthisshit.IhavetogosaddleupGalahad.”HeshiftedhisglaretoJoe.
“RememberwhatIsaid—hedoesn’tgonearmymountsanymore.”ThenheshoulderedpastColt,
knockingintohimasheleftthestall.

Coltlookedoverhisshoulder,watchingArtiego,beforeheturnedtoJoe.
“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Thathorsehassomebadindigestion,”saidJoe,wrinklinguphisnose.
“No,Imean,wasitRyan?How’shedoinghere?”
“Great,”saidJoe.“Naturalstableman.Beenaround’emallhislife,fromwhatIcangather.

Soothes’em.Feeds’em.MucksoutthestableswhenIsayso.Cheerful.Hardworker.Couldn’taskfor
abetterhelper.NoideawhatArtie’sgotagainsthim.”

Colttightenedhisjaw.Self-centeredassholeslikeArtiewereuncomfortablearounddisabled

peoplelikeRyanandMelody,andtheydidwhatevertheycouldtomaketheirliveshell.Maybeitwas
toestablishtheirownpower,ormaybeitwastotrytodrivethedisabledpersonaway.Well,that
wasn’tfuckinghappening.NotonColt’swatchanyway.

“Keepaneyeonhimforme,huh,Joe?”askedColt.“LetmeknowifArtie’smakingtroublefor

him,okay?”

Joenodded.“Yeah.I’lllookoutforhim.Probablyhejusthastoprovehimself.Ihadtodothe

samewhenIgotheretoo.”

Coltsighed,wishingsomepeopleweren’tsuchmonumentalassholes.“Igottagomountup.”
“Don’tworry,Colt,”saidJoe,offeringhimawarmsmile.“It’llbeokay.I’llmakesureofit.”
Buttwohourslater,hisvictorybehindhim,ColtwasstillannoyedovertheincidentwithArtiein

thebarn.HehadgottenthefeelinginthekitchenthismorningthatVerityobjectedtohisfighting,but
fuckinghell,ifArtiewasharassingRyan,ifArtiedecidedtopushthings,itmightcomedowntoa
fight.Colt’sangerboiledinside,rollingandhot,attheideaofArtiebotheringsomeoneasgentleas
Ryan.

Sofuckinghelphim,thoughtColt,he’dbetterfindsomeoneelsetopester.Ifhedoesn’t,he’llbe

onthereceivingendofmyfists,andthat’safuckingpromise.

Ittookconcentrationandefforttoforcehisragebackdowntoasimmer,buthefocusedon

Verity’sfaceinhishead,onthefactthatsheandRyanwereprobablyhangingoutbyhiscar,waiting
forhimtochangeanddrivethemhome.Hethoughtaboutherlyingnexttohimonhisbedwhilethey
watchedamovietogether.Hethoughtaboutwhathewantedtodotoherafterthemoviewasover,
whenhisroomwasdarkandtheywerewarmanddrowsy.Hethoughtaboutthetasteofhermouthand
thesmellofherpussyaftershe’drubbeditagainsthisjeans.Hethoughtofhertongueflickingout
acrosstheskinofhisthroatthismorningandsuppressedagroan.

Littlebylittle,hetradedhisangerforlust,andbythetimehe’dchangedbackintohisjeansand

T-shirt,histhoughtsofArtiehadbeenreplacedbyexcitementaboutseeingVerity.Hestrodefromthe
castleintotheparkinglot,unabletostophimselffromsmilingwhenshesawhimcomingandwaved.

“Hailtheconqueringhero!”shecalled.
“Youknowit’sariggedshow,right?”heasked,hidingasmileasheunlockedthecardoors.
“Awin’sawin!”Shewinkedathim,herponytailswingingplayfullyassheduckedintothecar.
ColtreachedforRyan’sshoulderjustbeforeheopenedhisdoorandwhispered,“Ryan,how’s

Artietreatingyou?”

“Oh,Artie.”
“Okay?Notokay?”
“Okay.”
“Yeah?”
“Sometimespeoplecallmeretard,butthat’stheirproblem,notmine.”
Coltclenchedhisjawbutkepthisfaceneutral.ItupsetMelodywhenhehada“thunderface,”and

hedidn’twanttoupsetRyan.ButifheeverheardArtieusethewordretardinconjunctionwithRyan
again,Coltwoulddeckhimwithpleasure.

“Listen,ifhebothersyou,Iwantyoutotellme,okay?”

“Yeah,”saidRyan.“TellColton.You’reafriend.”
“That’sright.”
“Yeah.I’mtired.”
“Goon.Getinthecar.”ColtreleasedRyan’sshoulder,andRyanopenedhisdoor.
Astheysatdown,Verityturnedtohimwithanimpishgrin.“Whatwereyoutwotalkingabout?”
“Artie,”announcedRyanfromthebackseat.
Gringone,Verity’sheadwhippedbacktolookatherbrother.“Ishebotheringyou?”
ColtlookedatRyanintherearviewmirrorandwatchedasRyanshookhishead.“Nope.”
“Youtellmetrue,RyanGwynn.”
“Nope,”hesaidagain,leaninghisforeheadagainstthewindow.
Sheturnedbackaroundinherseat,lookingatColtwithworriedeyes.“IsArtiebotheringhim?”
Colttookadeepbreath.Hedidn’twanttolietoher,buthedidn’twanttoupsetherfornoreason

either.ArtiehadbeencomplainingtoJoe,notbotheringRyan.UntilheactuallysawArtiemaking
troubleforRyan,heneededtotakehisownadviceandkeephismouthshut.

“SomeonegaveÉclaircabbage,andArtiewasstormingaroundthestables,allpissedoffbecause

hehadtorideGalahadtonight.”

Ryangiggledloudlyinthebackseat.“Cabbagemakes’emfart.”
Coltlookedupintothemirroragain,narrowinghiseyesandwonderingifitwaspossiblethat

RyanhadfedthehorsecabbagetogetevenwithArtieforsomemeanness.Washecapableof
concoctingsuchaplan?Ifso,morepowertohim.Artiedeservedalittletasteofhisownmedicine.

“Youjuststeerclearofhim,”saidVerityasColtpulledoutofhisparkingspace.“Idon’tlike

him.”

ThismadeColtpauseforasecondbecausehe’dneverheardVeritysaysomethingthisbaldand

unforgiving.Heglancedathersidelongforamoment,butshewasstaringoutthewindowlikeher
brother.Coltdecidedtoletitgo.Ifshewasgoingtochoosesomeonetodislike,hewasgladitwas
Artie.ColttrustedArtie...notatall.

“NotafanofCaptainWonderful,huh?”
“Ugh,”shesaid,makingaretchingnoise.“Notevenalittlebit.”
“Notyourstyle?”
Sheturnedtohimandgrinned,herfacelitupbyaredlightinfrontofthem.“Hot,growly

Vikingsarewaymoremystyle.”

“Hot,huh?”
“Wayhot,”shesaid,winkingathimagain,thosetwodimplessopretty,itmadehisbreathandhis

heartcatch.Thiswoman.Fuck,butshemadehimhappierthanhehadarighttobe.

Takinganotherlookinthebackseat,hesawthatRyanwasfastasleep.Reachingforherhand,he

pressedthebacktohislips,thenlacedhisfingersthroughhersandheldthemfortherestoftheride
home.

Hisheartthumpedfiercely—likeitknewsomethingmuchbiggerthanhowitfelttoholdhands

withVerityGwynn.

Andthatwasjustfinewithhim.

***

Verity’sbellyswarmedwithbutterflies,andtherestoftheridehomewasquietbutfullofportent—of
unspokenexhilarationwitheveryadjustmentofhisfingersthroughhers,witheverymileclosertohis
house.Whenhepulledintothedriveway,hecuttheengineandturnedtoher,stillholdingherhand.

“Youwantaglassofwine?Icanopenabottle.”
Shenodded,grinningathim.“I’dloveone.”
“Popcorn?”
“Yes,please!”
“Howaboutyougetyourbrothersettledandthencomefindme?”
“In...yourroom?”sheasked,herheartflutteringwithanticipation.
“OnlyTVinthehouse,”heremindedher.
“Iremember.”Shelickedherlipstoteasehim.“Andyou’llonlyjumpmeifIask.”
“Willyou,baby?Ask?”
Shelaughedsoftly,unlacingherfingersfromhis.“We’llsee.”
Hisfacewassoftbutstillsomehowstern.“Idon’texpectanything,youknow.”
“Iknow,”shesaid.
“Justbeingwithyou...it...”Heshrugged.“Itmakesmehappy.”
“Colton...”
“Cometomequickly,”hesaidgruffly,thenopenedhisdoorandleftheraloneinthecarwithher

snoringbrother.

ThroughthewindshieldVeritywatchedhimgo,hislonglegs,histightass,hisshoulder-length

hairgatheredintoalowponytail.Sheleanedbackinherseatandsighed.

She’dhadthreedaystothinkabouttonight,aboutwhatshewantedtodoversuswhatwouldbe

smart.Whatshewanted?Tentotwelvehoursofnonstopsexandoccasionalsleepsoundedabout
right.Hisbody,hotandnaked,thrustingintohers,pillagingherdepthsandlovingherraw.

Yeah,shethoughtashertoescurled.Thatsoundedjustaboutperfect.
Butshesighedagain,thistimemournfully,becauseshe’dalreadydecidedthatsexneededtowait.

NomatterhowmuchshewantedtorideColtonLanelikearodeoqueen,sexhadthepotentialtomake
thingsreallygoddamnedtricky.

Andneitherofthemneededtoaddmoretrickytothissituation.
Theylivedinthesamehouse.
Theyworkedatthesameplace.
Sinceneitherofthemwaslookingforacasualfling,therewasnopointinrushingthings,right?
Right.
Wrong!screamedherlibido.
Shehuffedinfrustration.Itwasgoingtotakeallherwillpower,andthensome,tonightbecause,

Lord,thethingsshewantedtodotothatmanandlethimdotoher...

“Wehome,Ver ’ty?”
“We’rehome,Ry.”
“Okay,”hesaid,openinghisdoorandtrudgingintothehouse.
Shefollowedhiminandupthestairs,whereshefreshenedupandchangedintoshortsin

Melody’sroomwhileRyantookhiseveningshower,putonhispajamas,andbrushedhisteeth.

“Flosstoo!”shecalledfromherbedroom.
“Aw,Ihateit.”
“Idon’tcare,”shesaid.“Mamabrokethebankforthatprettymouth.”
Afewminuteslater,hepokedhisheadintoherroom.“Youreadytotuckmein?”
“Idon’tknow,”shesaidpertly,justasshedideverynight.“Youreadytogotosleep?”
Hegrinnedather,showcasinghissparkling-clean,whiteteeth.“Yes,Iam.”
“Thenwhatareyoudoingstillawake?”sheasked,shakingherheadwithwideeyesandpursed

lips.

Hecackledwithlaughterasherushedtohisbedandjumpedunderthecovers.Veritypretendedto

runafterhim,arrivinginhisroomjustashepulledthered,white,andblueplaidquiltupunderhis
chinandbeamedupather.

“Wholovesyou,RyanGwynn?”sheasked,sittingbesidehimonthebedandreachingforwardto

touslehishair.

“Mysister,Ver ’ty.”
“Yes,shedoes.”Sheleaneddownandkissedhisforehead.“’Night,now.”
“’Night,Ver ’ty,”hesaidsoftly,alreadyhalfasleep.“Iloveithere.”
“Metoo,Ry,”shewhispered,pullinghisbedroomdoorclosed,leavingjustacrackoflightsohe

couldfindhiswaytothebathroom.“Metoo.”

Takingaquicklookatherfaceinthehallwaymirror,shereacheddowntoturnonthelittle

airplanenight-lightandheadeddownstairs.

CHAPTER11

Colthadputabottleofwhitewineinthefridgebeforeleavingforworkthatmorning,anditwasnice
andcoldwhenheopeneditandpouredtwoglasses.Hedidn’thaveapropericebucket,sohefilled
oneofhisaunt’slargerflowerpotswithiceandwedgedthebottleinthemiddle.Thesaucerattached
tothebottomcouldcollectthemeltedwater.

Afterheplacedthewineonhisbedsidetable,hereturnedtothekitchen,tookoutthepothisaunt

hadusedforboilingspaghetti,andplaceditonthestovetop.Hescoopedouttwotablespoonsof
coconutoilfromaglassjar,shookitintothepot,andturneduptheheat.Afteraminuteortwo,he
addedacupofpopcornkernelstothemeltedoil,coveredthepot,andlistenedtothemquicklyfillthe
pot.He’dsprinkleitwithsaltandsugarashepoureditintoabowl.

He’dstraightenedandvacuumedhisroomthismorningwhileVerityandRyanwereupstairs

gettingreadyforwork.Hisbedwasmade,andhisweightswereneatlyracked.Thecoupleofold
Playboyshehadonthebottomofhisnightstandhadbeentakenouttothetrash,andheputfreshhand
towelsbesidethesinkinhisbathroom.

He’daddedacoupleofextrapillowstohisbedsotheycouldsitbackcomfortably,buthisbed

lookedmassiveandobviousinthemiddleoftheroom,andsuddenlyhewishedhehadsomewhere
elsetosit,likeacouchorbeanbagsorsomething—anything—thatdidn’tseemassuggestiveashis
bed.

Before,inthecar,whenhe’dtoldherthathehadnoexpectations,he’dbeentellingthetruth...

buthecouldn’tdenythatthethoughtofVerityinhisbedroommadehisimaginationrunwild.Hehad
itbadforher—ofcoursehewantedtofuckher.Hell,touchingherwashiscurrentfavoritepastime.
Buthewasalsofallingforher.Fallinghard,justashe’dforbiddenhimselftodo.Andtherewasn’ta
singlefuckingthinghecoulddoaboutit.Andfranklytherewasn’tasinglefuckingthinghewantedto
doaboutit—notacellinhisbodythatwasn’treadytosurrendertotheaddictive,adorablewoman
upstairs.

Hewasinunfamiliarwaters,noteverhavinghadaseriousrelationshipwithawoman,butthat

didn’tseemtomattertohismindorhisheart,bothofwhichweregunningforhertostickaround
indefinitely.Infact,hishearthadfixedonhersofiercelythat,insuchashortamountoftime,hefelt
likeallhecoulddowasholdonfordearlifeandseewhathappenednext.

And“next,”asitturnedout,wasseeingherbeautifulfacepeekintohisbedroom,dimplesdenting

hercheeksasshegrinnedathim.

“Hi,”shesaid,leaningagainstthedoorwayinbarefeetwithherhandsshovedintotheback

pocketsofdenimcutoffshorts.Ontopsheworeasimplewhitetanktopwiththinstrapsandascoop
neck,andherlongblondehair,whichshe’dbeenwearinginaponytailatworktoday,wasdraped
overhershoulders,theendsrestingjustoverherbreasts.

Shewassoeffortlesslybrightandbeautiful,hisbreathcaught.Itseemedlike,ifsheprickedher

finger,shewouldn’tbleedred—she’dbleedsunshine.Anditjustaboutfuckingleveledhimthatshe
washere,thatthissweetgoddessofagirlwantedtospendherprecioustimewithhim.

Nottomention,overthepastweek,shehadn’twornshorts,eventhoughithadbeenprettyhot.

Sheworeabathrobeinthemorningandsundressesmostdaystowork.He’dseenherinjeanstoo,but
thesecutoffswerenewtohim,andsuper-short,andhismouthwateredashestaredathertanlegs.

“Colton?”shesaid,hervoicefilledwithlaughter.
“H-hey,”hestuttered,standingupfromthefootofthebed.“Youlook...”
Sheshrugged.“Grubby?”
“Gorgeous,”hesaid,unabletolookawayfromherblueeyes.
Herlipstiltedupintoapleasedsmile,andshesteppedintohisroom,lookingaroundfora

momentbeforepointingattheTV.“OnlyTVinthehouse.”

“It’sjustbeenmehereforyears.”
Somethingpassedoverherfaceassheturnedtolookathim.Somethingsoftandsweetthatmade

hisheartclenchwithlonging.VerityGwynnkeptthelonelinesshe’dfeltforthepastfewyearsatbay.
Werehetoloseher,heknewitwouldreturnagain,onlyworsethanbeforebecausenowheknewhow
itfelttohaveherwarmthinhisspace.

Don’tgo.Staywithme.
“Youhavewine,”shesaid,droppingaglancetohisbedsidetable.
“Stillwantsome?”
“Sure,”shesaidoverhershoulder,walkingovertohisdumbbells.Shefingeredthemashe

pouredtwoglasses.“It’slikeaminigyminhere.Youworkoutalot?”

“Yeah.”Heheldouttheglass.
“It’syourfavoritethingatthecastletoo,”shecommented,takingthestembetweenherfingers.

“Thestables...andthegym.”

“Youremember,”hesaid,sittingbackdownontheedgeofthebedtogiveheralittlespaceto

explore.

“Ofcourse.”Sheliftedherglassandgrinned.“Whatarewedrinkingto?”
Coltraisedhisglass.“Toyou.”
“Whynottoyou?”
Heshrugged,givingherasmallsmile.“To...us?”
“Okay.Tous,”shesaid,liftingtheglasstotakeasip.“Ooh!Yummy!Whatisit?”
Heflickedaglanceatthebottle.Hehadnoideawhatitwas.Thelabelwasbrightyellowandhad

acupcakeonit,whichhadsomehowfeltlikeVerity.“White?”

Shegiggled.“That’saboutallIknowaboutwinetoo.It’seitherredorwhite.”Shetookalookat

herglass.“Reallyit’syellow.ButIguessthatwouldmakepeoplethinkofpee,sotheysaywhite
instead...”Shesighed,wrinklinghernoseathim.“IthinkI’mnervous.”

“Don’tbe.Noexpectations,remember?”
Shenodded,turningbacktohisweightsandtakinganothersipofwine.“Howcomeyouworkat

TheLegendofCamelot?Seemslikemaybeyoushouldbeworkingatagym.”

“Iprobablyshouldbe,”hesaid.
Shelookedathimoverhershoulder.“So?”
“Ifoundmyjobprettymuchthesamewayyoufoundyours.”
“Youandyourdesperate-for-work,developmentallydisabledsiblingwenttoajobfairreadyto

scrubtoiletsifyoucouldfindworkatthesameplace,andaVikingKnightsavedyourskininstead?”

Fuck,buthelovedthewayshelookedathimwhenshesaidthingslikethat.Itmadehimwantto

betheman—oreventheknightinshiningarmor—thatshesawinhim.

Heshookhishead.“Nah.IwastryingtogetajobonarealityshowcalledTheGym,butbythe

timeIgottotherecruitingtable,theyalreadyhadoverfivehundredsign-upsforopenauditionsand
hadclosedthelist.NexttothemwastheTLOCtable,andLynetteaskedifIhadanyinterestinbeinga
knight.Therest,astheysay...”

“...ishistory?”
Hesighedbecausepartofhimhatedthatithadworkedoutthatway,andhewantedherto

understand.“Look,workingasaknightinacornydinnershowisn’texactlymyideaofalong-term
career,butatthetimeIneededasteadyjobtotakecareofthishouseand...”

Melody.
AlthoughAuntJanehadpurchasedMel’sapartmentatBonnie’sPlacebeforeshedied,andlefta

trustforhercareinColt’sname,itsimplydidn’tcovereverything.Hispaycheckwasnecessaryto
keepMelcomfortable.Hisauntandunclehadtakenhiminwhenhehadnowheretogoandcaredfor
himliketheirownson.CaringforMelwashiswayofrepayingthemtheirkindness,andhewouldn’t
havehaditanyotherway.

“And?”
Therehadbeenmomentsoverthecourseofthepastweekwhenhe’dalmosttoldheraboutMel,

andhe’daddthismomenttothatlist,butthetimingstillfeltpremature.

Heshrugged.“Mycar,livingexpenses.Youknow,theregular.”
“Iknow,”shesaid.“Billsandexpenses.Trytakingcareofsomeoneelsetoo.It’stough.”
“IadmirethewayyoulookafterRyan.”
“Iknow...”Herlipstwitched,andshetookanothersipofwine.“Iknowhe’sbigandawkward

andalittlegoofy,buthe’stheonlyfamilyI’vegot.WhenIwasborn,Rywasalreadyeightyearsold,
andhe’dalreadyhadhisaccident.Buthewasalwaysagentlegiant.Andhealwayslovedme.Loved
playingwithhislittlesister.WatchingTV.Pushingmeontheswing.Draggingmearoundinhisred
wagon.Singingsongstome.Leadingourdaddy’shorsearoundthefarmwithmeonherback.Iwas.
..unplanned,andmyparentswerebusyonthefarm.Ryanwas...hewasmysweetplace,youknow?”

“Yoursweetplace?”whisperedColt.
“Myhugsandkissesandsmilesandsongsand‘Iloveyous.’”She’dbeenlookingathimasshe

madeherlist,butwhenshesaidthewords“Iloveyous,”hercheeksflushedandshedroppedhiseyes.
Softlysheadded,“Mysweetplace.”

“Ilikethat.”
“Youdo?”
Henodded.“Alot.”
“Well,youcanborrowitwheneveryoulike,”shesaid,hergrinbackinfullforceasshetook

anothersipofwine.“Whataboutyou?Who’syoursweetplace?Yourcousin?Melody?”

No.You.EverydayIspendwithyou,youbecomemy“sweetplace,”sunshine.Hewishedhe

couldsaythistoher,buthehesitated,afraidthatsuchbigwordswouldscareheraway.Insteadhe
said,“She’simportanttome,yeah.”

“Didyoulivehere?Withyourauntanduncle?”

Henodded.“MyparentswereinacaraccidentwhenIwasten.Theydiedinstantly.”
“No!”shecried,turningtofacehimandcringingwithsympathyassheflattenedherfreehand

overherheart.

“Iwasvisitingherewhenithappened,soIjust...stayed.”
Hechosenottosharethat,justbeforetheaccident,hisparentshadlefttherestaurantwherethey’d

justhaddinnerinaterriblehurry.Accordingtothepolice,Colt’sfatherhadgottenupsetabout
somethingonthebill,pickedafightwiththewaiter,andbeltedhiminthestomachwhenthewaiter
insisteditwasn’tamistake.Whiletherestaurantmanagercalledthepolice,Colt’sfatherthrewsome
moneydownonthetableandpulledhiswifeoutoftherestaurant,draggingherouttotheparkinglot
andspeedingawaylikethedevilwasathisheels.Why?Becausehe’dalreadybeenarrestedtwicefor
assault,andathirdchargewouldmeanasignificantprisonsentence.

Hisfatherwasracingawayfromtherestaurant,probablylookingintherearviewmirror,whena

deerjumpedinfrontofthecar.Hehitthedeerandlostcontrolofthecar,drivingofftherain-slick
road,intoaravine,andsmashingintoatree.Yearslater,whenhereadthecoroner ’sreport,Coltwas
relievedtoreadthattherewasnowaytheycouldhavesurvivedtheimpact.They’ddiedinstantly.

“God,Colton,”shesaid,takingseveralstepstostandbeforehim.“I’msorry.I’msosorry.”
“Yeah.Itwas...”Heranahandthroughhishair,pullingouttheblackrubberbandandplacingit

onthenightstand.“...bad.”

Hisfatherhadn’tbeenjustamindlessbruteofaman,though,whichwasthetoughestthingabout

Colt’smemoriesofhim:theyweren’tblackandwhite;theyweregray.Andgraywassomuchharder
tounderstandorexplain.

Yes,herememberedhisfather ’seyesgoingblackwithfurywhensomethingmadehimangry.

Andherememberedthetimeshisfatherhadlaidintohim—theyweren’texactlyforgettable,though
theywerealwaysfollowedby“Sorryaboutwhathappened”afewdayslater.ButColtremembered
lotsofhappytimestoo:Dadrufflinghishairafterasoccergameoraskinghimwhatflavorofice
creamhewantedattheMemorialDayparade.IfColtconcentratedhard,hecouldstillfeelthetouch
ofhisfather ’slipsonhisforeheadwhenhekissedhimgoodnightandthedeeprumbleofhisvoice
ashereadabedtimestory.Therehadbeenalotofbadmoments,yes,butnotall.Therehadbeen
tendernessinsidehisfathertoo,andthatsoftnessmadeitimpossibleforColttoblindlyhatehim.

Whatactuallyhurtmorewasrememberinghismother.She’dbeenasweet,soft-spokenwoman,

gentleandkind,saddledwithahusbandandsonwhobothgotangrytooquick,toooften.Hislast
memoriesofhismother ’sfacemadehishearttwistbecauseshelookedsosadandtiredandold,like
lifehadsuckedeverybitofjoyfromhersoul.He’dblamedherforsendinghimaway,andyetit
achedtorememberher.Somostlyhedidn’t.Mostlyhetriednottothinkabouthisparentsatall.

ThebeddepressedalittleasVeritysatdownbesidehim,herthighaboutsixinchesawayfrom

his.“Ican’timagine,”shesaidgently.“Myparentswereold,andtheyweren’trealaffectionate,but
theycaredforusuntilwewerefull-grown.I’m...I’mjustsosorry,Colton.”

“Thanks,”hesaid,lookingawayfromherlegsandreachingforhiswineglass.“Theydiedalong

timeago,andmyauntJane,well,shewasreallyamazing,so...”

Shetookadeepbreathandsighed.
Hedidthesame.

“Wow,”hesaid,“thatconversationtankedquick.”
Sheturnedhernecktolookathim.“Doyouwanttotalkaboutthem?Yourparents?”
“Notatall.”
“Okay.Thentalkaboutsomethingelse.Quick.”
HeflickedhisglanceattheTV.“What’syourfavoriteTVshow?”
“Hmm.Well,Vikingsisoneofmyfavorites.”
“Right,”hesaid.“That’showyouknewthatVikingsandknightsweretwodifferentthings.”
“Uh-huh,”shesaid,sippingthelastofherwine.“IlikeOutlandertoo.AndIlovedDownton

Abbeywhenitwason.”

“So,historicaldrama?That’syourfavorite?”
Shenodded.“Iguessso.Yeah.”
“Howaboutyourfavoritetypeofmovie?”heasked.
Shewinced,givinghimasheepishlittlesmile.“Romcoms?”
“What’swiththelook?”
“Don’tguyshategirlswholoveromcoms?”
“Ithinkit’suniversallyacknowledgedthatmostgirlslikeromcoms.”Heliftedthewinebottle

fromtheflowerpotandrefilledtheirglasses.“Weputupwithit.”

“Butyoudon’tlikethem.”
Honestly?Hedidn’tmindromanticmovies,andheespeciallydidn’tthinkhe’dmindwatching

onewithher.“They’reokay.”

“Butwhatdoyoureallylike?”
“Adventure.”
“LikeIndianaJones?”sheasked.
“Exactly.Andsci-fi.Somefantasy.”
“Fantasy?”
“Youknow.LikeTheLordoftheRings.”
“Neverseenit,”shesaid,overtherimofherglass.Hercheekswerepink,andsheseemedmuch

morerelaxedthanshe’dbeenfifteenminutesago.Plus,shewasstillsittingnexttohim,whichmade
himridiculouslyhappy.

“Travesty,”hewhispered,shakinghisheadwithamixofmockdisgustandhorror.
Shelaughed.“Isthatwhatwe’rewatchingtonight?”
“No.We’llsaveTheLordoftheRingsforalong,quiet,rainyday.”
“Then...?”
“Youlikeromanceandcomedy,right?”
“Right.”
“AndIlikeadventure,sci-fi,andalittlefantasy.”
“YourTV.Yourrules.Adventure,sci-fi,andfantasyitis.”
“Now,waitasecond...whatfunwouldthatbeforyou?”
“Youknowwhat?Idon’treallycarewhatwewatch.I’mjusthappy...”Adeeperblushstained

hercheeksandshesmiledbutdroppedhiseyes.

“What?”

“Tobehere.”Sheraisedhereyes.“Tobewithyou.”
Hisheartreactedtothesimplesweetnessofherwords,andhereachedoutwithhisfreehandto

cuphercheek.“Wherehaveyoubeenallmylife?”

“InCamilla,Georgia,”shesaid,leaningintohishand.Hervoicewaslowwhensheasked,“What

arewewatching?”

“ThePrincessBride,”hesaidgruffly,everycellinhisbodyfightingagainsttheinstincttograb

her,kissher,touchher.He’dpromiseditwashercall,butfuck,ittookeverythinghehadtokeep
himselfincheck.

Shegasped,herfaceburstingintoastunningsmileassheleanedawayfromhishandin

excitement.“Iknowthatmovie!Ilovethatmovie!”

Hechuckledatherexpression,thenwatchedhereyessoftenasshecockedherheadtotheside.

“Youjustlaughed,”shesaid.

“Idid,”hesaid,grinningather.
“I’veneverheardyoulaughbefore.”
“I’malittleoutofpractice.”
Suddenlysheleanedforward,herbreastsbrushinghislapasshereachedovertosether

wineglassonthenightstand.Whenshedrewback,sheplacedherpalmsonhisfaceandlookedinto
hiseyeswithsuchheartbreakingtrustandtenderness,hisheartswelled.Itswelledwithsomethingso
bigandsoawesomethathewantedsodesperately,hedidn’tknowhowhisribcagecouldholditall
inside.Hisbreathcaught,andhefroze.Hewasutterlyhelplessasshestaredintohiseyes.

“Wherehaveyoubeenallofmylife?”
“Waiting,”hesaidsoftly,closinghiseyesasherlipstoucheddownonhis.

***

UnliketheirkissonThursdaynight,thisonedidn’tbegininapassionatefrenzyofneed.Justlike
Verity,itwasgentle...andachinglytender.

Shebrushedherlipsagainsthis,nibblinghisupperlipbetweenhersbeforelettingitgotolove

thelowerlipinthesameway.Herfingerscradledhisface,thepadsofherpalmsanchoredonhisjaw
asshenipped,brushed,andnibbled,takinghertimetolearnthedry,warmtextureofhislips,which
tastedlightlyofwine,andthewaythebristlesofhisfiveo’clockshadowscrapedhertonguejusta
littlewhensheranitalongthetwo-pointflumethatcrownedhistoplip.Theseweresmall
movements,lightandsoft,herwayofshowingthisman—thisbig,brawny,unprettyman,whocould
liftallthoseabsurdlylargeweightsontheshelvesbehindher—thathewasprecioustoher,thathe
wascherished.That,toher,hewasbeautiful.That,forher,hewasperfect.

Asthoughslowlywakinguptoherministrations,hefinallyreachedforher,hishandslandingon

herwaist.Sheshiftedherbodyandthrewonekneeoverhislapsothatshekneltonthebed,straddling
hiships,andsuddenlythefingersonherwaisttightened,yankinghercloser,untilherbreastswere
crushedagainsthischestandherthighshuggedhiships.Intimatelypressedagainsthim,shecould
feelthetwitchandswellofhiscockasitlengthenedandhardenedbeneathher,pressingupagainsther
bodyassheswepthertongueintohismouthandswallowedagravellygroanofsatisfaction.His
handsonherasscurled,pushingherpelvisflushagainsthis,andshearchedherbackasshesucked
onhistongue,whimperingasheflexedhiships,grindingupintoher.

Hishandsslippedbeneathhertanktop,theroughpadsofhisfingersgentlyscrapingthesoftskin

ofherbackuntilhereachedherbra.Hedidn’taskpermissiontounclaspit—justflickeditopenand
flattenedhispalmsflushonherbackwhilehesuckedonhertongueasshe’djustsuckedonhis.Her
breastsweretightandachingforhistouch,soshereachedforthehemofhertanktopandsliditup
herbody,hookingherfingersintoherbraanddraggingbothoverherhead.Pausingmid-kiss,he
reachedaroundtothebackofhisneckandyankedhisT-shirtoverhishead,thenfusedhislipstohers
again.Veritywhimperedsoftlyintohismouthasthetautpointsofherbreaststouchedthewarm,hard
expanseofColton’schest.Finallyskintoskin,itdidn’tassuageherlonging,butintensifiedit.She
washungryforthetouchofhisfingers,thesuckofhislips,theteasingswirlofhistongue.

Asthoughhe’dreadhermind,hishandsonherbackslidaroundhersides,andshebrokeoff

theirkissgently,leaningawayfromhimjustalittletotakeoneofhiswristsandlayhispalmgently
overherbreast.Staringintohereyes,pantingfromtheintensityoftheirkiss,heflinchedashe
registeredwhatshe’ddone,whatshewasclearlyinvitinghimtodo.

“Istopwhenyousaystop,”hegrowledsoftly,thendippedhisheadandtookheruncovered

nipplebetweenhislipsashishandsqueezedherotherbreastlightly.

Verity’shandsshottohishead,buryingthemselvesinhishairasaboltofwhite-hotdesire

sluicedthroughher.Shemoaned,littlesoundsofdesire,ofpleasure,ofheightenedlust,fillingthe
silenceofhisroomashesuckedandlicked,swirlinghistonguearoundthetightbud,thenlavingit
gently.Herhandsfashionedhishairintoaponytail,andshehungontightlyasheskimmedhislips
fromonebreasttotheother,suckingherothernippleintohismouthandflickinghistongueacrossit
untilsheyankedhardandcriedout.

“Toomuch?”heasked,pausingtolookupather.
“More,”shesighedgreedily,flexingherfingersthroughthesilkenstrandsofhishairashe

loweredhismouthagain.

Herpantiesfloodedwithwetness,andshesurgedagainsthishardenedcock,pantingasherolled

herotherdampnipplebetweenhisthumbandforefinger.Hethrustupagainsther,andsherolledher
hips,throwingherheadbackashistonguecircledherpeaked,swollenflesh.Thenexttimeshe
gyratedagainsthim,hemethermovementwithperfectanticipation,hisbodycollidingwithhers,
whichpressedthezipperofhershortsintoherclit.

Shegaspedfromthesensation,claspinghisfaceanddemandinghislipsassherockedagainst

himagainandagain,hershortsmassagingthecreviceofhersexwitheverythrustashisabsscraped
againsthersensitivebreasts.Hekissedherfiercely,loweringhishandstoherhipssohecould
controltheirmovements,sothatthepressureonherclitstayedconstantandstrong.

“Colton,”sherasped,herbreathingjagged,hisnameunevenonherlips,“I’mgoingto...to...”
“Iwantyouto,”hesaid.“Holdontome.”
Sheloopedherarmsaroundhisneckashekissedheragain.Shehungonashe’dinstructedher

to,butherheadfellbackwhenheabandonedherlipsandsuckedhernipplebetweenintohismouth
again.Ashethrustupagainstherinaslow,rhythmicmotion,sheclosedhereyes,abouttoloseher
mind.Overandoveragain,slowlyrubbinghertothepointofmadness,untilshecouldn’tbearthe
swirlingswellofpressureinside,andshecriedouthisname,astrangledsoundofprofoundpleasure
ashermusclesflexedandcontractedinasmallfrenzyofbliss.

Whenherbrainstartedworkingagain,afewminuteslater,shefoundshewasstillstraddlinghis

lap,hercheekrestingonhisshoulderashegentlystrokedhernakedbackwithroughfingers.

“Colton,”shewhispered.“OhmyGod.”
“Youokay?”heasked,hisvoiceroughandgravelly.
Shefeltlikepurring.“Mm-hm.Areyou?”Itfeltpolitetoask,thoughitsuddenlyoccurredtoher

thathe’dhadnoneofthemind-blowingsatisfactionshe’djustenjoyed.“Doyouneed—”

“Ifeltallofit,sunshine,”hesaid,hisarmsaroundhertighteningjustalittle.“Ifeltyou.”
Shesmiled,leaningforwardsothatshecouldpressherlipsagainsthisneck.“Itwas...

amazing.”

“Whatnow?”heaskedtentatively.
Shekissedhisneckagain,thendrewbacktolookathisface,intohiseyes.Didshewantmore?

Ofcourseshedid.Buttheywerenewtoeachother.Theyweremoreandmoreimportanttoeach
othereveryday.Sheworriedthatrushingthingscouldhurtthenewness,devaluetheimportanceof
thisbrand-newbeautifulthingtheywerebuilding.Andshewouldn’tbeabletobearthat.Soshe
forcedherselfnottoaskformore.Notnow.Notyet.

“Didn’tyouinvitemetowatchamovie?”sheasked,hopinghewouldn’ttakeherwordsasa

rejectionofwhathadjusthappenedbetweenthem,hopinghewouldn’tbeupsetthatshewantedtheir
epicmake-outsessiontobeenoughfortonight,hopinghewouldsomehowknowhowmuchitmeant
toher,howmuchhemeanttoher.

Henodded,hisdarkeyesconnectingwithhers,atinybitofsurpriseintheirdepths.“Wantto?”
“Yep,”shesaid,grinningathim.“Iwanttoliedownnexttoyou,allcurledupagainstyoulikea

spoon,withyourarmaroundmeandyourbreathonthebackofmyneck...andIwanttowatcha
movie.”

Hesmiledbackather,hisfacesohappyandsohandsome,itdamnnearbrokeherheartbecause

hisexpressionwasamirrorofthehappinessinherheart.

“Thenthat’sexactlywhatwe’lldo.”

***

Aweekturnedintotwo,andbeforeColtknewit,awholemonthhadslippedawaysincethedayhe’d
firstseenVerityandRyanGwynnintheMarriottballroomdoorwaylookinglikelostsheep.

Therehadbeennotalkofthemmovingfromhishouse.Ifanything,they’dsettledinlikethey’d

alwaysbeenthere,andthat’sexactlyhowColtwantedit.Veritymadethembreakfastalmostevery
morning,andhegaveherthekeystohiscarsothat,ifhehadtogoinforamatineeshow,shecould
drivehim,andhe’dpickherupwhenherdinnershowshiftwasfinished.

Onthenightstheygotoffworkatthesametime,hewentthroughthedrive-throughat

McDonald’stogetRyansomethingtoeatonthewayhome,andheandVerityhaddinnertogether
afterRyanhadgonetobed.Thosenightsendedwithhercurledupbesidehiminhisbed,fastasleep
aftermakingout,watchingamovieortalkinguntilalmostdawn.

SomenightshewenttovisitMelody,andthoughhealwaysenjoyedseeinghiscousin,hemissed

Verityonthosenights,wishinghecouldslipintobedbesidehersoftwarmthwhenhegothome.

Buttheyhadyettospendanentirenighttogether.
Onthispoint,Verityhadprovedtobeunyielding.UntiltheytoldRyanthattheyweretogether,she

wouldwakeupinherownbedeverymorning.

Thereweresomenights,aftermidnight,whenhehadtoforcehimselftowakehersoshecould

gobackupstairs,andotherswhenhe’dsimplygatherherinhisarmsandcarryheruptoherbed,
pullingthecoversuptoherchinandthenforcinghimselftostopstaringatherbeautifulsleepingface
andgobackdownstairstohiscold,lonelybed.

Lonelybecauseherwarm,softbodywasmuchtoofarawaywhenhewentbackdownstairs.He’d

exploredeveryinchofherwithhishandsandsomeofherwithhistonguetoo,suckingherpert
nipplesintohismouthasheslippedhisfingersinsideherbody,listeningtohermoansandwhimpers
ofpleasureliketheywerehisownpersonalsymphony.Whenshelaybackonhispillow,herblue
eyesindigo,herlipssoftandswollen,hesworehe’ddoanythingforher,justtohaveherinhislife
forever.Andfuckifshedidn’tgiveasgoodasshegot,herfingerscurlingaroundhiscockand
strokinghimtothebrinkofmadnessbeforeplunginghertongueintohismouthtokisshimsenseless
untilhecameinherhand.

Hisclasswasherbody,andherswashis,andtheonlyeducationtheysoughtwaspleasure.

Mutual.Individual.Whattheyliked.Whattheywanted.Whattheyneeded.Everynightatasteofthe
paradiseyettocome,andtheveryfavoritemomentsofhisentirelifebecause,unlikethewomenhe’d
occasionallypleasuredinthestablesafterashow,Veritymeantsomethingtohim,andVeritydidn’t
leave.

Whentheyweren’tmakingout,shelayonherback,andherestedonhissidenexttoher,tracing

wordsandpicturesonherbarestomachasshetoldhimstoriesaboutherparentsandRyan;herbest
friend,Elaine;andherhighschoolquarterbackboyfriendwhomshehadn’tloved.Shehatedpecans.
Sheadoredtheocean.Shewantedchildren.Shewasterrifiedofdogs.

Hetoldherthegoodthingsherememberedabouthisparents—thewayhismothersmelledof

applepieandthegravellysoundofhisfather ’svoice—andlotsofgoodmemoriesofhisauntJane.
Hestillhadn’ttoldhereverythingaboutMelody,buthewould.Soon.

Duringonesuchconversationaboutwhattheyeachwantedfromlife,itsuddenlytumbledoutof

hismouththathe’dliketogobacktoschoolandlearnhowtobeapersonaltrainer,thoughhe’d
neveractuallyverbalizedsuchanideabefore.Shelituplikeafirecracker,pushedhimontohisback,
straddledhiswaist,andtoldhimthathehadtodoit.Andthensheleanedforwardandkissedhim,
pullinghershirtoverherheadandpushinghistohisneckuntiltheywereskintoskin.

“Promiseyou’lldoit,”shewhispered,beforekissinghimliketheworldwouldexplodeifshe

didn’t.

Therewassomethingabouther—aboutVerityGwynn—thatmadeanythingseempossible,that

madeeverythingseembetter,andbeforeheknewit,ColtonLanewokeuponemonthlatertorealize
thathehadfallendeeplyandirrevocablyinlovewithher.

Itwasn’taslowrealization.Itwaslikealightningbolt.
OneSundaymorning,sheplacedaplateofwhippedcream–andstrawberry-garnishedpancakes

infrontofhim.Then,grinningathim,shepluckedthestrawberryfromthecreamandbititbefore
offeringtheresttohim.

That’swhenheknew:
I’minlovewithyou.

That’sallithadtaken—asmileandastrawberry.
Sunshineandasweetplace.
Hell,he’dneverhadachance.

CHAPTER12

IthadbeenamagicalmonthforVerityGwynn.

SheandRyanhadsettledintotheirjobsatTheLegendofCamelotwithunexpectedease.Although

Artiegavehersomeprettydirtylookswhenhepassedherinthehallwayatwork,hehadn’tbothered
heragainashehadthatday,and,asfarassheknew,hedidn’tbotherRyaneither.Infact,Ryanwas
blossomingunderJoe’smentorshipandguidance.Hewasalreadygoodwithhorses,butJoewas
teachinghimthings,patientlycorrectinghimwhenhedidsomethingwrongandpraisinghimwhen
hedidsomethingright.HereyesmistedtoseetheoldermanwithhishandaroundRyan’sshoulders,
andsheimaginedthatforRyan,who’dmissedtheirfatherterriblyafterhepassed,Joewaseasingan
acheinside.AnditmadeVeritygrateful.

ButshewasmostthankfulofallforColtoninherlife.
Inshortorder,hehadbecomehersunandmoon,herbestfriend,herboyfriend,and,littleby

little,herlover.Thoughtheyhadn’tmadeloveyet,shelongedfortheconsummationoftheir
relationship.Itwasharderandhardertoleavehimafterwatchingamovie,curledupinthecurveof
hisbody,warmandsafe,feelingmorelovedthanshehadarightto.No,hehadn’tsaidthewordsyet.
Norhadshe.Butshefeltthem.Witheverypassingday,sheknew:shewasfallingdeeplyinlovewith
ColtonLane.

Sincelosingtheirparents,Verityhadbeencarefulabouthowandwhenshesharednewswith

Ryan.Inashortamountoftime,he’denduredalotofchangeandtransition,anditwasimportantto
Veritythat,whensheintroducedColtonasherboyfriendandlover,Ryanunderstooditwasn’ta
temporaryarrangement—thatColtonwouldbeintheirlivesforawhileanditwasokayforRyanto
getattached.

Witheverypassingday,shewasmoreandmorecertainthatshewantedthatformalcommitment

withandtoColton,andshefeltmoreandmorecertainthathewantedthesamefromher.This
morning,forinstance,she’dservedhimpancakeswithstrawberriesandcream.She’dtakenabiteof
hisstrawberry,thengiggledathissurprise,offeringtheresttohim.Buttheexpressiononhisfaceas
hesatatthetablelookingupatherwasintenselytender,almostnaked,andnewinawaythatfelt
different,thatfeltpermanent,thatfeltlike...love.Itwasthenthatshefeltitinhergut:itwastimeto
tellRyanaboutthem.Andonceshehad,shecouldgiveherselfcompletelytoColton.

Withthesethoughtsswirlinginherhead,VerityfoundherselfinColton’sbedthatnight,a/con

fullblast,fullyclothed,underthecovers,herbacktohisfront,hisarmslungoverherhipasthey
watchedtheendofTitanictogether.

“Itotallywouldhavesharedthatdoorwithyou,”shesaid,shakingherheadindisgustasJack

wasswallowedupbytheseaandRosehoggedthewoodendoorthathadmorethanenoughroomfor
two.

“Iwouldn’thaveriskedyoufallingoffitbyjumpingon.”
Shemadeasoundlikepfffshtandshookherhead.“Iwouldn’thaveletyoudiewithoutatleast

tryingtoshareitfirst.”

“I’dratherdiethanputyouindanger.”

“Colton,”shesaid,turninginhisarms.“Don’tsaythat.”
“It’strue,baby.”
Inthebluish-whiteambientlightfromtheTV,shecouldseehisexpression—theearnestness,the

truthbehindhiswords.Tearsfilledhereyesasshelookedathim,andthewordsshe’dbeendyingto
sayfordaysanddayssuddenlyfellfromherlipsinarush:“I’mfallinginlovewithyou,Colton
Lane.”

Withoutanyhesitation,hesaid,“Ifeelthesameway,sunshine.”
“Youdo?”sheasked,reachinguptowipeatearfromhercheek.
“Promise,”hesaid.
Sheleanedforwardanddroppedherforeheadintothecurveofhisneck.“Ireallywanttotell

Ryanaboutus.I’mready.”

Hisarmsaroundhertightened,thenhereachedfortheremoteandclickedofftheTV.“Iwantto

tellMelaboutustoo.”

“Melody?Yourcousin?”
Hereyeswerestilladjustingtothedarkoftheroom,andshecouldn’tseehisexpression,butshe

felthislipsbrushhertemple.“Uh-huh.”

“Iassumedyouhad,”saidVerity.“But,yeah,great.AndI’dlovetomeether.”
“Aboutthat...,”saidColton,lettinghisvoicetrailoff.
HistentativetonemadeVeritywary,andshewonderedwhatwasgoingon.Stiffeningalittlein

hisarms,sheleanedback,wishingshecouldseehisface.She’dbecomeadeptatreadinghis
expressions,andshefeltalittlelostlyingnexttohiminthedark.Thenagain,he’dturnedofftheTV,
andshewonderedifitwasbydesign.Maybehedidn’twanthertoseehisface.Maybehehad
somethingtotellherthatshewouldn’twanttohear.

“Colton...?”sheprompted.Whenhedidn’tsayinganything,shegrimaced.“Don’tyouwantme

tomeether?”

“Yes,”hesaid,pullinghercloser.
Shebelievedhim,butsomethingdidn’tfeelright.ShethoughtaboutwhatsheknewofMelody

andsuddenlyrealizeditwasn’tmuch.ShewasyoungerthanColton,andthey’dgrownuptogether.
Shehadepilepsy.Helovedherandfeltprotectiveofherandspentoneortwonightsaweekvisiting
her.He’dmentionedacaregiveroncesoVerityassumedthatshehadanurseoncallforwhenshehad
seizures.Butshesuddenlyrealizedthatshedidn’tknowwhereMelodylived,andshedidn’tknow
whatshedidforwork.Shedidn’tevenknowwhatMelodylookedlike,andnowshewonderedwhat
hehadn’tbeensharingwithher...because,whateveritwas,shesenseditwasn’tinsignificant.

“Whataren’tyoutellingme?”sheasked.
“AtfirstIdidn’ttellyou,becauseIdon’ttellanyone,”hesaidsoftly.“NottheguysIknowat

work.NotSandy.Noone.”Hepaused.“ThenIdidn’ttellyoubecauseIdidn’twanttheideaofMelto
scareyouaway...tooverwhelmyou.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Andtherearesomerealitiesabouther
lifethatyoumaynotlike,but...”

Sheblinked,feelingconfusedandalittlepanicked.“Butwhat?”
“ButIwon’tchangethoserealities,because,nomatterwhatyouthink,shehasagoodlife.She’s

happy.”

“You’rekindofscaringme,”saidVerity,detanglingherselffromhisarmsandreachingforthe

lightonhisnightstand.Thebrightnessmadehersquintasshesatupandcrossedherlegs,staring
downatColton,whowasnowlyingonhisbacklookingupather.“Iknowshe’sepileptic—”

“ShehasDownsyndrome,”saidColtonbluntly,hissteadygazeunwavering.“She’s,uh,she’sa

lotlikeRyan.”

Andsuddenlyeverything—everything—madesense.Thewayhe’dtakenherandRyanunderhis

wingandhelpedthemgetjobs,howhehadn’ttreatedRyanlikeafreakorlookedathimfunny,the
wayhe’dbeatthecrapoutofthoseguysatthemotel,thereasonhe’dbeenchargedwithbattery...
andthereasonhe’dbeenacquitted.

Melody,hissweetplace,hiscousin,towhomhewasdevoted,waslikeRyan.
“Colton,”shewhispered,herthroatfillingwithalumpsothickandbig,shecouldbarelyspeak

aroundit.

Overthepastfewweeks,he’dintroducedhertoanewTVshow—GameofThrones—whichshe

loved,andalinethatstuckwithherwas,Thenightisdarkandfullofterrors.ForVerity,whohad
inheritedthecareofRyan,sometimestheworldfeltdarkandfullofterrors.Oh,shedidherlevelbest
tomeetchallengeshead-onandkeepherchinup,butwithabrotherlikeRyancountingonher,there
weretimeswhensheranoutofsteamtostaypositive,andthentheworldcouldseemlikeacold,
cruel,andunforgivingplace.

ButsincethemomentColtonwalkedintoherlife,everythinghadchanged.Theworldhad

becomefullofpossibilities—brightandsafeinawayshe’dneverknown.Andnowitallmadesense.
Theywerekindredspirits,ColtonLaneandVerityGwynn,andherheartburstwiththecertaintyofit
—thattheearthhadturnedhisfacetohersatexactlytherightmoment,whensheneededhimmostand
wouldseehimforthebeautifulpersonhewas.Eventhoughtheirbrainshadrequiredalittlelongerto
catchup,theirheartshadrecognizedeachotherimmediately.

Hewasstaringupather.Histoo-thinlipsweretight,andhisbroken-and-never-fixednoseflared

lightly.Hishoodedeyestriedtostay,butVerityknewhowhefeltabouther—hewasintoodeepto
keephisworryorhishopeoutofhissteady,intensegaze.

“Areyououttahere?”hefinallyaskedwithquietresignation.
“Outtahere?”sherepeateddumbly.
“Youdon’tneedsomeoneelselikeRyaninyourlife.You’vegotyourhandsfull.Igetit.That’s

whyIdidn’t—”

Movingquicklyfromwhereshesatcross-leggedbesidehim,shestraddledhischest,sittingon

hisstomachandlookingdownathimangrily.“Aslongaswe’remakingconfessions,youshould
know:Iliedbefore.”

Hiseyeswidened,andhescowledupather.
“Don’tglareatme,ColtonLane,”shesaid,crossingherarmsoverherchest.Shefixedhimwith

anespeciallysassylookandrepeated,“Iliedbefore.”

Hiseyessearchedhersfrantically.“Aboutwhat?”
“I’mnotfallinginlovewithyou.I’minlovewithyou.”Shepulledherbottomlipbetweenher

teethandworrieditforamoment.“Ijustdidn’twanttofreakyouout.SoIsaidthat—”

“Iloveyoutoo,”hesaid,jackknifingintoasittingpositionandburyinghishandsinherhairas

hislipsslammedintohers.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck,droppingherhandssoftlytohisbackandlettinghimpull

heragainsthisbodyasfiercelyasheneededto,tosoothehisfearandaffirmhisreliefashekissed
her.He’dexperiencedsomuchlossinhislife—hisparents,hisaunt,hisuncle,even,inacertainway,
hiscousin.Shefeltthefullforceofhisreliefasheunderstoodhewouldn’thavetoaddVeritytothat
list,andshetightenedherembrace,cradlinghiminherarmsandlettinghimloveher.Sheneededhim
tounderstandthathisrevelationaboutMelodywouldn’tleadhertorejecthim.Oh,no.Quitethe
opposite.Itboundhertohiminwaysthatsheimmediatelyfeltbutdidn’timmediatelyunderstand,
becausethescopewastoobroad.ThefitofthemtogetherhadtobeGod’splanbecauseitwasso
good.

Fornow,allsheknewwasthis:

Youweremeantforme.AndIwasmeantforyou.AndIwillneverletyougo.

Ashiskissgentled,histongueslidtenderlyalonghers.Sheranherfingersuphisbacktothe

napeofhisneckwhereshelockedthem,thenleanedawaytolookupathim.

“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”shesaid,sensingheneededtohearthewords.
“Iwasworried,”headmitted,grimacinginannoyanceasthewordsescapedhislips.
“Youshouldn’thavebeen.”Shecockedherhead.“Youshouldhavetoldmesooner.”
“Iwasn’tsureIcouldtrustyouatfirst,”hesaid,hisgrayeyesdeepanddark,“andbythetimeI

knewIcouldtrustyou,Icouldn’tdealwiththeideaofyouleaving.”

“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”shesaidagain,lettingtheloveshefeltwarmhervoiceandhergaze.

“Youcantrustme.”

“Iknow,baby.”
“SowhatisitaboutherlifethatI’mnotgoingtolike?”
Hetookadeepbreathandsighed.“CouldIaskyoutotrustme?I’llsetupatimewhenwecan

pickupMelathercondoand—”

“Itrustyou,”shewhispered,hervoiceasabsoluteasherheart.“That’sall.”
Shemovedexperimentallyoverhiships,rollingintohimtofeelthemassivenessofhiserection,

andthenaway.

“Ifitwasn’tmidnight,”shesaid,herownvoicehuskyinherears,“I’dwakeupRyanrightnow

andtellhimthatwe’reacouple.”

Coltongroanedinfrustration,droppinghisforeheadtothecurveofherneck.Hislipstouched

downonhershoulder,andsheshivered,archingagainsthim.

Heclearedhisthroat,buthisvoicewasstillgravellywithwant.“I’moffonTuesday.Spendingit

withMel,takinghertothezoo.Shelikesthat.Anychanceyou...”

Veritycoughedlightly,touchingherthroatgingerly.“Ohno.Ifeelacoldcomingon.”
Heraisedhishead,grinningather.“Full-blownflubyTuesday?”
“Youbet,”shesaid,gigglingsoftly.“AndI’mfairlycertainthatRyan’sgoingtocomedownwith

ittoo.”

“You’llcalloutsick?”
Shewinkedathim.
“Sowe’lltellthemtogether?”heasked.“RyanandMel?”

Shenodded,barelyabletocontainherhappiness.
“WhichmeansthatTuesdaynight,”hesaid,leaningdowntoclaimherlipsforanotherlong,hot

kiss,“you’reallmine.”

***

KnowingthatVeritywouldbespendingTuesdaynight—allnight,finally,thankGod,amen—inhis
bedmadeMondayfeelinterminable,butitwouldhaveatleastbeenuneventfulwereitnotforArtie
choosingtobeanassholeagain.

Afterahand-to-handcombatpracticesessionwithSebastianthatlastedformostoftheafternoon,

ColtdecidedtocheckonThor.BeforemeetingVerity,ColthadspentalotofhisfreetimewithThor,
andhefeltalittlebadthathisoldfriendwasbeingabitneglected,sohestoleacarrotandapplefrom
thekitchenandplannedtovisitwithhimforalittlewhilebeforetonight’sshow.

Butasheenteredthepracticering,hecouldn’tmissthesoundofArtie’svoicecomingfromthe

directionofÉclair ’sstall,deliveringanonslaughtofabuse.AsColtgotcloser,heslowedhisstepsto
listen.

“...goddamnedretard.Iaskedyoutostaythefuckawayfrommymount.Whatdidn’tyou

understand?”

“But,Artie,it’smyjobtogive’em—”
“Areyoudeafanddumb?It’syourjobtodoasIsay!”
“Iain’tdeaf,butIgottochangetheirwater.Joesaid—”
“FuckJoeandfuckyou,youmoron.I’llteachyoualessonyouwon’tforget.”
Coltspedup,roundingthecornerofthebarnjustintimetoseeArtie,atthewaybackofthebarn,

turnonthehosefullblastandpointitatRyan.Itwasahigh-pressurehoseusedforcleaningthestalls,
andRyanyelpedasthecoldwater,aimedathisface,madecontactwithhischeeks,stinginglikea
thousandfrozenneedles.

“Stop!”yelledColt,surgingintothestableandbeeliningforArtie,whowasgrinningfromearto

earasthesharppricklesofcoldwaterpeltedRyan’sskin.

“HaveIgotyourattention,retard?”askedArtie,sprayingthehosedownRyan’sbody—athis

shirt,athiscrotch,allupanddownhispantsasRyanshriekedandcowered.“Stayawayfrom—”

“FUCKINGSTOP!”
ColtplowedintoArtiewithallhismight,andthehosewentflyingfromArtie’shandsashehit

thecementgroundhard,landingonhisbackside.Coltquicklyturnedoffthewater,thenturnedto
Ryan.

HisheartclenchedtoseeVerity’sbrothercroucheddownbesideÉclair ’sstalldoor,coveringhis

headwithhishands,rockingbackandforthashemewledandcried.

“You’refuckingcrazy,Lane!”
Coltturnedaround,skeweringArtiewithfuriouseyesasheadvanceduponhim.“Iheardwhat

yousaidtohim.Isawwhatyouweredoing.You’reluckyIdon’tfucking—”

“Ver ’ty...Ver ’ty...Ver ’ty...,”keenedRyan.
SquelchingthestronginstincttobeatArtietoapulp,ColtturnedbacktoRyan,squattingdownin

frontofhimandlayingagentlehandonhisshoulder.“Hey,buddy.It’sallovernow.”

“Ver ’ty.IneedVer ’ty,”hesobbed.

“How’boutyouandItrytoworkthisoutbetweenus,huh?”hesaidasgentlyashecouldwithhis

angerswirlinglikeadarkstormcloudinside.

“Howaboutyoutellhimnottocomenearmyfuckinghorseagain?”demandedArtie,whowas

backonhisfeetbehindColt.

WithoutremovinghishandfromRyan’sshoulder,Coltturnedtolookatpiece-of-shitArtie.His

voicewasthickwithrage.“HowaboutyouofferRyananapologyandthengetthefuckoutofmy
sightbeforeIrearrangeyourface?”

“Fuckyou,Lane.Andfuckyoutoo,Gwynn,”saidArtie,brushingsomestrawfromhisT-shirt.
Thegatheringstorminsidestartedswirling,andColtnarrowedhiseyesatArtie,hisvoicelethal.

“Fucking.Say.Sorry.”

AbitofuncertaintyslippedintoArtie’seyes.
“Stayawayfrommyfuckingmount,Gwynn,”saidArtie,runningahandthroughhishair,“and

wewon’thaveafuckingproblem.”

ColtwatchedArtiestalkoutofthebarn,atwarwithhimself.Ontheonehand,hewantedtochase

afterArtieandslamhisfistintohisface.Heachedforthefight.Hewasspoilingforit,andfuck,Artie
deservedit.Butontheotherhand,Verity’sbrother,the“sweetplace”ofhissweetheart,wascrouched
onthegroundcrying,barelyabletospeak.Intheend,Ryan’sneedswonoutoverColt’sfiercedesire
toteachArtiealesson.

Anothertime,hetoldhimself.AnothertimeI’llsettlethatscore.Notnow.Notnow,whileRyan

needsme.

GentlyherubbedRyan’sshoulder.“Artie’sgone,buddy.He’sgonenow.”
Ryanmovedoneofhishandsalittleandpeekedoutbetweenhisfingers,lookingaroundthe

stable.“Allgone?”

“Yeah.It’sokay.Comeon.”
Colttookhisarmandurgedhimtostandup,surveyingthedamageasRyanGwynnstraightened.

Hisclothesweredrenched,andhischeekswerebrightredfromthestingofthehose.Butitwashis
eyesthatbotheredColtthemost—theywerewideandfrightenedanddeeplyconfusedaboutwhyArtie
hadunleashedsuchcrueltyuponhim.

ColtspokegentlywithhishandstillonRyan’sarm,“IneedyoutostayawayfromÉclairfor

now,okay?”

“Igottachangehiswater,Colton.”
“Naw.I’lltalktoJoe.Joecanchangehiswater,okay?Idon’twantyouinhereanymore.”
“I’mgoodwithhorses.”
“’Courseyouare,Ryan,butArtie’sanasshole,andIdon’tlikethewayhetreatsyou.Nomore

Éclair,youhear?”

“Okay.Bye,Éclair,”hesaidmournfully,lookingatthechestnuthorse.
“Yougotsomedryclothesinyourlocker?”
“Yeah.Dryclothes.Okay.”Hesniffledandreacheduptobackhandhisnose.
“Well,yougochange,andI’mgoingtotalktoJoe.It’sgoingtobeallright,Ryan.Juststayaway

fromÉclairfornow,okay?Andlet’s,uh,let’snotworryyoursisteraboutthisfornow.I’lltalkto
Joe.I’lltakecareofit,okay?”

Ryanturnedtogo,thenlookedback,offeringColtalopsidedsmile.“Coltontakescareofus.

Coltonisourfriend.”

AnddamnifColt’slipsdidn’ttwitchinthebarestsemblanceofasmile.Itwouldn’tbelong

beforeathirdnamewasaddedtothelistofpeoplewhomadehimsmile...andtwoofthemwere
Gwynns.

Hedidn’tmentiontheincidenttoVerity.Theyworkeddifferentshifts,sohehadn’treallyhadan

opportunity.Partofhimdidn’twanttotellher.Hedidn’twanttoworryher.Joehadbeencompletely
understandingandagreedthatRyanshouldstayawayfromÉclairforawhile,anditmadeColtfeel
goodtohandlethingsforher,tobearsomeofherburdensoshewouldn’thaveto.

SoonTuesdaymorning,assheflittedaroundthekitchenmakingbreakfastandpackingapicnic

forthezoo,Coltmadethedecisionnottotellherwhathadhappened.AndRyan,whowasbeside
himselfwithexcitementtogotothezoo,seemedtohaveforgottenallaboutit.

ColthadadvisedLamont,today’smorningCM,thathe’dbepickingupMelodyatteno’clock,

andLamonthadtoldPublixthatMelodywouldn’tbeintobaggroceriestoday.BecauseofColt’s
irregularschedule,hemadesucharequestonceortwiceamonth,andsofarPublixhadbeenreally
decentaboutgivingMeltimeofftospendtimewithColtwhenhewasavailable.

HefoundAuntJane’soldpicnicbasketinthegarage,helpedVeritypackit,and,oncetheywere

alldressedandready,theygotinthecartopickupMelatBonnie’sPlace.

“Howlongdoesittaketogetthere?”askedVerity,bucklingherseatbelt.
“Twentyminutes,”answeredColt,feelingnervous.Hewasgratefulshehadn’taskedany

questionsaboutMel’slivingsituationsincehe’daskedforhertrustonSundaynight.Hejusthoped
thatshewouldhaveanopenmindaboutBonnie’sPlace,despiteherpreconceivednotionsabout
grouphomes.

“Sheknowswe’recoming?”
Heshookhishead.“No.Shethinksit’sjustme.”
“Wouldn’titbebettertoprepareher?”
ColtgaveVerityaquickglance,hislipstiltingup.“Youdon’tknowMel.Shelovesmeetingnew

people.Shewouldn’thavebeenabletosleeplastnightifI’dtoldherthatyouandRyanwerecoming
too.She’dhavebeentooexcited.”

Veritybeamedathim.“IthinkI’mgoingtoloveyourcousin.”
Hisheartswelled.“Ihopeso,sunshine.”
“I’mgonnabefriendswithMelody,”saidRyandefinitivelyfromthebackseat.“Shemightbemy

second-bestfriend,afterJoe.”

ColtnoddedatRyanintherearviewmirror.“Ithinkshe’dlikethat,Ryan.”
ButtheclosertheygottoBonnie’sPlace,themoreColtworried.WhatifVeritythoughthewasa

terriblepersonforkeepingMelina“home”?Whatifitchangedheropinionofhimsinceshecared
forherbrotherinsuchapersonalwayandMelodylivedsomewhereelse?Wouldsheseethat
Bonnie’sPlacewasgoodforMel?Itallowedherindependencebutstillkepthersafe.Veritywould
seethat,right?

Heturnedintothedriveway,rolleddownhiswindow,andslippedhiscardintothereader,taking

aquickmomenttolookatVerity’sprofileasthegateslidopen.

Sheturnedtohim,hereyebrowsdeeplyfurrowed.“Whatisthisplace?”
“Bonnie’sPlace,”hesaid.“It’sa,um,acommunityforment—developmentallydisabledadults.”
“Acommunity?”shesaid,herlipstightening.“Youmean‘ahome.’Behindgates.”
Shedidn’tsay“likeajail,”butheheardherimplicationloudandclear.
“No,”hesaidsoftlybutfirmly.“Imean‘acommunity.’It’sahybridconceptofindependent

livingwithsomegrouphomefeatures.”Shelookedawayfromhim,outthewindshield.“Canyoutry
tokeepanopenmind?Forme?”

Shewhippedherheadtofacehim,hereyeswideandchurning.“Icantry.”
“Thankyou,”hesaid,resistingtheurgetotakeherhand.Hesensedthatsheneededalittlespace

tomakeuphermindaboutBonnie’sPlace,andhewantedhertohaveit.

Sittingupstraighterinherseat,sheangledherselfawayfromhim,lookingoutthewindowatthe

manicuredlawnsandcheerfulgardens,thetenniscourts,sundriesstore,pool,andcommunitycenter.
Wasithisimagination,ordidherposturerelaxalittleashedrovetowardMel’scomplex?Shedidn’t
seemasupsetasheturnedintotheparkingareaatF.

Aftercuttingtheengine,heturnedtoher.“I’dreallylikeforyoutocomeupstairsandseeMel’s

place,butifyou’renotcomfortable,Iunderstand.I’lljustgogetherand...”

Verityreacheddownandunbuckledherseatbelt,thenexitedthecarwithoutlookingatColt.
Umm.Okay.
ColtgrabbedthebagofGoldfishhekeptintheglovecompartmentandhandedittoRyaninthe

backseat.“Ryan,uh,waithereasec?We’llberightdown.”

“Okay,Colton.”
Coltopenedhisdoorandswunghisbodyout,pushingthedoorclosedbeforeroundingthecar.

Veritystoodnexttothepassengerdoor,herarmscrossedoverherchest,herfacesternasshelooked
upatthebuilding.

“Pleasedon’tletmedown,”shewhispered.
Andthistime,hecouldn’thelphimself.GlancingbackatRyan,whowashappilyeatinghis

crackers,heturnedtoVerityandtookherhand,untuckingitfromherelbowandlacingtheirfingers
together.Hewasrelievedthatshedidn’tfighthim,andevenmorerelievedwhenshesqueezedhis
fingers.

“Iwon’t,”hepromised.
Shelookedupathim,hereyessoblue,itwaslikeGodhadchosenthecolorfromthesunniest

summerskyhecouldpossiblymake.“Okay.”

Hetuggedherovertothefrontdoorandusedhiskeycardtoopenit,holdingthedoorforher.

Theyenteredthefirst-floorcommonroom,wheretwooftheresidentswerewatchingTheElectric
CompanyandLamontwasvacuumingthefloorwithearbudson.Colttriedtolookattheroom
throughhereyes—atthewornbutcomfortablesofa,scratchedwoodencoffeetable,andserviceable
butcleanbeigecarpet.Therewasanivyplantonthetableandframedpicturespaintedbytheresidents
onthewalls.Itwascleanandtidy,andhomey.Hehopedshecouldseeittoo.

“Oh.It’sCousinColt.It’sCousinColt.It’sCousinColt,”saidFrieda,whosatonthecouchbeside

Duane.“CousinColtishere.Look.It’sCousinColt.”

“Hi,C-C-C-CousinC-C-C-Colt,”saidDuaneinhaltedspeech,offeringahugesmilethat

showcasedhisbuckteeth.

“Hey,Frieda,”hesaid,givingheralittlewave.“Hi,Duane.”
“Let’stellMelodythatCousinColtishere.CousinColtishere.”
Friedastoodup,tappingDuaneontheshoulder,thoughhisattentionhadgonefirmlybacktothe

TV.Lamont,who’dfinallynoticedColtandVerity,switchedoffthevacuumandpulledouthis
earbuds.HeworethestandardCMuniform:khakipantsandanavybluepoloshirt,buthisafro
seemedhigherthanevertoday.

“Colt,mybrother!”heexclaimed,offeringhishandandacheerfulsmiletoColtandVerity.

“Man,oh,man,whoisthis?”

Coltsmirked.“Behave.”
“Sheisnotwithyou.”
“Yes,sheis,”saidVerity,givingLamontasmallgrin.
“Luckydevil,”saidLamont.
“CousinColt.CousinColt.Lamont,CousinColtishere.”
“Yes,heis,sweetFrieda.”
“I’llgetMel.Mel.Mel.Mel.”
“Frieda,”saidLamont,gentlybutfirmly.“Thebuswillbeherein—”Hecheckedhiswatch.

“Threeminutes.Ineedyoutogobrushyourteethandgetyourpurse.Zipitup.Putitonyour
shoulder.I’llbewaitinghere.”

“ButCousinColtis—”
LamontputhishandgentlyonFrieda’sarm,thenturnedbacktoColt.“Workcalls.Mel’swaiting

foryouupstairs.Catchyouontheflipside?”

Coltnodded,watchingasLamontgentlyusheredFriedatowardherapartment,wherehe’d

redirecthertobrushherteethandgatherherbelongingstogetherforadayatwork.Heturnedbackto
Verity,watchingherhawkishlyasshefollowedLamontandFriedawithhereyes.Finallyshelooked
upathim.

“Thisisn’twhatIexpected.”
Henodded.“Iknow.”
“It’sso...loving.It’snormal.Like,notnormal,but,youknow,safe.Andnice.”
“Niceplacesdoexist,Verity.”
Shestillseemeduncertainwhensheasked,“CanImeetMelody?”
“Comeon.”
Theywalkedupthestairs,andColtturnedleft,stoppinginfrontofMelody’sapartment.

“Ready?”

ForthefirsttimesincearrivingatBonnie’sPlace,Veritysmiledathim.Arealsmile,boundless

andwarm.“Iam.”

BecauseMelwouldbeawake,hedidn’tusehiskeycard—heknocked,and,asthoughshe’dbeen

waitingrightbehindthedoor(whichwasprobablytrue),Melodywhippedopenthedoor,herface
splitintoabeamingsmile.

“C-C-C-Colton!It’szooday!”Shereachedforhiswaist,wrappingherfreckledarmsaroundhim.
Coltgrinneddownathiscousin’sstrawberry-blondehead,wrappingonearmaroundherand

stillholdingVerity’shandinhis.“Sureis!”

Melleanedback,clickingherteethtogetherwithexcitementasshespiedVerity.“Whoareyou?”
“Verity,”shesaid,droppingColt’shandandofferingittoMel.
MelodylookedupatColt.
“She’safriend,Mel.Areallyspecialfriend,”heexplained.
Andjustashe’dknownshewould,MelodycompletelyignoredVerity’soutstretchedhandand

threwherarmsaroundVerity’swaisttoo.

Whathedidn’tknow—whathehadn’tknowninsolong,ittookhisactualbreathaway—wasthe

sortofhappinesshefeltwatchinghiscousinhughisgirlfriend.AndwhenVeritylookedupathim
overMel’sheadandsmiled?

Fuckifhedidn’thavetoturnaway.
Hisfuckingeyeswereburning.

CHAPTER13

Allthingsconsidered,thoughtVerityafterthey’ddroppedoffMelodyatBonnie’sPlaceatsixo’clock
thatevening,thedaywentverywell.

Yes,RyanhadgottenalittletooexcitedabouthisDippin’Dotsicecreamanddroppedthecupon

theground,sendingthesmallballsscattering.ButColtonsimplyboughthimasecondcupandtold
himnottoworryaboutthelostone,whichbanishedthetearsfromhiseyes.

Andyes,Melodyhadgottenherperiodsoonafterarrivingatthezooandrefusedtocomeoutof

thebathroomstallforagoodtenminutes.Thankfully,aftersomegentlecoaxing,shefinally
confessedtoVeritywhathadhappened.Verityboughtheramaxipadfromthebathroomdispenser
andhelpedhergetcleanedup,earningheragianthugandanevenhugersmile.

Aftervisitingthemonkeys,butbeforelunch,theystoppedforawaterbreak,andColtondecided

tobroachthesubjectofhimandVeritydating.

“So,guys,”hestarted,handingoutfourbottlesofwater,“VerityandIwantedtotalktoyouabout

something.”

“Somethingnice?”askedMelody,grinningupathim.
“Ithinkso,”hesaid.
“Coltontakescareofus,”saidRyan.
“He’smyc-c-c-cousin,”saidMelodypossessively,clickingherteethtogether.
Coltonscowled.“Mel,I’llalwaysbeyourcousin.ButIcanlookafteryouandstillhavetimefor

Ryantoo.”

“Okay,”shesaid,shrugginghershoulders.“IlikeRyan.Hec-c-c-canbeyourc-c-c-cousintoo.

G-g-g-goodtalk.”

“No,he’snotmy...”Coltonpursedhislipsandfurrowedhisbrowsather.“That’snotwhatI

wantedtotalkabout.”

“Artiesprayspeople,”announcedRyan.
“Who’sArtie?”askedMelody.
“TheFrenchknight.WanttomeetÉclairsometime?”
“No,Ryan,”saidColton.“NoÉclair,remember?”
“Wait,what?”askedVerity.“Whatdoyoumean,‘Artiesprayspeople’?”
“Withthehose,”saidRyan.“Anditstings.”
“TheyhookupthehosetotheSlip’NSlide,”offeredMelodyhelpfully.
“What’saslide’nslide?”askedRyan.
“DidArtiesprayyouwithahose,Ry?”askedVerity,steppingclosertoherbrother.
“It’sayellowplasticrugthatsprayswater.Andyouslideonit.”
“Pricklywater?”
“Nope,”saidMelody.“Softwater.C-C-C-Colton?C-c-c-canRyanc-c-c-comeforSlip’NSlide

day?”

“DidyouknowaboutArtieandthehose?”VerityaskedColton.
“Yes,butIdidn’twantyoutoworry,”hesaid.

“Youshouldc-c-c-cometoSlip’NSlideday,”saidMelodytoRyan.“Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Colton!Youcan’tkeepthingslikethatfromme.He’smybrother!”
“Don’tyell,Ver ’ty.Coltonprotectsus.He’safriend.IneedtogotoSlip’NSlideday.”
“TIMEOUT!”bellowedColton,hisfaceredandfrustrated.
Theyallstoppedtalkingatonceandturnedtolookathim.Melody’slowerliptrembled,and

Ryan’smouthtilteddownintoafullfrown.

“I’mnotmad,”saidColtonquickly,givingMelodyandRyanapainedsmile.“It’sokay.

Everything’sokay.”

“Okay,”saidRyan.
“Thunderface,”mutteredMelody.
“Ryan,”hesaid,“stayawayfromÉclairlikewetalkedabout.ItalkedtoArtie,andJoe’slooking

outforyou,butitdoesn’thelptoswatatahornet’snest.”Heturnedtohiscousin.“Mel,yes.Aslong
asit’sokaywithhissister,RyancanbeyourguestatSlip’NSlidedaynextSunday.Andbaby?”he
said,lookingatVeritywithsofteyesandreachingforherwaisttopullherclose.“Iwantedtotry
handlingthingswithRyanandArtie.Ididn’tmeantosidelineyou.Ijustdidn’twantyoutoworry.”

Shenestledinhisarmsbecauseitwasherfavoriteplacetobeandbecausepartofherloveditthat

hewantedtolookafterherbrother.Butstill...“Ineedtoknowwhat’sgoingonwithRyan.I’mhis
guardian.”

Colton’sarmsaroundhertightened,andhedroppedasweetkisstoherforehead.“Loudand

clear,baby.I’llkeepyouintheloopfromnowon.Ipromise.”

Frombesidethem,theyheardthesoundofsnickering.
“Myc-c-c-cousink-k-k-kissedyoursister.”
“Yeah.They’reinlove,”saidRyanmatter-of-factly.
Wait,what?
Veritypeekedoverhershoulderatherbrother.“Ryan!Whatdidyou...Imean,whendidyou..

.”

Withoutlooseninghisholdonher,ColtonturnedtoRyan.“Doyoumind,buddy?IfIdateyour

sister?”

RyanstaredathimforamomentbeforeslidinghiseyestoVerity.“Coltonisourfriend.Colton

takescareofus.ColtonlovesVerity.”

“Yes,”saidColtonsoftly.“Hedoes.”
“Okay,”saidRyan.
“Okaywithyou,Mel?”askedVerity,givingColton’scousinalittlegrin.
Melodybeamedatthem,thenthrewherarmsupintheairandbelted,“Allyouneedislove!Doo

doodoodoodoo!Allyouneedislove!Doodoodoodoodoo!”

Asshecontinuedtosingherheartout,earningcuriousglancesfrompassersby,Coltonchuckled

softlyandleanedclosetowhisper,“DidImentionMellovestheBeatles?”

“Doesthismeansheapproves?”
“Ahundredpercent,”hesaid,nuzzlingherear.
Veritysettledintohisarms,restinghercheekonhischest,underhischin,asaveryenthusiastic

MelodyserenadedthemandRyanrockedbackandforthintempoasshesang.

Fromthenon,thedaywaspracticallyheaven.
RyanandMelodyranfromexhibittoexhibit,pointingoutlazyanimalssleepinginthesun,and

clappingwithshareddelightatthemeerkats’antics.Whenoneotterjumpedonanotherotter ’sback
andstartedmovingslowlybutsuggestively,ColtonjerkedhiseyestoVerity’s,andshecoloredwith
awarenessofwhattheyweredoing,butMelodypointedattheglassandannounced,“Ryan!Look!
They’rehugging!”

Disasteraverted.
Asthedaywenton,theyfollowedbehindRyanandMelodyatmoreandmoreofadistance,

givingthemthefreedomtoexploreasColtonandVerityheldhands,sayinglittle,bothbaskinginthis
lovelydayofsunshineandfamilytime.

Onlyonenaggingthoughtkeptthedayfrombeingutterlyperfect:
Tonight.
Well,moreaccurately...Verity’sworriesabouttonight.
WhenshelookedatColtonoutofthecornerofhereye—sixfootthreeinchestall,coveredin

thickcordsofveinedmusclewithaKingKongcockthatsheknewalltoowellfromtouchingit’s
pulsingthicknesswithherfingers—shewaveredbetweenfeelingexcitedandfeelingterrifiedabout
later.ShelovedColtonandwantedtobewithhimphysically,yes.Butdespitewhatherheartwanted,
shehadeyestoo...andtherewasnodenyingit:hewasenormous.

Shewasfivefootfourandweighedinatonehundredandfifteenpounds.Small-bonedandpetite,

likehermother,shehadsmallbreastsandsmallhipsand,well,gulp,smalleverything.Thesexshe’d
hadwithTonyandJohnnyhadn’tbeenbad,perse,butithadn’tbeenthatgreateither,andJohnnyhad
complainedaboutherbeing“tootightdownthere.”

She’dfeltColton’serectionagainstherbellywhentheyweremakingout.She’dheldhispenisin

herhand,rubbingitinthedarknessofhisroomastheykissed.Hewasmuchbiggerthaneitherofthe
othertwomenshe’dbeenwith,soifshewastootightforoneofthem...

Thethoughtsethernervesonedge,andwhileshestillmanagedtoenjoythebeautyoftheday,in

thebackofhermind,apprehensionreigned.

Andnow,astheypulledoutofBonnie’sPlaceandheadedhome,herworrieswereslowlyturning

intopanic.Whatiftheyreallydidn’tfit?Whatifhehurther?Notintentionally,ofcourse,butwhatif
hewasjusttoobigforherbody?Logicremindedherthatherpartswerebuilttoaccommodatea
baby’shead,soitwasludicroustoworryaboutaccommodatingColton,butshecouldn’thelpit.
Logicbedamned.Shehadn’thadsexinoverayear.Shewasworried.

Andyet,whensheslidhereyestohim,tracingthestronglineofhisjawcoveredwithbristlesof

blondscruff,hiscrookednoseanddarkblondhairpulledbackinalowponytail,herheartsoaredand
herbodyflushedwithheatandwant.Theylovedeachother.They’dfigureitout,wouldn’tthey?Oh,
please,shethought,letusfigureitout.

“MelodymightbemybesterfriendthanJoe,”saidRyanfromthebackofthecar.“I’mgonnago

toSlip’NSlideday.It’satBonnie’sPlace.”

Verity’sprejudiceaboutgrouphomeshadbeensoundlytrouncedtoday,andalthoughshestillfelt

somemeasureofwariness,shehadtoadmitthat,byalloutwardappearances,Bonnie’sPlaceseemed

tobeanidyllichavenfordevelopmentallydisabledadults.AndRyanseemedtolongtobeapartofit.

“That’sfine,Ry,”shesaid.“I’lltalktoLynetteaboutyougettingSundayoff,okay?”
“Yeah,”hesaid,yawning.“Sundayoff.ForSlip’NSlideday.”
Hefellasleepinthecar,snoringsoftlyuntiltheyarrivedatColton’shousetwentyminuteslater.

Coltoncuttheengineandturnedtoher.

“You’vebeenquiet.Tired?”
Sheunlatchedherseatbelt,lookingupathim.“No,I’mjust...”
Thewordswereonthetipofhertongue:I’mworriedaboutus.I’mworriedabouthowwe’llfit

together.Butwhenshelookedintothedeepdarkgrayofhiseyes,shecouldn’tformthewords.All
shecouldseewashisloveforhershiningback.Allshecouldfeelwasthehopethattodaywasthe
beginningofsomethingthatwouldlastforever.Family.Love.Safety.Home.Happiness.Everything
shehadeverwanted,serveduponasilverplatter.

Whatitboileddowntowasthis:therewasnopointinworryingabouttonight.Shewantedhim.

Andmorethanwant,shelovedhim.Everypartofhim—bigandsmall,angryandsweet,tenderand
gruff—madehimthepersonsheloved.Andlovemeantacceptingallofhim...nomatterwhat.

“Itwasagoodday,butIwantyoutomyselfnow,”sheheardherselfsay.“Iwanttobewithyou.”
Hegruntedsoftly,asoundofpain,offrustration,ofwant.“Verity.”
“Sayyouloveme,”shewhisperedquickly.
“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyoutoo.”Shebitherbottomlip.“Isittoosoon?Forustobeinlove?Arewejustcalling

thislovebecausewewantittobelove?”

“Ithappensallthetimeinfairytales,”hesaid,smilingather.
Shegrinnedbackathim,disarmed.“Whendoyoureadfairytales?”
“Ryanisn’ttheonlyonewholikesDisneymovies.I’vesatthrougheveryprincessmoviea

hundredtimeswithMel.”

“Butthisisreallife,”shesaidsoftly.“We’renotafairytale.”
“Hmm.”Heleanedclosertoher,tuckingalongstrandofherhairbehindherear.“Aknightanda

merchantwhoworkatacastle?Hesavesherandherbrotherfromcertaindoom,andshefallsfor
him,loveshim,giveshimsomethingtolivefor.Andsoon?He’ddoanythingforherbecausehe
can’trememberwhatlifelookedlikebeforeshewasapartofit.Andevenifhecould,hewouldn’t
wantto,becauseheadoresher.Becausehelovesher.Reallylovesher.”

“Colton,”shewhimpered,tearsfillinghereyes.
“Bringonthedragonsanddemons,”hesaid,borrowingalinefromTheLegendofCamelotas

hispalmlandedonherjaw,drawinghercloser.“Iwillslaythem.”

Hekissedthetipofhernose.
“Givemeyourdoubtsanddisquiet.Iwillsilencethem.”
Hekissedonecheekandthentheother,hiseyessoberingalittle.
“Icanbeyourknight,Verity.Icanbewhateveryouneedmetobe.”
Hislipsbrushedagainsthers.
“LancelottomyGuinevere?”shewhispered,grinningathim,caughtupinthesweet,playful

melodramaofhiskissesandpromises.

“Yes,baby,”hegroaned,hisbreathhotagainstherlips.“Openyoureyesandsee.Thisislove.

Weareafuckingfairytale.”

Thenhekissedher,deeply,passionately,apromiseofeverythingthatwastocomelater,stroking

hertonguewithhisown,hislipsdemandingandhungry,hisfingersthreadingthroughherhair.His
eyesweredarkanddilatedasheleanedaway.“I’llbewaiting.”

Breathlessandboneless,shecoulddonomorethannodasshewatchedhimopenhiscardoor,

closeit,walkupthedriveway,anddisappearintothehouse.

Openyoureyesandsee.Weareafuckingfairytale.
Sheleanedbackagainstherseat,closedhereyes,andsighed.

***

Coltshookhisheadashewalkedthroughthekitchen,grabbingabottleofwaterfromthefridgeen
routetohisbedroom.

Lovewasmakinghimfuckingcheesy,hethought,unabletokeephimselffromgrinningashe

unscrewedthebottlecapandtookalongsip.Heplacedthecontainerontopofhisbureauand
unbuttonedhispants,easingthemoverthebonerinhisboxer-briefsandshuckingthemontothe
floor.Hisunderwearcamenext,hiscockspringingbackontohisstomachashepulledthefabric
away.TugginghisT-shirtoverhisheadandthrowingitonthefloor,heenteredhisbathroomand
turnedontheshower.

Hedidn’tknowwhathadgottenintohiminthecar,usingthosecornyfuckinglinesfromTLOC,

butthey’djustsortofslippedfromhislipsashegazedather,wantingtoreassureherthateverything
theyfeltforeachotherwastrue,wasreal,couldbelasting,iftheyjustbelievedinitandgaveita
chance.

Soapinghishands,heranthemoverhispecsandabs,muscleshe’dworkedhardtobuildand

maintain.Standinginthestreamofwater,hewashedthesoapoffandlatheredhishandsagain.This
timehestrokedhiscock,rememberingthewayhe’dkissedherinthecarandquicklyspending
himselfontheshowerwallwithagruntofsatisfaction.Afteramoment,heopenedhiseyesagainand
shampooedhislonghair,thenrinsedituntilthewaterranclear.Finallyhesoapedhishandsagainand
ranthemoverhisface,usinghisfingerstotracehisstubblyjaw,histhinlips,crookednose,and
deep-seteyes,wonderingwhatthehellshesawinhim.Colthadnoillusionsabouthisbeauty—hewas
masculineandhisbodywasbuilt,yes,buthewasfarfromhandsome.AndVerityGwynn,delicate
goddess,girlofhisdreams,andhissweetsunshine,hadchosenhim.

Begentletonight,hethought,hiscocktwitchingwitheagerness.
Hisdesireforherwasalmostoverwhelming.Coupledwithhisdeepfeelingsofaffectionforher,

hislongingtobeinsideher—literallyburiedtothehilt—wasanalmostbarbaricimpulse.He’dneed
tokeepremindinghimselftogoslowtonight,towatchherfaceforpain,allthewhilehopingtosee
pleasure.He’dneedtobeabletostoponadimeifsheaskedhimto.

Hetiltedhisfaceuptothejetofwaterandrinsed,shakingouthishairlikeawetdogandturning

offthewater.Hestillneededtoshaveandgetdressed,andhewasfairlycertainthatRyanwouldbe
asleepearlytonight,soshecouldsuddenlyappearinhisdoorwayatanytime.

Grabbingatowelfromontopofthetoilet,hedriedhisbodyquickly,tieditaroundhiswaist,

thenranhotwateratthesinkandlatheredhischeeksandchinwithshavingcream.Heusedarazorfor

aclean,closeshave,thenwipedoffhisfaceandheadedintohisroom.Althoughhehopedtospend
mostoftonightunclothed,hedidn’tthinkitwouldgoovertoowelltobewaitingonhisbed,buck
naked,withhiscockstandingatattention,sohepulledonhisfavoritepairofsoft,ripped,beat-up
jeans.AftertakingalonglookathisT-shirts,heclosedthedrawer.Overthepastfewweekshe’d
learnedhowmuchshelovedtouchinghischest,runningherfingersovertheripplesofmuscles,her
eyessometimesstuckonthedefinedVshapeofmuscleonhishipsthatledtohiscock.Hegrinned
wickedly.All’sfair...

Hepickeduphisclothesfromthefloorandthrewtheminthelaundrybasket,thenhastilyremade

hisbed.Disappointedtoseethatitwasonlysixforty,hesatdown,impatientforhertocometohim,
andturnedontheTV.

***

VeritytuckedRyanintohisbedalittleafterseven,kissedhisforehead,andtoldhimthatsheloved
him,justasshedideverynight.

“Ry,”shesaid,stillsittingbesidehim,“I’mnotsleepingupheretonight.”
“Whynot?”heasked.
“I’mgoingtosleepinColton’sroom.”
“Andtomorrowyou’llbebackinMelody’sroom?”
Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkso.”
“ButwhatifIneedyou?”
Verity’smindwhiskedtoMelody,livingsemi-independently.Perhapsshecouldexpectmore

fromRyan.Perhapshe’drisetothechallengeifshedid.“Thenyou’llhavetocomedownstairs,
knockonColton’sbedroomdoor,andwaitformeorColtontoanswer.”

“Oh,”hesaid,lookingupatherforalongmomentbeforenodding.“Okay.”
Shebrushedthehairoffhisforehead.“Ilovehim,Ry.”
“Yeah.Colton’sourfriend.”
“Yes,heis.”
“ColtonlovesVer ’ty.”
“Yes,”shesaid,tearsfillinghereyesbecauseRyanunderstoodsolittleoftheworld,buthe

understoodlove.“Hedoes.”

Ryanclosedhiseyesandsighed.“G’night,Ver ’ty.”
“Goodnight,handsome.”
Shepulledhisdooralmostclosedandmadesurethenightlightwasonbeforeslippinginto

Melody’sroom.She’dalreadyshoweredandre-dressed,inhercutoffshortsandasimplepowder-
pinktanktop,purposelyskippingpantiesandbra.Butnowshewonderedifsheshouldputthemon.
Openingupthedrawerthatheldherunderwear,shepulledoutasimplepairofwhitecottonpanties
andamatchingbraandstaredatthemasbeesswarmedherbelly.

Lettingthelingeriefallfromherfingers,sheturnedawayfromthebureauandflickedoffthe

lightinherroomassheheadeddownstairs.

***

Afterchannelsurfingforfifteenminutes,ColtfinallysettledonanoldermoviecalledGreystoke:The
LegendofTarzan,LordoftheApes,moreforthesoothingscorethananythingelse.Sittingonthe

edgeofthebed,ColtwatchedaveryyoungChristopherLambertswingthroughthejungleonvines
andreachforAndieMacDowell’sfacereverently,touchinghersnow-whitecheeklikeshecouldn’t
possiblybereal.

“Whatareyouwatching?”
Veritystoodinthedoorwayofhisroom,hersexyfuckingcutoffsmakinghertanlegslook

longerthantheywere,inatanktopthatmadeitclearthatshewaswearingnothingunderneath.His
mouthwatered,andhesmiledatherreflexively.

“Sunshine.”
“Isthatthenameofit?”sheasked,grinningbackathimasshesteppedintohisroomandclosed

thedoorbehindher.

“No,”hesaid,standingup.“That’syourname.”
“Mynameistruth,”sheanswered,stillclosingthedistancebetweenthem,hergazedropping

hungrilytohisbarechestandlingeringforalongmomentbeforemeetinghis.Hereyeswereindigo.
Heimaginedhisownwereblack.

Hegrabbedtheremote,intendingtoturnofftheTV,butonlymuteditinstead.
“Sotellmesomethingtrue,”hesaid,hisvoicelowandhusky,bloodrushingtohiscockasshe

slowlyapproachedhim.

Shestoppedaboutafootawayandtiltedherheadtotheside.
“Iloveyou.”
Hetookasteptowardher,watchingherchestriseandfallrapidlyinhisperipheralvision,

thoughhekepthiseyesfixedsteadilyonhers.

“Iloveyoutoo.”
Sheleapedintohisarms,andhecaughtheraroundthewaist,pullingherupandagainsthisbody.

Shelockedheranklesaroundhishipsashismouthgreedilysoughthers,histongueslippingbetween
herlipsandmeetingherswithagroanofrelief.

Plungingherhandsintohisstill-damphair,shewhimperedintohismouth,andhebackedup,

sittingdownonthebedsothathisfingerscouldskatedowntotheedgeofhertanktopandurgeitup
herchest.Hisfingersslidupherflatstomach,gentlycaressingherbreastsashebuncheduptheshirt
atherthroat.

Breakingofftheirkiss,sheleanedawayandheldherarmsoverherheadsoColtcouldpushthe

pinkcottonslowlyoverherheadandupherarms,lettingitfalltothefloorbehindher.Hiseyes
droppedtohernakedbreastsforjustamomentbeforetighteninghisarmsaroundhersothather
hardenednipplesweregentlycrushedagainstthewallofmusclethatwashischest.Shegaspedatthe
sensation,grabbinghisfaceanddemandinghislips,archingherbacksothatherbreastsrubbed
againsthim.

Slowdown,hismindwarnedashiscockgrewinlengthandthickness,everyheartbeatmakingit

twitchandswellbehindthezipperofhisjeans.Shewassosmallinhisarms,andthoughheknewshe
wouldbeabletotakehimifshewasprepared,itwouldhurtifshewasn’treadyforhim.Leaninghis
headdown,hetookoneofhernipplesintohismouth,lovingthewayherfingerstangledinhishair
asshereleasedaheldbreathonalowahhhhhsound.Helickedher,suckingontherigidbuduntilshe
criedout,thenwethislipswithhistongue,slidingtoherotherbreastandgrazingthenipplelightly

withhisteethbeforeclampingdownonhererectfleshwithhislipsashistongueflickedbackand
forthoverthestrainingbud.

“Colton...,”shemurmured,herheadthrownbackandherfingersclawlikeagainsthisskull.
“What,baby?”
Shemoaned,pullingherbottomlipbetweenherteethbeforelettingitgo,hereyesdruggedand

blackwhensheopenedthem.“Takeoffyourjeans.Iwanttofeelyoupressedagainstme.”

Herwordswerelikeashotofadrenalinetohisfuckinggroin,andheflinchedasherfingers

tracedthelineofskinathiswaistband,pausingatthebuttonofhisjeans.

“Verity,lookatme.”
Shelookedupandfocusedonhimasherfingersunfastenedthemetalbuttoninthetightspace

betweenthem.

“Hi,”shesaid.
Hewasturned-onashell,hisbodyahard,strainingmessofmuscleandfierce,hotwant,buther

sweetguileless“Hi”madehimgrinatherlikeadummy...andallhecouldsaybackwas,“Hi.”

Runninghisfingersfromhertemplesthroughherhair,hetuckedbothsidesbehindherears,then

cradledherfacetenderly.“Iwantyousobad,itfeelslikeImightdieifIcan’thaveyoutonight.”

“I’mhere,”shesaid.“I’myours.Nodying.”
“I’mnotdone...Eventhoughitfeelslikethat,youhavetoknow:westopwhenyousay‘stop.’

Nomatterwhat.”

“I’mnotgoingtosay‘stop,’”shesaid,herfingerspullingdownhiszipper.Shelookeddown

betweenthem,watchingherhanddisappearintohisjeans,andhiseyesflutteredasshefistedher
fingersaroundhisrigidflesh,pumpingonce...twice...

Withalowroarofapproval,helaybackonthebedtogiveherbetteraccess,hisbarefeetonthe

floorandVeritystillperchedonhisknees.Heclosedhiseyesassheslippedoffhislegs,andhelifted
hishipsasshetuggedhisjeanstothefloor.

Sheplacedonehandonthebaseofhiscock,kneelingbetweenhislegsandtakinghimbetween

herlips.

Hebuckedoffthebedatthesensationofhisheadbeingbathedwithhertongue,athalfhislength

disappearingintothewarm,wetheavenofhermouth.Shesuckedhimdeep,thenlethimslideslowly
fromhermouthbeforetakinghimdeepagain.Andfuck,buthewantedtowindhisfingersthrough
hersilkyhair,buthedidn’tknowhowshe’dfeelaboutthat,sohecurledhisfingersintothe
comforter,tryingtorememberhowtobreathe.

“Baby,”hegroaned.“Verity,myGod...”
“Goddess,”shecorrectedhim,beforeswirlinghertonguearoundthetipofhiscockandlicking

thefirstdropsofhispre-cumintohermouth.

Sittingup,hewasgreetedwiththeeroticfuckingsightofVerity’sheadinhislap—animagethat

hewouldholdontowiththelastofhisdyingstrengthwhenhewasahundredyearsold—butifshe
continued,he’dcome,andhedidn’twanttocomeinhermouththefirsttime.Hewantedforthemto
befusedtogether,makinglove,thefirsttimehecame.Hewantedtofeelherstretchandtighten,
quiveringaroundhimwiththesamesenseofcompletenessthatheknewhewouldfeelwhenshewas
finallyhisineveryway.

Puttinghishandsunderherarms,heliftedheruptoastandingpositionandquicklyunbuttoned

hershorts,watching,entranced,asshewiggledherhipssothattheypooledaroundherankles.

“Liedown,”hesaid,hisvoicerough.
Shenodded,sittingonthebedandlyingback.
“Headonthepillows,”hesaid,staringdeeplyintohereyes,forcinghimselftowaitbeforetaking

inthesightofhernakedpussyforthefirsttime.

Shescootedback,hereyesdarkandserious.“Areyougoingto...”
“Loveyourpussywithmytongueuntilyoucome?Yeah.”Henodded,kneelingbetweenherlegs

andliftingoneoverhisshouldersothatshewascompletelyexposedtohim.“Unless...”

“Please,”shesighed,archingherbackandclosinghereyesashedippedhisheadtothetight

thatchofblondecurlsattheapexofherthighs.

Staringdownather,hefeltasurgeoflove,ofprotectiveness,ofNeanderthallevelsof

possessivenessthatmadehimlight-headedandgrateful,hisslickcockhardasarock,standing
straightandtallagainsthisabs.Heranhishandgentlyoverhercurls,leaningclosertobreatheinthe
scentofher,swallowinggreedilyashismouthwatered.Shewasalreadywetfromhisattentiontoher
breasts,andhespreadherlipseasilywithhisthumbandforefinger,dippinghisheadandlettinghis
tonguetasteherforthefirsttime.

Shecriedout—halfawhimper,halfamoan—ashelickedherinlong,sensualstrokes,hishand

holdingherleginplaceoverhisshoulder,thefingersofhisotherhandkeepingherexposedtohim.
Herhipstilteduptomeethismouth,andheloweredherlegtothebed,leaningdowntosuckonthe
hardnubofherclitasheslidtwofingersinsidehertight,wetsex.Liquidvelvetclenchedaroundhis
fingersasherhipsmovedrhythmicallyintohim,hershouldersanchoringherbodyagainstthe
mattress,buttherestofherflexedupwardformore,forhim.

Hermoansbecamelouder,andshereachedforhishead,herfingerspullinghishairintoa

ponytailandpullingwitheverythrustofhisfingersandtongue,hercriesechoingoffthewallsofhis
bedroomuntilhetouchedherclitwithhisteethandherhipsjoltedoffthebed,herpussyclenchingso
tightlyaroundhisfingersthathiscockthrobbedwithanticipation.

“Colton!”shescreamed,almostrippingthehairfromhisheadasshecame.Heslippedhis

fingersfromhersexandslidhisbodyuptocoverhers,skintoskin,hismouthlovinghersas
thoroughlyashe’djustlovedherclit.Hecouldstilltasteheronhistongueashepillagedhermouth,
forcinghertokisshimthroughherorgasmandrevelinginthefeelingofherbodybuckingup
againsthisassherodeoutherclimax.

Finallyshestilledbeneathhim,hereyesstillclosed,herchestrisingandfallingagainsthis,her

heartflutteringagainsthischestlikeacagedbird.Hebracedhisweightonhiselbowsandsaidher
namesoftly,waitingforhertoopenhereyes.

Whenshedid,theywerehazyanddeep,themidnightblueofthenightsky,herfairlashes

framingdreamyorbsastheylookedupathiminwonder.

“I’venever...Imean,thatwasmyfirsttime...”
Ablushcoveredhercheeks,anditwassofuckingcute,consideringthefactthathe’djustbeen

knuckledeepinherpussy.

Hegrinnedather,gentlypushingthehairfromherforeheadandstaringdeeplyintohereyesas

herwordsregistered.“Iwasthefirst?”

Shenoddedshyly,blinkingathimbeforesmilingback.“Uh-huh.”
“How’dIdo?”
“Youneedtoask?”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.Yeah,hewantedtohearthewords.
“You’reaVikinggod,”shesaid,sighingasshereachedforhischeek.“AndI’mtheluckiest

merchantinthekingdom.”Hiscockjumpedagainstherthighasshespokethewords,andsheblinked
athim,thengiggledsoftly.“Iwantyou,Colton.Iwantallofyou.”

Shedidn’tneedtosayittwice.“Ihaven’tbeenwithanyone...forawhile.Areyouonthepill?”
“No,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Ihaven’tbeenwithanyoneforawhileeither.”
Reachingforhisnightstand,heopenedthetopdrawerandpulledoutacondom,bringingittohis

mouthandrippingopenthefoil.Kneelingandleaningbackonhishaunches,hestareddownatheras
heheldthebaseofhiscockandrolledthelatexoverhisstrainingerection.

Veritysatup,herbreastsflushed,herbodyglisteningwithathinsheenofsweat,andColtonput

hishandsunderherarms,liftingherontohislap.Hissexstoodstraightbetweenthem,sandwiched
betweenherbellyandhis.

“Iloveyou,”shewhispered,gazingintohiseyes.“I’veneverlovedanyonethewayIloveyou.”
“Iloveyoutoo,”hesaid,unabletolookawayfromherbeautifulface,profoundlygratefulthat

shehadseenbeyondhisgruffness,tohisheart,whichhadquicklyfoundanewrhythminhers.

Bracingherfeetoneithersideofhiships,shestaredintohiseyesassheliftedherselfup,

hoveredovertheheadofhiscockforamoment,theneasedherbodydown,lettinghimclaimhersex
justascertainlyasshe’dclaimedhisheart.

***

Veritygaspedasthethickheadofhispenisslippedbeyondtheouterlipsofhersex,pressingforward
andup.Coltonstayedstill,lettinghersetthespeedanddepthofpenetration,butshedidn’twanttogo
slow.Sheplacedherhandsonhisshoulders,allowinggravitytodoitswork,and,toheramazement
—thoughsurelybecauseofthewayhe’dpreparedherforhim—theyfittogethertightly,butperfectly.
Shefelteveryridgeofhiserection,thethrobofeveryheartbeatagainstthewallsofhersex,thewhite
heatofhimashestretchedherinawaythatfeltsogood,shecouldn’tkeephercriesofpleasure
inside,sosheletthemgoashereyesrolledbackinherhead.

Maintainingtheircontactbutadjustingtheirposition,Coltonsatdownonthebed,spreadinghis

legsoutinfrontofhimandcuppingVerity’sasswhileshepressedherbodyagainsthis,herbreasts
flushagainsthischest,herarmsaroundhisneck.

Heliftedhergently,thenletherslidedownagain,stretchingheralittlemoreeachtime,panting

withshallowbreaths,softandwarmonthebaseofherneck.Herbreastsraspedagainsthischestwith
everymovement,thetipshardandsensitive,addingtoherpleasure.Againheliftedher,andagainshe
sankdownontohisfulllength,butthistimeheliftedhishipstomeetherwithagentlethrust,andshe
whimperedbecauseitfeltsofuckingright.

“More,”shewhispered,archingagainsthim,herbreathcominginshortpantsasheliftedher

againandthrustalittleharder,upintoherbody,claimingherwithhislengthandgirth,fillingher
untiltherewasnoroomforanyoneoranythingintheworldbutColtonandVerityandtheirbrand-

newloveforeachother.Herarmsclutchedhimtighter,herfingerscurledintohisskin.“More.
Please,more.”

Hecontinuedtomoveinsideherwithlongstrokes,fasteranddeeper,untilhermusclesstarted

tightening,adeliciousswirlingthatbeganinherbellyandmadeherweightlessinhisarms,every
sensationconcentratedbetweenherlegs,whereheownedher,wheresheownedhim,wheretheywere
one.

“It’ssogood,”hegroaned.“It’ssofuckinggood,baby.”
“Harder,Colton.More.Please.I’msoclose...”
Stilldeepinsideher,headjustedtheirpositionagain,layingherbackonthebedandhovering

aboveherasshebentherkneestocradlehiships.

“Iloveyou,Verity.Iwasnothingwithoutyou,baby.I’llloveyou...I’llloveyouuntilIdie.”
Hethrustintoherpowerfully,hissexslammingintoherG-spot,andshearchedupagainsthim,

starsburstingbehindhereyes,asshecriedouthisnameandclimaxedforthesecondtime.Hislips
slammeddownonhers,histongueslidingintohermouthjustbeforehisbodyfroze,hardyet
trembling,beforehebellowedhernameandemptiedhimselfintothecondom.

Hisbodycollapsedontohers,butheflippedthemquicklytotheirsidessothathewouldn’tcrush

her,holdinghertightlyinhisarms.Ashetwitchedandshuddered,hissexthrobbinginwavesinside
her,shereachedforhisheadandhelditagainstherbreasts,whisperingthatshewouldlovehimuntil
theendoftime.

CHAPTER14

HourslaterColtheldasleepingVerityagainsthisbody,herheadnestledunderhischin,herbreasts
softandsuppleagainsthischest,herlegsentwinedwithhis.Hisarmwasaroundherwaist,keeping
herclose.

Inallhislife,he’donlyknownfamiliallove:thelovehe’dhadforhismotherandevenforhis

father—angry,abusivebastardthathewas—andyes,thelovehe’dhadforAuntJaneandUncle
HermanandforMelody.

Butnowheknewalovesodifferentfromanyhe’dknownbefore.Itwasnewandyoung,butit

wasasmuchapartofhimasanythingelsethatdefinedhim,andforaslongashelived,hewould
know—certainly,withoutreserve—whatitmeanttobeinlovewithanotherhumanbeing,whatit
meanttowanther,toneedher,thatoneperson,aboveanyotherhumanbeingintheworld.Andifhe
wastrulyhonest,itscaredhimalittlebecausehehadsomuchmoretolosenow.Theideaofanything
badhappeningtoherwassofuckingterrifying,itmadehisbreathcatch.

Withoutadoubt,livingandworkingtogetherhadacceleratedtheirfeelingsforeachother,but

thatdidn’tmakethemanylesssolidortrue,andinfact,hefeltevenmoreprotectiveofthem.Colt
knewwhatitfeltliketolivehislifewithouther,andhehadnodesiretogobacktothatlife.He’d
gonefromaquiet,taciturn,somewhataimlessexistence,takingcareofhislateaunt’shouseand
daughter,havingoccasional,meaninglesssex,andworkingajobhedidn’tlove...tofeelingalive,
hopeful,andloved.ForthefirsttimesincelosingAuntJane,hecouldglimpsehisfuture,andit
includedaloving,sexy,beautifulgirlfriendwhounderstoodhisresponsibilitytoMelody.Maybehe’d
quithisjobandgobacktoschooltobecomeapersonaltrainer.Suddenlyanythingfeltpossible!He
feltlikeanewpersonwhocouldhaveawholenewlife,anditwouldbefullandhappybecauseVerity
wouldbebyhisside.

ButColtwasn’tachild.Byandlarge,hewasarealist,andheknewthatpeopledidn’tjustchange

overnight.Therewasabigfuckingflyintheointmentofhislife:histemper.

Ifhewasn’tcareful,hecouldenduplikehisfather—yelling,hitting,scaringthepeopleheloved

mostbecauseofhisfastandfurioustemper.Heneededtostayontopofit,stayincontrolofit,stay
awayfromsituationsthatcouldinflameitandleadtodecisionsthatwouldtakeVerityawayfromhim
orhimawayfromVerity.

Shetookadeepbreathinhersleepandnestledclosertohim,sighingagainsthischest,andhis

heartthrummedwithloveforhersowildandsofierce,heclenchedhisjawfromtheforceofit.

Helovedherlikecrazy.
Buthisloveforherscaredhimtodeath.
Becausepartofhimwonderedifitwasjustamatteroftimeuntilhefuckedupagainandlosther.

***

Verityhadn’tgottenmuchsleep,soshewassleepwalkingthroughworkalittlebitonWednesday.But
whenshewasn’tusingtoothpickstokeephereyesopen,shewasrelivingeverymomentoflastnight
withColton,andsighingasshedaydreamedabouteverynightyettocome.

Hehadbeenatenderandcarefullover,touchingherbodywithsuchreverence,itmadeherheart

clutchtoremember.Whenhe’dsaid,“Iwasnothingwithoutyou,baby,”howthewordshadmade
senseforhertoo.She’dbeensoalone,takingcareofRyan,withnoplanforherfuturebuttomake
enoughmoneyforaroofandsomefood.Andnow?Nowshehadahome,amanwholovedher,ajob
sheliked—

“Hey!Areyouworkingtodayorwhat?”
Sortofliked.
BeverlystoodacrossthecounterfromVerity,scowling,herfistsonherbeefyhips,theprincess

gownshewasforcedtowearstrainingunattractivelyattheseams.

“Uh...yeah.”Veritystraightenedupfromwhereshewasleaningonthecounterandpulled

anotherplasticswordfromtheboxatherfeet.Sheusedthepriceguntomarkthehiltwithasticker,
thenhandedtheswordtoBeverly.

“Howaboutdouble-timingit?It’sfive.Dinnershowstartsinanhour.”
Veritynodded,takingtwomoreswordsoutoftheboxandpricingthem.Outofthecornerofher

eye,shesawDaphneandMartywalkintothemainhall,whisperingandgigglingastheyheadedover
tothegiftshop.

“Hey,Verity,”saidDaphne.“Feelingbetter?”
Veritylookedupatthewaitress,whosebreastswerepracticallyspillingoutofherservingwench

uniform,andnodded.“Musthavebeenatwenty-four-hourthing.”

Martygrinnedather,butitwasn’tanaltogetherfriendlygrin,andVeritylookedawayfromher

toreachdownforanothertwoswords.“CanIhelpyougirls?”

“Wewerejustwonderingifyou’dheardthenews?”askedDaphne,herbiggreeneyeswideand

purposelyinnocent.

“Thenews?”
VerityhandedthefourswordstoBeverly,whohuffedatthethreegirlswithannoyance,giving

Verityalookthattoldhertogetbacktoworkandstopsocializing.Shetookthelasthandfuloffive
swordsoutoftheboxandlookedupatDaphneagain,raisinghereyebrowsinquestion.

“Shewasn’thereyesterday.Shewassick,”saidMarty.“That’showcomeshedoesn’tknow.”
“Ohhhh.Riiiiight,”saidDaphne,noddingatherfriend.
Veritypursedherlipsandpricedthefiveswords,thenleaneddownandgrabbedthebox,getting

readytotakeittothebackroomandgrabafullone.“Well?”

“Doyouwanttodothehonors?”askedMarty.
“Sure.”Daphne’slipsspreadintoahugegrin.“Wegotanewwaitress.Shestartedyesterday.”
Isthatall?Veritysighed,movingdowntheaislebetweenthesalescounterandbackwall,

finishedwithDaphne’sandMarty’sshenanigans.Shedidn’thavetimeforgamesthatlednowhere.
“Great.Welcomeaboard.”

“Don’tyouwanttoknowhername?”calledMarty.
Verityturnedaround,narrowinghereyes.Marty’stonehadsuddenlygottenmeaner.
“Sandy,”saidDaphneslowly,scanningVerity’sfaceforrecognitionandclearlyrelishingherbig

reveal.“SandyRucker.”

“Heardofher?”purredMarty.
Verity’sfirstthoughtwasthatshe’dhadnoideaSandy’slastnamewasRucker.Hersecond

thoughtdidn’thavetimetomaterializebeforeBeverlybellowed,“Enoughchitchat!Gogetthose
VikinghatsbeforeItellLynettetodockyourdamnedpay!”

Daphnesnickered,wavingherfingersatVerityassheturnedbacktowardthearena,taking

Marty’sarmtopullheralong.“Takecare,now.”

Verityblinkedatthem,thenturnedtoBeverly,asuddenfuryshedidn’tanticipatemakingher

wordsharsherthanshewouldhaveplanned.“Iamnotyourslave,andyouarenotmymistress!Stop
barkingatme!”

Beverlyturnedonherheel,staringdaggersatVerity.“I’myoursupervisor.”
“You’rethegiftshopmanager.IreporttoLynette,justlikeeveryoneelse.”
ApproachingVeritywithmenace,Beverlyscowledather,stoppingaboutthreeinchesfromher

person.ShestoodinfrontofVerity,anddespiteaninclinationtoturnandrunaway,Verityliftedher
chinandstaredback.

“Fine,”growledBeverly.“Gogetthehelmets,coworker.”
“Fine,”Veritymuttered,turningawayandheadingforthestockroom,sicktoherstomachthat

Colton’sex-girlfriendwasback,andwonderingwhatitmeantfortheverynewrelationshipbetween
them.

Shepushedopenthedoortotheemployeehallway,staringatherfeet,tryingtoremember

everythingthatColtonhadevertoldheraboutSandy.Itwasn’tserious,anditdidn’tlastlong...She
tookanotherjobinVegas.Hecertainlyhadn’tgoneonabouther.Thenagain,she’dlearnedfromthe
girlsinthebathroomafewweeksagothatSandyhadbraggedthathewas“hunglikeKingKong.”
HerhearttwistedassheimaginedColtondoingthesamethingswiththisSandyashe’ddonewithher
lastnight.He’ddefinitelysleptwithher,orhowelsewouldshehaveknownabouthis...his...

Tearsburnedbehindhereyes.HadhelovedSandy?Hadheonlystoppedlovingherbecauseshe

movedaway,andhehadtostayinAtlantatobeclosetoMelody?WouldhewanttobewithSandy
againnowthatshe’dreturned?BythetimeVeritygottothestockroom,herworrieshadgottenthe
betterofher,andshewasgratefultoslipinsidethesmallroomforashortcry.

ItwouldbejustherlucktofinallymeetsomeonewhounderstoodaboutRyan,whodidn’tseeher

asatrainwreckoraburden,whoseemedtoloveherforexactlywhoshewas...andthenlosehimto
thewomanhe’dlovedbeforeher.

“OhGod,”shesighed,pressingherpalmagainstherachingheartasshestoodwithherback

againstthestockroomdoor.“Pleasehelp.Ican’tlosehim.Ican’t.”

DidColtonknowthatSandywasback?Bynowhehadto.Andyethehadn’tcometoseeher,to

talktoheraboutit.Whatdidthatmean?WashetalkingtoSandynow?Lettinghertouchhim?Telling
heraboutthebrotherandsisterhe’dhavetogetridofbeforetheycouldbetogetheragain?Verity’s
heartbledatthethought,butherimaginationwasalreadychurning.Shehadtoseehim.Shehadto
lookinhiseyestoknowthattheyweregoingtobeokay...ornot.

Sheworriedherbottomlip,thinkingaboutBeverlywaitingfortheVikinghelmets.
Well,shecanjustgetthemherdamnedself,thoughtVerity,pushingopenthestockroomdoorand

lettingitslambehindherasshebeelinedforthestables.

***

Coltranhisforearmoverhisdrenchedbrow,lookingbackandforthbetweenShawnandSebastian,

whowerealsotakingabreak.Allthreemenhadtakenofftheirshirtsanhourago,andtheyall
glistenedwithsweat.They’dbeenatitforhoursnow,choreographinganewscenewheretheViking,
Gaelic,andRenaissanceKnightsfighttothedeath,butMorganstillwasn’tsatisfiedwiththeroutine.

“Shawn,”saidtheproductiondesigner,Morgan,lookingathernotes,“whatifyouheadlocked

SebastianfrombehindandpushedhimintoColton?Thatwouldgiveyoutensecondstograbthe
macewhileColton’ssquireofferedhimasword.”

ShawnlookeddoubtfullyatSebastian,whowasaheadtallerthanhe.“Uh,notsurethatwould

work.”

Morgan’slipstwitchedwithannoyance.“Okay.Colt,youheadlockSebastian.Shawn,youdoa

backrollandgrabyoursword.”

Coltshookhishead.“Helosthisswordthreeminutesagotome.”
“Ahhh,fuck,”saidMorgan,lookingupattheblaringlateafternoonsun,whichbakedtheequine

practicering.“Taketen,okay?Letmeworkthisout.Youguysgetsomewater.”

Allthreemutteredtheirassent,andColtheadedtowardthestablethathousedThor,whereJoe

keptasmallfridgeofbottledwater.Thedimlightmadehimblinkashisbootsscuffedoverthestraw
onthecementfloor.Hedidn’tseeheratfirst,butsuddenlythereshewasinfrontofhim.

SandyRucker.
Aftertwoyearsaway.
“Colt,youfuckin’stallion,”shepurred,steppingoutoftheshadows.
“Sandy?”hesaid,squintingather.“Whatareyou...you’reback?”
“Mm-hm,”shesaid,steppingtowardhim.“Mysister ’shusbandissicksoI’mhelpin’outfora

monthortwo.Gotmyoldjobback.Gladtoseeme?”

Hetookadeepbreath,hiseyesscanningherbodyreflexively.Onethingwascertain:Sandyhad

alwaysbeenhot.Atfivenineandwearingthree-inchheels,shelookedhimalmostintheeyes,the
emeraldorbspoppingfromhercreamy-whiteskinlikegemstones.Herlipswereasfullandredas
they’dbeentwoyearsago,andColthadasuddenflashbacktothemclampedaroundhiscockand
inhaledsharply,meetinghereyes.

Whathadsheaskedhim?Fuck.Hecouldn’tremember.
Shechuckled,alowthroatylaughthattoldhimshehadn’tgivenupsmokingsincemovingaway.

“Goaheadandlook.Ilikeit.”

Hetookastepback,frowningather.“I’mwithsomeonenow.”
“Ohhh.”Hereyeswidenedinnocently.“Youdon’tsay.”
“Yeah.”
“Notthetitlesslittleblondeinthegiftshop?”
“Youalreadyknow,”hesaid,puttinghishandsonhiships.
“Youcan’tbeserious,”shesaid,thrustinghersize-Dchesthiswayasshepushedherbreastsup

andoverhercorsetuntilhecouldseetheedgeofthedarkpinkfleshthatcircledhernipple.“Wehada
goodthing,lover.”

“Wehadashallowthing,Sandy.”
“Youwantsomething...deeper?”
Hereyesdroppedtohischest,tracingthelinesandripplesofhisnakedmuscles,andfuck,butthe

heatinhereyesmadehiscockjumpwithoutwarning,andhehatedhimselfforitbecauseshefucking
noticed.

“Oh,ho!”shesaid,laughingashereyesslidslowlybackuphischesttomeethisscowl.“Maybe

youlikedshallowmorethanyouremember.IknowIlikedshallow.Alot.”

“No,I...fuckthis.Ihavetogo,”hemuttered,totallydisgustedwithhimself,eventhoughhis

reactionwasphysiologicalandhadnobearingonhisfeelingsforSandy,whichamountedtolessthan
nothing.

HewasinlovewithVerity.Shewasthebestthingthathadeverhappenedtohim.Hadsheheard

thatSandywasback?Didsheknow?Fuck.Herwords—I’mnotgoodatsharing—suddenlyresonated
inhishead.Heneededtoseeher,totalktoherandmakesurethatsheknewthatSandywasnothreat
towhattheyhad.

HesteppedaroundSandy,butshegrabbedhisarm,andwhenheturnedaround,shewaswaiting.

Sheleanedforwardquickly,herlipspressingagainsthis,butColtreactedimmediately,pushingher
awayasforcefullyashedared.Shestumbledbackafewstepsbeforerightingherself.

“IsaidI’mnotavailable,”hegrowledsoftly.
Sandylookedoverhisshoulder,towardthedoorwayofthebarn,raisinghervoiceconsiderably

tobeheardfromseveralyardsaway.“Lookingforsomeone,honey?”

ColtwhippedaroundjustintimetoseeVerity’sfacecontort,hersweetlipsfallingopen,her

chestheavingwithshort,shallowbreaths.

“I...I’mjust...I...no!”shesaidinabrokenvoicebeforeturninganddisappearingfromsight.
“Verity!”heyelled,startingafterher.
“Lookslikeyoumightbeavailableafterall,”saidSandyfrombehindhim,graspinghisarm.
Hestoppedandturnedslowlytofaceher,yankinghisarmawayandforcinghisfistedhandsto

staycurledandmotionlessbyhissides.“Staythefuckawayfromme.”

ThenheturnedaroundandranafterVerity.

***

Tearstumblingdownhercheeks,Verityranthroughtheemployeehallway,stoppingatthegiftshop
tograbherpursefromunderthecounterandcontinuingtothedoubledoorswheretheevening
audiencewouldbeliningupinaboutanhour.SheignoredBeverly’scallsandcouldbarelysee
throughhertears,butshedidn’tstoprunninguntilshegottoColton’scar.Sheunlockedit,openedthe
door,satdown,andputthekeyintheignition.Shedidn’tknowwhereshewasgoing.Shejustknew
shehadtogetasfarawayfromTheLegendofCamelotaspossible.

Puttingthecaringear,sheflooreditintoreverse,thenforward,beeliningfortheexitandpulling

outontoPeachtreeRoad.Hertearswouldn’tstop,blindingherassheracedthrougharedlight,
almostgettingsideswipedbeforesherealizedthatshe’dkillherselfifshedidn’tslowdown.

Itwastoogoodtobetrue...toogoodtobetrue...toogoodtobetrue,sherepeatedoverand

overinherhead,finallypullingintotheparkinglotofaWalmart.Ishouldhaveknownmybadluck
wasn’tgone.

Tearscascadeddownherfaceinstreamsassherestedherforeheadonthecrestofthesteering

wheel,lettingherselfhavealongcry.Eventually,afterquiteawhile,thetearssubsidedalittle,andshe
decidedtotrytomakesenseofwhatshe’djustseen.

Wasthereanychancetheyhadn’tbeenkissing?Sheshookherhead,moretearsfalling.No.His

lipswerescarletfromSandy’slipstick.

Veritygulped,snifflingasmoretearswovetheirwaydownhercheeks.
Itdidn’tlooklikeapassionatekiss,whisperedherheart.
“Butitwasstillakiss,”shesaidaloudinapitifulvoice.
Hedidn’thavehisarmsaroundher.
“Butherhandwasonhisarm.Hewaslettinghertouchhim.”
Hebrokeoffthekissquickly.
“ProbablybecauseSandynoticedmestandingthere,andtheywantedmoreprivacy.”
Heyelledyournameasyouwererunningaway.
“Didhe?”shesaid,thinkingback.Shedidn’trememberhimyellinghername,butshe’dbeenso

upset,maybeonlyhersubconscioushadregisteredit.Everythingwasbecomingjumbledandmixed-
upinhermind.

Whetherornothe’dyelledhernamebecameanimportantpartoftheequationasafternoon

turnedintoeveningandshestillsatinhiscar,dressedinaprincessdress,herbeautifulmemoriesof
lastnightmixingwiththehorrorofwatchinghimkissanotherwomantoday.

IttooksomuchstrengthandeffortforhertotrytoseeColtonandSandy’skissinanylightother

thanmutualdesire,butaftershecalmeddownandstoppedcrying,sheconcentratedhardandforced
herselftore-createexactlywhatshe’dseen.

She’dturnedthecornerofthebarnasColtonwasheadingout,butsuddenlyhewhippedaround

andkissedSandy.Itwasaquickkiss,endingwithSandystumblingbackseveralstepsasthough
pushedaway.ColtonmumbledsomethingVeritycouldn’thear.WhileSandyaskedifshewaslooking
forsomeone,Coltonalsoturnedaround,andyes,shecouldseeitinhermind:thesheerhorroronhis
face.Andyes,assheranaway,hecalledhername.Sheremembered.

Butshestillcouldn’tmakesenseofit.
WhywasColton’sshirtoff?Whohadinitiatedthekiss?Andwhyhadn’tColtonimmediatelyrun

afterher?

Shetookadeepbreath,surprisedtonotethatthesunwasgettinglowerbehindWalmart.She

lookedattheclockonthedashboard:sixthirty.She’dbeensittinginthecarforalmostanhour.The
showwouldn’tbeoverforawhile,buttherewasonlyonewaytogettheanswerssheneeded.Shehad
totalktoColton.Turningthekeyintheignition,shestartedthecarandheadedbacktothecastle.

***

Coltpacedinfrontofthelivingroomwindow,staringoutatthestreet,lookingforhiscar.Itwas
aftereighto’clocknow,andshestillwasn’thome.AfterVerityhadpeeledoutoftheparkinglot,Colt
askedSebastianforaridehome,thencalledLynettetosayhisstomachwashurting.AsSebastian
headedbacktowork,Coltcheckedinthegarageforthecar,butitwasn’tthere.Hestillranintothe
housecallinghername,buteverythingwasquiet.Shewasn’thome.

HissquirewasalreadyqueueduptoplaytheVikingKnighttonight,andsincehedidn’thavea

car,Coltwasstuckathome,wherehepacedlikeacagedanimal,wonderingwherethefuckshewas
andifshewasokayandifshewouldevercomeback.

“Shehastocomeback,”hemutteredtimeandagain.“Herstuffishere.”

Heknewwhatitmusthavelookedliketoher—himkissinghisex-girlfriendinadarkbarnwith

noshirton.Fuck.Heknewexactlywhatitlookedlike.Andyet,whenhethoughtaboutwhatthey’d
sharedlastnight,ithurthimthatshehadn’tlethimexplain,hadn’tgivenhimthebenefitofthedoubt.
Didn’tsheknowhowmuchhelovedher?Couldn’tsheseethathisfeelingsforherweren’tfickleor
weak?

HesatdownonAuntJane’scouch,hisheadinhishands,andclosedhiseyes.Whatiflastnight

wasallhe’deverget?WhatifSandyhadruinedthingswithVerity?

“No!”heraged,swipingAuntJane’sporcelainfigurinesofBeautyandtheBeast,Hanseland

Gretel,andLittleRedRidingHoodoffthecoffeetableinfrontofhim.“FUCKTHAT!No,no,no!
Fuck!”

Thelittlestatuescrashedintoafarwall,smashingintotinypiecesthatfellontothecarpet.
“Please!”hegrowled,upendingthecoffeetableandkickingalegoffjustasheadlights

brightenedtheroom.

HeracedtothefrontdoorandwhippeditopentofindRyanwalkingupthedriveway.
“Hi,Colton!”hesaid,wavingcheerfully.
Nothunderface.Nothunderface.
“Hey,buddy,”hesaidsoftly,throughclenchedteeth,lookingoverRyan’sshoulderatVerity,who

satinthefrontseatofthecar,facingstraightahead,staringatthegarage.

“Artiewon,”saidRyan.“Again.”
“Yeah.HewinseveryWednesday,”saidColt.
“Yeah.EveryWednesday.Ver ’tysaidgotobed.”
Ryanwalkedupthestoopandintothehouse,pastColt,hisfootstepsfainterandfainterasColt

walkedawayfromthehouse,towardthecar.

Hetookadeepbreathandstoodbesidethedriver ’sdoor.Shewasstillwearingtheprincessdress

she’dbeenwearingwhenshecaughtsightofhimandSandyinthebarn,whichmeantthat,whileshe’d
pickedupRyanafterhisshift,shehadn’tgonebacktowork,whereshewouldhavechangedbackinto
streetclothesbeforecominghome.Hereachedforthecardoor,relievedthatitwasn’tlocked,and
squatteddownbesideher.

“Please,sunshine,”hesaidasgentlyashecould.“Pleaseletmeexplain.”
Whensheturnedtohim,thesadnessinhereyesmadehimfeelworsethananybeatinghe’dever

takenfromhisfather.Theywerebloodshotandswollen,likeshe’dbeencryingforhours,andbehind
themwassuchimmensesorrow,hefeltlikehe’ddieifhecouldn’ttakeawayherpain.

“Youwere...k-kissingh-her.”
Hervoicewassosoftandsmall,sobroken,hecouldbarelyhearher.
“No,”hesaid.“Shekissedme.Ipushedheraway.”
“Youdidn’thaveashirton.”
“NeitherdidSebastianorShawn.We’dbeentraininginthesunforhours.Wewereallsweatyand

beat.”

Hereyeswelledwithtears,sofull,hedidn’tknowhowtheydidn’tfall.Andwhentheydid,he

winced.

“Youdidn’t...youdidn’tcomeafterme.”

“Idid,baby,”hesaid.“Youburnedrubberoutoftheparkinglotwithmecallingyourname

behind.Sebastianbroughtmehome,andIwaitedforyou.I’vebeenwaitingforhours.”

Shetookasobbing,gaspingbreathandleanedforward,herforeheadrestingonthesteering

wheel.“Idon’tknowwhat’sreal.”

“You’rereal,”hesaid,panicrisinginhischest.Herreactionwasscaringhim.Shewasn’tlooking

athim,wasn’ttalkingtohim.“We’rereal.Whatwehaveisreal.”

Sheliftedherheadandlookedathim,exhaustionandsorrowwarringfordominiononherface.

“Goodthingsdon’thappentome.”

“Whatdoyoumean,baby?”
“Idon’tgettohavegoodthings,goodluck.”Herbrowfurrowed.“Igetbadluck.”
“Sunsh—”
“Iwasn’twanted,”shesaidquietly.“Iwasamistake.Asurprise.Whateveryouwanttocallit.I

wasn’tplanned,andIknewit.Ialwaysknewit.Goodthingshappenedtootherpeople,topeoplewho
werewanted,nottome.Tenlittlegirlsrodetheirbikestoschool,butminegotstolen.Thechicken
poxskippedeverykidintownbutme.Myboyfrienddumpedmefortheheadcheerleader.Myother
boyfrienddumpedmewhenmylifegotcomplicated.Myparentsdiedwithinweeksofeachother,and
youknowwhatIinherited?AbrotherwithanIQofsixty-oneandapecanfarmthatwaskilledbya
tornado.KnowhowmanyotherfarmsinCamillagothitbesidesours?None.Zero.”

Whenshestartedspeakingagain,hervoicewasstrongerandangrier,andColtonwasn’tsure

whetherheshouldbegratefulorwary,becausehefeltthesamestormswirlingwithinherthatoften
swirledwithinhim.“WhenImovedhere,Icouldonlyaffordaroominashit-bag,flea-riddenmotel,
wheremybrotherandIwereharasseddaily,buthey,itwasaroof,right?Exceptwecouldn’tfind
jobs,andthemoneydisappeareddaybydayuntilwewereaminuteawayfromahomelessshelter,
whichwouldhavemeantbeingsplitup—Ryanwiththemenandmewiththewomen.Andyouknow
whatthatwouldhavemeant?ThatIcouldn’tlookafterhim,couldn’tprotecthim.That’swhatshould
havehappened!Don’tyousee?AllIhaveeverknownwasbadluck.”

Shesobbed,coveringhermouthwiththebackofherhandforamoment.“Exceptthatyoucame

along.AndthemomentImetyou,youchangedallofthat.Youfoundusjobsandgaveusahomeand
protectedus.”

Thetearswerecoursingdownhercheeksnow,andittookallhisstrengthnottoreachforher,

becausehewasdesperatetoreassureherandcomforther,buthesensedsheneededtosayeverything.
Henodded,encouragingherwithhissilencetocontinue.“Suddenly,forthefirsttimeinmylife,Ihad
goodluck.No.Ihadthebestluck.Ihadyou.Anditwaslikeallthosetoughknockswereworthwhile
becauseyouweretheprize.Ihadtohaveallthatbadlucksothescaleswouldbecosmicallybalanced
whenyoucamealong.”

Shepausedforamoment,sobbing,droppinghiseyes.“Ismybadluckbackalready?”
“No,baby.No,Ipromise,”hesaidgently.Hecouldn’tbearitanymore,sohereachedoutand

tookherhand.Itwassmallandcold,andhehelditbetweenhislikeaprecioustreasure.

Shewoveherfingersthroughhis,seizinghiseyes.“I’minlovewithyou.Losingyouwould

breakmyheart,Colton.Ican’t...Ican’t...”

“Stop,”hesaid,reachingacrossherlapandunbucklingherseatbelt.“Pleasestop.”

Hepulledhergentlyoutofthecarandswoopedherintohisarms.Sherestedherheadagainsthis

shoulderashekickedthecardoorclosedandstrodeintothehouse.Hedidn’tstopuntilhereached
hisroom,placingheronthebedandlyingdownbesideher.

“Ididn’trealizehowmuchI...Imean,seeinghertouchingyou...,”shestartedcryingharder.
Coltonpressedhislipstoherhair,tighteninghisarmsaroundhershudderingbody.
“IfwhatyousawbetweenmeandSandytodaymakesyouthinkyou’relosingme,you’rewrong.

You’resofuckingwrong,it’snoteven...”Hepaused,blinkinghiseyesagainstaburnoftears.“Iam
totallyinlovewithyou,sunshine.AndIneedyoujustasbadlyasyouneedme.You’resunshineand
laughter.You’repatienceandunderstanding.Yougiveyourwholeheartandonlyaskforminein
return.Youhaveit.Youhaveallofit,baby.You’retheluckiestthingthathaseverhappenedtome.
Youaremysweetplace,VerityGwynn,andtheonlywayyou’relosingmeisifyouwalkaway
becauseI’mnotgoinganywhere.Ever.”

Shelookedupathim,hereyesglisteningbutherlipsturningupforthefirsttimesinceshe’d

gottenhome.Shereachedforhisface,drawingittohers.Hislipsfoundherseffortlessly,kissingher
gently,tastingthesaltofhertearsandpledgingthathewouldn’tletsomethinglikethishappenagain,
hurtheragain.He’dknownfromtheverybeginningthathedidn’tdeservesomeoneassweetand
lovelyasVerityGwynn,butbyGod,nowthatshebelongedtohim,hewouldprotectherheartfrom
knowingpainliketodayeveragain.

Sheleanedawayfromhim,meetinghiseyes,sighingsoftlywithreliefandexhaustion.“Tellme

whatIsaw.”

***

Featheringhisfingersthroughherhair,hetoldherhowSandyhadsurprisedhiminthebarn,boldly
comingontohimandnottakingnoforananswer.WhatVerityhadseenwasSandykissinghimand
himpushingheraway.Andwhydidn’therunafterher?BecauseheturnedtoSandyatthelastminute
andtoldhertostaythefuckawayfromhim.

Sheknewhewastellingthetruth.Shecouldseeitinhiseyes,hearitinhisvoice,tasteitinhis

kiss,andfeelitinthesteadypoundingofhisheartagainsthers.Helovedher.Shewouldstakeherlife
onit.

Buttodayhadtaughthersomethingbothbrutalandimportant—shewasnolongerabeing

independentofColtonLane.Shehadboundherbodytohislastnight.Todaysherealizedthather
heartwasinextricablyboundtohisaswell.Aslongashecaredforher,thatwasasafeplacetobe.
Butifheshouldstopcaringforher,stoplovingher,hemayaswellripherbeatingheartfromher
chestbecauseitwouldbenolessbroken.Shewaspastthepointofnoreturnnow,anditwasscary
becauseshe’dneverlovedanyoneasdeeplyasshelovedhim.

Whichiswhy,ashefinishedhisexplanation,herfingerswenttothehemofhisT-shirtand

pushedup,herpalmsslidingoverhischestasshebaredhisskintoher.Hereachedbehindhisneck
andpulledtheshirtoverhishead,andshesatup,pullingherhairintoaponytailsohecouldunzipthe
backofherdress.Becausethebodicehadbuilt-insupport,therewasnobratounlatch,andColton’s
roughfingerstrailedupherback,pushingthesleevesoverhershouldersanddownherarmsashis
lipslandedsoftlyontheskinatthebaseofherneck.Henuzzledandkissedasthesleevesdroopedto
herwrists,baringherbreasts.

“WhataboutRyan?”hewhisperedclosetoherear,stillkissingherneck,hishandsreachingfrom

behindtocupherbreasts.

Verityleanedbackagainsthisshoulder,releasingherhairsoittraileddownhisbackand

coveringhishandswithhers.“ItoldhimIwouldn’tbeupforawhile.”

“Hewon’tcomelookingforyou?”
Histhumbsandforefingerspinchedandteasedhernipplesintotightpoints,andshegaspedatthe

sensation,pullingthesleevesfromherwristsandleaningforwardslightlytosliptherestoffher
bodyandontothefloor.

“Idon’t...Idon’tthinkso,”shesaid,hervoicebreathyandthin.
“Givemeasecond,”hesaid,releasingherbreastsandcrawlingtotheedgeofthebed.Hemadeit

tothedoorinthreesteps,lockingitsecurelybeforeturningtofaceher.Hewatchedherashe
unzippedhisjeans,hookedhisthumbsintothewaistbandofhisboxer-briefs,andpulledbothdown
hislegstothefloor.Completelynaked,hestaredatherfromseveralfeetawayinthedimlightofhis
room.

Withoutaword,shestoodupandpushedherpantiestothefloor,wheretheylandedontopofher

princessuniformwithawhisper.Thensheraisedhereyestohisandstaredback.

“Thisisasvulnerableaspeopleget,”hesaid.
Shenodded.“Naked.”
“Ineveryway,”hesaid.“Thisisme.AndIbelongtoyou.”
Hereyesfilledwithtears,butforthefirsttimetoday,theywerehappytears,tearsthatwereborn

ofhiscommitmentandloveandreassurance.Tearsthattoldherthatherheartwassafeinhiskeeping
andthatsheneedn’thaveworriedsopowerfullyafterseeinghiminthebarn.Shehadn’tknownthat
then,butsheknewitnow,anditfilledherheartwithsuchjoy,itfeltlikebursting.

Herhandswerelooseathersides,herlongblondehairreachedthetipsofherbreasts.
“Thisisme,”shewhispered,staringbackathim,proudtoreturnhisvow.“AndIbelongtoyou.”
Atthesametime,theyranforeachother,collidinginthecenteroftheroom,hishandsonher

hipstoliftherup.Shelockedheranklesaroundhisbackashislipssmashedintohers,theirteeth
scraping,tonguesmating,hiserectionthickandthrobbingagainstherclitashekissedher.

“Ineedyou,”shesaid,cradlinghisfaceasshecovereditwithkisses.“Ineedyouinsideme.”
Hesetherdownonthebed,leaningoverhertokisseachnippleandthevalleybetweenher

breasts.Hislipstraileddownherstomachinapathoffireuntilhereachedherclit.Spreadingher
gently,hekissedthebudofrigidfleshthensuckeditbetweenhislips,histongueflickingoutacross
thebundleofnervesuntilshebuckedoffthebedandfloodedhisfingers.

Theripoffoil.
Hiskneesspreadingherlegs.
“Sayitagain.”
“Iwantyouinsideme,”shesaid,openinghereyes.“Now.”
Withonesmoothstrokeheenteredhercompletely,thewallsofhersexsuckinghimforward

untilhewasburiedtothehilt.Hiseyeswereblackandrolling,fierceanddesperate.

Shereachedforhisface,caressinghischeeksasshelookeddeeplyintohiseyes.
“Iloveyou,”shesighed.“Youaremysweetplacetoo.”

Hiseyesflutteredclosedforamoment,andheexhaled,hisbreathwarmonherforeheadashe

withdrewfromherbodyandplungedforwardagain.Heopenedhiseyes,holdingherscaptiveashe
continuedtomovewithinher,massagingherwickedlyfromtheinsideout,learningeverysecret
placewithinherandclaimingitforhisown.

“Staywithme,”hepantedashisthrustsbecamefasterandharder,makinghermusclestightenand

gather,compresslikeaspringreadytoexplode.

“Yes!”shescreamed,fallingoverthebrinkofbliss,herbodyconvulsingmadly,hermuscles

milkinghim,forcinghisclimax.

Shewatchedfrombeneathhim,inahazeoforgasmicpleasure,ashethrewbackhisheadand

growledhername,spendinghimselfinthrobbingpulsesshecouldfeel,thencollapsingbesideher
withalowgroanofpleasure.

“Baby,you’regoingtokillme,”hemutteredintoapillowseveralminuteslater.
“Never.”Besidehim,shelaughedsoftly,herinsidesstillquiveringandtender,hersmilelazyand

replete.

Heleaneduponanelbow,reacheddownforthecondom,andunrolledit.Tyingaknotinthetop

hedroppeditinawastebasketbesidethebed,thenturnedandgrinnedather.“Whatnow?”

Plungingherhandsinhishair,shepulledhisfacedowntohers,revelinginthefeelingofhis

bodycoveringhers.“Again.”

CHAPTER15

“I’veneverseensomeonesoexcitedaboutSlip’NSlideday,”saidColtastheypulledbackintothe
drivewayofhishouseafterdroppingoffRyan,slatheredinsunblock,withhisswimtrunksrolledup
inatowel,atBonnie’sPlace.HeandMelodyhadembracedlikelong-lostbestfriendsuponseeing
eachotheragain,andMelodyproudlyintroducedRyanasher“bestfriend”toeveryonebeforeColt
andVerityleft,promisingthemorningCMthatthey’dbebacktopickupRyanateight.

“Theylookedhappytogether,”saidVerity.
Coltnodded.“IaddedyouandRyantothevisitorlistsohecangoseeherwhenhewantsto.They

dotheSlip’NSlidetwiceamonth.”

Veritygrinned.“Attheratethey’regoing,maybewe’llberelatedsomeday.”
Herwordspingedaroundinhishead,buthewasn’tthinkingaboutRyanandhiscousinwhenhe

answered,“Maybewewill.”

Shesighed.“Iwishtheweekendcouldlastforever.”
“Metoo.”
Heknewthatworkwasn’tgoinggreatforhersincelastweek.BeverlyhadreportedVerityfor

notreturningtoworkonWednesday,whichhadresultedinaformalwarningfromHRandthe
advisementthatanothersuchinfractioncouldleadtoherdismissal.Andshewasn’ttheonlyone
cleaningupmesses.Colthadfeltprettybadsweepinguphisaunt’sfavoritefigurineswithabroom
anddustpan,andalthoughhe’ddonehisbesttofixthecoffeetableleghe’dbusted,heendeduptaking
thetabletothedumpinstead.

ButSandyhadn’tcomebacktobotherhimagain,andhehopedlikehellthatshehadgottenthe

message.Hewasneitherinterestednoravailable,anditwouldbebetterforeveryoneifshejust
movedontohernextvictim.

AfterWednesdaynight’smarathonofmakeupsex,heandVerityhadbarelystoppedreachingfor

eachotherlongenoughtoeat,sleep,andgotowork.Theywereravenousforeachother—sneaking
make-outsessionsatworkontheirbreaks,racinghometoripoffeachother ’sclothesandjumpinto
bed,andtoday?Man,todaywaslikeadream.NotthatColtdidn’tlikehavingRyanaround.Hedid.
ButhavingVerityalltohimselfuntiltheyhadtogointoworkthisafternoon?Now,thatsoundedlike
heaven.Unfortunately,thegrasswouldn’tmowitself,andtheflowerbedsneededweeding,soas
muchashewantedtodragherintohisroomandtrytennewpositionsbeforeoneo’clock,therewas
worktobedone.

Heleanedhisheadbackontheseatandshiftedhisneckjustalittletolookather.“Gottadosome

stuffaroundthehouse.”

Shetookadeepbreathandsighed,thenslippedherfingersthroughhis.“Ishoulddosome

laundry.”

“Won’ttakemethatlong.”
Herbreathhitched,andhereyesdilated.“Meneither.”
“Fuuuuuck,”hegrowled,tighteninghisholdonher.“Iwantyouallthetime.”
Shemadeasmallwhimperingnoise.“Metoo.”

Howthefuckwashesupposedtogoabouthisday,mowingthefuckinglawnandweedingthe

fuckinghydrangeas,withherhuge,darkblueeyesstaringbackathim?

Asifshecouldreadhismind,shesqueezedhishandanddroppedit,herlipsspreadingintothat

sunshinesmilehelovedsomuch.“Howaboutthis?ThebathroomsandkitchencoulduseaSunday
cleaning,andI’llgetstartedonthelaundry.Youdowhatyouneedtodoouthereandmeetmeinside
inanhourorso.I’llhavelunchwaiting,andwe’llstillhavealittletimebeforework.”

Alittletime...andheknewexactlyhowhewantedtofillthattime.
Shereachedforthedoorhandle,buthegrabbedherotherwrist,yankingherbacktoplantahot

kissonherlips.

“Iloveyou,”hewhisperedfiercely,staringdownather.
Withherbackleaningoverthebolsterbetweenthem,shelookedupathimandsmiled.“I’llplan

somethingspecialfordessert.”

Thenshesatupquicklyandopenedhercardoor,gigglingashetriedtopullherbackforone

morekiss.Hiseyesweregluedtoherassinwhiteshortsasshewalkedintothehouseandletthedoor
closebehindher.

Maybewe’llberelatedsomeday.
Andthat’swhenthefantasytrulytookholdinColt’smind,playinglikeamovieofhislifeinfast-

forward:

Veritywearingadiamondring.
Veritysaying“Ido.”
Verityswollenwithhischild.
Verityrockingtheirchildtosleep.
Verityinhisbedeverynightandeverymorning.
Veritywithgrayhair,stilllookinglikeshewantedtojumphisbones.
Verity.
Forever.
Itwassuchastrongandpotentdaydream,ittookhimbysurprise,andhisheartraced,asmuch

forthesurpriseofseeingaglimpseofforeverasforknowingthathewantedtospendthoseyears
withVerity.

Hedidn’trealizehe’dbeenholdinghisbreathuntilheexhaledloudandlong,stillthinkingabout

whatitwouldlookliketosharehislifewithher,andliking,somuch,howitlooked.

Swinginghisbodyoutofthecar,hetrudgedintothegarageandrolledthelawnmowerfromits

spotintheback,grabbingthegascanjustincase.Ashepassedthebaywindow,hesawherwalk
throughtheinthelivingroomwitharollofpapertowelsinonehandandabottleofWindexinthe
other.Whythismadehisheartswellwithlove,hewasuncertain,butperhapsbecauseitwasso
normal.JustaweekendmorningonahotGeorgiasummerday,andhewasmowingthelawnwhile
hisgirlfriendcleanedthehouse.ForColtonLane,itwasasliceofheaventhathe’dneverseenonhis
radar,andnowthathehadit,heneverwantedtoletitgo.

Twohourslater,hisT-shirttuckedintohiswaistbandandhisbodyglisteningwithsweat,he

pushedthemowerbackintothegarageandsweptthedrivewayfreeofedgeclippings.Walking
aroundthegaragetothebackyard,hepassedthroughthegateandcheckedoutthehedgesthat

surroundedtheproperty.Theywerehighbutstartingtogetstraggly.He’dtacklethemnextweekend.
Grabbingthehosefromthesideofthehouse,hesprayedoffthebackpatio,sendingerrantclippings
intothegrassandgumballsfromthesweetgumtreeskitteringundertheshrubbery.Hehookedthe
hosenozzleoverthestairrailing,thenheadedupthestepstothebackdoor,onlytofindVerity,a
bandannaholdingherhairbackandasmudgeofdirtonhernose,standingonthetopstep.

“Oh,no!”shesaid,wagglingherfingerwithasternlook.“Youain’tcomin’inmycleanhouse

allsweatyanddirty,mister.That’swhyGodinventedoutdoorhoses.”

Hechortled,wonderingifthiswassomethinghermamausedtosaytoherdaddy.“Isthatright?”
Shecrossedherarmsoverherbreasts,lookingdownathimallsassy.“Thatisright.”
Hesteppedupclosertoher,hiseyeslevelwithherwaist,andreacheduptorubthedustfromher

nose.“You’renotallthatcleanyourself,darlin’.”

“Yousayin’Ineedtobehosedofftoo?”
Hedidn’tknowitwaspossibletosmilethiswide.“Yes,ma’am.”
Beforeshecouldsayanotherword,hesnatchedthespraynozzlefromtherailing,aimedand

fired,sprayinghershirtwithastreamofwater.

Shegasped,andhereyeswentwide.“ColtonLane!”
Reachingforthenozzle,shegrabbeditfromhishandsandturneditonhim,sprayinghisbare

chestandjeans,backinghimupasshewalkeddownthestairs.

“Mercy!”hehalfcried,halflaughed,holdinghishandsupasshesprayedhimclean.
Shedroppedthehose,andheopenedhiseyes.HerwhiteT-shirtwasgluedtoherbreasts,andher

nipplesstooderectunderherthinbra.Hisbreathhitched.Hiscockswelled.

Theylungedforeachotheratthesametime,herfingersunbuttoninghisjeansashepushedher

dampwhiteshortsandpantiestoherknees.Shehookedherfingersinhisunderwearandyanked
downward.Hislipsfumbledforhers,kissingherfacelikecrazyasheliftedhertothepicnictable.He
stoodbetweenherlegs,andshereachedforhisfullyerectcock,scootingtotheedgeofthetableand
liningitupwiththeentranceofhersex.Grabbinghishead,shekissedhimashethrustforward,into
herbody,gaspingatthesensationofburyinghimselfinsideherandbelatedlyrealizingthatpartof
thereasonitfeltsofuckingunbelievablewasbecausetherewasnothingbetweenhiscockandher
pussy.Nothingatall.

“Baby,”hegasped.“Condom.”
“No,no,no,”shesighed,kissingalonghisjawassherotatedherhipsinwaysthatshouldkill

himdeadwherehestood.“Don’tstop.Please,Colton,don’tstop.”

Hegrabbedherassandthrustintoheragain,buildingarhythm,movingfasterandfaster,his

cockglidingintohersexlikeithadfounditshome.Hepanted,groaning.Thewallsofherpussy
tightenedaroundhim,clenchingsohard,hecouldfeeleveryridgeofskinandmuscleashepumped
intoher,againandagain,hercriesjoiningthesoundsofmorningbirdsandfarawaytrafficanda
sprinklerafewyardsover.

“Verity,”hepanted,“I’mgoingtocome,baby.Ican’t...”
Hereyeswereclosed,andherforeheadrestedonhisshoulderassherodeoutherownorgasm,

limpinhisarms.

“Iloveyou,”shemurmurednearhisear.“It’sokay.”

Withherpermission,hethrewbackhishead,drewallthewayback,thenpushedintoheragain,

cominginstrong,hotspurtsofcumthatmatchedthepulsingthrobbingofhisheart.Whenhewas
spent,heleanedforward,restinghisforeheadonhershoulderandknowingthatifthey’dsomehow
madeababytoday,itwasn’tan“accident,”assheclaimedshe’dbeen.Itwouldbeamatterofhis
daydreamsfromearliermiraculouslycomingtrue.Andpartofhimferventlyhopedthat’swhatwould
happen.

Stillintimatelyconnected,heclutchedhertightly,holdingherclose,andwhisperedthatheloved

her,lovedher,lovedher...forever.

***

Veritystillcouldn’tbelievethatsheandColtonhadlostcontrolsocompletelyyesterdaymorning,
makingloveinbroaddaylight,withoutprotection.Butlater,inthequietofherroom,she’dlookedat
thecalendaranddecidedthattherewasnexttonochanceshe’dgetpregnant,andshefeltasharp
twingeofregretatthisrealization,whichjustaboutknockedheronherass.

LivingwithColton?Check.LovingColton?Check,again.ButforeverwithColton?Aforever

thatincludedahomeandhischildren?Sure,shemighthavehadsomenebulousthoughtsaboutit,but
nowthestrengthofherlongingbroadsidedher.Yes,shewantedforever.Yes,shewanteditwithhim.
She’dsatthereonherbedasthecalendarslippedfromherfingers,tryingtogetherheadaroundthe
enormityofthisrevelation.They’dbeentogetherforonlyalittleoveramonth,butsheknew.Inthe
profoundestdepthsofherheart,sheknewhewastheone.Theonlyoneforher.

BackatworkonMondayafternoon,itwashardtoconcentrate.Allshewantedwasaglimpseof

Colton,and,checkingtheclock,sherealizedshe’dearnedone.

GlancingatBeverly,who’dbeenkeepinganeagleeyeonhersincelastWednesday,shesaid,“I

thinkI’lltakemybreaknow,ifthat’sokay?”

BeverlywastakinginventoryoftheRenaissancejewelrywhileVerityhadjustfinishedbalancing

theregister.“Yeah.Fine.Butyougettwentyminutes.Nottwenty-five.Idon’twanttohavetotalkto
Lynetteagain.”

Yeah,youdo,youpatronizingcow.
Butshewasn’tinthemoodforaspatwithBeverly.Toomuchwasgoingrightinherlifetolet

Beverlyspoilit.

“Twentyminutes.Gotit,”saidVerity,givingBeverlyasmallsmileassheslippedoutfrom

behindthecounter.

Shethoughtshe’dheadtothestablestocheckonRyanandmaybegetapeekatColtonpracticing

fencinginthesunshine,hismusclestanandtaut.Herinsidesclenchedandrelaxedwithmemoriesof
yesterday,andshegrinnedasshewalkeddowntheemployeehallway.Afterthey’dmadeloveinthe
sunshine,he’dheldhercloseandwhisperedhelovedher,followedbythesingleword:forever.And
shecouldn’thelpbutwonderingifhismindhadbeenvisitingthesamewishfulthoughtsofafuture
thathershad.

Itwouldn’tbesuchastrangenotion,wouldit?Forthecaregiversoftwospecial-needspeopleto

findeachother,tounderstandeachother,tofallinlove,andtobuildalifetogether?Therewasa
certain,well,veritytoit,likemaybeColtonwasrightaboutthembeingafairytale,likemaybeher
badluckreallywasallprepaymentforthegoodluckshewasenjoyingnow,likemaybesomepeople

inthehuge,wideworldweresimplymeanttofindeachother,andwhentheydid,theyshouldn’tlet
go,nomatterwhat.

Shegrinnedasshepushedopenthedoortothestablearea,lettinghereyesadjusttothebright

sunlight.Inthemiddleofthering,Colton,onThor,lookedoveratherandwinkedasshewaved.And
Sebastian,whomVerityhadgottentoknowalittle,wolf-whistled.

“Quitwhistlingatmywoman,”growledColton,swinginghismaceatSebastian.
ButSebastiancaughtitwithhislance,watchingitwindaroundandlaughingheartily.“Youknow

Idon’tswingthatway.”

WhichwasashameforthewomenatTheLegendofCamelotbecausehewasonebeautifulman,

thoughtVerity.

“Still...,”grousedColton,“ifanyonecouldturnyoustraight,it’dbeher.”
“Dotheroutineagain,”shoutedMorgan.“Andthistime,incharacter.VikingKnightshowdown

withRenaissanceKnight.Nobullshit,boys.”

Coltonshrugged,winkingatVerityagainasheturnedandrodeThortotheothersideofthering

togothroughtheroutineagain.

Veritystrolledalongtheringside,peekingintothebarndoorsforRyan,butshedidn’tseehim.
“Hey,Joe!”shesaid,findinghimintheemptystallthathadbeenrefittedasasmalloffice.“Know

whereRyis?”

Joelookedupfromthesaddleonhisdesk.
“Thisain’tasaddlery.”
“Sorry?”shesaid.
“TheybringmethesesaddleslikeIcanfix’em.Ican’t.”
“Oh...,”shesaid,wrinklinghernose.“Sorry.”
Hesighed.“I’llhavetosenditout.”
“Ryan?”sheaskedagain.
“Oh,yeah.Hadhimpreparin’astallforanewhorsecomin’in.Ican...”Joestartedtogetup.
“I’llfindhim,”shesaid,grinningcheerfully.
“Tellhimhecantakehisbreak!”calledJoeassheturnedandleft.“Shouldatakenittenminutes

ago!”

Sheturnedtotheleft,walkingpastabarndoorandthenanother.
“Don’twanna,Artie.”
Veritystoppedinhertracks,holdingherbreath,listeningintently.
“You’lldoitifIfuckingtellyoutodoit,youfuckingretard.”
Thevoiceswerecomingfrombehindher,butfarenoughawaythatifthere’dbeenanyother

noisearoundher,shewouldn’thaveheardthematall.Sheturnedandenteredthedarkbarn,herheart
racingasshecalled,“Ryan?Ryan?Areyoubackhere?”

Shepassedtwostallsonherright,thenenteredafarinteriorringthatcircledthebacksofthe

stallsandconnectedtheminside.

“Ryan?”shecalledagain.
“Stooooop!”hemoaned.
Hisvoicewasslightlymuffled,comingfromtheleft,andsheturnedandrantowardhim,her

breathcominginpantsoffearasmuchasexertion.Stillcirclingasquicklyasshecould,shestopped
inhertrackstofindherbrotheronhisknees,ArtiebehindhimwithhiskneewedgedintoRyan’s
back,andasteamingpileofhorseshitabouttwoinchesfromRyan’sface.

“What?”shepanted.“Whatthefuckareyoudoing?”
“Yourbrother ’sabouttohaveasnack,princess.Buthecansavesomeforyouifyou’rehungry.”
ArtiereachedforwardandshovedRyan’sheaddownjustasVerityreachedforthefirstthingshe

saw—ametalfeedbucket—whichshedrewbackandhitArtiewithashardasshecould.Artiewas
knockedoff-balance,andVerityrantoRyan,pullinghimupbythearms.Hisnoseandforeheadwere
coveredwithhorsefeces,andtearsfelldownhisface.

“Ew!Ew!Ver ’ty.Igotpooponmyface!It’spoop!”
“Don’tworryaboutthat!”Sheswallowed,battlingfeelingsofangerandsadness,sheerhorror

andrevulsion.“YougorunandgetJoe!RUN!NOW!”

Ryanscamperedoff,andVerityturnedtowardArtie,whohadfinallyrisentohisfeet,blood

runningfromhistempleashestareddownatherwithmenace.

Hereyesblazedwithfury.“Mybrother ’sgettinghelp.I’llhaveyouarrestedforharassment.”
“Yourbrother ’saretard,andit’llbehiswordagainstmine,youdumbcunt.”
Seizingherbythehair,hepushedherupagainstawall,hisfronttoherback,leaningcloseto

lickherear.“You’respreadingitforLane.Whynotforme?”

Strugglingagainstthewall,shereachedbacktohitorpunchhim,buthethrustforward,

imprisoningheragainstthestablewallwithhisbody.

“Joe’scoming,”shewhimpered.
“It’lltaketheretardaminuteortwotofindhim.We’vegottime.”
Hottearsoffearandfuryburnedhereyes,andshetriedtokickhim,butheyankedherhairand

bitherear.Hard.“Stop!”

“Ithoughtyou’dlikeitrough,”hesaidinadirtyvoice.
“Please,”shebegged,hatingthetearsthatwerefalling,hatingherweakpleaformercywhenhe

wasananimal,asadist,possiblyaclosetrapist.“Justletmego.”

Hishandreachedaroundforherbreast,andhesqueezeditroughly,painfully,throughher

costume.“Mmm.Nice.NowIknowwhyLane—Ahhhh!”

Suddenly,herhairwasfree,andthehandthatwastouchingherbreastwasgone.Shebraced

herselfagainstthewall,managingtoturnaroundintimetoseeColtonpickupArtiebythehairand
slamhisheadagainstastalldoor.Artiefell,limp,totheground,bloodspillingfromagashonhis
forehead,butColtonpickedhimupbythehairagainandslammedhisfistintoArtie’sface—once,
twice,threetimes—causingasharpcrackingsoundandanexplosionofbloodfromhisnose.Artie
didn’tmakeasound.Hewasalreadyunconsciousfromthefirsttwoblows.

“Colton!”shegasped.“Colton,stop!”
ButColtonwaslikeademon,anavengingangel,reachingforArtie’sbodyagain.Shehadtodo

somethingbeforeColtonkilledhim.

“COLTON!”shescreamedasloudasshecould.“NO!”
Hejoltedsuddenly,staggeringbackwardandshiftinghisheadtolookather.Hiseyesweredark

andferalastheysearchedherpersonwildly.Afteratoo-longmoment,hetookasharpgaspofbreath

anddroppedArtie’sbodytothegroundlikeasackoffeedjustasJoeandRyancamerushingintothe
barn.

Verityleanedbackagainstthewallofthebarn,slumping,sobbing,asColtonsteppedoverArtie’s

bodyandreachedforherwithbloodyhands.Shefellintohisarms,lettinghimholdheragainsthis
bodyasshewept.ForRyan.Forherself.And,asshepeekedatArtie’slifelessbody,forColton.

***

Whenthepoliceaskedwhathadhappened,Coltcouldbarelyanswerthem.HerememberedRyan
runningouttothepracticering,hisfacesmearedwithhorseshit,yellingsomethingaboutVerityand
Artieand“bigtrouble.”

No,Coltdidn’trememberleapingfromThor ’sback.Yes,herememberedseeingArtie’sbody

pressedagainstthestablewall.HesawherdressstickingoutandknewthatVeritywastrapped
betweenArtieandthewall.Andthen?Nothing.HerememberednothinguntilVerityscreamedhis
name,andsuddenlyhewasholdingherinhisarms.

ThepoliceofficersalsotalkedtoRyan,whosefacestillhadremnantsofshitonit,andVerity,

whoseearhadabitemarkandwhoserightbreasthadbruisingintheshapeoffingerswhenshepulled
thebodiceofhercostumetotheside.

“Can’ttotallyfigureoutwhathappenedheretoday,”saidOfficerMarkstoColtonashewas

leaving,“butyou’dbestnotplantogoanywhere,son.Luckyforyouthatboy’sstillbreathing.You’re
notlookingathomicidehere,butyou’relikelylookingatbattery.”

Colt’seyeswidenedinindignation.“Battery?Heassaultedmygirlfriendandherbrother!”
“Andtheyarewelcometofilesuitagainst.”Heflippedthroughhisnotepad.“ArthurKingston.

ButIsuspectArthuralsohasaprettysturdycaseagainstyou.Youbrokehisnoseandhisarm,his
head’sbleeding,andI’mguessinghe’sdownafewribstoo.”

“Hishandswereonmy—”
“Saveit,”saidtheofficer,takingadeepbreath.“Listen,Igetit,but,well,youdon’thavearight

togoaroundbeatingpeopleupforlookingfunnyatyourgirlfriend.”

“Lookingfunny?Comeon!Shehasbruises!”
“Son,”saidOfficerMarks,puttinghishandonhisholsterandtakingastepinColt’sdirection,“if

youcan’tkeepyourselftogether,I’llhavetocuffyouandtakeyoudowntothestation.”

VerityplacedherhandonColt’sarmandsqueezedgently.
“No,sir,”hesaid,clenchinghisjawashetookastepback.“I’ll,uh,I’llcooldown.”
OfficerMarksnodded.“We’llbeintouch.”
Lynettelookedonindisapprovalastheofficertrudgedbackthroughthepracticeringandheaded

outthroughtheemployeehallway.Artiehadalreadybeentakentothehospitalbyambulance.

“You’refired,Colton,”shesaidcalmly,thenpursedherlipsandturnedtoVerity.“Whydon’tyou

andyourbrothertakeaweekoff?Letallthiscooldown.”

“ButRyanandIdidn’t—”
“Idon’twanttohearit,”saidLynette,hereyesnarrowing.“Youtwohadtroublewrittenallover

youfromtheverybeginning.Ishouldneverhavehiredyou.Don’tknowwhatthehellIwasthinking.
Takeaweekathalfpay.BestIcando.”

“Andafterthat?”

“ComeseemenextMonday.”SheglancedatRyan,givinghimasourlook.“Alone.We’lltalk

aboutwhat’sbestfor...everyone.”

“Youmeanyou’llfireustoo.”
“Idon’tknowwhatImean!”shriekedLynette.“MyHeadKnightwasjustrolledoutofhereona

stretcher.Anotherknightbeathimsobadly,hewasunconscious.Thepoliceareinvolved.Youand
yourbrotherwereinthemiddleofit.Thatsaid,yourbrother ’sanADAemployee.SoI’msorryifI
don’thavealltheanswers,butIdon’tknowwhat’sgoingtohappenyet.AllIknowisthatIneedyou
twooutofherewhileIfigureitout!Now,forgivemewhileIgogetacopyofthegoddamnedpolice
report!”

LynetteturnedandstompedtowardtheexittofollowOfficerMarkstohiscarandgetacopyof

thepolicereportforHR.

VeritylookedupatColton,hugetearsinhereyes.“Wejustlostourjobs.Allthreeofus.”
“Shhhh,”hesaid,pullingherclose.“Youdon’tknowthatyet.We’ll,uh...Let’sjustgetyou

home.”

Heputhisarmaroundhershouldersandsteeredhertowardthestableexit,whereJoeandRyan

werewaiting.

“Colton,”saidJoe,hiseyestroubled,“Iknowyoudidright.ThatArtiewasabadseed.”
Ryan’sfacehadfinallybeenwashed,buttherewasstilldriedshitinhishair,anditmadeColt

flinchwithfuryasheslidhiseyesfromJoetoRyanandbackagain.Badseed?Hecouldthinkofa
fewmore-appropriatedescriptionsforArtie.

“Yeah.Thanks,Joe.”
“I’lldoallIcanforyou,son.”
Coltlookedathiminconfusion.“Butyouweren’teventhere.Youdidn’tseeanything.”
Joenodded.“That’strue,butIstillmightbeabletohelp.”
“Sure,Joe.Thanks,”hesaid,appreciatingJoe’skindnessbutfullyawarethatthiswasgoingto

comedowntoArtie’swordagainsttheirs,andArtielookedfarworsethananyofthem.Heturnedto
Ryanandsaid,“Let’sgo,Ryan.We’regoinghome.”

Itwasaquietride.
Whentheypulledintothedriveway,OfficerMarksandhispartnerwerewaitingtoarrestColt.
Artiehadwokenupinthehospital.
Coltwasgoingtojail.

CHAPTER16

Thearraignmentcameswiftly.

Justforty-eighthoursafterColtwasarrestedhewaswalkedintotheSuperiorCourtofFulton

CountyandimmediatelyspiedVerity’sworried,tiredfaceforthefirsttimeintwodays.Hereyes
wereringedandbloodshot,herskinsallow,herhairflat.Andherealized,inamomentofsearing
self-hatred,thatshelookedalittlebitlikehismotherusedto.Tiredandworn.Frightenedandsad.It
madehisheartclenchwithpowerfulfeelingsofdisgusttoknowthathisactionshadcausedherto
looklikethat.Andthatsheshouldhavetoseehimlikethis—inanorangejumpsuitandhandcuffs—
broughtonawaveofshamesoprofound,hecouldbarelystandtolookather,soheturnedaway
quickly.

Hesatdowninoneoftwochairsatatablefacingthejudge’sbench,andhispublicdefender,

LeslieBelden,satdownbesidehim.He’dmetLeslieonlyonce,yesterday,whenshecamebyto
informhimofthearraignmentdateanddetails,andtotellhimthatshefeltitwasbesttoenteraplea
ofnocontest,whichmeantthathedidn’tadmitwrongdoing,norwouldhedisputethechargesleveled
againsthim.Hedidn’tknowwhatthismeantintermsofconsequences,buthehadtriedtoprepare
himselffortheworst.Theveryworst,whichincludedlosingthepersonhehadcometolovemore
thananyoneelseintheworld.

Coltnowsatquietly,waitingforthejudgeandprosecutortoarrive,theheatofshamewarming

hisnecktobrightredbecausehecouldfeelVerity’seyesonhimfromfourrowsbehind.Hisstupid
heart,however,stillfelttetheredtohers,anditleapedwithjoyfulnesstobesoclosetoheragain.It
stillhadn’tacceptedtherealitythatthiswaslikelythelasttimehe’dbethisclosetoheragain.Over
thepasttwodays,he’ddecided,withhishead,nothisheart,thattheonlydecentthingtodowouldbe
tolethergo.

Thiswasn’tthefirsttimeColthadbeenarrested,ofcourse,sobeingphotographed,

fingerprinted,andbookedonMondayeveningwasn’tanewexperience.Norwasthecountyjumpsuit
andthehospitalityofaFultonCountyholdingcell.Noneofthathadevenfazedhim,really.The
nightmareofitallwasthathisworstfearshadcometofruition.He’djeopardizedMelody’scareand
hisguardianshipofher.He’dlosthisjob.Ifhewenttojail,he’dlosehishouse.

Butmorethanhisjob,Mel,AuntJane,oranythingelse,he’dthoughtofVerityGwynnwhilehe

layonhisbackfortwolongdays,tryingnottoinhalethestaleodorsofurineandbleachthat
permeatedhiscell.Fromthefirstmomenthesawher,hesomehowknewshe’dbeaweaknessfor
him.He’dtoldhimselftostayaway.He’dpromisedhimselfhewouldn’tfallforher.He’dworried,
aftermakinglovetoher,thathe’dinevitablyfuckthingsup.BecausenotmuchinColtonLane’slife
hadbeenconstant,buthistemper,rollingaroundinsidehimlikethunder,couldn’tbecontrolled,
wouldn’tbestopped.

He’dtoldheroverandoveragainthatshedeservedbetter,andnowshehadtosee,hadtoknow

—thisiswhathemeant.Himinshackles.Herwearinghersorrow.Hewasn’tabletocontrolhisfury
whenitcametoher.Melodywasinagoodplace,akindplace,wherepeopletreatedherwithrespect,
soColtdidn’thavetoworrytoomuchabouther.Shewassafe,sohewassafe.ButVerityandRyan

livedintherealworld,andaslongastherewereevil,maliciousfuckingmonstersthere,he’dfight
themoff,he’dprotectwhatwashis,anditwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilhewasputawayforgood.
Andthenwhat?Thenhe’dabandonnotonlyhiscousin,buthissweetwomanandherbrotheraswell.
Andthat?Fuckthat.Thatwouldbebreakingeverypromisehe’devermadetoher.Everypromise
he’devermadetohimselftoo.

Hewasdistractedfromhisthoughtsbythecourtroomdooropeningbehindhim,buthekepthis

eyesfacingfront.HeexpectedabatteredArtietowalkdowntheaisleandpausebesidehimwitha
shit-eatinggrin—LesliehadwarnedhimyesterdaythatArtiewouldmostlikelymakeanappearance,
ifable,becausetherawnessofhisinjurieswouldstrengthenthebatterycase—butthegatetoColt’s
leftopened,andabaldingmaninapin-stripedsuitwalkedforward,sittinginoneoftwochairsatthe
tabletoColtandLeslie’sleft.

“Where’sArtie?”Coltaskedhislawyer,keepinghiscuffedhandsinhislap.
“I...I’mnotsure,”whisperedLeslieBelden,lookingasconfusedasColtfelt.
Justassheleanedawayfromhim,adoortotheleftofthejudge’sbenchopened,andablack-

robedwomaninherlatefiftieswalkedintothecourtroom.

Thebailiffwhofollowedherstoodjustinfrontofherbenchandsaid,“Allrise.Thiscourtis

nowinsession,theHonorableJudgeSamanthaEllisStantonpresiding.”

JudgeStantontookherseat,givingColtahardlookbeforeshiftinghereyestotheprosecutor.
“Mr.DeWalt,”shesaid,“Iunderstandthere’sbeenahiccupinthiscase?”
Theprosecutorinthepinstripesuitstoodup.“Yes,ma’am.”
“Proceed,”shesaid,openingamanilafolderonherdeskandjottingdownanote.
“YourHonor,ArthurKingstonhasdroppedallchargesagainstthedefendant,ColtonLane.”
Thecourtroomeruptedintoahushedcacophonyofshockedgaspsandwhispers,andColt’s

breathcaught,hiseyeswideningwithtentativehopeoverthisunexpectedhailMary.

“AMr.JosephSterns,theStableManageratTheLegendofCamelot,hascomeforwardwithsome

compellingvideoevidenceshowingthatMr.GwynnwassystematicallyharassedbyMr.Kingston
duringhisemploymentwithTheLegendofCamelot.ItfurthershowstheassaultofMissGwynnon
MondayafternoonandMr.Lane’ssubsequentactionstodefendher,”saidMr.DeWalt.“Inlightof
thesedevelopments,Mr.KingstonhasdecidednottopresschargesagainstMr.Lane.”

LeslieBeldenstoodupquickly.“Approach,yourHonor?”
ThejudgenoddedandColtwatchedasthetwolawyerssteppeduptothejudge’sbenchandhada

shortmeeting,whisperingbackandforthtooneanother.FinallyLeslieBeldenturnedaroundand
returnedtoColtwithahugesmileonherface.

“ApparentlyJoeSternsplacedvideocamerasaroundthestablesofthepropertyandmanagedto

catchseveralinstancesofharassmentonfilm,”shesaidasshesatbackdownbesidehim.“Ihaven’t
seenthefootageyet,buttheprosecutorsaidit’sverydamningandthestateispresentlydetermining
whetherornotthefootageisadmissibleforaharassmentcaseagainstMr.Kingston.”

“ThankGod,”mutteredColton,breathingasighofrelief.Artiedeservedwhateverhehad

coming.

Hisheart,however,stillfeltlikelead.Thisunexpectedreprievedidn’tchangehisfeelingsabout

breakingthingsoffwithVerity.Itachedtothinkoflosingher,butwhenhethoughtofherfacebehind

him—swollenfromcrying,frightened,sadandtired—heknewhecouldn’tchangehismind.He
couldn’tmakeherlivethislife.Moreimportantly,hecouldn’tletherlivethislife.Ifhetrulyloved
her,heneededtolethergobeforeitwastoolate—beforehistoryrepeateditselfandtheymetthe
samefateashisparents.BeforeColt’sinabilitytocontrolhisragedraggedherdowntoafatethat
ruined,or—Godforbid,asinthecaseofhismother—ended,herlife.

“Mr.DeWalt,IsawpicturesofMr.Kingston’sinjuries,andIhavereviewedMr.Lane’srecord.I

willbedisappointedifMr.Laneisn’theldaccountableforhisactionsinsomemannerbefittingthe
circumstances.”

“Thestateisn’taskingforadismissal,YourHonor.”
Coltsatupstraighter.Wait.What?
“ButArtiedroppedthecharges,”ColtwhisperedtoLeslieBelden,whoheldupherhand,hereyes

tellinghimtobesilent.

Thejudgelookedupattheprosecutorwithinterestandnodded.“Verygood.Continue.”
“Mr.Kingstonrefusestolevelcharges,ma’am,butwedon’tcondonevigilantejusticein

Georgia,andIdon’tbelievethatMr.Lane’sactionsshouldbeoverlooked.”Heclearedhisthroat
meaningfully,dartingaglanceatColtbeforelookingupatthejudgeagain.“EspeciallybecauseMr.
Lanehasadependent.AMissMelodySpindler.”

Thejudgelookedhesitantforamoment.“MissSpindleris...”
“Mr.Lane’scousin,YourHonor.ShehasDownsyndromeandlivesinagrouphomecalled,uh

—”Helookeddownatthetable,shufflingsomepaper.“Uh,yes.Bonnie’sPlace.Northeastofthecity.
Mr.Laneisherguardian.”

Colttookadeepbreathandhelditashisstomachflippedover.He’dbeensoclosetowalking

awayfromallofthis,andnow...No.No.Please,no.

“IknowofBonnie’sPlace.”ShelookedatColt,hereyebrowsfurrowed,herfacemoreconflicted

thanithadbeenafewminutesago.

“ThestateisconcernedaboutMr.Lane’stemper,”theprosecutorcontinued.“Asthesole

guardianofadevelopmentallydisabledfamilymember,wefeelthatsomeinterventionmaybe
prudentatthistime,inlightofMr.Lane’sactionstowardMr.Kingston.”

“Isee.Whatisyourrecommendation?”
“ForthesafetyofMissSpindler,webelievethatMr.Laneshouldundergoninetydaysof

mandatoryangermanagementtherapyinanapprovedresidentialtreatmentcenter,withtherevocation
ofhisguardianstatusoverhiscousin,MelodySpindler,duringthattime.Mr.Lane’sguardianshipof
saiddependentwillbereinstatedonlyaftersuccessfulcompletionofacourt-approvedprogram.”

No!Youcan’ttakeMelawayfromme!
Thejudgemadesomenotesonthepapers,noddingherhead,beforelookingupatColt.“Mr.

Lane,pleaserise.”

Coltstoodup,hislegswobblyashebegantounderstandwhatwashappening.Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.

TheyweregoingtotakeMelawayfromhim.AuntJane’sfaceflashedinhismindandhewincedwith
shameandfury.

“Youaretheguardianofyourcousin?”
Hegulped.“Yes,ma’am.”

“Andhowlonghaveyoumaintainedthisguardianship?”
“Sixyears,ma’am.SincethedeathofmyauntJane,Melody’smother.”
“Isee.”ShegaveColtaruefulsmile.“Nosmallfeattocareforaspecial-needsperson.”
“I’mheronlyfamily.CaringforMelismyresponsibility,YourHonor.”
“Andyetyou’vegottenyourselfintoquiteamesswithyourfists,Mr.Lane.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Youappearedinthiscourtroomoncebefore.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Butyouwereacquittedbecauseyouractionswereindefenseofyourcousin.”
“Yes,ma’am.Iwouldnever,everhurtMel.”
“Idon’tthinkyoucanmakethatpromise,Mr.Lane.Youmayhavebeenacquitted,butweboth

knowyouusedtoomuchforceinthatscenario,asyoudidonMondayafternoon,withMr.Kingston.
Itconcernsmethatthisbehaviorofyoursspansadecade,andsurelytherehavebeenother,
undocumentedincidents.”

Coltflashedbacktothemotelparkinglot,thendroppedthejudge’seyes,lookingdownatthe

table,hatingher,hatinghimselfmuchmorebecauseshewasright.

JudgeStanton’svoicewascompassionatewhenshespokeagain.“Tobefair,fromwhatIcan

gather,Mr.Kingstonwastrouble.HewasharassingMr.Gwynnregularly.Thevideotapesuppliedby
Mr.Gwynn’scoworker,Mr.Sterns,verifiestheharassment.”

Coltlookedupatheragain,asparkofhopehelpinghimmeethereyes.Pleasedon’ttakeMel

away.Please.

“Butyouclearlyhaveanangerproblem,Mr.Lane.Arageproblem,even.PullingMr.Kingston

awayfromMissGwynnandcallingthepolicewouldhavebeensufficient.Breakinghisarm,nose,
and—”Shepaused,shakingherheadandsighing.“—threeribs,isexcessive.”

“Ma’am,”hestarted,“pleasedon’tdothis.Mycousinwon’tunderstandwhyI’mnot—”
“Pleasedon’tspeakunlessspokento,Mr.Lane.I’msorry,butIagreewithMr.DeWalt.You

wouldbenefitfromangermanagementtherapy.Thatsaid,you’vewillinglycaredforyourcousinfor
sixyearswithoutincident,whichIchoosetoregardasamarkofgoodcharacter.Ithinkninetydaysis
excessive.Ithinksixtydaysinacourt-approved,residentialprogramwouldbesufficient.The
guardianshipofyourcousinwillbetransferredtothestateforatermofsixtydays.Pendingthe
completionofyourprogram,yourguardianshipofMelodySpindlerwillbereinstated.”

“Please,ma’am,I’mbeggingy—”
“I’vemademydecision,Mr.Lane,”shesaid,raisingthegavelandlettingitfall.“Court

dismissed.”

Coltclenchedhiseyesshut,hisfingerscurlingintofistsunderthetableasLeslieBelden

whispered,“Chargesdropped.Alittletherapystint.Luckyyou,”nearhisear.

Luckyme?Areyoufuckingcrazy,lady?Luckyme?
HehadnoideawhatwouldbecomeofMelodyduringhis“treatment.”Wouldshehaveasocial

worker?Wouldthatpersonbemaleorfemale?Wouldheorshetreatherkindly?ThankGodshewas
atBonnie’sPlace,whereaCMwouldbeon-sitelookingafterher.WouldMelunderstandwhyColton
wasn’tcomingtoseeher?Wouldtheyexplaintoherthathewouldbeback,orwouldshebelievethat

hehadabandonedher?JesusChrist.Lucky?

“Colton.”
Verity’svoicecutthroughthemurmurandhumofthecourtroom,thesweetestvoiceGodever

created.Hisjawtightened,andheclampedhiseyesshut.YoujustlostMel,andyoucanbarelytake
careofyourself.Youareuselesstoher.Lethergo.Doit.Justdoit.

“Pleasego,”hemutteredwithoutturningaround.
“What?”
“Please,”hebeggedherthroughclenchedteeth.“Pleasejustgo.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Go.Leave!”
“Colton.Iloveyou.Youloveme.We’llgetthroughthis.”
“No,wewon’t.Youhavetogo.”
Tearsfloodedhervoice,anditbrokewhenshespokeagain.“Wh-whatdoyoumean‘No,we

won’t’?Iloveyou.Ican’tjustgo.”

Don’tlookather.Don’tturnandlookintoherblueeyesoveryourshoulder,oryou’llbeweak—

youwon’tbeabletodowhatyouhavetodotosetherfree.

“Imean...”Heswallowedoverthemassivelumpinhisthroat.Hehadjustlostguardianshipof

hiscousin.Hewasheadedtoasixty-daytreatmentprogramforpsychos.Ifitwasn’tasuccess,hehad
noideawhatwouldhappennext.Maybehe’dloseMelforgood.Meanwhile,he’dalreadylosthisjob,
andVerityhad,morethanlikely,losthersaswell.He’ddestroyedsomanylivesonMonday
afternoon,andhecouldn’tbeartodoanymoredamagetothepersonhelovedmorethananyoneelse
intheworld.

He’dbrokeneverypromisehe’devermadetoAuntJaneandMelody.
He’dpromisednottohurtVerity,butthiswasworsethananythinghisfistscouldhavewreaked.

Thesorrowonherfacewhenhewalkedintothecourtroomwaskillinghiminside.Hurther?He’d
leveledher.Hecouldseeitinhereyes,justashe’dseenitinhismother ’ssolongago.

Allheknewwasthathehadtocutherloose.
Allheknewwaswhathe’dalwaysknown,fromthefirstmomenthe’dmether:thatVerityGwynn

deservedfarbetterthanhim.

Andhehadtomakeithappen,nomatterwhat,whichmadehimgocoldforhersake,whichmade

himdeadinside,sohecouldgetthefuckingjobdone.

“Ilostmyjobandmycousinbecauseofyouandyourbrother.Iwantyoutogo.Getoutofmy

house.Idon’twantyouthere.Moveon,”hesnarled,hiseyesburningwithtearsasthebailiff
approachedhim.Hespokeintohisshoulderinalow,menacinggrowl,stillrefusing,unable,tolook
atherwhilehesaidthesehatefulwords.“Ineverwanttoseeyourfaceagain.”

“Colton,”shegaspedasthebailiffpulledonhishandcuffs,urginghimtostand.Withoutanother

word,hemovedaroundthetable,followingtheuniformedmantowardthesidedoor.

“Good-bye,”hemurmured,knowingshecouldn’thearhim,ignoringthewetnessonhischeeks

andtheheavinessofhisbrokenheart.

You’llbebetteroffwithoutme,sunshine.

***

VeritystaredatthesidedoorofthecourtroomindisbeliefasColtonwalkedthroughitwithouteven
turningaroundtolookatheronelasttime.Sheplacedherhandonherchest,unabletobreathe,her
lungsburningastearsfellinstreamsdownhercheeks.

“He’shurtin’bad,”saidJoesoftly,appearingbesideherwithRyan.“Realbad.”
Sheturnedherbodytotheolderman,lettingherforeheadfalltohisshoulderassheexhaledona

sob,lettingwavesofsadnessrockherbody.Joeputhisarmsaroundherandheldontightfora
minuteortwo.

“Ohno.Ohno.Ver ’tyissad.Ver ’tyisso,sosad.”
“Shhh,now,honey,”saidJoe,rubbingherbacksoothinglyasheleanedawaytolookintoher

eyes.

“Hesaidhen-neverwantedtos-seem-myfaceagain,”shesaid,herwordsbrokenbytearsand

gaspsofbreath.“Heb-blamesme.Heh-hatesme.”

“Onlyoneheblamesishimself,honey.”Joepattedherbackgently,lookingoveratRyan,who

rockedbackandforth,increasinglyupset.“Youcalmyourselfnow,son.Youain’thelpin’yoursister
noneactin’likethat.”

Ryanstoppedrocking,buthestillwhisperedcombinationsof“Ohno”and“Ver ’tyissosad”

underhisbreath.

WhenJoeturnedbacktoVerity,hisfacewascompassionate.“Hedon’tblameyou.Hehates

himselfsomethin’awfulrightnow.Youknowthat.”

Shesniffled,tryingtosetColton’sincrediblypainfulwordstothesideandthinkaboutwhathe

wasgoingthrough.Arrested.Arraigned.Court-mandatedangermanagement.Butworstofall—the
mostterribleblow,sheknew—wasthelossofMelody’sguardianship,whichColtonhadtakenso
seriously.Shecouldn’timaginehowbadhemustbefeelingrightnow,howterriblyhemustbe
hurting.

“Iknow,”shewhispered.
“Hecan’tseestraight.Can’tseenothin’butbein’awayfromyouandbein’awayfromhiscousin

andlettin’everyonedown.Hateshimself,notyou.Youmarkmywords.”

Shenodded,reachinguptodryhertears.Suddenlyshefeltweakandridiculousforbreaking

downinthemiddleofthecourtroomandcryingalloverJoe’ssuitjacket.

“Sorry,”shesaid.
“Noneedtobe,”hesaid.“Youlovehim.Thatmakesithurtworse.”
“Thanks,Joe.”
“Anytime.Youtwoneedaride?”
Sheshookherhead.“I’vegotColton’scar.”
Joenodded.“YoumindwhatIsaidnow.Ifanythin’,honey,thatmanneedsyoumorethanever

rightnow.Don’tlethimdown,huh?He’soneofthegoodones.”

SheleanedupandkissedJoeonthecheek.“Youaretoo.”
ShethoughtshespiedablushasJoepattedRyanonthearmandambledtowardtheexit.
“Ryan,”shesaidgently,“I’vestoppedcrying,see?I’mokaynow.Ipromise.”
“Colton’sourfriend.ColtonlovesVer ’ty.”
Shewhimpered,clenchingherteethtokeepfromcryingout.

“Ihopeso,”shemanagedtowhisper.
“Hedon’tblameyou.Oneofthegoodones.Coltonisoneofthegoodones.”
HerbrotherwasparrotingJoe’swords,tryingtocomforther,buttheproblemwithJoe’sand

Ryan’sreassuranceswasthatsheblamedherself.Mightily.BeforesheandRyanandtheirtruckloadof
badluckcareenedintoColtonLane’slife,he’dhadadecentjobandtheguardianshipofhiscousin.
Nowhewas,forallintentsandpurposes,incarceratedforthenexttwomonths,hehadnojob,andhis
cousinwasatemporarywardofthestate.Hehadeveryrighttoblameher.Hehadeveryrighttohate
her.

Infact,therewasonlyonethingthatactuallydidreassureher.Avery,verysmallthing,which

gavehermorehopethananythingelse,anditwasthis:whenhe’dsaidthoseterriblethingstoher,he
hadn’tlookedintohereyes.Hehadn’teventurnedaround.Maybehewastoodisgustedtolookather,
butmaybe—justmaybe—hecouldn’tlookatherbecauseheknewhewaslyingtoher.Anduntilshe
sawthetruthofhishatredinhiseyes,shewouldhopethathewasjustpushingherawayoutofanger.

Hewascertainlyentitledtohisanger,butjustdaysagohe’dheldherinhisarmsandpledgedto

loveherforalltime.AndsheknewenoughofColtonLanetohavefaithinthosewordsandnotto
throwthemawaybecausehe’dlashedoutatherduringagod-awfulmomentintime.Shewouldhold
ontothem.Shewouldwaitforhim,justincasehedidn’tmeanwhathesaidtoday.

Andifshewasgoingtoholdonandwait,sheneededtobelieveinhimandhavefaithinhis

wordstoday.Now.Rightthissecondandeverysecondofthenextsixtydays,spreadoutlikeeternity
beforeher.Sixtydays.Itfeltlikesuchalongtime,andshefeltsosadanddefeatedandalone,she
didn’tknowwhattodowithherself.Freshtearsthreatenedtofall.

Ifanythin’,honey,thatmanneedsyoumorethaneverrightnow.Don’tlethimdown,huh?He’s

oneofthegoodones.

Andjustlikethat,shehadanideaofsomethingsheandRyancoulddorightthissecond,andonce

she’dfixedonit,itseemedliketheonlypossibleplanfortherestoftoday—theonlywaytotakea
strongstepintherightdirection,inthedirectionsheneededtoheadwithoutfailforthenextsixty
days,believingthat,whensheclampedeyesonColtonLaneagain,hiswouldbeshiningwithlove,
nothatred.

SheturnedtoRyanandofferedhimasmall,weaksmile.“Well,it’sonlyfouro’clock.Know

whereIthinkweshouldgo?”

“McDonald’s?”
Sheshookherhead.“Nope.TovisitMelody.Wecouldpickupsomeicecreamandgosayhello

toher.MaybetrytoexplainthatColton’sgoingtobeawayforalittlewhile,butwe’llbethereforher
wheneversheneedsus.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Rockyroad.Ithinkrockyroad.”
“That’sherfavorite,huh?”
“Yeah.Andrainbowsprinkles.”
“Rockyroadwithrainbowsprinkles,”shesaid,liftingherchinandtakingherbrother ’sarmas

theyexitedthecourtroom.“Soundslikeaplan.”

CHAPTER17

“Daythirty,”saidDr.Warren,steppingaroundthedeskandsittingdownacrossfromColt,whosatin
aguestchair.“Halfwaythroughyourtreatment,whichmeansyougetyourletterwritingprivileges
instatedtoday.Anyoneyou’rethinkingaboutwritingto?”

“MaybeMel,”hesaid,“butIdon’tknowwhattofuc—”Hetookadeepbreathandletitout

slowly.Partofhistherapywastotrynottocurseasfreelyasheusedto.“Idon’tknowwhattosayto
her.‘Rememberme?Yourlong-lostcousin?’”

“Shewastoldthatyou’dbeawayforawhile.”
“Beaway,”hesaidsoftly.“WhatdoesthatevenmeantosomeonewithDownsyndrome?”
“You’reunderestimatingher,Ithink.She’snotachild.Herbrainmaynotworkasefficientlyas

yours,buthavingDownsyndromedoesn’tmeanshecan’tunderstandtimeandabsence.Fromwhat
you’vetoldme,Melisactuallyquitehigh-functioningandbright.Besides,you’llseeherinamonth
andyou’llbeabletoexplaintoherinpersonthen.It’llbeokay.”

Man,Ihopeso.
“Somaybeyou’llwritetoMelifyoucanfigureoutwhattosay.”Thedoctorkepthisexpression

neutral.“Anyoneelse?”

Coltlookeddownathislap,Verity’sfaceappearinginhismindasitdidineveryquietmoment.

Herbeautifulblueeyes,fulllips,angel-softhair.Iloveyou.Youloveme.We’llgetthroughthis.But
suddenlyherfacetwisted,becominghaggardandtired,amash-upofherfaceinthecourtroomand
hismother ’sfaceafteroneofhisfather ’stantrums.Coltshookhishead,lookingupatDr.Warren.

“Nah,”hesaidsoftly.
“Not...Verity?”
Hername.Justhearinghernamewasenoughtoguthim.
“Itoldhertogo.I...”
“You...what?”
“Youalreadyknowthis,”saidColt,startingtofeelirritated.
Irritated,notangry,whichwasanimportantdistinction,becauseannoyanceandirritationwere

emotionshe’dgenerallyskippedbeforefindinghimselfinthethroesoffull-blownanger.However,
sincearrivingatCentralStateHospitalandbeginninghisforcedtherapywithDr.Warren,Coltwas
changing.Thedocsaidhewashealing.

“ItoldherIneverwantedtoseeherfaceagain,”saidColt.“Itoldhertogo.”
“Yes,butmaybeshedidn’tgojustbecauseyoutoldherto.”
Colttriedtoswallowoverthelumpinhisthroat.“It’sbestifshedid.”
“Whydoyouthinkthat?Youdon’ttalkaboutherverymuch,butwhenyoudo,it’sclearshe

meanssomethingtoyou.”

Something?
Everything.
VerityGwynnhadbeenhisshotathappiness,andhe’druinedit—he’dkilledit.He’dbeatArtieto

apulp,hurtandabandonedherandherbrother.Lynettehadalmostdefinitelyfiredher,thoughhe

didn’tknowforsure.Butthefinalnailinthecoffin,theinsulttotheinjury,washisrejectionofherin
thecourtroom—tellingherheblamedherandwantedheroutofhishouse.Heknewnowthatthe
mannerinwhichhe’dlashedoutatherwaspartiallyduetohisangerdisorder,butpartofhimwas
actinginherbestinterest,andhehadtrulywantedhertogo—tofindsomelevelheaded,even-keeled
guywhodeservedsomeoneassweetandwonderfulasVerity.

Hewasdamnsureitwasn’thim.
Helookedup.“Thisthingthat’swrongwithme?Idon’tknowifitcanbefixed.It’slikeI’m...

broken,doc.”

Dr.Warrenleanedforward,placinghiselbowsonhisdesk.“No,Colton.Youaren’tbroken.

You’resick.Justlikeyourfatherwassick.Whatyouhave,asyouknow,isamedicalcondition—an
angerdisordercalledintermittentexplosivedisorder,whichwe’vestartedtreatingmedicallyand
psychologically.”

“LikeIsaid,broken.”
“Recovering,”saidDr.Warrenwithawarningedgeinhisvoice.“Sincewestartedyouonthat

SSRIthreeweeksago,you’vestartedhealing.Letmeaskyouthis:istheremedicalmaintenance
involvedwithcontrollingadisorderlikediabetes?Yes.Willtherebemedicalmaintenanceinvolved
tocontrolyourIED?Ofcourse.Diabeticstakeinsulin;youtakeanSSRI.Andyoualreadyknowthat
whenyouheadbackintotherealworld,you’regoingtoneedtocontinuewithpsychotherapyand
yourmedicationregime,butyoualsohavesometoolsforwhenthatboilingandchurningstarts
inside.”

Coltsighed.Itwastruethatsincehe’dbeentakingtheSSRImedication,hehadn’tfeltthe

simmeringragethathadbeenhisconstantcompanionformostofhislife,anditwasablessedrelief.
Hewouldstillgetannoyedorirritated,butthosefeelingsdidn’tbuildandbuilduntiltheyclimaxed
withhimbreakingfurnitureorhittingpeople.

Despitethefactthathedidn’texperienceanynegativesideeffectswithhismedication,itmade

himfeelweaktohavetotakeit.Partofhimhatedthathewasgoingtoneedtobeonmedicationfor
therestofhislife.HesharedasmuchwithDr.Warren.

“Doesinsulinmakeadiabeticweak?No.It’samedicationthatsaveshislife.AnSSRIissaving

yours.Besides,wedon’tknowthatyou’llneedtobeonthemedsforever,”hesaid.“Thebrainis
unchartedterritory.It’spossiblethat,afterafewyearsontheSSRI,wecouldtryweaningyouoffand
seehowyoudo.You’reastrongman,Colton.What’samazingtome,asI’vesharedwithyoubefore,
ishowwellyoumanagedtocontrolyouranger,medicallyunaided,formostofyourlife.You’re
strong.Muchstrongerthanyougiveyourselfcreditfor.Buttherewasonlysomuchlongeryou
couldhavelastedwithoutputtingsomeoneinacoma...orworse.Iknowyoumaynotwanttohear
it,butthebestthingthateverhappenedtoyouwasbeingremandedintomycare.”

DocWarrenwastryingtobeencouraging,butColtknewbetter.Thebestthingthathadever

happenedtohimwasVerity...thewomanhe’dwillfullyshovedoutofhislifethirtydaysago.

“Maybeshe’llsurpriseyou,”saidthedocsoftly,withhisuncannyknackforreadingColt’smind.
Coltswallowedoverthelumpinhisthroat,rememberingherbrokenvoiceafterhetoldherhe

neverwantedtoseeherfaceagain.Heshookhishead.“No.I...Ihurther.Bad.IfIwasher...”He
paused,thewaveofsadnessinsidealmostunbearable.Sadness,notanger.Anotherimportant

distinction,thoughthesmallvictorywaswashedawaywithhissorrow.“...I’dbelonggonebynow.”

“Maybe.”Dr.Warrennodded,givingColtasadsmilebeforecockinghisheadtotheside.“But

love’sunpredictable.Thatguyinthesongdidn’texpectahundredyellowribbonseither.”

“Whatguy?”
“I’mdatingmyselfhere,”saidthedoc,laughingsoftly.“Oldsongcalled‘TieaYellowRibbon

RoundtheOleOakTree.’Don’tknowit?”

Coltshookhishead.
Dr.Warrensighed.“Well,it’saboutthisguy,and,well,Iguesshejustgotoutofjailafterafew

years.Andthisisintheseventies,beforecellphonesandtheInternet,sohewrotehissweethearta
lettersayinghe’dbepassingherhouseonabus,andifshetiedayellowribbonaroundtheoaktreein
thefrontyard,he’dgetoffthebusandcomehometoher.Ifnot...”Thedocshrugged.“...he’dstay
onthebusandleaveheralonetogetonwithherlife.”

Coltleanedforward,grippingtheedgeofthedesk.“Whathappened?”
“Let’ssee...Well,Iguesstheygettoherneighborhood,andtheguycan’tevenbeartolookout

thewindow,youknow?Becausehe’ssurethetreewillbebare.Soheasksthebusdrivertolookfor
him.Andsuddenlythewholebusstartscheering,andhelooksoutthewindow.Insteadofoneribbon,
she’stiedahundredaroundthetree.”

“Fuck,”saidColt,clenchinghisteethandblinkinghiseyes.
Dr.Warrengavehimalookforswearing,thenshrugged.“I’llforgivethatonebecausethatsong,

myfriend,isonehellofatearjerker.”

Coltstareddownathishandsonthedesk,thinkingabouttheguyonthebus.Heknewexactlyhow

hefelt.Butatleastthatluckybastardhadaspeckofhope.Coltdidn’tevenhavethat.He’dtoldherto
go,andafterthewayhe’dtreatedher,hewascertainshewaslonggone.

Thedocclearedhisthroat.“Whatdoyouhavetolosebywritingtoher?Ifshe’salreadygone,

youlosenothing.Ifthere’sachanceshestuckaround,itcouldtipthescalesinyourfavorifsheknew
youweresorry.Ifsheknewthatyoustill,well,loveher.Thatis,ifyoudoloveher.”

Morethananything.
“Whatifshedoesn’twriteback?”
“Again,”saidDr.Warren,“whatwillhaveyoulostbytrying?”
“Nothing,”murmuredColt.
“Promisemeyou’llthinkaboutit?”
Coltnodded.“I’llthinkaboutit.”
“Goodtohear.That’sitfortoday.You’vegotchoresandexercise,andI’vegotMaureen.Wish

meluck.”

Coltgrimaced.Maureenwasabiter.
“Goodluck,”saidColt,standingupandheadingforthedoor.Heturnedatthelastminute.

“Thanks,doc.Thanksforeverything.”

“Thinkaboutit,Colton,”hesaid.“Nothingtolose.”
“Yes,sir,”saidColt,closingthedoorbehindhim.

***

Itdidn’tsurpriseVeritywhenLynetteletthemgoaweekaftertheincidentbetweenColtonandArtie

inthestable.

She’dactuallyfiredVerity“withcause,”claimingthatshe’dlefthershiftseveraltimeswithout

completingit,whichwas—theoretically,atleast—true.Ryanwasatrickiercase,however,becausehe
wasprotectedundertheADAandLynettewasn’tinterestedinbeingdraggedthroughcourtbyVerity,
whocouldlikelywinacivilcaseonharassment-on-the-jobchargesalone.

IthelpedalittletoknowthatArtiehadbeenfiredtoo—hissqueakycleanKnightinShining

ArmorimagepermanentlytarnishedbyhiscrueltytoRyan.HewassmarttoleaveTLOCassoonas
possible,asthetideshadquicklyturnedagainsthim,withmanyfemaleserversfinallycoming
forwardtocomplainofhimtakingliberties—squeezingtheirbreastsandbacksidesuninvitedand
makinglewdovertures—oncehewasgone.

LynetteofferedfiftypercentofRyan’ssalary,includingfullhealthcareanddental,fortwelve

monthsoruntilhefoundanotherjob,aslongasthey’dleavequicklyandwouldn’tpresscharges
againstTLOCforArtie’smistreatmentofRyan.AndalthoughitgratedonVeritytotakethedealwhen
itmeantsweepingArtie’sdisgustingbehaviorundertherug,shecouldn’teatherconvictions.Ifthey
livedatColton’shouseandspentRyan’spartialsalaryfrugally,theycouldekebyuntiltheyfound
newjobs.Soshe’dsaidyestothedeal,thencriedherselftosleepinColton’sbed,hatingher
desperation,missinghimterribly,andwondering—asshedideverynight—whatwouldhappenatthe
endoftheirlongsixtydaysapart.

Wouldhebeshockedtofindthemstillinhishouseandkickthemout,insistingthatheblamed

herandhatedherforwhathadhappened?OrwouldheonceagainbetheColtonshe’dfalleninlove
with—gentleandprotective,lovingandtender—sorryforhisunforgivingwordsanddesperateto
makethingsright?Sheworriedabouttheformerbutremainedhopefulforthelatter.

She’dalsotakentimetoreviewthejudge’ssentenceandthinkoverColton’sbehavior.Twice

she’dwatchedhim—onceinthemotelparkinglotandagaininthestableswithArtie—lashout
brutallywhensomeonehecaredaboutwasthreatened.Bothtimes,itwasalmostlikehewason
autopilot,inathick,almostunreachablefogofrage.Andwhileshetrulydidn’tbelievethathe’dever
hurther,sheworriednow,asshehadinthepast,thatifhecouldn’tgethisangerundercontrol,it
wouldbeamatteroftimebeforehekilledsomeone.

Duringtheirtimeapart,she’dlookedupangerdisordersontheInternet,and,althoughshedidn’t

knowColton’sformalmedicaldiagnosis,enoughofthesymptomsshereadaboutledhertobelieve
thathewasprobablystrugglingwithamanageableconditioncalledintermittentexplosivedisorder.If
so,duringhistimeawayfromheratCentralStateHospital,hewasreceivingmedicaland
psychologicalcarethatcouldendupsavinghislife,andmaybeevensavingtheirrelationshiptoo.

Shehopedso.Shehopedsohard,itached.
Butnomatterhowmuchithurt,shecouldn’tgiveuponhim.Shewouldn’t.Notyet.
Shefoundsomeunexpectedsolaceingardening—plantingbordersofcheerfulimpatiensand

pansiesaroundthewalkwaysofhishome,keepingthelawnmowedandtheedgestrimmed.She
remembered,withsuchhappiness,thelastSundaythey’dspenttogetherbeforetheincidentwithArtie.
Coltongardening,hercleaning,sprayingeachotherwiththehose,makingloveinthesunshine.Ithad
beensonormal.JustayoungcoupleinlovespendingaSundaytogether.Howshe’dwantedamillion
more.Shestilldid.

Asdaysturnedintoweeks,MelodyandRyanbecameVerity’sfocalpoints.RyanadoredMelody,

andbylovingandlookingoutforMel,VerityfeltlikeshewashonoringColton’sunspokenwishes,
whichgaveherpurposeandsomehowmadehisabsenceeasiertobear...exceptatnight,whenshe
sleptinhisbedandsnuggledintohispillow,missinghim,dreamingofhim—brightvividdreamsof
hishandsonherbody,hisdarkeyeslookingtenderlyintohers,throughhers,fusinghissoultohers.
Whenshewokeupalone,theendlesstearswouldstart,fallinguntilshefellasleepagainorwokeup
groggilytomakeRyan’sbreakfast.

Timewentslowlywithoutajob,withoutwordfromColton,herthoughtsandworriespreyingon

her,evenasshetriedtostaypositive.Bonnie’sPlacebecameherhaven,littlebylittle,untilsheand
Ryangotintothehabitofstoppingbyeveryafternoon,afterMelodygothomefromwork,toshare
suppertogether.

ThelittlefamilythatVerityhadseencomingintofocusatthezoo,lessoneimportantmember,

wasasintactasitcouldbefornow,thoughmissingColton’sfaceatthetablewasadailyachethat
wouldn’tsubside.

ButhertimevisitingBonnie’sPlaceturnedouttobefruitfulformorethanjustlookingafter

Melody.ItledtoanewopportunitythatgaveVerityevenmorepurpose.Afterseveralweeksofdaily
visits,oneofMel’sCMs,Francisco,askedVerityifshehadanyinterestin,one,enrollingRyanin
theirdayprogram,andtwo,workingpart-timeattheBonnie’sPlacesundriesstore.

“Doesn’tpaymuch,”hesaid,standingoutsidecomplexF(IsFor“Friendship”),wherehecaught

VerityandRyanastheywerewalkingbacktoColton’scaroneevening.“Buttheolderladywhoused
toworkthere?Simone?Shefelldownsomestairsandbrokeherhip.Wouldbenicetohavesomeone
therewhowealreadyknewwecouldtrust.”

“You’reofferingmeajob?”sheasked,hermouthdroppingopeninsurprise.
“No,”hesaid,grinningather.“It’snotminetooffer.ButIthinkyoushouldapply.”
Shedid.Andonthespot,thedirectorofBonnie’sPlacetoldhershecouldhavethejob:Mondays,

Wednesdays,andFridays,fromnoontosixp.m.Sheacceptedthepositiongratefullyandsignedup
RyanfortheBonnie’sPlacedayprogram,wherehelearnedlifeandjobskillsandenjoyedthe
amenitiesattherecreationcenterfivedaysaweek.Sheenjoyedthepart-timework,andsheloved
watchingRyanbuildanewlifeforhimself,makingfriendswithinthenurturinggatesofBonnie’s
Place.

OnTuesdaysandThursdays,whileherbrotherwasatthedayprogram,shecaredforColton’s

house:gardening,ofcourse,butalsomakingnewcurtainsforthekitchenandlivingroomwindows,
fresheningupthepaintontheoutsideshutters,andplantingclimbingivythatwasalreadygrowingup
andaroundthemailbox.Itwastheonlywayforhertoshowhimthatshelovedhim,andbesides,she
wouldhavegonecrazyifshedidn’tstaybusy.

Butsheshouldhaveknownthatthestatusquowouldn’tlast.
AlmostfortydaysintoColton’srehabilitation,Veritycamedownwithastomachbug,awicked

onethatmadeherthrowupforafewhoursoneTuesdaymorning,thenfallbackintobedatthebrink
ofexhaustionandsleepforanadditionalfourhoursbeforewakingupandhurlingagain.

Thefunnythingwas,shedidn’thaveafeverorthesweats,shehadn’teatenanythingfunny,and

evenaftersleeping,shestillfeltbonetired.Nursingacupofteainthekitchen,whereshecheckedoff

thedaysofColton’scommitmentonawallcalendar,shefinallyputtwoandtwotogether,widening
hereyeswithshockandawe.Leapingupfromthetable,shestaredatthecalendar,herheartbeating
fasterandfaster,herhandsshakingassheturnedbackthepage.

SheandColtonhadmadeloveonthepicnictableforty-twodaysago...andshehadn’tgottena

periodsince.She’dbeensooverwhelmedanddepressedandanxioustostaybusy,ithadn’toccurred
toherthatshe’dskippedacycle,butnowitdid.

Racingtothebathroom,shewhippedherT-shirtoverherheadandlookedatherbreastsspilling

outofhersimplewhitecottonbra.

“OhmyGod,”shemurmured,staringatherstill-flatstomachinthemirrorwithwideeyes.

Unprotectedsex.Nausea.Exhaustion.Hugeboobs.Noperiod.Italladdeduptooneunmistakable
sum.“OhmyGod,ohmyGod,ohmyGod.I’m...”

Placingherhandstenderlyonherbelly,shelookedatherselfinthemirrorashereyespooled

withtears.I’mpregnantwithhisbaby.ShewascarryingColton’schildinsideher,achildthatshe
wantedsomuchandsocompletely,shethoughtshemightfaintfromthewaveofpurelovethatswept
overher.I’mhavinghisbaby.Herheartracedwithhappiness,evenasrivuletsoftearsrolleddown
hercheeks.

“I’mwaitingforyou,”shevowed,thinkingofColton,ofherknight,hersweetplace,herlove.

Shesniffledsoftlyasshewipedhertearsawayandsmiledathertummy.“AndnowI’mwaitingfor
youtoo.”

***

ForaweekColtonhadbeentryingtofindtherightwordstotellVerityhowsorryhewas—thathe
didn’tmeanwhathe’dsaidtoherinthecourthouse,thathelovedherasmuchasitwaspossiblefora
mantoloveawoman,andthattheweeksshe’dlivedwithhimwerethehappiestofhiswholelife.

Whenthesunshinewokehimup,shewasthefirstthingonhismind.
Whileheworkedoutatthehospitalgym,hecomposedletterstoher.
Whilehemoppedthehallways,hearrangedwordsofapologyinhishead.
Whentheboltsoundedonhishospitalroomdooratnight,helayinbed,staringattheceiling,

tryingdesperatelytofigureoutwhattosay.

Andsuddenlyfiftydayshadpassedandhehadabouttwentylettersstarted,piledinthetopdrawer

ofhisdesk,unsentbecausenoneofthemsoundedjustright.Noneofthemexpressedtheprofound
depthsofhisregretandremorse.Noneofthemdidjusticetoherloveforhimandhisforher.None
ofthemfeltfairifshe’dalreadymovedonandstartedbuildinganewlifeforherselfandRyan.And
noneofthemfeltliketheywouldmakeanydifferenceanyway,becauseinhishearthebelievedshe
wasalreadygone...

...thatis,untildayfifty-three,whenhereceivedaletterfromMelody.
Writteninhercheerful,childlikescrawl,itread:

DearColton,

Comeandseeme.

Let’seateggsatthetable.

Imissyou.

Ryanmissesyoutoo.

Iloveyou.

Love,

Melody

xoxox

Heblinkedatthenote,readingitandrereadingittentimesbeforesettingitdownandrereadingit

tenmoretimes.Notthatitmadeanymoresenseonthetwenty-firstreading,buttherewasonelinethat
hestaredat,hisheartandheadwarringpassionatelyoveritstruth:

Ryanmissesyoutoo.
WasMelthinkingwishfullyaboutthedayatthezoo,wishingshecouldseeRyanagain?Orhad

shetransposedthewordsandactuallymeant“ImissRyantoo”?

Or—andthisiswherehisheartclutchedandheenvisionedahundredyellowribbonsarounda

fuckingoaktreehedidn’tevenhave—didMelactuallymeanwhatshe’dwritten?Whichwouldmean
thatshewasincontactwithRyanand,therefore,Verity.Thatwouldmeanthatnotonlydidtheynot
leave,theywereseeingMelodyregularlyenoughforhiscousintoknowthatRyanmissedhim.

Hedidn’twanttofeelthesuddenexhilarationthatmadehisheartracelikehell.Partofhim

despisedthesharp,almostpainful,rushofhopefulnessthatmadehisbreathcatch.Wasthereachance
she’dstayed?Wasthereachanceshe’dnotonlystuckaround,butstilllovedhimenoughtokeepan
eyeonhiscousin?Couldtherestillbeaplaceinherheartforimperfect,brutal,desperately-in-love
him?

Proppingupthenoteonthesmalldeskinhisroom,hetookoutafreshsheetofpaperanda

pencil,andwithonefinallookofhopefulnessatMelody’simprobablenews,hestartedanotherletter.

CHAPTER18

Dr.WarrenstoodoutsideofCentralStateHospitalwithColt,waitingforthesocialworkerwho
wouldpickhimupanddrivehimbacktoAtlantaforasupervisedvisitwithMelbeforeheading
home.Itgratedonhimthat,afterservinghissixtydays“withflyingcolors”(accordingtothedoc),
hewasrequiredtohaveawatchdogwhilehevisitedhiscousin.ButDr.Warrenhadalreadysenda
lettertoJudgeStanton,advisingthatColtwasafitguardian,soColtexpectedforhisguardianship
statustobereinstatedbytheendofOctoberatthelatest.Hehoped,anyway.

God,therewassomuchhehopedfor.
He’dfinallywrittenandmailedhislettertoVeritysixdaysago,afterworkingonitforabout

twenty-fourhoursstraight.HehadconsideredsendingittohercareofTheLegendofCamelot,which
hadtohaveaforwardingaddressfortaxesandsuch,buthedidn’ttrustLynettetogotothetroubleof
sendingittoher,sohesentittohishouse,hopingagainsthopethatVeritywasstillthere.Ithad
occurredtohimthatifshewasthere,she’dalreadyreceivedit.Ithadalsooccurredtohimthatifshe
was—bysomemiracle—stillthere,hecouldsimplypickupthephoneandcallher.Butatsomepoint
he’ddecidedtotakehischancesandjustshowup.Hereasonedthatifshewasn’tthere,itdidn’tmatter,
andifshewas,he’dhaveabetterchanceconvincinghertostayifshecouldseetheregretandlovein
hiseyes.

“Excitingtoheadhometoday?”askedDr.Warren.
Coltshrugged.“Excited?Idon’tknow.Scaredoutofmyfreakingmindismorelikeit.”
“It’llbegoodtoseeMelodyeitherway,right?”
“Yeah.I’vemissedher.”
Andhehad.
He’donlyenteredthetreatmentbecausehisguardianshipofMelodymeantsomuchtohim.Ifhe

hadn’tcareabouther,he’dhavejusttoldthejudgethatthestatecouldtakecareofherindefinitely,
andhewouldhavebeenonhismerrywaysixtydaysago.ButbeingresponsibleforMeland
honoringhispromisestoAuntJane,wasimportanttohim.

AndfranklyDr.Warrenhadbeenpartiallyright.Veritywasthebestthingthathadeverhappened

toColt,buthistwo-monthstintatCentralStatewasanot-too-farsecond.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,
helivedwithouttheincessantroilofthunderinside.Notthathewassuddenlyhappy-go-lucky—he’d
neverbethat—butthetightcoilsofangerthathadkeptafireragingwithinhimwerecooler.Didhe
stillgetangry?Sure.Butusinghisfistsorbeingdestructivewouldn’tbehisgo-tosolutionanymore.
ThroughhistherapysessionswithDr.Warren,he’dlearnedtoembraceothermethodsofsolving
disputesandexpressinghisfeelings,andtheSSRIkeptthathardedgefileddown.

“Youhavethatappointmentcard?ForDr.Woodruff?”
Coltnodded.“Yep.I’llgoseehertomorrow.”
“She’sgoingtoexpectyoueveryFridaymorningatnineo’clock.Indefinitely.Colton,Ican’t

stressenough—”

“Doc,”saidColt,lookingatthemanwho’dbeenhisdoctorandhisfriend.“I’llbethereatnine

onthedot.AndI’lltakemymedseveryday.Idon’twanttogobacktowhoIwas.”

“Whoyouwerewasn’tsobad,”saidDr.Warren.
“WhoIamnowisbetter,”saidColt.
Throughthemaingateshesawasilversedanapproaching,andColtturnedtoDr.Warren,

offeringhishand.“Idon’tknowhowtothankyouenough.”

“You’reagoodman,ColtonLane,”saidthedoc,givinghimawidesmileasheshookColt’s

hand.“Keepintouch,huh?Iwanttohearthatyoufiguredthingsoutwiththatgirlandhaveadozen
kidstogether.”

“Fromyourlips,doc...,”hesaid,hischestswellingwithhopeevenashismindforcedhimnot

togettoofaraheadofhimself.

Dr.Warrenleanedintotheopenpassengerwindow,handingthesocialworkersomepaperwork,

thenclappedColtonthearm.“Godspeed,myfriend.”

Andahundredyellowribbons,thoughtColt,slippingintothepassengerseatandwavinggood-

bye.

***

ThestatehadputaholdonColton’smailwhilehewasundergoingtreatment,butondaysixty,like
clockwork,fourlargeU.S.PostalServicebinsarrivedatthehouse,asweatymailcarrieraskingfor
Verity’ssignatureinordertoleavethem.

She’dbeenonpinsandneedlesallmorning,gladthatitwasaThursdayandRyanwouldbeat

Bonnie’sPlacefromninetofive.IfColtondemandedtheyvacatehishouse,shecouldpackthemup
quicklyandtakethebustoherbrotherwithouthimwitnessingascene.

Shewasstillbattlingsomeprettyawfulmorningsickness,butthankfullyitwasn’tall-day

sicknessanymore.Thepregnancytestshe’dtakenaweekagohadconfirmedhersuspicionswitha
doublelineofpinkthatimmediatelymadeherwonderifshewashavingagirl.Readingthe
directions,shelearnedthatthecolorofthelinesdidn’tpredictthegender,buttheimageofababygirl
withColton’sgrayeyesandherlightblondehairhadalreadydevelopedquicklyinhermind.Oh,she
wouldlovealittleboyjustashard,buttherewassomethingabouthavingadaughterwhomshe
wantedsodesperately,whenshehadn’tbeenwanted,thatwouldfeellikereversingorsomehow
correctingherownhistory.

Verityhadn’tfiguredouthowandwhentotellColtonaboutthebaby—itreallydependedontheir

reuniontoday.Ifhewashostileandunwelcoming,shewouldleavequietly,andwhoknows?Maybe
she’dnevertellhim.Shewouldn’twantherbabytoeverfeellikeoneofherparentsdidn’twanther.

Sheinhaledsharply,forcingherselftobemorepositive.Forallsheknew,hecouldbehereany

minute,andshedidn’twanttofallapartwithanxietythemomenthearrived.Eyeingthebinsofmail
bythefrontdoor,anditchingforsomethingtodo—thehousewasasneatasapin,andshe’dmowed
thelawnyesterday—sheheftedthebinsontothediningroomtableandstartedsorting.

Therewereafew“30DaysOverdue”billsthatColtonwouldneedtosortthrough,afew

magazines,andseveralenvelopeswithBonnie’sPlaceasthereturnaddress.Therewasalarge
envelopefromTheLegendofCamelot.Sheknewwhatitheld—theterminationpapersforColton’s
jobandinformationaboutCOBRA.She’dreceivedanidenticalonefromLynettethedayshewas
fired.Therewastonsofjunkmail,alegionofcatalogs,andseveraloldnewspapers,andthere,onthe
bottomofthefourthbin,wasanenvelopehand-addressedtoher.

Shereachedforit,pullingitoutofthebinandstaringatitforamomentinconfusion—Who

knowsIlivehere?—beforenoticingthatthepostmarkwasfromMilledgeville,GA.Milledgeville,
whereCentralStateHospitalwaslocated.

“OhmyGod,”shemurmured,lookingfranticallyatthepostmarkdate,relievedtofinditwassix

daysagoandnotsixweeksago.Shewouldn’thavewantedforhimtothinkshewasignoringhim.

Hemusthavesentitknowingitwouldreachmejustbeforehecamehome,shethought,fingering

itcarefully.Shepulledherbottomlipbetweenherteeth,turningtheenvelopeoverandover
nervously.Whatdiditsay?Andwhydidhefeeltheneedtowriteitwhenhe’dbehomesosoon?

Leavingthemailneatlystackedonthediningroomtable,shetooktheletterandwalkedthrough

thekitchen,downthebackhallway,andintohisroom.Shecrawledontothebed,satupagainstthe
headboard,andpulledthecoversuptoherwaist.Thereweretearsinhereyesasshestareddownat
theletterinherhands.

Thisismyfate,shethought,gulpingwithworry.Thisletterholdsmyfate.
Whatifhe’dmeanthiswordsinthecourtroom?Whatifthelettersaid,Hopeyou’reoutofmy

house.Ifnot,youbetterbeoutbythetimeIgethome.

Onehandstillheldtheletter,buttheothermoved,ofitsownaccord,toherstomach,rubbingit

gentlybeforetakingadeepbreath,carefullyrippingopentheenvelope,andpullingouttwolined
sheetsofyellownotebookpaperfoldedintothirds.

DearVerity,

I’vewrittenandrewrittenthisletteraboutahundredtimeswhileI’vebeenhere,and“Dear

Verity”alwaysbothersmebecauseifIwaslookingatyou,I’dreachforyourfaceandsay“Hey,
baby”or“Morning,sunshine,”butIdoubtyou’dbeabletohearthewordsanywaybecauseifIwas
holdingyourfaceinmyhands,I’dbelookingintoyourblueeyes,andthelumpinmythroatwould
besobig,Idon’tknowifIcouldgetanywordsout.Plus,I’dbetryingtofigureoutifthere’s
anythingIcouldsayordotoletyouknowhowsorry—howawful,terriblesorry—IamforwhatI
saidtoyouinthecourtroombeforecominghere.Theproblemis,Ican’tthinkofanywordsthatare
goodenoughorstrongenoughtoreversethedamageIdid.Asitis,I’mjustaboutpositiveyou’ll
neverreadthis.

ButifIevergotachancetolookyouintheeyesagain,I’dtellyouIwassorryforeverythingI

saidthatday—fortellingyoutogetoutofmyhouseandthatIneverwantedtoseeyourfaceagain.
YoursistheonlyfaceIwanttoseefortherestofmylife,baby—butIguessI’mgettingalittleahead
ofmyself.

Inevertoldyoumuchaboutmyfolks.Butmyfatherhadaproblem.Ineversawhimhitmy

mother,buthehitmeoftenenough,kickedourdog,gotintoscrapswiththeneighborsthatendedwith
fists.Alwaysfists.Nevertalkingthingsoutorlisteningtoreason.

BythetimeIwasnine,Iwasdoingthesame—gettingintofightsatschool,breakingthings

aroundthehousewhenIgotmad.Mymothertookmetoadoctor,whotoldherthatIhadananger
disordercalledIED,intermittentexplosivedisorder.Hesuggestedtherapyandmedication,butmy
fatherbeatmetoapulpandtoldmetoshapeup.Iguessmymotherwasreallyworriedaboutwhat
wouldhappennextbecauseshesentmetoGeorgiatolivewithmyAuntJane,UncleHerman,and

Mel.Ineversawmyfolksagain.Asyouknow,theywereinacaraccidentnotlongafter—mydaddy
wasdriving—andtheydied.

Overtheyears,I’vebrokencountlessnosesandjaws.Hadmyownbrokenmanytimesaswell.

Alwaysfistsfirst,especiallyifsomeoneIcaredaboutwasbotheredorthreatened.Yousawitatthe
motelandagainwithArtie.WanttoknowsomethingIlearnedaboutmyselfwhenIgothere?I
probablycouldn’thavestoppedmyselfevenifI’dwantedto,becausesomethinginsidemewasn’t
builtright.It’sbroken,anditcanonlybefixedwiththerapyandmedicine,asmymotherwasadvised
allthoseyearsago.

Thatdayinthecourtroom,baby?Ididn’tseealightattheendofthetunnelI’velivedinformost

ofmylife.AllIsawwasthepossibilitythatI’dabandonyouforgoodoneday.I’dkillsomeoneand
belockedupforlife,andmysweetsunshinewouldbeleftallalone.Icouldn’tdothattoyou.AllI
wasthinkingthatdaywas,Cutherloose.Lethergo,youselfishbastard.Nomatterwhat,youcan
neverbethemanshedeserves.

ExceptthatnowI’mintherapy,andItakethemedsIneed.Andoverthelastmonthorso,I’ve

startedthinkingthatmaybeIcanbethemanyoudeserve,ifyouhaveonechancelefttogiveme.Just
one.Becauseifyougavemethatchance,baby,Ipromiseyouthat’stheonlyoneI’deverneed.

I’mlookingatthissheetofpaperandtryingtodecideifIshouldsayeverythingorholdsome

back,justincaseIgetthechancetoseeyouagain.Aw,heck.What’sthepointofthisletterifIdon’t
sayitall?Sohere’stherest...Iwantyouforever,Verity.Iwantyoutobemywife,themotherofmy
kids,mypartner,mybestfriend,thewomanImakelovetoeverynightandwakeupnexttoevery
morning.IwanttospendlazySundaysgardeningaroundthehouseandmakingloveonpicnictables.
IwanttotakeMelandRyantothezooandtheparkandSlip’NSlidedayandeverywhereelsethey
wanttogo.IwantBBQdinnersonthebackpatioandmoviesinourbed.Iwantyourhandinmine.I
wantyournakedbodynexttomine.Iwantyourlegsalltangledupinmine.Iwantyoutobemine.I
wantitall,baby.AndIpromiseI’dmakeitallhappenfromthatonechance...ifyouwerewillingto
giveittome.

Nomatterwhat,Ihopeyouhaveahappylife,fulloflove,VerityGwynn.Youdeserveevery

happinesstheworldcanoffer.

Asforme,whetherornotIeverseeyourfaceagaininthislife,IwillloveyouuntilIbreathemy

lastbreath.

AndthenIwillloveyouthrougheternity.
Colton

“Colton,”shewhisperedthroughtears.She’dcriedthroughoutmostoftheletter,andshewas

utterlyexhaustednow—thewayshe’dfeelifshefinallycametotheendofadauntingjourney,which,
inessence,shehad.

Hestilllovedher.
Hestillwantedafuturewithher—aforeverwithher.
Clutchingtheletteragainstherheartwithonehand,shepressedtheotheragainsttheirbaby

growinginsideherbodyandswiftlyfellasleep.

***

HisvisitwithMelodywasgood,andsheconfirmedwhathe’ddesperatelyhopedforafterreadingher
letter—thatVerityandRyanhadneverleftAtlanta,andthey’dbeenspendingagoodbitoftimeat
Bonnie’sPlace.Infact,ifMelhadherdetailsright,Ryanwasinthelifeskillsprogramonweekdays
andVeritywasworkingatthesundriesstore.Afterhearingthat,hekissedhiscousin’scheekand
apologizedforcuttingthevisitshort,promisingtoreturnsoon.Heboltedfromherapartment,said
good-byetothesocialworker,calledacab,andwaitedimpatientlyoutsideuntilitpulledup.He
neededtogethome.HeneededtoseeVerity,touchher,talktoher,and—ohGod,please—begforone
morechance.

Asthetaxipulledintohisdriveway,heshovedatwenty-dollarbillatthedriverandquicklyexited

thecar,standingonthedrivewaywithhismouthslightlyajarasheinventoriedthechangesshe’d
madewhilehewasaway.She’dpaintedtheshuttersandmailboxwithafreshcoatofdarkgreenpaint,
andplantedflowersinneatandcolorfulbedsalongthedrivewayandinfrontofthehouse.There
werewhitecurtainsinthebaywindow,andshe’dshinedthebrassdoorknockeruntilitgleamedlike
gold.

Hisheartlifted,butheremindedhimselfnottogettoohopefulashewalkedupthefrontstoop

andunlockedthedoor.Closingthedoorbehindhim,helookedattheroom,whichshe’dfreshenedup
withanantiquecoffeetableshemusthavefoundatatagsale,andshe’devenplacedanewfigurine—
ofaprincessandaknight—ontopofit.

Walkingintothediningroom,henotedtheneatpilesofmail,catalogs,andnewspapers,andthe

mailbinssittingbesidethetable,andhiseyesstartedtoburn.Inthekitchen,therewasacalendaron
thewall,withlargeredX’scrossingthrougheverydaythey’dspentapart,andpinkandwhite
checkeredcurtainsdecoratingthewindowbesidethetable.She’dfoundAuntJane’soldrose-covered
cookiejar,andwhenheopenedthetop,thesmelloffresh-bakedoatmealcookieswaftedup,making
hismouthwateralmostasmuchashiseyes.

Takingadeepbreath,helookedtowardthehallway.Hedidn’tknowhowheknewsocertainly,

butshewasthere—inhisbedroom.Heknewit.Hecouldfeelit,andhisfeetstartedmovingtoward
herevenashisstomachjumpedandclenchedandhisheartbeatsofuriously,italmosthurt.

Heclosedhiseyesashegottotheendofthehallway,onlyopeningthemoncehewasinthe

doorwayofhisroom.

Andthereshewas.
Lyingonherside,curleduponhisbed,hisletterclutchedtoherchest,shewassoundasleep,so

peaceful,sobeautiful,suchawelcomesighttohisworried,tiredeyes,hereachedforthedoorframe
tobracehimselffromcollapsing.

She’shere.She’shere.She’shere.
Shedidn’tleaveyou.
She’shere.
Hewantedtoweeplikeababy,butclenchedhisjawandblinkedbackhistears,takingafewsteps

towardher.Heralmost-whitehairwasspreadoutonhispillowlikeahalo,thedelicatelinesofher
cheekbonesrelaxedinsleep,herlegscladinsoft-lookingjeans,herfeetbare.Kneelingonthefloor
besidehisbedandrestinghisarmsonthecomforter,hewatchedhersleep,hisheartachingwith
relief,withsorrow,withgratitude,withlonging,withalovesobigandsweepingandall-

encompassing,hehadnoideahowtheworld,letalonehisheart,couldcontainitall.

“Baby,”hewhispered,wantingtoputhishandonherhipandshakehergently,butfeelinglikehe

hadn’tearnedthatintimacyquiteyet.Shebreatheddeeplyandsighedinhersleep,asoundso
welcome,heflinchedwithyearning.“Sunshine?I’mhome.”

“You’rehome,”shemurmured,hereyesflutteringopen.Herblueeyesfocusedonhisfaceand

instantlyfilledwithtears.“Isthisadream?”

Heshookhishead,brushingawaythemoisturethatslippeddownonecheek.“No,baby.It’sme.”
“Colton,”shesaid,herfingerstighteningonthelettersheheldasatearslidoverthebridgeof

hernoseandploppedontothebed.“Iwaited.”

Thelumpinhisthroatmadeitimpossibletospeak.Henodded.Shereachedoutandplacedher

palmonhischeek,andheclosedhiseyes,leaningintohertouch,thankingGodforthemercieswe
don’tdeserve,themerciesthatchangeourwholelivesandleaveusbreathless.

“Ihoped,”shesaidsoftly,snifflingbeforeofferinghimasmall,tentativesmile.
Hestoodupandshuckedoffhisshoes,lyingdownbesideherandputtinghisarmsaroundher

body.Hiseyesclosedashepulledhercloseandrestedhisforeheadagainsthers.

“I’mbetter,”hefinallysaidwhenhewasabletospeak.“IthinkI’mbetter.”
“Iknow,”shesaid,herbreathwarmandsweetagainsthislips.“Igotyourletter.”Shepaused.“I

didn’tknow...aboutyourdad.”

“Idon’tliketalkingabouthim.Well,Ididn’t.Now,well,Iguessyouhavetotalkaboutsome

thingsthathurt.It’stheonlywaytomakethemstophurting.”

Shewasquiet,breathingdeeply,herbreastspressingagainsthimeverytimesheinhaled.He

wantedher.Herbody.Herheart.Herpresenceinhislife.Lord,hewantedhersobadly,itwasunreal.

“CanI—,”hestarted,thenstopped,feelingsuddenlyunworthyofhisrequest.
“Canyouwhat?”
“ImeanteverythingIsaidintheletter,baby,”hesaidinarush.“Iwanttomarryyouandhave

kidswithyouandmakethishouseourhome.Ipromisetotakecareofyouandloveyou,andIwill
neverhurtyouagain.Iwillgotomyappointments,andIwilltakemymedication,andIwillnever,
everleaveyouagain.”Shedidn’tsayanything,andhisheartclutchedwithworry,makinghisvoice
soft,butgravelly,ashebeggedher.“ThelifeIcouldhavewithyouistheonlyoneIwant,sunshine.I
just...please?CanIhaveonemorechancetomakeyouhappy?”

Sheleanedawayfromhim,hereyesswimmingwithtears,herlipstiltingupintotheloveliest,

sweetestsmilehe’deverseen.

“Colton,”shesaid,reachinguptocuphischeek,“youcanhaveahundredchancesifitmeanswe

staytogether.”

Ahundredyellowribbons.
Hisbreathreleasedinawhoosh,andheleanedforwardtoclaimherlipswithhis,theirtears

mixingastheyrelearnedthetouchandtextureofeachother ’slips,theirtonguesseekingeachother
anddancingwithreliefatsecondchancesandnewbeginnings.Heclutchedhertightlyagainsthim,
swearinghewouldneverhurtheragain.Hewouldcherisheverydayhehadwithher,andkeepher
safeandhappyforaslongasshe’dlethim.Shefeatheredtinykissesalonghislipsgently,slowing
theirpace,finallydrawingbackfromhimwithatwinkleinhereye.

“Ihavetotellyousomething.”
Hefroze,searchingherfaceforaclue,butasidefromofferinghimasmallsmile,therewas

none.“What?”

“First...youmeanitaboutgettingmarriedandhavingkids?”
Henodded,hiseyeslockingwithhers,feelingworriedandhopeful,tryingtofigureoutwhatwas

comingnext.

“You’resure?”
“Verity,yes,I’msure.God,it’sallIwant.I’llgetyouaringassoonasIcangetmyhandsonone.

Kidsassoonasyouwantthem.Yes,Imeanit.I’msure.”

Sheshrugged,hersmilewidening.“Howaboutin...sevenmonths?”
“Aringinsevenmonths?”
“Nope.”Sheshookherhead,hersmilesobignowthatitturnedintoagiggle.“Ababy.”
“Youwantababyinsevenmonths?”Hefurrowedhisbrowsather.“Isthatpossible?”
“Itisifthebaby’salreadyontheway,”shesaid,stilllaughing,joyfullynow.Rollingontoher

back,shepushedhershirtupandreachedforhishand,placingitgentlyonthesoftswellofherbelly.

Hesuckedinabreathofairsoquickly,itstunghislungs.Hiseyeswidened,flickingtoher

stomachandstaringathismassivehandcoveringherpaleskin.OhmyGod.OhmyGod.She’s...
She’s...

“Colton?”
Whenhelookedatherface,thefaceofhischild’smother,hewasstruckwithaloveso

fathomless,italmostscaredhim.Hisbreathhitchedasheblurtedout,“You’repregnant?”

Shenodded,stillgrinning,buthersmilewasslightlylesscertainnow.“Thepicnictable.”
“Thepicnictable,”herepeated,hislipstwitchingashestaredather,realizationfinallykicking

in.“We’rehavingababy?”

Shenodded.“Youmeantit,right?Youwantkidsand—”
Hedidn’tletherfinishwhatshewassaying,draggingherlipstohisandkissingherfiercely,

withabandon,withgratitudeforendinghisyearsofloneliness,withloveforherandthechildshe
wascarrying,withhopefortheirfuturetogether.Whenhedrewbackfromher,hewasbreathlessand
overcome.

“Iwantthebaby.Ialreadylovethebaby,”hemurmured.“When?”
Shesmiledupathim,allapprehensiongone.“Spring.”
“We’regettingmarriedtomorrow,”hesaid,frowningather.
Shegiggled,anditchasedthelinesfromhisfaceasshearcheduponherelbow,thenshimmied

ontohischest,halfcoveringhisbodywithhersandcradlinghisfacewithherhands.“Iloveyou,
ColtonLane,myVikingKnightinshiningarmor.Iwillmarryyoutomorroworanyotherdayyou
want.”

“Iloveyoutoo,baby,”hesaid,leaninguponhiselbowsforanotherkiss,andknowingcertainly

—forgoodandforever—thatVerityGwynn,hissunshine,hislove,hisfiancée,andthemotherofhis
springbaby,wasthesweetestplacetheworldcouldeveroffer.

EPILOGUE

Oneyearlater

Thesunwashighandbrightoutsidethebedroomwindow,buttheworstofthehotAtlantasummer
wasbehindthem,whichwaswhyVerityhadinsistedonlateSeptemberforthewedding.

Leaningoverthebed,shefinishedchangingthree-month-oldJaneFaith,cooingatherprideand

joy,whohadjuststartedsmilingbackathermamalastweek.

“Who’stheprettiestflowergirlinthewholeworld?”sheaskedagain,andbabyJanegurgledand

squealed,pumpingherfatbabylegswithglee.

Veritychuckledsoftly,pullingthesweetwhitebabydressbackonandputtingJaneonher

stomachsoshecouldtieapinkbowinthebackbeforepickingherup.

“You’rebeautiful,youknow,”shesaid,lookingintoherdaughter ’sbrightblueeyes.
“Ofcourseshe’sbeautiful,”saidColtonfrombehindher.Sheturnedtofindhimleaningagainst

thebedroomdoor,amegawattsmileonhisfaceashegazedathisgirls.“Lookathermama.”

“Lookatherdaddy,”saidVeritywithatouchofsass,crossingtheroomtohandhimJaneand

steppingupontiptoestoofferherlipsforaquickkiss.

“Yeah,lookathim,”hesaid,kissinghertwicebeforelookingdownatJane,nestledinthecrook

ofhismusculararm.“Lookhowdangluckyheis.”

“Youcometohurryusalong?”sheasked.
“Uh-huh,”hesaid.“Thebride’simpatient,andsinceI’msupposedtowalkherdowntheaisle,

Mrs.Lane,shesaidIbettercomeupandgetyou.Pronto.”

Veritysighed,hereyesmisting.“How’sthegroomdoing?”
“LastIchecked,hewasrockingbackandforthlikecrazy.Couldprobablyuseakindwordfrom

hislittlesisterbeforehesays‘Ido.’”

“I’monit,”shesaid.“Joehereyet?”
“Sureis,andwaitingtogethishandsonmissy,”saidColton,lookingdownatJane,whowas

alreadyfastasleep.

JoehadnotonlycontinuedtobeasurrogatefathertoRyan,butafterretiringfromTheLegendof

CamelotjustafterChristmas,andwithnofamilytocallhisown,theGwynnsandLaneshadmoreor
lessadoptedhim.HewasJane’sgodfather,andtoday,whileColtonwalkedhiscousindowntheaisle
andVeritystoodbesideherbrother,JoewouldbeholdinglittleJaneinthefrontrow.

TakingColton’sfreehand,shelethimleadheroutofMelody’sapartmentanddownthestairsto

thefirst-floorcommonroom,whereMelody,dressedinawhiteweddinggownandveil,hadnever
lookedmorebeautiful.

Veritykissedhercheek,givingheracarefulhug.
“Youlooksolovely,Mel.”
“Thankyou.IfC-C-C-Coltonc-c-c-couldn’tg-g-g-getoffwork,Iwasg-g-g-gonnaaskyouto

walkmedowntheaisle,Ver ’ty.”

ColtonhadearnedhispersonaltrainercertificationinAugust,sohisjobatCarlson’sGymwas

stillrelativelynew,buthe’dtakenthepositionwiththeexpressunderstandingthathe’dhavetodayoff.

Andhisboss,Nik,whowasagenuinelygoodguy,hadmadeithappen.

“Inamillionyearshewouldn’thavemissedit,”shesaid,grinningatColtonoverMel’sshoulder.
Hiseyesshonewithtenderness,andhemouthedthewordsIloveyou,baby.Shenoddedathim.I

loveyoutoo.

“Ver ’ty,”saidMelody,straighteningherglasses,“didyouknowwe’realmostsistersnow?”
Sheleanedaway,smilingatColton’scousin,hugetearswellinginhereyes.“That’sright.”
“Don’tbesad,Ver ’ty.We’llalwaysbefamily.Youc-c-c-canc-c-c-comeandvisitRyanwhenever

youwantto.AndJanec-c-c-canc-c-c-cometoSlip’NSlidedaywhenshe’soldenough,okay?You’re
notlosingabrother.You’reg-g-g-gainingasister!Don’tc-c-c-cry,okay?”

Veritynoddedandreacheduptoswipeatearthatwastryingtogetaway.“I’mcryingbecauseI’m

happy.Becauseyoumakemybrothersohappy.”

“Ryanmakesmehappy,”Melodyinsisted,clickingherteethtogetherandgrinning.“Nomorec-

c-c-crying,Ver ’ty.It’smyweddingday.”

Veritytookadeepbreathandnodded,takingJanefromColton,carefulnottowakeherup.“See

youatthealtar?”

“I’llbethere,”hesaid,winkingather.
SheturnedfromthemandheadedoutintothegardenbehindcomplexF(IsFor“Friendship”).

TenneatrowsofwhitechairsfacedatrellisunderwhichaMethodistpastorwaitedforthebrideand
groom.AlltheCMswereinattendance,andmostoftheresidents.Abubblemaker(Melinsisted)was
shootingbubblesintotheair,andVeritygrinned,thinkingherbrother ’sweddingwasalotmore
festivethanhershadbeen.

SheandColtonhadgottenmarriedattheSpringMountainTownHall,onemonthtothedayafter

hereturnedhome.Shetouchedthebacksofthegoldringsonherfinger,smilingtoherselfwhenher
bellyswarmedwithbutterflies,asitalwaysdidwhensherememberedherweddingday.Inamillion
years,shewouldn’ttradethememoryofthatfallday,lookingupintoColton’seyesandsaying“I
do,”thenlisteningtohisdeepvoicesaythesame.Wasitfancy?No.Wasitperfect?Itboundthem
togetherforever.So,yes.Itwas.

ShelookeduptoseeRyanstandinginfrontofthetrellis,Joeathisside,nodoubtwhispering

somecalmingwordsofcounsel.Joewavedassheapproachedandsaid,“Youhandmemygodbaby,
now!Oooo!Janie,whatadaywegotforaweddin’,child!”

Veritychuckledasshewatchedthegray-hairedmancooandswoonoverthetinyblondebaby,

herheartfullofloveandgratitudeashehalfdanced,halfwalkedtohisreservedseatofhonorinthe
frontrownexttotheaisle.

...whichleftVerityandRyanalone,standinginthetrellisopeningtogether,soverydifferent

fromhowtheymusthavelookedthedaythey’dstoodinthedoorwayoftheMarriottballroom,
despairingoffindingjobstogether,untilherknightinshiningarmorrescuedthem.

“Youready,Ry?”sheasked.
“IloveMelody.”
“Iknowyoudo.”
“Don’tlikebein’awayfromher,Ver ’ty.NowIcanbewithherallthetime.”
“That’sright,Ryan.Andyou’llhelpwiththedishes?”

“Yup.Andtakeoutthegarbage.AndI’llgettheCMifshe’shavin’oneofherspells.AndI’ll

makesurethatshedon’trunoutofrockyroad.”

“Wekeepitstockedinthestorenow,”saidVerity.“Imakesure.”
Overthepastyear,VerityhadtakenoverthemanagementoftheBonnie’sPlacesundriesstore,

anditwasnowopenfivedaysaweekinsteadofthree.ShewaspermittedtobringJanetoworkand
hadhiredacollegegirltohelpherpart-timewiththestore,andpart-timewithJane.She’dlearneda
surprisingamountduringhermonthofworkwithBeverly,andshecheerfullyplacedorders,
restockedtheshelves,andhelpedtheresidentsofBonnie’sPlacefindeverythingtheyneeded.

“I’llcomeseeyouatthestoresometimes,Ver ’ty,butImightbebusiernow,”hesaid,puffingout

hischestalittle.

“Toobusyforyourlittlesister?”sheasked,elbowinghimintheside.
“Nah,”hesaid,smilingdownather.“IgotroomsinmyheartformorethanMel.There’saroom

foryou,andoneforColton.Joehasabigroom,andJaniehasasmallone.Butthere’sroomsfor
everyone,Ver ’ty.Don’tworry.”

Theopeningbarsof“AllYouNeedIsLove”sounded,andVeritylookeduptoseeherhusband

standingtallandproudbesidehiscousin,thebeautifulbride.

“Yourheartsoundslikeasweetplace,Ry,”shesaid,lockingeyeswithherbelovedknightashe

walkedslowlydowntheaisletowardher.“Ithinkwe’veallfoundoursweetplace,bigbrother.”

THEEND

ALETTERTOMYREADERS

DearReader,

Thankyouforreadingmylatestmodernfairytale,DarkSexyKnight.Ihopeyoulovedreading

VerityandColt’sstoryasmuchasIlovedwritingit.

Asthesisterofaspecial-needsperson,thisstoryismuchclosertomyheartthanmanyofthe

otherbooksI’vewritten.TherewassomuchofmepouredintoVerityandsomuchofmybrotherin
myrenderingsofRyanandMelody.Theworriedlooks.Theeyesthatsearchminewithtrust,hoping
foranswersorprotection,knowingthatIamasafeplaceinamassive,oftenindecipherableworld.I
haveknownthejoyofwitnessinghisboundlesskindness.Ihavebeenhumbledbyhisstrugglesand
deeplyproudofthewayhetriesharderatlifethananyoneelseI’veeverknown.

Ihavealsohadalifetime,front-rowseattotheincrediblypainfulrealityofcrueltyand

discriminationagainstspecial-needspeople.Ihaveseenmybelovedbrothertreatedwithsuch
fantasticunkindness,itwouldmakeyourbreathcatchinshockandyourheartclenchwithprofound
sorrow.ManytimesIhavewondered:Are“average”intelligencepeoplefrightenedofspecial-needs
peoplebecausetheylookandsounddifferent?Orbecausetheyarekeptseparatefrommainstream
societyinspecialeducationclassesandingrouphomes?Maybe,ifspecial-needspeoplewerebetter
integrated,theirdifferenceswouldn’tbefearedorridiculed.

Forthisreasonmorethananyother,Iamproudtogive25percentofthenetprofits(forallsales

inJuneandJuly2016)ofDarkSexyKnighttotheProspectorTheaterinRidgefield,Connecticut.
FromtheProspector ’s

website:

TheProspectorTheaterisanewmodelofsocialenterprise.Itpairsafirst-run,commercial

movietheaterwiththemissionoftrainingandemployingadultswithdisabilities.It'sanot-for-profit
system,withthecompetitivenessandtransparencyofafor-profitbusinessmodel.Itshowshow
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Thatlanguageisveryformal.Letmebreakitdown.

Whenyouenterthegorgeous,modernProspectorTheater,youaregreetedwarmlybyaspecial-

needsperson—perhapssomeonewithspinabifidaorDownsyndrome—whodirectsyoutotheticket
counter.There,anotherspecial-needsperson(sometimesassistedbyamentor)helpsyouwithyour
ticketpurchase.Fromthere,youcanvisittheconcessionareas:onesellscoffee,beer,andwine,and

theothersellssodaandpopcorn.Bothareasarestaffedbyspecial-needspeople(sometimesassisted
bymentors)whoarecourteousandefficient,eagertohelpanddedicatedtotheirjob.Yourticketis
takenbyaspecial-needspersonwhourgesyouto“Enjoytheshow!”asyouenterastate-of-the-art
movietheater.Beforetheshow,aspecial-needspersonreviewstherulesofthetheaterandreminds
youofthemovieyou’reabouttosee.Aftertheaudienceclapsfortheshortpresentation,thepreviews
begin.AttheProspector,therearealwaystwoorthreeshort,homemade“commercials”featuring
theateremployeesandhighlightingupcomingevents.Often,thesecommercialsarealsometwith
applause.Andwhenthemovieisover,special-needspeoplearereadyandwaitingtousheryoufrom
thetheaterandthenstaytotidyupforthenextshow.

Thefirsttime(andthesecondandthethird,and,yes,sometimesevennow,still)Iwenttothe

Prospector,Icriedmyeyesout.Icriedforthegoodnessofthepeoplewhocameupwiththeideaand
executedit.Icriedfortheproudfacesoftheemployees.IcriedbecauseIhadatop-notchmovie
experience.IcriedbecausethechildrenwhoattendmoviesattheProspectorwillneverlookat
special-needspeopleasapopulationtobefearedorridiculed.Insteadtheywillrememberspecial
afternoonsatthemovieswithpopcornandsoda,andkind,smilingfaces.Icriedbecausethe
ProspectorTheaterisa“puregood”inaworldwherethereissomuchcrap.AndIcriedbecause
thereisaplacewheremybrother(andmysister-in-law,whomhemetinspecialedandmarriedin
1994)cangoanytimehewantstoseeamovie,andwhenhehandsthecashieratwenty-dollarbillfor
asmallsoda,hewon’tbegivenadimeinchange.

LikeVerity,Imarriedamanwhoalsohasaspecial-needsrelative.AndlikeVerity’sand

Colton’s,Iliketothinkourheartsrecognizedeachotherfromtheverybeginning.Youaremysweet
place,GeorgeMatthew.Forever.

ThankyouforbuyingacopyofDarkSexyKnight,andifyou’reeverinConnecticut,stopbythe

besttheaterinRidgefieldforamovie.It’scalledtheProspector,andit’sanexperienceyou’llnever
forget.

Love,
Katy

DARKSEXYKNIGHT

PLAYLIST

Can’tTakeMyEyesOffOfYou:LaurynHill
MainThemefromGreystoke:JohnScott
TheLegendofTarzan,LordoftheApes
Grow:KurtTravisandPaulTravis
MadeForYou:AlexanderCardinale
RunningBarefoot:PaulTravis
SomethingStupid:MichaelBublé(featuringReeseWitherspoon)
SweetSurrender:SarahMcLachlan
TieaYellowRibbonRoundtheOleOakTree:EricD.Johnson

IwrotethisbookinsuchbigchunksthatIusedcertainpiecesofmusicforhugeportionsof

writing.PaulTravistookmetidilythroughthefirstthreeorfourchapterswith“RunningBarefoot”
beforeAlexanderCardinaletookoverwith“MadeforYou.”Iendeduplisteningto“MadeforYou”
offandonthroughouttherestofthebook,but“SweetSurrender”bySarahMcLachlanpractically
wroteColtandVerity’sfirstkissforme.IlistenedtothemusicfromGreystokeforColtandVerity’s
firsttimesleepingtogether,andfollowingthat,“SomethingStupid”helpedmekeepitlightevenafter
mycharactershadalreadysaid“thewords.”Unsurprisingly,itwas“TieaYellowRibbonRoundthe
OleOakTree”thatIlistenedtowithtearsinmyeyesfromchapter16untiltheend.Ahundredyellow
ribbons,indeed.Oh,myheart.Thankyousomuchforreading.xoxo

amodernfairytale

belovedfairytales♥modernlovestories

TheVixenandtheVet

2015RITA

Finalist

2015Winner,TheKindleBookAwards

(inspiredbyBeauty&theBeast)

Click

HERE

tobuynow!

NeverLetYouGo

(inspiredbyHansel&Gretel)

Click

HERE

tobuynow!

Ginger’sHeart

(inspiredbyLittleRedRidingHood)

Click

HERE

tobuynow!

DarkSexyKnight

(inspiredbyCamelot)

Thankyouforreading!

Don’tSpeak

(inspiredbyTheLittleMermaid)

Coming2017

SwanSong

(inspiredbyTheUglyDuckling)

Coming2017

Forannouncementsaboutupcoming

amodernfairytale

releases,besuretosignupforKaty’snewsletterat

http://www.katyregnery.com

♥♥♥TurnthepageforasneakpeekofTHEVIXENANDTHEVET♥♥♥

(ExcerptfromTheVixenandtheVet

byKatyRegnery.Allrights

reserved.)

CHAPTER1

“SavannahCalhounCarmichael,areyouevenlistenin’tome?”

Savannah’ssisterScarletsatintheporchswingontheverandaoftheirparents’Victorianhouse

givingheroldersisteranexasperatedlook.Withherlipspursed,theywereaperfectmatchtothe
brightredgeraniumsthathungcheerfullyoverherhead.Savannahmayhavegottenmoreofthe
brains,butScarlethadcertainlygottenmoreofthebeauty.

“Yes,”Savannahsighed,adjustingherperchontheporchrailingandglancingatthethick,glossy

bridalmagazinethatScarletanchoredinbothhands.Shedutifullyrepeatedtheinformationthat
Scarlethadjustsharedwithher.“‘Thetwelvemostimportantmilestonesinanyrelationship:one,the
firsttimeyousitincomfortablesilence;two,thefirsttimeyourealizeyouenjoyhiscompanymore
thananyoneelse’s;three...’”

Scarletraisedhereyebrowsinchallenge,andSavannahchuckled.“Okay.Iadmitit.Youlostme

atthree.”

“Savannah,you’reimpossible.Thisisimportantinformation.Doesn’titbotheryouthatyour

littlesister ’swalkingdowntheaislebeforeyou?”

Savannah,whowasanancienttwenty-sixtohersister ’sadorabletwenty-two,cockedherheadto

theside,searchingScarlet’sfaceformeanness,butfoundonlyworry.Scarlethadneverreally
understoodSavannah’sdecisiontoleaveDanvers,Virginia,andmovetoNewYorkCity,tobecomea
reporter.TheonetimeScarlethadvisited,shespenttheentireweekendensconcedintherelative
safetyofherhotelroom,despiteSavannah’seffortstogetheroutandabout.

“Marriagehasneverreallybeenonmyradar,Scarlet.That’syourterritory.”
“Don’tyouwanttobeoneofthosecareerwomenwhohasitall?Excitingjob,hothusband

waitinginbedforyouatnight?”

Savannahrolledhereyes.Reportingthenewswasn’texactlyanine-to-fivegig,notthatScarlet

hadeverunderstoodthat.Aftergraduatingfromhighschool,KatieScarletCarmichaelhaduppedher
hoursatFleurishFlowerShopfrompart-timetofull-timeandplasteredacan-dosmileonherface
whenTrentHamiltonreturnedhomefromtheUniversityofWestVirginiaeveryweekend.Sure
enough,throughfouryearsofcollegetemptation,nothingturnedTrent’sheadasmuchasScarlet,
andbythetimehegraduated,herpatiencehadpaidoff;heproposedtheverysameday.Andnowhere
wasScarlet,ayearlater,thumbingthroughbridalmagazinesinpreparationforherJulywedding.
Savannahdidn’tgenerallyenvyhersister—they’dchosenextremelydifferentpathsfortheirlives—
butsometimessheenviedScarlet’ssingle-mindedness.Allshe’deverwantedwastobecomeMrs.
TrentHamilton,lovingwife,mother,andpillarofthecommunity,and,voilà!,that’sexactlywhatshe
wasgetting.

Savannahsoftenedherexpression.“IguessIwouldn’tmindthehotmanpart.”
“Husband,”saidScarlet.“Husband.Fleshandblood.NotjustthecharactersonyourHBOshows.

Now,listenup.‘Numberthree,thefirsttimeyoulooklikehellandhecouldn’tcareless.’”

“Whatmanonthefaceoftheearthdoesn’tcarewhenyoulooklikehell?”Certainlynotthe

coupleofguysSavannahhaddatedinNewYork.ShewincedasPatrick’sfaceflittedthroughher

mind.DamnPatrickMonroeanyway.Hehadsuredoneanumberonher.

“Onewho’sheadoverheelsinlovewithyou.‘Numberfour ’...oh,”murmuredScarletwitha

sigh.“‘Thefirsttimeyoutalkuntildawn.’That’sagoodone.”

Yeah,thoughtSavannah.That’sagoodoneunlesseverythinghe’stellingyouuntildawnislies

andyoudon’trealizeitbecauseyou’reblindedbylust—sherefusedtoadmittotheother“l”word—
andyoubelieveeverythinghesaysbecausehowcouldhebelyingandstillworshipyourbodylike
he’sbeenschooledintheeroticarts?

“‘Numberfive,thefirsttimeyoubringhimhometomeetthefamily.’”
Savannahlookedatthefreshwhitepaintoftheporchclapboardsidingandthecheerfulsky-blue

paintoftheceiling.Thebrightredgeraniumsthathermotherhadplacedatintervalsswunglightlyin
thelateafternoonMaybreeze.Atthebottomoftheporchstepsabrickwalkwaydividedawell-kept
patchofgrassandendedatanazalea-flankedwhitepicketgatethatopenedontothesidewalkofa
tree-linedstreet.Itwasthequintessentialall-Americanhome,andyetshe’dneverhadthegutstobring
Patrickhometomeetherparents.He’dgrownupontheUpperWestSide,attendingprivateschools
andsummeringinNantucket.Danvers,Virginia,wouldn’thavebeensophisticatedenoughforhis
tastes,andshecouldn’thavebornetheamusementinhiseyeswhenhesurveyedthehomesheloved.
She’ddecidednottoriskit.

“‘Numbersix...’”Savannahlookedupathersisterandwatchedherfanherselfashercheeks

flushedaprettypink.“Ohmy.‘Thefirsttimeyou’renakedtogetherandyoudon’tfeelashredof
insecurity.’Well,mystars...”

Savannahgrinned.“PleasetellmethatyouandTrenthavedonethedeedinbroaddaylight.”
“That’smyprivatebusiness.”Scarlet’sflushincreased.“H-haveyou?Donethat?”
“Hadsexinbroaddaylight?Ofcourse.”
“WiththatPatrick?”
ScarlethadnotbeenafanofPatrick’swhenthey’dhaddinnertogetherduringherdisastrousvisit

toNewYork.ShetoldSavannahshefelthewaspolitelylaughingather,andhonestly,Scarletwas
right.Later,whenheandSavannahwerealone,he’dcalledhersister ’saccent“powerful”andadded
thatitwas“luckyshe’scutesoshecangetawaywithit.”WhenheaskedwhySavannahdidn’tspeak
withthesameaccent,sheexplainedshe’dworkedhardtoloseitduringherfouryearsatNYU.Bythe
timeshe’dtakenthejobattheSentinel,itwasallbutgoneexceptforwhenshedranktoomuch.

“Ididn’tlikehim,Vanna.Iknowyoudid,soI’msorryitdidn’tworkout,butIjustknowthere’s

someonebetteroutthereforyou.Someoneright.”

“It’sokay.Heturnedouttobearat.”
Scarletnodded.“Youcansaythatagain.”
“Itwasmyownfaultfornotseeingwhatyousawoveronedinner.What’snumberseven?”
“Oh!”
ScarletturnedherattentionbacktothemagazinewhileSavannahleanedforwardtopickupher

glassoficedtea.Theglasswassweatywithcooldropletsthatdrippedintothespacebetweenher
breastsasshesipped.

“‘Numberseven,thefirsttimeyourealizethatyoudon’twantanyoneelsebuthim.’”
Well,SavannahhadcertainlyreachedthatpointwithPatrick,unabletoseeanyonebuthim,all

othermenpalingincomparisontohistonypedigree,patricianlooks,andfar-reachingcontacts.Too
badPatrickhadneversubscribedtothesamedevotion.Findingouthe’dbeendatingsomeoneelse
whiletheyweresleepingtogetherhadjustbeensaltinthewoundaftershediscoveredthathe’d
single-handedlydestroyedherprofessionalcredibility,reputation,andcareer.

“Next,”demandedSavannah.
“Ilovethisone.‘Thefirsttimeyouseeafuturewithhim.’”Scarletsighed.“Firstgrade.

Playground.Trentpushedmeontheswingseventhoughtheotherlittleboysweremakin’funof
him.”

Savannahlovedhersister,butshecouldn’timagineplottingoutherfuturewithsomeonewho’d

pushedherontheswingsinfirstgrade.She’dneverunderstoodhowScarletcouldbesocontenttobe
born,growup,getmarried,anddieinonesmalltownwhentherewasawholewideworldoutthere
justwaiting.

“Howaboutnumbernine?”
Scarlet’sdreamyexpressionturnedtoagrin.“‘Thefirsttimeyoutakeatriptogether.’”
“That’samixedbag.”
“Howdoyoumean?”
“Hardtolookperfectwhenyoufirstwakeupinthemorning.Nottomention,travelbreeds

stress.”

“Ithoughyoulovedtravel!”exclaimedScarlet.“Myglobe-trottingsister.”
“Oh,Ido.Alone.Tochaseastory.WhyintheworldwouldIwanttogoawaywithsomeone

else?”

“Becauseyoulovethem?BecauseHawaiiismorefunwith...”Scarlet’scheekspinked

delicately,andsheavertedhereyes.

“Idon’trememberyouandTrentevergoin’toHawaii,”teasedSavannah.
“Honeymoon,”saidScarletinadramaticwhisper.
“Aha.Soyou’vedecided.Well,I’veheardit’sveryromantic.”
Scarlet’sdelicateblushspreadtoherneckassheturnedredder.
Savannahlaughedatherprimlittlesister.“Scarlet,you’dthinkyou’dneverkissedaboy,for

heaven’ssake.What’snext?”

“‘Numberten,thefirstbigblowupfight,’”Scarletsniffed.“Well,IjusthopeIneverhaveto

experiencethat.”Sherappedherfingerslightlyonthearmoftheswing,herpinklacquerednails
catchingthewarmlightofthelowsun.

“DoyoumeantotellmethatyouandTrenthaveneverhadabigfight?”
“Vanna,honey,whyintheworldwouldIwanttohaveaspatwiththemanIlove?Theodd

quarrel’sonething,butmorethananything,Iwanttomakehimfeellovedandcomfortableand
happy.Besides,he’ssosmartandsogoodtome,he’salmostalwaysright.”

“Andwhenhe’snot?”
“Yougetmorebeeswithhoney.”
Savannahlaughedlightly.“Soyouuseyourwilestogetyourway?”
“Itbeatsfighting.”
“I’mguessingyou’veneverhadmakeupsex,though,Scarlet.You’remissingout.”

Scarletshrugged,expertlyavoidingtheimpliedquestion.“Nothing’sworthbein’atoddswith

Trent.Nothin’.”

“Fine.Haveityourway.What’snext?”
“‘Numbereleven,thefirsttimeyourealizehe’syourhome.’”Scarletsighed.“Doesn’tthatsound

lovely?”

ForallofSavannah’sworld-wearycynicism,shehadtoadmitthatitdidsoundlovely.Asshe’d

falleninlovewithPatrick,shestartedtorealizehowwonderfulitwouldbetogiveherheartto
someone,howamazingitwouldbetoknowhehadherbackandwasonherside,how,yes,lovelyit
wouldbetoknowthatherlifewassafewithhis:entwined,inextricablyboundtogether.

Sheforcedherselftorememberthecruelgleeinhiseyeswhenheconfessedthat,yes,hehadfed

herbucketfulsofmisinformationinanefforttosubvertthetruestorybehindtheembezzlementofhis
father ’sfinancialfirm.AndSavannah—stupidSavannah,whothoughtshewasfallinginlovewith
him—hadbeennothingmorethanacheapmark,acheaplay,andintheend,totallyexpendable.

“Sorry,kid,”he’dsaid,withwhatmusthavepassedforregretinhisworld.“Youwerefun,

though.Andthestorywasamiracle.Youmadeagreatcaseformyfather ’spartnersshoulderingthe
blame.”

“Whenitwasyourfatherallalong?Hecheatedallthosepeople?”
“Whatmattersisthecourtofpublicopinion.Andyou’vedoneagreatjobforour...cause.”
“Buthedeceivedallthosepeople...”Hervoicetrailedoffassherealizedthefurther

ramificationsofherstory.“AndtheSentinelprintedit.Anditwasallgarbage.Itwaslibel.Ohmy
God...mycareer.”

“You’retough.Hell,youmadeittoNewYorkCityfromsomebackwatertowninVirginia,kid.

You’lllandonyourfeet.”

Butshehadn’tlandedonherfeet.Oncethehatemailstartedpouringin,shewasfired.A

retractionwasprinted,butPatrick’sfather ’spartnerssuedforlibel,assessingoverthreemillion
dollars’worthofdamage.

Withnowhereelsetogo,Savannahbrokeherlease,packedupherbelongings,andheadedhome

inshameundertheguiseoftakingthesummerofffromworktohelpwithhersister ’swedding.Her
parentsandsisterknewthetruth,ofcourse,buttherestofDanverswasasleepylittletown,andthe
reactionfrommostofthetownsfolkhadbeen:“Howlovelythatyou’reback,dear.Andjustintime
forScarlet’sbigdo!”

“KatieScarlet,I’mabouttogodiabeticfromsomuchsweetness.Finishupandputmeoutofmy

misery.What’snumbertwelve?”

“‘Numbertwelve,thefirsttimeyourealizethathelovesyouasmuchasyoulovehim.’”
“Whathappensaftertwelve?”askedSavannah,halfkidding.
“Aftertwelve,you’rereadyforforever,”saidScarlet,notkiddingonebit.
Savannahsmirkedhumorlesslyasherlittlesisterclosedthemammothmagazinewithaflourish.
“AndnowIamgoingtogogetreadyfortonight’sdinner-danceattheclub.Sureyouwon’t

come,Vanna?Trentcouldgetyouadate.”

“Withoneofhisfratbrothers?Fiveyearsyoungerthanme?Or,worse,withhisbrother,Lance?

Nothanks,Scarlet.Butyouhavefun.”

Ashersisterheadedinside,Savannahletthewordsrollaroundinherhead:lovesyouasmuchas

youlovehim.Herheartclenchedwithaweakness,alonging,thatshetriedtoignore.She’dgivenlove
achance,andshe’dbeenblindsided,duped,anddestroyed.Lostherhomeandherjobandeverything
elsethatshe’dworkedfor.Shelookedupastwoblond-hairedkidsrodebyonbicyclesdecoratedfor
theMemorialDayparadetomorrowandtriedtofindthesilverlining.Butshecouldn’t.She’dworked
herwholelifetogetoutofDanvers,Virginia.Andyet,hereshewas,rightbackwhereshestarted.

Shewassurprisedtofeelhercellphonevibratinginherbackpocket.Onceuponatimeher

phonehadbeentheepicenterofherworld,asshefieldedcallsandtexts,chaseddownstories,and
followedleadsastheup-and-comingstarreporterfortheNewYorkSentinel.But,overthepasttwoor
threeweeks,ithadn’tbuzzedmorethanacoupleoftimes.Shepulleditoutofherpocketandlooked
attheunfamiliarareacode:602.Shethoughtforamoment.Hmm.Phoenix.Whodidsheknowin
Phoenix?

“SavannahCarmichael,NewYorkSen—Um,thisisSavannah.”
“Hey,Savannah.It’sDerbyJones.”
Savannahdrewablank.“Mm-hm.WhatcanIdoforyou,Derby?”
“Forstarters,youcanrememberme,”saidthewomaninacheerful,knowingvoice.“Wemetat

theWestCoastJournalismConferenceoutinLAlastfall.Iwasdoingastoryabout—”

“Healthcareforseniors!”
“Yep!Iknewyou’dremembermeonceyourememberedthestory.”
“I’mlikethatweirdladyatthedogparkwhoknowspeoplebytheirdog’snames.Spot’smom.

Rex’sdad.Seniorhealth-carestory.”

Derbylaughed.“Idon’tknowifyouremember,butIwasstuckonthatstory.Icouldn’tfigureout

theangle,butyoustayedupuntilwellaftermidnightwithme,lookingovermynotes,talkingtome
aboutwhatIwantedtosay.Whenthesuncameup,Ihadanangle.”

“That’sright.”Savannahsmiled.“Iwasgladtohelp.Howwasthearticle?”
“Actually,itwassogood,IwonaSunshineAwardfromtheSPJ.”
“ValleyoftheSun?”
“Yep.Italsowonmearaiseandapromotion.”
“That’sgreat,Derby.Yourstar ’srising,Iguess.”Shetriedherbesttosoundenthusiastic,even

thoughitstungalittlebit.

“Andyoursisfalling.”
Ouch.“Umm...,”startedSavannah,atalossforwords.
“Jeez,thereIgo.I’mnotknownformytact.”
“Youdon’tsay.”
“Listen,letmegetrightdowntoit.I’vebeenkeepingtabsonyousincethatconference,reading

yourarticles,followingyourstories.YouwrotethatgroundbreakingpieceontheNewYorksubway
system.Andyoudeservedtheawardyouwonforthearticleonthepreferentialtreatmentsome
lawyersaregivenintheDA’soffice.NottomentionthetimeyourodeinthebackofanNYPDpolice
carforaweekanddidthatterrificpieceaboutthehabitsofNewYork’sFinest.You’retalented,
Savannah.Moretalentedthanmost.Ican’tfigureoutwhathappenedwiththeMonroes,butitsounds
likeyouweretakenforaride.”

Savannahswallowedthelumpinherthroat.“Itwasmyfault.Ishould’veseen—”
“Weallgetabadsourcenowandthen.Thatwasadoozy.”
Savannahgrimaced,wonderingifDerbywouldevergettothepointofthecallandstopmaking

herfeelabouttwoinchestall.Shestartedeverydaywithaheavyheart,grievingthelossofher
dream;shedidn’texactlyneedsomeonetodriveithomeforher.

“Anyway,”continuedDerby,“Ialreadyknewitthatweekend,butyou’reaheckofareporter.

Top-notch.I’mbettingyou’llnevermakethesamemistakeagainwithasource,andanypaperwould
beluckytohavetalentlikeyours.”

“Well,that’s,er,niceofyouto—”
“Sohere’sthescoop:thePhoenixTimesislookingforsomeonetotakeovertheLifestyles

section.Iknowit’snotNewYork,andIknowit’snottheSentinel.Butforsomeonewithambition,
someonelookingtogetbackonherfeet...”Derbyletthatthoughtlinger,andSavannahbattledher
conflictingemotions.

Lifestyles?!She’dbeenaninvestigativereporterforarguablythemostwell-regardednewspaper

inAmerica.Lifestyleswouldmeanreportingoncook-offsandfashionshows,charitybenefits,and
starsightings.Nottomention,thePhoenixTimeswassecond-stringatbest.Anditwasin...Phoenix.
Hot,dry,middle-of-nowherePhoenix.

Thenagain,itwasPhoenix.Thesixth-largestcityintheUnitedStatesandahubofSouthwestern

activity.FarenoughfromNewYorkthathercalamitousfailureattheSentinelwouldfeelremoved,
yetcloseenoughtoLAandSanFranciscothatmaybeshecouldseguetooneofthosebiggeroutfits
afterafewsuccessfulyears.Andno,Lifestyleswasn’texactlyherdreamdepartment,butitwasaway
backin,wasn’tit?Afterafewmonths—ayear,tops—shecouldaskforatransfertooneoftheirother
departments.

“Derby,”shesaid,determinationloweringhervoicetoaseriouspitch.“WhatdoIhavetodoto

makeithappen?”

“Oureditorinchiefknowswhoyouare.He’swillingtogiveyouaswingatthejob,butyouhave

towowhimwithaLifestylespiecefirst.”

“Oh,IhaveatonofstuffIcouldsend—”
“No,Savannah.Youdon’t.Itriedtofindsomething,anything,thatyouwrotethatcouldpassasa

humaninterestpiece.Icameupdry.”

Savannahnodded,gloomencroaching.Derbywasright.Shedidn’thaveanything.
“ButMaddoxMcNabb,oureditor,he’sallabouthotscoopsandhelovesthatyou’recoming

fromaNewYorkbackground.Hecanbealittleheavyontheedits,butIhaven’thadanycomplaints
sofar.Hemakesagoodstorymoresensational,andatleastaquartergetpickeduponthenational
newswire.”

“Wow.Greatnumbers.Soundslikehe’sgotthemagictouch.”
“LikeIsaid,nocomplaints.Anyway,heneedsapiece.Somethingbigandheart-tuggingand

personalintimefortheFourthofJuly.That’s,uh,fiveweeksfromnow.Thinkveterans.Think
returningsoldierdadhomeintimeforthebigFourthofJulybarbecue.Small-townAmericanastuff
thatmakeseveryreadercrybeforebreakingoutinachorusof‘AmericatheBeautiful.’Howyou
writeitisuptoyou,butMaddoxwantsupdateseveryFridayfromnowuntilthesecond.Ifhelikesit,

he’llrunitonthefrontofLifestylesontheFourth,andlet’sjustsayhe’dprobablyliketoseeyouin
Phoenixsoonafter.”

Savannah’sbrainwhirled,butshecouldfeeltheexcitementgatheringinsideher.No,human

interestwasn’therforte,butshecouldchangethat.She’dwritethebestgoddamnpieceoflifestyle
AmericanathePhoenixTimeshadeverseen.

“I’malloverit.TellMaddoxhe’llhavetheideaandthefirstinstallmentbynextFriday.Six

days.”

“Iknewyou’dbite,”saidDerby,hervoicelacedwithapproval.“I’lle-mailyouwithMaddox’s

info.Therestisallyou.”

Savannahshookherhead,smilingintothephone,marvelingatsecondchancesthatcamefrom

unexpectedplaces,anddeterminednottosquanderthischance.“Derby,Idon’tknowhowtothank
you.Really.Idon’tevenknowwhattosay.”

“Hey,I’mnotMotherTeresa.Youcomeworkhere?Ifigureyouowemeafewmoreofthose

late-nightsessionscrackingstories.Isurewouldn’tmindanotherSunshineAward.”

“Yougotit,”Savannahsaidwithfeeling.“AnythingIcaneverdoforyou,allyouhavetodois

shout.”

“Ihopeyoudon’tregretthatoffer,”saidDerby,“becauseIpromiseI’llbecollecting.”
Savannahchuckledandexchangedinformationwithherguardianangel,thankingheragainfor

reachingoutandsendingherthankstoMaddoxforthechance.Whenshehungupthephone,thesun
wasevenlower,aggressivelygoldonthehorizon,brighteningthehillsbeyondhersmall
neighborhood.

Shesquinted,hereyespulledtothegrand,oldVictorianhousestraightahead,abouttwomiles

away,uponthehillside.

AsherLee’shouse.
Thefrontdoorofherownhouseopened,andScarletappeareddressedinanadorablecotton

candy–pinksundress,modestlycoveredwithamint-greencardigan.

“Hey,Scarlet,”Savannahsaid,stillstaringatthemassivebrownhouseinthedistance.“Whatdo

weknowaboutAsherLee?”

“AsherLee?”Scarletfannedherselfasshefollowedhersister ’sgazeintothedistanthillslikeher

sister.“Somefolkscallhim“Hermit”Lee.Poorthing.Usedtobeabig-timefootballstaroverat
DanversHigh.Buthegothisfaceandhandblownoffinsomewar,andnoone’sseenhimfora
millionyears.Hegotrealstrangewhenhecamehome,refusin’togointotown,hirin’MissPottsto
behismaid.Noone’sseenhiminalmostadecade.Nobodyknowswhathedoesupthere,butthere’s
thenormalfiddle-faddleaboutthebogeymanandsuch.Really,it’seasierjusttoforgethe’supthere.
It’sjustsoawkwardandsad.”

“Haveyoueverseenhim?”
Scarletshookherheadpursingherlipsandlookingawayfromtheoldbrownmansion.“Why

areyousointerested?”

Savannahturnedtohersister,cockingherheadtotheside.“Ithinkit’sabouttimesomeone

showedalittleSouthernhospitalitytoourveryownwoundedveteran.”

“What’reyouupto,Vanna?”

“Nothingbad,littlesister,don’ttroubleyourself.Ijustwonderifhe’dliketotellhissideofthe

story.”

“Leavehimbe.Allhewantsishisprivacy.”
“Notifhe’sgotastorytotell,MissScarlet.Notifhehasastoryhe’dliketheworldtoknow.”

amodernfairytale

belovedfairytales♥modernlovestories

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Firstandforemost,mymosthumbleandearnestthankstoMia,whoconvincedmethattheworld

needsfairytalesevenwhentheworldbreaksmyheartalittle.Yourcamaraderiemakesmesomuch

strongerthanIamonmyown.Iloveyou,lady.#SEF

ToAmy(#SEF,baby!YournoteswereEVERYTHING),Amy,Kirby,Toni,Penelope,Skye,Karen,

Christi,Laura,Laura,Lauren,Pam,Penny,Heidi,Taylor,Kally,andallofmyotherauthorfriends,

whobringahugesmiletomyface.Iamgratefultoallofyouforyourfriendship,advice,

enthusiasm,andsupport.Thiscanbealonesomejob.Youmakeitawesomeinstead.

TotheHonorableMichaelGoetz,whoenlightenedmeonthewaysaspecial-needsdependentcould

compelajudgetoimposecounselingonaguardianwhoappearedtohaveanangermanagement

problem.Iamgratefultoyou.

Tomyteam:ChrisandMelissa(lineandcopyedits),Tessa(developmentaledits),Marianne(cover

designandgraphics),Tanya(graphics),CassieMae(formatting),andJessica(blogtours)—Idonot

merelyflatteryouwhenIsayIhavethebestteamintheentireworld.I’mjusttellingitlikeitis.Iam

gratefulforeveryoneofyou.Yourtalentisimmeasurable,andIdependonyoumorethanyoucan

everknow.Thankyouforcomingthroughformetimeandtimeagain.

Tomyparents,GeorgeandDiane,forbeingtheguidinglightsofmylife.Youencourageandinspire,

supportandcelebrate.Thankyoufromthebottomofmyheartforyourunconditionallove.Iamthe

luckiestdaughterinthewholeworld.

Andfinally,toGeorge,Henry,andCallie.Youaremydearlybeloved,myheart,mysoul,mywhole

life.Themostimportantthingiskindness,andIloveyouallthemuch.

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

NewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorKatyRegnerystartedherwritingcareerby

enrollinginashortstoryclassinJanuary2012.Oneyearlater,shesignedherfirstcontractand
Katy’sfirstnovelwaspublishedinSeptember2013.

Nowexclusivelyself-published,Katyclaimsauthorshipofthemulti-titledBlueberryLaneSeries,

whichfollowstheEnglish,Winslow,Rousseau,Story,andAmblerfamiliesofPhiladelphia;thesix-
book,bestselling~amodernfairytale~series;theEnchantedPlacesSeries;andastand-alonenovella,
Frosted.

Katy’sfirstmodernfairytaleromance,TheVixenandtheVet,wasnominatedforaRITA®in

2015andwonthe2015KindleBookAwardforromance.Katy’sboxedset,TheEnglishBrothers
BoxedSet,Books#1–4,hittheUSATodaybestsellerlistin2015,andherChristmasstory,Marrying
Mr.English,appearedonthelistaweeklater.InMay2016,Katy’sboxedset,TheWinslowBrothers
BoxedSet,Books#1-4,becameaNewYorkTimesbestseller.

KatylivesintherelativewildsofnorthernFairfieldCounty,Connecticut,whereherwriting

roomlooksoutatthewoods,andherhusband,twoyoungchildren,twodogs,andoneBlue
Tonkinesekittencreatejustenoughcheerfulchaostoremindherthattheverybestlovestoriesbegin
athome.

Upcoming(2016)Projects:

JonquilsforJax,TheRousseaus#1(TheBlueberryLaneSeries#12)
MarryMeMad,TheRousseaus#2(TheBlueberryLaneSeries#13)
J.C.andtheBijouxJolis,TheRousseaus#3(TheBlueberryLaneSeries#14)

SignupforKaty’snewslettertoday:

www.katyregnery.com

ConnectwithKaty:

KatyLOVESconnectingwithherreadersandanswerseverye-mail,message,tweet,andpost

personally!ClickbelowtoconnectwithKaty!

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Document Outline

Dark Sexy Knight
Copyright
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
EPILOGUE
A LETTER TO MY READERS
DARK SEXY KNIGHT PLAYLIST
TEASER FROM THE VIXEN AND THE VET
ALSO AVAILABLE BY KATY REGNERY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dark Sexy Night – Katy Regnery

Document Outline