“Don’t try to stop me,” I snarl, yanking my hand away.
His expression is pained. “I wasn’t going to. But if you wait a minute, I’ll call you a cab.”
I stay stuck in his haunted gaze long enough to drown before self-preservation kicks in and I force myself to break away. “Annie is on her way.”
He nods solemnly and then reaches past me to turn one of the locks. The door creaks as it swings open and the fresh slice of air that leaks in makes my lungs inflate as if they’re starving for oxygen.
“We’ll talk soon,” he promises me. My nod is automatic and before any more words can be exchanged, I escape through the door.
This time, I’m the one walking away.
It should make me feel strong, empowered. But the only thing I feel is the heavy weight of sadness that has settled on my shoulders.
Annie is waiting in her car, parked along the curb outside the building. Her eyes widen when she sees me, and I know I must look like shit. She doesn’t comment as I climb into the passenger seat, only pausing long enough to ask if I’m okay.
My answer is simple, my voice dead, even to my ears. “No, but I will be.”
Whatever happens tomorrow or the next day, I will be okay…because I have to be. I am Josephine Hart, and I was built to stand on my own.
To be continued…
COMING JULY 7, 2015
LIE TO YOU, Book Two in the Forbidden Series
I thought he was the one. I thought we were headed someplace great. I didn't know anything.
My mystery man is no longer such a mystery. He's still commanding and headstrong, playing my body and mind like an instrument, but I'm finding there are layers to him I never could have dreamed. What I've learned since that fateful night in his apartment has me reeling. Now, though, the truth has taken a backstage to other, more pressing matters.
While I struggle to make a choice that will determine the direction of my future, lies that I thought had been carefully hidden away are coming to light. My head is such a mess I don't know what's up or down anymore. Will I be able to sort it all out, or will the life I've worked so hard to build come crashing down in a pile of secrets and lies?
Add “Lie to You” to your Goodreads now.
Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.
She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. Connect with JC on Facebook!
Acknowledgements
I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection?
To my usual suspects:
My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! What has it been now, two years? I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. It is such a pleasure to have you as my assistant and I am truly blessed to call you my friend. You are the one who gave me the idea of a naughty professor. Brainstorming with you was so much fun and I had a blast writing this story. I hope it’s everything you imagined it would be.
Mitzi- What can I say, except you’re such a wonderful woman who is also an unexpected friend and gift in my life. I’ve said it before, and the same is true now: I love our talks, and I love your passion for books, especially mine *grins*. You rock!
My Valentines! You ladies rock my socks off. I love our little family and as always, I am confident in saying that you’re the best team a girl could ask for. You all pimp so hard! Thank you!
To all the people that take the time to connect with me: Every message, every comment truly means the world to me. I read every one, so keep ‘em coming!
To my readers: You’re the best. You’ve stuck by me from the beginning, when I wasn’t even sure anyone was paying attention. I am continually blown away by your enthusiasm for my stories and your endless support.
I could never forget my darling hubby. You’re my inspiration behind all of these delectable men. You’re my rock, my one true love. I love you!!
Dance for Me
Forbidden Series Book One
By J.C. Valentine
All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyrighted material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without the prior permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.
Dance for Me by J.C. Valentine
Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine
Cover design by Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs
Edited by Mitzi Carroll.
Dance for me is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.
Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademark status in this work of fiction. The publications and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Books by J.C. VALENTINE
About this Book
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Copyright Notice
Connect with J.C. VALENTINE
Connect with J.C. VALENTINE
AMAZON Author Page
Website | Mailing list | Facebook | Twitter