I look into the eyes of the man who’s given me so much without even realizing it and nod. We have got this.
“Thank you.” My tone’s soft and Mason angles his head to the side, brows drawn in.
“What for?”
Laughter sings through the air. Olly and Cassidy’s voices shine through and my heart fills with warmth as I smile wide. “For this. You’ve given me you, and Charlotte. But you’ve also given me something I thought I’d never have again. You’ve given me a real family.”
Mason sighs as a sad smile crosses his face. “Come here.”
His lips connect with the top of my head as I rest my cheek against him.
“Rocky, no!” Charlotte’s high-pitched voice amplifies through the walls of our Greenwich Village apartment, followed by the shattering of glass. I pull back from Mason and we both look at one another.
“I guess that’s our cue to get back in there.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, come on. Before the dog wreaks havoc through every damn room of the house.”
The liquid pooling on the kitchen floor and Cassidy cleaning up broken glass catches my attention, but only for a brief moment before Ali trudges back into the room wiping her mouth and holding her stomach.
I walk over to her and steady my hands on her shoulders. “Hey are you okay? I didn’t realize you were still sick.”
The chatter of voices stop but I stay focused on Ali, my face contorting with worry because it’s been weeks now she’s been sick. She glances anywhere but at me before her gaze fixates behind me. I twist my head around to find Roamyn staring at her, standing with his arms crossed and brows wrinkled, posture stiff.
Unease sinks to the bottom of my stomach and I move to get in Ali’s line of sight. “Ali, what’s going on?” I ask, my voice low.
She flicks her eyes back to me and coughs as she stands tall. “I’m not sick. I’m pregnant.”
My mouth falls open and my eyes bulge. Someone murmurs, “shit,” and a squeal comes from Cassidy’s direction. A flush of adrenaline tingles through my body and my heart flutters as a small smile breaks free. We’re having a baby. I’m going to be an aunt.
My pulse quickens with excitement.
“Seriously? You’re pregnant?”
Ali’s face brightens when she sees my excitement. She glances down and places her hands protectively over her flat stomach before returning her eyes to me.
She smiles with contentment. Her eyes gleam with hope, and a light I’ve never seen from her before shines through. “Yep, I’m going to be a mother.”
I take in the emotion filling the room. I breathe in the love passing between Mason and Charlotte, the passion between Cassidy and Trey as I overhear them discussing their work. The friendship strong as ever between Oliver and me as he gives me a look he knows I can read, and I breathe in the suffering transpiring between Roamyn and Ali in this moment. All of it, the good and the bad, my heart still soars with eternal appreciation because sometimes we meet people and we just know in some way they belong in our life. That’s how I feel right here, right now with each and every one of these guys. Apart, we’re people searching for something. Some might say we’re all a little lost. But together, we’re strong; we’re family. We will fight for what we believe in and we will have retribution, because our story is just beginning.
Revenge surges through our veins and determination lives in our souls.
And love binds us together in a bond that cannot be broken.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Mother. Lover. Dreamer.”
Ivy Stone is an Australian author. She is a self-confessed lover of alpha males and happily ever afters. Getting lost in a fictional world is how she discovered her passion for writing. When she isn’t daydreaming up new romantic stories she’s likely to be found spending time with her family.
Ivy writes sexy romance and is the author of the Unguarded series. She also loves to hear from her readers.
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COMING SOON
Divided
Unguarded TWO
Untitled
Unguarded THREE
Untitled
Unguarded FOUR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chris
Thank you for being patient with me.
Thank you for being everything I need when I need it.
Thank you for being the most incredible husband and father.
Your love is unconditional and beautiful. I’ll treasure it forever.
In every man I write about, there is a piece of you.
Thank you for giving me my very own happily ever after.
You will forever be my always.
Summer & Nash
Thank you for letting Mummy hide away at times to write. You two are my world. Mumma loves you so much.
Mum
There are no words. None. I’m tearing up writing this because I have no idea how to thank you in words that will do your amazingness justice. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. It’s because of your wisdom, love, support and years of guidance that I’m living my dreams and a life I am proud of. I owe everything to you, so thank you. Thank you for being the mother every child should have. I am so blessed.
Kyla, Court & Dan
My family and my biggest supporters, thank you. Having the people you hold dearest believe in you is the most inspiring feeling.
Evie
I don’t think any simple thank you can adequately describe how appreciative of you I really am. You are my rock and my best friend in this crazy book world. Thank you for being you. This journey wouldn’t have been the same without you. Love you long time, babe.
My squad girls
You ladies rock. You support me all the way and for that I am so thankful. You guys believe in me, and that’s something special. I love sharing my life with you all.
Evie, Melissa & Carly
Thank you for your honesty, kind words and support. Thank you for beta reading Exposed and loving Mason and Lindsey as much as I do.
Becky
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. You are an amazing editor. You pushed me to make Exposed the best it possibly could be and for that I am eternally grateful. Exposed wouldn’t be what it is without your guidance and support.
Louisa
You are crazy talented, lady. Thank you for all you have done for me. It’s because of you this series have gorgeous covers I am so proud of.
And a huge thank you to…
The amazing readers, bloggers and fellow authors who have helped share Exposed with the world. I am forever thankful for your support. Your encouragement puts a smile on my face every day.