Love Me (Trust Series #2) (49 page)

Her eyes start to flutter shut. I need to know what happened to her, so the doctors can isolate what they need to look at first.

I’ll love her regardless, but I pray he didn’t touch her.

I stroke her face lightly, and she leans into my touch.

“Alli, we are about to be at the hospital. What did he do to you? You can sleep once you tell me, baby. I need to tell the doctors.”

She pushes her eyes open and then says in a scratchy staccato voice, “Rope on hand. Head was hit. Stomach and ribs hit, too. Arms. Hips. Sedative.”

I can tell she’s in pain. I want to scream and throw anything I can get my hands on, but I need to stay calm for Alli.

“Alli, is there anything else?”

Her eyes are starting to close as she says, “No.”

Thank God.
I breathe a sigh of relief. We can get through anything, but I would never forgive myself if he had touched her that way.

“Okay, rest now. You are completely safe, baby.”

“Mmmkay.”

Her eyes drift shut as I watch her. Whatever she needs, I’ll be there for her. After we get her taken care of and I know she’s okay, I’m going to start hunting that fucking prick, and he’s going to die.

To Paul—You are my perfect match in every way. Your unconditional love and never-ending support never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for doing so much when all my different worlds get a little crazy. I’ll love you forever and always.

To Makaela—You bring a happiness to my life I never knew could have existed. I love our make-believe times together. You’re growing up so fast. You’ll always be my little princess. As you say, I love you much!

To my parents: Kathy, Tim, Gehrig, and Janet—Each and every one of you has been so wonderful through this entire process. I’m so blessed to have four incredible parents in my life.

To Sarah Harper—What would I do without you? Seriously, what would I do? You are always there for me. You’ve been with me through this since the beginning, and I will treasure those memories forever. I can’t remember which vegetable I am in our vegetable medley, but I heart you so hard! We will be Momo sock sisters for life. You have no idea how much fun I had conspiring for your special gift on Christmas Eve.

To Kelly Elliott—Um…um…um…do you feel me channeling my inner um, my fellow Special K friend? You are so very dear to me on so many levels. OMG, the laughs we have had make my chortle box go off all the time. Girl, you’re always picking up what I’m putting down. Thanks for being there for me. The Prime Sisterhood is so elated that you finally joined. Keep one-clicking my friend. You can never go wrong with Prime. Love ya, my sister from another mother! P.S. Scott was totally worth the trade!

To Jovana Shirley—You are still my Fairy Edit Godmother. Thank you for all you did on
Love Me
. I’m convinced you have a magic wand that you use as you go through the story. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I still stand by my last comment in
Trust Me
—you are totally worth the wait.

To My Beta Readers:

Maren—Thank you for taking the time and giving me such detailed notes. I’m going to miss you when you move to Switzerland. You better believe that I’ll be coming to see you! I still love that
Frozen
song, and I so badly want to be able to create snow. Ha-ha!

Nikola (You’ll still never be Nikki to me)—Thank you for being one of those last eyes that reads the story before the infamous publish button is hit. That attention to detail is so important. Here’s to hoping that when you come into town next time, you’re able to stay a little longer. I miss you so much!

Brandy—Thank you for all your feedback. I love all of our chats as we bounce ideas off of each other. We are going to meet one day, I’m convinced of it! Girl, you seriously rock. Oh, and P.S. Please put more Slater in your books. I’m begging you.

Heather—You are one of my biggest cheerleaders! Thank you for all your feedback and for your love of the story. Most importantly, thank you so much for my ketchup-flavored Chapstick. Your messages telling me to hurry up and start writing the next story always bring a smile to my face.

Kendall—To my favorite gal across the pond. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and for giving me the idea to add Damien POVs to the back of the book. I’m still confused. Is it gale or gail? Ha-ha! That still makes me laugh.

To Heather Davenport—Thank you for everything you have done with arranging the release and blog tour for
Love Me
through your company Book Plug Promotions. You truly are magical.

To Chris Chandler and Eddie Smith at Chandler Graphics—Thank you for yet again another beautiful cover! You do such incredible work.

To April Park at April Park Photography—Your photos are incredible. I’m so glad Harper introduced us.

To Damien’s Darkside Divas—Thank you for all that you do! You guys have such a special place in my heart. Your thoughtfulness and love will forever stay with me. Thank you for your friendship and all the banter. I love to tease you guys. I appreciate each and every one of you guys so much. I’m so thankful you guys joined the discussion group each and everyday! Thank you!

To Trust Series Discussion Board—You guys make me smile all the time with your posts and comments. The friendship we have built in there over the last few months is amazing. I appreciate each and every one of you. I heart you all. Thank you!

To Karen, Kelly, Jenney, Lori, Cynde, Lisa, Heather, Mary, Shawna, Amy, Liz, Christina, Tina, Gigi— Thank you for making me laugh all the time and your friendship.

To Readers—Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m so incredibly humbled by the reception and feedback I have received for
Trust Me
. Thank you so much for all your kind words and support. I love all of the interactions I have had. I hope you enjoyed the continuation of Damien and Alli’s story as much I as did while writing it. Xoxo!

I hope you enjoyed the extra scenes from Damien’s point of view. I have many more scenes from Damien’s point of view that I will release in the future on my various media outlets.