Taught: A City's Secrets Novella (12 page)

I picked up extra library shifts and got a job working as a waitress at a sports bar on the weekends. That paid enough to keep me in my apartment and fed, although it didn’t leave much room for anything else. It was a lot of work figuring out how to support myself, but I was finally living the way I wanted to, and not the way I was expected to. Everything I did was my choice.

Jim had been a huge help in everything. He supported my decision from day one and was always there to listen when I needed it. At first, when I had trouble making extra money, he showed up with bags of groceries. I managed to pay back his kindness in ways I definitely wouldn’t want to tell my parents about.

Lane was amazing, too. We still lived in the same apartment together, and she was totally cool with how often Jim stayed over. It was beginning to feel like one little happy family, and I had never felt freer in my entire life. Dillon stopped by as often as he wanted, although ever since he got a boyfriend that was less and less.

I hopped onto my bike and rode toward my apartment. I was exhausted, and a little terrified, but I was also elated. I wanted nothing more than to lie down on my couch and sleep until the next morning. I quickly crossed over Broad and parked in front of my building, locking my bike to a stop sign. I climbed the stoop, eyelids heavy, unlocked the door, and went inside. I trudged up the stairs, unlocked my apartment door, and pushed it open.

I stopped short, staring at what I saw inside. Candles were everywhere, all different shapes and sizes, and they filled the room with a soft orange glow. The kitchen table was covered in a white tablecloth, two plates, and a flower centerpiece. Jim stood by the stove, stirring a pot, and he was wearing an old apron.

He turned and grinned at me as I enter. “Hey honey,” he said.

“What’s all this?”

“Congratulations on your first day of school. I thought you’d like a nice home cooked meal.”

“Where’s Lane?”

“She made herself scarce. I had to bribe her with leftovers.”

I laughed. “Wow, I’m impressed.” I took off my stuff and dropped my bag by the door. I went to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders and kissed him deeply. The food smelled amazing, and his lips were soft. I was briefly overwhelmed by my desire for his body, and for his cooking.

“I make a great housewife,” he said after we pulled away.

“Sexy one, too.”

“I know,” he said, grinning.

I moved away and sat down at the table as he turned back toward the stove.

“How’s the song going?” I asked.

“It’s good, we’re pretty much finished. I have to be back tomorrow morning.”

“Sounds good. Tell the boys I said hi.”

He took his apron off then brought over a pan. He served me a generous portion of pasta with clams and red sauce. I had no clue where he got all the ingredients, but it smelled amazing and I loved clams. He finished serving himself, put the pan back on the stove then sat down across from me.

I reached my hand across the table and he took it, smiling.

“I love you,” I said.

“I love you too, Emma.”

I laughed then looked at my plate. “But I think I love these clams more.”

“You better.”

I let go of his hand, picked up my utensils, and began to dig in.

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Vol. 3 FILMED is coming soon!

Did you love
Taught: A City's Secrets Novella
? Then you should read
Kinged
by B. B. Hamel!
Amazon

Rex Latour is a dangerous man. The first night I met him, he beat down two guys for knocking me over outside of a bar, but afterward he barely gave me the time of day. He's deliciously ripped, tattooed, and completely frustrating.

I know he's involved with some terrifying people, but I keep getting pulled back in by his perfect body and confident smile. His past is a blur of drugs, sex, and crime, and yet I feel safe and alive when he's around.

Rex Latour is bad news. He owes money to the Irish Mob, and they'll do anything to get back at him. Especially by hurting me.

So why can't I stay away?

KINGED contains graphic adult content (swearing, explicit sex, and violence). It’s only appropriate for audiences 18+.

KINGED is a standalone, full-length novel.

Get it on Amazon!