When We Fall (Take the Fall, #2)(64)

Emmett slams the file drawer shut. “He pissed his pants as soon as he went down. I kicked him and kicked him, and if I could have physically done to him on the inside what he did to my sister, I would have, but there weren’t any poles to shove up his ass.”

I rub my chin. “They have a video of you—security cam at The Oaks got it. They thought it was me, which is why they took me in for questioning in the first place. Hell, they still assume it’s me, but they don’t have enough proof to do anything about it.”

“Fuck. I thought…” His head falls back. “I didn’t mean for you to get accused of anything. The dude was alive and breathing when I left him.”

“You have to tell the cops.”

“I know.”

“We can call Hunter, get him to take you in and tell your side.”

“Do you think…maybe that * will finally get what’s coming to him?”

I nod slowly. Piper’s dad will do something to punish the guy, but I’m a hundred percent sure it will be done privately. Because reputation is king of The Oaks. “I think if someone finally stands up to Mark and it gets out, then hell yes.”

“Then let’s make sure it gets out.” He grabs his phone. “You think a YouTube confession will do it?”

“I’ll help you upload it.”





Chapter 22


SIX MONTHS LATER





Jase


The renovations on the house are finally complete. The project made the local news and a crew from HGTV came out to do some interviews on neighborhood revitalization projects. I let Blake and his partner handle all that. Despite how things have changed in the last eight years in regard to attitudes and even this town, I’m not about to chance someone Googling my ass and making my past the focus. So I’ve remained a silent partner in it all. A wealthy silent partner. I still can’t believe how much money they gave me for the house, or the lease deal we made on the land. It’s not as much as Piper inherited, not even close, but it makes me feel like I’m contributing. She’s put her money to work, starting a women’s shelter on the other side of Charlotte, and she’s back at school.

It’s kinda hot that my wife is a college student.

I get a text from Blake, read it quickly, and then shove my phone across the table.

“We have all but one section leased,” I announce as Piper brings a huge birthday cake to the table and sets it in the middle. “Blake’s pleased with how quickly they went.”

Piper gives a little cheer and smiles brightly at me, lighting candles. The lighter she uses is an old one of mine and I’m proud to say that I’ve been smoke-free for six months. “I’m sure you’ll find a tenant for that one in no time at all, but in the meantime, blow out your candles and make a wish.”

I pull her down into my lap. “Don’t need to. I got everything I want.”

She pouts a little. “But it’s your birthday.”

I can’t resist her pouty lips. “Fine.” I blow the candles out. “My wish is for you to get naked and let me eat birthday cake off your tits.”

“Done.” She stands up and unbuttons her dress, revealing her perfect breasts to me, as the dress slides down her body. Her very nude body. “Like my birthday suit?”

“Very much.”

Running a finger through the icing, she rubs the tips of her pink nipples with it. In the center of her chest is an intricate henna tattoo she let me apply to her skin this morning. Slowly but surely, she’s warming up to the idea of permanent ink. However, I won’t push her. It’s not my style and I want her to want it.

“Ready to eat your birthday cake?” Amusement, desire, and love flash in her pretty eyes.

Yeah, life is good, and she’s everything I want.





Acknowledgments


I’d like to thank Sue Grimshaw for taking a chance on this series. You are amazing and such a wonderful editor. Working with you has been the best experience.

Special thanks to my family for supporting me. In particular I’d like to thank my husband for inspiring the “having coherent conversations while completely asleep” scenes in this book. My favorite is the time you demanded that all the clocks in the hospital be turned back.

Last, but never least, my readers. Thank you for reading my work.





BY MARQUITA VALENTINE


Take the Fall Series


Take the Fall

When We Fall

After We Fall (coming soon)





Boys of the South Series


Live for You

Only for You

True for You

All for You

Wish for You

Burn for You

Need You Tonight





Holland Springs Series


Drive Me Crazy

Driving to You

Twice Tempted

Third Time’s a Charm

His Christmas Wish

Just Desserts

Not over You

Be Mine





The Lawson Brothers Series


Love So Hot

Love So True

Love So Irresistible

Love So Tempting

Love So Perfect