by Kay Maree
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Have you ever been scared of your own Shadow?
A broken relationship.
A past best forgotten.
A chance meeting.
Who is threatening her? What do they want with her?
Can the tall, dark and sexy Detective save her from her Shadows, or will they both be caught up in her nightmare?
Leia
"Hello?" I hold the phone to my ear with a shoulder while I sit on the edge of my bed trying to pull on a pair of black jeans. Cursing myself for buying the tightest fucken jeans ever made, grrr.
"Leia"
"Oh, hi Ryan." I'm breathless, thanks to the wrestling match with my pants, and a little confused as to why he's ringing me. I glance at the clock on my nightstand wondering if I'm running late for our date.
"Leia, we need to talk."
Fuck, that doesn't sound good. I stop struggling with my jeans, reach up and grab my phone. I inhale and exhale slowly, wondering where this conversation is going. But, in all honesty, I knew it was coming.
"What's up?" I hope my voice sounds void of any, and all, emotion.
He chuckles nervously before he goes on, "how do you make those two words sound like a business discussion?" he mumbles lowly.
I sit up a little straighter when I hear his words. I don't think he meant for me to hear him, but I did, and it kind of hurt. He makes me sound so cold. He keeps speaking so I don't get a chance to say anything.
"I'm just going to cut to the chase, I don't think this thing we have going on is working."
I nod as he keeps speaking even though he can't see me. "I would really like to use that old saying of ‘It's not you, it's me,' but I won't lie to you - it is definitely you. I didn't say that to hurt your feelings, and you're a nice girl, but I just don't see this going anywhere."
He hurriedly speaks the last words, and I wipe away the single tear which has slipped down my cheek, determined not to let him know his words hurt. I take another small breath in and out, slowly release it so my voice doesn't break when I speak. "Okay."
"Okay?" He sounds puzzled.
"Well, what would you like me to say? You have obviously made up your mind so, there is no point arguing with you." I note the edge to my voice.
"You must have known this was coming, Leia. You're so unresponsive and closed off. How the hell am I supposed to get to know you when you block me at every turn?"
"Well, I guess it's not your issue anymore, Ryan. You can…"
He cuts me off before I can finish the sentence. I feel anger slide up and down my spine wondering why the fuck I put up with this prick for the last four months.
"Look I'm sorry, okay. Fuck, I didn't ring to upset you I just thought…"
I cut him right back the fuck off. Fuck him, and fuck this conversation, or whatever the fuck it is.
I live in Newcastle, on the New South Wales coast of Australia with my husband and three beautiful children.
Between being a taxi for my children, and working full-time, I somehow find the time to write. It’s something I love with a passion and with the encouragement of my very supportive husband, I have accomplished one of my dreams – releasing my first novel.
I hope you fall in love with my characters as much as I have.
I love reading and getting lost in a good book when I manage to snatch five minutes to myself.
