Page 230 of Corrupted By You

Darla

My friends surprised me with a book launch party at MacGregor.

The renowned pub was rented out for our private party of five—Cade, Ella, Hera, Shaun, and myself.

I was truly blessed to have the best support system. Not only did taking space allow me to self-reflect and make peace with my family’s past, but it gave me a chance to reconnect with my friends: my found family. The last few months were a whirlwind. Moving forward, I promised to dedicate more time to these amazing individuals.

“You’re going to become a New York Times Bestseller, Darla,” Hera said with conviction as she weighed a paperback copy of my book in her hands.

Ella looped her arm around my neck and her little baby bump touched mine as we side-hugged. “I’ve been telling her that since university.”

I blushed under their praise. “Thank you, but I would be happy enough knowing the story and the characters resonated with my readers.” I’d been teasing this release on social media for months and I knew the crowd was excited for it to go live tomorrow morning. “Although New York Times Bestseller does have a nice ring to it.”

Cade was sifting through a copy as well when he stopped on a specific chapter. He choked on his drink. “Holy shit.”

I grimaced. “What chapter?”

“C-Chapter twenty-one,” he wheezed, while Ella patted his back jokingly.

Ah, the chapter where she sucked his dick in her new office. One of my favourites.

I’d always been very private about my writing. Over the years, I’d let more of my friends in on my secret life. Ella and Hera weren’t big readers, but they always read my works. Shaun rarely had the time for anything besides financial reports and probably the occasionalHustler. Cade was the only seasoned reader and while I warned him that my romantic stories were laced with steaminess, he waved me off saying he didn’t limit himself to one genre. I mean, this man read kinky romances to help cater to his wife’s tastes.

Ella whispered in his ear—probably something dirty—and Cade graced her with a shameless smirk. They pored over the chapter together. Shaun took the opportunity to glue himself to Hera’s side as she skimmed through my book.

“I remember when you were obsessed withTwilightin high school,” he said close to her ear, placing his chin on her bare shoulder like he was reading with her. “And how you made me watch every single movie.”

He also subtly inhaled her fragrance like a fifteen-year-old boy enamoured with his first crush.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.” Hera smiled wistfully, still focused on the book when a layer of her hair fell forward.

Shaun tucked it behind her ear and gave her a territorial look that she failed to notice.

Against his better judgement, Shaun had fallen for her again.

And Hera, as usual, probably had no goddamn clue.

Ella, Cade, and I exchanged a knowing look.

Another round of drinks arrived. Non-alcoholic for the girls and a bottle of Macallan for the boys. We fell into conversation about fun high school memories and the woes of adulthood.

Nostalgia gripped the table as we jested and laughed. In the midst of all our old tales, an iota of loneliness bled through a tiny fissure until the smile on my lips began to wilt. I had so many reasons to celebrate—my book launch, my family’s truce, my wonderful friendships, and simply beingalive—but all I could think about was my husband.

My Hades, ruling his shadowy lands without his Persephone by his side.

Speaking of the Devil, seconds after that thought, my phone lit up with a text message.

Come out, little angel. —Zed

Suddenly, that void in my chest filled with acute warmth.

I don’t take orders from you,mon amour.—Darla

You have three minutes to come out before I puncture your tires. —Zed

A small laugh bubbled out of me. I clamped a hand over my mouth. This conversation was reminiscent of our beginning.

Do your worst, baby. —Darla