Page 122 of Riot Rules

Holy shit, I had no idea how heavy the weight of my misery was until now. It lifts from my shoulders. It retracts its claws. It sets me free, and my heart soars.

Carrie whimpers against my mouth, her back arched against my hand, her tits smashed up against my chest, her hips against my hips, our bodies aligned as one. For eighteen years, I’ve walked this earth. I’ve eaten, and slept, and dreamed, but I have never truly feltaliveuntil this moment.

Propriety eventually demands that I put Carrie down, though she doesn’t seem too happy about it. I smirk at the sulky, delicious little sound she makes when I pull back and look down at her. “A new beginning sounds perfect. So long as I’m allowed to love you right out of the gate.” My voice is rough-edged with emotion. I don’t even care if Wren hears it—this is the happiest I’ve been in my whole fucking life.

Carrie blushes. Nods. “I’ll permit that. So long as you allow me to do the same.”

I laugh. “Permission granted.”

“Good. To new beginnings, then.” She takes an exaggerated step back, thrusting out her hand to me, her back straight, her eyes shining brightly. “Hello, my name’s Hannah Rose Ashford. And there are a lot of things I want to tell you.”

I smile so hard my cheeks ache. “Hey, Hannah. It is the honor of my life to finally meet you.”