“IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED, Livia played a new game every day. It was always some version of “Ignore Chris and Pretend… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“As she danced along the bar, Kyle craned her neck and caught glimpses of her sister, who sat almost nose to nose… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“He moved to her earlobe and breathed, “First, I will blow, then I will lick, last I will bite.” Blake took his… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Then one night Blake had saved them all. Blake made the old organ into a tool. You could see right into his… — Debra Anastasia Music Copy Share Image
“Why aren’t you fighting back?” Blake finally asked one night as Beckett lay on his bed. “I told you not to come… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Eve commanded her hostage to open the door and look calm. She didn’t turn around again, but Beckett knew what she’d done.… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“In his head Beckett put the two of them in a big snow globe with glitter that he could shake when he… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“But as attractive as a tropical island alone with Eve might be, Beckett knew he could never go. He couldn’t be that… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Beckett stood looming over Chris, letting the image of his brother’s chest being shocked in the night fill his mind. At his… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“We’re here because I think all that time ago you fell off the horse. I think you had the breath knocked out… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“But in an instant Blake stepped in front of her, turning his back to Chris and the gun. The shot was so… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“She watched with a crashing surge of pride as he reached up and pulled the mask off—he was in full sunlight. The… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Livia, I can’t get started if we can’t finish. I can’t trust myself to stop.” Livia smiled at his concern and grabbed… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“No one else would dare interrupt Blake’s playing, but Beckett scooped him into a bear hug and pounded him on the back.… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Am I the star in this story or you?” Blake wrinkled his nose and chuckled. “Was that a bad analogy? I meant… — Debra Anastasia Astronomy Copy Share Image
“The pull toward him came from her center. Her eyes never left his face as she moved to her hands and knees.… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Listen, Mouse wants us to find Blake,” Eve pleaded. “That’s why he’s pointing. That’s why he took out three assholes on his… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“I’m going to hell, Livia,” he said. “I’m going to hell for all three of us,” Beckett said defiantly. Only now did… — Debra Anastasia Better man Copy Share Image
“He kissed Kyle, checking to see that her eyes stayed sure and real. They did. Instead of saint and sinner, they were… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“And I know Blake had a bunch of fucking problems going on the night he was shot. But Mouse here made sure… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“She stepped into him again, needing the contact to keep her heart rhythm steady. Blake rubbed the center of her back. It… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“He knew she saw it coming. He saw the pain in her eyes, but it wasn’t from his fist. She was disappointed.… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Do you have to kill people every time you take a piss?” Eve locked the men’s room door behind her. God, he… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Wait. What?” Livia turned her sister to face her. “The dress doesn’t change who you are. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never… — Debra Anastasia Bride Copy Share Image
“I’m never opposed to sexual favors as payment.” He wrapped her ponytail around his fist, leaning close to her ear. “I’m too… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“I hope you know how rare a girl like Livia is.” Blake nodded, but said nothing. “I’ve only met a few souls… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“This is supposed to be a touch-feely conversation where we tell you, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll always have a family here with us.’… — Debra Anastasia Communication Copy Share Image
“Beckett wrapped his arm around the one Cole offered him. “Bro, go to Kyle. Stay out of this next fight. I won’t… — Debra Anastasia Peace of mind Copy Share Image
“Livia covered the phone until Kyle looked at her. “You’re simply the best lady I know. I promise not to be oblivious… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“Beckett returned his attention to Livia. He rubbed her shoulders and set to the task of rolling up the sleeves of her… — Debra Anastasia Parenting Copy Share Image
“Damn it. I mean, darn it. I thought the church was on fire. I’m so sorry. How do you clean up holy… — Debra Anastasia Communion Copy Share Image
“Don’t pray to me. Don’t pray to me!” Kyle said, alarmed. “We’re in this together. I’ve done things wrong too. We’re human,… — Debra Anastasia Homeless Copy Share Image
“We better get over to Beckett’s if you want to see how my day goes—before his crowd gets too raunchy.” Blake stood… — Debra Anastasia Homeless Copy Share Image
“Looks like you dropped your phone,” Livia challenged. As soon as it skittered to a stop, Livia brought one of her sturdy… — Debra Anastasia Children Copy Share Image
“No one will hear this one, so you should be able to get out of here. I’m so sorry. I caused you… — Debra Anastasia Pain Copy Share Image
“Get me your manager.” Dove held her head high and tried to seem older and more self-assured. The teenager barely registered her… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“We’re going to find your hobo. We’re going to work hard—work nights. Liv, we’re going to put our balls into it.” She… — Debra Anastasia Homeless Copy Share Image
“The little kid in me roared. He wanted me to know he was right. I could trust no one. Everyone wanted to… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“It was a denim jacket. With this cover in place, Mouse hastily got his pants back in order. Instead of a teacher,… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
“This was self-defense. You’re unarmed. He wanted your gold. I’ll call your lawyer.” She put her hat on his head. “What about… — Debra Anastasia Copy Share Image
