Deviation (A Defined Series Book 1) (22 page)

Jack

I watch Edith move around the apartment with renewed energy. Of course I said yes to Italy. Anything to keep her from mentioning the lovebirds again during our intimate time. I just might drag her inside a confessional at the Vatican. I’m sure we won’t be the last overzealous couple to renew our faith…or something like that.

Each day is new struggle, but we get through it. When we get back, I’m hoping we can talk to the designer, making some changes to the house.

Graduation was tough. I didn’t walk in the ceremony as adjunct staff, but I
did
watch my girl walk across the stage and get her diploma. I was so damn proud of her. In the back of the auditorium, I could swear I saw her mother, but she was long gone by the time Edith exited the stage. She never mentioned it and I didn’t bring it up for fear it would open a can of worms our fragile relationship couldn’t tolerate yet.

She ended up testifying against Daniel, Sam guiding her the whole way. The son of a bitch is scared for life. He was ugly before, but now his face shows it. Bastard got his dose of karma, and Edith got her closure. 

Aiden still suffers from the poison. He’s gaunt and sickly, but is slowly recovering. When he was released from the hospital, we made him come back to the apartment with us. Edith thinks he’s suffering from a broken heart, so she insists on getting him bacon cheeseburgers from the Grease Lounge. She calls it “food for the soul”, and who am I to argue? I think the worst part for Aiden is not having Shelby to nurse him back to health.

I don’t have it in me to ask him to move out. Dude needs to pull up his man pants, but I’m not about to tell my girlfriend that. I’m not stupid. However, we’re getting on a plane and heading to Italy in less than twelve hours…

Author’s Note

This story encompasses several themes my main characters struggle with during their journey to a HEA…sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. I kept the details of these events on the lighter side because it is not my intention to trigger anyone who has experienced similar circumstances. Rather, I want the reader to see a glimpse into a survivor’s mindset. Often times, we feel we are being helpful to those around us by trying to be the “problem solver”. It can be difficult to know what to do, what to say, or how to handle their behavior. The best thing, sometimes the
only
thing, you can do is offer support, love, and listen without judgment. I’ve provided more information for those wishing to follow-up.

For sexual assault and abuse, call
1-800-656-HOPE
(4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area, or go to:
https://www.rainn.org
.             

If you or someone you know is struggling with or showing signs of suicide, please reach out, get help, and know that it can get better. For resources, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK
(8255), or go to:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
.

For substance abuse resources, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service at
1–800–662–HELP
(4357) for information on hotlines, counseling services, or treatment options in your state. Drug treatment programs by state also may be found online at:
http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
.

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Other Titles by M.C. Cerny

The Reed Series

Flashpoint

Pulse Point (Releases 2015)

The Monroe Matchmakers
Series

Under The Mistletoe

The Naughty List

Own The Night (Releases 2015)

Standalone

Summer Ever After

The Defined Series

Deviation

Contusion (Releases 2016)

Night Owl – The Complete Serial

Night Owl

On Air

Radio Silent

Song Bird

Wicked Games

Acknowledgments

To the ladies in the Hot For Teacher anthology, where it all started: Mandee, Phalla, Niquel, Missy, Carly, Amalie, Elle, Vicki, Liv, and Nicole. You ladies rocked it fierce! Thanks for taking a risk on me. I’m honored to have worked with you.

This full-length novel is for the readers who asked for more, took a risk on me, and let me write my story the way it needed to be heard. Thank you.

There are many people who have my thanks and appreciation each time a project releases. Without your support, it would be impossible to write these stories. Many thanks go to Kim Young, my editor. I owe her a roll of duct tape and a crate of wine. Sommer from Perfect Pear Creative Covers for listening to my ideas and creating a gorgeous cover. Mandy Hollis MHPhotography for taking absolutely lovely photos for the cover. Thanks to my personal assistant, Angie, and my entire crew of author BFFs. Special thanks go to my street team… You ladies rock. XOXO