His arms, hands, and body stay in place as he vibrates with laughter too.
“You’re too…fast…” I suck in air and allow him to take most of my weight as we stand waist deep in water, our backs toward the beach.
His breath is hot against my neck. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
“Sure you can.” I push wet strands of hair from my face.
“I’m taking you back to the room now.”
I press my palms over his hands still cupping my breasts. “It’s okay, you big party pooper. I’ll put my top back on. Besides, I’ve heard sunburned nipples are a bitch.”
“That’s not why. Watching your ass when you took off running did me in, Ax.” He groans and flexes his hips into my ass. “I need you.”
I gasp at the desperation in his voice and marvel at how it matches my own. “Okay, Kill.” I wrap an arm up and behind me to pull his head down for a kiss that leaves us both breathless. “You can’t walk me back to the beach like this.” I motion to his hands on me. “I’ll keep myself covered.”
“I don’t trust you. Wanting to be free and shit, fuck… Next trip we’re going to Pennsylvania to shack up with the Amish.”
I wiggle free, and he’s forced to release me, but I quickly cover myself with my own hands. His eyes flare. “That’s even worse.” He looks behind him at my top lying abandoned on the beach then turns me back towards the horizon. “Stay.”
“I love you, Killian McCreery,” I yell over my shoulder as he jogs to get my top.
“You’re a pain in my ass, but I love you too.”
THE END
Fighting Fate Playlist
Thunderstruck – AC/DC
Chandelier – Sia
Flashlight – Jessie J
Flavor of the Week – American Hi-Fi I Can Wait Forever – Simple Plan I’d Hate to Be You When People Find Out What This Song is About – Mayday Parade It Girl – Jason Derulo
Lost with You – The Heyday
No Heroes Allowed – Mayday Parade Red Light Pledge – Silverstein
Secret Valentine – We The Kings
So Soon – Marianas Trench
Thank You – Simple Plan
The Last Something That Meant Anything – Mayday Parade Three Cheers for Five Years – Mayday Parade When I’m Gone – Simple Plan
You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Head in the Clouds – Mayday Parade
Acknowledgments
Writing a book is always a group effort, and I couldn’t be more excited and overwhelmed by the amazing people who helped me bring Axelle and Killian’s story to the page.
Amanda Simpson at Pixel Mischief Design… I don’t even know where to start. What began as a business relationship quickly grew into friendship, and now you’re even dipping your toes into beta reading. Is there anything you can’t do? I think not. Your insight on this project was invaluable, and the fact that romance “isn’t your thing” yet you help me anyway is a kindness I could never adequately repay. When we get to our private island, you can have the master house. I’ll take the servants quarters. And those first few rum drinks are on me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
I owe a huge thank you to Toshia Slade who has been through this series with a fine-toothed comb: editing audiobooks, proofing e-books, beta reading. I’ve managed to rob the girl of the enjoyment of The Fighting Series, and yet she’s always anxiously awaiting more. Thank you, Tosh, for all that you’ve done both for me and for The Fighting Girls. From day one, you were there, and you’ve been a steady force ever since. I’m forever grateful.
To my favorite stalker, Kelly Fletcher, I’m forever grateful for your help on this book. It is because of you that none of my fighters sounds like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. I adore you, and I look forward to one day getting to give you a big ole hug to say thank you.
Thank you to my dear friend Claudia Connor, who took the time to blast through this book for me at the last minute and always ensures I’m putting my best work forward. I love you, Dia.
As always, a huge thank you to Elizabeth Reyes for encouraging me to write when I was terrified to try. I will always owe everything to you. Thank you for taking the time to invest in me. I will never forget you and remain more grateful than words could explain.
Huge thank you to my incredible agent MacKenzie Fraser-Bub, who’s always fighting in my corner and believes in the writer I am and the writer I can become.
Thank you to Theresa Wegand for editing the entire Fighting Series. You’ve lived through all these books, and I’m forever grateful for your guidance.
I’m beyond grateful to my family, who’ve been my #1 fans. You’ve helped make this incredible ride so sweet. I love you all to death.
Ginormous thank you to all The Fighting Girls who’ve cheered me on, pushed me when I felt like giving up, and who constantly remind me that romance readers are the most beautiful, compassionate, and passionate women on earth. You’ve blown me away with your support and your love for each other. Every book I write I write for you.
Free to Fly…
SPLIT
A standalone novel
by JB Salsbury