Blaire
“Au revoir,” I say as I watch the couple leave the gallery. Their bank account took a hit, but their home is going to look fabulous. It’s been a couple of months since I moved to Paris and things couldn’t be better. Jacob and Joanna have been a pleasure to live with and work for, and I’m in love with the city. The architecture, the culture, the fashion, the food (oh my God, the food!), the art and the people are all breathtaking. Every day I fall a little bit more in love with it all.
I sigh, giving my head a tiny shake, and go back to my desk and get back to work. I’m going over some paperwork when I hear the glass doors open and close behind me. Smiling, I turn around to greet the new customer.
As my eyes land on him, my smile freezes and I feel the air knocked out of me. Blinking repeatedly, I absorb his achingly beautiful features, but it’s his eyes that hold me captive and their slave.
“Hello, Mrs. Klein,” he says huskily, his voice full of tenderness.
“What—” I grip the desk, feeling like I’m about to faint. “What are you doing here?”
“Elly told me where to find you.” He closes the space between us, detaches my fingers from the desk, and takes me in his arms. My knees give out, too weak to hold me straight, but he holds me tight in his embrace as he caresses my wet cheek.
“I came to get what’s mine. Besides, you forgot something.” He takes my hand in his and places the paper ring on my finger, right where it belongs. Then he smiles into my eyes and the world suddenly makes sense once again.
“Always and forever and over a thousand eternities, mine.”
I WANT TO THANK MY HUSBAND and my family for loving me and supporting me through it all. I love you more than words can ever describe.
Next I would like to thank each and every single person that helped me in creating Sweetest Venom—my very special and kick-ass group of beta readers. Without your help and feedback this book would have never been completed. Your unfailing dedication to these characters and your wisdom were my guiding light. Luna, Jx, Priscilla, Rosalinda, Kathy, Rachel, Megan, Melissa, Mint, Milasy, Tennille, Deana, Kelley—SV wouldn’t be what it is without you! You guys are not only my team, but you are my friends. I love you, girls.
Luna and Jx, thank you SO much for your friendship, support, and help. You kept me on track when I wanted to give up. And you were there for me when I was racing toward the end. I don’t know how I would’ve done it all without you. You guys rock my world. I love you!
Penelope, my P, I don’t know what I would do without your friendship and your guidance. Seriously. I love you, woman.
Claire, #soulsisters. #darksideisalwaysbetter #loveyou #givemeOliverandIllgiveyouLaw
Corinne, one day I promise to listen to all the amazing advice that you give me. LOL. Love you!
Priscilla, thank you for your friendship. I’m very lucky to have it.
Rosalinda, your feedback regarding Blaire’s past was indispensable to the story. Thank you so much for everything that you did and for your friendship.
Melissa, Megan, and Mint, we DID it!!! WE DID IT! We met about four years ago. We bonded over our love for books, and the rest is history. You were the first three people who read my first draft of Easy Virtue back when it was all a big dream of mine. And you have been with me ever since. Thank you!
Kathy N., thank you so much for listening to me vent about my characters every other week. <3 You’re the best.
Jennifer, my beautiful, generous, caring, patient, and very talented editor, thank you so much for being there for me and for dealing with my crazy. I may have written Sweetest Venom, but it was your work and magic that made it readable and enjoyable. Thank you so much!
Ryn, I want to thank you for perfecting SV with your proofreading services. Also, thank you so much for squeezing me in. You rocked!
Kassi, you’re a rock star. Thank you so much for making SV pretty and for answering all my questions and meeting my crazy deadlines. I’d be dead without you. <3
TRSOR Lisa and Milasy, thank you so much for putting up with my crazy, your friendship, and for your help, my friends. I don’t know where I would be without your support. You organized a kick-ass cover reveal and blog tour. Love you, girls <3
BIG, BIG SHOUT OUT to my girls in the EV Discussion and Spoiler group. You guys have made that place something really special. Here is to hoping SV gives us as many hours of discussion as Arsen and EV did. MAD LOVE TO YOU ALL!
I want to give a special shout out to all the bloggers and individuals that helped spread the word about my work. No one would know about my novel if it weren’t for your help. I would be nothing without your help. Thank you for believing in me (again) and in Sweetest Venom. I’m so lucky and very grateful to have you in my life.
To FYW, thank you for all your help! Liquidate that! ;)