I need to prove ourselves to the Elder Crowns who will initiate us and vote us in. We need to show them we’re capable of running the society. The age to join used to be eighteen, but they changed it two years ago because of young, hotheaded assholes who caused some shit by spewing information about the society in a Vegas strip club breaking the society's most absolute law—never speak of the Sovereign to any outsiders.
Harding doesn’t like me very much, and the feeling is mutual. I wasn’t meant to be one of the Crowns, but as the rules stand, since he doesn't have a son, I’ll take a seat at the table. The Sovereign is rigid in the no women rule.
“We’ll do a walkthrough later, get some introductions done,” I tell my best friends. Both understand why I want this so badly. They’re both firstborn sons, which means they automatically get in, I have a bit of extra work to do to take my rightful place in the Sovereign.
“I’ll see you tonight,” Etienne tells me as he heads off to his class, leaving me with Tar.
After offering Etienne a nod before he disappears, I turn to my left. “You coming tonight?”
Tarian glances at me with bright blue eyes that match the sky today. “What’s happening tonight?” He questions as he pulls out a packet of smokes, tapping one out before placing it between his lips.
“We’re meeting down at the lake house,” I tell him, “I’m thinking of having a little get together. The calm before the storm.”
Orientation week is one of the busiest at the school, especially for the freshmen. The seniors tend to hide out at the Lancaster lake house, which sits on the edge of town behind the forest. It’s secluded and tranquil, something I think I’ll be needing before my rigorous course load begins.
“Yeah.” Tar grins. “Let’s get a few girls out there. I need to get my dick wet.” This time, he chuckles, and I just shake my head.
“You know it,” I respond, fist-bumping him before making it up the stairs and toward my class. Even though I settle in my chair, attempting to focus, my mind is still on the fresh meat that’s arrived. The one with hair the color of night. Something about her has me intrigued.
“Welcome back, minions,” Professor Harding greets us. In his late fifties, he’s one of the oldest staff members at the school. Also, one of the Crowns of the Sovereign.
His gaze lands on me within seconds of his greeting, his stare hardening into narrows slits before he turns his attention back to the rest of the students.
“This year, you’ll be obeying my every command because I’m not going easy on you.” His snark is clear. Asshole thinks he runs the world. “Since it’s the first day of your final year at Tynewood, I was thinking about taking it easy on you, but… I’m not that nice. Remember, I’m the one who makes sure you pass your finals. Anything less than an A in my class is a fail.”
A groan resounds in the room, and he smiles. The darkness this man exudes is worse than my father’s domineering demeanor. Harding is the same age as Dad, but he looks ten times older. He acts it, too.
“Now, let’s have a little fun and talk about what we remember from last year.” He grins before lifting a stack of pages, which makes me think we have a goddamn pop quiz.
Muffled complaints echo around me, but that only makes him happier. Sitting back in my seat, I pull out my cell phone and tap out a message to Dad, who I know is at work down the hall. As a history professor, he takes pride in his class, in his students, and I know I’m stirring shit between him and Harding, but that’s why I’m here—to shake up an age-old society that needs new blood.
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Acknowledgments
Thank you for reading Nesrin and Damien’s story. This was one of the most difficult books for me, because Nesrin’s journey isn’t easy. Delving into her mind was tough because her anxiety made mine spike. But if you’ve reached this part of the book, you’ve hopefully fallen in love with these characters as much as I have. And hopefully, you’re excited for Cassian’s book!
I want to thank my BETA reader, Michelle Myers (Digital Dirty Girl Book Blog) for falling in love with Damien and Nesrin the same way I did. Thank you for all your insight.
To my editor, Rebecca Barney (Rebecca’s Fairest Reviews), thank you for polishing these two characters and their journey to perfectly. Your advice and comments always ensure my book is shiny and ready for readers.
To my proofer, Brian (Illuminate Author Services), as always, a huge thank you for all your hard work on catching those final changes.
To my readers, the amazing ladies in my reader group, The Deviants, thank you for always being so incredible, and to my Captive Angels for pimping my ass out, you ladies ROCK!
To the author colleagues who read A Cut so Deep, and helped share and promote it, thank you so freaking much! I love you ladies!
And to the bloggers and bookstagrammers who were so excited to meet these characters. I truly hope the book lived up to your expectations. Thank you for always taking time out of your busy lives to help support and promote me. Your love is humbling.
Mad love,
Dani xo
Also by Dani René
Stand Alones
Choosing the Hart
Love Beyond Words
Cuffed
Fragile Innocence
Perfectly Flawed
Black Light: Obsessed
Among Ash and Ember
Cursed in Love (collaboration with Cora Kenborn)
Beautifully Brutal (Cavalieri Della Morte)
How the Mind Breaks
The Devil’s Plaything
Taboo Novellas
Sunshine and the Stalker (collaboration with K Webster)
His Temptation
Austin’s Christmas Shortcake
Crime and Punishment (Newsletter Exclusive)
Malignus (Inferno World Novella)
Tempting Grayson
Gilded Sovereign Series
Cruel War (Book #1)
Volatile Love (Book #2)
Sins of Seven Series
Kneel (Book #1)
Obey (Book #2)
Indulge (Book #3)
Ruthless (Book #4)
Bound (Book #5)
Envy (Book #6)
Vice (Book #7)
The Taken Series
Stolen
Severed
Four Fathers Series
Kingston
Four Sons Series
Brock
Carina Press Novellas
Pierced Ink
Madd Ink
Broken Series
Broken by Desire
Shattered by Love
The Backstage Series
Callum
Liam
Ryan
Forbidden Series
From the Ashes - A Prequel
Crave (Book #1)
Covet (Book #2)
About the Author
Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of a dark and deviant romance. She lives in the picturesque city of Cape Town where wine is plenty and the views are spectacular. She's also a proud member of the Romance Writer's Organization of South Africa (ROSA). When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design.
She has a healthy addiction to reading, tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.
www.danirene.com | info@danirene.com
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