Hush - Anne Malcom Page 0,110

hoped for it like she’d hoped he’d rescue her those first weeks. She didn’t expect him to come through.

“Okay, I get it. And I’ll do what I can to cover your tracks. But Orion . . .” His voice trailed off. He cocked his head, looked her deep in the eyes. “Can you at least stick to the ones in Clark County? Make my job a little easier.”

Orion blinked rapidly. Was this happening? Hope was winning out. Maddox wasn’t saving her. Not in the conventional hero, damsel in distress kind of way, at least. This had not been written in any fucking fairy tale or put in any fucking Disney movie.

“Won’t that alert the cops? Like, the ones above you?” Orion clarified.

He met her stare, his eyes glittering with anger. Yes, he was pissed off at her for this. “Not if there are no bodies. And not if I’m scrubbing any evidence.”

She nodded, a hand to her chin. She abruptly put a hand out. “Deal.”

He shook his head, disappointed and a little amused. Then he took her hand, pulling her in, and kissed her long and hard.

These violent delights have violent ends.

- William Shakespeare

Acknowledgments

Anne…

I have long said that I’d never write a book with someone. Especially not my fiancé. Never say never, right?

I am so thankful I got to experience this with my best friend. Writing this book came so naturally to me. Writing with my man was so gosh darn easy, even though the subject matter is so dark.

I’m so proud of us, babe. I’m so proud of you for giving this dark story some light. I’m so lucky to be on this journey with you. To live this life with you.

The people I have to thank hasn’t changed. These people are pillars in my life. Steadfast. Always there. I’m so very lucky.

Dad. You can’t read this. Or maybe you can, if heaven has Amazon Prime. But nonetheless, you are the reason I’m here. Because you taught me how to be a badass, how to believe in myself, how to leave my manners on the side of the court when I was playing netball. To be kind. And you’re the reason I have such expensive taste.

Mum. You are my hero. My best friend. I am always so surprised when everyone doesn’t list their mother as one of their best friends. Because not everyone is lucky like me. Thank you for taking my calls, for never judging me for buying shoes that I don’t need, for urging me to get the matching bag. I know what a strong woman looks like because of you.

Polly, Emma, Harriet. My girls. You’re still over on the other side of the world, but you’re always there if I need an opinion on a selfie, or to have some form of breakdown.

Jessica Gadziala. My #sisterqueen. You are the reason I get through many of my writing blocks and general anxieties. You are a selfless friend, a kickass author and an all around queen.

Amo Jones. My ride or die. You tell me when I’m being crazy, you support me no matter what.

Michelle Clay. I am so lucky that you came into my life. You are such a special human. You’re so precious to me. In short, you’re family.

Annette Brignac. I’m so glad my books brought us together. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without you. My books would not be the same. My life would not be the same. Thank you for being you.

Ginny. You are so important to my books. To my life. You know my characters almost as well as you know me. You know when I need a kick up the butt or some kind words. Thank you for being there for me always.

You. The reader. I would not be typing this without you. Without your support. You are the reason I get to live my dream. Why I get to write stories and call it a job. Thank you for making my dreams come true.

BT…

I’m so thankful for the love and support of my fiancée, best friend, and, now, co-author. It’s surreal to even write that, but I’m so proud that this is our reality and we get to share this deep, beautifully dark story with each other, and with the world.

I love you, forever and then some!

To those like me who have lived through abuse. My own was not to the extent of these characters, thank God, but the abuse I was subjected to as a child, and the rage