On the Brink 2: The On the Brink Series, #2

By Erika Rhys

Two men love her. She can only choose one. Which man will win her heart?

A determined new suitor
With Juliana’s future with Craig uncertain, Jake Barlow blazes into her world. Handsome, successful, with an irresistible love of life, he makes it his mission to win her heart.

An impossible choice
When stunning revelations emerge, the truth turns Juliana’s life upside down and forces her to choose between Craig and Jake. More is on the line than she ever imagined. Who will she choose, and why? Will she find happiness with Craig, with Jake—or will she lose the love of both men? 

How she handles the mistakes of the past may just control her future…

Complete series available!
On the Brink is a steamy romance series featuring a love triangle. Vol. 2 is the second part of this three-volume series and ends on a cliffhanger. 

Read On the Brink, vol. 2 to experience Juliana’s dilemma today!

What readers have to say about On the Brink:

“The writing is fluid, the wit is sharp and dry, the romance is HOT.”
Christopher, author

“There wasn’t a dull page in this story.”
Ilze, author

“A great balance of story and erotica.”
Heidi M., reader

“Before I read it, I predicted how this would go. It didn't go at all the way I predicted.....it was SO much better!”
Kristen F., reader

“The love affair that developed between the heroine and the hero was absolutely delicious…I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an involved plot including a cliffhanger...or two...:-)
Gilda, reader

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erika Rhys
• Release date: Jan 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781513037073

Erika Rhys

International bestselling author Erika Rhys writes contemporary romance novels featuring sexy men, strong women, and dashes of sparkling wit—the kind of books she enjoys reading. Her books include Heir of the Hamptons and the Gentlemen’s Club, Over the Edge, and On the Brink series. Erika’s heroes are driven, determined, and often wealthy, but can also be sensitive and vulnerable. Her heroines come from a range of backgrounds, and are strong, smart, and independent, but also sympathetic and caring. All her books feature laugh-out-loud moments, because humor is sexy! Erika loves dance music, shoes, long walks by herself, long dinners with friends, dark chocolate, strong coffee, and ice-cold martinis. She also loves hearing from readers, so get in touch!  http://erikarhys.com http://facebook.com/ErikaRhys.Author http://twitter.com/erikarhysauthor http://instagram.com/erikarhysauthor http://pinterest.com/erikarhysauthor

Book preview

On the Brink 2

The On the Brink Series, Volume 2

Erika Rhys

Published by Erika Rhys, 2015.

For Christina Ross, in appreciation of friendship, encouragement, and inspiration.

For Teresa Woroniecka, in gratitude for unwavering friendship and support.

Copyright and Legal Notice:

This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights.

Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the author.

First ebook edition © 2014.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to persons living or dead (unless explicitly noted) is merely coincidental. Copyright © 2014 Erika Rhys. All rights reserved worldwide.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter One

Boston

Six months later

I hurried down Boylston Street, on my way to work. The sparkling April sunlight, gentle breeze, and bright, shimmering greens of new spring foliage made a delightful contrast to the long, cold winter that had held Boston in its icy grip until just a few weeks ago.

I entered the Prudential Tower and walked briskly to the elevators. Barlow Interactive, my employer, occupied the 40th floor. A midsized agency specializing in interactive design, Barlow was energetic, youthful, and growing fast.

Life was good and getting better. I had a wonderful new job with fabulous career potential, and even my painting career seemed to be getting off the ground.

The only ingredient missing was romance.

Since my breakup with Craig, I hadn’t felt a single flicker of interest in any man. Maybe what I’d felt for Craig had been a once-in-a-lifetime thing; maybe I’d never experience anything like it again. Sometimes I felt that part of me had died with our relationship. Or maybe he’d brought a part of me to life for the first time, a part of me that I hadn’t known existed.

I wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered. I’d sent him away, for both our sakes. Given my history as a rape survivor and Craig’s attraction to bondage and domination, it could never have worked out.

Last fall, after I’d stumbled onto a DVD of Craig and his ex-girlfriend Alessandra d’Acosta participating in an orgy, I’d cycled through a range of emotions—anxiety, anger, fear, betrayal, disappointment—but once I calmed down and talked things through with Duncan, I realized that my feelings were hopelessly tangled up with my history.

Craig hadn’t done anything wrong. He hadn’t lied to me, or betrayed me. He hadn’t pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do. But now I faced the reality that I would never be able to satisfy him, never be able to give him what he really wanted.

So I stayed away. It was for the best. For both of us. But as the months wore on and Craig continued to occupy my thoughts, I began to worry. Maybe I’d never be able to stop thinking about him. Maybe I’d never feel anything for another man. Was I destined to spend the rest of my life alone?

I reminded myself to focus on the positive. After all, my life had turned around over the past few months, and I was grateful for my good fortune.

*****

My good fortune began a few weeks before Christmas when Connor Barlow, the handsome co-owner of Barlow Leighton Gallery, spotted one of Duncan’s photos in an arts benefit auction and requested a studio visit to see more of his work.

When Connor came to see Duncan’s work at the small but cozy Somerville apartment we shared, it turned out to be nothing less than a double act of fate: love at first sight for Connor and Duncan, and a two-person show at Barlow Leighton for Duncan’s work and mine. Now, Duncan was naturally spending much of his free time with his new boyfriend, and while I missed him, I genuinely liked Connor, and was happy that my best friend had finally found love. No one deserved it more.

As if that weren’t enough luck for one month, a few weeks after Duncan and Connor got together, while at a Barlow Leighton event, Connor made the introduction that led to my new job.

Lara Barlow, Juliana West. Juliana, my twin sister Lara. You two need to talk. If I’m right—and I usually am—you two may just hold the answer to each other’s most annoying problems. He winked conspiratorially at his sister, then turned away to continue greeting the stream of arriving guests.

Lara was a tall, slender blonde with full lips and stunning bright blue eyes that revealed humor and intelligence. The navy silk sheath dress she wore could easily have been paired with pearls for a classic look, but she’d opted for an edgier approach and contrasted the simplicity of her dress with a wide, felted-fiber necklace that merged ancient Egyptian form, traditional hand felting technique, and bright, contemporary colors.

I love your necklace, I said with a smile. And I’m delighted to meet you at last. I’ve heard so much about you from Connor and Duncan. But I hope you know what Connor’s talking about, because I don’t.

Lara laughed. I’ve heard a lot about you, too. And fortunately for both of us, I know exactly what my brother is plotting. I need to hire a digital media designer. I’ve heard that you’re an excellent one, and I’ve heard that you’re looking for a job...

*****

Now, thinking about all these months of working with Lara at Barlow Interactive, I smiled to myself. Lara was creative and lively, and had an irrepressible sense of humor. After we began working together, our friendship quickly solidified. Most days, we had lunch or coffee together, or enjoyed an after-work martini. We talked for hours about life, relationships, work, and everything in between. I felt truly fortunate to have found such a fabulous best girlfriend.

When I reached my office, I tossed my briefcase onto a chair and sat down at my desk. I opened my email and read the most recent, from Lara.

Coffee in my office at 9:30?

I replied immediately.

9:30 it is. I’ll bring the coffee.

I scrolled through my email inbox, and answered a half dozen emails. Soon, it was time to meet Lara. I stopped by the lunchroom and made two cups of coffee, and then proceeded to Lara’s office.

When I entered with two steaming cups of coffee in my hands, Lara’s face brightened.

Have a seat. We need to talk about this weekend. Are you up for hanging out in Maine at the Barlow compound in Harpswell? Please say yes. Otherwise, I’ll be the only girl for miles around. Connor will be there, with Duncan, of course. We’ll probably all drive together, in Connor’s SUV. We could take off at noon on Friday, and come back to Boston sometime on Sunday.

"I’d love to go. A change