The Forbidden Trilogy Part One: Part One

By Danielle Violette

In the first part of The Forbidden Trilogy, Gabriella and Jonathan Love had life made. After losing their parents to an accident, their uncle Eddie took them under his wing, teaching them everything they needed to know about surviving in this cruel world. Neither one of them ever expected that theyd have to do things a little differently after Gabbys childhood best friend and boyfriend is killed right before her eyes in an unexpected home invasion in their home in Tampa, ripping their lives apart.

Now feeling hopeless and alone, the family desperately tries to mend itself back together. Except for Gabby, thats a little easier than done.

After months of dysfunction, Eddie has no choice but to go through drastic measures to ensure his nieces well-being. Gabbys best friend, Sara, steps up, moving across the country with her and Jon to a small town in Northern California, far away from the unbearable memories of the life that she so desperately wanted to have back.

What nobody could have anticipated was that right there in that small town was a coven of vampires who had been waiting years to save her.

Now being faced by the sexy mysterious red-eyed man Benjamin Row, Gabby is forced to make a forever life-changing decision that would alter the lives of all of them.

Besides giving up her mortality, Gabby is also faced with the everyday bumps in the road that only make her decision easier.

But will becoming a powerful vampire with her new love really change what happened to her?

Will Gabby grow stronger and finally accept her losses, or will she be stuck with the haunting memories of her human life for all of eternity?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479733002

Danielle Violette

Danielle Violette is a young stay-at-home mother of two young children, writing from home in her spare time in order to exercise her dreams. She lives in central Maine with her boyfriend of nine years. Look for the next two editions of The Forbidden Trilogy coming soon. Or follow her on Twitter @danielleamy to learn more.

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Prologue

Benjamin Cross

Italy, March 31, 1916

W hen everyone you have ever loved is dead, where do you go?

That was the question Benjamin Cross was tragically forced to face after his family was killed on the streets of Italy, leaving twenty-three-year-old Benjamin alone in the family estate.

The estate had been twice the size of today’s American football field, standing four stories in height. It was the last place Benjamin wanted to be.

So he left.

He headed into the town on foot. It was night, and it was raining. But he didn’t mind. The weather never really ever did bother him much.

As he walked, he thought of his little brother, the loss that hit him the hardest. He had only been nine years old. Little Drake was Ben’s main focus in life at the time, only to have it drastically torn away from him. Now his main focus was to live the life that Drake was wrongfully denied of.

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, Ben would soon face his own dilemma. Fate had other plans for Benjamin Cross.

As Ben turned down a random side street, he suddenly stumbled across an odd couple. They appeared normal, but there was definitely something off about them, something evil. He instinctively stopped.

He couldn’t see what he had interrupted, but Ben knew immediately he probably should have taken a different route. would later not regret his decision.

The male had automatically taken to Benjamin, being interested in the mere sight of him. Got any family, kid? The man had asked in fluent Italian. Not anymore. Ben had replied, also in fluent Italian.

Ben wasn’t exactly sure what happened next. The next thing he knew, he thought he was dying. He felt as if his entire body was on fire, burning his soul from the inside out. For Ben, he didn’t have anything left to lose. So dying didn’t matter to him anymore.

What he couldn’t have known yet was that he was not dying. He was in fact being given a new life, a second chance even. It was a second chance that would last an eternity.

In time, Ben would see and learn a lot of things. But even he wasn’t prepared for what was in store for him a few decades later.

None of us were prepared.

But every story has facts. This story takes us through it all—the secrets of this world and the meaning behind love, death, and sacrifice. The power of emotions and the depth of evil are big factors too.

Everyone loves, everyone hurts, and everyone sacrifices. Most importantly, everyone loses someone at one point in their life. Either it’s a friend, a family member, or a lover. It always hurts, and it’s never easy. Everyone has their own way of dealing with pain. My story might exceed the line of normal, but that’s what makes it so special.

So now that I have your attention, let’s jump ahead a few years, where my story begins…

Chapter 1

Friday Night Dunk Night

Florida, April 2010

B leep, bleep . The sound of my phone beeping next to my head awoke me. I whined . Not ready to be awake yet. But given I had to be at work in two hours and I live an hour-and-a-half away, I should probably get up, unless I want Uncle Eddie taring me a new one on a Friday morning.

Bleep . . . Bleep . . . Bleep . . .

My phone continued to beep. I kicked my feet, continuing to groan into my pillow before I grabbed my phone. I answered without checking the caller ID, already knowing who it was—my daily wake-up call.

Rise and shine! Caleb taunted me, his breath heavy and paced closed together. Why he gets up every morning at six to run with Molly, our female boxer, I’ll never know. But I’d never get out of bed every morning without his phone call. You gonna be back before I leave? I asked, my voice crackled and half asleep.

That depends how late you wanna be… , he whispered seductively. His testosterone level was always highest in the morning. I laughed. I’d run faster if I were you… I’m getting in the shower now… , I whispered in response, not moving an inch. And he knew that.

I hung up the phone, closing my eyes for a minute until he gets back. The best part about having an uncle as my boss is that he won’t fire me for being late. And because he raised me since I was nine, and Caleb since he was born, he understands why his twenty-two-year-old niece who is in a relationship with his ex’s kid, whom he mentored his entire life, is always late to work every day…

It’s because Caleb and I are so close that makes us so compatible. I’ve known him my entire life. Then when my parents were killed in a boating accident when I was nine, my uncle Eddie took my older brother, Jonathan, and I in.

Since Caleb never even met his father, Eddie was the only male figure in his life. Eddie takes pride in making sure that Caleb is the man that he has the potential to be. And so far, he has done a pretty good job of that. Considering we’ve been together since we were thirteen and fourteen, he’s pretty much the love of my life. I thank Eddie for that.

He’s not just my boyfriend or the love of my life, he’s also been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Most of his friends hate it, mostly because they’re jealous. They’re not shy about it either. Being flirted with on a daily basis by a lot of the men I see every day is practically part of my routine. But I’ve never been interested in anyone but Caleb. I don’t know what it is, but he sort of has that hold on me somehow.

I heard the shower turn on, waking me up for the second and final time. This time, I jumped out of bed. Our bedroom—Caleb’s bedroom—consisted of three rooms connected by wide archways. The center room consisted of our overly large bed; just behind it is our double bathroom. The other two rooms were filled with all of our other stuff, mostly electronics and clothes. The rest of the house was still filled with Caleb’s mom’s stuff. When she moved out of town four years ago, she left him the house as is. That’s when I moved in from Eddie’s.

My brother also lives with us, taking over Janet’s room. Considering this house is on the ocean in Tampa and probably the size of three average-size houses, we hardly notice him, especially because a lot of the time we’re not even here.

After taking a naughty shower with Caleb, I quickly got ready for work, throwing my long, wavy brunette hair up in a ponytail. If it wasn’t for my lifelong Sunshine State tan, I would have looked like hell.

Already twenty minutes behind schedule, Caleb laughed at me the entire time as I ran around frantically searching for the things I needed. He looked so cute with his short, wet dark hair, along with his trim, hard, shirtless chest.

Dude, breathe, you’re gonna give yourself Tourette’s, he teased. Ha. Ha. Very funny. The only reason you’re never late to work is because I’m always already there by the time you come in. You don’t have ta listen to Eddie—I do, I replied.

Ha. Ya right. Eddie bitches at me too. For bein’ the cause of your tardiness. The other day he told me I need to learn to keep it in my pants until after work. Then I told him that if we were to do that, we’d most likely jus’ do it there whenever we got a minute. He hasn’t nagged me since. I think it worked. He laughed.

I laughed with him, rolling my eyes at his strange relationship with Eddie.

At the same moment, my phone started buzzing in my pocket. It was a text from Eddie.

U better not still be at home. U come in late, U work late.

I cursed aloud. I gotta go. I said. I’ll see you in a few hours. Love you, I added anxiously before giving him a kiss. It was a kiss that made me thirty seconds later, but it was well worth it, seducing me from the inside out with the sweet taste of his lips that fit perfectly with mine.

Oh, don’t forget to let Molly out! I reminded him, now having to yell up to him as I made my way downstairs. know, baaaabe! he yelled back, trying to be funny. I chuckled quietly to myself as I pushed my way through the door, the side door, the door connected to the driveway. The actual front door is mostly just for show or emergencies.

Finally getting into my car—my 2009 BMW, black on black—I was finally on my way to work, now a half-hour late. Fortunately, Eddie also taught the three of us how to drive, teaching us that speed and rhythm is the main focus on getting somewhere as quickly as you can. Fast cars and illegal street races are things that are high on our list of weekly obsessions.

But we’ll get back to that.

An hour and twenty minutes later, I finally made it to Orlando, pulling into the shop-employee parking lot behind the building.

ELG—Eddie Loves Guns—is my uncle’s gun shop and shooting range. Eddie has owned it for as long as I can remember. We kids have worked here since we were old enough to work, first with Jon, and then Caleb, and then finally me. Guns have been a huge part of all our lives. We are professionally trained to use it defensively if necessary. Eddie definitely made sure that he didn’t raise pansies. He made it a priority to make sure we could drive, protect ourselves, and make a good living. He ataught us minor life lessons, family values, and, of course, respect.

My job at ELG was engraving. Custom abrasions on the customer’s guns if wanted. Also to make sure that everything in the shop is correct and in the proper place.

My brother is basically Eddie’s right-hand man. Having been here the longest, he has the easiest job, one that comes with the thrill of being the first one here every day.

But even he’s always late. So it’s not just me. I think it’s just in our blood…

Caleb’s job is similar to mine, except he mostly just assists me in the abrasion room. This mostly consists of a lot of flirting and not a lot of working. Which is why we can never get out of here until long after the shop is closed for the night. We always complain but never change. As long as we get it done on time, Eddie doesn’t complain. least we’ve got that going for us.

As soon as I walked through the back door of the shop, Eddie was right there waiting for me outside of his office, shaking his head at me. How nice of you to join us. Shelby’s been waiting fifteen minutes for you to present his rifle. I hope you enjoyed yourself, he said.

I flashed a sarcastic smile at him, dropping my stuff in his office. I’m sorry. I know, I suck. I’ll make it up to you, I promise! I continued to smile at him, winning his heart. He kissed my forehead. You can start by getting to work. He’s waiting in the showroom, he insisted.

All right, all right. I’m goin’. I laughed, making my way up front. Shelby, a regular customer of ours, was waiting for me as Eddie said.

Mornin’, Shelby. Sorry to keep you waiting, I apologized. I grabbed the rifle that Caleb and I had worked on until ten o’clock last night from under the counter and gently laid it in front of me, presenting the engraved rifle as instructed.

Shelby was very pleased as always. This is why he only comes to ELG all the way from Miami. That’s a dedicated customer.

I felt bad for being late. Eddie should have been harder on me. The people in our everyday life would say it’s because I’m the favorite. But I don’t think that’s true. Eddie shows the right amount of love for all of us. Not because he feel as if he has to but because we’re his life. Without us, all he has is this shop.

Unfortunately, this is a cruel world, and our backbone is sick, very sick. For as long as I can remember he’s been sick, HIV slowly eating away at him. Eventually—probably sooner than later—we won’t have Eddie. He’s accepted that. This is why he has spent most of his life teaching us how to take care of ourselves in every way possible. He even made us learn Spanish. Living in Florida, people should anyway. But I wouldn’t have if he hadn’t insisted. Anything that would help us succeed in the world, Eddie made us learn—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We just have to appreciate the time that we have with him and just be thankful that he’s still here. It’s something we all had to accept a long time ago… Eddie’s not the type to keep anything from us or beat around the bush about anything. He tells us how it is, and we love him for it. That’s our family.

8:45pm

I sighed in relief as I finally finished my shift. I am now finally able to start my weekend. Just as I was finishing up closing the abrasion room, Caleb appeared in the doorway, startling me. He laughed.

Dammit, Caleb. I breathed, catching my breath. He smirked at me flirtatiously, full of it already. Can we get outta here or what? He rushed me. I rolled my eyes. Let’s go.

On our way out, we stopped in Eddie’s office. He was sitting at his desk, working on paperwork. Our entrance caught his attention. You two off to the race? he asked, having our routine down pat to the littlest detail.

Yup, We both nodded in sync, causing Eddie to roll his eyes at us. It kind of just happens when you spend every single day of your lives together. A lot of other things tend to happen too. We can drive each other crazy sometimes.

Eddie stood, grabbing a camera. You know what to do, he stated under his breath as he handed it to me. I nodded. After doing this every week for the past six years, I think I knew what I was doing. Taking pictures of illegal street racers and their cars for Eddie was practically part of my job. He’s big on competition. If another racer has something he doesn’t, he gets it. That is what my job is—finding the info: flaws, weaknesses, and parts.

Some of our family think that Eddie is bad for me in ways. He didn’t just teach me how to be good and successful. He also taught me how to be bad and how get away with it. We don’t speak to that part of the family. The people in our everyday lives are our family. Considering most of them live over a thousand miles away in Maine, and I vaguely even remember any of them; it isn’t something we dwell on. Don’t take it the wrong way; family is very important to us. It’s who we consider family that makes the difference. People who judge you and who don’t believe in you don’t deserve to be a part of your family. sayin’.

Don’t forget to make sure your brother brings his car in tomorrow. I’ll hang his ass if he’s too hung over to do what he’s gotta do, so remind him… please, Eddie added.

I sighed, not impressed, but it’s not like I had a choice. No one else is going to take care of Jon, so I have to play mommy as always. Considering we haven’t had a mother for thirteen years, I had no idea how to do a mother’s job. I kind of just wing it most of the time. I guess it’s a good thing that he’s older; at this point in my life, if I were to take care of an actual child, I’d screw them up for life for sure.

This is why I take that little green pill every morning.

All right, is that all? Anything else? Can we go now! Caleb ranted anxiously, probably borderline overdosing off of caffeine while holding an energy drink in his hand.

Eddie shook his head. Nope, that’s all. Enjoy your weekend. Monday we’re having a demonstration and gun safety fund-raiser, so try not to get too fucked up. I really don’t feel like scrapping you off the pavement, he reminded us. It’s a good thing he did because I had totally forgotten.

From the looks of Caleb, so did he. Both of us sighed, definitely not looking forward to Monday. Eddie’s fund-raisers are basically torture for his employees.

"Great… On it!" I cheered sarcastically. Eddie laughed at me. Caleb and I then proceeded to finally leave, pushing our way into freedom as we pushed our way through the back door.

Caleb’s arm wrapped behind me, his hand caressing my hip, holding me against him as we made our way toward our vehicles. My arm also held him in the same way.

Parked in our usual spots, his truck next to my car, we stopped in between the two. Caleb placed his free hand on the side of my face and pressed his lips into mine, pinning me against my car door. My hands caressed his chest as the taste of his lips sent me into total ecstasy; we are completely and utterly in love with each other.

Unfortunately, we had things to do and places to be, so we unwillingly unglued our lips. Love you. See you at the house, he whispered before letting me go. Love you too, I reminded him as I got into my car.

We then drove the hour-and-a-half-long drive home. Sometimes it’s only an hour and fifteen, sometimes twenty minutes. Because we drive this route every day, we knew the quickest way to get there at any given time of day. Add Caleb’s violent speed I’m forced to keep up with, and you automatically cut off ten extra minutes.

It’s a good thing the same person taught us how to drive.

Our weekends mostly consist of the same events every week. Mostly working around the MWS—Miami Weekend Smoke Show—the race. It’s a three-day event hosted every week of the year. Friday is qualification night. Racers race to qualify in Saturday’s race.

Saturday’s race is to determine the top four racers in Sunday’s race, the big race—the smoke show. Out of the four racers, the two that win the smoke show then race for the weekly prize, usually cash, sometimes pink slips. Depends on who’s judging. People come from all over the place for these very illegal races.

Friday night is mostly for the bettors. People bet on who will win on Sunday. Bets close the second the first race begins Friday, making the bets a long shot, but the gamblers love it.

We just go for the race itself—cheap entertainment. And because we’re also there to spy on the racers, we hide on the rooftop, just us and our friends with a perfect view of the whole race. It doesn’t get much better than that, except of course being in the race.

After the race, the usual group of us goes to get a drink and something to eat. Then we go back to Tampa to our house to get drunk.

Our closest friends usually meet us at our house after work before we head to Miami.

Today wasn’t any different at all.

Sara, I have also known my entire life. Our mothers were best friends in college. She’s considered family also. Besides Caleb, she’s the highlight of my life. Without her, I’d go insane.

She basically spends the entire weekend with us, making up for the time we’re too busy to do anything during the week. With me spending 90 percent of my time at ELG and the other ten with Caleb or doing whatever extracurricular activities Eddie has for me, that doesn’t leave much time for friends anymore a few text messages throughout the day.

A few dozen…

Living in Orlando, Sara spends most of her time at school or working part-time in her mother’s office for the state. She appears to have it going for her. But I know how she really is. At school, she spends most of her time sleeping or flirting with boys. When she does actually go to class, she usually cheats. Studying, for her; means making cheat sheets or giving blow jobs for a pass.

She has a natural way of pulling it all off. As if it’s the easiest thing in world for her, appearing completely innocent, her secret evil half only visible to the ones closest to her. Us, our family—Eddie, my brother, Caleb, and I, plus Sara—we’re a hell of a team.

Caleb’s closest friends, Trey Swan and Bret Jackson, his jealous friends who hate our relationship, are unfortunately also a big part of our weekend, using the weekend to also spend time with their friend after a busy week to get completely hammered and hit on his girlfriend. Also to bitch about how we need to other opportunities, sharing the goods. I hate them.

Just like every week, Sara, Trey, and Brett were already at the house when we got there.

As Caleb and I came through the front door, Sara danced toward me with her long straighter than straight blonde hair, completely full of it. amounts of energy pour out of that girl. ’Bout freaking time! We’re gonna be late! she whined. Story of my life! I laughed to myself. She rolled her eyes, very well aware of my issue with being late to everything, always.

"Duuuude, what the fuck! Trey complained as Caleb and I started to go straight upstairs to change. Shut the fuck up, Trey. I’ll be down in a minute." Caleb barked at him, slipping his hand into my back pocket. His lips caressed my ear, making me giggle.

the boys off on my behalf.

Sara just laughed, always amused by the obvious irritation caused by our public displays of affection. But not as much as it amuses Caleb, for obvious reasons, something about the fact that his friends want me does something to a male ego, giving them the need to flaunt it. Being a girl makes it flattering, most of the time. This makes them even madder. Especially because they know I despise their mere existence. But sometimes it gets annoying and just plain old.

Since we were running late, as always, unfortunately while we were upstairs we only had time to change our shirts, kiss for a couple seconds—because God forbid if a man sees you shirtless without getting something—and grab whatever we were bringing with us.

Caleb’s hand fit perfectly into mine as we went back downstairs.

Trey was now leaning on the counter, rolling a joint. Sara was sitting on the counter next to him, waiting impatiently. Brett paced the hall, also waiting impatiently.

We doin’ this shit or what? Trey cheered, the most anxious of us all. Let’s do it! Sara jumped down off the counter, dancing her way toward me again.

She walked with Caleb and me out the door, my hand still glued into his while we followed Trey and Bret.

Each of us got into Caleb’s truck. I, of course, automatically had dibs on the front seat. The girlfriend rule would be another reason why Trey and Brett despise me.

The four-hour drive to Miami consisted of us smoking as many joints as we possibly could on the way there. hoping we don’t get pulled over. It’s the only way to pass the time without driving each other crazy. Especially with Caleb’s friends nagging at me the entire drive while Sara nagged at them for nagging at me. It’s just a viscous never-ending cycle.

The time we spend driving back and forth from Tampa to Orlando and down to Miami every week is such a waste of time; it’s rather pathetic. But we’re twenty-two and twenty-three years old; what did we care about time? To us, we had all the time in the world.

guess the best of us are forced to learn the hard way.

Jon and his buddies met us on the rooftop as always. His childhood best friend Frankie Myers is another regular in our group. I was the only one who could actually stand the sight of him, even though he’s also another one that flirts with me whenever he sees me. But since I’ve known him practically my entire life and does it in a more respectful way, it doesn’t bother me as much. Plus, Caleb doesn’t take it too seriously. He knows I’d kick his ass if he ever played the jealous card. He knows he has my heart forever.

Hence our matching tattoos. On my eighteenth birthday, Caleb and I each got the infinity sign on our left wrist line to symbolize that our love will go on forever, no matter what happens.

Frankie wrapped his large arms around me into a giant hug at the sight of me, lifting me up off of my feet. Gabs! How’s it goin’, mullah? he greeted me. I hugged him back, a bit less dramatically. I laughed quietly to myself at him. Great. How you doin’, Frankie? I replied.

Oh you know, I’m doin’ me! he said, finally letting go of me. Awesome. I nodded at him humorously, patting his chest lightly with my hand. With him standing a foot taller than me, it gave the situation a little spike.

My brother then suddenly came crashing into Frankie. It was immediately obvious that he was already drunk. He was practically the same size as Frankie, only Jon is much cleaner and well kept. And so much smarter, though he’d never let anyone know it.

Ay! Gab-E-O! he yelled, laughing obnoxiously. Nice, Jon… You do know you have to bring your car to Orlando in the morning, right? Eddie told me to remind you and to make sure that you didn’t get too drunk, I informed him, instantly making him laugh hysterically.

I should have seen that coming.

I need to get drunk, I thought aloud.

Baaaabe! I yelled to Caleb, now determined. I usually don’t have my first drink until after the races, but tonight seemed like a good enough night to switch things up a bit. If I’m going to have to put up with a hammered Jon all night, I’m going to have to be just as drunk while I’m doing it. Luckily out of the two of us, I’m more stable than he is when it comes to drinking.

I think that it’s horrible that the only way my brother and I get along is when we’re drunk. But considering the things that we went through at such a young age, I’m pretty sure we deserve to let loose once in a while, of the time.

Caleb came up behind me, wrapping his arms gently around my waist as his lips lightly kissed my cheek. "Your ass is amazing in these jeans," he whispered, practically dry humping me. I chuckled, turning around to face him, forcing his eyes away from my backside.

Is it… ? Well I think I’m gonna be spending a lot of time on it tonight. I need to get obliterated… Then if you’re lucky, later it’ll be all yours, I whispered back, finishing with a soft kiss. He couldn’t help but smirk at my response as he kissed me back, numbing every inch of me.

His hands now gripped my backside, now very much enjoying himself as we made out on the rooftop.

It was nice, until we were interrupted by Bret, of course. What the hell, dude! Come drink, bitch! he barked, already on his third drink. Caleb rolled his eyes, squeezing me harder.

Apparently both of us were in the mood to get drunk because we both let go of each other and went right for the booze. Sara instantly glued to my hip, her mere presence making my day. I poured both of us our usual first—two Jagerbombs each, one for each hand.

We didn’t hesitate. Together we tipped back one after the other, instantly making our entire body warm and numb—just what we were looking for. It wasn’t long before neither one of us could walk straight.

The only one that could walk straight was our usual designated driver, Jon’s FWB (friend with benefits), Maxi Williams. How she tolerates Jon while she’s sober is beyond me. Fortunately for me, that’s her issue. She is a lifesaver—literally—ours and possibly others.

Don’t drink and drive; it takes lives.

Somehow, I did manage to still get the pictures Eddie wanted. But yet, at the time, I couldn’t tell you who won for the life of me.

Although I’m certain Caleb could… It’s his obsession too.

Back in Tampa…

The real party begins. Back at the house, all of us went straight downstairs as always.

The fully finished basement is the best part of this entire house. It is fully equipped, our homemade beer pong table being our most prized possession. And it’s the only thing in this room that costs under a thousand dollars.

Still glued to the hip, Sara and I immediately stumbled our way down the stairs, laughing hysterically with each other. We went straight for the PS3, ready to bust out our vocal cords with karaoke—our Friday night tradition—singing ridiculously.

Meanwhile Jon and Caleb slaughtered each other at beer pong while the others cheered them on. They paused occasionally for Caleb to run upstairs to let someone in.

Our mutual friends Mattie Marston, along with his girlfriend, Lauren Jax, were first to show as always. Then there’s always Eden Sawyer and Jasper Quinn—we call them Quinn and Sawyer—plus whatever girl they’re currently sleeping with, or trying to sleep with. They always show up at some point too.

Sara’s friend Bridget came too. She doesn’t always, but when she does it’s always amusing. Her ex-boyfriend, Tony Sanders, is also a mutual friend of ours who comes almost every weekend, and I’m still convinced it’s why she comes in the first place, even though she pretends to hate seeing him. I’m a girl; I know how we operate.

My favorite is Mattie, my Cuban friend. It’s always a good time with him. He’s hilarious. Plus, he has always been a good friend of ours, ever since middle school.

Eventually, Caleb and I were too drunk to keep our hands off of each other. I sat on the edge of the foosball table. Caleb’s hands caressed practically every inch of me, our tongues currently shoved down each other’s throats. My fingers ran through his soft dark hair, holding his lips on mine.

Get a damn room! Quinn called out to us, giving us our cue. Caleb lifted me up off of the table and proceeded to carry me upstairs.

Get herrr! Sawyer added just as we reached the top, clearly to drunk to realize how offensive that was. Or even care. Caleb slammed the door shut in response.

I was disgusted but too drunk not to laugh. So was he. Enough so that he actually set me back down. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t let go of me. He couldn’t take his hands off of me.

After stumbling our way up the stairs, laughing at each other hysterically in the process, we shut ourselves in our room for the rest of the night with the music turned up and the door locked, becoming lost in our infatuation with each other. Expressing our love in the most intimate of ways, his touch sent us into ecstasy. There wasn’t anywhere in the world that I would have rather been than in the arms of Caleb Adam McAurther…

I was just a young girl simply in love.

Chapter 2

CAM

Saturday, 10:38 a.m.

The day I would later learn changed my life forever.

I felt Caleb’s hand softly caressing my back, awakening me. I could smell that he had just showered after his run, just to crawl back into bed with me. I smiled before even opening my eyes.

My hand found his free hand, gently fitting them together. His lips slowly kissed their way down to my—

Let’s fast-forward.

Approximately thirty minutes later, I put on some cotton shorts and a tank top, with Caleb’s favorite navy-blue hooded zip up. Half zipped, hood up.

My head was pulsing.

After taking a few pain relievers, Caleb and I went downstairs to start the Saturday-morning cleaning spree.

Caleb didn’t bother getting dressed, wearing only flannel pajama pants as usual, displaying his perfect abs for me to drool over all morning. Luckily, I’ve already had my Caleb fix this morning, so I just might be able to get something done, most likely his intentions for both of us.

To both of our surprise, Sara was already up and on a roll, running around with a trash bag and picking up bottles.

Someone else had a pick-me-up this morning.

Rise and shine, drunkie! she said. Ready to bust this shit out with me? she added. I laughed aloud. Uh, yeah, right on that. After a smoke… Unless you want me vomiting all over you as I scrub the floors, I replied, letting myself fall onto the couch in the living room, moving weakly. I forced myself to sit up, focusing on my task at hand.

Maybe you shouldn’t have stayed up so late… what time did you even fall asleep? Sara asked curiously, pretty much asking how long Caleb and I had sex last night before passing out. Because she’s my best friend, she thinks that entitles her to know the details of my sex life. She’s always telling me about hers.

I looked back at Caleb, smirking at him. He laughed aloud, rolling his eyes at Sara. When I looked at her, I still was smirking. I couldn’t help it. I don’t know… three thirty… four, I think. I was still a little too drunk to pay any attention to what time it was, I said, giving her the answer she was looking for without giving her too much.

Ugh, that fuckin’ sucks. Why can’t I find a man that can last longer than fifteen fuckingggg minutes? Bitch… She sneered at me indirectly. I rolled my eyes at her, trying not to laugh. She glared over at me, clearly unimpressed. I didn’t blame her. I’d be pissed too if I couldn’t find a satisfying man.

Caleb came to sit next to me. Sara was also unable to resist, taking a break from cleaning to sit and smoke with us.

Maybe if you didn’t hook up with assholes, you’d actually find a guy that appreciates you. If a guy appreciates you, he always finishes last, Caleb said bluntly to Sara. As much as he hates to admit it, he cares about what happens to her just as much as I do. He’s known her his entire life too; he has to care. We’re only human.

I think it’s just a guy thing. They’re not good with feelings that they’re not comfortable with, which is completely opposite from the average female.

Opposites seem to attract. Especially in Sara’s case.

Ya, but it’s hard to filter out the assholes when they all look the same, Sara responded negatively, showing her hatred because Caleb’s actually a decent guy. Thanks to Eddie.

I shook my head at her. I think you just gotta find the right one. The only way to do that is to look through the assholes, I suggested.

That’s easy for you to say… you didn’t have to look very far… , she reminded me. She had a point, but that didn’t make me right. She’d later learn that.

Sara and I started cleaning the hardwood floors downstairs, working our way back up to the middle floor while Caleb picked up cigarette butts, beer bottles, and whatever else he might find outside.

I hated Saturday mornings. Despised them would be more accurate.

Once we made our way upstairs, I peeked out the window at Caleb, only to notice that my brother’s car was still parked out front. I immediately ran upstairs, making my way toward the other half of the upstairs, Jon’s half.

Without hesitation, I barged through Jon’s door. What the fuck are you doing? I yelled at him. "Eddie’s gonna kill you! You better get up now," I added. He groaned, rolling over, practically on top of Maxi. Cute.

You lazy shit! I muttered. Get the hell up, idiot! I yelled, back slapping him at the same time. What the fuck! he yelled back. Fuck you! I’m up!

Good! I sneered before storming away, slamming the door behind me on the way out. I went back downstairs, using the other set of stairs that are closest to Jon’s room, taking me to the other side of the middle floor and directly into the office, exactly where I wanted to be. This is exactly why I went this way.

I grabbed the handheld touch device that controls the entire house off of its charger and turned the house into one giant speaker. I selected a playlist to clean to while also assuring Jon doesn’t go back to sleep. I brought the device with me back through to the kitchen, where Sara was cleaning to hide it from Jon. Just in case.

Sara laughed, dancing with the music as she cleaned. I mirrored her, making this morning all the more entertaining, especially for Caleb, who I caught watching in amusement from outside. He might as well have his manhood in his hand.

About twenty minutes later, the music paused itself. Incoming call from Edmond Love, the house spoke, causing me to sigh at its announcement. With the music paused I could now hear the landline ringing all the way back in the office. I ran.

Sliding across the freshly shined floors in my socks, I made it before he hung up.

Eddie, I breathed.

Gabriella… , he stated. Where is your brother… ? he asked under his breath. I could practically hear his teeth clenching in an attempt to tame his frustration.

That’s never a good sign. Whenever Eddie speaks under his breath it’s because he’s trying not to yell. He’s here… I tried to get him up, but he basically told me to fuck off.

Give him the phone, please, he insisted strongly. Trying not to laugh, I did what I was told. For once, I wasn’t on the receiving end of Eddie’s wrath. Since I was already on this side of the house, it only took me a couple of seconds to run up the stairs from the office up to Jon’s room.

Letting myself in again, I threw the phone to Jon. It’s for you! I informed him, stating the obvious. Considering every room in the house was just informed of who was calling, he was obviously expecting that.

He glared at me, as if to say Why’d you answer it? I flashed a sarcastic smile at him and then made my way back downstairs, continuing the cleaning spree.

Jon had slowly made his way downstairs soon after, looking like absolute crap. Maxi was standing next to him, looking as perfect as could be, which made him look even worse. ’s what he gets for drinking six to six.

You goin’ ta the race tonight after Caleb steps? he asked, sounding even worse than he looked. Yup, Eddie wants me there, I reminded him, trying not to say too much in front of Maxi. It’s practically impossible to trust anyone these days.

Doesn’t he have boxing tonight too? Sara added. I nodded. On only five hours of sleep he’s gonna box, step, then go to the race, then go out with us afterwards? After getting up and running two miles with Molly. He’s crazy. I’d never do all that shit, she thought aloud. Me either, I agreed. He’s a trooper. Eddie definitely makes sure he’s busy enough to stay out of trouble, I added, not knowing just how wrong I was.

Sara continued her task at hand, putting dishes in the dishwasher and all of the cups and all of the stuff used to make munchies before everyone else went to bed last night. Caleb and I had missed out on the midnight munchies fest this week because we were a little too preoccupied. I hadn’t even heard them in the kitchen, obviously paying more attention to what we were doing…

I just hoped that they didn’t hear us… That’s embarrassing. No matter who it is.

Since Sara hasn’t said anything, I was almost positive our music had been loud enough this week. I can’t say that about every week, but we try. As hammered as we get, I’m surprised that we even manage to remember.

As Jon and Maxi went out the door, Caleb came back in, slapping my ass as he walked past me. "Damn! Even I felt that one!" Sara laughed at the loud echo of Caleb’s skin hitting mine. I smirked at him as he looked back at me. Smirking back, he blew me a kiss before making his way up the stairs.

I started to clean faster, eager to have it finished already. I was desperate for five minutes with Caleb before he leaves. I won’t see him until his battle. And even then he’ll be busy, so it’s not like we’re spending time together.

When he came back downstairs, he came up behind me, holding me tightly around my waist. His man business poked my backside. I chuckled in amusement at his testosterone level.

So I was thinking we’d do things a little differently tonight, he whispered as his teeth nibbled my ear. Oh ya? How? I asked quietly, turning around to face him. My arms wrapped behind his neck. His hands now gripped the small of my back, grossing out Sara or making her jealous, depends on what kind of mood she’s in.

Caleb smiled a very suspicious smile at me before responding. After the battle I wanna spend a little time with you alone before the race… I guess you could call it a date. Because I know him better than I even know myself, I knew that he was conspiring something. The look in his eyes told me there was something else. But I didn’t look too much into it. I kissed him instead, responding physically.

He smirked, obviously pleased with himself for pleasing me. I’m gonna go get in the shower… You still gonna be here when I’m done or are you leaving soon? I asked quietly.

I’ll come up before I leave, He promised. ‘Kay, I whispered before kissing him again. Unwillingly letting go of each other, I started to make my way upstairs. Sara followed, keeping me company.

Because I had the coolest bathroom ever, I didn’t need to turn the house into a giant jukebox for music while I showered. My bathroom has its own personal system.

Sara sat on my large counter, talking endlessly as I showered. She managed to tell me every detail of her week. What she did, where she went, who she saw, who she didn’t see, and of course which boys she had started crushing on since last week.

It’s always an amusing conversation whenever Sara’s telling a story about anything. She has a way of making everything she does sound hilarious. That’s probably one of the many reasons why I adore her so much. She has always known how to lift my spirits.

’d learn to appreciate her even more in the days to come. When disaster strikes, it’s who’s standing next to you through it all that matters the most. I knew that when my parents died, but I was too young to really understand the extent of it. But now, let’s just say I know who my true friends are.

As promised, Caleb came up to say bye before he left. Opening the shower door, he gave me a very passionate kiss while also getting a sneak peek. I wasn’t really sure what the passion was all about, but I wasn’t complaining.

I’ll call you after boxing… Don’t forget to feed Molly before you leave, he said, his head still in the shower. I won’t forget. I never forget about her, I replied. He knew I was right, so he didn’t say any more about it. Mm, love you, he moaned as he gave me another kiss. Love you too, I whispered back seductively, biting my bottom lip at him.

Sara cleared her throat, reminding us of her presence. Caleb glared back at her, obviously not impressed with her pushiness as always. Neither one of them have ever been any good at sharing me. That’s the problem.

Once he left she started in again, bitching about Caleb instead of ranting about her week. As angry as I get when she complains about Caleb, I never let it show. I mostly ignore her completely. If I let every negative thing she ever said about Caleb get to me, I’d go crazy.

She would also soon learn her lesson.

As I got dressed and ready for the night ahead of me, I told her about my week, mostly consisting of whatever interesting thing I had experienced at ELG this week. There’s always something. The people that come into that shop are often unforgettable.

Sara always got a kick out of it, and I enjoyed telling her. It was better than listening to her whine.

Since we had a few hours left before we had to go anywhere, we curled up all the way downstairs in the entertainment area—our party pad—on the couch in front of the flat screen. We watched a Family Guy marathon to pass the time.

We also smoked while we relaxed, making it even better. Whenever you get Sara and me in the same room together, smoking weed and watching comedy, we always manage to laugh hysterically and continuously like children. Like our immaturity unleashes while in the presence of each other. We certainly don’t act that way when we’re separated.

We sat there until the very last minute we could, procrastinating.

couple of lazy potheads.

Unwillingly making our way upstairs, we got our stuff together. First I fed Molly, as instructed. And then I gathered the few things I never leave the house without—my keys, my phone, and my ID.

Just as we were walking out the door, Caleb called as promised. ’s never been one to disappoint. We only talked for a couple of minutes, filling me in on what he was doing and where he wanted me to meet him after his battle, the usual.

Sara left her car, riding with me, keeping each other company. It makes the four-hour drive to Miami a lot less deadly from boredom.

Miami, Florida

Underground Step Battle

10:00 p.m.

It was like watching magic when I watched Caleb step. He’s so devoted and focused—sexy. Holding the top rank for the past six months makes it all the more exciting. Witnessing him win a battle is like a mother watching her child take his first step. It’s a beautiful thing.

In the underground stepping world, Caleb is known as CAM, his initials. His step team basically step around him, giving him the show because he’s that good. He belongs in the real stepping world, in college frat houses, doing it for a purpose. But life had other plans for him.

Tonight, Caleb was battling against a group that has been trying to beat him and his guys for weeks. So everyone was extra determined tonight.

And of course, they school them, maintaining being undefeated another week. Attitude is a huge part of step, and Caleb has just the perfect attitude for it. Some love him for it, and others can’t stand him. This was understandable at the time.

So as instructed, I met Caleb out back after the battle, our usual crowd already there and waiting. As soon as Caleb came out the door, the first thing he did was give me a kiss. Even though he was distracted by my presence, no one else seemed to notice. All of the other strung-out kids came barreling out at the same time.

This was soon interrupted by someone hollering at Caleb. That someone was the head stepper in the group Caleb just battled. Max Whitefield. Ay! Why don’t we handle this shit in the streets! After I beat your fuckin’ ass I’ll wax that fine ass girlfriend of yours! he threatened him. Before Caleb even moved I already knew that he had crossed the line by mentioning me. Caleb never responded well to threats.

Caleb, stop! Just let it go! I begged him quietly. But he ignored me, already seeing red.

Caleb stormed toward him, eager to smash his face in… Fortunately, Caleb can handle himself. I wasn’t worried about that. It was vengeance I was worried about, as I should have been. I would soon learn that this was the very moment that opened the door to a whole new life. The moment that would change all of our lives forever…

In the end, Caleb practically almost killed the kid. My brother and Trey had to tear Caleb off of him. His hands were covered in blood. And it wasn’t his. He had one scratch on his forehead. Not enough to make him bleed but enough to prove what had just happened.

I rolled my eyes at him, unimpressed. His friends gloated, giving me another reason why I can’t stand his friends; they’re bad for him.

So it was only more amusing for me when they got upset when they realized Caleb and I had plans of our own between now and the race.

Considering Caleb just beat someone’s face in, we had to get out of there as quickly as we could, leaving no time for protest on their behalf. Because I rode with Caleb, I made Jon drive my car. Not about to leave it on the streets in Miami and not about to drive separately.

I had absolutely no idea what we were doing or where we were even going, so I was pretty surprised when he brought me to the pier. The location told me that this had definitely been thought out.

I immediately knew exactly where we were going; this is where we had our first date. Nine and a half years ago. I should have known that this is where we were going the moment he said the word date. I guess I was off today.

After having a drink at the bar, we took a little walk under the pier where our first kiss took place. After repeating that kiss, only a lot more practiced, he presented a long skinny box.

My heart stopped for a fraction of a second, always taken back by surprises. What girl isn’t? Inside the box was a silver white diamond bracelet. Without saying a word, he took it out and put it on my right wrist, my left already taken by our matching tattoos.

It was perfect.

I know, he appears perfect right? That’s because, in my eyes, he is. He’s perfect for me. No one is absolutely perfect. Everyone has their flaws, and everyone has their issues. But when you’ve been together as long as we had, you learn to pick your battles. Most of the time they’re just not worth the effort. Luckily that’s one thing I wasn’t forced to learn the hard way. We didn’t waste too much time fighting.

I just wanted to remind you how important you are to me. And that I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re happy… No matter what, he whispered, his touch a comfort all on its own. His words we’re intoxicating. Just being with me is good enough for me. I don’t know what I’d do without you, I said, causing Caleb to smile at me. I love you, he added, his lips making their way toward mine. I love you too, I whispered, pressing my lips into his. The spark seduced me from the inside out.

Finding real love is rare as it is. Finding real love at our age is even rarer. People just don’t come across love like ours twice in one lifetime. This is why I’ve dedicated the past ten years holding onto that love, determined to never let it go. No one could ever win my heart they way Caleb did all those years ago when we were just kids. Life just doesn’t work that way.

Life has a way of kicking you in the ass. I’ll prove it.

Later, back at the race, Sara was ecstatic, completely zoned in on the race. We watched as the racers raced around the edge of Miami Beach, giving the gearheads in the group their fix. Luckily I was used to listening to them yell and scream the entire time. The fact that my patience with them was rewarded with booze afterwards made it a lot easier to tolerate.

We went to our usual spot at Dilly’s for food, followed by booze, our favorite night out. No early morning cleaning spree. No need to worry. Life was practically simple; I had it made.

For the most part anyway.

Point being, everyone should be allowed to have their fun, As long as they can accept what consequences may come of it.

People our age aren’t programmed to worry about life-altering events or fully understand the difference between right and wrong—or slick versus busted would be more appropriate for most.

Most of us are forced to learn life’s lessons the hard way. Whether we are ready for them or not. The way we handle these things help us shape who we are and who we may become. But it’s our job as human beings to decide how these things will define us. People change every day. You just have to have the courage.

This, I was also forced to learn the hard way. As most are. None of us expect anything bad to ever happen to us. It just does. When we least expect it. If life was predictable, it would be easy. Then what? More tragedy?

I can remember a day that now seems like a dozen lifetimes ago, back when my parents were still alive, when my mother said a few words to me that I will never forget. To this day I’ll cherish them.

life is going to throw you curveballs, Gab. You just have to learn to catch ’em and throw ’em right back!

Today her words mean a lot more to me than they had when I was seven, obviously. It isn’t just because it’s one of the only things I can remember my mother by. It’s what the words themselves mean that mean so much.

Eddie would later tell me something similar, but it never was quite the same. When someone changes your life, they change it forever.

Chapter 3

Lost Time

Sunday-Monday

W hen I woke up, Caleb was still sleeping soundly. I crawled out of bed as quietly as I could, letting him get the sleep that he so obviously needed.

To pass the time, I tiptoed into the first room, knowing if he were to hear that I was up, he’d wake up. I wanted him to sleep for once. He’s always the one who lets me sleep. Today it was my turn.

I sat at my computer, digging through the lives of the people I could care less about on Facepage, updating myself on the local drama. Meanwhile I updated the world on mine. Little did I know, by the end of the day, my drama would top everyone else’s.

Sara must have heard me from downstairs because she came up soon after. She immediately saw that Caleb was still sleeping and proceeded quietly. Even she respected the sleep Caleb so desperately needed at the time.

The two of us, as quietly as we possibly could, continued to search through Facepage for something interesting. But as always, there was nothing too dramatic. Nothing besides what we were expecting to see anyway. Just a couple of breakups, a couple hookups, normal college kid drama—boring.

When Facepage was no longer entertaining us, I quietly made my way through the middle room, past Caleb, and into the bathroom. Apparently I wasn’t quiet enough because I ended up accidentally waking Caleb up anyway.

I cursed under my breath as I heard him climb out of bed. With Sara waiting just outside the bathroom door, Caleb let himself in. What fuckin’ time is it? he asked, clearly still half asleep. Eleven, I informed him, surprising him.

Because we had a double bathroom, we were both peeing as we spoke to each other from across the room. I can’t even remember the last time I slept until eleven. Why didn’t you wake me up! he asked.

I chuckled. Seriously? You’re a monster. You wake up at five every day. Only to spend your day working yourself to death. You needed to sleep. That’s why I didn’t wanna wake you. The fact that you slept until eleven only proves my point. You probably would have slept longer if I hadn’t been too loud coming in here, I informed him. He rolled his eyes at me while smirking through the mirror.

How long have you been up?

Only like forty-five minutes.

He nodded, and then followed me back out into the bedroom where Sara was waiting impatiently.

As soon as Caleb came into the bedroom, he proceeded to get ready for a run. God forbid he wakes up without going for a run. No matter what time it is. I’m surprised he didn’t die from heat stroke that day. It was 93 degrees.

Sara and I went down into the living room to hibernate in front of the flat screen. Caleb gave me a quick kiss before he left with Molly, leaving Sara and me alone. I had no idea where Jon was. It didn’t matter.

We watched one of Sara’s favorites to pass the time, The L Word. Add wake and bake to the mix, and we could’ve watched anything and been entertained. Caleb was more than amused when he got back and saw us still sitting there, watching a lesbian drama series.

Leaving Sara alone with her show, I went upstairs to shower with Caleb, an extra long one.

Since all we had to do today was watch the final race tonight, we had the entire day to do as we wished.

We didn’t do much. The three of us mostly hung around the house all day until it was time to drive the three hours to Miami Beach. Our friends and my brother were already there when we arrived, and they were completely full of themselves, of course.

Since Caleb and I had a long day ahead of us at ELG in the morning, we didn’t go out with the others after the race like we normally would have. Jon apparently wasn’t too worried about it. He stayed.

Caleb and I didn’t. Instead, we went home to relax. With Sara on her way back to Orlando and