Arin's Light: Poison Pen, #3

By Marissa Ann and Rae Goldman

After spending seven years living in the shadows, Arin Conelly has a chance to shine. 

Will she take it?

 

Giving up her baby for adoption when she was 15 years old seemed like the hardest decision Arin ever had to make. Looking into her baby's bright eyes, Arin knew she was doing the right thing. 

 

Now seven years later she is faced with another tough decision. Should she stay in the town where she grew up, always living in the shadow of her famous bosses or can she make a name for herself?  

 

During his law internship, Taylor Burns' mentor became ill during a high profile case. A case he was losing. Taylor stepped up, winning the case and the notoriety that came with it. Since then he has specialized in family law, with a few exceptions. Poison Pen is one of those exceptions. 

 

He came to White Summer to help on a custody case. But it has become his third home. The first being Alaska, the second the courtroom. Something about the town and the people in it keeps pulling him back.

 

It couldn't possibly be the hazel eyed beauty he can't keep his eyes or his thoughts off of at Poison Pen. Could it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marissa Ann
• Release date: Feb 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201277475

Marissa Ann

USA Today Best Selling Author Marissa Ann grew up in two very different worlds, the big city and the rural South. Mobile Alabama offered her the opportunities to not only see other cultures but to experience them as well. Every weekend she spent most of her time on the beach of Perdido with her dog, Buddy. It didn't matter what time of the day, even midnight, they could be found walking along the shore in search of seashells. Buddy passed away in 1997 and she still misses him today. You never forget your true best friends, even the four legged ones. When she wasn't in Alabama with her dad, she was in North Mississippi with her mom. Mostly spending time with her Grandfather who taught her not only how to grow a garden but how to completely live off the land as well as to love animals. Today, she spends her time in rural North Mississippi with her husband, the kids and all of their animals on a hobby farm. She always said she would write books one day even though many thought she never would. She made a promise to a childhood friend who left this world for the next in 2015. That she would finally write and publish at least one. Her first book hit the market in 2018 and she's never looked back. She now has several out with many more scheduled for release. Her favorite books have a lot of romance with action and suspense mixed in. She loves to hear from others about her books OR theirs. https://www.authormarissaann.com/ [e-mail] https://www.facebook.com/MarissaAnnAuthor/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18159855.Marissa_Ann

Book preview

Prologue

Arin

It has been a year since I started my internship at Poison Pen. I feel like I’ve learned everything I can from Fiona and Lilyanna, but I don’t know if they are going to keep me on or let me go. My contract was up a few weeks ago and they’ve been letting me take on my own clients for a while now.

Fiona asked me to come in early today, specifically asking me to come in the back. It looks like all the lights are out, though as I let myself in. I stumble through the hallway reaching for the light switch. I’m almost there when suddenly the lights go on, almost blinding me.

Surprise! I hear several voices shout. Looking around in shock I see the faces of everyone I know and some people I don’t. Even my parents are here. My confusion is apparent on my face as I seek out my friends in the crowd. Fiona finally steps forward holding some papers in her hand.

Hush, Quiet! she yells. It takes a minute but then everyone is waiting for her to continue.

Arin, in honor of you completing your apprenticeship and obtaining your art degree from White Summer Community College. I would like to offer you some options.

I’m not sure what she is about to say but I’m holding my breath.

You can either continue to work here as a  partner. She holds out a thick packet of papers. This packet is a partnership agreement. Or; you can choose this packet. She says holding out a second packet of papers.

I look between the two waiting for her to say what the second one is.

In my other hand, I have a franchise agreement. Lily and I will pay the upfront cost, all you have to do is select a location. You have to make a choice but you don’t have to make it right now. Eat, celebrate, and mingle with your guests first. She smiles.

She hands me the papers, then gives me a hug before stepping back into her husband’s arms. Baratta wraps his arms around her possessively. Lily steps forward, wrapping her arms around me. You got this, I’m so proud of you. She says before stepping away to where Austin is waiting for her.

Suddenly I’m surrounded by well wishers. Hugs, pats on the back and congratulations are the only thing I hear for several minutes until Fiona pushes her way back through.

Break it up, break it up. She laughs. Let the girl enjoy her party.

Later in the evening, the party is winding down when I see Fiona and Lily nudging each other. I don’t think anything of it. They are like sisters always picking at each other and goofing around. It isn’t until Fiona pushes Lily towards me that I realize they have something else to say.

Arin Lily says, The other presentation was business. This is personal. She looks at Fiona who has a big smile on her face.

Well, knowing you have some choices to make, we wanted to make things a little easier for you. Austin hands her an envelope.

This is from Me, Fiona and the guys. she finishes, handing it over to me.

I open the envelope and to my shock find tickets for an Alaskan cruise.

Oh My God!! You guys, I’ve never been out of Montana before! This is amazing!

Taylor

I met Fiona and her husband after helping Austin get custody of his daughter. I’ve become kind of attached to this small town in the middle of Montana. Even though I mostly work in family law, when Fiona decided to make Lilyanna her business partner, she asked me to do the paperwork.

Fiona is an amazing artist but she didn’t want to be tied down to the tattoo shop. By taking on a partner, she can travel with her new husband, or start a family. Last month she asked me yet again to draft some legal documents for her.

I was just going to overnight them to her, but decided this would be a good time to get some work done on my tats. She’s going to draw the scales of justice on my back. I spent most of my day face down on the massage table in Fiona’s work space, zoning out from the buzz of the gun. It has a way of making everything around me disappear.

After flying in to White Summer, I came straight here. The buzzing of the tattoo gun makes me drift off. When I zone back in I realize Fiona is talking to me.  That’s when I finally notice the shop has gone quiet.

Sorry, it’s been a long day. I say, turning my head towards her.

No problem, she tells me. I was wondering if you want to join us at Arin’s celebration. We would have asked you sooner but it’s a surprise party.

While we are talking Baratta joins us. He puts his arms around Fiona, holding her close. I want a woman that I can love like that. No matter if she is out of his view for five minutes or five hours, as soon as they are back together they meld as if they are one person.

Hey man, how long are you going to be in town? He asks.

Hi Baratta, I just wrapped up a tough custody case. A couple of celebrities fighting over their kids. It was a shit ton of he said, she said until I hired a private investigator. Caught the woman doing drugs in front of the kids. Flew straight here from the courthouse. But I'm taking the long way home. Hopping on a cruise ship belonging to one of my clients in Seattle.

Oh my God, Fiona squeals. I booked Arin on a ten day Alaskan cruise. When does your ship leave?

In two days. My plan is to rent a car and drive back to the Port of Seattle. I’ve been cooped up in an office for too long.

Really? That’s when Arin’s cruise leaves.

After comparing itineraries we realize that Arin and myself are both booked for the same cruise.

Can you keep an eye on my girl, please Taylor? She asks.

I won’t be there for the return trip but, sure she can even ride with me on the trip to Seattle. However; I’m sorry but I just can’t be here for the party, I yawn.

I am exhausted but that’s just an excuse. Arin is gorgeous. At just over five foot tall with brown hair that flows down to her ass and hazel green eyes. The girl fills all my late night fantasies. Regretfully, she is too young