Release Day Blitz: True Love A Songbird Novel By Melissa Pearl

True Love

A Songbird Novel

By Melissa Pearl

Release Date: November 18, 2015

Synopsis 

One night can change everything…

Nessa Sloan has been in love with Jimmy Baker since the ninth grade when they started up a rock band together. Five years later they’re about to hit the big time—Chaos wins a recording contract and nation-wide tour with Torrence Records. After their celebration party, the two best friends have a one-night stand that will tear their relationship apart.

On the run from Jimmy’s rejection, Nessa takes off on her motorbike, but an accident brings her escape to a tragic end. Now trapped in a broken body, Nessa has to face a future stripped of the one thing that’s gotten her through every past challenge—playing the drums.

Jimmy never meant to break his best friend’s heart, and he will forever regret taking her to bed then treating her like one of his groupies. But once he’d crossed that line, he couldn’t go back. Now Jimmy is on a mission to do something he’s never done before—win a girl over.

Angry and confused by her new disability, Nessa doesn’t want Jimmy’s help. But she has nobody else to rely on…and his pigheaded ass won’t leave her alone. Can these two stubborn hearts get past their own insecurities to figure out what true love really looks like? Or will they drive each other crazy before they finally see the truth?

It’s infuriating, irresistable, and all-consuming…it’s true love.  

Buy Links 

AmazonUS: http://amzn.to/1XUuuAx
AmazonUK: http://amzn.to/1kyxNi1
iBooks: http://apple.co/1OcplQP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OPUWZW
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1KYTX3E
Nook: http://bit.ly/1GqqWfc

AND... AS A BONUS: 

FEVER IS STILL FREE.

AMAZON: http://ow.ly/y26Ps

B&N: http://ow.ly/xe6oE

iTUNES: http://ow.ly/xe6qT

SW: http://ow.ly/xe6sh

KOBO: http://ow.ly/xKmTx

~*~

Watch the True Love Trailer HERE

About the Author 

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety and is excited about the books she has coming up in 2015.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

~*~SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS~*~

https://twitter.com/MelissaPearlG

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314516.Melissa_Pearl?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Pearl/e/B0064I6S26/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1402684718&sr=1-2-ent

https://www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor

http://www.melissapearlauthor.com

Cover Reveal of True Love by Melissa Pearl

True Love

A Songbird Novel

By Melissa Pearl

Release Date: November 18, 2015

One night can change everything…

Nessa Sloan has been in love with Jimmy Baker since the ninth grade when they started up a rock band together. Five years later they’re about to hit the big time—Chaos wins a recording contract and nation-wide tour with Torrence Records. After their celebration party, the two best friends have a one-night stand that will tear their relationship apart.

On the run from Jimmy’s rejection, Nessa takes off on her motorbike, but an accident brings her escape to a tragic end. Now trapped in a broken body, Nessa has to face a future stripped of the one thing that’s gotten her through every past challenge—playing the drums.

Jimmy never meant to break his best friend’s heart, and he will forever regret taking her to bed then treating her like one of his groupies. But once he’d crossed that line, he couldn’t go back. Now Jimmy is on a mission to do something he’s never done before—win a girl over.

Angry and confused by her new disability, Nessa doesn’t want Jimmy’s help. But she has nobody else to rely on…and his pigheaded ass won’t leave her alone. Can these two stubborn hearts get past their own insecurities to figure out what true love really looks like? Or will they drive each other crazy before they finally see the truth?

It’s infuriating, irresistable, and all-consuming…it’s true love. 

 

PREORDER IT NOW AT:

iTunes: http://apple.co/1OcplQP

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1OPUWZW

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1KYTX3E

BN: http://bit.ly/1GqqWfc

AND... AS A BONUS: 

FEVER IS STILL FREE.

AMAZON: http://ow.ly/y26Ps

B&N: http://ow.ly/xe6oE

iTUNES: http://ow.ly/xe6qT

SW: http://ow.ly/xe6sh

KOBO: http://ow.ly/xKmTx

~*~

Watch the True Love Trailer HERE

~*~ABOUT MELISSA~*~

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety and is excited about the books she has coming up in 2015.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

~*~SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS~*~

https://twitter.com/MelissaPearlG

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314516.Melissa_Pearl?from_search=true

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Pearl/e/B0064I6S26/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1402684718&sr=1-2-ent

https://www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor

http://www.melissapearlauthor.com

Release Day Blitz: Everything (A Songbird novel, Book 3) by Melissa Pearl

Everything (A Songbird novel, Book 3) by Melissa Pearl

Release Day Blitz

April 23, 2015

Synopsis

Jody Pritchett had a dream...but life had other plans. Instead of singing and dancing on Broadway, Jody's a twenty-year-old single mom, living at home with her disapproving father and overbearing sister. The choice to keep her little Angelia came with a high price and although she adores her baby girl, it doesn't take away the sting of kissing goodbye her chance at a career on the stage. Leo Sinclair had his own dream...but got lost along the way. After a failed marriage that left him hollow and downtrodden, the Australian songwriter wonders what joy his future could possibly hold. Encouraged by the one family member who doesn't think he's a failure, Leo decides to stop living the life everyone expects him to and start chasing his dreams again. When the perfect opportunity comes knocking, Leo leaves Australia behind and hops a flight to LA. With his sights set on selling a musical to a Broadway producer, Leo is determined to finally realize his life-long dream. But life gets in the way again, when he spots a young mother outside his apartment in tears. He never realized how one person, one voice, and one Angel could have him contemplating abandoning his dreams once again. As these two burned hearts wrestle to overcome their past struggles, Leo and Jody must decide what dreams are worth clinging to...because, sometimes, everything you want is not everything you need. 

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1D08hVA

iTunes: http://apple.co/1CUCpqH

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1BKvSb3

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1ClIMBj

BN: http://bit.ly/1CYvdTT

AND, grab Fever, book 1 in the Songbird series, for ONLY 99 CENTS for a limited time!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1DC0W19

About the Author

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

NOW AVAILABLE Bulletproof by Melissa Pearl 99 cents TODAY ONLY!

NOW AVAILABLE
Bulletproof by Melissa Pearl
99 cents TODAY ONLY!

http://bit.ly/BulletproofAM

Morgan Pritchett doesn't need anyone. Strong-willed and confident, she's the master of organizing and looking after everyone around her. In her mind, she's bulletproof.

But she has one weakness - men. She can't seem to live without them, yet is unable to find her perfect match. After yet another break up, Morgan promises her sister and best friend that she'll write off men for the rest of the year...but then she meets Sean Jaxon.

Sean Jaxon has worked hard to become a Hollywood actor, scoring minor roles and slowly making a name for himself as an action sidekick. After a chance encounter with the stunning Morgan Pritchett, he decides to take a risk and put his dancing skills to the test by signing on for the lead role in Superstar, a TV musical. He never thought he'd reconnect with the girl who urged him to ignore his manager and be honest with himself, but when Morgan shows up on the set as a production assistant, he realizes he's found his ultimate weakness - her.

Their passion for dance and music will bring them together, but will their relationship be able to withstand the forces determined to pull them apart? As Morgan comes face-to-face with her long-buried demons and Sean decides just how much he's willing to risk for love, these two songbirds discover something...they're not as bulletproof as they thought.

Teaser: Two Faced by Melissa Pearl

Synopsis

Caitlyn Davis has an unusual gift. She knows exactly how people feel. Everyone wears a mask, but she sees the hidden truth. This ability has changed her life, both for the better and worse. She can choose to ignore what she sees...but what happens when it involves the guy she loves?

Eric Shore knew getting involved with a girl who could read people was risky, but he couldn't help himself. Caitlyn is gorgeous and he loves being with her. Their relationship is going great...until she tells him that his step-brother and star basketball player, Connor, is doing drugs. Having looked up to the guy for years, Eric just can't buy it. Things only get worse when Caitlyn questions the true nature of Eric's favorite teacher.

The first year at college is supposed to be amazing, but theirs is off to a rocky start. As masks are peeled away, secrets will be exposed, dangers will be revealed, and both must decide out of the people closest to them, who is telling the truth...and who is being two-faced.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1C3gOGo
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1s3RspC

COVER REVEAL: Bulletproof (Songbird #2) by Melissa Pearl

COVER REVEAL

Bulletproof (Songbird #2) by Melissa Pearl

Release Date: November 20, 2014

Morgan Pritchett doesn't need anyone. Strong-willed and confident, she's the master of organizing and looking after everyone around her. In her mind, she's bulletproof. But she has one weakness – men. She can't seem to live without them, yet is unable to find her perfect match. After yet another break up, Morgan promises her sister and best friend that she'll write off men for the rest of the year. But then she meets Sean Tate.

Sean Tate has worked hard to become a Hollywood actor, scoring minor roles and slowly making a name for himself as an action sidekick. After a chance encounter with the stunning Morgan Pritchett, he decides to take a risk and put his dancing skills to the test by signing on for the lead role in Superstar, a TV musical. He never thought he'd reconnect with the girl who urged him to ignore his manager and be honest with himself, but when Morgan shows up on the set as a production assistant, he realizes he's found his ultimate weakness — her.

Their passion for dance and music will bring them together, but will their relationship be able to withstand the forces determined to pull them apart? As Morgan comes face to face with her demons and Sean decides just how much he's willing to risk for love, these two lovers discover something... they're not as bulletproof as they thought.

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR PILE: http://bit.ly/BulletProofTBR

!!!!!!PLUS AS A BONUS!!!!!!

Fever (Songbird #1) recently got an EPILOGUE

Check it out below!

FEVER EPILOGUE:

~SPOILER ALERT if you haven’t read Fever~ ELLA

The shower was hot and divine, the droplets hitting my skin made me want to melt. I was exhausted down to my very core. Gutting the old to make room for the new was hard work. Every muscle in my body ached, but I was so ridiculously happy it didn’t even matter. A smile crept over my lips as I reached for the shampoo, squirting a healthy amount into my palm. I had callouses on my hands and my knuckles were indented with various nicks and scrapes. They stung a little as I rubbed the shampoo into my hair, but nothing could wipe the grin from my face.

A song filtered up my throat as I spun to wash out the shampoo. I went for Frank’s Fly Me To The Moon, belting out the song as my mind wandered towards the man I wanted to kiss. Lathering up my loofah, I scrubbed it up my arms, washing off the grime from another hard day’s work.

“Please don’t tell me that loofah is stealing my job again.” Cole’s deep voice made me giggle.

“It’ll go into early retirement the second you get into this shower.” I kept humming as I listened to him undress, my body already zinging in anticipation. It didn’t help that Cole had joined in the song and was now singing about how I filled his heart with song. I tipped my head back and sighed, still reeling in the awesomeness that my life had become.

After Cole’s grand entrance back into it, he’d given me a weekend of heaven before flying back to Chicago. I’d then had to wait until after we’d both finished out our school year. I didn’t want to fly over for his graduation, knowing David would be around. I couldn’t rub his face in it. I just couldn’t. I was so incredibly happy with Cole; it was impossible not to show it.

June 18th had been the happiest of my life. Cole had flown across the country, I’d flown down and we’d run into each other’s arms at LAX.

“Hmmm.” Cole’s large hands ran around my body as he pressed his naked torso against my back. Ripping the loofah from my hands, he chucked it out of the shower and took over, running his soapy fingers over each and every one of my curves.

A soft moan formed in my throat, whispering out of my lips as I rested my head against his shoulder and wrapped my hand around the back of his neck.

He rested his chin on my head.

“So I just got a call from the architect.” His voice was liquid soft and sexy, in spite of the fact he was talking business. I would have ignored it if he hadn’t said the words I’d been desperate to hear all day.

My eyes popped open and I spun in his arms. “What’d he say?”

Cole grinned down at me, his eyes buzzing with the same excitement I felt. “He’ll be here at nine tomorrow to show us his initial ideas.”

I let out a squeal. Cole laughed at me, capturing my lips. I went on my tiptoes and ran my fingers into his hair, loving the way his body responded to my touch.

We’d basically spent the second half of June holed up in my room...much to my aunt’s disgust. I hadn’t cared. I was with Cole and we'd had major catching up to do, but as July rolled around we knew it was time to get on with it, so we’d excitedly contacted a few real estate agents and the hunt had begun. I still had five months until I was granted full access to

my trust fund, but Cole’s was plenty healthy and was able to get us started. We’d already received pre-approval from the bank and it was just a matter of finding the perfect place.

Three weeks later, we did. It was an old store with a studio apartment on top. It’d been abandoned years ago, but the rights for sale had not been available until the owner passed away. For us, the timing couldn’t have been better. After being handed the keys, we stood on the sidewalk in giddy silence gazing up at what would soon become Reynold’s.

We were both getting a taste of our dreams. I was living back in a place that felt like home. Our little apartment was just under five miles from Pasadena Community College. I was cutting back to part-time classes and would complete my degree over four more years. I wanted to be able to help Cole with the pub. I would have quit college then and there, but Nina had talked me out of it, convincing me that I could handle both.

“It’ll be busy, but you’ll never regret having a college degree,” she’d said. “You guys are gonna be great. I’m so proud of you.” Her eyes had welled with tears as we talked over Skype, making me want to cry.

I still couldn’t believe Cole had left Chicago...and them...for me. But he told me as long as I was there, he could live anywhere.

“Ella, you’re my home and no matter where you go, I’ll follow you. I’d walk a thousand miles, remember?” He'd leaned his forehead against mine and I'd nearly died, but then he'd taken it one step further, his expression softening to mush. “I want to marry you.”

My lips parted, my heart freezing still.

He’d grinned at me. “I don’t have a ring yet. Every penny I have is kind of wrapped up in our future plans right now, but there’ll be one coming, Miss Simmons...I just wanted you to know.”

I'm pretty sure I haven't stopped smiling since that day. We might not be officially engaged, but our hearts got hitched a long time ago and for now I’m happy to wait for my wedding day.

Cole’s tongue was burning as it slid into my mouth. He pressed me back against the cool tiles, his lips working over my chin and down my neck. I ran my fingers across his hard shoulders as his tongue traveled down my body, hotwiring my brain and making coherent thought impossible.

“How much time do I have?” Cole murmured against my belly. “Time? What’s time?”

He chuckled, blowing a raspberry into my belly button. I gently yanked his hair as I giggled.

“Jody’s picking me up at seven.”
“And where are you going?”
“We’re taking Morgan out for karaoke.”
“Again?” He looked up at me. “She’s not looking for that guy is she?”
“The actor?” I chuckled. “No, she just needs some cheering up. She still hasn’t found a

job and since her big break up with Brad she's been working her way through a very lousy dating pool."

"I thought she was swearing off guys."
I shrugged, my insides pinching with worry. "Me too."
Cole's expression mirrored my disquiet, but I forced a smile, not wanting to take my

concerns into the evening.
"Anyway, we have to celebrate as much as we can tonight. Jody leaves next week. It’s

gonna be sad. We have to have as much fun as we can while the trio is still together.” I tipped my head, water running off my hair and splashing into his face. I laughed, brushing his slick curls off his forehead. “I’m so glad I’ve got you.”

Cole ran his hands up my sides, squeezing my hips and giving me one of his megawatt smiles. I leaned down and kissed it, pressing my body against his. “So in answer to your question...” I softly bit his neck before working my way up to his ear and nibbling on the lobe. “I’ve got as much time as we need.”

Cole’s deep chuckle reverberated in his chest. “When it comes to you, my love, there is never enough time.”

I grinned as his lips got back to work and I was sent to heaven, the tune of Cheek to Cheek whistling through my brain as Cole and I danced to our own shower song.

*********

Find Fever at:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/FevrAmazon

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FeverBN

Bulletproof Pre-Order Links:

AMAZON: http://ow.ly/BAn2y
SMASHWORDS: http://ow.ly/BAnj6
iTUNES: http://ow.ly/BAnhV
B&N: http://ow.ly/BAngX
KOBO: http://ow.ly/BAnjK

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Cover Reveal: Fever by Melissa Pearl

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 15th

 

Cover Reveal!

Fever ( A Songbird Novel )

Designer: Mae I Design

Ella Simmons does not want to move across the country. But she is, because her boyfriend has persuaded her to join him at UChicago to finish out her college education. Never able to tell him no, she hops on a plane and makes the trek from LA expecting to adjust to life like she's often forced to, but things are not that simple when she hears a luscious voice singing over her shower wall. His deep, sexy tenor makes her weak in the knees, spreading fire through her limbs and making her question everything about her life and relationship.

Can one voice really have that much of an impact?

Cole Reynolds is on his way out. In his final year at UChicao, the only this he wants to do is finish school and get on with this life. But the sweet voice that interrupts his morning shower turns his world upside down. Compelled to find his shower songbird, he begins a search across campus. The only thing to distract him from this goal is his roommate's gorgeous girlfriend who's just arrived from LA - Ella Simmons.

Relationships are put to the ultimate test as future dreams are questioned and friendships are thrown on the line for love.

Excerpt

My voice grew stronger as I sang through the first verse of Cheek to Cheek. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald sang my favorite version of the song. I was so in love with those two. Probably because my mother was a jazz/swing freak. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong…they were always filling our house with music. But Ella, she was my mom’s favorite and she’d quickly became mine. The woman had a voice like an angel…the supreme songbird. That’s what Mom used to say.

I ended the verse strong on the high note and was about to dip low for the last line when a deep, masculine voice joined me from the other side of the wall. 

My breath hitched, my heart rate tripling. Man, that was a sexy voice. My insides flooded with heat and it wasn’t because of the shower. I bit my lip, wondering how to respond. My mind was flashing with images of a naked man beneath his own shower head. What did he look like? If the person matched the voice, he must be built like a greek god. My insides coiled tight as I touched the tiles in front of me.

I’d never had such a physical reaction to someone’s voice before. I mean, yeah David was sexy in his own way, but whoever was on the other side of this wall was making my knees weak.

The man chuckled, a low gruff sound from his throat…at least I think that’s what it was. It was kind of hard to hear through the wall, but then he started singing again and it was crystal clear. 

He finished the next line.

He paused.

Waiting.

For me.

Pressing my lips together, I blinked a couple of times and then grinned. 

About the Author

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Author Blog / Book Blog / Pinterest

Sign up for Melissa's Newsletter

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Book Spotlight: I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl

Genre: YA Romantic Suspense

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life. Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion .The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

About The Author

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Author Blog / Book Blog / Pinterest

Sign up for Melissa's Newsletter

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. "I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

TEASERS

ZACH...

When it came to girls I was a fool. I wouldn't deny it. My track record sucked, but maybe this time it would be different. I wouldn't label it love at first sight or anything, but intrigue. Yeah that's it - intrigue at first sight. That girl, whoever she was, had captured me...and it had only taken a glimpse.

ZACH...

"This is different, you guys." I shook my head. "I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I'm attracted to her, but it's not just her looks. There's something about her. She's intriguing. It's like she's not all she appears to be or something."

"You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break." Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table.

"I know I don't know her at all yet, but I can tell there's something more there." I rubbed my bottom lip.

"She looks normal to me." AJ shrugged.

"I think she's pretty. She looks sweet, but..." Liesl turned to spy her quickly. "AJ's right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?"

"It's something about her eyes. There's a story in them. I can't even explain why I think that. I just feel like she's got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them."

"I bet you do." Elliot raised his eyebrows.

"Not like that." I threw him a droll look. "I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison."

"Dude, there is no mystery." Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.

"Yes there is. I can feel it."

"Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing." Jaeda's green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.

"I don't care." I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn't. "That girl over there has secrets and I'm gonna figure out what they are."

LUCY...

Lucy felt sick, but then came that smile. She hated that smile, but she couldn't help it. She had managed to lift that bracelet without the lady knowing. The art of pickpocketing was a skill she'd had to really practice. Marlin had taught her a couple of months into their time together. At first she'd outright refused to learn, but after three days of garbage scraps, Lucy was going out of her mind. She agreed to do whatever it took to get a decent meal...and so Marlin had become her Fagan and they were an excellent team.

ZACH...

Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed the girl had disappeared on the other side of the street. I picked up a French fry and popped it in my mouth wondering if I had been right. If it was a con, it sucked that she just ripped that guy off by three hundred bucks, although he looked as though he could take it. A slow smile spread across my face. Man, if that had been a con, she was a really good artist. It had been a piece of magic to watch.

ZACH...

"You're eighteen. You're old enough to make your own choices, you know."

I didn't want her to play the rebel and get her in trouble, but I had a damn good point. Her father was being way too protective. No boyfriends in high school? Come on.

Her eyes said something I couldn't decipher and her words were spoken with a softness that pierced me. "Some people don't get as many choices as others."

As if realizing she'd suddenly gone too deep and serious, she forced a bright smile over her lips. Leaning towards me with a playful grin, she touched her lips to my ear. "But I am eighteen and if I really want something, I won't let Daddy stop me."

Her breath was warm and tickled my skin, making goosebumps rise over my forearms. Her soft lips pressed against my cheek before she leaned back with a smile. Her eyes were dancing as she bit her lip. "See you tomorrow, Zach."

ZACH...

Riley was Dani. I wanted to deny it, but I couldn't, because I knew. In my gut, I knew that Dani had secrets and I had just found a layer I could peel back.

I just wasn't sure if I wanted to.

ZACH...

"I can't— Look my parents were killed by a crooked cop and he's still out there. If he finds me..." Dani shook her head, expelling a heavy sigh. "What if he found you? What if he hurt you? I can't live with that, Zach. You have no idea how bad I want to run, how my instinct is telling me to split." She closed her eyes, chewing her bottom lip so hard I thought I might bleed.

"Do you think that cop is still looking for you?"

"I don't know." Her eyes were wide and jittery. "I just don't know...but if he ever does find me, I'm dead, okay? I'm dead."