Infatuation

“The woman I married wouldn’t say that. She wouldn’t give up on her daughter.” His voice cracks in desperation, and I find myself holding my breath waiting for her to react.

“That’s not fair.”

“No, what’s not fair is that my wife is standing right in front of me, close enough for me to touch, but she won’t let me. You think you’re the only one who’s hurting through this, Kell? I’m fucking here. I’m doing everything I can to save us, and you don’t give a fuck.”

“We shouldn’t be listening to this,” Mackenzie whispers against my hand, bringing my attention back to her. She’s right. We shouldn’t. The last four months have been rough for Brooks and Kelly. The last thing they need is more people knowing how much they’re struggling. I nod once and slide my fingers from her, then quietly step back. She straightens her dress, takes my hand and we silently retreat back around the clubhouse without being noticed.

“Beau,” Mackenzie starts when we’ve made a clean break.

“Not our business, darlin’.” I already know what she’s going to say, how she’s going to react. It’s just not what we need right now. Not tonight. Not on this day.

“I just wish there was something we could do.”

“We’re doing everything we can.” I bring my finger up to my nose and breathe her scent in.

“Beau, be serious!” She slaps my hand away while I grin down at her.

“What?”

“Don’t do that, Beau.” She looks around like someone might be watching us.

“Why the hell not?” I breathe her in again, watching her blush a new shade of pink.

“’Cause it’s gross.” I pull her into my chest and wrap my arms around her.

“Nothing gross about the smell of my wife’s pussy.” She tilts her head back and looks up at me.

“Say it again.”

“Nothing gross about the smell of my wife’s pussy.”

“Not that part.” I grin down at her when I realize what she means.

“Wife, your pussy is fucking delicious.” She shakes her head, but I see the flash of excitement come to life in her eyes.

“You’re terrible.” She drops her head to my chest and I silently high five myself for getting her mind off Brooks and Kelly.

“You ready for cake, wife?” I press my lips to the top of her head.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” She steps back, takes my hand, and locks her fingers through mine.

“Do you think Brooks and Kelly—”

“I think Brooks and Kelly are capable of sorting their own shit, darlin’. Now let it go, wife. We have a cake to cut so we can fuck off out of here.” I give her a wink before guiding us back over to the marquee. She doesn’t reply, ‘cause she knows it won’t get her anywhere. Instead, she keeps in step with me, and lets me take control.

Today is our day, and yeah, Kelly and Brooks are in a bad place, but I don’t want them on her mind. I’ll do anything to make sure this doesn’t touch her.

She’s my wife.

The mother of my unborn child.

The woman who controls every part of me and in return, handed over every part of herself.

Though we lost our families we were born to, we found an even greater one in each other. In our club.

Through the pain and suffering of our pasts, we’ve become what was stolen away from us.

She is my family, and I, hers.

Nothing and no one will ever change it.

The Facts

Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Intimate Partner Violence all fall under the same umbrella. It is violence and abuse that occurs within the family unit and intimate partner relationships.

It occurs when a family member or partner exerts power and control over their family member(s) or partner. The relationship can include spouses, partners, siblings, parents and children.

It can take many forms and includes physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial and sexual abuse.

It does not have to occur within the home or between people who are living together.

It affects people of all ages, races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.

1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

(*The national Domestic Violence Hotline.)

If you are experiencing domestic violence, or know someone who is, there are many organizations that can help. Here are some useful links and helplines:

Safe Horizon – USA

White Ribbon -AU

National Domestic Violence Hotline – UK

Also by River Savage

FOLLOW THE SERIES

Incandescent

Affliction

Reclaimed

Desertion

Infatuation

Acknowledgments

Alissa Evanson-Smith: Sorry, Lissy, you didn’t get Beau, but I have someone even more special for you because you deserve it. I love you, lady.

Brie Burgess: Brie, Brie, Brie. Lady, you are amazing. Don’t ever leave me. Ever. ‘Cause I will find you and lock you up so you can only beta for me! Hahaha! I love you, lady. You rock my world. Thank you for all your help, your encouragement, for being my voice of reason, for pushing me. I honestly wouldn’t have finished this book had it not been for you.

Cassia Brightmore: Girl, you know I love you. I’m sorry I haven’t been around so much for you. One word. December. You and I. I love you. YOLO.

Gillian Grybas: Gikky, oh, Gikky. I think writing Beau turned me into Ed, eh? Holla. You really are such a beautiful person. Thank you for being amazing and helping me. I love you.

JJ: Sister, wife, JJ. You’ve been there from the start. You are such a truly beautiful lady. I better see your ass in New York.

Tania: Thank you for your sound advice, for talking me down from my freak outs. I wouldn’t be able to function without your touch on my boys.

Marci: I love you, crazy lady. Thank you for being part of my team. New York, baby!

Abbey: Thank you for pushing me harder. For showing me where I need to fix and make better. I hope you achieve what we talked about. Hahahhha.

Priya: Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. You are amazing and I appreciate everything you have done with Beau and Kenzie’s story. Love ya lady.

Fiona: Thank you for all your work on Beau and Kenzie. I appreciate all your time.

Louisa from LM Creations: Thank you for working on this beautiful cover. It’s by far my favorite.

Becky Johnson: ANOTHER ONE! Wow, what a year! Thank you for all your support on this amazing journey. No way would I be able to do any of this on my own. You really are amazing. Thank you.

To my Rebels: I know heaps of authors say this, but all the others are lying. I truly have the best readers. You all rock!

To ALL the Bloggers: Thank you for your support. I wouldn’t have been able to get my name out without you guys pimping my work, reviewing, and loving the Knights Rebels boys just as much as I do.

My Mr. Savage: To my husband. Dude, sixth book. I know you weren’t impressed with the last books acknowledgments. You don’t love me like a love song? Okay, so short and sweet isn’t your taste. Thank you for really stepping up with this book. I honestly couldn’t have finished it without you. It was tense there for a bit. Thank for being the best daddy to our girls. Thank you for being the best husband. But most of all, thank you for being the best person I know.