Can distance and trust keep you and those you love safe in the world when the one you can’t resist is the danger? Dive into this suspenseful mafia romance, and discover what happens when you thought you were safe in the world only to come face to face with someone from your past. LUCKY STRIKE by Rochelle Allison is an emotional rollercoaster of romance, swoon, suspense, and passion that will keep you frantically flipping pages.
Blurb
Lucky
I left her once to keep her safe from my world, but now I need someone I can trust to watch my son.
Running with this syndicate, I’ve learned to keep my emotions in check. Compartmentalized. But when Bria walks back into my life, everything comes flooding back—every memory, every kiss. Having her so close to the dangers of my reality is selfish, but my kid comes first.
Keeping my distance is critical.
It’s also impossible.
Bria
I never expected to come face to face with Lucky again. Not like this. But he’s a single dad now, offering me a job he knows I can’t refuse. I try to keep things professional, but it doesn’t take long for old feelings to resurface.
Resisting him is essential.
It’s the one thing I’ve never been able to do.
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Excerpt
Copyright 2024, Rochelle Allison
I’m having a glass of water in the kitchen when Conlan breezes through the back door, eyeing me as he tosses aside his wallet and keys. I should’ve gone straight to my room, but a part of me—the tipsy part, probably—craves confrontation. His behavior outside the bar just now was embarrassing.
“Sawyer, huh?” he says by way of greeting, brushing by as he reaches into the fridge. “Guess his patience finally paid off.” I turn around, putting my glass into the sink. The microwave opens and closes, beeping as he jabs at it. “I almost feel bad for him.”
Leaning against the counter, I give him the attention he’s so obviously seeking. “What are you talking about?”
“You must know he still wants you.” He mirrors my stance, folding his arms as we stare at each other from across the room.
“So what?”
“You’re just gonna play with his emotions like that?” His eyes widen, mocking me. “Didn’t think you were the type.”
“You’d know all about that, huh?” Picking up my purse, I push away from the counter. “Good night.”
“Good night?” An indulgent little smile tugs at his mouth. The same one he gives Liam when he’s being naughty at bedtime. “You say something like that and then, good night?”
Ignoring him, I leave the kitchen. But he follows me down the hall and up the stairs, every footstep intensifying the jitters in my stomach. I turn abruptly at my bedroom door, feeling cornered. “What, Conlan?”
“Are you going to see him again?”
I stare at him, trying to figure out this sudden interest when he’s been nothing but aloof since the day he hired me. “Are you serious?”
He steps closer, stopping only when I hold up a hand. “Answer the question.”
“Yeah, I probably will see him again. He’s sweet, and we had fun tonight.”
“Sweet, huh?” Conlan’s voice drops, dangerous and low. “That’s what you’re into these days?”
“What I’m into is none of your business,” I say evenly. “And neither is what I do in my free time.”
“I’m making it my business.”
“You’ll need to issue an addendum to my contract, then,” I grit out.
“Maybe I will.”
“You haven’t expressed one iota of concern for me since I got here, so please don’t start now.”
“You think I don’t care?”
“You barely talk to me.” Turning, I grab the doorknob. “I know you don’t care.”
“What is there to talk about?” His fingers wrap around my arm, and he tugs so I’m facing him again.
“You said we were ancient history.
Remember?” The way he smells is so familiar to me, even with the cologne he wears these days. It tugs at my heart, threatening to open old wounds I’d thought were long healed.
“Right, so why are you acting like a jealous ex?”
It’s more than I meant to say, but now that I have, I don’t regret it.
“Because it’s easy for him,” he says. “In a way it’ll never be for me.” My breath catches. Is this how he really feels, deep down beneath that ice-cold veneer? “What do you mean?”
Conlan shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Why are you being so cryptic, Conlan? Just talk to me!” My voice cracks, and I pause to get myself under control. “We used to talk about everything.”
“Not everything.”
I go still, staring at him, willing him to tell me. I’d thought that something happened in the years between, but maybe it was already happening way back then, when we were together.
“You’re right, though. We did talk. You knew me better than anybody, except maybe Tristan.
“Sometimes I miss that.” He touches his knuckles to my cheek. “Sometimes I miss you.”
My heart leaps at his words, but it sinks just as fast. I can’t allow myself to get tangled up in this.
“You’re drunk.”
“That doesn’t change how I feel.”
Swallowing, I look up at him. “You’ll regret this tomorrow.”
His hand falls away. “Maybe.”
Reaching back, I open the door and step into my room. My cheek tingles from his touch as I close the door. A second later, his footsteps pad quietly away. I should feel vindicated. Conlan hasn’t forgotten. He still feels things. But somehow, it makes me feel even worse.
Because he might miss me, but he doesn’t want to.
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About Rochelle Allison
Born and raised on the sunny beaches of the US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been living in her imagination since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not making up stories, she can be found reading, hiking, swimming, playing Wordle or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and chocolate.
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