Heat curls in my belly. “Later.”

“When?”

“After you rest.” I settle more comfortably, closing my eyes. “We have time. All the time in the world.”

“Ray.” He swallows thickly, and I open my eyes.

“What is it?”

“Now you’re free from the triad… are you staying?”

I didn’t expect this question, this doubt. He always seems so sure of himself.

“If you still want me.” I wrestle with my own insecurity. “If you haven’t changed your mind.”

“Change my mind? God, never.” And just when I thought I couldn’t love him more, he says “You’re everything to me, Ray. Never forget that.”

From the start he told me this. Put me first. I didn’t believe it then, didn’t understand it.

Didn’t realize he needs me, too. That we hold each other up, complete each other. Love each other.

That this is our story, this is my man, and this is where despite all odds, we get our happy ending.

A FEW WORDS FROM JO RAVEN

Hi! My name is Jo, and I’m a romance addict. I love writing about sexy, tortured boys and the girls who save them. If you like those things, too, then we’re besties!

It’s been more than a year that I began this endeavor—a year since I started writing and publishing romance—and it has been an exciting ride. I have my readers to thank for encouraging me, buying my books and spreading the word, for making this work. You all rock!!

My first two series, Inked Brotherhood are Damage Control, are edgy contemporary romance dealing with characters on the threshold between teenage years and adulthood with all the important decisions it entails. All the firsts, work, college, relationships, sex, leaving the family nest, finding your own path. Plus, they aren’t rich. I like the fact they are (most of them) struggling to make ends meet. That strikes a chord with me.

Now, STORM is not poor, as you know—quite the contrary—and it’s a bit of a departure from my usual style. It is New Adult Romantic suspense, which means a lot more action, bullets and explosions. Quite a lot of sex, too, but that’s typical of what I write. I like rewarding my poor, suffering characters with hot, sexy times.

Let me tell you a few words about STORM and why I wrote this story (which, typically, has turned into a series): when I start writing a story, inevitably I create more characters than the two leading ones. All these minor characters have their own stories, which I want to tell.

Now, if you happened to read the Inked Brotherhood series, and in particular book 5 (RAFE), then you know that Raylin was the roommate of Megan, Rafe’s girl. Raylin doesn’t actually appear in RAFE; from the start she is absent, and then she leaves a note and disappears, leaving Megan with her cat Horatio and the rent. Later Rafe finds out there’s an ex-con after Raylin, which is probably why she split.

(If you haven’t read RAFE, you can find the purchase links here: http://joraven.com/books)

At the end of RAFE I promised to tell Raylin’s story. When I sat down to do so, Storm’s character came to me, and with him, his two friends, Hawk and Rook. I realized this series would be much more fun and action-filled than my other series, and I welcomed the change. Change keeps a writer sane…

And thus was STORM born. I hope you liked their story.

Like with all my series, every book in the Sex and Bullets series will be a standalone novel. Look out for HAWK’s story sometime soon.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t read the Inked Brotherhood and the Damage Control series (the latter still ongoing), then you can find the links to the books below.

▶ If you liked the cover of the book, featuring the very handsome athlete and model Craig Gierish (photographed by FuriousFotog), then check out these two trailers he made for the book, starring as Storm!

Version 1 (Craig’s take on Storm): https://youtu.be/wcDM-NjO8E0

Version 2 (My take on Storm): https://youtu.be/P19qW5Pcjto

▶ One more thing—a treat for those of you who have read RAFE (Inked Brotherhood #5) and would like to witness the reunion between Raylin and Megan… Here you go—enjoy!

Epilogue

MEGAN

I’ve just finished wiping down the last table in my section when Rafe walks into the coffee shop. I straighten and just watch him for a long moment, my heart tripping like every time I see him. His broad shoulders fill the door, his presence fill the room, and then he looks up and grins, and my breath stops.

“Meg.” He winds among the tables, his golden mane catching the overhead lights, his cat-like eyes glinting. Without even checking if anyone is looking, he grabs my hips and crushes his mouth to mine.

“Missed you, too,” I whisper, laughing, when he finally pulls back.

“You did?” One golden brow lifts, and he presses himself to me. “Me, too.”

I shake myself when I feel him hardening. “I noticed.”

His grin is totally unrepentant.

“Wanna catch a movie?” I smile up at him. “And some dinner?”

“Or I could catch you and eat you for dinner. He waggles his brows.

“Sounds…”

“…good?” he suggests.

“I was gonna say…” I trail off as two people enter the coffee shop, both vaguely familiar. I frown and move around Rafe to see better. “What the hell?”

“What is it? Is there a problem?” Rafe’s fists clench, jaw set. Ready to fight for me, like always.

“I know them. I know…” I tilt my head to the side. “Raylin?”

“Your roommate? The bitch who vanished and left you her cat and the rent to pay?” Rafe’s eyes narrow and his voice is low and tight. “That the one?”

“It’s okay.” I pat this arm, the corded muscles straining under the skin. “I’ll talk to her.”

He follows me, a menacing six-foot tall shadow trailing after me.

It’s really her. Raylin. And yet she’s unlike the Raylin I knew. Her long hair is shiny, brushed up in a ponytail, her eyes sparkle. Her dark jeans and lacey blouse, her boots and her coat, they all scream new and expensive. She seems apprehensive, but also happy.

The tall, handsome man accompanying her puts a hand to the small of her back. His left arm is in a sling. Why do I think I’ve seen him before?

“Hey,” Raylin whispers, gaze flicking to Rafe behind me. She pales a little. “Megan.”

I’m angry with her. She left me during one of the worst times of my life. But I can’t help myself. I step forward and put my arms around her. Because my relief is greater than my anger.

“You’re all right,” I whisper on her shoulder. “God, I was so afraid something bad happened to you.”

“I left you a note,” she says, her voice choked.

“I know. But it wasn’t like you to run, and then Rafe found out you had a stalker and… I was worried.” I pull back. “So glad you came to see me.”

Rafe harrumphs.

“How’s Horatio?”

It takes me a moment to figure out what she’s talking about. “The kitty? He’s fine. His name’s Raf now.”

“Raf.” Her lips twist as if not sure whether to smile or not. “Oh God… I’m so sorry I left like that. I’m just…” She waves a hand, presses it to her mouth. “I was out of options. The Chinese mafia were after me, and if I stayed, you would’ve been caught in it.”

Jesus. I hear Rafe’s sudden intake of breath. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.

“What happened? Are they still after you?” His low raspy voice holds a hint of threat.

“No, they’re not.” She sniffs and nods at him. “Who are you anyway?”

“Rafe Vestri.” I lean into him. “My boyfriend. And who’s the hottie with you?”

The hottie in question snorts. God, his eyes are so blue. “Troy Jordan. Storm for friends.” He flicks her a quick smile. “Her boyfriend.”

He makes it sound like a question, so I’m not surprised when she nods as if in reply.