STONED (Wrecked Book 1) (42 page)
She watches me intently, most likely trying to find even the slightest hesitation. After what seems like an eternity, she nods. Surprising the hell out of me when she slips the ring from her right hand to her left hand, and beams up at me around that fucking lolli before she tosses it aside. “Marry me.”
I close my eyes for a beat, not believing what just happened. This isn’t how I saw it going down, not for a second. When I open them she’s still there, still smiling. “You’re sure?” I rasp, my voice little more than a whisper.
“I need you, to be me.” She shrugs, tears shimmering in those whiskey-colored eyes of hers as she repeats what I’ve always told her. “We need you.”
Wrapping her in my arms, I place a kiss over the ring, each corner of her mouth, and then finally the beauty mark dotting her bottom lip and tell her, “You’ve got me.”
And just like that, my heart started beating in rhythm again, a steady cadence that I had been missing and vowed to never lose again.
The End
A note to Readers
Let me first start by saying thank you. I know that you have so many choices out there and I am humbled and grateful that you chose me. I can’t thank you enough for that. Ever.
This story started out as a thousand-word final paper for one of my English classes a couple semesters ago. It was while I was writing Love Hurts. I never expected anything to come of it but the characters wouldn’t leave me alone. They screamed and pulled at me, often times pushing Deacon out of the way until I just listened. I knew that I would have to finish their story at some point and that it wouldn’t be a pretty one. Not entirely. I knew that I would write about things that people hated, were afraid of. But I didn’t have a choice. This was their story. I like to joke and say that I made a list of all the things people hate to read about, drugs, rape, cheating, love triangles, and that’s what I set out to write, checking each box as I went. I promise I didn’t. In fact, the thought of what I was writing, the fact that it was so different from what I had written previously, made me nervous. I found myself warning people about how different it was whenever they asked what I was working on now. I’m not sure why. I was just anxious, more so than with my last series, about how it would be received. I still am, but now it’s out in he universe and therefore kind of out of my hands. I hope that you loved it.
To victims of sexual abuse.
I wrote this story the way that I did to show that even though women are victimized, they don’t have to live the life of a victim. We’re stronger than we sometimes think. We carry our scars on the inside where no one else can see. Our healing starts from the inside out. Always know that you ARE strong enough. You ARE worthy. And it is NOT your fault. What you are is a survivor. What you aren’t is someone cowards victim.
To those who have struggled or are struggling now with substance abuse.
You are not your addiction. You have the power within you to get clean and stay that way. I believe in you. Just believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it. Be your own cure. If you’ve already kicked addiction in its ass I applaud you. I’ve seen first-hand how hard the battle it is, but you did it. Be proud of that accomplishment and live each day reminding yourself that you are stronger than any drug.
Mandi
First I need to thank my husband and my boys. I’m a wife and a mom first and foremost but he believes in me and encourages me to chase this crazy writers dream. He just smiles at me and tells me, “it’s okay, Sug.” When the house is a wreck, the clothes aren’t folded and we’re eating takeout for the third night in a row because I’m on deadline. I would be so completely lost without you, Ran. I love you more than you’ll ever know.
And to my boys who miss me even when I’m in the same room but know without doubt, that I love them to infinity and beyond.
To my girls, Jayda and Kaitie. I miss you both so much and want you to never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars. Love you.
To my mom and dad, sister and brother who support me blindly because I won’t let them read.
Addy
There aren’t enough hashtags in the world to thank you for being my #notdeadopie You’re always there to light the fire under my ass and keep my going. Your friendship means the world to me. I love you a ton and couldn’t do this without your support. I’ll be your faith, you be mine. #TheTinaToMyAmy #Wildfire #ELC
Becks Beta Babes
Who, Stephy, Thistle, Goldie, Mellie, Cora, Nini, Jilly, Candace, McKinley, You bunch of ladies mean the world to me. I torture the hell out of you with little bits of story and you take it with a smile. You’re always there when I need you and have helped to make each of my books what they are. Your support is invaluable as is your friendship. Thank you. I love you all a ton.
And to Lucy, Leigh, Jenn, Melissa and Sarah for adding an extra set of eyes to make sure I put my best foot forward. Thanks for not hating it!
Bitchesnachos
The three of you begin and end just about every single one of my days and never is there anything but love between us. That’s what friendship is supposed to look like. #stillnotgonnaswallow #warmandfuzzy #timezones #PFD
Carleen
You hate to feel feels almost as much as I do but I need to take a second to tell you that this story would not have been nearly what it turned out to be without you. This story is just as much a part of you as it is me. Thank you for your help, your dedication and your friendship. Law is yours. Love you a ton.
Coco
Your encouragement and friendship and wicked awesome care packages make my word go round. Love you to bits, chick!
Corinne
My OZ. What more is there to say? You’re always there to answer all of my stupid questions. And there are a lot! I love you a ton and your never ending support means the world to me. Cunty friends for life.
FYW
Thank you ladies so much for your encouragement and support. You’re all a wealth of information. I’m constantly learning new things from you that help me to hone my craft. And thank you CD Reiss for being the crazy amazing investigator that you are, putting this Chicken Little at ease time and time again. #WednesdaysWeWearPink
Jude
Thank you for always letting me vent and for being the best Trailer Park Tart there is. I love you more than words! #WhatACunt #Potty
Lauren
Not only are you an amazing, AMAZING photographer but you’re also an amazing friend. One of my dearest and I’m so thankful for you. I can’t wait for our next project and I for sure can’t wait to house crash your new place next summer. I love you a ton.
Lisa
My world traveling, world class editor who puts up with my crazy issue with tenses and my dislike of commas. You’re the best!
Mandi’s Lovers and Fighters
You guys are hands down the best. I can’t thank you enough for all that you da and for your dedication to getting my name out there. Thank you, I couldn’t do this without you in my corner.
PVPPC
We’ve come a long way and your support is unwavering. I love you all a ton and can’t thank you enough.
Perfectly Publishable
Christine, you my friend are amazing. You go above and beyond for me each and every time and thanks just isn’t enough. And please feel free to always leave me Voice messages because I can’t get enough of your accent.
Stephy Poo
There aren’t enough ways to say thank you for all that you do. There isn’t a single job description I could pin on you that would cover every aspect of the tasks you take on. You’re amazing and one of my very best friends and I adore you. Love you, my friend.
Sommer
Thank you for the amazing cover you created. You’ve helped to bring my story to life. You nailed it right on the head and were so patient with me. I can’t wait for our next project!
Thundercunts
You ladies make my world go round and brighten up each and every day. Even when you make me catch a case of feelings. I love you to death. #patpat
TRSOR
Thank you so much for helping me to make this release all that it has been. You guys are a force! Especially my twinsie!
To all of my girls on IG who keep me swooning over their incredible talent, I love your faces!
To our little Life . . . ish family, Lisa, Lexy, Jade and Addy, you ladies are the best and I’m so glad we decided to do this thing together! Love your faces# #teatime
To the members of Mandi Beck’s Books, Dirty Love, Life…ish, TBR and Top Shelf
Thank you for always being there and interested in what we have to say. Especially to those of you who suffer through my Monday Morning videos. You guys are my happy place!
To the Bloggers both big and small! You guys are the heart and soul of the book world. Nobody works harder. Thank you for all that you do and for taking a chance on us authors.
I always feel like I’ve forgotten everyone. Not just someone, but everyone so if you feel forgotten I’m sorry. None of this can be done alone. Thank you for helping me to realize my dream.
M
andi Beck has been an avid reader all of her life. A deep love for books always had her jotting down little stories on napkins, notebooks, and her hand. As an adult she was further submerged into the book world through book clubs and the epicness of social media. It was then that she graduated to writing her stories on her phone and then finally on a proper computer.
A nursing student, mother to two rambunctious and somewhat rotten boys, and stepmom to two great girls away at college, she shares her time with her husband in Chicago where she was born and raised. Mandi is a diehard hockey fan and blames the Blackhawks when her deadlines are not met.
She is currently working on the next in the series along with trying to keep up with whatever other voices are clamoring for attention in her mind.
ALSO BY MANDI
CAGED LOVE SERIES
Love Hurts
Love Burns
WRECKED SERIES
Stoned
Judged
(Coming Soon)
