Exclusive Excerpt from Safety In Numbers
by Jessie G.
Liam eased back a little, his thinking face firmly in place, and Billy hoped that was a good sign. Finally, Liam nodded as if it all made sense, which it really shouldn’t have. Nothing David Ellis did made sense, nothing that happened to Liam and Chris as a result made sense, and trying to make sense of both was only to make them feel better. The real answer to all the why’s died with David. “Do you think that’s still true?”
“What?” Billy wasn’t sure which truth Liam was referring to. Liam worried his bottom lip between his teeth until Billy reached over to tug it free. “You can ask me anything, Liam.”
“That the only thing left in Chris is his love for me?” Liam looked sick at the thought.
“No. Look at what he’s done for everyone. He talked for Red, he protected Jacky, and he tried to protect Kyle and Javier for Saul.” Billy smiled and hoped he wasn’t making things worse. “And he loves Owen. He can let himself feel that love because he knows I’m going to take care of you from now on.” Billy paused as he tried to put his thoughts into words. That brother bond didn’t have a lot of room in it and he knew Liam wouldn’t move forward with his own life if he thought Chris was neglecting himself. “I guess it looks strange to the others, but the feelings between the four of us provide balance. Owen was mine to take care of for a while, just as Chris took care of you. It isn’t that we’ve traded responsibilities because Chris will always be there for you and I’ll always be there for Owen. My deference to Chris and your protectiveness of Owen only strengthen those bonds.”
The waiter picked that moment to bring their drinks and Liam looked relieved for the break. Billy watched helplessly as he tried to hide his puffy eyes from the kid’s nosy stare. When the kid hovered, Billy glared. When the kid cleared his throat, Billy couldn’t believe his ears. “Uh, I’m sorry for your loss.”
“What the hell?” Billy demanded at the waiter’s fast-retreating back. Liam’s watery chuckle turned into a full blown belly laugh and Billy realized that his wardrobe worries had been proven. “That brat thinks we just came from a funeral!”
“Yes, yes he does.” The laugh was a little desperate as Liam tried to sort out his emotions. “Oh man, the look on your face was priceless. I have to thank Javi and Kyle for that.”
“Now who’s the brat?” Billy let himself laugh and felt some of the tension leave the table. As often as Liam tried to tell him about that night, this was the first time they got through it. He had to think that was a good sign.
“Billy?” Liam asked after a few minutes of silence. “I’m glad you know.”
“Thank you for telling me.” It was yet more proof of Liam’s trust in him, but it didn’t make for great date night conversation. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’ll always be there to listen.”
“I know. It was easier tonight.” Liam’s smile seemed more natural and Billy felt more of the tension dissipate. “Why didn’t you want to tell me what you and Chris talked about?”
“I did, just not tonight.” Billy tried to sound casual. “I had this crazy idea that tonight could just be about us. After saying how we’re all connected, I guess that sounds stupid.”
“You know, Red hates that word. It’s banned from their house. I’m starting to hate it too.” Liam picked up Billy’s hand again and placed a soft kiss on his palm. “Especially when you’re being so smart. I think everything you said was right, but there was a better time and place to have that conversation. This is our first real date. It’s all about us from here on out.”
“That sounds perfect.” Maybe it hadn’t gone according to some traditional plan, but one important thing had come out of the heavy conversation. Now they knew they could communicate, could be honest, and would never need secrets between them. That made it more successful than Billy could have ever planned.
About Safety In Numbers
“Bros stick together no matter what.”
When Chris and Liam made that promise, they had no idea how important it would become or how it would be tested in the most brutal way. Nine years later, their bond cemented in blood, that relationship is all they have to hold on to.
“No matter what happens, this friendship will be the one constant we can count on.”
When Billy and Owen made that promise, they knew exactly how dangerous the world could be. They survived prison by protecting each other and they survived freedom by holding that promise sacred. Now they want more than just to survive and they want it from the brothers whose bond is as strong as their own.
“We are stronger together than we’ll ever be apart.”
When Owen reaches his breaking point, Chris jumps at the chance to make things right for all of them. With the future in their grasp, will they realize their strength is in their numbers and finally become the family they crave?
Author’s Note: This is NOT a foursome, but the story of two couples that needed to be told together.
Available at: Amazon
About Jessie G.
Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With six published books to date, three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.
Find out more about Jessie on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Goodreads, Amazon Page or email her at jessie@jessiegbooks.com.
As part of this blog tour, Jessie is giving away 2-$25 ebook GC (Amazon, B&N, ARE, or KOBO) winner’s choice, as well as 2 signed paperbacks of Safety in Numbers! To enter, just click the link below!
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Former Marine and full time big brother, Bull Connor spends his days helping those in need of a second chance and his nights fighting the inner demons that won’t let go. During a routine tow he comes face to face with the only person who refuses to need him and the one man he wishes would.
Before I am a writer, I am a voracious reader who panics when there are less than fifty books on her wish list. That wasn’t always the case and shamefully I must admit there was a time early in life that I hated to read. After throwing every possible age appropriate book my way a relative snuck me my first romance and I have been hooked ever since.
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