Dead of Summer

by A.J. Merlin

Because I refuse, above all else, to cry for Kayde Lane.

The pleasurable soreness low in my body is no longer a wickedly hot reminder of last night, but is instead a reminder that Kayde really, absolutely never gave a damn.

His smile widens as I look at him, though I can only imagine the shock on my face, compared to the amusement in his. “Did you miss me?”

“I came back because I’m in love with you, Summer Walsh. And you’d better understand real quick that I’m going to make sure you feel the same before these kids go home. No matter what I have to do to make that happen.”

“All mine, for the rest of your life. I don’t really believe in an afterlife, by the way. But if there is one, you’re mine there as well.” “What if we go to separate places in the afterlife?” I ask, scoffing a low laugh. “Last I checked, heaven isn’t for murderers.” “Then I’ll just have to drag you down to hell with me.”