Beneath the Surface (Sugarlake, #4)

by Emily McIntire

I’ve blocked out a lot from that time, and the memories I do have, I’ve doused in black tar and liquor, but there’re some things that just can’t be erased—tattoos that get etched beneath the surface, carved so deep they brand your soul. And I remember the wind.

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby, you’ll be.”

I have this as a tattoo so I already love these characters.

“Good night, Chase. Sweet dreams.”

NO SHE DIDNT!

“I don’t enjoy kissing. It’s never been my thing.” My stomach jumps into my throat, my knuckles tight from where I’m gripping the counter. “But I swear to God, I’d let the world burn if it meant I could taste your lips.”

“Oh, God,” I pant. “There’s no God here, little bird. It’s just you and me.”

“Please, Oh my God,” I cry. “God can’t hear you.” There’s a clink of a belt buckle. “And I’m not listening.”

Holy moly

I’m sick. I’m broken. And I’m fucking disturbed. But Alex sees those pieces, and nurtures them like they’re worthy. Like they’re his. And while I know I’ll never be whole again, for the first time, I wonder if it’s possible to fall in love with jagged edges.

“Give me all your secrets,” she speaks against my lips. “I promise to keep them safe.”

“When I first met you, you seemed lonely. Depressed. Aggressive. It made me want to hear you sing.” My breathing thins. His thumb presses into my bottom lip. “Birds aren’t meant to be caged.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my lips. “What stole your song, little bird?”

Happy. And happiness is a funny thing. When one person has it, it spreads like ivy, winding its way around everyone else; if only they let it grow. And this moment right here, is happiness. I close my eyes, knowing that this is just the beginning of a life full of joy. And it starts right here, in Sugarlake, Tennessee, beneath the stars.

Bringing it all the way back to book 1!

I look back at my house, warmth bleeding from my pores. And I drive away from Sugarlake, knowing what awaits me when I come back. My home. My heart. My life. And through it all, I’ll remember the wind.

What a great callback