“We’re…all…having to adapt, aren’t we?” he asked, finding his voice again. He stretched his arms, popping his neck. “What’s your plan here, Ainsley? What can you possibly do to me right now?”
“Right now? Nothing. But Beth goes to lunch at twelve thirty. I’m the only interview for this position, so no one will be on this floor while she’s gone, which means I can get you to the elevator and downstairs in one of the empty conference rooms. Then, I just have to wait until Marcus takes a bathroom—actually social media—break, and I can get you outside. I’m assuming you shut off all the cameras today, planning to do the same thing to me.” I pursed my lips, watching the rage flash through his eyes in confirmation. “You should’ve just stayed away, Peter. Really, you should’ve. But I told you if I ever saw you again, it would be for the last time, and I meant it.”
He lunged at me, shoving me into the desk, and I pulled the syringe of sedative out—the last one I had.
How fitting.
I bit the lid off as he fought to swipe it from my hands. I was too fast. I wrapped my legs around his waist with every ounce of strength I had to keep him from moving and shoved the needle into his side.
“You…bitch…” he mumbled, trying and failing to fight. The dose was strong, it would work fast and last a long time, which was what I needed.
I grinned at him, my chest swelling with pride as I shoved him to the ground. He panted, trying yet failing to get up. It was over. Finally, it was all going to be over. I leaned down, staring into his eyes as they went hazy.
Seconds before he closed them for what would be the final time, I whispered, “Sorry, honey. This bitch just won.”
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, to my phenomenal husband and amazing little girl—I love you both more than you will ever know. Thank you for believing in me, cheering me on, traveling with me, taking leaps with me, and for being there every step of the way. I couldn’t do this without you two.
To my bestie, Emerald O’Brien—thank you for always knowing what to say or what question to ask. Thank you for talking me through this series as I created it, for encouraging me to write the second, and eventually the third book when I wasn’t sure, and for being the absolute best friend anyone could ask for. Love you, friend.
To my immensely talented editor, Sarah West—thank you for always seeing the vision and helping me to perfect it.
To the proofreading team at My Brother’s Editor—thank you for giving my stories their final polish.
To my loyal readers （AKA the #KMod Squad）—I could never thank you enough for making my wildest dreams come true. For every email, social media post, review, recommendation to your friends, bookstore order, KU download, and so much more. You guys keep me going on my worst day. I’m so grateful for your support, encouragement, and belief in me. Thank you for loving Peter and Ainsley from the start and for begging for more! This trilogy exists because of you.
To my book club—Sara, both Erins, June, Heather, Dee, and Rhonda—thank you for being the ones I can talk to about anything and everything, and the ones who make me laugh no matter what. I’m so thankful for our amazing group and for your friendship. Love you, girls.
To my agent, Carly Watters, thank you for believing in me and my stories, and for helping to get them in front of new readers.
Last but certainly not least, to you—thank you for purchasing this book and supporting my art. Growing up, I dreamed that someday someone would pick up a book with my name on the cover, crack it open, and discover a world entirely of my own creation. With this purchase, you made my dream come true. I’m so very grateful for you. Whether this is your first KMod book or your 33rd, I hope it was everything you hoped for and nothing like you expected.