When Kai disappeared five years ago, he left Shayleigh with a broken heart. Now he’s back and wants to reconnect with those he left behind, but one secret will turn his life upside down. Can Kai and Shayleigh’s love overcome all the suffering and secrets? Fans of K.C. Crowne and Melanie Harlow will love Between Rage & Regret by Willa Watkins, a slow burn, enemies to lovers, second chance, small town romance.
Blurb
Kai Ashford has been treated differently by his father his entire life, receiving only coldness and often violence. When he discovers the reason for so much contempt, a tragedy happens and he disappears.
Five years later, he is forced to return to help his brothers and reconnects with the people he left behind.
Shayleigh has known Kai her entire life and hates him for having broken her heart all those years ago. She does everything to resist his charms and keep him out of her life.
During Kai’s attempt to understand Shayleigh’s hatred, secrets are revealed. One which will turn Kai’s life upside down. Can love overcome all the suffering and secrets?
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Excerpt
Copyright 2021 @Willa Watkins
Kai hopped over the low fence that separated our houses, wearing shorts that fell loosely on his hips. He was shirtless and barefoot with unruly hair.
"You're trespassing," I said.
He ignored me and approached with a wide smile. "Did you miss me?"
I did and I was ashamed of it. "Barely noticed you were gone."
"Well, I missed you, Shayleigh. I couldn't stop thinking about you the entire trip," he said, sounding sincere. However, I knew him well. This was Kai being Kai. "I even brought you a present."
"Whatever it is, it can't be good."
"Is William home?" He signaled with his chin in the direction of my house.
"Yes, he's home and you should leave."
Surprisingly, he obeyed and jumped back to his side of the fence and I didn't see him anymore. But good things never last and he returned a few minutes later. At least this time he stayed on his property.
"Come here, Shay." He waved me over. "I want to give you your gift."
He wasn't kidding. Maybe he did think of me. "No, thanks."
"I'm serious, Shay. Come here. You won't regret it."
I bit my lip, eyes everywhere but on Kai. But then I glanced up and pleading brown eyes stared back. Eyes that looked so deeply into my own. My body squirmed just a little as my muscles relaxed. There was something about that gaze of his and I almost caved. Almost.
"No, go home, Kai." My breathing became softer and his pleading expression dissolved into a smile as soft as the morning light and that was enough to melt the ice in me. "Fine."
Groaning, I stood and strolled to the fence. He was holding a rectangular box wrapped in gold paper with a red bow.
"For you." He thrust it in my direction. I took the box and eyed it with uncertainty. "Aren't you going to open it?"
"What's in this?"
"Open and you'll see."
I shook the box. It was light and whatever was inside shifted. "If this is some prank..."
"Why do you always think the worst of me?"
"Because you are the worst, but I'll open it later. Thanks." I turned my back on him and hurried inside.
Two at a time, I ran up the stairs and locked myself in my room. Curious to know what he had gotten me, I tugged on the red bow and loosened the knot. I lifted the cover and once I grasped what was in it, I burned from the roots of my hair to my toes.
I was going to kill Kai!
I marched to my window, unlocked it, and called out his name. He appeared instantly.
"F*ck you, Kai," I spat.
"No, baby. F*ck you, if you know what I mean."
Fuming, I picked up the purple dildo and threw it at him. It didn't reach him but fell on his yard and the jerk burst out laughing.
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About Willa Watkins
Willa is an author of mature New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is happiest writing her fearless kissing tales with a cup of coffee in hand. Her stories are addictive, suspenseful, and angsty.
Willa also loves connecting with her readers. So don't hesitate to contact or follow her on social media to stay up to date with her writing.
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