Dion

Gracie

Growing up, I was always the smartest kid in class. My teachers always told me what a bright future I'd have it I kept up my grades. At home, life was hard with my mother and stepfather. My big brother, Alec was the one who kept me safe through it all.

And then I fell in love. Stupid, stupid love after a life time of being sensible.

My first serious boyfriend made me feel like a princess not just smart, sensible Gracie. And in turn, I tried to show him I was more than a nerd. Part of that experimentation, included a letting him take a series of very racy pictures. Like I said, I was stupid, young and in love.

Well you can guess the rest. The romance died when I found him sexting my former best friend then. I cut him out of my life as I cried on my big brother's shoulder. I went back to being Good Gracie, working as a waitress and taking my classes at the local college.

Then the texts began. The relationship was gone but not forgotten. That sneaky bastard was threatening to sell my pictures unless I got back together with him.

I'm well and truly trapped. Turning to Alec is my first thought, but I just can't. I'm so ashamed. But I'm not getting back together with that asshole. Ever. I need help dealing with him but where can I turn?

Dion is my brother's best friend and Alec trusts him with his life. If it's good enough for my big brother, he's good enough for me. Dion will know how to make my ex see reason.

My reasons for contacting him are also a little bit selfish. I had a crush on Dion ever since he first came to town. But he'd never so much as give me a glance. Now though I have his undivided attention. Once I've gotten my pictures he'll see me in a whole new way which I don't mind at all since he's the only one I don't mind seeing them.

I want Dion to see me as more than just the kid sister of his best friend. Surely that's not to much to ask?

Dion

I've learned the simple things are the hardest to find. I came to Riverton to find the peace I craved after my military service. I longed to use my hands to create not to destroy. Back as a kid, I was always picking fights, trying to prove I was the toughest. Then I joined the military because they paid me to fight. When I got out I worked in the local garage fixing bikes. I joined the Rebel Brotherhood and became my best friend Alec's right hand man.

I had peace and purpose. I should have been a happy man. I told myself I was. I tried very hard not to look at Gracie when she stopped by the garage to see Alec. I did a fair job. It was hard though, she's got the sweetest smile.

Then Gracie came to see me late one night at my apartment. With tears in her eyes, she stood (inside my place that I'd never gotten around to really furnishing) and told me what hell she was living with.

At first I wasn't sure I heard her correctly because the word blackmail ricocheted around my brain. Some asshole she dated was blackmailing her over some pictures he took? I reached my hand out to the wall to steady myself because I was so overcome with desire kill this man.

I would do it slowly tonight and then destroy all the pictures he'd taken of Gracie. Sweet trusting Gracie. This guy wasn't worth the dirt on her shoes.

Only Gracie won't let me kill him. She wants her pictures back and that's all she cares about.

So we hatch a plan. I do this to protect her and keep her safe but I know Alec wouldn't want a damaged soul like me even thinking he had a chance with his sister.

I'm damaged goods. Once we've got the pictures, she'll have a bright life ahead of her. She'll be free from the likes of me and that asshole who she trusted.

But Gracie isn't just the good girl who fell for the wrong guy. She is the woman I want to claim for my own forever, if she'll have me.