Come Morning Light

by Charlotte Dae

It's only one night. A night in which I am to surrender my inhibitions and compete in a grand tournament with the rest of the wedding party. Described by the bride and groom as a series of games that will award one winning pair the "ultimate prize," the event is mysterious, to say the least. And I'm tied up in knots about it. But as the maid of honor, how can I refuse? The silver lining comes in the form of the best man, James Pierce. A stranger with kindness in his voice, a smoldering flame lurking in his eyes, and a seductive touch that brings me straight to my knees. My partner. As spellbound as I am by him, I fear our chemistry can only take us so far. James is unaware of what haunts me at night-of what waits for me behind every locked door. He doesn't know what paralyzed me with fear and pushed me to the brink of madness as a child. It's a darkness I pray has abandoned me, leaving me, at long last, in peace. But tonight, my inner demons will grant me anything but peace. Faced with a challenge that lies far beyond the boundaries of the tournament, I must weigh the risks of surrendering myself to James completely. Can I move forward with my heart intact after baring my soul to yesterday's stranger, or will I tell him my darkest truths, only to find him gone come morning light?