“If that motherfucker wasn’t already dead, I kill him myself.”

Once again, my eyes filled with tears and he cursed under his breath.

“Babe, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just so fucking angry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

“I . . . killed . . . a man,” I cried.

Ashton pulled me to him, his hand sliding up into my hair to hold my head to his chest. “Oh, baby, I know. But you had to. You have no idea how much I wish I was the person who could have done that for you.”

For long moments he held me in his arms. The scent of his cologne started to have an effect on me. I wanted him and I wanted him badly. Gazing up, I saw the same needed reflected back at me.

And then his mouth was on mine. His tongue slipped inside, caressing every inch and dancing with mine.

“Elena, I need you so fucking bad. I need to know you’re okay. If you don’t want this, say now.”

I ran my fingers down his face. “You can have me anytime.”

The first thing to hit the floor was my shirt, then my bra, quickly followed by Ashton’s shirt. Our lips reconnected, his thumb brushing over my hardened nipple and the feeling shot through me, straight to my core. I was Ashton’s musical instrument and damn he was an expert at playing me.

His lips moved down my neck, stopping to suck on my pulse point, then moved lower until they closed around my nipple, almost causing my knees to buckle. Pushing me flush against the door, he held my weight up with his own.

I need more.

His hands and mouth weren’t enough. My hips started grinding against his. When one of his hands slipped up underneath my skirt, pushing my panties to the side until his fingers brushed over my exposed clit, my hips bucking of their own volition.

“Please, again.”

I didn’t care that I was begging.

I needed to come.

I wanted him inside me.

His fingers flicked over my clit again. “Please, I don’t need slow and sweet, I need you to fuck me.”

His eyes widened for a moment, then lust took over and his belt was off and his pants unzipped in a matter of seconds, his cock bobbing freely in front of him. He didn’t even bother taking off my skirt and panties. Lifting me by the ass, he plunged deep inside.

The feeling was exquisite.

“You feel so fucking good,” he growled.

“Please, move.”

I didn’t need to ask twice. My body was forced against the wall, his thrusts quick and sharp until I could feel my muscles tightening, my body reaching for its peak. I knew Ashton was close. His eyes bore straight into mine and I saw dazed passion in his unfocused gaze.

As my body went down in fire quicker than I ever thought possible, I cried out, repeating his name over and over until I was hoarse. Ashton followed almost immediately, his breath coming in sharp pants.

There was a thud as his head hit the door behind me. Slowly, we regained our strength and I unhooked my legs from around his waist, allowing him to set my feet back on the floor.

Ashton stared into my eyes, lightly caressing the bruise that was most likely forming right beneath my eye. “Elena, I love you so much. You are my whole world.”

Tears blurred my vision and I couldn’t stop them from falling. “I love you too. Thank you for saving me.”

“I didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”

And for the first time in my entire life, I felt at peace. I had a wonderful man who loved me and who showed me how true love should be. He taught me to stand on my own two feet and introduced me to a world of pleasure I’d never known before.

I was pretty sure life couldn’t get any better.

EPILOGUE

Ashton

Five weeks had passed since the night Elena was forced to kill her ex-husband to save her own life, and it was taking time for her mind to heal. After a thorough investigation, the police declared it self-defense, but it was hard to get Elena to see that at first. Nightmares plagued her, making her restless and tired. I did my best to wear her out each night. Exhausting her so she had no option but to sleep.

But none of it stopped her from going to the theater each night, performing her best. She proved to me that you can do anything you put your mind to.

It gave me the courage to talk to my dad about his business. Elena made me realize that it was better for me to collect the debts than Miller or my dad. Apparently, I was more sympathetic. Either way, I agreed to collect debts only. The loans had to be taken out with them.

It was her final performance. She’d told me that, while she was sad to see it end, she was excited to keep increasing her experience in the theater world. Alan said she could work on any show he had. That brought a smile to her face so large I wanted to sponsor a show for him just to see it again.

The lights dimmed and I sat and waited for my favorite part of the play. The curtains opened and her voice took over. It was beautiful and soothing. Then she entered the stage and all thoughts of the rest of the show fled my mind.

The gorgeous vixen standing on stage was the woman of my dreams. We might have got here through some fucked up circumstances, but I wouldn’t trade a moment with her. More than anything, I wanted her to be my wife. Someday she’d be ready, and when she was, I’d be there waiting to slip a ring on her finger.

Who would have guessed when I walked into the stadium that night, that I wouldn’t just be trading for money, but for the rest of my life.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing Traded was a new experience for me. Taking on a subject like domestic abuse was harder than I expected. Not only for the difficulty of writing, but the emotional experience that comes with it. So many times I wanted to yell at Elena and I had to remind myself of all she’d been through. All of that abuse shaped her into the woman she was, but she rose above it, proving that we all deserve to be treated like a princess. Never settle for less.

Sommer and Lauren, this cover is beyond anything I ever imagined. From the beauty of the picture to the way the design represents Elena and Ashton’s story. Thank you for bringing my vision to life.

Writing about something outside of my comfort zone took so much, but with a story like this research can only get you so far. Mecca, I can’t thank you enough for your expertise. You helped me to understand everything Elena had gone through.

Kelley, Christine, and Miranda, thank you for all of your beta notes. Each set helps me to improve my writing bit by bit. I also must thank you for spreading the word about my books and introducing me to new readers.

As always, Brandy, thank you for listening and letting me bounce ideas off of you. Just talking it out helps me every time I get stuck. Thank you for pushing me and helping me to get this story done.

Ryn, I’ve missed you. You take my words and make them pretty. Let’s just say, punctuation is not my friend. You helped me to take Traded to a whole new level. Thank you so much for everything.

OTHER BOOKS BY REBECCA BROOKE

Forgiven Series:

Forgiven

Redemption

Healed

Acceptance

Standalone Titles:

Letters Home

Coming Home

Beautiful Lessons

Ryder

Traded

The Folstad Prophecies:

Twin Runes