Ruthless Rivals

A Blackthorn Elite Novel

By: J.L. Beck

They say there is always a calm before the storm. A time when you think you’re safe, protected from the destruction that you know is going to come eventually. Harper was that calm. And I? I was the motherfucking storm.

As kids, we were best friends. She was the light to my darkness. I used to protect her from her bullies, and now I’ll become her most feared one. Seeing her for the first time after three years was like a bucket of ice water being poured on me. It chilled me to the bone, making me irrational and angry. No longer is she a little girl, but a grown woman with curves and eyes that pierce my black soul. No one knows the darkness that lingers under the surface. All they see is my smile, my charismatic charm. I’m the all-American golden boy. Having her back in my life is awakening something inside of me. She reminds me of everything good, everything I’ll never have, and I refuse to let her stay.

She has to go, and the only person dark and dirty enough to scare her away is me . . . Breaking Harper isn’t as easy . . . I thought I knew everything. Turns out, others are just as good at hiding their secrets as I am. Damaged, dark, and falling off the deep end. Will I break her? Will I break us?

**This is book two in the series, but can be listened to as a complete standalone. Please be advised that some material may be triggering to listeners.**

©2023 J. L. Beck (P)2023 J. L. Beck