PROLOGUE

This is a fantasy within a fantasy. It will challenge some readers and will completely turn off others. That's ok. Diversity in all things is a key to a full life. At least that's my mantra.

This story does not follow canon. Not FF canon or the original Evonavich canon. It is a journey to somewhere else by characters familiar to all of us. It allows these characters to explore aspects about themselves not allowed in canon. And after all, shouldn't they be as free to explore as we are?

Don't worry. In the end things will be back to where most readers find them comfortable. But please…enjoy the ride, if you dare.

LnBen

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"He was standing close, his face inches from mine, his hand at the back of my neck, 'We're going to do this, babe,' he said. 'It's going to be good'''….Hard Eight

The realization hit him sometime during their final coupling. Shit! This is not what was supposed to happen. She's not what I thought. I have to get away from her before I destroy her and me.

His pager became his savior, his excuse for a quick exit. To her it will seem brutal and cold; but in time she will recognize it for the kindness it was meant to be.

" 'I have to go, babe.' he said. And he was dressed. And he was gone."…Hard Eight.