The Devil’s Den by Lilian Harris is a Dark Romantic Suspense, it's book 4 in the Cavaleri Brothers series and it's available now + free on kindle unlimited. Keep reading for Excerpt & Giveaway!
Title: The Devil’s Den
Series: Cavaleri Brothers #4
Author: Lilian Harris
Genres: Dark Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 13, 2022
He was the boy held captive in the basement. I was the girl who knew.
But I never told a soul. I had innocent lives to protect. And this was the only way.
He was my friend first. My lover second. We wanted to be free, to make a life together. But that was a dream we knew would never come true.
Prisoners of my ruthless father, we could not escape the horror we were forced to endure-until I drew a weapon on the only boy who ever loved me.
And as they drag me away, screaming his name, I hope he’s still breathing.
Because our story, it’s not over yet.
Author note: This story contains dark themes and scenes depicting SA.
I don’t want her doing any of that with someone else. I want that with her. Someday. When it can be the first time for both of us. Together.
Nice to dream, except it won’t ever happen. She’s free in more ways than I am. That’s the way it should be. I’d never wish my life on Aida.
She doesn’t know I like her. I never admitted my feelings. Because what’s the point? What could we do about it? Not like I could take her on a date or buy her flowers.
I want to take her on a picnic, hold her hand, our faces to the sun. The warmth… I could feel it. My eyes fall to a close. Deep breaths. We’re there now.
Her soft footfalls approach, yanking me from the fantasy, and I manage a glimpse at her. Me? A date? she finally answers. Please, who would want me anyway?
My pulse races as I give her a long stare. And once I find that doubt in her eyes, I can no longer hold it in, and it comes spilling out.
Me! I slap a palm against my chest. I’d want you. That’s who. Wha—what? she stammers, her brows tightening, mouth trembling. Do you—do you really mean that? Her steps draw closer.
Of course, I mean that, Aida, I whisper. How could you not see it? My heart tilts with emotion, gripping me with more than I’ve ever felt before, especially when I look into her unsure eyes.
I just… Her lashes go downcast. There’s that doubt again. Sit with me. I pat the empty space, needing her close. And when she does, when she lowers right beside me, clasping her hands on her knees, I slip mine between them, threading my fingers through hers.
I like you, Aida, even when I shouldn’t. I’ve liked you for a while now. I just haven’t had the guts to admit it. She finally looks at me, her expression stunned, those long lashes fluttering.
I—I like you too, she confesses with a hushed breath, like she’s afraid someone will hear it. There’s no one I like more. My mouth quirks up at the corner, my stomach dropping in that nervous way I only get with her.
She likes me. It’s a relief to hear her say that. For so long, I thought she’d never see me that way. Sure, we’re friends, but I’m the boy locked away in her basement, and she’s the daughter of the man holding the key.
We’re complete opposites in that way, but we’re also the same in the ways that count. We like the same jokes, have the same wishes for what our life will look like when we’re out of here, and most importantly, we like spending time together.
I often wonder if we’d be friends had we attended the same school. Would she give a boy like me a chance? Would she be shy the way she is now?
I bet all the guys would follow her around, desperate for even a bit of her attention. I can’t believe her asshole of a father won’t let her go to school. That’s got to be against some kind of law.
What do we do now? she asks, her gaze dancing between the floor and me. Get married? I tease with a smirk. I’m serious. She giggles, swatting me lightly on the chest.
I don’t know, Aida. We just exist. Here. In this basement. Dreaming of another life. Her eyes bore into mine, glistening with tears as she forces a smile. I’d never want to exist with anyone but you.
I wish I could give you more. My voice is steady, yet there’s a tiny crack in it. She gives my hand a squeeze. You’ve given me enough.
Somehow I don’t think that’s true. Her eyes dance between me and her fingers playing on her lap. You… um… you can give me something else.
What’s that? I sit up straighter, wanting to give her everything. I’ve never… Her voice is a barely there whisper. Never what? Never kissed anyone.
My pulse quickens. Do you want to kiss me, Aida? I breathe. Yes. She nods, her gaze tucked into mine. Slowly, with a soft exhale, I lean into her, and I do. I kiss her.
©Lilian Harris 2022
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For Lilian, a love of writing began with a love of books. From Goosebumps to romance novels with sexy men on the cover, she loved them all. It’s no surprise that at the age of eight she started writing poetry and lyrics, and hasn’t stopped writing since.
She was born in Azerbaijan, and currently resides in Long Island, N.Y. with her husband, three kids, and a dog named Gatorade. Even though she has a law degree, she isn’t practicing. When she isn’t writing or reading, Lilian is baking or cooking up a storm. And once the kids are in bed, there’s usually a glass of red in her hand. Can’t just survive on coffee alone!
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