Untethered Legacy

Untethered Legacy A Scartlett Bay Novel - Book One JL Avery Contents Copyright Acknowledgements 1. Ivy 2. Ivy 3. Bennett 4. Ivy 5. Bennett 6. Ivy 7. Bennett 8. Ivy 9. Bennett 10. Ivy 11. Bennett 12. Ivy 13. Bennett 14. Ivy 15. Bennett 16. Ivy 17. Bennett 18. Ivy 19. Bennett 20. Ivy 21. Bennett 22. Ivy 23. Bennett 24. Ivy 25. Bennett 26. Ivy 27. Bennett 28. Ivy 29. Bennett 30. Ivy 31. Ivy 32. Bennett 33. Ivy 34. Bennett 35. Ivy 36. Bennett 37. Ivy 38. Bennett 39. Ivy Return to Sender About the Author Copyright Copyright ©2023 by JL Avery All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recordings or other electronic or mechanical methods, without written permission from the publisher or author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial use as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters and places are products of the author's imagination. Cover design by: Eryn Lee with Red Door Book Covers Edited by Norma Gambini with Normas Nook Proof Reading Acknowledgements To my other half - While I know my never-ending discussions of plot holes and editing wasn’t something you were used to, you took my new goal and reminded me I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I appreciate all your encouragement. I love you. To my sister - You are my best friend. My alpha reader. Biggest fan and quite frankly the best person to keep me motivated. The belief you have in me continues to push me to write. This book never would have gotten written if it wasn’t for you. To my new author friends Kathleen Cole, DJ Minshall, Aleena Rhea James, Stacy Warren and my Hype Girls – You have offered me so much guidance, suggestions, and unconditional support. Your experience and eagerness to help has been so valuable. Nothing short of inspiring. Thank you for being you and helping this story become what it is now. Content and Trigger Warning This novel contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence (DV), kidnapping, and death. This novel uses strong language. This novel also has explicit sexual content. This novel contains sensitive material relating to child abuse, trauma, anxiety, terminal illness, pregnancy, loss of pregnancy, violence, and more. Please remember to practice self-care before, during, and after reading. Chapter one IvyThe room’s shadows keep me hidden; the only source of light comes from the parking lot, and it filters through the floral drapes. The aroma of floor cleaner and day-old pizza cling to the air. Could be worse, I guess. At least the constant buzz of the air conditioning unit almost drowns out the grunts from the man on top of me. “You like that?” Mr. No-Name asks.“Uh-huh,” is all I reply. Of course, I do not “like that.” I am not sure why I accepted the offer to go back to his room. The need for connection? The relief from the silence that comes from being alone? To forget what today is? Or perhaps to have an orgasm brought on by more than my right hand and a hot romance novel. Regardless of my subconscious choice, it seems he will meet none of my expectations tonight.I close my eyes and tighten my core, attempting to speed up the inevitable. The jack hammer above me continues slamming into me as if it’s an Olympic sport and the most pumps per second wins the gold medal. News flash buddy, it’s not working. Firm hands grip my waist as he continues his efforts, and sweat drips from the tip of his nose onto the side of my neck. Gross. “Fuck, you’re so tight. I’m going to come,” he grunts, closing his eyes and throwing his head back in a dramatic roar. His eyes are pinched tightly shut as he tenses. And finally, after what seems like an eternity, he stills. Thank God that’s over. He pulls out, and his absence leaves me no excuses. Time to go. He’s panting beside me, clearly showing his exertion from the last two minutes. “Uh, thanks. That was . . . Well, have a good night.” I shimmy off the bed and pull my skirt down as I stand, hoping to avoid any further touching, and collect my shoes. We didn’t make it far into the room before he shoved my panties to the side as he laid me on the bed, fully clothed. I thank my lucky stars, grateful I won’t have to deal with the awkwardness of searching for my clothes. “Wait, you're leaving already?” Shock tightens his voice. I turn to him, and he’s lying on his side, head resting on his hand. He makes no move to pull his pants back up. He hasn’t even taken the time to remove the condom from his soft dick. Already? What is he thinking? I wasn’t planning on staying the night or for a repeat of whatever the hell that was. “I’ve got an early morning.” Looking at each other awkwardly, I speak again. “Bye.” I divert my eyes to the floor, and with a slight wave, I take the final steps to the door. Shit, my purse. I spin around and see it on the floor by the dresser. I do my best to keep my confidence as I walk in front of this stranger again. Grabbing my bag, I head out into the night. Relief is my only feeling now. No-Name doesn’t try to stop me or say anything. I assume he’s as happy to be rid of me as I’m to leave. As I wander down the cement balcony with its wrought-iron railing, a breathy giggle comes from behind me. Curiosity piqued, I turn to see who it belongs to. Instantly, my eyes catch the sight of the