The Gift of September

Sooo, August did me dirty. LOL. I didn't get the books out but I did finish the book. It just took a minute for edits to happen.

The Ones Left Behind is done and now live and available on Amazon. This is part one of two and ends with a cliffhanger. I'm well into part two and working feverishly to get it done as fast as I can.

The Ones Left Behind

Gio
I never meant to hurt my mother. She wasn’t supposed to see us. I should have gone after her, but I was angry, young, and confused. I knew what they thought, but they were wrong.  I made a promise, one I planned to keep. However, it would cost us all. I’m the reason—the reason the twins lost their mother, the reason Ny lost her family, the reason Jace has no one. I’m the problem and the answer.

Nyla
I can’t lose them. They’re all the family I have left. Lizzy is all grown now, but she will never know what I’ve sacrificed for her, for dad, for aunt Denise, for my heart. He wanted my body, it was his, he wanted his doll collection, I let him have it.  Now I want something from him, we both do.

Jace
I’ve always wanted two things. Revenge and a family. I’ve shared everything with him since we were born. The two of them have been in my life through it all. Losing my dad, having to watch my new family fall apart.  He promised he’d help me make this right, but I don’t know if he will give us what we truly want. This time we may have asked for too much.  Will this request unravel it all? Will the Di Lorenzo’s lose everything because we lost our way? Or will the ones left behind restore all that was lost?

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PREFACE

Outcast

Gio

Ah, everyone is here. We’re ready for my turn. All eyes are on me but allow me to get some shit straight. No matter what picture has been painted about me, I’ve never been a finook.

Not that it’s anyone’s business what happens in my bed or who’s in it. It wouldn’t make a damn difference. I’d still gut you and hang you from a rusty hook by your asshole for fucking with my family.

However, Jace has never been in my bed for me. He’s only there for her. Her. She’s what holds us together. All I do is for her.

Hold on, I’m moving too fast. You’ve been peeking through the looking glass, but from the wrong angle. I need you to understand why we are who we are. Why I have a doll collection. Why there’s a doll master and curator. You need to see just what all my hand has been in.

Some may see my mother as the mastermind. Okay, I could see that too. However, even Ava Di Lorenzo didn’t see who her son would become. Yes, she has trusted me, but she’s never known the full plan. No one has. The plan to make it so no one could take away what the two most important people in my world asked me for.

I’m not just the doll collector. I’m the ultimate puppet master and genie. I grant wishes, I make shit happen.

Nyla wants to hold on to the family she has left. Jace wants a family of his own. I want to restore my family and give them both what they asked for. All within a world that says I can’t have that. An antiquated world that fears anything that’s different.

How do you exist in a world that calls you names and shakes its head at all you love? You blow that motherfucker up and show them the beauty of all that you are.

I, Don Gio Michelangelo Di Lorenzo was born for this. If you’re not for me, you’re against me, but you won’t take away what brings me joy.

It’s time we tell you our story. It’s the only way for you to understand us. Let us show all the things the others couldn’t.

Yay, we're almost back to the A**hole club. One more book and I get to Ox. Lots of decisions to make for that series. Hold onto your seatbelts.

I am up to clue #35 in the Trivia Hunt. 17 clues to go. I'm so excited for the grand prize winner. So far I have revealed the following as part of the Grand Prize:

1. $30.00 in Amazon Gift cards.

2. Work Husband graphic lens clothes.

3. Bookmarks Pit, Kelex, Work Husband graphics.

4. Signed Books: Wicked Prince Charmings, Remember Me, Broken Soldier, Where the Pieces Fall, Unexpected Lovers, My Best Friend's Wish, A Black Christmas, Pit, A Million to Blow, and A Million to Stay.

5. Blue Saffire Tote bag.

6. Where the pieces Fall, Wyatt, and Doctor Feel Good Keychains.

7. Blue Saffire hand towel.

8. Blue Saffire Memory Cards

9. Blue Saffire tumbler cup.

And still so much more to come. Stay tuned. You can find the clues and a video of the prize on Facebook and Instagram.

I post a new clue every Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram. If life gets in the way and I miss a clue on Tuesday it usually goes up before the following Tuesday. Only 17 clues to go.

If you haven't gotten your journal to hold your clues in for the end of the year. Here is the link.

Not following me on Social Media yet? Aww, why not, Friend? No worried, let me tell you what you are missing. I give updates every Monday. Here's what's happening this month:

1. The Ones Left Behind has released today. I’m 25102 words into part 2. Spent the weekend adulting as a publisher. Audio production can’t be locked in until I finish the final book in the series Part two The Last Ones standing.

2. You're getting the magazine in this email. You will find the cover reveal for The Last Ones Standing inside and so much more.

3. The online live signing event page is live and tickets are available until November 25, 2022. CLICK HERE to learn more. Any item you purchase for the event gains you access to the live event. The live signing will be on March 25, 2023. You have until Black Friday, November 25, 2022 to order but please don’t wait until the last minute as these are customized orders and I do need to place orders and organize them for the live signing. Thank you. Please read the event page carefully. I’m trying to make this easy on me and you.

4. To be honest “Professor Jones” will be finished before “Ox” is done. It’s also a web exclusive. This is my relax and chill write to gear up for these huge plot books I need to write back to back.

5. I was up until 4:00 am formatting Calling On Quinn. I’ll do In Deep later in the week as I have morning appointments most days this week. The covers are still scheduled for mid-September. I’ve submitted the forms and signed the contract. I’m trying to see where I can fit writing the last two books.

6. My schedule has changed a tiny bit. I’m pulling the Lost Souls out of this year. You’ll get quite a few of them next year.

8. I’m 3 and a half books out from Trevor’s first book and 5 and a half books out from Cameron’s book. Which makes 6 and a half from the Immortal Iron Brothers.

Today is the only release I have for you for now. I’m working.

Would you like to know about my next release? It's The Last Ones Standing book 3 Part Two in the Work Husband Series.

I'm writing my butt off. Read part one and see I'm somewhere else with this series. I've connected with my characters on another level. I'm so glad I broke this book in two parts. Gio is a beast. This book is phase two and three. I'm unpacking the entire series and showing all.

Now for a snippet from The Last Ones Standing Part Two

Cover Designed by: Natasha Snow

Photo by WANDER AGUIAR :: PHOTOGRAPHY

Unedited. This is subject to change.

PREFACE

Sealing Fate

Gio

Thirty-four years ago…

“That was so scary, G,” Ny whispers from the top bunk bed.

I feel bad. I knew it was a really scary movie, but once Jace left, I had her all to myself. Instead of holding both our hands, she only held mine.

There was no Jace on the other side of her. We never have that. It’s always the three of us. I wanted to comfort her by myself, so I went with the scariest one I could find.

“You don’t have to worry, I’m here to protect you.”

“Promise?”

“Always. I’d never let anything happen to you.”

“Do you think we’ll all be best friends when we’re big? You know, me, you, and Jace?”

I sit and think about it. Jace is like a brother to me. He saved my life. We’ll always be friends. However, when I think of Ny, I see more than a friend. When we’re older, I want to buy her pretty things and take care of her.

“I hope so.”

“It’s going to be so great, we can all get a house together,” she yarns. “And when we watch scary movies, we can sleep on the couch together and protect each other.”

“Yeah, that sounds cool. I’ll buy you any house you want. As long as you’re happy.”

“It’s going to be great,” she says sleepily. “Night, night, G. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ny. Good night.”

Her little snores make me smile. I toss and turn in the bed a bit. Something doesn’t feel right. I sit up and throw my legs over the side and rub my eyes.

I’m a little thirsty so I get up to go down for a glass of water. I stand and look up at the top bunk. Ny’s safe and sound asleep with her hand hanging over the side of the bed.

She doesn’t know it, but I never plan to leave her life. I smile and turn to head downstairs. The doorbell rings as I get to the top of the steps and start down.

“Oh my God, Jace, what happened?” Beth says as she waves him into the house.

I rush down the stairs. Something’s very wrong. He’s shivering uncontrollably, his pajamas are soaked through, and he’s barefoot.

When I get to the bottom of the stairs, I see the blood on his pajamas and hands. He’s not answering any of the adults.

I open my arms and he rushes into them. I hold my friend tight. I know something is terribly wrong, and I’m going to hurt whoever hurt him.

“They killed my papa. Mama is gone too,” he says in Danish.

“What?” Ma yells. “Someone go to the house. Find out what’s going on, now.”

I rock Jace in my arms and squeeze. He never cries. I’ve watched kids pick on him at school and he remains quiet. Always allowing them to tease him without saying a word, not sheading a tear.

“Shh, it’s going to be okay. Don’t cry,” I whisper.

I look up and Grandpa Riccardo is staring at us. He has a glare on his face as he watches us. I don’t like him, and I don’t think he likes me.

Beth catches him watching us and comes to place a hand on both our backs. “Come, boys. Let’s get Jace into some dry pajamas and get you guys in bed.”

Grandpa Riccardo scoffs, causing me to turn and glare at him. “Maybe now those two won’t be stuck to each other,” he says bitterly.

“Don’t you start that shit,” Ma growls.

“What? The boy can’t stay around here. They’ll find him a nice home somewhere. We won’t have to see his little weird ass around here anymore.”

Ma tries to lounge at him, but Uncle Lucas catches her around the waist. Mama is pregnant with my two brothers. She shouldn’t be upset or fighting.

I clench my fists at my sides. Jace and I are eight, but we’re not stupid. Grandpa hates that we’re friends and he calls us names all the time.

“The boy stays with us. I’ll take care of him,” Uncle Lucas says.

“Why am I not surprised?”

“Why are you so disgusting?” Ma fumes.

“Me? Disgusting? What’s disgusting is the fact that you just watched how this little friendship is affecting Gio—making him weak, and you still insist on keeping them in each other’s lives,” Grandpa Riccardo snarls.

“He’s my friend,” I say angrily.

“His a finook. The little weirdo, long haired faggot, and so are you,” he bites back.

I see red. I’m tired of him calling us those things. I run at him, duck under my father’s arms as he tries to grab me. I slide across the tile floors and stop right in front of my grandfather and punch him in the nuts, then kick him in his left leg.

He drops to his knees, and I punch him in the face. “Stop calling us that. Don’t call me or my friends anymore names or I’m going to kill you myself,” I snarl with my chest heaving.

“Gio,” Ma calls.

I turn to her, dropping my head. I shouldn’t have lost my temper, but I hate this man. She comes over and lifts my head in her hand.

When I look at her, she’s smiling at me. “Good, boy.” She bends to kiss my forehead, tears in her eyes. She’s sad, but I don’t think it’s because of what I’ve done.

She turns to a groaning Grandpa as he rolls around on the floor. “I promise you. One day it will be this son who makes good on what you deserve. Stay away from my boys. They are innocence and don’t even understand the things you imply.”

“My fucking balls. Little bastard.”

“Get out of my home. Now, before I kill you,” Mama yells.

Dad and Uncle Lucas come to help him up. Mama keeps one hand on my shoulder and the other on her swollen belly. I watch as they put him out.

Mama turns to me when he’s gone. She lowers until we’re eye to eye and cups my face in her hands.

“I’m so proud of you. You will be a great man one day. Don’t allow fools like him to change how you feel about yourself. You can love anyone you want to. That means protecting anyone who needs you and showing kindness to those kind to you.”

She then kisses my forehead. Gwen appears with a sad look on her face. Ma turns to her and collapses onto her behind.

“No, no, no, no,” she cries.

“I’m so sorry, Ava. Jace was telling the truth. He’s gone. They both are. The boyfriend was there too, it looks like he committed suicide. I think he set Emil up. Give me time, I’ll get more answers.”

“Emil,” Mama cries and curls into a ball.

I’ve never seen her like this. Mama never shows any weakness. I go to hug her, but Uncle Lucas comes and lifts her up from the floor.

I knit my brows and look at Dad, not understanding why he’s not the one comforting Ma. I think of Nonno telling me not to show my feelings for Nyla to keep her safe. Maybe that’s what Papa is doing. I don’t really like it, but I shake my head and mind my business. I still don’t understand adults.

Instead of trying, I turn and head upstairs to follow after Beth and Jace. When I get to my room, Ny isn’t asleep like I left her. She’s sitting on the floor. Jace has his head on her lap as she combs her hand through his hair. She’s speaking to him in Danish, the language he’s most comfortable with.

“Papa is gone. My family is gone,” Jace says in Danish to her then starts to weep again.

I ball my fists. I hate this has happened. Uncle Emil was so strong. I didn’t think anyone could take him.

How did this happen? It shouldn’t be happening to Jace. Not my friend.

“We’re your family now,” Ny says as she brushes her hand over his hair. “We always will be. Don’t cry. I promise, Jace, we’re your family.”

She’s right. From this moment, I vow that we’re all family, just like I promised her. We will grow up and be together, always.

I move over to them and sit behind Ny, my legs on either side of her. Reaching around her, I place my hand on top of hers as she brushes his hair.

“We’ll always be together. I’m going to find who did this and we’ll get them together. I promise, Jace. I have your back. Always.”

“Everything is gone,” he sobs.

“Not everything, what’s mine is yours. My life is your life. You can share my things. You know that.”

“Thanks, guys,” he sniffles. “I never want to lose you two.”

“Det vil du aldrig,” I promise because he never will.

So this emails is packed with a lot. I have planned to release the magazine yesterday but I was getting the book ready for release so you're getting everything today.

You will find the cover reveal and more inside this issue of the Blue SaffireMagazine.

Click Here for Your Free Magazine

Now for our Winner for the July contest themed Saffire Heat. The $10.00 Amazon gift card and books (Fever, Never, and Always.)

Nene Cole

I'll be shipping your book to the address you provided. Congratulations.

Now for your opportunity to enter your name for a chance at the monthly giveaway. This month's theme and giveaway is called Saffire in September and there's a $10.00 gift card.

Click Here to Enter

Hey, Friend, there's a whole lot going on, on my social media and more to come. Awards, contest, live signing, and more. I'll be launching some new things soon and you don't want to miss out on what's to come. Make sure you're keeping up with what's happening by connecting with me.

Are you in my Facebook group? I have snippets, Contests, updates on my progress with my WIPs, and Awards. You're getting it all. I'm even thinking of sharing a secret project in there. Here's the link: Join the group here.

Also, did you know you can ask me questions on Goodreads? I try to answer one to two questions a week. I'm in need of questions to answer. If you have time come over. I'm waiting.

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Well, that's me for now. If you made it this far. Thank you sooo much for your time. Please enjoy the new release and the magazine. I've put so much work into all of this and really hope you enjoy the experience. Please leave a review if you have the time. It matters and I appreciate it so much. Thank you for your continued support.