When my bestie Candy Morrison and I both fell into the snake pit, my childhood sweetheart Blake Carson had to choose.
He saved ME.
Candy died screaming as venomous snakes tore her apart.
For the next forty years, Blake mourned her like she was his one true love.
On his deathbed, he pulled off our wedding ring and said:
“Riley, I gave you my whole life. Isn’t that enough?”
“Next time, I want to save Candy instead. Can’t you just let me go?”
Turns out they’d been crazy about each other all along–just too chicken to admit it.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the snake pit.
This time, I shoved his hand away and let Candy live.
I gave him exactly what he wanted.
So why the hell was he CRYING?
“Candy, hold on! Don’t you dare let go!!”
“Blake, please save me! I don’t wanna die!”
The second I opened my eyes, I knew I was back to this day that haunted me forever.
And Blake must’ve been reborn too–otherwise he wouldn’t be screaming my bestie’s name at a time like this.
My bestie Candy Morrison’s cries sounded familiar yet strange, but the writhing mass of snakes below our feet made my skin crawl.
This was the underground fighting arena’s snake collection–specially chosen venomous ones for the sick entertainment of the crowd. Just one bite could paralyze your heart and send you straight to hell!
Last lifetime, I watched Candy fall down and get swallowed by that black mass of serpents in seconds, didn’t even leave a complete skeleton behind.
But right now, Blake was holding both our hands, and with his strength, he could only save one.
Last time he saved me, but spent his whole life missing Candy-
Not only turned our bedroom into Candy’s shrine, but also kept every single thing she’d ever used or worn.
And even when our three kids were born? Every single one of their middle names was some variation of hers. Like that wasn’t gonna mess them up for life.
I’d been choking down this bitter pill for decades. I couldn’t swallow it anymore.
So this time, I let go of Blake’s hand myself and let myself fall.
“Riley! What the hell are you DOING?!”
15:31
He Wanted a Hiking Trip? Honey, His Funeral Was My Comeback Tour!
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Chapter 1
Blake’s eyes went wide with horror as he watched me release his grip, and the crowd around us gasped in shock.
But the next second, their gasps turned to amazement.
I didn’t fall straight into the snake pit like expected–instead, I jumped onto a fake rock outcropping below the viewing platform, temporarily saving my own ass.
And that’s when Blake pulled Candy back up to safety.
“Blake, I was so scared! That was terrifying!”
The moment she was safe, Candy threw herself into Blake’s arms.
She didn’t give a damn that I was his actual girlfriend.
And Blake hugged her back tight, still shaken: “I know, this is my fault. I’ll never let you get in danger like that again.”
The two of them embraced like lovers who’d just cheated death.
Finally some bystander couldn’t stand it anymore: “Hey, quit being all lovey–dovey and help your friend! That rock she’s on is about to give way!”
Only then did they remember me–still down there just a few feet from the snake pit.
The fake rock was cheap plastic foam that couldn’t hold my weight.
As I watched the rock wobble dangerously and was about to fall into that terrifying mass of snakes-
“Riley, give me your hand!”
Blake reached down toward me, but just as my fingertips were about to touch his, he suddenly pulled back.
“I knew you were reborn too, Riley. Otherwise you wouldn’t have known about that ledge.”
“Last time we only came here for your birthday, and that’s what got Candy killed.”
“At least you’ve got some conscience now, not fighting with Candy. Tell you what–if you get on your knees and apologize to Candy ninety–nine times, I’ll pull you up. How’s that sound?”
His smile was pure evil.
And Candy beside him looked absolutely thrilled.
Chapter 2
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.