Frozen ValentineThe De Luca Crime Family Prequel E.C. Land Contents Acknowledgments Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Social Media Frozen Valentine This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental. Frozen Valentine. Copyright © 2021 by E.C. Land. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information, contact E.C. Land. Publisher: Knox Publishing Cover Design by Charli Childs, Cosmic Letterz Cover Design Editing by Kim Lubbers, Knox Publishing Formatting by E.C. Land, Knox Publishing Proofreading by Jackie Ziegler, Knox Publishing Created with Vellum Dedicated to my readers. Acknowledgments My Husband and Kiddos – To my husband who has always been the one to support our family. If he didn’t encourage me to follow my dreams and give them a chance, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He’s put up with my ramblings and throwing ideas around no matter how annoying I can be about it. Also have to be thankful for him being there to send me inspirational music when I need it most. My kiddos, who find what I do, as they put it, cool and want to know how many words I was able to get in each day. They also like to try and help me come up with plot ideas. Some are just as wicked as my own. I also enjoy the fact they come to me when they need help with finding things wrong in their own work wanting to understand better in how things are supposed to be done. My Brothers – No matter how much we go through, they’re always there for me. One may not be here in body but is always around in spirit. My oldest brother for being proud of me and not having a problem saying it. My Betas – You guys rock! Thank you all for being the first to read the stories as they come alive. It means the world to me. Especially when you all start to get mad. That’s when I know I’m doing something right. And in doing so pushing me to keep going with all the different plots that form in my head. I’m thankful to you all for being ready and willing to read and give your input. My Knox Publishing People – If it wasn’t for you all being helpful and encouraging when I need it, I don’t know what I’d do without you all. You’re all wonderful in your own right and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The biggest thing I’ve got to say I’m thankful for most, is the fact I’m able to be around those who understand the way my mind works. Each and every one of you have earned a special place in my life, one way or another. Liz – My sister from another mister, my best friend and Publisher/Boss. You’re my go to when I need it. If not for you, I don’t know if I’d ever be where I am today with my writing. Thank you for always pushing me and encouraging me. Diane – Without you taking everything on for me, I wouldn’t be able to focus the way I do on my writing. Thank you for everything you do. You’re not just my PA, you’re my friend and I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you. Kim and Jackie – I know I’m a pain in the rear; however, you both put up with me. Thank you both for taking on all of my work. I love the fact I work with you both on each of them. Also, the fact when it comes to something I miss, you help me understand how to correct it, so it doesn’t happen again. Trigger Warning This content is intended for mature audiences only. It contains material that may be viewed as offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations, murder, rape, and extreme violence. Proceed with caution. This book does entail several scenes that may very well be a trigger to some. Also, tissues are a must with other scenes. Not for the faint at heart. If you don’t like violence and cannot handle certain subjects, then this is not a book you’ll want to read. Playlist All The Way Good – OverTime Promise – Jelly Roll damn! – Jeris Johnson What I Need – The Lacs The Dreamer – Crucifix Love Is A War – Struggle Jennings & Jelly Roll Frozen in the Night Snow falls from the sky The wind whips through the air Ice freezes the ground Frozen in the midst of a war Blood will spill Painting the white ground red There’s a war coming In the night you fight Or lose your life Snow whips around you Biting through your layers Frozen in the night Is far from the truth Only trust those who hold you dear War is coming Blood will spill The snow may coat the painting But it’s still there Seeping through the ground Staining the earth blood red Frozen in the night Won’t stop here ~ E.C. Land Prologue Blake “Blake, why can’t you simply understand what you’re supposed to do?” I cringe at the question my mother asks over the phone. I never should have answered when she called. I didn’t want to talk to her or anyone else. Between her and my father, who isn’t ever around but seems to think he can control my life, they make me want to scream bloody murder. Seriously what twenty-three-year-old woman wants her parents attempting to control them. They want me married off to some man I don’t even know. Each time they try
