Reunion in Brookhaven (Brookhaven Mystery Thriller Suspense Book 1) by Cara Kent

Author:Cara Kent [Kent, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cara Kent
Published: 2024-04-27T00:00:00+00:00

Amber

The shrill buzz of my alarm clock jarred me from restless dreams. With a groan, I fumbled to silence the offensive noise, blinking against the harsh morning light filtering into my cramped bedroom.

As wakefulness seeped in, the lingering unease from my nightmares manifested into a physical weight pressing down on my chest. I sat up carefully, trying to slow my ragged breathing. Gingerly, I touched the jagged scar on my collarbone, still tender to the touch after all these years.

Usually, the old injury remained hidden beneath the conservative collars I favored. But some mornings the damaged nerves seemed to reignite, the memories flaring up stark and fresh again.

Phantom pain radiated down my arm as I recalled that night—the glint of moonlight on the blade, the sickening tear of flesh before the blood began to flow, hot and slick down my skin. The gleam of possessive rage in cold blue eyes that pinned me as surely as the knife’s edge.

I shivered despite the warm sunlight bathing my face. Some ghosts lingered no matter how much time passed.

Needing to outrun the shadows nipping at my heels, I laced up my running shoes and headed out the front door. The bracing autumn air of Brookhaven filled my lungs as I took off down the dusty road at a brisk clip, ponytail swinging behind me like a horse’s swishing tail urging me onward.

The rhythmic pound of my footfalls usually steadied my thoughts, but today unwanted memories kept invading, like ghosts I could never outrun.

As I turned down Oak Street, the looming facade of the high school rose into view. I faltered for just a split second, eyes drawn to the weathered stone bleachers flanking the empty football field.

Suddenly I was transported back to sophomore year, rushing to meet Chase after basketball practice like I did most days. I could almost hear the metallic groan of the bleachers under my feet as I bounded down the gym steps, ponytail swinging. My heart raced faster than my feet, fueled by anticipation of Chase’s smiling face waiting below.

But when I reached the bench where the players were packing up, Chase wouldn’t meet my eyes. His broad shoulders were tense, gym bag dangling loosely from his clenched hand.

“You’re late,” he said bluntly, voice tight. He finally glanced up, his icy blue eyes churning like storm clouds. “I saw you chatting up Carson after class. Looked real cozy.”

I blinked, stunned by the sudden venom in his tone. “We were just discussing our chem project, I sw—”

Chase’s fingers dug into my arm, making me gasp. Without another word he dragged me behind the bleachers and shoved me against the cold concrete wall inside the equipment alcove. Caged in place by his muscular frame, panic fluttered in my chest.

“Don’t lie,” Chase spat through gritted teeth. “I see how all the guys look at you—your skirts, those smiles. You think you can toy with me?”

I trembled, heartbeat thundering in my ears. “Please, you’re hurting me… let’s just talk lat—”

“Talk?” Chase slammed his palm against the wall by my head, making me jump.

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