Scorned by A. R. Wile

Author:A. R. Wile [Wile, A. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: abuse, sexual assault, obsession, murder, gang rape, date rape, drugged, bully, brave, investigation, manipulation, whodunnit
Publisher: A. R. Wile
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-THREE

CHARLOTTE

IN RECENT YEARS, THE sight of police cars on school property has become synonymous with extreme terror. Today is no different. Confusion and fear fall over teachers and students as they watch policemen enter through the school’s front doors, straight-faced and determined, ready to do what’s necessary.

I search around for a familiar face, hoping Kaden isn’t part of the scene today. But my heart drops the moment I see his handsome face delegating orders to attending officers about fifty feet away. I become anxious with the unrealistic idea that if I’m next to him, he can’t be in danger, and hurry over to his side.

He’s calm.

Not portraying someone in a rush to save a school full of people. His reserve substantially settles my nervousness, and I take a moment to watch him in his element.

He’s unaware of my presence as he delivers orders to the officers under his command.

Organized. Authoritative. Respected.

He seems to be handling the situation with practised hands, and I’m reminded of the man Hannah endorsed. Head-strong, stubborn, yet caring and loyal. Even more words I would use to describe the multi-faceted man I’ve come to know—and love.

Love.

It seems so strange to associate the strong emotion with the one person I was so adamant made me feel the opposite. The fine line separating love from the hate I felt dissolved, merging the two into an intense passion that’s encompassing, and even more…surprising.

I catch his eye as he scans the crowd and lock our gazes. He smiles, but it looks forced. His expression causes my apprehension to return, and I stand, frozen, as he steps around a few officers and strides toward me.

“Hi, Chipmunk,” he says exhaustedly, expressing the effects of the stress he’s under. I reach my arms around his waist and hold my body against him. He hesitates a moment before returning the hug. But when he does, he relaxes into it, absorbing the comfort I bring him. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you,” he admits, the low vibration of his voice resonating in my cheek as he gives me a light squeeze.

“I think I have a pretty good guess,” I reply, realizing just how much when his arms encircled my back. “What’s wrong?”

He takes a measured exhale as he prepares his reply.

Cold immediately creeps up the back of my neck as the tiny hairs sprinkled over the surface tingle with fear.

“Kaden?”

“Chipmunk, Jason was found this morning.”

“O-k-a-y? He was missing?”

“He was reported missing yesterday and was found by the Santa Monica Pier around five this morning,” he states cautiously, carefully gauging my reaction.

“You don’t mean—”

I turn to the side, cover my mouth with my hand, and brace my body on my knees with the other, forcing his hands to release me. I prepare for my breakfast to react, but it doesn’t. It lies dormant, forcing me to feel the effects of nausea the truth brings. My legs wobble, feeling like rubber bands. Then the ground comes barrelling toward me.

Kaden’s quick reflexes catch me before I hit, and once again, I’m in his arms, relying on his strength to support me.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.