VOLITION (Perception Trilogy, book 2) by Strauss Lee & Strauss Elle

Author:Strauss, Lee & Strauss, Elle [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Published: 2013-04-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Noah was gone when I awoke. I pushed back at my growing trepidation, swiveling my arms around to loosen the belt of anxiety that cinched around my chest. It wasn’t unusual for him to slip away. Living this life, being with me day in and day out, wasn’t easy.

Then I remembered he was probably with her, and the belt tightened even more.

I used the facilities and stared at my face in the mirror, at the bluish hue on my cheek where my attacker had slapped me. It was tender to the touch, but the pain went far deeper than my skin. I shuddered and pushed back at the memories. I was vulnerable. A victim. I felt so disempowered.

I hated being alone, especially right now, and turned on the TV on for company. It was always crap playing but it helped to mask the loneliness and fear that threatened to consume me.

The door handle moved, and I stiffened, my eyes darting to the drawer by my bed where my gun was stored.

“It’s me,” Noah called softly. “Oh good, you’re awake,” he said. His eyes moved from my face to my form, and I remembered I was only wearing a T-shirt and underwear. He shifted his gaze sharply to the bag in his hand. “Here’s breakfast.” He placed a coffee and bagel on the table. “And this…” His eyes caught mine, straying to my bare legs for only a second as he held up a box of dye.” I noticed your roots are growing out.”

I turned to the mirror in the room and ran a hand through my hair. Blond roots had sprouted over the last few weeks.

Noah wanted to leave for the new girl’s place by dusk. I owed my life to him once again and any self-righteous fight I had in me the day before had been thoroughly stamped out. If Noah said we were leaving, I would follow. Even if it meant we were moving in with another girl.

I didn’t own Noah, and I had no right to dictate who he could be friends with. Or more than friends with. It still made me feel sick to think I’d lost him.

Literally sick. My forehead grew damp and I felt light-headed. It was a strange feeling for me. Outside of the headaches, I’d never been physically unwell before. Must be nerves. GAPS weren’t machines. We could get worn out by stress and exertion, too.

I picked at my bagel, hoping that would calm my nerves, then went to the bathroom to dye my hair.

After I finished showering, I dressed and packed. Noah had all his things gathered already and was watching TV. Grandpa V made an appearance again, this time with a woman beside him, his new bride. Her name was Amelia Cartwright, and she was from a wealthy political family. GAP of course, and at least twenty-years younger than Grandpa, though being a GAP it was hard to guess her age accurately.

“Do you think he’ll win?” I said. “Will people really believe his rhetoric?”

Noah frowned.

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