Dark Boundaries(35)

“Andrea,” I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion. Her hair is all over the place from when I removed the sack. I tuck her hair behind her ears, and smooth the rest out. I frame her face with my hands, needing to touch her. To make sure she’s here.

“It’s really you.” I grab her to me and hold her so tight I might just break her. I drop kisses on her hair and rub gentle circles on her back. “Shh … shh, it’s okay. It’s all over.” I place another kiss on top of her head and keeping her body safely tucked under my arm, I walk in the direction Justin is waiting.

When he spots us he breaks into a run. He grabs Andrea and sweeps her off her feet, twirling her once and then he holds her. “I missed you so much, Ladybug,” he says all choked up. When he starts to cry I really lose it.

“Come on, let’s go home. We can’t stand crying in the parking area.” I nudge them both in the direction of the silver sedan.

The drive home is long. We stop only when we need to. We take turns driving and sitting with Andrea. I drive the last stretch.

As I pull up to our home, the most amazing relief unfurls in my chest.

We’re home … finally!

The front door opens and Mom comes running out. Her arms are wide open. It’s a stunning sight. Justin gets out the back with Andrea and I choke up as Mom grabs her.

“My baby!” she cries. “Oh God, thank you so much.” She keeps repeating the words, raining kisses down on Andrea. Dad nods his head at us, tears welling up in his eyes. He’s not a man of many words, but I know how worried he’s been about all of us. He engulfs Mom and Andrea in a big bear hug.

And then I see it, Andrea responds for the first time. From over Mom’s shoulder I see her eyes tear up.

It’s going to be a long road to recovery for her. But I don’t care. I’ll do anything for her.

“Justin, get the truck and follow me. Let’s go get rid of the car. I’m ready to put all this behind us.”

~*~





Chapter Twenty Six



Kristine~

It took ten days to break me, just ten days.

I tried to get back into the swing of things. Really, I tried.

I haven’t seen Riza or Kelly since I opened my bookstore ‘Dreaming of a Book Boyfriend’ three weeks ago.

My parents keep begging me to see someone, to talk about what happened, but I can’t. I tried to talk to Riza and Kelly, but we all experienced those days so differently. Kelly is filled with hatred. Riza has grown quiet, just like me. I think she misses Justin. I’ve caught her staring off into nothing. I do it, too, and then my mind goes to Garrett.

It’s been three months. Whoever bought us dropped us off at a police station.

In the end no one wanted me.

He stole me. He broke me. I was auctioned for fifty thousand dollars. Now, I don't belong to anyone. But strangely enough I wanted to belong to him. It's his eyes ... I lost myself in them. I now live in a small apartment above the bookstore. I hardly ever leave it, and when I do it’s so I can go get the bare essentials.

I read a lot. It’s the only way I get to experience some kind of emotion, some kind of life. I live through other people’s lives. I’d be lost without my books.

The counter is situated on the left side of the store, facing the display window so I can see everything that happens out on the street. Everything in my life is arranged to keep me safe. I have a bell above the door and it rings when someone comes in, that’s incase I’m caught sorting the new books, or putting up a new teaser against the wall. I don’t want to be caught off guard.

My apartment is the same. It’s an open space. My bed is situated right across from the door, so I can see if there is movement on the stairs. I always leave the light at the back of the store on. It lights up the stairs, that way I can see if a shadow moves under the door. I have a bat next to my bed and another behind the counter, just in case I need to protect myself.

I don’t have any cupboards for people to hide in. The few meager outfits I have, hangs on a rail against the wall. I don’t even have a bathroom door, no shower curtain … no hiding places.

I spend all my time either reading, or sorting out books. I make teasers for authors and help promote their books online. I look at the book I received this morning. The author wants me to do a review for her. The title says it all, Poke-her. It’s about a professional poker player. He wins a girl when the man he plays against can’t pay. Yeah, like I said, the title says it all.

I moved down to Florida. I was actually on vacation, trying to escape my family and friends when I spotted the little quaint store to rent.

It’s perfect, situated a few streets from the beach. The atmosphere is relaxed.