Elise Richardson has been head over heels for Kade Dawson since she first laid eyes on him. Twelve years later and Elise is still too timid to act on her adoration towards a guy who barely notices her.
Parker Reynolds will do anything for her best f...
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Parker and Kade talk about sexual assault, rape, abuse, and suicidal tendencies. I'm not going to mark anything with a warning since the entirety of this chapter is based on Parker and Kade confiding to each other about their pasts. If you don't want to read about rape, skip to where Kade starts talking about his past.
Read the author's note at the end of this chapter please and thank you. If you don't, that's fine I still love you 💖
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Kade took me home so I could grab a t-shirt, leggings, and tennis shoes to workout in. The atmosphere around us was tense; the soft music from his radio failed to buffer the awkwardness. I trailed behind him, careful not to stray too close, and entered the abandoned looking building. He flicked the light on to reveal a large space filled with various workout equipment. It looked the same as the last time I was here. I changed into my workout clothes and emerged from the bathroom to find Kade's upper body devoid of a shirt.
Now, we're sitting awkwardly across from each other, struggling to speak. I focus on my tightly clasped hands in my lap instead of blatantly ogling his muscular chest and ripped abs. Horny Parker will not be winning today!
When his handsome face turns into a smirk, I resist the urge to physically slap my hand to my face. Way to go, Parker. Always the best conversationalist.
I shift awkwardly on the dark blue padded mat I'm seated on as Kade leans forward–elbows resting on his thighs–to observe me. Various emotions swirl in my chest, but the most prominent one is nervousness.
"Are you going to start, buddy boy?" I snap, my nerves morphing into irritation.
To my chagrin, Kade's smirk widens and he arches a brow. "'Buddy boy?'"
My cheeks heat in embarrassment. It's only been five minutes and I'm already struggling to keep up my impassive mask.
"If you don't start talking, I have no problem walking home," I warn. "I might get kidnapped and die, but it's better than the alternative."
Kade's expression darkens at the mention of me possibly being harmed. "What's the alternative?"
I grind my teeth together and silently curse my big mouth. How the fuck do I respond to his question?
"Killing myself," I blurt, then smack my hand over my mouth. My eyes widen when his facial expression turns murderous.
"Why the hell would you say that?" he spits, raising his voice. My entire body tenses and I want nothing more than to curl into a ball and disappear.
"Uhh... How's the weather today?" I chirp, feigning enthusiasm.
"Parker," Kade says. "I brought you here so that we could talk. You promised me answers and I owe you my own explanation in return. So start talking."
