Chapter 22

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As far as convenience stores went, the outskirts of Nags Head did not disappoint. I hadn't known that there were so many brands of chocolate bars, acidic-looking drinks, and candies I hadn't seen before.

But, I had never had a sweet tooth. I'd driven all the way here to buy myself a pack of cigarettes without the risk of seeing anyone I knew.

I had yet to cut out the nasty habit, although I found myself reaching for my lighter less and less these days. I'd just needed something to distract me from the night at Roman's house.

The kiss.

I shook my head. I hadn't seen Roman in nearly a week and a half, after my outing with Leslie two days ago, I was starting to wonder if he'd ever speak to me again. I'd run into Magnus at the beach last night, he'd updated me on Austin's condition, he was as good as new, so Roman had no excuse to avoid me.

I was a little stressed out.

Not only had I kissed him, it felt like I was betraying Grave. Because in my head, all I had of him left were photos and memories, that was all that tied him to existing at all. And the fact that I'd kissed another boy, it felt like I was erasing him from existence.

And this time, the kiss had been initiated by me. Not by force from—

"Well oh well, isn't this a nice surprise?" a voice I knew said, startling me.

I cursed under my breath. You had to be kidding me.

Speak of the literal devil.

"Get the fuck away from me," I spat, grabbing a pack of cigarettes and rushing to the counter.

I had to get out of here.

His hand touched me before I made it. I felt like taking a knife to my arm and shredding the layer of my skin that he'd touched. Again.

"Don't be a bitch Josephine. I'm just saying hello."

Closing my eyes, I yanked my hand out of his grip. "Get away from me," I snapped a little louder. He pulled a strand of my hair, to anyone with an outsider's view, it would have looked affectionate, but he did it to move my head closer to his face.

His voice was taunting, and I suddenly feared for my life that it would forever be engraved into my brain. "You're nothing but a filthy whore. Did you like when your boyfriend beat the shit out of me? Did it feel nice for someone to defend you because you knew you were a slut and were embarrassed?"

I despised the noise that escaped me. He was so close. "Let me go before I scream Aiden. I fucking mean it."

I wasn't sure where I'd gotten the sudden courage from, but he seemed to believe me.

He was gone with a threatening last note, walking out empty-handed. "Final warning. I won't be as nice next time."

I couldn't feel my legs, or my hands for that matter. But somehow, on autopilot, I'd made it to the cashier, paid for my things, and left.

It was lively outside. Kids begging their mothers for ice cream, couples walking hand in hand, families enjoying the bright shining sun. That was the reality check I needed to snap out of my daze. The real world went on while people got tormented, one smoke and most of the anxiety would be out of my system.

The convenience store overlooked the beach, so I sat on a bench and lit my lighter. As I exhaled, I spotted a black and white striped lighthouse a few ways away.

It was tall, the perfect little hiding spot. It was under construction, so it would be empty. I made my way there, taking in the atmosphere around me as I walked. I could feel the muscles in my body relax a little as I ducked under the yellow construction tape.

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