"So what do we do?" "We can work something out. There's just one problem... We can't let your brother find out." ❁ Available now to order! Link in bio!

"I'm a monster!" he shouted in my face, his veins popping out on his neck. I tried to hold my tears but failed, all these months of patience and anger caused my body to shake, my heart was pounding so loud in my chest that my blood was boiling in my veins. "No Harry! You're not a monster!" I cried out loud, my chest rising and falling from my heavy breathing. He clenched his jaw and fisted his palms and in seconds, he punched the wall that was behind me right next to me, making me gasp for air. All the anger that built inside me was now replaced by fear as his piercing green eyes turned to a darker shade. "How can you say that after what I did to you?" he hissed, his hot breath hitting my swollen lips, his nostrils flaring. I took a deep shakey breath before I parted my lips to answer him. "Because I can see through you, Harry. I can see your innocence."

When Rena meets Brent, he is a dream come true. He is a real gentleman, funny, caring and even her overly protective father likes him. But then, she discovers a different side of Brent - a violent side that scares her. Promising that this had been a one time slip up, she forgives him. After all, he is the love of her life. She dosn't see the signs -- the controlling, the alienation from her friends and dad, the obsession he has with her. She is like putty in his hands. Over time, she learns about the Cycle of Abuse the hard way and she even tries to break free. But in the end, she only sees one way out and it will likely cost her everything. Best Ranking: #2 in ChickLit Winner of the 1st Corner Booth contest Authors Note: This is a story about domestic violence and can be disturbing at times. Even though the people in this book are fictional, abuse at the hands of a loved one is real. It is something that can happen to any of us, even to teenagers like Rena. Please do not read this book if you find this topic disturbing. It is not designed to upset anyone but to raise awareness. Copyright©2015 by Sally Mason All rights reserved Cover by @lucyface Image "Girl"; courtesy of Rolands Lakis