"What did he - Where did he touch you?" His voice had hardened, mad.
I swallowed and looked down.
"You son of a-" He walked off the porch, angrily running his hands through his hair.
"What did he look like? I'm swear I'm gonna kill him. Tell me what he looked like? Are there cameras?"
I shook my head. I didn't want to look him in the eyes.
"I swear. That son of- Violet, tell me what he looked like." He came closer.
Tears filled my eyes, "... I can't," I said, my voice started to shake. "I... I don't, I can't."
I swallowed, biting down on the inside of my cheek, trying not to cry.
He stood there quietly for a moment, before he leaned down, his voice was softer, "Violet, I'm sorry. I just... I'm so mad right now. I'll kill him."
▪︎●▪︎
Violet, who endured a harrowing childhood, struggles to heal from her history. As she navigates the shadows of her past, Violet finds solace in an unexpected connection with Dominic, her best friend's older brother.
Drawn to Violet's vulnerability, Dominic craves to understand the pain and the secrets she guards. However, Violet's fear and scars run deep, leaving her paralyzed with fear.
Dominic displays a genuine kindness and care towards Violet that sets him apart from others. However, his contrasting behavior towards those around him raises questions about the depths of his character.
Despite Violet's growing affection for Dominic, she remains haunted by the scars of her childhood, making it difficult for her to trust and share her painful secrets.
As their bond deepens, Violet finds solace in Dominic's unwavering support and kindness, grappling with the decision to confide in him, knowing that revealing her past could either strengthen their connection or shatter it completely.
Will Violet find the courage to open up to Dominic, allowing him to understand the depths of her pain? Or will her fear of reliving the horrors she endured keep her locked in silence, forever guarding her heart?
#1 Trauma
Kate Blanchard rarely goes outside of her comfort zone - especially when it comes to boys. Between her younger sister who's desperately trying to find herself and her mother who can't get out of bed, boys are the last thing Kate needs to think about.
But when she finds herself staring into the captivating eyes of JD Whitmore, he becomes the only thing she CAN think about. When she's with him, every worry in her life begins to fall away and it seems as though JD is the only thing keeping her together.
But the more she gets to know him, the more Kate begins to struggle to stay afloat. And maybe, just maybe, JD is drowning her in more than just love.
~ ~ ~
PREVIEW:
His eyes narrowed at my upward turned lips, and I quickly tried to mask it with a frown. It was too late though. His clasp on my chin tightened, so hard I almost jerked away. "Do you find this funny, Katie?"
I tried to say "no," but my lungs were so deflated and his grip on my chin was so tight that I think all that came out was a moan or mumble.
His eyes, positioned right in front of me, were like two mesmerizing whirlpools, sucking me in. In a resolute, velvety voice, he said, "Good."
Then, he snapped my entire head to the side with just a flick of his wrist so he had easier access to press his lips against my ear. Tightening his grip even more firmly around my chin, his other hand came up to wrap around my clavicle, his long, strong fingers creating cavities near the nape of my neck.
"Because the next time you refer to yourself as boring or plain or average," he growled. "I won't be so forgiving."
~ ~ ~
***TRIGGER WARNING***
This book contains overall themes and specific scenes of abuse and assault. Please read at your own risk.
If you are currently in an abusive relationship, or find yourself relating to the abusive aspects of this story in any way, please know that you are NOT ALONE and there is help available.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Lots of love to you all.