Page 30 of Jake's Angel

I’m wrong on all accounts.

Glancing around, I’m searching for anyone who would help me, but no such luck. It’s just me and him.

He relaxes his grip but doesn't release me.

“What’s the rush, Angel?” He taunts. He scans my body from head to toe slowly. The heat of his gaze is like a warm caress over my skin. I shiver, seeing the desire that pools in his eyes. I pull again, trying to get free from his hold. He tightens his grip again, only this time I whimper at the pain it causes as his fingers dig into my bruises. His brow creases and he lets me go immediately.

Taking a step back, I rub my arm, trying to soothe the sting and cover the marks before he has a chance to say anything. My actions seem to frustrate him. Jake grabs my wrist, pulling my hand away from my arm. He lifts the edge of my T-shirt sleeve. His heated gaze, once one of desire, has morphed to fury and rage.

Run, Avery.

There’s something very dangerous radiating off the man in front of me, yet I can’t seem to make my feet move.

“How did you get those marks? Who did this to you?” He grits out.

Feeling defensive, and a little taken aback, I snap at him. “A guy.”

It’s none of his fucking business. Who is he to get mad at me?

“He left bruises on you?” He looks like he’s barely holding his shit together.

I shrug.

What the hell is his problem?

“He got a name?” He has no reason to be this upset. It has nothing to do with him.

I go for the evasive answer. The half-truth. “Doesn’t matter.”

“I want his name, Angel.” Jake pushes.

“Why? Like I said before, it doesn’t matter. He can’t hurt me anymore. Just drop it, Jake.”

“What happened?” Jake grits out, his voice low and threatening. “What else did he do?”

I find myself wanting to tell him. Wondering if he’d genuinely care enough to do anything, but it’s a ridiculous thought. He doesn’t even know me. The best thing to do is give him the bullet points version. It’s vague, but still the truth.

“I wanted to leave. When I struggled, he grabbed me and his hand left marks.” My voice is low so others around the store might not hear, while I look pointedly at him. “There's no need for you to worry about it. It’ll go away in a few days.” It’s the same thing I used to calm Jayde’s reaction.

“Has this happened before?” I can tell he already knows the answer to his question, so I don’t bother to say any more, choosing to avoid his gaze. “Fuck.” He snaps. “Where is he, Angel?”

“Gone.”

“Avery!” Jayde’s voice carries through the store. I gasp. Hearing my name sends a sharp pain through my chest. “Where the hell are you?”

Please don’t recognize me. Please don’t tell your dad.

There’s hurt and confusion in his eyes. It doesn’t make sense but, whatever has caused it, I know I need to get out of here.

Does he know who I am?

“I got you a shit ton of cereal. I hope it’s enough to get you …” Jayde stops abruptly, noticing the staring contest that is now taking place between me and her brother.

“Jake?” The distraught sound of her voice grips me. I turn to find Jayde’s eyes are wide, staring at my lifted shirt sleeve, and the exposed bruises on my arm. She looks at Jake with concern for me in her eyes, which swiftly turns into expectation. Sheknows he didn’t do it, but she’s looking to him to do something about it.

Why do they care so much?

“Avery?” Jake whispers my name, then drops my arm as if touching me burns him. He’s not looking at me, he’s looking through me. It’s as if I’m a ghost or something.

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