Page 49 of Broken

Starting with fresh mani-pedis at our favorite salon, Annie and I decided to stop by a coffee shop, picking one that was next to a tiny bookstore. We curled up in the armchairs in the corner, the smell of coffee grounds and caramel permeating the air around us, our new paperback finds tucked into the seats beside us as we sipped at our frappuccinos. Megan and Emma came in when we were almost done, and we decided to get scones so we could nibble while we chatted with our friends.

Megan twirled her straw in her pink herbal iced tea. “So, I’ve been hanging with David lately, Izzy…”

“Yeah?” I shook my frap, trying to loosen the ice so I could take another sip.

“Yeah. He kind of asked me out. Would that bother you?”

“Why should it? If you like him, go for it.”

She exchanged a worried glance with Emma. “Well, it’s because of Zane. They’re like best friends, you know? So, if I start dating David…”

My stomach dropped, my interest in my frap now gone. “Oh. Well…” I didn’t know what to say and looked to Annie for help. She jumped right in.

“Jet’s friends with David, and it hasn’t been weird. Just know that if Izzy and I are going to be somewhere that we’re cool with David, but Zane can go hump a cactus.”

The rest of us covered our mouths, trying not to spit out our drinks and food.

“Wow. Love that image.” Emma laughed, and then Megan slapped her hand back over her mouth.

“Oh, no. I completely forgot I told David I’d be here.”

I turned to look where she was staring, and my stomach jumped to my throat as David opened the door, Zane right behind him.

Annie stood, grabbing my arm to urge me up. “That’s it for us, then. Sorry, guys.” She grabbed my cup and napkin, trashing it with hers, and hooked her arm with mine, steering us so she’d be a blocker between me and Zane.

His eyes lit up when he saw us, locking in on me. “My day just got better.” He stepped in front of us, and Annie pulled me behind her back.

“Get bent.” She shoved past him, and we almost made it to the door when Zane grabbed my wrist. He quickly released, sliding his hand further up my arm.

“Wait.”

I yanked my arm to get it free, but he tightened his hold. “Let go, Zane.” I added force to my voice with his harsh grip.

“No. Not without you talking to me.”

“What? Want to try to force her into something again?” Annie hissed, and Zane scowled.

“Mind your fucking business, Annie.”

“My sister is my business. Now, let her go or I’ll yell out date rape to this whole freaking cafe.”

Zane instantly released, and my hand went to my arm, massaging where his fingers had been. I looked down at the ground, following my sister out the door. It wasn’t until we were pulling up at home that I saw the bruises forming on my arm.

I quickly covered them, but Annie saw. “Is that?” She tugged my hand away. “Thatasshole. Izzy, seriously.”

“Seriously, what, Annie? I dumped him. I don’t want anything to do with him. I’vetoldhim that. I can’t make him not be a jerk.”

She growled, sticking her fingers in her hair then cutting the engine. “Iknow. I’m just so tired of him. Why can’t he just leave you alone? Move on?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. I’d be relieved to see him with someone else.”

“See who with someone else?” Jet asked, walking up with Tucker as Annie and I got out.

“Zane.” Annie growled his name. “He fucking bruised Izzy’s arm this time.”

“He what?” Tucker’s eyes flashed dark.

“I’m fine.” I quickly reassured him, but I didn’t think he heard.

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