Page 2 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
“Ya, she’s real pretty, I’m glad we stumbled upon her.”
I ignore them and start forward when the one referred to as Jase walks out in front of me, blocking my way. I swallow nervously and attempt to calm my pounding heart while figuring out how I was going to get out of this mess. I know I won’t be able to outrun them but if I could just make it to the street surely someone would hear me scream for help.
Deciding I have no other choice I try and run for it. It was exactly what they were anticipating. I don’t make it far before the other one grabs my hair and pulls me back against him. He claps his hand around my mouth, muffling my screams.
“You stupid bitch. Shut the fuck up!” I kick and fight with every bit of strength I possess, but none of it makes a difference, he’s too strong.
He starts dragging me back to my mom’s grave while his friend Jase stands in front, watching us with a sickening expression. When he starts rubbing his crotch I close my eyes and try to swallow the bile that’s rising in my throat.
“Come on, fucking help me man, this bitch is squirmy.”
Jase snaps to attention and grabs my kicking legs to help carry me back. They drop me roughly on my mom’s grave, knocking the breath from my lungs. The one behind me pins my arms above my head while Jase sits on my legs. Jase wraps a hand around my throat then leans in with a malicious smile: “I’m gonna fuck you right here on your mother’s grave, you little bitch.”
For the first time since they showed up I feel something other than fear. I’m so angry at the way he spats my mother’s name that I spit in his face.
He looks at me in shock and, to be honest, so am I. “You’re a brave little whore,” he raises his hand and slaps me across my face. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth and black spots dance in my vision. “After I’m done fucking you, my buddy is gonna fuck you, and after he’s done I think we’re gonna have to beat some manners into you bitch.”
His hands start tearing at my tank top, ripping my strap. “No! Please don’t do this, please,” I plead, but then I quickly become quiet when I realize he enjoys my begging. When he starts to undo his belt I close my eyes and start to pray. It’s the first time I have prayed since my mom died. I’m praying so hard that I don’t realize when my legs are suddenly free. Soon though I clue in to the shouting and grunts that are happening. Opening my eyes I look to the left to see Jase on the ground with another guy on top of him, beating the ever livin crap out of him. Finally the guy holding my arms lets go and runs to help his buddy.
“Watch out!” I scream warning the mystery guy. He turns around just in time to land a solid right hook which causes my attacker to hit the ground unconscious.
Whoa, the guy packs a serious punch. When he fully stands and looks at me I realize that mystery guy is none other than the town’s local bad boy, Jaxson Reid. Jaxson’s expression is so full of rage that my body spikes again with fear. As he starts towards me I shirk away, against my mother’s headstone. He slows down realizing I’m scared of him and cautiously approaches me.
“It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you. Are you ok? Shit! Never mind, that was a dumb fucking question! Everything is going to be ok. I’m gonna call the police now.”
After he calls the police he sits a little distance away and waits with me. Awkward silence surrounds us. I want to say something, to say thank you, but I can’t seem to form any words.
He catches me off guard when he leans over and gently brushes his fingers across my bruised cheek. “Sorry I didn’t make it in time before this happened.”
His tenderness surprises me. I was told Jaxson was dangerous and he was someone you didn’t want to screw with. After seeing what he just did to my two attackers I can see why.
I swallow nervously, “Don’t be sorry. Thank you for coming when you did, because if you hadn’t, well… you know what was about to happen.”
It all comes rushing back to me. Wrapping my arms around my legs I bury my face in my knees and start sobbing. Jaxson moves a little closer to me and pats my shoulder awkwardly, “It’s over, everything is going to be ok now.” I can tell he’s uncomfortable trying to console me, not knowing what to say. “Listen I know now is not the time to be a dick, but what the hell are you doing at a graveyard late at night by yourself?”
“I was visiting my mother. I didn’t think coming here would almost get me raped,” I snap, then instantly feel bad, his question is legitimate. “I’m sorry, you’re right it was stupid. I won’t be doing it again, at least not in the middle of the night.”
“I don’t recognize those assholes. I’m assuming they were driving through, maybe back to Charleston,” he shrugs, “either way, probably a good idea if you come during daylight.”
“I will,” I say quietly.
Then he sticks out his battered hand to me, “I’m Jaxson Reid.”
I put my shaking one in his: “Julia. Julia Sinclair.”
I pull myself back to the present and try to shake the memory. What had started out to be one of the most awful nights of my life turned out to be one of the best. Because the sexy, dark and mysterious bad boy I was warned to steer clear of became my best friend. Since that night Jaxson has taken care of me, protected me. He brought me back from the brink of pain and heartbreak after losing my mother. He reminded me what is was like to be happy again.
