The Complete Quake Series Boxset - Jacob Chance Page 0,294

toilet bowl while I brace myself for the next wave of nausea to hit.

I never imagined I’d have to deal with Scott Granger again. He nearly ruined me the first time around and now five years later, I’m no better prepared. Is there a way to prepare to date an abusive, vengeful psychopath? If there is, I’d like to know because that’s my future and it’s looking pretty fucking dismal.

Three Years Ago

“Can’t we stay here tonight or go to your apartment? I don’t want to go to a party,” I say, with a sexy pout on my lips.

“We’re going to the party, Elle.”

“But I don’t want to go to a frat party, Scott. Why don’t you go alone and then come back here later?”

His fingers close tightly around my upper arm, digging into the flesh. “I said we’re going and we’re fucking going.” His pupils dilate with anger as he stares down at me.

“You’re hurting me, Scott,” I cry, tugging my arm to free it from his hold. It doesn’t work and only angers him more.

“Are you trying to get away from me, Elle? Is that what you want?” Gripping my other arm, he holds firmly to both. He shakes me back and forth like a rag doll, an unhinged expression on his face. “Is there someone else?”

“No,” I sob. “I love you.”

“There better not be. If I find out you’re lying to me, there will be hell to pay.”

“I’m not lying,” I shout.

His hand meets my cheek with the sharp crack of a slap. My head spins to the side from the force, my hand slipping between us to cover my stinging skin. My eyes fill with tears. I can’t believe he hit me. Instantly, I sob. I’m so hurt and confused by his actions. Why? What did I do that was so bad?

He gentles his hold and slides his hands up and down my arms. “I’m sorry, Elle. If you’d do as I said, this never would have happened. Is it too much to ask that we go to one party?”

I shake my head and avoid looking at him.

He lifts my chin with an index finger. “Look at me,” he orders and I do as he says. “Go fix your makeup and hair. You’re a fucking mess. I don’t want to be seen with you right now.” He raises his hand, gesturing at my overall appearance and I flinch in reaction. I’m afraid of this new version of my boyfriend. I’m seeing him like this more often lately and I don’t know what to do to make things the way they used to be. What am I doing wrong?

Chapter Twenty-Four

Josh

My phone buzzes with an incoming text when I’m between clients. Swiping the screen, I notice it’s Elle.

Elle: I won’t be able to make it tonight. Bad migraine. Going to bed. Talk tomorrow.

Frowning as I reread the words, I type out a reply.

Me: I’m sorry to hear this. I’ll miss you. Get some rest and know I’ll be thinking of you.

Slipping my phone into my back pocket, I rake my teeth over my lip. This isn’t like Elle. Normally, she would call me - even if it was to say a quick goodnight. Texting is so impersonal; we prefer to hear each other’s voices.

I’m not sure what’s up with her, but I can give her the space she obviously needs. This will give me an opportunity to work on my paintings for the art competition. I’ve been using what little spare time I have to finish them, but there’s still quite a bit to do. Maybe if I pull an all-nighter, I can knock out most of it.

Elle has been radio silent all day. My texts and calls have gone unanswered. It’s obvious something’s wrong and it’s typical of Elle not to burden me or anyone else with her problems.

By the time the studio closes, I’m chomping at the bit to get over to her place and find out what the fuck is going on.

My fist pounds on the door. I’m frustrated she’s pulling away and worried she’s not going to let me drag her back in. Again, my knuckles knock against the steel. “Elle,” I call her name so she’ll know it’s me.

The door slowly opens and a disheveled version of Elle appears in the space. She squints and blinks indicating she’s just waking up. Her eyes are red and puffy as if she’s been crying.

“Are you okay?” She’s a mess - a hauntingly beautiful mess.

Pushing her hair