Rock Me Deeper (Licks of Leather #5) - Jenna Jacob Page 0,37

horrific story coming out of Hollywood this morning, involving the recording industry,” the equally somber male co-anchor announced.

My blood turned to ice.

My heart skipped a beat, then started pounding like a jackhammer.

Is this it?

Is this the news I’ve been watching and waiting for?

Did Mia finally managed to take that monster down?

“The LA District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant charging internationally known and multimillionaire recording agent, Carl Zattman with thirty-seven counts of criminal kidnapping, rape, sodomy, and three counts of murder.”

When the image of Zattman’s evil face filled the screen, a rush of terror detonated in my veins. A whimper of fear pealed off the back of my throat, followed by the muted sound of breaking glass. My heart was thrumming so loudly in my ears, I couldn’t make out the reporter’s words. My brain was so busy replaying every punch, slap, cut, and burn Zattman had inflicted while I lay helplessly bound to his bed that I was barely aware of the pain peppering my leg or the gasps and cries of the customers around me.

Tremors shook my body like a series of earthquakes. A hand clutched my shoulder, sending a punch of adrenaline sailing through my system. I whipped around and raised a fist as I met Trudy’s worried gaze.

“You’re safe,” she whispered, piercing my panic as she wrapped me in a hug and pressed her mouth close to my ear. “Relax. Listen to me, honey, he’s locked up in jail. He can’t hurt you now. It’s all right. I’ve got you.”

“What’s happening, Caris? Tell me what’s wrong…what doesn’t feel right?” Doc Everly’s deep voice, filled with concern, spilled over me like a warm, safe blanket.

He was a kind, grandfatherly sort, the epitome of a small-town physician you’d see in movies or on TV. And though I took great comfort in his soothing timbre, I realized I was causing a scene.

What’s wrong? Everything.

“Papa, I think she’s going into shock,” Helen whispered.

“I know, dear. Get my coat, wrap it around her. Help me get her across the street and settled into the exam room.”

“No,” I blurted, breaking free of my terror-stricken stupor. “I-I’m fine. I’ll be fine.”

“What can I do to help?” Shane suddenly appeared beside Trudy; his blue eyes shimmered with worry instead of mischief.

“Nothing. No one needs to do anything,” I assured, forcing a tight smile. “I just…”

“Need to come to my office, Caris,” Doc stressed. “At least long enough for me to take care of the cuts and burns on your legs.”

“Cuts and burns. Cuts and burns. Why is it always cuts and burns?” I asked on a half-crazed laugh.

God, I’m losing my mind, coming unglued at the hinges in front of the whole damn town.

Okay, so I was exaggerating. There were only a handful of customers in the place. But by lunchtime, everyone in Diamond City would know I’d lost my marbles.

“Caris, go with Doc and let him fix you up. Shane and I will take care of things here,” Trudy assured.

“Okay,” I whispered, hyperaware of the customers’ uneasy stares.

As Helen draped Doc’s coat over my shoulders, I took a step and jolted at the glass crunching under my foot. Looking down, I was mortified to find the coffeepot reduced to shimmering splinters in a puddle of black liquid.

“Oh, Trudy. I’m so sorry. It…it must have slipped out of my hand.”

“I know, honey. I know.” She nodded with a reassuring smile. “We’ll take care of it while Doc takes care of you. Just, please, don’t worry about anything. You have friends who love you. Friends who’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, understand?”

Ever since the morning after I’d returned home and we’d dropped our walls and shared our secrets, Trudy and I had grown exponentially closer…we’d become real friends.

As Doc and Helen led me from the café, I tried to mask the raw unease pulsing in my veins but was afraid everyone could see right through me. Keeping my head down, I let the pair lead me out into the chilly wind and across the street.

It didn’t take long for Doc Everly to notice the fresh scars on my body as he cleaned and wrapped the fresh cuts and burns. When he asked me about them, I simply shook my head and remained silent.

He pursed his lips and clasped my hand. “I know you don’t remember, but I was there with Celest, the night you were born.”

The mention of my mom’s name sent a rush of emotion through me. Tears stung my eyes,