Free Damaged Love (Bound Series Book 2) by Layla Stevens Page A

without an education and money. So what kind of job can a woman find with no experience? I took the first job I could get. I am not proud of it. I was a stripper. My stage name was Phoenix. I made good money and before long I had an apartment. For the first time in my life I was truly living. I was enrolled in college and I was doing really well in school. I was one semester away from getting my degree in Psychology.”
    “I went into work one Friday evening and a friend of mine named, Rayna, said that there was a party and we needed to go. They were paying top dollar for a couple of girls to dance for some frat guys. So I agreed and went to the frat house. It was loud and the guys were already drinking heavily. Of course I didn’t care that they were drinking, I was there to make money and leave. After our dance was over, I went up to the bar area and asked for a Sprite. There was no alcohol in the drink at all. Or at least there was not supposed to be. But now that I think about it, there was most likely vodka in the cup. It’s clear and has no smell. So I drank half of it and had to go the restroom. I was only there for maybe a minute and I had asked Rayna to watch my drink. When I came back she was talking to Seth, I had seen him around campus before, but I never talked to him, so we all talked for a few minutes and everything was going good. He seemed so nice. He was good looking. I had noticed he had a white ring around his ring finger. I even asked him if his Wifey had let him off the ball and chain tonight. He of course laughed and said something like that.”
    “I excused myself because I needed some air as the room was starting to spin. I thought it was just because there was so many people and the music was really loud. So I walked outside with no direction in mind. I was just wandering and I spotted the water at the back. I have always been mesmerized by water at night. I started feeling really tired, so I took off my jacket and sat down on it not thinking I would fall asleep. But I did. I remember hearing voices, I knew there were several people around. I kept trying to open my eyes but it was like they were glued shut. But all of a sudden there was someone on top of me. His voice was so familiar. I had just heard it. I remember him saying you are not the one I was planning on but you will work.”
    “He held me down and had his hand over my mouth. I remember biting his hand. That did not even phase him. He kept telling me what a lucky woman I was because he could have any woman he wanted. When he finally finished, he got up and walked away. I laid there for a few minutes because I was embarrassed. When I did leave, I went back to my apartment, took a scalding hot shower, and then packed up all my stuff and left. I got in my car and headed to Texas, and I’ve lived there ever since. I had all my schooling transferred to Baylor College and finished there. I got my degree in Psychology. I also have a practice in Birmingham and that is where I met you.”
    “When you were born I did not even name you so you were given a name by a nurse. I do have your hospital bracelet that I had on and it said baby girl as your name. I am so sorry that you had a hard and rough life. Believe me if I could have traded places with you, I would in a minute. I hope you can forgive me one day.”
    Patrice begins to get up, but I stop her.
    “I’m sorry I scared you. Can you ever forgive me Mom?”
    “Oh honey, there is nothing to forgive.”
    We are both crying. And she whispers I love you.
    “I love you too, mom. Now can we please go home? I am sure Garrett is going out of his mind. Oh, how did you know where I was?”
    “I followed you. I knew you would not come right up, and I was right. What made you come to this church?”
    “I don’t know. I heard the soothing music, and I just love it here.”
    “Me too dear. Me too.”

CHAPTER NINE
    Dealing with Life
     
    “Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught