Free Saved by the Blizzard: A romantic winter thriller (Tellure Hollow Book 2) by Adele Huxley Page A

eyes and hoped Bryan’s reaction would be different, would be more like the Bryan I knew. I must be getting all this out of context, I thought, but instead I heard that same laugh. “Are you fucking deaf? I told you I already took it...recoup your losses...naive girl.” These words popped out as if in bold print on a page. Kayla looped her arm through mine and pleaded for some kind of explanation.
    Naive girl? Is that what you really think of me? I was furious. I was that terrible kind of angry that leaves you shaking, trembling, even crying. The kind where men think they should try and comfort you when really, they should be hiding any sharp objects within reach. I stood there listening to them negotiate a price on my body, too shocked and horrified to do anything. It was only when they started throwing out genuine numbers that I lost my shit.
    Pulling Kayla out by her arm like a shield, I emerged from the shadows of the shed to see them facing each other, deep in conversation. Bryan’s back was to me and I was sure Rick had seen us appear, but he made no notice.
    “Three hundred,” Bryan said.
    I didn’t know who to glower at more, the jackass who’d ruined my life and was chasing me or the jackass who just offered to sell me like livestock. Rick stood back and smirked. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to hurt someone so badly in my life. No matter how much that policeman Hughes had liked me, I don’t think I’d be able to talk my way out of an assault charge with my breasts.
    “You have got to be kidding me,” I shouted. For some reason, the shocked look on Bryan’s face made it even worse, like a kid who’d been caught in a lie. “Oh please, keep bargaining. Let’s see how low you can get him.” My vision swam in tears but I resorted to the same snarky attitude that’d always kept me strong. “Quick question, though. When you’re finished, do I just lay down and spread my legs here?”
    Kayla gasped and pulled me close. “What are they talking about?” I shook my head. So much for my well-laid plans, but I guess it didn’t matter anymore.
    The tiny foundation we’d built together crumbled to ash. I couldn’t believe the person in front of me, the one I’d heard talking with such audacity, was the same who’d knelt in front of me, bandaging my wounds while I spilled out my life story. The same kissable mouth, the same warm, hazel eyes but who really lurked behind them? I panicked as he stepped towards me, afraid of what I might do if he touched me.
    “Don’t you dare come near me,” I snapped.
    “I trust you, too. I’ve been more open with you than anyone—” he started but I couldn’t bear to listen to any more.
    I pushed him away, like I push everyone away. Even my self-righteousness couldn’t make me feel any better about it. Bragging about taking my virginity...I couldn’t stop myself. I had to throw it back in his face if that’s all he cared about, embarrass him even a fraction of the amount he’d embarrassed me.
    “And by the way, just so you know, I’m still a virgin,” I said directly to Rick. If I was on my own, I had to protect myself completely. “At this rate, I will be for the rest of my life, fuckers.”
    I turned right around and followed my footsteps back up the hill, cursing the entire way.
     
    ____________
    “More,” I said holding out my mug of hot chocolate. Kayla and I were both curled up in my bed, nestled in a sea of pillows and blankets. We watched the dancing flames of the lit fire, a light snow drifting by the windows outside. Without a word, Kayla reached over to the side table and picked up the bottle of whiskey and uncorked it.
    “You know how I feel about the guy, but I don’t understand why you’re so upset with him. It’s not like he lied to you or anything,” she said as she tipped another shot into the cocoa. I pulled it close, wrapping my hands around it and took a sip. I glanced at the open laptop at the foot of the bed. A Wikipedia