Free Naughty Angel (Sexy Nerd Boys #2) by K. M. Neuhold Page B

you,” She says, coming around the bar to sit next to me with her own drink in hand.
    “Why?”
    I can’t help but worry that this is about my spending time with Asher. So far he’s been nothing but a nice guy and a good friend, so I really don’t want to hear any more about him being ‘too advanced’ for me.
    “You haven’t dated much, so you may not know what’s normal and what’s abnormal. But, the way I saw Brahm treating you is absolutely not okay.”
    I almost breath a sigh of relief that we’re talking about Brahm and not Asher.
                  “He doesn’t hurt me or anything, he just thinks he knows what’s best. My father was the same way,” I try to explain, more in defense of myself than of Brahm.
                  “That’s what I was afraid of. I understand that in some religious families the women are made to believe that they aren’t as capable of making decisions as a man is. I want to tell you that this is the twenty first century and women do have a voice. You don’t belong to any man, you are your own person, capable of making your own decisions.”
    “Okay,” I nod meekly taking another sip of my drink.
                  “I know I probably seem a bit intense about this... but, I was abused when I was young, before I knew what was normal and what wasn’t. I feel like it’s my responsibility to protect other women when I can.”
    “Your boyfriend hurt you?” I can’t picture Abby letting a man hurt her at all.
    She nods solemnly.
                  “My boyfriend in high school used to beat me up, verbally berate me, and...rape me,” She explains, her voice breaking on the last two words.
    As if summoned by her tears Ethan appears from the kitchen and puts an arm around her.
    “What’s going on?” He looks to me like I did something to upset her.
    “Relax macho man, I was just talking to Eve about Brahm,” Eve assures him.
    He takes her face in his hands and kisses the tears off her cheeks. My heart aches at the tenderness of the gesture.
    “No offense Eve, but that guy is a complete tool,” Ethan says.
    I have no idea what a ‘tool’ is but it definitely doesn’t sound like a compliment.
    “I know guys, I’ve been thinking I was going to break up with him anyway,” I assure them.
    “Good,” Abby gives me a hug.
    “Thanks for being my friend.”
    I’ve never had so many people worry so much about me before. It’s really nice.
     
     

Chapter 9
    Eve
    Nikki: we’re going clubbing tonight, wear something sexy
    Eve:...I don’t really know how to dance
    Nikki: Lol. see you in an hour
     
                  In spite of the nervous butterflies in my stomach I can’t keep the smile off my face at the idea of going out dancing with my friends. I’d imagined scenarios like this for years and I almost wonder if I’ve hit my head and this whole thing has been a wonderful coma dream.
                  The image of Asher’s lips quirked up in a smile makes my toes tingle and my stomach dance.
     
    Eve: You free tonight?
    Asher: That depends what you have in mind ;)
    Eve: clubbing with the girls. It’d be more fun with you there
    Asher: I’m in, see you soon
     
    Yeah, this is definitely a coma dream. And, I hope I never wake up.
     
     
    Asher
                  “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Dex asks suspiciously when I jump off the couch as soon as I get Eve’s text message.
    “Clubbing with Eve and the girls.”
    “Oh yeah? You think Remy’ll be there?” Dex attempts to sound casual but fails miserably.
    Poor guy’s got it just as bad as I do.
                  “I would assume so.” I shrug before heading down the hallway to my room so I can get some clean clothes on.
                  “Don’t leave without me,” Dex calls out.
    I chuckle to myself and shake my head.
     
                  Thirty minutes later we’re standing outside