Free Dying To Be Heard (Book 1): Outcry by Jennifer Michiels Page A

tension from the elastic band had been giving her a headache, but since it still was hurting, she was leaning more toward brain overload as the culprit.
    A knock at the door pulled her away from her thoughts.
    "Rayne? Are you okay?"
    It was Camden. She pushed herself up onto her elbows. "Yeah. You can come in."
    The knob turned, and Camden slowly entered. He was as gorgeous as ever in his jeans and tight T-shirt. His short hair was a mess, and she could tell he had been running his hands through it a million times. Those bright blue eyes of his stared, searching. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
    She nodded and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I suppose."
    That was the best answer she could give him. She herself wasn't sure. Not getting to meet her grandfather was disappointing, and the circumstances surrounding his death unsettling, but for her, he was gone long ago. Yes, she was "ok," and more determined now than before.
    She sat up straighter and folded her hands in her lap, staring down at them as her legs dangled over the edge of the bed. "I mean, it's already weird just being in Louisiana. It's worse that I'm with complete strangers." She gave him a weak smile. "But I can handle it. I'm a big girl."
    Camden moved forward and sat next to her on the edge of the bed. She'd become more at ease with his presence throughout the day. Why not? The guy had stayed the night in her apartment, she'd gotten on a plane with him and flew across the country, and now she'd be staying in a hotel with him and Connor. She might as well suck it up and get over it altogether.
    "I know this is extremely difficult for you," he started, and allowed their eyes to meet for a second. "I won't even try to imagine what it must be like to find out everything you have in the last twenty-four hours."
    Rayne smiled and nodded. She knew he was just trying to be comforting, and she was thankful for that. She'd thought she’d wanted to be alone, but now, she was glad he was here. She was taken aback when he reached over and placed his hand on hers.
    "If you need anything, I’m here," he said quietly.
    He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and she immediately was aware of the tingling sensation generating from their connection and running all the way up her arm and down her spine. She inhaled deeply and hoped with all she had that he wouldn't notice her cheeks flushing every shade of pink possible. She couldn't look at him, not even after he failed to let go for a moment.
    He gave a sigh before standing and leaving the room.
    Her skin was crackling with electricity, and she was reminded of the scene at the airport. Smiling to herself, she only halfheartedly tried to quell the memory of his lips against hers and the fervency with which he'd moved. A warmth began to coalesce in her core. What she wouldn't give to feel it again. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she'd thoroughly enjoyed it in spite of the situation.
    Her fingers came to gently rest on her lips and she let her eyes close in wishful thinking. It had been far too long since she’d been serious about anyone, and even longer since she’d been intimate. The velvety smooth feel of his lips had sparked something, and that tiny ember was threatening to spread. Her eyes snapped open as she realized where this was going. This was not the time or the place.
    Dismissing her fantasy, she stood and walked toward the window overlooking the busy street below. Next to it was a single-plate glass door that led out onto a small balcony. It looked more like a fire escape than anything, made of black iron bars and just barely big enough for two people. She didn't bother going out. She already knew it was hot and humid, and she could get the same view from the window.
    Down below, there were a few people moving about here and there, a few cars passing, but nothing out of the ordinary. To the right of the hotel, a large metal bridge was just visible, but it was hard to tell if there was