Free Shades of Sydney (Sydney West #1) by Brittney Coon

The memory of the slap caused me to touch my cheek. It was tender and a little swollen.
    “Sweet Jesus. Thank God you’re okay.”
    “For the most part. I was exhausted after yesterday and passed out once I felt safe.”
    She gave me a long look, a motherly look. “Why didn’t you have Jason bring you home? I think he’d be better than that Derek guy was.”
    I looked down, avoiding her eyes. “He wasn’t around and I wasn’t going to track him down. I didn’t want to seem needy.”
    Honestly, I was mad at Jason. He got me to play that asinine game and made me make a fool of myself. I didn’t want his help. Instead I took a stranger’s and almost paid dearly.
    “Oh, Syd. You would be asking a friend for a ride, nothing more,” she said, disappointed.
    “He isn’t a friend, more of an acquaintance,” I said coolly.
    She ran a hand through my sleep tousled hair. “At least he wouldn’t have thrown himself on you and tried to have sex with you.”
    “Let’s drop it. We can pretend this never happened.” I waved my hand in the air to erase this conversation.
    “You should press charges. That dude is dangerous.” She looked down at me like I was a troubled child. My swollen cheek didn’t help my case.
    “I don’t know his last name and I’d look ridiculous at the police station. I have a horrible description, a first name that could be fake, no car to describe since he drove mine, and I let him bring me home. It would seem like I wanted to have sex with him.”
    Amelia sighed, sounding defeated. “I guess you’re right. Our justice system is screwed up.”
    “Yes it is, but that’s how it works. Can we keep this between us?”
    I didn’t want Jason to learn about it. If he did, he’d probably lecture me on why he should’ve taken me. I hoped I could come up with a good story because I was sure Hunter was going to tell Jason I was passed out when he brought Amelia home.
    “This one time I’ll let it go, but don’t put yourself in that type of situation again.”
    I couldn’t meet her gaze and settled for looking at my nail beds. “Okay, I’ll be more careful.”
    Amelia got a cool cloth for my hurt cheek and sat down next to me on the couch. I rested my head on her shoulder and held the cloth to my face. How did she become strong and able to piece me back together? I thought I’d be teaching her and there she was, trying to teach me.
    I still couldn’t believe how well she got along with Hunter. Now that he’d nailed her, he may keep his distance. I’ve come to notice boys do that once they get what they want from girls. That’s why I play them at their own game. Sleeping with them and leaving before they get the chance to do it to me.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    The sky was blood red and the fluffy white clouds mocked me. A salty ocean breeze coated the air. Inhaling it should’ve been a sweet treat, but it sickened me. I was mad at the world, or maybe I was having a midlife crisis. Never thought I could have one of those in my early twenties.
    The mark on my cheek faded a couple days after that prick slapped me. Knowing I put myself in a bad situation didn’t sit well with me, so I was avoiding the parties for a while and gathering my bearings again.
    For the past couple weeks, I drank alone and hung out with Amelia when her lips weren’t sewn to Hunter’s. The calendar said it was mid-June and my best friend and Hunter were still a couple, despite my distaste. I knew it wasn’t my place to judge, but it bothered me. Maybe because I was nursing my ego as she laughed and cuddled with her man . That was what she was calling him lately. Gag me with a spoon, please.
    I was sitting on the couch and had the intent to remain there until I became part of the black stripe pattern on the gray fabric. My well-thought-out plan was shattered by the doorbell.
    “Can you get that?” Amelia yelled from upstairs. She was getting ready and wanted me, the girl who