Cut Too Deep by KJ Bell Read Free Book Online Page B

phone number, which is why I’m making a personal appearance.”
    Hadley inspected her former guardian. She hadn’t seen him in close to three years. Pox marks dotted the hollow of his cheeks. His complexion appeared greasier than normal, the skin around his eyes shaded with dark shadows. Her eyes traveled over his wrinkled clothing to his overgrown mousy-brown hair, both of which were extremely out of character for him. She wondered for a moment why the typical OCD Harold Duwatski had let his appearance slip to such a disheveled state, and then remembered, she didn’t give a shit about this man.
    “Well, as you can see, I’m fine.”
    With a stiff spine, Hadley pushed past the man who helped destroy her. She made her way up the five steps to the door of her building. His recognizable and repulsive scent hit her stomach, causing her to gag. It wasn’t B.O. exactly, more like old sweat that cultivated in his folds and creases for years, musty and dirty. A shudder ran through her as Hadley vividly remembered the way his skin felt touching hers.
    Before her hand reached the knob, Harold said, “I saw you.”
    Hadley turned her head his way, but didn’t turn around.
    “Saw me where?”
    Harold sighed purposefully and loud enough for her to hear.
    “Those parties are illegal.”
    “They aren’t parties. I went there to dance,” Hadley said still facing the door. If she turned around, she would say something stupid, or do something regrettable. Something he would manipulate and use against her for his own enjoyment. She was just short of an incident free five years on her own. Another six months, and Hadley would no longer be under court supervision. She considered the short time she had left probably explained his visit.
    “It doesn’t matter why you went.” Hadley flinched when she heard the sole of his shoe press into the bottom stair. “They’re illegal.”
    Angry at his intrusiveness into her life, Hadley spun to face him, her teeth grinding together.
    “What do you want?”
    He grinned triumphantly, his eyes twinkling in morbid satisfaction.
    “Are you going to invite me in?”
    “No!”
    “You should reconsider.”
    “Go away, please.”
    When he climbed another step, Hadley resisted the urge to shove his fat ass down the stairs. As gratifying as it would be, the consequence for assault would be disastrous for her future plans. Harold’s eyes flickered with malice. The sick bastard clearly delighted in her reaction to him.
    “I know how much you enjoy your silly hobby, but there’s still some concern regarding your mental stability. I’ve been thinking of going to the court and telling them what you’re up to, but thought I’d give you a chance to make it right first.”
    Her former guardian’s words were disparaging. There had been a time when Hadley would have succumbed to his threats, a time when she felt weak and thought of herself as helpless. Stronger now, Hadley still faced many things in life that terrified her, but this pathetic, disgusting waste of air, wasn’t one of them. She wouldn’t allow him to belittle her, nor would she allow him to control her and force himself on her.
    Hadley stepped down one stair, so they were eye to eye, and with steel resolve, she shouted, “Go to hell!”
    Without waiting for his reply, Hadley turned away from him and opened the door. She slammed the door behind her and relished the incredible feeling of pride that swelled up inside of her. Harold Duwatski manipulated her fears for years, because she’d lacked the will to fight him and knew he would make her life hell if she did.
    Once free from the lunatic’s clutches, she vowed to be strong and never let anyone abuse her again, especially him. Her promise meant giving up her dream of being a dancer. The decision haunted her, but the look on his face when she stood up to him eased the pain. For the first time in forever, Hadley Walker felt free.
    Dr. LeClair had repeatedly assured Hadley he would