Devious by Aria Declan Read Free Book Online Page B

me out.”
    Derek sat close to me on the couch, with his eyes on my perfect cleavage. “I can take you places and treat you like a pearl. I’m a way better man than Tyler ever was. I think it might be a blessing in disguise that he is now dead!”
    I shoved him away realizing he was drunk, but he grabbed my wrists. “Let me go! You are disgusting. I’m only seventeen.”
    In shock, Derek could not believe I broke his grip. I stood over him and smacked him across his sweaty face. Then, I smacked him again from the other direction.
    He dropped his taco and pushed me back. “No woman puts their hands on me.”
    Just as he was about to attack me, I shoved him back onto the couch and perfectly wrapped my hands around his neck. I tugged on him harder, and harder, until he turned purple.
    But, something told me to let go—so, I stopped. I stared in amazement at my own hands. Who knew I was that strong and powerful?
    Derek gasped for air and then tried to yell at me. “You...you...crazy...bitch!” He threw the remaining taco shell he had at my face, but he missed. “What drugs are you on?”
    “I told you to leave me alone!”
    “You did not have to choke me,” he cried. “Are you crazy? Oh, wait, I just discovered you are!” He ran out the home and then spit in my doorway. “Bitch!” He headed toward the bar—to tell everyone what just happened. Of course, he would probably change the story a bit to make him sound like the innocent one. And he would not let me get away with what I did. He liked to see me suffer.
    I collapsed on the couch in amazement and fear. I did not know the power I had. I imagined all the fights I could have won if I knew I was that mighty. I would not need a man's strength to protect me.
    As I dazed off, the colors in the room began to get brighter and brighter—I screamed as loud as I could, covering my eyes. I went to close my curtains that was letting the dim street lights shine through my window. As I sat back down, my phone rang and it was Mama.
    “Hello?” I cried. “Mama?”
    “Oh my gosh! I cannot believe Tyler was murdered! I’m coming home right now!” she cried. “I heard his body was found on our lawn! Baby, I cannot imagine how you must feel. I should have never come here in the first place. I’m such a bad mother.”
    “I feel dizzy and lightheaded.”
    “Oh, is that a sign of grief? I have no idea,” she muttered. “You know what, I’m sending for you to come out here. I don't want you to be next. I was telling your sister, like she understands, but I told her that I want to leave Riverbed. There is way too much crime for such a small town. We need to move to where the Kardashian's live. Wouldn't that be a better start? Well, that is if I win. I’m counting on winning though.”
    “Reality TV has really gotten to you.”
    “Well, I’m close to winning. How did I look on screen? Did you record it? Do you think it will be online? Oh, I’ve gotten so many great emails from everyone back at home. I even think I found love.”
    “Typical you, Mama. You find out that my one true love is dead but this conversation turns into something about you. Go ahead with your reality show. I don't even care anymore.”
    “Why are you being so rude? It was honestly a matter of time before he died. He was such an asshole. And he hurt you a lot. If anything he deserved to die sooner.”
    I hung up the phone, angry that Mama even said anything like that. I would never wish death on someone—but, never say never.
    Christian knocked on the door, but it was open. So, he let himself in and walked in slowly. “Why is your door open? It smells like tacos in here. Your home always smells weird. We are comfortable with each other, so I can say that now, right?”
    “What do you mean it smells weird?” I snapped.
    “Not a big deal,” he sighed. “So, um my dad said he would feel better if you stayed with us until your mom comes back home. That would make me feel better