Emma Chase by Jen Khan Read Free Book Online Page A

pulling my abdomen to his face.
    “Please . I need you,” he whispered, and I felt his large body shake.
    I couldn’t stop the tears.  They kept pouring down my face.
    “Leave, Braden.  I will always love you, which is why I need you to leave.”
    He stood up and crushed my body to him.  “I can’t leave.  You have my heart , baby.”
    I put my hands on his waist and pushed him back.  “I’m giving it back.”
    I reach over grabbing the door knob.  Braden nodded with tears in his eyes.  He walked out of the door and didn’t look back.

I thought about Braden every day over the months we were apart.  He was the first thing on my mind when I woke up in the morning and he was the last thing on my mind when I went to sleep at night.  I spent many sleepless nights crying.  It was pure hell.
    A week before the rape, I went to see him at his family’s bar.  I knew he would be there because he helped his father manage Holt's and he worked as a bartender.  The man sure knew his way around a bar. 
    He didn’t want to speak to me, much less see me.  Olivia was fit to be tied that I’d even considered walking into their bar. 
    I knew then why I went to him.  He would help me if he only knew what I was facing.  If I could just get to him and explain what was going on.  He would understand. 
    He didn’t. 
    That night, Braden wanted nothing to do with me.  Sent me right back out the door.  He couldn’t forgive me.  I could see that boldly conveyed through his eyes.  I also saw the longing that had slipped through when he wasn’t strong enough to keep it hidden for one brief moment when I turned back to him one last time before walking out the door.
    A week later, I went back to him seeking the same thing I ’d come to him for in the first place.
    I finish freshening up and g ive myself a once-over, straightening my tank top and checking for anything that may be exposed that shouldn’t be. 
    Deep breath in—out. 
    I find him in the kitchen.
    Braden is sitting on a stool at the breakfast bar while Holly makes the coffee. 
    “Good morning , traitor,” I greet her with an ‘eat shit and die’ look.
    Holly peeks over her shoulder at me and smirks. 
    She’ll pay.
    “Good morning, sunshine.  Sleep well?”
    Now that I think about it, last night was the first time that I got a good night’s sleep in ages.
    “Whatever,” I reply.
    A low laugh rose from Braden's chest. 
    My face crinkles. “What?” I shoot at him.
    His smile gets bigger.  Damn him.
    “I have things to do, so if you don’t mind—“
    His smile gets even wider.
    I’m glad that he finds some amusement in this.  Douche.
    Braden slides off the barstool and walks towards me.  He is now invading my space.  Him and his stupid smile.
    My shoulders tense.
    “I guess I gotta get home,” he says with a chuckle.
    I can feel the panic release, and I am relieved. 
    I nod.
    He takes my hand and has me escort him to the door.  Apparently, I don’t have a choice in the matter.
    He stops at the door and faces me, my hand still in his, our bodies so close I can feel his heat radiating. 
    “I’ll be back tonight to pick you up around six o’clock.  I’m taking you to dinner.”
    He peers around me and into the kitchen at Holly. He gives his manly roar of a laugh.  That sound always makes me smile.  I realize that I am smiling and shake it off.
    I follow his gaze over my shoulder at her and see that she is doing some silly dancing jig. We are no longer friends.
    Then she sa ys, “That sounds like a great idea.  You two go and catch up."
    My mouth gape s open.  I look up at the ceiling, saying a silent prayer to be struck down right where I stand.  What is she doing?
    Braden brings his hands up to both sides of my jaw and rubs his thumb along my jawline.
    I search desperately in my head for an excuse.
    My stupid mind can’t come up with anything.  Gaaahh!!
    He takes one thumb from my jaw and softly runs it across my bottom