Shattered by Love by Dani René Read Free Book Online

her when she’s like this.
    Grabbing my jacket, I shrug it on and make my way out to the driveway. Hopping on my bike, I head toward my best friend’s place, as I weave through the cars, his house becomes visible; a two-level mansion with large windows that overlook the park.
    His bedroom has its own private balcony with an incredible view. He has a built-in closet that’s about the same size of my bedroom, it’s pure fucking luxury. Parking my bike against the fence, I lock the chain in place and bound up the stairs to the front door but before I can knock, it swings open. Lucien’s green eyes are sparkling with mischief and I wonder what he’s got planned for us today.
    I have been coming here for so long it’s like my second home. We’re on spring break which I dread, because I have to see my mother and as he takes in my expression, he frowns. “Jay. Are you okay?” I shake my head as I step inside. “Is she drunk again?”
    “Yeah, you know. The usual.” I reply as we make our way upstairs. When his step-mother is home, we hide out in his room since she’s a tyrant and seems to hate me. No idea why since I have done nothing to anger her.
    “What do you want to do? Studying sucks. Maybe we should go to the cheerleading practice, Ivy is there.” Our eyes lock and I can’t help the grin that spreads on my face. That blonde beauty will be the death of me. She is the head of the cheerleading squad. I remember the first time I laid eyes on her. She made my heart race and my dick hard.
    I haven’t spoken to her yet because I am away at college in LA and come back home only when we have a break it’s not enough time to get into something serious. I know she graduates this year, and she’s applied and been accepted to UCLA.
    “Let’s do that. Maybe we’ll find you a girl too.” Jumping up, we head down to Luke’s car, the Mustang, his father bought him when he turned sixteen. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery, and to be honest, I am jealous. He’s a lucky fucker. I guess I am too because he’s been my best friend for most of my life. His dad has accepted our friendship and treats me like I am part of his family.
    My own father didn’t even give me a proper goodbye. I was told by a lawyer that I got a small trust fund when I turned eighteen which I needed to use for college, but other than that, I haven’t seen him since I was a child. I suppose he couldn’t take my mother any more, he’s lucky to be rid of her. Even though she carried me for nine months, she’s never been a parent. There is no love between us and I doubt there ever will be.
    “Dude, pull in over there, I have to check out the photography store.” It’s Saturday afternoon and they’re closing soon. Luke pulls into the parking spot and I jump out before he’s killed the engine. I stare at the beautiful Canon EOS 7D Mark II in the window even though I can’t afford it right now. Life hasn’t afforded me many luxuries, but soon all that will change. I am still studying for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and my focus is on photography. That’s where my passion lies, it always has.
    My choice to push further for a Masters degree has me excited at the possibilities. It’s another two or three years to study, but in the long run, it will give me a future worth living for. I turn twenty-one in two months, and Lucien’s dad has promised me an internship once I am ready.
    “Is this the one you were telling me about?” I nod. Luke walks into the store and I watch him talking to the man behind the counter. My eyes drop to my shoes. I can’t bring myself to walk inside. Moments later the bell rings on the door and my best friend leans toward me. “This is yours. Happy birthday, brother.” My gaze snaps up to him.
    “No way. I can’t take this Luke.”
    “Sure you can. One day when you’re my lead photographer at Verán Publishers, pay me back.” He winks and strolls away, unlocking the car and sliding into the driver’s