Sins of the Innocent: A Novella by Jamie McGuire Read Free Book Online Page B

that was easy,” Levi said, leaning back against the wooden slats of the bench. “I actually just wanted this bench to myself.”
    I narrowed my eyes at him. I knew full well he was going to try to manipulate me by playing into my competitive nature, but we both knew who would win in a fight. At least, I was ninety-nine percent sure. “I know what you’re doing. It’s not funny. This isn’t a game.”
    “Says who?” Levi said. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, his fingers intertwined.
    “Me. I say. Go away.”
    “Eden …” Morgan said, more than a little surprised at my demeanor. “Do you know this guy?”
    I lowered my chin, trying to show Morgan with my eyes just how much I meant my next words. “Yes. He’s dangerous, Morgan. Stay away from him.”
    A group of young men walked together along the fence line. Right away, something felt off. The one in front was wearing a red ball cap.
    He noticed Morgan right away and nodded to his friends. “That’s him,” Red Hat said, too far away for Morgan to hear. “The kid from Lacie’s party.”
    Not that I needed validation, but the admission was one more reason to form a plan. Red Hat was one of the guys at the graduation party who had tried to pick a fight with Morgan.
    “Morgan, why don’t you come sit?” I asked with a smile, gesturing to the spot next to Levi.
    Morgan made a face. “You just told me to stay away from him.”
    Levi watched the group, targeting them through the darkness between lampposts, before Morgan even realized they were there.
    “Don’t worry about them,” Levi said.
    “Huh?” Morgan asked, shifting his weight.
    “C’mon, Morg. Let’s just go,” I said, reaching out my hand.
    “Well, hello, friends!” Red Hat said.
    Morgan glanced back, immediately recognizing a few in the group. He pushed up his glasses as he always did when he was nervous.
    “He looks like he’s out past his curfew, Craig,” another man said.
    The Red Hat had a name, one much more civil than what I would have liked to call him.
    Craig smirked and leaned against the closest lamppost, calculating the entertainment value of simply humiliating Morgan or pushing it a step further.
    Morgan sensed his intentions, taking a step back.
    Craig’s laughter was echoed by his friends. “Where are you going, scrawny? Hope your fag hag will save you again.”
    “Pardon?” Morgan said. “Wh-what did you call her?”
    Craig shoved him. “Pretty sure I just called you a fag.”
    Morgan’s eyebrows turned in. “Call me what you want. Leave her out of it.”
    “What are you going to do about it?” Craig said.
    He shoved Morgan to the ground. His group erupted in laughter while Morgan straightened his glasses.
    I took a step in front of Morgan. “Keep walking,” I seethed.
    “Do it,” Levi said. “Snap his spine.”
    I blinked, the revolting vision in my head breaking me free of anger.
    I looked to Craig. “We don’t want any trouble.” I gestured behind me for Morgan to move to the side.
    Craig’s attention was drawn to Morgan again when he moved. Craig attempted to shoulder past me, shocked when I didn’t budge. He looked down on me, pure hate in his eyes, and nudged me again. This time, I let him.
    “We’re going to leave,” I said, backing away.
    “You sure about that?” Craig asked, a malicious smile on his face.
    He wasn’t just being a bully. This wasn’t entertainment or even a show for his friends. Craig had a lust for causing pain, and it had been too long since he heard someone begging for mercy.
    “Let’s go,” I said, trying to redirect Morgan.
    We had only taken a few steps when Morgan spun around, refusing to leave quietly.
    “What did we do to you? Nothing. We were minding our own business. You walked up on us.”
    I stared at him, surprised at the bold move. Morgan had never stood up to anyone until that moment.
    Craig glowered at him. “You hit on my friend at that party, and I told you then that I was going to