Bound to Break: Books one in the Bound to series

  My jaw tenses and it takes all I have to stop myself from snapping. The reason I’ve been brought here is Cassie, not her. The poisonous witch needs to back the fuck off.

  “You don’t believe that shit any more than I do, Liza.”

  With a press of the key fob, I lock the door, the open window closing automatically. I don’t give Liza a second glance, I simply walk away, making my way around the house and down the walkway to the office.

  “Wait,” she calls after me and I stop just outside the door of the office. She marches toward me, her best pissed-off face in place. “How dare you…you ungrateful piece of shit.”

  Whoa, this bitch is crazy.

  “Liza, I have no idea what you want from me, or what you think is between us, but you’re sorely mistaken.”

  Her hand lands heavily on my shoulder as she tugs, turning me until her face is in mine. “I wasn’t mistaken when I was riding you like a fucking horse,” she snarls.

  “It didn’t happen.” I blanch.

  She digs into her bra, retrieving her phone. She spends a few seconds looking at the screen before turning it around and showing me the video still. “Press it. Press play.”

  Glowering at her, I do as she instructs. My eyes widen as I see the image of her naked and on top of me, grinding and moaning like some kind of sick porn star.

  “What the fuck?” I reach for the phone but she snaps her hand away. The few seconds of video plays over and over in my mind as I try and remember something about that night.

  “You were drunk…”

  “Too drunk to remember anything,” I snap. “This is bullshit.” I push my sweaty palm through my hair and let out a breath of frustration.

  “It happened, Leo, and I have the video evidence to prove it.”

  “Why?” I yell. “Why are you doing this to me?”

  “Takes two to tango.”

  “There was no way I could’ve done that. I’m not even interested in you in that way. And why would you video it? For fuck’s sake, Liza. You’re going to get us both killed. What happens if Howard finds out, huh? You need to delete that video.”

  “You made me feel so alive, Leo.” One hand wanders down to her breast and she starts stroking and caressing herself. “I wanted to be able to remember that special night we spent together.”

  I scoff, shaking my head.

  “You’ve been fighting it for so long, my love.”

  Deranged, completely fucking deranged.

  “You should come with me to church. The Lord will forgive us. We just have to ask for his forgiveness.”

  “Forgiveness. For what? Something that I have no memory of?” I start to pace back and forth, my head completely fucked.

  “You should shower. You look like a mess,” she says with a quick change of subject. “This meeting today is important. It wasn’t easy making this happen for you. But I did it for you, Leo. I made it happen.”

  “Okay,” I answer simply. Unable to wrap my head around yet another mess I’ve gotten myself in to. I have to get her to leave. Unlocking the door, I head inside, letting the door shut behind me. What the hell is Liza’s game? I just don’t get it. Why me?

  Dragging my shirt over my head, I throw it on the bed, heading into the bathroom. I hit the button on the shower and swallow the lump that has grown in my throat. More than ever, I know I need to tell Cassie about Liza, before Liza uses the video to do damage. Stepping inside, I suck in a breath at the temperature of the water. It’s hotter than I’d usually have it, but right now, I just want to burn away any trace of Liza. How the hell could I let that happen? I scrub myself, disgusted at the thought of what I did with Liza.

  Everything I was so sure about when I first arrived here is now a doubt in my mind. Was running away really the answer? Maybe staying and rotting in hell would’ve been better than this. Better than living a lie scared that at any given moment, the truth will catch up with me.

  Using my clenched fist, I hit the off switch, letting the droplets of water fall from my body. Leaning forward, I bear weight on my hands that press against the tiles. I have no idea what to do. I’m in so fucking deep that I don’t know if I will make it out of this goddamn mess. Throwing open the curtain, I grab a towel and work it over my body, drying it. Maybe I should go. Run away from the chaos I’ve created. But even as the thought passes through my mind, my chest tightens.

  Cassie.

  What about Cassie?

  I can’t leave her behind. I could never run from her.

  That only leaves one option.

  I have to tell her about Liza. Explain how things have been and what she’s done to me. Even if it means risking everything with her.

  Rushing to get ready, I throw on the first thing I can find and race out of the office. I have to find Cassie. I have to get her to listen to me. Running toward the house, I enter via the back and make my way to the staircase.

  “Leo,” Liza’s voice calls out and I stop in my tracks. With a whip of my head, I look at her standing behind me. “Where are you going?” she asks, her lip curls and a look of amusement dances in her eyes.

  Clearing my throat, I hold the railing tighter than needed. I’m sick of her bullshit games, but letting her know and showing her my anger isn’t going to help the situation. I’ve seen how calculated and manipulative Liza can be.

  “I need to speak with Cassie,” I simply state, not giving any more information than necessary.

  “Well, I’m afraid you’re a little too late. She already left.”

  “Shit,” I grate out under my breath.

  “Is there a problem?” She stands, fluttering her lashes at me and I’m instantly filled with hatred. I have to get out of this place, and fast.

  “Not at all,” I lie. My face softens and I offer her a fleeting, albeit fake smile.

  Just play the game, Leo, I remind myself.

  “Good,” she says, clapping her hands together. “We should get a move on.” She lifts her wrist, checking the time on her wristwatch.

  With a firm nod, I turn and walk toward her.

  “Let’s do this.”

  Cassie

  Tapping my foot, I wait impatiently for Sasha to arrive. Why, oh why, when I need her the most does she decide to be late? I lift the coffee cup to my lips, only to realize the damn thing is empty. I’m tired, I’m wired, and running completely on caffeine right now. But you know what? I’ve never felt better.

  The door opens, and I look to see if this time, it’s Sasha. Almost leaping out of my seat when I see her, I beckon her over, waving my hand like a lunatic.

  “You’re early,” she says with a smirk. “You’re never early. In fact, I don’t think you’ve ever been so excited to go to school.”

  “Seriously…” I tilt my head, glaring at her playfully. “This isn’t about school.” She steps closer, flinging her arms around me and squeezing me tightly. As she pulls back, her eyes focus on my mouth as I desperately try and fight back the smile.

  “Oh, honey. I haven’t seen you this happy in like…forever. What’s happened? Is it Leo?”

  “You need to sit down, I have so much to tell you.”

  She drops her bags to the floor and slides into the seat opposite, leaning forward over the table. “Spill!” Her brows lift and she stares at me, waiting for me to speak.

  “Last night, after practice, Leo wanted to talk. We drove for a little while before pulling in a parking lot, just outside the Twin Falls hotel.”

  “Fancy,” she remarks.

  Pausing momentarily, I contemplate telling Sasha the truth about Leo. But in all honesty, I don’t want to detract from everything else that happened last night. “We talked. He told me about his past and then he admitted how much he’d been fighting his feelings for me.”

  “And…” She exaggerates the word, her eyes wide and waiting for me.

  “And, we ended up spending the night at the hotel.”

  She sucks in a noisy breath. “You. Did. Not.”

 
“Oh, Sasha. It was amazing. I never ever imagined I’d be able to let my guard down enough to be that close with someone. But knowing how much I wanted Leo, and how much he wanted me…well, it just felt right.” I fluster, not really able to put into words how I’m feeling.

  She lets out a little squeal, grabbing my hand and squeezing it tightly. “You, uh, went all the way?” Her tone is full of disbelief, but I smile and give her a single firm nod.

  “Shit,” she chuckles. “Are you okay though? Like, did it hurt?”

  “No, I’m fine. Sore, but it was totally worth it.”

  “So, you two are serious now?”

  I shrug my shoulders. “We didn’t talk about being serious. He knows how I feel, and vice versa. But we are keeping it quiet for now. You know, since he lives with us. I don’t want to jeopardize that.”

  “So, what? You’re secretly dating?”

  I laugh. “This all happened last night. It’s all happened so fast that I haven’t had that talk with him yet.”

  “Sounds like there wasn’t much talking happening at all.” She nudges my hand, lifting her brows suggestively.

  Letting my head drop, I shake it from side to side. I look up at her, smiling coyly. “Something like that.”

  We chat loosely for the next ten minutes. Internally, I squirm at all of the questions Sasha fires at me about last night and Leo. The whole time, I want to share with her how Leo is actually Luke, and how he’s on the run for killing his stepdad. Not to gossip. But because it’s running through my mind. I’m scared that the reason he’s here will actually be the reason he leaves again.

  Gathering our things, we get ready to head out of the coffee shop and make our way to school. We walk the small distance to my car and I dig in my pocket, retrieving my keys. Pressing the fob, I unlock the car and we both jump inside.

  “Hey,” I say, suddenly remembering. “How are things with Jared?”

  “Good, really good.” She smiles widely. “Only, I have a little something to tell you.” She looks at me sheepishly as I reverse out of the parking space and start to make our way to school.

  “What? Jesus, tell me you’re not pregnant.” My hands grip the steering wheel tighter than necessary as my mind jumbles with thoughts of what is going on with Sasha.

  “Now, don’t yell at me. I know how much you detest Alison…” Her words trail off and nothing is making sense. I frown, trying to focus on the road but decipher what she’s saying at the same time.

  “Well, I’ve kinda been seeing Jase, you know, since the party.”

  My jaw drops and my eyes bug. “Are you being serious right now?”

  “He’s soooo hot,” she says dramatically. “Don’t you think?”

  I screw up my face. “No, not really. What about Jared?”

  She shrugs. “It’s casual between us. I never said we were in a relationship.”

  “So he knows you’re doing whatever it is you’re doing with Jase?”

  “Uh, well, no.”

  “Sasha, this is all going to end with you getting hurt.” I let out a huge sigh.

  “I’m having fun. I don’t need anything serious right now. And I like them both.”

  She speaks so casually about it, but I wonder if that’s really how she feels. Sasha is always looking for her next escape. A reason to get out of the house and not have to face the problems at home with her mom and dad.

  “I’ve been distracted, and for that, I’m sorry.”

  “What?” She looks at me a little puzzled. “Why are you apologizing?”

  “I’ve not been around a lot lately, and I feel bad.”

  “No need, I’ve been having a blast.” She winks at me and I can’t help but laugh.

  “You must be more drawn to one or the other. Like, I don’t get it.”

  “They’re both delicious. What can I say, I’m greedy.”

  We laugh and chat the rest of the way to school. Pulling into the parking lot, I immediately notice Liza’s car parked right by the entrance. “What the hell?” I glower out of the windshield.

  “What?” Sasha asks, confused by my outburst.

  “That’s Liza’s car. What the hell is she doing here?”

  “Uh-oh…what have you done now? She must’ve found out about last night.”

  “It can’t be. I saw her briefly this morning. She would’ve said something.”

  “Well, what else?”

  “Only one way to find out, I guess.” I cut the engine, grab my bag, and quickly exit the car. I’m walking so fast that Sasha struggles to keep up with me.

  “Cassie, Jesus! Slow down.”

  Halting, I turn around and give her a sorry smile. “Come on, slowpoke,” I tease. She picks up her speed, hooking her arm through mine when she catches up.

  “No running off. We’re in this together. I got your back, whatever Liza the witch is up to.” With a sideways glance, I give her a nod.

  We march inside and toward the main office. It’s the only place she can be.

  As we turn the corner and approach the counter, Leo comes into sight. Heat washes over me and I graze my finger over my lip at the thought of the electricity between us last night.

  “What is he doing here?” Sasha whispers in my ear.

  I turn to her with my eyes wide. “I have no idea.”

  “Hey,” I say the second we get close enough for him to hear. He turns to me, flashing me a heart-stopping smile.

  He holds out his hand and I walk into his embrace. His fingers dig into my hips as he holds me close.

  “What are you doing here? Where’s Liza?” I question, worried someone will see us.

  “She’s in there,” he says with a nod toward the office. “Speaking to an acquaintance.”

  Staring at him, I narrow my eyes. “About you? Is that why you’re here?”

  He nods, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

  “Hey, we should go,” Sasha whispers, pulling on my arm. Taking a step back, I put some space between us. Looking at Sasha she lifts her brows and clears her throat as she tips her head toward Liza, stepping through the door.

  “Cassie, funny seeing you here,” she says with a grin.

  I blink hard. “Yup,” I repeat. “See you later, Leo,” I say as I turn and head away from the office. I don’t need another run-in with Liza right now. Sasha joins me and we make our way toward the classroom.

  “That was close,” Sasha whispers in my ear. “I still think you two should come clean. I’m sure your dad will get it. You are eighteen, Cassie.”

  “You don’t know Dad. He’s strict, despite his laid-back exterior. He’d flip out if he knew. Besides, it’s still too new with us.”

  “True. There’s no denying you two make a cute couple, though.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Nudging her arm with my elbow, we make our way inside the classroom, my smile wide and heart full.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Leo

  I feel like I’ve made a deal with the devil. Liza has helped me enroll in college, but at what price?

  Staring out of the windshield, I have so many questions about that night…that video.

  “Well, aren’t you happy?” she asks, her eyes on me momentarily.

  “Getting back to college, well that’s something I never thought would happen.”

  “With me on your side, we can make anything possible.”

  “Why? Why though, Liza?”

  “God brought you here. Placed you in my care. I’m bound by God now. No going back.”

  Squinting, I can’t help but wonder exactly what Liza knows about me. She knows my real name, but does she know what I did?

  “You believe God can forgive what I did?” I ask, almost treading water to see what she knows.

  She looks at me suspiciously, her eyes narrowed and her head tilted. “Your stepfather?”

  My body stills and I hold my breath.

  “I know exactly what happened. I did my research.”

  Shaking my head, I don’t bel
ieve her. “No one knows.”

  “You’re wrong. I know.” She smirks.

  “You can’t…” I say unconvincingly.

  “When I took you to the hospital, they pumped you so full of drugs that you had no idea what you were saying. You told me all of it. How Jeff killed your mom. How he took you into the woods and a fight ensued. I know it was an accident, Leo.” Her hand rests on mine and she squeezes lightly.

  Snapping it away, I let out a growl. How could I have been so stupid?

  “Don’t worry, lover. Your secret is safe with me.”

  “How come you haven’t gone to the police? None of this makes sense.” My face contorts and all I want is to get out of the car. Shifting my feet, I look down at Liza’s purse in the footwell of the car. I notice her phone resting just at the opening and I know what I need to do.

  As we turn onto the driveway, I pause for a moment and watch as Liza gets out of the car. The minute her back is turned, I snatch up her phone, pushing it in my pocket.

  Walking around the car, she comes to stop just in front of me. Pressing her palm against my chest, I freeze. I’m walking a fine line and Liza holds all of the power in her hands. If I piss her off she could ruin me. In more ways than one.

  “I promise that, if you’re good to me, I’ll be good to you.”

  My shoulders slump and I push my hands in my jeans pockets. “I can never thank you for what you’ve done for me, but I need you to understand something.”

  “What?” Her index finger slowly caresses my arm. I don’t react, I just continue.

  “This whole thing you think there is between us, I don’t want it. You’re gorgeous, intelligent, but you’re also my boss. I’m just not attracted to you in the way you want me—despite what you say has happened between us previously.”

  Her face hardens and her eyes narrow until they practically disappear.

  “So.” Her finger works until she’s tugging on the collar of my shirt. “What exactly is in it for me? Huh?”

  “You’re doing God’s work, remember?” I retort. Lifting my hand I rest it on the top of her arm, smiling at her, offering her a small nod. Her plump lips are pressed together and her eyes are full of anger.