Breaking the Limits

by Nichole, Stephanie

  Copyright

  Breaking the Limits is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  BREAKING THE LIMITS: A NOVEL

  Copyright © 2018 by Stephanie Nichole

  All rights reserved.

  Editing by KP Editing

  Cover design by KP Designs

  Published by Kingston Publishing Company

  The uploading, scanning, and distribution of this book in any form or by any means—including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions of this work, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Extras

  Dedication

  This book is without a doubt dedicated to

  My first best friend

  My first unbiological sister

  My first partner in crime

  My first defender

  My first secret keeper

  To the one and only Vannalynn (1988-2005)

  There is so much of you in Kynlee’s character, her spitfire attitude and sarcasm, her heart of gold and her undying love.

  Aside from my mom you were the first one I whispered my dream of becoming an author to, just a whispered confession between two friends in the middle of the night at one of our countless sleepovers. I remember telling you and your response was “I could see that.” After a few moments I nervously asked “Is it too big of a dream?” I felt you shake your head before you answered “No, life is short and we should dream big! Bigger than the night sky.” So, I did.

  I dreamed big.

  Prologue

  Ten Years Ago

  Ace

  I’m impatiently sitting on the bus with my newest library find in my lap. I can’t wait to get home to read it to my mom. As soon as I had checked it out from the school library I had read it. Sitting on a bench outside on the playground during lunch didn’t make much difference. I have no friends except for my brothers, but they were older, so we don’t attend the same school. However, my mom is my best friend. While I sat there I prayed mom was having a good day today.

  It seemed like here lately she had gotten worse. I knew everyone was saying she was okay, but I also knew they were just telling me that because they didn’t think I could handle the truth. Maybe I couldn’t, I mean I couldn’t even handle the thought of my mother not being there when I get home every day. Ever since she got sick I would run from the bus to the house and straight to her room. I climb up in bed and she pulls me close to her, so my head can rest on her shoulder while I read whatever book I’ve checked out from the library.

  Mom lies there and listens to me read for however long it takes me to finish the book. She never interrupts me but she does fall asleep sometimes, she’s been falling asleep more and more lately. It makes me worry. As soon as Jagger gets home he fixes mom and me a glass of lemonade and brings them into the room while Axell picks up Jovi from the next-door neighbors. Mom doesn’t feel like watching him anymore either.

  When I had left for school this morning mom was still asleep, so I hadn’t got to see her all day which made me more anxious to get home now. A thought occurs to me while riding on the bus. Someday I want to find someone just like my mom. My mom and dad are best friends, they know exactly what the other is thinking. I want that.

  The school bus slows down until it finally comes to a stop. I jump up from my seat and quickly make my way out of the bus. As soon as my feet hit the sidewalk I take off in a mad dash down the two blocks to my house. I swing open the door. “Mom! I got a new book, you’re going to love it,” I holler out, as I drop my backpack on the floor and run down the hallway. The sound of crying stops me dead in my tracks. Looking around the door frame, I see my dad sitting on the bed with his face in his hands, crying. Crying so hard he can’t breathe and dad never cries. The bed is empty.

  Mom? Where’s mom? Dad looks up and meets my eyes. His eyes tell me everything I need to know. Mom is gone. My heart shatters into a million pieces right there in the hallway of my house. Tears roll down my cheeks and the book falls from my hands making a loud thud in the silent house. Jagger and Bowie come home at some point, but one look at me was all they needed to know what had happened. I’m still standing in the doorway, silently crying to myself when Jagger scoops me up into his arms and takes me to the kitchen.

  Jagger sits me at the table and returns with two glasses of lemonade before sitting beside me. The sight of the lemonade just reminds me of all the things I’ll never have again. I’ll never share another glass of lemonade with mom. I’ll never read her another book. She’ll never tell me how handsome I look before I leave for school. She’ll never put another Band-Aid on some cut I get from trying to keep up with my brothers. I’ll never hear her laugh again. I’ll never smell her vanilla and honey scent again. It’s all gone, just like that.

  Jagger wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me to his chest. He keeps telling me it’ll all be okay but it’s a lie. I know it is. While sitting in that kitchen I vow that I’ll never fall in love. If love hurts this bad, then I never want it again.

  Chapter 1

  Four years ago

  Ace

  As I drive down the street I notice there’s a bigger crowd than normal. I rev the engine of my Mustang as Sariah and I make my way to the racing circle. The races will start any minute, so I’m running a little late, but I could blame that on Sariah and not being able to keep her hands to herself, not that I’m complaining. However, I have a reputation to uphold. It’s up to Bowie and me to keep the reputation of the James brothers alive with Jagger in Vegas now and Axell taking a step back for Sadie.

  Losing both Jagger and Axell in the race scene left a lot of pressure on me and Bowie. We were managing but that was just another reason I never let things get too serious with a girl. I’d watched as the loss of Harlyn killed a part of Jagger and I had watched Axell give up pieces of himself just to please Sadie. I was sure Bowie would have been the same way if Hollis was still around, but since she had run away without even a goodbye, it just made him a little crazier. He’d do anything that came into his mind.

  Then there was our youngest brother Jovi, but he was still too young to get tied up into anything we were doing, but I didn’t doubt that he’d be racing with us soon enough. I spot Bowie’s car and park next to it. Axell, Sadie, and the rest of our group are standing there waiting for the races to start. I get out of the car and h
ead over to Ben, the guy that sets up the races to hand over my buy in. “Didn’t think you were going to make it but Bowie kept saying you would,” Ben tells me.

  I shrug and give him my practiced, I don’t give a shit smirk, “Yeah, well you know me.”

  Ben takes the money with a laugh, “That I do, okay you’ll be racing against Ralph, Bowie and Ryce, Connor, and Damon. Take your places and good luck, no dirty tricks guys, keep it clean.”

  Bowies arm comes around my neck, “Good luck little brother and be safe.”

  I throw my head back and laugh, “Okay brother but remember we’re pushing the limits.”

  I get back in my car and take my position to race. I turn up my music to drown out all the other noise. The bass from the system rattles through my chest, vibrates my blood, and creates an energy within me. I stare straight ahead and rev my engine again. It takes a certain amount of stupid to get behind a wheel of a car and race, going at heart stopping speeds, taking our lives into our own hands. One wrong move and we can be dead. but there is also a unique beauty in that too. Psyching yourself out is necessary, acting as if the people lined up on the sides of the streets aren’t there is part of mine. However, I glance over because something catches my eye.

  Damn! My eyes travel up her body to her face. I stop to appreciate her body, but that face. I know that face but how? I’d remember a face like that if I had seen it before that’s for damn sure.

  Shaking my head, I look back to the road in front of me. Now is not the time to get distracted by some pretty girl. I rev my engine and watch as Sariah takes her place in between the cars and starts the countdown. The moment she says go, I’m gone. It’s easy enough to keep Ralph in my rearview mirror. Ralph is a cool guy and I almost feel bad for not giving him a chance, but a part of me just wants to get this race over with. I want to see her again, I want to know her name. I need her to still be in the crowd when I get back. Then I wonder what the hell is wrong with me? When have I ever had this kind of reaction to a girl?

  I shake my head to clear the thoughts of the mystery girl from my mind, pressing my foot down on the pedal, ‘pedal to the metal baby’ is all I think while shifting gears. The sidelines become the much-needed blur and the wind whipping at my face gives me the extra kick of adrenaline. This is what it feels like to be alive.

  I cross the finish line with ease and the crowd cheers so loudly it can be heard over my music. After parking, I collect my winnings, I turn to find Sariah right behind me. Normally I love to have a girl right there, but in this moment it’s annoying. I want to find the mystery girl. I take Sariah’s hands in mine and look her in the eye “Cool it for a minute,” I drop her hands and walk away.

  As I pass people they congratulate me and I mumble my thanks while scanning the crowd for her. Finally, I see those warm brown eyes, watching as a sexy little smirk comes over her face. She turns around and heads in the opposite direction of me. I try to catch up to her, but the crowd is too thick and soon enough I’m watching her incredibly long dark hair disappear into the night.

  Damn it!

  ****

  Kynlee

  When my parents had first told me that we were moving to Texas to help my grandmother during my sophomore year of high school, I had been livid! However, I finally started to see how this might work out for the best. I had time to reinvent myself before I got to move back to Los Angeles. I knew that as soon as I graduated I was moving back and pursuing my dream of becoming a model and playmate. I also knew my parents would never approve.

  When I had left two weeks ago they had more or less told me that I was no longer their daughter, but that was something I had expected. However, I had not expected how badly that would hurt to actually hear. Now, I was living in a tiny, two-bedroom apartment with my best friend, Kenndrix. She was an aspiring screenplay writer. She was as beautiful as she was shy.

  I knew she didn’t understand the need for my dreams, but she supported them none-the-less. Kenndrix was tall and curvy with bright green eyes and reddish-brown hair that was as long as mine. She didn’t see her beauty but everyone else did that was for sure. I came out of my room dressed in a black lacey corset and black leather miniskirt with five-inch heels. Tonight, was the races and I was going. I had seen Ace James on social media and I hated to admit that I was still crushing on the boy but then again, some things never change. Ace James was still hot; the only difference was that now I had a chance.

  I was no longer shy. I knew what I had and I wasn’t afraid to use it to my advantage. When I knew what I wanted, I went after it until I got it, end of story and right now, I wanted Ace James. “Come on Kenndrix,” I whine, when I see her sitting on the couch in yoga pants and a tank top. I knew she didn’t want to go but I knew it’d do her good to get out. I walk over and take her laptop from her, grab her hands, pull her up, and walk her to her room.

  “Kynlee, I don’t want to go. I don’t fit in there,” Kenndrix says quietly from her spot on the bed.

  I roll my eyes while rummaging through her closet. “Like hell you don’t! Anyone can go to the races, just stop worrying so much.”

  “I’m not you, Kynlee.”

  I grab a pair of jeans and lacey top from her closet and turn around to face her. “No, you’re not, you’re Kenndrix which is awesome! So, wear this and come on! We’re going.” A few minutes later she reappears dressed in the clothes I gave her. I had hoped she’d pair them with some heels but instead her black and white Converse are on her feet. Baby steps I reminded myself. “You look hot!” Kenndrix rolls her eyes at me, “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

  I knew that years of teasing from our peers had caused this and I could only imagine how much worse it had been once I moved. I had always been the one to protect her from them. I hated to see how they had broken her confidence. I was going to fix it. I could feel the uncertainty and anxiety coming off Kenndrix as we get closer to the races. “Look I just want to see Ace race then we can leave.”

  Kenndrix shakes her head at me, “I never knew what you saw in Ace.”

  I laugh, “You mean besides the fact that he’s hot!”

  “Okay yes he’s a hottie but he’s also a player and kind of an ass.”

  I shrug, “Just my type. Besides I think there’s more to him than just that, but no one takes the time to figure it out.”

  ****

  When Kenndrix and I get to the races, Ace wasn’t there yet, but the minute he pulls up everyone knows. I’m not shocked to see some blonde girl with him when he gets out of the car. Some things never change and girls throwing themselves at Ace was one of those things. It was something I think I can handle.

  Once he’s in his car I make sure I’m in his line of sight. Sure enough, he looks my way and our eyes lock. I can tell by the look on his face that he felt it too. A wave of heat rolls through my body and I know in that instant that I have started something I won’t be able to stop.

  Chapter 2

  Kynlee

  A few days after the races I’m still feeling satisfied with “running” into Ace. I was looking forward to seeing him again this weekend. From what I had gathered, Ace raced every weekend which made my planning easier. I had found a job as a waitress at a fun restaurant that was country themed, Wild Wild Wes’, and the tips were amazing. I was treating Kenndrix and me to dinner and a little shopping tomorrow. We could use something new for this week’s races.

  I slept in late the next day, I’m not shocked to find that Kenndrix has already left for class when I wake up, but I quickly send her a text letting her know we are going out to eat after class. Kenndrix calls and says she’ll pick me up so I dress quickly throwing my hair up into a ponytail. I meet her outside and we head to a burger place not too far from our apartment.

  We’re half way through our meal when I notice a blush come across Kenndrix’s cheeks. She quickly averts her eyes from the door where she had been looking. I look back and notice two guys, Jaxx Scott and
Pierce Etheridge, both were good friends with Ace last I knew. Sure enough, Ace follows in behind them causing me to nearly choke on my French fry, “Okay which one just caused that blush Kenndrix?”

  She shakes her head, “Jaxx but it’s just silly. A guy like him wouldn’t even give me the time of day.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. He’d be lucky to get a girl like you, remember that,” I tell her. I feel eyes on us but keep engaging with Kenndrix because I’m pretty sure it’s Ace and the guys who are staring.

  “Hey Kenndrix,” I hear a deep voice say. Looking up, I notice that it’s Jaxx Scott. I kick Kenndrix under the table because she has yet to look up and acknowledge him. Jaxx stands there with a hopeful look in his hazel eyes. I have to admit, I see what Kenndrix sees. His sandy blonde hair was cut in a short, spikey do. His face still holds the innocent touch to it with a charming boyish smile. He’s tall and muscular.

  “Hey Jaxx,” Kenndrix manages to whisper while tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

  “How have you been?”

  I watch as Kenndrix turns an even darker shade of red. “Good and you?”

  “Really good. Haven’t seen you around since graduation, we should hang out sometime,” Jaxx offers. I know this will be the moment that Kenndrix shuts down so I grab her phone from across the table and shove it at him.

  “Here, put your number in her phone and she’ll text you hers,” I tell him, trying to give him an encouraging smile. Once he punches in his number he goes to sit with Ace and Pierce. I quickly send a text to him from Kenndrix’s phone. I can still feel eyes on me and I’m pretty sure it’s still Ace, but I will not move the focus to myself. Ace is going to have to wait; Kenndrix is more important right now.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Kenndrix whispers demandingly.