Intrigued
This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to real people, events, establishments, or locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Other names, characters, and incidents occurring in the work are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, as those fictionalized events and incidents that involve real persons. Any character that happens to share the name of a person who is an acquaintance of the author, past or present, is purely coincidental and is in no way intended to be an actual account involving that person.
Copyright © 2014 by Averielle Lynch. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission from the publisher (Averielle Lynch), except by reviewer who may quote brief passage to be printed in a newspaper or magazine. For information, please contact the publisher at [email protected]
Cover Design: E.M. Tippett
Editing: Editing by Sharice
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Table of Contents
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
10 Years Ago
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
Acknowledgements
CHAPTER 1
Just smile and appear to fit in, she thought.
“Hello, my name’s Isabelle Harper, I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina, my major is English and I don’t quite know who I am, but I like to write children’s books,” Isabelle stuttered nervously before slouching down into her wooden auditorium seat.
“Thank you for that, Isabelle,” Professor Craven said hesitantly while clearing her throat. “Next.”
“Well I’m Shannon Cunningham and I’m from L.A. My major is fashion and I love to design colorful lifestyles for people,” said another student as she looked around at the class batting her eyelashes and smiling.
Why can’t I be that sociable and bubbly, Isabelle thought, but it quickly escaped her mind.
“Hey Isabelle, I’m Demi as you heard me say in my intro earlier. I’m an English major too so I thought I’d give you my number. You can never go wrong with befriending another hot chick,” she winked. Demi was beautiful and reminded Isabelle of a Victoria’s Secret model. She had long brunette hair with deep blue eyes that you could get lost in. Her voice was soft and soothing and she was exceptionally nice.
People always told Isabelle how gorgeous her flowing blonde locks and striking blue eyes were, but she never thought so.
“That sounds great,” Isabelle smiled.
She swiftly typed her number into Demi’s phone.
“Call or text me anytime.” Isabelle slightly smiled at the thought of potentially making a new friend, especially since her only friend dumped her two months prior.
“I heard there’s a freshman mixer tonight, want to go together?” Demi asked eagerly. Isabelle hesitated for a moment before reminding herself that she was friendless and lonely.
“Sure, I would love to go,” she answered reluctantly. “Great! Let’s meet at the student union around 8:00pm. It starts at 7:00pm, but who gets anywhere early,” she laughed. I do, Isabelle thought, but responded boldly with a simple “No one of course.”
“Ladies is there something you would like to say to the class?” Professor Craven asked the girls as she halted her discussion.
“No,” the girls responded in unison.
“Great, so stop interrupting class and please listen,” she snapped as she proceeded with going over the syllabus.
Why can’t this day be over already, Isabelle thought as she leaned back in her chair and sighed. Normally she would be on the front row taking notes on every word that the professor spoke, but she wasn’t the same girl she was in high school.
In high school she had Brian, who made her life feel complete. Brian, her boyfriend of four years, made life worth living. Her home life was no fairy tale, but Brian numbed the pain.
Her mother had her at 15 and had been in and out of rehab facilities since Isabelle was two years old. So her grandmother raised her, but she was an elderly woman with poor health and finances.
Sometimes there wasn’t even any food to eat so Brian would bring Isabelle and her grandmother groceries. He was her knight in shining armor and he loved being that to her.
Being with Brian was an escape from her broken home. Brian made everything in life worth it, so Isabelle lived her life to please him and ensure he’d never leave, until he did.
After high school Isabelle took two years off to save money for college and help her grandmother. During that time the love between Isabelle and Brian grew, or so she thought.
When they made love it was magical and everything that was wrong in her life would suddenly vanish. His touch made her feel safe and his words always comforted her. Essentially he was more of a father than a boyfriend.
Brian loved her as well and he enjoyed alleviating the stressors of her life. He saw her as more of a charity case than a lover though. He cared about her, but he couldn’t see himself marrying her so he ended their relationship.
No explanation or remorse, just a simple handwritten letter left on the windshield of her car. I can’t do this. Goodbye- Brian, was all it said.
Isabelle felt her entire world spiral out of control at that very moment. She read the poorly written note over and over again, while praying that the words would change, but they didn’t.
She’d spent the last four years of her life consumed with pleasing Brian and helping her grandmother; she barely knew who she was.
Writing children’s books was the only thing she could do to actually self identify herself. As bad as she wanted to blame Brian, she couldn’t. He didn’t force her to make him the center of her life. He was only guilty of making her fall in love without the intention of catching her.
“I’m old and I don’t know how much longer I have, but you have an entire life ahead of you, my dear. Don’t let the pain take you under. You have so much life left in you. Don’t let one speed bump dictate the rest of your life,” her grandmother said slowly with old age sprinkled in her cracked voice.
Her grandmother noticed Isabelle’s spirit dim more each day She knew Brian was Isabelle’s world, but she also knew that halting her life would only destroy her more.
Her grandmother’s words stuck with her. She couldn’t help but feel the hurt in her chest from her heart breaking, but life had to go on.
Enrolling in Abernathy University and moving to Raleigh was the first step in reclaiming her life and her purpose. “Brian was only a stepping stone in your life, Isabelle. There will be more, but now you will be prepared to overcome them. I love you, sweetheart” were the last words she heard her grandmother say before she began her journey at Abernathy.
Now she was enduring her first day of college. She had no friends, no grandmother and a broken heart.
“Isabelle! Isabelle!” a voice echoed across the empty auditorium. Isabelle had daydreamed the remainder of class away. “You know, talking in class and falling asleep will not get you far in my class,” P
rofessor Craven informed her.
“I’m so sorry. I’ve never been a slacker in school, but I just have a lot on my mind,” Isabelle assured her as she walked down to where her professor stood.
“I know. I access the transcripts of all of my students. You were a straight A student in high school and I expect more of you,” Professor Craven sighed as she erased the board.
“Don’t worry because I will be putting my best foot forward from now on. I’ve had so many distractions over the past few months, but completing this degree means more than any of it,” Isabelle exclaimed. “I’ll show you.”
“Don’t show me, Isabelle. Show yourself,” she said with hope wrapped in her voice.
“Thanks,” Isabelle replied. I’ve already blown it, she thought as she gathered her bag and headed for the door.
She walked slowly past a few classrooms as she made her way to the exit of the building. She wondered how the rest of her college experience would pan out.
Demi had already shown an interest in her so maybe there was hope for a real social life.
As she pushed the back door open to exit Crosby Hall, the door almost knocked a man to the ground.
“I’m so sorry. Oh my goodness,” she squealed as she helped the man.
His eyes met hers and a sudden explosion erupted in her chest. She felt so weak that her knees buckled and her body felt limp.
He stood up in awe of the woman that stood before him. Nostalgic thoughts crossed his mind, reminding him of his first love that she so closely resembled.
He wanted to grab her at that very moment and make love to her. Her eyes were so warm and inviting and her full lips screamed for his.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he replied slowly, but surely.
Isabelle blushed from embarrassment. “Oh my,” she said softly.
“I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true,” he assured her. “My name is Noah, but I don’t want to know yours, yet. I want to enjoy the luxury of not knowing you for now,” he smiled.
“It’s nice to meet you, Noah,” Isabelle grinned. Noah was a Godsend. His muscles bulged from under his t-shirt and his arms were just the right size to hold her tightly at night. His brown hair was frazzled and his smile was sincere.
She felt connected to him immediately and couldn’t help but imagine making sweet love to him at some quaint bed and breakfast or on a secluded beach.
“Here’s my number. Please use it.” He gave her his card as he walked into the building.
Noah Lewis. Abernathy University MBA Candidate.
She turned to look at him as he walked down the hallway, gazing at his mannish strut and smiling. “Today is definitely my lucky day,” she shouted, forgetting that she was in a public place.
Isabelle walked toward her dorm room with a new attitude. She felt like there was finally a chance at to reclaim her life without Brian.
She passed other students who seemed so together. They didn’t have a care in the world and appeared so happy. She wanted that. She wanted to experience love once again. She wanted friends. She wanted a life.
CHAPTER 2
Isabelle approached her dorm room with a different spirit than when she’d left earlier that day. When she left she felt lost and confused. She felt like she was on a long journey to find herself in life, but now that journey didn’t seem as long.
People actually liked her and that was something she never experienced before. Isabelle never really knew how it felt to be a part of something. Now she was a proud student at Abernathy University and people actually talked to and were interested in her.
Regardless of her past, this motivated her to create a promising future.
I don’t want to seem to eager, she thought, but she really wanted to text Noah. When she reached the steps of Holland Hall a smile reappeared on her face. Everything that had hurt her in the past was only a stepping-stone to create her future and she believed that wholeheartedly.
Isabelle lugged her bag up to her second floor dorm room and stared at Noah’s card. She lied down with the card perched beside her as she drifted off to sleep. She was exhausted, but even in her dreams she saw Noah’s face. She couldn’t get him out of her mind and she didn’t want to.
She dreamed of a life that she never knew with a man that she didn’t know: Noah. Her entire being immersed in lust and adorned with affection.
After awaking from a nap that she didn’t want to end, she noticed a text message from a number that she didn’t recognize.
It’s Noah. I know this may be a creep move, but I couldn’t resist myself. I have to see you. Meet me tonight under the Memorial Oak Tree on campus at 9:00pm.
Isabelle couldn’t believe her eyes. A guy had actually gone through the trouble of finding her just so he could see her again. She never knew that anyone could admire her in such a way.
She smiled as she lied on the stiff twin-sized bed that she once despised, but now didn’t mind due to the excitement that swept through her body. She was lucky enough to have the room to herself since housing didn’t assign a student to the vacant bed, but had another person been present Isabelle would have been embarrassed by her actions.
Isabelle’s face was permanently blush-red and she couldn’t stop smiling. She thought of magically being whisked away by Noah to live in lust and passion, but her thoughts were cut short by one thing: Demi.
I really don’t want to put her off tonight, but I have to see Noah, she thought. Isabelle yearned for acceptance and the absolute last thing she wanted to do was miss an opportunity to make a new friend.
She sighed deeply as she bit her lips and flared her nostrils, while contemplating her next move. If she really wants to be my friend then she’ll look past this, she assured herself.
I’m sorry, but I cant make it tonight, but maybe we can do lunch another day!” and it was final with the tap of the “send” button.
“No problem!” Demi replied.
Isabelle smiled with delight.
Now for Noah, she smiled.
“I’d be honored by your presence tonight under the Oak tree,” she readily replied.
Isabelle couldn’t imagine anything else she’d rather do than spend her evening with Noah. Not even a minute late he replied with a simple “See you soon.”
Isabelle’s excitement was undeniable, however she was also scared.
“What if he only wants sex?” She asked herself. “What if he only wants to use me?” She had to remind herself that there was no such thing as happily ever after and that fairy tales were not real.
She yearned for attention, but her mind wouldn’t allow her to forget that things were not always as they seemed.
CHAPTER 3
13 Years Ago
“Hurry up if you want something from the store, girl.”
She eagerly ran to the rusted blue Buick parked on the long dirt path. She didn’t have a care in the world and a trip to the store was the highlight of her day.
“Hop in,” Arnie smiled.
“Ya’ll hurry back with them eggs and butter. I do want to fix supper today,” Sharon yelled from the front porch of the shabby 2-bedroom trailer.
“Oh hush up, woman,” he passively replied.
As the old Buick pulled out into the highway, joy filled Isabelle’s body. She never had much, but she could always look forward to a ride to the store.
“I got a five dollar bill with your name all over it, baby girl,” Arnie winked.
Isabelle smiled with delight. “Five whole dollars! I could buy anything in the store with that!”
She rolled down her window to let some of the summer wind blow across her face. She loved the smell of outside pouring into ragged insides of the car.
Arnie turned the knob of the radio until the sounds of Johnny Cash filled the car. As he hummed Sunday Morning Coming Down, Isabelle patted her feet to the beat.
Arnie looked over at his daughter and all he could see was purity. He loved his daughter and s
he loved him. Everything he wasn’t in life, she was, and he was proud of that.
Soon as they approached the shack that was a store, Isabelle hopped out and ran inside to make her purchases with Arnie not too far behind.
“That’ll be $3.25, young lady,” said the store clerk.
“Wow!” she beamed. “I’ll have a whole dollar and 75 cents leftover, daddy!”
“That’s right, baby. You can save it ‘til we come back again,” he assured her with his smooth southern accent.
Isabelle could have easily been the happiest person on earth at that very moment. The grin that was painted on her face never left as they rode the long narrow road back home.
“Look what I got, mama!” she yelled as she vivaciously ran into the house.
Arnie walked in behind her with the groceries in tow. He sighed at the sight of their home as he entered through the front door.
“Here’s the crap you wanted. This better be a damn good dinner, woman,” he sneered before he took seat in his recliner directly in front of the TV.
“Mama! Mama! Look!” Isabelle jumped in the air with her dollar and change like she’d just won the lottery.
“What you got there, baby girl,” she smiled.
“Daddy gave me five whole dollars and I still have a dollar and 75 cents left!” she gushed.
“You gave her what?” Sharon ran over to where Arnie was comfortably seated watching football as he normally did on Sunday afternoons.
“What you fussin’ bout now,” he asked with a wrinkled face.
“You gave that girl five dollars, but when I asked you for money you told me you ain’t have any,” she barked.
“Cause I ain’t giving you no money to go get high with. You got a daughter to watch, but all you want to do is go get high and I ain’t having it,” he demanded as he slowly sat up in his seat.
“You ain’t good for nothing, Arnie,” she sobbed
“Stop all that cryin’ or I’ll give you something to cry about,” he assured her.
Deceived (The Captured Hearts Trilogy #1) Page 1