Shattered Puppet (Rag Doll)

by Catori, Ava

  Carter turned the key in the ignition. He had no idea where they were headed. They hadn’t discussed which direction to go. He decided to go south. There was no final destination. It would just be wherever the road took them until their money ran out. Then they’d have to find a way to find some work.

  They drove for hours. Silence. The radio. Finally talking. Carter pulled into a rest stop to stretch his legs and grab a drink. Cree used the bathroom. Seeing herself in the mirror while washing her hands, she saw a scared child looking back. Her father owned her again after today. The memories were fresh again, like picking at a scab. Her eyes were hollow. She hoped the spark came back.

  Carter was good for her. He cared. He wouldn’t hurt her. She was safe with him by her side. He’d protect her. Yet, he could barely protect himself. A broken leg, and thank goodness it wasn’t his driving leg. She really would need to learn how to drive. Her license. She needed to get a license. Maybe he’d teach her to drive…it was weird to have future plans. She never thought much about the future before Carter.

  When she got back to the car, he was waiting for her. “Come here, you,” he said, winking at her.

  Cree stood in front of Carter and smiled. He took her in his arms and gave her a tight squeeze. “It’s going to be okay. He can’t get you anymore. Besides, I’m going to take care of you, baby. Nobody will ever hurt you again. You’re safe with me.” He kissed her forehead and released her from the embrace.

  “I’m thinking we can stop in a couple of hours. I grabbed some stuff from the vending machine to hold us over. Then I’ll be more than ready for a good night of sleep.” He was happy. He didn’t know he could feel this way, but with Cree nearby everything felt right.

  “Sounds good,” she said, slowly coming back to life. Lying in his arms tonight was everything she needed. She felt safe in his arms.

  Getting back in the car, she scanned over how this all started. She hoped Crystal would be okay.

  Looking out the window, Carter pointed the car south and hit the gas. It was time to start their new lives together.

  The End

  Thank you for choosing an Ava Catori title. If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review so other people can decide if this is a book they would enjoy. Thank you for your time.

  What’s next? Look for “Crystal, Girl” which continues Crystal’s story, book three in the “Rag Doll” series. It is due out in 2014. If you picked up this book first, go back and see how it started with Rag Doll (Book 1). Thank you again for taking the time to choose an Ava Catori title.

  If you liked this, you might also enjoy: “Tough to Love (Saving Avery)”

  Hardened from past hurts, can Avery West and Steel Brickman find the strength to heal one another? Steel’s intensity is overbearing and strong, crushing Avery’s ability to breathe. Avery’s wall is so thick – it seems almost impenetrable. Tangled in a mess of pain and desire, the two must learn to trust one another to find their own salvation.

  Avery is broken and needs saving. Professional football player, Steel Brickman, is a white knight ready to save the day, but once the rescue is complete his interest wanes. Can Avery keep his focus on her, and help them get beyond their relationship struggles?

  You can find a full list of Ava Catori titles at your favorite ebook retailer. Or visit AvaCatori.com for more information or to sign up to be informed of new releases.