True Love:Follow Your Heart

by Melissa Heagerty

  Kasper knew they wanted a piece of Avery as bad as he did. Kasper nods spitting out some blood. “Relax, you'll get your share. This isn't over.” Kasper held onto the railing, as he stood up.

  Ethan noticed how much pain he was in. He was one out of the three that wasn't in much pain.

  “So, what happened?” An intrigued Michael wondered how it started, as did Ethan.

  The three of them slowly started to walk back.

  “It's not that big of a deal,” Kasper told them. A distraction could be what they need. To get their mind off the pain for a few minutes.

  “You know you want too,” Ethan edged him on.

  Kasper shrugged his shoulders. “Fine, you two want to know so bad?” Kasper saw the keen looks upon their faces.

  They continued a bit longer until Michael had to stop. “Guys—” The pain returned in his knee, as he sat down on one of the logs in the woods.

  “He really did a number on you, huh?” Ethan asked.

  Kasper raised his brow, looking on in concern.

  “I injured myself in football practice last year. It never healed properly. Christian knew his homework I'll give him that.”

  Ethan wished he never had to experience that kind of pain. Football was his only escape. Michael revealed to them, rubbing his kinks out of his knee which was throbbing in pain. A thought crossed Ethan's mind.

  “Did anybody actually bring their phones?”

  Kasper knew he didn't. Not like they got any cell service out here anyway. “You know there is no service if we checked.” Kasper reminded him. “Besides we aren't even that far back into town. We'll rest here a bit before walking back.” They hoped someone would notice their disappearing act.

  Kasper observed Ethan's worried expression for Heagertigh. He had an idea. “Fine, you guys want to know?” Kasper asked and figured they were going to be here a while.

  《***》

  Avery knelt down to watch him sleep. ‘Now what to do with you?’ He thought to himself.

  What feels like hours later, a groggy Kasper who groaned and shook the cobwebs. His head was throbbing in pain from Ryder's punch. He began to hear muffled voices but couldn't quite pinpoint where they were coming. He tried to move his arms; they were duck taped for some odd reason? Blinking as his vision was a tad blurry. The voices were starting to come from behind him.

  “You sure about this darlin?”

  Yep, Kasper knew who had him, but the other question remains. ‘Who the hell was he talking to? Did Eileen find him? Did Tor?’ If he laid one hand on her so help him ... his jaw clenched and struggled by using his muscles to break free from the grip. His vision became focused again. Heavenward around he recognized the hideout.

  Avery's conversation completed once he saw Kasper up and alert. “Well, well, look who decided to finally wake up?” Avery who hung up the phone from the corner of his eye.

  Kasper surveyed the room, to make sure she wasn't here.

  “Can I help you with something?” Avery noticed how peculiar he became.

  “Who were you talking to? I know someone is here?” Kasper's face hardened.

  “Don't know what you heard, kid, but nobody is here. Just the two of us.” Avery pace around behind him. He was going to have fun.

  “So, I see you had Ryder do your dirty work for you? Didn't want to get your hands dirty?”

  Avery heard that quizzical tone in his voice. He sat down in front of him on the coffee table. “What's wrong?—Thought you're flattered by this? No matter what I do, you still question my loyalty. There is no pleasing you is there?” Avery became disenchanted with him already. “To think I was going to let you go.”

  Kasper raised his brow at Avery's direction and found that hard to believe. “You expect me to trust you?”

  “Believe what you want. All I know is that I'm not the bad guy in all this.”

  ‘Okay, now he's full of himself’ Kasper thought. “How exactly do you figure? Last time I checked I'm not the one tied up in a chair.”

  Avery went behind him and untied his wrists first with his pocket knife. Kasper rubbed them as he watched Avery remove the tape from his body.

  “See 'nice guy,'” Avery said as he walks back over towards the mini bar taking a sip of his beer.

  “Uh-huh,” an intrigued Kasper was still not buying his newfound attitude. “What the hell happened to us, man? I thought things were fine?”

  Avery wondered how it blew up in their faces. Kasper didn't expect juvie to change their perspective. Avery and Kasper were plotting against one another. Forcing the brothers to pick sides. Guess plans don't stay the same. This was not supposed to happen. “I don't know. All I remember Kasper is how hurt I was, the betrayal I felt when you left me. You're the second closest thing I have as a brother figure. When you were gone, I was on my own once again.”

  Kasper saw things from Avery's point of view, he always had someone watching his back growing up. The only thing he ever was able to do was keep his baby sister out of trouble. Avery's brother never taught him what could happen right in front of him. Always need to be two steps ahead of everyone.

  Kasper wasn't thrilled either. He was never going to admit it but, that place still haunts him. “You thought it was a picnic for me, man? I got into a fight on my first night there! I wouldn't exactly say I had a great experience there.” Kasper got so scared straight he rather not go back to that hellhole. “Look, I know we had a rocky start since I got released. You've gotta know I wouldn't do anything to betray our friendship, Avery. It's me remember?” Kasper narrowed his eyes at his and saw the doubts.

  Avery finished his beer, wishing he could trust him. “I want to believe you Kas, but I can't. You've changed I've seen it in your eyes. You don't have what it takes anymore.” Avery walked away for a split-second.

  《***》

  Kasper glanced at his phone. ‘Maybe I could find out who he was in contact with?’ Making sure Avery was gone, he swiped it on and noticed a few text messages. He gawked in shock as he saw who the mystery partner was. ‘Why the hell is he working with my sister?! What are you up to, Kelli’?! Kasper's head swam with quizzical thoughts. He was made when a shadow returned. ‘Shit!’

  “What did your mother tell you about respecting another man's privacy, Kasper?” Avery demanded an answer. He spun him around and shoved him into the mini bar counter.

  Kas's side nearly connected. Blocking his path from injuring his ribs. ‘So much for bonding’. “What are you doing with my sister?” Kasper stood back up, putting his defense up, not afraid to throw a punch. Stare daggers by both men. Making sure there are no tricks.

  “Who said I'm doing anything with her? Is there something wrong with a guy and a girl sharing a friendly conversation?” Avery tried to sound innocent. He would've bought it but, this is Avery after all. He says one thing and does another.

  Kasper circles around Avery like a hawk, why did he ponder all of a sudden if Travis knew about this unlikely relationship? He hates the guy.

  “Kas, hate to break it kid, but there's nothing suspicious about a girl and a guy just being friends. I mean, isn't that what you claim to be with Torrie?”

  Kasper's jaw tightened. A fist formed on the side. Avery's whole face beamed up. Knowing that sparked his attention. Kasper storms up with a few swings of his own. Avery managed to duck a few of them.

  A dazed Avery grins. “Seems I hit a nerve there, huh, kid?”

  Kasper shoved him hard with his head bouncing against the wall. Gripping him by the shirt. Avery saw the fear in Kasper's eyes. He promised to keep her safe, no matter who stood in his way.

  His voice rose to threaten Avery. “You leave her out of this, you understand me?” Avery's head connected the wall again. Groaning in pain. Having enough of his roughhousing.

  Avery broke his grip by headbutting him away. Stunning Kasper for a brief second. “I wish it was that easy. Your sister already has something lined up. No gett
ing out of it and no being the hero. You're going to pick a side sooner or later.” Avery was giving him an ultimatum.

  Avery tackles Kasper down on the ground, smashing the coffee table due to the impact. Kasper coughs as he felt the wind knock out him. Avery remaining on top he goes for a hard swing, but Kasper managed to block in the last second. Returning the favor from earlier, Kasper head-butted him.

  “Who said I'm trying to be the hero? All I'm trying to do is the right thing for everyone involved!” Kasper yelled his frustrations out.

  Avery gave another blow to the side of Kasper's face. Rolling himself back on top. The punching continued him with another rookie hit and miss. Catching his breath, he heavenward his eyes at a banged-up Kasper. “And that right there kid, is a rookie mistake. Trying to please everyone isn't going to work. Trust me I know.” Both men regained their composure shortly standing back up on their feet.

  The end of round one came to a pausing end. Kasper checked his face for blood. In a wrong turn, Kasper's back away from Avery.

  “And I know you'll do whatever it takes to finish what you start. But the only difference is though Avery, which one of us can survive?” Kasper felt the adrenaline rush coming back for round three. Kasper stumbles to his feet, watching Avery crawl away. He was able to grab the back of his pants. Helping Avery rise to his feet. Yet, Avery kicked him away as he had an idea of his own. He was inches away from a beer bottle.

  Avery felt Kasper going to spin him around, Avery managed to smash the bottle on the back of Kasper’s neck. Using this breather to crawl back to his feet. Catching his breath in the process.

  Kasper winces in pain. Laying on his stomach. With Kasper trying to crawl on his knees. Figuring out his surroundings. A leg to the midsection added insult to injury. Kasper coughed as Avery kicks him once more, turning him on his back. Kasper held his stomach. Closing his bruised eyes. He might be in pain, but he was far from letting Avery become victorious over him. Feeling Avery's weight crushing his ribs his lips pursed together. A simper smirk appeared on his face. Admiring his handiwork.

  “You're right on that I do finish what I start. It's a shame though your precious, slutty girlfriend won't be here to watch your fate come to a brutal end.”

  Kasper reached by his side. A sharp piece from the smashed bottle was nearby. Using whatever energy he had left. Kasper kicked him down on his back. Laying on top of Avery's exhausted body. Finally, was this over? Everything in both their bodies was in pure agony. Cuts on the forehead were now visible. Who had enough energy to end it? One of them had to end it.

  “Do it, what are you waiting for?” Avery croaked as his throat was dry from yapping at Kasper for the past two hours.

  Kasper's hand was holding his head with one arm, a fist forming the other one. He pondered a moment. Watching the blood drip down his former brother's face. Hearing the small wheezing from his mouth.

  Avery wasn't ready to continue. Kasper could barely stand. Their emotions poured out during this brutal fight. Was he capable of ending his alliance? Either way, their friendship is over now. Kasper couldn't do it. He was going to be the bigger man. Releasing his fist as he slammed Avery's head bouncing it on the damaged floor.

  A dispirited sigh escaped his mouth. Avery winced, stumbling to stand on his totter legs. “Yeah, that's what I figured. Your weak Lockhart. How can you protect a woman if you can't protect yourself?!” Avery steadied himself before running full speed ahead. As both men crashed through the front door.

  《***》

  “Damn, you couldn't finish him off? Or you didn't want to?” Ethan and Michael were on the edge of their seats.

  Michael leered at him with a wry expression hitting Ethan on the shoulder. “What? It's a simple question, man.”

  Kasper rolled his eyes, ignoring him. Kasper was able to wrap his arm around the waist. He helped Ethan as they began to walk again since the sun was beginning to set.

  “Just a question there aren't any wild animals in this—” Michael had to ask.

  Ethan reassured him everything was fine. “At least not in this part of the woods.”

  Michael breathes a sigh of relief. Finally, once nightfall managed to come, they reached back into town. Footsteps approached, figuring they reunited.

  “Oh great, here we go again,” Ethan muttered not ready for another round, neither were Kasper nor Michael.

  As the footsteps grew louder with each step. All three stared at one another, ready for whoever was coming. Their faces lit up, gawking in shock at the figure who revealed themselves. Relieved at the sight of letting their guards down to catch their breaths.

  “Oh, thank god,” they said in unison.

  Chapter 24

  “Hey, sweetheart,” said Chloe startling her a bit.

  Snapping out of her trance. Kate was stalling tossing clothes onto the floor and bed, trying to get ready for this slumber party of hers. “Mom? You're home early?” Kate peeked her head out of her closet.

  Chloe laughs, seeing the mess on her floor. “Do I, uh?”

  Kate laughs, shaking her head. Coming out of the closet. “I'm stalling, there's a party coming up. I don't want to go.”

  Chloe saw the nervousness in her tone. She remembers those good times. “You don't have to if you don't want to sweetheart, you know that, right?”

  Kate knows she doesn't need to cave into peer pressure this early in her school year. Kate was glad her mother had her back. “I know, but I need to.” Kate was possibly giving her a hint that she's having issues at school.

  Chloe recalled a bully in her golden years, too once upon a time. “Who's the mean girl?” Debating on whether to get involved in her personal life.

  “Tiffani, she used to go out with Caden's brother Flynn.” Kate sat down on the cluttered bed, explaining what she knows about their sorted history at least.

  Chloe sat down next to her. “Ah, and why does she have an issue with you?” Chloe tried to figure it out.

  A frustrated sigh was heard escaping Kate's mouth. “Because I started tutoring him for the past few months. He was starting to fail a class. I offered to help him pass. But, everything got screwed up wicked fast.” Kate recalled the promise she made herself. She swore she wouldn't start dating anybody because of her mother's failed mistake.

  “Between you and Caden? Or you and Flynn?”

  Kate gave her mother a flushed stare.

  Chloe chuckles seeing the rueful look in her eyes. “Who do you want to talk about first? I got all night, baby girl. Besides, I miss our talks.”

  Kate smiles hugging her tightly.

  Chloe holds her rubbing her back. “Oh, my Katie.” Chloe released the hold.

  “I miss you too mom.” She was glad to have a few around when things got complicated.

  “So, Caden or Flynn?” Chloe repeated herself, which one to start it off.

  Kate groans not wanting to express her feelings for either man at this point. Her mind can't juggle two things at once. Seeing she isn't going to budge. Kate picked. “Caden ... I guess. He's been acting weird over this bonding friendship between Flynn and I. I don't get it.”

  Chloe knew his reasons and has since over the years. She tries to help the best she could not to meddle but give advice.

  “We told him constantly nothing is, but he still refuses to believe us.”

  Chloe understood listening to her daughter pour her heart out. “Kate, sweetheart, I knew how long you and Caden have been friends. You two bonded like brother and sister for years. I couldn't pry you away with the jaws of life if I could.”

  Kate smiles knowing Caden has been in an overprotective mode for the longest time.

  “So, I can understand why he would react like this, as you explained it.” Chloe sees how this paints a delicate picture, from his point of view.

  Kate knew why she's taking his side. She always liked him better. “You're just saying that because you like him better.” It was okay to admit out
loud. Deep down, she would choose Caden over Flynn.

  Chloe laughs, nodding a bit. “Maybe that's part of the issue. But, sweetheart, he also knows how his brother acts around other women. I'm positive he warned you about his tactics.”

  Kate was well aware of his two-week plan deal with the sketchy women he dates. She wasn't going to be a victim of that cycle. “Nothing is going on between Flynn and I, mom.”

  Chloe raised her brow a tad intrigued, as she heard the unsteady, determination in her tone of voice. She can always tell when she lies. Or has a hard time keeping a secret. “Really? It didn't sound so sure a few minutes ago.”