Breaking The Silence (Fatally Flawed Book 3)

Breaking The Silence

(The Fatally Flawed Series Book 3)

By: Dusty Lassetter

Dedication

To those of you that don’t know I have a sister, Kasey, that is one of my biggest supporters. She encourages me to keep writing my stories, making sure to throw her opinion in when necessary. She is probably K.J.’s biggest fan. She helped me to make sure his character never changed. He is the same aggressive, in your face, bad boy that was in book one. I started this series knowing he would be a struggle for me to write. So to you, Kasey, my lovely sister I dedicate this book. May you always remember the day you feel in love with the ultimate hit man.

Breaking The Silence

a Fatally Flawed novel

Copyright ©2016 by Dusty Lassetter

All rights reserve. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means. Without prior permission from the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law.

              This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, organizations, and incidents are wither products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity. 

Prologue

Age Ten

K.J.

             
The scraping of boots against the concert floor, alerts me to the visitor coming into my cell. He is here to either take his anger out on me again or take me to have one of my daily meetings with Mr. Alvarez. The moment I feel the tip of his boot dig into my leg, I know it’s going to be another beating.

              “Get your ass up little punk.”

              I take a deep breath before sitting up with my back still to him. I recognize his voice as Carlos’. One of Mr. Alvarez’s guards that enjoys using a knife on us whenever he thinks we need to be taught a lesson. With my back still to him, I feel the slice of sharp metal burn across my skin between both shoulder blades. I learned early on not to yell out in pain because he will only punish you more for your weakness. With my head tilted down, I open my eyes to see the first drops of blood hit the dirty cement floor.

              “You think you’re tough, boy? Trying to prove to yourself I can’t make you scream.”

              I don’t answer. There is no point. He’s bigger and stronger than me, anything I say will only anger him further and he’s more likely to kill me then. The second cut is much deeper causing me to flinch.

              “So you do still feel pain?” He bellows out, his voice filled with laughter.

              “Knock it off Carlos. Lorenzo only wanted you to bring him the boy.” I hear another one of the guard’s murmur.

              “This little cunt had it coming. He walks around here like he’s so tough, never talking or screaming in pain from our beatings anymore.” Carlos says, yanking my head back by my hair. He places the blade to my throat whispering in my ear, “one of these days they’ll let me kill you. Think about that every time you lay your head down to sleep.” I stare into his soulless eyes and promise myself something. I will kill him.

              The other guard walks over and grabs me by my dirt covered arm, yanking me through the halls of my underground prison. He is taking me to see Mr. Alvarez which could mean only one thing, another lesson. Every time I’m brought into his office I am given a test to prove my worth to them. Whether it be fighting another one of the boys or being tortured until I pass out.

              The guard knocks on the door before entering while dragging me behind him. “K.J. it’s good to see you, boy.” Mr. Alvarez says. He takes a seat in his chair behind the huge desk and offers me a bottle of water. My instincts scream for me to run to the water and drink it down, it’s been days since I’ve had some, but my mind yells at me to wait.

              “You’re not thirsty?” Mr. Alvarez asks.

              Once again I say nothing. I know that in this place you have to earn everything given to you, that water is no exception. Had I ran to the bottle he probably would have stopped me with a bullet to the leg. “You’ve caught on to the rules I see. Let’s get to it then. For this bottle of water, you must take your first life. We taught you how to kill, now I want you to show me how good you’ve been listening. Would you like to see who it is?” 

              I square my shoulders and stand taller, prepared to see one of the guards walking through the door. I’m shocked when they drag in another boy about the same height and weight as me. He is covered in dirt as well, matching the color of his dark brown hair and eyes. He glances at me, then to Mr. Alvarez with a questioning look. He is told the same thing I was. In order for us to drink, we must first spill blood.

              I have never killed anyone before, not that I haven’t come close, but something always stopped me before delivering that final blow. I can see in Mr. Alvarez’s eyes that if we both refuse we will both die. I replay that promise in my head I made earlier before grabbing the pen off the desk and attacking the boy where he stands. No one was expecting the surprised attack but from the sounds of their laughter they are enjoying it. I tackle him to the ground and stab him in the neck with the pen as fast as I can. His blood is splattering on my face and bare chest but I block it all out. Moments later two hands grab me and tare me away from the boy’s dead body.

              “That was cruel of you K.J. Not giving that boy any warning before your attack.” Mr. Alvarez says. “You and I are more alike than I thought.” With that said, he grabs the bottle of water opening the top he takes a drink before dumping the rest on the floor.

              “Take him back to his hole.” He tells the guards, effectively dismissing me. On the walk back to my cell I replay his words in my head. I will never again attack anyone without warning, there is no way I will become like that animal.

Chapter 1

Izzy

              The guys in the club tonight are grabbier than usual. I’ve threatened several with bodily harm if they touch my ass again. I got fired from my other bartending gig after taking so much time off work to be in Vegas. They knew what was going on while I was there, it was on every sports channel in the country. Regardless of my outstanding work ethic, they hired someone else to replace me. Two days after returning home I found this job. Now I serve the drinks, instead of mixing them, in this tiny skirt and tank top that has my boobs spilling out.

              “What’s a man got to do to get some service?” One of the sleazy men ask as I walk by. He must be mistaking me for a hooker, because he’s currently sipping on the beer I just brought him. Instead of walking back to the bar, to get the next order of drinks for another table, I turn around and walk up to the pervert.

              “What was that?” I ask, feeling myself getting angry from the smug look on the creeps face.

              “I just wanna know what I need to do to get serviced baby.” He jokes, looking around to see if anyone is paying attention. When he realizes no one is the least bit interested in hearing what he has to say he leans in closer, “I’ll give you fifty bucks to suck my dick.”

              I feel my eyes get as big around as saucers, before the anger I was hiding turns into a rage that is uncontrollable. Snatching his beer from the table, some spilling out onto my shirt, I place it over his head and watch as his face turns from arrogant to shocked when it drenches his hair.

              “You fucking BITCH!” He yells, his shock quickly turning to anger. He rears his hand back but before he can bring it down on my face he is stopped by a much taller and stronger looking man. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” The sexy stranger says.

              “She just poured my fucking beer down my head.” The blubbering idiot continues to yell.

              “You offered to give me fifty bucks to suck your tiny dick. You’re lucky I didn’t take a dull knife to your balls.” I shout at the fool.

              “Fuck you, cunt. You better watch…” The idiot is soon cut off by the taller gentleman’s punch to the jaw. I barely make it out of the way before his big body hits the floor. The heel of my shoe twists as I take my next step. I try to prepare myself for the pain I’m about to experience from my face catching my fall but it never comes. Strong arms wrap around me and I’m lifted back up with ease. Once I am able to get my balance back he unhurriedly removes his arm from around my waist.

              “Thank you,” I say turning around. He has a genuine smile on his face showing off his perfect white teeth. A goatee that helps highlight his full lips that would seem to be every woman’s weakness. Short brown hair with a red tint helps bring out the grey eyes shining with laughter, probably from the obvious ogling I’m giving him.

              “Gunner Nelson.” He states, sticking his hand out. I place my sweaty palm in his. “Sorry,” I say, taking my hand back and rubbing it on the front of my skirt. “I sweat when I’m nervous.” I mumble.

              “I understand. That guy would make any woman’s skin crawl.”

              I give him a small smile letting him believe that’s the reason. In all reality this gorgeous man standing in front of me smiling like he genuinely finds me amusing is the only cause for my nerves. “Would you like to go out for coffee after your shift?” He asks.

              “Well I don’t get off until midnight.” I try not to come off as desperate, but I’m really hoping he offers to wait around for the hour and half I have left.

              “I’ve got some where to be in an hour.” He says.

              “I understand.” I state, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice. Just when I start to turn, intending on walking off before I make a fool of myself, he reaches out gently grabbing my wrist. “I can cancel my meeting. It’s not that important. I would much rather stare into your beautiful face then my partners.” His grey eyes are shinning bright with hope, “I know a place that stays open until three. It’s just a ten-minute ride from here.” I suggest.

              “Sounds great. I’ll just set over by the bar and make a few phone calls.” With that he lets go of my wrist and strides away. The black suit he’s wearing frames his wide shoulders and thick arms. I take my hand and fan my face, certain by the end of the night I will scare this one off.

Chapter 2

Izzy

                            I wipe my hands on some paper towels before exiting the bathroom and make my way back toward the table Gunner is patiently waiting for me at. We have been here for over an hour now chatting about anything and everything. The date, if that’s what we should call it, is going much better than most. By now I have usually said or done something that turns the guy off, leaving me to go home early. It’s a mystery why he is even sitting at this table with me right now, I’m almost certain with his build and good looks he has no problem getting dates with beautiful women.

              “I was starting to think you ditched me.” He states as I take my seat across from him. “The waitress asked if we needed another refill, I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get out of here.” I look down at my phone that has several missed calls from my sister and reluctantly agree.

              Standing on the sidewalk I lean in to give him an innocent hug but my uneasy movement causes me to lose my balance and I end up bumping into him like a fool. He lets out a small chuckle before wrapping his arms around me, “I never knew I could have this effect on women.”

              My left cheek is still smashed against his chest and in fear of my face resembling a tomato I opt to keep myself plastered to him, “I wish I could say it was you, but I’m always this awkward.” He pulls me in for a tighter embrace, his arms fitting comfortably around me, “but you make it look so adorable.”

              I take a step back from his warmth, looking him in the eyes, “I hate being called adorable.” I declare, crossing my hands over my chest for good measure. He reaches out with his left hand and grazes the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip. “How can that pout be called anything but?”

              I bite my bottom lip not realizing I was pouting like a child. He slowly withdrawals his hand while his eyes roam over the rest of my body. All night I have been inwardly begging him to look at me the way he is now, but my nerves get the best of me and I start shifting my feet.

              “I was going to suggest you and I take a walk, but I’m afraid you are testing my will power. My mom raised me to be a gentleman and I’m sure pawing all over you on our first date is not very gentlemanly.”

              I keep my feet planted on the sidewalk, afraid if I move I will climb his body like a dog in heat dry humping him all the way up. I’ve dated quite a few guys and not one of them even pretended to be a nobleman. He leans into my space, lowering his head. “I would love to take you out on a second date.”

              Grabbing a card from his jacket, he places it in my hand, before taking a few steps to the side of the busy street hailing a cab. I walk toward the door he’s holding open for me, “I’ll see you soon Izzy.” He whispers before closing the door, leaving me to tell the cabbie where to drop me off at.

              I give him my address even though I am on cloud nine right now and don’t want to come crashing down when queen bee starts whining about being left without her slave for the night. Kiersten has been staying with me for a week now. For whatever reason she doesn’t want to go back to New York. She convinced my mother that she missed the family and wanted to take the time to bond with her only sister before going back. I was not fooled by her fakeness, but it was either be axed out by my family, or grin and bear the torture until she decides she’s had her fun.

              Walking up the flight of stairs I reach my door and stick my key in to unlock it. To my surprise the door is not locked and opens easily. This is a new low. She knows everything that has been going on and yet she plays Russian roulette with her safety. “Kiersten I told you to keep the door locked.” I shout out, throwing my shoes off before heading to the kitchen.

              I’m stopped in my tracks when I see a figure emerge from the shadows. I scream out in fear before the light is turned on and I see it’s only K.J. My heart literally skips a beat which most people would sum up to the horror of walking in on someone hiding in your apartment. I however have come to realize it happens every time K.J. is near. “What in the hell are you doing here, asshole?” I ask, not the slightest bit amused by his antics.

              “Who was the prick in the suit?” He questions, taking a few steps closer to me. I know exactly what he is trying to do. The minute his skin makes contact with mine, I will become just another one of his wanton hussies. The only difference is I never get a happy ending. “Don’t you dare take another step toward me.” I threaten him with as much menace in my voice I can conjure.

              “Do you enjoy making me repeat myself, Elizabeth?” There it is. He is the only one to use my first name other than my sister. How can I hate it so much when she does it, but the way it rolls off K.J.’s tongue makes me want to melt into a puddle of useless putty?

              “Yes. Actually I do Kade.” I say at the same time a smirk forms on my face. Two can play this game buddy.

              “I usually kill anyone that calls me by that name.” He declares. I don’t know much about K.J. other then he drives me completely mad with anger, lust, rage, and more lust, but I’m pretty sure he’s only kidding.

              “I’ll make sure to get in the habit of doing so. In fact, maybe I will call everyone up and tell them you would prefer we call you Kade now that your secret is out.” I’m not able to stop the hurt from showing in my voice. Jasper and him recently got the whole group together to include us in on their little secret. I would love to say it didn’t sting to find out K.J. never felt enough for me to at least confide with me his secrets, but that would be a lie. It hurt like hell.

              “Come here Izzy.” He commands. He has only called me Izzy a few times, but it’s only when he is feeling guilty. Usually over beating the crap out of yet another boyfriend of mine or when he unintentionally scares me. It’s like his voice is a beacon calling out to me because without any thought at all my legs bring me forward and into his waiting arms.

              “Now answer my question. Who’s the asshole in the suit?” He begins his interrogation again.

              “I met him at the bar. We went out for coffee after my shift.” I answer honestly.

              “Do you remember what I told you after that Halloween party senior year?” He asks.

              He always starts these conversations off like this. Wanting to remind me of the promise he made over three years ago. I remember being so angry, that the outfit I had chosen didn’t have any effect on him, that I threw myself at the first guy to show me attention. He must have watched me walk up the stairs with said guy, because he broke down the door before I could even get my boots off. Then he proceeded to tell me he would punish any man that dare lay a hand on me. I laughed him off back then, but every man since has only lasted a few months before I never hear from them again.

              “I remember. I also recall giving you the opportunity to put your hands anywhere you wanted. Do you remember giving me a look of disgust before storming out of the room?”

              “You know why we can’t cross that line, Elizabeth.” He states frustration lining his voice. He always loses patience when I throw that in his face.

              “No, I only know what you claim to be the reason. Just tell me who you are keeping me safe from and I will debate whether it is worth the risk.” I say, my voice starting to get louder.

              He starts to rub small circles on my lower back, his warmth seeping deep down into my bones. I hate how he can so easily manipulate me. “Keep your distance from Gunner, Elizabeth. I mean it.” He commands before gently releasing me and walking out my front door. I hear the lock click in place before the sounds of his footsteps disappear.