Dare (Finding Love Book 1) (13 page)

It’s been three stressful weeks.

After fainting on the library steps, a distressed Cole found me. Luckily I woke rather quickly. It took me an hour to calm him down enough for me to go home though. I ended up telling him I hadn’t eaten all day. Which was true. But after that day, I’ve been nothing but nervous and paranoid. That text, still fresh on my mind was making me curious, I won’t lie. What does he know?

Constantly, I glance over my shoulder, expecting him to show up. Not sure what he looks like anymore, since I only met him that one dreadful night. The world doesn’t hold my freedom anymore. I feel like I’m back at home, constantly living in fear. Dare has noticed the change in me, and I know he’s blaming himself. In his eyes, I started acting different after he told me everything about his past, after we made love.

I yearn to tell him the truth.

But I can’t. I’ve tried to tell him about all this, but this text I recently got stops me dead in my tracks.

Tell him, and he dies.

I’m trying everything to keep this from him, but every day is turning out to be harder and harder. Like before, I have no evidence to give to the cops, and how can I do anything to protect Dare anyways?

I’m meeting Dare at the coffee shop today, and I’m nervous. Earlier, I received another maddening text, telling me the usual: keep quiet. I’m trying hard not to think about it all, just wanting to have a normal day for once, one with no worries, fights, or revelations. Just me and Dare for the day. Decision made, I head inside the café, finding him at our table.

He stands up as I reach the table. “Hey, you.” He smiles before leaning down to kiss me.

“Hey, babe.” He smiles again at the endearment. He pulls out my chair for me, and I fall into it.

His brow furrows. “Hey, are you okay?”

Stiffening, my eyes peak at him over the rim of my white mug that’s full of hot chocolate. It isn’t the first time he’s asked this question yet something feels off this time. There is an edge to his words, and I pause. “Yeah, fine. Why do you ask?”

Irritated, his fingers tap against the wooden table, causing my stomach to tighten up. “When I told you about my past, I expected some form of honesty from you.” Leaning in, he studies me with narrow eyes. “What. Is. Going. On?”

Once again, my heart stops, not knowing what to say. I really don’t know anything about my pursuer, except that if he can sell drugs or delete my texts, he can do anything, including demanding my silence by not using Hayley’s camera to get evidence.

But do I want to lose Dare by keeping this a secret? Selfishly, I want to tell him, so badly. But I can’t.  “School has been hard lately. I have finals coming up before winter break, and they are kicking my ass.”

Unconvinced, he leans back, crossing his arms over his chest. Well, tough. I’m doing this for him; he just doesn’t know that yet. “Fine.” He shrugs and sighs. I realize he doesn’t look well, and it’s my turn to worry.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look like you’ve slept.”

He props his head up on his hand. “I haven’t. I got some news last night.” I raise a brow for him to tell me. “Marvin, the guy who owns the property where the hill is? He died yesterday. I have to go and listen to his last will and testament.”

Seeing the pain in his eyes, I reach across and pick up his hand. “Can I go with you? Is that possible?” I don’t want him to go through this alone.

“I think you can. I’d appreciate you being there with me.”

I nod. “Of course. I’m here for you, Dare. I know I’ve been absent lately, but I
am
here.”

He squeezes my hand in thanks and lifts it to his mouth, gently kissing my knuckles. “I love you.”

I smile at him, my cheeks flushing. “I love you too.”

“It’s tomorrow at three. That good for you?”

“Yes, that’s fine. Now, how about we head back to your apartment and learn something,” I coyly tell him.

His eyebrows rise immediately, and I softly giggle. “Really? Like what?”

I lean over the table and kiss his chin. “Like, who Darth Vader is.” I lean back and laugh at his expression of disappointment. “Come on, you. Let’s go before you start pouting in public.”

We head to his apartment. A part of me is having a great time, but the other part knows that something is coming. And I best be prepared.

_*_*_*_

A few hours later, Dare drives me home. Despite the weather turning colder, I wish we could ride his motorcycle. It means I get to wrap my arms around him. Nothing can beat that.

“I’ll text you later? I have somewhere to be tonight so I may not text back right away,” Dare tells me as I get off the bike.

I wave my hand. “No problem. I have to study anyways. Math is killing me,” I groan. Of course he smirks, because he’s, like, a God at math. Jerk.

“I can always help you. I’ve offered before.” He chuckles at my glare, and I’m quite offended. It always works on everyone else. “You’re too sweet to glare. Now, get your cute ass inside before you catch a cold.”

Sticking my tongue out at him, I head inside, deliberately swaying my hips more than usual. I snicker as he groans and hurry up inside. He’s right; I don’t want to catch a cold. Closing the door behind me, I whip off my jacket and rub my arms.

“It’s getting so cold,” I complain, dropping onto the couch between Hayley and Jaclyn.

“You lived in Washington. How are you cold here?” Jaclyn remarks.

Hayley gets up and heads into the kitchen. “I don’t know. Just am. Hey, are you doing okay? You seem a little down.”

She purses her lips. “Yeah, just finals.”

Lie. Though I can’t say anything, I’m lying too. Just like that, everything that’s happened falls back onto my shoulders, and my high from being with Dare is gone. Sigh. Why can’t my life be normal? Messed up parents, dead brother, insanely hot yet fragile boyfriend, and oh, a drug seller who is intent on ruining everything I have.

“Yeah, those finals really know how to kick us down,” I try to tease.

Jaclyn chuckles lamely and turns back to the TV. “So how was your date with
Slade
?” I lower my voice as I say his name.

She blushes as Hayley returns. “What did I miss? Our girl here never blushes.”

Jaclyn huffs. “What are you saying?”

Hayley shakes her head. “Nothing, my dear. Continue.”

Smiling at them, I explain. “I was asking her about her date with Slade.” I turn to Jaclyn. “How many have you been on now? Thirty?”  

Jaclyn shoves me away. “No! We’ve been on like, ten or so, and it was fine.”

Hayley arches her brow at her. “Just fine? You practically obsessed about him for weeks before he asked you out.”

“Yeah, you did. We nearly duct taped your mouth shut.”

Jaclyn glowers. “I did not. I was just… excited at the prospect of dating this guy, and yes, Hayley,
fine
. I don’t expect it to be out of this world with fireworks. That’s unrealistic.”

We stare at her. Who knew our dating mongrel was a cynic when it came to love? “Well, as long as you like him, I guess that’s good enough for us.” I shrug.

Hayley nods, agreeing with me. “Yep, that’s good. You should invite him over one of these days. Oh, you too, Jennifer. We actually haven’t met Dare yet.” She arches a brow at me, obviously reprehending me.

“Are you ever going to learn his real name?” Jaclyn asks.

The question stumps me. “Okay, yes you should have Slade over, and I’ll talk to Dare. Also, I’ve kind of forgotten about that. Although, now I’m curious.”

Hayley leans forward. “You should be. What if he ends up in the hospital? You wouldn’t have his full name,” she points out.

“Why would he be in the hospital?”

Jaclyn interrupts. “Don’t say that, Hayley! You’ll freak her out.”

She back tracks. “I didn’t mean that anything would actually happen to him, but you know, life happens,” she lamely finishes.

“Hold up. Have you guy’s bonked yet?” Jaclyn asks abruptly.

I gasp at her. “Seriously? Bonked? God, Jaclyn. Could you be blunter?”

She shrugs. “Sure. Have you two had wild monkey sex?”

I glare at her. They both wait, expecting my answer. I can’t believe Hayley is siding with her. “Fine! Yes, we have. Happy?”

Jaclyn squeals. “Oh my God! Finally. What was it like? Was it totally amazing?” She’s nearly salivating for my answer.

“Of course it was. He gave me a leather jacket too.” I smile. I love it so much.

“That’s adorable. Maybe I was wrong about him,” Hayley admits.

“He really is good to me. I love him,” I tell them, and they gasp.

“Can I be your MOH?” Jaclyn asks.

“MOH?” I ask with raised brows.

“Maid of Honor. Duh.”

Right. “Anyway,” I draw out. “What about you, Hayley?”

She looks startled. “What do you mean?”

Jaclyn grins. “Yes! Hayley, do you have someone you like?” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Pushing her face away, I turn to look at Hayley, who is shaking her head. “Oh, no. I haven’t seen anyone. Besides, I don’t really date. Just not my thing right now. I’d rather concentrate on school.” She picks at her jeans, tugging on a loose string.

“Well, that’s fine. School is important and lord knows boys are trouble,” Jaclyn says.

We nod in agreement. A while later, I head into my room and sit down on my bed. I told them I was getting some assignments done, but really I’m trying to work on my letter to Mom.

Since I got it, I’ve read the letter over and over again and can now recite it word for word. I’ve been hesitant to write back, but after a week, I grabbed a piece of paper and tried to write. Nothing would come to me though, and I had a pile of crinkled, ball-shape papers on my floor.

Grabbing my pen, I sit down and write
Dear Mom.
Unfortunately, that’s all I get out. I groan in frustration and throw my pen down. Why can’t I do this? It can’t be that hard.

My phone beeps, signaling a message, and I almost ignore it. I don’t want to see what
he
said now. I can’t take anymore crap tonight. Then it goes off again and I – cautiously - grab it.

Hey, you.

I smile at Dare’s text, relieved it isn’t from
him.
I look down at the other text and falter.

I know this is sudden, but meet me at this address. It’ll be fun, trust me.

Frowning, I read over the address. It isn’t familiar to me, but the area is near the coffee shop we frequent. I bite my lip, debating.
Why not. It’s Dare, he wouldn’t bring me somewhere dangerous
. I get dressed in something other than my pajamas and head to Jaclyn’s room, knocking on her door.

“Come in!”

Pushing the door open, I gawk at the sea of clothes littering her floor. “Messy much?”

She grins. “Anal much?”

“Hey! I like cleanness. I can’t help it. Anyway, can I borrow your car for a while? Dare invited me out tonight.”

She nods and tosses me her keys. “Go ahead. I’ll be studying. And dying,” she playfully mourns.

“Okay, have fun!” I call out, laughing.

Once in her car, I head to this mysterious destination. I’m glad for GPS; otherwise I’m sure I would end up in a different state. After almost an hour, I finally arrive. The tall building is old and rusty, the words
Mill
written above the large main doors. There is no parking lot, but there must be a hundred cars here. Finding a spot, I hesitate to get out. I’m not sure about this now.

Loud music is coming from inside, and as I walk closer, I see people standing around the entrance, beer bottles in hand.

Nodding at them, I pass through. Then I falter at the door. The inside is packed, full of people dancing, drinking, and jumping with excitement. I look around in confusion.
Dare wants me here? Why is he even here?
Scanning the crowd, I spot him a few minutes later.

Smiling in relief, I start to push my way through the mob when a bell goes off. I catch Dare’s attention, but his response isn’t what I expected. His eyes are wide with surprise and… guilt? A bad feeling rushes through me, and I know everything is about to change.

If you ask me what I was going through at that moment, I couldn’t tell you. It was a blur of emotions, a sinkhole that appeared and took everything with it. Then everything was suddenly changed when I saw the familiar face.

“Mo?” I breathe out in shock.

As I see his expression, I go numb.
No, it can’t be true. He’s dead. This guy just looks like him.
Though I tell myself this, I know that isn’t the case. The guy standing in the ring, his expression one of shock, is Mo. I can’t say it isn’t obvious.

Looking at Mo and Dare, I’m hit with betrayal of the worst kind. I didn’t even feel this way with Mom. Spinning around, I shove through the crowd, eyes filling with tears, blurring my vision. Absently, I think I hear my name being called, but there is no chance I’m stopping now. I can’t talk to Dare, nor do I want to be around Mo.

Unlocking the car, I get in and breathe out. I think about the Mo I saw in there, and he’s so different to what I imagined he’d be like now. Wiping my tears away, I recall what he looked like.

He’s really tall, an inch or two taller than Dare at least. He’s older, of course, but it’s still a shock to see. The last time I saw him, we were fourteen. He’s really changed in five years, and it freaks me out. Mo was too far away for me to get a good look at him, but I know he’s different. I want to stop and drive back, demand answers and yell at them both for doing this to me.

The ride home is quiet except for my tears. I try to hold it all in but once I start, stopping becomes an issue. When I pull Jaclyn’s car into the designated spot, I get out and head up to the apartment. Closing the door, I rest my head against it for a few minutes. I realize it’s quiet as I look around, and I kick off my shoes as I walk over to the table, spotting a letter.

Hey girl! Hayley and I went out for a late dinner. Can’t wait to hear about your date. Love, Jac and Hay.

Shrugging, I head into my bedroom and change into a pair of yoga pants and a green T-shirt before tossing my hair into a messy bun. Shrugging on my cozy knit, I head back down the hall and into the kitchen.

I look for something to eat and think back to the letter. Jaclyn must have finished studying and gone out for a break, dragging Hayley with her no doubt. I don’t blame her, you need all the breaks you can get with finals starting. I make a piece of toast and hot chocolate before sitting on top of the counter. As I eat my food, I try to think over everything objectively.

Mo isn’t dead. My biggest question is why? Why did all of this happen? Why did Mom tell me he died in a car accident? And, why did Mo keep this from me? The betrayal hurts. After all these years, I find out he’s not dead. In any of that time, he could have written me or
something
. I’ve been living in agony because of this. He could have put me out of it.
Unless he didn’t want to.

So, do I want to find him and hear what he has to say?

That brings me to another problem. Dare. What am I going to do about him? I’m not completely sure how he and Mo know each other and what Dare’s part is in all of this, but he lied to me. I just can’t understand why he would do this.
For the same reason you’re lying to him.

There, the strike has hit.

I
am
lying to him. He’s asked me many times what’s wrong, and I lie. At any moment, like him, I could have told him the truth. But mine is about keeping him safe from this man, who because of me could hurt Dare. Or worse.

With a sigh, I hop off the counter and put my dishes in the sink, mentally reminding myself to clean them later on. Next, I head over to the freezer and pull out some of my chocolate ice cream. My go to for when I’m depressed - or feeling anything really. I’m about to walk over to the couch when the door opens. “I’m glad you guys are back. I have to tell you about tonight!” I call over my shoulder.

Before I sit down, I realize no one answered.
That’s odd. Jaclyn at least would have said something.
Setting my bowl down, I head back into the kitchen. A feeling of unease ripples through me and I slow. My skin prickles with goose bumps, and my heart thuds against my chest.
Thump-thump.
I lean against the wall and peek around the corner.

Nothing.

I sag in relief, a small smile stretching across my face. “Too many horror movies, Jennifer,” I whisper to myself.

“Apparently not enough.” A voice so cold comes from behind me, and my earlier fright comes back full force.

With wide eyes I slowly turn, looking up and into the familiar eyes of my tormentor. My eyes widen, body stumbling back in shock. The first - and only time - I met him, he was strong, tan, and healthy. He had short blonde hair, glowing blue eyes and the world was his. Now, as I stare at him in disbelief, he looks nothing like the man I met five years ago.

His lifeless, stringy blonde hair now hangs long past his shoulders, a greasy home to bugs, not doubt. His muscle mass and tan has wasted away. Now he’s deathly pale with purple rings under his eyes, a crazed look in those blue depths. This guy, he scares me.

“If you really watch those movies, you would have known to lock your door.” He chuckles.

Tyler steps forward, entirely too close for my liking. When Steven brought his son over - before he turned into a bastard - I felt something off.
He
was off. I stayed clear of him that day and luckily, we never saw him again. Steven never told us why, but I didn’t care.

“Why are you doing this? I never did anything to you!” I shout at him, backing into the wall, wishing I can disappear. If only it were that easy.

Tyler punches the wall inches away from my head, and I cringe. “Never did anything? You ruined
everything
,” he growls menacingly, his breath reeking of stale beer.

Before he can react, I stomp on his foot and duck under his arm, rushing over to the coffee table where my phone is. I hold it up. “Make one move and I call the cops,” I threaten.

He laughs, and the sound of it makes me want to puke. “Go ahead, try. Oh, wait, I turned off your phone. Oops.” He shrugs and grins gleefully.

Staring at him in disbelief, I drop my phone.
Okay, option one is gone. Option two: run.
Glancing at the door, I wonder if I can make it. Probably not but I won’t go down without a fight. Without a second thought, I bolt towards the door. He swears. Just as my hand is about to touch the doorknob, he hits my back and I’m thrown into the door.

My head bounces off the wood, and the world blurs for a few seconds. Seconds I lost, seconds I needed. Tyler pushes me down to the floor, my back taking the brunt of it. I curl into myself and groan as he kicks my stomach. Once, twice, a third time. Slowly, I blink up at him as he stands over my shaking body.

“Why?” I whisper. What did
I
do that turned him into this?

He steps on my fingers, a crunch echoing out as I scream in pain. Slowly, he smirks at me, revealing his yellow teeth. “I love the sound of you in pain. Makes it worth all of this. As to why? You ruined everything. You got my dad arrested and stopped my business. I blame you for it all.”

I start to shake my head but stop as it begins to hurt. “What business?” I’m trying to stall, drawing out the inevitable. I don’t want Jaclyn and Hayley to walk in and get hurt, but I don’t want to die either.

Tyler pulls out a gun, and I choke on a cough. “What business?” he quietly mutters. “Mine!” he shouts, and I jump. “I sold drugs, Jennifer. So did Steven. Who do you think fixed your mother up all the time? That’s what we did. We had clients everywhere. High schools, jails, small businesses. All of it was mine.” He kicks my stomach again and I grunt. Liquid drips into my eyes, and I try to wipe it away, my pale skin becoming blemished with red.

“I hate you,” he swears and lifts the gun, pointing right at me. I almost give up hope. Almost.

Suddenly, my door bangs open and a shocked looking Dare steps in. I yell out
no
as Tyler turns his gun. With a blink of an eye, Dare jumps at him. I hear the gun go off, and the familiar sounds of skin hitting skin. I get up - slowly because the room is spinning - and go into the kitchen, needing to see what’s happening. My anger at Dare diminishes for now as I worry about who got shot.
Please, don’t be Dare!

I hear pots and pans falling to the ground, curse words flying around as I peek around the wall. Dare is shoved into the corner by the sink, Tyler blocking him in. I close my eyes as they continue fighting. When I hear Dare call out my name in warning, I open my eyes, only to see a fist heading my way. Frightfully, I move, but not quick enough. I fall to the floor, and as everything begins to fade, the last thing I hear is another gun shot.

_*_*_*_

As I wake, memories of what happened come back, and I sit up in alarm, frantically looking around for Tyler, my cheek throbbing.

“Whoa, calm down. It’s okay, Jennifer. He isn’t here.” Dare’s voice is like an instant soothing balm, and I calm down.                                                                  

I look over at him in confusion. I have so many questions. “What are you doing here?” I ask him, putting too much anger in my voice. I don’t apologize though.

He falters, and I glance away. I’m grateful that he came when he did, but I’m still angry at him for keeping Mo a secret. I’m not ready to let it go. It keeps me from turning into a sobbing mess. I hate to see him so wounded though.
Don’t. Remember what he did.

“Jennifer, I’m sorry. I never meant to keep it from you. I just…” he groans in frustration and tugs at his hair. “I got close to you, and I didn’t want to lose you! He told me all about you. He knew I worked here and asked for me to look after you. I love you so much, and I’m sorry I hurt you. I really am. Please.” His begging voice cracks.

Fiddling with my fingers, I look up at him. “Why though?” I’m happy my voice is strong instead of wobbling.

Dare shakes his head. His jaw is dark with stubble and his bloodshot eyes are full of guilt, concern, and love. I want to forgive him so bad, but I can’t, something holds me back. “That’s not my story to tell. It’s his, Marko’s.”

I gape at him.
Marko. His brother? He was talking about Mo the whole time!
I shake my head, traumatized at everything that’s happened. I don’t know what to do. Forgive? Tell him to leave so I can think? My head hurts with all of this information. I just want to be alone. “Leave.” My voice isn’t cold by any means, but I just need to be alone.

Dare looks over at me, hurt. “No, please. Jen, hear me out-“

“I don’t mean forever, Dare. I just need some time, please. Everything has happened so fast.”

He looks as if he’s about to say something else, but I roll over onto my side. I wait until he’s gone and release the floodgate of tears.