Page 109 of Chalk Outline

“More than my heart can bear.”

I hope that one day someone will love me as deeply as that.

“You know,” Koy says, “the darkest corners of the heart are touched when you find a hand that is willing to walk through the darkness with you.”

What he said then resonated with me. It was an anthem I felt deep in my soul.

Jason interrupts my story with the statement, “I will tell you whatever you want to know.”

“Who’s the guy who attacked me? It seemed personal.” I don’t know who Spider-Web-Face was, but I saw him at the party the night I saw Jason, and it felt like he knew exactly who he was. He also matched Mattie’s description from the day she was taken.

Jason leans against the top rail, resting his forearms on it. He rubs his face with his free hand and says, “I know him, and you know him too.”

Chapter twenty

Reeve Hardy

For You — HIM

I throw my ball cap backward as I walk with Winona to her campus. We pause near her building, and she steps in front of me, craning her neck up to look up into my eyes.

“Hey, handsome,” she winks, flashing her sweetest grin.

A smile instantly stretches across my face, baring my teeth. I slightly shake my head and say, “Hey, beautiful.”

“I think I just saw my future in your eyes.”

I swipe my tongue over my teeth. “Are you trying to make me blush?”

She mirrors me. “Is it working?”

“You tell me.” I arch my brow and brace for her sassy comment.

“I see some hints of pink decorating your cheeks.” She pauses for a moment. “Now, it’s on full display.”

I cuff her wrists behind her back with one hand. A soft moan escapes her puffy lips before I bring my other hand around her throat. “I think you said that pink suits me,” I say playfully, kissing her forehead. I wish this would never end. I want to be hers forever. This is the life I wanted—not to be someone’s weapon, but to be a beautiful part of their world when they seek comfort and shelter.

She opens her mouth to speak—

“Hey, Winona,” says Larson as he passes us, waving. I roll my eyes as he turns halfway when Winona doesn’t answer. “I’ll see you in English class.” His eyes slide to mine, and a little smirk curls up at the corner of his mouth.

She is busy, asshole.

“Hey, Larson, save me a seat.” Winona glances his way and waves dismissively, but he takes it as an invitation to step closer and hand her a ticket for the football game this weekend.

“Thought to take you out and have some fun.”

I can’t take my eyes off that annoying leech who’s bothering her. I know she’s being polite, but that jerk is pushing boundaries and bringing back memories I don’t want to remember.

I clench my fist by my side and grab Winona’s throat. Pulling her in for a passionate kiss, my eyes stay open while Larson watches every tongue thrust.

His smirk quickly fades, giving way to an angry twitch, as he rushes off and storms into the building, knocking someone’s books to the floor.

I concentrate on Winona, savoring the sweet taste of her lips. I gently draw her closer to deepen the kiss. My tongue circles hers perfectly, but she pulls away and playfully slaps my chest.

“Are you kissing me for show?”

I cup her cheek, letting my thumbs caress her lips. “He needs to mind his own business. You are my business.”