Bruce assures me I'll never be blamed for Micah's injuries, yet he insists I stay hidden. Too, he pays for my fine. He said, "No one wants those messy Masons involved. I told Emelia to let them stay where they are."The following Monday, I put in a request for a leave of absence from my job. Staying here in Bruce's cabin, I focus on living in peace.My childhood traumas seem to follow me. No matter how much I seek peace, I seem to attract chaos. Bruce called it a generational curse that I should give over to God. I have never been religious, but with the comfort Bruce brings, I'm starting to understand why people attend church. I've enjoyed a week in solitude without a phone or spending long periods of time with others. As much as I hate leaving Ken and Lana in limbo, it's my best option. I take a short hike through the woods to the nearest beach at dusk. Standing at the shore, I behold an aesthetic violet and orange sky. Removing my shorts and tank, I dive into the water and swim o

Jude jams on the brakes after hitting the side of an oncoming vehicle. The impact causes my neck to jerk back, and then I slam my head into the dashboard. Only seconds later, another vehicle rammed into the back of us, and our car slid. We spin and stop once the car's back end is crushed into a tree.High-pitched beeps ring in my ears as I struggle to open my eyes. Now squinting, I see a blurred vision of moving teal-green uniforms. Head throbbing, I raise my hand to massage my temple, but my arms are constrained by tubes and cords.Once I opened my eyes, a nurse grins my way, saying, "Hello, Ajay. Where do you feel pain?"Swallowing to moisten my dry throat, I answer, "Everywhere.""Any areas more than others?""Yes, my neck, head, and knee.""Okay. On a scale from 1-10, how much are you in pain?""My knee is a six, but my head and neck are nines.""Thanks, sweetie. My name is Jenny. You're at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Warton will be in shortly."Jenny starts whispering to someone,

Lana is entertaining all through the afternoon, but Ken is unimpressed. Finally, he leaves for the restroom when Lana teases, "You're my shero! Three fine, well-off men are all here vying for your love. How does it feel to just live?" "Please stop making me laugh. It hurts my head." I chuckle."Aaron's such a spoiled baby. Seeing Jude, he pouted like a two-year-old and left without saying goodbye. So he's the biggest loser if this were a competition. What's most attractive about Ken is his "never back down" attitude and determination to keep his woman! That turned me on."Fanning herself, she continues, "Sorry for lusting over your man. But then there's Jude. Honey, he doesn't have to do anything but show up and win hands down. Now, I understand your obsession." My eyes went to the doorway, and Lana stopped speaking. Without looking back, she says, "I need a frappuccino. Do you want one?" Shaking my head, she stood and turned, then acted surprised, saying, "I didn't know you return

This moment seems so unreal. Fearing I may wake up, I remain silent our entire ride. Jude parks in front of his mansion and then exits. My eyes are fixed on him as he walks around the hood of his car to open my door. My door opened, and he headed to his porch without looking back. I follow. Once inside, he gazes my way as he shuts and locks the front door. Entranced, I watch him. When he headed upstairs, I hesitated but then followed.Upon entering his bedroom, he starts undressing. Only wearing underwear, he walks over to me and starts removing my shirt while kissing me. Once we're nude, we enter his shower. While embracing, we caress each other's bodies and exchange gentle kisses. Now aroused, he lifts my leg and starts making love to me against the tile. With each thrust, my fingers grip his back. I hold on tight as his passion intensifies. We exit the shower and continue making love in bed. Soon, our desire for one another is uncontrollable. His flesh tastes like sugar, and I m

Work is different. Ken acts as if I'm invisible. Rumor has it he has a new girlfriend who works on a different floor. Coworkers keep gossiping, hoping I'll care, but I don't. As of late, I don't feel anything. I only want to be back in Jude's house with Jude.Mrs. Kent isn't as kind to me as she once was, but I understand. She spoke very highly of me to get me hired. I haven't been here for six months, have missed numerous days, and then taken a leave of absence. Coming here is a nightmare, so I've been applying for new jobs. Lana's been helpful but distant. Mentally, I'm unable and unwilling to care why.I've been home just over a month when Lana called asking, "How'd you like a six-figure income?""Like? I'd love it!""Our soror leaders are looking for sisters to fill positions at UMU. If you're in our sorority and apply first, you'll be a top candidate for a position. Can you be here in fifteen minutes?""Uh, sure.""Great! Bye Bye!"I'm in Lana's driveway, and a brand-new luxury