Fractured Innocence (#2 IFICS) Read Online Free Page A

dreams. The chance at a second life looked better every day. 

CHAPTER 3
     
    Aaliyah’s heart sped up when Noah pulled her close. She inhaled deeply. He smelled of soap and spice. How in the world she’d gotten lucky enough to catch his attention was beyond her, but she thanked her lucky stars every night. And every morning she prayed for one more day to be with him. Even if it really were just one more day, she’d still consider herself to be the luckiest girl on the planet. Scratch that, luckiest girl in the universe. 
    Only seventeen-years-old and already blessed with the kind of love people write books, movies and songs about. God was smiling down at her, that much was clear. As a thank you, she would be grateful and gracious to everyone she crossed paths with in her lifetime. It was the least she could do. 
    “You’re gorgeous,” Noah murmured into her mass of curly hair. 
    Heat rushed to her face. Would she ever get used to his compliments? She hoped not. Vanity was a sin. But it felt so good to hear the words from his beautiful mouth. 
    His pale fingers trailed down her mocha arm. She loved seeing the contrast. It always sent a thrill through her body. 
    “I wish you didn’t have to pick your brother up tonight,” Noah said, tangling his hand in her hair while gliding his thumb on the nape of her neck. “We never get enough time together.”
    Aaliyah sighed. She also wished she didn’t have to pick him up, but Darrius was her brother—her responsibility. Besides it wouldn’t take that long to get him. 
    “I could meet you afterwards?” Aaliyah said with a trace of hope in her voice. 
    Noah pulled away and stared sadly into her eyes. “I wish I could, but I have to study for a test tomorrow.”
    Her shoulders slumped. Of course he had to study. He went to a prestigious private school where he was preparing to go off to some Ivy League school like his parents. At times like this, she was reminded of the vast difference between them. And it was much deeper than skin color. Aaliyah came from South Africa. They once had money and now had nothing, and Noah was born with a silver spoon. The saying wrong side of the tracks was an understatement in regards to her. Yet another reason Noah’s affection awed her. He was so sincere and wonderful. 
    It had been mere coincidence that they ever crossed paths. Her mother made and sold tribal pottery as a side business. One of the many wonders of America. The ability to make money doing something you loved to do. Noah’s mother had heard about the pottery from a friend and contacted her mom via the phone. Fate.
    Since Aaliyah’s mother’s English was poor, she sent her daughter to deliver the requested piece.  Her lips turned up at the memory of Noah opening the door. One glance had caused her heart to fall clear down to her toes. He was the most beautiful boy she had ever laid eyes on. Pale skin, freckles, green eyes and black shaggy hair that fell over his eyes. Perfection.
    “Wow.” He’d said, and stood staring at her with the same look of wonder that she knew was on her own face. 
    Speak. She stood there like a tongue-tied fool. The memory still made her grin. 
    “I’m supposed to drop this off to your mother.” She’d held the vase out with hands trembling. 
    “Where are you from? Your accent. I’ve never heard it before.” 
    “South Africa.” 
    “Your eyes…” 
    That was everyone’s reaction to her. She had unusual eyes compared to the rest of her. Her blue-green eyes were a stark contrast to her dark face, high cheekbones and full lips. Her mother’s face. 
    “My grandfather was German and my father, well I’m not sure what he was.” Her voice trailed off.  Talking about her father made her uncomfortable. Her mother never said much about him. All she knew was the relationship was short and she never got the chance to tell him she was pregnant. A photographer passing through town. 
    She knew she was an anomaly. In the