The Scars of Us Read Online Free

out here away from our mother, who lived in Bridgewater, MA.
    There was no way I could stay there—not after everything that had happened while in that house.
    Don’t think about it, Kaiya. Think about something else.
    Ryker’s face appeared again, but I didn’t try to shake his image away this time. Instead, I focused on his gorgeous features, especially his strong jaw line, golden skin, and full lips. Everything about him screamed man, and warmth began to simmer in between my thighs as I thought of him.
    Damn, I need to get laid. I’m getting turned on by just thinking about a guy. A ridiculously hot guy, but still.
    Grabbing my phone off the bed, I scrolled through my texts until I found the conversation I was searching for. I quickly typed my message before sending the impulsive query.
     
    Me: U busy tonight?
     
    Not surprisingly, I received a response within a few minutes.
     
    Bryce: I think I can fit you in :) same time same place?
     
    I hesitated for a few seconds before typing my reply.
     
    Me: sounds good see you then
     
    Bryce: :)
     
    Bryce was a friend I’d met in college. Despite my standoffish demeanor, Bryce had continued his attempts to break through my walls and befriend me. Eventually, I had given in, unable to resist his good-natured personality and humor. Not to mention, he was extremely attractive—his hazel eyes were set upon a tan face that was framed by tousled, honeyed locks.
    I’d never gone into detail with Bryce about my past, and thankfully, he’d never pressed the issue of my “issues.” It had made our arrangement so much easier, and had allowed my need for control to flourish. He had always gone along with everything that I’d wanted, never questioning my stipulations when it had come to sex.
    Those rules were absolutely necessary for me to have sex with someone, and most guys wouldn’t put up with all of my OCD demands. I had been pretty promiscuous in high school, but after the incident, I’d changed. Everything had changed.
    I’d spun into a downward spiral, sinking into a depression that encased me, shielding me from the ugliness of the world. Kamden had barely left my side, never relenting as he attempted to coax me out of the hole of despair I had buried myself in.
    When I’d emerged, I was irrevocably altered, and I knew I would never be the same again. I had been emotionally scarred beyond repair, left a fractured shell of who I once was—all because of him.
    Kamden had been the only light in the darkness that constantly enveloped me following what had happened. He and my best friend, Nori, had never let me give up, never let me sink too far back into the chasm deep in my soul. Even now, they still helped keep me grounded, helped keep me tethered to sanity.
    Thinking about Nori reminded me that it had been a few days since we’d last spoken. Given the events of the day, I decided to text her to fill her in:
     
    Me: Bad day today
     
    Nori insisted that I let her know when I had rough days, being the mother hen that she was. She had been that way since we’d become friends in middle school, and I loved her for it, even if it was annoying at times.
    My phone chimed with Nori’s response:
     
    Nori: I’m sorry :( want to talk about it
     
    Me: Not ready yet
     
    Nori: Tomorrow night? Girls night?
     
    Me: Maybe
     
    Nori: :)
     
    Even though my reply was noncommittal, we both knew I’d be at her house tomorrow night, ready for a night of dinner and dancing. Dancing was another thing that helped clear my mind. The sound of the music and movement of my body allowed me to drown out everything else as I became one with the beat.
    I headed down the hallway to my office to finish some of the spreadsheets I was working on before ordering take-out for Kamden and myself.
    When we finished eating, I informed him of my plans. “I’m meeting Bryce at the bar.”
    I received his typical disapproving look as he responded in a parental tone, “Be careful.”
    Giving what I