by Lindsey Iler
“I think we all know that isn’t true, Byron.” I find myself softening a little to this piece of shit, and I hate myself for it. “No one can make anyone do something they aren’t already capable of. The drive is already within us. You simply gave him the opportunity to explore it.”
I lean on the counter and stare out the window at the morning light.
What if it was Marek? Byron’s words pound like a drum in my ear, unrelentless and persistent. The burn behind my eyes tells me these four boys haven’t completely ruined me. I’m still me inside. I have a heart and a conscience. Those things weren’t lost on the rooftop, and my wet cheeks are my proof.
I turn, and Marek’s staring at me. Byron and Dixon stand close to each other. Breaker is off to the side.
“You each have done things to me that won’t be easily forgiven, but when I look at you, even you”— I dry my tears, not wanting Byron to see me cry— “all I see is family. You were the ones who showed up for me at the hospital. You loved my sister, my heart.” I reach up and pull both necklaces from under my shirt.
Marek knows the necklace, and he inspects it. “When did you get another necklace?”
“There’s something I need to tell you, guys.” I swallow the lump in my throat. There is no better time to tell him than now.
A heavy, insistent knock on the door pulls everyone’s attention away from me.
“I’ll grab it,” Breaker announces. When he comes back into the room, two police officers are following behind him. “I don’t . . .”
Officer Striker stands next to an older officer. Striker’s greasy stare tells me he isn’t here for a social call. He’s loving this, being here in their space and slinging his power around.
“Marek Hawthorne?” the older officer says.
“Yes,” Marek says, moving next to me. He pulls his necklace from around his neck and drops the key and chain in my palm. A sense of dread settles deep in my stomach when his lips touch my ear. “Keep this safe for me, okay?” he whispers.
Instinct has me tucking Marek’s chain in my pocket and wrapping my hand around his. Silence takes over as the police officers approach us.
“Marek Hawthorne, you are under arrest for the murders of Georgina Matthews and Reed Weston.” The officer takes Marek’s hands, placing them behind his back and slapping handcuffs around his wrists, forcing me to let go of him. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer our questions or make any statements. Do you understand each of these rights I’ve explained to you?”
Marek looks back as they pull him towards the front door. “Yes, I understand my rights.”
His stare never drops from mine as I follow him onto the front porch. Officer Striker steps between us, blocking us from each other, and Marek struggles in their grasp. When the older officer rests his hand on Marek’s head to tuck him into the back seat, our eyes catch for a single second.
That’s all we need.
Marek has done a lot of horrendous things in his past, and that’s the ones I know of. He’s not capable of the things they’re claiming him to do. I saw his reaction to seeing Georgina and as much as I hate it, he loved Reed.
“I’ll call a lawyer, Marek. Don’t say anything. We’ll have you out soon!” Byron yells as they slam the door on the back seat of the cruiser.
Dixon and Breaker stand behind me, their larger-than-life presence breathing down my neck. We watch the blue and red lights bounce off the glass walls that once protected these boys.
The glass house has always been a symbol of power on campus. Whoever lives above the rest is someone to fear. It’s only taken me a short time to see through the cracks. Maybe I’ve created a few of them myself.
I turn, eyeing Breaker and Dixon.
“What are we going to do now?” Dixon asks, panic and fear in his tone.
“I don’t know,” Breaker answers, spinning the ring on his finger.
They argue back and forth, wondering how this is happening, and I watch as their world shatters. This is what I’ve wanted, for them to feel as afraid as they have made me.
“Shut up,” I whisper. They pay me no mind. “I said shut up.” This time I’m a little louder. Still, they ignore me. “Are you fucking kidding? Shut up!”
They fall silent, shifting nervously as they wait for me to say something.
“You need to calm down,” I say.
“Marek’s been arrested. I’d say this is the exact time to be losing our shit,” Dixon says, heading into the house.
I give Breaker a look, silently telling him to stop Dixon from running off.
“Dixon, get back here,” Breaker instructs.
“What could you possibly have to say? You’re probably happy this shit is happening.” Dixon Decatur is a man of few words, but when he chooses to speak, they cut to the bone. I’ll admit I understand this boy’s frustration. He only allows it to be visible when he cares deeply. His mask willingly slips. Defensive anger fuels him.
“Dixon, there’s no way Marek killed Reed or Georgina!” I yell.
“Yeah, no shit, doll face.” He rolls his eyes. Breaker runs after him, because leaving one of them behind isn’t an option.
“He couldn’t have done those things because–” I take a deep breath, afraid to say this out loud. I don’t think I’ve been able to admit it to myself.
They turn, hearing the shaky fear in my words. I clutch the identical necklaces. One is adorned with an R and the other a P, with the words ‘my heart’ engraved on the back.
“Because why, Palmer?” Breaker walks towards me, catching me running my fingers over the beveled silver.
Dixon follows him, his steps heavy and slow. He shakes his head as if genuinely concerned by my fear. I drop my hand from the necklace, overwhelmed by the secret I’ve been keeping for the past three weeks.
“Because I’m pretty sure Reed is still alive.”
To be continued...
The second book in the Glass Heart Academy Series will be coming out this year. Marek and Palmer’s story is just getting started.
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Acknowledgement
My husband always comes first, which is funny because I’m pretty sure he’s never read any of my acknowledgments. He’s my cheerleader, my confidant, and better half. He’s never once faltered on his support for my passion of writing and without knowing it, he’s given me silent permission to go for my dreams.
Catherine... Holy shit! I can’t believe we survived this. You were by my side throughout the whole process and I can’t thank you enough for being my sounding board while dreaming up these crazy as hell characters. I’m beyond grateful for your friendship and now you’re stuck with me and all my messy drafts.
Johnaka and Amber... You both took on quite the task of being beta readers for me. You endured my uncertainty and allowed me to talk through ideas at the drop of a hat. Thank you for all of your advice and ferocious hunger for this story. I’m so happy and grateful to have you in my corner.
Katie... my editor! I like to keep you on your toes and I hope this book is no different. You roll with the punches every time I go to switch things up and you are irreplaceable in my life. YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR IN MY EYES!
Julie Deaton... my proofreader! Your eyes are keen to this last part of the process of publishing for me. I’m so thankful I get to work with you on my projects. You are the best of the best.
Wildfire Marketing Solutions... Jennifer! You have made what is usually the most difficult part of the publishing process feel like the simplest. Thank you for all of your hard work and for helping this girl throughout it all.
Lindsey’s Avid Readers... My girls, my tribe. Your excit
ement over these characters fueled every single word. Without knowing much of my project, you are always on board. THANK YOU for being on this ride with me, always. I can’t begin to explain what you all mean to me.
My review and street team... YOU ARE THE VERY BEST! I can’t thank you enough for always posting and pushing my books out into the world. You do it for the love of my words and without you, I don’t know how I’d get this all done. Thank you for everything.
Bloggers/promoters/readers... Every single one of you have somehow impacted my life in some way. Every chance you get to pick up one of my books, you are making a girl’s dream come true. Please know I am forever grateful and thankful for all of you.
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About the Author
Lindsey Iler has had her feet planted in the state of Michigan since she was born and she still lives there with her husband and four kids.
When she's not writing, she's spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and reading.
Lindsey writes mature young adult/new adult romance. She falls in love with every character that pops into her head and is notorious for writing long chapters in her notes on her iPhone.
She finds inspiration from music and the people around her.
