Broken Shadows (The Broken Series Second Generation Book 2)

by Heather D'Agostino

  When I reached the bags, there were several other amateur fighters warming up. I grinned as I strapped on gloves and took a swing at the bag. A few stopped to look at me. One grinned. “Wanna spar, E?” He lifted his arms at his sides.

  I looked him over. He was half my size. He wouldn’t be too much of a competition. “It’s your funeral.” I shrugged as I changed direction and headed for the ring. I needed this.

  Two of his buddies followed and they all lined up to watch. “Let’s do a tag team,” one suggested. “Us against you.” He smiled at me before popping in a mouth guard.

  “Game on.” I laughed. This would be fun. I grabbed head gear, and smacked my gloves together just as Dad appeared in the doorway of his office. At first, I thought he’d stop us, but he just stood there and watched as I began taking these newbies out one at a time. Hadleigh’s boyfriend didn’t stand a chance. I didn’t know the guy, but all of these kids were taking his place at the moment.

  Chapter 16

  Easton

  Over the next two months Hadleigh and I had coffee at least twice a week. She didn’t bring up her boyfriend, and neither did I. It was an odd friendship. We talked about boring stuff: the weather, my training, and her idea of getting a cat. It seemed like things were good, until one day they weren’t.

  It was late when I got the call. I’d been out with some friends, and was heading home. Just as I climbed into the taxi, my phone rang. “Lo?” I waited and no one responded on the other end. “Hellllooo?” I waited.

  “Easton?” It was a whisper.

  “Yeah? Who is this?” I didn’t recognize the number and her voice was trembling.

  “You said to call you anytime.” She started to cry. “And…”

  “Hadleigh? What’s wrong?” A million scenarios started playing through my head.

  “I need your help.” She choked the words out.

  “Where are you?” My heart was thundering as rage filled me.

  “At home,” she whimpered. “Please help me.”

  “Who are you talking to?” a male voice boomed in the background.

  “It’s…it’s no one,” she stammered.

  “Open the fucking door, Hadleigh!” There was pounding and what sounded like wood breaking.

  “What’s your address, Had? I’m coming.” I gripped the phone tighter. She rambled off an address and I repeated it to the cabbie. “Hang on. I’m coming,” I called before hanging up. “Can you step on it? It’s an emergency.” I smacked the back of the seat in the cab.

  We zoomed through the streets before pulling up to a brick apartment building. I tossed some bills at the driver, and rushed toward the stairs. Taking them two at time, I arrived on the third floor in record time.

  “318,” I mumbled as I scanned the doors. When I reached it, it was partially open. “Hello?” I pushed on the door. “Anyone home?”

  “Who the fuck did you invite over?” I heard the male voice again.

  “No one. I don’t know who it is?” Hadleigh sounded as if she was begging.

  “Hello?” I called just as her boyfriend came around the corner, practically dragging her behind him. It was then that it all clicked together. I knew where I knew him from. “I heard a noise down the hall and thought something might be wrong.” I tried to think of an excuse as to why I was here. I needed him to let go of her.

  “We’re fine.” He glared at me. “Tell him, honey.” He pushed Hadleigh in my direction.

  Her cheek was swollen and blood was coming from a split in her lip. “I tripped and hit the corner of the table. It’s nothing. Sorry to bother you.”

  “You should put some ice on that.” I pointed to her lip. “It’ll help with the swelling.”

  “Thanks.” She nodded as her eyes stared at the man off to the side.

  “Hey.” I stepped closer. “How come you stopped coming to classes, Josh?” I moved farther into the apartment.

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business. Why are you still here?” He pushed Hadleigh away as he moved directly in front of me.

  “You coming to my classes just to learn how-to beat-up women, or has that always been a skill you’ve had?” I tipped my head to the side and smirked.

  Hadleigh’s eyes swung between us and widened. “You’re the trainer,” she whispered. “Oh god, you’re the trainer.” She started shrinking back down the hall and into what I could only assume was a bedroom.

  My attention went back to Josh. “I think you need to leave.” I motioned to the door.

  “The fuck I do!” He stepped closer and shoved me.

  I laughed and licked my lips. “I’ll give you that one, but if you don’t leave, I’m going to show you just how much you don’t know from skipping lessons.”

  “You’re a punk,” he snarled. He started to walk toward the door, but quickly turned and took a swing. When his fist connected with my jaw, my head snapped back.

  “Feel better?” I lifted my chin in defiance. “Do it again.” I grinned. When he went to take another hit, I lifted my fist and popped him right on the nose. I heard the crunch as I felt my hand begin to swell. “I’m not going to ask you to leave again,” I growled as I shook my hand out.

  “Fuck you,” he snarled. “I hope you know how worthless she is.” He spit blood as he threw his hands up in disgust and stormed out of the apartment.

  oooooooo

  “Hadleigh?” I called as I closed the door and locked it. “He’s gone.” I scanned the apartment looking for her, but couldn’t see anything. When she didn’t answer, I made my way down the hallway. “Hadleigh?” I stuck my head in the first door, nothing. “Hadleigh?” I pushed the door at the end open. It caught on the carpet from where it was hanging precariously on the frame. Hadleigh was sitting in the corner with her knees pulled up to her chest. “It’s okay.” I slowly made my way over to where she was.

  “You’re the trainer,” she whispered the words again. “All this time, I thought you wanted to be my friend.”

  “I did, I mean I do. I didn’t know about that.” The words weren’t coming out right. I understood what she was meaning, but I think somehow, she’s blaming me for Josh being a loser. “I didn’t make him an abuser. I don’t teach that. He came to me wanting to learn how to box, and I taught him the basics. I’m a lot of things, Hadleigh, but a wife beater isn’t one of them.” I slowly squatted beside her. When I reached out to examine her face, she pulled away and my chest tightened. She was afraid of me.

  “We need to get you checked out.” I spoke soft and even.

  “I’m fine.” She looked away. “This is nothing.” She motioned to where blood was drying on her face.

  “At least let me clean you up.” I held my hand out, hoping she’d take it.

  She stared at it for a few moments and then placed her palm in mine. “Thank you.” I nodded and pulled her up. I led her toward the first door I’d opened, the bathroom. Once inside, I directed her to sit on the edge of the tub. I grabbed a washcloth, wet it with some cold water, and began cleaning her face. “You’re pretty good at this,” she whispered.

  “I’ve done this to myself a few thousand times.” I chuckled as I dabbed at her lip. Her eyes squeezed shut as a hissing sound escaped her lips.

  When I finished, I rushed to the kitchen to make an ice pack. Hadleigh went to her room. When I came back, she was curled on her side in bed. “Here.” I pressed the pack against her cheek. “It’s gonna hurt like hell tomorrow, but this should keep the swelling down.”

  “Thanks.” She held it in place. “Thank you, Easton, for everything.” She closed her eyes and sighed as a tear escaped. “I didn’t mean to bring you into all of this. I’m a mess.” She looked away for a moment. “I’m sorry.”

  “You don’t need to be sorry.” I smiled. “Get some rest. You’re safe now.”

  “But Josh has keys.” She started to sit up.

  “You’re safe.” I settled her back down. “Rest.” She nodded as she snuggled deeper into the covers.<
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  “Thank you.” She yawned as her eyes slowly closed.

  “You’re welcome,” I murmured as I shuffled to the door, and turned off the light. I stood in the doorway just watching her sleep until exhaustion started to take over. I was starting to feel where Josh hit me, and I knew I needed some ice myself. After wrapping some in a cloth, I made my way into the living room. I turned off the lights, and stretched out on the couch. I meant what I said when I told her she’d be safe. I held the ice to my cheek as I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.

  ooooooooo

  Hadleigh

  I don’t know what I was expecting to find when I woke up this morning. It certainly wasn’t Easton sleeping on my couch. It was early, and my jaw was aching. I’d gone into the kitchen to brew coffee when I heard him stretch. I don’t know how I’d walked right by him and not noticed he was there. Maybe it was the fact that Josh never would have stayed to check on me.

  “Morning.” He yawned as he stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rose, exposing his abs in the process.

  “Morning,” I murmured as I poured coffee into two mugs. I knew he took his with cream and sugar based on our coffee dates. “I made coffee.” I attempted to smile as I rounded the corner, but it hurt and I winced.

  “It doesn’t look that bad.” Easton took the mug as he appraised my face.

  “You’re lying, but thanks.” I shrugged one shoulder as I sat down in one of the chairs. “You didn’t have to stay.” I sipped the coffee.

  “Yes, I did. I promised you’d be safe, and I intend to keep that promise. Today is going to be about making things safe for you.” He finished his coffee, and then stood. “Go get dressed. We’re going to the hardware store and buying some stuff. I want to talk to your building manager too. You need your locks changed, and you should really consider filing a restraining order.”

  I stood there, completely shocked. This was all happening so fast. I wasn’t ready for this. “Um,” I stumbled over my words, “I can’t.” I shook my head.

  “Yes, you can. After what I saw last night, you need to, Hadleigh. He’s not going to back down.” Easton stood, towering over me. I couldn’t help but take a step back. I wasn’t afraid of him, and that confused me. “What?” His head tipped to the side.

  “Nothing.” I shook away the feeling and turned to make my way to my room. Apparently, we were spending the day together, and I still didn’t know how I felt about that.

  Chapter 17

  Easton

  Hadleigh and I spent the most of the day together. I talked to her building manager, and he agreed to change the locks, but said it would take a few days. I don’t know why. I could have done it in a few hours, but what the hell. We stopped by the gym, so I could meet a client, and now we were heading out to grab something to eat.

  “You didn’t have to spend your whole day on me.” Hadleigh fidgeted from where she was sitting in my car.

  “I told you I’d keep you safe. I keep my word.” I glanced quickly in her direction before looking back at the road. “What do you want for dinner?”

  “I don’t care,” she mumbled as she stared out the window. I hadn’t told her where we were going yet.

  “You gotta get him out of your head. What do you want to eat? I know that you have an opinion. Voice it.” I turned into an area that housed several restaurants. “Pick something.” I waved at the parking lot.

  “Burgers sound nice.” She motioned to the burger joint on the corner. “Yeah, burgers.” She nodded a little more sure of herself.

  “Burgers it is.” I smiled as I parked my car and cut the engine.

  ooooooooo

  We enjoyed a quick meal, and then I drove us to my parents’ place. I was still staying with them and I hoped once I explained the situation, my dad would agree with me.

  “Where are we going?” Hadleigh turned wide eyes on me as I took the exit out of town. We were heading farther into the countryside and she seemed worried.

  “Trust me.” I smiled as I made the final turn onto my parents’ property. We had a long driveway and it was like going back into the woods. I stopped in front of the house, and she just stared out the windshield.

  “Who lives here?” She continued to appraise the place.

  “I do,” I smiled, “and my parents. It’s their house.”

  “What are we doing here?” She stared at me for a moment, and it looked as if she was afraid.

  “I promised I’d keep you safe. We’re staying here tonight, and every night until you get the new locks. It’ll be fine. Promise.” I shoved open my door, and came around to help her out. She stared at me in shock like she was on autopilot or something.

  “I don’t know about this,” she whispered as I led her to the front door. Mom’s car was in the driveway, so I knew she was home. She was the easier parent to deal with when you wanted something anyway.

  “It’ll be fine. Trust me.” I reached for her hand, and when she took it, I gave it a gentle squeeze. “Mom?” I called as I pushed open the door. “Hey, Mom?” I tried again when she didn’t answer.

  “In here,” she called from what sounded like the office. “Your dad was looking for something and I was trying to find it. Oh, hello.” She smiled when she finally looked up and saw us.

  “This is Hadleigh.” I motioned to where she was standing beside me. “This is my mom, Angela.”

  “Welcome. I didn’t know you were bringing anyone by, Easton.” She gave me the look, and just like I did at ten, I shrunk before her.

  “I wasn’t sure. Hadleigh’s having some work done at her place, and I was hoping she could stay here a few days.” I gave her the sweet little boy face that always got her to say yes when I was younger.

  “I don’t see why not. You can be the one to tell your dad.” Mom grinned. “You can take Easton’s room.” She motioned to the stairs. “E can sleep on the couch.”

  “What’s wrong with Riley’s room?” I scoffed.

  “It full of stuff right now. I started using that for storage when she moved out.” She flipped her hand in the air. “Your room was almost sacrificed too.”

  “Sure, Mom.” I laughed.

  “I don’t have any of my stuff,” Hadleigh whispered.

  “We’ll make do tonight, and we’ll stop by your place in the morning.” I smiled. “I’ve got plenty here you can borrow.”

  “Okay, thanks.” She yawned, and I knew she was wiped out from our day of activities.

  “Did you two eat already? I have plenty cooking.” Mom started wandering toward the kitchen where a large pot was simmering on the stove.

  “We ate already, but I may have a second dinner.” I grinned as I patted my stomach. “Training will burn the calories.”

  “Why don’t you help Hadleigh get settled?” Mom shooed me away.

  I reached for her hand, and led her upstairs to my bedroom. “The bathroom is at the end of the hall, and here is my room.” I pushed open the door. I hadn’t really been expecting anyone over, so my room was kind of a mess. “Just a sec.” I rushed around, grabbing clothes and stuffing them in the hamper before rushing over to the bed. “I can get some clean ones.” I started to pull the comforter back, but Hadleigh stopped me.

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” She smiled.

  “It’s no trouble.” I pursed my lips. Most girls would be grateful, but Hadleigh wasn’t like most girls.

  “You sure?” I released my grip on the quilt.

  “Yeah.” She nodded quickly before she moved over and sat down on the bed. “This is fine. Promise.” She bounced a little and smiled. “Do you have something I can borrow to sleep in?”

  I rushed over to my dresser and dug around for a t-shirt that wasn’t worn out or stained. “Here ya go.” I handed her a black one that was a favorite in college.

  “Thank you. I think I’m going to go to bed now. I’m kinda tired.” She yawned again, and I nodded.

  “If you need anything, I’ll be right downstairs. Just yell.”
I grabbed a clean pair of shorts to sleep in, and then stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind me.

  ooooooooo

  Hadleigh

  This felt wrong and weird. I wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Easton wasn’t supposed to rescue me, and I wasn’t supposed to be sleeping at his house, in his bed.

  As soon as the door closed, I felt the silence and solitude sit heavily on my shoulders. Part of me was angry that I was having to go to these lengths to protect myself, and the other part was afraid that this wasn’t enough. What if Josh found me out here? What would he do? I was in the middle of nowhere. No one would hear me scream for help. What if Josh hurt Easton or his parents? The questions never stopped, they just seemed to get more and more intense. I reached over and laid my hand on the shirt Easton gave me to sleep in. It was soft cotton, and felt well worn.

  When I first came in here, I didn’t really look around. I was worried that I’d send the wrong message. I hadn’t really broken up with Josh, and being here felt wrong on so many levels. I took this alone time to really look at what was around me. There was shelf upon shelf of awards and medals, a few second place, but mainly champion and first place. There were jiu jitsu trophies dating back to when Easton had to be just a teen. A few photos of him in the cage were framed and hanging on the wall, and then there were posters from his professional days along with his sponsors listed near the bottom. It was hard to explain, but I could see a difference. The Easton on these posters wasn’t the Easton I knew. It was in his eyes. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they look at you. Some look at the surface, some look through you, and then others look inside of you. It’s those people who are worth sticking around for. The ones who know you, and can tell what you’re thinking just by a look. The Easton I knew, could see inside of me. He knew I was hurting, and he was trying to help me on my time. That meant something, I just wasn’t sure what at the moment.