On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7)

by Heather D'Agostino

  On Broken Wings

  Book 7 in The Witness Series

  By H. D’Agostino

  On Broken Wings

  H. D’Agostino

  Copyright © October 2019 by Heather D’Agostino

  All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect is appreciated. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. The following story contains mature themes, profanity, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.

  Cover Design by Kari March Designs

  Photography by Kruse Images

  Cover Models: Matthew Hosea and Kristen Lazarus-Wood

  Editing by Kellie Montgomery

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Playlist

  Other Works by H. D’Agostino

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Present Day

  Jenni

  Working at Ford Stevenson Securities was a perfect job. I was able to go to class, and then make some extra dough on the side. Mason had been busy with his fiancée, Dani, and I was getting ready to graduate soon. I’d soon have a degree in business. I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do yet. I didn’t go out at night, and other than work I really didn’t go out during the day. Evan and I have been studying for an Ethics in Business class that we have now. I don’t even think we have the same major, but for two semesters he’s had at least one class with me. This semester we have two.

  Mason keeps encouraging me to tell him ‘yes’ when he asks me out again, but I just can’t. He’d never understand what I’ve been through, and I don’t know how I’d even be able to tell him. It’s summer now, and business has really picked up at the firm. Dev has had me do all the accounting for the business, and Mason is taking me out to dinner tonight to celebrate that I only have one more year of college.

  “You about ready?” He stuck his head around the corner.

  “Almost.” I tapped a few keys on my computer. “I’m heading out now if that’s ok,” I called to where Dev, Jase, and Mark were huddled around Dev’s desk. They’ve been talking about a new job they were hired for. Jase hasn’t been too keen on it, but Mark and Dev keep promising him that it’s a good thing.

  “See you tomorrow.” Dev waved in my direction before winking at Mason. Something was up, but I didn’t care. I was just happy that school was out for the summer.

  “Don’t you ever get tired of coming here?” I laughed as Mason held open the door to The Rusty Nail. “You work here. You really want to come on your night off?” I glanced around at the people in the bar. I never go out, especially at night and even though my brother was here with me it still made me feel vulnerable.

  “I drink for free here. Why wouldn’t I want to take advantage of that? Besides, the company isn’t too bad either.” His head tipped to the side as Evan stepped around the corner.

  “What are you doing here?” I stepped closer to Mason. He was my protective shield, and even though I knew Evan, seeing him somewhere outside of school still put me on edge.

  “I was invited.” He smiled as he shrugged. He looked nice in his khaki shorts and polo shirt. A braided leather strap was tied around his neck with a green stone fastened to it. He shuffled his feet before motioning to the bar. “Let me buy you a drink.”

  “I’m not much of a drinker,” I mumbled as I stepped closer to Mason. I was acting like a child and being rude, but I couldn’t help it. I didn’t like being blindsided, and that’s exactly what was happening.

  “Get her something girlie.” Mason chuckled as Evan stepped away.

  “Why did you invite him?” I hissed. “I can’t do this.”

  “Yes you can, and he’s a nice guy.” Mason laughed as I narrowed my eyes on him. “I spied on him at the bookstore. I asked Dev to check him out. He’s on the up and up. Give him a chance, Jen. He’s a nice a guy. You deserve to find a happily ever after too.”

  “Fine,” I huffed, “but you don’t get to leave. You’re playing wingman tonight.” I pinched his arm like I used to when we were kids. Mason let out yelp just as Evan reappeared with drinks for us.

  “Wanna grab a table?” He motioned toward the back where the billiard tables were.

  “Your funeral.” Mason chuckled as he led the way.

  The guys shot pool as I sat at a high-top just watching from afar. Evan was hot, I couldn’t deny that, but my past wouldn’t let me feel anything. I’d let my guard down before, and got hurt worse that anyone deserves and swore I would never fall for someone again. If my brother wanted to play matchmaker tonight, I’d give it to him but nothing was happening between Evan and me, I couldn’t let it.

  Chapter 1

  4 years ago…

  Jenni

  “Hey, Mom?” I shouted as I ran down the steps toward the kitchen “Darrin and I are going to study for that chem test after school today. I might be late getting home.”

  “What about practice?” My mother sighed. I’d been blowing off gymnastics for weeks now, and she was starting to get annoyed.

  “I’m going to practice. I meant after practice. He’s staying, and giving me a ride today.” I shrugged as I rounded the corner and grabbed a slice of toast off the counter.

  “Jenni.” Mom gave me the ‘I don’t believe you’ look.

  “I am, promise.” I shoved the toast in my mouth as I opened the fridge to grab the juice. “Coach says I’m doing fine,” I mumbled as I chewed. The truth was, my coach had warned me that if I kept blowing off my practices, he was going to bench me at the next meet; my mother didn’t need to know that though. I loved gymnastics, but I wasn’t going pro, and after I graduated this year, I probably wouldn’t compete again. The idea of being tied down in college made me feel as if I was suffocating. I wanted the freedom to do as I pleased. Hearing stories from my brother when he came home made me yearn for it.

  “I think maybe Darrin is taking too much of your time. Most gymnasts your age don’t date.” Mom faced me with her hands on her hips.

  “Darrin isn’t taking up too much time. I hardly ever see him,” I whined as I grabbed my backpack, and rushed toward the door. Darrin would be here soon to give me a ride, and I wanted to be ready. We were usually early and used that extra time to hang out in the senior parking lot. If we were late, that wouldn’t happen and I wasn’t ready to give up my time with him in the mornings. We’ve been together almost two years now, and since he finally got his license, we are just now getting some private time.

  “Have a good day,” Mom called out to my retreating back. I waved, and then
stepped outside into the late summer air. Fall would be here before we knew it, and things like homecoming and the holidays would be spent in a totally different way. Senior year held so much promise.

  oooooooo

  “Hey.” Darrin smiled as I climbed in the front seat. “What’d your mom say?”

  “The usual.” I rolled my eyes. “She’s worried I’m going to lose my spot.”

  “It’s only the third week of school,” he groaned. “Have you told her you don’t want to do this anymore?”

  “No.” I shook my head and turned to look out the window. “I’m gonna give her this year, and then quit.”

  “Jenni.” Darrin sighed. “I thought this year was about us. How am I supposed to ever get time with you if you’re always at practice?”

  “I spend a ton of time with you,” I scoffed as he began our trek to school. I didn’t live that far away; the truth was I could walk if I wanted to. When he pulled into the lot, I glanced around. “What are you doing?” He parked the car near the back of the lot rather than up front with the other seniors.

  “I want more time with you.” He cut the engine and turned towards me. “We study. I go to practices, and wait for you, only to get a half hour or so. I want time for us.” He placed his hand on my thigh, and rubbed lightly. “Don’t you want to?”

  “You mean sex?” I narrowed my eyes on him before glaring down at his hand. “That’s what this is about? Sex? Really? Again, Darrin? I told you how I felt about this,” I huffed as I leaned toward the door. I needed to get out before I let him change my mind. Darrin had a way of making me want to give into him, but this was something that I’d decided long before he came into my life. I was waiting, no matter how cute and charming the guy was.

  “We’ve been together for two years, Jen. I’ve been patient.” He flopped back in his seat and gripped the steering wheel tightly.

  “And I told you how I feel.” I turned towards him while placing my hand on the door handle.

  “I want… no, I need you to know that if things aren’t progressing in that direction, well, it’s not because of me.” His head rolled to the side as his eyes met mine.

  “I can’t believe you’re doing this right now.” Tears pooled in my eyes. “I thought you loved me. I thought you understood.”

  “I do.” He scrubbed his palms down his face. “I do understand. I just,” he reached for my free hand, “I need more of you.”

  “I’m doing the best I can.” I shook my head slowly. “Sex means something to me.”

  Before I could finish, he sat up straighter, “And I obviously don’t.”

  “That’s not what I said.” I pulled my hand free. “You mean a lot to me, but sex is something that I can’t take back. I told you when you brought it up the first time that I was going to wait for marriage. You said you understood.”

  “I did. I mean, I do,” he growled behind a clinched jaw. “Can we just talk about it some more? After practice tonight?”

  “You’re not going to change my mind, Darrin.” I sighed.

  “I just want to talk. We can study, and then go somewhere and talk.” I listened, knowing he wouldn’t give up until I agreed to hear him out.

  “Fine. We’ll talk, but that’s it.” I shoved open the car door and stepped out.

  “I can move closer,” Darrin suggested as I shut the door.

  “I wanna walk.” I shrugged as I leaned through the open window. The truth was I needed time to think. Darrin and I had several classes together, and I’d never be able to come up with a way to tell him that I wasn’t sleeping with him again if he was constantly there trying to plead his case. We were lab partners in chemistry class, and he sat behind me in calculus. I was excited about it when school first started, but then he had to bring up sex and change everything. Now, I felt like I was constantly avoiding him. I loved him, but if he loved me, wouldn’t he stop pressuring me?

  oooooooo

  “You looked good up there tonight.” Darrin tipped his head towards the balance beam. He’d given me a ride to practice, and my coach let him stay and watch with some of the parents in the viewing room.

  “Thanks.” I wiped some sweat off my forehead. “Give me a few minutes to change, and we can go.” I tugged at the sleeve of my leotard. I was sweaty and tired, and all I really wanted to do was shower and sleep.

  “Do you really?” Darrin stuck out his lip in a pout.

  “Do I really what? Change?” I rolled my eyes as I shook my head.

  “I like this.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and then trailed it down my arm, entwining our fingers. “It shows off all the curves.” He grinned.

  “Of course.” I closed my eyes as I sucked in a deep breath and blew it out my nose. “Fine.” I reached for my track pants, and pulled them on over the leo. “Let’s go. I’m exhausted.” I grabbed my gym bag off the floor, tossed it over my shoulder, and started walking towards the exit. I could hear Darrin laughing as he jogged to keep up with me.

  “You know, for someone who claims to be tired, you sure are moving fast.” He panted as he caught up to me at his car. “After you.” He motioned for me to get in.

  “I want to get this studying done so I can go home and get to bed. Where are we studying tonight?” I buckled my seatbelt before turning to face him.

  “I was thinking my house.” His brows rose like he was testing my feelings on the subject.

  “Sure. Let’s go.” I shrugged. The drive wasn’t long, but when we pulled up the lights to the house were off. “Why’s it dark?” I scanned the garage.

  “They aren’t home.” He cut the engine.

  “When are they coming home?” I swallowed.

  “Friday. Dad had a business trip, and Mom went with him. What?” He sighed as he flung his hands in the air. “I’m seventeen, Jen. I can stay here for three days by myself.”

  “Funny how you conveniently left that part out when you mentioned studying here tonight.” I shoved the door open, and climbed out. After grabbing my backpack out of the backseat, I started walking toward the front door. I tugged at my leotard as I climbed the steps.

  “You know,” he leaned next to my ear when he caught up to me, “you look really hot in that.” I sighed as I lifted my backpack higher on my shoulder and he opened the door. “Want anything to drink?” He flicked a few lights on as he weaved through the family room and into the kitchen.

  “I’m good, thanks.” I sat down and pulled my chemistry book out.

  “Suit yourself,” he called from somewhere around the corner. I heard the fridge open and shut before his footsteps grew closer. “Are we really going to study tonight?” He flopped down beside me and flung his arm over the back of the couch.

  “Yes,” I grumbled. “We have a test to prepare for.”

  “But we have an empty house, Jen.” He sighed as he leaned forward and set his can of soda on the coffee table in front of us. “Don’t you want to take advantage of that?” His voice lowered as he leaned in, and gripped my book that was sitting in my lap.

  “Darrin,” I warned without looking him in the eye.

  “Just for a minute,” he murmured as he cupped my chin, and moved closer. His lips brushed across mine as his palm slid to the back of my head, holding me in place.

  I tried to remember that I was there to study, that this was just going to be one kiss, that Darrin didn’t have ulterior motives, but I failed miserably. Before I knew it, he had maneuvered us so I was lying on my back and he was leaning over me. His knee was between my legs, and he was attempting to pull the top of my leo down.

  “Darrin, stop.” I broke the kiss and pushed on his chest. “Stop.”

  He groaned as he sat back and scrubbed his palms down his face. His breathing was labored, and he was sporting a significant erection. “Really, Jen? You’re really gonna stop us now?” he growled as he attempted to rein in his frustration with me. “I thought…ugh.” He stood up and walked away, only to come right back.

  “You thought t
hat if we came here, and your parents weren’t here that I’d change my mind. Am I close?” I tugged at the shoulder of my leo as I started packing my books back up.

  “It’s been two years. We’ve been together for two years.” He turned to face me. “You know I haven’t been with anyone. I don’t know what else to do to get you to trust me.” He flung his arms in the air and sighed.

  “It’s not about trusting you.” I stood and flung my backpack over my shoulder. “It’s about me telling you that it’s never gonna happen. Can you take me home now?”

  “Don’t you love me?” He grabbed his keys and started walking toward the door.

  “Yes, Darrin. I love you,” I murmured. “Loving you isn’t the problem.”

  He held the door for me as we went back outside. Once he locked up, he rushed to get in and crank the engine. As we drove the short drive to my house, we sat in silence. I thought things couldn’t get much worse until we parked in my driveway and Darrin decided to twist the knife a little deeper.

  “I think maybe you should start walking to school again.” He stared out the windshield, refusing to look my way.

  “What?” I paused with my hand on the door.

  “I think maybe we should take a break too.” He continued to stare.

  “Are you breaking up with me?” My lip trembled as tears welled in my eyes. “Over sex?” My voice was a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt.

  “Yeah, I guess I am.” He jerked his head in a nod, still refusing to look at me. “We want different things, Jen. I need to move on to someone who wants me, and doesn’t want to play games.” He shrugged as that last part fell from his lips. It was like it was no big deal. The last two years had meant nothing. I meant nothing.

  “Screw you, Darrin,” I growled as I pushed the door open and climbed out.

  When I turned to slam it shut, he chuckled humorlessly. “That’s the problem, Jen, you won’t.”

  I put as much force as I could behind it, causing the car to shake. I ran up the steps and into the house, ignoring the squeal of tires from Darrin racing away. My heart was falling apart. I didn’t think he could hurt me any more than he already did, but the next day proved me wrong.