“Well I’m intrigued. I can only stay for a little bit as I have to leave in…’’ she looks at her watch frowning. “In less than an hour.’’
Her voice sounds so sad it has me pausing as I sit up. “Is everything okay Denny? You said you needed to talk, but you’ve avoided talking since you got here.’’
“Yeah I do, but can I tell you after?’’ she pleads and if I’m not mistaken her eyes mist over.
“Okay,’’ I agree reluctantly.
The taxi pulls up onto the path that leads to the old Gunners house. Malik is standing there waiting for us as I pay the taxi driver and make my way over to him.
“This better be good,’’ I tell him, the nervousness in my voice clear.
“You’ll be fine babe. I wouldn’t bring you out here if I didn’t think this may do you some good,’’ he grins.
“Is that smoke?’’ Denny gasps from behind me. That’s when I smell burning fire.
“What’s going on?’’ I ask quickly as he leads me over to the house. I gasp when it comes into view, the whole place is burning on fire and tears burn my eyes. We’re a good distance away from the house, but from where I am, I can see all of Malik’s brothers, a few kids from school and to my surprise there is an adult walking out from the back of the house.
“Malik, please tell me you didn’t do this?’’ I plead shocked.
“No little lady, I did. I’m Chris’s dad. I heard what happened to you and I’m so sorry,’’ he says softly, his eyes look pained and I reach out touching his arm to comfort him.
“It wasn’t your fault, Sir. You didn’t need to do this,’’ I tell him shocked he would burn his house down.
“Oh I did. My dad would turn in his grave if I didn’t. My dad was a product of rape. His mother was attacked and fell pregnant with him. My Grandpa didn’t handle it well at first, but raised my dad as if he was his own flesh and blood and taught him to be the man he was until he died. If he ever knew something like this went on in his home, he’d be livid with me. This is my way of trying to burn a wrong that was done. We would have done it sooner, but the police needed to get all of the evidence before they could give us the clearance.’’
His story breaks my heart and it isn’t until I find myself wrapping my arms around him that I realise I’m sobbing.
“Now, now girly,’’ he says patting my back. “It’s okay. You got a good man here just like my Grandpa and dad. He’ll take good care of you, you hear. If he doesn’t, never hesitate to come see me and I’ll sort him out,’’ he says making me giggle.
“Okay. Thank you,’’ I tell him, meaning it with all my heart. I look to Malik with such love before turning back to look at the burning house.
My mood changes when a figure I never wanted to see again stands in front of me. Hannah is dressed differently from what I’m used to seeing her wear, or barely wear I should say. She’s wearing a pair of leggings, hoody and trainers. Her face is void of makeup and she looks like she hasn’t slept in a while.
“Can I talk to you?’’ she asks me, looking nervously at Malik.
“Why?’’ I whisper, feeling uncomfortable.
“I want to say I’m sorry.’’
Malik opens his mouth, his face full of thunder, but I squeeze his hands reassuring him I’ve got this.
“Sorry for what exactly Hannah? For bullying me for months on end? Or was it for humiliating me in the lunch hall, or could it be because you nearly got me raped?’’ I tell her, nearly yelling the last part as tears fill my eyes. She’s already crying, tears streaming down her face and a part of me feels sorry for her, but the other half, the strong half, feels like she deserves this.
“All of it. I honestly didn’t know he was going to do that.’’
“He was going to take pictures of me naked and God knows what else, how is that any better?’’
“I’m sorry okay. I swear I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t want any of this. I’m so freaking sorry,’’ she cries.
“Sorry will never make my nightmares disappear Hannah, it won’t take away the months of bullying you’ve done. Do you even know why you did it?’’
“I was jealous. I was so fucking jealous of you Harlow. I’ve been trying for years to become liked, to be seen by one of the Carter brothers. Then you come in to our school, sit down next to him and have him wrapped around your little finger. I’m sorry I let jealousy consume me. I’ve been a horrible bitch and I’m not asking you to forgive me, I just need you to know it was nothing you ever did that made me do the things I did, it was because of my own selfish stupid behaviour.
“I can’t talk for… I don’t even know what he was thinking. I’m just so sorry,’’ she whispers before walking away.
I’m completely shocked and surprised she came up to me and apologised. I watch her walking over to the taxi drop off and notice a woman wearing nurse scrubs hold her arms out to Hannah.
“That was a shock,’’ Malik mutters and I nod my head in agreement, walking over to cuddle into him.
I don’t know how long we stand in each other’s arms staring at the burning home, but it isn’t until Denny taps my arm that I shift my attention away from the house.
She’s crying when I turn my head and immediately I panic. Malik turns and sees Denny’s face and gives me a kiss on the neck before giving us time alone, away from everyone else.
“Are you okay?’’ I ask her, holding her in my arms.
“No,’’ she sobs out. “I have to tell you something and I want you to know I haven’t said anything because I didn’t know how to. Then last night I decided to do the right thing,’’ she says gazing off into the distance. I follow her gaze to where Mason is standing next to another brunette who is trying to get his attention, but his eyes are firmly fixated on Denny with a frown on his face.
“Tell me what?’’ I ask her, wondering if it’s because of him.
“He told me so many lies. Told me he had wanted me for years that he never met anyone like me before. I believed everything he ever said to me. Then that night, I gave myself to him. I gave him everything and he doesn’t even realise just how much he’s taken from me,’’ she sobs, her expression becoming angry.
“Hey, everything’s going to be okay. What is wrong? Things will get better in time Denny, you’ll be crying over some other dickhead in a few months I bet ya.’’
“That’s the thing Harlow; I don’t have time,’’ she cries, shoving her face into her hands.
“What do you mean?’’ I ask tensing, keeping my arms wrapped around her.
“I’m leaving,’’ she blurts out pulling away from me.
“What… like going home?’’ I ask, my eyes watering because I can feel how much she’s hurting.
“No. My parents kicked me out. My Nan has offered to let me live with her, so I’m moving to Wales.’’
“You can stay with us. Gram’s wouldn’t mind and she has a spare room,’’ I plead not understanding what this has to do with Mason.
“You don’t understand Harlow. It’s not that simple. I can’t stay here.’’
“Make me understand. What is it you’re not telling me Denny?’’I plead sounding desperate.
“I’m pregnant.’’
THE END
Denny and Mason’s story continues in Mason’s fall
Coming 2015
Dedication
I want to start off by saying a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me with this new series. Malik and his brothers came to me while I was thinking of a completely different story. I decided when I was writing notes to change it up, make a younger, hotter, generation and I’m hoping I achieved that in writing Malik.
I’ll also like to thank Charlotte Perry. She has listened to my constant phone calls about the book, about the characters, and about the story line. Without her input and constant support I would never have gotten this book written. She truly is an amazing friend and her support has meant more to me than she’ll ever know.
I’ll als
o like to thank all of my beta’s. They’re all so amazing and supportive, reading through the book and giving some great feedback.
For Rachel, who has worked none stop helping me promote Malik for its release day, thank you. Thank you so much for everything you have done. Without you I’d have been up to my eyeballs in emails. LOL!!
I’d also like to thank my editor, Lori, who has worked constant hours to finish editing MALIK in time for its release. Without her little sticky notes on the side commenting on the story line, it would make editing boring for me.
Lastly, to Bloggers and readers, thank you. Thank you so much for purchasing and reading my books. Without you there wouldn’t be any point in me continuing my work, for continuing something I love and enjoy doing. So thank you for all of your help and support.
Contact me
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Malik (Carter Brother Series Book 1) Page 35
