True Connection (The Soul Mate Series) Read Free

gym, I go to the cafeteria hallway and find a bunch of people standing around. I search the sea of faces for my brother. He’s surrounded by a bunch of girls. Go figure, new school equals new ‘fan club.’
    Someone grabs my arm and halts my progress towards my brother, and I let out a very girly scream. It’s Derik. I put an annoyed mask on my face, look at his hand and back up to his face, hoping he’ll get the message to let go. But luck is not on my side today, and he pulls me close to him.
                  “Sweetheart,” I cringe at the use of a term of endearment in reference to me. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you in art. Would you allow me to make it up to you?” He smiles, puts his other arm around my shoulders and moves his other hand from my arm down to my hands.
                  “How exactly are you planning on doing that?” I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
                  “I’m about to make you very happy,” he says with a smug look on his face.
                  “By letting go of me, right?”
                  “No, I’m gonna let you sit with me at lunch. You can be my new girl. You’re so beautiful. You deserve to sit with me, the star-quarterback. We’d be a power couple.” He squeezes me closer to him, letting his hand roam a bit.
                  I roll my eyes this time. “No thanks, but I’d be forever grateful if you removed your hands,” I snap.
    He shoves me away from him.
                  “Do you know…” he says through his teeth. He pauses then restarts. “You had your chance. Now you get to choose from all the parasites, losers, and players that are around here. I bet you’ll be going after the new guy now, too. I know his type. Just look at him.” He points to Henry. “All those girls think he’s perfect, but he wouldn’t know how to treat a girl unless she was wrapped in pig skin. Go on sweetheart, beg me. I’ll save you the heartache and you can sit with me.” He finishes his speech with a look, like he actually expects me to drop to my knees and beg.
    Looking around, we now have an audience, so whatever I say won’t go unnoticed.
                  I fake smile. “Derik, you’re not God, and I really do feel bad for anyone who chooses to listen to the verbal diarrhea you spout off. You know nothing about me or the ‘new player.’ The only begging that will be heard will be from you, if you ever choose to touch me again. Are we clear?”
                  I can hear a few gasps and snickers as I turn to leave, but slam right into Henry’s chest. Seeing the anger on his face, I’d guess he heard me.
    This should be interesting.
                  “Is there a problem here, Jazzy?” Henry asks me as he stares Derik down.
                  “Don’t think so anymore. I may have taken care of this one on my own, but you’re more than welcome to check for yourself.” I smile, as he gives Derik a glare that would make the devil duck for cover. Derik backs away and goes into the cafeteria.
                  “Come on, let’s go get lunch.” Henry puts his arm over my shoulder and leads me out to his car. On the way out, I notice his little ‘fan club’ giving me the stink eye.
                  We get out to the car, and Henry grabs my arm and starts inspecting it.
                  “Henry, I’m fine. He was just being a jerk.” I pull my arm away.
                  “If he touches you again Jazzy, let me know. I’m talking a bump in the hall, a tap on the shoulder, I don’t care. I don’t like him. Stay away from him.”
                  “No worries, brother dear. I only have one class with him so far, so outside of that I can’t imagine spending any real time with him.” I smile. “Oh, I do know something that will make you happy, though,” I say, as he drives down