Unexpected Consequences Read Free Page A

all in my lawyer’s hands, as well as mine and Dane’s statements. He had to be convicted and pay for what he did, I didn’t see any other choice. I wouldn’t be able to sleep without knowing he was locked away, getting help, or something.
    Dane and I were slowly, but surely, working through one issue at a time. He was a deeply complicated person, each layer of him that peeled away revealing a new and exciting detail. He was mysterious yet open, caring and gentle, but a strong protector when I needed him to be. Our relationship was still undefined, but I was seeing it wasn’t warranted. We cared for one another, immensely, and that really was all that mattered. Labels were just that; a meaningless word to describe a never-ending emotion that ran passionately through each of us.
    Jack was lying off the taunting after almost meeting me at the frat house, story I still giggled about when I thought of it. His shocked expression as he saw me, the utter stupidity as he told me about myself. A part of me wished we could have recorded it for Dane to watch over and over. His ecstatic delight in it was amusing to say the least.
    Leela and I began our self-defense classes two weeks ago. I’d found out a few things since beginning them. One, I wasn’t in very good shape and needed to start running or something. Two, I was much stronger than I ever imagined. Three, if Christopher ever snuck up on me again, I now knew how to get his ass off me.
    Each class grew my confidence and strength a little more. It was empowering to take control, refuse to be a victim anymore. I no longer hated Christopher, either. The more I thought of him, the more I felt sorry for him. It really was a shame he was so incredibly weak. He needed help more than he needed anything.
    I hoped he got it, as long as he stayed far away from me.
    “Korah,” Leela said as she stepped into the living area, hair wrapped in a towel. She scowled as she stared at me and said, “You aren’t ready.”
    I looked down, studying my yoga pants and tank top. “Yes I am.”
    “We’re going out with the boys, you need to wear something else. I mean, you look cute, but don’t you want to make Dane drool?”
    I gazed at her, not knowing whether to laugh or be angry. I chose the former. “Lee, we’re going to practice our self-defense moves. I think this is fine. I’m not getting dolled up to go sweat it all off.”
    She raised a brow, smirking. “Do you get dolled up for dates?”
    I nodded, not sure where she was going with this.
    “Well, don’t you usually end up sweating that off, too?” she quizzed, raising her brows up and down suggestively.
    I groaned, laughing loudly as I stood. “Whatever, Leela. I’m not getting changed. I want to make sure we’re actually learning something is all.”
    She sauntered off, telling me I would probably regret not utilizing my hot factor later on. She was crazy.
    Dane found me attractive at my worst. Hell, he told me I was the most beautiful girl when I had black handprints around my neck. He kissed my faint scar daily, the two inch white spot across my cheek a constant reminder of what I’d been through.
    Of what I’d survived.
    The memories tended to suck me in, drawing on my deepest worries and fears, reminding me I was still the same Korah. The one who was abused and broken, who allowed a man to hurt me without truly fighting back, but now I was fighter Korah, who didn’t allow anyone to have control, to hurt me that way. The memories wouldn’t win, I no longer allowed them to control me and make me feel less than I was.
    Leela sucked me out of my internal struggle when she bounced back in the room, hair curled and her face fully made up. She looked beautiful, but I knew her face would look messy by the time we were finished while mine would only be sweaty.
    Dane liked sweaty.
    “You ready?” she asked, checking herself once more in the mirror on the wall before turning to me expectantly. She tapped her foot,