Shattered Memories

Copyright © 2023 by Vera Hollins All rights reserved. No part of this book may be utilized, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or mechanical methods, without the written consent of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in book reviews. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Warning: This book contains sensitive content that may be triggering for some readers, so caution is advised. Edited by: Emily Junker Formatted by: Champagne Book Design Cover Design by: blankyc.art TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE DEDICATION PLAYLIST PROLOGUE CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE CHAPTER THIRTY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ALSO BY VERA HOLLINS ABOUT THE AUTHOR For Rasa, the source of my best memories and my twinkling star. “Tomorrow”—Daughter “Unfair”—The Neighbourhood “Sea of Memories”—Coldhaven “Empty”—Letdown. “Let It Die”—Ellie Goulding “Love You Like I Do”—Vancouver Sleep Clinic “Breathe Again”—Sara Bareilles “Where Do Lovers Go?”—Ghostly Kisses “Can You Hold Me”—NF ft. Britt Nicole “Wings”—Birdy “Matter To You”—Sasha Alex Sloan A few hours earlier Life could be a kaleidoscope of memories. All colors mashed together into one, some darker, some lighter. Some you wanted to forget, some you wanted to keep with you forever. This night was a memory I wanted to keep with me forever. The stars dotted the sky with twinkling intensity, and the glow of the moon blended with the dozen lights peppering the garden. The peaceful burble of the fountain made for the perfect soundtrack to this moment. A moment that was meant to be filled with kisses and whispered promises. With love. I sensed him before he even made a sound. I always did. I leaned against the back porch railing as I turned to look at him. He was six feet two of ripped muscles and burning desire, dressed all in black. The pounding of my heart grew louder in my ears as he approached me, drowning out the distant sounds of the party. Even after all this time, he was able to transform me into a mushy puddle. He commanded my body and made himself the center of my world—made himself my everything. His eyes devoured me as his gaze traveled down my body, leaving me feeling naked. His lips twisted with pleasure; he knew well what effect he had on me. “You’re so beautiful,” he said in the deep, husky voice I loved. I raised myself on tiptoes to bring my lips to his ear. “You too.” His body shuddered beneath my whisper. He let out a groan, grasping my upper arm and bringing me closer to him. “I’m tempted to ditch this party and go somewhere where I can be alone with you.” Tingles rushed down my spine as his fingers moved up my shoulder and reached my neck. He gazed into my eyes with a need that matched my own. “Me too, but it’s Prescott’s birthday.” He placed his hands on the small of my back and drew me to him. “Do you think he’d notice us gone?” As I chuckled to this, he pressed his forehead to mine and continued, “I need you.” I ran my finger across his inviting lips, imagining them all over my body, every part of me locked in anticipation of it. “I need you, too. So much it scares me sometimes.” He cupped my cheek. “Don’t ever be scared of what you feel for me. We belong to each other, and that will never change.” His lips connected with mine, and my nerves buzzed with awakening desire. I felt my head spinning as our tongues clashed, drowning in his taste. His delicious, delicious taste. He tasted like trouble and wicked thoughts. Like fiery lust. Like everything I’d ever wanted. He was mine. Carter Reese was mine. We drew apart from each other minutes later, both breathless and dazed. Nothing mattered—no party, no other people. Only he and I. “I love you.” I smiled and opened my mouth to tell him I loved him too, but the ringing of his phone interrupted me. Carter groaned. “Someone’s timing sucks.” I giggled. “You better answer that. It’s probably Prescott wondering where you disappeared to.” His brows drew together as he pulled the phone from his pocket and saw the caller. “Who is it?” “It’s Jackson.” He answered the call. “Yes?” His jaw tightened as he listened. “Now?” He met my gaze. “Fine. I’m coming.” He shoved his phone back into his pocket. “He’s at the mechanic. His car broke down on the way here, so I have to go pick him up.” “Then go.” “I’ll be back soon.” He brushed his lips over mine, and a shudder rushed through me. Hungry for more, I grabbed his biceps and leaned into him, prolonging our kiss. He moaned into my mouth and caught my face with both hands, giving me an almost bruising kiss that I felt everywhere, but that ended too soon. With a resigned sigh, he tore away from me and headed down the path leading around Prescott’s house. “Go back to the party,” he told me, walking backward. “We’ll finish this later.” The promise in his gaze burned hotly. My heartbeat pounding, I touched my swollen lips with my fingers, staring into the darkness. I should get back inside. Still, something kept me rooted to the spot. Out of nowhere, a feeling flared to life and grew stronger, searing inside my chest and bringing on a wave of panic. Something bad was going to happen. I didn’t know if this was