The Choice : Star-Crossed Lovers Duet (Book 1)

The Choice Copyright © 2023 Ashley Jade All rights reserved. ISBN-13: Cover by Lori Jackson Editing by Ellie at My Brother’s Editor Editing by Kristy Stalter Proofing by Rosa at My Brother’s Editor Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. If you’re familiar with my books you know they’re gritty, angsty, and contain dark-ish elements and characters that may be offensive and evoke a strong emotional response for some. The Star Crossed Lovers duet is no different. This book deals with subjects that some sensitive readers may find upsetting, such as: SA and physical assault (not from the hero.) I trust you to be aware of your personal triggers before proceeding. Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QXwF3yYot1hQns4bo4vIC?si=d8606602041d4db3 Find all things Ashley Jade here: https://linktr.ee/AJade?fbclid=PAAabvrBQkVdWXRGu_FiNtuKC2IOwXFWCudcYV7ApV-kbthaLls9CciFOuIHE Dear Reader, I’ve gone back and forth about writing this, but in the end, I decided it was important. If you’re in my reader’s group you know I’ve discussed how each of my books are very personal to me for a variety of different reasons and real-life experiences. The Choice and The Consequence are no exceptions, only this time, it cuts even deeper, and I’m way more nervous about it. If you’ve read The Words, you’ve already met Skylar, the heroine of this duet. In The Words, you’ve seen Skylar be strong, sassy, sensitive, independent, and resilient. All the qualities we love in our heroines. However, she wasn’t always that way. It wasn’t enough to tell you about Skylar’s journey. In order to stay true to her and myself, I had to take you to the beginning and give you real-time glimpses into what shaped her. That includes the gritty, ugly parts. The parts that will undoubtedly make you want to throw your kindle out of frustration and vow to never read another Ashley Jade book again. As much as I wish every woman was born strong and had a “take no crap from anyone” mentality from birth, that’s simply not possible. You can be born into the worst of circumstances, endure trauma that leaves you with scars, and survive horrors some could never dream of…and still be lured in by a monster when you least expect it. So, this is me asking you to hang in there if you can. You don’t have to agree with Skylar’s choices or identify with them, but I do ask that you take a moment to try and understand before you rip her (or me) apart and slap a ‘too stupid to live’ label on us both. If you’ve never been through what Skylar has been through, it’s easy to criticize and cast judgment. It’s easy to be objective and make different (good) choices when you’re on the outside looking in, but it’s downright impossible when you’re in the eye of the storm and you’re just trying to survive. Some of us weren’t born strong…we had to survive things that would break others and find our inner strength. Josh, The worst thing I ever did was stay. The hardest thing I ever did was survive you. And bravest thing I ever did was leave you. “Tell me every terrible thing you ever did, and let me love you anyway.” ― Sade Andria Zabala Prologue Skylar Once upon a time, there was a little girl who gazed up at the night sky with teary eyes and made wishes on stars. She wished she could join her mama in heaven…because her life had become a living hell. She wished the demon that was destroying her mind, body, and soul would die, so she could feel safe again. She wished she could close her eyes and fall asleep without enduring the sharp stinging sensation between her legs, feeling the weight of his body crushing hers, and hearing the sounds he made—the ones her aunt never seemed to notice—whenever he’d sneak into her bedroom and do things she’d never be able to forget. Things she could never tell another soul about. Once upon a time, a little girl made wishes on stars… Only, she didn’t wish for Prince Charming like so many other little girls. She wished for someone ugly and broken…just like she was. She wished for someone who’d love her so much it would take all her pain away. She wished for someone to save her… Before it was too late. Part One: The Catalyst Chapter 1 Memphis Age Thirteen “This place sucks.” Placing my duffel bag on the bed, I glance at Josh. The dude is a pain, but he’s also the closest thing to a brother—family—I have. I look around our new room. It’s small and basic, but what did he expect? Rich people don’t take in strays like us. People who need money do. “It could be worse.” After being in the system for over six years, I could safely say this was one of the better places to land. Hopefully, Josh doesn’t screw it up. Huffing, he plops down on the twin bed opposite mine. “Knew you were gonna say that.” He makes a face. “This dump smells funny.” “Nah. That’s you.” After making sure my most prized possession—the acoustic guitar my counselor got me last year—is safe and sound, I begin unpacking the few things I have. “Go take a shower.” Sniffing his pits, his face changes from annoyed to nervous. “Can’t. Haven’t figured out if our new dad is a perv yet.” Fair enough. We were supposed to arrive this afternoon, but our case worker got tied up with a few things and we didn’t get