Trapped (Bullied Book 4) (Bullied Series) Vera Hollins (best large ereader txt) 📖

Blake went over to sit on the bench, which pulled me out of my daze. I moved toward him with slow steps.

“Why did we come here?”

He had yet to look at me, his gaze downcast. My eyes went over his slumped form, then his widely spread legs, and a flicker of warmth danced through me. Shadows emphasized the sharp lines of his cheeks and jaw, giving him a dark allure that was irresistible.

“Because this is the only place on this estate that doesn’t make me feel like I’m walled in.” He looked at the house with a gaze that told me what I needed to know even before he uttered the words. “I hate that place. It’s a prison.”

I stopped close to him, but not too close. “A prison?”

His eyes locked on mine, showing me his pain. “Yes. A prison that keeps me stuck in my past.”

His words resonated within me, and I just stood there watching him as he stared off into the distance, allowing me to see the myriad of emotions that coursed over his face.

But then, realizing he’d left the door to his world open, he put another mask on.

I cleared my throat and went over to the railing. “I’m sorry about your parents,” I said to break the silence. “They aren’t fair.”

“Don’t be. They were never parents to begin with.”

I looked at him over my shoulder. “I don’t understand. It sounds like you’ve accepted it.”

His gaze was directed at the sky. “I did, a long time ago. I don’t really want to talk about my parents.”

I nodded and looked at the pond. The fallen leaves decorated its moon-kissed surface in an enthralling pattern. It was magical and peaceful, and if the circumstances had been any different, I’d have considered this moment romantic. I closed my eyes and let myself imagine it. I let myself imagine things were different; Blake would embrace me from behind and I would sink into his body.

I could almost feel him behind me, and I opened my eyes, filled with a crushing and almost unbearable longing. Dog footsteps disturbed my reverie, and I turned my head to find a Rottweiler right next to me.

I raised my eyebrows. Where had this fella come from? He darted his tongue out and wagged his tail, before he sat down in a pose that told me he was waiting for me to pet him. I sat on my haunches.

“Hello,” I cooed as I stroked the fur between his ears. “You’re such a good boy—or girl.” I grinned over my shoulder at Blake.

“That’s a first,” he said, standing up with his arms crossed over his chest, his brows raised. He stopped right behind me, and I whipped my head back, my heart doing a furious dance in my chest. He was too close!

“What?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound as flustered as I felt.

“That Badass likes someone other than me.”

I laughed and met his gaze over my shoulder. “You named your dog Badass?”

His face remained impassive. “He does a good job at scaring people away.”

“This dog right here? He’s a sweet baby! Look at him! All ready for cuddles.” I shifted onto my knees and leaned toward him, petting his head and neck with both hands.

“As I said, you’re the only person who’s gotten to see him like this besides me.”

“I guess that’s because animals love me for some reason.”

“I’m not surprised,” he said incredibly gently, causing my stomach to backflip. I could feel his eyes on me, but I dared not look at him and see the expression on his face.

I giggled when Badass licked my hand. “You like this? Oh, yes you do. Yes you do.” I rubbed his neck and head, enjoying this as much as him. I just loved cuddling pets.

Blake shifted to my side, and when I glanced at him, the fierce look in his eyes brought color to my face. It was like he was entranced by me, and it was so intense I grew all shy. I bent my head so my hair could hide me from his gaze, every part of me hot.

“Why doesn’t he like anyone?” I asked under my breath.

“He was beaten and hanging on for dear life when I found him on the street. I took him to the emergency vet for surgery and decided to keep him if he survived. He recovered physically, but the beating left him traumatized enough not to let anyone close to him.”

My chest filled with sympathy for Badass, and I wished I could do anything to remove his pain and help him regain trust in people. At the same time, Blake’s words struck a chord in me because it was like this wasn’t only about Badass. It felt like Blake could relate to Badass more than it might seem.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said quietly as I caressed Badass’s ears. At least he had Blake, who’d taken him in and took care of him. I could feel myself melting at this fact, falling more for the side of Blake he hid from the world.

Blake crouched next to me, and his fragrance hit me like a heavy gust of wind, robbing me of breath. He reached out to pet Badass’s back, and our hands brushed against each other. A zapping sensation coursed through my arm. I retracted my hand like I’d been nipped by fire, unable to hide how much he affected me.

He looked at me. “Why did you come here?”

I glanced away from him. “You know why. My parents and I were invited—”

“You could’ve refused to come. You should’ve refused.”

I dug my nails into my palm, sliced with cold and hurt. The previous night had shoved my illusions away, making it obvious that he and I would never work. Yet I was still hurt by his words.

“And miss your warm welcome?” I stood up. “Don’t worry, Blake. I assure you this is the last time I step into your house.”

He rose to his feet and folded his