Page 67 of Scared Love

Emma

The drive back home is so peaceful. As I look out the

window and think about the wonderful evening I’ve had.

I’m so glad to have been able to be a part of Vince’s family

for a while and to let go of my worries and anxieties. I felt

like I belonged with them, a feeling that I haven’t

experienced in a long time. I can’t believe that Sarah gave

me her number. It will be nice to have someone to talk to. But while at we were at Vince’s parents house, I

overheard

Vince talking with his dad and brother. Just the

mention of the name “Asher” sent my mind reeling. Could

it be the same gentle soul who tried to protect me during

my darkest days? My dear Asher, the only one who showed

me kindness in that wretched place. The place was so much

more than wretched. It was fucking hell on Earth. He would

sneak me scraps when the others starved me. He would

plead for mercy when they raped me. And what did he get

for his compassion? Nothing but fists and boots, forced to

watch me being raped and me laying there helplessly.

Asher paid dearly for daring to care. Hearing his name

again brought it all back - the fear, the pain, but also the

faint flicker of humanity in hell.

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“Baby girl, what’s the matter?” Vince ask softly, his

brow furrowed with worry. One hand remains steady on the

steering wheel while the other gently caresses my thigh in

comfort. I stifle back a sob, tears building in my eyes.

“I-I think I overheard something I wasn’t meant to,” I

manage to choke out between quiet cries. Vince’s gaze

widens with even more concern as he glances at me. “What

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