Page 66 of Lovely Broken Strength

I whirled around, searching the dim parking lot. A few girls lingered by the entrance, chattering. I was standing under one of the tall flood lights, but there weren’t many in the lot and most of it was in shadow.

I tensed as a figure came walking toward me from the darkness. It was tall, and broad, and had a distinct sway to its steps. My eyes widened as the shape came closer and something in my memory jogged.

I recognized the slope of the shoulders…the outline of the muscular chest.

My pulse thundered in my ears as every muscle in my body locked up in terror. It washim.

“Ellie?” The voice startled me.

I realized I’d been holding my breath and I let out a shocked huff of air as he stepped into the light from the shadows. He frowned at me, a large black trash bag dangled from one hand.

“Abel?” I breathed, the shock making me numb.

He stepped closer, tilting his head to the side. “You okay? I haven’t seen you come by.”

He stood there, staring, before I realized he was waiting for a reply. I nodded, clearing my throat. “Yes, I’m okay.”

His brows furrowed and he stepped to the side and lifted the lid to the dumpster. A sickening whiff of rotting food and stale beer hit my nostrils as he threw in the trash bag and snapped the lid closed. He turned back to me, wiping his hands on his distressed jeans.

“I heard about the fire.” His face softened with sympathy. “I’m real sorry, Ellie.” He reached for me, but I flinched, taking a step back.

He frowned again.

I looked away. I had to pull myself together. “Thanks.” My voice shook and I took a deep breath. “I mean, it’s been hard, but I’m okay.”

Abel nodded, but seemed weary. “How about you come inside and I’ll pour you something real good. My treat.” He smiled his easy smile, but I stiffened.

I shook my head. “That’s okay. I was just leaving.”

“I haven’t seen you inside yet.”

I shrugged. “I came to talk to a friend. I met him on my way in. I was just heading back to my car.”

He looked confused. “Okay…” He glanced around the empty parking lot, but didn’t push the subject. “When will I see you next? I’ve missed you.”

My stomach knotted. “Soon. I just need some time, you know?”

“I get it.” He started backing away. “Take care of yourself, okay?”

I nodded and he turned, heading into the shadows toward the bar. I watched him until he disappeared around the side of the building. Once he was out of sight, I ran to my car.

I hopped inside, locking the doors. My pulse raced.

I had come here almost sure Callen had known what happened to Ty. The moment I’d seen Abel’s shadowed frame, I’d recognized him.

Abel was the person there the night my trailer burned down. Abel had been the one who’d hit Ty.

I swallowed the lump constricting my sore throat.

Abel had been the one behind the attacks all along.

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