Spring (Hero Society #7) - Jessica Florence Page 0,1

fear and glitches in my body, I stood tall.

“He’s gone. Stayed home and ditched you while you went to school. I saw him leave myself,” Jarrod answered coolly and stepped in my direction.

The need to run away from these three barreled into my thoughts. Only my feet wouldn’t move. His words couldn’t be true. Maddie wouldn’t leave me. Maybe he’d gone to the store, or somewhere without telling me, but he’d be back soon. My heart strained in my chest. He wouldn’t do any of those things. We were like one person, Maddie and Hazel forever. It was my birthday, too, and he never missed my birthday, especially a big one like sixteen. We’d just celebrated his two days ago, and he promised we’d do something fun for mine.

“He told me to give you this before he left, though. Very pretty. He must have made it himself since he ain’t got no money.” Jarrod lifted a necklace and I couldn’t make out what was in the pendant that rested at the bottom of the string.

“He wouldn’t leave me.” I took a step back, the ache in my head pounding to the point I thought I might pass out. I didn’t trust these goons enough to be alone with them.

“He did after he gave this to me. Then he stole that photo of you two from your nightstand and bolted. At least he has a picture to remember how fine you are.” Repulsion and sorrow rolled in my gut. Maddie loved that picture of us. It was the only token we carried with us wherever we moved to. I didn’t want to believe Maddie left. But if he did, that would be the only thing he’d take. My heart clenched and sweat beaded against my forehead. I needed to leave. Now.

“I think we should follow the kid’s wishes and give her the necklace,” Kenny piped up and I shook my head. My muscles tensed from the tone of his voice.

“I agree, Kenny.” Jarrod’s steps increased and I ran away. Unfortunately, they were faster. The three boys grabbed onto my arms so hard bruises would surely show on my brown skin.

“Maddie!” I cried for the one person who cared about me, the one person that wouldn’t come to save me this time.

“I’ve been eyeing this neck for a while, so soft and delicate. I doubt you’ve even been kissed on this luscious flesh. That boy never dared to step out of the friend zone even though he would have sold his soul to have you as his,” Jarrod purred against my neck. His breath like unwanted fire blazed my skin. I jerked and tried to free myself but they closed in on me.

A cool glass pendant touched the dip between my collar bones, and fingers fiddled with a clasp at my nape. Once Maddie’s gift lay gracefully against my body, warm lips pressed against me and I screamed. The other boys held me while Jarrod’s roaming hands explored my body over my too-big clothes.

“Help!” I screamed and thrashed away from their evil touches and hungry, hooded eyes.

“Help isn’t coming. The only one who cared abandoned you. Now it’s time we give you our birthday gift.” Jarrod’s voice rattled my aching head, and the sounds of rustling clothes struck fear into every molecule of my being.

“Maddie!” I sobbed again while the boys laughed and pushed me down to the ground. No one was coming. No one would help me while I fought for freedom against these three boys with a disgusting agenda. Hands groped my breasts, lips caressed my neck and chest, as fingers pulled at the button on my jeans.

I was alone and unwanted.

Suddenly pain shot into my skin, and my eyes widened to see what those boys had dug into me. Tearing and slices from what had to be little knives all over my body wrought havoc on my senses.

“What the fuck?” one of the boys cursed, and their hands vanished.

“No, I’ve been waiting for this. I’m not letting a few pricks stop me,” Jarrod growled and yanked at my pants. I had no clue why he said those words but I wanted him to stop. I wanted him gone and if my horrifying pain made that happen, then I’d suffer until I was ripped apart.

“Fuck! That hurt! You freak bitch!” Jarrod’s cruel hands disappeared before their screams began.

I wiped the tears blurring my vision. When I could finally see, I didn’t believe the sight before me. All three boys were