Charleigh Rose – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Charleigh Rose – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.books2020.com Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:55:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.books2020.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Charleigh Rose – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.books2020.com 32 32 Break Your Little Heart – Heartbreak Hill Read Online Charleigh Rose http://www.books2020.com/break-your-little-heart-heartbreak-hill-read-online-charleigh-rose Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:55:50 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/break-your-little-heart-heartbreak-hill-read-online-charleigh-rose Genre: Angst, Contemporary, New Adult Authors: Charleigh Rose Advertisement

Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)

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He thinks he can break my heart, but you have to have a heart in order for it to break…

It was supposed to be a one-time thing. Nothing more than a momentary lapse in sanity with my best friend’s stepbrother that we agreed to never speak of again.
Simple. Or at least it should’ve been, considering we didn’t even like each other.

But the universe has a sick sense of humor, because after avoiding Holden for the better part of a year, we both end up at Hadley University.
To make matters worse, he lives right across the hall from me. He’s everything I shouldn’t want.
Arrogant. Reckless. Crude.
An obnoxious playboy who only wants what he can’t have.
And worst of all? He wants to finish what we started a year ago.

Unfortunately for me, time has done nothing to dull my inconvenient attraction to him.
What’s the worst that could happen? I’m heartless and he’s empty.
But the more time we spend together, I realize there’s more to him hidden beneath all that debauchery.
Loyal. Protective. Broken.
Maybe we’re not so different after all.
And just maybe he is capable of breaking my heart.

If the ghosts of our pasts don’t destroy us first.

*Break Your Little Heart is book 2 in the Heartbreak Hill series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Valen

One year ago

This was a bad idea. I’ve had my fair share of them in the past, but showing up unannounced to meet my boyfriend at a college party on a Friday night in my cheer uniform tops the list. He’s in town this weekend, and since I had an away game, I wasn’t going to be able to see him until tomorrow night. That was, until half the basketball team turned their bus ride into a puke fest thanks to bad sushi from last night’s dinner. Needless to say, the game was canceled.

I reach into my cheer bag on the front seat, grabbing my sweatshirt and throwing it on over my uniform. Stepping out of my car, I rub my arms against the chilly night air. I hate the cold. Why couldn’t my mom have gotten engaged to some rich man from somewhere with a more tropical climate? Massachusetts winters almost have me considering taking my dad up on his offer to spend the summer with his relatives in Spain. Almost. Not that he actually wants me to take him up on his offer.

Giggles that come from a group of drunk girls that I don’t recognize snap me from my thoughts as I approach the white three-story apartment building. Two are blonde, one is a brunette, and all three are gorgeous and wearing the typical Massachusetts college girl uniform of black leather pants and black crop tops.

“Are you looking for the party?” Drunk Girl Number One says, clumsily throwing an arm over my shoulders, not waiting for an answer before she steers me inside with the other girls following behind. “It’s this one,” she explains needlessly, seeing as how the door she’s pointing to practically shakes with the bass of the music coming from the other side. “Also, you’re really pretty,” she says, moving her mouth closer to my ear as the music grows louder.

“Thanks.” I laugh under my breath, peeling her arm off of my shoulder.

I follow her inside the packed apartment, wondering how the hell they haven’t gotten shut down due to the noise yet. Then again, I bet most of the tenants are other students since it’s so close to the community college.

“Drink?” the girl tosses over her shoulder, leading me to the kitchen.

“I’m looking for my boyfriend,” I shout over the noise. I see a few people I know—some from school, some who graduated before me—but it’s dark and there are so many bodies here that it’s hard to tell who anyone is. I spot Holden Ames, my best friend Shayne’s stepbrother and perpetual pain in my ass, sitting in a chair while some girl dances and grinds on his lap. Typical.

“What’s his name?”

“Liam.”

She shrugs her shoulders, looking at her friends who have apparently adopted me for the time being. “Big dude? On the rowing team at Northeastern?” the brunette asks.

“That’s him.”

“Ooooh, he’s hot. Congratulations,” she remarks. “He’s around here somewhere.” She stands on her tiptoes, scanning the room.

An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach. I told Shayne just last week that I thought Liam and I were done. My first clue that things weren’t quite right was the fact that I didn’t miss him a single time after he left for college. He became busier. I became even less interested. We’ve slowly drifted apart, but any time I try to talk to him about it, he finds a way to avoid the conversation.

“He was with Tobin earlier,” the other girl says. Tobin’s the guy who lives here and I know he’s friends with Liam, so that makes sense. “I think a few of them went to his room to smoke. They got in trouble for the smell last time they did it out front.”

The first girl finds a bottle of vodka on the table cluttered with alcohol and Solo cups and beer cans. “Shot?” she asks, holding up the bottle in offering.

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I’m going to go find him,” I say. After I say bye to my new friends, I push through the throng of bodies, making my way to where I think the bedrooms might be. I turn down the hallway, trying the first door I see. The room is bathed in a red glow from the LED lights lining the perimeter of the ceiling. The second thing I notice is a very un-rhythmic sound of skin slapping against skin. Jesus Christ.

Just as I start to close the door, I hear, “Fuck yes, baby.”

I freeze, recognizing that voice all too well. I don’t know how I imagined this night going, but walking in on my boyfriend balls deep inside someone who isn’t me definitely wasn’t it.

Neither of them seems to notice my presence. This is what shock must feel like. I should be raging right now. Screaming, yelling, storming out. Something. Yet, all I can do is frown, cocking my head to the side as I take in the scene playing out in front of me.

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Advertisement Tell Me Pretty Lies Read online Charleigh Rose http://www.books2020.com/tell-me-pretty-lies-read-online-charleigh-rose Fri, 07 Jun 2019 13:57:33 +0000 http://www.test123.demo2.xyz/tell-me-pretty-lies-read-online-charleigh-rose Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, Contemporary, New Adult, Romance Authors: Charleigh Rose Advertisement

Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 93312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)

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Read Online Books/Novels:	Tell Me Pretty Lies
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Charleigh Rose
Language:	English
Book Information:
Three things my mother acquired when she became engaged: 1. A brand new Tiffany's ring. 2. A lavish home on Heartbreak Hill. 3. Three privileged stepsons. The last thing I expected was to fall for one of them, least of all Thayer Ames. Beautiful, brooding, and untouchable. I knew it was a bad idea. He warned me himself. But he was a thunderstorm, and I never could resist the rain. It was perfect… Until it wasn’t. One night was all it took for our world to crumble, leaving only secrets and lies between us. Now, I have to face him again, but the boy I used to know has become the man who loves to hate me.
Books by Author:	Charleigh Rose

Shayne

I cling to my brother’s arm as he leads me up the rain-slicked steps and through the door to Whittemore, thankful for the support. My shaky legs have threatened to go limp beneath me more times than I can count today, between the wet, soft ground at the cemetery that tried to swallow my heels and the fact that I’ve never been good in anything other than sneakers to begin with. As soon as we enter the foyer, the smell of one thousand casseroles hits my nostrils. Why do people think food makes everything better? Sorry your loved one died. Here, have some fucking potato casserole. Hope that helps!

“I’m going upstairs,” Grey says flatly, unlatching my grip on his arm. His eyes are bloodshot, and I’m pretty sure he’s still in a state of shock. And probably a little high.

“You okay?” I ask. Stupid question, considering. But it’s more than Danny’s funeral. He seems distracted and distressed.

“I’m fine.” He gives me a perfunctory kiss on the top of my head, and I spot Thayer over his shoulder, casually swiping a bottle of brown liquor from the bar. Grey heads for the stairs and I glance around, wondering if I’m the only one seeing this. Holden and their cousin Christian sit on the white sofa, glassy-eyed and ties loosened, elbows resting on their knees. I look to my left as Greyson’s intercepted by Mom and her fiancé August—Thayer and Holden’s dad—before he can make his escape. Mom pulls him in for a hug, and August claps him on the shoulder, and Grey tenses. Dozens of people I’ve never even met before are gathered in the house we’ve called home for the past two years, mingling and remarking on what a tragedy it is to lose someone so young.

I want to throw something.

A crashing sound brings my attention back toward the bar where a glass has now shattered on the hardwood. Thayer steadies himself on the edge of the bar cabinet, staring blankly at the broken glass. His grandfather appears, pulling him upright, and Thayer tries to shake him off.

“Man up,” he orders in that quiet-but-deadly tone that brooks no argument. “Your family needs you.” His hands tighten around Thayer’s upper arms, shaking him a little.

“Move,” Thayer says through clenched teeth. Instinctively, I hurry over to him, trying to attract as little attention as possible, ready to intervene. I know two things for certain by the look on Thayer’s face. One, he’s two seconds from punching his own grandfather at his brother’s funeral, and two, nothing is going to stop him from leaving right now.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I rattle off the cliché line, stepping between them, even though it’s the last thing I want to do. William Ames is as powerful as he is old, and not nearly as nice. He eyes me like I’m a nuisance, but he brings me in for a polite hug and a kiss on the cheek, knowing people are most likely watching. I fight the urge to wipe my cheek.

“Thank you, Shayne,” he says as if it pains him to play nice, his hands still holding my forearms. When he tries to release me and walk away, I tighten my grip on his arms, sidestepping with him in an effort to buy Thayer more time.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask innocently. His piercing blue eyes bore into me, and his wiry, white eyebrows are set in two permanent, angry slashes, giving him a villainous appearance.

Thayer takes advantage of his distraction and prowls for the door without looking back, and I let out a relieved sigh once he’s out of sight. Crisis averted. For now.

“I think we have it covered,” William says shortly, bringing my attention back to him. I let go quickly, taking a step back. His nostrils flare and he makes like he’s going to go after Thayer.

“Let him go,” I say, my voice firm even though this man scares the shit out of me. I’ve never been this assertive with him. I don’t know where this is coming from, and judging by the unimpressed look on his face, he doesn’t either. “He’ll only cause a scene if he stays here,” I say, trying another tactic. No one wants that, least of all William. His family acquired this estate in the early 1800s, making the Ames family one of the first, and he won’t let you forget it. Owning the oldest and most trusted cargo airline turned passenger airline makes for a very rich man, and being a rich man means people are always watching, waiting for you to fall from grace. To a man like William, appearances are everything.

He scoffs, walking away, and I don’t waste any time hurrying for the door in search of Thayer.

“Thayer?” I call out, closing the front door behind me, but I don’t see him anywhere. Thunder rumbles in the distance, the weather mimicking the somber day, and I scan the front yard, knowing in my gut he isn’t here. My eyes lift, gazing out at the trees surrounding the property. These woods are massive, but I know exactly where he went. Without thinking of the consequences, I hurry down the steps and take off in a sprint, but I don’t get far before my shoes trip me up. I pull them off, bracing one hand against a tree for balance, before tossing them into a pile of leaves.

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Advertisement Bad Influence Read online Charleigh Rose (Bad Love #3) http://www.books2020.com/bad-influence-3-read-online-charleigh-rose Sun, 25 Mar 2018 01:57:33 +0000 http://www.test123.demo2.xyz/bad-influence-3-read-online-charleigh-rose Genre: New Adult, Romance Authors: Charleigh Rose Series: Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
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Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 76710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)

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Read Online Books/Novels:	Bad Influence (Bad Love #3)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Charleigh Rose
Language:	English
Book Information:
Allie When I moved to River’s Edge, dating was the last thing on my mind. I definitely didn’t expect to fall for him. Jesse Shepherd. Popular. Star athlete. Cocky as hell. You know the type. But as time passed, I realized there was more lurking beneath that gorgeous exterior. Secretive. Angry. A little bit broken. The more I peeled back his layers, the deeper I fell. Until I slammed headfirst into his sea of lies. Jess I blew my shot. Pissed everything away—college, lacrosse, my future—only to end up right back where I started in River’s Edge. I was content to revel in my misery, spending my days drowning in a bottomless pit of booze and girls. Until I saw her. Allison Parrish. Beautiful. Sarcastic. Perpetual bad attitude. The pretty little distraction from the shit show that was my life. But the sins of my past were closing in on me, and I learned the hard way that nothing gold can stay.
Books in Series:	Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
Books by Author:	Charleigh Rose Books

“Nothing gold can stay.”

—Robert Frost

* * *

MY DAD ALWAYS SAID THAT both the best and worst things in life are unexpected. They’re the moments that change your life indefinitely, and even if you see them coming, you’re never prepared for the impact. It’s what you do in the aftermath that matters. It’s how you deal with the crisis—or good fortune—that defines you.

It’s safe to say I failed miserably in that department.

The needle pricks my finger and I let out a hiss, dropping my jacket onto the bed before sucking my finger into my mouth. I peer down at my dad’s old jean jacket, every surface full of colorful patches from his favorite bands. Social D. Pennywise. Rancid. NOFX. The list goes on. I cut the too-long sleeves off on a whim, deciding to sew on my sleeves and hood from an old sweatshirt so I can wear it. I bring it to my nose and inhale, trying desperately to catch a whiff of his scent. I haven’t worn it or washed it, afraid I would lose the smell forever, but I think now—more than half a year after his death—it’s finally gone.

Most days, I’m fine. Other days, the grief is so potent it feels like it was yesterday.

“Allison!” my mother shouts, her voice child-like even when she’s yelling.

I pull one of the headphones away from my ear, looking up at her expectantly from my bed.

“I know it’s your birthday and I’m supposed to let you call the shots, but are you sure you don’t want to do anything? I have a sushi date tonight. You could join us?”

I roll my eyes. Yes, I’d love to spend my eighteenth birthday with my mom and her flavor of the week eating food I hate.

“I’m good.”

I see the relief flash in her eyes, but she conceals it quickly. She doesn’t really want me to go to dinner, but how would that look if she didn’t at least invite me on my birthday of all days? Pushing off the doorframe, she walks toward me. I flip my journal shut, stashing it under my pillow.

“You should go out. Call Courtney and Maddison.” She reaches a slender hand out to twirl a strand of my hair between her fingers.

I laugh bitterly. I haven’t been friends with those girls since freshman year when they grew tits and decided nothing else mattered but boys and parties. “Okay, Mom,” I say just to pacify her.

“Good. I’m going to meditate before my date,” she informs me, standing. If Snow White and Willie Nelson had a love child, it would result in my mom. She’s tragically beautiful, soft-spoken, and charismatic. Her smile is infectious, and everyone loves her. She’s also the biggest pothead I know. Flighty. Self-absorbed, yet somehow painfully insecure. She’s a walking contradiction.

I pull my headphones back over my ears, effectively ending the conversation. Once she leaves, I flip my phone over to see a voicemail from my dad. Shit, I must not have heard him over my music. I take my headphones off once more, bringing the phone to my ear.

“Alllllliisonnnnn,” he greets in the tune of Elvis Costello’s famous song. The one he serenades me with every time I see him. “Don’t worry. I won’t sing the whole song this time. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. This is also your daily reminder to try to be nice to your mother. It’s not her fault the weed has started to turn her brain.”

I crack a smile. My parents met when my dad was touring with his band in the late nineties. They fell hard and fast, and after a few months, she traded her cushy life in for a tour bus. She got knocked up almost immediately. My dad quit the band, bought a house, and tried to put down roots. That’s when the trouble started. My mom resented my dad for getting her pregnant. My dad resented my mom for having to leave the band. Long story short, they split when I was born.

When my mom deemed me old enough, summers were spent in River’s Edge with my dad, and the rest of the year with my mom here in Southern California. They don’t get along, always throwing jabs at each other’s expense, but my mom has never truly moved on—even though she’s had more boyfriends than Cher and Taylor Swift combined.

“Anyway, I wish I could be there, but we both know it’s best that your mother and I don’t occupy the same zip code. I’ve got a birthday slash graduation present waiting for you here. I’ll give you a hint—it has four wheels and it’s sitting in my garage.”

A car!? I flop backwards onto my bed, barely containing my excitement.

“Can’t wait to have you here permanently. Happy birthday, kid. You’re the best thing I ever did. I love you.”

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Advertisement Bad Intentions Read Online Charleigh Rose (Bad Love #2) http://www.books2020.com/bad-intentions-2-read-online-charleigh-rose Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:57:33 +0000 http://www.test123.demo2.xyz/bad-intentions-2-read-online-charleigh-rose Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, New Adult, Romance Authors: Charleigh Rose Series: Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
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Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)

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Read Online Books/Novels:	Bad Intentions (Bad Love #2)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Charleigh Rose
Language:	English
Book Information:
Lo Moving to River’s Edge was supposed to be a fresh start. Away from chaos. Away from bad influences and worse relationships. All I wanted was to give my little brother more of a chance than I ever had. It should’ve been simple. I didn’t count on my transgressions following me. And I definitely didn’t count on meeting Dare. Tall, tortured, and tattooed. A Lost Boy through and through. Falling for someone like him was asking for heartache. But I was a sucker for punishment. Dare I had a routine. Eat, work, sleep, repeat, only ever doing the bare minimum to keep up appearances. I kept my circle small and my guard high. I spent years making sure I didn’t repeat the mistakes of my past, forming an impenetrable layer of ice around my heart. Then Logan showed up in my town, in my tattoo shop, testing my patience along with my self-control. She was fire and I was ice. I should’ve stayed away. But I had been cold for far too long.
Books in Series:	Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
Books by Author:	Charleigh Rose Books

SAME SHIT.

Different day.

Different climate.

New start.

Or, at least that’s what I’m telling myself as I dig through my still-packed bags, searching for a clean sock—it doesn’t even have to be a matching one, just a clean one—in the tiny shoebox of a bedroom at Henry’s cabin. Henry is my father. The father whom I haven’t seen since I was eleven years old. The father who bailed on our family long before that. The father whom Jesse barely even remembers, seeing as how he was only seven when our dad left for good. The father who reluctantly agreed to let Jess and me stay with him when shit hit the fan back home. All out of options, I unfolded the scrap of paper I’d managed to keep hidden from Mom all these years—the one with my dad’s address and phone number—and made the call. We went from the shittiest part of Oakland to River’s fucking Edge, Nowhere, USA. Population: us, and like three other people.

I grab one of Jesse’s socks and bring the dingy, off-white thing to my nose before deciding that it smells clean enough. I throw on my old pair of black army boots that hit just below my calf over my black leggings, button up my oversized flannel, and pull on my gray beanie over my messy hair. I make a mental note to buy us some actual winter clothes with my first paycheck. You’d think it would still be warm in October—granted, it’s practically November—but you’d be wrong. When people think of California, they think of palm trees and beaches. But here? Way up here? There’s nothing but mountains and pine trees. Which, I’ll admit, is part of its charm, and I’d probably be in heaven if it weren’t for the fact that I’m fucking freezing and Henry already lectured us not to turn the heat above sixty.

I stand with my hands on my hips, scanning the room for an acceptable hiding place. The mattress sits on the floor next to a busted old nightstand. The closet is overflowing with storage and trash bags full of God knows what. It’s not that I have anything of value to most people in this particular bag—besides the few bucks I have left to my name—but it’s all I own. My entire life has been reduced to three duffle bags. And if I’ve learned anything from growing up with an addict for a parent in Oakland, it’s always hide your shit. I bend over to zip my bag shut before wedging it between the nightstand and the mattress. It will have to do. Henry says River’s Edge isn’t like The Bay Area, and while that’s clear, I’d argue that people are the same at their core, regardless of their zip code. We’re all flawed, selfish humans doing what it takes in order to survive. Myself included.

I suck in a fortifying breath, taking in my new life, and mentally preparing myself for what today holds. I have to enroll Jesse in school, fight with him to get him there first, then apply to anywhere and everywhere in this one-horse town so I can pick up a job. Henry said he could try to find something for me to do at his auto shop once a week until I find something else, but what the hell do I know about cars? I mean, I could probably hotwire one, but I don’t know anything about maintenance. Plus, I need to work more than one day a week. I walk out of my new room, kicking the door shut behind me.

“Jess!” I yell once I enter the living room, only to find him still asleep, with one arm and one leg hanging off the edge of the couch. “I told you to get up twenty minutes ago!” I nudge him in the ass with my foot until he groans and rolls over.

“Why the fuck won’t you let this go?” Jess mumbles, pulling the blanket over his eyes. “I’d be more help getting a fucking job than wasting time with school.”

“It’s your senior year,” I argue, tugging the blanket off his face. “You can’t quit now.” I won’t let him. Where we come from, it’s a rarity to even make it that far. Myself included. I dropped out my junior year to work full-time and take care of him. I don’t regret my choice, but I want more for him.

Jess rolls his eyes and snatches an old cigarette out of the ashtray on the coffee table and lights it up before taking a drag. He stands and pulls on his crumpled-up jeans from the night before and throws on his beat-up brown boots, not even bothering to tie the laces.

“Happy?” He shrugs. “I’m dressed. Let’s fucking go.”

“It’s cold out,” I scold him, but I smile when he grabs his jacket and backpack off the recliner next to him.

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Advertisement Bad Habit Read Online Charleigh Rose (Bad Love #1) http://www.books2020.com/bad-habit-1-read-online-charleigh-rose Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:57:33 +0000 http://www.test123.demo2.xyz/bad-habit-1-read-online-charleigh-rose Genre: Alpha Male, Bad Boy, Drama, New Adult, Romance Authors: Charleigh Rose Series: Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
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Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)

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Read Online Books/Novels:	Bad Habit (Bad Love #1)
Author/Writer of Book/Novel:	Charleigh Rose
Language:	English
ISBN/ ASIN:	B077J2SWZ8
Book Information:
BRIAR I was infatuated with Asher Kelley the moment he came tumbling through my brother’s window five years ago. Even bruised and bloodied, he was the most beautiful boy I'd ever seen. We couldn't ever be together. I was too young, and he was too untouchable. He was too troubled, and I was too naive. But the heart is rebellious, and mine decided it didn’t care about any of those things. As I got older, harmless flirting turned to stolen moments in dark corners. Until one day, he was gone without a trace. Now, three years later, he’s back. Callous and cruel. He’s my brother’s best friend. My parents’ worst nightmare. I should hate him. But like a Bad Habit, I can’t quit him. ASHER I was drawn to Briar Vale from the first time she looked up at me with stars in her big, blue eyes. She was just a kid, nothing but elbows and knees, but she was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. We could never be together. I was too old and she was too off limits. She was too good and I was too fucked up. Eventually, the temptation became too much to resist. I risked everything for a kiss and she betrayed me. Three years have passed and I’m forced to see her again, but now she's all grown up. She’s my best friend’s baby sister. My downfall. I hate her for what she did. But she's always been my drug of choice
Books in Series:	Bad Love Series by Charleigh Rose
Books by Author:	Charleigh Rose Books

Prologue

Three years ago…

The first time I laid eyes on Asher Kelley, drunk and bleeding, I decided two things. The first being that he was the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen in my entire life. I was sure of it. And the second thing? He was the kind of boy that I should never, under any circumstances, get involved with. But, even my pre-pubescent self knew on some level that I’d gladly reach inside my own chest and offer him my beating heart if he’d only ask.

What I didn’t know then was that would be the first of many nights just like that one. Turned out, Asher’s dad was a little bit of a drunk, and a lot of an asshole. If it wasn’t his dad, it was some poor soul who decided to cross Asher. He was always looking for trouble, it seemed. Or maybe trouble just knew where to find him.

My brother, Dashiell, was always quick to kick me out of his room on the nights Asher snuck in. It became routine to them. Just another Thursday night. But seeing him tumble through my brother’s window never ceased to break my heart and make it beat faster all at once.

Over the past three years, Asher has pretty much become a permanent fixture in our lives. My parents are either oblivious or don’t care enough to question why he’s always here, or why he occasionally dons a black eye or a split lip. Part of me hates them for it. They’ve made their feelings on Asher clear. They don’t like him hanging around, think he’s a bad influence. But Dash is stubborn, and loyal to a fault. So, they tolerate Asher at best.

I’m sitting cross-legged on the floor of Dash’s room playing Guitar Hero on his Xbox when I hear the telltale tapping on the window that signals Asher’s arrival, and I’m immediately uneasy. Dash was supposed to meet Asher and their other friend, Adrian, at a party earlier. Alarm bells go off, and I drop the guitar, scurrying over to the window on my knees. I help him slide it open, and he hefts himself over the sill.

“Asher? What happened? Where’s Dash?” I reach for the lamp on Dash’s bedside table, and when it illuminates his swollen, bloody face and T-shirt, I gasp, my hand flying to my heart.

“Asher!” I run to his side and help him to the bed. He stumbles over the laces of his untied combat boots, almost taking us both down.

“Oh my God, say something!” I panic, warring between getting my dad or calling the police.

“Calm down.” He chuckles darkly. “You’re going to wake up your pops.”

“That’s exactly what I’m going to do,” I snap, before turning on my heels. Someone needs to do something for once. And being a pretty powerful attorney, my dad is someone who can actually help. I feel a hot hand grip my wrist, and despite the circumstances, my already racing heart quickens at his touch.

“Come on,” he says in a hushed, gravelly tone. “It’s just a little cut. You should see what he looks like,” he tacks on with a hint of a smirk tugging at his full lips.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” I ask, trying to jerk my arm out of his grasp, to no avail. “Because it doesn’t. Not even a little.” Tears start to fill my eyes, and his own soften at the sight.

“I’m okay, Briar,” he promises, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “Just hang out with me for a while until Dash gets back.” Indecision swirls in my gut, and I bite my lip, contemplating my next move.

“Fine.” I sigh. “I’ll be right back.” I tiptoe out into the kitchen, my bare feet sticking to the hardwood floor. I grab a washcloth and run it under the sink before snagging a bandage out of the cabinet. I’m no nurse, but it’s better than nothing. When I come back to the room, Asher is sitting on the bed with his elbows on his knees and his hands fixed on either side of his neck. I drop to my knees in front of his spread ones and gently brush his dark hair off his forehead. His eyes snap up to mine—one green with yellow flecks, and the other a honey brown with flecks of green. He swallows, his throat bobbing with the motion. I avert my eyes and bring the damp washcloth up to dab at the dried blood crusted near his eyebrow. He clenches his jaw, but says nothing as I do my best to clean him up.

“Where’s my brother?” I question, if only to distract myself from his close proximity. Up until recently, I’m fairly certain Asher has only ever seen me as an annoying little sister. Lately, things have been…different. Like all the air is sucked out of the room when we’re in it. And I can’t help but wonder how no one else feels it when it’s suffocating me.

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