1 Fearless

Take one last ride with Anikka and Saksham and the rest of the Broken Love gang in this fifth and final installment as they face stronger enemies and bigger obstacles while fighting to hold tight to the tattered existence of their love.

When faced with broken love…

Have you ever had the feeling you were a stranger?

Out of reach, I watched and mourned me.

Nothing moved. Breathed. Nothing lived.

I was in an alternate universe.

No longer an innocent.

I had blood on my hands, and I wasn't even sorry for it.

I was only afraid for Anikka .

Of his reaction when the shock wore off.

It would be an explosion.

Of hurt, anger, and mistrust.

He'd know I lied.

And to him…

The betrayal born of my good intentions is worse than the act of murder.

…will you succumb to fear…

She was supposed to be my light.

The one who saved me from the monster.

But when I looked in her eyes that day, I didn't see her.

I only saw my father's killer.

Her love saved me from the monster.

Mine turned her into one.

…or will you be fearless?

"I've got to say, Miss Monroe. We don't get many like you in here. I'm also aware this isn't the first time you've been here because of murder." When I only stared back at him, he continued. "Five years ago, you were a witness to an atrocious crime committed against two of your classmates who were burned alive." He made a point of looking at the thick folder splayed out on the table. "Anya Risdell and Trevor Reynolds."

"I'm familiar with the case. What's your point?"

"My point is we both know you didn't murder Mitch Masters, so why don't you tell me the truth."

"I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do. Come on… you and I both know Anikka Masters killed his father so why don't you make this easier on yourself? You were brave back then. What's stopping you now?"

"I love him."

"Love?" he scoffed. "Love is about to cost you twenty to life without the possibility of parole. Don't let his cock ruin your life."

I was sure his mention of my boyfriend's cock violated his code of conduct, but I let it slide.

"He also didn't do it."

"Now why should I believe that? You just told me you wouldn't give him up because you love him. Why should I believe you aren't lying?"

I narrowed my eyes feeling as if I were led here under false pretenses. The interrogation felt too much like a trap. The detective seemed more focused on accusing Anikks than offering evidence against me. "Am I here because I'm suspected of murder, or am I here because my boyfriend is suspected of murder?"

"Oh, we're sure you're guilty. We're also certain you didn't act alone."

For the first time since the detective entered the room, I felt my heart rate quicken. My tongue was suddenly dry as I choked on unspoken words. I was suddenly very interested in what the detective had to say even though I remained silent. The detective took it as an invitation to continue. Plucking a single sheet of paper from the folder, he slid it across the table.

"Do you recognize this?"

I peered down at the sheet and immediately recognized the name written at the top of the chart. It was a visitor sign-in sheet for Summit Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors.

The facility where Mitch had been residing for three years while he withered away from cancer.

"I find it interesting that you were visiting the center the same day your boyfriend's father was brutally murdered. Even more interesting, you signed in… but you never signed out."

If it were ever proven impossible that the entire body couldn't start to perspire at once, I'd just disproven that theory.

"I want a lawyer."

He didn't miss a beat and stood up straight. "Good. You're going to need one, Miss Monroe."

I let my gaze trail to where I had written my name. I wouldn't have been so stupid if I hadn't got caught that day...