Girl Gone Bad, page 1
Life hasn’t been easy for Beatrice “Birdie” Harper. Every man she’s known has let her down. Her father was no exception. She spent years struggling to distance herself from the monster who raised her. His betrayal catapulted her onto a path to discover if evil is born or created – nature versus nurture. And ultimately, if her struggle to be a good person will be in vain.
Navigating life as an adult has become a gauntlet of lies and infidelity. When all hope for a normal existence seems lost, Birdie meets the man of her dreams – sexy, charismatic, and covered in tattoos.
But figuring out which secrets to expose and which to bury will be the difference between Birdie finally getting her happily ever after or paying the ultimate price.
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Copyright © 2018 by Teresa Mummert
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
Cover Design: Teresa Mummert
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed "Attention: Permissions Coordinator," at the address below.
Contact: AuthorTeresaMummert@Gmail.com
Website: TeresaMummert.com
Agent: Kimberly Whalen
(Amazon) ISBN: 97982018725
(Draft2Digital) ISBN: 9798201872502
For all the good girls.
CONTENTS
TRIGGER WARNING
PROLOGUE
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
THIRTY
THIRTY-ONE
THIRTY-TWO
THIRTY-THREE
THIRTY-FOUR
THIRTY-FIVE
THIRTY-SIX
THIRTY-SEVEN
THIRTY-EIGHT
THIRTY-NINE
FORTY
FORTY-ONE
FORTY-TWO
FORTY-THREE
EPILOGUE – PART 1
EPILOGUE – PART 2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR'S PREVIOUS WORK
"If there's one thing I can always count on with Teresa Mummert, it's her ability to craft a story so compelling that it leaves you pleading for more. She has a way of making you feel like you're living out each scene, every struggle, and each kiss. It truly is storytelling at its finest." - Author Brandy Lynn
"Hands down one of the BEST books that I have EVER read!!" - For the Love of Books
"One of the most AMAZING novels I have ever read!!!" - Flirty and Dirty Book Blog
"This book was so incredible, I cried A LOT, I smiled, I loved, and I devoured this book." - Swoon Worthy Books
"I truly loved it!! It was captivating and emotional. It tugged at my heart and soul—such an amazing story!" - Author Kim Karr (Connections series)
"I think this is my favorite Teresa Mummert book to date." - Author Jules Snow (Devoured series)
"It is such a different book and plot. I just loved how unexpected it was." - Author Debra Anastasia (Poughkeepsie series)
"Teresa Mummert has a gift, one that many don't possess. It's the gift of being able to suck in a reader so far they don't see the twist in the story coming." - Author S.K. Hartley (Bad Boys series)
"SO D*MN GOOD!!!!!!!!!! I Loved it!!!! Incredible writing!" - Author Kathryn Perez (Therapy)
"Every word captured me, and every sentence made me ache for the main characters in this beautiful story." - Author Amanda Bennett (Broken series)
"This book was perfect. Flawed characters and a very real, dark past...interwoven perfectly into a web of lies and an amazing ending." - Author K. Pinson (Mirrored series)
"It's a beautifully written, riveting story that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you guessing how it's going to unfold until the very end." - Author Sophie Monroe (Battle Scars series)
"It's soooooooo good. I honestly loved it!!!!" - Author Tijan (Fallen Crest series)
"I think what I loved most was the originality of the story. Teresa nailed this one!" - Author Maureen Mayer (Second Chance series)
"I truly believe this to be a masterpiece story and one that will live in my heart for a long time and that Teresa needs to write a sequel and soon!" - Author Vicki Green (My Savior Forever)
These violent delights have violent ends,
And in their triumph die like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.
- Romeo & Juliet
TRIGGER WARNING
While I’d want everyone to enjoy this novel, I know that certain subject matters can be triggering to some. Please consider this list before continuing. If you do not have any triggers, please skip this page to avoid spoilers.
GIRL GONE BAD deals with a plethora of sensitive topics, including, but not limited to –
Dubious consent, kidnapping, murder, stalking, cheating, graphic violence, rape, & knife play.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are sensitive to any of these subjects, please proceed with caution.
PROLOGUE
Birdie
I felt him before I saw him, an apparition of my past. His eyes lingered on me as if trying to decipher a code without an answer, a zodiac riddle taunting him. I could see the pain in his gaze, and it rippled through my core, causing a shiver to snake its way down my spine. I stepped toward him before ducking into the cab that waited in the middle of the street. I never looked back as it took me home. Home. I’d only lived in this town for six months, but I was a different person now, hours away from where my past tormented me – a past I was trying desperately to keep a secret.
Picking at the strap of my Chanel bag, I worried my lip as Willmington flashed by. Cason’s Tesla was in the driveway of our modest two-story home. I hesitated before slipping the driver some cash and stepping out onto Colebriar Court. The curtain swayed, and I smiled up at the darkened window. Old habits. The door opened before I could stick my key in the lock, and Cason wore a scowl as he assessed my appearance.
“Hello to you, too,” I teased as I pressed my lips against his cheek.
“You hesitated.”
“What?” I laughed as I dropped my bag on the side table just inside our home.
His fingers drug roughly through his short caramel hair. “You hesitated when you left the cab. Where is your driver?”
“I was enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face. I’ve been stuck inside all day. And I sent the driver home. I need a vacation.”
His arm snaked around my back as he pulled me tight against his body. “Maybe we can get away for a bit. Remember our trip to Vegas?” He asked, his lips traveling down the crook of my neck. A sigh escaped me before I swallowed hard and pressed my hands against his chest.
How could I forget Vegas? After getting married, we never left the hotel. But we weren’t locked inside because we were so consumed by our passion. No. We stayed in because of what I’d done.
“I could never run away from work long enough for that,” My shoulders fell as disappointment marred his chiseled face. Then, rolling my eyes, I forced myself to relax. “You’re right. I’ve just been preoccupied with my new client. I’ll see what I can do, okay?”
His expression softened as his fingers slid through my honey-colored hair, tugging the end just below my chest.
“I’m going to take a bath and pretend I’m soaking in a hot tub somewhere surrounded by an ocean.”
He smiled, his hand falling to his side as I turned to head upstairs to the master bathroom. The second I was finally alone. I let the memory of Reames wash over me. His hardened face now covered in salt and pepper scruff. His unwavering gaze let me know he didn’t show back up in my life by accident. He had hunted me down, and he wasn’t going to leave until I faced him. I still jumped at every shadow; paused before walking out of my front door. My demons had finally caught up with me.
I turned on the faucet in the tub and let the water fill and warm as I shrugged off my dress and slipped out of my heels. Taking my diamond studs out of my ears, I was careful not to catch my reflection in the mirror. I didn’t want to see the guilt that lingered.
I slipped into the water, lowering myself into the lukewarm liquid until I was completely
The guilt of what I’d done caused my stomach to turn. I didn’t want to have to face my past.
Pushing up through the surface, I gasped for air. I would have to see him. I didn’t have a choice. I just hoped I could do it without Cason finding out.
***
I awoke twenty minutes before my alarm clock rang, my heart pounding in my chest. I felt the bed beside me, exhaling when my fingertips found Cason’s arm. I wasn’t alone. It had all been a nightmare. He rolled over toward me as I stared up at the ceiling.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he rasped.
“Just a bad dream.”
He didn’t respond, but Cason wasn’t stupid. He knew there was something I was keeping from him. Or maybe my guilt was beginning to eat at me. I didn’t like to keep secrets from my husband, but if he found out someone from my past had hunted me down, the results would be catastrophic. I needed to fix this on my own and fast.
Pushing from the bed, I hurried into the bathroom to freshen up for the day.
“You want to talk about it?” he called after me. I pretended I didn’t hear him, struggling to get ready as quickly as possible. I heard him groan and the sound of his feet hitting the hardwood floors.
Soon he was behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist. I smiled at him through my reflection in the mirror as his hand slid across my stomach. His lips pressed against the nape of my neck, and I shivered as the stubble on his chin tickled my skin. His grip tightened around me.
“Watch me, baby,” he groaned, sliding his hand lower to tease the edge of my panties. He tugged at my robe, causing my breast to fall free.
“I have an early meeting,” I protested.
“I know.” He smirked against my ear. I quickly spun in his arms, pressing my palms against his chest.
“I can’t be late. But I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”
“Let’s go out for dinner tonight,” he sighed.
“Calinno’s?” I asked with an eyebrow arched. He smiled, his shoulders falling as he relaxed.
“Anything you want.” His lips pressed against the back of my head a final time as he took a step back, allowing me to put in my earrings.
“You’re too good to me.”
“Am I?” he asked. I stiffened before forcing a smile and laughing off his comment. I needed to stop overreacting to everything, or he was definitely going to know something was going on.
“Calinno’s at seven. I’ll meet you there. I have a client who wants to go over a contract at six.” I spun around, smoothing out my robe. His eyes searched mine before he nodded once.
“Don’t make me wait.” He replied, his tone cold.
***
I left home as quickly as possible, my eyes scanning every figure that came into view. I thought I’d seen him at the corner coffee shop as I waited for my latte and again at the stoplight across the street. It wasn’t until I stepped inside the Chancellor Building on Riverton that I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Grace wants you in the conference room at nine,” Devin called out from behind his desk as he grabbed a stack of folders and rushed toward me. We began walking faster, his sense of urgency becoming mine and finally putting my mind at ease. “Showfield called and canceled his three o’clock, saying he would not sign anything until you went over the papers with him personally. And your seven a.m. arrived twenty minutes early and is waiting for you in your office.”
I rolled my eyes, pausing for him to pull open the door to my office for me. My heart stuttered. The hot splatters of my coffee burned up my legs as my cup hit the ground.
Reames pushed to his feet, adjusting his dark suit jacket, his eyes burning into mine as the left side of his mouth twisted up into a smirk.
“Shoot,” I sank to my feet, bumping shoulders with Devin as he bent down to clean up my mess.
“I got it. I got it!” He whisper-yelled, leaving me with no choice but to push to my feet and face my worst nightmare.
“I’ll send Alison down for another latte, print out new copies of the Anderson contract since this one is now soggy, and see if I can’t find you a new pair of pumps that are less sticky... and tacky. You’re a size eight, right?”
“What?” I stuttered, not hearing a word he’d said.
“Seven and a half,” Reames corrected. Devin slowly stood, his eyes shifting back and forth between the two of us. “Um... okay. I’ll see what I can find.”
“My shoes are fine, Devin. Just get me a new copy of these papers and hold my calls.”
“Whatever you say,” he replied in a sing-song voice as he disappeared into the hallway.
I stepped over the puddle on the floor and pulled my door closed behind me.
“Six months, and you’re not even going to say anything?”
“I didn’t think there was anything left for us to talk about, officer,” I replied, struggling not to let my voice waver. He took two large steps toward me, and I fought the urge to retreat.
“You disappeared without so much as a goodbye.”
“Don’t pretend you missed me,” I spat. Tears threatened to spill over my lashes.
My words caught him off guard, his eyes widening momentarily before his icy glare was back in place.
“You nearly destroyed my life.”
“I guess we’re even.”
He took one large step, towering over me and causing me to crane my neck to meet his angry gaze. “I never wanted you to get hurt you, Birdie. Ever.”
“But you still did,” my voice was barely a whisper, but my words were deafening in the small space.
“Why? Why did you run? I could have protected you.” His eyes searched mine, desperate for answers, but I couldn’t give him the words he needed. I quickly wiped away a wayward tear from my cheek before taking a step back, needing to put as much space between us as possible.
“You can’t be here. If Cason finds out that I’ve talked to you...” My voice trailed off.
“He’s not going to do anything. In fact, maybe I should pay him a visit, finish up some old business.”
“Is that a threat?”
He shook his head, running his fingers through his messy gray hair. I knew he was trying to keep his cool. This isn’t the way he wanted our reunion to go.
“I said I would protect you, Birdie. I meant that. I keep my word. Not like –”
“Not like who?”
He swallowed hard, the apple of his throat bobbing. “Not like every other man in your life.”
I felt my face pale as my heart twisted in my chest. “Stop it.”
“I need to show you something.”
“I don’t –”
“Just look at it.” He held out a small thumb drive. I hesitated for a moment before reaching for it. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”
My tongue ran out over my lips, my mouth suddenly feeling parched. “Please leave.”
“That kid is an idiot. Those shoes look great on you.” Without another word, he left my office, and it took only thirty seconds to round my desk and open my laptop. The words and images on the screen blurred, and I felt like I was going to be sick.
I hit the button on my phone for Devin, who appeared in my doorway seconds later.
“You rang?”
“Call my husband and tell him I won’t be able to make it to dinner.”
Devin’s brow furrowed in concern. “He’s not going to be happy.”
“He’s not the one I’m worried about.”
THE PAST
ONE
Elijah
My hand came down swiftly across the ass of Becky... or Bonnie... or Betty. Something that starts with a B. It’s not important.
She’s not important.
Her yells echoed off the walls of the nearly desolate room while wiggling against my dick as she sprawled out across my lap.
“Perfection,” I groaned, knowing that now it was time to have a little fun. I’d been a good boy for two weeks as I stalked and plotted, and now my plan was coming to fruition. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, causing my head to go dizzy with anticipation.
