Cravings (Fierce Hearts) Read Online Free PDF Page A

returned to Tizzy’s classroom. When Tizzy came back in, Kennedy laid out her idea. She would lead the children in a dance later in the afternoon.
    “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Tizzy’s excitement bubbled from her as it typically did, smoothing the awkwardness that pumped through Kennedy’s veins.
    The students hung up their coats after recess and prepared at their desks for the afternoon’s English and math lessons. The room fairly buzzed with excitement, because Tizzy had told them Kennedy would be doing something special with them later.
    Finally, it was her turn, and Kennedy had to put on her best façade to present an assured and friendly face while inside she wanted to hide. She was breaking the rules that had been pounded into her. Engaging in fun and interacting with others was prohibited.
    Trembling, she took a girl by the hand and led her to the front of the classroom. “Angela, would you like to dance?”
    Tizzy played a song from her playlist on her computer. Shining faces watched Kennedy move to the music, leading the young girl in the simple steps. When the music ended, they both bowed and the children clapped appreciatively.
    “Thank you,” she said to the girl and the students. Kennedy’s smile spread naturally across her face. The dance had been all that she’d hoped for, releasing tension and stress as she expressed her inner dancer for the first time ever.
    “Who’s next?” Tizzy asked, and the room filled with waving arms.
    The dancing went on until it was time for the afternoon bell. Kennedy couldn’t remember ever smiling and laughing so much. As the students filed out into the hall to go home, she glowed. She’d never known she liked to dance. It was not something that was allowed in her life with her parents and her handlers.
    “That was a great idea, Kennedy.” Tizzy prepared her things to leave soon. “Your dancing was beautiful.”
    Kennedy thanked her and finished straightening the room. “I had fun.” She kept to herself that she’d employed her special ability in her plan to entertain the kids. The longing to enjoy the full-body bliss of being a part of something, like she’d seen when she’d watched the children play outside, remained quietly tucked away in her brain, where she could sit with them and savor them all by herself. No one would understand that the pleasure of dancing and the memories were too precious, too delicate, and too close to summoning the beast that trampled on her heart at the slightest break of the rules.
    She shrugged on her coat, ready to escape the too-warm confines of Tizzy’s second grade classroom. She had trouble staying present, and she watched as though she were standing outside looking in as Tizzy locked her desk and grabbed her jacket. Funny, she hadn’t been aware while with her fake parents that she could disassociate so effortlessly.
    “Asher is going to pick you up and drive you to Lara’s house.” Tizzy glanced at the wall clock and pursed her lips. “He should be here any minute. Let’s walk outside.”
    Kennedy’s heart fluttered. The mention of Asher’s name drew up an image of his frisky half-grin. She balled her fists.
Since when do I have feelings for anyone?
    “I had fun with you in my classroom today, Kennedy.” Tizzy stood at the bottom of the front door steps, tapping her toe impatiently.
    “Yeah, it was fun. The kids are so active. It’s a good thing you have tons of energy, too.”
    Tizzy chuckled. “They keep me running.” She pointed down the street. “There’s Asher.”
    Kennedy shook her head slightly, trying to ignore the excitement threading through her as Asher drove his pickup into the crescent-shaped driveway in front of the school.
    “Hey, guys. Have you been waiting long? Sorry I’m late.” He leaned out the open window and flashed a warm smile. “Jump in, Kennedy.”
    Anxiety swirled in her chest. She turned to Tizzy and rolled her eyes. “Why is he driving me home and not