Dying To Be Heard (Book 1): Outcry Read Online Free PDF Page A

She stood and crossed the small room to the door, but paused with her hand on the deadbolt. Slowly, she opened it and peered out.
    There, standing on her front step, was a tall, strong-featured man who could be no older than early thirties. He was well built and lean, with black hair and eyes the brightest shade of blue that she had ever seen. He looked oddly familiar, but she couldn't place him.
    "C...Can I help you?" she asked, swallowing the lump in her suddenly dry throat. She wasn't sure if it was because she was frightened, or the fact that this beautiful stranger made her nervous.
    The man nodded and flashed a devilish grin, allowing her a glimpse of his perfect teeth. He stood straight and erect, but looked so nonchalant all at the same time. The same way he made the plain jeans and black button-up shirt he wore look classy, yet still casual. Her first impression was that he was a walking contradiction.
    "Rayne," he said in a deep voice that sent a shiver down her spine. He continued to smile and attempted to look at something from the corner of his eye without being too obvious.
    Rayne gave him a confused look and shivered against the night air.
    Looking back to her, he spoke through gritted teeth and without moving his lips. It was muddled, but she was able to decipher enough of the words to make sense of it.
    "We are being watched," he said, glancing to his right. "Hug me like an old friend, and invite me in."
    She wanted to slam the door in his face and call 911. He had to be some crazed lunatic. Do crazed lunatics knock ? Before she could step back to close the door, the words of the note rang loudly in her ears : I will send someone to get you.
    She raised an eyebrow, trying to decide how she felt about him. He was beautiful, yes. Suspicious ? Definitely. But there was something in the pit of her stomach telling her that it was ok.
    By this time, Layla had made her way from the kitchen and was listening intently to the conversation. "Just do it, Rayne!" she whispered hurriedly.
    Rayne hesitated for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she put on her best smile and opened the door wide enough to step out. She wrapped her small arms around his firm midsection, pressing her face against his chest like she would an old friend. He smells like a God!
    Her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid he might feel it strumming its rhythm against him. "Oh my gosh! I didn't recognize you!" she said loudly. She surprised herself with how easy the lie came. Maybe she was a better actress than she thought.
    He wrapped his muscular arms around her and rested his chin atop her head. "It's good to see you too, Rayne," he said, continuing their performance.
    She squeezed tighter than was necessary. "If you're lying to me..." she paused and pulled away, but still spoke through clenched teeth and gave him the sweetest smile that she could muster, "I will kill you."
    She stepped back and gestured for him to enter. "Slowly and painfully," she added quietly as he passed.
    He lifted a brow in amusement as he watched her lock the door and then check to make sure the blinds were drawn.
    When she turned back around, she found Layla wielding a large butcher knife at the very amused and gorgeous stranger. It was certainly a sight: Her friend in pink silk pajamas, hunched over ready to strike, and tall, dark, and handsome trying not to laugh.
    Rayne came around to stand behind her friend. "Who are you?" she asked, trying to read his features.
    He pulled his electric blue gaze from the blade to look between the two. "You can put that away. I'm not going to hurt you," he said casually, seeming not the least bit bothered by her weapon.
    "Answer my question!" Rayne spat at him.
    His movements were so quick, neither girl saw him nor knew how it happened. One moment, Layla held the knife in her outstretched hand, ready to thrust at the slightest indication of threat, the next it was captured by the stranger and placed on the small end table near the