The Seven Devils (YA "New Adult" Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

whole body shook. “How did you know?”
     
    Neil shrugged. “I notice the little things others overlook.”
     
    I pulled my hand from Neil’s and wrapped my arms around myself. I wanted to trust him so badly. Could he truly be gorgeous and sensitive and completely understanding of who I am and all the baggage I come with? I didn’t think it was possible. All of those people told me not to trust Neil. Austin specifically said he manipulates people. I looked up into Neil’s eyes and didn’t know what to think. I felt so lost.
     
    A crease had formed between Neil’s eyes and he shook his head slightly. “I’m sorry Ellen. I didn’t mean to upset you. I shouldn’t have said that.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “I shouldn’t have touched you like that.”
     
    “Everything is just happening so fast,” I said, rocking back and forth slightly. “I’m just so overwhelmed.
     
    Neil nodded. “I’m sorry if I’m rushing you in any way. I’m new at this too. I haven’t been close to anyone in so long, but I look at you and feel this connection. I can’t explain it.”
     
    I was embarrassed to feel my throat tighten and tears form in my eyes. “I think I’d just like to go home now.”
     
    “Of course,” Neil said, standing. He offered me a hand getting up and led me back to the house. I started to apologize to him when we reached my back porch, sure I was at the very minimum being rude in several ways, but he stopped me. “You have nothing to be sorry about. You’ve had a day like I can’t imagine, and I’ve only made it worse. Try to get some sleep, and I hope you’ll give me another chance tomorrow.”
     
    I nodded and smiled. “Thank you Neil. See you tomorrow.”
     
    Inside I found that Dot had gone, but Mom and Austin were still sitting around and drinking in the living room.
     
    I made a sandwich quickly in the kitchen and then headed for the stairs to my room. Derrick suddenly stopped me in the hall. I hadn’t known he was still in our house, and gasped in surprise.
     
    “You keep yourself far away from that freak,” he said ominously, “or I’ll keep you away.”
     
    Derrick moved towards me and I instinctively took a step back, bumping into the wall behind me. He moved in closer until his face was only a few inches from mine and said, “If you’re looking for someone to keep you warm at night, you can always come to me.” He then put his hands on my hips and pulled my body up against his.
     
    His breath was rank with alcohol and I was suddenly so overcome with fear that I couldn’t move or call out for help. The sandwich fell from my hand and a soft whimper of fear escaped my lips. He grinded his crotch against mine and ran his hands through my hair. I tried to scream but found myself gasping for air instead. I couldn’t catch my breath. Finally, the sensation of his lips on my throat brought me back to life. I pushed at him with all my might and managed to slip past him. I fled up the stairs to my room and locked the door securely behind me, checking it to be sure it would hold.
     
    I ran to my bed and huddled under the covers like a child hiding from a monster.
     
    ***
    A short time later I fell asleep and found my wolf pacing through the woods. “Are you okay?” the deep voice thundered in my head, “Did something happen?”
     
    I sat and put my head in my hands. “This boy, Derrick, he scared me.”
     
    The wolf stood directly in front of me and stared into my eyes for several long moments. He seemed to be growing in size and a deep growl resonated from deep inside his body. “I’ll kill him,” the voice rumbled in my head and suddenly the wolf was gone and I was left alone in the woods. I lay on my side and wrapped my arms around myself, trying not to fear the darkness surrounding me.

 
     
    Chapter 5
    I had to force myself out of bed the next morning. My mom and Austin were both gone by the time I came down for breakfast. I found a note in the