Author's Note: This is a real shorty, but it had to be. But that's why you got two chapters this time! Hope you enjoy.
Warning: Higher rating applies in this chapter...
Disclaimer: I do not own Summerland, nor do I own any related characters or places.
Longing to Know
Chapter 10
The nearness of Bradin's warm body sent chills down Harley's spine. She knew she wanted him. Her body almost ached for him. Lost in the passion of his kiss, Harley found her hands grasping his shirt, twisting it as if it would relieve the overwhelming desire that racked her entire being.
"It's okay, I won't hurt you," Bradin breathed in her ear.
The words caused bile to rise in her throat. She'd heard those words before. Trying to block the thoughts from her head, she focused on Bradin's soft caress. He was nothing like CJ.
"Just relax."
What was he doing? Harley's brain screamed for him to stop. The desire that once engulfed her now replaced by a clenching twist of her gut. Those had been CJ's exact words, just before he had taken her innocence in that very same place.
Stop! Harley's breath came in short gasps.
"Stop! Stop Bradin! Get off! Get off!" she screamed.
Bradin stopped instantly, pushing himself into a sitting position on the far side of the couch as Harley bolted from the cushions.
"What's wrong?" Bradin inquired hurriedly, scooting to the edge of the seat.
She could trust him, couldn't she? He had stopped when she told him, hadn't he?
Harley took a deep breath. "CJ said that…just…just before…" her voice trailed off.
"You slept with him?"
The question sounded like a harsh accusation, and she flinched. She opened her mouth to speak, but her voice would emit no answer.
"Did he rape you?" Bradin stood from the couch, stepping closer to Harley.
"No. Yes." She paused. "I…I don't know, it all happened so fast. I kept telling him to stop, but he just did it anyway."
Silence passed over them before Harley spoke again. "You should probably go."
Bradin nodded. "Are you gonna be okay here by yourself?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she tried to reassure him, though her voice quavered slightly.
"Call me if you need anything, okay?"
Harley attempted a smile. He seemed as though he did care. "I'll be fine."
"You're beautiful." Bradin gently lifted her chin and kissed her lips. "And don't let anyone tell you different."
Harley watched him turn away and walk out the door. She continued to watch out the window until the black SUV disappeared around the corner. Stepping up to the door, she reached out a trembling hand and slid home the deadbolt. After checking the rest of the doors and windows, she headed up the stairs and flopped down on her bed, falling asleep the instant she closed her eyes.