Libertine Maniac

A dark secret from the past resurfaces when Aria’s brother is released from prison. She quickly learns just how much he owns her soul, and her virginity.

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First page excerpt:

The word echoes in my mind like a gunshot, loud and painful. Betrayed.

I scroll through his social media, feeling anger and hurt bubbling up inside. Mike, my ex, dumped me because I refused to sleep with him. And now, here he is already out, flirting with some random girl.

A scoff escapes my lips as I close the app. Stupid asshole.

I change into my white nightie, feeling a wave of self-pity wash over me. It always seems like everything is going wrong at once. As I slip under the covers, my mind races with thoughts of him—not Mike, but my brother Parker. Today was supposed to be his release from prison, but I haven’t heard from him or our parents.

“God, please help me forget,” I whisper to myself before kissing the cross necklace around my neck, a symbol of my faith. Placing it on my nightstand, I close my eyes and try to calm my racing thoughts.

The sudden rap on my window jolts me awake, a sharp, rhythmic sound that pierces the quiet of the night. My heart pounds in my chest, a wild, erratic rhythm that echoes in my ears. Adrenaline surges through my veins, a jolt of electricity that courses through my body. Fear, like a cold, clammy hand, grips my stomach, tightening its icy grip.

Shivering, I pull the covers closer around me, my eyes wide with terror. I peer out the window, the darkness outside swallowing everything in its inky embrace. A tall, shadowy figure stands there, its outline barely discernible against the moonless sky. The figure raises its hand, a silent beckoning that sends shivers down my spine.

Torn between caution and an inexplicable urge to obey, I hesitate. My mind races, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling around in a chaotic frenzy. I’m paralyzed by fear, unable to move, my body frozen in place. The figure remains motionless, its presence a silent, menacing threat.

With a trembling hand, I reach for the window latch, my fingers fumbling with the creaky metal. I force myself to breathe deeply, trying to calm my racing heart. With a final, deep breath, I slide the latch open, the window creaking as it swings inward.

As I peer out, the figure seems to step closer, its shadowy form growing larger. I feel a wave of panic wash over me, a cold dread that fills me with a sense of impending doom. Just as I’m about to call out, the figure disappears, vanishing into the darkness without a trace.

A chilled breeze rushes in, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.