Torment: Young Forbidden Love, #2

By Candace Dowds

Adam falls madly in love with Kaylee, but the religion they are involved with forbids them to do anything about it. The only solution, they must keep their love a secret from the outside world. It's frustrating for both, but necessary. Thing's are amazing, well they are until a man named Daniel begins to have his suspicions, and he bring's Adam's evil sister-in-law, Diana to help destroy the love Adam and Kaylee share.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candace Dowds
• Release date: Sep 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536512922

Candace Dowds

Candace began writing after the passing of her son in 2009. It has been an emotional release for her. She is supported by her family and friends. Other than the time she is writing, she sits back for hours reading books by her favorite authors, Tijan Meyer, Rachel Vincent, Richelle Mead, Colleen Hoover, Claudia Gray, Jay McLean and so many more. That or she will go for a calming drive while listening to Eminem, Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers or The Rap God, whichever you would like to call him. Her kids are just like her, sarcastic, but fun loving. The rules she lives by 1 Don't take life too seriously 2 Don't live up to others ridiculous expectations 3 Surround yourself with people who love you for you 4 If life becomes too much, have a stiff drink and start again tomorrow.

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Dedication

To my friends and family, thank you for your, patience. Thank you for still loving me even when I was stuck in my bubble for days at a time and for still loving me when I wouldn’t answer my phone.

BTW, this is a work of fiction, so for those who will try and read more into it, don’t bother.

Thanks again.

CHAPTER 1

Adam

Holy hell, what was I going to do? When Greg approached me today in front of my psycho sister-in-law Diana, I wanted to kill him. Why would he tell me that Kaylee, the girl I’ve kept my distance from for the last year because I knew she was too young and I knew the religion wouldn’t permit a relationship between us, that she reciprocate those feelings? Now, I have no clue as to what to do.

We've hung out, a lot, but I never pushed to get really to know her because deep down, I knew I would want more. That girl is a sweet as they come, with a killer body to go along with it. But Kaylee's best friend Mike is also my best friend. I want to tell him everything, but I know that it will put him in the middle. I can't do that to him. Not yet, at least, I need to sort my feelings out before I utter a word.

Why the hell would Adam want to date her? Diana asks Greg. I want to tell her to piss off, but I’m in the kingdom hall, so I keep my mouth shut. She’s a nobody. She isn’t going anywhere in life, just like her father.

Livid doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now. Why the hell did my brother marry this bitch? I think you're too harsh there, Diana, Greg interjected, but then his eyes shift to mine. He knows me well enough to know that I want to throttle Diana, but he also knows that I've had feelings for Kay for some months now.

She's too young. That's it, I insist in front of Diana, because in this religion, both parties have to be eighteen, and both baptized, and at the same time, I didn't want Kaylee thinking that I wanted nothing to do with her because nothing could be farther from the truth.

Once Greg had gone back to Kaylee, I politely told Diana I was going home, but when I spot Kay walking out the back of the hall to the corridor, I knew that this was my chance to try and make her feel at ease. She’s had a lot of crap go down in her life recently, so I will not be the person to throw on more baggage.

As I approach, I see that she has her head ducked into the back room, so I wait for her and try my hardest not to stare at her perfect ass. My knuckles are white as I hold my hands by my side. What I wouldn't give to have my hands on it. Yup, I'm a horny teenager, so give me a break.

She hadn’t even seen me before she bumped into me. ‘Shit, she smells so damn good,’ I think, but I manage to pull myself from the scent and stop her from toppling over in those damn black stilettos that make that ass look even hotter, so I reach out and catch her shoulders.

Hey, I soothe, but she seems panicked. Kay's life went into a complete tailspin when her father left; she'd become the head of her household, making sure her sisters had everything they needed. Mike told me that she was stressed a lot of the time, which only made me want her more. It forced me to be the one to help her. To comfort her, but I also know that she's stubborn.

As she steady’s herself, Kay takes a step back, Kaylee, can I talk to you for a minute? I want to take her in my arms and remove all of her burdens, but that would only cause people to talk. Something she doesn’t need right now.

She's frazzled, and I know it's because her mother is sitting out the back with the elders crying, again. I really can't at the moment, I'm sorry, she says as she hurries away from me.

As I go to pack up my belongings to leave, I watch her. I watch as she also collects her things and rushes over to where her sisters stand, but within moments, the three of them leave through the side entrance to the hall, and that was my cue to leave for home.

I thought about her the whole drive home. Even while I was eating my damn lunch, all I could think about was getting closer to her. So, when I finished, I talked myself into calling her. Why? I have no idea; I guess I just wanted to hear her voice and make sure she was, in fact, okay. When I had dialed her number, I worried that her mother would pick up, but thank God; Kaylee was the one actually to answer the phone.

Hey, it’s Adam. Is that you, Kaylee?

Um, hi, she pauses for a moment, but eventually presses on, What’s the matter?

God, I love her voice. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I'm sorry, but you're just too young. I don't know what Greg told you. And I know how rude Diana is. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't hurt your feelings in any way. So, are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine. I was mucking around with Greg, and you know what he's like. He just goes that step further, she chuckles, that damn laugh is adorable. How am I going to stay away from her?

That’s what I thought. I am glad you’re okay, though.

I'm fine and thank you, but I'd better go, she says, but I don't want her to hang up. I want to talk to her for hours upon hours. I always knew that there was something special about her, it's something I would love to have the time to explore further. Yeah, explore further while I'm trying to stay away. My mind and hormones are locked in a freaking battle, and I have a feeling that the hormones will be the ones to win.

Please don’t go. Oh, I was hoping we could talk some more. I don’t know a lot about you, even though we have known each other for years. We’ve never really been one-on-one before. I’ve wanted to, but until this morning, I had successfully stayed away. God, I wish Greg hadn’t come over and told me that she freaking liked me because I was doing so damn well to stay away, but now that I know I actually might have a chance with her, I don’t want to keep my distance for a moment longer.

She sighs but pushes forward. Well, there isn't much to tell. Dad walked out; we had to move to a new house. A house I hate, and, well, you know my sisters. Other than that, there isn't any more to my life at the moment, she seems sad. So freaking sad.

I'm sorry about your dad, Kaylee. He was a good guy. Ron was a man that could fit into any crowd. He was low maintenance, and he had a killer sense of humor.

He is still a good guy, but that’s life. He was always the life of the party, I’m not such a fan of his these days, though. He walked out on them. He should have stayed and sorted his crap out. I don’t like to talk about it much. Then I heard her mother say something in the background and Kaylee lets out a breath. Adam, I’m sorry, but I have to go. My mum wants to use the phone.

No problem. Would it be okay if I called you again sometime? What am I saying? I'm not trying hard enough to stay away from her, but I know what a genuine person she is, deep down, she's a person I want to know better.

No probs. See ya.

Bye, Kaylee. I hung up the phone.

Next, I called Mike; I needed to get out of the house and have a distraction. Adam, what's up?

Nothing much. You wanna go and see a movie?

Sure. What time?

Do you want to grab some dinner first? I ask. I need a distraction. If I don't go out, all I'll do is think about her.

Awesome. Do you want to drive or do you want me too?

I’ll drive. Pick you up at five?

See you then.

Cool, bye. I hang up.

I then check my watch, and it's only just passed two. What the hell am I going to do until then? My brain ticked over, and I decided to put on some NCIS and sit back and chill.

WHILE WE WERE AT DINNER that night, I blurted to Mike what had happened at the hall with Kaylee and Greg.

No way, are you serious? he asks, over a mouth full of Souvlaki.

I nodded, Yup. I tried to talk to her after when she went out the back, but she clamped up and took off.

Mike chuckles. Poor girl. She's had it rough lately. Between Ness and me, we're doing the best we can to keep her sane. I go over a couple of times a week so that she can vent. Her mother sure as hell isn't helping her at the moment. Kay's taken on the mother role. She makes sure the girls are fed and that they have everything they need. It's sad. He takes another bite.

You’re a good friend, Mike. And he is. I know that Kay has sacrificed her social life so that she can work more hours and be home for her sisters. She shouldn’t have to for god’s sakes.

He shrugs again, I can only help so much, though. Belinda had better snap out of her funk soon, or Kay will leave.

My gut churns at the thought, Where would she go?

Her dads, he says, a matter of fact.

Her father lives in Queensland. Nope, I can’t let her leave, She wouldn’t, would she?

He nods as he finishes his bite of food. She would. She was by far his favorite. Devastated doesn't even begin to describe how she felt when he left.

For the rest of that night, I didn't stop to think about her. I was meant to go out so that I was distracted, but now all I can do is stress over the fact that Kay could up and leave at a moments notice. Nope, she can't go. I'm not keeping my distance for a moment longer. I will not let her leave.

THE NEXT MORNING I got up and went to work at the car factory where I spray panels. It's repetitive work so my mind has time to drift and it keeps wandering back to her. To how beautiful she is with her long blonde hair, golden skin, and trim figure. It's driving me crazy.

THE MOMENT I WALK INTO the hall on Tuesday night, I immediately search for her, and it only takes a moment for me to find her standing beside Mike.

Once my bag was on a seat, I make my way over to where they stand. As soon as I've greeted Mike, I turn my attention to Kaylee. The poor thing seems overwhelmed, How are you tonight, Kay? Damn, why does she always have to look so sexy?

My breath catches when her beautiful blue eyes gaze up at me. I'm good thanks. Her attention shifts for a moment, but then those eyes come back and settle on mine again. Could you excuse me? I just spotted my grandmother coming in. I'd better go and say hello to her.

I don't want her going anywhere; I want her to be closer than she already is. But what am I going to say? ‘Hey, I don't want you and your sexy ass going anywhere? Yeah, that would go over great. Of course. Without thinking, I reached out and placed my hand on her forearm, It was nice to see you, Kaylee. I'm such a moron.

She doesn’t say a damn word, but I do see a smile and the look of hope in her eyes before she turned and walked away.

As I watch her sexy ass leave, Mike whispers, Dude, don’t let anyone see you with her. You do not want anyone catching on to how you feel about Kay. That’s a crap storm you don’t want coming your way.

My eyes keep following her, I know. It’s going to be hard, but there is something between us Mike. I know there is. Why did she leave so fast? Does she want to talk to her Nan or is she running? I whisper in return.

When Kay sits down next to her grandmother, I turn to face Mike. Probably both. Kay runs when she can't deal with something. I keep trying to assure her that she has people in her corner that care, but she always feels that she needs to cope on her own. Mike shrugs.

Can you send me her mobile number after we finish here? I want to make sure she's okay, but I don't want to push her. I don't. Kaylee needs to know that as well as her having Mike and her best friend Ness on her side, that she also has me. If she'd let me.

No problem.

Throughout the whole service, I found myself glancing over at her numerous times. She seemed sad, and it broke my heart. She looked as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and I wanted to take some of the pressure off her, but how? How can I do it without coming off desperate?

That night after I climbed into bed, my phone beeped. It was a text from Mike. He’d sent me Kay’s number.

Me: Thanks for that.

Mike: No problem. Just don’t break her heart or I’ll have to kick your ass.

Me: I wouldn’t do that.

Mike: I hope not. Night.

Me: Night.

Immediately, I saved her number to my phone and tapped out a text.

Me: Hey, how’s it going?

Kaylee: Who is this?

Me: It’s Adam.

I waited a few minutes, but I didn’t receive an answer.

Me: Sorry if I’m bothering you. You can tell me to leave you alone.

God, I hope she doesn’t want me to piss off.

Kaylee: No, I don't want you to leave me alone. Not at all. I was shocked when you texted me. I didn't know you had my number.

Me: Sorry about that. I got it off of Mike. I hope that was okay?"

Kaylee: Of course, it’s okay. I’m sorry I was short with you earlier in the hall. I was tongue-tied. I felt like such an idiot.

That makes me smile.

Me: Don’t be sorry. I don’t want to sound too forward, but I’m new to this whole talking-to-girl stuff, and I don’t know how to go about it.

Kaylee: I see what you mean. We used to talk a lot. What's changed? Why am I so nervous all of a sudden?

Me: I think it’s because we like each other more than we did before. Or am I wrong?

Kaylee: No, you’re not wrong. So here goes. I do like you, A LOT, and I don’t want to stuff this up in any way for you.

That has me nervous. Why would she be the one to screw-up?

Me: How would you stuff things up for me?

Kaylee: I mean, religion-wise, the trouble you could be in is huge. I don't care about me, but you, I care about.

Me: You should let me deal with that. Don’t you worry about it, okay?

Kaylee: Are you sure? It was only just a few days ago that you told me I was too young for you. What changed?

Me: I'm more than sure. I know what I said, and that was a mistake. I think I just panicked is all. You have no idea how long I have been waiting to see if you would ever look at me as more than just your friend. I want to see where this can go. So are you in?

Please say yes, please say yes. I will make this work.

Kaylee: I’m all in.

Crap, I didn't realize that I was holding my breath waiting for her answer.

Me: Good. I’ll make this work. I have waited too long to let this be stuffed up. I’m going to go to bed now so that I’m not too tired in the morning. Is it okay if I text you after I finish work tomorrow?

Kaylee: You can message me anytime. 

Me: Good. Goodnight x0x

Kaylee: Night x0x

She wants more. I draw in a huge calming breath and let it go. She's right; obstacles are standing in our way, but we can do this. How? I have no idea, but we will.

THE NEXT MORNING BEFORE I hop out of my car and go into the factory, I tap out a quick message to Kay.

Me: Hey, I just wanted to say good morning and that I’ll talk to you after work x0x

As soon as I'd arrived home that night after work, I raced into the shower, then went to my bedroom, and I called her.

Hey. You okay? I ask.

I heard her take a breath before she spoke. I’m fine, how are you? I could hear that she didn’t want to bother me with her problems, so she put on her sweet voice, but I know something isn’t right. Something’s happened.

What's going on? I'm worried. Mike told me that Kay hates having others fend for her. She hates having to bother others with her problems because she thinks it's up to her to care for her family. I want to take all of her problems away from her. I want to tell her that I will make things okay again, but we're one day into this relationship, it would all probably sound like sucking up if I said it now.

I'm fine. How are you? she's deflecting.

Kay, can you tell me what’s going on? I know you well enough to know that something’s not right. Sure, I don’t know her as well as Mike does, but we’d hung out enough for me to know when something was bothering her.

It’s the usual crap. Depressed mother and it’s me who is stuck being the mum to my sisters. I don’t mind doing it because I love the girls, but sometimes I just want to be me. To be free of responsibility.

She also sounds exhausted. The poor thing needs a holiday from her mother’s stress. Is there anything I can do?

I hear her chuckle. Can you turn back time and make sure I was never born? That would be a huge help if you could.

Nope, sorry. I wouldn’t, even if I had the power to do so. Are thing’s really that bad?

Yeah, she breathes. I want to be a teenager, and that's it. I don't think it's asking much, but in our house, our mother comes before any of anyone else.

It shouldn’t be like that, Kay. Is there anyway of telling her that what she is doing affects you too? Someone should just hit her with the truth. Everyone walks on eggshells around Belinda, well, everyone except for Kay. She tells her mother how it is, but it falls on deaf ears.

We’ve tried. Hell, even my grandmother tried getting through to her. We don’t count, babe. We’re secondary to her and her problems.

Is it completely pathetic that I’m smiling like an idiot because she called me babe? I know she has pet names for Mike and Ness, but I very much like my new one and I would very much like to keep it. You do count. Don’t let yourself believe that.

It would be nice, but that isn’t my life. All of a sudden I hear Belinda yelling something I the background. I have to go and deal with her.

Do you need me to come over? I would, just to see her even for a moment, take her in my arms and try to make everything that little bit better.

No, it would make things worse. I’m sorry. Bye.

Before I could even say goodbye, she’d hung up.

For the rest of that week, I spoke to her every night, and we regularly texted, but I always was the one to initiate any contact. It was as if she thought that I would turn away from her at a moment's notice. I didn't understand it, but little by little she had started opening up to me.

THE NEXT WEEKEND, KAY and I went along with our group of friends to go and watch a movie. While we waited, we went to the CD store to have a look around and waste time. At one point I saw her looking at the new Foo Fighters CD, so I bought it for her. At first, she tried telling me that she was just looking at it, but I knew she loved them. Eminem and the Foo Fighters are the only artists she listens to regularly. Although, the Eminem thing is a guarded secret of hers because in our religion, listing to him is a definite no, no. I know she doesn't listen to him to just to rebel; she listens to him because of the lyrics. Mike told me that he had seen the effect it has on her, she doesn't feel so frustrated after taking time out and listening to his albums. She uses it as a coping mechanism. What I wouldn't give to take away all of her pain.

THING'S BETWEEN KAY and I were going great, well they were until Troy had come back to town. He'd been away for his new job, and I'd missed seeing him. We spent a heap of time hanging out,