Taken Love

By KC Royale

Book info: Your first crush isn’t normally the man who ends up dating your best friend, nor is he the man you end up wanting to marry. But my inexperience on how to handle such a strong reaction to one guy nearly cost me everything back then. They say you can't control when you first fall in love or who you fall in love with. So when I found myself in love for the first time at seventeen, it was a bit shocking. Not for the reasons you think, but then again, maybe it was.

His name was Johnathan Pierce, the one who drove me insane with lust, and frustrated me to no end. How could I not fall for him? How could any girl refuse his green eyes, experienced touch and intoxicating words? I knew that he was no longer the seventeen year old boy who had taken me for the ride of my life, he was a man now. It’s been six years since my heart was taken by Johnathan, a man who was now a CEO of a billion dollar empire. A man who has taken all that I had to give, and hurt me in the worst way imaginable, causing me to give up everything and run away. The indescribable pain I felt has consumed me for six long years, but now the time has come for me to return home. Home, where it all started for a girl name Kathleen Toth-Chamberlin. Every story has a beginning... and an end.

This story is told in two parts, and both parts are included in this one book. Part one tells the story of their beginning, at age 17. Part two concludes their story, at the age of 24. This a standalone novel that includes both, parts one and two.

~18+ mature content~

BONUS CHAPTER HAS been added. Enjoy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KC Royale
• Release date: May 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463549308

KC Royale

KC Royale started writing at the tender age of nine years old. Being the only girl in a house with four brothers, she used writing as a way to occupy her time. Her curiosity grew into her creating poems and short stories in various genres, which then grew into a love of writing all types of stories. Having grown up in the Washington Metropolitan Area, she got a lot of her inspiration from life, love and nature. She currently lives in Maryland with her family and her ever present laptop. When she is not writing she enjoys watching movies, theatre, cooking, traveling, and listening to soft rock music. She is also an avid reader who enjoys a good romance, erotica or thriller novel to pass the time. www.royaleinK.com

Book preview

Part One

Prologue

IT WAS MY senior year, and I was very excited to finally be graduating. I actually had a little extra pep in my step, in more ways than one, in those months leading up to the beginning of that school year. What can I say, I was feeling more independent and ready for the next phase of life. I am the eldest of my two siblings, so I would soon be the first heading off to college the following school year. I had my sights set on Yale University, but I also wanted to go to Columbia as well. With my top two schools already picked, I held my head high, with my best friend by my side. Everything was already set for me, it felt as though nothing was out of place or could go wrong with my future plans. What I didn’t know was that my life was getting ready to change and soon. Who knew that within the span of a few months everything would change, disrupting years of preparation and planning in a matter of only a few weeks? I didn’t, but I would soon learn. My lessons came in the form of a boy who was introduced to me right after returning to school from winter break. He was a transfer student, by the name of, Johnathan Pierce.

Chapter 1

IT WAS DECEMBER, the year was almost over, and we were preparing for the Christmas Holiday. I was in the kitchen helping my mom cook our Christmas dinner, while we sang Christmas carols. I had hoped that Blair’s parents would let her come over since we were out of school on our winter break. But they wanted her to finish her applications and essays for Harvard. I never knew why they worked her so hard, especially when her father was good friends with the dean at Harvard. I was sure with his connections and checkbook, Blair’s acceptance was definite. But I, on the other hand, didn’t have those luxuries, or that peace of mind on being accepted. I actually had to do the leg work, and hope and pray that my school of choice accepted me.

My family wasn’t wealthy, but we didn’t struggle. We lived in Connecticut and were considered middle class. It wasn’t a rare thing here to be friends with wealthy people, it was pretty common around these parts. Some lived in the lapse of luxury, while your family continued paying bills with every single paycheck. That’s what we did, my parents were good at it, and they made it work for us and our family of five. With the money my grandparents set aside for my sibling and I for college, having accrued interest over the years, I was financially set for school. My parents really didn’t have much to worry about on that front. We were just a normal family who loved and appreciated each other. My parents are Bill Toth and Carrie Chamberlin, who both worked for the government, and made a pretty decent living. They have been together for almost twenty years and have never married. I didn’t quite understand their reasoning for that, but they always seemed very happy regardless.

My father gave her a promise ring every five years, but never a wedding ring. Weird. I have always lived with both of my parents, but we all didn’t share the same last name. My siblings and I, all had both of our parent’s last names, even though they weren’t married. I realized that using double last names wasn’t as rare as I thought it was, especially in Connecticut, as quite a few kids in my school had them. Both of my parents kept their given names, but their kids shared them both, which was no surprise to our other family members at all. They all knew that Bill and Carrie weren’t your typical kind of people. Both were from small towns, and were never interested in following the waves that others involuntarily often followed.

They lived for themselves, and I saw first-hand that they endured more than most couples could, through the years, which only made their love stronger. I have two younger siblings, Max and Margerie, who were a few years younger and in junior high school now. They were so adorable when they were small, but they weren’t small anymore. Now, they were always in my room and in my stuff, and needed attention all the time from me. Which was fine, but the older I got, the more I wanted my space. They would never understand that, so I would have to give them the time they desired whenever I could. But with Blair over, most times it became somewhat challenging, but not this weekend however. Blair was with her family, and I, Kathleen Toth-Chamberlin, was with mine. So, I had all the time in the world to spend with them.

Kat? My little sister yelled for me from upstairs. We lived in a town house not far from the highway, so there was always sounds of cars and trucks nearby. That never drowned out the sounds of my siblings calling for me, not ever.

Yes, Margerie? I smiled to myself, and looked over to my mother next to me, who was smiling as well.

I need your help with my outfit, can you come upstairs please? She yelled.

I’m coming. I yelled back. Margerie was thirteen, and she was going to her friend’s house for a few hours, so she was excited. It was Christmas Eve, and she would be spending a few hours away from home, helping her friend wrap presents for her family. But I knew what was really going on. I knew the real reason she was so anxious. Margerie had a crush on her friend’s brother, and they all went to the same school. She hadn’t seen him for days now, due to winter break, but my ambitious sister found a way and an excuse to see him. I should take notes from her. I reached the top of the stairs, giggling at my thoughts, and headed to Margerie’s room. I knocked, and entered the door to her world of pink and yellow. She is such a girlie girl. I froze in my steps as I took in her room, there were clothes everywhere. She was normally a neat freak, and this was as shocking to me as the Christmas I found out there was no Santa. I played into the whole Santa and Mrs. Clause thing quite a bit when I was little.

Leaving cookies, writing notes, leaving a present for Santa, and even carrots for his reindeers. I was young, and I loved everything about the holiday season, it was the time where everyone, everywhere, was happy. I was considered to be obsessed with Christmas, and they still make fun of me sometimes. But I, in fact still felt sad when I think of the day it all came a crashing down and I learned the truth. When I was thirteen I set my alarm for three in the morning, after I had did my normal routine. I had written my letter, left cookies and milk for Santa, and sliced carrots for Rudolph and everything. My parents made us all go to bed after we watched all the parades and Christmas specials on TV, so by nine that night, we were all sleeping. When my alarm went off, I tip-toed around the house, waiting for Santa to come and deliver the presents. But I didn’t see Santa, or Ms. Clause that night.

What I did see was my parents sneaking presents from out of the closet and the trunk of my father’s car, placing them under the tree. I was frozen solid, as if I couldn’t move, think or feel. Why would they lie and have their children believing that Santa was the one coming for all these years?

I gasped when I saw my mom take a bite of one of the chocolate chip and walnut cookies we’d baked earlier, that I’d left for Santa. My father locked the door, and I closed my eyes, they popped back open when I heard a loud crunching sound. OMG. My father was eating the carrots I’d left for Rudolph. I stood there in shock, and that night I cried, not just trickle tears, I sobbed for the rest of the night. I went through so much to prepare each year, and this was what happened, every single year? But each year I would still awaken to half eaten cookies, carrots, a half glass of milk, and a mountain of presents. Of course I believed there was a Santa Clause, what kid didn’t? But on that Christmas day when I was thirteen, after my siblings were out of earshot, I told them what I’d seen. Their shock was overwhelming, but they apologized and finally told me the truth, that night I sobbed some more. Did you hear me? Margerie murmured.

Umm, no, what did you say? I muttered.

I asked you what you thought of this skirt. She beamed, as she held a pink and black skirt against her legs, posing.

Skirt? It’s fifty degrees Mar, you can’t wear that! I stated.

I will have on stockings and be in a car. Dad is driving me there and picking me up. She said.

I think you should wear jeans, and try to stay warm, instead of underdressing to get Kyle’s attention. He is just a boy, and he should like you because of you, not because of your short skirt. I murmured, as I walked over to her bed and picked up some skinny jeans, looking at them with my head tilted. Here, try these on.

I just wanted to look cute, Kat. She huffed, dropping the skirt on the floor.

You are cute, no matter what you wear Mar.

Well, maybe you're right. But will you help me with my makeup? I gasped, turning to look at her.

Makeup? I asked, incredulously. You are not allowed to wear makeup yet.

I know, but I have lip gloss and a hairbrush, so that right now is my makeup. She smiled.

Sure, let me help you get ready. I chuckled, as she started to change into the jeans, and I grabbed her hair brush so I could brush her hair. What am I going to do with you Margerie? I smiled at her in the vanity mirror as she sat and I did her hair. She just smiled back at me. My sister. She is only thirteen, and has more of a potential love life than her seventeen year old sister. What the hell? Her determination and strong willed persona will do well for her when she is older. I wondered why I didn’t have that too. I was a wall flower, and it got me nowhere with the boys, but I wasn’t too worried. I had never had a crush on anyone, so I had nothing to worry about. I would finish high school and go about my life, and maybe in college I would meet someone who I liked. But in Morris High, there was no one whom I was interested in. When winter break was over, I was in for a rude awakening.

***

On our first day back at school, we were surprised to have our homeroom class interrupted by our principal, as he walked into our class. He was a very serious principal, but he had to be, with a school of high school students and also their wealthy parents, who trusted their kids here under his leadership. Our school was always rated well, and he ensured that we learned more than we played around. I didn’t have that problem, because I always made good grades, and kept my mind focused on my schooling.

Pardon me for interrupting your homeroom, but we have a new student, class. He announced rather loudly. I didn’t really notice anyone with him beforehand, because I had only glanced up his way for a second, and quickly went back to writing more of an essay that was due today. But now as I looked back up, I could see that Mr. Leto wasn’t alone, and that he was accompanied by a boy. A boy who was the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen, a boy named Johnathan Pierce.

Chapter 2

WOW, WAS THE only word that came to my mind as I stared at him, and I was sure my mouth hung open in awe. As he looked around the classroom, without a shred of anxiety or nerves, I could immediately tell that he was a confident boy. I liked that he wasn’t nervous, it showed me more about his personality. I liked a person who wasn’t easily intimidated, and I could tell almost immediately that he was one of them. Class, this is your new classmate, Johnathan Pierce. Let’s all make sure he is made to feel welcome. Thank you. Mr. Leto smiled and turned to our homeroom teacher, Mr. Stowe, handing him some papers.

Mr. Stowe then told Johnathan, to take a seat. I was hoping that he sat in the empty seat behind me, and to my surprise, he did. I felt frozen. I felt as if I couldn’t breathe, but when I did, I could smell him. He smelled like fresh water and cinnamon, and I liked it. I wanted to turn around and introduce myself, but I was so nervous. Then I felt a poke in my back, with what felt like a pencil. I then turned around, and made eye contact, with the beautiful stranger. His eyes were green, his lips were nice and moistened, and his face was smooth and beautiful. He had black hair and perfect teeth. As he bit down playfully on the pencil he’d poked me with, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I didn’t know if he was actually talking to me or not, I didn’t care. I was enjoying my close up, maybe a little too much. A slow smile spread across his face, and I swallowed and cleared my throat. Hi, I’m ugh… ugh… For the life of me I could not remember my own name. What was it, darn it? I could feel myself turning red with embarrassment, and I turned back around pretending that I did not just do that.

Before I could endure that torture again, the bell rang, I was somehow the first one out the door. I headed to my locker, and stood there taking deep breaths, before my best friend appeared. Hey, how was homeroom? Blair yelped. She was always so fresh faced and bubbly.

How was it? I snarled. We have a new student, and he is cute, so cute that I forgot my own name. I muttered in embarrassment, as she began to laugh at me. I pursed my lips, I could tell that she was enjoying this too much.

"You actually saw someone you liked, now this I have to see." She stated, smiling.

I don’t know where he is, and I hope that I don’t have a case of amnesia around him again. I stated and shut my locker, a little too hard. It was so embarrassing B, I felt like such an idiot. I scolded myself.

"Hey now, that’s my best friend you’re talking about. Look, we all are a little startled when there is someone we like. You were just nervous, and that is understandable, especially if he is as cute as you say he is. He may even have a girlfriend by now, you never know in this school, he is fresh meat. We both know that the girls here love themselves some, fresh meat." She murmured, as we walked to our next class, and I exhaled hoping that was not the case. I felt jealous just thinking that he could be taken already, but Blair was right. The girls here were so fast, and already having sex, I was sure he already been asked to skip class and go behind the bleachers. That’s where people went to make out and other stuff. I had only heard what goes on back there from

Blair, she has been back there a few times, but I hadn’t. For once I would actually consider going back there, if it was with Johnathan. God he was just beautiful. I couldn’t believe it, in my senior year with less than six months of high school left, I finally get my first crush. After a few more classes, Blair and I met at my locker, then headed to the cafeteria for lunch. What I saw when we entered floored me. There was Johnathan Pierce, surrounded by the tramps of the school. They were all over him, as if he was honey and they were bees. Blair turned to me once she realized that I had stopped walking, and flicked her eyes at me. What’s wrong, Kat?

Ugh, nothing. I stated nervously, and started walking again, but slowly. She looked over, following my line of eyesight, and saw the girls crowding someone, then she looked back at me and smiled.

Is that him Kat, is that your crush? She asked excitedly, and maybe a little too loud.

"He is not my crush." I snapped, knowing that he was, but I didn’t want him to have that title anymore. Looking at the current crowd occupying one half of the cafeteria, he would be claimed by the end of the day.

But I thought you liked him, and wanted him? Blair muttered, as we made our way to the lunch line. My eyes were still locked on the bevy of beauties surrounding my crush. Well, my old crush.

I don’t anymore, and besides, look, I waved my hand towards them. "With all that, I wouldn’t stand a chance anyway." I frowned at him, and suddenly it happened. He made eye contact with me. He didn’t blink and neither did I, but he saw me, and I saw him in the midst of a sea of people. He was surrounded by those tramps, but he was looking at me. Me. Just then, one of them ran her fingers through his