Burned: Dark Road, #4

By Krys Fenner

No matter how hard David and Aurora fight, her past threatens to burn them both alive.

 

With only two months until graduation, David should only be concerned with three things: soccer, who he'll be escorting to prom, and graduating. Instead, in an attempt to distract himself from his own problems, he offers aid to a girl with issues of her own. Someone is chasing after her. He plans to protect her any way he can, even if it means he goes down in a blaze of glory.

 

Aurora has been on the run for months with only one goal: finding her uncle. She hasn't seen him in nearly ten years, and all clues have led her to Rescate County. It seemed like the perfect place to escape her past, but no one ever said leaving gang life would be easy. When her ex-boyfriend, the former gang leader, catches up with her, her rescuer is someone she'd be better off without. But David is intent on helping her, and the more she pushes him away, the tighter he holds on. At the rate they're going, if they don't find her uncle soon—her past will burn them both alive.

 

Is David willing to risk it all for someone who is dangerous for both his health and his heart? Can Aurora escape her past and finally find the family she's been seeking all these years? Or will they both get burned by the flames?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Two Realms Publishing LLC
• Release date: Feb 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955106337

Book preview

Also by Krys Fenner

Addicted

Damaged

Avenged

Burned

Dark Road Series

Book Four

By

Krys Fenner

Burned

by: Krys Fenner

Copyright © 2022 by Krys Fenner

All rights reserved.

This book or part thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked/copyrighted status and trademark/copyright owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks/copyrights is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark/copyright owners.

Published by

Two Realms Publishing LLC

https://tworealmspublishingllc.com/

Cover Designer: We Got You Covered Book Design

Editor: Cassandra Fear

Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATION

To my fans for their tremendous patience.

No Escape

You can’t outrun the past,

It always catches up in the end.

Lies weren’t meant to last,

The truth pushes until you let it in.

I only wanted to keep him safe,

But he didn’t care if he got hurt,

Nothing could keep him away,

Not even the reality of my world.

One

Xavier strummed his fingers across the steering wheel as he watched the scenario across the street unfold. The dark-haired stranger Aurora had arrived at the motel with could be no one of importance.

From this distance, Xavier saw vague features of the man: tall, dark hair and fair skin, but not enough detail to identify him. Not that he truly knew anyone in this town.

Though it certainly made him curious about who his so-called ex had befriended. He hadn’t spent much time in either of her rooms; neither appeared to have been lived in for long. They may have played this game of cat and mouse for months, but from what he’d gathered, she hadn’t been in the area for more than a couple of weeks.

Aurora and her associate exited one of the motel rooms and stepped into the rain. She slung a black duffel bag over her shoulder as her friend opened an umbrella. The two of them walked side by side to the BMW they’d arrived in together.

Leaning forward, Xavier narrowed his eyes as he noticed the careful way the other man helped Aurora into the passenger side of the Bimmer. He clenched his teeth together and ground his jaw. His breathing became coarse and fast as his stomach hardened and pain radiated up the back of his jawline. That fucking whore, he thought.

He had given her four years, and this was how she repaid him—running off, that he could’ve forgiven. But this... being with another man... for this, he’d make her suffer. He’d take what belonged to him and then burn her alive once he was done.

Forget his original plan. No.

Aurora deserved to be hurt in the worst way possible.

Inhaling deeply, Xavier cracked his knuckles and turned over the ignition of the cab he used as cover. He slumped down in the driver’s seat. Once the Bimmer drove past him, he headed out onto the road and maintained his distance.

No doubt his girl figured out he’d been the one to break into her motel rooms. But he didn’t want her to know just how close he was... not yet.

The time would be right soon enough.

He followed them to a luxurious residential area with houses that were two stories or higher. All the homes were huge and sat back on the ground. Most of them had long driveways, and several were gated, including the entrance the BMW turned down.

Xavier slowed the cab and pulled alongside the curb, where he hid from view. With the car in park, he glanced over his shoulder and dragged a hand across the top of his hair. Damn, he really needed a haircut. His cropped hair had grown too fast over the last couple of months.

Frowning, he sized up the gate. Even from this angle, he could see it was solid and tall. No way he’d gain access easily. He scanned the cross street in front of him. His eyes landed on a large pole across the way. Telephone or electric didn’t matter. It offered him the solution he needed.

Aurora would have to leave eventually, and a little reconnaissance would get him closer to what he wanted. And maybe he’d find precisely how to execute some payback. Though many of the houses they passed had one thing in common: classic cars. That gave him an idea.

None of which accounted for the money she owed him. The corners of his lips tugged into a smile. The house provided the perfect answer.

In due time, it would all come together. He just needed to exercise some patience to ensure it all stuck.

Just as it should.

Xavier snickered and drove away.

AURORA CLIMBED OUT of the car and stared at the three-story, stately house. She swallowed and eyed the fountain that sat as the centerpiece of the circular driveway. They’d shut it off, likely to the rain, which had only ceased about twenty minutes earlier. She imagined it was exquisite when it was fully functional.

The house made her feel utterly underdressed in all its glistening glory. From her tattered jeans to her loose white V-neck t-shirt and denim jacket, she looked like a drenched rat compared to the majestic home in front of her. And that was before anyone got a gander of her voluminous, untamed auburn hair.

David stepped around the back of the Bimmer with her black duffel and his backpack hoisted over his shoulder. Come on.

Swallowing again, Aurora hesitated to shut the passenger side door. She glanced over her shoulder toward the gate, then back to the house that loomed ahead. Nothing could convince her this was a good idea, but she didn’t have any other options. She could seek a women’s shelter and pray for an open bed. Are you sure this is okay?

It’s just my sister and me right now. My parents are out of town for the next few weeks. Trust me, it’s fine, Ari. Now, come on. The house won’t bite. He held out his hand.

Butterflies took up residence in her stomach. This is a bad idea, she thought—on so many levels. Aurora bit her lip and snickered. Shutting the car door, she placed her hand in David’s, and her skin tingled from the touch. Yep, definitely a bad idea.

But it would do for one night.

Tomorrow was another day.

Another day to find another solution to her problems.

One that didn’t involve David Warren and close quarters, even if there was plenty of room in such a large house. The last thing she needed was to spend a significant amount of time around him. If not for her sake, but his.

She had nothing to offer him but lies.

And he deserved better.

RELEASING HIS HOLD of Ari’s hand, David unlocked the house’s front door. He hated letting go, but his excuse to hold her hand would only last so long. He planned to use every second she spent in his parents’ house to his advantage. She’d evaded him at school for weeks now. It rarely took him so much time to get a girl’s name.

But she was different. Everything about her was different. Not just her looks but also the way he noticed the various nuances of her features. Like how her cotton-candy lips squished together whenever she tried to squelch a laugh. Or how her freckled nose wrinkled whenever she got defensive.

David held the door open.

Ari nodded with a small smile as she stepped past him. She stopped just inside the foyer. Wow.

Sweat bloomed on the back of his neck. Ignoring the tingling sensation that rose on his arms, he closed the door and eyed their surroundings. What?

Um, this place. It’s kind of... extraordinary. Ari bit at the corner of her lip and peered at him over her shoulder. I guess you’re used to it.

He quirked an eyebrow and allowed his eyes to wander over the complexities of his parents’ home. The intricate lines of the brightly polished marble floor were the main focal point created by the high ceilings in the foyer. Natural light didn’t cascade down, but an obscenely ornate Victorian chandelier hung in the center. Its crystals radiated, highlighting the varying shades of brown in the floor and the many paintings hung with precision on each wall. This was all before anyone reached the gilded wooden banister leading to the second floor. 

Maybe he had grown accustomed to all the glitz over the last few years. Then again, this house had differed little from any of the others they’d lived in before. His parents constantly desired the best of everything. As long as they had an appropriate gym and piano, none of the rest mattered much. David shrugged. Guess I just never noticed it.

How could you—

Where the hell... Heather’s words trailed off as she exited the kitchen and pointed to Ari. Who is she?

Heather, this is Ari. Ari, this is my sister, Heather. He narrowed his eyes at his twin. For once, he hoped she kept her trap shut and kept the bitch at bay. She cared about people, but only when it suited her needs. Something she had in common with their mother. Not that he’d ever say that out loud. Unless his anger got the best of him.

Ari nodded and held out her hand. It’s nice to meet you. I hope I’m not intruding or anything.

Intruding? My brother’s free to hang out with whoever he chooses. I’m not his keeper.

Letting her hand fall to her side, Ari briefly clenched her fist and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Cocking her head, she stared at David. Did you actually ask her?

Ask me what? Frowning, Heather crossed her arms.

It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. Why were they making it out to be a big deal? He flicked his gaze from one female to the other. Rubbing the back of his head, a high-pitched laugh escaped David’s mouth before he could stop it. I, uh, I told her she could stay here with us... until she gets back on her feet.

I’M SORRY, YOU DID what? Heather glowered at her twin brother. He had a lot of nerve. With all they had to figure out over the next few weeks, he went and picked up a stray. Just fucking great. Like they didn’t have enough problems.

Grinding his jaw, David returned her glare. I said she could stay. We have the room and she needs a place.

Did you, for one second, think about how this affects our situation? Their parents hadn’t so much as left them with an ultimatum; it was more like they’d served them with an eviction notice. What was it their mother had said, again? Oh, right. My dears, you’re both eighteen, and you’re welcome to stay here in Amorte Cliffstone. However, you will have to vacate the house.

It doesn’t have—

Look, I don’t want to cause any problems. Ari backed up toward the front door. I can just stay in a shelter.

Shelter? David and Heather questioned simultaneously.

Uncrossing her arms, she eyed the red-headed young woman halfway to the door. If this young woman considered going to a shelter, where had she been staying? Heather had never heard anyone say anything about sleeping in a shelter before. Yeah, she and her brother had three weeks to find a place of their own, but they had money to do that, at least for a little while. 

Um, yeah. It’s not a—

Absolutely not, David said as if he had finally found his voice. There’s more than enough room here, and it’s no problem for you to stay.

Ari opened her mouth, but Heather held up her hand to stop her objection. My brother’s right. This house has fifteen guest rooms, and if he’s good with you here, then I’m fine. I trust his judgment.

Are you sure?

Heather frowned and cocked an eyebrow at the redhead standing before her. That was a good question. Most of the time, she trusted her brother’s judgment. Actually, only about thirty percent of the time. He’d made some pretty shitty decisions lately. From dating Bella—although that had been semi-beneficial in the end—to his anger issues, which had led to him defending himself against their father... she might have to rethink some of these recent activities.

Then again, it all depended on whether Ari was another dumb decision. Regarding the hidden storms behind Ari’s steel-gray eyes, Heather tapped on her chin and sized the young woman up. The holes in the knees of her skin-tight faded jeans—statement or simply worn? The white t-shirt and denim jacket—out of comfort or because it was cheap? She liked the scuffed black boots.

Heather glanced at her twin. She didn’t know what hold this chick had on him, but he would not let this go. With a sigh, she nodded. Yeah. I’m positive.

Thank you. Ari bowed her head. Just for tonight. I promise. Tomorrow I’ll find something else.

Waving the statement off, Heather turned toward her brother. Why don’t you show her to a room? Once you’re done, will you come back down so we can talk?

I’ll do that.

DAVID HEADED FOR THE staircase first and waited until they reached the top before speaking, You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.

Aurora cracked a smile. As nice as the offer sounded, she saw the twinkle in his sister’s eye. The longer she stayed, the more chances she took that someone would discover her true identity. While she desperately wanted to believe Heather wasn’t the type of person to cash in on that knowledge, she couldn’t take the chance. I appreciate that, but one night will be fine.

I hope this isn’t because I said nothing to my sister. We don’t really do things that way.

As much as I prefer not immediately going on the defensive with another female, it has nothing to do with why I won’t stay. It had more to do with the female herself. Aurora hadn’t been the only one sized up. She’d scrutinized Heather the second she’d barreled into the foyer. And the young woman’s evident brilliance concerned her.

Pausing at a bedroom door, David gave a curt nod, leaned in close, and furrowed his brows. His blue eyes focused on her. Fine, but I refuse to let you stay at a shelter. So, if you won’t stay here for over one night, I’ll just have to help you find a stable place.

The hairs on her arms and the nape of her neck rose. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as she attempted to swallow the excess pool of saliva in her mouth. What was she trying to do, drown herself? Holy hell. She knew this had been a bad idea, but she had limited choices. Besides, it was one night.

One night, Aurora reminded herself.

She had survived worse than this. Tensing her muscles, she steadied the drum of her heartbeat and regained control from that stare of his. Then we’ll do that tomorrow.

Sounds like a plan. David opened the bedroom door and showed her inside.

In the center of the room sat a queen-sized bed with a deep purple comforter with horizontal bands of flocked vines and embroidered flowers with lilac and silver accents. A set of matching pillows sat propped up along with two accent pillows: a square lilac pillow and a deep purple flower-shaped pillow.

Rubbing her sweaty palm down the front of her jeans, Aurora regarded the rest of the room. A nightstand occupied the space on either side of the bed. The closet sat directly across from the bed. Beneath the window, to the right of the closet, they had stationed a small oak desk with a leather chair tucked neatly against it. A flat, 30-inch television hung on the wall opposite the bed. In the corner opposite the closet rested an oversized purple chair.

Although the room appeared perfectly geared toward a guest, it also seemed as if they had made it just for her. Everything about the bedroom screamed her name, from the color of the comforter to the warm and inviting bed itself. And that was before she even considered the television or the desk, not to mention the chair. It might be harder to leave than she first believed.

Stepping into the room, David broke her trance and placed her duffel bag on the bed. If you want to shower, the bathroom is down the hall, all the way to the end. There are extra towels in the closet next to the bathroom. And if you need anything else, my bedroom is one door to the right.

One door to the right, she thought. Had he purposely chosen a bedroom so close to his? It didn’t matter. With his bedroom in such proximity to the room she occupied, it made it a little harder to maintain her stance on his invitation. But no matter how welcoming the bed looked or how great his invite sounded, she couldn’t stay. Her problems didn’t need to become his. Aurora nodded to herself and shoved her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. Thank you.

You’re welcome. David gripped the back of his neck with a small smile and headed for the bedroom door. He paused in the doorway and glanced over his shoulder. Night, Ari.

Good night.

DAVID LINGERED IN THE doorway a second longer than necessary before heading down the hallway and back down the staircase. He hated she hadn’t agreed to stay beyond one night. Maybe a good night’s sleep would change her mind. And if that made little difference, he always had tomorrow.

He strode into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator before turning toward his twin. 

Heather sat on a stool at the breakfast bar with her arms crossed, eyes narrowed at him, and a sneer across her face. What the hell is wrong with you?

The question came out of left field. Had he missed some part of the conversation? Or had his sister just thrown a random question at him? Either way, he had no clue what she was talking about. David’s eyebrows scrunched together, and he frowned. Excuse me?

You brought a stranger into the house when we’re supposed to be packing and looking for a place of our own. Or have you taken one too many soccer balls to the head and forgotten all about our predicament?

Of course not. Scratching his jaw, he half sat on a stool across from his twin and rested the heel of his Nike on the second rung. That wasn’t something that had left his mind. Their half-ass ultimatum had hung around in the recesses of his brain since it had crossed his ears. I just don’t believe it.

Heather’s jaw slackened, and her blue eyes widened. I’m sorry, did you say you ‘don’t believe it?’

"You heard, right, sis. I mean, come on. Think about it logically. One, when would our parents have had time to sell this house without us around? Two, if we’re all supposed to be out in the next three weeks, there’d be boxes around, and things would start coming down from the walls." As he noticed earlier, all the paintings in the foyer still hung neatly on the wall. And their parents were never around long enough to sell anything. They spent more time away from the house than anywhere near it. David popped open the bottle of water and took a swig. 

Tapping her fingers on the marble breakfast bar, his sister rolled her eyes. One, that’s what real estate agents are for. They didn’t have to be here for this house to sell. Any decent agent would’ve taken potential buyers through the house while we were at school. As for the boxes, we have a garage and people to do the packing. Just because you haven’t noticed doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

Okay. He’d concede her first point, but her second was way off base. David snickered. Their parents never used the garage. He’d be surprised if they even knew the house had one. He was almost positive his twin was the only person who ever used it. Still, she only had one valid point. Dragging a hand across his face, he propped his elbow on his knee. "I spend more time than you wandering the