Let It All Go: Book Two of the Breathe Series

By Tania Trozzo

The Second Book in the Breathe Series.

What do you do when you just want to move on?

When your past affects those around you and you just want it to go away?

Clara just wants to be a normal teenager and enjoy her summer with Gabe and their friends. When someone from her past shows up, it put

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tania Trozzo
• Release date: Feb 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9781088139127

Tania Trozzo

Tania Trozzo was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA where she now lives with her three kids and husband. After living ten years in Italy, three of which were spent in the city of Romeo and Juliet, she's a hopeless romantic that always believes love will prevail all. She has been a daydreamer since she was seven, making up stories along the way. A caffeine addict, she actually likes to wake up early when it's all quiet and write before going on her daily run.After her father became ill, she decided to give a voice to the characters and stories that were in her head and write her first young adult book. Since then, she's published two more contemporary novels and is continuing to write even more.

Book preview

One

Clara

Clara walked out of the karate studio to Sal waiting for her outside. He smiled ruefully as he looked at her, Will you hurry your ass up? I’m meeting a girl at the bar tonight.

She rolled her eyes. Oh, it’s your Friday night hookup, huh? What’s her name?

He winked. I can’t remember. Ellie? Evie? One of those two. I’ll figure it out when I get there.

You are terrible.

But you love me. How was your last day?

It was fine. It’s officially my last day but I’ll still be helping out here or there to cover if needed. Besides, I’m still going to karate class twice a week. Clara had decided to step away from working at the karate school and take less classes. She was going to focus on teaching at soccer camps, practicing in a league to gear up for fall and honestly, to just enjoy her summer with Gabe and her friends. She wanted to have fun and relax for once. Her family was a bit surprised, but they were all more than happy with her decision, due to the fact they felt she always had too much on her plate.

I’m taking you straight there, right? A group was hanging at Gabe’s tonight and Clara felt bad to have him leave his own party to come get her, since he didn’t want her driving in the dark by herself. Not that he would mind, but she did.

Yeah. I’m sorry if I’m making you late.

He scrunched his forehead in confusion, You know I’m kidding, right? I will never mind taking you anywhere, Clara. Especially if it keeps you safe. She stayed quiet a moment before Sal continued. Clara. He’s worried and he has every right to be.

She sighed. I know, I know but it’s just I don’t want to be a burden for anyone.

You’re not. Stop thinking like that. Ok? Besides, I don’t think he’s being unreasonable. He doesn’t want you being alone when it’s dark. I can’t blame the guy. Can you? She shook her head even though she wasn't totally convinced. Ever since seeing Cain in the parking lot of her school about a month ago, Gabe and the others had been very protective of her. The truth was she couldn’t blame them. This was Cain. The boy she lived with when she was abducted by his father. While she understood and appreciated the lengths Gabe went to in order to keep her safe, it still weighed heavily on her.

After they had seen him, all hell had broken loose scouring the parking lot looking for him, but it seemed like he had vanished into thin air. Since then, everyone was a bit on their toes. This was her past, she just had to figure out how to make it go away. And she would.

Eventually, Clara would have to tell her aunt and uncle about seeing Cain. Just not yet. It took a lot to convince Gabe. Hell, it took a lot to convince all of them. She had noticed recently that her aunt and uncle were more relaxed when it came to her and she knew it was because Clara had found a great group of friends. The worry that was usually held in their depths had lightened and that was the reason she didn’t want to tell them. They had done so much for her, not only did she not want them to worry, but she wanted them to enjoy their summer with all the trips they had planned. But in order for them to agree to her vow of secrecy, Clara had to agree to not go anywhere alone after dark and if they felt Cain was a danger to her, then all bets were off.

Almost a month had passed though, and nothing had changed. They hadn’t seen Cain - nor had they noticed anything else out of the ordinary to be able to tell if he was, in fact, still watching her. If Alex and Gabe hadn’t noticed him as well, Clara would have thought she had been hallucinating. They were happy to know that Clara had at least confided in Sal. She had also wanted to tell Vince but she knew Vince wouldn’t be able to keep it from their parents. Lost in thought, she hadn’t realized they had already arrived at Gabe’s.

Um, quick question. Sal smirked, Are you wearing that to the party? Not that you don’t look ok, but well, a karate uniform at a summer high school party. Not cool.

She chuckled. I can’t believe you just said that! But for your information, I’m getting changed.

Good, just looking out for you. She swatted him on the arm, and he laughed. When they pulled up closer to the front door, Clara hugged Sal before getting out of the car. Have fun.

When Clara looked up, she found Gabe standing right outside the door. He started walking towards her, nodding at Sal in greeting, but then returned his heated gaze to Clara. His T-shirt molded his shoulders and chest to perfection, and Clara couldn’t stop admiring him for a few moments. He moved with purpose towards her and smirked. God, he was so freaking handsome, she just wanted to jump him. What the hell was she waiting for?

Their gazes remained locked, until he reached for her when he was about a foot away. Pulling her in by the waist he leaned down to give her a scorching kiss.

Clara didn’t hesitate to drop her duffel bag before she wound one of her hands around his neck. Instead, Gabe brought his hand up to her hair, grabbing it softly in order to tilt her head in an effort to deepen the kiss. It was as if he hadn’t seen her in days when in reality it had been earlier that day. The kiss probably lasted only a few minutes but it felt like an hour. He continued to devour her until Clara moaned. He pulled her closer, as if it were possible, until he began slowing down the kiss and finally pulled away, leaving her in a daze. When she opened her eyes, she found him searching her face for something. Taking a deep breath, he leaned his forehead to hers as they both tried to catch their breath. Clara’s heart was beating wildly, she wouldn’t be surprised if he could hear it. She pulled away to hug him turning her head to rest her cheek on his chest and she could hear his heart beating just as quickly. Every damn time he kissed her was intense and often it left her shaken. It was like adrenaline, flowing through her veins, both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. As she breathed, she realized there was no other place she would rather be. She finally gazed up at him. He searched her gaze with a soft grin on his mouth. They hadn’t even said anything to each other yet.

Right then and there, she made the decision. It no longer mattered. Cain or no Cain. Everything they had been through last year at school. None of it mattered. It was just them. Clara and Gabe. Ok, and maybe the others too.

Two

Gabe

Gabe nuzzled her neck and inhaled her scent. He shuddered and it wasn’t from the cold. When he and Clara first started going out, he would try to distance himself a bit before seeing her again, thinking it might lessen this intensity that existed between them. It didn’t help and at this point he didn’t want it to.

Pulling away, he pecked her on the lips and said, Let’s go inside. The others are already here. She nodded. Grabbing her bag, he threaded his fingers from his other hand through hers as they walked inside.

You have goosebumps, Clara murmured.

He grinned. Those are from you.

She shook her head while her cheeks flushed. It never took much to make her blush. You’re ridiculous.

I only speak the truth.

When they went inside, Sonia was in the kitchen getting some food with Connor and they were laughing. Clara hugged them both, as Gabe leaned in the doorway and observed her. She was so different from the uneasy girl at the beginning of the year. More relaxed. Confident. She still only hugged those in her inner circle, but he was more than fine with that. This way, he didn't have to witness her hugging many other guys.

You guys coming down now? Sonia asked.

I have to get changed really quick. I won’t be long.

I’ll take you upstairs. You can get changed in my room, Gabe answered.

Sonia waved them both off. Take your time. Hell, take advantage. We won’t tell anyone you’re here yet so… She winked. Connor laughed. Both Gabe and Clara turned to head upstairs, but then she turned around for a second looking at both her friends in the kitchen. Gabe sensed that something happened because she seemed thoughtful, so he asked.

She shook her head. Nothing. Girl stuff.

Girl stuff?

Yep, don’t worry about it. Clara responded with a huge grin on her face. That smile always did things to him. They got to his room and he closed the door.

He pulled her closer. Girl stuff, huh?

Yep.

He grinned right back. He realized he always smiled when he was with her. And you’re not going to tell me?

She shook her head and continued to smile. Damn she was beautiful. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him. Pulling away he said, Are you trying to distract me?

Let’s just say I was, would it work?

He took a few steps closer, making her back up until she was up against the door. He brought his lips extremely close, until they were literally resting on top of hers. He replied softly, Hell, yes. Then, as soon as she flicked her gaze back to his eyes, he crushed his lips to hers. He bit her bottom lip lightly and she then opened up to him. He was trying to control himself, but he felt as though he couldn’t get close enough. Clara raised her hands to thread them through his locks and he almost lost it. There was something about the way her fingers massaged the nape of his neck that drove him wild. Moving his hands to her thighs, he hoisted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. When she tugged at his hair again, he groaned before pulling his lips away. He rested his forehead to her shoulder, trying to catch his breath. Clara planted a few soft kisses on his neck and he pulled away slightly to look at her. Clara, I’m really trying to be good. Really. But you’re making it very hard. The heat between them flared.

She murmured, I appreciate you trying to be good, bringing one of her hands to caress his cheek, but maybe we could be a little bad? Her cheeks flushed. God, what she did to him. Innocent and sweet and yet, sexy as fuck. Gabe groaned, kissing her along her jaw to behind her ear. She shivered and he smiled in triumph.

He whispered, You are going to be the death of me. He lifted her away from the door, to lay her down gently on his bed and then he crawled on top of her. Her eyes were closed, so he whispered, Look at me. Those green eyes sparkled. Just for me. You unravel me, Clara. Every time I touch you. You want me to stop, I stop. She nodded, rethreading her fingers through his hair. He smiled as he realized she did that a lot and he liked it. Gabe lowered his head, wrapping one hand around her neck, and with his other hand caressed her, until he reached her outer thigh. Wrapping her leg around his waist, they kissed. He bit down on her bottom lip and then soothed it with his tongue as his hand moved under her tank top slowly pushing it up. Pulling it over her head, he took a moment to take her all in. Her hands skimmed down his chest, her eyes raking over him as she hesitantly lifted his shirt. He pulled it off and chucked it behind him. He broke out in goosebumps as her hand softly outlined his abs. Leaning down he nuzzled her neck just below her jaw, his hands wandering along her body.

Fuck. He breathed as her fingers trailed down his back. Nipping at her shoulder and peppering kisses along her bra, his hand cupped her breast, causing Clara to gasp. Gabe kept caressing and watched her before he brought his hand to the waistband of her pants. He claimed her lips again in a passionate kiss, before his hand swept between them and his finger slid inside. She broke away from the kiss with a small moan. Gabe went slowly. He didn't want to push her but he definitely didn’t want to stop either. He couldn't stop looking at her face, her cheeks flushed, her gaze full of love and trust. This girl undid him.

Gabe. She pleaded and he continued moving his fingers a bit faster, intent on getting her to come, when out of nowhere, her hand reached for the elastic of his shorts and crept inside. Fuck. Gabe took a shuddering breath, kissing a trail from her chest all the way to the special spot behind her ear. They were both panting. They locked gazes, both of them close. It didn't take long, their bodies in tune with each other. When she came, he slammed his lips to hers, muffling her whimpers. He was right behind her and pulled away, groaning. Lowering his forehead to her chest Clara held him close, her hand caressing his shoulder, the nape of his neck, his back. His heart raced, but that was no surprise.

I want this Gabe. I want you. Clara said softly. He lifted his head and looked at her. He was so tempted to lock the door and screw the party downstairs. But she deserved more.

I want you too, Clara. I just want you to be sure.

I am. I love you, she said softly.

He let out of breath and closed his eyes a moment to think. When he reopened them, he told her, Not with a house full of people. Just you and me. And nothing between us but time. Hours. Maybe days.

Clara giggled causing Gabe to smile again. He hadn’t stopped smiling since he met her. He moved a strand of hair behind her ear. It's not that he cared what they thought downstairs, hell, he wanted to mark his territory every chance he got. But he knew their first time was important. It was only theirs. It was more than just simple sex; he loved this girl. He didn't want to have sex with her and then go downstairs to a party right after. At least not her first time.

Although she said she was ready, he worried that Clara felt this need to take the next step with him because of the drama her past was creating. He needed to make sure that she wanted it for the right reasons. He wouldn't be able to handle it, if she regretted it. Plus, she deserved something special.

Gabe pulled away, taking Clara along with him. He grinned. I think we need to put some clothes on.

Do you mind if I shower really quick? I probably smell.

He inhaled her neck. You actually kind of smell like me, so I really like it, as he pressed another kiss behind her ear. I'm not sure I'll be able to sit here knowing you're showering in my bathroom, but I don't want to leave you alone either.

Well, why don't you get changed and grab us a drink?

Deal. But be quick, before I change my mind. He kissed her hard walking her towards the bathroom and smacked her playfully on the ass. Go, Clara, or we aren't going downstairs anymore.

She laughed and headed towards the bathroom. Turning her head, she said, Promises, promises. He started for her, but she jumped and closed the door, laughing. Shaking his head, he quickly changed and went downstairs to grab them a drink. Gabe nodded at Alex and Henry but went about grabbing drinks and didn't stop to chit chat before going back upstairs. When he walked in his room, Clara was just stepping out of the bathroom, in a towel. Just a towel. Looking like a wet dream standing there in his room. Gabe literally growled, as his gaze swept from her toes all the way to her face.

I forgot my clothes out here, she said quietly, like she knew he was restraining himself. Gabe didn't say anything for a few moments as his gaze perused her entire body. The towel left very little to the imagination. One look at her, in a towel and he felt off kilter. Ready to lose control. Thank goodness for the drinks that were clenched in his hands.

Please get dressed before I fucking change my mind and forget why we should wait.

She carefully took a few steps closer, taking the drinks from his hands and placing them on his desk. Putting her arms around his neck, she kissed him softly under his chin and along his jaw, before hovering over his lips. With his hands free he caressed her from her shoulders all the way down to her waist where he briefly squeezed, until they were firmly planted on her ass. Clara, he growled.

We’ll wait but it doesn't mean I can't tease you in the meantime. Clara said. She was shy, yet confident, and it was driving him crazy.

"Remember, I can tease you too. I can lay you on my bed, pull off the towel and I can just touch you. Everywhere. And then I can kiss you. Fucking everywhere. Her breath hitched, as he pulled her closer so she could feel what she did to him. His gaze heated. Just one more kiss for now, you're going to get changed, and then we go downstairs."

Yes, please. With one hand on her behind, and the other in the strands of her long hair, he slammed his lips to hers and devoured her. Both could tease. Not sure he was winning, since she matched him every swipe his tongue, with her own. After a few minutes, or maybe longer, she pulled away and opened her eyes. Every time. She whispered touching her forehead to his.

Every damn time. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his beer and turned around.

She chuckled, taking the hint. OK. I'm decent. Let me just touch up my makeup. She ran to the bathroom, leaving the door open and he held back, trying to calm down his still racing heart. He ran his hands through his hair as he tried to calm the action in his shorts. That was the effect she had on him every time. She stepped out in jean shorts showcasing her beautiful long legs and an off the shoulder top. Simple but sexy. Why the fuck were they going downstairs? He already couldn't wait to have her alone again.

Let's go. She grabbed her beer in one hand and his hand in the other, and headed downstairs. Right when they got to the stairs of the basement she said, Oh, Gabe. I forgot. I used your shower gel. Then she kissed his ear softly whispering, So now I really smell like you. She quickly turned and pranced away, but not before winking at him. Gabe groaned and shook his head. This girl was going to kill him and he couldn't wait.

Three

Clara

Two days later, Clara and the others were at the mall. She was eating a frozen yogurt with Sonia, while the boys had gone into an electronics store. So, I have to tell you something. Clara stopped eating her frozen yogurt and looked at Sonia expectantly.

When Sonia didn't speak, Clara said, OK, I'm listening. Are you trying to go for special effects or something?

Sonia laughed. No, no. I'm just... She shook her head, I wasn't going to say anything, but then, well... I don't know. He got me thinking. Just don't mention this. For now. I'm sure you'll say something later and that's fine but not now. Sonia was rambling.

OK, what is it? I won't say anything, but you're worrying me here.

Gabe came to me yesterday, Sonia looked around making sure no one was paying attention to their conversation. He asked me if I thought you wanted to, you know, take the next step because you're afraid of losing him. I told him I didn't think that at all. That it's because you just want to jump his bones since you love him and all that. But then I started thinking, Sonia grabbed Clara’s hand, That's the truth, right? I just...fuck, I am really butchering this. I just want to make sure you're OK, because you seem OK, even though we're all worried about Cain. I feel like you're handling it well and I want to make sure that's the right reason.

Clara frowned, I hate it that we're all worried wondering what Cain was doing here, but honestly, I'm fine. I'm starting to think that maybe Cain was just checking on me. Who knows?

If he was checking on you, he could have spoken to you.

Really? Think about it. I'm surrounded by six guys, one of them, kissing me. There were tons of people. He could have thought I would have called the police. I don't blame him for not speaking to me. But anyway, we're getting off topic.

Right, sorry.

Sometimes, I still worry Gabe will think that my life has too much drama, Sonia quickly tried to open her mouth, but Clara stopped her with her hand and continued, but deep down I know that isn't the case. If something were to happen between Gabe and I, it wouldn't be because of my past. I love him, Sonia. I want my first time to be with him because of that and only that. So, your answer was right. I swear.

Sonia exhaled, Good. You just want to move on from your past. I get it. I just worry about you sometimes. You hide it inside like I do.

Thanks. I know you do. We are moving on, both of us, Clara confirmed as she winked at Sonia.

Come on, I need a new sexy bathing suit for our beach trip this weekend! Sonia jumped up from her seat. Clara shook her head. Typical of Sonia to jump from one thing to another. As Clara followed after Sonia, she threw out the rest of her yogurt and replied, You're just asking for trouble.

Sonia smiled, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Clara laughed. Don't Sonia. Not with me. You're my BFF and he's my friend too. If you think I haven't noticed, you're wrong. Clara nudged her with her shoulder, Let's go. I want a new bathing suit too. We can drive them crazy together. Sonia's cheeks flushed so Clara knew that her instinct was on target and in fact, she didn't deny what Clara was insinuating at all.

Fine, let's go. Clara laughed and shook her head. It seemed like ages ago when she felt so alone and now here she was feeling so alive and carefree, even with Cain on the loose.

Clara? Just as she had that thought, Clara was brought to a complete stop before she turned around slowly to face the voice behind her. Sonia looked at her curiously but turned around too.

It is you. Clara just stared at the guy who had spoken. Jonathan. Her ex.

It's me. Clara responded and crossed her arms over her chest with a bored expression on her face.

Wow, it's so good to see you. You look... amazing. He flicked his gaze back to her eyes and shook his head. He was nervous, that much Clara could tell, and it filled her with a sense of satisfaction because she didn't feel that at