Speed of My Heart Read Online Free Page B

around. When Marcus got in one of his moods, he acted out of character. But, he was always horrified and apologetic later.
    Marcus was known for his temper and, as far as anyone knew, the only place he took it out on was the football field. Most of the time, he was sweet and thoughtful: opening doors, pulling out chairs and leaving me little "just because" gifts. Every now and then I would do something to really tick him off, and he would lose his cool. The only problem was, that lately, it had been happening more and more often —for the most random of reasons. Today had been one of those times.
     
    I shook the memory away and tried to keep the shocked look off of my face. It was deja vu all over again. But, I had broken Marcus' hold over me long ago and I wasn't about to fall back into our old ways.
    I gave him a tight smile. I had discovered a lot about myself after our rocky relationship had ended. The most important —that I wasn't to blame or responsible for Marcus' moods or behavior. It had been a big revelation, and one that came only after a years worth of weekly visits to the school counselor. Marcus didn't intimidate me anymore, but it had been so nice not having to worry about running into him around town during the past year. Oh, why couldn't he have stayed in Ohio?
    I put my game face on. "Marcus. What are you doing here?" I asked, making an extra effort to keep my voice calm and controlled. I wanted him to know I wasn't the same frightened and easily bullied girl anymore.
    His face was all friendliness and warmth. This friendly, warm side of Marcus was the side that most people knew: the one that I had been initially drawn to. But I knew better than anyone how fast it could turn into a mask of fury and rage.
    Marcus gave me a cocky half grin and held his arms out as if he expected me to run into them, full of excitement at seeing him returned. I eyed him disdainfully. "What? No hug?" he scoffed playfully. "No, 'welcome back Marcus'?" He placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "That hurts, Mara."
    I narrowed my eyes at him. "Excuse me, if I'm not overjoyed you're back. I think it would be a great idea if you just stayed away from me."
    His face contorted into such a stricken look of pain that, if my heart hadn't been hardened to him, I would have been instantly repentant. I could see so clearly how I used to get sucked into his crap. He was so great at turning things around; making you think you had somehow been the injuring party.
    "Mara," he pleaded. "Just give me another chance. I'm sorry I've hurt you, but you're all I've thought about for the past year. I can make it up to you; prove that I really am a good guy."
    I was pleased that his words had little effect on me. I felt not one iota of weakness where he was concerned. It was empowering, actually.
    "Sorry Marcus, but anything you and I had is long gone." My voice was strong, dismissive, and impressed even me. "I've moved on with my life and so should you."
    I turned away from him, shutting the trunk of my car and moving towards the driver’s side of my car. When I felt his hand wrap around my upper arm, I froze. The familiar fear seized me for a split second before being completely snuffed out by my boiling anger. The look of surprise on his face was almost comical when I snatched my arm from his grip, shoving him hard, and climbing into my car. I started my Honda and cracked the window, looking up at Marcus' shocked face. "Stay the hell away from me, Marcus," I said icily.
     I jerked my car in reverse and sped away, keeping my eyes trained on the road ahead. I made sure not to look back in my rearview mirror. With Marcus, there was going to be absolutely no looking back.

    That was one chapter of my life I didn't plan on revisiting — ever. CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5
     
    "Oh my God, Mara!" Sadie screeched. "That asshole cornered you in a parking lot? Wait until Jack hears about this. He's going to beat Marcus' ass."
    We were sitting on my front