The Missing One (Lost Series Book 2) by Liz Lovelock

a smile, no matter how little, can do to change the appearance of someone. “I’m drawn to you. I’ve seen you sitting right here in this very same spot with so much sadness in your eyes. You may not have noticed, but I’d walked past you many times, only you looked lost in thought.” His words warmed my heart. He continued, “I desperately wanted to talk to you, to get to know you, and to care for you. Seeing those marks on your beautiful skin makes me so angry, and finally seeing the face for the reason behind those marks just made me more determined to get you away from him. He doesn’t love you, you’re just another punching bag for him. I won’t stand by anymore and allow him to do this to you.”
    “Blake…” I say as barely a whisper. Knowing he’d been watching me and wanted to care for me the way a true lover should gave me a newfound look on life. I still had no idea how I would get out of tonight’s thing.
    “Leave it all with me and I’ll help you through this. Just try, and I mean really try, to stay away.”
    With those words I already knew I had no hope of keeping my distance. He had ways of getting what he wanted. I’d only make it worse for myself if I didn’t go. So I gave Blake an answer he needed to hear. “I can try, but I won’t promise anything.”
    He nodded in acceptance.
    Standing there, I took in his appearance. He was in his police uniform with his belt holding his gun and a batten. He also had a radio attached to the shoulder of his uniform. He looked drop-dead , make-your-stomach-flop gorgeous. His shirt was slightly taut and he had the most delicious defined arms. The sight made me weak at the knees, literally. I’m sure my mouth was hanging open, catching the flies. He cleared his throat, catching my attention.
    Yep, totally busted!
    “Sorry,” I sheepishly said. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks with embarrassment.
    “Don't apologise, glad I could be a distraction.” He grinned giving me a wink, which set my chest racing.
    “I should get back to work.” Realising that I’ve been away far longer than I should’ve been, I knew the girls would be getting worried. They’d already given me sideway glances and the whispering amongst them was evident to me. It crushed me every time they don’t even ask how I am; they just walk on eggshells around me. I don’t know if I have given off that ‘Don’t ask me questions’ vibe. Jess, who’s been my friend since I arrived in America, still talks to me, but avoids the boy situation. I don’t think it helps that I changed the subject each time she had brought it up.
    “All right. Abby, please try and stay away from him as much as possible.”
    I nod, knowing that unfortunately I can’t do as he says.
    “When can I see you again?” He took me by surprise by his question. I honestly don’t know what he sees in me. Does he think of me as a charity case? Someone to help make him feel better about himself? As I pondered on those last thoughts, deep down in the pit of my stomach, I knew he did genuinely care.
    “Umm… I don’t know. My boyfriend goes away a fair bit, so I’ll let you know when I know.” Feeling guilty was my primary emotion these days. I honestly didn’t know why I should be the one feeling guilty. I didn’t bash me, I didn’t bruise me. Jacob made me feel as though no one else in this world could love me, but this man standing in front of me seemed to hold feelings for me. Feelings I’d like to explore, boyfriend or not.
    “Okay, please message me. I look forward to seeing you again, and hopefully not freaking you into running away.” He took my face gently in his hands, his eyes piercing into mine. Everything around me faded away as if it was only us in the park. He leant in, pressed his lips to mine. My lips parted slightly, and he used that as an invitation. His tongue began to explore my mouth and mine his. Goosebumps covered my entire body, even raised on my scalp through my hair. My