Pieces of Us
()
About this ebook
Caleb Hart can see Leo's pain. He grows concerned about Leo, knowing he must reach this tortured man, and he has an idea that might just work.
If Leo is willing to give it a try. Can Leo claw his way out of the sea of grief he's in?
Kassandra Lea
Kassandra Lea’s stories have appeared in a number of anthologies. She lives in southern Wisconsin. For more information, visit facebook.com/leakassie.
Read more from Kassandra Lea
Yesterday's Letters Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPromised Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLove Speaks Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOld Christmas Magic Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA New Pair of Steel Shoes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPieces of Us Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHorseplay Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWinter Star Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBloodstained Heart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Sinful Little Gift Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMake a Wish Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStolen Hearts Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHeart's Triumph Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Gargoyle Christmas Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Tailor Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForever Yours Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Tale of Nine Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSinfully Delicious Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBlackstone Manor Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings#DogMom Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Music Box Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCollars 'N' Cuffs: A Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Pieces of Us
Related ebooks
Pieces of Us Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForever You: You & Me Series, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReturn to Radasam Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGlassman Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPossess My Soul (#5, The Possess Saga) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDying to Live Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow To Live With An Alcoholic and Still Enjoy Your Life! Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Black Sunflower Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRoyal Heartbreaker #6: Royal Heartbreaker, #6 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Forbidden Love Collection Books 1–3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDoing Dead Man's Time Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNightmare Tales: Forever Sleep Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTessa Cavendish Is Getting Married Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Hurt and Comfort Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA String of Stories: From the Heart to the Future Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bitch Is Back Collection Two (Parts 4-6) (The Bitch Is Back British Crime Thrillers Boxset) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReunion Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hard Glass Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bronze Cast: A Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat Feels Like An Anthology? Two Book Box Set: What Does An Anthology Feel Like? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBelonging: A Hunters World Novella Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVoices Beckon, Pt. 3: The Awakening Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeeper Than Blood Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBetter Than This Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLuxe Two: A LaLa Land Addiction: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Never As It Seems Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5One Night Stand Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One Night Stand Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Fate Reborn: Fate Series #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPositive I.D.: Blind Girl's Bluff (Bookisode One) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Gay Fiction For You
Him: Him, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Cabin at the End of the World: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Coming Out: 14 Erotica Closet Gay Bundle Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Misadventures of Doc and Dirk, Volume I Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Silver in the Wood Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kiss Her Once for Me: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Us: Him, #2 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Magnolia Park: A Comic, Pornographic Novel of Erotic Obsession and Other Horrors in the Deep South Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5A Marvellous Light Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sixty Five Hours Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Reality of Us Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Pomegranate: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Priory of the Orange Tree Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Summer Sons Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Lie With Me: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5These Violent Delights: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tales of the City: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maurice Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Exquisite Corpse Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ghost Wall: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Young Mungo Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Going Home Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Faggots Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5White Trash Warlock Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Jonny Appleseed Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Persian Boy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ghost Town Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5When Women Were Warriors Book I: The Warrior's Path Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Just by Looking at Him: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5City of Night Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Pieces of Us
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Pieces of Us - Kassandra Lea
10
Chapter 1
Leo Shelton stood before the table, eyeing the provided snacks and beverages, feeling a desire to nibble on something more out of nerves than hunger. In the end, he selected a bottle of chilled water and two chocolate chip cookies, which he wrapped in a napkin. With a quick glance around the room to make sure no one was watching him, Leo ducked out into the hallway, escaping the hushed conversations. He located a bench and sat down, the cookies in his lap. He picked one up, breaking off a piece and shoving it in his mouth. His gaze went unfocused, the world blurring.
Why do I keep coming here? Every time I tell myself it’ll be different, but does anything really change? They talk, I listen, then I walk out still a coward too afraid to share my grief. Who wants to relive tragedy? Do they sit there and judge me, wondering why I keep showing up?
The support group had been a recommendation from his doctor, a way of telling him he needed to talk about the incident. Confront the issue; those were the words the doc chose.
I confront the so-called issue every time I muster up the courage to leave my apartment. Why doesn’t he see that? Why don’t any of them? The world is a horrifying scary place and I would much rather stay locked in the safety of my house. But is that any way to live?
Leo sighed, polishing off the first cookie. Apparently, he had more of an appetite than he thought. He began to pick at the second one, flinching when he heard the door open.
Please just be going to the bathroom or leaving. Please leave me alone.
Alas, it was not to be, someone approaching from his left. May I sit here?
Leo shrugged. It wasn’t like he owned the bench.
The person settled beside him. For a few minutes, they sat in complete silence, Leo crumbling his second cookie more than actually eating it. He balled up the remains in the napkin, clutching the tiny package in his fist. He licked his lips, wanting to pluck the bottle from the floor and take a drink. But already his heart was hammering at the close proximity of the other man. He was beginning to feel cornered and all the while, he understood that his anxiety was getting the best of him. Again. Tears born of frustration burned the backs of his eyes.
He needed to get a grip.
You know you’re safe here with me, right?
the man spoke softly, encouragingly.
Leo glanced sideways at him, realizing it was the man who led the group, Caleb Hart.
Why is he out here? Is he going to try forcing me to talk about…about…
A lump formed in his throat. Leo began to feel like he was choking.
Just breathe,
Caleb soothed. In and out, close your eyes and just listen to your breathing.
Leo followed his instructions, having suffered from more panic attacks than he cared to admit. Thankfully, he always managed to keep the worst of them private, falling to pieces in the quiet safety of his apartment. Eyes shut, Leo took a deep, lung filling breath and let it out slowly. He repeated the process once, twice, a third time, feeling his chest tighten like someone had him in a bear hug.
Hey, I’m right here. It’s okay. Nobody is going to hurt you,
assured Caleb.
A hand took his and Leo flinched, nearly yanking his hand free. Human contact, oh, how he missed it, and yet…The tears that threatened to fall finally sprung free, spilling past his eyelids and racing down his