Professor Cline Revealed (The Professor #1) (22 page)

Mason

“Fuck!” I punched the wall with my good hand and hissed as it went through the drywall.

I wasn’t fucking thinking, and I’d completely forgotten she was still in the fucking house. I’d given myself to her that night, something I’d never done, and then I’d woken up from a dream crazed and delirious, not knowing how the fuck I’d gotten there.

Fuck.

I let her see me. All of me. My years of self-destruction, and the first thing she’d thought to say was I needed to go to the hospital.

I laughed.

I looked down at my hand that was still balled into a fist. Skin was hanging off the knuckles, but it looked worse than it actually was. My hip was another story. I’d definitely need stitches, but there was no way I was going to the hospital.

Walking down to my office as slowly as I could, I picked up my cell and dialed the only person I knew could help me.

“Hello,” he answered groggily.

“Luke. I need your help.” The words took a moment to come out. It was rare that I asked anyone for help; I wasn’t that kind of guy. Asking for help made you seem weak and I wasn’t, but there were times I had to give in. I looked down at my hip at the chunk of skin hanging open. It was definitely time to give in.

“What happened?” Luke asked, sounding more awake.

I didn’t answer. “Bring your kit and make it quick.”

I hung up the phone, walked to the sitting area across the foyer and sat down on the sofa. Blood was getting everywhere, but I didn’t care. I could have it all fucking replaced. The pain shooting up from my hip was excruciating, but I just gritted my teeth and dealt with it. I deserved everything I could give myself.

Luke would show up and fix my hip. He’d done it before. He was a partier, but with all his partying he’d still gone to school to be a doctor. He never finished, but he still knew what he was doing and he was the only person who knew about the cutting. He was the only one I trusted. He was like a brother to me. He’d asked me on several occasions why I did it, but I never gave him an answer. How could you answer something you yourself don’t understand? How would I explain to someone the relief I felt at the pain I caused myself was like a high? He’d want me to be examined by a shrink, and maybe he’d be right. Maybe I needed to be examined. Maybe I needed to be sent to a padded room. Maybe then I wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone else.

I needed to find a way to shut the Black Widow down. He ruined my whole life, him and John. I couldn’t keep living the way I was, and they needed to pay for everything they’d put me through. I still blamed myself for my mother’s death, but John was the reason she was going to leave that day. She found out what he was involved in and he would have had her quieted, more than likely killed. But Sophia? That was all a mind-fuck. He fucked up any chance I had at a normal life. He ruined any chance I’d ever have at a normal relationship. My feelings for Emma were doomed from the start.

I rested my head back on the couch, my body feeling completely drained. All the adrenaline was leaving my body and sleep was trying to take over. I closed my eyes and pictured Emma’s face. I’d never forget the look on her face when our eyes locked in the bathroom. She’d looked at me with sympathy, and I hated that fucking look. I hated it even more coming from her. I didn’t want or need it. It pissed me the fuck off, and I’d yelled for her to leave.

I put fear into her and although that wasn’t what I’d necessarily wanted, it was for the best. She would be better off not knowing me. She’d be safer forgetting me. I couldn’t let anything happen to her. I
wouldn’t
let anything happen to her.

I looked down at my hip, the blood running onto the couch. So many scars marked my skin, but my need would never go away. I was bound to ruin anything in my wake, and it was the number one reason why I never let anyone get close. I was poison. I’d done enough damage in my life; I didn’t want to destroy her.

There was no saving me, but I could save her.

Donicko planted that idea in my head for a reason. He wanted me to react and he was getting his wish, but this time I was older. I wasn’t going to be a puppet.

I would find a way to bring those fuckers down. I knew it would be hard and I knew I’d have to be careful. Donicko was not a man many people fucked with. He had high-society leaders and officials wrapped around his finger. He was the leader of their group, or that was what I’d gathered over the years. He’d used money and favors to get the kind of lenience he had. Everything had a price, and I’d have to figure out how to get to the heart of the organization. It wouldn’t be easy, but I could do it; I just had to think like John. I was his son, after all.

The apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

Stay tuned for Book 2 in The Professor Series

About the Author

J.M. La Rocca was born in Chicago, IL. At an early age, her family relocated to lower Alabama where she began her love for writing. She currently resides in Pensacola, FL with her husband and twin sons. As a stay at home mom, La Rocca was able to pursue her love for writing. It was always an unrealized dream to write her own books. With the love and support from her husband Tony, family, and friends, she set forth and fulfilled that dream.

Aside from writing she also loves to read, listen to music, drink wine, indulge on chocolate, chase her little ones around, and spend time with her family and friends.

Where you can find me:

Website:
http://www.jmlaroccabooks.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/jmlarocca1

Twitter: @jmlarocca1

Instagram: jenniferlarocca

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056502.J_M_LaRocca

Go like my Amazon page to get notified whenever I release a book.

http://www.amazon.com/J.M.-La-Rocca/e/B00DUDKCGG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Other works by J.M. La Rocca

Lifeless Series

Lifeless

My Beautiful

Drifting into Darkness

Drifting into Light ( coming 2015)

Acknowledgments

Writing this book took a lot of time. Every time I stopped I had to take my time to get back into Mason’s head. He wasn’t an easy character to write and still isn’t. He’s complicated and demanding, but he has so much to say, and I love him.

During my writing process I have a few people that I talk to constantly, people who push me to get words in or help me with my creativity. Emmy Montes and Jessica Prince have been my writing partners for over a year. I love them dearly. It’s rare that we go a day without at least saying ‘get to work’ or ‘who’s writing today’. They pushed me and encouraged me and in doing so they have made me a better writer. Emmy was actually the first person I told about my idea for this book and we talked for a few hours about where the storyline would go. She helped me so much and I couldn’t appreciate her more.

Then, there is my agent Kimberly Brower, who rocked at editing when I finally finished. I’m honestly still in shock that I have an agent and I’m so honored to have her as a new friend and partner. Professor Cline wouldn’t be what it is today without her feedback.

Tonya Nichols, my new friend and cheerleader, you seriously rock my socks off. You’ve helped me so much along the way and I know I’ve told you many times before, but I appreciate everything you do for me. I’m glad that Kellie Montgomery suggested you into my street team. Hehe

Street team, all of you ladies are amazing. Thank you so very much for spreading the word about my work. Without you, readers wouldn’t know about my work.

Finally, to my husband and kids. Thank you so much for understanding how hard I work. There are some days I’m a complete train wreck, but you love me anyway.