Running From Love

By Yvonne Bennett

Amina Jefferies is a wounded woman, having been raped at the tender age of 19 after a night out with people she thought were here friends. Now a mother of a 6-year-old she did not ask for, Amina is still coming to terms with what happened to her. Sex, money, and control are her only escape mechanisms- playing any fool that dared to give her any of the three.

Enter Ryu Harrison, a man with his own past and heartbreak, that would do anything to make Amina realize his feelings for her. He'd do anything to make her see that she didn't have to run from love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: After Hours Publications
• Release date: May 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227053466

Yvonne Bennett

Yvonne Bennett is a former nurse who co-founded Mummies Republic, a support group for mothers in the Bermondsey area of South London.

Book preview

RUNNING FROM LOVE

Table of Contents

Title Page

Running From Love

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

EPILOGUE

A Novel By,

YVONNE BENNETT

©2021 Published by After Hours Publications, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage without express permission by the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Contains explicit language & adult themes suitable for ages 17+

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CHAPTER ONE

Six years ago.....

'Cheap Thrills' by Sia pumped through the house full of teens, drunken bodies pushing and shuffling to the beat. 19-year-old Amina Jeffries shouldered through the thick crowd of kids, finding a suitable place to plant herself. She noticed a bookshelf and hurriedly posted herself against it with a sigh. Gripping her cup of juice in frustration, she huffed once more. She couldn't believe her best friend Traci Knowles had brought her to the stupid party then ditched her as soon as they hit the door. Amina had been looking for her friend for the last 20 minutes to no avail, so she decided to get a drink and sit in place until she spotted her ghost of a friend. She wished she could call her mother, Carol, but Amina knew if she did, there would be hell to pay.

Her mother was extremely religious and didn't like Amina attending parties and other social events that weren't church-related. Yes, she was practically an adult herself, but since her mother was paying her community college tuition and housing her, the least she could do was respect her wishes.

Well... not all her wishes.

She exhaled yet again as she gazed upon the drunk teens hooting and hollering as a wannabes frat boy took a keg to the head. Amina scoffed at his stupidity. Hello, liver failure at 30.

Hey, Mina! Amina cringed a little as she heard her name called over the music.

Peering to the left, she observed Timothy Vance easing toward her. Amina groaned inwardly. This was the last thing she needed- unwanted attention, especially from Tim. Amina and Tim were both communications majors, so they often ran in the same field, including attending the same classes. Plus, Amina had noted Tim seemed to have a slight crush on her. And it was also noticed that Tim couldn't take no for an answer.

Hey, I didn't know you were going to be here. Thought you said you were going to get busy on telecommunications paper for next week? Tim lifted a surprised brow as he neared her.

Uh, it was a last-minute thing. Traci called and told me about it, ya know. Amina shrugged in disinterest, hoping he got the message.

She did not want to be bothered.

Amina just wanted to seclude herself in her tiny corner until she found Traci, and once she did, they were out. Amina was border than a wood plank. She had attended numerous parties since she was old enough to sneak out, but this one was a bust, especially considering she didn't want to be here in the first place. She just came because Traci didn't want to pull up alone. Amina fought the eye roll that was weighing one of her eyelids.

If I would have known you were coming, we all could have ridden together. My dad just got me the new 2016 Dodge Ram, and its rides smooth as fuck. He wanted me to trade in my Jeep, but I wasn't going for it; now I have my choice of two cars, and the old guy is pissed. Said the Jeep and ram are taking up all the garage space for his Lincoln. Tim grinned, showing off his pearly whites.

If Tim weren't such a conceited jerk off, Amina wouldn't mind returning his attention but his attitude toward material things- not to mention the way he talked about said things- turned her off.

Big time!

She got it.

He was the son of a district attorney, and his family didn't mind showing off their funds with swanky cars and multiple houses. Some other girl might have jumped at the opportunity to couple up with Tim simply because of what he had, but Amina wasn't interested. All that gaudiness and money did nothing for her. He was tall and built from his years on his high school football team. He had ocean blue eyes and bright yellow hair that reminded Amina of dry hay. With a little conditioner, oil, moisturizer, and a few lessons on capitalism, he'd be perfect.

But alas...

Mmm, yea, but like I said, it was a last-minute thing. I honestly don't want to be here, I came for Traci, but since she's disappeared into thin air, I don't know what to do with myself. I'm thinking about calling my mom to pick me up. Amina averted her focus back on the dancing teens before her.

Ya know if you want to jet out, I can take you home, Mina. I don't mind. Tim grinned. A weird sensation rocked her body, and Amina swallowed her nerves.

Nah, I think I'm just going to wait around for Traci, but thanks, Tim. Amina threw him a tight smile before placing her red solo cup to her lips and taking a sip of her drink.

Tim's lips drew tight, and he nodded stiffly. Clearing his throat, he focused on her cup. Might wanna go easier there, slugger. Mark doesn't fuck off when it comes to the punch bowl. Tim chuckled, gaining Amina's attention once more.

I think I'll be fine taking this to the head; it's coke. Thanks for the concern. Amina jerked a brow.

Silence fell between the two as Adele's Rolling In The Deep vibrated around the filled house.

Uh, Amina, Tim started, causing Amina to suppress a groan.

Hmm? She kept her eyes on the wall ahead of her. I've been meaning to ask, do you, um, have a boyfriend? I see you around campus by yourself, but, ya know, you could be seeing someone off-campus, so I wanted to ask. Tim rambled off quickly.

Amina bit the inside of her bottom lip at his inquiry. I, uh, don't, and I'm not looking either. Don't mean to sound mean, she feigned sympathy, even though on the inside it gave her great pleasure to finally tell Tim to his face she wasn't interested.

Oh... Tim nodded.

But I asked Traci a few days ago, and she said you and Mark are close. Are you two seeing each other? Is that why you showed up tonight? Amina almost choked on her coke at his line of questioning.

Who the hell did he think he was!?

Excuse me? First of all, you have no right to question me, Tim. I don't care what Traci told you; Mark and I are just study buddies, not that it even needs to be explained. It's plain to see you got to Mark's punch bowl as soon as you got here because you must be drunk as hell talking to me like this. Amina scrunched her face up then rolled her eyes.

Pivoting away from Tim, she walked off and into the crowd. Elbowing through the throng of people, she made her way out of the crowd and near the kitchen, where she saw her friend. Traci was in the kitchen, surrounded by other kids as she took shot after shot, the observers cheering her on. Shuffling into the kitchen, Amina fought densely packed bodies to get to her inebriated pal.

Traci! She cupped her mouth.

Traci spun around at the sound of her name, her long weave brushing Amina in the face. Swatting the hair away, Amina gave her friend a boring look.

I can't believe you dragged me out of my fucking house for this shit! I have a paper to start on before the weekend, and you brought me here for this bullshit, Traci!? Not to mention, ditching me!? And what's with that shit you told Tim!?! Amina fumed.

Alright, chill out, home skillet, and relax. Do you even hear yourself, Amina? You said a paper due next week, not the first thing in the morning. Here, have a few drinks and unwind. And c'mon, you act like you don't see how crazy Tim is about you. I just gave him a little...push in your direction. Traci turned and lifted one of the shit glasses, pushing it toward Amina.

A push!?! Traci, I don't like him like that. He's a rich jackass that thinks money can buy pussy. No! I'm not drinking tonight; I have shit to do in the morning and don't feel like hearing my mom's mouth. Amina grabbed Traci's wrists, causing some of the alcohol to spill onto her white tank top.

Oh, c'mon, Mina! One-shot won't freaking kill you. Plus, I think you need it. I take it you spoke to Tim? You're tighter than your mother during Sunday service. Traci jokes, laughing loudly.

Amina closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying her best not to cackle. A snicker passed her lips, and it wasn't before long that the girls were laughing outrageously. You gon' stop talking about my momma, Traci. Amina giggled into her fist.

Here, just have one drink. For me, Traci inched the glass toward Amina yet again.

Amina peered at the glass in thought. She had to do church outreach with her mother in the morning, and that was going to be an all-day thing.

One drink tonight wouldn't hurt...

Fine. Just one, Amina emphasized as she took the drink.

She threw it back, grimacing as the alcohol torched the back of her throat. It seemed that once that shot was done for, another ended up in her hand. And another. And another. By the time Amina realized she was blitzed, she was helped onto a couch in the crowded living room by a fellow party-goer. Her head spun, and her eyes swam. Amina, trying her best to get her bearings. Failing, she decided to lay back on the couch and rest for a second, hoping her tipsy brain sobered up soon.

Laying a hand over her face, Amina shut her eyes and let the rowdy sounds of teens and music soothe her.

Amina? Are you okay? She peeked from under her hand and saw Tim peering down at her in concern.

Yea, I-... I'm-, Amina began, but her esophagus stopped her.

She shot up, clamping her mouth shut and willing her throat to stop jumping. Hey, the bathroom is upstairs if you have to throw up. C'mon, I'll take you. Tim offered, causing Amina to quickly nod.

Standing, she followed Tim out of the living room and to the hall where the stairs lay. Ascending in a hurry, Tim led her to the bathroom, and Amina rushed in. She threw the toilet cover up and quickly bent, vomit spewing from her mouth like a water hose. Unbeknownst to Amina, Tim shut and locked the door.

You okay? I guess you didn't need my punch bowl warning, Tim teased.

Placing her hands on her knees, Amina gazed up at him with strained, watery eyes and huffed.

Mmm, too many shots with Traci. But I'll be okay; I just need.... I just need a minute. Amina took a deep breath before spitting into the toilet.

She plopped down on the tile before the toilet and put her head against the rim.

You want me to wait with you? I don't mind, Tim raised a brow. No, I... I can handle myself, Tim. Amina waved him off.

Tim clenched his jaw at her actions.

I don't mind, Amina. I... I'd hate for something to happen to you while you're like this. He took a step toward her, but his hand lingered on the light switch.

Tim, please! I'm good; I just need a minute. Lock the door when you leave out, okay? I'll be straight. Amina huffed as her head spun.

Tim bit his tongue long and hard, quelling his anger. Without warning, he hit the light switch, and the bathroom was shrouded in darkness. Amina instantly straightened, her eyes going wide. You know, Amina, I've never had to grovel this hard for a bitch, Tim's voice echoed in the gloomy, cold bathroom.

But I did it because, I mean, look at you. You're fucking sexy. I like you, but for whatever reason, it's like you can't stand my guts. Why? It's not like I'm some hit bum, Amina. I have the money! I have looked! I can give you whatever you want! What's the fucking problem? Tim ranted in the darkness.

Tim, listen... Amina tried to reason, but her drunkenness halted her words.

Shut the fuck up, bitch! I've been pinning for your attention for two whole semesters only for you to give me your ass to kiss. Well, you know what, Amina? I'm sick of it... Tim went deathly silent, causing an icy fear to run down Amina's back.

Calvin Harris 'This Is What You Came For'' began thumping through the house as a slap landed against Amina's cheek.

Stop! Help! She yelled out as another slap hit her face.

As she struggled against Tim and the darkness, her white tank was ripped. Tim, stop it! She hollered, fat tears building in her eyes.

Amina was completely sober now. Her heart was pounding in her ears, and her stomach was twisted within itself. This couldn't be happening. Shut the fuck up, slut! He repeated, this time punching her. Tim yanked her bra down the middle, freeing her bare chest.

Stop! Someone help me! Amina scratched and clawed at him, but her efforts were useless.

He was too strong...

I swear to fucking God Amina, if you don't shut the fuck up, you won't live through this. And you know I'll get away with it, too. This entire district knows who my family is; it'll be nothing for me to get off with a slap of the wrist. No one would ever believe someone like you. Tim gritted nastily. Amina's dreams turned to sobs, Tim proceeding to tear her clothing from her body.

PRESENT-DAY...

25-year-old Amina wrestled within her damp sheets, her face covered in sweat. Her eyes shot open, and she gasped. Her chest rose and fell haphazardly, her breathing erratic. She peered around her bedroom and placed a shaky hand on her hot breast. It was a dream.

It was just a dream...

She wasn't in Mark Denton's filthy bathroom being raped; she was home.

In her bedroom...

Amina sucked her teeth then took a deep comforting breath before bursting into tears. Running a hand down her face, she huffed in frustration and anger. She threw her bedsheets back and placed her legs over the edge of the bed. Sliding out, she slipped on her slippers and made her way toward her locked bedroom door. Undoing the lock, she yanked the door open and journeyed down the hall to the bathroom. Leaving the door wide open, she peed and washed her hands before brushing her teeth and cleaning her face. Once she was done, Amina ventured down the opposite end of the hall, emerging into the living area.

The sounds of Spongebob Squarepants filled the living area, causing Amina to look over at her five-year-old son, Dixon. His hazel eyes were planted on the television screen with his little hands folded in his lap. As if sensing her, Dixon peered over and gazed at his mother.

Morning' kid, she greeted with lackluster. Without a word, Dixon turned his attention back toward the TV.

With a roll of her eyes, Amina pivoted and made her way to the kitchen. Stepping in, she noticed her mother dressed and ready for the day. Carol was making breakfast with her phone to her ear.

Yea, sure thing. I'll get it done as soon as I get in the office, Jared. Amina overheard as she took a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island.

Carol spun around, jumping a little when she saw Amina.

Hey, Jared, we'll finish this talk at the office. Yea, uh-huh, okay. Bye. Carol hung up with a sigh.

Placing her attention on Amina, she took in her daughter's tired face. Good morning. She greeted me with a concerned look.

Hey, Amina inhaled.

I, um... I heard you earlier. You okay, sweetheart? Carol started with a frown. Yea, Ma. Why wouldn't I be? Amina fought the urge to roll her eyes.

Her nightmares were still frequent after six years. No matter how many therapists she saw, sleeping pills she took, alcohol she drank, they still came.

I, um, Carol cleared her throat, the hazelnut-colored skin around her mouth tightening.

I went up to check on you, but you had your door locked. Dixon even went up to see if you were okay. She stretched her hand across the island, and Amina quickly jerked back.

Ma, please. She waved and shut her eyes tightly. I don't feel like doing this morning. Amina scrunched up her face.

Do what, Amina? Talk about how concerned we were hearing you screaming your lungs out but not being able to get to you? Carol gave her daughter a pointed expression.

Amina put her head down on the cold island top, willing herself not to go off. Taking a breath, she lifted her head. I had to work a 200 person ceremony at the Performing Arts Center last night. My feet and back are killing me, not to mention the massive headache that's been building since I woke up. All I want to do is get some breakfast and some coffee and watch a little TV before my shift tonight. Please, Amina tilted her head to the side in an annoyed manner.

Carol peered at her for seconds before letting out a frustrated huff. Whirling around, she grabbed a clean plate and began fixing Amina's breakfast.

So how was it? What was it for? Her mother began questioning as she turned with the plated food in her hands.

Some award ceremony for the execs down at the aquarium. The ceremony portion ended quickly, but the party seemed to last forever. It was like those poor bastards didn't want to go home. Amina accepted the plate with an eye roll.

Carol lifted a brow, causing Amina to clear her throat. My bad, she apologized around her scrambled eggs. They drank our whole supply Pinot and Merlot, and we're still asking for wine as the night winded down. Never had to run back and forth to the freeze as much as I did last night. My feet are killing me. Amina stabbed her sausage patty as she continued.

Mmm, I waited up for you last night, but once 1:30 hit and you were still a no show, I packed it up and went on to the bed. What time did you get in? Carol asked as she grabbed a glass and marched over to the fridge.

Around 2:30ish. Had to stay and clean and break everything down, ya know, the usual. Then afterward, I smoked one with a co-worker before going to see-, Amina stopped herself, making her mother peek over her shoulder as she shut the fridge.

Before going to see? Carol gauged, rounding the island and sitting a glass of orange juice by her daughter.

A friend, ma. Just a friend. Amina shrugged as she reached for her cup of OJ.

Oh, one of your internet dating site friends? Carol leaned against the semi-warm stove, eyes locked on Amina.

It's not a dating site, mom. I've already told you, it's a site for adults that want to do adult things. Amina relayed nonchalantly.

Carol bit her tongue, willing herself to keep from saying what she wanted.

Carol Jefferies thought of herself to be a Christian, but after Amina's... incident six years ago, her spirituality was being tested. Amina was a grown woman, she could do as she pleased, but that didn't stop Carol from caring or being afraid of her child's safety. It took a very, very long time for them to be able to sit like this and chat, even if things were still strained presently. Carol didn't want Amina getting hurt again.

Not in...that way.

But with Amina frequenting sites like AdultFriendFinder and Fling, Carol could do nothing but worry.

It's...it's still not okay, Mina. Carol sighed dejectedly.

Don't call me that! Amina's back stiffened, and her eyes narrowed.

Carol halted the breath she was about to take, focused on her daughter. It's still not right, Amina. Who knows what one of these strange men can do to you of one of those sites. Plus, how can you know you're talking to the actual person. Amina, girls have di-, Carol started to explain, but Amina halted her.

Ma, please, I don't want to hear that stuff. I'm fine, and I know how to handle these desperate saps. They're complete pushovers. Amina advised as she placed her attention on her phone, Facebook memes and posts staring back at her.

Unlike Carol, Amina wasn't worried about the men she met from adult dating sites. She knew how to play their games, and she played them well. A lot of men that frequented adult dating sites were either rich, old men looking for a pretty young thing or desperate freaks that couldn't get a lay even if they paid for one. Amina always kept her sights on the old wealthy bags of bones because they were the ones that weren't afraid to pay to play, unlike their youthful yet hopeless counterparts. When she first started on adult dating sites two years ago, she, unfortunately, kept meeting up with fuck boys and men that acted as she owed them sex.

It was triggering to Amina.

It took her back to that day...

But once she realized she had the power over who and what she did, everything changed. Everything was her choice, her consent. What man, the place, how, and when. She held the power and control. As soon as she matched with a man and he wasn't willing to take her out before they did the deed, BLOCKED. When they started throwing out certain demands such as extra pics or getting a number early,