Mean Girls Luv Books: Spotlight: Burn by Brooke Cumberland

Just when Velaney thinks she is safe again…her worst nightmare comes back to haunt her. Eric is dealing with his own insecurities as he tries to accept Velaney’s decision to help the enemy…can he get past it? Will they be there for each other in the end? He struggles to step aside and trust Velaney...but will his past keep him from doing so? Can he let go in order to move forward? Velaney and Eric had their fair share of ups and downs in SPARK…they love was undeniable and intense. Just when you think they could get their happily ever after…pasts collide and merge together…will they fight for what they want? Or will their love crash and burn?

Running had become my crutch, my therapy, for dealing with the life I was handed. It was always my emotional outlet, but maybe it wasn’t enough. What if it would never be enough?

Eric lets go of me as he fiddles with his keys. Just as he turns to unlock the door, two large arms wrap around me and grip me tight against their chest. I fight against it, waiting for Eric to come to my rescue. After all, that was basically the evidence of our relationship.

“Eric!” I squeal as I’m shocked to see him standing there as I am being assaulted.

“Use what you know!” he shouts back, not giving any assistance.

What the hell? Why isn’t he moving?

Anger rises through me as I allow pain and hurt to feed my actions. As I elbow jab him in the gut, I quickly spin around and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him into me as I knee him in the groin. He was hurt enough to where I could run away, but something inside me—something that has needed to come out for a long time—fuels the power to keep going at him.

I kick him in the gut as he goes down on the asphalt. I hear him groan as he clenches his stomach tighter. I lower to my knees and give him a good ole nose jab. He yells out, now holding his nose. I watch as blood streaks down his face and onto his hands.

But it’s not good enough. I punch him once more in the chest for good measure, giving him what he deserves. I feel…uplifted, fearless, and powerful. For once, I’m giving him what he deserves—what he’s done to me emotionally for years.

“Velaney! Good god, what are you doin’? Stop!” Eric is screaming at me. His screams finally break through to me as I watch over the man lying in front of me. Eric pulls me up and shakes me, but my eyes are glossed over. I freeze as I realize that I just imagined beating the crap out of Aiden…using that man as a human punching bag.

“Dude, what the fuck?” I hear the other guy moaning as he crawls his way over. Eric releases one hand from me as he reaches for him, pulling him to his feet.

“Chad, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she’d react this way.”

“Damn, she has a fighter’s stance when she’s not expecting it.” I can hear the amusement in his tone as if he’s both surprised and proud.

I hear them exchange a few more words, but I feel so light-headed, I don’t make out what they’re saying. I don’t know what just happened to me—why I had an out-of-body experience. That’s what it was, right? What else would it be?

“What the hell was that?” I finally yell as I come back to my senses. “You scared the living crap out of me.”

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction when you weren’t expecting it,” Chad replies softly. I push past him and climb into Eric’s truck.

I watch as Eric pats Chad on the shoulder before he swings the driver’s side door open and gets in. I’m infuriated, yet euphoric at the same time. I’m impressed, yet scared of the way I reacted. Perhaps it was all the built up rage of seeing Aiden…even if I only imagined him being there.

“I’m sorry,” Eric mumbles as he inserts the truck key. He lets it idol as he looks down.

“I don’t know what came over me.”

“It was your instincts kicking in, it’s okay.”

“I imagined it was Aiden. I…I just imploded on Chad.”

His face softens as he reaches for my hand. I meet him half way and link my fingers with his. We don’t speak. We just sit in silence.

**Songs that relate to Eric & Velaney’s journey or songs that were involved in creating their story.**

“Dancing in the Sky” by Dani & Lizzy (For Ethan, Megan, & Baby Reilley #1)

“Wake Me Up” by Avicii

“Stars” by Grace Potter

“Marry Me” by Train

“God Gave Me You” by Dave Barnes/Blake Shelton

“What Can I Do (But Love You)” by Joy Williams

“I Could Not Ask For More” by Sara Evans

“Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland

“Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts

“Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts

“Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood

“Roar” by Katy Perry

“Hurt” by Christina Aguilera

“I Bruise Easily” by Natasha Bedingfield

“Soldier” by Gavin Degraw

“More than Anyone” by Gavin Degraw

“Stay” by Rihanna

“Dreaming With A Broken Heart” by John Mayer

“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus

Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS