Little Things by B. Hollidae

Originally published January 2018.

Rafael was sure he’d be dead by twenty.
Instead, his sister picks him up off the streets to give him the second chance he never hoped for. With a few conditions. No drugs, alcohol, or fighting. Finish high school.
He’s done worse for a roof over his head.
Then he meets Akilah. Estranged from her family, a little naïve, but a kindred spirit nonetheless.
He should leave her alone, especially when his abusive stepdad shows up in his new life. Because it wouldn’t be the first time his stepdad hurt someone close to Rafael to spite him.
Now, he has a choice to make. Confront his stepdad or let his relationship with Akilah become a tragic casualty and lose her forever.
It’s really not a choice at all.