Page 12 of Fractured Mind
When we step outside into the fresh air, Ashton turns to me. “Is it really you?” he murmurs. He reaches out to touch my face, but I take a few steps away from him. It feels too intimate. He shakes his head briefly then his eyes scan every inch of my face and body. “Are you all right?”
I clasp my hands, trying to hide that they’re still trembling. “I’m fine.” My voice sounds unconvincing, even to my own ears.
“That was a close call,” the blond guy says. He has an unusual accent.
Tears well in Ruby’s eyes as she skims over all of us. “I’m sorry.”
My gaze flits between Ashton’s friends. One is taller than the rest, with short brown hair. His broad shoulders and athletic build are clear, his muscles subtly outlined beneath the white shirt.
The other one has a beachy vibe going on. He has tanned skin and sun-bleached hair. His lips curl up into a smug grin when he sees me staring at him. He steps toward me, but the closer he gets, the closer Ashton gets, until he’s in front of me and Ashton’s beside me. They stare at each other as if they’re having an unspoken conversation, until the other guy gives Ashton a clipped nod. He holds his hand out to me in greeting. “I’m Levi.”
“I’m Mia.” When I go to shake hands, he grabs me and pulls me into his hard chest. I hear a growl before a tug on my arm brings me back to Ashton. Levi chuckles and puts his hands up in surrender. He’s trouble, I can tell.
Ruby approaches and links her arm through mine, dragging me away from them.
The tall guy shakes his head, trying to suppress a laugh. He should intimidate me, but there’s a warmth in his eyes. “I’m Roman. Are you sure you’re all right?”
I wipe the nonexistent dirt off my jeans. “I’m fine.” Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll believe it. Then I turn to Ruby. “Can we please go home?”
“No problem.” She looks back at the others. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Ashton steps closer to me. Deep lines are embedded in his forehead as he studies me. “How long will you be in town?”
I chew on my bottom lip and try to keep eye contact and not stare at his half-naked body. “A few months, maybe.” However long it takes for Mom to get out.
He relaxes and peers down at the ground before looking at me again. “Are you going to school here too?” His voice sounds hopeful, and a warmth spreads through my chest.
“She sure is,” Ruby replies for me. “Let’s get out of here.” She pulls me toward her car.
As I glance over my shoulder, the other three guys are talking, but Ashton hasn’t moved. His eyes are still fixed on me, so I give him a small smile and then turn and follow Ruby.
On the way home, Ruby apologizes repeatedly.
“Everything’s fine. I’m not hurt,” I repeat for what feels like the hundredth time.
As we pull up outside Nana’s house, Ruby frowns. “That’s never happened when I’ve been there. I thought having you there would be special for Ashton.”
“Please forget about it.”
She sighs heavily. “Fine, but I’ll pick you up for school tomorrow.”
Once inside, I go to my room and close the door with a loud thud. A groan escapes from my lips. The hottest guy I haveeverseen used to bemybest friend.
CHAPTER
FIVE
ASHTON
We’re backat Jackson and Ruby’s house. I’m pacing in their living room while Jackson, Levi, and Roman watch. “Did you know Mia was back?” I ask Jackson accusingly, because if Ruby knew about Mia, he did too.
He gives me a weary glance before slowly nodding.
I throw my arms up. “Why wouldn’t you tell me?”
“Me and Ruby only saw Mia at the café.” Jackson raises his brow and points a finger at me. “I would have told you after the fight. I didn’t want you distracted, and this is exactly why I didn’t tell you straightaway. You’re losing your mind.” He shrugs. “She’s just someone from your past; I don’t know why you’re so fired up about it.”
I blow out a breath, trying to control the storm of emotions clashing inside of me. “You know she’s not justanygirl.” When she left she ripped out my soul and took it with her, leaving me hollow, but then Dad left too and burning rage filled that void instead.