Page 36 of Fractured Mind
“Stand up for me.”
Aren’t they supposed to be friends? Since I’d been gone, I thought he’d be closer to them than me.
His fingers brush my cheek, and I close my eyes briefly as he tucks some hair that has fallen in my face behind my ear. “I’d protect you from anyone.” His voice hardens. “But it was to show them you’re mine. I didn’t want any of them thinking you’re fair game.”
My eyes bulge in surprise.
As he stands, his chair scrapes against the floor. “I’ll go order your smoothie for you.”
The wordsyou’re minerepeat through my mind.
My phone rings, and it’s Nick. “Hey.”
“I’m just checking up on you.”
“I’m still alive,” I joke.
“That’s not funny,” he deadpans. “I’d say you’re living the dream.”
It certainly feels like a dream. One that I never want to wake up from. Nick never calls me this much, but I guess we don’t see each other at work anymore. “Are you missing me?”
“Yes, I am. I want my coworker back. The new girl is such a drag. What are you up to today?”
I look over at Ashton. Maree has gotten out of her seat and is standing with Ashton and the men from the MC. She rolls her shoulders back to emphasize her breasts. I glare at her. Ashton pays her no attention and keeps glancing back to check on me.
“Hellooo . . .”
“Sorry, I’m at a café ordering a drink.” I offer no more information.
“With whom?”
My eyes dart around, unsure how to answer. If I tell him about Ashton, I’ll spend the next half an hour having to explain every detail to Nick.
“Mia?” He sounds impatient but also curious.
“I’m here with Ruby,” I reply as Ashton returns to our table.
“Don’t lie to me, sweetheart. Why won’t you tell me who you’re with, huh?”
“Well, nice chatting with you. Bye.” I abruptly hang up.
“Ruby?” Ashton asks. The softness from before has gone and is replaced with... suspicion?
“Yep, you’re Ruby,” I say just as the server arrives with our drinks. When she puts them down, I cover the straw with my lips and draw up the sweet, ice-cold liquid. Despite my concentration, I can sense his displeased gaze on me.
“Won’tyour friendapprove of you spending time with me?” There’s a slight edge to his voice. Does he think Nick and I are more than friends?
I snort. “It’s the complete opposite.” I’ll never hear the end of it, and Nick would want to know everything about him. “He’s gay!” As I take another sip, one side of Ashton’s mouth twitches like he’s holding back a smile.
“Have youeverhad a boyfriend?”
I pat my chest as I choke. “No,” I say between coughs.
His lips form a self-satisfied grin. “Why not?”
“I was never interested in anyone, and I didn’t have time.”
His intense gaze sears into mine. “What about now? If you were interested in someone... would you?”