Page 45 of Fractured Mind
I cry until my eyes are raw and I have no tears left, but the grief for me and my grandfather lingers. I curl into the fetal position and close my eyes. My mind won’t shut off as the thoughts of the accident haunt me, so I swing my legs over the bed, wipe my eyes, and stand on shaky legs. I change into my clothes and shoes and hurry down the stairs.
As I step outside, my feet automatically go into a jog, as if hoping I can outrun my problems. But neither the beach nor the woods do anything to uplift my mood. Forcing myself to go harder than I ever have before, I tear down the same path that Ashton and I took, but this time I run farther. My lungs are burning and I’m tiring, but I won’t stop. The trail continues, andI keep driving forward until I reach a clearing beside a road. I’m about to fall over from exhaustion, so I bend over, heaving, trying to catch my breath.
Although my legs hurt, my mind isn’t racing anymore. I pace, lifting my hands above my head, attempting to get more air into my lungs, when a truck pulls up and fear shoots through me.
“Mia, is that you?”
I turn to the familiar voice. Theo has stopped a few feet from me. “What are you doing here?” he asks, lifting a brow.
I look down at my running outfit, thinking it’s obvious what I’m doing, but I answer anyway. “I’m running.”
“Out here?”
“Am I not allowed?” I scan the area again, thinking I’ve missed something. The sun is setting, and the sky is covered in dark clouds. The only sound is a few chirping birds.
He turns his body and points at the road. “See where the road parts down there?” On the left is a blacktop road and on the right is a dirt road.
I nod. “Yes, I see it.”
There’s a guarded look in his eyes, and he hesitates before speaking. “Going right leads you into the mountains toward the War Brothers MC clubhouse. Tonight those roads will be busy, so it’s best to stay away from them.”
Luckily, I didn’t go any farther, but my stomach knots up, making me nauseous. “The fights?” This can’t be happening, not tonight.
His eyes search my face, studying me. “How do you know about them?” He sounds both cautious and intrigued.
My only memory of that place makes me wince. “My friend took me when I first arrived.”
He lets out a low whistle, his eyes darting to the ground before meeting mine again. “I’m surprised they let you in.”
“I kind of wish they hadn’t,” I mumble.
He chuckles with an easy smile. “I must have missed you that night. I’m having my debut fight tonight.”
My hand slides down my face. “Who are you fighting?” I try to keep my voice calm.
His lips tugs at the corner. “Why don’t you come and see?”
I clutch my chest. “No offense, but I don’t think I can watch another fight.”
I peer over my shoulder at the long path home. I have to find Ashton to check he’s not fighting tonight. A couple of raindrops fall on my arm and shoulder, and I shiver as the breeze picks up.
“Do you want a lift home?” His head tilts toward his truck.
I exhale loudly in relief. “That would be great, thanks.”
As I follow him to his truck, the rain becomes heavier, and when I get inside and close the door, it pours down. He leans toward me, reaching behind my seat. I suck in a breath as his body touches mine. He sits back, holding out a black hoodie. “Here, take this. You’re freezing.”
I grab it from him and put it on over my shirt. It smells of cologne, and while it smells good, it doesn’t compare to Ashton’s scent. I have to pull up the sleeves because it’s huge on me.
He starts the truck and puts it in drive. “Where am I taking you?”
Everyone knows where my nana lives. “The Monroe Estate.”
He inhales sharply, which makes him cough. “You’re Carmen Monroe’s granddaughter?”
I recoil at his hardened tone. Tension fills the truck. I bite my bottom lip, unsure how to answer. I’ve never had this reaction before. “Um... yes.”
His head slumps back into the seat. But what I don’t understand is why he’s upset.