Page 55 of Fractured Mind

Levi looks at Jackson. “You look weird without tattoos.”

“Yes, Jackson”—Ruby chuckles—“you do look weird.”

I find the photos fascinating. Every year their faces and bodies changed. Roman was the most obvious, as he grew taller and filled out. Jackson’s body went from a few tattoos to, over the years, being covered in them. Ashton still wasn’t smiling in any photos, and over time, neither was Jackson. Levi had the cheekiest grin on his face, while Ruby matured as her outfits became more stylish and her hair and makeup were perfected. I’ve loved seeing them grow up over the years.

It’s getting late as we walk outside to Levi’s truck. Before I go, I turn to Ashton. “I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

He stares deep into my eyes, and a smile spreads over his face. When he loves, he loves hard, and I’m blessed that I get to see that side of him.

Ashton curves an arm around my waist, bringing my body to his, and murmurs, “I’m the lucky one.” His head dips as heplaces a lingering kiss on my temple. A loud beep makes me jolt in surprise. Both of us turn to Levi, giving him a disapproving look as he laughs out loud.

When I glance back at Ashton, there’s warmth in his gaze.

Jade dashes out with the photo albums and passes them to me. “These are yours.”

I throw my arms around her shoulders and hug her. “Thank you for the albums. They mean so much to me—more than you’ll ever know.”

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

MIA

So far I’vegotten away with not having to explain myself to Nana, but that time has passed. As I finish doing my hair for school, she enters and takes a seat on the bed. I notice that tears line her eyes.

“I was talking to your mother on the phone for over an hour last night. She told me about what you had to deal with and how she didn’t tell you anything.”

“I’ll be okay.” I’m not sure if that’s true, but I don’t want to worry Nana either. I sit next to her to reassure her. “I’m fine.” Her gaze drops to the floor, so I clasp her hand in mine and wait for her eyes to return to mine. “Mom told me about the accident, and I’m dealing with it.”

There’s a heavy silence.

“I couldn’t believe that she didn’t tell you.” Her voice is brittle.

The lingering pain of Mom’s decisions runs through my veins too. I wrap my arms around her, embracing her to comfort both of us, and when she pulls back, her cheeks are wet with tears.

She sniffles and tries to regain her composure. “To see you living like that...” She falters. “Your years of suffering broke my heart. We all suffered tremendously that day. If she had reached out to me, I would’ve helped you both.”

“I know you would have.” I have no doubt.

“Your grandpa loved you dearly. He was always saying how proud he was of the person you were becoming and how talented you were at playing the piano.”

The tears stream down my face when I hear my grandpa loved me and that we shared a close relationship. Nana’s love and support make the tears feel cleansing. My mind was broken, but the fragments of who I was and what I went through were coming together piece by piece to create an image of what my life was before the accident.

When Ruby and I arrive at school, I feel better. Ashton is leaning against his car, and when his gaze connects with mine, the giddy excitement sends electricity throughout my body. I doubt this feeling will ever fade when I’m with him.

As we walk into school, his arm stays around my shoulders. He’s done this before, but this time seems different... it feelsmore. When I’m about to open my locker, he grabs my waist and twirls me around. I let out a surprised squeal, but then I melt into him.

Moving one hand to my cheek and the other to my hip, he hovers over me, teasing the tip of his tongue against the edge of my lips. I whimper as my hands glide up his chest, curve over his broad shoulders, and loop around his neck. His mouth captures mine, and the chatting of people around us turns into white noise, leaving only us. His lips part, and when our tongues meet, he tastes like mint. He explores every inch of my mouth slowly, tenderly.

“Mia,” Ashton murmurs breathlessly against my lips.

I whine when he pulls away, and he smiles. My addiction to him will never stop. It’s like he can read my mind because he bends down, pressing one more lingering kiss against my lips.

My lips tingle from where his had been, and I let out a breathy sigh. Reality returns as the fog lifts and the chatter and stares of those around us return. I lean, placing my head on his chest, hiding the blush on my cheeks from our display of public affection.

At the fight with Theo and at the restaurant with the bikers, Ashton made sure everyone knew I was his, and I think he’s doing that again now. I’ve been starved of love and attention growing up, but never with him.

At lunch, when I walk to our table, Maree and I make eye contact. I thought her eyes narrowed at first, but she’s smiling as she dashes toward me. “I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you,” she says as she looks down at her hands and then up at me. “I’ve always had a thing for Ashton, but I’ll get over it.”