Page 10 of Possessive Mechanic

“You were saying?” I ask, not afraid to state the truth even if it does make me a pompous asshole.

That’s life. That’s reality.

Before heading to the bench I move to the garage door, opening it slightly so some air can get in. The fresh oxygen hits me like an IV when one’s about to die. To say it’s much needed is the understatement of the year.

Backtracking I move to the lobby to grab a couple of Cokes out of the vending machine. I’m thirsty as hell and need to replenish fluids after the sweat that’s covering me and all the juice I left inside her.

But when I step back inside the main garage, I’m left with the sight of her car and nothing more.

“Astrid?” I call out, trying to keep a calm voice. “Astrid!” I demand, getting angry at the thought she might not be here.

My eyes dart around the room and I rush to the bathroom, pounding on the door and yanking on the lock. It’s locked.

I jerk the fucking thing off the hinges, pushing it to the side as my eyes dart around the room. She’s not there and the window is still locked tight. Why would she lock the door? Unless…

It was a fucking diversion.

Turning on the heel of my boots I move back into the garage, looking desperately for her, overturning tools, tossing motor oil and parts in case she’s hiding from me.

“Astrid?” I call out only to hear the echo of my own voice, of her betrayal. Her…abandonment.

Then I see it. A tiny piece of her blouse hooked on the door which I’d opened. I run to it, tear the piece of fabric away and sniff at it, the scent already reminding me of her, of what I’ve missed.

Not using the electric door opener I grab the damn thing and hoist it up with my own two hands, grunting and yelling as I do before I step out into the darkness.

“Astrid!” I yell, but there’s nothing. I want to yell her name again but it will only bring attention to the fact that she’s out there. Alone in this savage part of town.

That’s the last thing she needs. But she will need this car again. I don’t care how rich she is, she's not walking away from this. No way her father will allow it.

Nor will I allow her to be out alone. I rush to my Range Rover and pull out into the night. I’m going to scour the area until I find her, let all these filthy fucks that hang out around her know I will personally slice their throats if I hear of anyone doing anything to anyone tonight.

I’m not going to say her name to them. They don’t even deserve to hear it. But they do deserve to know their fate if anything goes down tonight in this part of town. Anything.

I made a reputation for myself in the pen, and it carries over around the likes of people living on the fringe like this.

They’ll respect what I say. Or else.

And I will track her down. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. Or else she’s going to have a surprise waiting for her.

Real. Fucking. Soon.