Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Using the new credit card provided to me, I filled up my car and got back on the road headed South. I had no specific destination in mind. I had no rules except get distance between me, Haywood’s Landing, and especially the Hellions. No place to be or time to be there. My only goal was to get as far away from home and start life again.
I let the signs pass by and the miles move under me when I crossed the state line to Georgia. The Hellions are in the Carolina’s, I remember Wesson saying something like that. Maybe Georgia is the place for me. I like peaches, this could work.
I start paying attention to the exits waiting for my gut to tell me where to pull off. I hit the exit and make a right onto some road. In Brunswick Georgia, at least that’s what the last sign said, I head west on highway eighty-two. Get away from the coast, I think to myself. As much as I love the beach and it calms my soul, I can’t be found easily. The miles move on as I now work my way inland in Georgia. God, I would miss the beach. There is something comforting while inhaling the salt in the air and feeling the sand between my toes.
Pressing on, I’m in the middle of nowhere when it’s time to find a gas station. At a quarter of a tank, I always begin to get anxious. Dad always told me it was bad to let the car get below that since it would work the crud from the gas tank into the engine. The thing is, I told myself go until I needed gas and start over.
How many times have I failed to keep a promise to myself?
The last stop, I couldn’t stay. The point is to get away from the Hellions, not land myself in another one of their towns. If Wesson asked me to come home, I don’t know that I’m strong enough to say no. When he asked me to stay it killed me inside to deny his request. I want nothing more than to be with him. Only fate doesn’t seem to want that for my destiny.
Finding a gas station, I filled up before parking to the side of the store. I grabbed some snacks and more water since the ones I packed in my cooler had long since ran out. The day drags on when all I have done is drive. It was a little over six hours into my adventure when I got off the Interstate in Brunswick. According to my phone, I’m now in Sumner, Georgia and it’s been almost three hours on this country road to get here.
I’m in the process of reserving a hotel room when I hear them.
The pipes.
I know that sound.
It played over and over in my head. Diem told me how it feels to ride with Colt. Wesson doesn’t have a bike anymore. He said after the accident it wasn’t something he wants. Bike or not, he lives that life and it’s beautiful. The passion, the loyalty, the love, and everything about being a Hellion is much more than a motorcycle.
The accident that changed him forever may have taken his bike away, but it didn’t take away the Hellions.
He thinks it makes him less than, I think it makes him everything. Wesson Vaughn is the strongest man I’ve ever met. Loyalty, he has it to the core. He wouldn’t run far away from me even when he should have. He is a total package. The way he gives me confidence I’ve never had before. The way he can talk me down every damn time the anxiety creeps in threatening to take over. The way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the room even when we are in a crowded place. The way he protects me and guards me always looking out for my comfort and safety.
And he does it all after losing his legs.
I’m the idiot leaving him behind.
What other choice do I have?
The tears fall down my face as I try in vain to see the screen of my phone. A tap at my window makes me jump. Turning my head the sight in front of me has my anxiety rising to a fever pitch.
Right outside my car is a woman with black and red hair. Her eyes pierce into mine as I roll the window down.
“Who are you?” She asks with a tone so sharp I feel my own throat close up.
“Emmalee,” I manage to speak.
She nods, “Emmalee from North Carolina, what brings you to Sumner?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Needed gas.”
“Seems you got your gas, got your food, and yet, you’re sitting in this car, with your head slumped over and tears running down your face. Are you on something?”