Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Unable to sit here for another minute and listen to him, I rise to my feet. “You don’t know her like I do.”
“And you don’t know her like you think you do,” Steele counters, his tone softer but still pointed. “I’m just saying, don’t let your feelings for her blind you to the facts in front of your damn face. Hell, I’d love for her to be innocent. But if she’s not, you’re gonna be the one left picking up the pieces. You need to think about that.”
Instead of responding, I head to the front door.
“Hey, where are you going?” he calls after me.
“I need some fresh air.” My chest is so tight, there’s no way I can stay here.
“Want me to come with?”
“No. I just want to be alone so I can think.”
Just as I reach for the door handle, Steele’s voice stops me in my tracks. “Bridger?”
I force myself to turn and meet his eyes.
There’s a solemn expression on his face. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“I won’t.”
His head dips in a stiff nod as I make my escape. The moment I step foot onto the porch, I stumble to a halt before sucking a big breath into my lungs. The chill of the night air is enough to banish the suffocating sensation that grips me. My mind races, every doubt and insecurity bubbling up to the surface.
Once inside the BMW, I press the start button. The engine’s growl fills the quiet street. Instead of pulling away from the curb, I grab my phone, open the chat app, and fire off a quick message to Fragile.
Me
How do you let yourself trust someone when every instinct screams not to?
I hit send before I can second-guess myself.
The reply comes quickly, as if she’s been waiting for me.
FragileLikeABomb
That’s a heavy one to start with. Sure you want to go there?
Me
I don’t have a choice. There’s someone… but she’s different.
FragileLikeABomb
Different in a good way or a bad way?
I hesitate as Steele’s words echo in my head.
Me:
Both. Good, because she’s important. Bad, because that’s what makes her so dangerous.
Fragile’s typing bubble appears, then vanishes before reappearing. Finally, her message comes through.
FragileLikeABomb
Trust is always a risk. That’s kind of the deal, isn’t it? You put yourself out there and hope to hell it’s not a mistake.
Me
Yeah, but what if it is? What if it blows up in your face?
FragileLikeABomb
Then you pick up the pieces and move on. You’re stronger than you think.
Me
That’s easy to say until you’re the one staring at the wreckage.
FragileLikeABomb
True. But what if it doesn’t blow up? What if it’s the best thing that ever happens to you?
The best thing.
Her words pluck at something in my chest, and I rub a hand over my face. My throat feels tight as I stare at the message, the possibility of it gnawing at the edges of my resistance.
Me
You really think it’s worth the risk?
FragileLikeABomb
I think some people are worth the risk. And if you’re asking this, maybe they are.
Damn her.
She has a way of slicing to the heart of the matter like no one else. It’s equal parts infuriating and comforting. It’s the reason I needed to get her perspective before doing anything else.
My fingers tremble slightly as I type my next response.
Me
You make it sound so simple.
FragileLikeABomb
It’s not. Trust me, I know. But sometimes you have to take the leap and figure out the landing later.
Me
You always know what to say.
FragileLikeABomb
Not always. But I know what it’s like to be scared to trust. I’m still figuring it out myself.
Me
Maybe we both need to take a leap.
FragileLikeABomb
Maybe we do.
I stare at her words, my thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess. She’s right. Maybe we both need to close our eyes and take that leap of faith.
Me
Thanks, Fragile.
FragileLikeABomb:
Anytime, Ice. That’s what I’m here for.
I sit back and stare at the screen, allowing her words to settle inside me. Only then do I pull away from the curb and into traffic.
34
Bridger
Fuck.
I shouldn’t be here.
The rational part of me knows this is a terrible idea, but my vehicle still ends up in the Envy Room parking lot. I sit behind the wheel for what feels like forever, my fingers gripping the steering wheel so tightly they ache. The sign overhead casts a soft glow over the lot.
I tell myself I just need to see her.
That’s all.
Just to...
Confirm what I already know?
Prove myself wrong?
I have no idea.
The fact that I can’t answer my own question pisses me off even more.
With a frustrated exhale, I climb out of the car and head for the door.
The music hits me first. It’s a deep bass that reverberates through my body as soon as I step inside. I keep my head down, avoiding eye contact, and stick to the shadows along the back wall. The place is packed, and the thought of any of these guys looking at her the way I do makes my stomach burn with jealousy.