My engine roars to life, and I race out of the courtyard with no concern for anything apart from reaching her before it’s too late.
I try her apartment first but it’s empty. Then I head for her place of work. But the man in charge tells me she isn’t in today. I’m starting to panic, wondering why she hasn’t replied to the text I sent asking where she’s at, and then it occurs to me. Maybe I’m running out of time, and she’s exactly back where we started this whole thing.
Relief floods me when I see her standing on the bridge. This time she’s on the right side of the railings, and she turns to me when she hears the roar of my engine. My heart is beating loudly in my ears as I remove my helmet and make my way over to her.What is it with this woman that makes me feel crazy?
It’s evident that she’s been crying, her mascara’s smeared across her cheeks and her eyes are red and puffy.
“You came,” she almost whispers, like she thought I wouldn’t.
“Why wouldn’t I?” I ask, as I reach her side, leaning against the railing.
“I don’t know?” she says, mirroring my position. “Maybe the fact that some raving lunatic that you don’t know, messages you out of the blue.”
“Well, I was going to say we really should stop meeting like this,” I grin. “But I’m well known for inappropriate comments at the wrong time.”
She laughs, wiping away at her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket.
“Sorry,” she sniffles, her gaze lowering to the floor as she fidgets with her hands uncomfortably. “I had no one else.”
I turn to her, placing my finger under her chin to lift her gaze to mine.
“Never apologise for reaching out in a moment of need . . . I will always show up.”
I already have my brother’s blood on my hands. Maybe if I can save just one person, I can stop being haunted by my past. She stares deep into my eyes, and I almost feel exposed, like she’s reading my darkest secrets. I step away, breaking the moment and dropping my hand.
“God, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she croaks, “thank you. It’s been a long time since I felt comfortable with anyone.”
“Good job I’m no psychopath.”
“Maybe I’m secretly hoping you are.”
I turn to look at her, concern etched across my face. I don’t put it past her in her current state of mind to find the craziest asshole to do the job for her. She throws her head back laughing, and I blow out a breath shaking my head. “You’re a dangerous fucking woman.”
“Say’s the man in leathers, wearing a patch for The Broken Iron Demons." She slides down the railings, sitting on the kerb.
“So, what made my beauty call for her steed?” I ask, my tone teasing, lowering myself to sit beside her.
“I needed my knight.” She folds her arms around her knees and lowers her head to rest on them. “I don’t even know where to start?”
“Wherever you want.”
“I don’t think you have the time.” She turns her head to look at me, still resting upon her knees.
“I have all the time in the world. My beauty called, and I wouldn’t be much of a knight if I didn’t stick around, would I?”
She sighs, resigned to the fact I’m not going anywhere.
“My husband cheated on me, traded me in for a younger model.” She exhales loudly, like the weight of the words have been lifted. “It wouldn’t be so bad, but he took my children with him and left me with nothing. I tried to get access, but he’s got contacts in high places.” A tear rolls down her cheek and drops on to her jeans. I shift closer and place my hand on her back. She closes her eyes, almost relishing in the simple touch.
“He took me to court and had an order put in place saying I was an unfit mother. Made out I was a drug abuser.” She sobs, and I stroke circles along her back, remaining quiet whilst she gets it all out.
“Well, his new bit of totty, the woman he had an affair with, she keeps showing up at the same places as me, almost as if she’s rubbing my nose in it. Today, she walked into my workplace with them, ordering a coffee like she wasn’t fucking with my head. Noah sat there the entire thirty minutes screaming for me. I wanted to create a scene. Actually, I wanted to throat punch the bitch, but then I’m playing right into her hands.” Her tone is angry now, frustrated. “Fucking bitch,” she mutters, rubbing her hands over her face. “Oh my god, I am so sorry. How fucking embarrassing that I’m laying all this on you.”
I clench my jaw, anger seeping into my bones that another woman could be so spiteful. Belle’s already lost so much and this bitch is showing up and kicking her further down.
“Hey, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. If anything, that ex of yours needs taking down a peg or two. I know a man, I could have it arranged.” I wink playfully, and she leans into me, a smile ghosting her lips as she rests her head on my shoulder. I find myself inhaling deeply, trying to catch her scent.
