AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ezra was a lone wolf, always had been. But tonight, of all nights, he could have come.
He could have come… for me.
“Take a ride with me,” he said quietly.
“A ride? Now? It’s almost two in the morning.”
“Please?” A faint smile traced his mouth and I felt that familiar tug in my stomach. When Ezra smiled, and he didn’t do it a lot, it changed his entire face.
I’d never admit it to anyone, but I lived for his smiles.
I studied him, unable to take my eyes off his face. It was a perfect canvas of strong features and full lips, and amber eyes that looked right into your soul. A silver hoop pierced his nose and a diamond stud glinted in his ear, both giving him an edge most guys in Rixon didn’t have. There was dusting of hair over his upper lip and jaw, and his hair was styled into twists. Ezra Jackson stole my breath every time I looked at him.
He stared back at me with a lazy smile. One I recognized. My stomach sank.
“You’re high.”
“I had a smoke earlier, but I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
But I did worry. I always worried where Ezra was concerned.
“Take a ride with me, come on.” He pouted, dragging his plump bottom lip between his teeth, letting it slowly pop out. “Come on, buttercup, you know you want to.”
Damn him.
And damn my foolish, fickle heart.
“Fine, but just for a little while.” I slid into the car, sending Lily a quick text so she knew where I was.
Chilled music pumped out of the speaker as Ezra backed out of the Hughes’ driveway. We didn’t talk, not as the houses rolled by, silent and sleeping.
“Where are we going?” I realized he was heading out of town.
“Wanna see how fast she can go?” His eyes twinkled.
“Ezra, I don’t think that’s—” He floored the gas and the car shot off like a rocket. “Ezra, what the hell?” My hands curled around the edge of the seat.
“Relax, buttercup, it’s just a little fun. Something to get the heart pumping.”
“This was a bad idea; you should take me back.”
He glanced at me, his jaw ticking. “You wanted me to come tonight, right? That’s what all your texts were about, begging me to come.”
Shame burned my cheeks. I had texted him, one too many times. But I’d drank a lot, too much, and I hated the thought of him alone.
“You’re being a dick,” I said calmly, refusing to let him bait me. “I want you to take me back to Bryan’s house, now.”
“Yeah,” he let out a strained breath, “whatever.” Ezra slowed down to pull a U-turn in the middle of the road.
“Jesus,” I hissed under my breath. But at least he’d slowed down a little.
“You’re right,” he said coolly, flicking his amber gaze to mine. It was darker now, almost brown with a ring of gold around the edges. “This was a mistake.” He held me captive in those eyes. “I don’t know why I even—”
Headlights blinded me. “Ezra, look out,” I shrieked, bracing myself.
“Fuck!” He swerved the car, but it was too late. The truck was heading right for us.
“Oh my God,” I breathed and then my world exploded in a flash of screeching metal and burning rubber. The car rolled and rolled again, glass smashing and bones cracking.
Pain radiated through every inch of my body, darkness swimming in my vision. I couldn’t see… I couldn’t think.
“Leigh?” someone called frantically. “Ashleigh?”
“I—I… the words barely formed on my lips, something trickling out of my mouth. Blood. God, so much blood.
“Ezra,” I cried. “I’m…” God, it hurt to breathe. It hurt so much. “I’m scared.”
“I’m sorry, buttercup.” He sounded far away, the edges of my consciousness flickering in and out… darkness rushing in, blotting out my world. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
