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I squeeze my eyelids tightly closed and attempt to fight back the terror. I wish the idea of driving wasn’t so paralyzing. Millions of people do it every day without issue.
And yet, here I am, trapped in the past. Reliving the worst day of my life whenever the idea of starting up a car and pulling onto the road pops into my brain.
How will I ever conquer this fear?
Gentle fingers slip beneath my chin. “Open your eyes, Fallyn.”
The sound of his soft yet commanding voice has my eyelids fluttering open, and I find him hunkered down in front of me so that we’re eye level. “I don’t blame you for being scared, but you need to work through it. And we’ll do that together, okay? I’ll be here beside you the entire time. Miles would be proud of you for taking this step.”
Tears prick my eyes at his heartfelt promise. A long moment stretches between us as I search his green depths and find nothing but sincerity. It wouldn’t take much to get lost in them.
As easy as tumbling down the rabbit hole.
My heart thumps a painful tattoo against my ribcage.
His face looms close enough for his minty breath to ghost across my parted lips. “I won’t let anything else happen to you.”
There’s a savagery to the words as his fingers tighten around my lower jaw. The pressure isn’t enough to cause pain. More like ground me in the moment and dispel the hurt and anger of our past as it slyly tries to weave its way around us.
His gaze sifts through mine. When he’s satisfied with what he finds, he asks, “Are you ready?”
I jerk my head into a tight nod.
What other choice is there but to soldier on?
When I remain frozen in place, he reaches in, brushing against me as he unclicks the seatbelt, causing the protective strap to release. The woodsy scent of his cologne cocoons me in comfort, making me feel strangely safe in his presence.
He retreats before straightening to his full height as I force myself to climb out of the car. Electricity sizzles through my veins as he nabs my fingers and pulls me into the comforting circle of his arms before wrapping me up tight in their strength. Any distance I’ve forced myself to maintain collapses like a flimsy house of cards as I burrow against his broad chest. It takes a few minutes for my anxiety to dissipate until it becomes easier to breathe.
Wolf drops a kiss against the top of my head and whispers, “You got this, Fallyn. I believe in you.”
With one last squeeze, he unwinds his arms and takes a step in retreat.
I slip around him and head to the driver’s side before sliding inside the expensive vehicle and fastening the seatbelt with hands that tremble. Since the engine was never turned off, the car continues to idle. One foot settles tentatively on the clutch and the other on the brake as my fingers wrap around the gear shift. I release a shaky breath and attempt to settle everything that vibrates like a live wire inside me. Even though I miss the way his hand had settled over mine, guiding it during our last lesson, I don’t ask for him to do it again.
I run through a mental checklist and adjust the mirrors before sliding the seat closer to the wheel since Wolf is taller than I am. Then I gently press the clutch and gas pedal as I shift into first gear just like he taught me. The car jerks forward before stalling.
Everything inside me deflates. If this isn’t a sign from above, I don’t know what is.
He lays his large palm over my hand. “It’s fine. Shake it off. Turn on the engine again and let’s start over.”
“All right,” I mutter, repeating the process.
When he doesn’t pull away, leaving me to my own devices, some of my anxiety dissolves. This time, the Mustang doesn’t immediately die. When it begins to shutter, I step on the gas and the engine revs as the car jerks forward. Picking up speed, I shift into second.
He gives my hand a little squeeze. “Good job. See? It’s not so hard.”
I snort.
Ha! It’s surprisingly more difficult than it looks when someone else is doing the driving. Why would anyone bother with a manual when automatic is so much easier?
We circle the deserted lot at least a dozen times until I’m in third gear and somewhat confident that I won’t lose control and end up crashing into the front of the church.
“Okay. You’ve mastered this part.” He nods toward the street. “I think you’re ready to hit the road.”
I flick a nervous glance at him before my attention arrows back to the windshield. “Please tell me that you’re not serious.”
“Of course I am. You’re doing great.” His hand stays wrapped around mine. “I wouldn’t suggest it unless I thought you were ready.”
