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Thankfully, they let the subject drop because yes, I’m probably protesting too much. Malice fucking kissed me, and I have no clue what to make of it.
They start asking me questions about everywhere I’ve been, where I’d go again, and where I’d avoid. I’ve never felt such a strong pull to a place before, but there’s something about Boulder City.
Malice… Malice is the pull.
* * *
Morning comes quickly.
I stretch out in the bed I’ve called my own for the past week. I’m feeling so much better and remind myself to send Abyss a thank you note for taking such good care of me. He was kind to me but also a drill sergeant when it came to making sure I was resting. I’m glad he did though because I can be an awful patient, and I needed to recover so I could get my ass back to Vegas.
I take a quick shower, dress, and begin packing up my stuff. Not wanting to forget anything, I do a quick walk-through before heading down to the kitchen. Mark and Jez are already sitting at the table, drinking a cup of coffee.
Mark stands to fill a mug and then hands it to me. “Here, I saved you a cup.”
“My hero!” I inhale the bold scent and let out a moan.
“You really love your coffee,” Jez observes.
“You have no idea,” Mark comments with a laugh, and Jez raises her eyebrows in question. “She can get damn near homicidal if you get in the way of her coffee.”
Luckily, Jez never saw that side of me. Mark was always kind enough to bring me my daily dose of caffeine while I was recuperating.
“Coffee is a major staple. I need my java to keep me going too.” Jez winks at me. “Are you all packed and ready to go?”
“Yes.” I take a drink of my coffee. “I just have to throw my bag into Stella, and we can head out.”
Mark stands and heads to the sink where he washes his cup. “I’ll take your bag and meet you out there.” He walks back to Jez and pulls her from her chair to hug her tightly. “It was good seeing you, Jez.”
Jez’s eyes fill with unshed tears when he leaves the room. I feel bad taking him away from his family, but when I asked him if he wanted to stay, he was adamant that I’m his family too, and he won’t abandon me. Now that he knows where they are, I’ll do my best to encourage him to reach out more and try to rebuild his relationships.
Jez wipes her eyes and smiles at me. “I wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but I’m glad we met, regardless of how it happened. Mark is happy with you, and that’s all we want for him.”
I grab her hand and squeeze. “Thank you so much for your hospitality. I’m glad I finally got to meet you all too.”
“Don’t be a stranger.” She walks me to the door and gives me one last hug. “Keep me updated on everything. I have no doubt you’re gonna make it big.”
“I will,” I promise. I exchanged numbers with all the ladies last night at the bar so we can all stay in contact.
Knowing I want to drive since I haven’t for a week, Mark is already sitting in the passenger seat when I slide in the driver’s side. I put Stella in reverse as Mark waves at Jez, who waves in return.
We’re almost to the edge of town when I feel a lag in the engine. “Did you feel that?” I ask.
Mark hasn’t spoken since he walked out of Jez’s kitchen, but he does now. “Feel what?”
“I swear the engine is lagging.”
“It’s been a week since you drove.” He shrugs. “Maybe you imagined it,” Mark says dismissively.
He’s probably right, but that doesn’t stop me from paying closer attention. Stella is my baby, and I know her better than anyone. I’ve put a lot of time and money into her to keep her running smoothly. We’re five miles out of town when Stella jerks forward, and the engine whines.
“Okay, I know you felt that?”
Mark sits up and nods. “Pull over.”
I ease Stella onto the side of the road and pop the hood. We get out and walk to the front, lifting the hood to peer at the engine. I don’t see anything out of place, but I don’t know what to really look for. Knowing how to change a tire, oil, battery, and lights is the extent of my vehicle knowledge. When she requires something beyond that, I take Stella to mechanics who specialize in Volkswagens because nothing is too good for my baby.
“I better call a tow.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my cell. “Hopefully they have someone who’s familiar with VWs.”
