Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
I can’t say I don’t miss them. Some of those men became like my father. They protected me and helped me and laughed with me. They were always there for me.
Guilt slams into my chest as I stare at Cohen.
He’s the same age as Alarick, but Cohen is so incredibly beautiful. Alarick is scary, rough, rugged. Cohen is scary too, but he has the face of a biker Ken doll. His chiseled jaw looks like it has been sculpted by hand. His hair is dusty blond and always seems to fall over his forehead. His eyes are so silver, you’d have to see them to believe it. They sparkle in the sun, unique only to him. He’s tall, well-built, and covered in tattoos, just like the rest.
He looks like a biker, he’s a deadly man, he’s just far more approachable than most.
“Cohen?” I croak.
“What’re you doin’ down there on the ground?”
“Long story,” I groan, clutching my head.
“You hurt, here.” He leans down and helps me up and my footing takes a little longer than I’d like. He hangs onto me until I’m able to stand on my own, and only then do I step out and pull my sunglasses down because the sun is really hurting my eyes.
“Did that fucker push you?” he asks, looking over at the door that is now firmly shut.
“You could say that. I’m looking for Magnolia. I’m not having much luck.”
Cohen exhales. “Come with me, I’ll find somewhere for us to talk. That’s a long story. Are you staying in town? Does ...”
He trails off and I look to him, even though he can’t see my eyes, I can see his and I can see the flicker of doubt in them.
“Alarick knows I’m here. Alarick is also not happy about it. Look, I get it, I left, and nobody got to say goodbye. I’m not here to cause trouble, I’m here to help my sister and then I’ll go home.”
Cohen studies me, then says in a gruff voice, “Look it’s not my business, yeah? Where are you staying?”
“That was my next question. Is the Inn still the best place to stay?”
He frowns. “It is, but crime is real bad around town at the moment. Don’t want you stayin’ on your own. You can stay with me.”
“With you?” I say, frowning. “Not sure that’s a good idea. It’s safe to say Alarick isn’t happy about me being in town.”
“You’re family, it’s my choice. Come on, we’ll talk about Magnolia when we get there.”
I exhale, because what other choice do I have? At least I know Cohen. At least I trust him. He’s always been good to me and I’d rather be around someone I know right now then to be alone. My fear of dying in my sleep and nobody finding my body for days is incredibly real and strong. It terrifies me to the point some nights I don’t sleep at all. I am forced to take sleeping tablets to try and get some rest.
Doc reminded me rest is more important than anything.
“You look like you’re in pain?” Cohen asks, as we turn and walk to his truck.
“I am. Just a headache. What were you doing walking past anyway?”
“Was heading to see someone when I saw you sittin’ on the ground. You were the last person I expected to see again.”
“Yeah, well, this ghost has unfinished business.”
He chuckles and opens the truck door for me. “You can tell me all about it.”
I get in the truck and stare out the window as we drive through town, passing by familiar houses and buildings. We pass Alarick’s house, which was once King’s house. We all grew up there, well, for most of my childhood anyway. I close my eyes and lean my head against the headrest, my heart aching as old memories try to flood my brain. Memories I’d do best to keep out for now.
“How have you been, Bri?” Cohen asks.
I keep my head on the headrest and answer him. “I’ve been okay, working and enjoying life. You know, the usual.”
“You know you’ve always been the worst fuckin’ liar?”
I chuckle. “Yeah.”
“You’ve gotten no better at it.”
“Oh, believe me, I know. It’s like as I got older, the flaws in me get stronger and not weaker. I just threatened that guy back there with his own pot plant. I threatened to tip it over. Tip. It. Over.”
Cohen laughs, deep and throaty. “Fuck me. You really haven’t changed.”
“Nope.”
“Well, I’m glad to see you, darlin’. It’s been too long. Know the other guys will be glad to see you, too.”
“Sissy wasn’t glad to see me,” I point out.
Cohen grunts. “Sissy is a fuckin’ bitch. Don’t let her bother you.”
I smile.
Just for a moment.
Because right now, here in the car with Cohen, it feels like nothing in the world could bother me.