Total pages in book: 12
Estimated words: 11601 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 58(@200wpm)___ 46(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 11601 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 58(@200wpm)___ 46(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
“Riley,” I call out in urgency.
Her head snaps up, her gaze landing on mine. I know the moment she sees me because I watch her shoulders slump as if all strength has left her.
Her chin wobbles, and she lets out a choked sob. And then I hear my name on her lips.
“Colton.”
It fucking hurts — seeing her like this. My heart burns at the sight of her, looking so scared, so fragile.
I hear the sirens in the distance, but I can only focus on my girl. She calls out my name again, almost desperately, as I approach her. She’s shaking, her fear and distress palpable.
I take two big steps forward, dropping down to kneel beside her. “I got you, Sunshine. It’s okay.”
“He’s hurt,” she whispers weakly.
Grayson’s swollen face is almost unrecognizable. It looks like someone took a baseball bat and bashed his face in at least a few times. And he’s covered in blood, so much that it’s soaking the ground. I don’t know how anyone can bleed this much and still be alive. Shit!
I watch his chest closely, looking for any signs of life. It rises and falls, his breathing slow and labored. He’s alive, for now. That’s all that matters until the paramedics get here.
I return my focus to Riley.
Cupping her tearstained face, I gently tuck her messy blonde hair behind her ears. I don’t have a chance to respond when I hear voices from behind me. From the corner of my eyes, I see the paramedics piling out from the ambulances as they rush over to where we are. Riley lets out a wounded sob as someone lifts Grayson away from her lap and she falls back into my arms.
Riley buries her face into my chest. “He can’t die, Colton. What if he dies?”
“He’s not going to die,” I soothe while holding her in my arms. My lips brush against her temple, placing a tender kiss there. “Grayson is a tough guy.”
I pray those words are not a lie. I may not like Grayson, but aside from him breaking Riley’s heart, he’s a good man from a good family. He doesn’t deserve to die.
But I need to know what the fuck happened here. I need to know who hurt my girl and why.
A female paramedic gently approaches Riley. “Miss, I need to check your wounds. I see a nasty gash on your forehead. Where else are you hurt?” Her sympathetic gaze briefly meets mine. “Sir, I need to take a look at her.”
I know I’m in the way, but I don’t want to let her go. I don’t think I can. She’s in my arms right now, safe. Hurt, crying…traumatized, but nonetheless, alive and safe.
It’s almost fucking laughable. I used to pride myself in being completely detached from having feelings. I was never an emotional kid, and as I became older…circumstances made me grow even more distasteful of emotions.
But here I am: a fool, who is weak in his fucking knees for a woman who doesn’t want him.
When I don’t immediately let her go, the paramedic gives me an impatient look. I reluctantly start to move Riley from the cradle of my embrace, but she clutches my shirt with her tiny fist. “D-don’t let go,” she whimpered. “Colton, please.”
My name on her lips — I’m damned.
The desperation in Riley's voice has my heart aching. Her grip on my shirt tightens as if I am her only lifeline in this chaos. I just know that I will never be able to say no to anything to this girl.
“I’m right here, Sunshine. I’m not leaving, I promise. I’ll hold your hand while the paramedic checks out your injuries.”
She lifts her head, staring up at me with glassy eyes. Her pupils are dilated and there’s so much hopelessness in that dark gaze— a painful melancholy.
I cradle her right hand in both of mine, tenderly brushing my thumb over her knuckles. They are bruised, but not bleeding. Her fingers feel rough, the skin looking red and chafed. God, what has she been through?
I watch as the lady assesses Riley's injuries, her gentle touch contrasting with the seriousness of the situation. She winces as the paramedic touches the wound on her forehead, but Riley keeps her eyes fixed on me. Somehow, I feel like she’s seeking solace in my presence. I squeeze her hand reassuringly, silently promising that I won't leave her side.
As the paramedic prepares to transfer Riley to the hospital, I stand up, not letting go of her hand and following closely beside her as they wheel her out. I can't bear the thought of being separated from her, not when she's in this vulnerable state.
I’ll be what she needs right now. Even if she no longer wants me afterward.
The ambulance’s lights flash around us, casting a surreal glow over the scene. I see Grayson on another stretcher as they load him up into a separate ambulance.