Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 64979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Me.
The serious expression on his face captivated me in a way I had never experienced before, which only added to the plaguing emotions that were wreaking havoc between us.
I waited on pins and needles, desperately wanting to know what happened to them.
He didn’t make me wait too long, divulging, “The only thing I remember before the crash was watching them ride off into the sunset. My mom was on the back of my dad’s street bike while I was in the car behind them. The chauffeur was driving me as we followed them. It started raining, pouring like it was tonight. I don’t know how long we drove in the storm because it all happened so fast. One minute they were in front of us, the next my dad lost control of his bike. I blinked, and the bike flipped three times until it finally stopped.”
I didn’t move.
I was barely breathing.
Not wanting to distract him from sharing this with me.
“Our driver slammed on his brakes, ordering me to stay in the car before he ran to them. They weren’t moving. The cop said they died instantly. They shouldn’t have been in any pain.”
“Tristian…”
"I watched them die in front of me, and all I kept thinking was how did he lose control. He knew everything about street bikes. I didn’t understand until tonight. I’m sorry, Belle. I didn’t want to realize it with you on the back of his bike.”
His eyes were getting glossy, though he fought back the tears.
“After that, I became obsessed with motorcycles. Wanting to know everything he did. If my grandfather knew I was into street bikes like his son was, I don’t know what he’d do. He hates them. Arguing they are nothing but death traps.”
“I can understand that.”
“It makes me feel closer to them, kitten. That’s why I ride. It’s the only time I can feel them with me.”
“Yeah, I understand that too.”
“I’ve never told anyone this.”
I smiled a little. “Thank you for telling me.”
He nodded with so much sadness in his gaze. I couldn’t take it anymore. It hurt too much to look at him.
“Do you trust me?”
He nodded again.
I didn’t think twice about it, I stood and went right into my bathroom and grabbed a few towels before I made my way back to him.
He looked at me with curiosity. “What are you doing?”
“I’m helping you the only way I know how.” Reaching for his arm, I placed it over my shoulders. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
“Not far. Just out to my balcony.”
“It’s still pouring out.”
“I know. That’s the point.”
We stood.
“Just trust me, okay? I know what I’m doing.”
Slowly, we walked out to my terrace. Under the pouring rain, I laid down a couple towels by the railing before throwing a few over our heads.
“Kitten, what are you—”
“Sit down. We can lean against the railing so you’re not putting pressure on your ribs.”
Once we were comfortable, he asked, “Why are we sitting in the rain when we just got dry?”
I laid my head on his shoulder and replied, “It’s rain therapy. It washes away the sadness.” Grabbing his hand, I held it on my lap, knowing he’d feel a thousand times better after this. “I do this every time I’m sad, Tristian. I swear it works.” I kissed his hand. “I don’t like seeing you sad.”
He didn’t say a word. The stillness was nice. I felt him kiss the top of my head, and I smiled, aware that he was thanking me. We stayed out there until the rain stopped.
However, our feelings for each other were now…
Full throttle.
Chapter 16
—Belle—
Now
In a summer dress, I laid on the beach with my hand rubbing my belly and looked up at the sky, watching the fluffy white clouds pass by. I thought about how much my life had changed and what was yet to come. For some reason, it all hit me today. We’d been in Tahiti for five days now with nine days still left of our honeymoon.
We were married, trying to make a baby at all hours of the day. My hand slid up and down my stomach, contemplating the possibility of already being pregnant. Today was the first day the realization slammed into my head.
What if I was pregnant? Would I be a good mother? Would he be a good father? What kind of parents would we be? Did I want a girl or a boy? More kids? How many?
The questions that arose in my mind were on an endless cycle of one right after the other. People in relationships talked about these things during the dating phase. Getting to know each other and what the other wanted for their future. We skipped that whole stage, jumping headfirst into a marriage of convenience. We weren’t strangers by any means, but in so many ways it felt like we were.