Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“Ryder says Ronan shot him. Saw the blood trail.” Uncle Atticus grunts. “He could still be out there. But, so far from his people, injured, and lost in the wilderness, the likelihood of him coming back is slim to none.”
“But there’s still a chance.” Dad rubs at a spot on the center of his chest, frowning. “We can never be too careful.”
I’d been satisfied by Ryder’s statement that Logan was most likely dead. Now, I’m not so sure it makes me feel safe. Without seeing his bloody corpse, there really is no way to know. In reality, Logan is probably rotting not far from his dad. The critters are picking over his bones as we speak. Still, I don’t feel at ease.
I glance over my shoulder toward the gate. It’ll be dark soon. Ryder and the rest better come home before night falls. I may be mad at him, but thoughts of Logan lurking around have me spooked.
Dad and Uncle Atticus change topics, brainstorming about the next supply run, plans to rebuild the big house, and other boring stuff. I take my leave, slipping away from the group around the firepit before anyone can ask where I’m going.
I find Ronan in Ryder’s cabin, sleeping on his side in the bed with his back to the wall. He’s been sleeping a lot lately, which is worrying. I wish he’d talk to me. It’s like the moment we were freed from our hellish prison, I lost Ronan to himself.
Closing the door behind me, I kick off my shoes and then slide into bed next to him. The bed smells heavily like Ryder. I inhale his scent as I scoot closer to Ronan. His glasses are on the bedside table. Without them, it reminds me of when we were in captivity. My heart aches for him. He went through so much abuse from Logan.
Gently, I run my finger along his jaw, studying his relaxed features. The bruises Logan gave him are beginning to fade. I wonder if the big one on his heart will be there forever. Leaning forward, I kiss his parted lips, hoping to give him comfort.
His eyes open, panic flashing briefly in them. It takes a second for him to realize it’s just me and relax. I shiver when his arm wraps around me. Cuddling closer, I breathe in his familiar scent, letting it fill my lungs with the presence of him.
“Hi, sleepyhead,” I say, grinning at him.
“Hi.” He doesn’t return my smile. “Where’s Ryder?”
I bristle at his irritated tone. “Avoiding us.”
“I figure he’d avoid me,” Ronan grunts, “but assumed he’d want to spend every second with you. You know, since you got him off and I punched him for it.”
Lifting a brow at him, I smirk. “You almost sound jealous.”
The corner of his lips twitches like he might smile. “I don’t know what I am, to be honest. Confused. Pissed. And, yeah, jealous, I guess.” He pauses, looking away and scowling. “Maybe I feel betrayed.”
I sit up on my elbow and frown at him. “Really? You and I had sex. Like you came inside of me, Ronan, and you’re mad at Ryder for getting a handjob?”
His cheeks redden and he bites on his bottom lip. “I told you. I’m confused.”
“Well, that makes three of us,” I say with a huff. “Ryder is avoiding me now. He seems on board with doing stuff and then something will happen for him to completely retreat. Boys are complicated.”
Ronan smiles for real this time. “So are girls. I’m gay but slept with you. It felt good and I’m not sure what to do about that.”
We’re quiet for a bit, both of us lost in our own heads. His hand finds my hip, stroking me gently there. I let out a contented sigh as I relax, resting my head on his arm.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you,” I murmur. “I have all these emotions and feelings around both you and Ryder. It’s like I can’t control them. All I know is it makes me happy being with you. Ryder also makes me happy. It breaks my heart knowing you feel betrayed by us. It’s not all Ryder’s fault. You should punch me too.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “I’m not punching you. For the record, I feel like a complete ass for hitting Ryder. He didn’t deserve it. My mind is a mess and I took it out on him.”
“He might’ve deserved it a teeny bit,” I tease, holding up my finger and thumb to show him how much. “The jerk’s been avoiding me all day. If he doesn’t cut it out, I’ll give you permission to do it again.”
We both smile, the tension between us finally fading.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask, growing serious. “About what has your mind so messy?”
A storm brews in his eyes and he shakes his head. “You already know. We were kidnapped, hurt, and had to murder our way away from those people. That would fuck anyone up.”