Page 250 of Collided

He straightens. “Where?”

I point to my wound that’s wrapped up in cloth but needs medical attention. Fuck it. I don’t care about it right now.

“I’m surprised that he called cops on me and spun the fucking story,” I complain.

Sebastian stays silent in thought for a minute. “He’s smart, Heath.”

“I don’t fucking care. I’ll protect her.” I push away from the bars and sit down on the bench. “I need to get out of here.”

Sebastian nods and walks to the officer behind the desk. They get engrossed in a deep talk which accelerates into a loud argument.

I zone them out and think about Hope.

When I close my eyes I see her red face and teary eyes.

Anger fuels me like gasoline ignites fire.

I want to go to her house this hour and beat him some more. Perhaps break his arms and legs so he can’t hurt her anymore. That would put my mind at ease. But if he dies I’ll thank the heavens.

I’ve seen shitty people, but he’s something else.

At the underground, there’s a variety of dickheads, but I’m sure no one comes closer to him.

He beats his daughter.The sick part is he enjoys it. I saw it in his eyes. He loves violence.

That guy should be in a psych ward rather than a house. Everything Hope told me about not being able to talk whenever I asked her, comes to my mind. I understand now why she couldn’t. She was petrified of what he’d do to her. And me. She was worried and terrified for me.

How that son of a bitch turned the story around and made me the suspect is clever. I didn’t expect that.

I should have.

He’s smart and knows how to cover his tracks.

Which makes me wonder if Hope’s mother knows. What if she’s just like him? I wouldn’t be surprised. That woman is onto something too. I saw it the way she watched me from the window. Something is seriously fucked up with her parents.

The one girl I have feelings for has crazy ass parents who hate me.

Fucking great.

I look down at the bracelet she gifted me. I run my fingers over it and somehow it makes me feel better.

I have big fucking feelings for Rose. I don’t know what they are or how big they are. But they run deep and consume me like a drug.

I can’t stop thinking about her. I can’t stop worrying about her. I can’t stop liking her. There’s no stop button. Frankly, I’m glad there isn’t.

What I feel for Rose is real and fucking good.

Every laugh, smile, and talk with her is my good moment. I haven’t had those in a long time. She’s my good moment, and I don’t want it to ever end.

Her father said she’s worthless. But he’s wrong on every letter of that fucking word.

Rose is worth everything.

Sitting in this cell, because I beat the man who’s been hurting her for God knows how long, feels satisfying. I don’t regret it one bit. I’ll do it again just so she gets a few days off without someone banging her head against the wall or yanking her hair.

Sebastian walks toward me. I look at him in question.

He leans against the bars and starts tugging the band on his wrist.

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