Page 53 of Fractured Fear

Normal. That’s what I’m going for.

I exit my building alert, and my gaze connects with the dynamic duo who are effortlessly carving out a permanent place in my life.

Fuck. What are they doing here? Did they actually sleep in that toddler car?

They take in my appearance and jog over to me.

“Good morning, Spencer. Going for a run?” Zane is a little too chipper for the early hour. His hair is slightly rumpled in a sexy way that has me melting on the spot.

“Uh, yes?” Why does that come out as a question?

“You don't seem so sure,” Rio teases.

My voice goes more firm. “I mean, yes. I run every morning to the gym.”

“Of course you do,” he huffs out.

“Uhh. Yeah. So I better get going.” My statement trails off and I aim to move around them, but Zane hooks an arm around my waist and pulls me close.

“You really think we’d let you go anywhere alone after the other night?”

Rio uses his hand to turn my attention to him and runs his thumb along my lower lip. “We let you go and something bad happened. Worse could’ve happened. Never again, Mama.”

“I guess y’all can drive alongside me as I run.”

“No need. We’re ready. Let’s go.” Zane’s words have me taking in their attire. Gym shorts, T-shirts, and running shoes. How could they possibly have changed in that cramped car? Did someone see? A rush of jealousy overtakes me. The thought of another woman seeing them would cause a rage I don’t appreciate. It's like being possessed by a green demon. If they continue to elicit this kind of reaction from me, I won’t be responsible for my actions.

The reality of the situation hits me. They slept in that mini car to protect me and now they want to go running with me. Is this still a joke? If it is, I’m not seeing the punchline.

“Are you sure? You know you’re not my bodyguards, right?”

“I mean I can run behind you if you want,” Rio says as he waggles his eyebrows.

“I missed my workout yesterday, so I need to make up for it.” Zane stretches his muscular arms over his head. I’m distracted by his rigid abs as his shirt rises slightly.

Nope. Horny Spencer is not welcome.

Shouldn’t she be though? This internal back and forth is giving me whiplash.

When I think about it, they stayed with me in the hospital, watched over me while I slept, made me laugh and feel safe. I’m starting to think this isn’t a joke. They actually care. They want to be here. But can I handle two men? I barely remember to do my laundry.

“No, no. With me is fine, but it’s a long run. Don’t you want to go home and rest? Sleeping in that toy Honda couldn’t have been comfortable.”

“Are you trying to get rid of us, Spence?” Zane crowds my space and trails a finger down the side of my arm. I’m so happy I’m wearing long sleeves to hide the chills that erupt all over.

“Of course not.” Panting out my words is a dead giveaway, letting him know that his touch riles me.

“Then lead the way, Spencer,” he says as he takes a step back and releases me.

My headphones go in and I wince, feeling guilty that I’m tuning them out, but I need this. I need to reset. They’re disrupting my routine, and I have a feeling if I told them they couldn't run with me, they’d still follow.

Brain Stewby Green Day blasts through my ears, effectively shutting out the buzz of the city around me. After a few lightstretches, I’m ready. Starting off at an easy pace warms up my body. I peek to my left and sure enough, Zane is right there, and to my right is Rio. I don’t know how they feel about cardio, but they clearly don’t hate it enough to skip the run and drive alongside me.

Or maybe they like youthatmuch.

My stride picks up speed, leaving my intrusive thoughts behind on the sidewalk. Rio and Zane adjust with me without breaking a sweat. I may not be competitive, but their natural athleticism feels like a slight. I run alone. It’s quieter that way and I’m able to focus on me, but here is Rio with his panty-dropping smile and Zane with his hands that make me wet at the sight of them.

Horny Spencer needs to take a backseat.

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