Page 58 of Jolt's Vengeance

What the hell is Jolt doing here?

And why does the mere sight of him make me feel more alive than I have in weeks?

"Fancy meeting you here, Ghost," a deep voice rumbles behind me.

I spin around to find Jolt leaning against the doorframe, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, proud of how steady my voice sounds despite the butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach.

Jolt shrugs, his leather cut creaking with the movement. "Heard there was a party. Thought I'd check it out."

I narrow my eyes, not buying his casual act for a second. "At a college frat house? Try again."

He takes a step closer, and I have to fight the urge to back away.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

The mixture of sandalwood and cedar overwhelms me, but I force myself to focus.

"I'm serious, Jolt. Why are you really here?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

He studies me for a moment, his dark eyes intense. "Maybe I wanted to see you, Aggie. Ever think of that?"

His words send a thrill through me, but I squash it down. "How’d you even know I was here?"

Jolt takes another step closer, and this time I can't help but back up until I feel the railing press against my lower back. “You’re not hard to find, sweetheart.”

He places his hands on either side of me, effectively caging me in.

I clear my throat. “I’m here with someone, obviously.”

"Yeah, all dolled up for some fuckin’ frat boy who clearly doesn't deserve you," he growls softly.

I lift my chin defiantly. "That's none of your business."

I might want Jolt, but I don’t want him to know how badly I crave him.

"Isn't it?" He leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "Because from where I'm standin’, it looks like you're trying to convince yourself you belong in this world when we both know you don't."

I push against his chest, creating some much-needed space between us. "You don't know anything about me or what I want."

Jolt's lips curve into a dangerous smile. "I know more than you think, Ghost. I know you're running from something—or someone. I know that fire in your eyes isn't meant for playin’ house with college boys. And I know that deep down, you're craving something these trust fund brats could never give you."

His words hit too close to home, and I feel my walls begin to crumble.

"Stop," I whisper, hating how weak I sound.

Jolt's expression softens slightly.

He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

The gentle touch is at odds with his rough appearance, and it nearly undoes me.

"Come on, Aggie," he says, his voice low and persuasive. "Let me show you what real freedom feels like. How about we ditch this party and go on one ride, that's all I'm asking."

I close my eyes, fighting an internal battle.

Every instinct is screaming at me to say yes, to climb on the back of his bike and give in.

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