Page 86 of Jolt's Vengeance

It feels familiar, safe, even though there’s a load of other threats here.

My fingers trace the fading bruises on my cheek.

Hell, some days I forget about what happened, but then I scratch my cheek a little too hard and the memories come flooding back.

I glance over at Jolt, his muscular hands gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension.

His jaw is clenched, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

I want to reach out and touch him, to smooth away the worry lines etched on his forehead, but I hold back.

There's still so much unsaid between us, so much we need to figure out.

So many adult conversations I don’t have the energy for right now.

My voice is barely above a whisper. "You okay?"

Jolt's eyes flick to me for a brief moment before returning to the road. "Yeah, just... thinkin'."

I nod, understanding all too well.

My own mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "About what?"

He sighs, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Everything. You. Us. What we're gonna face when we get there."

I reach out then, unable to resist the urge to comfort him.

My hand finds his thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll face it together, yeah?"

A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, together."

The word hangs between us, heavy with meaning.

I turn my gaze back to the window, watching the landscapes pass us by.

It's surreal, being so close to home after everything that's happened.

Part of me still can't believe we're here.

I murmur, more to myself than to Jolt, "I can't believe we're almost there."

"Having second thoughts?" There's a hint of worry in his voice that makes my heart clench.

I shake my head. "No, not at all. It's just... it feels like a lifetime ago that I left for college. So much has changed."

Jolt's hand covers mine on his thigh, his touch warm and reassuring. "In time, we all change, Ghost."

I look at him, really look at him, taking in the sharp angle of his jaw, the intensity in his dark eyes. "Ye, I guess yer right."

A soft snore from the backseat breaks the moment, reminding me that we're not alone.

I twist in my seat to check on Sienna, her face peaceful in sleep.

I report, turning back to face the front. "She's still out cold."

Jolt nods. "Good. She needs the rest."

We fall into silence again, but it's comfortable this time.

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