Page 35 of Speed

The panic clawed at my throat, but then, I felt the silky texture of his curls under my fingers. His steady movements, his quiet focus on unlacing my skates, pulled me back. I exhaled, shakily, and forced myself to stay in the moment.To stay with him. The tightness in my chest eased as I watched him, the little crease of concentration between his brows. His presence calmed the storm inside me, and the fear that had taken root faded.

He glanced up, his expression soft. “Comfortable?” he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I nodded, forcing a smile in return. “Getting there.”

He went back to unlacing, his fingers moving over the loops. Watching him like this, so focused, so careful, I couldn’t help but think about how much I was falling for him. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and completely beyond my control.

I satin the waiting room, the faint hum of fluorescent lights pressing in on me. The magazines on the table were brand new, but I didn’t bother picking one up, particularly the one with my face on the front and the headline about me dating some big country singer. My phone was in my pocket, but I didn’t reach for it to contact anyone or play games. I wanted to be here, in the moment, even if the moment sucked.

When the nurse called my name, I stood, straightened my jacket, and followed her down the hall. No Logan by my side. Just me. That was how I’d wanted it today. I had decisions to make, and this was my thing to face.

The room was the same as always. Pale walls, a desk piled with files, and Dr. Reilly sitting behind it, typing something into his computer. He looked up when I entered, offering a small smile that was more professional than warm.

“Brody,” he said, gesturing for me to sit. “How have you been?”

I settled into the chair, leaning back like I wasn’t carrying the weight of a bomb in my head. “I’ve been okay,” I said. “A few headaches. Some dizziness. But nothing major.”

Dr. Reilly’s expression didn’t change much, but I could see the subtle shift in his eyes, the way he leaned forward. “Tell me about the dizziness. When did it happen?”

I shrugged, trying to keep it casual. “It was a couple of days ago. I was on the ice, and… well, I’m not a skater. My boyfriend was spinning me around, and I got dizzy. That’s all.”

“How do you feel now?” he asked, his voice steady but probing.

“I’m good,” I replied. “No dizziness since then. The headaches come and go, but they’re not unbearable. I’m fine.”

He nodded slowly; his gaze thoughtful. “Dizziness and headaches can be expected given your condition, but it’s important to monitor them. They’re your body’s way of telling us if something is changing. How often are the headaches?”

I hesitated, then said, “Not every day. Maybe a couple of times a week. They’re not migraine-level bad.”

Dr. Reilly leaned back in his chair, tapping a pen against the desk. “I’d like to schedule a follow-up MRI to check up and ensure everything’s stable.”

“I’m already booked in for next month’s check.”

“We have room today.”

I nodded. “I’ll schedule it,” I said, my voice steady. “But not today.”

His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t push. “Okay. But don’t wait too long, Brody. Your health isn’t something to put off.”

“I know,” I said, standing. “I’ll do it soon.”

I felt a strange mix of relief and dread as I left the office. I’d done this alone. I’d faced the questions, the reality of my situation, without anyone holding my hand. And I was okay. For now, at least.

TWELVE

Noah

The tripto Atlanta was a short one, a hop, skip, and whoop there you is, as Pops would say. It had been a week and six days since Brody and I had talked. We were now friends with benefits, which was meh. I mean, the sex was great. The man was as pushy in bed as he was on the race track, which was a massive turn-on. Nothing was more arousing than tossing two alphas into the same double bed and watching them try to get the upper hand in such a small space.

That was one of the hottest things about taking a guy to bed. You could be rough with them. Not slapping them around or anything, obviously, but with women you had to be more conscious of your strength so as not to hurt them. Also, and this was another plus in my book, there was no worry over if your lover had reached his orgasm. With women it could be tricky to be sure. There was no faking when a man came. The evidence was right there in your hand, on your stomach, or down the back of your throat. Brody and I hadn’t tried anal yet. He wasn’t ready. Also, it might be another power struggle to find out who bottomed. I had some vivid fantasies about Brody Vance writhing under me as I fucked him into?—

“Hey, is this your dildo?”

I snapped out of my sex fantasy with a start. Blake was staring at me, a glimmer of mischief in his eye as we neared Atlanta airport.

“What?! How did that fall out?!” My throat tightened at the notion my little toy had fallen out of my carry-on. Which was secured above my head. And zippered tight. “You’re an asshole.”

The entire plane burst into laughter. Blake shrugged. “Sorry, rookie, but Cap said it had to be done.”

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