Page 25 of Bound by Wreckage
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“You like that word a lot.”
“Seriously?”she asks again, completely taken aback.
“Only an idiot wouldn’t. You were smart, funny, and had these sarcastic comebacks that made people think twice before sparring with you.”
She smiles softly. “Yeah. That was a long time ago. Why didn’t you talk to me then?”
“Because I was a kid who had way too much freedom, money, and friends.”
“In other words, you were an idiot.”
A chuckle escapes. “Among other things.”
Seeing her so relaxed is an image I will never get out of my head. It’s probably the first time since she went to live with Buck that she has felt this way. Fuck, I’m happy to have a part in that.
“Yeah. You had every girl—even the seniors when you were a freshman—all over you.”
“Those are good memories.”
She shifts andfor a moment I think she’s going to pull her hand out and smack me on the arm, but she refrains and stills. “Don’t be a dick.”
“Oh! Good one. Not bein’ a dick. It’s the truth, and I’m not gonna sugar coat my past. It is what it is, and it made me the man I am today. Nothin’ wrong with that.”
“No. It’s not.” Silence blankets the room for a moment, the air conditioner having kickedoff. “Thank you, Nox. I’m sorry to get you involved this much, but thank you for getting me out of there.”
“Told ya, I’m only a phone call away. Close your eyes and get some rest.”
She yawns. “Guess I am tired.”
“Your body needs to heal.”
“Right.”
We lay there for a while just staring at each other. I try to see past all the marks on her face and the discolorationto the woman beneath. The marks spark my anger, but luckily from my dad I learned how to control my emotions. She can’t see me like this. She’s fragile enough as it is.
Carsyn closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep.
Instead of watching her sleep, I set out to find everything we’re going to need for the next few days because there are no plans for us to leave unless it’s on a foodrun.
