Page 96 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

I swallowed hard, pushing the thought away before it could sink its claws in too deep.

I needed space. Time. A plan.

But I had none of those things.

And worse? I wasn’t sure I wanted them anymore.

I turned away from the mirror, taking a slow breath. Maybe if I kept moving, if I kept busy, I could push everything aside for just a little longer.

Maybe then, I’d finally figure out what the hell I was supposed to do.

By the time I made it to Page Turners, I was running on sheer willpower.

The morning air was crisp, the chill biting through my sweater, but it wasn’t enough to shake the exhaustion pressing against my skull.

I was halfway across the street when I smelled it.

Smoke.

My steps faltered, heart slamming against my ribs.

I scanned the storefront, my breath catching when I saw it. Blackened scorch marks near the entrance, the faint curl of burned paper along the bottom of the door frame.

A pile of charred debris sat just outside, as if someone had tried to set fire to the place but failed.

No.

No, no,no.

I ran the rest of the way, my hands shaking as I fumbled for my keys.

The lock stuck for a second before turning, and I shoved the door open, my stomach twisting at the acrid scent lingering inside.

It wasn’t a full fire. It hadn't spread.

But it was enough.

Enough to leave a mark. Enough to make my pulse thunder in my ears as I stepped inside, scanning the shop for more damage.

A section of the wooden floor near the entrance was charred, the edges of a welcome mat burned and curled. Someone hadbroken a window near the back, and the shards were scattered across the floor.

I exhaled shakily, pressing a hand to my mouth.

Who would do this? No.Whywould someone do this?

The legal claim.

It wasn’t a coincidence. It couldn’t be.

The bookstore had been struggling for years. No one had cared about it until now. And now, someone wanted me out badly enough to send a message.

It was working.

I sank onto the nearest chair, my legs too weak to hold me up. My chest tightened, and before I could stop it, a sob tore free.

This was a mess. A disaster.

I had no idea how to fix it. I had no idea how to fight this.

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