Page 12 of Let it Ignite
I yank my phone out, fingers trembling as I find my sister’s contact. It rings and rings, my jaw clenching tighter with each unanswered tone. “Pick up, pick up,” I mutter under my breath.
Finally, Serena’s voice crackles through the line, breathless. “Byron?”
“Yeah, I need your help.”
“This better be good, buddy. You’re interrupting my playtime.” I hear the chief’s low, unmistakable chuckle in the background. Not an image I needed. Fuck.
“Serena, it’s important. Listen, that one time you were desperate to get away from dad, with no real money, where did you think of going?”
She’s quiet for a moment.
“Did Cassie leave?” she asks, her voice soft, but tinged with understanding.
“Yes,” I grit out. “Tell me where you’d go.”
“If I didn’t have a lot of cash? I’d probably look for a cheap motel, maybe near a bus station or the highway. Somewhere off the grid.”
My mind latches onto the idea, a faint pulse of hope cutting through the panic. I can work with that.
“Oh, wait,” she says, a hint of urgency slipping into her tone. “There’s that little motel off the highway, just past the old gas station. She might’ve gone there.”
“Got it,” I snap. “Thanks.”
“Good luck, asshole,” Levi adds just as I end the call, the chief’s laughter echoing faintly through the line as it cuts off.
I shove my phone into my pocket, adrenaline spiking as I bolt for the door, my mind fixed on one thing—bringing Cassie home.
“Sorry Cassie, there’s no way I’m not looking for you” I growl, the words slipping out between clenched teeth as I slam the door behind me. “And I’m not letting you go.”
The engine of my truck roars to life as I peel out of the driveway, tires screeching against the pavement. The highway lights blur past, a streak of neon and concrete. I push the accelerator harder, every second ticking by making my pulse pound louder. My jaw clenches, fingers gripping the wheel so tight my knuckles turn white.
I reach the motel, my boots splashing through the puddles in the cracked parking lot. It’s the kind of place that smells like stale coffee and despair. I push through the glass door, the bell above it jangling loudly.
“Can I help you?” the older woman behind the desk asks, her eyes narrowing as she takes in my fire-streaked gear and wild expression.
“Looking for a blonde woman. Blue eyes. Checked in alone. She’s about this tall,” I growl, gesturing roughly with my hand. “You see her?”
She frowns, tapping her long, chipped nails on the counter. “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you that. That would be a violation of privacy”
My pulse kicks up, a fierce, unrelenting heat spreading through my chest. I know she’s right; she has no idea what the situation is, and she probably wouldn’t believe me if I told her. I certainly wouldn’t if I was in her place.
“Of course. Yeah, sorry to bother you,” I reply, heading back to my car. I sit there and try to come up with a plan. After a few minutes, I see a familiar figure walk down the second floor walkway, open one of the doors, and step inside.
“I’m coming for you, Cassie.” I mutter.
I dash up the stairs and reach the door, my heart hammering against my ribs as I raise my fist, pounding on the thin, hollow wood. “Cassie! Open up. Now.”
Silence. Then, a muffled shuffling, a hesitant step on the other side.
“Cassie,” I growl, leaning in, my forehead almost touching the door. “Don’t make me break this fucking door down.”
The knob turns, the door creaking open an inch, her wide, tear-streaked eyes peeking out. My heart slams against my ribs at the sight of her, the relief hitting me like a gut punch.
I push the door open fully, stepping inside, my eyes locking onto hers as I kick it shut behind me.
“You’re not running from me,” I rasp, stepping closer, my rough hands cradling her face, my thumbs brushing away the tear-streaked curves of her cheeks. She’s trembling, her breaths coming in short, shaky gasps, and it cuts me deep. My strong, fierce Cassie looks so damn breakable in this moment.
“Cassie,” I murmur, leaning in, pressing my forehead against hers. “You don’t ever have to run from me. Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?”
