Page 101 of Wicked Minds
Turning on my heel, I leave the food court behind, but with every step I take, the terror in Riley’s eyes remains with me. My chest tightens, an acute pang stabbing my stomach. Herreaction… it was the same as Gran’s when she thought I was Bertram.
What the fuck have I just done?
31
RILEY
The world tilts on its axis.
Grayson’s words, heavy and laden with an unbearable weight, seep into my consciousness like poison, branding themselves on my gray matter with a searing burn that renders all other senses void. I’m numb; every sensation deadened except the agonizing ache that takes root deep within.
He’s getting out.
He’s being released.
He’ll be free to walk around, go where he pleases, talk to who he pleases,touchwho he pleases.
What if he comes for me?
What if he finds out about Aurora?
I’m spiraling, the world spinning violently as a hollowness spreads outward from the pit of my stomach, an emptiness chilling my veins that threatens to consume me whole.
Pulsating waves of shock crash against the fragile shores of my mind, eroding through the walls and defenses I’ve worked so hard to put in place.
Black spots fill my vision, the pounding of blood in my ears and the chaotic rhythm of my heart prevent me from connectingwith the world around me as I descend deeper into the dark pit of my desolate mind.
From some deep connection that is somehow still functioning, I register warmth wrapping around me, followed by Logan’s crisp and calming scent. I feel the gentle caress of his hands stroking my hair. The soft whisper of words in my ear. Although I can’t hear them, theyfeelsoothing, and I sink into that sensation, clinging to it like a lost soul desperately clutching onto the last vestiges of light in a vast and unfamiliar darkness.
Gentle hands pull me away from where I’m hiding, burrowed in Logan’s shoulder, and reluctantly, I turn my tear-stained face toward Royce, who crouches beside me.
His expression is anguished as he painstakingly reaches out to wipe away my tears. “Nothing is going to happen to you,” he vows, his voice so sure and confident. “Wearen’t going to let anything happen. Not to youorAurora.”
“How can you claim that? You don’t know what he’s like, what he’ll do once he’s released. He isn’t going to just let me go, and I—” My voice becomes strangled, fresh tears blooming as panic tightens like an elastic band around my chest. “I can’t let him get to Aurora. I-I… How would I even know if she’s in trouble?”
“You’d know,” Royce argues, still with that assured tone that pulls me back from the ledge. “You would know because you’re her mother. You’d know, in here.” He taps my chest right above my heart, and even though it doesn’t quell my fears, it eases the numbing panic enough for me to think.
“When?” I ask thickly.
He knows exactly what I mean, his expression giving nothing away as he bluntly states, “Ninety days.”
Sniffling, I nod. “I-I’ve gotta go,” I stammer, pushing out of Logan’s hold and locking my knees when they threaten to give out. I can’t afford to lose my strength now. It’s been heavenhaving the two of them to rely on, but I need to be able to stand on my own two feet. I can’t allow this to destroy me. Not when Aurora needs me to keep her safe, now more than ever.
“Shortcake…”
I hold my hand up for him to stop, giving Logan an apologetic yet pleading look. “Please, Logan. I need time to think.” When he still looks like he’s going to follow me, I force a fake smile to my lips. “I’m fine. Really. This… shouldn’t be such a shock. I should have expected it. I just need time to process. It’s fine.I’mfine.”
“Of course you do, Ry,” Royce interjects before Logan can argue some more, always understanding what I need and ready and willing to give it to me, even when I can see how much it pains him.
Logan’s lips purse, but he exhales before agreeing. “Fine. Call us if you need anything.”
“I will.”
I’m already grabbing my things and high-tailing it out of the food court. However, before I’m out of earshot, I swear I hear one of them mutter, “She isnotfine.”
No, I’m not, although it’s not up to them to make me fine. Only I can do that. OnlyIcan come up with a solution. OnlyIcan protect my daughter.
In a daze, I speed walk across campus. The panic Royce and Logan’s presence had calmed batters against my defenses, demanding to be acknowledged with every step I take away from them.
