Page 29 of Painting Her Fate

The bastard had a knife.

I clench my jaw at that thought, the leather steering wheel squeaking as I tighten my grip. Lili could’ve been hurt far worse, all because I was too busy these past few weeks to call it in and have that asshole arrested. Only bad part about that is he would’ve been released, to go right back to what he’d been doing.

I wanted to hold her, comfort her, but instead Ford got to her first.

Ford, the forever charming fucker.

I stare at the clock on the dash as it added another minute.

*Sigh* Maybe I should go; she’s been through enough in the past few

days from the sounds of it and doesn’t need my letdown.

I shift around in my seat and stretch my back, my shoulder so damn uncomfortable in this sling. I ease the strap off the tender muscle and pinched nerves, but after a minute of not finding a good spot, I whip it over my head and throw it to the back seat.

I find I can’t even make a tight fist as pain now radiates down my fingertips. The nerve damage cannot be undone. Doctors said how lucky I am to be walking. *Distasteful* I’m not lucky.

I grind my teeth in frustration.I just want the fucking pain to end.

I smack the steering wheel hard with my right hand, “fuck!”

Wouldn’t you know, the passenger door opens. She steps onto the truck’s sideboard; her words overlap my own.

“Sorry I took so long-” Her voice trails off as she set her canvas bag on the seat then eyes me skeptically, “Everything okay?”

“I’m good,” I run my hand through my hair and grit my teeth to tamp down the additional lashing I want to give myself. “I’m fine.” I clarify, glancing at my dash and try to force a smile, but the radiating discomfort overpowers my thought process. Until I glance her way.

Sunlight casts on the waves of her dark blonde hair, those deep blue gray ocean eyes of hers glowing. Her faded jean jacket, white V-neck shirt, and the tight blue jeans that hug her tempting hips just right; is this the same person I met an hour ago?Holy shit.The word entranced doesn’t cut it.

Flashes of how she took down that creep outside of the bar plays on a reel inside my head.Just who is this girl and where has she been hiding?

She settles herself in the seat then closes the door, snapping me from my thoughts.

“Are you sure you’re, okay?” She leans in close to me and I can’t help but breathe her in. It’s light and intoxicating. Like a gentle rain with summer flowers. My eyes close at this momentary bliss.Heavenly. “Oh, that’s it.” Her tone and temper take on a tinge of Scotland, a fierce woman ready for battle, “you need a hospital.”

“No, I don’t.”

She continues like I didn’t speak, “If I need to drive us there, then so be it. Give me your keys.” Her commanding tone snaps me back to reality.

She holds her hand out to take my keys. I shake my head, dumbfounded. She’s bold, I’ll give her that, but I am the only one who drives my truck. I don’t even let Ford drive this. Not a chance.

“No, I’m fine.” I mutter through clenched teeth, my pride taking a hit at showing my vulnerability. There is no way to hide the pain from her.

Her brows draw together, and her arms cross under those enticing full breasts. Her body is a temple with curves just begging for me to explore. Other parts of my body seem to take notice.

I just met her and already my mind goes to the fucking gutter. I groan again and she takes this one as more of the shoulder pain. If she only knew.

“If I cannot drive your truck, and you refuse to drive to the hospital, I will gladly call the ambulance back and they can take you- I’ll have them strap you to the gurney.” She pulls out her phone, ready to make the call, “make your choice.” Her eyes blaze with promise. She isn’t bluffing.

Feisty and demanding as hell. I like that.I huff a grunt that comes out as a chuckle, then I turn the key and the truck roars to life.

“You win. I’ll drive.” And just like that, I submit to this woman.

Man, that full smile she just gave me would’ve dropped me to my knees if I hadn’t been sitting. And that sass.God damn. Save it for the bedroom, girl.

I’ll give her credit; her lady balls are bigger than some of the men I know. She only just met me and can see right through the hardened exterior.

I’ve gone far too long without having this checked. I just hate the feeling the pain meds give me. I lose control of myself. My biggest fear is becoming addicted. My family doesn’t need to see me like that, not again. I don’t want that life for me anymore.

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