Crashing Hearts (Pine Valley College #2)

51. Bones

CHAPTER 51

BONES

“ S kylar, don’t let me see you here again, okay?” The officer nods, and Sky laughs as we head out of the precinct.

We spent hours at the hospital before he was cleared, and then we came to do our interviews, knowing the process too well. “I guess this is the first time you haven’t had to bail me out.” He grins as he hooks my arm with his good one. “This is where our love started.” He wiggles his eyebrows, making me laugh.

He’s going to be okay.

When I saw that gun aimed at him, I felt fear unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I didn’t even realize my phone was off until I left Aro and the bus stop behind. When I turned it on and saw the text, I called a taxi and headed right there. I had a horrible feeling, and I’m so glad I got there in time. It could have been a lot worse.

I didn’t even know Conall was free, but he went straight after Skylar. The police said he knew he was going to end up inside and had nothing else left to lose. When you make something your entire life, losing it could send you off the deep end, and I think that’s what happened to Conall.

He isn’t the only one who needs to be dealt with though.

“Are you sure about this?” Sky asks as we walk toward his car.

“I’m sure. Let’s end all this so we can start the rest of our lives—no more crashes, threats, or guns, just happiness.”

“Sounds good to me, baby. After all this, we need a vacation. Let’s go somewhere warm where you can wear nothing,” he teases as I open his door and help him. He doesn’t need me to, but I like taking care of him, and after everything he’s been through recently, Sky deserves to be pampered and taken care of for once.

I put his seat belt on for him. The doctor wants him to rest his arm, so it’s going to be touch and go until he’s fully healed. I know he’s worried about what that means for racing, but right now all I care about is that he’s alive and with me.

I kiss his forehead before I lean back and smile. “Yes, we’ll go on vacation, but only if you wear a speedo.”

“Baby, this doesn’t fit in a Speedo,” he jokes, making me roll my eyes as I shut his door.

When I’m behind the wheel, I glance over to see him watching me with a dopey smile. “You look good in my car. You also look good in my clothes and my bed, but even more so in my arms.”

“Drugs make you loopy,” I tease, but I lean over and kiss him, unable to resist. “But don’t worry because I’m not going anywhere.” Turning the engine on, I pull out.

I blow on the spoon and then hold it out, keeping my hand cupped under it so it doesn’t spill as he wraps his lips around the utensil and takes a bite of soup. I spoon another and blow on it before offering it to him again. His eyes are locked on me, and the rest of the restaurant is forgotten. This table on the rooftop above the city has become our place, and after the shitty few days I’ve had, we wanted someplace good. Besides, he won’t expect it here.

“Uh, Si?” comes his hesitant voice. I heard him approach, but I don’t spare him a glance as I lift Sky’s glass and help him take a sip of water. It’s important he eats and drinks with his meds.

He holds my hand as he leans back, offering Aro a smug look. Sky doesn’t need to be jealous because all I feel for Aro now is resentment and anger.

I almost lost Skylar because of him.

“You texted Skylar from my phone.” I hold up my hand as he tries to speak. “You almost got us both killed.” His eyes widen. “Yes, I suspected you didn’t know about the gun, but we both could have ended up dead. Skylar very nearly did. I don’t know what you were thinking, but it stops now. I’ve made my stance clear, but let me make something else very fucking clear—you will leave Skylar alone or I will make your life a living hell.”

“I’m sorry, Si,” he says. “I just wanted a chance. I knew with him here, I wouldn’t get that. I saw the way you looked at him.”

“If you’re sorry, then you’ll do the right thing,” I snap.

“You aren’t going to tell?” he asks me, his eyes wide.

“Not me, but they will.” I jerk my head at the police nearby, and then I turn away. “Do yourself a favor and tell them everything. Now leave, I’m spending time with my boyfriend.” I feel him hesitate, so I glare at him.

“I knew I didn’t stand a chance the first time I saw you together, but I had to try.” He looks at Sky. “He never looked at me the way he looks at you. You would have run away with me, Bones, but you never would have stayed with me here, facing your dad. You did for him.” He nods. “I hope you both stay happy and healthy.” He turns and does the only good thing he has ever done for me.

He hands himself over to the police to help their investigation and pay for what he did.

“Hey, angel.” I turn back to Sky, who smiles. “You did so well.”

I nod, glancing at the food. “I’m sorry my past got you into trouble.”

“Nah, both of our lives are messy. It makes living fun. Besides, I understand killing for you. If I were him, I would be the same way. Now, how about you go back to feeding me so I can feed you something else later?” He wiggles his eyebrows as I laugh.

He’s the only person who has ever made me laugh when I feel like crying.

Aro was right though. I would never run away with Skylar.

This is our life, our home, and I’ll stand at his side through it all.

I’ll face down the entire world if I have to.

Love makes people brave and a little bit crazy, but I realize I don’t mind as I stare into his eyes.