Chapter 27 #2
A sudden pang of sadness hits me square in the face at the thought of leaving now but I know it’s for the best, for the both of us so I simply nod and attempt to plan my next move while dodging all thoughts of Dean, Lyla and this small quaint town.
“Wake up, mama.” The smooth voice whooshes in and out of my ears, becoming clear and then fuzzy again.
The tickling sensation of soft fur brushes up against my face, the strands tickling my nose, and a firm hand on my shoulder, gently nudging me.
The fog behind my eyelids begins to disperse and my eyes fire open, my chest heaving as I try to place where I am.
My eyelids flutter as the bright white lights blind me, the smell of rubber and gasoline finding its way up my nose, instantly remembering where I am.
Shooting up from my position a wave of dizziness hits me like a brick and I have to steady myself, gripping onto the back of the leather couch.
“Hey, you’re alright. You fell asleep, that’s all.
I didn’t wanna’ wake you, I figured you could use it.
” Dean’s warm voice tethers me in place, his hand still placed on my shoulder as I bring my hand to my face and give myself a minute to gather my bearings.
“How long was I asleep for?” I croak out.
My throat feels like I’ve swallowed cotton balls.
Dean must notice and hands me a bottle of water, and I turn it in my hands, scanning over the plastic seal around the top.
“It’s unopened. Straight from the fridge in the kitchen.” He tips his head towards a room at the back of the garage and I nod, believing him for some reason. The cold liquid instantly refreshes the dryness in my mouth.
“You were asleep for a couple of hours. I can’t imagine you got much in the backseat of your car.
” He says, his eyes soft. “But, I got your tire sorted. Found a pretty sharp nail in there.” He digs into his pocket and places the sharp object into the palm of my hand, the length is easily around five inches.
Wow. I can’t say I’m surprised at the noise my tire made when that thing speared through it.
“Thanks, Dean. For everything you’ve done for me.
I should probably get out of your hair. How much do I owe you for the tire?
” I ask whilst shuffling along the couch to stand.
My body aches from the healing bruises and the position I’ve been asleep in.
I hiss a sharp breath in through my teeth at the pain in my ribs and bring my hand up to ease the ache.
“Are you hurt?” Dean asks, his voice full of concern.
Shit, this is the last thing I need. I already know he’s clocked the bruises on my face and neck, every time he sees them his eyes darken to an almost black shade and his teeth grind together painfully.
Inhaling deeply, I take a step back from his overwhelming presence, doing anything I can to escape his probing gaze, like he can see right through me and my lies.
“I’m fine. Just slept funny, that’s all.” I plaster on a fake smile as best as I can in the hopes that he buys my excuse. He looks over my face, down my whole body and back up again, probably searching for the deception I’m feeding him but he mustn’t find any, and hands the keys over to me.
“It’s free of charge. I couldn’t in good faith let a woman in trouble get stuck with a flat in the middle of nowhere.”
Woman. Not you. I think to myself.
What the fuck am I doing? This man probably has a wonderful wife at home and I’m wishing he just meant me.
Not women as a whole. I’m so angry with myself at how desperate I’m coming across.
Like I’m ready to just throw myself at him because I’m hurting and lonely.
I need to put the distance between us before I wreck his family. He doesn’t deserve that.
Quickly clearing my throat, I grip the key in my palm tightly and walk over to my car, giving Dean a wide berth as I do. “That’s very kind of you, Mr Sinclair. I appreciate the gesture.” I say with fake confidence, pulling open the door that no longer creaks.
Hm. I think better of saying something, and slide into the car, finding everything exactly where I left it. I see Dean in my periphery as he leans down to meet my eyes.
“Do you have somewhere to stay for the night? It’s getting pretty dark out now.” I bristle at his concern. Does he treat every female customer like this? I know I’m being bitchy and sour but I need to protect myself.
“I’m sure I’ll find somewhere.” I say and start the engine, ending this conversation.
The low rumble fills the garage and I give a small wave to Lyla who’s looking at me with beautiful, sad chocolate eyes.
Swiftly, I stash away the hurt I’m feeling at leaving her but it’s for the best, and put the car into reverse then back out of the garage and into the car park.
The open sky slowly turned from grey to a deep blue with a spray of orange in the distance from the setting sun.
I spin the car around so I’m facing the exit and turn to face Dean who’s stood in the open doorway, Lyla sat at his feet.
“Goodbye Dean.”
“Goodbye Ana.”
And with that I fire it out of this decent man’s life.