Read Online Beautifully Broken by Shayne Donovan - Free Book Online Page B

fought against the yawns but I was struggling. “Do you think you can drive tonight? I am so tired.” I yawned again as we made it to the car. Cole froze with his hand on the passenger door, looking at me with panic. “Cole? Are you okay?” I asked stepping closer and gently resting my hand on his tense arm. His eyes looked at me nervous before he shook his head, “I-I can’t…I won’t,” He whispered, I nodded, feeling confused, “Okay…that’s fine.” I assured him, “You don’t have to and I’m just a little tired.” I felt like I had to explain myself. He stared at me, his blue eyes suddenly cold and distant. The warmth I normally felt from him was gone and replaced with something different. I had no idea what I had said wrong, “Did I say something wrong?” I asked gently. His eyes studied me and he shook his head, “No I just don’t drive.” He said. I nodded and smiled, “Okay I get that, I can teach you though.” His face shifted and his eyebrows dipped together angrily. “I didn’t say I needed you to teach me Marley. I have my reasons for not driving and they are none of your damn business.” He snapped and I stepped back in shock. I felt like he had just slapped me, the time for romantic stories and philosophical responses was over. I felt myself harden as I crossed my arms defensively, “Fine. I get it. Sorry I asked.” He sighed and rubbed his face and hair roughly. “It’s whatever. Look I think I’m just going to walk home. I’ll catch you later.” He waved at me like I was more of a nuisance. I stood there until he disappeared over the hill. It was the coldest I had ever felt him act towards me. I climbed in the car and started it. I drove in silence, the whole time wondering what I could have said wrong.
                  I made it home and sighed, leaning my head against the cool leather of the steering wheel. I replayed the night over in my head, everything was perfect up to the end of the night. I climbed out of the car and a loud bang caused me to jump. My heart leapt and pounded furiously. One of the wide barn doors banged against the barn. Dolly never left those open. I shook my head and made my way towards it, shaking out my heads from the sudden panic, “Get it together Marley.” I whispered to myself as I closed and latched the barn.
                  Suddenly I felt something. It started out as a tingle, starting at the base of my neck. The tingle continued town my spine and arms, sending goose pimples across my skin. “H-Hello?” I called out as I looked around for the source of my unease. I felt unexpectedly on edge. I almost felt like someone was watching me. My eyes scanned Dolly’s darkened windows and the tree line across the street, nothing seemed out of place. Quickly I made my way up into my apartment and for the first time in the time that I lived there, I locked my door.
     
     
    Chapter Eight
                  I pulled into Bradley’s farm before the sun came up the next morning. My trunk was stocked with parts, including new breaks, fuses, alternator, starter, fuel pump, and a handful of other trinkets for the truck. I backed my car beside the garage, effectively hiding it from direct view. I didn’t want Cole to see me right off the bat. After last night I spent most of the night pacing back and forth trying to figure out what and where things went wrong. This morning I felt restless and edgy. The uneasy feeling that I was being watched and followed never left me.
                  I opened the garage and almost screamed when I noticed Mr. Bradley sitting in the driver’s side of the truck. His hands on the wheel and his eyes misty and far away. “Mr. Bradley?” I asked nervously. He looked up and smiled sadly, nodding his head to the other side. I hesitated before making my way and tugging open the heavy door and climbing in. I slid into the cool leather seat and closed the door. We sat in silence