Girl In Pieces by Jordan Bell

Author:Jordan Bell [Bell, Jordan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Barnes & Noble
Publisher: Aspose
Published: 2014-08-06T04:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

The rain hadn’t let up during my brief, overdramatic incarceration.

Cops and criminals filled the main station room, loud and jostling. There were real prostitutes waiting for processing next to people who seemed dedicated to fulfilling criminal stereotypes. Hoodies, piercings, bleary-eyed addicts and fishnet stockings. Rotund bellies next to tattooed badasses. It was like being on the set of a crime show, except for the very real smells. And vomit.

I did not see Thomas and no one stopped me as I followed Josh out.

Rivers of rain poured down the front doors, obscuring my view of Josh’s retreating back. I collected my wilted courage and trudged out after him. He must have heard me because he turned before reaching his car.

I stopped a few steps away, unsure if he’d bite if I got too close.

He stared down at me, the rough stubble along his jaw and disheveled appearance made him more imposing and gorgeous out here in the dark. A strange, carnal desire to let this man pull me into the back seat of his SUV and punish me for everything I’d said and done to him that night overwhelmed me. I swallowed, pressed my hand to my stomach to calm the butterflies there, and bowed my head.

Josh stepped closer. “I thought you’d rather sleep in the drunk tank than accept my help.”

“Please take me home,” I begged.

“Ok.” Josh said without hesitating. “Get in.”

Josh’s Explorer was pretty much the opposite of Thomas’s ultra-sleek futuristic sports car. It was rough around the edges from hauling bar stock and frequent camping trips. It smelled like men’s shampoo and leather boots and old coffee and had scuff marks along the glove box from where I put my feet up on the dash. We were public transportation people in our day-to-day lives, so riding with Josh on a pickup or delivery was like going on a road trip. I’d pack snacks and playlists and he’d point out we were only going across the city.

It’ll take us fifteen minutes, he’d say. I’ll pretend it’s longer, I’d answer.

My little sounds, the buckle clicking into place, my chattering teeth, the squeak of my thighs against wet leather made the muted silence in the cab feel even more oppressive. Every time I shifted he’d glance at me. Even breathing was too much noise. I became gigantic as I thundered through the quiet. I’d never felt so large and bullish in my life.

“You’re cold,” he said without looking at me.

“I’m ok.”

He flipped switches anyway, and turned knobs until the heater came alive. At first it just made me shiver harder, but as we pulled out into the empty, quiet streets, the warmth began to have some effect on my numb fingers.

We managed to drive a good 58 seconds before he broke the silence with more of his impatient questions.

“Where did you meet him?”

“Josh,” I sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Damn it, Kat.” His jaw tightened as he worked through his temper. His body screamed with barely held restraint. “I just want to know you’re safe.

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