Page 103 of Collided (Dirty Air 2)

Probably because Liam’s dick of an agent took away my sense of control over my relationship. If I can even call it that, seeing as Liam is struggling between kicking me to the curb and keeping me.

“I’m not used to seeing you this out of it. Hopefully, you can get a good night’s rest before the race. Maybe with Liam?” She sends me a sly grin that doesn’t take away the empty feeling inside of me.

“I think I’m going to chill without my personal body pillow for a few days.” I need air and time to think. Hanging around Liam makes me weak. Part of me wants to ask him about what his agent said while another part of me doesn’t because I’m afraid of his answer.

“Any reason?”

Before I have a chance to respond, Liam and Jax make their presence known in the McCoy garage.

“If it isn’t our two favorite ladies.” Liam brushes a loose strand of hair from my face before planting a kiss on my temple. “You didn’t show up last night after the gala. You’re not quitting on me, right?” he whispers into my ear.

I turn to find his eyes sparkling. “Nope. I wasn’t feeling well and wanted to go to bed early. No reason to hang out if we aren’t…you know…”

His smile drops. “That’s bullshit. You know we spend time together without fucking. Don’t sell me a fake excuse when we’re friends first and foremost.”

Ah, there’s that word again. “Well, okay…”

He eyes me before stepping away, giving me room to breathe again.

“Let’s get this show on the road. I have places to be, people to bang.” Jax claps his hands together.

“You know, beneath that rough exterior is a boy who cuddles with his pillow at night and dreams of a better tomorrow.” Liam holds his palm to his chest.

“The only future I think of is kicking your ass at every race.”

“Okay, you two. This is one of our last episodes before the end of the season.” Maya breaks up the jokes and gets to work.

Maya interviews the two of them while they play a game. I tune out their conversation because I have no interest in listening, only attending because Maya begged me to film the exchange. I ignore the weird looks Liam sends my way. His omission of his contract deal sits heavy between us, and I can’t handle how part of me feels grateful he didn’t say yes to McCoy right away.

Despite his inability to decide if he loves me, I still love him with everything inside of me. I’d do just about anything to help him be happy. It looks like I fell in love with someone untouchable and unbreakable, proving to me how shattered people like Liam can’t fall apart again.

Welcome to my disaster ever after. Pull up a chair, bust out the popcorn, and enjoy the show.