Page 24 of Loving Trent (Love in the Bootheel #5)
I speed up, take the curve ahead, and then stop in the middle of the road.
Dust kicks up into the air around me. While the adrenaline coursing through me causes my heart rate to spike, that’s the only thing.
All the twitching of my muscles, the tightness of my skin, and the itchiness are gone.
I’m calm and ready to throw down. The radio, which is turned low, finally pulls my attention as drums come through the speaker and the singer yells, “Let’s do this.
” Reaching over, I turn the volume all the way up as “War” by Sick Puppies plays.
The speakers vibrate with the bass, and I let it fuel my rage.
Looking out the window, the headlight from the van is approaching the turn.
Grabbing the hoodie I found in the backseat, I pull it over my white shirt before stepping out of the truck.
Leaving the truck open so I have a soundtrack while I enjoy myself.
I cross my arms and wait for my prey. The van comes around the corner fast. Too fast. The driver almost loses control but quickly recovers.
My muscles are drawn tight, my heart is racing, but my mind is silent.
It’s going to be six against one, but I can hold my own.
The image of Shawn sitting on the ground looking small.
His green eyes, full of tears and fear. The blood running down his handsome face.
All of it fuels my anger, and I use it. The song switches, and there's no way to keep the sick smile off my face. It’s perfect.
“Street fight” by Adam Jensen is going to make this epic.
“What the fuck is your problem?” The first guy out of the van yells. His nose is clearly broken, which means that he was one of the people who touched Shawn.
“You are.” Unlike him, my tone suggests that nothing is wrong with me. It’s flat and emotionless.
One by one, the other five guys step out and stand behind the first one as if he is their precious leader.
I’m going to save him for last. “I don’t even know you, but by the time we beat your ass, you will know me.
” The threat feels like feathers brushing against my skin.
They might get a couple of hits in, but I’ll be the one walking away.
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. The only people who are going to get their assess beat are whoever put their hands on what belongs to me.” Once again, I’m assaulted with the image of Shawn, and I can’t keep the growl inside my chest.
The leader throws his head back and laughs. “God, what does that faggot have a golden dick? The only reason Boe got away with his shit is because he brought the Hills, but you,” he points at me. “You’re all alone.”
“I don’t need anyone here to help me.”
Time speeds up as they all charge me like I’m a red flag, and they’re pissed-off bulls.
It’s all a blur of fists and feet coming.
I can’t tell who I hit, but they start to fall to the ground one by one.
A well-aimed fist to one guy’s ribs. A kick to the outside of another’s knee.
Trusted throat punch to number three. Number four gets a swift kick to the temple.
Asshole five got a hard kick to their stomach.
Which leaves me with Mr. Leader himself.
He waited like the coward he is while the other guys tried to take me on.
All I see is red as I throw myself at him, and all I feel is his skin between my hands.
I punch and kick him anywhere I can. Once the rage clears, the guy is on the ground, and I’m straddling him.
His lip is busted, and blood is pouring out of his nose.
His breathing is labored, and my hands are wrapped around his throat.
“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t snap your fucking neck.
” I’m breathing heavily, I taste blood, and when I run my tongue over my lip, it stings.
My jaw is sore, but I know it isn’t broken, seeing how I’m talking.
I’m going to be bruised from where the other guy’s fist hit me, but I’m not worried about that.
The guy beneath me opens his mouth and closes it. His face grows redder the longer I squeeze his neck. I let off just a little, allowing him a small hit of air. “Please,” he begs.
“Did he beg you to stop? Did he look at you in fear like you’re looking at me?”
Jackass nods his head, and I cut his air off again.
I should end this fucker’s life right now.
But I don’t. I release him, stand to my full height, and say, “Let this serve as a reminder to you and your friends that if you ever touch another person, I will find you. Next time, I won’t let you walk away.
Especially if it’s him again.” Then I pull back and kick him in his head.
I raise my foot and bring it down on both of his arms. The sound of his bones snapping is like a hit of drugs to my system.
Before returning to the truck, I pull out my blade from where it’s always attached to my ankle and sink it into all four tires. Let them figure out another way back to town.
Parking on the street, I cut the truck off, shuck off the blood-stained hoodie, and walk the remainder of the way to Boe’s family home.
The ranch house sits in a small clearing of trees, which offer the perfect place for me to sit and watch the house.
I find a spot, lower myself to the ground, and pull my phone out.
Making sure to turn the brightness down, I call Leon first. “Hey, everything okay?” Jenna asks when she answers.
“Yeah, I’m good. Can I talk to Harley?” I watch someone walk across the only room with the light on, and I wonder if it’s Shawn. I want to go up to the door and demand to see him, but I can’t.
“Sure. Hold on,” Jenna says. “Hey Harley, it’s Trent.”
“Where are you?” Harley's question comes out quickly, and her voice is raised. She’s worried, and disappointment sinks heavily in my gut. I don’t want to worry her.
“Hey, I’m sorry. Something came up, and I had to handle it.”
“What happened?”
“Someone I know was hurt, and I went to find the people who did it.”
“Did you? Is your friend okay?” Gone is the worry and in its place is concern. The fact that she isn’t emotionless like I was reinforces the fact that Harley is going to be just fine.
“Yeah, I did. I’m about to check on my friend, and then I’ll come get you.”
“Actually, could I stay the night here?” I hear Sadie’s little angelic voice telling Harley to hurry up, which makes me smile.
“If that’s what you want. Sure.”
“Cool. I’ll see you tomorrow. Right?”
“Sure will. Have fun.”
“Thanks, Trent,” Harley says, and the line goes dead.
Next, I send Maria a message.
Me
How is Shawn?
Maria
He’s finally calmed down. Physically, he is going to be okay, but I’m not sure how he will do mentally. The Hills and Boe finally got released thanks to Adam’s uncle and Shawn’s dad. They should be heading here shortly.
Me
That’s good. What about the guys that hurt him?
Maria
Supposedly, the police are looking for them but haven’t found them.
“Good luck with that,” I whisper into the night. The only reply I get is the crickets chirping away.
Me
So, how do you know Shawn?
Maria
I’m actually working for him. One of my coworkers’ dads suggested her for the job, but she’s too busy, so my name got thrown in the mix. I was going to call you, but I’ve been busy.
Me
No worries about that. I’ve also been busy and haven’t been the best at contacting you.
Maria
Do you know Shawn? I know you used to live in Cape, but you never talk about your time there.
Me
No. I don’t know him. Look, I’ve got to go, but if you need anything, call me. Plus, there is something I need to talk to you about.
I hate lying to Maria, but the thing is, I don’t really know Shawn.
The things I know are surface level, and I want to know everything about him.
The need to rip him open, crawl inside, and never leave is an understatement of the year.
Settling back against the tree, I pocket my phone and stare at the house, making sure that no harm comes to Shawn.
My arms ache to hold him, especially since the possibility of him having a nightmare tonight is high, but this will have to do for now.
Hours later, when Boe shows up and loads Shawn into his truck, I follow them to the same hospital his attackers were at.
I stay in the truck and wait for Shawn to come out.
I’d go inside, but Maria is with them, and I don’t want her to ask any more questions right now.
After he is released, they head toward Boe’s, and once again, I follow them.
Now that I’m sticking around, it’s time to step out of the shadows and make Shawn Foster know he’s mine and he’s safe.