Chapter 23
Harper froze at the sight of the car barreling toward her, her brain short–circuiting in that primal way that happens when danger comes too fast to proces
Tyler and Dylan both spotted the vehide simultaneously, lunging toward her with identical expressions of horror
“Harper, MOVE!” Tyler shouted, reaching her first and grabbing her arm
He yanked her sideways with all his strength, but the car was moving too fast it clipped them both, sending them tumbling across the concrete entrance of the
Tyler instinctively wrapped himself around Harper as they rolled, his body absorbing the impact. They crashed to a stop against a light pole, Harper’s head striking the metal base with a sickening thud
Despite the white hot pain shooting through his leg and the road rash burning his arm. Tyler immediately focused on Harper. Blood was seeping from a gash on her temple, her eyes closed |
“Someone call 911 he yelled at the growing crowd of shocked shoppers. “NOW!]]
Dylan sprinted over, reaching for Harper, but Tyler shoved him back with his good arm.
Maybe check on your paycho ex!” Tyler snarled through clenched teeth. “She’s the one driving
In that chaotic split second, Tyler had seen the driver clearly–Ruby’s mascara–streaked face behind the wheel, her expression a mask of rage
Dylan whipped around toward the wrecked car, now crumpled against a concrete planter. Through the cloud of deployed airbags, he could see Ruby slumped forward, the engine hissing ominously.
He raced to the car and wrenched the door open, dragging Ruby out before the vehicle could catch fire. Her forehead was gashed open, blood trickling down her face as the mumbled incoherently
Despite her injuries. Dylan dropped her unceremoniously on the pavement, shock giving way to blind fury
You’ve
lest your goddamn mind!” he roared, hands shaking. If anything happens to her, I swear to Christ-“]
The wall of strens cut through the air as emergency vehicles flooded the scene.
When Harper regained consciousness, she blinked up at the sterile hospical ceiling dies, momentarily unable to place herself. Then reality crashed back, and she halted upright–or tried to
A nurse gently pressed her back down. “Whoa there. You need to stay horizontal for now.
Tyler, Harper gasped, dutching the nurses scrubs. “Where is he? Is he okay?”
The nurse patted her hand rissuringly, “Your boyfriend’s next door getting his leg act.
“How bad is it?” Harper’s voice cracked, tears threatening. Just tell me straight.”
“Broken übia, some nasty cuts and bruises, but nothing life threatening. He’ll be hobbling around on crutches for a while, but he’ll be ne
The dinical reassurance wasn’t enough. Harper needed to see him with her own eyes. She struggled against the nurse’s restraining hands
“I need to see him. Right now,”
Their standoff was interrupted when the door swung open, revealing Tyler being wheeled in by an orderly, his leg encased in a pristine white cast and angry red scrapes covering his left arm.
Harper’s composure crumbled instantly. “Oh my god,” she choked out
Tyler maneuvered his wheelchair doser, taking her hand. “Hey, don’t do that. I’m fine. You’re the one with the hard head,” he teased gently, his voice softening -Dyr says you’ve got a mild concussion. You need to rest and not get worked up.“|]
He squeezed her fingers, is presence calming hver racing heart ||
Harper
The door burst open as Dylan appeared, arms loaded with gift bags stuffed with expensive looking health supplements, imported fruit, and what appeared to be high–end herbal teas. His face was a mask of guilt and concern.
Both Harper and Tyler’s expressions hardened simultaneously
“Get the hell out” Harper inapped, her voice razor sharp.|
Dylan set the bags down, palms raised defensively. I had no idea whi
Harper dit ↑ let him finish, the snatched one of the heavy gift bags
was planning. I swear to god. I never drought died-|
(it directly at his fare with mirprising
Dylan didn’t even flinch as it crashed against his chest, expensive supplementi tumbling to the floor:[]
“If throwing things at me helps, go for it,” he said quietly. I deserve worse
Harper let out a harsh, incredulous laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me right now? You think playing human punching bag gets you off the book? You think your pathetic martyr act and overpriced gifts cancel out seven years of absolute garbage treatment?“||
