Wreck Me (Corrupt Legacy Series #2)

“What do you want, princess?”

“Simple, I’d like simple.”

“I see nothing wrong with simple.”

“I think only people who have enough of pressure, of legacies, of not being able to be their own person want simple. Even if at the end of all this I’m free, I don’t know if I could go another route than simple.”

“I like simple too.”

“Of course you do. You want in my pants.”

“That too, but more in your life.”

“How do you picture a simple life as a race car legend?” she asks, sounding curious.

“We’ll find a way. Because at home, I wouldn’t be that.”

She tilts her face. “I wish I could see things as clearly as you.”

I palm her cheek, my thumb caressing her soft skin. “Because you’re focusing on the aspects of the problem instead of focusing on potential solutions. There isn’t a problem without an answer.”

“Yes, then what about dark matter and dark energy?”

“We’re talking about human questions, not the cosmic ones.”

After breakfast, we take two bikes and ride along the shore, then stop for ice cream. I never imagined that life could be this good, but for the first time, I feel alive. There are no struggles to survive, no battling internal demons, just enjoying my time with my girl.

It’s late afternoon when we return, and she makes me pose for her as she sketches me. It’s not a chore at all being the entire focus of her attention, the sole object of her art. She uses only a black pencil, and her talent is clear in the pointed lines, every detail coming to life as if it’s painted in vivid colors.

“Maybe this is what I’d do. Drawing and creating our house and then helping others create their perfect home.”

I give in to the serenity of that image.

Our house.

Us.

When we return on Sunday evening, heaviness settles in my chest; I have trouble breathing. Stolen moments. That’s all I get with him. I am in so deep with him, risking it all.

I offer him a small smile, hoping he doesn’t see through me, but he does.

His eyebrows furrow, and it’s both unsettling and wonderful for someone to know you without words. I give his hand a quick squeeze to assure him, even though inside I am just a pile of worry.

This weekend was a mirage, an escape from my real life and duties.

How long will I keep pretending I can have him in my life until reality crashes my dream? The dream will vanish, and I’ll wake up to my nightmare of life. Just the thought of something happening to him butchers every serene and happy moment.

The drive is silent, listening to music. I turn the volume up to tune out the voice of reason. I don’t want to lose him. I don’t want to lose myself in my life before him. To be dragged back to a time and place I have been miserable would be too cruel. I’ve discovered the wonders of being in love, of living with a full heart, and I don’t want to return to a bleak existence.

When he parks the car, I tilt my head to him.

“This weekend was…” Incredible, fantastic, a place I would have lived all my life with him next to me.

He pulls me to him and kisses the top of my head.

“Thank you.”

Simple words, but with an ocean of deep meaning.