Wrecked (Dirty Air 3)

“Don’t go. You don’t need to run from the nightmares anymore,” he whispers into my hair.

A few tears trickle down my face and land on his bare chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He runs his hand through my hair in a gesture I’ve come to love.

I shake my head. “It’s embarrassing that I can’t sleep in the dark. What kind of life is that?”

“One where you’re still heali

ng. Things like this take time.”

“How would you know?”

“Because I’m learning to heal, too. It’s not as easy as the movies make it look.”

I let out a hoarse laugh. “You’re secretly a dork.”

“Why do you think Liam and I get along? He has his books and I have my movies.” He wraps his arms around me, squeezing me into his chest. His spicy scent calms me.

Silence wraps around us. With Jax holding me, the darkness doesn’t seem as intimidating. The mental prison I’ve created over the years loosens its hold as Jax runs his hand soothingly through my hair.

I take a deep breath, centering myself before I chicken out. “Jax?”

“Mm.” His chest rumbles beneath me.

“I think I’m falling in love with you.” The words leave my lips in the faintest whisper.

He keeps quiet for a solid minute. I second-guess myself, but he squeezes me tighter into him. “Elena?”

“Mm.” I copy him.

“I already know I am.”

41

Jax

My mum held true to her promise, scheduling me a coveted spot with an Italian genetic counselor who could expedite my tests. Mum isn’t one to throw money at people, but she’d do about anything to get me tested quickly before I chickened out. I had the blood withdrawal done on Monday. By Thursday, I had the results.

My parents and I sit together in the doctor’s office. I scan the doctor’s facial features, hoping for a smile or a sigh of relief. His face reveals nothing as he reads the document in front of him.

Mum and Dad each grab one of my trembling hands. I let them care for me, anxiety making it difficult for me to breathe right.

The doctor looks up at us, and he opens his mouth.

It takes one word to change someone’s life.

Only one word to destroy all the hope I’ve built with Elena.

Eight letters. Three syllables. One meaning.

Positive.

42

Elena

I look for Liam’s number in my phone and give him a call. “Hey, is Jax with you?”