Wrecked (Dirty Air 3)

Jax

I take a deep breath as I walk up the steps of my private jet.

“Hey jackass, are you planning on going inside or do you want to keep us waiting out here?” Liam calls out behind me.

Sophie laughs.

“Why did I invite you both again?” Clenching my fists, I enter the cabin. Memories flood my head as I check out the seat Elena always preferred. The emptiness in my chest shifts to longing as I assess the completed puzzle.

“Because you’re a good friend and my jet needs a maintenance check,” Liam calls out behind me as he walks inside.

“You should fly commercial.”

Liam mockingly gasps. “You hate me that much?”

I flop into a chair across from Elena’s old one.

Sophie eyes the puzzle, tracing her finger along the edge. “Wow. This is impressive. I didn’t peg you as a puzzle person.”

“He’s not.” Liam slides into the chair across from me.

“Oh.” Sophie’s eyes flare with recognition.

“The things we do for the ones we love.” Liam pats the chair next to him for Sophie to sit.

“Why did you end things with Elena?” Sophie bites down on her bottom lip.

“I’m not talking about this with you both. It’s not too late for you two to catch a flight.” Guilt destroys my mental clarity as I think up the real reason I ended things with Elena. I hate the unsolicited image infiltrating my head of her upset at me, holding back her tears as she lifts her chin in defiance.

Most of all, I hate wondering if I will regret pushing Elena away for the rest of my life. It turns out inviting my friends on a flight is anything but helpful, instead making me frustrated while giving them an all-access pass to my hell.

Liam frowns. “Don’t be a dick to us because you fucked up.”

“Stop.” Sophie pinches Liam’s side.

“No. What’s the use of pussy-footing around this?”

“Because you don’t know other people’s reasons for what they do.”

Yeah, Liam, listen to your girlfriend. I fumble with my headphones, pretending to ignore their conversation.

“Based on how miserable he looks, I don’t think he made the right decision. Someone has to be the voice of reason around here.”

Oh, fuck off. “You don’t know what the bloody hell you’re talking about,” I snap. “There’s a difference between making the right decision and making the easy one. Don’t cast judgments about shit you don’t understand.” Anger feels good. Anger feels so fucking good I want to hold on to the feeling rather than the anxiety pulling me under time and time again.

Liam’s mouth drops open. “I’m sorry. I only want to help you.”

“I don’t want anyone’s help, especially for shit you can’t begin to comprehend, let alone help with.”

Hurt flashes across Liam’s face. “Listen, I can’t understand you if you don’t share what’s going on in the first place. We’re friends, and friends help one another.”

“This isn’t something you can undo with a smile and a big take me back because I’m a total wanker without you speech. Not all of us can be Liam freaking Zander, king of fucking up and still getting what he wants in the end.” My skin becomes hot and irritated, and I rush to stand.

My eyes land on the puzzle. Every emotion rushes through me, making my chest ache as I assess the hot-air balloons. The memory of taking Elena to the festival plagues my thoughts. An image of her—radiant as she smiles at the sky above with the same reverence she saves for me. Of how she kissed me until both our lips were swollen, whispering sweet words into the sky.

The balloons remind me of that stupid, hopeful fool who agreed to a test because of love. Anger and sadness fuse together, replacing the memory with despair.

Before anyone has a chance to stop me, I swipe my arm across the table. Hundreds of puzzle pieces fly through the air, scattering across the black carpet like snowflakes.