Dad studies me in silence then nods. “I’ll go talk to Miles.”
“He loves cars,” I mumble hoarsely.
“I know what I need to do,” Dad says as he heads to the door. “Sleep, Dom. You need rest.”
I close my eyes, cursing myself. I ruined my entire future with one simple decision, and now, I’m letting my friend take the blame for me.
I am the fucking worst.
“Dom?”Mia tugs on the hem of my tee.
I blink away the memories poisoning everything around me.
Mia is still here with me, still giving, still pushing herself past her limit.
A familiar bitterness crawls up my throat.
My recklessness ruined my life.
My selfishness ruined Miles’ future.
And now, I’m standing here, lying to myself, pretending I’m not going to ruin her too.
“Dom?” Her expression softens. “You still mad at me?”
“No,” I say, kneeling in front of her and placing my hands on her knees. “Just…thinking.”
“About what?”
“The night of my accident, Miles was in the car with me. Just like Remi, he wasn’t thrilled. He knew I was high and running on only a few hours of sleep…but he got into my car anyway.” I grit my teeth, willing myself to continue. “He took the blame for the car crash. He said he was the one driving. He got kicked out of college and has been working at my dad’s shop ever since.”
“Oh God…”
“He told me time and time again that he didn’t just do it for me but for himself. Because he wasn’t happy. He didn’t care about college. He loves working at the shop. And you bet I’m working my ass off to get the custom shop off the ground for him. I’d do anything for him, for Matt.” I lick my lips. “But I let my selfishness win when I let my friend take the fall for me, and I can’t take that back. I’m afraid I’ll do the same to you.”
“Never. I promise.” She places her warm palm on my cheek. “I love you, Dom.”
My throat closes. I search her face and find nothing but sincerity there. My chest expands, and I feel light and full of happiness. It’s like I’m floating. Then, I press my forehead to hers, and on an inhale, I say, “I love you too, Little Mayhem.”
It’s the truth, but a tiny voice in the back of my head reminds me I don’t deserve her. I will eventually ruin her, no matter how hard I try not to. People like me don’t change.
CHAPTER 29
one day mia will understand
DOMINIC
Age 23
February
I’ve just stuckmy phone and a pack of cigarettes into my pockets when a knock sounds at the door. I’m headed into work on my day off because Will, the guy whose Harley Miles and I worked on, is bringing his grandson in to talk about some work he wants done to his Ducati.
I frown as I head to the door. Mia is at school, Matt and Dad are at work, and I can’t imagine Miles would swing by, since we’re planning to meet at the shop.
When I pull the door open, my gut sinks. Monica stands in the doorway, her hands hidden in her coat pockets, her expression blank. My first instinct is to shut the door in her face. I haven’t spoken to her since my birthday, and if I had it my way, I’d keep up the trend. But she’s my dad’s wife, and I respect him too much to treat her that way.
“Can I come in?” she asks, her voice quiet. Trembling, even.
