after almost two months together, it still feels as if we just met. All of the excitement, attraction, and anticipation are still there. It doesn’t matter that we live on the run, because when I’m with him, it doesn’t feel like I gave everything up.
As much as it surprises me, I’ve officially turned into one of those girls, but even knowing that, I don’t care. I belong with him, and he belongs with me, and even though I get why my friends are completely baffled by the choices I’ve made—I would still do it all over again.
Collin slams his door and saunters toward the travel station. I watch his ass, appreciating the view. He fills out his jeans like an underwear model.
After he disappears inside, the minutes tick by. I bite my lip and check the dash’s clock again. He’s usually out by now.
I lean back in my seat, hugging my jacket around me. My knee jiggles as I eye the time again. Another minute passes, and I’m about to get out and go inside when he comes through the door.
A stormy look covers his face, and his stride eats up the pavement.
Shit. Something happened.
A second later, he’s in the car and we’re peeling out of the parking lot.
“What’s wrong?” I tug my seatbelt so I can see him better.
The muscle in his jaw ticks. “I couldn’t get the money.”
I let out a shuddering breath and lean back. “Okay. That’s okay. We knew this would eventually happen. We’ll just have to find another way to get money for the documents, and—”
His hand slams against the steering wheel, making me jump. “Dammit, Bri! I don’t want to have to find another way. I want to provide for you, and look at the mess that is my life! None of this is okay! It’s not supposed to be like this!”
My heart slams against my ribs. Instinctively, I reach for him. I want to touch and soothe him. Our bond is so strong now, and I know my touch will help calm him.
His wolf is aggravated too. I can see it in the glow of his eyes. Even though Collin hasn’t claimed me yet—something he refuses to do because of our tenuous life circumstances—I’ve never felt closer to another person.
My hand settles on his forearm. The rock-hard muscle beneath my palm tightens. His arm feels like steel, smooth skin, and hot blood. I squeeze. “Collin, we’ll figure it out.”
He sighs and rakes a hand through his hair. “Fuck me. Seriously. Fuck me and the shitty choices I’ve made.”
I continue touching him, knowing the feel of me will do better than any words could. And sure enough, as the miles slip past us, the anger emanating off him decreases.
“I’m sorry,” he finally says. “I didn’t mean to lose my shit.”
I lean across the seat and place a kiss on his cheek. “At least you didn’t kill anyone. I count that as progress.”
He chuckles, and the familiar twinkle enters his eyes. “What has it been? Six weeks since the rogue? I’m damn near a boy scout with how good I’ve been.”
I laugh and squeeze him again. “Exactly, so please, don’t worry. We’ll figure something out. We can always look for cash work if you’re not able to withdraw money again. There’s always a way.”
He frowns but doesn’t reply. I know he hates the idea of me having a job and having to provide, but I’m used to working. I like working. It gives me purpose, and even though my mate is stubborn so am I. No way in hell am I going to sit back and not do something when I’m perfectly capable.
∞ ∞ ∞
We drive until we get to the west side of Nevada. Since the SF was able to locate us at our last stop—thanks to the failed ATM withdrawal attempt—we keep moving until the car is nearly out of gas.
Dry land and sage brush surround us. Overhead, the night sky looms.
“Sleep outside tonight?” Collin asks.
“Yeah. I figured as much.”
We get out and slam our doors. The loud sound echoes around us. There’s nothing out here but dry land and endless stars. It should be a peaceful night.
“I’ll get the bedding.” He heads to the trunk.
After weeks of doing this, we’ve developed a routine. While Collin’s grabbing the sleeping bags, I grab a water bottle and snacks. We didn’t stop for dinner since we never stop moving after using an ATM.
My stomach grumbles as I reach for our toothbrushes and hats. Even though