The edge of life: Official cover - coming soon

by Rachael Tonks

  He steps into the hall and opens the door to the next room down the hall. My father nods his head, instructing me to follow Eric. I stand in the doorway and watch as Eric flips the light switch before stepping out so I can take a closer look. I take a quick scan of the small room. There is a single bed, a wardrobe, and a cabinet beside the bed. It’s definitely compact, but I’m not really in a position to grumble. I walk over to the small window and open the curtains. I immediately notice a window directly opposite. I study, trying to get my bearings as to who exactly that window belongs to. Suddenly, I see Ryder, the crazy twin, appear in the window. In a silent panic, I swiftly close the curtains, shuddering at the memory of the brute from next door.

  “You like?” my father asks, appearing beside me. All I want to do is run. As far away from here as possible. No, I don’t like, but I don’t really have any choice but to suck it up and pretend otherwise. I can’t help but feel so incredibly alone. After my mother had died, we moved from the house where I’d lived my whole life. My father could no longer afford to pay the mortgage, and things just seemed to spiral out of control.

  “It’s okay,” I lie with a loose shrug. Turning to him, I have no option but to plaster on a fake smile.

  “Great,” he says, patting me on the back. “I’ll go and fetch the rest of your things from the car.”

  “My books, Dad. Please don’t forget the box of books.” It’s the one thing I love to do. Reading is a part of me, and losing myself in a good book is the escape I need. And I have a feeling I will need it more now than ever. He nods, walking out and leaving me in the middle of this room as the sting of tears swells in my eyes once more. The sinking feeling in my stomach makes me feel sick. I had desperately called my two best friends, asking them to help me, to let me stay with them. But they couldn’t, and I’m not surprised. It was a big thing to ask. Stumbling back, I flop back onto the bed, and the springs squeak as I fall onto it with my full weight.

  “Hey,” Jax says as he appears at the door. Taking a huge, shaky breath, I turn to him and try to hold back the river of tears threatening to break the seal.

  “You’re not crying, are you?” he asks with concern.

  “I don’t want to be here,” I say, letting my eyes drift shut. “I feel like I’ve lost everything; not to mention I’m going to be the talk of school now.”

  “Why?” he asks as his brows narrow in confusion.

  “Look at me! I’ve been dumped here. In this trailer park. I’m going to be called more names than you can possibly ever imagine.”

  “Honey” —he pauses, letting out a heavy breath— “if any of those fuckers say a word to you, tell them you know the Blackheart twins. Guarantee they won’t say another damn word to you.” His face changes, and an evil grin tugs at the corner of his lips. I can’t help but widen my eyes, his words shocking me to the core. I’ve heard of the Blackheart twins. Everyone has heard of them. They’re famous for all the wrong reasons, but I’ve never actually seen them; I had absolutely no idea what they looked like or where they lived. I’ve only heard the stories of the things they are believed to have done.

  “Jesus Christ,” I whisper with a breath of disbelief.

  “What?” he asks, his eyes studying my face.

  “You’re not…” My words trail off as I struggle to get out what I’m trying to say.

  “I am,” he says with a subtle nod of his head.

  “But you two are dangerous, notorious even. Everyone knows who you are.” My voice wavers; the fear I’m trying not to display evident in my voice.

  “You didn’t,” he teases, nudging me with his elbow as he sits down beside me on the bed. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. These twins are feared by everyone. Rumors say they have even killed people. A lump grows in my throat, wondering whether my father truly knows who he’s leaving his daughter with.

  “Should I be scared?” I ask him, my voice barely a whisper.

  “You don’t fuck with us; we don’t fuck with you. Got it?”

  “Jeez.” I sigh, releasing a heavy, pent-up breath. “You’re supposed to be reassuring me, and honestly, that sounds more like a threat.”

  “Believe me, that wasn’t a threat, honey.”

  Stretching out, I pull back the bedcovers and blink repeatedly, trying to gauge the time.

  Sleep deprived and jumping at every sound meant I didn’t sleep well. At all. Saying goodbye to my dad and not knowing how long it would be before he returned weighs heavily on my heart. Breathing is difficult, but trying to come to terms with my new living arrangements is almost impossible. My eyes scan the room, trying to find some idea of the damn time; the repetitive banging sound from outside is starting to reverberate in my mind, driving me crazy. Reaching into my bag, I retrieve my phone, pressing the button to light the screen. I let out a low growl when I realize it's only 4.26 a.m. “What the hell is that damn noise,” I murmur to myself. Stepping forward, I slide open the curtain, looking to find the source of the noise. My eyes lock onto the twin from next door, shirtless and drenched by the constant pour of rain. He’s hammering over and over again on what looks like a motorcycle. I glance back down at my phone in disbelief. Why the hell would he be out there making all that noise, and in this weather? I shake my head; the annoyance of my new neighbor’s actions enough to make me go out there and see what his problem is. I yank open the door, slipping out of my room and pushing on my Chucks. I don’t stop to think about what I’m wearing until it’s too late. I step out of the trailer and storm around to the source of the noise. It takes seconds for the downpour to drench me, and I’m wearing nothing but my pajama top and shorts.

  But I don’t stop to think.

  I charge forward. As I make my way around the trailer, I see Ryder, the crazy lunatic who attacked my father yesterday, hammering away. I know I should fear him, but I don’t. Rain drips from the ends of his hair, and he blinks repeatedly to try to clear the rain from his eyes. He doesn’t acknowledge me as I get closer; he clearly doesn’t know I’m watching him. Crossing my arms, I clear my throat loudly in an attempt to get his attention. But it doesn’t work. He just continues what he’s doing.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” I shout loudly, trying to gain his attention. He finally turns to me, lifting his head slowly and sweeping back the dripping hair from his face. Swallowing down hard, I take a tentative step backward, and the sinking feeling in my stomach tells me this was a bad idea. A really bad idea. His eyes darken as he takes me in, and I notice how they rake over my body. I suddenly feel really conscious of what I’m wearing and how see-through it might appear now that it’s wet. I tighten my crossed arms. Standing tall and straightening himself, he sucks in a huge breath.

  Shaking his head, he narrows his eyes. “What the fuck are you doing out here at this time?”

  “I was about to ask you that question,” I quickly respond, holding my hand above my eyes to shelter my face from the rain.

  “I have somewhere to be, and this fucking thing’s decided to die on me.” He flicks his head in the direction of Eric’s trailer. “You should get back inside before you catch a cold.” He snaps his head away from me.

  “You do realize it’s only four thirty in the morning, right?” I ask.

  “So,” he answers sharply.

  “So…” I pause for a second, scrunching my nose at the fact that I need to explain this to him. “People might be asleep. You know, this whole banging thing you’re doing might be causing a disruption.”

  “Not my fucking problem, princess,” he spits back. “Oh, and this is a trailer park, so you’d better get used to the noise.”

  Fueling my annoyance, I can’t help but narrow my eyes and glare at him with disgust. “You woke me with your damn banging, and you’re not even gonna apologize for that?”

  He looks at me, letting out a small scoff. “I apologize to no one. Now, go run along and play with your dollies, little girl,” he taunts before turning his back on me and continuing to wo
rk on the bike.

  I stand frozen to the spot, soaked by the rain and willing my mouth to say something. But I can’t. I’m so damn confused and irritated by this guy that I turn and storm back toward Eric’s trailer. I walk through the door, desperate to get out of the rain, and shake myself a little trying to remove the excess water. But it’s no use. I rush back to my designated room and remove the wet clothes plastered to my skin. I pull on my bathrobe while my thoughts focus on this shitty situation. I sink down on the bed, and stray tears trickle down my already wet face. I take one deep, unsteady breath as I try to remember this could be worse. A lot worse.

  But it doesn’t help.

  There is no hiding from the truth. And the truth is I’ve been dumped here with a guy I don’t know a damn thing about. I’ve lost everything in my life—my mother, my childhood home—and now, my father has walked out on me. I get his reasons, but that doesn’t soften the blow. I’m exhausted, both physically from lack of sleep and also emotionally from an overactive mind. Trying to stay strong, trying to adapt to my temporary life here at this trailer park.

  I need to get cleaned up and pull myself together. Since Eric’s still sleeping, I decide to slip into the bathroom to shower. Stepping out and taking the few steps to the small bathroom, I lock the door behind me, resting against it and inhaling deeply.

  Ten minutes in the shower and I finally feel warm again; the heat from the shower divine against my chilled skin. Wrapping a large towel around my body, I try to hold it there precariously as I emerge from the bathroom. Peeking around the door, I stop dead in my tracks at the sound of a voice. Pulling on the towel tighter, I scan the room to find the source of the noise.

  “Good morning,” Jax calls from the kitchen area. Holding a frying pan in his hand, he turns to me smiling widely. “Enjoy your shower?”

  “Mmmhmm,” I answer with a nod of my head. The more I think, the more confused I am as to why Jax is here at this time.

  “Do you always make your breakfast in Eric’s trailer?” I ask inquisitively, tilting my head a little as I wait for his response.

  Jax lets out a bellow of laughter. “It’s a welcome breakfast for you. Least I could do, considering my asshole of a brother woke you up.”

  “He woke you too?”

  Jax throws me a sideways smile. “Unfortunately.”

  I look down at the towel I’m desperately trying to hold up around my body. “Let me just go put some clothes on, and I will be back with you in a few.”

  “Sure, no rush,” he replies as his face lights up with yet another wide smile. I can’t help but think how his rugged, handsome face softens when he smiles that way. I hurry into my room, bending down beside the bed. I reach under to pull the huge suitcase from underneath the bed, rifling through my belongings. I dig out jeans and a fitted top as my outfit for the day. Standing and sliding on my underwear as quickly as I can, there’s no way of mistaking the excitement that flutters in my stomach. Jax being so nice to me is the one thing that makes this whole shitty situation with my father a little more tolerable. I desperately want to get to know more about the twins and find out more about why they are so feared. What exactly is it that they do? A ton of questions buzz through my mind as I race to get ready and out to Jax. The smell of food has drifted into my room, and the overzealous rumble of my damn stomach reminds me just how hungry I really am.

  Finally dressed with my hair tied up on the top of my head, I grab the phone from the nightstand and check it. Five missed calls, and three messages show on the screen from Cady. Selecting them, I read through. It’s obvious Cady is concerned about me.

  Where are you?

  Honey, I’m worried about you.

  Please call me back.

  A small, sad smile creeps across my face. Typing quickly, I respond to her messages.

  I’m sorry. My phone was on silent. Don’t worry; I’m okay. See you at school Monday.

  Trying to downplay the whole situation, I leave out any detail of where I am or what has happened. Locking the screen, I grab my latest read from the nightstand and make my way through to the kitchen; the delicious smell of cooking lingers in the air. I look up, and my eyes meet Jax. He’s sitting at the table holding a cup of coffee in his hand. Placing it down, he gets up from his seat and pulls out the chair beside him.

  “Take a seat; it’s all ready for you. I wasn’t sure whether you’d want coffee, but there’s plenty in the pot if you’d like some.”

  I dismiss him with a shake of my head. “I’m not really a coffee kinda girl,” I admit, sliding into the chair Jax has pulled out. “But thanks.”

  “Not a coffee girl, huh? Makes me wonder what kind of girl you really are,” he says with a smartass smile on his face, and his eyes widen as I fidget in my seat. Jax turns, grabs a plate piled high with eggs and bacon, and places it down in front of me. My eyes go wide at the huge portion.

  “Wow,” I say with a gasp. “This looks delicious. I mean, seriously, I don’t think I can possibly eat so much, but I’ll try.”

  “Dig in,” he presses, sitting down beside me and pulling one leg up and crossing his ankle over his knee. He sits watching me, impatiently waiting for me to say something. His eyes widen expectantly.

  “Well,” he cajoles.

  “Mmm,” I mumble between bites. “So good.” Finishing the mouthful, I stop eating for a second to focus on Jax sitting lazily beside me. His thick brown hair falls onto his forehead a little. It’s the sort of brown that has hazel flecks within, giving the appearance of a lighter brown as it catches the light. His emerald eyes pull me in so deep that I can barely break the contact. Pressing my tongue against the roof of my mouth, I finally manage to tear my eyes away.

  “So tell me about you and your brother. He put on quite the display yesterday.”

  “He’s a hothead, for sure,” he responds with a lift of his brow. “I’d keep your distance if I was you.”

  “Really? Why’s that?” I ask. Jax’s eyes rove over my face as he’s contemplating his answer.

  “You saw how explosive he is. He’s a loose cannon, and I’d hate for you to get caught in the middle of his next outburst.”

  I ponder for a second before responding. “How are you two so different?”

  “What do you mean?” he presses further, a rueful smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.

  “Well, you seem kinda normal, like nice and everything.” My words fall out with a fumble, and I start to feel uncomfortable under his concentrated gaze.

  A chuckle escapes him. “I’m pretty sure there’s a compliment there.”

  “You bet there is. You’re just about making this whole painful experience feel slightly more bearable.”

  “Really?” he says with a cock of his brow. “You know, it’s not so bad here. Your dad knows we’re going to take good care of you.”

  I narrow my eyes suspiciously. “We?”

  “You know, me and Eric.”

  I acknowledge his answer with the slightest movement of my head. “So you two are close?”

  “You could say that. We work together.”

  “Doing what, exactly?”

  “Hmm,” he replies, pausing momentarily. He eyes me warily before continuing. “He sets up deals, and I guess you could say I’m the delivery guy.”

  Tilting my head a little to the side, I contemplate his reasoning. It must be illegal, whatever it is. That must be why Jax is so evasive. My guess is that it’s drug related—after all, this must be the connection between my father and Eric. I just don’t buy his bullshit about them being lifelong friends. My father had gotten into small-time dealing when he was sinking in debt. He hit me with the news the day before he had me pack up and move here. I was totally oblivious to what he’d got himself involved in. When he explained what had been going on, it all made complete sense. He said he had no other choice. After Mom had died and we were forced to move out, he had to make money to cover medical expenses and other bills that had piled up during Mom’s ho
spitalization. See, Mom was the one who paid the bills and ran our home.

  After our move to the small apartment, there were signs, but I never figured it out. The late nights, the constant phone calls, the way he’d become quite secretive. At the time, it didn’t mean much, and I was so wrapped up in school and friends that I didn’t see it. But now, it’s as clear as day.

  Drawing my attention back to Jax, I feel that now is probably not the best time to quiz him about his possible illegal activities. Trouble is the last thing I want or need. I know I need to keep my mouth shut and my head down here. I continue to eat my breakfast, a yawn escaping between mouthfuls.

  “Tired?” he asks, tilting his head sympathetically.

  “I’m exhausted,” I whisper my admission. I can’t fight back the emotion that races through me. I allow my eyes to flutter shut as the sting of tears threaten to break through. Setting my hands on the table, I allow my head to fall forward to rest on them. I feel lost here like I don’t belong.

  “Too much reading those porn-style books until late into the night, I guess?” His eyes dance with excitement as they flit back and forth between the book on the table and me.

  “It wasn’t that.” I smile sadly, shaking my head a little.

  His grin is replaced by a look of seriousness. “I’m sorry,” he answers sincerely. “This must be really shitty for you, huh?”

  “Something like that,” I mumble. I want to smile, I really do. But just right now, when I feel this way, I can’t even bring myself to force it.

  “Let me fix that,” Jax says with enthusiasm, pulling his chair closer to mine until our knees are touching. Resting his hand on my leg, he tilts his head until his face is in my line of sight. “Let me take you somewhere. Anywhere. Your choice.”

  “You really don’t have to,” I whisper. “I just need time.”

  “Really,” he insists. “I want to. Let’s be fucking honest here; who wouldn’t want to a have a stunner like you on their arm for the night?”

  Instant heat rushes to my cheeks. My pale skin was always a dead giveaway to my level of embarrassment. Lifting my head, I can’t help but shudder at the intensity of his emerald eyes burning into me. He is so close, our legs touching and his face inches from my own. It makes me nervous, and my heart flutters to match the butterflies in my stomach. Before I can answer, my attention is drawn to the front door flying open.