Broken Hands

56. New Trauma

Grayson had bolted out of the house, his fingers flying across his phone's screen as he sent a quick text to Damien. He didn't bother rereading it; he knew it wouldn't stop Damien from bombarding him with questions later. But "later" was a problem for Grayson in the future. Right now, Amber needed him.

He veered toward Aiden's house, his pulse hammering in his ears. Reaching the door, he climbed the steps two at a time, anxiety coiled tight in his chest. The doorbell chimed as he pressed it, his foot tapping a frantic rhythm on the porch. He could hear voices from inside—a man shouting, his tone sharp and demanding, then came the softer and calmer voice of a woman insisting.

The door jerked open, and Aiden stood there, his face unsettled his eyes flashing with irritation. "I was just about to head out," he muttered, brushing past Grayson and to the porch.

Grayson followed quickly. "I need a ride. Amber's place."

Aiden glanced over his shoulder, his irritation flickering into curiosity. "Hop on, Gray," he said, his tone surprisingly light. He mounted his bike, and Grayson climbed on behind him.

Before Aiden could rev the engine, the front door slammed open with enough force to shake the frame. A broad, muscular, bald man stormed onto the porch, his face red with fury. "Boy, get your ass back here!" he bellowed.

Grayson froze for a split second, his instincts screaming to intervene, but Aiden didn't flinch. He revved the engine and sped off, leaving the man yelling on the porch.

The bike roared down the road, the wind tearing at Grayson's hoodie. "Was that your dad?" Grayson shouted over the engine. "You just rode away! He was yelling at you!"

"Yeah, so?" Aiden shot back, his voice tinged with bitter frustration. "They can't show up out of nowhere and start trying to run my life! They've barely been around for years!"

Grayson frowned, gripping the bike tighter. "At least slow down! You're gonna get us both killed!"

Aiden let out an exasperated sigh but eased off the throttle, the roar of the engine settling into a steady hum. The rest of the ride was silent, the air between them was wrapped with unspoken words.

When they finally pulled up outside Amber's house, Aiden kicked the stand down and turned to Grayson. "What happened? You were off the radar for so long." He sounded calm for someone who just escaped his burning home.

Grayson glared at him. "After the bomb you dropped last time, do you really think my uncle was just gonna let me walk away? Huh?"

Aiden winced, running a hand through his dreadlocks. "I didn't mean to, okay? I was almost high. It just slipped out."

Grayson rolled his eyes. "We'll deal with that later. Right now, focus on Amber."

Aiden nodded reluctantly, following as Grayson led the way up the porch steps. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of darkness spilling into the dim evening light. Grayson pushed it open cautiously, the creak of the hinges echoing through the quiet house.

"Hello?" Aiden called out hesitantly.

A loud crash rang out from upstairs, shattering the silence. Grayson didn't hesitate. He darted up the stairs two at a time, his heart pounding as he prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. Aiden trailed behind, his footsteps hesitant.

At the top of the stairs, Amber's bedroom door stood wide open, the red glow of LED lights spilling into the hallway. Grayson stepped inside while Aiden went the opposite way. His eyes scanned the room. It was empty, the gothic decor casting eerie shadows on the walls. He backed out, moving to the next room which had as normal certain but looked uninhabited.