Life Like Rocks

Chapter 8

I helped Ez roll the bikes onto the trailer attached to the truck he'd borrowed from a friend. He gave me a soft smile every now and again, then he'd go back to working on strapping the bikes down. I wrung my hands together as I watched him work with my bike, Jax's bike.

"Done," he said after placing the final strap down and securing it.

My heart beat against my ribcage, the sound like an echo in my ears. Ez looked to me, then he walked over and pulled me into a hug. I shook as I buried my face in his shirt, quietly apologizing for my anxiousness.

He quietly shushed me, his right hand rubbing my right hip. I bit my lower lip, feeling it tremble beneath my teeth. I felt like a was cheating on Jax. I silently closed myself off, reinforcing my mental walls. I had told him too much about myself and had let myself begin falling for another man.

"Hey, are you alright," Ez asked.

"I'm fine," I say in a monotone voice.

"Are you sure, RK," he asked me.

"Yes," I tell him, my voice the same tone as before.

"Baby, you're not okay," Ez coaxed.

I stiffened, my jaw locking. Angry tears began to slip down my cheeks, my voice harsh, "Never and I mean never call me that!".

Ez was taken back by my outburst, shock and concern filling his eyes. He didn't flinch when I began smacking his chest as I let all my rage go. I quietly panted as I felt my anger fade, nothing but numbness and sadness left.

Ez gently pinned my wrists to his chest. His hands were warm and soothing, making me feel guilty over getting mad at him. I looked away as fresh, hot tears rolled down my already stained cheeks. I closed my eyes when I felt one of his hands lift my chin.

"RK, please open your eyes," Ez softly said, "I'm not upset at you. I understand you're afraid, but allow me to show you its okay to start seeing someone again. Would Jax want you to be closed off? Would he be doing the same thing I am?".

I silently nod, then I quietly apologized. Ez rubbed my hip again, wiping my tears away. He then put his forehead to mine, softly humming in Spanish.

Can I trust Ez now?