Fragments (The Broken Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

she was entitled to normal working hours.  
    Then, I reminded myself I didn’t have to wake her. I would just check to see if she was awake.
    I stood there for a moment, silently arguing with myself. Then I opened the door and walked quickly along the corridor before I could change my mind.
    Kristina’s bedroom was upstairs. I hadn’t brought my crutches, but I was feeling pretty good these days, and I hardly ever needed to use them.
    But then again, I didn’t often take the stairs. I stared up at the huge staircase that led up to the galleried landing and took a deep breath.
    Brian’s physiotherapy sessions had helped me more than I had realized. I was surprised at how easily I managed the stairs. It made me feel pretty good.
    I knew Kristina’s bedroom door was the second on the right. I knocked softly, but there was no answer.
    I should have just turned around and gone back downstairs. I promised myself I wouldn’t wake her, but something compelled me to open the door. I turned the handle softly and eased the door open then stepped inside.
    Moonlight streamed in through the window, and I could just make out Kristina’s outline on the bed. She must have been feeling the heat too because her covers were thrown back, revealing her long bare legs.
    I stood there for what felt like ages, hungrily drinking in the sight of her. I shouldn’t have stayed. I should have just turned around as soon as I realized she was asleep.
    But of course I didn’t.
    I moved across the room until I reached the side of her bed.
    “Kristina,” I said, keeping my voice soft.
    She was in a deep sleep. Her breathing was steady.
    I didn’t want to stand over her while she slept, that struck me as a little creepy, but something compelled me to stay.
    Her face was lit up from the silver light of the moon. She looked so unbelievably beautiful and peaceful. In that moment, I decided I would go to the Grand Prix, and I would take her with me.
    She wanted to help me, and maybe it would help. Maybe it would be good for me.
    I leaned forward and gently kissed her cheek.
    As I quietly left her room, I began to make a plan. I would call Dominic O’Brien tomorrow. Hell, it would make the guy’s day. Dollar signs would appear in front of his eyes as soon as he took my call.
    I wouldn’t pin my hopes on the idea that attending the race would magically make everything okay. That would be dumb. But maybe it would help me accept the fact that part of my life was over.  
    Things weren’t so bad really. At least, I had Kristina.  
    For now.

7

    Kristina
     
    The brilliant sunshine flooding through my bedroom window woke me up at six-thirty.
    I flung back my sheets and smiled. It was one of those unusual days when I’d actually woken up in a really good mood. That didn’t happen often. I wasn’t a morning person.
    Sunshine always made things seem brighter. I got out of bed and raised the window, staring out at the beautiful lush gardens and the shimmering sea beyond.  
    I was so lucky to be staying here. It was going to be another hot one, although the day hadn’t yet warmed up, and the sun was still soft and gentle.  
    The air was fresh and cool on my face, and I felt a delicious shiver run over my skin. It reminded me of Jack. I’d dreamed about him again last night. I was in danger of becoming overwhelmed by him.
    I wanted to stay with him all night. It felt strange having to go back to my own room each evening after everything that had happened between us.  
    He said it was because he didn’t want to keep me awake. That was the first time he told me he’d been having trouble sleeping.
    He was constantly surprising me. For someone whose face was an open book and who wore his heart on his sleeve, Jack was unusually good at hiding some things.
    Now that I’d grown so much closer to him, I could see what Brian had meant. Physically, Jack’s recovery had been amazing, but his insomnia indicated he was still suffering from the after-effects