Pick us back

I hauled myself out of a mattress that had long ago lost its shape, my joints popping in the silence of the bare room. Downstairs, the peace was already dead. I could hear my mother's frantic pacing-the rhythmic bang-thud of cabinets being ripped open as she hunted for the stash I'd intercepted the night before. I pulled on my leather boots and a blue crop top, my hands shaking as I tied back my long, curly red hair. I took the stairs two at a time, only to stop dead at the bottom. My mother looked horrific; the drugs had carved hollows into her cheeks and stolen the light from her eyes. She started screaming then, a raw, jagged sound, punctuating her rage by throwing whatever was within arm's reach. I grabbed my keys and wallet, a lump forming in my throat. "You promised you'd quit," I whispered, barely audible over the crashing of dishes. "I'm just trying to help I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through the street as I raced toward my bike. I kicked it to life, the engine's roar drowning out the chaos inside. While the motor warmed, I yanked on my leather coat and buckled my helmet with trembling hands. I peeled out of the driveway, heading straight for Lucy's-my only sanctuary. She was more than just a friend; she was the anchor I needed at the coffee shop right next to mine. I pulled up to the curb and killed the engine. Three bikes I didn't recognize were parked out front, and through the window, I could see Lucy drowning. I pushed inside just in time to catch a wobbling tray from her hands. "Jeez, Luce," I teased, "you trying to wear these drinks or serve them? Let me help." I peeled off my leather jacket, tossing it behind the counter. "Which table?" She didn't even look up from her notepad, her pen flying across the paper as she pointed toward the corner. I followed her finger to a table of three guys I'd never seen before. "Hi," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the adrenaline still humming in my veins. "I'm your waitress for a moment. Nice to meet you." I glanced up, and my breath hitched. A guy with shaggy blonde hair and a constellation of piercings smirked at me with bright green eyes. "Well, hello, pretty," he said. "I'm Julian. This is Ezra." My eyes shifted to the man beside him. Sandy blonde hair, blue eyes so piercing they felt like a physical touch, and a shirt that fought a losing battle against his muscles. Tattoos peeked out from his collar, hinting at more hidden beneath. I gulped, my voice failing me. "Hi," I managed to mutter. Ezra gave a low, melodic laugh. "And this quiet one is Marcus," Julian added. I stared at the third man. He was all dark shadows-black hair and eyes so dark they were almost void of color. He sat there, solid and buff in his leather jacket, and didn't even bother looking up. He just offered a low grunt. I forced a bright smile, trying to shake off the intensity. "Well, welcome to Maryland. What brings you here?" Julian stretched, his movements cat-like. "Moving here from LA. And I have to say, you're one of the prettiest ladies I've met yet." I swallowed hard, shaking my head as I set their coffees down. "I bet you say that to everyone." I didn't wait for an answer before walking away, my heart hammering against my ribs