The seeds of doubt began planting themselves in her mind. Filling her brain with everything that could possibly go wrong.
They could land on their heads and break their necks. They could survive but break their legs and be unable to run. The driver could spot them from his sideview mirror, and slam on the breaks and catch them.
Oh, God. I don’t think I can do this.
But as quickly as the thought came, another one took its place. Not one of her own, petrified creation. No, these were Garrett’s words. The ones he’d spoken to her when they were on the bridge…God, was it just that morning?
You’re stronger and more daring than you give yourself credit for. And if you need proof of that, all you have to do is look at us.
His words proved true then, and they were true now. She could do this. Shehadto.
If she didn’t…
Avery turned to Jess who looked even braver and more determined than she was.
Though they’d only just met, like Garrett, Avery felt a sort of bond. One they’d forever share thanks to the horrific circumstances that had brought them together.
You can do this, Aves. Jess is counting on you to do this.
“Okay.” Avery gave the girl a nod. “This is probably going to hurt.”
There was noprobablyto it. They were traveling at least thirty miles an hour, so would it hurt? Definitely. Could they end up with broken bones? Maybe.
But a broken arm or leg would still be better than whatever horrors awaited them if they sat on their asses and did nothing.
You’ve got this.
That voice was her sister’s. And both she and Garrett were right. Shewasstronger than she gave herself credit for. And shecoulddo this.
“You ready?” She looked to Jess.
The brave girl gave her a nod. “Ready.”
“Make sure you curl yourself inward and start rolling as soon as you hit.”
She had no idea if it was good advice, but it was something she’d picked up from one of the action-adventure romance books she’d read last year.
It had worked for the hero and heroine in that story. And as she pushed the door wider with her shoulder to give them both room, Avery prayed it would work for them, too.
“Okay, on the count of three. One…two…three!”
Avery squeezed her eyes shut and forced her feet to push of the truck’s metal floor. Jess let out a tiny squeal as they both took air.
And for a split second, they were weightless.
The unforgiving ground was like concrete as they hit. Pain ricocheted through Avery’s body from the hard impact, her right side taking the brunt of the fall.
Her shoulder, ribs, and hip felt as though they’d been smashed with a giant sledgehammer, and every last molecule of oxygen was pushed forcefully from her lungs.
But they’d done it. They were free.
Curling into a ball proved to be a difficult task with their hands secured behind their backs, but still, they rolled.
When they finally came to a stop near the side of the road, Avery took precious seconds to catch her breath and make sure she hadn’t accrued any life-threatening injuries.
Her chest heaved with its efforts to suck in some much-needed air. Though it took her a moment to gather her bearings, she was able to do a quick assessment of her limbs and other parts necessary to begin running.
“Are you…okay?” She turned to look at Jess.