Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
Hudson’s hand tightens around mine, and I feel the anger radiating from him beneath his calm exterior.
“Dane fought for custody,” I say quickly, rushing to the next part before I lose my nerve. I can’t tell him all Dane had to do to get me, but I tell him what I can. “He worked multiple jobs, hired a lawyer—he did everything he could. But for months, while he was fighting, I had to stay with my uncle. And he . . . he didn’t want to take care of me.”
Hudson exhales sharply, his jaw clenching. “What did he do?”
I close my eyes briefly, forcing myself to say it. “To keep me out of his way, he used to lock me in the closet. Sometimes for hours. I don’t know if it was because he didn’t want to deal with me or if it was just easier for him. All I know is that I was alone. In the dark. And I couldn’t do anything about it.”
“Did he ever . . . um, hurt you?”
“He did. But mainly, he would just leave me in the closet.”
Hudson straightens, his eyes blazing with fury. “Molly . . . Jesus Christ.”
“It’s why I freak out in tight spaces,” I say quickly, needing to explain before his anger consumes the moment. “Why closets, small rooms . . . why it’s hard for me. Why I need to have control. But this week . . .” My voice softens as I look at him. “This week has been different.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve helped me more than you know,” I say, my words trembling but honest.
“How?”
“You didn’t push me,” I say. “You didn’t force me to confront it. You just . . . made me feel safe. Sitting in the barn, riding Gracie. Skating . . . I didn’t feel trapped. I felt like I could breathe.”
Hudson’s eyes soften, his hand still firmly holding mine. “Molly, I didn’t do anything special. You did that yourself.”
I shake my head, tears brimming in my eyes. “No. I didn’t. I couldn’t have. Not without you.”
He stays silent for a moment. Finally, he sighs, his voice low and raw. “I hate that you went through that,” he says quietly. “I hate that someone could do that to you. Whatever happened to your uncle?”
“He’s gone . . . Out of our lives. Most likely drunk somewhere.” Hudson narrows his eyes at my words. “Let’s just say he won’t be bothering me anymore.”
It’s not my story to tell. It’s Dane’s, and I need to respect that.
“I’m glad you told me.”
I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand, forcing a shaky laugh. “You’re not going to use this as leverage to win a game of charades, are you?”
He laughs softly, the sound easing the tension. “Oh, absolutely. Next time you hesitate, I’m pulling the ‘you trusted me with your trauma’ card.”
I roll my eyes, laughing despite myself. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Yet you’re still sitting here with me,” he teases.
I glance at him, my heart pounding. “Yeah,” I say softly. “I am.”
He shifts closer, his hand never leaving mine. “You’re stronger than you think, you know that?”
“I don’t feel strong,” I admit.
“Maybe not yet,” he says. “But I see it. You’re not just surviving anymore, Molly. You’re living.”
My throat tightens, and I can’t bring myself to speak. Instead, I lean into him, letting my head rest against his shoulder. Hudson’s arm slips around me, holding me close as the stars shimmer above us.
For the first time in years, I feel safe.
Hudson turns to face me instead of the sky.
“You’re staring,” I murmur, breaking the quiet, though I can’t bring myself to look away.
“Yeah,” he says shamelessly. “I am.”
I turn my head to face him, and the edges of my lips tug up despite myself. “The stars are up there, you know.”
“So?” he says, his voice lower now, soft and teasing. “I’m looking at something better.”
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “That’s so cheesy.”
“True, though,” he says, leaning a little closer.
The space between us shifts, the air thickening. His hand moves, brushing against mine, where it rests on the blanket. It’s the lightest touch, but it sends a ripple through me, my breath catching before I can stop it.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice barely a whisper.
I nod, even though my heart is racing. “Yeah. Just . . . you make me nervous sometimes.”
His brow furrows slightly, though his eyes stay soft. “Why?”
“Because you make me feel things I’m not used to feeling,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly, the vulnerability of the words hitting me as I say them.
His lips curve into a small, reassuring smile, and his fingers lace with mine. His hand is warm, grounding, steadying me in a way I didn’t realize I needed. “You don’t need to feel that way with me, Hex.”