Page 73 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

When he finally speaks again, his voice is muffled but steady. "I never thought I'd find this again. Someone I could trust, could let in..."

"Thank you…" I press a soft kiss on his chest.

He's quiet for a moment, then asks, "What about you? Your family?"

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I prepare to share the most painful parts of my past with Everett. His arms tighten around me.

"My childhood was...complicated," I begin, my voice catching slightly. "Mamma was never really cut out for the whole motherhood thing. She had us at fifteen, and she loved the idea of it, but the reality was too much for her restless spirit."

Everett doesn't say a word, but his fingers trace soothing circles on my back.

"When Kendrick and I were just toddlers, she up and left one day. Just packed a bag and hit the road, chasing some dream or another." I shrug but the old hurt still stings after all these years. "We didn't see or hear from her for months at a time. It was like she'd just...forgotten we existed."

A muscle ticks in Everett's jaw, but his eyes remain soft, full of understanding.

"Meme—that's what we called my grandma—she stepped in and raised us as best she could. Lord knows she tried her damnedest to give us a stable home." I smile wistfully, thinking of the countless sacrifices Meme made for us. "But even her love couldn't fill that void Mamma left behind."

It's been so long since I let myself think about those years. It also hurt so much. But I smile at the thought of my brother. My twin heart.

"Kendrick...he took it harder than I did, I think. While I was trying to be the perfect kid and keep everything together, he was acting out in every way possible." My throat tightens as I recall those turbulent years. "No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to reach him, you know? He just kept spiraling further and further out of control."

Everett's hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining as I hold him like an anchor.

"The day they hauled him off to juvie was..." I look off, blinking back tears. "I felt like I'd failed him like I'd let down the last person in the world who was supposed to have my back. Meme tried to tell me it wasn't my fault, but I couldn't shake the guilt… the feeling that I should've done more to protect him."

I let the tears flow for little Kenzie and for my brother. We were just doing the best we could, and it wasn't enough.

I don't try to hide my pain or pretend this shit doesn't still hurt because it does. And I guess it will until my brother is released from that hellhole.

Everett presses a tender kiss to my forehead, and I take comfort in the steady rise and fall of his chest, letting the rhythm of his breathing ground me.

"After that, it was just Meme and me trying to pick up the pieces. She was my whole world. The one constant in a life that felt like it was constantly unraveling." I let out a shaky breath, leaning into the solid warmth of Everett's embrace. "Losing her last year felt like the last thread holding me together had snapped."

Everett doesn't offer empty platitudes or hollow reassurances. He simply holds me, letting the weight of his presence say what words cannot.

In his arms, I feel seen and understood in a way I've never experienced before.

We stay like that for long moments, our bodies intertwined, our breaths synchronizing. The intimacy of the moment is almost overwhelming but in the best possible way. It's as if we're baring our souls to each other, stripping away the layers of hurt and fear that have kept us guarded for so long.

Eventually, I pull back just enough to meet Everett's gaze. His eyes are a swirl of emotions—sorrow, empathy, and something deeper that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice thick with gratitude. "For listening, for...understanding."

Everett cups my face, his touch achingly tender. "You've been through hell, Kenzie," he murmurs, his thumb tracing the curve of my cheekbone. "But you're still standing, still fighting. That kind of strength...it's rare. Beautiful."

A lump forms in my throat at his words, at the raw admiration in his eyes. This man, this reserved, amazing man who's seen the darkest sides of life, looks at me like I'm something precious, something worth cherishing.

My heart whispers, this is home.

And instead of running, I do the next best thing… I kiss him.

His lips are soft, and he is hesitant as if he's not sure how I'll respond. I deepen the kiss, parting his mouth with my tongue, showing him exactly how I feel.

He groans, a deep, animalistic sound, and I'm wet again. As Everett's lips part from mine, a rush of desire surges through me.

My heart pounds in my chest, and his hands roam over my curves, sending shivers down my spine. His fingers trace the swell of my hips and the dip of my waist, and I moan softly into his mouth.

He pulls away, his eyes burning into mine. "You're incredible," he breathes, his voice thick with desire.

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