Page 33 of Piston

I blink, taken aback. "Protecting me? From what?"

"From me." His voice is barely above a whisper, his eyes downcast. "From the mess that is my life."

I soften slightly, understanding dawning. "Piston..."

"I didn't want you to get caught up in all this," he continues, gesturing vaguely to his bruised and battered body. "In the dangers that come with being a part of my world."

I step forward, closing the distance between us. "That's not your decision to make."

His gaze snaps up to meet mine, surprise etched across his features.

"I'm a big girl, Piston. I can handle myself." I reach out, placing a tentative hand on his arm. "But I can't do this hot and cold act anymore."

He nods, his expression serious. "I know. And I'm sorry."

"I don't need your apologies," I tell him, my voice firm but gentle. "I need you to let me in. To trust me."

Piston's quiet for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. Finally, he nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I do trust you, Jenny. More than I've trusted anyone in a long time."

I can't help but return his smile, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. "Then prove it. No more shutting me out, no more pushing me away."

He takes my hand, his calloused fingers intertwine with mine. "I can't promise it'll be easy. I'm not used to letting people get close."

"I'm not asking for easy," I reassure him, squeezing his hand. "I'm asking for a chance."

Piston's smile widens, and for the first time since I've met him, it reaches his eyes. "A chance, huh? I think I can manage that."

I lean in, resting my forehead against his. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."

We stand like that for a moment, the tension of the past week slowly dissipating. It's not a magic fix, I know that. But it's a start.

As I pull back, I catch a glimpse of the duffle bag sitting by the door, a reminder of how close I'd come to walking away. I'm glad I didn't.

"Come on," I say, tugging Piston towards the couch. "Let's get you off that leg. You're supposed to be resting."

He chuckles, allowing me to guide him. "Yes, ma'am."

As we settle onto the couch, Piston's arm finding its way around my shoulders, I can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, we'll be alright.

It won't be a smooth road, I'm sure of that. But for the first time in a long time, I'm ready for the ride.

Piston's smirk falters, a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes as he takes a step closer. "I've been a real ass, haven't I?"

I cross my arms, trying to hold onto my anger, but it's hard when he's looking at me like that. "You could say that."

He runs a hand through his hair, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I'm not good at this, Jenny. Letting people in, accepting help. It's not who I am."

"Well, maybe it's time to change that." My words come out softer than I intend.

His eyes meet mine, a glimmer of hope in their depths. "You think a guy like me can change?"

I take a step forward, closing the distance between us. "I think anyone can change if they want to. The question is, do you want to?"

Piston's hand reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek. "For you, I'd try."

My heart skips a beat, but I force myself to stay focused. "I don't want you to change for me, Piston. I want you to change for yourself."

He nods, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "I know I need to. And I'm sorry, for everything. For pushing you away, for being ungrateful. You didn't deserve that."

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