Page 87 of Three Reckless Words

I think I’m scared.

“Winnie, thank God,” he growls my name, his voice clipped. Instead of waiting for me to invite him in, he shoves his way inside, brushing past me. “I didn’t think you’d really be here. Do you know what a nightmare it’s been? What a fucking pain… You’ve been impossible to find since you ran off.” He sighs and shakes his head.

“Holden—”

“What the fuck, Win? Tell me one thing.” He steps forward, crowding me back against the wall.

It’s not that I’m truly scared of Holden.

I can’t imagine he has a violent bone in his body, but he looks like he’s holding himself together with the force of a paper clip.

I’ve never seen him like this, bristling with emotion, and I don’t know what to do with that.

And after everything, I don’t need him here.

I don’twanthim here.

“Why, Winnie? What the hell were you thinking?”

My breath comes too fast.

How did he find me?

I thought I was safe here, that no one knew if Dad couldn’t figure it out. That was the whole reason I didn’t give it away to Lyssie either, and she knew not to ask.

But she warned me, didn’t she?

She said Holden washuntingme down. I should have known he’d have the money and influence and high-tech crap to find me eventually.

God.

I swallow thickly.

“Isn’t it time to come home?” he demands, rubbing his eyes. “Enough games. Everyone’s worried sick. Your mom thinks you’ve had a mental breakdown. She’s worried, and it’s not fair to just cut her out like this.”

Then it happens.

Holden Corban hugs me with real energy.

Not another one of his awkward cousin-like hugs I’m used to, just a formality for a man who never felt anything for me.

And when he leans in and whispers in my ear, I’m stiff as a board.

“I missed you so much. Come on, Win, let’s go pack your stuff. If we start moving, we can make it home before midnight and—”

Archer appears then, this huge shadow towering over Holden. I use the shock to step out of his arms, forgetting how to breathe.

Archer, though, he hasn’t forgotten anything.

He pushes Holden back with one giant hand, placing himself protectively between us.

“Cool it, little man. Did she say she wants to go with you?” he snarls, an edge to his voice like a sharpened blade. He glances at me, taking in my expression.

I don’t deny it.

What else can I say? Even if this has me sick and confused and stunned, I’m not ready for this conversation with Holden.

I’m definitely not ever going home with him again.

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