Page 68 of Truck Hard

“Because I was hurt too.” I cup her cheek, tilting her face back to mine. “And too proud to admit how much it killed me seeing you with him.”

Tears well in her eyes. “I kept waiting for you to fight for me. To tell me I was making a mistake. But you just... let me go.”

The pain in her voice cuts through me like a knife. “I was a stupid, immature kid who thought I was doing the right thing.” My thumb catches a tear as it falls. “I convinced myself you deserved better than what I could offer—a life beyond this small town, beyond living paycheck to paycheck while I tried to keep the shop afloat. Keep food on the table. For seven young boys, Grams, and my dad.”

“All I ever wanted was you,” she whispers. “The rest didn’t matter.”

I pull her closer, pressing my forehead to hers as guilt and regret twist in my gut. “I’m so sorry, Hannah. For everything.”

She sniffles softly. “I’m sorry too. For not being honest with you about Cam.”

The mention of our son sends a fresh wave of emotion through me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask gently. “All these years—”

Hannah shifts in my arms, curling closer as if seeking comfort. “I didn’t know at first. It happened just two days before my wedding and then Charlie and I...” She swallows hard. “The timing made it impossible to be sure.”

My arms tighten around her instinctively. “But you figured it out eventually.”

She nods against my chest. “Charlie seemed to know from the moment Cam was born. He was always so distant with Cam,even when he was just a tiny baby. And then as Cam got older, started looking more like you—” Her voice catches. “The first time Charlie hit me, Cam was only three months old.”

Rage burns through me at her words. The thought of that bastard laying hands on her, hurting her while she cared for our son is unbearable. “Hannah.”

“Your features started showing up in him—your eyes, your smile.” Her fingers trace the line of my jaw. “Charlie never touched Cam, thank god. But he took it out on me instead. Every single day for twelve years.”

“Jesus.” I press my lips to her forehead, trying to pour all my love and protection into the gesture. “Why didn’t you come to me?”

She shifts uncomfortably. “I was terrified. Charlie had so much power, so many connections. And after a while, I just... survived. Kept my head down, tried to avoid the next beating, focused on keeping Cam safe.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “I didn’t let myself think beyond that.”

Guilt crashes over me in waves. While I was nursing my wounded pride, building walls around my heart, she was enduring hell at the hands of a monster. A monster I’d practically handed her to.

“I should have been there,” I say roughly. “Should have protected you both.”

“You’re here now.” Hannah lifts her head to meet my gaze, eyes shining with unshed tears. “That’s what matters.”

I capture her lips in a tender kiss, trying to convey everything I can’t put into words—my love, my regret, my promise to never let her go again. She melts into me, her body soft and pliant against mine as the kiss deepens.

When we finally break apart, I brush my nose against hers. “I swear on my life, Charlie will never hurt either of you again.”

A small smile curves her lips. “I know, but if he does, you’re not allowed to blame yourself.”

“No promises, but I’ll try.”

The weight of our conversation settles around us like a heavy blanket, but there’s peace in finally speaking these truths aloud. In sharing the burden of our past mistakes.

“We should probably get dressed,” she murmurs, though she makes no move to leave my embrace. “Can’t lay here all day and let Cam find us like this when he gets home from school.”

I glance at my watch and groan. “Shit, you’re right.” But I can’t resist pulling her closer for one more kiss, savoring the soft press of her lips against mine.

She laughs against my mouth. “I’m serious, Liam. I don’t want to scar our son for life.”

Our son. The words send a thrill through me, even as my chest tightens with lingering guilt. I watch as Hannah stands and gathers her clothes, admiring the graceful lines of her body. She catches me staring and throws my shirt at my face.

“Stop looking at me like that or we’ll never get dressed.”

I grin and pull my shirt on. “Can’t help it. You’re beautiful.”

A blush colors her cheeks as she slips her t-shirt over her head. Even after everything, she still doesn’t see herself clearly. Doesn’t recognize her own strength and beauty. But I’ll spend every day showing her if she’ll let me.

I help Hannah gather the scattered clothes from around the living room, both of us rushing to dress. Aside from not wanting to get caught by Cam, there’s work to be done. We can’t leave the paint out like this and let it dry.

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