Page 23 of Deathless
“Her name is Rori. And no, she’s not interested in killing you either. Which is pretty damn reasonable, considering youtried to killher. But we’re all very sympathetic to your situation, in case the free food, housing, clothes, and other amenities,” I gestured to all the workout equipment, “doesn’t show that already.”
Hudson lowered his head, shoulders rounding down slightly while his eyes remained connected to mine. “I am appreciative. Of all of it. You’ve noticed I haven’t tried to kill anyone else since I got here.”
“That’s a low bar of gratitude, but we’ll take it.”
He huffed out a breath, which almost sounded like an attempt at laughter. “It’s a nice day out,” he remarked after a few seconds of silence.
“Yeah.” He wasn’t lying. It was just warm enough with a bit of a breeze and a clear sky. It would’ve been a perfect day for riding if I didn’t have to keep an eye on things.
“I almost didn’t leave my room when I found out Devin was leaving.” Hudson rested his forearms on his legs. “But then I found out the--uh, Rori was going. And the other woman, I don’t know her name. Dark hair, blue eyes.”
“Valorie,” I informed him. “She’s Rori’s cousin, goes by Val.”
“Right, yeah. So I’ve been able to see this yard from the window. And I figured, if there’s less people around, I could see if I still got my technique, you know?”
I didn’t fully understand why he was telling me all this. Maybe because I was the only person around to talk to? Whatever the reason, it seemed important to listen.
“It’s good to get out of your comfort zone,” I said. “Break down those barriers you set up in your mind.”
Hudson nodded. “Malik and I talked about that. What’s familiar isn’t always what’s right, even if it feels better to stay within those barriers. Doing what’s uncomfortable, taking that risk, that’s how I stop being the person I was before coming here.” He leaned back, straightening. “So, that’s why I decidedto leave my room and try some lifts, run the risk of talking to someone, like you.”
I studied him, my feelings somewhere between surprised and amused. Damn it, I might actually end up liking this guy. “And how does it feel?”
“Feels...” Hudson paused to consider that, head tilting slightly. “Feels good,” he said with a definitive nod. “Yeah. I’m glad I came out here.”
I wondered if he’d feel the same way if Rori and Val were around. Or if the mere sight of them would send his hackles up, shutting himself back in his room like a cornered animal. Either way, I didn’t need to push it now. We’d find out when they returned. For now, at least, the guy and I were getting along.
“Well, you clearly don’t need my assistance with your lifts,” I said. “I’ll leave you to your workout. Nice talking to you—”
“What’s she like?”
The abrupt question threw me off-kilter for a second. “Who? Rori?”
Hudson nodded. “I know what Devin thinks of her. He tries to be very straightforward and objective, but everyone has bias. Especially when it comes to other people. How do you feel about her?”
Well if that didn’t make me curious as hell about what Devin said about her, but I smothered that thought with an awkward laugh. “Shit, I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve known her for thirteen years.”
“So you know her well.”
“Better than most. Doesn’t stop me from being biased, though. Your best bet is to get to know her yourself.”
“I can’t do that yet.” Hudson shook his head, blowing out a long breath. “I’m not ready to speak to a woman face-to-face. So I’m trying to learn from those around her. And anyway, your biases are different from Devin’s.”
All valid points. “Well.” I rubbed my jaw. “She’s the most loyal friend anyone will ever have. That shit runs deep with her. No one is a casual acquaintance with Rori. You’re either a stranger to her or you’re practically family. And she’s someone who will ride into battle for the people she cares about, no questions asked.”
Hudson made a snorting sound and shook his head.
“What?” I demanded.
“So why’d she run in to save me, then?” He met my eyes again, challenging me. “She didn’t know me, so what you’re saying makes no sense.”
“She did it for Santos,” I snapped. “Because she loves him andyouwere important to him. ‘Til you tried to kill her, at least.” Hudson opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off. “And even if you hadn’t been tight with Santos, if we’d have found out about you another way, she’d still want to rescue you because what they did is fucked up. Sexual slavery is wrong, and you didn’t deserve that, no matter who you are. It’s not that fucking complicated. If something fucked up is going on, any decent person will want to stop it. That’s the normal, expected thing to do.”
Hudson and I stared at each other for a few tense seconds before he broke eye contact with a sigh. “I definitely don’t know what’s normal or expected anymore. It’s like I need to recalibrate my sense of reality.”
My temper ebbed away, and I found myself leaning against the barbell rack. “I can’t imagine what that’s like. Sorry I got defensive.”
“You’re really protective of her.” Hudson’s eyes flicked up to mine again. “They don’t call you the Guard for no reason.”
