Page 51 of Playing A Risk
He narrows his brows and shakes his head. “What?”
“I don’t condone what you did, but now I understand why you act that way.” I shoot him an understanding smile. “See how easy this could’ve been if you would’ve just talked to me?”
His entire body slackens. He sits on the edge of the bed and buries his face in his hands. “I’ve made a terrible mistake not opening up to you.”
“Yeah, you have.” I sit beside him. “I’m not saying I’m not upset, but I’ll work through it knowing why you did it.”
He turns his head my way. “I expected you to be mad, but I’ve learned over time—and through our other fights—that you’re reasonable and forgiving when I tell you what’s going on in my fucked up brain.”
My thoughts instantly go to Jami.
Can I forgive him for not telling me about his son and ex-fiancée if I let him explain?
Will what he has to say excuse his lack of trust in me when he’s known me for almost my entire life?
Hunter waves his hand in front of my face. “Where did I lose you?”
“I was just thinking about Jami.”
“What about him?”
I peer into Hunter’s eyes. “I’m wondering if I’ll be able to forgive him.”
“Do you think you can?”
CHAPTER 13
HUNTER
Dorothy shakesher head and pushes off the bed. “I don’t want to talk about Jami.”
I pull in a rush of air. I’ve only just started with everything I need to come clean about, and my heart’s already about to fall right out of my chest.
Standing, I prepare to give her more, even though I could lose her. “I wish I would’ve talked to you in the beginning, but that’s why I’m doing it now.”
She takes a sip of her coffee, then puts the cup down and stares out the window.
“So many things could’ve been different.” There’s sadness in her tone.
“I know.” Guilt squeezes me. “And you need to know that because of my past, I have an extreme fear of losing the woman I love.”
She turns, her emerald eyes meeting my gaze. “I’m sorry your mom did that to you.”
“I know.” I step away from the bed to ease my anxiety. “Because of that fear, I’ve done other things that were designed to make me feel like I was in control. Since I’ve been going to therapy, I know those things are wrong.”
Her brows pinch together. “Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me more?”
I run my hand over my sore neck. “Because you’re right.”
She releases a laugh like she can’t believe anything that’s happening. “Well, give it to me and let’s see how much I can take.”
I find her hardened gaze and get ready for her to run out the door. “I’ve been ruthless with Jamison, threatening and manipulating him so I could have you to myself. I haven’t believed in your love for me, so I sabotaged your relationship with him, tracked your phone, manhandled you, and chased you down so you wouldn’t leave me.”
“What’s this about Jamison?”
I swallow and face my fate. “When you came back from Denver and told me about being with him, I threatened him so he would stay away from you. I told him I would ruin his career if he went near you.”
Her cheeks burn red. “I know you threatened him, but how were you going to do that?”
