Page 27 of Wilde's End
By the time I’m heaving for breath and have sweat running down my back, I’ve almost forgotten about Hudson. Almost. I don’t think his thorn will ever leave my side. I’m overheated, sore, and probably pushed way too hard, but at least I have a second’s peace.
A small break from all the stress and worry about whathappens next for Wilde’s End.
It’s a fifteen-minute walk back to my place, and every one of those minutes drags. It’s been a long time since I lost control of myself like that, and my muscles are making me pay for it now. Even with the pain, I love this walk. It’s peacefully quiet, the breeze is cool against my sweat, and everything smells like trees and dirt and earth.
Who wouldn’t want to protect a place like this?
There’s a secluded swimming hole I normally bathe in not far from my place, but I opt to use my outdoor shower instead. I avoid it when I can because I hate to waste water, but after that workout, I’m starving, and I refuse to eat smelling like this.
I strip off and shower, scrubbing the horrible effects of the day from me. The world as I know it hasn’t ended yet, and I need to keep focused on that and nothing else. There’s still time to stop the worst from happening.
As soon as I’m clean, I switch off the shower, dry in the sun, and then climb my back stairs. The Wenders and I built this place with our bare hands, and I’ve never been prouder of anything than when we finished and I had a place all of my own.
It’s my sanctuary, and I’ve never had another person step foot inside.
Until now, apparently.
Sitting on my couch, leaning back against my grandmother’s patchwork quilt, is Hudson.
He grins when he sees me, like he hasn’t invaded my personal space, and then his gaze drops from my face … to my dick.
One side of his mouth stretches higher. “Well, that’s unexpected.”
“What the hell are you doing in my house?”
“Returning the favor.”
The heart-pounding irritation from earlier returns. I’m not sure which part frustrates me the most: that his face can do that so easily or that I worked my ass off to get rid of this feeling for nothing. “Get out.”
“But you didn’t say please.”
“Get out.Please.”
Hudson laughs, and the scratchy sound is too appealing. “I would, but I’m really enjoying the view.”
I huff and cross the small room to pull the quilt out from under him. I’m not modest—I don’t give a fuck who sees me naked—but I’m in no position to make demands when he can’t keep his eyes off my cock. Once the quilt is wrapped securely around my waist, I glare menacingly down at him.
“Show’s over. Get out.”
“Just one thing first.” He reaches for the clay pot on the coffee table in front of him. I don’t have much in here, but the few things I do have are personal. Gracie Raylon made that for me when she was six, and it was the first gift I’d gotten in years. I’m about to snatch it out of Hudson’s grubby hands when he tosses it into the air.
My heart drops.
“No!” I try to catch it, but the pot slips past my grip, and I watch as it drops, fast, and then hits the floor. All I can do is stare as it shatters, the tiny pieces exploding out in all directions.
I barely hear Hudson over the pounding in my ears.
“Ooops,” he tries, but there’s no apology behind it. “I guess we’re even for the windows now.” He stands, and as he steps around me, he pats me on the shoulder, but I’m still staring at the wreckage in shock. “Just wanted you to know I’m always happy to visit. In case you get any other ideas.”
My indignation is roaring in my veins, and Hudson doesn’tmake it a step before I grab his shirt and throw him halfway across the room. He’s ready for me, and I get an elbow to the face for my efforts. He takes another swing that I block, and before he can tackle me, I grab him and shove him face-first into the wall. I need to use my whole body to keep him pinned, even as he thrashes against me.
He’s strong for a city boy.
“How fucking dare you,” I snarl.
He tries for a hard shove backward, and when that doesn’t work, he lets out a chuckle instead. “Coming from you.”
“You can get new windows. I can’t replace that.”
