Page 81 of Pretty Lethal
I know what she’s thinking, that I’m being naive. Foolish. I’ve let love blind me.
And I can understand why she might think that, but I know that she’s wrong.
What we have is built to last. We haven’t survived everything thrown at us to toss the towel in now—or at any point in the future.
Our relationship was forged from the hottest fire. It will withstand the test of time, only growing stronger with every challenge we overcome.
“I can already see how this will end. Whether it is a month or a year, it will end with you brokenhearted, homeless, jobless, and having thrown away your entire career.”
My mother’s tone is sharp, cutting, slicing into my soft parts and leaving bleeding wounds behind.
“With all due respect, Miss Harrison, we have no intention of ever causing Emilia such pain,” Kai intervenes. “We love her. We are committed to her.” Shifting his attention, I know his next words are meant for me as much as they are for my mom. “I, personally, couldn’t imagine a life without her smiling face in it.”
I can’t help the slight quirk of my lips.
“Neither could I,” Hawk easily agrees, stretching his hand across the table toward me, palm up. Uncaring of what my mother might think, I slide my hand into his, enjoying the way his fingers curl around me, giving a reassuring squeeze. He doesn’t let go when he’s done, either. Simply continues to hold my hand as though making a statement.
“I’d sooner kill myself than hurt Emilia,” Wilder states with all the casualness in which one might discuss the weather.
My eyes snap up. Intent on telling him off for being so dramatic, my lips part, but the words stall at the back of my throat at the sheer conviction I see shining back at me. He’s not being dramatic. He’s not exaggerating to make a point.
He means every. Damn. Word.
I also hear the word unspoken:Again.
I’d sooner kill myself than hurt Emiliaagain.
I hope he can read it in my eyes that I feel the same way too.
I’d rather hurt myself than cause him pain. If I could take back all the suffering I inflicted on him, I would.
As if reading me perfectly, one side of his lips lifts in a half-smile.
Iknow, it seems to say.We’ve both hurt each other, but it’s in the past. Only love from here on out.
Only love from here on out, I vow.
“So that’s it then?” My mother queries, not appearing the least bit impressed by my men’s show of love. “You’re just leaving your life behind?”
“No. I’m stepping into the life I was always meant to lead.”
Her lips are still pressed into a tight line, and I can tell she doesn’t get it.
“I think you’re making a big mistake.”
Her words hurt. She’s my mom. Of course I want her to be on board. I want her to hug me and tell me she’s happy for me, even if she doesn’t understand. Still I knew that was never going to be the outcome of today.
“I know, but hopefully one day you’ll realize I’m not.”
She continues to stare at me for a tense moment before looking away. “It was a long day of traveling. I should probably get an early night,” she says in a curt tone that deflates the last of the hope in my chest.
“Of course,” I state woodenly.
Hawk pushes back from the table and gets to his feet.
“Let me show you to your room, Miss Harrison,” he offers, sweeping out an arm and gesturing for her to go on ahead. “Up the stairs, first door on your left.”
I listen to them go, only allowing myself to feel the full effects of her disappointment when their voices have faded into the distance.
