Hudson
She trembled in my arms as I set her down to start the shower and undress us both. Then I guided her under the spray. Her quiet exhale of relief as the water warmed her skin was like a knife in my gut.
The second I’d seen that prick on the video feed, I’d exploded. I’d been barely rational, as evidenced by the shit that came out of my mouth. I’d been so furious with myself for not taking precautions from day one. I’d never dreamed she’d take it to mean I ever regretted her.
The thought was so abhorrent, so counter to every thrum of my heart that beat for her, only for her.
I shampooed her hair before guiding her head back to rinse out the suds. I then slid conditioner into her silky strands with as much delicacy as I could manage, given the torrent of emotions running through me.
The day had been a living nightmare. Every worst-case scenario had flashed through my mind repeatedly as I’d searched every inch of the town for her. Knowing how what I’d said had come across, knowing she was out there thinking the worst, had nearly driven me insane.
Even Griffin had gone from chewing me out to assuring me she was fine, that she just needed to cool off. It had to be a crisis when Griffin tried to perform any kind of pep talk.
I knelt down, gently swiping soap over her legs before rising and pulling her against me, knowing she’d have to put up with me being more overbearing than usual until I assured myself she was whole and safe—and mine.
“Let’s get you dried off and in some clean clothes,” I said gruffly as her eyes dipped down to my obvious arousal and back to my face with a raised brow.
“What?” I asked. “Baby, you’re naked. I don’t think I have to explain beyond that.”
“You’re ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes. Seeing her fight a smile was enough to release some of the tension that had been collecting in my chest all day.
I guided her out of the shower before gently toweling off her gorgeous body, then moving up to her hair.
When she glanced up at me, her lip quivering, my control crumbled.
I all but crushed her to me, holding her as close as I could.
“Christ, baby. I’m so fucking sorry. It guts me that you spent even a second thinking I could regret you.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
My heart fucking beats for you. I want everything with you.
I just lost my shit because your space was violated, potentially because of me.
I lost my ability to think clearly. But it won’t happen again—I swear to you. ”
With her chin pressed to my chest, she finally met by gaze as I held her close.
“Hudson, you have to stop treating me like I’m a porcelain doll.
And you have to stop trying to shield me from your world.
Let me be a part of it instead. I know this is all new to both of us, but I’m learning that, whether you like it or not, your fame comes with an accelerated timeline.
So, if we’re really doing this, we need to talk about these things together.
We need to decide together how to navigate all this. ”
“Oh, we’re really doing this,” I assured her firmly. “And I hear you. But you need to promise me something.”
“What?” Her caramel-colored eyes searched mine.
“Don’t run out on me again.” I tightened my hold on her. “We’re gonna fight—there’s no doubt. I promise to mind my words, but I need you to stick around and duke it out with me. I need you to promise me, Lucy.”
“I promise. I didn’t do it to hurt you.” She pressed her forehead to my bare chest, and I stroked the back of her head. “I just—well, I guess I wasn’t thinking clearly either.”
“I know you didn’t.” Begrudgingly, I pulled away and loosened my hold on her. “Bet you’re hungry.”
“Starved,” she admitted ruefully.
“Well, good thing I promised to feed you.” I grinned, nearly beside myself that we were alright. “Let’s get you packed up, and we’ll head out.”
“Head out?” She looked confused.
“Yeah, baby, head out. I’ll grab the mallard.” I cocked my head toward her bedroom where the winged atrocity hung on her wall.
Her brows rose higher than I’d ever seen. “I’m sorry, what? Grab the mallard? Did I miss a memo?”
I chuckled. “A memo? Baby, how old are you?”
“Focus, Hudson,” she growled impatiently. “Why would you grab Bernard?”
“Bernard? You named him?” I choked out.
“He just… looks like a Bernard.”
“Fuck, you’re cute,” I rumbled, wanting to take her delicious mouth and forget the day we’d endured.
“And this is you again making decisions without talking to me.” She crossed her arms. “Without asking me.”
That sobered me, and I regarded her intently.
“Alright, baby, let me lay out my intentions. I want you to come home with me. You can keep your place here for as long as you want, but I’m determined to keep you happy enough that you never want to leave.
I built a house—I want you to help me make it a home.
I know it’s fast, but especially after today, I can’t imagine not making my intentions crystal clear.
And I figure you can’t live without Bernard, so he better come with. ” I offered her a teasing grin.
Her eyes popped wide, her mouth dropping in shock. “You’re asking me to move in?”
“Absolutely. It’s okay if you’re not entirely sure.
I’m sure enough for the both of us. But if you’re really not ready for that, I’ll respect your decision.
I can set you up with a first-class security system here to make sure you’re protected, and we can go from there. I just want you to be happy.”
She rose up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to mine. “Grab the bird.”
I grinned against her mouth, already thinking about all the ways I’d remind her of that quote in our future. “You do realize we just decided to move in together and had this whole conversation naked?”
“We’ll skip that part when we tell the story.”
I pressed my lips to hers. “You can tell it any way you like. Now, let’s get going so I can feed you.”
We packed up the essentials she would need for the next few days, including Bernard. I’d have my brothers help me with the rest. I didn’t want anyone else handling her things.
“What are you hungry for?” I asked as I fired up the truck, the feeling of rightness coursing through me with her at my side.
“I would kill for a burger.” She groaned. “I don’t particularly feel like dealing with half the town, but I’m starved. Could we grab something to go?”
“Anything you want, baby.” I shifted the truck into gear and pulled away from the curb. Truth be told, I didn’t have much in the house, so swinging by Goodie’s was the best option to quickly get her home, fed, and into my bed—our bed.
I couldn’t fucking wait.
But I’d have to do just that. I had important calls to make to ensure my woman was protected. I wasn’t sleeping another night without it done.
After we finished eating, I had her curled next to me on the sofa in the living room as I set about explaining my next moves.
“Gonna call Griff, baby. I want to make sure a case has been opened on your break-in.”
She looked up at me, her eyes wide at the vehemence in my tone.
“And then I’m calling a meeting with my publicist, manager, and lawyer.
I want all of them to know you’re mine, that you’re living with me, and to discuss what additional measures we need to take to ensure your safety and our privacy.
I would shield you from all of this—honestly, it’s my instinct to play it that way—but that seems to piss you off. ”
“He’s learning.” She rolled her eyes as she snuggled deeper into my side.
“I’m deeply motivated,” I assured her, my voice dropping an octave.
The way she shifted against me sent heat curling low in my stomach. I bit back a groan and forced myself to focus, lifting my phone to my ear before temptation got the better of me.
By the time I finished scheduling a meeting with my entire team for the following morning, she’d fallen asleep against me, no doubt exhausted from the day we’d had.
I carried her upstairs, relishing the feeling of her, safe and secure in my arms. As I laid her into what was now our bed, I couldn’t deny I’d imagined a different ending to the evening.
But the sight of her sleeping soundly—knowing she was safe to do so and trusting me to take care of her—was a very close second choice.