Page 85 of Cavern of Silence

"Can I sit down?" he asks.

"Sure."

He turns the chair toward me and sits. "I'm an asshole."

"No, you're not. Only sometimes," I tease then seriously say, "I'm sorry you got hurt because of me."

"If Ryker treated Vanessa how I've treated you, I would have thrown the first punch a lot sooner than he did."

"Violence isn't the answer."

He nods. "We know. But if you haven't noticed, I'm pretty protective of the people I have deep feelings for. Ryker is no different. We both made mistakes. We won't again, but this is more on me than him."

I've done so many things wrong in my life. Yesterday was a prime example. And I don't want to hold a grudge, but staring at Hunter's mangled face isn't helping matters, so I only say, "Thank you for your apology."

"You should also be aware of something else I did."

My stomach drops. "What?"

He winces. "I'm assuming you know about his past?"

"You mean about his deceased wife?"

"Yes."

"Yes, he told me about her."

Hunter shifts in his seat. "I said some nasty things and then compared his wife to you."

My head moves back and heart races. "Oh."

"It's not my proudest moment, and I don't even believe what I said, but I was hurt over Vanessa and took it out on Ryker. So I did have an ass beating coming to me. He should have done it on the deck and didn't."

"What did you say?"

He closes his eyes briefly. "Do I have to repeat it?"

"No."

"Thank you. And I know you think I hate you, but I don't. I'm in a place I've never been before...with Vanessa...and it's making me a little irrational at times. And it's not an excuse, but—"

"I understand."

"You do?"

"Yes."

He swallows hard. "Thank you for taking care of her."

"Sure. I like Vanessa."

"You're a good friend to her. Um..." He clears his throat. "Is she doing okay?"

"She didn't have a panic attack last night and was sleeping when I got up."

His eyes glisten, and he nods. A small smile appears. "Good. That's good. Thank you."

"I haven't been the best version of myself toward you," I admit.