Page 58 of Word to the Wise

Those words come out bigger than she might mean them to. They fill this entire room and seep through my pores. When she first showed up at my apartment, there was so much fear in her eyes; I was scared she’d never look at me the same if she knew my truths. But that’s not the case at all.

Reed understands me in ways I can’t even begin to process. She sees me like I can’t even see myself.

“You’d never hurt me, Mason. I know that. You aren’t Carter.”

It’s like she can read my mind—my fears. I’d never lay a hand on Reed. All I want to do is protect her. But violence is violence, and just because I wouldn’t hurt her doesn’t mean she couldn’t still fear me.

It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t hurt someone for her, just like I did for my sister.

“I’m sorry about Sienna.” Reed frowns. “But I’m glad your dad didn’t let you go down for it.”

“He had his own selfish reasons.”

“And I have mine.” She shrugs. “I wouldn’t have met you.”

“That’s true.” And it has my heart swelling against my ribs at the thought.

A world where I didn’t meet Reed?I can’t even process it.

She shifts closer, and I take a step. The gap is closing, and I’d like to erase it entirely. I’ve been understanding, but every day it’s harder to deny the gravity that lives inside this girl, pulling me to her.

“I’m glad I met you.” I reach out, taking her hand.

It’s a little bold, but I can’t help it when she’s right here, smelling like soap and the future I never saw myself having.

“What are friends for, right?” She forces a smile and squeezes my hand.

But the brightness doesn’t reach her eyes, and I’m having a hard time denying what she really is to me.

“We aren’t friends, Reed.”

“Why do you say that?”

I take a step closer and her lips part, the sweetest little exhale escaping. “Because you’ll always mean more to me than just that.”

“I don’t know why.” She shakes her head, dipping her chin. “Even with your faults, you’re too good for me, Mason. My life is complicated, and I’m still working through the mess. I’m not like the girls you’re used to dating.”

“Exactly.” I tip her chin up. “You’re not. You actually see me.”

“I can’t be the right girl for you.” She swallows hard as I drag my hand across her jaw. “I’m not good at this.”

“I’m not either. But you make me want to be. I probably shouldn’t say this, especially after everything I just told you. But if I’ve learned anything, you don’t always get a second chance.”

“Say what?”

“That I’m here for you, however you need me. However you’ll have me. If it’s just as a friend, fine. But I’ll always want more than that.”

My tongue is getting the better of me, but I don’t take it back. Her cheek rests against my palm, and our bodies are so close that I’m on the verge of losing my mind.

I’ve admitted my darkest truths to this girl, and she didn’t run from them. We’ve shown each other our worst. Still, we’re standing here together.

“You were with the wrong guy for far too long.” I brush my thumb across her cheek.

“And you’re the right guy?” she challenges.

“Probably not. You’re way too fucking good for me, Sticks. But I’d never hurt you like he did. You deserve to be worshipped.”

Her cheeks turn bright red.