Page 71 of My Downfall

“I’m not having this conversation.”

“Hudson, think about this. You need to protect yourself.”

“There. Will. Be. No. Prenup.”

“You’re being childish.” My mother’s eyes are narrowed on me.

“Think what you want. This conversation is over.”

“So that’s it? What was the point of this call? You’d already made your mind up.”

“I thought letting my parents know I was getting married was the decent thing to do, forgive my impertinence.”

“We’re only saying all this because we care about you.” My father tries to reason.

And they do, in their own way. Despite how this conversation has gone, they are good parents, just a little cold and distant, which has worsened the older we’ve all got.

“I know you do. So I need you both to be happy for me, because I’ve never been happier than I am with her.”

“I don’t see how a prenup could hurt. If you’re that happy it won’t matter because it will never be used.”

“Enough with the prenup. I’ll let you know a date for the wedding. It’ll be soon.”

I end the video call before they can say anything further. I’ve had enough for one night.

I also have a certain someone currently naked in the bath waiting for me.

Chapter Thirty-nine

Mia

Early on Sunday morning, I wrap myself around Hudson as he flies down the highway. We’re going to our breakfast spot. It’s the first time we’ve been since that morning he stopped me when I was out running — the day this all started.

He has one hand gripping the handlebars, the other squeezes my arm every so often. It’s like he can’t resist touching me, even though the whole of my front is pressed to his back. He’s been like it all week and I am definitely not complaining.

He pulls the bike into a familiar gravel area that overlooks the city below and my stomach growls.

“Someone’s looking forward to their burrito,” he chuckles.

“I know what I’m getting this time. I’ve been looking forward to it since you mentioned it last night.”

“Me too, baby girl.” His words sound different, odd. I can’t quite put my finger on why, though.

We climb off the bike and head toward one of my favorite chefs.

“Morning, Marco,” Hudson calls as we approach. It’s still quite dark out, the sun hasn’t risen yet, but even at this early hour, Marco is prepping food and cooking up a feast.

He grins at me from the window of his shack. “I had a feeling I’d be seeing you again.”

“Psychic now, are we?” Hudson mutters beside me.

“You don’t need to be a psychic to know love when you see it.”

I just shake my head at him. I might be in love with Hudson now, even if I haven’t said it, but there was no way I loved him then.

“Why don’t you two love birds take a seat and watch the sunrise? I know that’s why you’re here this early. I’ll bring the food over when it’s ready.”

“Appreciate it, Marco.”