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“That doesn’t concern you.”
“For how long?”
“Until this scandal dies down.”
“Fine,” Dad grumbles. “Leave me like your mother did. All Hunter ever does is poison people’s minds.”
“He didn’t poison my mind, Dad. He just helped me see what a shitty person you are.” I chew on the inside of my cheek. “I know you’re better than this. This person you turn into when you drink… it’s not who you really are. These aren’t my problems to fix, and it isn’t fair that I keep putting that pressure on myself to do it.”
“What are you saying?” he asks, sounding smaller than I’ve ever heard him.
“I’m saying that I want you to get better. But until you decide to help yourself, there isn’t much more I can do for you. There’s not much more I’mwillingto do for you.”
I leave without another word.
The hospital is a damn maze, but I manage to find my way to the nearest exit. Just as I round the corner, someone grabs me by the arm and yanks me into what I assume is an on-call room. I’ve seen enoughGrey’s Anatomyto know. The lights are off, but there’s no mistaking the scent of his cologne and the press of his body against mine.
“Eden,” Hunter murmurs against my shoulder. He holds me gently, my back pressed against the door.
“I don’t think we’re allowed to be here,” I say softly. I can’t keep my voice from cracking. I’ve missed him so much that my body reacts on its own, my skin suddenly igniting from something as simple as his touch.
“Is he okay?” he asks. By the sound of it, I think Hunter’s genuinely concerned.
“He’ll live.”
“And you?” he rasps. “Taylor told me you were in Seattle. I’ve been trying to reach you for weeks, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart.
I melt at the endearment, a tingling sensation pooling between my legs. For a moment, I contemplate lying to him, but I know he’d see right through me. “I’m… I’m not okay, Hunter. I’m freaked out. Have you seen the things they’re saying about me? My phone’s been blowing up. I’ve gottendeath threats.”
Hunter holds me tighter. “I’m so sorry, Eden. I’m so sorry. Please just… come back to me. I’ll keep you safe. You can stay at my place until this whole thing blows over.”
“Your place?” I repeat, incredulous. “Your stalker’s probably the one who took those pictures. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Hunter cups my face, the tip of his nose brushing mine. His breath is warm against my cheeks, his breathing tense and shaky. “Eden… Tell me how I can make this right. I’ll do anything.”
“Hunter?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“I’m…” I choke on my words. I want to tell him about the baby, but now that I’m here, I’m scared shitless. This isn’t how I wanted to tell him. In fact, I’m pretty sure no girl wants to tell their man they’re pregnant after witnessing him beat up her dad, regardless of whether it was deserved or not.
“What is it, Eden? Just tell me.”
I want to kiss him so badly. All I’d have to do is tilt my head back to slot my lips against his, but…
“I need you to let me go,” I whisper.
Hunter frowns. “What?”
“I think we… should stop seeing each other.”
“Is it because of what I said? Are you still mad at me?”
“A little, but… I know you were speaking the truth.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I was speaking in anger.”
