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“What?” I sat up. “What did you say?”
“People heard about what happened on the news, and the gifts are pouring in. They’re turning what was an amazing event marred by violence into an epic event. The lives Patty and her team are going to help with that event, you’ll never know. And even if that jerk hadn’t stormed the party, you were well on your way to over sixty thousand dollars. I spoke with Patty.”
I couldn’t believe it.
“See how a bad thing can turn into something beautiful? It’s not how we’d have preferred it, but you have to go with it. You’re so strong, honey. So strong.”
“Didn’t feel like it.”
“We’re not perfect. Look at Hunter and what happened with him last night. Not everyone would be able to see past his violence, his anger. But you did. You welcomed him into your private home. Accepted him, faults and all. Including his cloudy past.”
“Isabelle.”
“He told you, then?” Lisa asked, combing her fingers through my hair.
“Some.” I pulled my long sleeve shirt down, making sure my scars were covered.
“Did you tell him about those?” She pointed to my wrists.
“Not yet. I’ve told him some of my story, too, but not all.”
“There’s time. Apart, you guys are so cracked, but together, you fill in the gaps. You’ll get there.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?” I wrapped my arm around her waist. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“You’re family, honey. Whether you like it or not, you’re part of this imperfect, on the run family.”
“I don’t want you to be on the run anymore.” Heck, I didn’t want to be on the run anymore, either.
“We won’t be. We’ll get it figured out.” She nodded. “But don’t you worry about anything.”
“I can help. Tell me how I can help.”
“That’s for Hunter to share, not me, honey.”
My stomach twisted into a knot. From the darkness in her eyes, it was a big story. One that already scared me, and I didn’t even know it yet.
Hunter needed me to be strong, and I would be. I refused to let our pasts ruin our future.
“Are you okay now?” Mom asked.
“Yeah. I think…I’m going to shower, then it’s Christmas at your house, right?”
“There’s my girl.” She kissed the top of my head and headed toward the door. “Come lock up behind me then get cleaned up. Brunch is in two hours.”
I hopped up and followed her to the door. I clicked the deadbolts shut and leaned against the door. Score one for the assholes, but I plan on making them my bitch on the next go ‘round with Hunter.
* * *
Hunter
“Merry Christmas, Hunter,” Marshal said. “I’m sure that’s why you’re calling me on Christmas Day, right? Please tell me that’s why you’re calling me on Christmas Day—especiallythisearly.”
Not. “Sort of. But hey, Merry Christmas.” I flopped onto the couch in our living room that faced the wall of windows overlooking the city. The sun was up, and it was bright, but the warmth didn’t reach us because it was frigid out there.
“Spill it.” His voice went curt, immediately turning into the witness protection handler I’d known for years.
“Okay, first, there might be a picture of me on Lina’s social media. Yeah, I know I look super different with hair and about six more tattoos, but still. Just a heads up.”
