Shattered King(86)

So I didn’t answer. Telling him the truth then would be a phenomenally bad idea.

The drive home was ominously silent. Finally, he pulled into the parking garage below his building, shut off his car, and climbed out. I thought he might keep walking, but he strode around to my side, yanked the door open, and waited for me.

He took my hand and led me to the elevator. I risked a glance up at him as we got in and he punched the button for his level. His gaze was trained straight ahead. Not once did he look at me.

“Hunter . . .”

“Unless you’re going to tell me I’m wrong, don’t say a fucking word.”

“But I . . .”

“I mean it. Do not test me, not after today.”

Shit.

The door slid open and we walked to his apartment. Ruby and Jude were there, waiting for us. Jude gave Hunter a chin lift then turned to me. He did not look happy. “Shit, woman,” was all he said before he stalked to the door and left.

Ruby on the other hand, ran to me, pulling me into a tight hug. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I squeezed her back.

“God, I was so worried.” Then she squeezed me tighter. “I’m so pissed at you.”

Hunter walked to the door and held it open for my friend. “Thanks for watching Josh.”

Ruby released me. “No worries. He’s had dinner and he’s out for the count.”

She gave me a sympathetic look, followed by a “will-you-be-okay” eyebrow lift. I nodded, though I had no idea if that was true. I got the feeling if I gave her any indication that I wasn’t okay, she’d be hatching my escape the minute she left the apartment. Seemingly satisfied, Ruby gave me a low wave and hurried out.

Hunter slammed the door behind her and stalked out of the room. The bathroom door shut a second later.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I didn’t want to leave it like this. The urge to follow him, make him listen, explain, was overwhelming. But I knew Hunter well enough to know I needed to back off for a bit. He wasn’t in the mood to listen. He needed time, away from me. That hurt, more than it should under the circumstances.

But he was right. I should have gone to him. No matter how scared I was for my aunt. I was so used to only having me to rely on, I’d acted without thinking. I’d fucked up big time, running off like that.

As soon as he knew the truth, the real reason I’d done what I had, why he’d gone to prison, he’d been 100 percent there for me and Josh. He hadn’t doubted my word, had moved heaven and earth to keep us safe.

I knew this. I hadn’t missed it. And he was wrong. I did trust him. I’d trusted him with my life today, had trusted him to find me.

I went to the bedroom and folded back the covers. I didn’t know if he wanted me in his bed tonight, but I planned to be here, waiting. I heard the bathroom door open and close, then the sound of his footsteps retreating. The TV came on a minute later.

I padded out of the room and hit the shower. I needed to wash off today in a big way. I towel dried my hair, finger combed it, pulled on one of Hunter’s shirts, and, fighting to get my nerves under control, headed to the living room. Screw it. What I needed to say was churning inside me. I couldn’t wait any longer.

I wrapped my arms around my waist and moved farther into the big room. Hunter had a beer in his hand, feet on the coffee table and eyes on the TV, watching a game.

I moved closer. “Baby?”

He stiffened and his jaw got tight again. “Not now, Lulu.

I’d scared him tonight. Going by how tight his jaw was, he still wanted to strangle me for it, but I wanted to make him hear me out. I hated it, hated the way this felt. I felt helpless. I fucking hated feeling helpless. Which meant I was pissed off as well. “Just let me explain.”

His jaw ticked, but he didn’t look at me. “I said, not now.”

I waited, but he didn’t say anymore. “You’re so goddamn stubborn,” I fired at him then turned and strode back to the bedroom, climbed under the covers, and forced my eyes closed.

Surprisingly, I fell asleep, despite the way my belly churned and my mind raced. I didn’t know how long for, but somehow I knew it had been a while. I also knew I wasn’t alone in the room anymore.

I opened my eyes, watching Hunter move around. He tugged his shirt off and dropped it on the floor, then his hands dropped to his jeans.

“You’re wrong,” I said into the darkness.

He didn’t answer me.

“I knew you’d come for me,” I whispered. “I made a mistake, Hunter, I’ll own that. But you’re wrong. I trusted you to come for me.”

He stilled. Even in the shadowy room, I could see he stood completely frozen. Then he moved suddenly. The bed dipped and he was beside me. His hands came to my waist and he rolled us, so he was on his back and I was on top. The tee I was wearing was lifted up and off and flung onto the floor. He rolled again, taking me to my back.