skin last night. I had no doubt the way he tasted was going to be a memory that haunted me until I died.
Mercer was correct. There was no way to describe the difference between being with someone just because, and being with someone because you really wanted to. Honestly, it passed through my mind that Huck was the only one I ever needed, but now, he was also the only one I ever wanted. He was the only one I was starting to wonder if I could live without.
Which meant I had to do what he’d told me to do from the get-go.
I had to get as far away from him as possible. I needed to make sure Sawyer had no reason to mess with Huck’s life. I’d been using Huck as a shield, but he’d already taken more than enough bullets for me. If I didn’t do something now, there was no telling what his half brother might do to him, or how badly I could hurt him inadvertently.
And I couldn’t bear the thought of that happening. I’d done enough damage already.
I’d been so messed up that he’d been disowned and effectively run out of town because of me that I let people who had zero consideration for me take over my entire life. If something tragic happened to Huck because of my dumb decisions and inability to fight for myself, I knew I would never get over it.
I tried to call Mercer as I left the house that no longer felt like an impenetrable shelter. Of course, she didn’t answer. The bad thing about keeping to myself was that I had no one to rely on when I was in a bind. I knew I needed to get as far away from Huck and his friends as quickly as possible, but I also needed a minute to put an actual plan together. It wasn’t like I had a ton of money on hand to flee with.
I needed someone to talk to.
Someone to share my fear with.
Since Huck was out of the question, and Mercer was clearly dealing with her own issues, that left the only other person I currently trusted.
Mr. Peters.
He didn’t know everything about my past or how I was connected to Huck, but he knew enough. I told him I’d just lost my mother and that money was tight when I first begged him to move into the Victorian. And even without an explanation, he understood that I was afraid and needed help. Without question, he’d taken my side when Huck tried to send me away. He was the only person I could turn to right now, but again, I didn’t want him to be in danger because of me, so I had to make some quick decisions and hope they didn’t bite me in the ass down the road.
I walked the nearly three miles to the older man’s house. I didn’t want to spend what limited funds I had on an Uber or taxi, and I needed the vigorous exercise to help get my head on right. The early morning air was cool, and it smelled like it was going to rain, so my steps were fast and furious as I tried to beat the impending storm. I called to let Mr. Peters know I was stopping by to speak with him, and was relieved when he answered the call right away. I must’ve sounded as distressed as I felt because he asked me several times if I was okay. When I told him I sounded winded because I was walking to his place, he ordered me to stop and wait for him to come pick me up.
I hurriedly assured him I would be at his place in just a few minutes and hung up just as Huck tried to call through. When I didn’t answer, he called again and again. He eventually switched to sending me a series of rapid-fire text messages. Worried that his words would weaken my resolve to do what was best for him for once, I shut my phone off and tucked it into the back pocket of my jeans.
I owed him a proper goodbye. And I still wanted to say sorry and have him accept it. I would go to my grave regretting what I’d put him through when my back was against the wall.
He made sure he gave me an unforgettable farewell before being forced out of my life in the worst way.