Page 78 of All My Broken Pieces

Dropping my head, I look at the cell phone in my palm, the heavy reality of what I’ve done hitting me once more. Tucking my phone away, I give Andrew a curt nod before turning to follow Killian outside.

He’s right.

Apologies don’t get you anywhere, not really.

My leg bounces as we pull up the familiar street.

Soon. So fucking soon.

Despite the nerves from our conversation, I find my excitement growing again with each second that brings me closer to my girl. I resist the urge to whip out my phone and call her, knowing the reunion will be so much sweeter face-to-face.

The car pulls to a stop and I leap from my seat, nearly toppling over the poor doorman as he opens the door for me. I jam my finger against the button for the elevator, muttering under my breath for it to hurry up. I’m painfully aware that I’m drawing unwanted attention, but can’t muster up enough fucks to do anything about it.

Killian comes to stand beside me. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he unlocks it and reads silently for a few moments before speaking. “Fallon is at our place right now.”

I nod again, unable to form words. My skin feels like it’s on fire at the prospect of getting to see her again. We climb inside the elevator, the ride feeling like an eternity as the distance closes.

The elevator finally stops and I suck in several deep breaths to calm myself as Killian unlocks the doors. I brush past him the moment they slide open, my head whipping around the space, searching for Fallon.

Finding she’s nowhere in sight, I trudge up to the kitchen, sinking into an open stool. A vaguely familiar boy sits beside me,fiddling with a nearly empty wine glass. “I know you.” I blurt out, crinkling my forehead as I try to place him.

He glances up, his pale blue eyes meeting mine are full of some emotion that makes my stomach sink. Lifting the corner of his lips in a half smile, he extends his hand toward me. “Hudson.”

I eye his extended hand, playing the name in my head on a loop.

Hudson. Hudson. Iknowthat name…

“Aha!” I exclaim, jutting my hand into his. “You’re Fallon’s brother! Last time I saw you, well, you looked like shit.” I laugh, shaking his hand vigorously. “I’m Arriana, your sister’s…” My voice trails off because I’m not sure how to end that sentence.

Hudson’s grin widens and a little of the distress shining in his eyes lessens. “Oh fuck,you’reArriana?”

I puff out my chest, beaming, “In the flesh. I take it you’ve heard of me.” Winking at him, I glance around the room again. “She is here, isn’t she?” My stomach flips at the thought that I somehow missed her.

She wouldn’t have left without me, right?

We were in a much better place when I left, but what if…

Ava and Hudson share a look and the pit in my stomach drops further. “What? What are you not telling me?” My fingers itch to snatch up the knife I can see lying on the counter.

I need answers and stillno oneis talking.

“Don’t make me ask again.” My voice has dropped all emotion, the switch flipping in me once more as my concern grows. Before I can act on the urge to force them to answer, a quiet scuffle sounds behind me.

I turn in slow motion, my heart stopping when my eyes land on the most gorgeous creature I have had the good fortune to witness. “Mi vida.” I breathe, leaping to my feet and darting across the room.

My arms wrap around her thin frame, pulling her against my body. Inhaling, I groan at the scent of rose filling my nose. “Fuck, I missed you.” Turning my head, I trail my lips down her cheek, nuzzling her neck.

“Ar-Arriana?” Her voice is barely a whisper.

Humming, I run my nose up her throat, nipping her earlobe. “Yes, baby. It’s me.” I whisper in her ear, relishing in the shiver that runs through her body.

Her arms move, encircling me in an embrace nearly as tight as my own. “How?” She whispers back.

Pulling away just far enough to rest my forehead on hers, I murmur, “I told you I was coming back, baby. I’ll always come back for you.” A quiet, hiccupped sob escapes her at my words.

I crush my lips to hers, needing to swallow her pain, to take it for her. Her fingernails dig into my back. Moaning into my mouth, she presses her body against mine, as if she’s trying to crawl inside of me. And I can understand, because the desire to never part from her isn’t just a desire, it’s a tangible need. I can’t bear to be apart again.

Breaking the kiss, I pepper several across her face, smiling against her skin at the giggles she lets out. “I missed you.” I lean back, cupping her face in my hand.

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