Page 125 of Crush

“Only in my head,” I replied.

“Well, that is fixable.”

“Is it?” I said vacantly.

“Yes. The mind can heal itself. You just have to allow it to go through that process.”

Max’s arms came around my waist and he hugged me back against his chest. Placing his chin lightly on my head.

“And you have people that care about you to help with that process, Amber.”

And. I. Broke. Apart. It was like a damn bursting.

BOOM!

Max turned me in his arms and tugged me against his chest, “Yes, that’s it. Let it out. Cry, Amber.”

He enveloped me in his embrace as what felt like years of pent-up emotions poured out of me.

“That’s it, baby, let go. Let all that shit go.”

And I did.

I wept myself to numbness, my face buried against Max’s hard chest. His bare skin felt so good against my cheek as he stood there like my rock of strength.

Drawing back, I looked up into his features which were soft as they stared down at me. I had expected to see a look of pity, something I hated but Max looked—proud.

Proud of me.

“How do you feel now?” Max asked as he pushed my wet hair back from my face.

“Terrified,” I said honestly.

“Well, it’s not surprising after what you’ve just gone through,” Max said with a slight smile.

“It’s not about that.”

My tears had lifted that cloud over my emotions.

Taking a deep breath, I realised it was now or never, I needed to tell him how I really felt and if he walked away, at least I’d know.

“So why are you terrified, you sweet girl?” Max whispered, his hands caressing my shoulders. The wind picked up, the breeze blowing his damp hair and I raised my fingers and touched that section.

And I confessed, “I’m terrified of losing you.”

There was a beat of silence.

Max’s brows threaded. He hadn’t expected me to say that. “Losingme?”

“Yes,” I said nodding.

“Why would youloseme?” His fingers tightened against my shoulders.

“I don’t know. Because I’m a shell of a person, a creation, a lie. Incapable of love and true affection. I’m a monster?”

“That’sbullshit, Amber. Smoke and mirrors. So, you put up a front at times, and pretend to be someone you’re not. So, what, wealldo that. It doesn’t mean you’vebecomethat person. I’ve seen therealAmber. She’s intelligent and fiercely loyal to her friends and family, she’s sweet and kind, funny and as sexy as hell. She gives as good as she gets and doesn’t take shit fromanyone. You have the most strength I haveeverseen in a woman. A shell of a person suggests someone without substance. There’s more to you thananyoneI have ever met and it excites the fuck out of me.”

“I excite you in bed, it’s not the same thing,” I pointed out, my face flushing.

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