Page 32 of Beautiful Collide

I can’t pull in enough air.

I can’t breathe.

I’m dying.

“Stop it.”

Hudson’s smirk fades. “Molly?”

My knees buckle slightly, and I reach for a shelf for support.

“I can’t—I can’t breathe,” I choke out. “What if it’s not enough? What if—”

He shakes his head. “Stop that thought right there. Itwillbe.”

I can barely hear him over the sound of my own pulse.

“We’re okay. I’ve got you.”

My breath hitches as I look up at him.

My body trembles harder, the fear overwhelming me. “I think I’m dying—”

Hudson crosses the room in two long strides, grabbing me by my shoulders.

“Hey, hey, look at me.” His voice is low, steady, more commanding than comforting. “You’re not dying. You’re panicking. Big difference.”

My eyes lock on his. “You don’t get it—”

“Then make me get it.” He tilts his head. “What do you need?”

“Distraction,” I say too quickly. “Just . . . something. Anything.”

Hudson hesitates for a second, his brow furrowing. “Anything, huh?”

Before I can react, he pulls me into his arms.

I want to push away, to protest, but with my head against his chest, I can hear his heartbeat. Its steady rhythm calms me.

He doesn’t wait for me to respond. Hudson dips his head, and his lips brush against mine with just enough pressure to make it obvious he’s waiting to see how I’ll react. On instinct, I freeze for a beat.

“What are you doing?” I whisper against his mouth.

“Distracting you.” His voice sounds rough. His lips hover over mine, so close that I can feel the heat radiating from him. “Unless you want me to stop?”

My breath hitches in my chest, and adrenaline surges through my veins.

“You’re an idiot,” I mutter, but I’m crazy enough that I don’t pull away.

“Probably,” he agrees. Then he kisses me again, harder this time, like he’s claiming something.

His hands slide up to cup my face, rough palms anchoring me to the here and now.

Not letting me get lost in the storm raging outside.

I clutch the front of his damp shirt. Despite some wet spots the soft cotton is still warm under my touch.

The kiss grounds me.

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