Page 41 of Beautiful Collide

How can I?

First off, I swear there are marbles in my throat. Second, I have no desire to look like an idiot. He can go fuck himself.

Instead, I turn around and walk toward the door; jaw clenched, knuckles clenched,everythingclenched. I might not say anything, but lord, am I feeling it.

As I push open the heavy glass door, the hinges squeal. The early morning air is crisp, but it does nothing to cool the fire burning inside me.

I hear Hudson’s footsteps behind me, but I don’t slow down.

Unfortunately, his height allows him to quickly fall into step with me.

He slows at my side. “What’s up with you?”

“Nothing.” I cross my arms at my chest, my fingers digging into the sides of my ribs.

“Right,” he responds like he doesn’t believe me. Good. I don’t care. “You look like someone kicked your ca—”

I stop abruptly, spinning to face him. “Can’t you ever shut up?”

He blinks, caught off guard. “Wow.”

“Yep. Wow,” I snap before I turn back and walk toward my car, the only sound coming from the crunching of the wet gravel under my feet.

Hudson groans, speeding to catch up to my almost run. “Well, clearly, I did something. You gonna tell me what?”

“Nope.”

His steps falter, but I don’t look. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

I let out a bitter laugh, still refusing to look at him. Cheaters don’t deserve answers.

Hudson is quiet before he coughs. “Is this about last night?”

Now, I do pivot to look at him.

I jab a finger into his chest. “You’re just—you’re so full of yourself.”

His lips quirk. “Oh, so itisabout last night.”

My stomach churns. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“You know . . .” He starts to respond, then stops. His jaw locks tightly for a minute. “If you regret it, you can just say so. This whole tantrum is exhausting.”

“You’reexhausting,” I fire back.

I have more to say, so much more, but nothing comes out even though I open my mouth.

No matter how hot it was, last night was a mistake. I’m better off just getting in the car and leaving all of this where it belongs. In the past.

“Let’s go. You’re already late.”

“Whatever you say, Hex.”

10

Hudson

The room isdark except for the faint glow of the city lights spilling through the blinds. I stare at the ceiling, replaying every moment from last night, knowing I won’t fall asleep anytime soon.

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