Page 70 of Beautiful Collide

“Have you?” he asks, I meet his stare again. His gaze is piercing.

The question feels like a slap, and I take an involuntary step back. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, his voice softening. “I know you’re strong as hell. But strength doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hurting you.”

Heat rises in my chest, my defenses flaring. “Don’t you dare lecture me on strength.”

“I’m not lecturing,” he says, holding his hands up. “I’m just saying it’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak.”

“Thanks for the therapy session, Dr. Wilde,” I snap, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Now, how about you mind your own damn business?”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t back down. “I can’t do that, Molly. Not when I see you struggling.”

“I’m not struggling,” I yell, the words echoing louder than I intended.

Several players glance over, their curiosity obvious, but Hudson waves them off, keeping his focus on me.

“You’re right,” he says, lowering his voice. “You’re not struggling. You’re surviving. But don’t you think you deserve better than that?”

The question cuts deeper than I’m prepared for, and my hands clench into fists at my sides.

“I didn’t ask for your help,” I say, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and something I don’t want to name.

“I know,” he says quietly. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t need it.”

I turn away, needing to put distance between us before the tears threatening to spill actually do. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I do, Molly,” he says, his voice following me as I walk away. “And whether you believe it or not, I just want to see you happy.”

His words hang in the air, but I don’t stop. I can’t. Because if I do, I might actually have to confront the truth in them.

And that’s something I’m not ready for.

22

Hudson

Dane:Boys. Bar tonight.

Aiden:I’m in.

Mason:I’ll come if Hudson comes.

Hudson:Pass.

Mason:What?

Aiden:Excuse me?

Dane:You okay, Wilde? That sounded like ano.

Mason:Anoto the bar? Is he sick?

Aiden:Do we need to send a wellness check?

Mason:Bro, blink twice if you’re being held hostage.

Hudson:I’m not being held hostage. I just don’t feel like going out.

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