Page 146 of Sardonic Burn

Chills run down my spine, and a grin forms on my face.

“Let’s just get it over with.”

Hudson is the reason for all of my happiness. He gave me two beautiful children who I love more than life itself. He gave me the safety I’ve been yearning for since I was a child, he gave me comfort and love, and he always shows me just how much he loves me.

He’s the love of my life, the only man I’ll love until the day I die.

And this man is all mine.

Who knew I’d fall for the enemy, then find myself being grateful it happened?

I certainly didn’t, but I’m glad life seems to be working in mysterious ways.

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“Ican’t figure you out.”

My head whips in Hudson’s direction, and my eyes narrow slightly. I remove the pot off the stove and stare at him, tilting my head to the side.

He’s sitting across from me, dressed in a plain, black shirt and gray sweatpants. It takes a lot of self-control to not ogle him and to act unbothered, though my resolve seems to be crumbling with each passing second.

His dark hair is messy, falling over his eyes. He’s pushing it back constantly, but it’s not cooperating. I don’t mind it, not one bit. He looks too damn good with messy hair for me to complain.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, my voice defensive as I fold my arms in front of my chest, impatiently waiting for his answer. I sit across from him, the kitchen island the only thing that separating us.

Hudson frowns a little, eyes flickering all over my upper body before his eyes settle back on my face. His green eyesnarrow at me, trying to carefully read me. However, not many people can do that. I mastered the art of the poker face years ago.

“It means,” he says dryly, “that I have no idea what you’re thinking. And anytime I think I’m getting close to figuring it out, you say something so out of pocket that I’m back at square one.”

“And that infuriates you, huh?”

I can’t help the smallest grin that tugs on the corner of my lips. I see the frustration building in his gaze and the way he’s relentless about this. It’s been on his mind for quite some time, it seems, and I’m trying my best not to burst out laughing.

“Of course it does!” He releases a deep sigh, annoyed. “And it doesn’t help that you don’t want to tell me either.”

I shrug. “I’m not sure what to tell you, exactly. I’m an open book.”

It’s a joke. I know I’m nowhere near an open book, but gauging his reactions is becoming my favorite pastime.

Hudson pauses, holding his glass of water in midair, mouth slightly parted as he’s about to drink. Instead, he puts it back down and blinks at me multiple times. Silence lasts for what seems to be an eternity and then he scoffs.

His eyes are filled with disbelief. They’re wide, his lips slightly parted.

“An open book? You? Right. Well, said book is written in hieroglyphics. Sure, the words are there, but who can fucking read them?”

I grin. “Now that’s just a skill issue, isn’t it?”

Hudson scowls. “Now, listen to me, you little—”

I stop him before he can finish that. “Careful, little De Santis. Don’t let this week get to your head, alright? I’m not as generous as you want me to be. Besides, I’m just messing with you. And your reactions are priceless.”

“Is that a threat I’m hearing?”

I lift a shoulder, biting down a laugh. “I don’t know. Is it?”

Hudson’s scowl only deepens as he stares at me intensely. “You know what? Fine. I’ll stop trying to read you.”

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