Page 45 of Harper's Song

Harper

I woke up with the bright morning sun shining directly into my eyes. I don’t even know how that was possible because he was holding me so tight I could barely move. You’d think it was uncomfortable to sleep like this, with one of his arms under me, the other holding me tight, our legs entwined and my head pressed against his chest. But I never wake up as rested as I do when we sleep like this.

For a long time, this was the only way I truly knew just how much he really loves me and that hasn’t changed.

It’s why I always take him back and always will. It’s how I know that even when we’re far away from each other we’d both rather be together. It’s why I chose him over my father’s order to go back home. And it’s why I’ll always choose him over anything and anyone else. I know it’s the same for him.

But that doesn’t mean I can keep my father in the dark about it. Or my mother for that matter.

I slowly extricate myself from our embrace, careful not to wake him. He stirs, but doesn’t open his eyes, and I kiss his cheek softly before sliding off the bed, grabbing my phone from my backpack and leaving the room, trying to make as little noise as possible.

The sun is even brighter outside, pale yellow and blinding, but the air is crisp and brings the smells of spilt booze from the bar across the street.

I have no missed calls from my father or anyone else. But that probably because it’s only just past seven AM, meaning that no one knows I’m gone yet.

I’m still plenty angry with him, but I decide to call rather than text anyway, hoping it’s too early for him to pick up, but not surprised when I hear his gravelly voice after the third ring.

“I left, Dad,” I say. “I need some time on my own.”

“Left? What are you talking about?” I clearly woke him and he’s still not completely roused.

“I left the motel last night,” I clarify. “And I’m not coming back yet. Don’t try to find me.”

“Are you with Jax?” he asks harshly and in a much angrier tone than I’m used to him speaking to me.

“Yes,” I say since why lie anymore?

“Motherfucker,” he says so harshly it cuts right through my chest and almost makes me believe what Jax said about him. Almost.

“Where are you?” he asks. “I’m coming to get you.”

“No, Dad, you’re not.”

“Grizzly told me about the bruises on your neck, Harper,” he says. “So stop being stupid and let me take care of him. He’s no good for you.”

My hand shoots to my throat which is still sore to the touch.

“He didn’t do that… he’d never—”

“And he’s working with the bastards who want to harm you. What part of that don’t you understand, Harper?” he adds harshly. “You’re coming home.”

“No,” I mutter wishing I could make my voice more assertive, but it’s so hard listening to the hatred in my father’s voice when he speaks about Jax. What if he never accepts him? What am I going to do then? “I’m safe with him.”

“Listen, honey,” he says in a much nicer voice. “I know you think you love him, but I know men like that, men who like to hurt women. They never change and it always gets worse. Let me come get you.”

“No, Dad, you’re wrong. It’s not like that,” I say more firmly. “But you’ll never take my word for it and I won’t have you hurt him. Ask Hunter, ask Chance, they’ll tell you what he’s really like.”

“Hunter’s still out of touch and Chance is as confused as you are. Besides, I already know what Jax really is. He’s a no-good drifter heading nowhere fast with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas.”

What Jax is, is a man who loves me more, harder and deeper than anyone else in this world. I see that this now includes my father as well.

“I’m safe with him and I’ll come home when I’m ready,” I say coldly. “Don’t try to find me. I know what I’m doing and I’m doing fine.”

What I actually mean is,I’ll come home when you’re ready to accept Jax for who I know him to be. That might never happen, so I don’t say it.

He’s still talking when I hang up. Then I quickly text my mom before he calls back, tell her I’m fine and that I’ll call when I can. And after that, I turn off my phone, take out the sim card and twist it until it breaks.

This could be the first time I’ve ever stood up to my family and done something completely and utterly against their wishes.

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