Page 146 of Corpse Roads

Hunter peers down at me. “I like seeing you happy.”

His words turn my insides to mush. I look away from his watchful gaze so he can’t see me blushing for the thousandth time.

“I like being happy,” I reply honestly.

We find two bright-red armchairs next to the fire. I let Hunter order for me, too mesmerised by the open flames dancing against the bricks. Despite the noise of people around us, I don’t feel on edge or afraid.

Everything about this place screams of comfort and familiarity. I thought leaving the house after everything that happened in Devon would be hard, but my curiosity to see the world is stronger.

I refuse to be a victim again.

My life is mine to live.

Hunter returns, sliding off his jacket and gloves as he takes the seat next to me. He looks so handsome, dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt. It’s a welcome change from his usual office wear.

“So… how does it work? Christmas?”

“We’ll celebrate at home.” Hunter stares at the fire. “Mine and Leighton’s parents will probably come. Enzo’s aunt sometimes makes an appearance. We haven’t done this for a long time.”

“Why did you stop?”

His throat bobs. “When Alyssa died, being together as a family was too painful. We stopped celebrating and never looked back.”

“What about your friends? The ones that helped find me?”

“I’m sure they’ll come by. Brooklyn’s been bugging me all week about meeting you. They were there while you were unconscious, but you deserve a proper introduction.”

Our drinks are plonked down by a friendly waitress, breaking the bubble of privacy encapsulating us. I often forget that anyone else exists when I’m in Hunter’s magnetic presence.

He slides a reindeer-themed mug over to me, watching closely for my reaction. It’s overflowing with whipped cream and giant, fluffy things covered in chocolate sauce.

“What is it?

“A hot chocolate.”

I cast him a glare. “I know what that is. But this thing…”

Selecting one of the fluffy things, I place it on my tongue and almost groan. Hunter smothers a grin, looking beyond cute as he sips his drink.

“Marshmallow,” he supplies.

“Yum. I think I’ve found my new favourite thing.”

“Even above popcorn?”

“Nothing is above popcorn,” I defend hotly. “Leighton always puts extra butter and salt on it for me. Delicious.”

“He’s determined to fatten you up.”

Hunter moves his chair so it’s closer to mine. The rest of the coffee shop is blocked out, leaving us in our own little world. We’re both facing the fire, sipping our drinks in companionable silence.

“Hunter?”

He hums a response, his eyes nearly shut.

“Why do you think they took me?”

The question startles him from his fire-induced sleepiness.

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