Page 86 of Wild Hearts

Butterflies take flight in my stomach, but I try to tame them down as I twist around to face him again. He’s staring down at me, a shy grin tugging at his lips.

“You have no idea how much I’ve prayed to hear those words, Brady, but as much as I want what you want, things have changed. I’m not the same girl from last summer. I’m... damaged. Drew broke me in the worst possible way, and I’m not sure how much of me I can give you.”

Brady shakes his head. “You’re not damaged. You’re beautiful. And as much as I want to drive to Newcastle right now and murder that fucking asshole, you’re my number one priority.” He brushes his lips over mine. “I don’t care how slowly we take things. I want to be with you. I want to help build you back up. I want to help you find yourself again. What do you say?”

I close my eyes, trying to ride out all the emotions coursing through my body. Hope, fear, trust, pain, and love. Finally, I allow myself to nod. I open my eyes and bring them up to meet his. “I love you, Brady.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Brady

“ILOVE YOU, BRADY.”

Fuck, I’ve waited months to hear those words come out of that perfect little mouth and I can’t help feeling like I’m the luckiest guy on the planet to be given a second chance with this girl, with Wren. I lean down and capture her lips with mine, grinning as her tongue traces the seam of my mouth, begging for entrance.

“Easy tiger,” I chuckle as I pull away. “There’s plenty of time for that.”

I straighten up and offer her my hand, which she eagerly takes, our fingers fitting together as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Ivy’s eyes drop down to where our hands are joined, and I brace myself for her reaction. Wren’s been so worried about what she’ll say when she finds out about us. I’m not expecting the smirk that crosses her face.

“Ivy, I–”

“It’s about time,” she says, causing my mouth to fall open in surprise. I glance down at Wren, and she’s staring at Ivy in shock as well.

Harley lets out a snort and Ivy rolls her eyes. “You were both pining away for each other but neither had the balls to do anything about it. I’m surprised it took you two this long for something to actually happen.” I grin at the blush spreading over Wren’s cheeks. “I’m happy for you guys. Now maybe you’ll both stop being so miserable.”

I wrap my arm around Wren and pull her into my side, kissing the top of her head. No more secrets. I’m so fucking happy right now. I’ve got my girl, I’ve got my friends. Nothing can bring me down. But my smile drops from my lips as I take in the sober look of my best mate’s face.

“We’ve gotta go,” Jordan says, not looking any of us in the eye. “It’s Mum.”

And the high drops. No one says anything as we race back to the road. Harley manages to convince Jordan to let him drive the Kombi while Ivy and Lachy climb into the back.

“We’ll meet you at the hospital,” I tell Harley, opening the passenger side door for Wren. He nods and takes off toward Blue Haven.

“Do you think everything’s going to be okay?” Wren asks me as I buckle my seatbelt and start the car.

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