Page 82 of Wild Hearts

“I can’t,” I murmur. “I’m sorry, Brady, but I can’t. Please, I really need my friend right now.”

He nuzzles his head in the crook of my neck as he sighs, but he doesn’t argue.

“I meant what I said, Rookie,” he says, his lips are whisper light against my ear, causing goosebumps to break out on my skin. “It’s always been you, and I’ll wait until you’re ready because you’re worth it.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Brady doesn’t say anything else, and I sit there in his arms staring out at the open ocean crashing against the shore. Another tear slips down my cheek and I wonder what I did to be torn apart from the boy I’ve crushed on for so long, and to have gone through such a traumatic experience at the hands of someone I thought I trusted.

Eventually, the emotional rollercoaster that was today becomes too much. My eyes get heavy and I fall asleep to the angry roar of the ocean competing with my broken heart.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Brady

MY MOUTH TASTES LIKEsandpaper, and someone is playing bongos on my skull.Fuck!I’m outside–that much I know from the icy cold breeze and the sound of the waves. But there’s something else. Someone’s crying.

I force my eyes open, but night has fallen and it takes a moment for my vision to adjust. My stomach churns as I spot Wren sitting about five metres away, her back facing me, the back of my Surf Club hoodie facing me. Her shoulders shake and her tiny sobs slice through me like a knife.

I choke on the bile burning up the back of my throat as flashes of memories from the day rush back to me. The Baptism, Tarshia’s brother, Wren’s scared face, me trying to step in, Dad trying to stop me, Ivy clutching her eye.Christ, I’ve got some major making up to do.I groan.As usual.

“Rookie,” I croak out, my voice thick with emotion.Fuck, where do I start?It breaks my heart to see her upset, and to think that I was the cause of at least part of her pain. Since she’s been back, I’ve been trying – and failing – to give her the space that she needs. I’m drawn to her, and I can’t seem to stop the pull.

Wren sniffs and wipes at her eyes before turning around to face me. “How’s the head?” she asks, her sapphire eyes refusing to meet mine.

I shake my head, instantly regretting the movement, and hoist my hungover body up into a sitting position. I pat the spot next to me, praying that she’ll indulge me.

Wren hesitates for a moment, then sighs and moves over to join me on the blanket. I don’t miss the space she intentionally leaves between us.

“You okay?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. She’s not okay, and she hasn’t been since she returned to Blue Haven. She shrugs. I stare at the stars dotting the sky as I try to work up the courage to ask her the question that’s been bothering me.

“Who was that guy to you?” I finally manage to choke out. “And what was he apologising for?”

I watch her out of the corner of my eye. She chews on the inside of her cheek like she’s fighting to keep control.

“Did he hurt you?” My fists clench. I’m not sure I want to hear the answer.

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