Page 87 of The Heart of Smoke

That’s a motherfucking promise.

Tate

Oh my God.

Every muscle in my entire body feels achy and used. I haven’t had this much of a workout in, well, forever. A smile tugs at my lips as I think about Jude’s and my sexfest last night.

It. Was. Amazing.

For someone who’s lacking sexual experience, Jude’s a quick learner. I’ve never come so many times in one night.

He’s more than great at setting me off like a bomb. He’s gentle and kind. Best of all, he respects my boundaries and is clear about getting my consent. I’m uncovering new, wonderful things about him that I love.

We’re going to have to work on his escaping in the early hours of the morning, though. I don’t care if he wears his mask. I’d like to wake up with him.

My head is in the clouds as I crawl out of bed and start gathering my clothes for a shower. Not only is Jude a sweet lover, but he’s great at aftercare. After each romp, he would clean me up as though he enjoyed doing it and then would hold me tight in his arms until I’d fall asleep again.

I could get used to this.

It’s almost as if I have nothing to worry about.

Dread makes an appearance as I hurry through my shower. This thing with Sean is unresolved. I ended up telling the nice policewoman Sean’s name, but I definitely did not want her doing anything about it. Sean’s vindictive. If the cops showed up at his house or work, not only would he be mortified, but he’d be beyond pissed. I don’t even want to imagine what sort of payback I’d receive for that stunt.

At some point, I’m going to have to do something to protect myself from him.

Running away can’t always be the answer.

Eventually, Sean won’t just try to ruin or hurt me, but something far worse.

So how can I stop him?

Jude’s strong, intense presence fills my mind. For once, I don’t feel completely alone. He promised to protect me and I believe him. I’d wanted to lump him in the same category as Sean, but he’s completely different. Maybe, just maybe, we can figure out a plan together. It would mean revealing my abuser, but if anyone can help, it would be Jude Park.

Once out of the shower, I stop to give Funky a hug.

“I’m going to tell him,” I say to my cat. “It’s about time we call in reinforcements, huh?”

Funky purrs, leaning into my hand as I stroke his head. That’s kitty-speak for, “Duh, dude.”

I give him a kiss and then set him back down on the bed, but when I open the bedroom door and the aroma of fresh-cooked bacon makes its way inside, Funky bolts to go see his true love. Violet.

As much as I’d love to follow and see what she might have for me too, I make a detour to Jude’s office. I’m going to tell him who Sean is, everything he’s done to me, and ask for help. This feels like a huge milestone for me.

It’s terrifying to put trust in another man, especially one I haven’t known for long, but it also feels right. Peace has settled over me ever since I came to Jude’s place to stay. It’s felt safe, warm, and homey. The last time I felt that way was when I was a small boy when Mom was still alive. I have a distinct memory of sitting on the counter, helping her bake cookies and feeling so damn loved.

I miss you, Mom.

Since me and Jude both lost our mothers, I feel a certain kinship to him because of it. If anyone understands losing such a huge piece of your heart, it’s him. Maybe, with each other, we can both fill up the empty spaces left by our losses. I can’t wait to try.

The door to Jude’s office stands ajar. When I peek my head in, I discover Callum and Jude both staring at his computer monitors, talking in soft voices. They don’t see me, so I sneak away so as not to interrupt them. I’ll have to catch Jude after my appointment with Willa then, who’ll no doubt be here earlier than expected since Callum is here.

My stomach growls and as much as I want to make a pitstop for one of Violet’s yummy breakfasts, I decide to forgo it to look for Willa in the library.

“Someone’s in a hurry,” Wyatt says, his wheelchair whining as he exits his room smelling of Old Spice. His hair is slicked over and he’s freshly shaven. “You got a date too?”

I stop dead in my tracks. “You have a date?”

He chuckles. “Only one of us knows it.”

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