Hate as viscous as molten lava heats my body at his confession, but rather than allowing that hate to take over, I force myself to relax and breathe slowly, allowing my mind to concentrate on what I mustdo.
“That’s it, relax.” Smithy presses his mouth against my neck, bringing his hand up to curl his fingers around my throat. It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for. My arm shoots out, reaching over to grab the lamp. My fingers curl around the base as I push back with my body as hard as I can. Spinning on my heel, I twist around and crash the lamp base against his face. The force is so hard that Smithy falls like a great oak tree to the ground. This time he won’t be getting backup.
I drop the lamp, step over him and run to Hudson’s side, pressing my fingers against his neck. “Thank God,” I say, feeling the firm beat of his pulse. “Hudson, can you hearme?”
He doesn’t respond. Flashes of him lying on Railay beach come flooding back. What if this has irritated his head injury? What if it’s made it worse? Fear bubbles up my throat as I lean over him, my hands feathering against his cheek. “Hudson, please wakeup.”
There’s noresponse.
Tears run down my cheeks, but I swipe them away fiercely. I look over my shoulder at Smithy, who is laying still on the floor, blood pouring from the wound on his head.Good, I hope he rots in hell.I don’t give a shit if he needs medical help, the only person I care about is Hudson. I lean over, resting my forehead against his chest. “Hudson, I love you so much. Please wakeup.”
I feel a hand press against my back and, believing Smithy has somehow woken up and is touching me again, Ifreeze.
“Louisa, don’tcry.”
The sound of Hudson’s voice is like music to my ears. I sit up, my head snapping around. “Hudson, oh my God. I’m so glad you’re okay.” I throw myself into his arms, not caring that he may not welcome my touch. I’m just so relieved he’s conscious. Tears fall unbidden now I know he’s alright. He holds me close against his chest until my tearssubside.
“Baby, it’s okay. I’mokay,” hesoothes.
Baby?He hasn’t called me that since before the accident. I pull back slightly, daring not tohope.
“Hudson…” My lips wobble at the gentle slant of his smile, the recognition in his eyes. He isn’t looking at me like I’m a stranger anymore. Is it possible? Is he back? My Hudson, my love, mydragon.
Hudson brings his hands up to cup my face. “I’m here, baby. My beautiful butterfly, I’m here.” I turn my head and press a gentle kiss against the palm of his hand. Inside, the birds in my chest break free from the concrete and soar oncemore.