Hetch (Men OF S.W.A.T #1)(86)

“Yes, you do. Like me, I know you remember every word. So humor me, sweetheart.”

“I said you know nothing.” She caves and the statement is becoming appropriate now. I have no idea about anything anymore, but I refuse to let it stop me from getting back what is mine.

“Right. And then I said, I might not know everything yet, but I know the important stuff.” The wall stays silent as I figure out where I’m going with this. “Ask me what I know now, Liberty.” A plan starts forming, one I hope works.

“What do you know, Hetch?” Irritation laces her question rather than arousal like it did all those weeks ago. Disappointment treks its sorry ass back to me.

You f*cking dumb shit.

“I know I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you.” I let my confession hang in the air. Let the truth give us something to work with. “But I f*cked up. I hurt you. You’re the last person I ever want to hurt. I know I’m haunted by my past, but when I’m with you, you take it all away. And most of all, Liberty, I know time is what you think you want, but it’s not what you need.” It’s Fox’s cocky statement, but it doesn’t mean it’s not the truth.

She doesn’t respond, her silence speaking louder than denial.

“I’m giving you a week,” I state plainly, deciding what’s best for us. I’m not smashing the egg; I’m adding extra warmth to move things along.

“That’s not how this is meant to work.” She fights it, of course, but I can hear the quake in her voice and my excitement spikes.

“A week, Liberty.”

Then I am coming for her.

“One week and then you’re mine.”





Thirty





Liberty





Hetch: I know you’re hurting, and I know I caused you this hurt. If I could take it all away, I’d do it in a second.



I read the text over, memorizing every single word he says, and stressing over every single word he doesn’t.



If I could take it all away, I’d do it in a second.



It’s not the first text I’ve received in the last few days. They started the night after he told me I had one week.

At first, I thought they were a little cheesy; I mean we’ve been there, done that, the night at the pub. But I played along regardless. Gave him his play, and ever since, I haven’t been able to stop reading them. Every day this week, I’ve received an “I know” message. And every day, he picks at my resistance and cracks my determination.



Hetch: I know you want to talk to me, but you’re too stubborn to cave. I love that about you.



Another text comes through. Another crack in my resolve.

Jesus, he’s right. I am too stubborn. I was stubborn when I asked for time. I didn’t want to put this distance between us.

So why did I ask for it?

Because you didn’t think he would give it to you.



Hetch: I also know I love the way you’re scared of tiny spiders, but you’re the strongest woman I’ve met.



He hits me again. My reluctance wavers, and in its place, a new kind of want forms.

I’m ready for more.

I’m ready to take him back.

Closing my eyes, I hold my breath and prepare myself to respond, but before I can be sucked back into his vortex, I’m abruptly interrupted.

“I’m worried about Mitch.”

The four words are as effective as being doused in ice-cold water.

“Why, what’s wrong?” I look up from my phone to find Sue in the kitchen, standing at the opposite end of the breakfast bar.

I had come in here to get something to eat, but Hetch’s texts disrupted me. Now I’m so flustered, I’ve lost my appetite.

“We found this in his room today. Had it hidden in a tear in his mattress.” She steps around the breakfast bar, stopping an arm’s length away from me and hands me a small pocketknife.

Jesus.

“You confronted him?” I turn the knife over in my hand, taking a closer look.

“Yeah, and that’s what I’m worried about. When we asked him why he had it, he wouldn’t tell me. Just said he needed it for protection.”

“From his brother?”

“He didn’t say, but who else would have him scared?” The implication that Dominic is a part of this seems fitting. I’m just not sure we see it right.

“Hetch said Dominic and his crew moved underground when they raided one of his places. It could be someone else, someone his brother is mixed up with.” Jesus, I don’t know what’s worse: Dominic still threatening Mitch or someone else who’s out to get revenge.

“Well, either way, we need to keep a close eye on him. When I took it off him, he lost it. Said he can’t leave the house without it. I’ve never seen him like this.”

“Okay, I’ll have a word with him today.” I place the knife in my pocket, making a mental note to lock it away in my office so no one else can find it, and make a call to his caseworker before my shift ends. “Maybe I can get him to open up to me about what’s going on.”

“Or maybe you could have a word with Hetch. I know he’s been coming around a lot more. Maybe he might have something else to offer. He may be able to reach Mitch in a way neither one of us can.”