Free A Different Shade of Violet? by K E Osborn Page B

and I hate that he looks that way. He stands up and pulls back the covers and hops into the bed. I instantly feel all the panic leave and a comfortable ease wash over me.
    “Roll over,” he says.
    I smile even though it hurts and roll turning my back to him. He slides in behind me and wraps his arm around my stomach pulling my back to his front. The connection of having his body against mine is sending a chill up my spine but in a completely good way. He nuzzles into my back and it feels like we’ve never parted. His hand runs under my shirt and rests on the skin of my stomach. His touch is soft. I know he doesn’t want to hurt me. I can’t resist and I move my hand up and under my shirt and on top of his. I move my fingers down between his and he slowly moves his and intertwines our fingers.
    Suddenly all the drama and pain of the last few hours washes away and it was all worth it to have this moment right now with Hudson. I lean into him completely and revel in his smell. He smells just like I remembered. I close my eyes and relish the feeling of his breath on the back of my neck and for the first time since I was beaten, I feel like I have something to fight for while I drift into the black crevice of my mind.
    I wake slowly, still with his arm wrapped around me and our fingers entwined. Even though my body is aching more than I thought possible, I feel safe and calm. I feel the best I have emotionally, in a month and I’m so glad my autopilot skills brought me here.
    “Morning little firecracker,” he whispers in my ear and my heart skips a beat when I hear the words I’ve been craving.
    “Morning,” I say as I turn in his grip to face him.
    As I turn he winces. I forgot I must look like shit. He brings his hand up and caresses my cheek.
    “I can’t believe they did this to you. Trust me Vee, they will pay for it,” he says and I smile.
    “As long as it doesn’t end up with your severed head in an alleyway. I’m all for it,” I joke.
    “I’m not going after them personally, Vee, even though every inch of me wants to rip Mad Dog’s head off. I know I can’t match them, but I will go after them with the law. I’m going to hit them with everything I have. Don’t worry they’ll pay.”
    “Thank you, for everything. You were amazing last night, even with that bitch ex of yours,” I say suddenly feeling very cold at the thought of Cassie.
    “I’m sorry about her. She’s very protective of me and she’s helped me through some rough shit. Doesn’t excuse how she treated you though,” he says and I look into his eyes. My vision is clearer today and I can see just how stunningly attractive he really is. He looks back into mine and a moment passes between us. His hand stills on my cheek and I inadvertently lick my lips. I lean in closer and I can see his breathing increase, as does mine. I lean in a little closer, our lips so close together, but still too far apart for my liking.
    “Vee,” he whispers as I inch closer again.
    “Mmm?” I murmur.
    He exhales breaking eye contact and rolls on his back away from me.
    “I’m sorry, I can’t…”
    I back off feeling rejected and a whole lot of insecurity runs right through me. I thought he was feeling the spark too. I know it’s still there and I was sure he was feeling it.
    I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat and nod rolling over onto my back.
    He sits up suddenly and pulls the covers off of him. He stands up from the bed and looks at me.
    “I’m sorry. I’m going to make you something to eat and then we’ll go down to the station to report this. Okay?” he asks sounding increasingly distant.
    I sniff as my heart races frantically. “Sure.”
    He nods and walks out of the bedroom, grabbing a tank top and slipping it on, on his way out. I watch as he leaves the room quickly. Seems that the connection I’m feeling, maybe he isn’t.
    I slowly rise up from the bed and make my way to the en-suite. I figure I’ll have a shower and