Page 215 of Unleashed
I feel like the devil doing this to them. They don't deserve it. They never did. Richard is beaming from his armchair, more color in his face than I've seen in months, and Audrey is already talking about nurseries and baby showers and names, and every word is a knife because this woman genuinely loves me and I'm lying to her face.
Glancing at Hudson, I shoot him a look that hopefully tells him how vile I think he is.
I guess I am, too. For going along with this.
"Are you going to find out the gender?" Richard asks.
"I really don't know. Maybe a surprise might be cool?"
He sighs, checking his watch. "I should make it long enough to meet my first grandchild."
My heart sinks through the floor.
"I'm so sorry," I whisper.
Hudson's eyes go wide. I shake my head. I'm not about to reveal his lies. Iamsorry. For all of this. And I hope Richard knows that this isn't really me. I am not the person Hudson is making me into.
We say our goodbyes. Audrey hugs me so tight I can barely breathe, and Richard kisses my hand and tells me I'm the best thing that ever happened to his son.
I almost break right there.
We get in the car in silence. Hudson doesn't say a word until we're five minutes from his house.
"I know I'm being an asshole, Harper. You don't need to look at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you did at my parents' house. Like I'd grown horns. I'd never hurt you. I actually enjoy having you around."
My heart jumps into my throat.
"Well, don't get used to it. The second this is over, you’ll never see me again.”
He taps the steering wheel as he pulls up to a red light.
"Do you hate me?"
I frown. "I don't like you much, no. Hate is pretty strong. I hate what you've done to me. I hate what you're doing to your parents." I pause. "Do I think you can be saved? Maybe. I think people can do bad things but still have some good left in them."
My mind goes to Ace. The terrible things he does for his family, yet has a heart of gold.
My hand rests on my stomach. It's starting to get rounder. It looks so cute. If I wear tight enough clothes, you can see it.
"I think I want kids," Hudson says.
I nearly choke on my own saliva.
"Wow. Okay. Not quite where I saw this going."
He laughs. "Well, having you in my home, being pregnant. I'm warming to the idea of doing it for real."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
"I mean, in the last week, you've fucked enough women to give it a good try."
Every single night. A different woman. I have to sleep through the headboard banging against my wall. I keep my door locked, and I don't come out until morning when it's safe. They never stay till morning.
"You had your fun in New Falls,” he remarks, glancing at my belly.
