His Trouble Maker

Chapter 147

Chapter 147

JESSICA

“Seriously?”

:

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Riot barks a laugh somewhere to my left, but I barely hear him. Grayson’s too close. When he broke down earlier, my heart shattered in a million pieces.

Seeing him cry for me makes me question if I deserved him. I’m too fucked up for Grayson Westwood but he didn’t care about that.

He’s always there for me, saving my ass. I didn’t believe him when he said to me that he loves me because I saw many versions of love but his version always makes me go back to questioning my love for him.

My eyes flicked to him once–stupid, stupid–and he was already there, already looking at me like he’s so afraid I’ll just run away from him like I always do.

What did I do to deserve him?

Sometimes I wonder if I prayed so hard or that he just loves me. Whatever it is, I think I’ll take it.

“I…I don’t really think you should tie Riot-”

– Tighten the rope!” Grayson shouted and I licked my lips, trying to stop myself from tearing this…beautiful

reunion.

He saw us. It will take a fool to know why he’s acting like this. He saw me and Riot earlier.

“Grayson, he’s fine-”

He looked at me and when he did, all the reasons that I loved him were gone. Sometimes, it’s like I’m loving two versions of him. Grayson is too soft for me but cruel to others. “Why, Jess?”

“Huh?”

I said it without thinking. I knew what he meant. Of course I did. But I couldn’t say it. Couldn’t answer while my throat burned like that. While he looked at me like he already knew and was still asking anyway.

I swallowed hard. My hands went cold. My jaw clenched, like if I just held it tight enough I could stop my whole face from falling apart.

“Don’t,” I whispered.

softer now. “But I can never

That tore through me.

twitch, just enough to ruin me. “I thought Host everything. I thought I

9:38 Thu, Sep 4

Chapter 147

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but he didn’t blink. He was doing that thing he does, breathing through pain like it doesn’t matter as long as I’m okay. But I could see it. In the pinch at the corners

said, and it wasn’t accusatory. It was wrecked. Like he was trying to understand

I let myself lean into it for one second too long. I let myself feel safe in something

mean to.” It was the only thing I could say. The only thing I

it happen,” he

don’t look at me like that. I didn’t stop

like that cracked

to?” he asked, barely louder than a breath.

his body heat but didn’t touch him. I was afraid he’d pull away.

it,” I

deep breath. It pains me when he pulls away just enough for me to

Moon goddess, please.

a second.

be a storm. You could be my undoing. You could

My breath caught.

could break me in half, Jess. And I’d still try to find a

shaky. He laughed. Bitter. Soft.

you scare the

“Grayson…”

He stepped in then.

forgive you. I’d clean the blood off your hands and pull you behind me. I’d take

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Chapter 147

mine.”

pricked hot at the corner of my eyes. I tried to blink them back, but one slipped

loving

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for him again. This time I touched him. Just the edge of his shirt, two fingers curling in like I was asking permission to

He let me.

doing?” I broke.

fingers slipping into my hair. “I think you’ve known

it hurts to even

“You’re wrong.”

Jess. Between Riot and me, I think