His Trouble Maker

Chapter 147

Chapter 147

JESSICA

“Seriously?”

:

63

55 vouchers

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.

understand everything,” he said, softer now. “But I can

That tore through me.

His face broke a little, just a twitch, just enough to ruin me. “I thought Host everything.

9:38 Thu, Sep 4

Chapter 147

63

55 vouchers

matter as long as I’m okay. But I could see it. In the pinch at the corners

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

I had let Riot hold me. I let myself lean

only thing I could say. The only thing I could offer without falling apart. “I was scared. I wasn’t thinking. It just… it

let it happen,”

said. “Please don’t look at me like that. I didn’t

breathed out, sharp, like that cracked something

you forget how to?” he asked, barely louder than a breath. “Or

chest collapsed inward. I stepped close enough to feel his body heat but didn’t touch him. I was afraid he’d pull

it,” I

pains me when he pulls away just enough for me to realize I’m starting to lose him. “Do you know what I was thinking

Moon goddess, please.

at the ground for a second. Then

a storm. You could be my undoing. You could burn this pack to the ground and I’d still

My breath caught.

could lie to me again, and I’d still come back. You could break me in half, Jess. And I’d still try to find

rose, shaky. He laughed. Bitter.

scare the shit out

“Grayson…”

He stepped in then.

future. And the worst part?” His voice dropped. “I’d forgive you. I’d clean the blood off your hands

63

Chapter 147

mine.”

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

stop loving you,” he said. “Even

55 vouchers

the edge of his shirt, two fingers curling in like I was asking

He let me.

you doing?” I broke. “What are you

the side of my face, fingers slipping into my hair. “I think you’ve known this for

like it hurts

“You’re wrong.”

head. “You’re confused, Jess. Between Riot