For Wrath and Redemption (The Hometown Heartless)

by Brit Benson

To the well-intentioned but misunderstood⁠— Even if they can’t forgive you, forgive yourself. You deserve your happily ever after.

“I pay attention to every single thing you do, and it’s driving me fucking crazy.”

“I pay attention. The way you blush. The way you think. The way you fucking smell. You’re all I can think about, and I want you. I want you, Claire, and it’s going to get me in so much fucking trouble. But you want to know a secret?”

“Yes,” I whisper, and I feel him smile. “Trouble is my weakness.”

Fuck her for being so fucking tempting. Fuck her for being everything I dream about. But fuck, do I want to fuck her.

Fuck her. Fuck Claire Davis for being the only woman I’ve ever wanted to keep.

“I regret it because you fucking own me now. I regret it because you consume me. But God, I want it. I want it even if you’ll just trap me and take all my money.”

“I don’t want privacy, Trouble. I don’t want a longer leash. You could tether me to your leg, and I’d fucking love it.”

“You’re mine, Claire Davis.” He growls the words into my mouth possessively, almost angrily, with his hand still wrapped around my throat. “Do you understand what I’m saying? You’re mine.” I nod and take his lips again. I understand. I don’t think he does, though. Not the true extent of it. He might mean I’m his right now, but my heart will be his forever. Checkmate, Jonah Hendrix. You’ve won.

“You have to have faith that you’ll grow back better.”

“Falling in love feels like falling to your death.” “Jesus. Then why do people do it?” “Because it’s the revival that feels so sweet.”

If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me.

Getting sober was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the easiest decision I’ve ever made.

I’m anxious and afraid, but I’m not running. I’m feeling, and that’s huge. If I didn’t fix me, I could never deserve her. I would never be worthy of us.

“I hope you’re prepared. I’m going to love you so fucking hard, you won’t know what hit you.”

“Checkmate, Trouble. This win is all mine.”

Sobriety means I’m not numb anymore. These emotions aren’t dulled. Reality isn’t foggy. I feel everything, and I’m grateful for it.

This is healing. They are my purpose. This right here. This is my redemption.