Hidden Waters (Tattered & Torn, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

I stilled, my smile slipping a bit. “Isn’t Addie still living there?” Addie with the haunted hazel eyes and long, golden hair. Addie with a pain living inside her that poured off her in waves. Addie that could steal a man’s breath and knock him sideways with a single look.

I knew something about taking a trek through hell. And the last thing I wanted was for the woman with the haunting eyes and the gentlest spirit I’d ever seen to have visited that demon-filled desert.

“I want to be normal.” It was as much honesty as I could give him at the moment—it was more than I’d given anyone else. “Normal’s overrated, in my opinion.”

Appreciate the kindness but never let yourself rely on it because it will likely disappear one day.

That laugh. The sound was magic, light with a bit of a rasp to it. Like how she’d said my name, I’d never heard anything like it. And I’d spill pizza sauce on myself every single day to hear it again.

“I’m not helpless, Beckett. I’ve been keeping myself alive for a long time. I don’t need you to step in and play the hero.” My hold on my spoon tightened. “I’m nobody’s hero. Trust me.”

She was more than gorgeous. She was captivating. Her beauty was the kind that stole your breath, but it was the authenticity of it that held you rapt.

I’d never seen more beauty. I’d seen a lot of the world, from big cities to thick jungles. I’d experienced countless cultures and all sorts of different ideals. But no one stole my breath the way Addie did. It wasn’t something that lived in her appearance, as much as I loved looking at her.

“Everyone who has ever been in my corner has left, Beckett.” I pulled back, meeting her stare. “Not me. I’m not going anywhere.” It might take time. But one day, Addie would believe me.

“It wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t here.” My chest burned, seizing in a painful squeeze. “I want you here. Always.”

Soft hands curled around my face again. “Beckett, look at me.” I forced my lids open, staring down into the hazel orbs in front of me. Her eyes almost looked like sunflowers—the flares of gold around the pupil melting into a sea of green. “Stay with me.” It was a plea, and I couldn’t deny her. “I’m with you.” “Good.” Her thumbs stroked my face. “You went away.” Memories. They were the greatest gift and the worst nightmare. “I’m here now.” I couldn’t let myself go back to those places, not when my hold on myself was tenuous. “Stay.” “I’m not going anywhere.” I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Addie’s forehead. She sank into the touch. I didn’t want the moment to end—the feel of her skin, the press of her body against mine.

“Beauty in the strength that carried you through. Beauty in how you refused to be broken. Beauty that you never let yourself become cruel like him. Addie, there isn’t a thing about you that isn’t beautiful.”

“I just want to be normal.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “I want that first date and butterflies. I want you to see me like any other woman.” It was Beckett’s turn to frown down. “Addie, you could never be just any other woman to me. You’ve been more since the moment I laid eyes on you. Something tugged at me, making me want to lean a little closer. You wove a spell around me, and you didn’t even know it.”

He dipped his face to my neck as he began moving. “Never felt anything as beautiful as this with you.”