Hidden Waters (Tattered & Torn, #3)

by Catherine Cowles

“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.

“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.”

“You will hurt me, but you’ll never lose me.” I knew Beckett’s heart well enough to be able to say that. He’d never hurt me intentionally. He didn’t have that kind of mean in him. That meant I’d never walk away. Maybe this wouldn’t work. Maybe it would be a disaster. But even if the romantic piece of our relationship ended, the friendship never would. It would hurt to lose that, the promise of the amazing man in front of me, but I wouldn’t abandon him because of it.

“Life is full of pain. We’ll hurt each other. But I trust us both to make it right when that happens. I trust that we’ll learn and grow and do better next time.”

I’m done taking responsibility for the rage of the men around me. It’s time you all owned up to your actions.”