Shattered Truths (Lies, Hearts and Truths, #3)

by H. Hunting

For the caretakers and the shields.

“Damn. You’re gorgeous, with a sharp tongue, and you play hockey? This is divine intervention. You’re basically the woman of my dreams.”

On a scale of one to spontaneous orgasm, he’s a bean-flicking dream.

“This is like watching verbal foreplay, and I’m here for it.” Rose hops up on the counter and crosses her legs.

“Oh. Oh yes. I know what’s coming! This is so happening.” Rose claps enthusiastically.

“I would bet my left nut our dads are trying to recruit her,” Mav says as he pulls his jersey over his head and removes his pads.

Besides, living in the shadow of my dad and all his friends seemed like an unforgiving path. Sometimes the road less traveled is the better one.”

“I thought you were brave and a badass, but maybe I got you wrong,” I say.

“Are you always like this?” “I usually tell it like I see it, if that’s what you mean.”

“You’re about as subtle as a fart in an elevator.”

“Hope is a dangerous emotion.” “It can be when it’s misplaced, but I don’t think your hope fits into that category.

But if you don’t at least give it a shot, you’ll never know. And isn’t that worse? The never knowing what could have been if you’d just taken a chance? Fear is hope’s nemesis. It doesn’t belong in this battle.”

I understand why my mom cautions me against dreams, though. Because the only thing worse than not having them at all is getting close enough to touch them, only to have them snatched away.

“It’s the hockey butt. It’s a blessing and a curse.” “I’m not seeing the curse part. Baby got back.” She wiggles her hips.

“Oh my God!” Rose grabs the arms of her chair. “You already have a pet name for Winter, and it’s so cute, it makes me want to vomit rainbows and hearts.”

“You don’t have to fight every fight with an army of one, Winter. Just remember that, okay?” “It’s all I’ve ever known.” “It doesn’t have to stay that way.”

“I can’t save you from the nightmares, but you don’t need to suffer through them alone.” “What about your parents?” “They’ll understand.” He climbs into my bed and curls his body around mine.

“Your heart has too many cracks already, Snowflake. Don’t go shattering it by carrying burdens you don’t deserve.”

“Sometimes people have to find the bottom before they start looking for a way back to the surface,” Logan says softly.

“Sometimes the best way to get someone to see what’s possible is to save yourself.”

“It’d be easy to get used to this, wouldn’t it?” she whispers. “The having help or the peacefulness?” I ask. “Both.”

“This is pretty dramatic, even for you, BJ.” She shakes her head. “First your house almost burns down and now this?”

“You’re a good-looking fucker, you know that?” I say. A smile tips his mouth, and his cheeks flush. “Yeah, but I’m an asshole, so it’s all about balance.

“You want out of here, you know how to make it happen,” Dad says with an arched brow. “It fucking hurts.” “You think I don’t know that?” He leans forward in his chair and levels me with a challenging stare.

“It’s all right to fall apart, Randall. You’re safe to mourn what should have been.” So I do.

“We all play a part, BJ. It doesn’t help to hold on to blame. Make peace with it, learn from it, and move on. The only way is forward.”

“Why do they have to be so cute all the damn time? They’re like couple goals on crack, especially now that I know they’re kinky freaks,” Rose says.

“Have the conversation so you don’t have to carry the weight of this with you anymore.” “You always know the right thing to say.” I cover her hand. “I fucking love you.” She smiles and laughs. “I love you too. I’m here when you’re done. Okay?”

It’s another step forward. Another pillar of support to add to the foundation of our new life. Built with hope and held together with love.