Chapter 216: I'll Keep You Safe

Hudson stretches himself across the couch, his path only blocked by the popcorn bowl that sits between us.

"You don't have to worry, Amanda. I'll keep you safe." Hudson's words are sure. He has faith in himself. His head moves closer, so he's inches away, and his face meets mine. He stops and waits, leaving me to close the distance between us.

Before the countdown reaches one I kiss him.

His lips are not rough, but harder than mine. Our first touch is tentative and then Hudson runs his tongue over my lip and I open, giving him access to my mouth. I pull on his shoulders to bring him closer and knock the popcorn bowl to the floor with my knee. The crowd on the television roars to life at our side as I tug Hudson's body on top of mine.

A flood of emotions releases while I'm in his arms and for the first time in days I feel safe, happy, whole. Hudson has wrapped me in a protective bubble and I never want to leave.