I know it will be easier with Hank by my side. He’s always had my back, even when I don’t deserve it.
I glance to the porch to see Derek’s now standing. His hands are shoved into the pockets of his dress pants, a tie hangs loosely around his neck, and his eyes fixed in our direction. I know he can see us now, with the dim light spilling from the interior of the open truck door.
I press onto my toes and kiss Hank lightly on the mouth. “When this is over, I want to finishwhat we started back at the cabin,” I whisper, just loud enough that only he can hear me.
He chuckles deep and low. His mouth tips up into that sexy smirk I love so much, and he pulls me in again, kissing the top of my head. “You got it, baby.”
I cut a glance at Finn and Hudson and take Hank’s hand. We walk across the gravel drive and up the steps to the porch. My heart is hammering in my chest. Not because I’m afraid to confront Derek, but because I’ve never felt as sure as I do at this moment. Facing my painful past with the man who wants to be my very bright future. I don’t know what the next few months will hold, but I do know one thing: Hank is steady and constant, and I know he will never let me fall.
Hudson and Finn hang back on the gravel drive, giving us space, but staying close enough in case shit goes sideways. I know it won’t. Derek may be an asshole, but he’s never been violent. Besides, Hank’s got at least five inches on him at six-foot-four and easily forty pounds more of solid muscle.
I’m on the right of Hank. So, when I hit the top step, Derek is a foot or two away, and his eyes lock on our hands clasped together. I pull Hank’s jacket closer around my middle with my other hand, and I’m grateful for it as the smell of him wraps around me like the warmest hug, strengthening me.
“Who the fuck are you?” Derek bites out. Fists coming out of pockets, he holds them clenched at his sides as he eyes Hank.
Hank steps a little closer to me, inching closer to Derek, as well. “I’d ask the same of you, but Wren’s already told me all about the cheating piece of shit she left back in California. Judging by her description of him as an old, uptight dick in a suit, I’m guessing that’s you.” Hank's voice comes out calm, amused even, though I know he wants to level Derek where he stands. I can feel the rage pouring off him like it was my own body.
I stifle a laugh and Derek’s eyes snap to mine.
“This fucking backwoods town,” he spits out, gritting his teeth. “Call off yourdog, Wrenley, and let’s talk like two adults.”
Hank steps forward “You son of a bitch?—”
I put a hand on his chest, stopping him, and shoot him a look that says,I’ve got this.
“What do you want, Derek?”
“I want…” he starts, his voice loud. He glances at Hank, then back to me, lowering his voice. “I want to talk to you. Alone.”
“Not happening, asshole,” Hank growls from beside me.
“Short of business, I have nothing to discuss with you, Derek. And anything you have to say to me, you can say with Hank here.”
His glance darts from me to Hank, our hands still clasped together, and our bodies close. His eyes rake over Hank in distaste, taking in his casual clothes and work boots. Derek is half the man Hank is, not just in stature but in character, too. But he sees what he wants to see, and he laughs bitterly.
“Ah, I see how it is, then. You’re not back six weeks and you’re already whoring around with the fucking help. “
Hank stiffens and takes two steps forward, but I throw a hand across his chest again.
“Say one more word and I’ll knock you the fuck out, man.”
Throwing a glance at Hank, a silent plea to let me handle this, I then pin Derek with my gaze. “You have no right to come here, demanding things from me after what you did, and accusing me of the things you’ve done yourself.”
“We have a life together, Wrenley.” His tone turns whiney. “We have a business, clients. We’reengaged.” He then cuts a smarmy glance at Hank. “I bet she didn’t tell you that, did she?”
I do not like Derek addressing Hank. He doesn’t even deserve to be standing on the same porch with him. Derek is so far below the man that Hank is that he doesn’t even deserve to breathe the same air. Just seeing him in this proximity to Hank makes me want to punch him in the face.
“Wewereengaged, Derek. That was until I caught you with yourdickin one of our employees. Who, I might add, is half your age. Is that why you’re here? Did she get sick of your condescending bullshit already? Did you make her feel bad about the way she wears her hair? Make hurtful comments about her laugh or her shoes? Or did she discard you, like you did me?”
The look on his face tells me that’s exactly what happened. “Did she break up with you, Derek? Did she already realize you aren’t worth the effort? Just like I have?”
Rage colors his face in the porch light as he stares at me. His expression is cold when he smirks at me.
“You fucking bitch,” he spits the word, pointing a finger at me. “Your career is over, do you hear me? I’ll make sure of it. Every single one of your clients will know what a hateful, horrible bitch you are.” He seethes as he lunges toward me, grabbing a fistful of Hank’s jacket at my shoulder.
In a split second, Hank steps forward, effectively knocking Derek’s hand free.
“Touch her again, and I’ll break your fucking hand.”
