I twist around so I can look Hunter in the eye. His expression is taut, his jaw clenched, but his hand on my hip is gentle.
“I didn’t have to say a word for him to know something was wrong. He’s been around the block in the world of theater. He walked me outside and asked me what happened.” I take a deep breath. “I told him the truth. He supported me in going to the police. I was sure about my decision to turn the asshole in. I told the cops my side of the story, but they said it would be my word against his, and without any witnesses, the case would most likely be a lost cause. Despite how rough he’d been with me, I had no bruising or any signs of physical abuse. They told me he’d claim it was consensual. Not only that, they said he had a lot of power in the city and taking him on and winning would be nearly impossible. I filed the report anyway, and then I went back to my apartment and tried to figure out if there was anything else I could do.”
“Bastard deserves to have his dick cut off.”
“I never saw him again. I hid out in my apartment and didn’t go on any auditions. A week or so after I reported him, a second woman came forward. She had been attacked a year before. Then, three more women came forward. He was let go from his position as director. And that was a big deal—he’s a legend in that world. He’s got a lot of connections and a lot of money, so I don’t know if he’ll ever go to prison. His attorneys managed to delay a trial. There may be a settlement. But hopefully, with the light shining on him like this, he won’t hurt anyone again.”
I stop talking then. The room goes deathly quiet as Hunter softly plays with the bunched fabric of his t-shirt at my waist.
“Thank you for trusting me, Win.” The anger I know he feels on my behalf is still in his voice, but he’s speaking softly. “I legitimately want to take my truck up to New York City and hunt that fucker down.”
I open my mouth, but before I can protest, he keeps talking. “I won’t. I know that wouldn’t help you. You handled an incredibly challenging situation far better than I would have.”
I shift closer to him until my chest is pressed against his. “I wish that were true, Hunt. Every audition I’ve gone on since that one has been a disaster. It’s like I’m afraid if I do well, I’ll have the same experience. I know it’s irrational, and that asshole isn’t even working there anymore, but I can’t shake it. At the last audition, I strained my vocal cords to the point the doctor told me I had to rest my voice for a few weeks. That’s when Pat sent me home.”
His arms circle around my back, and he hugs me close. “This is the reason you’re back here? No wonder you didn’t want to talk about it.”
“I think Pat thought home would heal me.”
“Maybe it will.” Hunter sounds a hell of a lot more sure than I am.
But as I drift off to sleep in his arms, I wonder if he can help me.
“I want to ask you a question,” I say, already half-asleep.
“Tomorrow, darling.” Hunter’s hand rubs my back. “Go to sleep, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
Chapter 12
Iwake up in the morning to the feeling of being wrapped in a very warm blanket. The blanket is super heavy, and as I try to move, it wraps around me more tightly.
“Where are you going?” The voice is raspy and low.
I bite down on a gasp as I remember last night.
Hunter.
Me taking him in my mouth.
Me freaking out.
Him bringing me to his bed.
Where I still am.
And where his warm body is currently spooning me from behind.
Crap, this is going to be awkward.
I turn around in his arms.
His green eyes are open, and he’s looking at me carefully. Like he’s afraid I may break like a piece of china.
“How are you feeling?” he asks me.
“I’m fine,” I say quickly. “Honestly. I kind of wish last night could be erased from existence, though—like a number of nights from our past.”
My attempt at a joke works, and Hunter’s expression relaxes into a grin.
