Page 23 of The Bleeding Hearts Club

“You aren’t afraid to show people who you really are.”

“What?” My confusion must be evident because he just stares at me with a warmth in his eyes that melts my soul.

“You are so unafraid to be yourself. The good. The bad. The ugly. The undeniable and breathtaking beauty. People are so stuck in trying to conform to this standard nowadays. Look at the people who are here with us for this retreat. They packed cocktail dresses, and formal clothes, and all of their best jewelry and classy shit. You came here on that ferry, hair tied up, no makeup in sight, wearing a band tee and baggy jean shorts and Converses. Yet, you were still the most beautiful woman in the whole room—actually scratch that. The whole island,” he stated as if this was just a normal conversation and not him flipping my whole world upside down.

“Theo…”

“No, Mina. Let me say this please,” he pleaded. Theo reached out and grabbed my hand, wrapping it in the warmth of his, his thumb rubbing circles on my knuckles.

I nodded slightly, tipping my head down. I couldn’t bear to look at him while he says whatever he has planned next.

“I know you’re afraid. I don’t know why, and I hope that one day you can feel comfortable telling me. But for now, I want you to know that whoever has caused you to feel ashamed of who you are, or that you aren’t good enough, they’re so fucking wrong. I can’t bear the thought of this week ending, and I have to walk away from you. I don’t want that, and I think that you don’t want it either, but you’re afraid of what that means for you. What that means for me. It doesn’t mean that your bad bitch exterior is gone. It just means that I have shown you enough to be worthy of seeing what you have hidden beneath it.”

Theo’s free hand brushes my hair behind my ear, gripping my jaw to tilt my face up to his. His lips brush against my temple, but he doesn’t kiss me. I’m speechless. I couldn’t begin to imagine what I would say back to him, because he’s right.

“Tell me. Right now. What do you want, Mina?” His question is spoken in my hair.

“Honestly?” My voice quivers.

“Yes.”

I ponder for a second.

He wants me for me. He likes me for who I am despite all that is wrong with that. He wants the truth. And truthfully, I’m so hungry.

I can feel the smile forming on his lips against my forehead.

“I want food.”

Theo’s laugh is full bodied. He leans back and looks down at me with joy.

“Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, sweetheart. What do you want to eat?”

He’s not mad for what I said?

“Why would I be mad?” He sounds confused.

“Well, I didn’t say anything sweet like you did,” I murmured awkwardly.

“And? I just told you that I like that you do things your way. I want your brutal honesty and blunt replies and sarcasm, sweetheart. If you tried to be Shakespeare right now I’d probably throw you over my shoulder and put you to bed.”

I snort.

Like he could haul my fat ass up like that.

There’s a challenge written in his expression.

“We’ll test that one day. For now, though, food. Whatcha want and I’ll go grab it for you.”

* * *

I can’t remember what happened after that, but here I am. In my bed. Changed into a tank top and sleep shorts. My makeup was wiped off, which I only know because when I rubbed my eye, my hand was mascara free. I’m not even wearing a bra.

Did I change? or did he change my clothes?