Knowing Us

Chapter 42

Greyson's POV

"He beats me." I couldn't think of anything. All I saw was red, felt anger, and was ready to tear down whoever caused her this much pain.

My eyes met her and I tried to remain calm. Key word: tried. "Your father?"

She nods wiping a tear with a tissue. "I didn't want to tell you because- I don't know."

I hug her tightly as she breaks. "It's okay. It's okay." I coax her even though my body was trembling. "I'll fucking kill that sick bastard."

She didn't say anything but she pulled back face hazardous. "Don't do anything rash, Greyson. I don't want you to get in jeopardy-"

"And let you go under his hand? Fuck no."

"I didn't tell you this to get back at him. I told you this because I trust you." She fisted my shirt tightly. "Promise me."

"Promise you what?"

"That you'll never do something that will get you in trouble." When I didn't respond she grabbed my face forcing me to look at her. "This isn't a joke, Greyson. He can destroy you."

"I don't care." I muttered.

"You should. Think about your family." She pleaded her eyes wide. "Think about your future. Our future."

I softened in her touch. "I can't let him just..."

"It's only a few more years. Then I'm free. It's easier to let it happen than to jump into turmoil. Trust me I know." Catherine looked down at where she was sitting on top of me and I frowned. She thought she was hurting me but the pain from my thigh was less than the pain I felt for her.

Thank god I wasn't high right now.

She needed me.

"Greyson?" She asked her voice timid. "You don't feel pity, right?"

"Of course not." I grab her hands pulling them to my chest. "I could never. You're the strongest woman I know."

"I don't feel strong."

"The ones who are hurt never do." I tell her. "I love you."

"Even now?"

"Always." Her name was forever imprinted in my soul whether she was with me or not. I could not imagine a life without her and that was insanely scary to me

Nuzzling herself under my arm she asks, "Can I stay with you? For the night."

If I had my way I would have her in my bed every night. "Yeah. I'll sleep on that couch." I added for her benefit.

Catherine huffed. "Or you could just sleep with me."

I bit down an excited smile. "Or I could do that."

She blew out a small breath. "How's your day been?"

Like shit. "It's been good."

"Did you talk to Coach?"

"Yeah. He wants me doing research and homework instead of playing."

"That's a good thing though. Use that brain of yours." She teased and the smile on her face made me proud because I did that.

"Are you calling me dumb?"

"I'm just saying maybe it's better to use your brain instead of using your legs for a while."

"That sounds soo backhanded."

"We both know you're academically gifted, Reid." She chuckled. "If anyone needs help it's Holt."