Page 25 of Witchy Woman

He’s funny, witty, intelligent, hardworking, selfless with his family, has the body of a god, and talks to me like I’m an intelligent peer. Not an idiot or a child.

And I can’t fucking have him.

Frustration burns in my chest until it hurts. Why can’t I just not give a fuck like Hazel? She parades Noah around practically daring daemons to kidnap him—and he’s a defenseless human!

At least Ash is a witch and could protect himself somewhat. But even that isn’t good enough, and it makes no sense that I’m the only one who sees this.

“Hey.” Ash pulls me out of my head. “I know you’re worried about the whispering, but I can help you figure this out.”

The kindness in his eyes, the understanding and softness in his voice, makes me want to cry.

The only person who wants to help me, and I can’t even touch him.

I swallow the ball of emotion and turn my face into a blank mask. “I’ve got this. Thank you, though.”

“Bullshit.”

I grind my teeth. “Excuse me?”

He gently pushes Belle off his lap and stands. “I said bullshit.”

“And what exactly do you think is bullshit?” I follow suit, standing to match him. I may not be a short woman, but his size dwarfs me completely.

That doesn’t mean I’ll back down, though.

“I get that you’ve got walls so high you can barely see past them, but at some point you’re going to have to let someone in.And I’m telling you—showing you—that I want that person to be me. I’m showing up for you, Goldilocks.”

Isn’t that all I’ve ever wanted? For someone to show up for me? To choose me?

“Did you ever think that maybe I can open up, I just don’t want to open up to you?”

The hurt that flashes across his face feels like a knife in my gut. Being mean will push him away, will protect him.

I have to protect him. He’s dealing with enough, with his dad and trying to maintain his family business on his own.

“Bull.” He steps closer. “Shit.”

I square up to him, despite it hurting my neck to look up at him. “Stop saying that.”

“Stop saying bullshitty lies, then.”

“I’m not lying!”

I don’t want him to leave me alone. I want to be selfish for five seconds and give in. I want to choose this man who chooses me, but I’m choosing to protect him. I’m choosing to be a better person than the shitty façade I show to everyone else.

I’m choosing to give him what he needs, even if it’s not what he wants. Not what I want.

“I can feel how much you hurt.” His voice drops so low I can barely hear him. “I can feel it in my fucking bones and I don’t know why. But what I do know is that it means something.”

My eyes burn at his tone, at the pleading in his voice.

I’m doing the right thing.

“Leave me alone,” I whisper.

He nods, backing up a step. “Fine, I will. But I’m always here for you, despite how stubborn you can be. When you realize that, you know where I’ll be.”

And he leaves me alone with Belle glaring at me.