“But,” Hudson went on. “This isn’t a damn monarchy. You can’t just lay down the law like I’m some little kid. I’m asking you for just one reason. And when you give it, I’ll be on your side no matter what.”

Aidan closed his eyes. “I don’t want to do this.”

“Because he hurt your mom, right?” Hudson asked quietly. “Is that it? He hurt Char and … also you?”

Aidan’s eyes flew open. “Why? Did he ever lay his hands on you?”

Hudson’s entire demeanor changed. He tensed and his eyes went dark with fury. “Shit. So he did,” he breathed. “He beat you. And you never said a word.”

When Aidan didn’t respond, Hudson’s hands fisted. “Because you were protecting us. Goddammit, Aidan.” He let out a purposeful breath. “Okay. Okay.” He nodded. “So we keep him clear of here at all costs.”

“Not for me,” Aidan managed to say. “But for my mom. She …” He shook his head. “I don’t want him within a thousand miles of her.”

“Ten-four on that,” Hudson said tightly. He nodded, his eyes still hot but also softer now, with an understanding Aidan had hoped to never see. “I’ll let you get back to it,” he said quietly, but didn’t move.

“If you try to hug me …,” Aidan started.

“Hell no,” Hud said. “We’re on the street in broad daylight.” He paused. “But we’re okay, right?”

“Aren’t we always?” And then to lighten the mood he said, “And maybe I was at Lily’s last night for a late dinner. You ever think of that?”

Hud went brows up. “At three a.m.?”

“Fine,” Aidan said. “You caught me. I’m a grown-ass man sleeping with a grown-ass woman.”

Hudson grinned. “Does Char know?”

“No. And we’re going to keep it that way, you hear me?” Aidan asked warningly. “If she found out, she’d probably start planning some big, fancy wedding and then I’d have to kill you dead. You get me?”

Hudson laughed.

“What?”

“You just said wedding without getting hives,” Hud said.

“I’m not allergic to weddings, you dumbass.”

“No, you’re allergic to letting someone love you,” Hudson said.

This stunned Aidan into momentary silence. “You don’t know shit,” he finally said. “I’m perfectly willing to let Lily love me.” He made a point of looking at himself in the sideview mirror of the truck. “Look, Ma, no hives. Now don’t go away mad, just go away.”

“Not yet,” Hudson said, studying Aidan. “Because there’s something else bugging you, I can feel it. And I’m not leaving until you tell me. I’ll never make that mistake again.”