Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 226

Nora listened to his explanation, feeling like she understood, yet simultaneously feeling completely lost.

Hudson seemed to notice her confusion and smiled slightly. "Don't worry. Once we're up on the mountain and you try it for real, you'll get the hang of it."

Grant and Sebastian had finished packing up. They each had a rifle slung over their backs and ammo pouches strapped to their waists.

"Hudson, how are we splitting up?"

Hudson glanced at Nora. "You and Sebastian take a group. We'll take the other."

Grant was speechless.

Fine.

He should have known. Hudson had finally brought his wife out to play; there was no way he was going to third-wheel with them.

"Alright, Sebastian and I will team up. See you guys on the mountain."

Grant slung his rifle over his shoulder and slapped Sebastian on the back. "Let's go, buddy. I'll carry you to victory."

"Oh, shut up. You couldn't even hit a chicken, who are you carrying? If you manage to hit a single rabbit today, I'll count it as a win."

"Damn it, just you wait! I'm going to crush you!"

"The only thing you're crushing is your own ego!"

The two of them argued loudly as they headed up the mountain, quickly disappearing down a wooded trail.

The mountain breeze rustled through the leaves.

Nora stood next to Hudson, the Browning rifle slung over her shoulder. The strap dug into her delicate frame, making the gun look even more massive.

"Is it too heavy?" Hudson reached out, adjusting the strap to distribute the weight more evenly.

"It's okay."

Hudson smiled and simply took the rifle, slinging it over his own shoulder.

They walked side by side along the forest path.

Hudson stayed half a step ahead, frequently glancing back to make sure she was keeping up.

"Watch your step. The moss on these rocks is slippery."

"Okay."

"Watch your head. There's a branch right there, don't let it scratch your face."

"Got it."

Hudson took a few more steps, then suddenly stopped and turned to look at her.

"Good." Hudson's hand covered hers, helping her stabilize the barrel. "Now, flip the safety."

Nora found the safety and pushed it with a soft click.

"Aim."

She closed her left eye and looked through the sight with her right, centering it on the rabbit.

The sight wobbled slightly. She tried her best to hold it steady, but the barrel stubbornly traced little circles around the target.

"Slow down your breathing," Hudson murmured. "Breathe in, then exhale slowly. Pull the trigger right at the very end of your breath."

Nora followed his instructions.

She took a deep breath and let it out on a slow, steady stream.

In the final second of her exhale, she squeezed the trigger.

Bang!

The gunshot shattered the silence of the woods, sending a flock of startled birds into the sky.

Nora's shoulder was shoved backward by the recoil. She stumbled a half-step before Hudson caught her securely.

"Did I hit it?"