Chapter 289 Ava: Who He Is

The way Lucas watches me is terrifying.

Terrifying, because there's finally interest in his gaze.

I don't want to hold hope, because every time I have even the glimmer of it, he says something that crushes my heart. The way he doesn't even recognize our fated bond kills me. It's yearning, aching in my chest, wanting me to go to him. To claim him. To shake and scream until he remembers all the pain and all the joy between us.

Instead, I sit there, scratching more vigorously at my arms, and the string inside of me tugs harder, as if trying to get my attention. I ignore it.

"Your scent."

Glancing at Lucas, who stops talking mid-sentence, I sniff discreetly in the direction of my armpits. Did I forget to scrub? He keeps talking about my smell.

"Do I stink that bad?"

"It's getting stronger," he confirms, his voice husky.

Maybe this is his way of getting me to leave again. "Do you want me to go?"

"No."

Oh. Never mind, then.

My heart dances at that denial, though, raising hope high on a flag pole and waving it at the walls I've tried desperately to construct around my heart.

weight as his eyes never leave me.

finally recognizing

That would be great.

amber and campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to when he'd found me, after

the Gala. I wanted nothing to do with you, but you stuck around anyway. You were determined, and I was just afraid you'd leave me again. Change your mind at any

as I remember those early days. "You'd break into my apartment while I was at work. Spread your

furrows slightly, but he remains silent,

my voice barely above a whisper. "And awkward too. It's endearing, really. The way you

saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the first person to ever do

for me, everything he's

even begin to understand how you can be so strong, so secure in your love, especially after... after all the times I

golden gaze never

Lucas, but at least he isn't staring at me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if he doesn't see his

me to repay a debt," I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "You were always there, waiting for me to turn to you. And now... now the tables have turned. It's my

low sound that

* * *

"How'd it go?"

I walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the

so often, I think he's getting a hint of the bond.

a plate with half a tuna sandwich and a pitiful handful of chips. I raise an eyebrow at her, and

shrugging. "Wasn't sure when you'd come

hits me like a punch to the gut. Is this really home now? It feels temporary, but our home isn't ours any longer. What does it

my lunch, my appetite suddenly gone. "It's

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255