Tangled

Unshift 289

Unshift 289

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 tugst 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.

me. They're golden and intense, different from the way he looked at

he finally recognizing the

That would be great.

wash over me. Lucas's scent, amber and campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to when he'd found me, after I'd run away from everything I'd

say softly, my eyes meeting his. "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 time. But you never once blamed me for how

smile tugs at my lips as I remember those early days. "You'd break into my apartment while I was at work. Spread your scent around. It

furrows slightly, but he remains silent, listening

so sweet sometimes, I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "And

Who

way you bend over backwards to keep me happy, to keep

times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the first

done for me, everything he's been through because of

much," I admit, my voice cracking slightly. "I can't even begin to understand

after all

you away.

golden gaze never

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 fated mate.

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....

silent, my heart pounding in my chest. Lucas grunts, a low sound that

"How'd it go?"

through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the

all.

something so casual that just destroys every last hope I've ever held." Lisa hands me a plate with half a

admits, shrugging. "Wasn't sure

home now? It feels temporary, but our home isn't ours any longer. What does it look like