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.

what you think of me," he says, shifting his weight as his eyes never leave me. They're golden and intense, different from the way he looked at me

he finally recognizing the

That would be great.

scent, amber and campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to

found me in Cedarwood, far from here, I 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

I remember those early days. "You'd break into my apartment while

but he remains silent,

so sweet sometimes, I continue, my voice barely above

Who

over backwards to

tightens as I recall darker times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the first person to ever do

done for me, everything he's been through because of me, settles heavy on my

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

love, especially after... after all the

you away.

gaze

at me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if he doesn't see his fated mate. It's a start,

before I can stop them. "You were always there, waiting for me to turn to you. And now....

my chest. Lucas grunts, a low sound that reverberates through the quiet room, but I have no idea

"How'd it go?"

pounces on me as soon as I walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the

all.

casual that just destroys every last hope I've ever held." Lisa hands me

extra hungry," she admits, shrugging. "Wasn't sure when

word hits me like a punch to the gut. Is this really home now? It feels temporary, but our