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.

says, shifting his weight as his eyes never leave me. They're golden and intense, different from the

finally recognizing

That would be great.

fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to

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

break into my apartment

brow furrows slightly, but he remains silent,

continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "And

Who

you bend over backwards

as I recall darker times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the

everything he's

cracking slightly. "I can't even begin to understand how you can be so strong,

love, especially after... after all the times

you away.

golden gaze

me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if

is forcing 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

a low sound that reverberates

"How'd it go?"

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

all.

my body shivering at the memory of his eyes burning into me. "I don't know. Every so often, I think he's getting a hint of the bond. Then he says something so casual that just destroys every last hope I've ever held." Lisa hands me a plate with half a tuna sandwich and a pitiful

she admits, shrugging. "Wasn't sure when you'd

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 look like now? I'm not