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.

he says, shifting his weight as his eyes never leave me. They're golden and

finally recognizing

That would be great.

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

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

brow furrows slightly, but he remains silent, listening

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

Ava: Who He

The way you bend over

saved me from my family, Lucas. You're

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

"I can't even begin to

after... after

you away.

golden gaze

not my Lucas, but at least he isn't staring at me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to

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 turn to wait

a low sound that reverberates through the quiet room, but I have

"How'd it go?"

soon as I walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism

all.

couch, 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

got extra hungry," she admits, shrugging. "Wasn't sure when you'd come home, so

word 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 look like now? I'm not sure I want to