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.

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

he finally recognizing

That would be great.

senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to when he'd found me, after I'd run away from everything I'd ever

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

my apartment while I was at work. Spread your scent around. It should have been

but he remains silent,

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

Who He

really. The way you bend over backwards to

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

everything he's been through because of me, settles heavy

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

after... after all

you away.

golden gaze

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

feels like life is forcing me to repay a debt, I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "You were always there, waiting

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

"How'd it go?"

as soon as I walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the belief that fated mates

all.

the bond. Then he says something so casual that just destroys every last hope I've ever held." Lisa hands me a plate with

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

punch to the gut. Is this really home now? It feels temporary, but our home isn't ours