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.

as his eyes never leave me. They're golden and intense, different from the way he looked at me when

finally recognizing

That would be great.

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

Gala. I wanted nothing to do with you, but you stuck around

early days. "You'd break into my apartment while I was at work. Spread

brow furrows slightly, but he remains silent,

sweet sometimes, I continue,

Who

over backwards to keep me happy,

me from my family, Lucas. You're the first person to ever do

done for me, everything he's been through because

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

love, especially after... after

you away.

gaze

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. It's a start,

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 for me to turn to you. And now.... now the tables have turned. It's my

Lucas grunts, a low sound

"How'd it go?"

on me as soon as I walk through the door, her

all.

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 handful of chips. I raise an eyebrow at her, and she flashes me a

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

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