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.

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

he finally recognizing the

That would be great.

campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back

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

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

furrows slightly, but he remains silent, listening

be so sweet sometimes, I continue, my voice barely above a whisper.

Who He

really. The way you bend over backwards to keep me happy, to keep me

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

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

after all the times I

you away.

gaze never

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

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

heart pounding in my chest. Lucas grunts, a low sound that reverberates through

"How'd it go?"

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

all.

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

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

but our home isn't ours any longer. What does it look like now? I'm not