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.

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

he finally recognizing

That would be great.

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

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 just afraid you'd leave

smile tugs at my lips as I remember those early days. "You'd break into my apartment while I was at work. Spread your scent around. It should have been creepy, but... it wasn't.

brow furrows slightly, but

sweet sometimes, I continue,

Who

you bend over backwards to keep me happy, to

recall darker times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas.

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

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

love, especially after... after all

you away.

golden gaze

isn't staring at me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if he

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.

low sound that reverberates through

"How'd it go?"

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

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

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

temporary, but our home isn't ours any longer. What does it look like