JESS
“We’re late,” I say, trying to keep my voice even as I glance at the dashboard clock. The digital numbers stare back at me, accusing. We were supposed to be at my family twenty minutes
ago.
Aiden doesn’t even look over at me. He just adjusts his
sunglasses and shrugs, keeping his attention firmly on the road. “Relax, Jess. It’s just a family thing. No one’s gonna care if we’re a little late.”
I bite my lip, frustration bubbling under the surface. I open my mouth to argue but stop myself. It’s not worth the fight.
The car slows as we approach my parents‘ house, and my breath catches when I spot the sleek, black Maserati parked in the driveway. Aiden notices it, too.
“So, you’re rich? Never told me you were that rich, hun?” Aiden teases, his tone light, but I can hear the undercurrent of something else in it.
I roll my eyes, trying to push down the irritation building inside me. “It’s probably one of Josh’s friends from the team or something,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “Not the kind of car people from this town drive.”
Aiden hums in response, clearly unimpressed. “The house begs to differ…“. My heart sinks a little when I don’t see it–the black
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PART 3 CHAPTER 158
Jeep that’s been haunting my thoughts for months now.
Luke’s Jeep.
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I don’t even realize I’ve been holding my breath until I exhale slowly, my chest tight. A part of me is sad he’s not here, that I won’t have to deal with the rush of emotions that always hit me when I see him. But another part of me? Relieved. I was relieved because I was not ready.
Not yet.
Aiden parks the car and hops out, walking around to my side and opening the door for me, flashing that sweet smile I’ve come to expect from him when he knows he’s pushed me too far. It’s always like this he’ll say something to knock me down, to remind me that he’s in control, but then he’ll do something nice, something thoughtful, and I’ll convince myself it’s okay.
That it’s just who he is.
But lately, I’m starting to wonder if I’m making excuses for him.
I force a smile and take his hand as I step out of the car. “Thanks,” I murmur, even though the gesture feels hollow.
We walk up to the door, and it swings open before I can even reach for the bell. Josh stands there, grinning like a fool.
“Fucking missed you, sis!” he exclaims, grabbing me in a bear hug and lifting me off my feet. He spins me around like I weigh nothing, and I can’t help but laugh for a moment.
This, at least, feels familiar, even if just a little.
“Josh!” I gasp, trying to catch my breath as he finally sets me
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down.
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But then Aiden clears his throat behind me, and the moment shatters. I can feel Josh stiffen, his arms loosening around me as he pulls back. He glances over my shoulder, his smile faltering
“Oh. Sorry, man,” Josh says, his tone shifting as he looks at Aiden. “Didn’t know you were coming. Welcome.”
Aiden smiles that perfect, practiced smile, the one that makes everyone think he’s charming and sweet. He steps forward and offers his hand. “Thanks, man. Glad to be here. Sorry, we are late. Jess here was taking her sweet time at the airport bathroom.”
Josh hesitates for a second like he’s trying to figure out if this is real or not before he shakes Aiden’s hand. He steps aside, gesturing for us to come in. “Everyone’s in the kitchen,” he mutters, but as soon as Aiden walks past him, Josh turns to me with wide eyes, mouthing, “The fuck?”
I shrug, not sure how to explain any of this. “He insisted,” I breathe, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me as I step into the house.
Josh looks like he wants to say something else, but I don’t give him the chance. I follow Aiden into the kitchen, the sound of laughter and conversation spilling out from the other room. Everyone’s already here, and I can feel the tension building in my chest again. I’m late. I hate being late. I wasn’t the one who took more than an hour to choose the right rental car–that was Aiden.
I glance over at Aiden as he walks confidently into the room,
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PART 3–CHAPTER 158
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smiling like he owns the place and belongs. He slides his hand into mine, gently squeezing it as if to remind me that he’s here. That he’s sweet. That he cares.
I look at him, really look at him, and for the first time, I wonder if this is what love is supposed to feel like. If this constant push and pull, this constant second–guessing and doubt, is normal.
But then he squeezes my hand again, smiling down at me, and I push the thought away. I’ve come too far to question things
now.
I just need to get through today.
I followed Aiden and Josh into the kitchen, my heart thudding in my chest like it was trying to make a break for it. The familiar smells of my mom’s cooking filled the air–garlic, butter, herbs- but none of it calmed the unease gnawing at my insides. My brain knew it was hers immediately, but I kept that little detail to myself. If I gave them even the slightest bit of hope, they wouldn’t let it go.
And then I saw him.
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