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.
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