Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 22

Suddenly, the roar of an engine echoed from the distance, shattering the harmony of the campsite.

A black SUV tore across the meadow and slammed on its brakes near their group.

The doors opened, and a flashily dressed man jumped out, dramatically stretching his arms. "Well, well! Looks like a party!"

But Willa's gaze immediately locked onto the man stepping out of the passenger side.

He wore a simple black windbreaker left casually unzipped, revealing a dark gray T-shirt underneath. Matching dark pants clung to his long, straight legs.

Even in casual wear, his presence was completely suffocating.

The bamboo skewer slipped from her fingers, hitting the ground with a soft thud.

What was Randal doing here?

Zack froze as well, quickly jogging over in disbelief. "Randal? Miles? What... what are you guys doing here?"

Miles strolled over with a grin and clapped Zack on the shoulder. "What a coincidence, right? I heard the view of the stars up here was incredible, and Randal wanted to check it out. Didn't expect to run into you guys! Small world."

He spoke smoothly, as if running into them in the middle of nowhere was entirely accidental.

"And who might this be..." His gaze shifted toward Willa.

Zack's face turned red as he made the introduction. "This... this is my girlfriend, Willa."

Miles offered a knowing smile, shooting a highly amused smirk in Randal's direction.

Terrified that Willa might get the wrong idea, Zack leaned in and whispered, "Willa, I swear I didn't invite him."

Willa nodded.

She knew Zack and Randal couldn't stand each other; there was no way Zack would have called him out here on purpose.

As if suddenly realizing something, Zack's eyes went wide. A deeply apologetic look crossed his face. "I... I posted a picture in the family group chat just to get my mom off my back."

Miles, unable to contain himself any longer, grabbed a handful of skewers and started tearing into the meat.

Randal shot him a sideways glance and scoffed. "Pathetic."

Miles's mouth was stuffed full, his words completely muffled. "I drove all day! I dragged you to half a dozen places before we finally found this spot! I haven't eaten a single bite since breakfast. Are you even human? Anyone else would've ditched you eight hundred times by now!"

He shoved a grilled wing toward Randal. "Are you sure you don't want some?"

"I'm not hungry."

As he said it, Randal's gaze remained glued to Willa.

Willa felt the searing heat of his stare and involuntarily shivered.

She shifted closer to her tent, wrapping her arms around her chest and rubbing her arms.