Page 74 of The Heat of Us

It felt right to lean in and press my cheek against his, scent marking him. A soft sigh puffed from his lips and I felt the taut energy in his body loosen. The acrid smoke of his scent abated, the roaring flames settling into a soft crackle.

“Our parents are meant to protect us. It’s ok to feel betrayed when they let us down.”

It all hit a little too close to home. I quickly shoved thoughts of my own parents to the side, away, back — anywhere but the forefront of my mind.

“You can only do so much, Remy. Make sure she knows you will always be there if she needs you.” I regarded him solemnly. “The rest is up to her.”

Remy let out a shaky breath. “You’re right.”

“And your sister knows you’re in her corner, right?”

“Yeah. I mean, I hope so.”

I could feel how much he cared. My hand came up to lightly clasp his cheek. “She knows. You’ve never struck me as someone who doesn’t fight for the ones he loves.”

I wasn’t sure what possessed me to say that.

He looked embarrassed and slightly confused when I pulled away. Like he’d just witnessed a magic trick he couldn’t figure out.

We both jumped as my phone rang. Aleks’ name was stark white on my screen. I’d told him to let me know how he went with moving his grandma into Willowbrook today.

“Sorry, I gotta get this,” I apologised to Remy, tapping my phone. “Hey,” I answered softly.

“Hazel.”

The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded.

I could hear him walking, the hard slap of shoes against the pavement. “He kicked me out, Hazel.”

“Your dad?”

“Said he didn’t need me anymore now that my grandma was being looked after elsewhere.”

What a fucking tool.

Aleks sounded so lost. “I-I don’t know what I’m meant to…”

“Do you have your things with you?” I cut in.

“No, I…” he laughed incredulously. “I threw his beer in his face. It didn’t end well.”

I glanced at Remy who was watching me curiously. What’s going on, he mouthed at me.

Ordinarily I would’ve never done what I was contemplating. Aleks’ business was Aleks’ and Remy’s was Remy’s.

But something told me to let Remy know.

“Aleks.” I hesitated despite my instincts urging me forward. “I’m with Remy right now.”

The lightness in his voice was forced. “Oh well, I’ll let you go then—”

“No,” I pushed on. “Can I tell him what’s going on? Maybe we can help you.”

Aleks was quiet. “I’m not sure what he can do, but sure.”

I turned to Remy. “Aleks’ dad kicked him out of the house. Without any of his things. He’s been caring for his grandma for years and the day she moves into a care home, this asshole decides Aleks needs to move out.”

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