Page 11 of Twisted Thorns

"Oh." Nervously, I fish my keys out of my purse as we round the corner to where my car is parked, unsure of what is happening and why Kieran is here.

Kieran glances away and his jaw flexes, like he is fighting himself not to say the words that want to tumble from his lips. After a moment, he looks back, saying, "I know you don't remember me. But we were friends. Before."

"I'm sorry I don't remember," was all I could manage in reply.

Kieran's eyes flash with a bright anger that seeps through his words. "Don't be sorry, Avalina. Never be sorry for that."

I swallow, unsure of what to say. Kieran seems to be the only one who doesn't make me feel ashamed or guilty that I can’t remember. He seems to be willing to just let it be and move on, with no expectations.

He cocks his head and looks at me, his gaze seeing through the mask no one else dares to think is even there.

"Why were you at the restaurant, anyway?”

"My friend Amanda set me up on the date. She's trying to find me a date for the Preston Gala."

An eyebrow arches. "Is that what you want? A date to the gala?"

I shrug. "I'm fine going on my own."

"Then tell Amanda that. Use those words that you love to read."

Something slithers down my spine at his command, but I refuse to examine it. "Well," I say brightly, "thank you for walking me to my car. You didn't have to do that."

An emotion crosses his features, there and gone before I can name it. "Someone has to keep an eye out for you.”

Shrugging off his overprotective comment, I unlock my car and ease behind the wheel. Backing out of the parking space, I feel the burning intensity of Kieran's eyes on me the entire time.

Chapter 6

Avalina

I want to unravel the mystery of Kieran and understand why he seems to keep showing up in my life. Why looking at him feels like my missing memories and fragmented friendships don't matter. I've asked my friends, even my boss Sarah, what they know of Kieran Calder. Their reactions range from surprise to annoyance that I'm asking about him.

My sister bristles when I mention his name. "The Calder's... they're dangerous. They pretty much control Kingsdale. The rumors are that they are a mob family. Why are you asking about Kieran, anyway?" Iris peers at me.

I realize I may be stumbling upon something bigger than I bargained for.

"Why do you think they're dangerous?" I ask Iris, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I've heard things," she says, her eyes darting around as if she's afraid someone might be listening. "Whispers about shady deals and illegal activities. And people who try to cross them...well, let's just say it doesn't end well and they disappear."

My mind races with possibilities. Could Kieran be involved in these activities? Or is he just an innocent member of the notorious Calder family?

As if reading my thoughts, Iris adds, "I've seen him around town with his brother. They always seem to be up to something." Her eyes narrow and I get the sense that she is going to lecture me like I’m not the older sister. “You should stay away from him, Avalina. Nothing good comes from the Calders.”

The threat from Iris just makes me want to investigate more.

Later that day, as I'm working at the library, I ask my co-workers what they think of Kieran.

"Kieran Calder?" Mavis frowns. "He mostly keeps to himself, him and his family. No one really knows much about them."

Even my boss, Sarah, tries to warn me away. "It's best to stay away from the Calders. They're trouble, and I don't want you to get caught up in their mess."

Her words only fuel my curiosity even more. Who are the Calders, and why are they so feared?

I can't resist the urge to do some research on the Calders on the library computer. After hours of digging through old newspaper articles and online forums, I come across an interesting piece of information–Kieran's father, Anthony Calder, was once arrested for racketeering but was released due to lack of evidence.

Could this be why everyone is so wary of the Calders? Is Kieran following in his father's footsteps?

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