Page 37 of Her Dark Angel

He chuckles a humorless laugh and shakes his head. “I’ve met a lot of people in my life, Kin, and not once have I met someone with the same darkness swirling in their eyes as me. Not until I met you.”

I frown. “That’s the second time you’ve said you can see darkness in my eyes. What are you referring to?”

Nash tugs on his lip ring with fingers, tilting his head ever so slightly. The movement enhances his already striking features, making him appear menacing. “All I’m saying, little devil, is the name suits the face. There is more to you than meets the eye.”

I clench my fists in my lap and inhale a slow, calming breath. “You’re one to talk. You said you share the same darkness, Nash. So what demons are you also running from?”

His jaw ticks at my words and I know I hit a nerve. If he wants to talk about the darkness and demons I’m running from, then he better acknowledge his own. Something from his past bothers him just as much as mine, and I can’t help but be intrigued by what it is.

Somehow knowing he’s dealing with similar demons to mine makes me feel less alone.

I bite back a smug grin. “That’s what I thought. When you’re ready to tell me about the demons from your past, then I’ll share mine.”

“You got me there, little devil.”

Nash’s gaze moves from my face down to my hand wrapped around my right wrist. He raises a brow. “Cute bracelet.”

I don’t even need to look down at the colorful beaded bracelet to know exactly what he’s referring to. My fingers graze over the worn material as the memory of the day I gave Travis a matching one slips into my mind, sliding past the whispers of the demons.

“I haven’t taken it off since I was ten.”

“What significance does it hold to you?”

The words are like a dagger to my heart, holding so much weight behind them. Sadie and Matt asked about the bracelet when we first met, curious as to why I never took it off. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell them about Travis, but I wanted to keep the importance of the bracelet between us for a little while longer. I told them I made it as a kid and enjoy wearing it, which explains why I don’t take it off.

They accepted the answer, not pushing it any further. As the years passed, it became too late to explain the real story behind the bracelet, so I left it at that. My friends don’t know just how much meaning it holds or how I would definitely shed a tear if it were ever to break.

My lungs ache for fresh air as I hold my breath, finding the right words to describe the meaning of the bracelet to a man who knows nothing about my past.

“Well…” I attempt to clear the words lodged in my throat, but it’s a useless effort. “I made matching bracelets for my friend during the first TV show we worked on together. We both agreed to never take them off. It’s a reminder of my friendship with him and all the amazing memories we share.”

And the worst years of our lives, I want to add, but the words stay hidden on my tongue.

“This bracelet allows me to feel closer to him, even if life gets in the way and we don’t talk as much as we once did.”

Nash tugs on his lip ring before shifting on the couch. He brings his leg up to rest his ankle on his knees, his mismatched eyes locked with mine. “Who is this guy? Do I need to beat his ass too?”

I chuckle and shake my head. “That won’t be necessary. But I do think you two would get along. You both have the same taste in music and know how to form a witty remark on the fly.”

A sharp knock sounds at the closed door, followed by a voice. “Kin, we need you back on set.”

“Shit,” I curse under my breath. Getting to my feet, I rush over to the vanity and check my makeup in the mirror. I feel Nash’s eyes on the back of my head. “I need to go back to work. You don’t have to stick around if you’re busy.”

I see Nash stand from the couch through the mirror, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I think I’ll stick around.”

I spin on my heels and walk toward the door. “Suit yourself.”

Nash silently follows me down the corridor until we reach the set.

Cindy rushes toward me to check my makeup, even though I just did it myself. She fluffs my hair and places a delicate hand on my shoulder, her eyes meeting mine. “He’s cute,” she whispers.

A blush creeps up my throat as I huff a small laugh. I know who she is talking about without her saying his name.

“Kin, let’s go,” Jason says from his seat, gesturing with his hand for me to join Wesley.

I nod and step onto the set. Wesley smiles at me when I join him on the couch. Blowing out a long, controlled breath, I prepare to slip into my acting mindset.

Just when I think I’m ready to start filming, I look up and spot Nash standing beside the multiple cameras pointed toward me. His mismatched eyes are on me and his features are unreadable.

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