Page 27 of Ice-Cold Truth

I think back to the way he looked at me during our date, and the tender vulnerability in his eyes as he shared his painful past. The way his lips felt against mine, soft and urgent, as if he couldn’t get enough of me. Surely, that couldn’t all be an act, could it?

By the time I pull into the parking lot of Sam and Jack’s apartment complex, my mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. I grab my groceries and make my way inside, the weight of Karina’s words pressing down on my shoulders like a physical burden.

As I fumble with my keys, the door to the apartment swings open, revealing a concerned-looking Sam. “Elyse? What happened? You’re soaked.”

I brush past him, setting the grocery bags on the kitchen counter with a thud. “It’s nothing. Just had a little run-in with a clumsy stranger.”

Sam frowns, his brow furrowing with worry. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look upset.”

I force a smile, hoping it looks more convincing than it feels. “I’m fine, Sam. Really. I just need to change and maybe take a hot shower.”

He nods, still looking unconvinced, but doesn’t press the issue. “Okay, if you say so, but if you need to talk, I’m here.”

I give him a grateful smile before retreating to my room, closing the door behind me with a soft click. I lean against it, closing my eyes and taking a shuddering breath. Karina’s words replay in my mind, each one a sharp barb piercing my heart.

You’re not good enough for him, Elyse.

Jack will tire of you soon enough.

You’re just a small-town girl playing dress-up in the big city.

I strip off my stained blouse and toss it into the hamper, my movements mechanical and numb. As I step into the shower, the hot water cascades over my skin, washing away the remnants of the iced coffee Karina spilled on me. I tilt up my face, You’re not good enough for him.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the echo of her voice in my mind. Jack cares about me. I’m sure of it. Our relationship started with fake dating, but I’m sure our connection is real.

I can’t let Karina’s bitterness poison what Jack and I share. I know the real him—the one who lets down his guard around me, who trusts me enough to show his softer side.

I shut off the water and step out of the shower, wrapping a plush towel around myself. I quickly dry off and slip into a pair of yoga pants and an oversized t-shirt, my go-to loungewear.

As I emerge from my bedroom, I hear Sam’s voice drifting from the living room. He must still be here. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself to face him. I need to talk to someone about this, and who better than my own brother?

Sam looks up from his phone as I enter, clearly ending a call as he gives me a look of concern. “Hey, you look like you’ve been through the wringer. Everything okay?”

I sink onto the couch beside him, hugging a cushion to my chest. “Not really. I, uh, had a run-in with Karina at the grocery store.”

His eyes widen in surprise. “Karina? As in Jack’s psycho ex? What did that witch want?”

By the time I finish recounting what happened and her scathing words, his expression has darkened, his jaw clenched with barely contained anger.

“That lying, manipulative bitch,” he says harshly, slamming his fist against the arm of the couch. “Don’t listen to a word she says, Elyse. She’s just trying to get under your skin because she’s jealous.”

I chew my lip as uncertainty tightens my chest. “But what if she’s right, Sam? What if I’m just another conquest to Jack? Someone he’ll toss aside when he gets bored?”

Sam shakes his head vehemently. “No way, sis. I’ve seen the way Jack looks at you. Trust me, it’s different from anything I’ve ever seen from him before.”

He leans forward, his green eyes boring into mine with an intensity that demands my full attention. “Most of the time, I couldn’t care less about his love life, but with you…” He trails off, running a hand through his tousled hair. “It’s different, Elyse. The guy is head over heels for you, whether he realizes it or not.”

I blink, taken aback by the conviction in his words. “Really? You think so?”

Sam nods, his expression softening. “I know so. Jack is my best friend, but you’re my sister. I’d never let him hurt you if I thought for a second he was just playing games.” He reaches out and squeezes my hand, his calloused fingers warm and reassuring. “Give the guy a chance, Elyse. He’s been through some serious shit, but he’s not the heartless bastard Karina makes him out to be.”

I search Sam’s face and nod slowly, the knot of tension in my chest loosening ever so slightly.

“Thanks, Sam.” I lean forward to wrap my arms around him in a grateful hug. “I needed to hear that.”

He returns the embrace, his strong arms enveloping me in a protective cocoon. “Anytime, sis. That’s what big brothers are for.”

We sit like that for a few moments, drawing strength from each other’s presence. I rest my head on his shoulder. “I needed to hear this.”

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