Page 10 of Forbidden Harvest

“Any cute guys caught your eye tonight?” Eva wiggles her eyebrows.

I laugh, shoving her shoulder. “You know I’m not looking for that right now. I’m trying to enjoy being a teenager.” After what happened to Aaron, I can’t imagine getting close to someone like that again.

Eva shrugs. “Suit yourself, but you can’t avoid dating forever.”

The sensation of being watched intensifies, prickling the hairs on the back of my neck. I subtly scan the room, and that’s when I see him.

Jared. Leaning against the wall, arms folded across his chest, giving me that intense stare that always unsettles me. Ever since Aaron died, it was as if a switch flicked inside him, and while he can still be an asshole, he’s kinder to me. He even acts protective. I don’t get why.

His eyes travel over my witch costume, causing my cheeks to burn. Why is he even here? He hates my friends.

Jared weaves toward me through the crowd.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Looking for you,” he replies. “You shouldn’t be here, Aria. You’ll be in big trouble if your mom finds out you’re drinking underage.”

I narrow my eyes. “How did you know I’d be here?”

Jared leans in close. “I have my ways of keeping track of you.”

The way he says that makes my stomach churn. “Mom doesn’t need to find out. Please, Jared,” I beg, knowing that while he’s kinder to me, he can still be a complete jerk. “Just leave me alone. It’s my birthday, for fuck’s sake.”

“I can’t leave you alone.” He chuckles. “Trouble follows you wherever you go, right? And I’m your older brother, so I have to protect you from it.”

I shiver, feeling irritated and something else I don’t want to admit. Jared always affects me like this. There’s something dark about him that’s weirdly fascinating. Not to mention, he’sseventeen now and hitting the gym. He’s stacked and absolutely gorgeous, with those piercing blue eyes and messy dark hair.

“I don’t need your protection,” I insist. “Just stay away from me, please.”

He reaches out and brushes a hair from my face, his fingers lingering. “You say that, but we both know the truth,” he murmurs. “You need me. Whether you like it or not.”

Jared’s hand slides down to grip my arm. I’m paralyzed at his touch, caught in the intensity of his gaze, unable to look away.

“Jared, let go of me,” I plead, trying to pull away, but he tightens his hold.

“You know I can’t just turn a blind eye,” he says. “I’m the only one who can keep you safe.”

I shudder at his words. “I told you I don’t need your protection.”

Jared’s gaze darkens. “Yes, you do. You don’t know what trouble you could get into here.” He looks around, frowning. “I’ve been watching. I see how other guys look at you.”

A flush creeps up my body and settles in my cheeks. “That’s not your business.”

“It is my business,” Jared says. “You’re my little sister, and I’ll keep you safe.”

“Stepsister,” I correct him.

His eyes darken. “Whatever.”

“Jared, please,” I whisper, “let me enjoy my birthday. I promise I’ll be careful.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t. You’re too young for a party like this.”

Lisa calls my name, approaching us. I feel relieved, but Jared grips my arm tighter.

“There you are!” Lily exclaims, oblivious to the tension. “I’ve been looking for you.”

Before I can speak, Jared says, “She’s leaving.”

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