Page 25 of Branded Hearts

Minutes pass, and breaking me out of my thoughts, Liv asks. “You right, Bradley?” scepticism evident in her voice.

I clear my throat, shaking my head. “Yeah, just... thinking.”

“About?”

“Nothing that concerns you.”

She narrows her eyebrows. “You’re always thinking.”

I shoot back, “Well, it’s a hard habit to break.”And isn’t that an understatement.

Liv rolls her eyes, but her expression softens. “True, but sometimes it’s good to take a break from all that thinking, you know?”

I grunt in response, her words hitting a nerve. If only it were that easy.

She has no idea.

That uneasy feeling? I knowexactlywhat it means. I should not be this attracted to Amelia. But I am. Fuck.

I’ve always prided myself on my restraint, but lately, it feels like I’m losing my grip.

As the afternoon drags on, Liv and I silently carry on with our routines. A buzz from my phone shatters the silence, signalling a new message. Glancing at the screen, I see a message from Xavier in our family group chat.

I inwardly sigh, realising I’ll have to push aside thoughts of Amelia for now. Maybe this distraction is what I need. Being around my family, as exhausting as they can be, brings a sense of normalcy. It’s a welcome break from the turmoil in my mind.

Ever since Xavier moved in with Isla, making their place our new gatheringspot, they’ve been pushing for these family dinners. Mum used to enforce weekly dinners like it was law. Xavier seems hell-bent on keeping that tradition alive.

My phone buzzes again, this time with multiple texts flooding in from the group chat.

Feeling a bit rebellious, I shoot back a text.

Xavier’s reply is swift, trying to sound imposing, but it just makes me scoff silently.

I read their messages with a smirk but stay silent. They’re not wrong—I won’t be late. It’s family dinner, and I’m not about to keep themhanging.

“Liv, you haven’t watched the new episode ofFire Countryyet? I can’t believe it! I just managed to get Xav to catch up,” Isla exclaims.

Liv laughs, shaking her head. “I know, I know. I’ll watch it soon, I promise.”

Xavier nods, looking slightly amused. “Yeah, she’s been saying that for weeks now.”

As Isla goes on about the TV show, I tune in half-heartedly. TV isn’t my thing. My mind’s always racing, and sitting still for shows isn’t my idea of fun. Sometimes, I need to hit the footpath to clear my head.

Isla and Xavier’s place is inviting, filled with the scent of home-cooked meals. We’re gathered around their hefty wooden table, loaded with a feast. There’s everything—fresh-baked bread, colourful salads, juicy roast chicken, veggies galore, and smooth mashed potatoes.

Isla’s got this glow about her; whether it’s from the pregnancy or just being with family, I can’t tell. I wonder if they’re planning to spill the beans soon.

As we settle around the dining table, conversation flows effortlessly, each of us catching up on the latest happenings in our lives.Despite seeing each other often, there’s always something new to share. Xav’s still managing the farm, now with extra help to tackle the workload and renovations. Isla’s a constant presence, balancing her time between the farm and the clinic without ever seeming to take a break.

As Isla and Liv delve into lively discussions aboutFire Country, and other shows I’ve never even heard of, Xavier chimes in with his own commentary. Amidst the chatter and laughter, my thoughts drift away, fixating on Amelia more than I care to admit.

What would it be like if she were here with us at this family dinner?

A part of me imagines her seated at the table, engaging in our banter, and for a fleeting moment, I wish it were true. But I quickly shake off the fantasy. Bringing myself back to the present, I dismiss the thoughts as pointless. I focus on the conversations around me, determined to keep my mind from wandering again.

Xavier’s clearing of his throat jolts me back, prompting me to refocus on the discussion at hand.

“You good, Brad?” he asks, his gaze searching mine.

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